Chapter 4: Summer Days and Knights
If there was one thing that Harry had never believed to exist, it would have to be the aspect of fun over the summer: he had always dreaded the summer because it meant he couldn't escape the Dursleys or Dudley's gang of ogres that would have made Crabbe and Goyle feel right at home. All the time he was at Hogwarts, Harry had actually been wishing that he didn't have to return there because it meant more pain and more rounds of Harry Hunting and, if he was lucky, it meant surviving until September First.
All that had changed, however, when he had been asked to become the ward and responsibility of Dan and Emma Granger: sure, it was enough for them to know he was the boyfriend of their daughter as well as a potential Lord, but, for the first time since Hagrid had told him those fated words, Harry began to feel that he found people who liked him, respected him and would stand with him simply because he was, in their eyes, just another boy. Once his wounds had started to clear up, Dan had insisted on Harry joining him on an early morning run that worked up quite the appetite for both man and beast as Padfoot also joined them. Following this, his studies and daily chores were continued, but this time, Harry was able to do them at his own pace, even with Emma constantly reminding him that he didn't have to do it.
The truth was that Harry enjoyed doing these minor tasks: not because he had been forced to by those monsters he'd called family, nor was it because he found it to be instinctive that he kept himself busy, be it through chore work or through his summer homework with Hermione; no, the truth was that Harry enjoyed doing the minor tasks because it made him feel at ease to know he was rewarding the Grangers' kindness and hospitality. In the worst case scenario, he could have been forced back to Privet Drive, but, with help from Dan's protective fatherly streak as well as the real motherly instincts that Emma had around him, Harry could safely say that he was never again going to darken that doorstep.
Out of the two Granger elders, however, Harry found himself wanting to repay Emma more than he did Dan: she was like a real mother to him without trying to force him to do anything he didn't want to or even try to rearrange his ribs with one of her hugs. When she held him, be it to just comfort him or on a whim, Emma's warm, friendly hugs made Harry feel safe and secure, without the added troubles of wondering how her children survived for so long when their mother crushed them like that.
Even more than Dan, Emma and even Hermione, however, Harry also found that he had an advocate in Padfoot: the shaggy dog always slept at the foot of Harry's bed – or rather, Harry and Hermione as Dan and Emma found it useless to convince them otherwise – and, on the odd occasion that Harry needed him, the black furry animal would be there in an instant. Every morning, during their runs, Dan made sure that Harry enjoyed himself without pushing him over the limit and, nine times out of ten, these moments of enjoyment involved Harry and Padfoot having races through the nearby park or along a street back to their house.
The one thing that had mattered to Dan was that Harry was happy and, as his sweat-drenched, smiling face would convince the Granger elder that he was just that, Dan felt proud of his achievements and glad that he had accepted the Bones woman's offer to become Harry's guardian.
All in all, Harry was having one hell of a summer and, as July 31st came closer with each passing day, Harry found he enjoyed every minute of it, not having any idea as to just how much his life was about to change.
HPHG
Most normal thirteen year olds were woken simply by the pure ecstasy of the fact that they had their birthday, but Harry wasn't normal, nor was he woken by his own will. In fact, at 8:30am on the morning of his birthday, his wake-up call came in the form of a wet, slobbery tongue licking his face as well as Hermione's cries of "Harry, wake up: Harry, come on!"
Finally, after wiping down his face and taking a shower – a ritual he always undertook before his morning run – Harry found himself downstairs and in the arms of Emma Granger as she gently kissed his forehead and whispered, "Happy birthday Harry."
"Thanks Emma," Harry smiled, a part of him hating it, as he always did, when Emma released him. It was as if fate could read minds however as Hermione soon wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and gently kissed his cheek, her arms never leaving her boyfriend.
Looking around the kitchen, Harry saw a welcome spread of birthday breakfast as well as a few cards and, as he was about to ask the reason for the spread, there was a familiar crack and Dobby appeared, bearing a few presents.
"Harry Potter sir," he squealed, "Dobby is here to wish Harry Potter well wishes on his birthday sir."
"Thanks Dobby," Harry replied, looking to the elf as he added, "You didn't have to do all this though."
"He didn't," Hermione admitted, "I did: I decided that you should have your birthday off."
"And that includes the run," added Dan's voice, the male Granger making his presence known behind them, "Today's your special day Harry and there'll be no call for anything other than what you want."
"In that case," laughed Harry, "Everyone tuck in: we've got a busy day ahead of us."
Over breakfast, Harry opened the cards and gifts he had received: one was from Neville and bore the acceptance to Harry's invite; a look to Emma had Harry soon sending a reply with Dobby to a party that would take place later in the day. Another was from Luna and was decorated with what appeared to be coloured stars that spun around each other like looking at an atom through a microscope. The third card was from Dan and Emma and also gave Harry his first taste of Muggle's tradition of birthday money as he found £30 inside and a message:
We're really glad you're all better;
After all, birthday is about family and that's who you are…son.
"Dan," gasped Harry, his eyes dampening as he read the message, "Emma: is…is this…for real?"
"If you want it to be," Emma replied, "You can still call us Dan and Emma, but it would also make you a part of our family or, given that one of our stops today is Gringotts, it would make us members of your family."
"Thank you," Harry sniffed, feeling Dan's strong, friendly touch on his shoulder before Emma ruffled his black hair and Hermione seemed content to just kiss him on the cheek.
The last card was from Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey and Amelia Bones, the latter having written her own message, which instructed Harry to read aloud. "I, Harry James Potter, on my coming of age, accept the responsibility of an adult within my magic and vow never to use my magic outside the presence of my legal guardians."
The card shone with the same silvery glow that Dan had been covered by when Amelia had named him Harry's guardian; following that, a parchment fell from the card and, when he'd placed the card aside, Harry read the letter:
Dear Sire Potter,
Many happy returns on your coming of age: as you are a Sire in our world, we of the DMLE came to a unanimous agreement that you and Miss Granger are to be exempt from the forbidden use of magic outside Hogwarts under the condition that you only use your magic either in magically-hidden districts such as Diagon Alley or within the walls of the Granger Family Home. Now that you have declared you accept these terms, your magic will be yours to use as you wish and I can only hope you use it responsibly.
I have spoken with Mafalda Hopkirk about your current warning and, with help from some anonymous sources, have had your record cleared; I ask for no means of payment for this gift, Sire Potter, except the knowledge that you are safe.
Hope you have a really magical birthday and good luck with September;
Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic
"Wow," gasped Hermione, reading over Harry's shoulder, "This is huge."
"What's happened?" asked Emma.
"Let me show you," Harry smiled, before he pulled back his chair, reached for his wand – which was always kept on a makeshift holster that Dobby had fashioned for him – and, with a smile, declared, "Scourgify, Wingardium Leviosa, Evanesco!"
With three light sparks from Harry's wand, the breakfast things were cleaned, hovered into their cupboards and drawers and then the table cleared for the rest of the day's activities.
"You can use magic?" asked Dan sardonically, "That is pretty big, but what's this about conditions?"
"They still wish Hermione and I to respect the Statute of Secrecy," Harry explained, watching as Hermione tested her wand with a few even simpler spells; when there was no comeback from the Ministry, she actually laughed before leaping into Harry's arms and kissing him senseless.
"This is why I am so happy to be your girlfriend," she told him, before backing off as she recalled that her parents were still in the room.
Harry could only agree before he turned to his gifts that Dobby had brought for him: from McGonagall, he received his own copy of the 3rd year Charms and Defence book he had taken out of the library as well as a notation that told him he would be provided with the newest year's copy every summer. From Neville, he received what looked like a dream-catcher, except that it was decorated with miniature designs of magical creatures, a bolt of lightning crossing the centre of the catcher as if to symbolise who it belonged to.
Neville's letter explained everything:
Harry,
Hope you find a use for this: Gran found out that you had been harmed at home and felt you would benefit from this: it's known in the Muggle world as a dream-catcher, except this one is charmed to allow a person to block out any unnecessary images that their dreams may show.
Sounds perfect for someone who would suffer from nightmares about times they'd rather forget; if you speak the words Dormis Musica the catcher also plays a soothing tune that helps with meditations and difficult sleepers.
(Maybe we can give this to the red guinea pig)
See you soon I hope
Neville
Harry could only laugh at the thought of Ron finally sleeping without sounding like a human thunderstorm; it was certainly going to come in handy anyway; Harry's other gifts were slightly more random: the first of which actually made him suspicious as he found it to be from the aforementioned red guinea pig.
Fingers trembling slightly, he opened the envelope. Two pieces of paper fell out - a letter and a newspaper clipping; the clipping had clearly come out of the wizarding newspaper, the Daily Prophet, because the people in the black-and-white picture were moving. Harry picked up the clipping, smoothed it out, and read:
MINISTRY OF MAGIC EMPLOYEE SCOOPS GRAND PRIZE
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, has won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw.
A delighted Mr. Weasley told the Daily Prophet, "We will be spending the gold on a summer holiday in Egypt, where our eldest son, Bill, works as a curse breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank."
The Weasley family will be spending a month in Egypt, returning for the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, which five of the Weasley children currently attend.
Harry scanned the moving photograph, and a grin spread across his face as he saw all nine of the Weasleys waving furiously at him, standing in front of a large pyramid. Plump little Mrs. Weasley; tall, balding Mr. Weasley; six sons; and one daughter, all (though the black-and-white picture didn't show it) with flaming-red hair. Right in the middle of the picture was Ron, tall and gangling, with his pet rat, Scabbers, on his shoulder and his arm around his little sister, Ginny.
On one hand, Harry couldn't think of anyone who deserved to win a large pile of gold more than the Weasleys, who were very nice and extremely poor; yet, there was still the matter of what Ron had said and done in the previous term: a part of him didn't want to bother with the rest of the letter, however, out of respect for his three real Weasley friends – Ginny, Fred and George – he picked up Ron's letter and unfolded it.
Dear Harry,
Happy birthday!
Look, I'm really sorry about what I said and did to you and Hermione, but seriously mate; what possessed you to have her when you could have any…
Harry quickly read the next paragraph as his magic was spiking, making cups and plates shatter, Hermione recognising the warning signs as she mouthed words to her parents, Don't touch him.
It's amazing here in Egypt. Bill's taken us around all the tombs and you wouldn't believe the curses those old Egyptian wizards put on them. Mum wouldn't let Ginny come in the last one. There were all these mutant skeletons in there, of Muggles who'd broken in and grown extra heads and stuff.
I couldn't believe it when Dad won the Daily Prophet Draw. Seven hundred galleons! Most of it's gone on this trip, but they're going to buy me a new wand for next year.
Harry remembered only too well the occasion when Ron's old wand had snapped. It had happened when the car the two of them had been flying to Hogwarts had crashed into a tree on the school grounds. Though, on a personal note, Harry felt a bit humiliated by the fact that the Weasleys spend money on a holiday when they buy second-hand stuff for their children and for Hogwarts: Harry decided he would need to change that and, if Ginny denied him, then he would simply remind her that she owed him her life, without – he hoped – sounding too Malfoy about it.
We'll be back about a week before term starts and we'll be going up to London to get my wand and our new books. Any chance of meeting you there?
Don't let the Muggles get you down!
Try and come to London,
Ron
P.S. Percy's Head Boy. He got the letter last week.
Harry glanced back at the photograph. Percy, who was in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, was looking particularly smug. He had pinned his Head Boy badge to the fez perched jauntily on top of his neat hair, his horn-rimmed glasses flashing in the Egyptian sun. Harry now turned to his present and unwrapped it. Inside was what looked like a miniature glass spinning top. There was another note from Ron beneath it.
Harry - this is a Pocket Sneakoscope. If there's someone untrustworthy around, it's supposed to light up and spin. Bill says it's rubbish sold for wizard tourists and isn't reliable, because it kept lighting up at dinner last night. But he didn't realize Fred and George had put beetles in his soup.
Bye – Ron
'More like he didn't realise that his youngest brother was such an arrogant asshole,' thought Harry, the shakes around him calming down as he looked to Hermione, Dan and Emma, all of whom were watching him worriedly.
"Sorry about that," he told them, "It's just that, on the subject of arrogant pricks, they don't get any more oblivious than Dead Man Walking Weasley."
Hermione was now reading the letter and, for the first time that summer, she found herself accepting the part of Harry that was determined to protect her, "How dare he ask how you can pick me over any of the hotter girls? Why I ought to…I ought to…"
"Sic Padfoot on him?" asked Harry, now looking down to his loyal pet; however, when he showed Padfoot the photo, Harry heard a deep-throated growl from the dog and, before he could say anything more, the shaggy dog had tore the picture of Ron off with his teeth. Surprisingly, Harry shrugged and remarked, "I agree boy; he's not worth a second chance no matter what he says or does. I'm not going to let him spoil my special day: onto the next one."
The next one was from Hermione: It was very heavy. Originally knowing Hermione, he would have been sure it would be a large book full of very difficult spells - but it wasn't, which only showed how much his girlfriend had changed with him at her side. His heart gave a huge bound as he ripped back the paper and saw a sleek black leather case, with silver words stamped across it, reading Broomstick Servicing Kit.
"Wow, Hermione!" Harry whispered, unzipping the case to look inside. There was a large jar of Fleetwood's High-Finish Handle Polish, a pair of gleaming silver Tail-Twig Clippers, a tiny brass compass to clip on your broom for long journeys, and a Handbook of Do-It-Yourself Broomcare.
"This must have cost a fair amount," Harry remarked, before setting the kit aside and kissing Hermione once more.
"Well," Hermione answered, "Mum and Dad changed some Muggle money into Galleons for me and said you deserved it."
"I agree with that," Harry laughed, "But don't forget Mione that I won't be playing Quidditch anymore."
"I know," she answered, "But you never know what you'll get up to with that broom: two words Potter – magical keys."
'She's got a point there,' thought Harry, before he turned and hugged both Dan and Emma: this was his best birthday yet and, with Hagrid even sending him a gift that said would come in handy next year, Harry felt it could only get better. When he discovered that Hagrid's present was a book that came alive, Harry originally went to snap it shut before something both amazing and, in the eyes of Dan and Emma, impossible happened.
Padfoot, sensing danger to his pup, leapt on top of the book and, as Harry watched, he actually nuzzled the spine, stroking it with his head; the book gave a single shudder before it fell open, calm and quiet.
"Amazing," Harry remarked, petting Padfoot as he added the book to his other gifts, a part of him wanting to tell the Weasleys where they could stick the Sneakoscope; however, he wasn't sure about the others yet and so, for arguments sake, placed it in the centre of the table, where it would remain for the rest of the summer.
"Oh," Dan then added as Harry went to get ready for his trip to Gringotts, "I meant to ask Harry: how do you feel about France?"
Harry didn't need to answer as he knew the reason for the question: Harry Potter, for the first time in his life, was going away on holiday…
HPHG
That afternoon, while Dobby was helping Emma prepare a special birthday party for the soon-to-be Lord in their lives, Harry, Dan and Hermione were walking along the familiar cobbled street of Diagon Alley, Harry now decked out in a brand-new set of black robes with a strong golden edge and two bolts of lightning that crossed one another, a white phoenix hovering over the lightning bolts.
Harry had designed the crest himself as a means to remind him that he was always reaching new heights and that, even with a deforming scar on his forehead, he would always be the light of Hermione's life.
Little did he realise that his scar, and the crest on his robe, meant more than he originally believed…
Arriving in Gringotts, Harry made his way forwards, his posture tall and proud as he addressed the goblin before them, "Good afternoon Master Goblin: I pray that your days prove profitable and your gold flows always."
Looking up, the goblin gave a gasp as he replied, "The same to you Sire Potter: how may Gringotts be of service today?"
"I wish to speak to my family's financial manager regarding the acceptance of my Lordship," Harry replied, watching as the goblin before them left and was replaced by a familiar figure, "Greetings Master Griphook," Harry added.
"Sire Potter," Griphook replied, "I was not made aware of your visit today, but I am under orders from my Lord Ragnok to show you to his office immediately."
"Oh," Harry nodded, "Very good; well then, lead the way Griphook."
Griphook obeyed Harry's request by leading him, Dan and Hermione down through a stone corridor towards a large set of wrought-iron doors decorated in several crystals and lined with runes that Harry guessed were for protection and alert to visitors. Once they were stood outside, Griphook placed his hand on the door and spoke in what Harry guessed to be goblin-tongue, before the door opened and, with a bow, Griphook addressed Harry. "I can go no further Sire Potter: I pray your fortunes are eternal."
"And may your honour be known to all Griphook," Harry replied, before walking into what could only be described as a cross between a war-room and a meeting chamber.
The walls of the room were made from the toughest, most resistant stone that Harry had ever seen and were decorated in many different tapestries and murals depicting famous battles. There were also weapons stored in magically-refined cases and suits of armour covering mannequins that seemed to radiate the same sense of magic. In the centre of the room was a table that made Harry think of the legend of King Arthur: it was a large round table that bore many different runes and was covered by a near-transparent silvery cloth. At the head of this table there was a rather well-built goblin dressed in chain mail and armour-plating that looked like it would be made from dragon-scales. In one of the goblin's hands was a rather intimidating war-hammer that rested its shaft against the floor.
Seeing Harry standing there, the goblin pressed a hand to his chest and bowed; Harry, not wanting to dishonour the goblins, repeated the gesture before he spoke freely, "Lord Ragnok, Master of Goblins and sole Lord of Treasures, I, Sire Harry James Potter am honoured to meet and converse with you sir."
"I thank you Sire Potter," Ragnok answered, his voice almost deep and guttural, as if someone had taken Hagrid's voice and dropped it a few octaves. "Please Sire, you do not bow to me, for I have waited a very long while to meet with you."
"Thank you my Lord," replied Harry, slightly stunned by Ragnok's words, "However, if we are to be equals in this, may I suggest you address me as Harry, my Lord?"
"Then allow me to extend the same formalities to Chief Granger, the Lady Hermione and your good self Lord Potter," Ragnok countered, smiling as he seemed to relax now that the tension had been relieved.
Taking three of the seats near to Ragnok, Hermione closest to him as he sat on the leader's left-hand side, Harry didn't waste time as he spoke up, "I don't wish to keep you waiting long Ragnok, so I'm going to come out and say it: I wish access to the Potter Family Codex, to claim my legacy as is my right as Sire Potter and to know of any additional heritages or legacies I am to inherit." He was thankful for Neville giving him the hint about the Codex and, given that he had come of age, he felt he should receive it along with his lordship.
"As you wish," Ragnok answered, before he handed Harry a small square box; opening the box, Harry found a solid gold ring with a griffin in its head that was made from solid platinum, the eyes of the griffin the exact same colour as Harry's emerald eyes. It was only when he looked closer that Harry realised that the eyes were real emeralds; looking to Ragnok, Harry was then surprised to see the goblin leader extending his hand, "If I may Harry?"
"Of…course," Harry replied, holding out his hand.
Ragnok took Harry's hand in his own, before he slid the ring onto Harry's finger, a powerful crimson and green glow enveloping Harry's body; at the same time, the young Lord heard Dan gasp. Looking up, Harry then saw that Hermione was glowing with a similar manner, a ring appearing on her finger: this ring bore a phoenix made from the same platinum as Harry's griffin, the eyes of the phoenix made from diamonds.
"Astonishing," Ragnok commented in awe, "My Lord Potter, it would appear that you are the one true Lord and Head of House Potter, but also the Heir and Head of Godric Gryffindor's bloodline."
As Harry was about to respond, he then felt a strong weight against his left shoulder; reaching his hand back, Harry gasped with shock himself as he felt a familiar golden hilt in his hand, an even more familiar sense of warmth and comfort flowing through him. Deciding it was better to make sure, Harry withdrew the hilt and, lifting it high, examined what he suspected it was. Sure enough, the familiar, though now cleaned Sword of Gryffindor was in his hand and, as Harry held it there, he felt a great weight lifting from his magic and his body, which caused his eyes to water.
Bright, silvery tears fell from Harry's eyes as he held the sword, his legacy finally known; however, that was nothing compared to what happened next: Ragnok, seeing the tears, quickly summoned a goblet and caught the tears in the cup, his eyes wide as he gasped, "By all the Gods: I was right."
"Ragnok," Harry spoke up, "What happened and what were you right about?"
"Forgive me Lord Potter," Ragnok answered, "But it would seem that your destiny has unfolded and now you have gained the mantle of your true legacy."
"Which is what?" asked Harry.
"As a Holy Knight," answered Ragnok, "The Holy Knight of Thunder!"
Harry, Hermione and Dan were silent with shock while, above the Gringotts building, a powerful bolt of white lightning filled the skies, illuminating two very familiar hooded figures watching from Knockturn Alley.
"Our champion has been found brother," Storm Lord exclaimed, "Now he must be told."
"True brother," Ocean Lord remarked, "And with his Lady at his side, he will be able to combat the other troubles of this world and finally accomplish his divine destiny."
"However," Storm Lord added, a pair of strong silvery eyes glowing from under his hood, "I sense something I did not see before."
"What?" asked Ocean Lord.
Storm Lord's voice was as creepy and mystical as ever as he answered, "I sense…another…"
HPHG
Back in Gringotts, Harry could only ask one question, "What did you say?"
"Only the truth," Ragnok answered, "Though perhaps I should explain how I know."
"Yes," Harry replied, "How do you know Ragnok and what is a Holy Knight?"
"I know because of these," Ragnok answered, holding the goblet out to Harry; looking inside, Harry saw, for the first time, his silvery tears gathered in the base of the goblet, their light shining seemingly forever as they drifted around the base.
"So?" asked Harry, slightly sceptical about what he had been told. "Obviously I have some kind of backlash from Fawkes the Phoenix healing me: phoenix tears can come in handy."
"These are not Phoenix tears my Lord," Ragnok explained, now placing the goblet on the desk, "They are tears, but they are tears of your true self, harnessed with pure magic and endowed with the strength of the storm, hence your mantle: Holy Knight of Thunder."
"And," Harry remarked, "Who or what is a Holy Knight?"
"I will explain," Ragnok answered, "You see my Lord; there was once a time when magic was neither good nor evil, but simply known as magic; some called it gifts, others abilities and some called it power. Then, in a time of what you would call the Triad…"
"The who?" asked Harry.
"Merlin, Morgana and Mordred," Hermione answered, before she gestured to Ragnok, "I apologise Ragnok: please continue."
"Thank you Lady Hermione," Ragnok nodded, "Anyway, as I was saying: in the time of the Triad, the legendary King Arthur Pendragon made an offer with the forces known to most cultures as Gods."
"What are they really called?" asked Harry.
"Lords of Nature," Ragnok answered, "They spoke with Arthur before his death and, to save the magic within the Triad, the Lords of Nature created the powers you know as elementals: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Thunder, Light and Shadows. Then, on the eve of Arthur's death, the Lords of Nature infused a certain sword with their powers so that, on the day that the Lords' powers were needed, their Knights, the Holy Knights as they were called, could be called upon. Over the centuries, Knights have risen and fallen and now, with your tears, my Lord Potter, it is clear to me that you are the last of them, or you could have been had it not been for the Lady Hermione."
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione, "I'm no Knight."
"Not yet," Ragnok agreed, "Or at least until Lord Potter agrees to choose you as his one and only, which is why you bear his ring. You, Lady Hermione, are the descendant of the Holy Knight of Water, or Ocean as was his true rank and, pretty soon, both of you shall meet the Lords of Nature and train with them to fulfil the destiny that has befallen the Knights: to reunite magic under what is simply known as the Balance."
"So," Harry repeated, "As a Holy Knight, does that do anything for my station?"
"It does," Ragnok answered, "As the last of the true Holy Knights, you, Lord Potter, are now considered a Regent to the lands owned by King Arthur, which we at Gringotts kept within two vaults: 1366 and 1712, both of which hold the treasures of the Holy Knights as well as the rights to the land known as Camelot, which is now a whole other realm portrayed by the powers of the Lords of Nature. When you meet them Lord Potter, you shall be given the rights to access that land; until then, you must grow into your power and choose whether or not to knight Lady Hermione as the Holy Knight of Ocean."
"And the sword you mentioned," Harry commented, "Is that…"
"The very sword you now hold my Lord," Ragnok answered, "Godric Gryffindor was known as the Holy Knight of Fire, which is why the sign of Gryffindor as an element is Fire and, as such, his sword has remained with your family through the generations."
"I see," Harry nodded, before he rose from his seat and, walking over to Hermione, kneeled before her and handed her Godric's Sword, alias the Holy Sword Excalibur, his eyes on her as he spoke, "Hermione, I love you with all my heart and would choose no other ever again as my girlfriend; now, with our destiny in motion I ask you: will you become my Lady and stand at my side? Will you take this sword and help me unite the magic once more? Will you let me name you Lady Hermione Jane Potter, Holy Knight of Ocean?"
Hermione looked from her kneeled boyfriend to her Father; however, when she saw that Dan was smiling proudly, a nod of his head confirmed her suspicions; reaching out, she linked her hands with Harry and replied to him, "Harry Potter, Lord of Gryffindor and Holy Knight of Thunder, I say yes to your proposal: I would be honoured to be your Lady and your ally in our destiny."
"Then," Harry exclaimed, "On the Holy Sword Excalibur do I decree that I shall never love, cherish or even consider bedding another as long as I have my Lady, Hermione Granger, at my side: as Holy Knight of Thunder, I swear it!"
A powerful rumble of thunder crashed all around them, making both Harry and Hermione lock eyes with one another as if drawn to the other's heart before, with a swift movement of his hand, Harry sheathed Excalibur and leapt into Hermione's arms, his magic somehow drawing him to her as they kissed, a powerful silvery glow now mixing with a deep oceanic blue sheen as it enveloped their bodies. As he looked at his new Lady, Harry's eyes shone with so much force that it was like there was an actual storm going on amongst the emerald; at the same time, Hermione's brown-eyed colour seemed to swirl around until it became as bright and filled with as much power as Harry's.
As the glow ceased around them, Harry kissed Hermione once more and, looking to Dan, he gave a smile as he asked, "So, what do you say about this Dan?"
"There's nothing to say Harry," Dan replied, "Except…damn, I'm glad you're on my side!"
Dan, Harry and Hermione were laughing all the way back to the Granger's house, but not before Harry had been given the Codex by Ragnok as well as an assurance that he would look into any other ways this new mantle of Harry's could affect their lives. At the moment, Harry had the right to speak as the Knight he was: as Holy Knight, his authority was that of five Lords and his voice was one that could ask for what it wished without fear of being turned away.
When Harry was then asked for a vassal to name as his subordinate and contact, Harry decided to repay a debt of thanks as he answered, "Amelia Bones."
He only hoped that she wouldn't mind being the subordinate to the new Lord Harry James Gryffindor-Potter;
The Holy Knight of Thunder…
Chapter 4 and Harry's destiny is revealed, but what surprises await the last of the true Holy Knights as his power grows?
Also, who is the 'other' that the Storm Lord senses and who's side is he on?
Keep Reading to Find Out…
In the next chapter: Holidaying in France reveals the new abilities of the Knight of Thunder and Knight of Ocean; plus, in an attempt to defend Hermione from harm, Harry ends up with something he didn't plan on and Amelia tells Harry how she feels about all this; and, to top it all off, Harry and Hermione decide to release their inner elements with help from a supposedly forbidden ritual…
Chapter 5: Honour, Loyalty, Truth and Unity
Returning to the Grangers' home was like a new day for Harry: now that he knew the truth behind his mysterious heritage and the fact that he was more than a Lord, but a rank of Holy Knight, the young wizard actually began to wonder how and why nobody could have suspected this beforehand and why he, as the aforementioned Knight, was never told the truth about his family.
At his side, her hand in his, her ring shining in the afternoon light, Hermione was almost sharing the same thoughts as her boyfriend, her own mind now driven by an urge to research and find out as much as she could about the Holy Knights, particularly her role as the Holy Knight of Ocean. What she did know was that, despite being recognised as one of the Knights, her authority was lesser to that of Harry's as she was what the legacy called an Anointed One while Harry was a Pure Knight, a son and descendant of the lineage of the Holy Knights.
She and Harry, with some help from the Potter Codex, also learned that their titles were more than titles: aside from the authority and ownership of the Holy Sword, Harry would also be able to command the storm elements as well as the power of lightning and the power of each known type of storm: firestorms, hailstorms, rainstorms, tsunamis, typhoons, thunderstorms and even the power of the tornado, which, in hindsight, gave him control over each of the four lesser elements of earth, wind, fire and water.
Hermione, on the other hand, would have full control over water and the creatures within it; she would also be able to call on the power of ice, steam and vapour to coalesce into water. It was also revealed that she had now inherited the skill to survive underwater without the need for gills or any water-based spells and, when combined with Harry's power, could call on the force of the maelstrom and create waves of water from the moisture around them.
Both Knights also discovered that the jewels used in their rings were a clear sign of their true affinity: Hermione's diamond meant that she would be strong of heart and true of knowledge while Harry's emerald, being the same colour as his eyes, meant that he would bear the power and that his magic would be as strong and protective as was his streak for Hermione.
'If knowledge is power,' thought Harry as they turned into the drive outside the Grangers' home, 'Then it's no surprise that Hermione and I fit together so well. She is the Knight of Knowledge and I am the Knight of Power; together, we fit so well that we may as well be two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle: she is mine and I am hers: knowledge is power and power is knowledge and…would you look at me, I'm rambling in thought.' He then chuckled to himself as he climbed out of the car, 'Merlin help me, I'm starting to sound like Hermione.'
Opening the front door, Harry found both he and Hermione the recipients of a welcome-back tongue bath as Padfoot leapt upon them, pleased to see the return of his owners while, within the beast, the second side to Padfoot could sense that his pup was so much stronger and could now have his own life.
Once Padfoot was removed from their chests, Harry and Hermione could only laugh as the young Lord helped his girlfriend to her feet, before he turned and called out, "Emma, we're home."
"In the kitchen Harry," came the reply, Harry sighing to himself as he realised Emma must be trying to hide the earlier-planned party – what gave it away was the flash of red from the doorway indicating the presence of the Weasleys.
Moving into the kitchen, Harry had barely pushed the door open before a large amount of voices called out, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!"
With a smile, and amidst some indoor magical poppers that sprayed the young couple with streamers and confetti, Harry looked around the room: sure enough, the first people he noticed were the Weasleys, the youngest son looking like he was more concerned with the Muggle party food than the birthday boy. Next to Mr Weasley was none other than Amelia Bones, who simply smiled and inclined her head to Harry, before she shrugged her shoulders, revealing the Potter Family Crest on her left shoulder, the phoenix and lightning bolt crest that Harry had designed obviously now designated as his official crest.
Realising he would have to speak to Amelia in person, Harry nodded politely and continued examining the room, noticing Neville and Luna standing almost side-by-side, a tall, rather lovely elderly woman at Neville's side while Luna was escorted by a blonde-haired man dressed in a robe that seemed to resemble a coat Harry had read about in the Religious Section of his junior school. The coat was made of every colour imaginable and, as Harry looked to him, the man gave Harry a polite bow and clenched his daughter's shoulder, a warm, mystifying smile on the man's face.
Dan and Emma were also standing there as was – to Harry and Hermione's surprise – Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, both of them looking happy to see the young Lord looking so healthy. With a calm smile of his own, Harry inclined his head to them and spoke up, "Thanks everyone: I have to admit that, when Emma suggested a party, I never expected this kind of company: I'm grateful to everyone for being here, but, Mr Weasley sir, what about your Egyptian Holiday?"
"It was my idea to come here today Lord Potter," replied Arthur, using Harry's honorific as he inclined his head in a polite bow, "To settle the unrest between our families and tell you that I am happy for you. Miss Hermione is a lucky lady and, while I cannot forgive my own son for his actions against you at the end of term, I wish you to know that you may ask anything you wish of me as compensation for this misdemeanour."
"Can he do that?" asked Harry, looking to Amelia, "It makes the Weasleys sound like my slaves."
"The Weasley Family owe you the life of their youngest child Lord Potter," Amelia replied, speaking with true formality as she looked to Harry, "Not to mention the life of their youngest son in protecting him from a nest of fully grown Acromantulas. At this current moment, you could claim them as your servants and magical law would be on your side."
"I see," Harry replied, looking to the family he had thought as his friends, his eyes showing his troubled emotions. "Well," he decided, looking back to Mr Weasley, "I cannot accept any form of compensation as the actions performed by your son were merely the act of a jealous young man who would rather insult my girlfriend than call her a true friend. As I said in the office at the end of term, the actions performed against the guilty party were not necessary, but they were fun and I feel no sense of sorrow nor ask for any redemption price from the Family. As is common knowledge, my mother spent her years being called such names and managed to find her true love, so I will not allow another female member of my House to be treated like she is nothing more than trash. To do so will put you in the worst kind of situation imaginable and, given my newfound lineage as well as my birthright, if I wanted, I could order the guilty party disinherited and there would be no other choice than to oblige."
"And besides," added Ginny, now stepping forwards and standing with her friends, "Harry saved my life and he sees me as the sister he never had: to me, that marks myself as a member of House Potter even without taking the name. How can we judge someone who chooses that side of life and offers that kind of life to someone who owes him their life? And how can someone like that be called a dark wizard when he has a pure heart and the means to do what Harry has done?"
"We can't," the twins chorused, now standing with Harry and Hermione as they too looked to their parents and Ron, Harry noticing that new Head Boy Percy was having nothing to do with this little debate: instead, he seemed more focused on the shine of his new badge than the care and comfort of his family.
Realising what was happening here, Mr Weasley sighed and stepped forwards, his hand out to Harry as he explained, "Then, Lord Potter, if you cannot accept compensation then I, Lord Arthur Weasley, Head of Clan Weasley ask that you allow me to act as your vassal House and surrogate family member."
"What will this do?" asked Harry, looking to Amelia once more.
"Basically," Amelia explained, "The Weasleys will be under the protections of House Potter and its Lord as well as possessing the right to speak as a member of the House and be given a sum of money from the Lord as means of keeping their protections and situations."
"So?" asked Ron, actually removing the piece of cake from his mouth that he had managed to acquire, "If Dad shakes Harry's hand then we can finally get some money?"
"That's the heads and tails of it," Harry answered, before he scoffed and added, "Nice to see where your priorities lay Ronald." He then looked back at Mr Weasley, the offered hand still in front of him as he waited for an answer. Looking to the twins and Ginny, Harry asked, "What do you think?"
"You're like an honorary brother anyway to us Harry," Fred explained, clasping the Lord's left shoulder.
"And our one true ally in Gryffindor," added George, taking Harry's right shoulder.
"Not to mention that I do owe you my life," Ginny pointed out, gently taking Harry's arm as she waited for the response, "To become protected by you would mean that you could think of me as your sister if you wanted."
"If I do this," Harry finally decided, looking to his three friends before he looked back at Mr Weasley, "Then I want it known Lord Weasley that all decisions as my vassal house are made by you and that you also address me by my given name of Harry and not as Lord. Second," he added, looking to Ron, "If I do this, then I want your son to apologise to my girlfriend right now for everything he's put her through, including insulting her, which drove her to the bathroom where we met our smelly friend Mr Troll."
"What?" Dan asked, a slight growl in his voice as he looked to Ron, "You mean you're the reason that my daughter was nearly killed had it not been for Harry and your antics?"
"Yeah," Ron scoffed, "So what?"
"Oh Ronald," Harry answered, "So…everything: and third," he then added, looking to Lord Weasley, "All finances given to the family are to be spent on furthering the children's magical repertoire and restoring the Weasley name to the proud purebloods that you are: do you, Arthur Weasley, accept these terms?"
"I do Harry," Arthur replied.
Harry looked to Amelia, "Does my Family Vassal accept the terms and allowances made for the Weasleys?"
"I do," Amelia replied, her eyes telling Harry that she still wished to speak to him about that.
"Dan," Harry added, "Emma: do you feel okay about this?"
"Yes Harry," Emma smiled, looking to the circle of friends/followers that had gathered around the young Lord.
"Then," Harry nodded, taking the hand offered by Mr Weasley, "I accept the vassal offer from Clan Weasley: welcome to the Family. I, Harry James Potter, Holy Knight of Thunder, accept the fealty and vassal-hood of House Weasley, asking only its loyalty and its kinship as well as securing the aforementioned terms."
A powerful golden glow left Harry's body and began to encircle Mr Weasley, the glow taking the shape of the phoenix crest, which branded itself onto the left shoulder of Arthur's robe, though slightly lower than where it appeared on Amelia's. Releasing the man's hand, Harry then looked to Ron before he asked, "So, when am I going to get that apology?"
Ron's eyes darkened as Harry stood there, the arms of his friends now released from his body: when he looked to Fred and George, Ron then saw that the same crest that had now adorned his Father's shoulder was now in the middle of the forearm on both twins. Ginny's Crest, much to her own surprise, was placed on both her left and right shoulder.
Ron, however, bore no crest, which signified that Harry's magic had not yet accepted the red-haired idiot as a member of his House until the apology was given.
As always, the git used his mouth before his brains, "I don't see your crest on me Potter, so I won't apologise to you or your little whore: both of you are just…"
Whatever they were was never discovered as Ron suddenly vanished in a bolt of lightning, Harry's eyes glowing madly, his magic obviously ridding the Lord of the young problem in his life.
"Where's my son?" asked Molly, her own robe branded with Harry's mark, "What have you done to him?"
"I sent him away," Harry explained, thankful he had read his rights as Lord from the Codex, "As Lord Potter, I consider Ronald Weasley as an exile to the vassals of House Weasley: he is not to be given any amount of protective funding nor is he to be registered as a member of my family until he apologises and swears an oath to the soon-to-be Lady Potter that he shall never harm or insult her again."
His Crest seemed to glow with silver light – the phoenix now upon his right shoulder, trimmed in gold itself – before Arthur felt the protections from House Potter lifting slightly, showing that one of his House was not considered part of his Lord's protective circle.
"Now," Harry sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, "If we have no more problems, can we please get on with celebrating the real event of today?"
There were no arguments from the guests…
HPHG
While everyone was enjoying the party, Harry walked into the lounge of the Grangers' home and, pulling out the Codex, opened the book to the section on his vassals, hoping to find some explanation for the crests being where they were: according to the Codex, the Weasley twins had some kind of inventive streak that the House magic deemed worthy to aid House Potter while Ginny, having not only owed Harry her life, but also being a warrior against the dark, was instantly recognised as a warrior and vassal class to both House Potter and House Weasley.
It was then, as he looked down the information, seeing things such as Duelling Experience and Beast Mastery that Harry came upon a name he had only seen once before, when they met said wizard in person: Charlie Weasley and, next to his name was written one simple rank:
Dragon-Master
Knowing the elder Weasley's experience with the creatures, Harry wondered if he could possibly ask Charlie to see about any dragons he could bind to House Potter for Hermione's protections and to act as a familiar to the Holy Knights of Thunder and Ocean. Needless to say that, when he had mentioned his title, there had been several looks of shock from Arthur and the other Weasleys, but when the magic had bound them, Harry had known they were trustworthy.
Continuing down the list, Harry was surprised when he also saw Bill Weasley's name printed there, the words 'Financial Advisor' and 'Goblin Liaison' written in gold next to the eldest child's name, as if a true familial role had been given to the man. Making a decision to contact Ragnok and speak about ways this could benefit both he and Hermione, Harry turned the pages of his Codex, looking for the information on his new status as Holy Knight of Thunder, a part of him wanting to know how he had summoned that lightning bolt to transport Ronald Weasley away from the party.
"Lord Potter?"
Looking up from his seat, Harry was surprised to see Amelia stood there, a plate of food in her hand as she bowed her head to him, before handing him the plate, "You need to keep your strength up my Lord."
"Thank you Amelia," Harry smiled, "And please, call me Harry: now, I'm guessing you're really here to talk about the role of Family Vassal that you have been given by my family's magic, am I right?"
"Yes," sighed the elder witch, taking a seat near to Harry as she asked, "What made you choose me?"
"Your gift for one," Harry explained, "You gave Hermione and I the right to use our wands outside of Hogwarts and so I felt that was worthy of a reward of some kind; second, for what you did to protect me from the Dursleys: how's that going?"
"We have a full team investigating your parents' wills and the reasons that your pain was ignored for so long," Amelia replied, before she linked her hands and lowered her head as she added, "Of course, as Vassal to Lord Potter, and with your permission, I can actually witness the official will of your parents myself."
"Then do so," Harry told her, "See to it that you and you alone are the one to witness it: then, have Ragnok make a copy and send it to me. Have the original sealed in the Potter Vaults until I wish to reveal it to the world. Now, getting back to my point, I named you my Vassal because I wished to thank you and, given what you have done for me, you seem like a trustworthy person and that is someone I wish to be in charge of my affairs while I am at Hogwarts. If you wish, Amelia, I can have someone act as your assistant: perhaps Dan or Emma would be honoured or I could assign a House Elf to you; all you have to do is ask."
"Thank you Harry," Amelia smiled, "And thank you for placing your trust in me: I must say that when I received the notice saying I was now a close, personal member of Harry Potter's family, I was a little awed, but now I see your reasoning. I am honoured to be your Vassal and need no assistant if my Lord would allow me one request."
"Name it," Harry smiled, his eyes shining with energy.
"There is a young Auror who works rather closely with me and, someday, I wish to be my successor in the DMLE: would my Lord allow me to name her as my assistant and ask her to pledge fealty to House Potter?"
"I would," Harry nodded, "And Amelia, please: no matter what you ask, always use my name: you at least have that right. Now, as my Vassal, I do have one task for you that I would like the results by August 31st."
"Of course Harry," Amelia nodded, "What is it?"
"Severus Snape," Harry explained, "I was once informed that my Father saved his life: I want him investigated and then, once you have the full details, I want you to see to it that he either swears to repay his debt to me personally otherwise, I want him arrested for biased teaching, threatening behaviour and disgracing the late Lord of an Ancient House."
"I will look into it straight away," Amelia replied, standing and leaving the room, giving Harry a chance to read through his Codex as he continued his search for the information he needed.
What he found was something that not only explained what had happened, but was also something that Harry knew he would need to try with Hermione; if it all went to plan, this information would allow the two of them to release the full power of their elementals; all Harry needed was Hermione's permission and enough faith in his own magical ability…
HPHG
When the party eventually came to a close, Harry thanked them all for thief gifts, a part of him noticing that Neville seemed almost uncomfortable with some unknown twist of fate as he left, before, with a little help from his magic, Harry cleared away the mess, had a warm mug of hot chocolate to help him sleep and, moving up to his room, slumped down on his bed, his eyes open as he stared at the ceiling.
Moments later, Hermione walked in, her own eyes looking brighter than ever as she curled up next to Harry, her warm touch feeling as gentle as the waves washing on the shore. In one day, the world had changed for both of them and now, with but one move, Harry's whole life had been turned on its head: this time last year, he was a weak, frightened child and now, twelve months later, he was a tall, powerful Lord who was also the last of the Pure Knights and Lord of a vassal House that seemed almost proud to stand at his side.
Taking his hand in hers, Hermione asked, "What is it you wanted to talk about Harry?"
"I was reading the Codex," explained the Knight of Thunder, "And I found a ritual that would help us release our magic; however, we have two problems."
"What?" asked Hermione, moving her head up to her boyfriend's heart, listening to its almost rhythmic lullaby thumping as she listened to him.
"First," Harry explained, "We'd need 24 hours rest afterwards and, with us going on holiday next week, I don't want to spoil or rush anything we're not ready for; so we can either wait until we go away and use one night then or we wait until the last week of summer and perform the ritual then."
"I see," Hermione sighed, "And the second problem?"
"According to the Codex," Harry replied, "It's classed as a Level 4 Ritual, which makes it borderline forbidden and dangerous to both caster and target: if you feel scared, Hermione, then tell me and I won't attempt it, but, if it works, it will create a bond between us that will link our minds, our magic and our elements. It will also release any attempted blocks on our magic and give us full control over magic both with and without a wand, but, to do it, we'd have to do it at night as we need a few hours for it to take effect."
"So are you saying that you want the easy way out rather than learning all about our power?" asked Hermione, looking into Harry's emerald eyes with a look of worry and suspicion, "I thought you had taken care of that side of you."
"I did love," Harry answered her, gently kissing her forehead as he explained, "This is anything but the easy way out Mione: when we cast the ritual, it will simply allow us an easier grasp over the magic rather than struggling with it and ending up exhausting ourselves. Plus, as Holy Knight of Thunder, I did learn that it will take a great amount of energy to command and control the force of the storm: this ritual will give me that energy just like Madam Pomfrey's treatments and your parents' caring hearts have given me back the true, physical appearance of the handsome young Lord that you call your boyfriend."
"Oh," Hermione replied, feeling slightly embarrassed at how she had questioned her boyfriend: it was common knowledge that to use a spell to its fullest potential, one had to have the will and energy necessary to pull it off. While witches and wizards made spell-casting look easy, it was in fact draining, particularly those that called for a more focused time slot of use, such as the Spider Swarm Jinx used by Harry at the end of term. If he had tried to cast it now, then he would find no real trouble, save for reaching the allotted thirty minute mark.
Looking back to Harry, who seemed almost as worried as her about this ritual, Hermione continued, "Well, I don't really have any problems with you releasing your magic Harry and, if it helps to strengthen our bond as well as our status as Holy Knights, then I say that we go for it. However, would you let me choose when we perform it love?"
"Of course I will Mione," Harry replied, kissing Hermione softly as he added, "I wouldn't force you into anything that you do not feel ready for; now though, love, close your eyes and sleep, knowing that I will always remain at your side."
"We'll need a good-night's sleep," Hermione agreed, "Next week we go away on holiday."
"That reminds me," Harry whispered, closing his own eyes as he felt his girlfriend shuffle closer into his embrace, "There's one more task that I need to accomplish."
HPHG
As was the custom for the summer holiday, the roads leading out of the country and into the Channel Tunnel were heavily packed, as were those taking the ferry. When the Grangers' car reached the customs barrier, Harry seemed distracted by the fact that there was one extra queue that nobody seemed to notice; placing his hand on Dan's shoulder, he whispered, "Guess who can use that aisle?"
"Magic users," Dan replied, thankful for Harry's sharp eyes as well as his wizarding heritage: until Harry had placed his hand on Dan's shoulder, the Granger patriarch had not even noticed the extra aisle through customs. Redirecting his car towards the aisle, Harry reached into his pocket and withdrew his magical passport, which Ragnok had helped to provide along with another form of identification that, as a Holy Knight, would allow Harry the kind of authority where questions were best left avoided.
Stopping at the checkpoint, Dan handed their passports to the wizard, who looked through them, before he shook his head, "I do apologise Mr Granger, but it would appear that you are in the wrong queue sir."
"Oh really?" asked Harry, opening the car door and stepping out, the sight of his robes making the checkpoint attendant actually gasp in shock as he saw the golden trim of Harry's crest. "And would you be so kind as to tell me why you can't tell the difference between a Muggle and Magical passport sir."
"My apologies my lord," the wizard replied, "But unless you have a real reason for allowing this Muggle to escort you, then I suggest he goes with the other trash and…"
"Trash?" asked Harry, his emerald eyes almost flickering like a faulty light bulb as he asked, "How can you call the guardian and protector of a Lord trash?"
"But sir," the wizard replied, "Muggles are not…"
"I say he is," Harry replied, now pulling out a black wallet engraved with his new family crest and flicking it open, revealing a card that, like most wizarding pictures, moved to display Harry and the lightning bolt crest. "And as Lord Harry James Potter, Holy Knight of Thunder and Heir of Godric Gryffindor, I suggest that you apologise to my legal guardian and allow us to pass on through before I am forced to contact the Ministry and report you for daring to insult the family of a Holy Knight."
"Oh," gasped the wizard, now throwing himself to his knees, "My lord, I apologise profusely: I was not aware that you were in such high regard: of course I will allow you through."
"Thank you," Harry replied, placing his new identification back into his robes as he added, "Please inform the French Ministry of my arrival and tell them that I am travelling in Muggle company."
"Yes milord," the man replied, vanishing back into his office, leaving Harry to take his seat in the car, a part of his mind telling him that he would need to provide Dan and Emma with robes signifying them as members of his family so that idiots like this wizard were not foolish enough to insinuate that they were better than the Grangers.
Dan and Emma, meanwhile, were stunned into silence at how easy it had been for Harry to order that rude wizard around: Dan recalled what he had said in the bank about being glad that Harry was on their side while Emma, looking to Harry's reflection in the mirror, noticed that his emerald eyes were still glowing, his face twisted into a look of rage and disappointment.
"What's wrong Harry?" she asked, looking to the young lord that she was slowly seeing as the son she'd never had.
"Nothing Emma," Harry answered, noticing her gaze into his eyes. Resigning himself to enjoying the view of the docks out the window, Harry sighed as he explained, "I just hate having to resort to that level of intimidation on a person: I know that, as a Holy Knight, I have that right, but to these people, I am enough of a celebrity. I mean, it was like he didn't even recognise me anymore…" his lips then moved in near soundless words as he placed his head against the window of the Grangers' car.
"What was that?" asked Dan, watching as the dock security assisted their car onto the ferry, clearly having got the message that someone of Harry's authority was one of their guests.
With a sigh, Harry repeated, "I said…I hardly even recognise myself anymore."
HPHG
On the ferry, Harry and Hermione resigned themselves to watching the view of the English Channel pass them by, Hermione finding herself growing comfortable on the water while Harry looked upwards, as if trying to read the weather. As the English coastline then left them behind, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his Holy Knight's identification, before he reached back into his pocket and pulled out a second wallet, this one holding a picture of Hermione and the trident of Poseidon, indicating her as the Holy Knight of Ocean. Slipping it into her hand, he whispered, "Never lose it love."
"I won't," Hermione replied, looking back at the young man that had his arms around her, the two of them acting like lovers so many years ahead of them as they enjoyed the mid-morning view of the English Channel, the sunlight causing the water to shine like crystal.
As they stared, Harry then felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickling; reaching back with his hand, he gently stroked his neck before he turned, seeing an unusual sight before him. A group of five people were standing there, all of them watching Harry and Hermione with the look of respect and authority; when they saw Harry looking, the centre-most person bowed and approached, his hand pulling back his hood. Underneath was a man with white hair that would have put both Dumbledore and Malfoy to shame; his eyes were electric blue and he was dressed in a long white robe that seemed to flail about him in the wind, a strange crest upon his lapel. The crest looked like a dragon, but in its claws were a crown and a sword that, at closer examination, Harry noticed to be the Holy Sword.
Looking to the man's eyes, Harry once again saw the looks of respect being exchanged between he and this mysterious stranger, before, to his surprise, the man lowered himself to his knees, bowing like a Knight before a King, one arm behind his back while the other was crossed over his chest in a form of pure submission.
"My Honoured Lord," the man spoke up: he had what could be described as a bass rumble for a voice that seemed to be tinged with an Irish accent, "It is a great honour to be in the presence of the Holy Knight once more."
"Thank you," Harry replied, noticing that the four other figures were now bowing in a similar fashion, all of them baring the same white robe and suit along with the same crest: two of the four were women while two others were men, one looking at least five years older than Harry himself. All of them had the same white hair as their leader and, when Harry looked closer, he saw a streak of some kind among the white; one was red, one was blue, one was silver and one was green; the leader, Harry noticed, had a streak of gold that he had fashioned into some kind of rat-tail that hung down behind his head. Deciding it was better to find out the identities of these mysterious people, Harry asked the obvious, "Who are you?"
"My name is Sebastian McDale my lord," the leader replied, "With me are Elora Shaw, Tyler Kingston, Felicia Harrow and Dante McShane; we are known collectively as the Order of Pendragon and we are the warriors and servants of the Holy Knights. As the last Pure Knight, my Lord of Thunder, we are now your humble servants and ask a request of you, my lord."
"And what is that Sebastian?" asked Harry, looking to the leader of these knights who had somehow become his servants.
"You head for France for a vacation with your guardians, my lord," Sebastian explained, still kneeled before Harry, "We of the Order wish to escort you on your vacation as it has been our duty for many decade to guard and protect the Holy Knights. We have a villa already set up close to the capital and merely wish to act as your hosts as well as guides to the magical land that is within the French Community."
"I see," Harry replied, slightly shocked at these warriors; each of them, he supposed, were magic users of some kind and, from Sebastian's words, they were very loyal to their superiors. Then again, Harry had been offered a place on holiday by the Grangers and, as far as he was concerned, it would be almost wrong to dishonour their hospitality by telling them of this offer.
As if sensing her boyfriend's doubts, Hermione stepped up next to Harry and, looking to Sebastian, spoke up, "Begging your pardon there Mr McDale, but our holiday as already been decided by our family; while we would appreciate any help and assistance you can present, this is our holiday and we are already heading for our own rented villa."
"This is no problem with us, my Lady of Ocean," Sebastian replied, answering Hermione with the same formality as he had done to Harry, "If you wish to continue as per your arrangements, then we shall merely act as envoys and escorts before we leave our fate in your hands. We do not mean to disrupt the vacation of his Lordship and will understand if he wishes us to leave him to enjoy his time here."
"No," Harry suddenly spoke up, his eyes on Hermione as he saw what she had planned by her words, "You do not need to leave my side Sebastian: if it is your duty to guard, guide and protect me then, as Holy Knight of Thunder, I command you: you will join us on this holiday and help the Lady Hermione and I understand the strength and full fury of the powers at our command. Furthermore," he then added, taking Hermione's hand, "You do not need to bow to me nor call me anything but my name: if you are my protectors, then you are my allies. You kneel before me as warriors; now, my Order of Pendragon, I ask that you rise as my friends: I would be honoured to have you at my side."
"Yes milord," the five replied, rising on command, the four other warriors stepping up beside Sebastian, each of them seemingly pleased enough to be considered worthy of a friendship with their Lord and Lady.
Looking to Elora, who was the red-streaked warrior, Hermione then asked, "As Lady of Ocean, would you and Felicia accept places as my trainers and protectors while Dante and Tyler take the responsibility for Harry?"
The five warriors seemed almost surprised by their Lady's request, especially the young-looking Tyler, who bore the silver streak in his almost wild-haired look. Looking to their leader, the four warriors seemed to wait for Sebastian's approval, the leader of the Order nodding as he turned back to Harry and asked, "Your orders my lord Harry?"
"First," Harry replied, "As I said: it's just Harry; if you must address me as Lord, then only do so to keep up public appearance; we are friends and allies both; second, I want you to do as Hermione requested; while I am not sexist about these things, I would appreciate a male mentor and guard watching me while Hermione has the female warriors. Third, when we reach France, I will propose your offer to my guardians, Daniel and Emma Granger, whom you shall also address by their names and treat them with the utmost respect; and finally, in the course of our holiday, Hermione and I seek to perform the Ritual of Release on our elements: during the rest period, I charge you, Sebastian, with taking charge of any of my affairs and only wake me if it is absolutely necessary. As Holy Knight of Thunder and the last of the Pure Knights, I command you."
"As the Warriors of Pendragon, we obey," replied the five, both Felicia – the green-streaked warrior – and Dante – the blue-streaked warrior – looking proud with their new tasks as the boat continued on towards the French coastline.
As the last stage of their cruise took effect, Harry was still up on the main deck, Sebastian standing protectively at his side while Hermione had taken the other warriors to meet with her parents; seeing the French Coastline coming into view, Harry then asked, "Sebastian, would you care to explain more about who you are?"
"Of course my l…Harry," Sebastian answered, gaining a glare from Harry as he almost slipped up with the address. "The Order of Pendragon was crafted by one of the Heirs of the Holy Knights, one Godric Gryffindor…"
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" asked Harry, before he chuckled and added, "Don't answer that."
"Indeed," Sebastian continued, now standing at his lord's side, leaning against the rail of the ship as he carried on with his story. "Lord Gryffindor was a truly noble warrior and, when the lineage of the Knights was threatened, he charged the Order with the care, respect, and eternal loyalty towards those who followed in his stead. Many of these Warriors, as we chose to name ourselves, have followed in his stead, always maintaining the code of the Order: Honour, Loyalty, Truth and Unity. I was fifteen when I was chosen to be trained as a Warrior of Pendragon and, through the years of my life, I have waited for the moment when my lord would call upon us once more. I was twenty eight when I became the High Commander of the Order and, in the fourteen years since that day, I have served the Knights and their ideals with true loyalty."
"Fourteen years?" asked Harry, "Are you saying that you have been a Knight for a year longer than my life?"
"I am," answered Sebastian, "You see my lord, the rank of High Commander can only be given to you upon oath of loyalty by one of the Holy Knights; the one who knighted me with this honoured rank was…your Father, my Lord."
"Dad?" asked Harry, "He was a Holy Knight?"
"No," answered Sebastian, "Your Grandfather, Charles Potter, was a Holy Knight: the Holy Knight of Light and, in his final will, when your Father discovered that your Mother was pregnant, Charles had charged James Potter to use the last act of the Holy Knight and name the successor of High Commander Evans."
"Evans?" asked Harry, "You mean…"
"Your Mother's parents," Sebastian nodded, "Despite what you have been told Harry, the clans of Potter and Evans have been allies for many years and, in their lifetime, only two have married into each other's services: the late, and honoured, Lord James Potter and Lady Lillian, alias Lily Evans: both purebloods and both powerful wizards whom it was my honour and privilege to treat as my own Lord and Lady."
"Mum," Harry whispered, his eyes dampening as he thought on Sebastian's words, "Dad: both were warriors and both had Knights: Mum was pureblood and Dad was the chosen one to name the new High Commander."
"I do not mean to upset you," Sebastian exclaimed, seeing the emotion in the eyes of his lord, "But from your reaction, it is clear to me, my Lord Harry that you know not who you are descended from."
"No," Harry whispered, wiping his eyes, "I don't: thank you Sebastian; I am honoured to have one who worked so well with my parents standing at my side. If you'll excuse me, I need to go and prepare for our landing in France."
"Yes my lord," Sebastian gave Harry a salute before he turned to look back at the scenery around them; he was stood there for some time, before another presence made Sebastian turn.
Padfoot was sat a few inches away from the man, his eyes locked onto the High Commander as if recognising him; a growl rippled deep in Padfoot's throat as he stood up, his stance indicating attack and a sense of threat.
"Don't worry," Sebastian told the dog, "I won't reveal your secret to my lord: that truth is yours and yours alone, but I will say this."
He then crossed the deck and seemed to tower over Padfoot, his eyes fixed on the dog as he lowered himself and looked into the eyes of the creature, seeing both Padfoot and the soul beneath the beast.
"I warn you," whispered Sebastian, "If the rumours are true and you mean any harm to my lord Harry Potter, Azkaban will seem like an island paradise compared to the hell I will put you through…Sirius Black."
Then, still locking eyes with Padfoot, Sebastian gave a sneer before he rose and walked off across the ferry, seeking out his lord and lady, a part of him keeping a very watchful eye on Padfoot, the code of the Order forcing him to keep his silence until his Lord wished it:
Honour – by honouring the memory of Lily and James and keeping their son, the last Pure Knight safe and strong;
Loyalty – by choosing this moment, just days after his lord had become the Knight, to become his lord's mentor and his guide into the powers of the Knights as well as ensuring that his lord was free of all attempted manipulations against his destiny;
Truth – His lord had not yet asked about the truth and, until such a time, Sebastian was not one to reveal anything that his lord had not wished him to tell;
Unity – Keeping the Pure Holy Knight with his Anointed One and ensuring that the Balance was kept to its place within his Lord: a Grey-level wizard whose only ally was himself and the destiny of the Holy Knights;
Yes, Sebastian was keeping to the code and so, until he was asked about the mysterious mutt that had become his Lord's pet and friend, he would keep a very close eye on Padfoot;
Alias Sirius Black…
Chapter 5 and it appears that things are heating up for the Holy Knight of Thunder; new allies, new powers and now a holiday that he hopes will be one to remember, but can he enjoy himself despite these new revelations?
Plus, just how long will Sebastian keep the secret identity of 'Padfoot' a secret?
Keep Reading to Find Out;
Next Chapter: Holiday in France and Harry and Hermione enter their training with the Order of Pendragon; plus, Harry and Hermione perform the ritual, which brings about some surprise results and shocking revelations for the HKT and the HKO; also, back in England, we find out why Neville was so uncomfortable and his grandmother has a suggestion to help out;