Bode watched with satisfaction as the sound of bullets being fired cut
out all other noise. He couldn't see much due to the men standing
right in front of him, but a minute later, the air cleared, giving him a
view of the mess they had created.
While wizards could no doubt defend themselves against guns, how
long could they power a shield to protect themselves against
continuous assault from all directions? He was confident that Potter
would be dead.
Unfortunately, when the smoke cleared, he and everyone else was
stunned to see the Boy-Who-Lived simply standing there, wiping the
non-existent dirt from under his fingernails against his robes.
"You know," said Harry conversationally. "I've always had the
greatest respect for Unspeakables. After all, my mother and
grandmother were Unspeakables themselves when they were alive.
Director Croaker has proved himself to be an honourable man. I
thought you were too, Mr Bode. It's disappointing that for such a
brilliant man, you forget that I'm not a weakling. Powering an
advanced shield in all directions isn't something I find too difficult
after taking care of a Dark Lord."
"H-How is he alive?" exclaimed one of the Muggles. The phoenix
screeched threateningly. Harry gently patted the creature. Turning
towards them, he smirked. The Muggle yelped when the assault rifle
was summoned from his hand, towards the young wizard.
"I've always been curious about these things," muttered Harry as he
observed the rifle. "You seem to labour under the delusion that a
lone wizard would be no match for a dozen machine guns. What you
don't understand, you stupid fools, is that these are filled with bullets
made of metal. You then fire it, using the momentum of the bullet as
your only weapon. Magic, on the other hand, is pure energy. Fire
how many ever bullets you want, but you won't be able to shatter a
well-conjured shield. That is something your puny brains can't
comprehend."
Bode and his partner drew their wands in preparation while Harry
spoke.
The phoenix spotted this. Screeching loudly, the creature flapped its
wings, creating a gust of wind. Harry immediately summoned Bode
before he could be attacked. The rest, however, gasped for air. The
area around them was filled with the vacuum of space. Their bodies
began to swell. They experienced loss of vision and their brain was
unable to process thought. Blood was gushing from their eyes as
they floated in mid-air, dead.
The rogue Unspeakable swallowed when the phoenix turned
towards him. It made a threatening noise, but a red jet of light soon
impacted his chest, making him black out.
Harry transfigured him into a quill and placed him in his bag. He then
turned his attention to the little boy. For twenty minutes, he guided
the child through a meditative technique that all students of
Occlumency were taught. The nine-year-old boy calmed down until
the magic of the Obscurus settled into his body. It would be enough
until Newt Scamander, one of the world's leading experts on
Obscuri, would take a look at him. While recovery was not
guaranteed, it was still possible.
"Come on," he said encouragingly. "Let's get you to St Mungo's." He
then turned towards the royal phoenix who was observing him
keenly. Harry bowed low in respect, which the creature returned.
With a cry, the phoenix disappeared, as if sucked into the abyss of
space.
Amelia Black cursed under her breath. Harry had just reported to
Croaker that he had rescued the Obscurial. Unfortunately, the little
boy was not the only Obscurial present in the bunker. Daphne had
detected another, and that had escaped into Muggle London.
It was wreaking havoc everywhere. She had just Apparated at the
scene, only to find Dylan looking worse for wear. Daphne was beside
him, looking angrier than she had ever seen her.
"Mum, please tell me you're not going to kill that little girl," begged
Dylan. "It's not her fault. They were –"
"I know," interrupted Amelia. "Neither Algernon nor I want to kill the
Obscurial."
"Where is she?" asked Daphne.
Her question went unanswered as they heard multiple cracks of
Apparition. Several witches and wizards wearing black cloaks
appeared, immediately rushing to confront the Obscurial.
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Amelia, having recognised
them. "Kingsley! What is the Special Task Force of the International
Confederation doing here?"
The Head Auror replied through the communication device. "Ma'am,
we couldn't stop them. They're here after receiving direct orders from
Supreme Mugwump Ivan Krum. Apparently, they've been told to stop
the Obscurial by any means necessary."
"No!" exclaimed Daphne in horror. Within seconds, she Disapparated
and found herself in front of the building where the Obscurial had
been cornered. Several Muggles stood there, watching with horrified
fascination. Police sirens echoed throughout the city just as several
teams of Obliviators Apparated to take care of the mess.
"Leave her alone!" Daphne yelled. "She's just a child! Can't you see
that? She's still young; she can be cured of the illness. Get away
from her!"
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we have our orders," said the witch crisply.
"The Obscurial is a threat to the Statute of Secrecy. Should you
interfere, you will be arrested for breaking International Law. Step
aside."
Before she could even make a decision, the task force had already
started firing spells at the Obscurial. Daphne screamed in fury,
blasting the various witches and wizards away as she tried to save
the girl. Unfortunately, it was too late. The air was coated with the
destruction of the chaotic magic that had once resided in the
Obscurial.
Daphne looked at her hands, shaking badly. Tears pricked her eyes
and slowly trickled down her face. She had failed in protecting that
girl. Her right hand automatically moved towards her stomach.
Would she one day fail in protecting her children too?
Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic
"– they have not done anything to stop the attacks caused by the
Obscurial," said the Bulgarian representative. "It has been two
months, and the attacks on the Muggle world are increasing day by
day."
Five world leaders stood together, looking incensed, as more voices
spoke out against them.
"– Minister Akecheta of MACUSA, at first, didn't even acknowledge
that it was an Obscurial –"
"– Minister Saraswati Rao of India has yet to take action –"
"– Minister Wang Li if China has proven himself to be incompetent –"
"– German Minister of Magic Anna Müller should be booted out of
office –"
"– It's disgusting how Minister Sirius Black of Britain does not even
seem to care about –"
"You know what's disgusting?" snapped a new voice. "It's the fact
that the Supreme Mugwump, the leader of the international magical
world, condones cold-blooded murder."
Deathly silence gripped the chamber. Sirius blinked in surprise. The
room was dimly lit, so it was proving to be difficult for many to see
who was standing by the door. He, however, recognised the voice at
once.
Many shrieked when two bodies were thrown across the large room,
to land at the feet of Ivan Krum. The middle-aged man looked at the
intruder furiously as Harry Potter entered the chamber.
"So that's how it's going to be, is it?" Krum asked snidely. "Minister
Black allows one of his family members to gate-crash on an
international conference."
"How dare you accuse the Supreme Mugwump of murder?" hissed
the Bulgarian representative. "Who do you think you are?"
Whispers broke out between the various members as they all
recognised the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry bowed respectfully to them,
but couldn't help but glare at Krum. His blood was boiling, but his
breathing calm and even.
"You can stop accusing these five men and women of not handling
the mess the Obscurial is causing, dear members," Harry
announced. "The situation has been resolved. The person
responsible for the attacks has been caught."
Krum narrowed his eyes. Sirius frowned.
"Meet Broderick Bode, an Unspeakable of the I.C.W.," he said, "and
his accomplice, a Muggle named Jackson Barebone."
Minister Akecheta sucked in a breath.
"Do you recognise him?" asked Sirius in surprise.
"Yes," Akecheta replied through gritted teeth. "He's a wanted
criminal. His grandmother, Mary Barebone, caused a chain of events
that led to Grindelwald nearly exposing the magical world to the
Muggles. The Muggle woman was killed by an Obscurial, and their
family was reported missing. Ten years ago, he was discovered
attempting to once more stir trouble for us. His child was born
magical. By recording every instance of accidental magic with a
camera, he nearly exposed us once more."
Harry's eyes widened. Was the boy he rescued today the son of
Jackson Barebone? He mentally reviewed the memories of the child
and compared them with the face of the Muggle in the room. The
resemblance was undeniable.
One of the members frowned. "But who is he, exactly?"
Akecheta took a deep breath. "As many of you probably know, until
about three hundred years ago, North America did not have a central
magical government. Various magical communities in the region
managed their own affairs. However, in the late seventeenth century,
threats in the form of Scourers demanded the formation of MACUSA.
These people, Jackson Barebone's ancestor, for example, were
rogue wizards who fled to America from Europe and beyond,
masquerading as Muggle immigrants. Without a central force to
tackle them, they had free reign to kidnap magical children and give
them to Muggles, all for the sake of money!"
"The Salem Witch Trials," observed an Australian member softly.
"Exactly. Once MACUSA's Auror force was formed, the Scourers had
to retreat. But they didn't do so quietly. They caused chaos that
resulted in the deaths of several witches and wizards. By the time we
caught up with them, it was too late. They had disappeared into the
Muggle world, intermarrying with Muggles in the region. They kept
the knowledge and hatred of magic alive in those families. For all
these years, they have been a threat to the Statute of Secrecy.
Grindelwald chose to exploit that weakness."
"Unnatural freaks," muttered Barebone, his voice echoing throughout
the room.
"Shut up, you filthy Muggle!" spat Akecheta.
"Calm yourself, Minister Akecheta," Krum said sharply. "The
Confederation does not condone such bigotry!"
"Filth such as him cannot be given any respect, sir," Harry said
quietly, as all the attention was once more back on him. "He and
Bode teamed up together to experiment on such children. They tried
to manipulate their magic into serving them! And you expect us to
remain silent about this? What about your order that caused the
death of that girl?"
Krum ignored him. "Aurors," he called. "Please escort Mr Potter out
of the room."
"I don't think so," Sirius interrupted. "You are currently in our Ministry
building. You cannot order him about."
Harry knew he was on thin ice. Sirius' words were no good here
because this was an international emergency session. He, Harry,
was not a member, and hence had no business being here.
Thankfully, he was rescued by Director Croaker who swiftly entered
the chamber.
"Instead of thanking young Lord Potter, his wife and brother for their
help, you seem determined to ignore their brave deeds, Your
Excellency," said Croaker, looking very angry. "As Head
Unspeakable, I'm choosing my right to speak before this body and
show you exactly how far this conspiracy goes."
Krum sighed dramatically. "Go ahead."
Croaker removed a phial of Veritaserum and force-fed the two men
three drops of it. Soon, Bode and Barebone were under the effects
of the serum.
The members listened, horrified, as the two revealed their original
plan. Bode had been very dissatisfied with his work and lack of
recognition. He wanted more glory for himself, and in preparation,
had teamed up with Gnarlak who had introduced him to Jackson
Barebone who had several connections in the Muggle underworld.
Both men did not get along or like each other, but they put up with
the other's presence only for the sake of a united goal – a war
between wizards and Muggles.
Bode wanted a war to break out solely for the money and recognition
involved. The technology he was testing, using the regenerative
properties of phoenixes, the strengthening properties of Re'em
blood, and so many others, would be used by wizards in the war. He
would sell it to the I.C.W. and make a profit that he would share with
Gnarlak as per an agreement. He planned to go down in history as
the greatest wizard that ever lived.
Barebone simply wanted to expose the evil wizards to the world and
get rid of such filth once and for all. It was simply blind, conditioned
hatred.
Many had died due to this conspiracy. Former Head Unspeakable
Madam Nisaba had found out about their plans, which was why she
had been killed. Young Muggle-borns had been kidnapped and used
for experiments, including Barebone's own son. They had then
dwelled into the theory of Obscurials. The chaotic magic helped
shield their bunker from the scans of the various magical
governments. Attacks on the Muggle world, according to Barebone,
would quickly escalate the problem, leading to the Muggles
discovering the existence of the magical world.
Everyone was silenced after the confession. Even Krum looked
horrified.
"But that's not the worst that happened today, ladies and gentlemen,"
Harry said in a low voice, his greenish-black eyes fixed on the
Supreme Mugwump. "His Excellency, Mr Krum, signed an order that
sent the Confederation's emergency task force to kill the little girl
who had transformed into an Obscurial."
"I don't answer to you, Mr Potter," snapped Krum.
"But you answer to us ," Sirius snarled, speaking on behalf of all the
members.
"You ordered them to kill that poor girl?" spat Raghu Patil, the
representative of the Indian Ministry of Magic. "She was just eight
years old!"
"These two tortured her beyond reason," agreed Madam Valeriya of
Russia. "It wasn't her fault!"
"She was a threat to the International Statute of Secrecy!" yelled
Krum, losing his cool. Sirius always thought the man was hotheaded,
and he was proved right. "It is our job to maintain the
existence of the magical world a secret from the Muggles. She had
to be stopped! Do you think you could have reasoned with her?"
"I managed to do it," injected Harry. "I found another Obscurial and I
helped him control his magical powers. This girl could have been
saved, but your stupid, delusional actions led to her death!"
"What about the deaths of all those Muggles she was responsible
for?" Krum shot back. "Have you forgotten that, Mr Potter? Those
Obscurials are dangerous. Even those who survived shall be taken
care of."
There were cries of outrage. Harry shook his head. "They are
children ," he spat. The air shimmered as his magic lashed out.
Many of the members shivered as they felt it. Krum involuntarily
shuddered as well. The magical aura was causing so much heat that
beads of sweat formed on his brow.
"This is the International Confederation of Wizards , not Muggles! Its
members, each and every one of you, are the representatives of
every magical government on the planet. You are all responsible for
the magical population of your respective countries. Is this what the
I.C.W. has come to? Why are you not protecting the magical
population as you promised us? That little girl did not become an
Obscurial voluntarily. People like Bode and Barebone tortured her,
and that was the cause of the Obscurus. Don't blame the child for
the mistakes of others! Tell me, Your Excellency, would you so easily
kill your own daughter had she turned into an Obscurial?"
Krum's eyes widened in shock at the question posed to him. More
than a hundred eyes observed the Supreme Mugwump who
remained silent, trying to deflect the simple question that no one else
would answer either.
"That's what I thought," Harry said softly. "It's a sad day indeed when
the I.C.W., the supreme governing body of the magical world, fails its
most fundamental duty – to keep its citizens safe. I promise you,
should you pass an order to execute those poor children, I will lead a
rally in every country to rebel against your authority. Don't think I'm
not cable of it, Your Excellency."
Minister Acahuana of the Peruvian Ministry of Magic cleared his
throat. "That won't be necessary, Mr Potter," he said. "I apologise on
behalf of the Confederation to every witch and wizard of the world.
What happened this evening was wrong. I give you my word that
those children shall not be harmed."
"Thank you, sir," said Harry, bowing respectfully. "I apologise for
interrupting your session. I shall take my leave."
Murmurs began as Harry left the chamber, many whispering about
the sheer magical power the Boy-Who-Lived possessed. None of
them had forgotten his aura that was released when he was angry.
They were also impressed with his dedication, behaviour and
bravery. Harry Potter had gained the respect of many a member of
the International Confederation that day.
"You never cease to amaze me, Harry," Sirius muttered under his
breath. A smirk formed on his face as he observed Ivan Krum looking
uncomfortable. The tables were slowly turning. It was not enough to
replace the Supreme Mugwump, but at least Krum had suffered a
blow.
Potter Castle
It was nighttime. In the bathroom attached to the master bedroom on
the second floor, Harry placed his hands on the smooth wall as the
hot water from the shower soothed his aching muscles. It had been a
long day and not everything had gone according to plan.
The death of that poor girl haunted Harry. Unfortunately, it was
troubling Daphne more than him. She was the one who was at the
scene and had been powerless to stop it. Dylan was affected too, but
Harry was confident that Astoria would help him recover. His brother
was currently at Hogwarts, having secretly snuck into the castle and
was spending quality time with his girlfriend. Daphne, however, was
missing.
After wearing comfortable clothes, Harry made his way downstairs.
Years of knowing Daphne ensured that he didn't have to look too far
to find her. His legs automatically carried him to the castle's
ballroom. From outside, he could hear the beats of music and the
sound of bare feet slapping against the marble floor. As expected,
Harry found his wife dancing.
Astoria had confessed to Harry once that according to their mother,
Daphne had been an unusually quiet child. She rarely spoke to
anyone. In fact, she had been a late bloomer when it came to
speaking at all. Cyrus and Elizabeth Greengrass had been worried
and had consulted a Pediatric Healer, who recommended that she
find other forms of expression. Therefore, since a very young age,
Daphne had been trained in three forms of dance – Ballet, Salsa,
and Bharatnatyam.
Dancing also helped her cope with her anger issues. Unlike Harry,
Daphne found it quite hard to control her temper. With Harry being
as closed off as he was and Daphne being short-tempered, it had led
to a lot of problems for them as a couple. Over the years, Harry
observed that dancing always helped Daphne calm down should her
temper flare up. Her skill also gave her the added advantage in
duelling. With such fluidic movements, dodging spells came naturally
to her.
For nearly an hour, Harry watched as his wife danced to different
forms of music, quite amazed by her talent. He didn't dare join her.
She was a professional and while his dancing skills were good, it
was only cut out for social functions, not classical dance
performances. He couldn't ever hope to match her style.
When the music finally stopped, Harry conjured a towel and silently
passed it to his wife. Daphne wiped her face with it, breathing
heavily. He gently grabbed her wrist and led her outside, towards the
lake. The stars were twinkling in the night sky as Daphne rested her
back against the trunk of a tree, with her husband's head on her lap.
"What is it?" asked Harry softly. "What's troubling you?"
Daphne remained silent. "I don't think our current plan for the future
of the magical world is good enough," she stated, gently running her
fingers through his hair.
Harry frowned.
"Think about it, Harry. There are problems we didn't consider. When
the Statute of Secrecy was implemented, most of the countries in the
world fully separated from the Muggle world. In Europe, due to
intermarriage between wizards and Muggles, complete separation
was not possible. That resulted in us producing Dark Lords every
other generation due to the culture shock that wizards and Muggles
face with each other. We bitch and whine about the predicament we
find ourselves in, but no one is willing to step up to solve the issue
that many have overlooked."
"That was the reason I insisted on constructing Camelot," Harry
replied, holding her hand in his. "With three large cities, our entire
population will be relocated. We can work with the other European
magical governments. That problem can be tackled."
"That's not what I meant," exhaled Daphne. "What I'm trying to say is
that the Statute of Secrecy is not helping us; it is, in fact, hindering
us."
"I disagree, but continue."
A faint smile formed on Daphne's lips. Such disagreements were
what helped them come up with a good plan. They were a team, with
two viewpoints that were combined to create a better solution to their
problems.
"For three hundred years now, the Statute has shaped our way of
life," she said. "It has kept us safe from the threat of Muggles. But it
has also hindered us, Harry. We just can't think outside the box! We
are so paranoid about secrecy that we are willing to go to any
lengths to protect it – including murder an innocent child. What
happened tonight was a repeat of history."
"Director Croaker told me that the same thing happened seventy
years ago in New York City. The then Minister of MACUSA ordered
the execution of an Obscurial, citing the deaths of Muggles. Who are
the leaders of our government here to protect? Today's I.C.W
meeting was yet another example that proves that we are a society
that needs help. Should we ignore the obvious signs now, there can
be no chance of recovery in the future."
"Too many words coming from a woman who hates politics," Harry
chuckled.
"This isn't politics, it's philosophy. We can't ignore the fact that
wizards were involved in this scandal. That shows that we have a
serious problem. If there are people willing to sacrifice everyone ,
just to make money, what does that mean? Had Bode and Barebone
succeeded, it would have meant war . Can you imagine the
repercussions of a global war with the Muggles?"
'– a holy war will end it all ...'
Harry took a deep breath, trying not to think of the prophecy. That
fact was nagging him too. It made him doubt himself, and he didn't
like that feeling at all.
"We can't blame Muggles for all our problems," Daphne said quietly.
" We created most of our problems and blame them for our mistakes.
That just highlights our stupidity. I understand that you hate them,
Harry, but you have to realise that you're not the only one. The
number of wizards who dislike Muggles comprise of two-thirds of the
world's population. The Statute of Secrecy compounded that hatred.
Dark wizards like Grindelwald and Voldemort, not to mention their
supporters, did not appear out of thin air and –"
"– neither did I," muttered Harry.
There was a pause. "Don't say that," she snapped. "You are no
Voldemort!"
"Maybe not," he acknowledged. "But don't you think I seem like the
second coming of Grindelwald?"
Daphne paused. "Grindelwald tried to tear down the Statute; you're
trying to enforce it more rigidly."
Harry shrugged. "It's the same thing from different points of view.
How many have we killed, Daphne?"
"It's not the way of a warrior to –"
"Except I'm not an Auror!" snapped Harry. "We have been acting
outside the law! How do expect people to follow the law when we
ourselves don't? Yes, I now understand that we have some serious
problems in the magical world. I let my blind hatred for Muggles
cloud my judgement. Maybe Hermione Granger is right, and I'm a
fucking bigot of the first order. Who then would be willing to listen to
me?"
"You convinced the International Confederation to listen to your point
of view," observed Daphne.
Harry snorted uncharacteristically.
"Yeah, and when I propose we amend the Statute of Secrecy, do you
think all those members will praise me for my intellect? I'll be
branded the new Dark Lord! I killed a man when I was eleven years
old. I didn't mind killing innumerable Death Eaters to win the war with
Voldemort. I manipulated Draco Malfoy to swear fealty to me. I am
helping relocate witches and wizards from their homes, and if there
are wizards married to Muggles, complete separation would tear
them apart. How am I different from Albus Dumbledore?"
Daphne remained silent.
"The greater good is important," she confessed. "We were too
immature to realise that during the Voldemort war. But we know
better now. Albus Dumbledore was a leader who was trying to save
his people. That cannot be denied. But he was also a man who
sacrificed the innocent to save the guilty. You are not such a person.
I know you, Harry. Yes, you murdered Professor Quirrell, who,
incidentally, was possessed by Lord Voldemort. Did you ever think
about what could have happened had Lucius Malfoy found out about
his master's continued existence that year? The war would have
been far deadlier."
"Yes, you killed Death Eaters. You and I may not be Aurors, but we
both trained ourselves to be warriors. It was not murder, but a fight
for justice. I have interacted with several learned philosophers in
Inbu-Hedj, and what they told me is that society needs to adapt and
change with time! If the government is corrupt and does not take
action, the people need to step in. Otherwise, society will crumble!
The magical world needs a breath of fresh air. Maybe that's what the
prophecy is referring to. We need a stable leader."
" Stable? Don't discount the fact that both you and I lost control,"
said Harry. "I lost it on the day when you and Dylan were kidnapped,
and you, this evening."
Daphne cringed. She too knew that her anger had reached epic
proportions just several hours earlier. Deep in her heart, Daphne was
worried, for she didn't know what might trigger such an incident once
more in the future. She was unsure of how she would react should
she find herself in a situation that drove her over the edge.
Hopefully, such a scenario would never come to pass.
"The Statute of Secrecy," Harry continued, "was essential for our
protection. You make valid points, and I agree that it has led to
stagnation and paranoia. We simply can't think of anything outside
the Statute. We scurry in the gutter like cockroaches. Do you even
know how many times MACUSA has shifted its headquarters due to
fear of being discovered? It's ridiculous! There are just over three
hundred million witches and wizards in the world, while the Muggles
account for more than seven billion. Those are not good odds.
Overall, though, I think the Statute has done more good than harm."
Daphne hummed. They both enjoyed the peaceful silence, his head
still on her lap, their fingers intertwined.
"I think I have a way for us to avoid too much of a scandal with the
amendment you are proposing to the International Statute of
Secrecy," said Daphne.
"Really? I'm all ears."
Somewhere underground in Egypt, North Africa
Ragnok watched anxiously as the rest of the imperial council stood
up in respect. King Ragnuk, his great-uncle, had just taken his seat
on the throne. The goblin straightened his back. He couldn't let his
nervousness show. The future of their race depended on this
meeting. The imperial council had assured him that he would
succeed. Now all he had to do was wait for the right moment.
"Your Majesty," began one of the goblins. "British Minister of Magic
Sirius Black has once more approached me for a meeting. He is
requesting that we reconsider our decision in maintaining that branch
of Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Apparently, Camelot –"
King Ragnuk waved his hand dismissively, baring his pointed teeth.
"I don't care about that stupid human. How goes the mission to
rescue Gnarlak?"
Ragnok cleared his throat. "Actually, Your Majesty, he has already
been rescued."
The aged goblin's eyes narrowed. "And why was I not informed
about this?" he thundered.
"That's because the person who delivered Gnarlak to us was Dylan
Lestrange, the younger brother of Harry Potter."
The king's dark eyes were slits of fury. "The same Potter who caught
and tortured Gnarlak in the first place?" he snarled. "I shall not rest
until Potter's intestines decorate my palace. You dare keep this from
me?"
Ragnok scrutinized the king's reaction. "You are willing to risk a war
with the humans?" he asked. "Do you even know how many, besides
humans, have a vested interest in the boy?"
The members of the imperial council looked very eager for the
response.
King Ragnuk waved his hand dismissively. "I have nothing to fear
from a child who survived due to luck. As for humans, I think it is time
we show them –"
"You are willing to risk the lives of our people in order to satisfy your
lust for Potter's blood, all in the name of revenge?"
"You will address me with respect! I am your king!"
"Not for long," said one the female goblins of the imperial council.
"Your grandnephew, Ragnok, is contesting for your place as king,
Your Majesty."
"You dare –"
Ragnok didn't hesitate. He held his sword by his side, waiting to
strike. Goblin culture was mostly war-based, which meant only the
strongest would get to be king, while the wisest would get to sit on
the imperial council.
"I knew it! You have all been listening to those blasted Elves!"
thundered King Ragnuk. When the council remained silent, the
goblin snarled. "The Elves have never helped us! Have you forgotten
that? They have always allied with the humans and the humans
have always allied with the Elves. That's how it has always been. We
were lucky that their alliance collapsed so long ago. They assured us
help over the centuries, but not once did they come forward to assist
us in battle."
"Elves don't fight like goblins," another council member shot back.
"That's because they're weak! Just like their cursed ancestors, the
house-elves! I protected you all from becoming just another slave to
the humans, and this is how you treat me? You rebel?"
"And we are grateful for your rule, Your Majesty, but times are
changing," said Ragnok. "This is not about goblins versus humans,
but about the very survival of magic. We don't have a choice. I have
been contacted by Perenelle Fl –"
King Ragnuk howled in fury as he charged. The members of the
imperial council stepped back as they watched the swords of the two
goblin warriors repeatedly clash against the other. It was a close
fight. Both of them were exceptional. Should Ragnok lose, the
imperial council would be executed for treason. Should he win, they
would have a new king, as per the ancient laws of their ancestors.
The sword finally pierced the heart of King Ragnuk. With a thud, he
fell to the floor. The goblins now had a new king. Still breathing
heavily, face splattered with blood, King Ragnok gave his first
command to the imperial council.
"Arrange a meeting with Sirius Black. Gringotts shall be moved to
Camelot as soon as possible. Begin preparations for its construction.
Also, arrange a meeting with the Queen of the Elves."
"It shall be done, Your Majesty."
Six months later ...
April 2009
St Mungo's Hospital, London
Harry James Potter stood next to his wife, looking very
uncomfortable. Daphne was sitting on a hospital bed, her face puffed
up, sweating profusely. The environmental charms did not seem to
help any.
Daphne groaned. "I can't take it anymore!" she cried. "Get these
babies out of me, NOW!"
A hint of a smile formed on his face. "Well, it was you who declined
to opt for any other procedure other than a vaginal birth," he said,
gently caressing the side of her face with his fingers.
"That doesn't mean I can't complain about it!"
"Daph, maybe –"
"No," declared Daphne. "Our children shall be born naturally. A few
hours here and there won't matter. I can handle it."
Harry exhaled in frustration. Vaginal birth was considered more
auspicious in wizarding culture due to the belief that the mother
produced a form of protective magic during birth that was absorbed
by the child. While many expectant mothers opted for other forms of
delivery, there were some, like Daphne, who did not mind any
amount of pain, just to secrete that special magic, which some
theorised, was just superstition.
Superstition or not, Daphne wouldn't budge, even if she was in
labour for nearly fifteen hours.
Harry mentally huffed. From the brief moments he had spent outside
in the waiting room, he knew that Dylan found the whole ordeal
highly amusing.
Just wait until it's your turn, he thought vindictively. Harry was
distracted when his wife painfully squeezed his hand as another
contraction hit her.
"It'll end very soon," he said awkwardly. He really had no idea how to
comfort his wife who was in labour. Thankfully, she understood that
he was out of his depth here and didn't castrate him in anger.
He had heard that reattaching genitals was very painful. Maybe he
could lead Dylan in here and expose him to an irate Daphne? He
could then determine if the procedure was really as painful as people
claimed.
Decisions, decisions ...
"Daphne, you're ready," said Elizabeth Greengrass, bringing Harry to
the present. "I need you to push, now!"
Harry gulped. The torture that he underwent at the hands of
Voldemort, Rodolphus and Bellatrix combined paled in comparison
to what Daphne was currently going through. How did women all
over the world deal with that sort of pain? Harry's respect for his wife
only increased manyfold. He was witnessing one of the miracles of
creation.
Daphne collapsed, breathing heavily as she gave birth to their son,
Charles Alfred Potter, but before he could get a good look at the
new-born infant, the healers took their child away. Just thirty seconds
later, she gave birth to a girl, Belladonna Lillian Potter, who was
again taken into the care of the healers as Elizabeth helped her
eldest daughter with the after-birth procedure.
"You did it," whispered Harry, kissing his wife's forehead. Daphne
smiled weakly, kissing his chin affectionately.
"That was the scariest experience of my life, and I've seen Voldemort
being reborn!"
Daphne chuckled. "Nothing was going to happen to me. I told you
that."
"I know," sighed Harry. "I really don't think I would have been able to
handle it."
"What? Giving birth to babies?"
"Yes! Bloody hell, just watching it made me cringe! I really mean no
offence, but I'm so glad I was born a boy. I don't have to go through
that sort of pain."
"Coward," teased Daphne as he slowly helped her sit up.
Just a few moments later, they heard babies crying. Two healers
brought their newborn infants over to them. Harry and Daphne
couldn't help but smile happily.
"I don't think I've seen anything this beautiful since Rigel was born,"
Harry confessed softly as he held his daughter. Daphne nodded,
looking amazed as she held her son near her bosom. The boy, his
eyes still closed, inherently recognised the magical presence of his
mother as his mouth found her nipple and began suckling.
"Hello, Charlie," whispered Daphne, gently running a finger over her
son's face. "I'm your Mummy. This is your Daddy. Welcome to the
world."
Harry smiled as he gently placed a kiss on his daughter's forehead.
"You as well, Bella," he said softly.
Once their oldest was done, they switched, with Daphne now feeding
their daughter as Harry cradled his son.
"Do you think we can tour the world with two infants who would most
definitely have inherited their Grandfather James' penchant for
mischief?" joked Harry.
"Make that three," Daphne muttered. "If you want one more, I'm
certainly not willing to wait. I want to get it over with once and for all."
"Ah, I knew you did not enjoy the process of giving birth."
" Enjoy? Do you think I'm a psychopath?"
"Do you really want me to answer that question?"
Daphne glared at him. "The reason I haven't cursed you is that
you're holding our son in your arms. I can always do it later."
Harry smiled. "I'll be sure to remember that."
Sitting side by side, the couple watched their children sleep, both of
them beaming with happiness.