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Part 9 – The Warden Headquarters, the following day. (Title: Michio and The Old Man)




The next morning, Mayumi and Charlie arrive at Headquarters via Floo, fifteen minutes earlier than their appointment. As they stand next to the Floo hearth, dusting themselves free of excess powder, they can hear the voices of several others on the far side of the door that leads into the main office. Quickly hanging their coats up, they open the office door, only to find the room alreadypacked with all sorts of people. Immediately, the cacophony of voices abates, as everyone turns to see who is entering. Slowly, the mass of sound rebuilds itself, as Charlie and Mayumi are both recognized. They both begin to exchange greetings with the people they know.

Charlie spots the four new applicants sitting together off to the one side.

The first young man, who Charlie recognizes as the wizard applicant from Reykjavik, Iceland, sits with an older male, probably his father. The name Auguste Fredericksson comes to his mind.

Another man, slightly older than the others, and of Spanish descent, sits alone. His mien is somewhat haughty, sitting with ramrod stiff posture. He looks to be offended by having to wear heavy, foul weather clothing, and at having to sit in the old office chair that he is in. Charlie recalls from the file that he had reviewed previously that the man, Senor Juan Carlos Montoya, has special empathic abilities with horses. He notices that when Senor Montoya is not touching and straightening his clothes, or twiddling his bastinado-like wand, he is staring at the darkly complected Amazonian who sits across from him. Usually not one to make presumptive judgments, Charlie hopes the Spaniard will not be accepted by Lord Aramys.

The young Amazonian woman, a raven haired Shaman one generation removed from the indigenous Munduruku tribe of Brazil, sits perfectly at ease, speaking fluent Japanese (apparently) to the young boy next to her, and the boy's elderly female chaperone. Charlie smiles in amazement as he watches the interaction between the two. Urina Mandoro is her name, he recalls. Her specialty is the ability to speak any spoken language once she hears it.

Finally, Charlie turns his attention to the last of the four; though certainly, not the least of them. Sato Michio is his name, and he has been waiting for the chance to meet this young 15 year old. Michio is a musical wizard prodigy, who plays a custom Shakuhachi that, even now, is encased in a protective travel container that is strapped across the young boy's back. Charlie is reminded of the Bard, Johann Orbaen, who used musical magic to once save his, and his father's, lives.

He's also been waiting for Mayumi to meet him. Michio is her cousin.

Charlie turns, catches May's attention, signaling her over.

“Hai?”, Mayumi says, as she moves next to Charlie.

Charlie doesn't say anything, rather, he simply points to the two.

May turns and notices the young man. As she begins to watch the two, Charlie whispers in her ear, “His name is Sato Michio. He finished his fifth year at Kushiro S-o-M earlier this year.”

Grabbing Charlie's shirt sleeve, May asks anxiously, “Does he have a chaperone?”

“Hai, she is standing over... there. She's looking straight at you.” Charlie turns to May with a question on his face. “Does she look familiar?”

Mayumi moves quickly to greet the elderly woman who has been staring at her. As she stops, Charlie can see a tremble in her shoulders. He moves closer to her.

Beginning to bow, May says, “Gobusata shite imasu.”

Replying in Japanese, the other woman says, “Daughter of my Sister's Daughter, for me, also, a long time it has been”, as she bows in return. Then, in accented English, the older woman says, “My dearest Mayumi, how are you?”

At this, Mayumi uncharacteristically envelops the woman in a gentle, but emotional embrace. Stepping back, she says, “I have been wonderful.” With a bright smile upon her face, she turns to Charlie, places her hands upon his left arm, and begins to say, “Auntie, may Ipresent...”

Nervously, Charlie steps forward suddenly, bows, and says, “Hajimemashite, Weasley desu. Douzo yoroshiku.”

“A pleasure to meet you it is, Weasley-san,” replies Auntie, as she bows to Charlie. “I am the... Aunt... of Mayumi's mother. Please, I am Sato Ayame.”

Bowing again, Charlie says, “Sato-san, welcome to Romania, and the Dragon Preserve.”

Turning to the young male beside her, Auntie Sato introduces Mayumi and Charlie to Michio. They both greet the smiling teen, taking turns bowing and shaking his hand, western style. She then goes on to explain to May, in English out of deference to Charlie, that Michio had lost his father to an accident at work when he was only three years old. Two years later, his mother succumbed to illness and sadness, passing away in her sleep. Michio had been brought up by the matriarchs of the Sato bloodline.

Charlie bows to Michio again, and in English, says, “I hope you enjoy the time you spend here, Michio. I look forward to hearing your music someday soon.”

Auntie translates for the youth, and then his reply.

“Weasley-san, your words of kindness are most welcome. For you, and Zark-san (indicating Mayumi), an honor it would be, to play.”

Michio and Charlie both bowed to the other, with warm smiles upon their faces.

As Mayumi and her Aunt talk more about her cousin, and catch up with each other, Charlie excuses himself to greet the other three applicants, including Mr. Fredericksson.




A few minutes later, the sounds of the outside door being opened, then the stomping of snow laden boots and shoes, followed by the unmistakable 'whump' of the door slamming shut, causes everyone to quiet, and turn expectantly to the doorway to the outside office.

As the door opens, Shinkazu and Amaya Zark, Mayumi's father and mother, step into the room. Collectively, with the exception of a very surprised Mayumi, the people in the room exhale, having been holding their breath in suspense. The two of them make eye contact with their blood, and in the case of Shinkazu, with Charlie, who nods in acknowledgment. They move forwards into the crowded room, away from the door. Then, Lord Aramys brusquely steps into the room. The sounds of a few dozen chairs scraping on the floor as everyone stands, temporarily drowns out the few timid greetings offered by a brave few, to the unofficial Lord of the Dragon Preserve.

Removing a dove gray cloak from his shoulders, Lord Aramys is bedecked in a pristine white tabard, over a shimmering silvery-white robe. A wide belt fashioned from links of silver surrounds his waist. His fingers are adorned with many metallic rings. His long, snowy white hair hangs straight down his back and over each shoulder. Though he has no beard, his long white mustache and mutton-chop sideburns flow gracefully away from his tanned and weathered face. Even his eyebrows are snowy white.

“Good morning, everyone,” Aramys says in his deep voice. His eyes make a quick sweep of everyone in the room. Then, as he approaches the locked door to the private office beyond, he calls out, “Maid Zark-san, Squire Weasley, you are first.”

May, with a look of disappointment at not being able to greet her parents first, promptly follows Charlie, who waits for her to follow. They both enter the now unlocked and opened door into the private interview room.

“Close the door behind you, Squire.”

Charlie closes the door, hearing it latch shut. He detects a silence charm, as the noise beyond is suddenly muted.

Sitting in a cushioned, heavy wooden chair, turned slightly away as he reads a report, Lord Aramys indicates the two chairs for May and Charlie. As they sit, he comments, sotto voce, “I could hear that noisy rabble from a mile away.”

Charlie smiles politely. He glances over to May, who looks out of her element, and a bit fidgety. She glances back at her boyfriend from the side of her eyes. Charlie mouths silently, “It's alright!”

The heavy wooden chair scrapes as Lord Aramys turns it to face his two Wardens.

In a friendlier and more personable voice, Aramys glances at Mayumi and says, ”I understand you two are a couple now?”

Surprised, and somewhat taken aback, May nervously answers, “Hai, Aramys-sen.”

To deflect the attention from May, Charlie speaks up, saying, “Yes, m'Lord Aramys, since September, we've been seeing each other.”

Amused by Charlie's antics, Aramys knowingly smiles and turns back to Mayumi, saying softly, “Protective, isn't he?” He gets the small smile from her that he was looking for. Then, sitting back in his chair, he says, “As I remember, all of the Squires and Knights of the House Weasley, and even those men from Clan Weasley, have always been steadfast protectors and defenders.”

His momentary pause in reflective thought gives May and Charlie a second to silently communicate their confusion to each other.

“Now, to the business at hand. Both of you, draw your chairs closer. This will go a lot quicker if you sit close.”

Charlie and May scoot their chairs forward until Aramys indicates that they were close enough. They sit back in their chairs and relax. Lord Aramys, facing them both, reaches forward and places a hand of his upon a hand of theirs, where they lie upon an armrest.

“Now, Squire, let us review what happened at the footbridge that day, when the Hebridian appeared.”

As Charlie begins to recall the events of that day, the scene itself, in crystal clarity, appears in his mind. The tiniest of details come to the forefront, like the fact that the metal posts at the end of the bridge needed painting, and that the Hebridian Black's scaled hide still had the slightly golden tinge of youth to it. He 'tells' it all to Lord Aramys, not yet realizing that he is 'speaking' in his mind.

May sits, her eyes closed, in silent astonishment, as she can 'see', 'smell', 'feel', and 'hear' what Charlie is relating to Aramys-sen, and that, although she was actually there upon the back of a Hokkaidan, what she is seeing is from Charlie's point of view. She does realize that everything being communicated is within her mind. She can feel the cramped muscles in his back and the pain of the tightly wound safety line that was wrapped around his arm, as the others were dangling off the side of the bridge. She watches as he sights down the length of his wand before casting at the Dragon. Then she hears him calling out for her, and the sight of her Father upon the back of his Dragon, from where Charlie was sprawled out on the ground in the wet snow. Eventually, the scene plays out in its entirety.

Aramys then turns to May, and in her mind, he prompts her to relate the events from her point of view.

Charlie is as surprised as May when he realizes that everything being said is with in their minds. Now, it is he that is the voyeur as May relates her tale, and from her point of view. Of how the trio of Hokkaidans were flying in formation, until suddenly, all three Dragons snapped their heads to the left, dropped their left wings, while lifting their right ones, and began a sudden diving turn in mid-air. Knowing the Dragon well, May leans into the turn, flattening her body against the narrow back between the wings joints, while gripping its body between her thighs and legs, using the riding strap for leverage. Her left arm slips forwards to let her hand grip one of the spinal ridge scales, while the right hand reaches behind her to steady her bow.

With her father, Shinkazu, on her left, and her uncle, Hiro Sato, on her right, Mayumi is now lead. As her mount straightens out its dive with a flare of both wings, she sits up. Over the right front shoulder, she can see the tossing of the bridge below, as the Hebridian breaks out of the ravine. Seemingly without thought, the bow is free of its harness, and a dragon blunt arrow is in her left hand. Now using long practiced tactile guidance methods using her thighs and calves to command her mount, May draws the arrow to line up her shot. Giving the Hokkaidan a moment to find that magical “zone” of non-turbulent air, she waits, then with a quick final draw, she releases the arrow. Not waiting for the first to hit, she readies another. Then, as she watches the path of the first arrow, and sees it strike the side of the head of the Hebridian with its small explosive charge, each of her wing riders launch their own arrows.

Following the next flight of three arrows, May listens as her father calls for wands. The Hebridian rears up atop the side of the ravine, challenging the three Hokkaidans. All three dragons brake mid-air, and return the challenge. Suddenly, the Hebridian is struck with an immobilizing spell, as wraps begin to bind the snout and head of the bat-like Dragon. May turns, and then sees her man, seemingly tied up in aknot. His next cast is made, securing the left wing and claw. The Dragon spins about fiercely, opening its right side to the binding magic. May's heart lifts in near rapture as she watches Charlie outsmart the Hebridian Black.

Shinkazu then calls out for stunning spells. All three riders begin to bombard the young Black with the potent magic, quickly rendering it unconscious.

Mayumi turns towards where her father is, and raises her hand. The signal, though indicating success, is not one of victory. No Dragon Warden ever wants to have to do what they have just done.

Shinkazu and Hiro pull up to her on each side. All three dragons now ride the same thermal, gliding easily. Shinkazu directs May to head to the next Field Station and make a report, and summon the response teams. He sends Hiro to secure the far side of the bridge, while he deals with the situation from the near side.

Charlie's 'sight' fades as the scene dissolves.

Verbally, Lord Aramys says, “Very good, you two. Admirable, in fact.” Pushing his chair back, he continues, “Go on and pour some refreshment for all three of us, if you would, Squire.” He finishes with alittle flip of his hand; the rings upon it flashing at Charlie momentarily.

As Charlie stands, he listens, almost with a sense of jealousy, as Lord Aramys begins to talk with May about her flying. Not wanting to be rude and turn back to see if he is 'touching' her hand as before, he is nevertheless very relieved to hear Mayumi give her answers by voice. He then chastises himself privately for his attitude towards Aramys and his thoughts. He begins to pour three mugs of hot water, somehow knowing that tea is called for in this circumstance.

Aramys, not actually needing to touch anyone to read their minds, listens to Maid Mayumi, both aurally and telepathically. At the same time, he 'listens' to young Squire Weasley. A smile of wisdom crosses his face, as the young, voyeuristic, red head stumbles through the emotions of being in love. He knows with ancient certainty that their lives are bound. Only Fate knows, he tells himself, what fruit their inevitable union will bring forth. He makes a note to himself that they are now officially on his watch list.

As Charlie returns with the hot beverages, May finishes her last answer. All three pause to refresh themselves with the tea.

After the tea break, Lord Aramys pulls his chair forward again, and asks for their reports regarding the dead Longhorn. Once again, the exchange is done in silence, with each of the two Wardens listening in on the other, intimately sharing each others feelings and knowledge. May 'feels'Charlie's rage for the prisoner they captured, and for what was done to the poor creature. She gets a better glimpse into what Death Eaters truly mean and represent to Charlie. Aramys generously steers Charlie to talk about these feelings, if for no other reason, than to allow Maid Mayumi a chance to understand the man she loves, better.

Charlie is then given the chance to see what drives the woman he loves, as she concentrates on the stalking of their prey in the deep snow. He listens as she thinks about how she wants to prove herself, not only to herself, nor to her family, but to her lover. Charlie actually blushes for amoment as her emotions for him wash over him. Charlie then watches, as she watches him, as he behaves like a maddened animal, manhandling their prisoner, pummeling him into submission. He is ashamed. Shame turns into embarrassment, then back into shame, as he watches her comfort him.

Finally, there is the flight home. Sheer joy washes over him from May, then a deep sense of pride at her achievement, followed by the warmth of being able to share her achievement with her Lover.

Fading back to the'real' world, they both open their eyes and look to each other. The acknowledgment of a stronger sense of what each means to the other, along with a better understanding of their soul mate, for that is what they are, flashes silently between the two.

Lord Aramys stands, and moves to the desk behind him. With a flick of a finger, his chair moves to the new position, allowing him to sit. He draws a sheet of parchment from a stack, while two quills and an inkwell move to his command. As his left hand grooms his long sideburns and mustache, the quills both begin to scratch at the parchment, writing out a dual column letter. Each quill dips itself and recharges, then continues. A few more lines are written, then the quills return to rest with their points in the well of ink. Aramys picks up the parchment, which they can both see has a letter written in flowing script on the left side, and another letter written in Kanji and Hiragana on the right side. He blows softly on it, quickly drying the ink. He rolls it up, secures it with a silver silk tie which slips out of a niche in the desk and into his hand. Then, heated sealing wax is applied, and he impresses his personal stamp into the wax. He writes something on the outside of the scroll.

Aramys stands once again. Thinking they are going to be dismissed, both Charlie and May begin to stand, only to be waved back down into their seats. Aramys moves back towards them, his chair following like a puppy. He sits, handing the scroll to Mayumi, saying, “Take this to Master Takami.”

Mayumi's mood immediately turns to excitement. Before she can utter a sound, Aramys makes a motion with his hand for her to settle, and listen.

“Maid Mayumi, make sure Squire attends you when you visit Master Takumi. Part of that letter involves him.”

From excitement, to... shock... , to willing acknowledgment of her Lord's wish, goes her emotional state.

Clearing his throat to gather their attention, Aramys acknowledges what Mayumi is hoping for. “Yes, it is time. You have earned it!”

“Arigatou, Lord Aramys-sen!” She replies, with great humility.

Charlie smiles, as he thinks he knows what has happened.

Turning to Charlie, Aramys says, “You too, have earned special recognition, Squire Weasley. Go with Maid Mayumi when she delivers that letter.” With that, Aramys touches Charlie on the side of his face gently. Charlie realizes that he is immobilized, though it bothers him not. Within his mind, he hears, “Be prepared!” With that, a smoky image appears in his mind. His lover stands before him, a kimono held only loosely in place by her own hands, as she smiles at him. He can see that the kimono is held in such a way that her back is bared. Then, his point of view shifts to a position behind her. He can see her beautiful back is exposed completely, all the way down to her upper thighs. Then, her tattoo becomes clearer. The overall image has grown, encompassing much more than before. The flow of the image now travels further upwards over the top of one shoulder, and further downwards, over the outside of her left hip. Charlie understands the magnificence it is to become.

Then for the first time, he notices himself standing nude, across from May, facing her. It is then that he notices, across his chest and down the right side towards his hip, he has...

“Be prepared, Squire!” He hears again, as the image fades.

Shaking off the sudden revelation, Charlie feels his heart beating hard. He sits still, his mouth closed, eyes blinking widely, seemingly at complete rest. Inside, primal emotions swirl about, as he remembers bits of the visceral imagery. He looks down to his lap suddenly. His face colors as he sees his tented pants.

“Is everything okay, Charlie?” asks May, innocently.

“Um hum, (cough), yes it is, May.”

“Squire, one last thing before I excuse the two of you.” Once again he reaches out to touch them both. “Tell me everything you know about ayoung squire named 'Harry Potter'.




Stepping back into the crowded, make-shift waiting room, Charlie signals to the next small group that Lord Aramys asked him to send in. As they move further into the room, he can see that the Zark and Sato family groups are no longer in the room. May stops to ponder, until Charlie pulls her along. They leave the room, stepping out to the entry vestibule. They can now hear quiet voices coming from the Warden Duty room.

“May, before we go in there, can we step outside for a moment, please?”

Surprised, Mayumi answers, “Sure”. As they head for the door, Charlie reaches out and grabs two foul weather coats to put over their shoulders. He wraps one around May first, then himself. Then, seemingly in a hurry, he opens the heavy outer door, steps down, and holds the door for May. As she steps down onto the small concrete slab in front of the door, Charlie closes the door, without letting it slam shut as usual.

Gathering the coat about her, May asks, “Is something wrong, Luv?”

Charlie simply wraps his arms about her, hugging her tight. He closes his eyes, letting the feeling of the love she has for him wash over him, filling asudden, unexplained void within, that had only opened as the realization of what had happened inside actually crystallized in his mind.

With a small sniffle, and an embarrassed smile, he pulls back slightly. Looking in to her eyes, Charlie says, “I just needed to hug you. All of that... the emotions, the images... it was kind of overwhelming, I guess.”

May smiled back, knowing and feeling the same. A wide smile spreads across her face, as she closes her own eyes and pulls Charlie close, kissing him hard. Breaking the kiss, she says, “I know exactly how you feel.” Inside, she feels what he feels. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, though, Mayumi felt free. All of her walls were coming down. For the first time in her life, she felt that she was free to be herself. To be the Dragon rider, and the Warden. To permit herself to love, and be loved.

“C'mon, darling, let's go meet your parents!”







a/n: For those who would like to find out more about who Lord Aramys really is, you will find many questions answered in my earlier story, “The Secret Keepers”.