Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Harry Potter and the Dark Lady
Chapter 8
Sequel to Harry Potter and the Witches' Secret. Harry thought it was all over. His desire to settle in with his wives will not get fulfilled. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rotaryfile
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Harry Potter and the Dark Lady
Chapter 8
Potter Castle
Deep Holds
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
05:40
Pop!
“Geoffrey, have you lost yo—”
Elizabeth looked at the Clan and then felt for the bond. She called on the Realm and felt again.
“Geoffrey, get Madam Pomfrey.”
Elizabeth spied Winky in the corner, knees pulled to her chest, arms clasped around them, and rocking. Winky was humming a little tune.
Pop!
“Geoffrey, I’m get—”
Poppy’s wand came out.
Elizabeth walked to Winky. “Winky dear, can you tell us what happened?”
“Master Potter very upset.”
“Yes dear, do you know why?”
“Dark Lady maybe is Alpha.”
“You mean Nym, Winky?”
The elf shook her head.
“Sarah isn’t a Dark Lady, dear. I would know.”
Winky nodded.
Elizabeth huffed in frustration. “Well, if it isn’t Nym or Sarah, then who, Winky?”
Just as Winky opened her mouth Elizabeth’s brain made the connection. “Xi Shi, ma’am.”
Fortunately Poppy, unable to do anything right now, had come over to listen. She caught the Queen as she reeled back from Winky.
“Winky, get the ladies’ maids in here and get the clan to bed in the Ducal suite. Move Frieda to her nest room in the Ducal apartments in case she changes and move Hedwig, nest and all.”
Glad for something to do, Winky snapped her fingers and the ladies’ maids appeared.
“Geoffrey, get the nannies to bring the babies to the Ducal suite. They can eat while their mothers are unconscious.”
Clem appeared as Geoffrey popped away.
“I don’t know your name, but we need to go to the Ducal suite and Prince Phillip needs to be brought here.”
“Clem, ma’am, Master of the Mews. The Nightmares are unconscious, ma’am.”
“Right. Well, as soon as we get the Duke and his mates settled, pop to Hogwarts and get Hagrid. Bring him to the mews.”
Clem nodded and Poppy watched the world stream by, and then Clem put Elizabeth in a wingback by the fire.
Poppy watched as the Clan were put to bed and the babies brought in.
Pop!
Geoffrey appeared with Prince Phillip.
“Geoffrey, bring Lord Black and Lord Lupin.”
Pop!
Phillip, still in pajama shirt, trousers, and slippers, crossed to Elizabeth. “What the bloody hell is going on, Elizabeth?”
“I don’t know, Phillip. They’re there but they’re turned into the bond, all of them. Harry had a nasty shock and—well, it was a nasty shock for all of them.”
Phillip went to one knee beside the wingback and put an arm around her shoulders. He knew how worried she was by her failure to even raise an eyebrow at his language.
Pop!
“Your Majesty.”
“Lord Black, Lord Lupin, I was brought to the deep holds of Potter Castle today by Geoffrey. I found Clan Potter in the state you see them now, with only Winky in attendance. I asked Geoffrey to fetch Madam Pomfrey.” The Queen looked at Poppy.
“I arrived and examined the Clan. They are physically fine. I moved to report this to the Queen and found her talking to Winky.”
Elizabeth continued. “Apparently the Clan made a discovery: the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found by His Grace’s magic and may be the third Alpha.”
Elizabeth blinked as both of them keeled over backward.
Poppy scanned Sirius and Remus to ensure they had not hurt themselves when they hit the floor. “Ma’am, perhaps we should have people sit before we tell them.” Poppy Ennervated Sirius and Remus.
Sirius sat up and laughed. “Well, I knew I was up too late last night and I drank a little, but I swear she said this Xi Shi, the new Dark Lady, was another of Harry’s Alpha’s.”
Remus stared at Sirius for a moment. “Erm, she did, Sirius.”
“Remus!”
Thunk.
“Sorry, Poppy, I wasn’t expecting that.”
Poppy shook her head. “Help me get him in a wingback, Remus. At least then he won’t hit his head.”
Remus stood and pulled Sirius up. He dragged him to a wingback by the fire and plopped him in it. Poppy scowled and then Ennervated Sirius again.
Sirius looked at Remus standing in front of his chair. “Remus, I had the strangest dream, a nightmare really. Harry and the girls were all passed out and the Queen was in his room in her housecoat. Prince Phillip was kneeling beside her chair in his pajamas and Poppy was there, you were too. The Queen told us Xi Shi was Harry’s Alpha.”
Remus couldn’t take it any longer and collapsed laughing.
“Remus, it’s not funny.”
Remus waved toward the Queen with his hand and Sirius looked toward her. He groaned.
“Lord Black, pull yourself together. We have much to do. Lord Lupin!”
“Ma’am.”
“Ma’am?”
Phillip pulled another wingback over to Elizabeth and sat. Remus pulled up one opposite them next to Sirius. He looked up and started to rise but Poppy waved him off. She went to the bed and resumed her scans.
“Geoffrey?”
“Ma’am?”
“Prince Andrew is in Jakarta. I need to send him a message.”
Jack, Ginny’s owlet, faded into view resting on the arm of Elizabeth’s chair.
The Queen smiled at him and conjured a pen and paper. She scratched a note and held it out. “Prince Andrew, please.”
Jack bobbed his head and disappeared.
“Now we need to let Filius know to make the proper arrangements.”
Jill, Eugenie’s owl, faded onto her chair arm.
Jill got a smile and a note for Filius to take over and plan on the mates not being able to teach, at least for today.
She bobbed her head and disappeared.
Jack reappeared with Andrew.
“Mother, did you know the owlets can Harry-pop?”
“I believe we discovered it just before you, Andrew.”
“So what exactly is going on, Mother?”
“Harry and the mates have had a bit of a shock. It seems the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found and may—” Sirius and Remus moved up beside Andrew— “be an additional Alpha.”
Andrew roared with laughter. This was not exactly the reaction they were expecting.
“So shocked out of their minds they retreated into the bond.”
Elizabeth blinked.
Andrew shook his head. “Just think of the worst possible thing that could happen and it happens to Harry.”
“Andrew—Sarah, Beatrice, and Eugenie are unconscious too.”
Andrew just nodded. “They should be fine. Just in case, though—Geoffrey!”
“Sir?”
“Good morning, Geoffrey. Please bring Professor Dumbledore here.”
“Sir.”
“Harry is going to go spare when he wakes up, Andrew.”
“I doubt it. We’re just going to have Dumbledore check my assumptions.”
Pop!
Dumbledore and his Auror escort landed in the bedroom by the fire. “Your Majesty.”
“Professor, it seems we have a problem.”
The Queen went on to describe what had happened. Poppy explained her part. Andrew then outlined his theory.
“Upon finding that a Dark Lady was a potential Alpha, and faced with the decision to let her die or take her, Harry withdrew into the bond and the bonded went with him. Right now they’re in there thinking about it and trying to decide what they’re going to do. I believe they’re fine and will be back when they’re ready, sooner rather than later.”
Dumbledore nodded. “I would concur. If I could use Legilimency on Prince Andrew I could perhaps access the bond through the Duchess of York and we could find out definitively. Alas, Amelia Bones Potter has the key, and as she is indisposed we must wait.”
The Queen looked thoughtful. “Professor, why would this upset Harry so?”
“He is a very kind soul, ma’am. Despite her past he would not want to kill her. He cannot reconcile her bad acts, however, and he cannot forgive her.” Dumbledore looked sad. “This is a trap of my making. By not dealing with the Death Eaters in a permanent way I forced Harry to. This set him on this path of right and wrong, black and white, and his eye for an eye style of justice.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” She remembered the Pope’s request. “Perhaps all is not lost, however. Perhaps we can arrange for Harry to learn about the shades of gray.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
“Any time I can be of assistance, Your Grace.”
Andrew nodded and the Aurors escorted Dumbledore back to the high-security ward with Geoffrey providing the transportation.
“Andrew, you’re very sure of yourself.”
“I know; it’s odd really. I just know it’s okay.”
Elizabeth looked at him for a long moment. “Well, I’m going to get dressed. You’re needed in Jakarta, Andrew. Who will stay with the Clan?”
“I will.”
“I will.”
“I will stay as long as I can, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Lord Black, Lord Lupin, Madam Pomfrey. We will return here as soon as possible. Geoffrey, if you could?”
Pop!
“And I need one of the owlets.”
Peter, Susan’s owlet, landed on Andrew’s shoulder. “Can you take me to where I was picked up?”
Peter nodded and they disappeared.
Remus shook his head; Sirius grinned at him. “Come on, letch, let’s go get breakfast so you can stop watching my daughters breast-feed.” He dragged the sputtering Remus away.
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Hogwarts
Great Hall
Tuesday
24 Sept 1995
07:21
“See, Neville? They’re not here or at the Royal Academy.”
Neville nodded as he watched the screens. “I know, Romi, but we should wait. The assistant Headmaster will make an announcement, I’m sure.”
“How can you be so calm, Neville?” Lavender hissed. She was nearly hysterical with worry. She had gone to the dispensary for her dose of the potion and found Poppy missing. Ron had gone to the Royal Academy for practise and class and was trying to reassure her through their bond, but with limited success.
Filius sighed. He had been buttonholed by four teachers before the emergency staff meeting and it only looked to get worse. Finally he rose.
“Good morning.” The Great Hall went silent and the commons all followed. “The Duke and Duchesses are indisposed this morning.”
Filius waited for the whispers to subside. “Department heads will be combining some classes, and some of the primary school classes will double up. The Duke, Duchesses, and heirs are fine and should be back with us tomorrow, according to Madam Pomfrey. As their indisposition is a private matter, I would appreciate it if you would not speculate and cause rumor; I am sure they would prefer it as well.”
Filius sat and the hall exploded in whispers. Pomona leaned in. “Nice try, Filius, but it’ll be a bad day.”
Filius could only smile weakly at her.
“Indisposed? What does that mean? Neville, you must go to Potter Castle. You can find out what’s going on.”
“Most certainly not, Lavender. We’ll wait until tonight at least. Harry is probably just exhausted from fulfilling his obligations to all those chattel. I for one do not intend to disturb him.”
Romilda smiled. Neville had come such a very long way. By saying that at full volume he had diverted the entire school, to judge by the snickering. By second period the anxiety would be mostly buried in a sea of chortling and blushes.
She waited until he was through with breakfast and then dragged him away with obvious intent. Giggles followed the blushing Lord Longbottom.
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Buckingham Palace
Queen’s Private Office
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
10:18
Baron Robert Fellowes, the Queen’s private secretary, studied the document on his desk. It had been an interesting morning in the Chinese-curse kind of way. The Queen and then Prince Phillip had gone missing, Then the Duke of York had disappeared. The Guard was very thoroughly spun, and loud remarks were liable to be met with a bayoneted rifle in the hands of a steely-eyed young killer.
Robert had been awoken very early by a highly excited Major of the Blues and Royals and informed the Queen was missing; not a great way to start your day.
The reports flowing in from the Blues and Royals Regimental Operations center had led Robert to immediately suspect the Duke of Magic was involved, and sure enough the Queen had reappeared and immediately called for him and dictated a letter to the Pope, of all people.
Robert was now reviewing that letter.
Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 24 Sept 1196
His Holiness, John Paul II
Holiness:
We require your assistance with matters pertaining to His Grace the Duke of Magic of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Defender of Magic and Magical Champion of the Crown and Realm.
Please undertake arrangements to travel to Potter Castle and meet with myself and the Duke at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Elizabeth II, Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regnorumque Suorum Ceterorum Regina, Consortionis Populorum Princeps, Fidei Defensor
Well, that told him absolutely nothing. Oh well, mine is not to reason why…now to mail this.
Robert blinked in surprise and Mary, Nym’s owlet, faded in and imperiously extended her leg.
Robert thought, Harry’s kids are so demanding. He got a glare and a hoot for his thought. “Your pardon. The Pope, please.”
He folded and affixed the letter and Mary glared again and bobbed her head, then faded from view.
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Vatican City
The Office of His Holiness
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:19
“Well! You are the pretty one, aren’t you!” Mary preened under the praise of the Pope. Here was a human who knew how to treat a lady. She extended her leg and the Pope removed the letter.
“Thank you, my dear. I am sorry I have nothing to give you for your efforts, but the doctors took all my candies and now they only let me eat what they argue over for hours.” The Pope gently rubbed Mary’s neck.
The Swiss guard duty squad burst into the room, along with Emilio Vestardi, the on-duty Auror.
“Gentlemen, may I help you?”
After some confusion, Emilio stepped forward. “Holiness, the sensors and charms reported a magical being breaking the wards and entering your private office.”
“Ah, that would be this beautiful post owl from the British Queen. Not to worry. Could you perhaps arrange some water for...ummm...her?”
Jozef, as he always thought of himself, could have sworn the owl beamed at him. “Yes, her, and perhaps an owl treat or two?”
Emilio nodded helplessly and backed from the room. As soon as he was outside he sent a runner for the water and owl treats.
Inside the office Jozef opened the letter. “Let’s see what Elizabeth has to say, shall we, my lady?”
Mary nodded and Jozef chuckled. After reading the letter, Jozef thought out loud. “So the crisis is upon us; Xi Shi has moved again, or young Harry has found out.”
Mary looked at the Pope and hooted softly. “Yes, well, we’ll go see the young Duke, my lady. Perhaps we can help.”
Joszef would swear the owl looked relieved as she hooted strongly. He pressed an intercom button. “Could you find Angelo Cardinal Sodanno and ask him to see me, please?”
“Of course, Holiness.”
Emilio re-entered the office with a bowl of owl treats and a bowl of water.
“Ah, Emilio—bring that here for her ladyship.”
Emilio edged to the desk and set the bowls down, his right hand immediately going to his wand holster once free.
“Why so nervous, Emilio?”
“That is no ordinary owl, Your Holiness. She should not have been able to break the wards.”
Jozef looked at Mary and she seemed to be laughing. “I think she doesn’t think much of our wards, Emilio. I have seen another owl like her at the Duke’s Castle. Perhaps a relative?”
Mary looked in Jozef’s eyes. “Ah, I see—a daughter of Hedwig by the Duke. Well, well, the reports are true, then. Emilio, are you well?”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
“You don’t look well—you’re as white as a sheet. Perhaps you should sit.”
“No, thank you, Your Holiness.”
“Ah, Cardinal Sodanno. I will be traveling by magical means to Potter Castle in Scotland tonight at—” Joszef looked at Mary— “8 p.m. tonight?” Mary nodded.
“Yes, 8 p.m. I will be gone until I get back. You will have to see to the Holy See.”
Angelo nodded. “It has begun, then?”
“Apparently; the Duke is having some problems, it appears, Angelo.”
“As the prophets foretold, then, Holiness.”
“But which one is correct, Angelo? The Prophecies conflict.”
Angelo Cardinal Sodonno shrugged eloquently and Karol Józef Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II chuckled “that is singularly unhelpful Angelo, and for a Churchman of your stature to not have an opinion? How extraordinary.”
“Do you want me to reply to the Queen, Holiness?”
“I will write her, Angelo, and her ladyship will carry it for us.”
Mary bobbed her head and hooted.
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Buckingham Palace
Queen’s private office
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
10:39
Mary faded in on Elizabeth’s chair arm. “Hello, dear, thank you.”
Geoffrey faded in with a water bowl and some owl treats. Elizabeth looked at the owl. “Mary, I know the Pope just gave you some treats. You’ll get fat if you aren’t careful, dear.”
Elizabeth chuckled to herself as Mary looked mortified and then seemed to be trying to look behind herself. “How are your brothers and sisters, dear?”
“Hoot.”
“Hoot? Come, dear, I know you can do better than that. Be your mother’s daughter and talk to me.”
Mary looked at Elizabeth with what could only be called a sheepish expression. “Nest mates fine, busy today, good.”
“Very good, Mary. Can you talk to your mother, dear?”
“No, ma’am, worried.”
“We believe they’ll be fine, Mary; we just have to wait.”
Mary bobbed her head.
“Liz, leave Mary alone. Come here, girl, and sit with me. Your grandmother is being crotchety.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what to think of this, so she settled for a, “Phillip, don’t confuse Mary.”
“What did the Pope say, Liz?”
“Phillip, not in front of the grandchildren.”
“Hahahaha.”
“GRRRRRRRR.”
“The Pope, Elizabeth?”
“Eight tonight, you cheeky wag. Harry takes after you.”
Phillip blinked.
“Hehehe.”
“Hoot.”
“No fair ganging up, ladies”
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Potter Castle
The Duke’s study
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:32
“Little early, isn’t it, Sirius?
Remus was looking at Sirius as he sat staring into the fragrant peat fire on the grate with a cut-crystal whiskey glass and what remained of a full four fingers of Highland Park in it.
“Why no, Remus, I expect it’s rather late, somewhere in the world.”
Remus thought about it a moment and judiciously poured himself a couple of fingers. He had just come from the master bedroom, and while the Clan had shifted position somewhat, they were still unconscious. Poppy had told him they were sleeping, but it didn’t appear much different to Remus. The nannies were still bustling about with the heirs and Remus had not stayed long.
“So, Remus, how are we doing?”
“Better, according to Poppy. Apparently ‘we’ are sleeping now, not unconscious.”
“Hmmph.”
“Hmmph, all you have to say is Hmmph! Harry has to somehow take this Dark Lady into the Harem, perhaps into an Alpha position, and manage her; and your contribution is Hmmph? Very nice, Sirius. I guess you had a tougher time in Azkaban than I thought.”
“Excuse me, Lord Lupin, but did you say the Dark Lady is an Alpha of Clan Potter?”
“By the way, Remus, I forgot to mention some of the mothers were here.”
Remus turned from the bar and glared at Sirius with blood in his eye.
“Why, you misera—”
“You can kill Lord Clown later, Remus. Tell us about what happened to our daughters and Harry.”
Remus looked at the steely-eyed Andromeda Tonks née Black, Molly Weasley, and Esmeralda Greengrass. He threw back his whiskey and winced.
Molly’s foot started tapping. Remus sighed and told them what they knew.
“See, ladies? This isn’t so bad.”
Andromeda’s head swiveled like a turret. “You need desperately to shut up, Sirius, at least until you’re sober enough to contribute something useful. We’re going to the Apartment. You’d better have some kind of plan to deal with this bitch by the time we get back.”
Sirius wisely sat very quietly with a neutral expression until they had gone. “Whew! Well, they’re a little tense.”
“Sirius, how much have you been drinking? We have maybe an hour before they come charging back in here and kill us.”
“Yes, well, there is that. Run?”
“And where exactly could you run to where they couldn’t have one of Amelia Fastida’s coven or Peter’s werewolves hunt you down?”
Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment. “China?”
Remus, through long exposure to the twisted workings of Sirius’s mind, knew something was brewing and waited for it. “We need agents there; someone has to go. No matter what Harry decides to do, we’ll need intelligence. Hmmm. I could go as Padfoot—errrh, maybe not, they supposedly eat dogs.”
Remus rolled his eyes. “Sirius, they only eat dogs in some parts of Asia, not universally. It’s a good idea but perhaps we have assets here that can get us started.”
Sirius looked blank. Remus sighed. “The Changs, Sirius.”
“Brilliant.”
“Let’s leave a note and go talk to Lord Chang.”
“A note, Sirius, are you sure?”
“Remus, you can do what you want but I’m leaving a note outlining our plan to start gathering intelligence on the Dark Lady and telling them I’m going to execute it. I’ll ask them to stay here until I return.”
“It’s a little cowardly, Sirius.”
“But we’ll live, Remus.”
They wrote the note.
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Potter Castle
Ducal Apartment
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:37
“Poppy, thank Morgana! What’s wrong with them?”
“Nothing, Molly. They’re sleeping.”
Molly blinked. “But we all felt—erm—something?”
“Yes, well, apparently Harry and the mates Turned with the chattel. Harry satisfied the obligations of the chattel and enslaved most of the prisoners, and then this morning he enslaved the last of the Chinese witches or he was making love to her or something, Winky’s not really sure. They discovered the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found and at least a Primary, probably an Alpha. Harry retreated into the bond and they went with him, leaving their bodies unharmed but unconscious.
“Geoffrey found them and brought the Queen, who had them transferred here and brought me here. Since this morning they have left their unconscious state and entered a deep sleep. They’ll awaken naturally soon.”
“Harry, how do these horrible things keep happening to you?”
All four women contemplated Molly’s heartfelt question as they moved among the bonded, gently touching their daughters and their daughters’ mates.
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Potter Castle
The Duke’s study
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
12:00
“Sirius Black!”
Esmeralda paused in what had become a headlong charge into Harry’s study. “They’re gone, Andromeda.”
“The bloody bastards left a note.” Molly passed it to Andromeda.
“Cowards.”
“Lady Black, please—you’re discussing my bonded.”
All three elder witches jumped and spun toward the door. Esmeralda collected herself first. “Rose, what are you doing here?”
“I was supposed to meet Lauren for lunch in the Uni Senior common. When I got there the Clan wasn’t present. I’d been feeling something odd and Remus was being evasive in the bond. I asked some questions of the students and when I finally got past the witches’ blushing and the wizards’ chortling I discovered the Clan had been absent all day. I came here. Did you know the Queen’s chief butler and Geoffrey are opening the Queen’s suite?”
The three women blinked. Andromeda finally growled and then said, “Well, everybody but the mothers knew, then? Wonderful.”
“Excuse me, Lady Black, but the students only know the Clan isn’t present.”
“Rose, please—can we use first names?”
Rose smiled. “Of course, Andromeda, now that the skinning of my bonded will be left to me.”
Andromeda nodded regally. “Who would know better how to cause the most pain? Meanwhile I will, I think, content myself with torturing Lord Black into some semblance of a responsible adult. As soon as I find him again, that is.”
Rose smiled and then frowned. “Can someone tell me what happened? This note is nearly nonsensical.”
Into the laughter Esmeralda opined, “Perhaps we were a little forceful when we found them in here drinking and yapping.”
After the laughter faded they explained what they knew to Rose and she took her leave to go to the master bedroom.
Andromeda, Molly, and Esmeralda headed for the Royal suite to find Geoffrey and the Queen’s butler and put them to the question.
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Potter Castle
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
16:48
Harry opened his eyes and was immediately set upon by Poppy.
“Harry, how are the bonded?”
“Fine, Poppy. They’ll be awake soon.”
Harry got up and headed for the bath.
Poppy watched him go. Well, something was wrong. The Harry she knew would not have gone so blithely nude—not nearly as magnificently nude, either. Where had that come from? Really, Poppy, get hold of yourself.
Poppy shook her head and turned back to the bonded.
Harry walked straight into the bath and lay floating, expressionless.
Nym woke and as Poppy approached she simply held her hand up, palm out. Nym stood and Winky appeared with a robe for her. Nym shrugged her way into the robe and went to a wingback by the fragrantly burning peat fire in the fireplace. She sat, drawing her feet under her with a saddened and shocked expression. Rose the nanny brought in James and Lily, Nym’s twins, and firmly placed them in her lap. Then she took up her station beside Nym’s chair.
Hestia arose and Poppy got the same treatment as Hestia took up her position beside Nym. Tulip brought in her twins, Jonathan and Molly.
When Sarah rose next, Poppy decided she had had enough. “Your Grace, an explanation might be in order. Are any of you hurt?”
“Only our hearts, Poppy. Harry won’t budge; he intends to kill Xi Shi and there’s nothing we can do about it. We had a huge fight. It was ghastly. Where is Harry? Never mind.”
Sarah walked straight into the bath with Harry, never thinking how it looked for her to be nude in the tub with Harry.
Nym watched her go and growled.
“Nymphadora Potter, you stop that right now. No wonder this has gotten so bad—you’re all taking sides.”
“Mother? When did you get here?”
“That doesn’t matter, Nym. Explain yourself right now, young lady.”
Andromeda had felt her daughter wake up in pain and had come running. Molly and Esmeralda were right behind her and as they watched their daughters they listened to Andromeda and Nym.
“He’s totally unreasonable, mother. He won’t even try to talk to her; he’s just going to track her down and kill her. On top of that he has some stupid idea that he should go alone.”
Andromeda rolled her eyes.
“So I told him he needed to do what he was told for once and let us handle her. All he has to do is bring her to us.”
She continued sheepishly, “I might have mentioned that we were older and smarter than him in the heat of the moment.”
Andromeda could only shake her head. “You’re completely bonded and you still did this to him? You are a willful little bitch, aren’t you?”
Nym blinked. She hadn’t expected her mother to take her side; it was, after all, kind of stupid to rough Harry up, but she just couldn’t stop herself. She had not expected to be insulted, however. “I will not be spoken to that way in my house, Mother.”
“Well, when you get a house let me know and I’ll be sure to come kowtow. As you are currently residing in your lord’s house, however, I expect you should behave a little better. Are you going to tell him what the real problem is or are you just going to be an ignorant little bitch about it and maybe commit suicide by breaking your bond? I only ask so I’ll know what to tell Lily and James—‘Your mother was an ignorant cow’, or ‘Your mother was afraid to be second among equals’?”
Nym’s incredulous face screwed up and the tears came. Her mother had hit it first thing and she had only realized it herself a few moments ago. No matter what she’d said about taking their time and then going to find Xi Shi together, the truth was she was terrified of losing her place in Harry’s heart. She had even felt it hurting him and been unable to stop herself. She was an ignorant cow and a willful bitch.
Harry thought of no one before her and all the bonded and children before himself, and all she could be was greedy.
Andromeda moved in and handed the twins to Rose. She pulled Nym up and then sat. Then she pulled her grown daughter into her lap and let her cry.
Molly looked at Esmeralda. “First fight. Well, it could have been worse.”
“I don’t see how, Molly.”
“That’s because you don’t have a son like my Ron, Esmeralda. The whole summer was one fight after another, and all over him being stupid, not him being right. By start of term I would have helped Lavender kill him.”
“So we’re fine, then?”
“No, I wouldn’t say that—but we will be, I think.”
Esmeralda nodded. “Well, they eventually had to have a fight over something. At least they saved it for something big.”
Molly nodded. “Thats why I think we’re going to be all right: they still love each other enough to be so very hurt.”
“Should we go see about Harry?”
Poppy blushed. “Sarah is with him in the bath.”
Andromeda, hearing this, turned Nym’s face to her. “Silly cow, you drove him into Sarah’s arms naked.”
She stood Nym up and untied her robe, turned her around, and pushed her to the bath with a slap on her firm rump. “Go on, before you lose even more ground.”
Nym scampered away even as she tried to stop herself.
Molly looked at Andromeda. “Tsk, tsk, Andromeda. You just played on her baser instincts.”
Andromeda shrugged. “I worked with what I had, Molly. She doesn’t really care, as long as he still loves her, what position she’s in—but her Alpha instincts took over and she doesn’t know how to stop them yet. It would be better if they were alone; then he could just shag some sense into her. Sarah being there is just going to complicate it.”
“Molly, please take Jonathan and Molly.”
Molly beamed. “Of course, Hestia.”
Hestia got up and strode to the bath. After much splashing and growling was heard, she came back smirking.
“That was a brilliant idea, Andromeda.”
“What did you do, Hestia?”
“I locked them in their Wargs, Esmeralda. May the best bitch win.”
“Hestia!”
“Phtttt. They’ve been going at it since Harry withdrew. Nym needs to be dominated a little; she simply started issuing orders and being a first class bitch about it all. We all knew she was scared, but when Harry tried to comfort her or reassure her she treated him as if he’d betrayed her. She went off on this huge rant and then refused to listen to reason. Sarah tried to reason with Nym and she started in on her, too.”
Hestia grinned at the noises coming from the bath. Andromeda, Molly, and Esmeralda fled. Hestia’s earthy chuckle followed them.
“Hestia, really, can’t we have a silencing charm?”
Hestia waved at the door to the bath and the noise stopped. “Sure, Poppy.”
Poppy looked at Hestia sternly. “You are all very bad!”
“Ha! It will give them something to talk about. Besides, they’re grown witches—they know the charm. If I could figure out how to do it I’d send those three away somewhere to work all this out in their human forms.”
Poppy nodded. The whole relationship with Sarah was odd. Harry obviously loved her, and Sarah obviously loved Harry. They both really liked Andrew, and unless Poppy missed her guess badly, Sarah loved him like a husband and Harry loved him like the brother he’d never had. It was just odd.
The bonded and slaves were rising now. Poppy went to speak to them as they rose and they universally put on housecoats and checked the bath. They each turned from the door, smirking.
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Potter Castle
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
17:30
“Hestia, should we go get them?”
“Why, Susan?”
“The students will be worried. I think we should put in an appearance.”
“Crap! I knew there was something I forgot.”
“It’s all right, Harry, but Susan is right. We do need to put in an appearance.”
“Okay, Nym.”
“So I suppose you want to be unlocked?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I could just....”
“Harry!”
“Hehehe!”
Hestia rolled her eyes and waved. They all laughed as Harry the human jerked away from Sarah the human. They both blushed ferociously.
They exited the bath a few moments later, Harry with an arm around each.
They and the other mates dressed and then headed to the transport Arms, discussing where they would eat.
“I’m glad to see you up and about, Your Graces.”
Harry smiled.“Majesty, thank you.”
“Have we decided where we’re eating, Harry?”
“We were leaning toward the fifth year common, ma’am.”
“Fine, Harry. Nym, Sarah and I will meet you there. You should stop by the mews on the way there.”
The mates winced; that was definitely a dismissal. Harry bowed and faded away to the mews.
“Have you lost your mind, Nymphadora? Or did you suddenly decide it was time to recapture your youth by becoming a teenage drama queen? Perhaps we are planning on putting on a show somewhere and you were rehearsing some overblown Puccini piece?”
“And you, Sarah—I don’t even know what you could have been thinking.”
“I love you both, never doubt that, but please can we try to keep the level of angst that we generate down?”
The two blushing bonded nodded. Elizabeth stepped up and gathered them both in a hug.
“Silly cows, what am I to do with you?”
“I’m sorry, ma—”
“Tut, tut.”
“I am sorry, Elizabeth. I really don’t know what came over me.”
“You don’t really expect me to believe that do you Nym? I have been an uncertain but powerful young woman in a powerful position dealing with a powerful man. I remember it well. Please talk to me next time. I might be able to help.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“So, overall, how was your first real fight?”
A shocked Nym finally said, “Very upsetting.”
The Queen smiled and replied, “Good! And the make-up?”
Nym’s hair turned a dark red. Sarah blushed with her co-Alpha.
Elizabeth chuckled. “Let’s go, but remember what I said: come talk to me if you’re having trouble.”
Elizabeth took an arm of each and they led her to the transport Arms.
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Royal Academy Academy
Fifth Year Common
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
18:00
Harry paced. He needed to spend more time with Melinda and the other Nightmares. He and the mates had just spent ten minutes with them and they were settled again but had been very excited.
Nym, Elizabeth, and Sarah appeared. “Harry, why are we eating here? Most of the students are gone for the day.”
“Exactly, Elizabeth, and we have so many between the vassals, the Court, and the government.”
Harry indicated the common and Elizabeth saw he was right—it was nearly full.
“Good God, don’t you people have homes?”
“Elizabeth, don’t be harsh. They were worried.”
Elizabeth eyed Minerva skeptically but went and sat by her. Chu looked out over the hall and was preparing to call on the first House for Question Time when Harry began to speaking.
“In order not to waste Question Time, let me say that the chattel obligations are all satisfied. We had a private matter that kept the mates from attending today and we will not discuss it. We will be attending tomorrow.”
Helga Hansen, fifth form Warg, remained standing as the rest of the Houses’ questioners sat. Their questions were either answered or not going to be answered. Harry nodded to her.
“Your Grace, has there been any consideration given to starting technomancer classes at the college level so we can attempt to catch up to the Americans? We feel we could benefit from beginning early.”
Harry smiled at his House member. “I like the idea, Helga, and thank you. We’ll discuss it. Of course, nothing may happen until next semester, but we’ll keep it in mind.”
Harry looked at the monitors and found no other questioners still standing. Chu waved and dinner appeared.
Dinner went splendidly for the Clan; they hardly noticed the riveted attention of all.
After dinner the mates moved to be available to their students and Harry circulated among the commons with the Queen. As they walked they talked.
“Harry, how are you?”
“Fine, ma’am.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Harry, I raised three boys. Now we can do this the easy way, I ask a question and you amplify, or the hard way—I just keep asking questions until you want to bash your head into the wall.”
“Well, imagine that we’ve already succeeded in one method.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Hush, cheeky wretch, and answer my question.”
Harry actually stopped and looked at Elizabeth. At Phillip’s desperate head-shaking he swallowed his comment.
“Phillip!”
“Yes, dear?”
“Grrrrr, why don’t you go see the Wargs, dear?”
“It’s fine, Elizabeth, and I’ll answer. I am actually fine. Nym scared me witless, though. I didn’t know what to do. We’ll be okay now, though, I think.”
Elizabeth looked at him closely. “She was scared, Harry. She got over it.”
Harry was nodding. “I know, but when she got over it she was committed to this crazy line of reasoning and wouldn’t give it up.”
“Tell me—do you think your bond was ever in danger?”
Harry blanched. “I didn’t think so. I love her, she loves me. That was never in doubt.”
Elizabeth smiled. “And that’s why you can disagree and live through it, Harry. All your bonded are intelligent, active, powerful women, and none more so than Nym. If she gets an idea that you know to be wrong, just keep explaining it and keep loving her. You won’t always agree, but it’s much more fun to disagree through reasoned discourse. Allow each other the room to fully be.”
Harry nodded.
Phillip decided enough was enough. “Harry, let’s go look at the stables.”
“Yes, sir, but if you don’t mind we want to be home by 10 p.m. We’re still a little wrung out.”
They walked away chatting, and the school of Barracuda that was the mothers and the female vassals and courtiers descended on Elizabeth.
“Your Majesty, what did he say?”
“Lady Gordon, good evening.”
“Sorry, ma’am, it’s just—well, we were worried sick.”
“They’re young, Marilise, they had a spat. They’ll be fine. I think they’re all more embarrassed about it than anything at this point.”
“It wasn’t exactly just a ‘spat’, Elizabeth.”
“Well, what would you call it then, Minerva?”
“A fundamental difference in philosophy. Harry will do anything, literally anything to keep a bonded from harm. He cannot see that him being harmed hurts us. This Dark Lady challenges him on several levels. He doesn’t wish to harm her, he doesn’t want us harmed, and he doesn’t want her harming others.
“Xi Shi has a different mind set, alien if you will, to us. Harry really wants to find her and try to come to terms with her. Failing her willingness to be third among equals, he will kill her, no matter what it does to him. Nym’s Alpha mindset kicked in at that point and, well, things got messy.”
“Minerva, why didn’t you just lock them in a room?”
“Hestia did after we woke up, Emma. They worked it out at a very...errrh...basic level.”
“So we just glossed over this with sex?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Not until they had come to a resolution of the problem, Duchess Chandler. I spoke to Nym and Sarah before we came here. They really have come to a resolution and apparently then had some serious make-up—errrh—time.”
Smiles all around as the women remembered their first serious altercations.
Emma finally said, “Poor Harry. He keeps bonding them—he’ll have hundreds of these first fights to get through.”
“That’s why it was so bad, Emma. It seemed to grow to include all our issues.” Minerva blushed heavily.
Elizabeth sighed.“So Poppy is staying, then?”
Minerva shook her head. “Jennifer, Melissa, and Marcia will be here.”
“Remember, the public needs to see him, Minerva.”
“Hermione made a list.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “The child simply cannot be spontaneous.”
“Leave her alone, Emma, and yes she can.”
Emma looked at Minerva speculatively. “We have to talk, I believe.” She took Minerva’s arm and steered her away.
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Xi Shi’s Hold
Master Bedroom
Wednesday
25 Sept 1996
03:43
Xi Shi snapped awake as she climaxed. This was ridiculous. After yesterday morning she could not control her body any more. She had felt him in her mind and he had been so gentle and subtle. He had to have been there for real. That couldn’t have been a dream—but he was in Scotland, thousands of miles away. No one had that much power.
Something was wrong, though, she could feel it. Her dreams could be a clue. She would need a reading.
“You, wench, fetch Chang Li.”
She watched as the naked fourteen-year-old body servant scampered away. She smiled; this one was too good to kill. Her strong, sure little hands could take away tension like no others. It had been a good idea to keep it and raise it from a baby after killing its mother and father. Perhaps she should have it trained to please her mate? Hmmm. Better, she could train it herself after she had him. Yes, he would enjoy taking its virginity and it would be a good toy for him to satiate his initial lust in so he could better please her. It would need to be on the potion; she would hate to have to kill it because it got pregnant.
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Royal Academy Academy
Mews
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
19:30
“How appropriate,” Jozef thought as he waited. He visited with the horses and the elves; a few children peeked in and on seeing him suddenly remembered friends that needed to be whispered to. This one young man stayed and watched him like a hawk.
“May I help you, my son?”
Matthew Gillson, sixth year Ducal House Royal Academy Prefect, approached. “Perhaps it is I who can help you, Holiness. Matthew Gillson, sixth year Ducal House Royal Academy Prefect.” Matthew bowed.
The Pope looked around at the four Swiss guards, two nuns, and four Vatican City Aurors. “So my disguise did not pass muster, then?”
Matthew actually laughed. “Not really, Holiness. It might be the immantatio, or perhaps the crowd.”
“No matter, my son. I am waiting on your Duke.”
“Will they be all right, Holiness?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
Matthew visibly relaxed.
“You care so very much?”
“He saved us, Holiness, perhaps all of us. He is kind if allowed to be.” Matthew shrugged. “I know I’m not that old, but he’s a good lord, I think.”
Jozef looked around the stable and smiled. “Yes, Matthew, I believe he is.”
Phillip and Harry arrived.
“Your Holiness! No one told me you were here!”
“Ah, you see, Matthew? I did surprise someone.”
Matthew grinned and withdrew.
“Harry, how are you?”
“I’ve been better, Holiness.”
“Harry, why don’t you call me Jozef? It is my name, after all. Come, walk with an old man for a while.”
Harry immediately stepped up and offered his arm. He led the Pope slowly along one of the bridle paths with Phillip following behind, forming a buffer between Harry and the Pope and the Pope’s entourage.
Emilio wrestled with his thoughts. He was here with the leader of the faithful, counseling what was in reality a Pagan ruler who changed shapes at will and killed as others breathed. This same Pagan ruler was a troubled young man; you could see it easily if you simply looked. The pain in those lambent green eyes was very obvious.
Chapter 8
Potter Castle
Deep Holds
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
05:40
Pop!
“Geoffrey, have you lost yo—”
Elizabeth looked at the Clan and then felt for the bond. She called on the Realm and felt again.
“Geoffrey, get Madam Pomfrey.”
Elizabeth spied Winky in the corner, knees pulled to her chest, arms clasped around them, and rocking. Winky was humming a little tune.
Pop!
“Geoffrey, I’m get—”
Poppy’s wand came out.
Elizabeth walked to Winky. “Winky dear, can you tell us what happened?”
“Master Potter very upset.”
“Yes dear, do you know why?”
“Dark Lady maybe is Alpha.”
“You mean Nym, Winky?”
The elf shook her head.
“Sarah isn’t a Dark Lady, dear. I would know.”
Winky nodded.
Elizabeth huffed in frustration. “Well, if it isn’t Nym or Sarah, then who, Winky?”
Just as Winky opened her mouth Elizabeth’s brain made the connection. “Xi Shi, ma’am.”
Fortunately Poppy, unable to do anything right now, had come over to listen. She caught the Queen as she reeled back from Winky.
“Winky, get the ladies’ maids in here and get the clan to bed in the Ducal suite. Move Frieda to her nest room in the Ducal apartments in case she changes and move Hedwig, nest and all.”
Glad for something to do, Winky snapped her fingers and the ladies’ maids appeared.
“Geoffrey, get the nannies to bring the babies to the Ducal suite. They can eat while their mothers are unconscious.”
Clem appeared as Geoffrey popped away.
“I don’t know your name, but we need to go to the Ducal suite and Prince Phillip needs to be brought here.”
“Clem, ma’am, Master of the Mews. The Nightmares are unconscious, ma’am.”
“Right. Well, as soon as we get the Duke and his mates settled, pop to Hogwarts and get Hagrid. Bring him to the mews.”
Clem nodded and Poppy watched the world stream by, and then Clem put Elizabeth in a wingback by the fire.
Poppy watched as the Clan were put to bed and the babies brought in.
Pop!
Geoffrey appeared with Prince Phillip.
“Geoffrey, bring Lord Black and Lord Lupin.”
Pop!
Phillip, still in pajama shirt, trousers, and slippers, crossed to Elizabeth. “What the bloody hell is going on, Elizabeth?”
“I don’t know, Phillip. They’re there but they’re turned into the bond, all of them. Harry had a nasty shock and—well, it was a nasty shock for all of them.”
Phillip went to one knee beside the wingback and put an arm around her shoulders. He knew how worried she was by her failure to even raise an eyebrow at his language.
Pop!
“Your Majesty.”
“Lord Black, Lord Lupin, I was brought to the deep holds of Potter Castle today by Geoffrey. I found Clan Potter in the state you see them now, with only Winky in attendance. I asked Geoffrey to fetch Madam Pomfrey.” The Queen looked at Poppy.
“I arrived and examined the Clan. They are physically fine. I moved to report this to the Queen and found her talking to Winky.”
Elizabeth continued. “Apparently the Clan made a discovery: the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found by His Grace’s magic and may be the third Alpha.”
Elizabeth blinked as both of them keeled over backward.
Poppy scanned Sirius and Remus to ensure they had not hurt themselves when they hit the floor. “Ma’am, perhaps we should have people sit before we tell them.” Poppy Ennervated Sirius and Remus.
Sirius sat up and laughed. “Well, I knew I was up too late last night and I drank a little, but I swear she said this Xi Shi, the new Dark Lady, was another of Harry’s Alpha’s.”
Remus stared at Sirius for a moment. “Erm, she did, Sirius.”
“Remus!”
Thunk.
“Sorry, Poppy, I wasn’t expecting that.”
Poppy shook her head. “Help me get him in a wingback, Remus. At least then he won’t hit his head.”
Remus stood and pulled Sirius up. He dragged him to a wingback by the fire and plopped him in it. Poppy scowled and then Ennervated Sirius again.
Sirius looked at Remus standing in front of his chair. “Remus, I had the strangest dream, a nightmare really. Harry and the girls were all passed out and the Queen was in his room in her housecoat. Prince Phillip was kneeling beside her chair in his pajamas and Poppy was there, you were too. The Queen told us Xi Shi was Harry’s Alpha.”
Remus couldn’t take it any longer and collapsed laughing.
“Remus, it’s not funny.”
Remus waved toward the Queen with his hand and Sirius looked toward her. He groaned.
“Lord Black, pull yourself together. We have much to do. Lord Lupin!”
“Ma’am.”
“Ma’am?”
Phillip pulled another wingback over to Elizabeth and sat. Remus pulled up one opposite them next to Sirius. He looked up and started to rise but Poppy waved him off. She went to the bed and resumed her scans.
“Geoffrey?”
“Ma’am?”
“Prince Andrew is in Jakarta. I need to send him a message.”
Jack, Ginny’s owlet, faded into view resting on the arm of Elizabeth’s chair.
The Queen smiled at him and conjured a pen and paper. She scratched a note and held it out. “Prince Andrew, please.”
Jack bobbed his head and disappeared.
“Now we need to let Filius know to make the proper arrangements.”
Jill, Eugenie’s owl, faded onto her chair arm.
Jill got a smile and a note for Filius to take over and plan on the mates not being able to teach, at least for today.
She bobbed her head and disappeared.
Jack reappeared with Andrew.
“Mother, did you know the owlets can Harry-pop?”
“I believe we discovered it just before you, Andrew.”
“So what exactly is going on, Mother?”
“Harry and the mates have had a bit of a shock. It seems the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found and may—” Sirius and Remus moved up beside Andrew— “be an additional Alpha.”
Andrew roared with laughter. This was not exactly the reaction they were expecting.
“So shocked out of their minds they retreated into the bond.”
Elizabeth blinked.
Andrew shook his head. “Just think of the worst possible thing that could happen and it happens to Harry.”
“Andrew—Sarah, Beatrice, and Eugenie are unconscious too.”
Andrew just nodded. “They should be fine. Just in case, though—Geoffrey!”
“Sir?”
“Good morning, Geoffrey. Please bring Professor Dumbledore here.”
“Sir.”
“Harry is going to go spare when he wakes up, Andrew.”
“I doubt it. We’re just going to have Dumbledore check my assumptions.”
Pop!
Dumbledore and his Auror escort landed in the bedroom by the fire. “Your Majesty.”
“Professor, it seems we have a problem.”
The Queen went on to describe what had happened. Poppy explained her part. Andrew then outlined his theory.
“Upon finding that a Dark Lady was a potential Alpha, and faced with the decision to let her die or take her, Harry withdrew into the bond and the bonded went with him. Right now they’re in there thinking about it and trying to decide what they’re going to do. I believe they’re fine and will be back when they’re ready, sooner rather than later.”
Dumbledore nodded. “I would concur. If I could use Legilimency on Prince Andrew I could perhaps access the bond through the Duchess of York and we could find out definitively. Alas, Amelia Bones Potter has the key, and as she is indisposed we must wait.”
The Queen looked thoughtful. “Professor, why would this upset Harry so?”
“He is a very kind soul, ma’am. Despite her past he would not want to kill her. He cannot reconcile her bad acts, however, and he cannot forgive her.” Dumbledore looked sad. “This is a trap of my making. By not dealing with the Death Eaters in a permanent way I forced Harry to. This set him on this path of right and wrong, black and white, and his eye for an eye style of justice.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I believe you are correct.” She remembered the Pope’s request. “Perhaps all is not lost, however. Perhaps we can arrange for Harry to learn about the shades of gray.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
“Any time I can be of assistance, Your Grace.”
Andrew nodded and the Aurors escorted Dumbledore back to the high-security ward with Geoffrey providing the transportation.
“Andrew, you’re very sure of yourself.”
“I know; it’s odd really. I just know it’s okay.”
Elizabeth looked at him for a long moment. “Well, I’m going to get dressed. You’re needed in Jakarta, Andrew. Who will stay with the Clan?”
“I will.”
“I will.”
“I will stay as long as I can, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Lord Black, Lord Lupin, Madam Pomfrey. We will return here as soon as possible. Geoffrey, if you could?”
Pop!
“And I need one of the owlets.”
Peter, Susan’s owlet, landed on Andrew’s shoulder. “Can you take me to where I was picked up?”
Peter nodded and they disappeared.
Remus shook his head; Sirius grinned at him. “Come on, letch, let’s go get breakfast so you can stop watching my daughters breast-feed.” He dragged the sputtering Remus away.
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Hogwarts
Great Hall
Tuesday
24 Sept 1995
07:21
“See, Neville? They’re not here or at the Royal Academy.”
Neville nodded as he watched the screens. “I know, Romi, but we should wait. The assistant Headmaster will make an announcement, I’m sure.”
“How can you be so calm, Neville?” Lavender hissed. She was nearly hysterical with worry. She had gone to the dispensary for her dose of the potion and found Poppy missing. Ron had gone to the Royal Academy for practise and class and was trying to reassure her through their bond, but with limited success.
Filius sighed. He had been buttonholed by four teachers before the emergency staff meeting and it only looked to get worse. Finally he rose.
“Good morning.” The Great Hall went silent and the commons all followed. “The Duke and Duchesses are indisposed this morning.”
Filius waited for the whispers to subside. “Department heads will be combining some classes, and some of the primary school classes will double up. The Duke, Duchesses, and heirs are fine and should be back with us tomorrow, according to Madam Pomfrey. As their indisposition is a private matter, I would appreciate it if you would not speculate and cause rumor; I am sure they would prefer it as well.”
Filius sat and the hall exploded in whispers. Pomona leaned in. “Nice try, Filius, but it’ll be a bad day.”
Filius could only smile weakly at her.
“Indisposed? What does that mean? Neville, you must go to Potter Castle. You can find out what’s going on.”
“Most certainly not, Lavender. We’ll wait until tonight at least. Harry is probably just exhausted from fulfilling his obligations to all those chattel. I for one do not intend to disturb him.”
Romilda smiled. Neville had come such a very long way. By saying that at full volume he had diverted the entire school, to judge by the snickering. By second period the anxiety would be mostly buried in a sea of chortling and blushes.
She waited until he was through with breakfast and then dragged him away with obvious intent. Giggles followed the blushing Lord Longbottom.
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Buckingham Palace
Queen’s Private Office
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
10:18
Baron Robert Fellowes, the Queen’s private secretary, studied the document on his desk. It had been an interesting morning in the Chinese-curse kind of way. The Queen and then Prince Phillip had gone missing, Then the Duke of York had disappeared. The Guard was very thoroughly spun, and loud remarks were liable to be met with a bayoneted rifle in the hands of a steely-eyed young killer.
Robert had been awoken very early by a highly excited Major of the Blues and Royals and informed the Queen was missing; not a great way to start your day.
The reports flowing in from the Blues and Royals Regimental Operations center had led Robert to immediately suspect the Duke of Magic was involved, and sure enough the Queen had reappeared and immediately called for him and dictated a letter to the Pope, of all people.
Robert was now reviewing that letter.
Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 24 Sept 1196
His Holiness, John Paul II
Holiness:
We require your assistance with matters pertaining to His Grace the Duke of Magic of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Defender of Magic and Magical Champion of the Crown and Realm.
Please undertake arrangements to travel to Potter Castle and meet with myself and the Duke at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Elizabeth II, Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regnorumque Suorum Ceterorum Regina, Consortionis Populorum Princeps, Fidei Defensor
Well, that told him absolutely nothing. Oh well, mine is not to reason why…now to mail this.
Robert blinked in surprise and Mary, Nym’s owlet, faded in and imperiously extended her leg.
Robert thought, Harry’s kids are so demanding. He got a glare and a hoot for his thought. “Your pardon. The Pope, please.”
He folded and affixed the letter and Mary glared again and bobbed her head, then faded from view.
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Vatican City
The Office of His Holiness
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:19
“Well! You are the pretty one, aren’t you!” Mary preened under the praise of the Pope. Here was a human who knew how to treat a lady. She extended her leg and the Pope removed the letter.
“Thank you, my dear. I am sorry I have nothing to give you for your efforts, but the doctors took all my candies and now they only let me eat what they argue over for hours.” The Pope gently rubbed Mary’s neck.
The Swiss guard duty squad burst into the room, along with Emilio Vestardi, the on-duty Auror.
“Gentlemen, may I help you?”
After some confusion, Emilio stepped forward. “Holiness, the sensors and charms reported a magical being breaking the wards and entering your private office.”
“Ah, that would be this beautiful post owl from the British Queen. Not to worry. Could you perhaps arrange some water for...ummm...her?”
Jozef, as he always thought of himself, could have sworn the owl beamed at him. “Yes, her, and perhaps an owl treat or two?”
Emilio nodded helplessly and backed from the room. As soon as he was outside he sent a runner for the water and owl treats.
Inside the office Jozef opened the letter. “Let’s see what Elizabeth has to say, shall we, my lady?”
Mary nodded and Jozef chuckled. After reading the letter, Jozef thought out loud. “So the crisis is upon us; Xi Shi has moved again, or young Harry has found out.”
Mary looked at the Pope and hooted softly. “Yes, well, we’ll go see the young Duke, my lady. Perhaps we can help.”
Joszef would swear the owl looked relieved as she hooted strongly. He pressed an intercom button. “Could you find Angelo Cardinal Sodanno and ask him to see me, please?”
“Of course, Holiness.”
Emilio re-entered the office with a bowl of owl treats and a bowl of water.
“Ah, Emilio—bring that here for her ladyship.”
Emilio edged to the desk and set the bowls down, his right hand immediately going to his wand holster once free.
“Why so nervous, Emilio?”
“That is no ordinary owl, Your Holiness. She should not have been able to break the wards.”
Jozef looked at Mary and she seemed to be laughing. “I think she doesn’t think much of our wards, Emilio. I have seen another owl like her at the Duke’s Castle. Perhaps a relative?”
Mary looked in Jozef’s eyes. “Ah, I see—a daughter of Hedwig by the Duke. Well, well, the reports are true, then. Emilio, are you well?”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
“You don’t look well—you’re as white as a sheet. Perhaps you should sit.”
“No, thank you, Your Holiness.”
“Ah, Cardinal Sodanno. I will be traveling by magical means to Potter Castle in Scotland tonight at—” Joszef looked at Mary— “8 p.m. tonight?” Mary nodded.
“Yes, 8 p.m. I will be gone until I get back. You will have to see to the Holy See.”
Angelo nodded. “It has begun, then?”
“Apparently; the Duke is having some problems, it appears, Angelo.”
“As the prophets foretold, then, Holiness.”
“But which one is correct, Angelo? The Prophecies conflict.”
Angelo Cardinal Sodonno shrugged eloquently and Karol Józef Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II chuckled “that is singularly unhelpful Angelo, and for a Churchman of your stature to not have an opinion? How extraordinary.”
“Do you want me to reply to the Queen, Holiness?”
“I will write her, Angelo, and her ladyship will carry it for us.”
Mary bobbed her head and hooted.
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Buckingham Palace
Queen’s private office
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
10:39
Mary faded in on Elizabeth’s chair arm. “Hello, dear, thank you.”
Geoffrey faded in with a water bowl and some owl treats. Elizabeth looked at the owl. “Mary, I know the Pope just gave you some treats. You’ll get fat if you aren’t careful, dear.”
Elizabeth chuckled to herself as Mary looked mortified and then seemed to be trying to look behind herself. “How are your brothers and sisters, dear?”
“Hoot.”
“Hoot? Come, dear, I know you can do better than that. Be your mother’s daughter and talk to me.”
Mary looked at Elizabeth with what could only be called a sheepish expression. “Nest mates fine, busy today, good.”
“Very good, Mary. Can you talk to your mother, dear?”
“No, ma’am, worried.”
“We believe they’ll be fine, Mary; we just have to wait.”
Mary bobbed her head.
“Liz, leave Mary alone. Come here, girl, and sit with me. Your grandmother is being crotchety.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what to think of this, so she settled for a, “Phillip, don’t confuse Mary.”
“What did the Pope say, Liz?”
“Phillip, not in front of the grandchildren.”
“Hahahaha.”
“GRRRRRRRR.”
“The Pope, Elizabeth?”
“Eight tonight, you cheeky wag. Harry takes after you.”
Phillip blinked.
“Hehehe.”
“Hoot.”
“No fair ganging up, ladies”
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Potter Castle
The Duke’s study
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:32
“Little early, isn’t it, Sirius?
Remus was looking at Sirius as he sat staring into the fragrant peat fire on the grate with a cut-crystal whiskey glass and what remained of a full four fingers of Highland Park in it.
“Why no, Remus, I expect it’s rather late, somewhere in the world.”
Remus thought about it a moment and judiciously poured himself a couple of fingers. He had just come from the master bedroom, and while the Clan had shifted position somewhat, they were still unconscious. Poppy had told him they were sleeping, but it didn’t appear much different to Remus. The nannies were still bustling about with the heirs and Remus had not stayed long.
“So, Remus, how are we doing?”
“Better, according to Poppy. Apparently ‘we’ are sleeping now, not unconscious.”
“Hmmph.”
“Hmmph, all you have to say is Hmmph! Harry has to somehow take this Dark Lady into the Harem, perhaps into an Alpha position, and manage her; and your contribution is Hmmph? Very nice, Sirius. I guess you had a tougher time in Azkaban than I thought.”
“Excuse me, Lord Lupin, but did you say the Dark Lady is an Alpha of Clan Potter?”
“By the way, Remus, I forgot to mention some of the mothers were here.”
Remus turned from the bar and glared at Sirius with blood in his eye.
“Why, you misera—”
“You can kill Lord Clown later, Remus. Tell us about what happened to our daughters and Harry.”
Remus looked at the steely-eyed Andromeda Tonks née Black, Molly Weasley, and Esmeralda Greengrass. He threw back his whiskey and winced.
Molly’s foot started tapping. Remus sighed and told them what they knew.
“See, ladies? This isn’t so bad.”
Andromeda’s head swiveled like a turret. “You need desperately to shut up, Sirius, at least until you’re sober enough to contribute something useful. We’re going to the Apartment. You’d better have some kind of plan to deal with this bitch by the time we get back.”
Sirius wisely sat very quietly with a neutral expression until they had gone. “Whew! Well, they’re a little tense.”
“Sirius, how much have you been drinking? We have maybe an hour before they come charging back in here and kill us.”
“Yes, well, there is that. Run?”
“And where exactly could you run to where they couldn’t have one of Amelia Fastida’s coven or Peter’s werewolves hunt you down?”
Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment. “China?”
Remus, through long exposure to the twisted workings of Sirius’s mind, knew something was brewing and waited for it. “We need agents there; someone has to go. No matter what Harry decides to do, we’ll need intelligence. Hmmm. I could go as Padfoot—errrh, maybe not, they supposedly eat dogs.”
Remus rolled his eyes. “Sirius, they only eat dogs in some parts of Asia, not universally. It’s a good idea but perhaps we have assets here that can get us started.”
Sirius looked blank. Remus sighed. “The Changs, Sirius.”
“Brilliant.”
“Let’s leave a note and go talk to Lord Chang.”
“A note, Sirius, are you sure?”
“Remus, you can do what you want but I’m leaving a note outlining our plan to start gathering intelligence on the Dark Lady and telling them I’m going to execute it. I’ll ask them to stay here until I return.”
“It’s a little cowardly, Sirius.”
“But we’ll live, Remus.”
They wrote the note.
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Potter Castle
Ducal Apartment
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
11:37
“Poppy, thank Morgana! What’s wrong with them?”
“Nothing, Molly. They’re sleeping.”
Molly blinked. “But we all felt—erm—something?”
“Yes, well, apparently Harry and the mates Turned with the chattel. Harry satisfied the obligations of the chattel and enslaved most of the prisoners, and then this morning he enslaved the last of the Chinese witches or he was making love to her or something, Winky’s not really sure. They discovered the Dark Lady Xi Shi is found and at least a Primary, probably an Alpha. Harry retreated into the bond and they went with him, leaving their bodies unharmed but unconscious.
“Geoffrey found them and brought the Queen, who had them transferred here and brought me here. Since this morning they have left their unconscious state and entered a deep sleep. They’ll awaken naturally soon.”
“Harry, how do these horrible things keep happening to you?”
All four women contemplated Molly’s heartfelt question as they moved among the bonded, gently touching their daughters and their daughters’ mates.
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Potter Castle
The Duke’s study
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
12:00
“Sirius Black!”
Esmeralda paused in what had become a headlong charge into Harry’s study. “They’re gone, Andromeda.”
“The bloody bastards left a note.” Molly passed it to Andromeda.
“Cowards.”
“Lady Black, please—you’re discussing my bonded.”
All three elder witches jumped and spun toward the door. Esmeralda collected herself first. “Rose, what are you doing here?”
“I was supposed to meet Lauren for lunch in the Uni Senior common. When I got there the Clan wasn’t present. I’d been feeling something odd and Remus was being evasive in the bond. I asked some questions of the students and when I finally got past the witches’ blushing and the wizards’ chortling I discovered the Clan had been absent all day. I came here. Did you know the Queen’s chief butler and Geoffrey are opening the Queen’s suite?”
The three women blinked. Andromeda finally growled and then said, “Well, everybody but the mothers knew, then? Wonderful.”
“Excuse me, Lady Black, but the students only know the Clan isn’t present.”
“Rose, please—can we use first names?”
Rose smiled. “Of course, Andromeda, now that the skinning of my bonded will be left to me.”
Andromeda nodded regally. “Who would know better how to cause the most pain? Meanwhile I will, I think, content myself with torturing Lord Black into some semblance of a responsible adult. As soon as I find him again, that is.”
Rose smiled and then frowned. “Can someone tell me what happened? This note is nearly nonsensical.”
Into the laughter Esmeralda opined, “Perhaps we were a little forceful when we found them in here drinking and yapping.”
After the laughter faded they explained what they knew to Rose and she took her leave to go to the master bedroom.
Andromeda, Molly, and Esmeralda headed for the Royal suite to find Geoffrey and the Queen’s butler and put them to the question.
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Potter Castle
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
16:48
Harry opened his eyes and was immediately set upon by Poppy.
“Harry, how are the bonded?”
“Fine, Poppy. They’ll be awake soon.”
Harry got up and headed for the bath.
Poppy watched him go. Well, something was wrong. The Harry she knew would not have gone so blithely nude—not nearly as magnificently nude, either. Where had that come from? Really, Poppy, get hold of yourself.
Poppy shook her head and turned back to the bonded.
Harry walked straight into the bath and lay floating, expressionless.
Nym woke and as Poppy approached she simply held her hand up, palm out. Nym stood and Winky appeared with a robe for her. Nym shrugged her way into the robe and went to a wingback by the fragrantly burning peat fire in the fireplace. She sat, drawing her feet under her with a saddened and shocked expression. Rose the nanny brought in James and Lily, Nym’s twins, and firmly placed them in her lap. Then she took up her station beside Nym’s chair.
Hestia arose and Poppy got the same treatment as Hestia took up her position beside Nym. Tulip brought in her twins, Jonathan and Molly.
When Sarah rose next, Poppy decided she had had enough. “Your Grace, an explanation might be in order. Are any of you hurt?”
“Only our hearts, Poppy. Harry won’t budge; he intends to kill Xi Shi and there’s nothing we can do about it. We had a huge fight. It was ghastly. Where is Harry? Never mind.”
Sarah walked straight into the bath with Harry, never thinking how it looked for her to be nude in the tub with Harry.
Nym watched her go and growled.
“Nymphadora Potter, you stop that right now. No wonder this has gotten so bad—you’re all taking sides.”
“Mother? When did you get here?”
“That doesn’t matter, Nym. Explain yourself right now, young lady.”
Andromeda had felt her daughter wake up in pain and had come running. Molly and Esmeralda were right behind her and as they watched their daughters they listened to Andromeda and Nym.
“He’s totally unreasonable, mother. He won’t even try to talk to her; he’s just going to track her down and kill her. On top of that he has some stupid idea that he should go alone.”
Andromeda rolled her eyes.
“So I told him he needed to do what he was told for once and let us handle her. All he has to do is bring her to us.”
She continued sheepishly, “I might have mentioned that we were older and smarter than him in the heat of the moment.”
Andromeda could only shake her head. “You’re completely bonded and you still did this to him? You are a willful little bitch, aren’t you?”
Nym blinked. She hadn’t expected her mother to take her side; it was, after all, kind of stupid to rough Harry up, but she just couldn’t stop herself. She had not expected to be insulted, however. “I will not be spoken to that way in my house, Mother.”
“Well, when you get a house let me know and I’ll be sure to come kowtow. As you are currently residing in your lord’s house, however, I expect you should behave a little better. Are you going to tell him what the real problem is or are you just going to be an ignorant little bitch about it and maybe commit suicide by breaking your bond? I only ask so I’ll know what to tell Lily and James—‘Your mother was an ignorant cow’, or ‘Your mother was afraid to be second among equals’?”
Nym’s incredulous face screwed up and the tears came. Her mother had hit it first thing and she had only realized it herself a few moments ago. No matter what she’d said about taking their time and then going to find Xi Shi together, the truth was she was terrified of losing her place in Harry’s heart. She had even felt it hurting him and been unable to stop herself. She was an ignorant cow and a willful bitch.
Harry thought of no one before her and all the bonded and children before himself, and all she could be was greedy.
Andromeda moved in and handed the twins to Rose. She pulled Nym up and then sat. Then she pulled her grown daughter into her lap and let her cry.
Molly looked at Esmeralda. “First fight. Well, it could have been worse.”
“I don’t see how, Molly.”
“That’s because you don’t have a son like my Ron, Esmeralda. The whole summer was one fight after another, and all over him being stupid, not him being right. By start of term I would have helped Lavender kill him.”
“So we’re fine, then?”
“No, I wouldn’t say that—but we will be, I think.”
Esmeralda nodded. “Well, they eventually had to have a fight over something. At least they saved it for something big.”
Molly nodded. “Thats why I think we’re going to be all right: they still love each other enough to be so very hurt.”
“Should we go see about Harry?”
Poppy blushed. “Sarah is with him in the bath.”
Andromeda, hearing this, turned Nym’s face to her. “Silly cow, you drove him into Sarah’s arms naked.”
She stood Nym up and untied her robe, turned her around, and pushed her to the bath with a slap on her firm rump. “Go on, before you lose even more ground.”
Nym scampered away even as she tried to stop herself.
Molly looked at Andromeda. “Tsk, tsk, Andromeda. You just played on her baser instincts.”
Andromeda shrugged. “I worked with what I had, Molly. She doesn’t really care, as long as he still loves her, what position she’s in—but her Alpha instincts took over and she doesn’t know how to stop them yet. It would be better if they were alone; then he could just shag some sense into her. Sarah being there is just going to complicate it.”
“Molly, please take Jonathan and Molly.”
Molly beamed. “Of course, Hestia.”
Hestia got up and strode to the bath. After much splashing and growling was heard, she came back smirking.
“That was a brilliant idea, Andromeda.”
“What did you do, Hestia?”
“I locked them in their Wargs, Esmeralda. May the best bitch win.”
“Hestia!”
“Phtttt. They’ve been going at it since Harry withdrew. Nym needs to be dominated a little; she simply started issuing orders and being a first class bitch about it all. We all knew she was scared, but when Harry tried to comfort her or reassure her she treated him as if he’d betrayed her. She went off on this huge rant and then refused to listen to reason. Sarah tried to reason with Nym and she started in on her, too.”
Hestia grinned at the noises coming from the bath. Andromeda, Molly, and Esmeralda fled. Hestia’s earthy chuckle followed them.
“Hestia, really, can’t we have a silencing charm?”
Hestia waved at the door to the bath and the noise stopped. “Sure, Poppy.”
Poppy looked at Hestia sternly. “You are all very bad!”
“Ha! It will give them something to talk about. Besides, they’re grown witches—they know the charm. If I could figure out how to do it I’d send those three away somewhere to work all this out in their human forms.”
Poppy nodded. The whole relationship with Sarah was odd. Harry obviously loved her, and Sarah obviously loved Harry. They both really liked Andrew, and unless Poppy missed her guess badly, Sarah loved him like a husband and Harry loved him like the brother he’d never had. It was just odd.
The bonded and slaves were rising now. Poppy went to speak to them as they rose and they universally put on housecoats and checked the bath. They each turned from the door, smirking.
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Potter Castle
Master Bedroom
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
17:30
“Hestia, should we go get them?”
“Why, Susan?”
“The students will be worried. I think we should put in an appearance.”
“Crap! I knew there was something I forgot.”
“It’s all right, Harry, but Susan is right. We do need to put in an appearance.”
“Okay, Nym.”
“So I suppose you want to be unlocked?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I could just....”
“Harry!”
“Hehehe!”
Hestia rolled her eyes and waved. They all laughed as Harry the human jerked away from Sarah the human. They both blushed ferociously.
They exited the bath a few moments later, Harry with an arm around each.
They and the other mates dressed and then headed to the transport Arms, discussing where they would eat.
“I’m glad to see you up and about, Your Graces.”
Harry smiled.“Majesty, thank you.”
“Have we decided where we’re eating, Harry?”
“We were leaning toward the fifth year common, ma’am.”
“Fine, Harry. Nym, Sarah and I will meet you there. You should stop by the mews on the way there.”
The mates winced; that was definitely a dismissal. Harry bowed and faded away to the mews.
“Have you lost your mind, Nymphadora? Or did you suddenly decide it was time to recapture your youth by becoming a teenage drama queen? Perhaps we are planning on putting on a show somewhere and you were rehearsing some overblown Puccini piece?”
“And you, Sarah—I don’t even know what you could have been thinking.”
“I love you both, never doubt that, but please can we try to keep the level of angst that we generate down?”
The two blushing bonded nodded. Elizabeth stepped up and gathered them both in a hug.
“Silly cows, what am I to do with you?”
“I’m sorry, ma—”
“Tut, tut.”
“I am sorry, Elizabeth. I really don’t know what came over me.”
“You don’t really expect me to believe that do you Nym? I have been an uncertain but powerful young woman in a powerful position dealing with a powerful man. I remember it well. Please talk to me next time. I might be able to help.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“So, overall, how was your first real fight?”
A shocked Nym finally said, “Very upsetting.”
The Queen smiled and replied, “Good! And the make-up?”
Nym’s hair turned a dark red. Sarah blushed with her co-Alpha.
Elizabeth chuckled. “Let’s go, but remember what I said: come talk to me if you’re having trouble.”
Elizabeth took an arm of each and they led her to the transport Arms.
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Royal Academy Academy
Fifth Year Common
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
18:00
Harry paced. He needed to spend more time with Melinda and the other Nightmares. He and the mates had just spent ten minutes with them and they were settled again but had been very excited.
Nym, Elizabeth, and Sarah appeared. “Harry, why are we eating here? Most of the students are gone for the day.”
“Exactly, Elizabeth, and we have so many between the vassals, the Court, and the government.”
Harry indicated the common and Elizabeth saw he was right—it was nearly full.
“Good God, don’t you people have homes?”
“Elizabeth, don’t be harsh. They were worried.”
Elizabeth eyed Minerva skeptically but went and sat by her. Chu looked out over the hall and was preparing to call on the first House for Question Time when Harry began to speaking.
“In order not to waste Question Time, let me say that the chattel obligations are all satisfied. We had a private matter that kept the mates from attending today and we will not discuss it. We will be attending tomorrow.”
Helga Hansen, fifth form Warg, remained standing as the rest of the Houses’ questioners sat. Their questions were either answered or not going to be answered. Harry nodded to her.
“Your Grace, has there been any consideration given to starting technomancer classes at the college level so we can attempt to catch up to the Americans? We feel we could benefit from beginning early.”
Harry smiled at his House member. “I like the idea, Helga, and thank you. We’ll discuss it. Of course, nothing may happen until next semester, but we’ll keep it in mind.”
Harry looked at the monitors and found no other questioners still standing. Chu waved and dinner appeared.
Dinner went splendidly for the Clan; they hardly noticed the riveted attention of all.
After dinner the mates moved to be available to their students and Harry circulated among the commons with the Queen. As they walked they talked.
“Harry, how are you?”
“Fine, ma’am.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Harry, I raised three boys. Now we can do this the easy way, I ask a question and you amplify, or the hard way—I just keep asking questions until you want to bash your head into the wall.”
“Well, imagine that we’ve already succeeded in one method.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Hush, cheeky wretch, and answer my question.”
Harry actually stopped and looked at Elizabeth. At Phillip’s desperate head-shaking he swallowed his comment.
“Phillip!”
“Yes, dear?”
“Grrrrr, why don’t you go see the Wargs, dear?”
“It’s fine, Elizabeth, and I’ll answer. I am actually fine. Nym scared me witless, though. I didn’t know what to do. We’ll be okay now, though, I think.”
Elizabeth looked at him closely. “She was scared, Harry. She got over it.”
Harry was nodding. “I know, but when she got over it she was committed to this crazy line of reasoning and wouldn’t give it up.”
“Tell me—do you think your bond was ever in danger?”
Harry blanched. “I didn’t think so. I love her, she loves me. That was never in doubt.”
Elizabeth smiled. “And that’s why you can disagree and live through it, Harry. All your bonded are intelligent, active, powerful women, and none more so than Nym. If she gets an idea that you know to be wrong, just keep explaining it and keep loving her. You won’t always agree, but it’s much more fun to disagree through reasoned discourse. Allow each other the room to fully be.”
Harry nodded.
Phillip decided enough was enough. “Harry, let’s go look at the stables.”
“Yes, sir, but if you don’t mind we want to be home by 10 p.m. We’re still a little wrung out.”
They walked away chatting, and the school of Barracuda that was the mothers and the female vassals and courtiers descended on Elizabeth.
“Your Majesty, what did he say?”
“Lady Gordon, good evening.”
“Sorry, ma’am, it’s just—well, we were worried sick.”
“They’re young, Marilise, they had a spat. They’ll be fine. I think they’re all more embarrassed about it than anything at this point.”
“It wasn’t exactly just a ‘spat’, Elizabeth.”
“Well, what would you call it then, Minerva?”
“A fundamental difference in philosophy. Harry will do anything, literally anything to keep a bonded from harm. He cannot see that him being harmed hurts us. This Dark Lady challenges him on several levels. He doesn’t wish to harm her, he doesn’t want us harmed, and he doesn’t want her harming others.
“Xi Shi has a different mind set, alien if you will, to us. Harry really wants to find her and try to come to terms with her. Failing her willingness to be third among equals, he will kill her, no matter what it does to him. Nym’s Alpha mindset kicked in at that point and, well, things got messy.”
“Minerva, why didn’t you just lock them in a room?”
“Hestia did after we woke up, Emma. They worked it out at a very...errrh...basic level.”
“So we just glossed over this with sex?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Not until they had come to a resolution of the problem, Duchess Chandler. I spoke to Nym and Sarah before we came here. They really have come to a resolution and apparently then had some serious make-up—errrh—time.”
Smiles all around as the women remembered their first serious altercations.
Emma finally said, “Poor Harry. He keeps bonding them—he’ll have hundreds of these first fights to get through.”
“That’s why it was so bad, Emma. It seemed to grow to include all our issues.” Minerva blushed heavily.
Elizabeth sighed.“So Poppy is staying, then?”
Minerva shook her head. “Jennifer, Melissa, and Marcia will be here.”
“Remember, the public needs to see him, Minerva.”
“Hermione made a list.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “The child simply cannot be spontaneous.”
“Leave her alone, Emma, and yes she can.”
Emma looked at Minerva speculatively. “We have to talk, I believe.” She took Minerva’s arm and steered her away.
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Xi Shi’s Hold
Master Bedroom
Wednesday
25 Sept 1996
03:43
Xi Shi snapped awake as she climaxed. This was ridiculous. After yesterday morning she could not control her body any more. She had felt him in her mind and he had been so gentle and subtle. He had to have been there for real. That couldn’t have been a dream—but he was in Scotland, thousands of miles away. No one had that much power.
Something was wrong, though, she could feel it. Her dreams could be a clue. She would need a reading.
“You, wench, fetch Chang Li.”
She watched as the naked fourteen-year-old body servant scampered away. She smiled; this one was too good to kill. Her strong, sure little hands could take away tension like no others. It had been a good idea to keep it and raise it from a baby after killing its mother and father. Perhaps she should have it trained to please her mate? Hmmm. Better, she could train it herself after she had him. Yes, he would enjoy taking its virginity and it would be a good toy for him to satiate his initial lust in so he could better please her. It would need to be on the potion; she would hate to have to kill it because it got pregnant.
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Royal Academy Academy
Mews
Tuesday
24 Sept 1996
19:30
“How appropriate,” Jozef thought as he waited. He visited with the horses and the elves; a few children peeked in and on seeing him suddenly remembered friends that needed to be whispered to. This one young man stayed and watched him like a hawk.
“May I help you, my son?”
Matthew Gillson, sixth year Ducal House Royal Academy Prefect, approached. “Perhaps it is I who can help you, Holiness. Matthew Gillson, sixth year Ducal House Royal Academy Prefect.” Matthew bowed.
The Pope looked around at the four Swiss guards, two nuns, and four Vatican City Aurors. “So my disguise did not pass muster, then?”
Matthew actually laughed. “Not really, Holiness. It might be the immantatio, or perhaps the crowd.”
“No matter, my son. I am waiting on your Duke.”
“Will they be all right, Holiness?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
Matthew visibly relaxed.
“You care so very much?”
“He saved us, Holiness, perhaps all of us. He is kind if allowed to be.” Matthew shrugged. “I know I’m not that old, but he’s a good lord, I think.”
Jozef looked around the stable and smiled. “Yes, Matthew, I believe he is.”
Phillip and Harry arrived.
“Your Holiness! No one told me you were here!”
“Ah, you see, Matthew? I did surprise someone.”
Matthew grinned and withdrew.
“Harry, how are you?”
“I’ve been better, Holiness.”
“Harry, why don’t you call me Jozef? It is my name, after all. Come, walk with an old man for a while.”
Harry immediately stepped up and offered his arm. He led the Pope slowly along one of the bridle paths with Phillip following behind, forming a buffer between Harry and the Pope and the Pope’s entourage.
Emilio wrestled with his thoughts. He was here with the leader of the faithful, counseling what was in reality a Pagan ruler who changed shapes at will and killed as others breathed. This same Pagan ruler was a troubled young man; you could see it easily if you simply looked. The pain in those lambent green eyes was very obvious.
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