ATtD Ch9
Placing the bowl on the new desk, he sat back on the bed and
pulled out the envelope that he had never gotten to that morning. A large envelope fell into his lap. He looked up to find the raven sitting beside
him. “Thank you.” He smiled.
“There’s food and water if you want.”
He waved at the desk but the bird didn’t budge. “Um… was there something else?” The raven cocked its dark head to the side,
its red eyes unblinking as it observed him.
Satisfied, it stuck a slender leg out where Harry just realized a small
scroll was attached. Carefully
unrolling it, the three words in elegant script shone from the scroll.
Yehl, for protection
“Um… Yehl. Is that you?” He asked the bird politely, trying to interpret who would think a bird could protect him. The raven nodded once and then to Harry’s complete confusion bowed low. A wave of solemnity washed over him when the red eyes bore into his and he found himself nodding back. The raven held his gaze for a long moment before swooping to the desk where the owls were already eating. Breath rushed back into his lungs and he stared back down at the scroll in his hands. For some reason he felt as if he had just agreed to something very important.
The feeling stayed with him as he turned to the large envelope that Yehl had brought him. There was no name, no return address; the outside was completely blank except for a foreign seal on the back. It had weight to it, more than physical weight but a solemn gravity to it. He wasn’t sure how he knew… but whatever was in this envelope was important. He turned it over and slid his finger under the edge and pulled it open. The seal released with a breath of magic, golden light smoking through the air. He immediately dropped it and jumped from the bed.
Magic was leaking from the open envelope. It didn’t feel dangerous but… it was very dark. Claws dug gently into his shoulder as weight settled. He met the bright eye with trepidation. “Surprises aren’t really my thing right now.” Harry apologized, eyeing the envelope cautiously. “You wouldn’t happen to be a friend of Voldemort? He’s the one I need protection from.” Yehl just watched him, a curious sense of contentment settling over Harry from the bird’s presence. “Yeah, didn’t think you were from him.” He amended softly. All hesitation gone, he sat back down and picked up the envelope and removed the contents. He found two official looking documents, a small bound book, and a heavy pouch where the source of the magic was emanating. He ignored the pouch for now, not reckless enough to touch it without some sort of information, and unfolded the first letter. More of the same elegant script he had found on Yehl’s leg covered the page.
Harold James Potter; Soul of the Ancient Night, Heir to the Soul of Chaos, Inheritor of the Final Gate, Mate to the Soul of the Luminous Night, Armament of Scales, Ambassador to the Outer Realms, Ambassador to the Ancient Deities, Wielder of Chaos, Wielder of the Absolute Silence, Wielder of the Eternal Darkness, the Ancient Mother’s Most Beloved Grandson,
Harry frowned down at the page; he already disliked where this was going.
As with tradition, this letter has found you early. It is our hope to prepare you as best as possible for the duties you have come to inherit but for now we will focus on keeping you safe, New Born. We do not expect you to comprehend who or what we speak of yet, just read and remember; understanding will come when needed.
He really didn’t like the sound of this at all.
There are many forces in this world but these three are the ones you must concern yourself with at the moment. The Council of Wizards, the mainstay of balance in the mortal realm. Heralds of the Fae, the embassy between the mortal realm and the outer worlds. And the Unvoiced, the protectors of knowledge gifted from the Gods. These groups will become aware of your existence the moment you do and ideally greet you as with tradition. They share your eventual goal but can be clouded by personal agendas. It is your decision to trust them, and your prerogative to use them, as you require.
The Council of Wizards will be the closest to your familiarity and most likely the first to approach you openly. They are in contact with your Ministry of Magic but rarely interfere with such trivialities. They were first created to police the newly formed wizarding world but as the years passed and with the growth of the world, they now focus on the natural flows of magic and ensure they are not interrupted, leaving the policing to the Ministry of Magic. The Counsel’s ranks stem from the noblebloods of mortal magic, you may have already met their children while obtaining your education. A rift has grown in the Council the last few hundred years. Once in league with the Heralds of the Fae, they are now distrustful of each other. Your position will eventually fix this but until that occurs you must be wary.
The Heralds of the Fae will also seek you out. They consist of the leaders of the sentient clans of magic. Their timing of introduction will rely on their ability to assemble; they are spread across the world and have other duties to see to. They first came in existence as greeters to the Fae who traveled to this realm, and as go betweens for the wizarding world and the Fae when needed. Now they guard the sealed Shadow Gates from unwelcome travelers and keep an eye out for upcoming magical disturbances. Unlike the Council of Wizards, the Heralds of the Fae will strictly bide by ceremony and tradition for it is a sign of respect. If you wish to return such respect in kind, the dark book included has all you need to know of the superficials. Newly born, it will not be expected of you; strategically it is in your best interest to know what you can before you decide to discard it or not.
Finally, the Unvoiced. They will be most hesitant to make themselves known, although they watch you even now. Their one and only duty is to guard all knowledge gifted to them and ensure it reaches those in need. The dark book is from their libraries created specifically for you and your ancestors. You will quickly learn that the knowledge the Unvoiced posses is yours to have as well.
Essential, contrary to what others may tell you, none from this realm or the outer worlds hold power over you. Do not be swayed by politics; foolishly ambitious may try to deceive you. If they succeed they will never cease until you are forced to reprimand them. This will lead to their untimely death and a consequential power struggle that we sense you will not take pleasure in. In addition, you may come into the position of reprimanding leaders in the three groups aforementioned. We highly stress reading the chapters on your options in such matters, formal procedure is important.
In case you choose not to read the book before speaking with another we must stress the significance of secrecy. What you are to become is something of great power. Powerful things are viewed to be possessed or destroyed by mortals. Neither is an option for you, New Born. For your safety and the safety of those you associate yourself with, do not reveal your true identity. We understand your confusion in the matter but within a few weeks you will understand yourself more than we could ever explain to you. Do not jeopardize your future before it has begun.
Within this package you will find a pouch containing powerful objects that have been awaiting you. Most are for your protection, giving you the ability to focus and mask your new power. Others are purely ornamental, but possibly more essential for they verify whom you are to those who would dare contest it. There is a section also dedicated to these heirlooms in the dark book, including how to wear them and activate their visual capacity to you and those you wish to keep them hidden from. We suggest you wear them as soon as convenient, any later than your birthday will be too late.
Concerning Yehl, she has been chosen to protect you for although she is young, her skills are well renowned in our realm. When notified, she was quite joyful to have the honor bestowed to her. She will blend, changing her form as needed; do not be alarmed. As for council, your brother will join you shortly. He has his own errands to deal with but will assist you as only he can. You will recognize him by the natural affection.
“…Brother?” He stared blankly at the page for a moment before dismissing the obvious mistake and continued to read.
The other note enclosed must be read after the rebirth. Your eyes will perceive it correctly then. The information it contains will help you towards your first goals and those you must seek out for allegiance. Do not let any of this fall into another’s hands; if the need arises, Yehl will protect it for you.
We wish you the best of luck. Your path will not be easy nor will you always have support, but know that this realm and all the others are observing and depending on your success and strong moral core. Do not be overwhelmed by these new responsibilities, they will become reflexive after a millennium. We will be in touch. Welcome back, Mr. Potter, we look forward to your positive presence in the mortal realm once again.
The Allegiance of Fae
Harry stared vacantly at the page. He turned it over; the same seal on the envelope was emblazoned on the back in golden ink. Brows furrowed, Harry turned to the raven perched on the bed. “Is this some sort of joke?” Instead of answering like a good self-respecting bird, Yehl stared back silently before using her beak to push the dark book towards him.
“I was afraid of that.” He whispered.
*******
Leafing through the dark book, Harry found himself reminded of the old dusty books hiding in the restricted section. Deceived by his first glance; pages, whole chapters even, suddenly appeared where he could have sworn none had been. Once the pages started turning he could never seem to reach the last. Although baffling and slightly entertaining, he decided to turn to the front and the Table of Contents. Unfortunately whatever language the book was written in it was not English. “I can’t read this.” He sighed to himself more than anything but as he watched, lines began to appear below certain chapters. Helpful. “I guess… Ancient Body Jewelry Rites?”
Turning the pages, he opened up the small pouch and let the contents spill out onto his bedspread. There was more than he had expected the small bag to handle. All ornate, all of a dark glossy metal that changed colors as he touched them; they were overwhelmingly beautiful. A large ring caught his eye, the powerful magic radiating called to him in a way he couldn’t understand. He resisted the urge to put it on and instead looked back to the book.
The first item pictured was the ring. “Heart of Chaos; Seal of the Heir to the Soul of Chaos… so many ‘of’s’.” He mused. “Must be worn on the right ring finger as a sign of heredity… crest only appears when worn by the true Heir to the Soul of Chaos. Easily recognizable by the magical signature it emanates. Can only be concealed with the Hyne of Wind… pictured below.” He observed the elaborate contraption of links and gems that was supposed to hook onto his wrist and ring finger in addition to the Seal; how he wasn’t quite sure since there was no clasp. “Looks complicated.” He decided.
He went over each of them, separating them from the pile and setting each piece aside as he checked them off in the book. There were seven large pieces in all plus an array of rings and studs; he was not looking forward to the piercings he would need to wear them… some of them in places he didn’t want to think about. A gauntlet for physical defense, a necklace to protect from poison, some sort of hair ornament to protect his mind from outside forces, a horribly complicated mess of slender chains and links that fastened around him from chest to hips that would allow him to control his power as well as defend his vital organs, a long gauntlet for his leg for magical defense, and a strange contraption for his foot that controlled his speed; all of it sent him reeling.
Not that he was thoroughly convinced about the whole thing. It was certainly highly structured for a ruse, but then again whoever instigated it would know that he wasn’t going to be easily convinced; not after Sirius’ death. He ran a hand through his hair. Part of him believed it. The magic, the book, hell, the bloody bird, it all pointed to something just beyond his grasp. The most confusing of it all was that warning bells weren’t going off in his head at all; no instinct of danger, no unexplainable urge to put the jewelry on or go destroying good. He should be trying to contact Dumbledore or sealing away the strange items, not contemplating if it could actually be true. …Then again, he couldn’t count on Dumbledore for anything anymore.
He stared at the book tiredly. It was always him, wasn’t it. With a swift movement he scooped all the jewelry up and dumped it back into the pouch which he placed on the nightstand with the other envelopes and books. He would wait until he had read more before he made any rash decisions. His priority now was sleep.
*******
Awareness came softly, subtle shifts that called his attention. He was blind, surrounded by startling white and suffocating heat. Soft gasps echoed; who’s he wasn’t sure for he wasn’t quite certain if he was breathing. A pulse… loud… hot, he was pinned down. Yielding flesh met his hands as he pushed back. His intent changed and he pulled the slender figure closer for exploration. No, that had not been his voice in his ear. Flashes of pain slipped down his neck, rough heat laving saliva down his chest. That… that was his voice. He moaned again, hips ground down by the sleek figure. He seemed incapable of anything but grasping harder, wrapping his legs until they locked around the narrow hips and kissing back while all thoughts were lost and he faded…
Harry awoke with a gasp. Covered in sweat and his pulse beating erratically, it took him a moment to realize it had only been a dream. He quickly pulled his shirt up to reveal the patch of skin that was burning in the calm night air. “Gods.” He whispered, fingers lightly circling the spot. There was a person there.
There was a person sleeping right below his fingertips.
Unable to fully comprehend this new development, he didn’t fight the drowsiness that returned and allowed the night to claim his once again.
ATtD Chapter Index Links
Yehl, for protection
“Um… Yehl. Is that you?” He asked the bird politely, trying to interpret who would think a bird could protect him. The raven nodded once and then to Harry’s complete confusion bowed low. A wave of solemnity washed over him when the red eyes bore into his and he found himself nodding back. The raven held his gaze for a long moment before swooping to the desk where the owls were already eating. Breath rushed back into his lungs and he stared back down at the scroll in his hands. For some reason he felt as if he had just agreed to something very important.
The feeling stayed with him as he turned to the large envelope that Yehl had brought him. There was no name, no return address; the outside was completely blank except for a foreign seal on the back. It had weight to it, more than physical weight but a solemn gravity to it. He wasn’t sure how he knew… but whatever was in this envelope was important. He turned it over and slid his finger under the edge and pulled it open. The seal released with a breath of magic, golden light smoking through the air. He immediately dropped it and jumped from the bed.
Magic was leaking from the open envelope. It didn’t feel dangerous but… it was very dark. Claws dug gently into his shoulder as weight settled. He met the bright eye with trepidation. “Surprises aren’t really my thing right now.” Harry apologized, eyeing the envelope cautiously. “You wouldn’t happen to be a friend of Voldemort? He’s the one I need protection from.” Yehl just watched him, a curious sense of contentment settling over Harry from the bird’s presence. “Yeah, didn’t think you were from him.” He amended softly. All hesitation gone, he sat back down and picked up the envelope and removed the contents. He found two official looking documents, a small bound book, and a heavy pouch where the source of the magic was emanating. He ignored the pouch for now, not reckless enough to touch it without some sort of information, and unfolded the first letter. More of the same elegant script he had found on Yehl’s leg covered the page.
Harold James Potter; Soul of the Ancient Night, Heir to the Soul of Chaos, Inheritor of the Final Gate, Mate to the Soul of the Luminous Night, Armament of Scales, Ambassador to the Outer Realms, Ambassador to the Ancient Deities, Wielder of Chaos, Wielder of the Absolute Silence, Wielder of the Eternal Darkness, the Ancient Mother’s Most Beloved Grandson,
Harry frowned down at the page; he already disliked where this was going.
As with tradition, this letter has found you early. It is our hope to prepare you as best as possible for the duties you have come to inherit but for now we will focus on keeping you safe, New Born. We do not expect you to comprehend who or what we speak of yet, just read and remember; understanding will come when needed.
He really didn’t like the sound of this at all.
There are many forces in this world but these three are the ones you must concern yourself with at the moment. The Council of Wizards, the mainstay of balance in the mortal realm. Heralds of the Fae, the embassy between the mortal realm and the outer worlds. And the Unvoiced, the protectors of knowledge gifted from the Gods. These groups will become aware of your existence the moment you do and ideally greet you as with tradition. They share your eventual goal but can be clouded by personal agendas. It is your decision to trust them, and your prerogative to use them, as you require.
The Council of Wizards will be the closest to your familiarity and most likely the first to approach you openly. They are in contact with your Ministry of Magic but rarely interfere with such trivialities. They were first created to police the newly formed wizarding world but as the years passed and with the growth of the world, they now focus on the natural flows of magic and ensure they are not interrupted, leaving the policing to the Ministry of Magic. The Counsel’s ranks stem from the noblebloods of mortal magic, you may have already met their children while obtaining your education. A rift has grown in the Council the last few hundred years. Once in league with the Heralds of the Fae, they are now distrustful of each other. Your position will eventually fix this but until that occurs you must be wary.
The Heralds of the Fae will also seek you out. They consist of the leaders of the sentient clans of magic. Their timing of introduction will rely on their ability to assemble; they are spread across the world and have other duties to see to. They first came in existence as greeters to the Fae who traveled to this realm, and as go betweens for the wizarding world and the Fae when needed. Now they guard the sealed Shadow Gates from unwelcome travelers and keep an eye out for upcoming magical disturbances. Unlike the Council of Wizards, the Heralds of the Fae will strictly bide by ceremony and tradition for it is a sign of respect. If you wish to return such respect in kind, the dark book included has all you need to know of the superficials. Newly born, it will not be expected of you; strategically it is in your best interest to know what you can before you decide to discard it or not.
Finally, the Unvoiced. They will be most hesitant to make themselves known, although they watch you even now. Their one and only duty is to guard all knowledge gifted to them and ensure it reaches those in need. The dark book is from their libraries created specifically for you and your ancestors. You will quickly learn that the knowledge the Unvoiced posses is yours to have as well.
Essential, contrary to what others may tell you, none from this realm or the outer worlds hold power over you. Do not be swayed by politics; foolishly ambitious may try to deceive you. If they succeed they will never cease until you are forced to reprimand them. This will lead to their untimely death and a consequential power struggle that we sense you will not take pleasure in. In addition, you may come into the position of reprimanding leaders in the three groups aforementioned. We highly stress reading the chapters on your options in such matters, formal procedure is important.
In case you choose not to read the book before speaking with another we must stress the significance of secrecy. What you are to become is something of great power. Powerful things are viewed to be possessed or destroyed by mortals. Neither is an option for you, New Born. For your safety and the safety of those you associate yourself with, do not reveal your true identity. We understand your confusion in the matter but within a few weeks you will understand yourself more than we could ever explain to you. Do not jeopardize your future before it has begun.
Within this package you will find a pouch containing powerful objects that have been awaiting you. Most are for your protection, giving you the ability to focus and mask your new power. Others are purely ornamental, but possibly more essential for they verify whom you are to those who would dare contest it. There is a section also dedicated to these heirlooms in the dark book, including how to wear them and activate their visual capacity to you and those you wish to keep them hidden from. We suggest you wear them as soon as convenient, any later than your birthday will be too late.
Concerning Yehl, she has been chosen to protect you for although she is young, her skills are well renowned in our realm. When notified, she was quite joyful to have the honor bestowed to her. She will blend, changing her form as needed; do not be alarmed. As for council, your brother will join you shortly. He has his own errands to deal with but will assist you as only he can. You will recognize him by the natural affection.
“…Brother?” He stared blankly at the page for a moment before dismissing the obvious mistake and continued to read.
The other note enclosed must be read after the rebirth. Your eyes will perceive it correctly then. The information it contains will help you towards your first goals and those you must seek out for allegiance. Do not let any of this fall into another’s hands; if the need arises, Yehl will protect it for you.
We wish you the best of luck. Your path will not be easy nor will you always have support, but know that this realm and all the others are observing and depending on your success and strong moral core. Do not be overwhelmed by these new responsibilities, they will become reflexive after a millennium. We will be in touch. Welcome back, Mr. Potter, we look forward to your positive presence in the mortal realm once again.
The Allegiance of Fae
Harry stared vacantly at the page. He turned it over; the same seal on the envelope was emblazoned on the back in golden ink. Brows furrowed, Harry turned to the raven perched on the bed. “Is this some sort of joke?” Instead of answering like a good self-respecting bird, Yehl stared back silently before using her beak to push the dark book towards him.
“I was afraid of that.” He whispered.
*******
Leafing through the dark book, Harry found himself reminded of the old dusty books hiding in the restricted section. Deceived by his first glance; pages, whole chapters even, suddenly appeared where he could have sworn none had been. Once the pages started turning he could never seem to reach the last. Although baffling and slightly entertaining, he decided to turn to the front and the Table of Contents. Unfortunately whatever language the book was written in it was not English. “I can’t read this.” He sighed to himself more than anything but as he watched, lines began to appear below certain chapters. Helpful. “I guess… Ancient Body Jewelry Rites?”
Turning the pages, he opened up the small pouch and let the contents spill out onto his bedspread. There was more than he had expected the small bag to handle. All ornate, all of a dark glossy metal that changed colors as he touched them; they were overwhelmingly beautiful. A large ring caught his eye, the powerful magic radiating called to him in a way he couldn’t understand. He resisted the urge to put it on and instead looked back to the book.
The first item pictured was the ring. “Heart of Chaos; Seal of the Heir to the Soul of Chaos… so many ‘of’s’.” He mused. “Must be worn on the right ring finger as a sign of heredity… crest only appears when worn by the true Heir to the Soul of Chaos. Easily recognizable by the magical signature it emanates. Can only be concealed with the Hyne of Wind… pictured below.” He observed the elaborate contraption of links and gems that was supposed to hook onto his wrist and ring finger in addition to the Seal; how he wasn’t quite sure since there was no clasp. “Looks complicated.” He decided.
He went over each of them, separating them from the pile and setting each piece aside as he checked them off in the book. There were seven large pieces in all plus an array of rings and studs; he was not looking forward to the piercings he would need to wear them… some of them in places he didn’t want to think about. A gauntlet for physical defense, a necklace to protect from poison, some sort of hair ornament to protect his mind from outside forces, a horribly complicated mess of slender chains and links that fastened around him from chest to hips that would allow him to control his power as well as defend his vital organs, a long gauntlet for his leg for magical defense, and a strange contraption for his foot that controlled his speed; all of it sent him reeling.
Not that he was thoroughly convinced about the whole thing. It was certainly highly structured for a ruse, but then again whoever instigated it would know that he wasn’t going to be easily convinced; not after Sirius’ death. He ran a hand through his hair. Part of him believed it. The magic, the book, hell, the bloody bird, it all pointed to something just beyond his grasp. The most confusing of it all was that warning bells weren’t going off in his head at all; no instinct of danger, no unexplainable urge to put the jewelry on or go destroying good. He should be trying to contact Dumbledore or sealing away the strange items, not contemplating if it could actually be true. …Then again, he couldn’t count on Dumbledore for anything anymore.
He stared at the book tiredly. It was always him, wasn’t it. With a swift movement he scooped all the jewelry up and dumped it back into the pouch which he placed on the nightstand with the other envelopes and books. He would wait until he had read more before he made any rash decisions. His priority now was sleep.
*******
Awareness came softly, subtle shifts that called his attention. He was blind, surrounded by startling white and suffocating heat. Soft gasps echoed; who’s he wasn’t sure for he wasn’t quite certain if he was breathing. A pulse… loud… hot, he was pinned down. Yielding flesh met his hands as he pushed back. His intent changed and he pulled the slender figure closer for exploration. No, that had not been his voice in his ear. Flashes of pain slipped down his neck, rough heat laving saliva down his chest. That… that was his voice. He moaned again, hips ground down by the sleek figure. He seemed incapable of anything but grasping harder, wrapping his legs until they locked around the narrow hips and kissing back while all thoughts were lost and he faded…
Harry awoke with a gasp. Covered in sweat and his pulse beating erratically, it took him a moment to realize it had only been a dream. He quickly pulled his shirt up to reveal the patch of skin that was burning in the calm night air. “Gods.” He whispered, fingers lightly circling the spot. There was a person there.
There was a person sleeping right below his fingertips.
Unable to fully comprehend this new development, he didn’t fight the drowsiness that returned and allowed the night to claim his once again.
ATtD Chapter Index Links