Now introducing the Royal family of Hufflepuff, plots are hatched as the finishing touches are done…
Again-my gratitude for the magic touch of my beta -VacantSkies-check out his website at http://www.fanfiction.net/~vacantskies
Disclaimer: Never owned them, never will…
Read Review and Enjoy!
Chapter 2
The Royal family of Hufflepuff had arrived and was welcomed by King John of Ravenclaw. "Amos! So glad upon your safe arrival and I assume this strapping young lad is the Crown Prince Cedric?" John noted as he extended his hand to the King of Hufflepuff. "Welcome! Welcome to Ravenclaw! Please excuse the absences of Queen Sara and Princess Hermione, as they are seeing to the preparations of the coronation.
"Not a problem, John! Yes, this is Cedric-he has grown immensely since you last saw him. May I also present his fiancée, Lady Cho Chang. I am hoping you remember her father, Healer Luan Chang. Their family was former residents of your kingdom." Amos replied, still shaking the hand of John. An attractive, graceful lady with almond eyes and hair the color of night appeared at the side of Prince Cedric and curtsied gracefully before King John.
"I remember your father, Lady Cho, one of the most excellent Healer this kingdom has ever seen. Congratulations, Prince Cedric. I see that you did not let this treasure slip through your fingers." King John winked at the lad. "Lady Cho, I'm sure that Princess Hermione would be delighted to be informed of your return-even if for a visit to our kingdom. Please keep your afternoon open, as I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do with the recent events in your life."
"Yes, your Majesty. I, too, am looking forward to speaking with Princess Hermione," stated a now blushing Cho.
"Prince Cedric, I am also sure that you would like to see Prince Harry of Gryffindor. The Royal Family of Gryffindor just arrived here a few moments ago and has just begun to settle in the north tower." John informed the prince.
"Thank you for telling me, your Majesty. Harry and I do have a lot to discuss. If you do not mind your Majesties, Lady Cho and I would like to settle down first before hunting down our friends from the past." Cedric replied with a slight bow to the kings.
"Go then. Hufflepuff's royal guest residence it is at the usual west tower, Prince Cedric. I look forward to seeing the both of you later." King John stated, with a bow from Cedric and a curtsy from Cho, the couple proceeded to follow the servants who led them to the west tower.
"Strong and responsible, humble too…you raised that lad right, Amos. He will be another great ruler to the Hufflepuff kingdom when the time comes," said John as he turned to King Amos, who was staring at the back of his son and his fiancée.
"John, I am truly proud. It's a shame his mother is not with us today to see the man Cedric has become…and to see him falling in love," Amos said as his eyes misted upon remembering the passing of his wife a decade ago.
"Cristina is watching you both and I am sure she is proud of how you raised your son to the man he has become. She would also approve of Cedric's choice on the future queen of Hufflepuff. Lady Cho comes from a respectable line, Amos, the Chang family is a long line of powerful healers…" King John informed King Amos, who was storing the information in his mind. "I'm sure your kingdom will benefit from their knowledge in the art of healing. But enough with this talk! Let my servants show you to your quarters as I am sure you would like to rest after that travel." John then waved his hand and two servants immediately rushed to his side and started to levitate the rest of the trunks of the King, Prince and Lady Cho as they led King Amos to the west tower.
"Another thing Amos, James would like to discuss how we should take this new development of the acceptance to the invitation by the Kingdom of Slytherin…" John called out.
"Ah yes, James the great strategist and the paranoid! Very well, I'll see the both of you during tea this afternoon. I take it this meeting will be held at the East Solarium?" Amos asked. "I should also expect James' henchmen, the Marauders, to be in attendance?"
"You are correct on all accounts!" came the laughing reply of John, "I'll have a servant fetch you when we begin."
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A few hours before, the Royal Family of Gryffindor arrived and was also welcomed by King John. After a small chat with
them he had his servants lead them to the north tower-the official guest residence for the Royal family of Gryffindor.
King James walked off to the north tower with Queen Lily and Prince Harry to see that they were settled before he would
join John and Amos at the East wing of the castle later.
"Father, may I join you for tea?" Harry asked.
"Why not? Prince Cedric may also be there and you can catch up on old times!" King James said while taking off his travel cloak and sitting in a lounge chair in front of the rekindled fireplace, pulling Queen Lily unto his lap.
"Lily, would you like to join us for tea this afternoon?" James asked his wife, looking at her lovingly.
"You men go on! I would rather not be bored with talk of politics as of this moment!" she chided gently as James wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'll rest for a while then look for Sara and see if there is anything I can help her with for this occasion."
"Very well, love. Please have someone inform me when Lord Arthur and Lady Molly has arrived. I'm sure John and Amos would like to hear about the update about the Dark Kingdom and Remus is not far behind as he is gathering the Aurors that he can spare for this coronation as for Sirius, he should be arriving in a few. Just inform them where I am - I'm sure they'll join us for tea at the east wing."
"Yes, Master!" Lily responded mockingly with a twinkle in her eye and lovingly swatted his arm.
King James then lightly brushed his lips on his wife, oblivious to their son gawking at his parents' public display of affection.
Meanwhile at the same time in the Kingdom of Slytherin...
"Lucius, is all ready for your departure?" came a hollow voice from a cloaked figure sitting on the throne in the Slytherin castle, while an unusually large snake slithered around the feet of the king in a loving manner, at the same time witnessing the exchange between the two humans.
"Yes, your majesty, all is set." Lord Lucius Malfoy uttered from his kneeling position before the throne. "My son and I will be departing for Ravenclaw at sunset today."
"Do not fail me, Lucius…" a voice from the throne stated threateningly. "I take it you have prepared your son for his role in my plan?" the cloaked figure inquired.
"Yes I have, sire." Lucius replied.
"Go then, but remember I do not tolerate incompetence Lucius. I am sure that your wife will not take kindly in having to pay for your failure…" the cloaked figure threatened as he continued to stare at the steward of his kingdom.
Lucius shuddered as image of his wife, Lady Narcissa, in the dungeon below the castle flooded his mind. He recalled his failed mission, wherein he had not been able to acquire the prophecy concerning his king and that of the crown prince of Gryffindor which was embedded in the bowels of Stonehenge in the Room of Mystery. He'd almost been captured by the Aurors who guarded Stonehenge. That blasted Peter Pettigrew's information had been unreliable…he hadn't mentioned the griffin guarding the entrance to the Room of Mystery! He'd barely escaped with his life! Pettigrew might be an occasionally useful Animagus - but the damn, bumbling idiot was also a coward!
When his king, Voldemort, found out the Animagus' failure, he Crucio-ed Pettigrew for his ineptness in acquiring the complete information of the wards for the Room of Mystery, but Lucius was to pay highly for this failure. King Voldemort wanted to take out his fury on his only son, Draco! He and his wife begged for forgiveness, he even offered his life for his failure-but his king did not hear of it. While Draco was being dragged away toward the dungeons, Narcissa offered herself in her son's place to the king. Voldemort leered at his wife and ogled her svelte figure and platinum blond hair. He took her offer and from that night two weeks ago, she was held prisoner in the dungeon, to be taken to the room of their king at night and returned to her cell in the morning…Pain coursed through his hardened heart as Lucius thought of their king violating the body of his wife…Yes, under no circumstances were he and Draco to ruin this mission assigned to them by King Voldemort of Slytherin…
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Tea time at the East Solarium in the kingdom of Ravenclaw
An amusing collection of people were gathered at the East Solarium; they were all here to discuss only one topic: King Voldemort and the Kingdom of Slytherin.
On one side was King John of Ravenclaw, behind him was Alastor Moody, head Auror of his kingdom. Alastor was a living legend, notoriously feared in Slytherin and endeared and revered in the other three kingdoms. His body carried many scars from battles-some known, some unknown and some he was willing to forget-scars which he wore with pride like medals of honor. Alastor Moody, was also known as "Mad Eye Moody" due to his magical left eye which could see past walls, invisibility cloaks, and even see through his own head. He created it himself upon the loss of his real eye - no one really knew how he lost it and no one really wanted to find out. Mad Eye Moody was looking at King John with his good eye, while his magical eye was swiveling like crazy around the room.
King Amos was discussing with Amelia Bones, head Auror of Hufflepuff, the details of the reconnaissance mission their kingdom was able to gather up since the last meeting between the three kings.
Finally the infamous Marauders from the Kingdom of Gryffindor rounded up the group. There was King James, talking animatedly with Duke Sirius of the House of Black and Earl Remus Lupin, co-head aurors of his kingdom. Known to only King John, King Amos and Albus Dumbledore, James and Sirius were Animagi while Remus was a werewolf. They also knew that the Marauders were now one member short-but the lost Marauder and the events that took place were never discussed ever again, especially to Prince Harry.
"Well, if it's all the same to you, we better get moving with this meeting before the vermin of Slytherin slithers their way into our midst!" spat Mad Eye Moody.
"We are waiting for the arrival of Albus, Alastor. Then we will begin." James said, covering his smirk behind his hand.
"I saw that, your majesty," retorted Moody as James saw both Moody's eyes fixed on him.
Before James could reply, the screech of a phoenix and barely audible pops signaled the arrival of Albus Dumbledore, overseer of Stonehenge (for Stonehenge recognizes no ruler. It is a free, unbiased, sacred land, Merlin created it this way) with his phoenix Fawkes. Along with him was Kingsley Shacklebolt, head Auror of Stonehenge, and the caretaker of that land, Minerva McGonagall.
"Albus, Minerva, and Kingsley, welcome to the Kingdom of Ravenclaw. Such an honor it is!" stated King John as all the others present rose in reverence and bowed slightly in the direction of Dumbledore.
"The honor is ours, your Majesties," answered Dumbledore as the residents of Stonehenge bowed in return to those already present. "Let us not waste any more of each other's time as we should be enjoying the day before the festivities gets under way." And with a wave of his wand the walls of the solarium started to glow white slightly after he muttered SILENCIO.
"About time we started this meeting…"mumbled Moody while masking his comment with a swig from his ever present flask attached to the side of his belt, while everyone took their seats.
"From our investigation and from reliable sources we got hold of information that King Voldemort indeed has been reconstituted into a physical being. Not that of a human-but some sort of mixed, mutated being." Amelia Bones stated immediately looking directly at all those present in the solarium. "We have known that recently, King Voldemort has been sighted in the throne room of the Slytherin castle. He has been active lately, calling his many Death Eaters to the castle to hold meetings there."
"When did this increase in activity occur, Amelia?" Remus inquired.
"About the same time as the release of the invitations to the coronation of Princess Hermione." Amelia replied, evading the shocked look of King John.
"But…that was three months ago!" choked John, fear immediately tainting his voice. "Do you think that Hermione is in any danger? Is there a plot to sabotage her coronation? I knew I should have never extended that invitation to the Kingdom of Slytherin!" John lamented. "I thought that they would refuse the invitation like what they did for Prince Cedric's and Prince Harry's coronations! I just sent them an invitation as a gesture of courtesy, knowing that our ancestors would have wanted us to at least try and be civil….but now I have placed my family and my kingdom in danger!"
"Rest assured, King John. Ravenclaw is now at the moment the most secure place that you can be in. With the presence of all three kings along with all of your security plus the additional security provided by the other kingdoms, Hermione will not be harmed-none of your families will be in any danger during the ceremonies." Dumbledore said, his voice providing a calming tone to the agitated room. "It is after the ceremonies that I am most concerned about…"
"John, you know that you have the support of Gryffindor behind you. We will pledge to keep our kingdoms safe." James stated aggressively, his eyes glowing slightly.
"You have Hufflepuff's pledge as well, my friend. James is right. It is in uniting that we shall conquer the darkness. We have been at each other's assistance in times of need since our kingdoms were created. Yet, the darkness is almost at our door. I, too, see that evil has gained strength and for some reason, there is a chill that I feel seeping through our walls…" Amos voice trailed suddenly, as his eyes became unfocused on the present. King Amos was known to be a seer, a reliable one at that. Hufflepuff's lineage seemed to always have a knack for Divination. What he revealed did not comfort the other two rulers.
"Alastor, what are your plans on the security during the coronation?" Remus asked as the other head Aurors turned their attention to the veteran.
"I have personally placed a charm on each of the invitations distributed, it will identify whether the invitation has been tampered with or if those in possession of an invitation have been tampered with…" All in the room nodded as they thought of the many spells and potions that could be used to take on the appearance of another. "I had all the entrances and exits monitored and charmed and the grounds and the castle have been placed under an anti Apparition and anti Disapparation ward. All the wards have been placed and are now at their highest level-making it lethal to just barge in now.
"I will personally be monitoring the guests upon the start to the end of the formal ceremony of the coronation. But I wish to request that the other Aurors remain alert as they intermingle with the other visitors." Moody ended. "The invited Muggles and magical creatures will also be scrutinized during the ceremonies and will be provided security as well, since they cannot defend themselves as we can."
"A well thought of plan, strategy has always been one of your strengths, Alastor." Kingsley commented. "I am sorry but Stonehenge cannot provide you our security services for this event, your Majesty." Kingsley bowed his head slightly toward the direction of King John, "As it has been reported to all of you, there was an attempted break in at Stonehenge a fortnight ago. The Room of Mystery was the supposed goal - the criminal knew of the security around its perimeter, but did not expect the griffin at the entrance of the room. The griffin attacked and according to the Aurors on duty that night, the only description they can say is that the perpetrator had platinum blond hair peeking out of his cloak and mask."
James was the one who gasped at this information, he knew there was a crime committed at Stonehenge, what he did not know was that the crime was in the Room of Mystery. "Was anything stolen?"
"None, King James," replied Shacklebolt. All eyes were now turned to the Gryffindor side of the room. Everyone watched as James tried to calm down, everyone also knew of what prophecy the Room of Mystery held and about who it was about, for unlike Princess Hermione's prophecy which was kept secret known only by her parents and Dumbledore, the prophecy concerning Prince Harry and King Voldemort was known by the adults in the solarium.
"James, we will all protect you and yours. It is a pledge that began from the origin of our ancestors…" This time John was doing the reassuring.
"When is the Slytherin representative arriving?" Sirius asked, looking at Moody.
"The Lord Malfoy and his son Draco will be arriving here approximately tomorrow morning." Moody replied. "Till then, let us devise plans to prepare for what the snakes are up to. Constant vigilance!"
The others in the room agreed and started to discuss how they were to keep their families and people safe from the threat of Slytherin.
A/N: The next chapter will be "Crown Heirs-centric" as we closely approach the Ceremony. Some of you may ask-"Where's Harry and Hermione?!" not to worry-their time will be coming soon, I'm just trying to build it up to that time…then it will be fluff galore-or something like it…
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