It was late in the afternoon when the horse-racing began.
Unlike the previous two competitions this one had only a few small stands prepared for it, which was understandable. To build a stand five miles long would be too expensive and time-consuming. Instead the nobles got the stands and the common people stood or sat on the grass.
Under the people sitting in the stands was Harry, Lyanna and his group minus Gabrielle and Fleur. The two Veela were preparing for the competition, Fleur having taken their horses from Atlantis' stables when she and the rest had been there. Both rode unicorns, being able to do so because these had been raised and domesticated by them during the war on Earth. Additionally the unicorns were the stallions to help make the new breed of winged horses, the Pegasi. It wasn't easy to domesticate an unicorn.
Just about as difficult as doing the same with a Phoenix, like Fawkes who wasn't a familiar, but just a bird. A magical bird, with many wondrous abilities, however just a bird nonetheless.
Their unicorns wouldn't flee when faced with people they felt strongly against. Though, if the person was vile enough they would attack, trying to impale said person.
Obviously, the Veela drew attention from pretty much everybody. Something only aided by their equally stunning mounts. Gabrielle and Fleur sat astride in their finely made saddles instead of aside like a proper lady, riding towards the starting point and ignored everyone gawking at them. They wore expertly crafted riding clothes made out of Tebo hide instead of their dresses worn just before.
"Are they riding unicorns?" Lyanna asked stunned and transfixed, but disbelieving at the same time. But what else could these equine creatures be? She had heard rumours of unicorns on Skagos, but didn't really put any stock in them. Although, legend described the beasts as shaggy and goat-like and not as beautiful equine creatures with golden hooves and coats that made freshly fallen snow look like grey mud. Lyanna's inner rider was just barely contained at the sight of them, itching to jump into the saddle herself.
Harry answered. "Indeed, they are." the rest nodding in agreement with him.
More didn't need to be said on the matter and soon the race was to start with all contestants waiting on the starting line.
It wasn't very organised to begin with and immediately after the signal to start rang out a mob of horses stormed forth. More than a few fell off their horse in the confusion, while some horses pulled their rider with them. A few were even trampled to death under the stampede.
However, neither Fleur or Gabrielle had much trouble. Reason being that the unicorns were simply too fast for ordinary horses to catch up to, much less match the speed of these legendary steeds. In the end only between the two sisters could any contest be found as they raced along the marked path, head to head.
Lyanna repeated her performance of a fish, like she did during the previous two contests. It was painfully obvious to her, that the unicorns were more than twice as fast as a normal destrier. After that, in terms of speed, came the coursers, palfreys and rounseys. The she-wolf even saw some people riding a stot, mule or even a dray. Naturally, they had no chance against the superior breeds of horses and quickly fell behind.
It didn't even take a few moments for the two silver-haired women to vanish, riding their horses hard and fast, each so intent to win this that all else was taken away. The thrill of acceleration encased them, only the race existed together with the wind cutting into their faces.
Gabrielle leaned forward on her mount, looking beside her to see Fleur doing the same. A glint appeared in the younger Veela's eyes as she spurred the unicorn on, pushing her heels into its side. Immediately her mount went faster and not a moment too late, with her sister mirroring her actions.
Neither gave inch nor quarter to the other. One second Fleur's steed won a minimal distance only to be beaten back by Gabrielle's mount. This went on for quite some time, both racing along the course and past various spectators in form of smallfolk. It was still undecided as the finish line came into view. That is until Fleur's mount veered off directly into a mass of people just left of her, horn pointed at a giant of a man, intent on impaling him.
The older Veela just so regained control of the unicorn, steered it back on the proper path, but was now behind her younger sister. One look behind her let Fleur see the inhumanly large man focus on her. It was different than the normal lecherous looks she and her sister received. It was the look of mad dog that ought to be put down.
'If I have to I'll be the one to do it.' the Veela thought without doubt, not thinking of the race right now. Guest right or not didn't matter when she or one of her loved ones was in danger. The Veela would see it prevented and the perpetrator properly punished.
Fleur looked forward again, having wasted just one or two seconds with her look at the eight feet tall man, but the distance between herself and Gabrielle wasn't one she could catch up in so little time, making her second place only. Not that such a trivial thing occupied her mind at the moment.
Gabrielle and Fleur ignored the stares with practised ease, waiting for the remaining participants to arrive. Which took longer than anticipated. Though, once they did so Gabrielle received her reward, which wasn't gold this time. Her yield were ten prized destriers of superior breeding, three stallions and seven mares, so that they could be bred.
Apparently horse-breeding was a past time nobles enjoyed, much like hawking, hunting or for special cases whoring. 'Well, a bit of new blood won't hurt our mundane horses.' Gabrielle thought happily. There was no shortage of horses at home, mostly due to the Dothraki and Dothraki ex-slaves having expert understanding of the animals, but it certainly wouldn't hurt either.
Before the two Veela could even properly dismount Lyanna was on them with the swiftness of a northern winter. Sudden and totally unexpected. "That was awesome!" the she-wolf cried out, jubilant. Lyanna asked quickly and giddily. "Can I ride one of them, please?!"
Startled Gabrielle shook her head at the request, responding. "No, I am afraid not." Gabrielle's mount was accustomed to her and no one else. Lyanna didn't even have the proper knowledge to handle the magical animal. Before said girl could question further the younger Veela added. "Now is not the time, but I am sure Harry will find some time in his lessons for it." a mischievous smile on her lips as she said that, knowing what would happen. Not that Lyanna would be allowed to ride any but the most gentle unicorn. From the reaction of their own personal ones Lyanna was a virgin and shouldn't have any problems, but better to play it safe.
The She-wolf appeared to be satisfied, but would rather that the lessons be now. 'Better than no lessons at all.' in the back of her mind Lyanna had expected the typical refusal when she asked to be trained in combat. Only afterwards she remembered that she wasn't talking to Westerosi people. By all accounts she couldn't even demand it due to her status. They wouldn't care one bit about that, which was another reason why she preferred to be trained by someone like that, instead of a Westerosi.
Lyanna just nodded her head and followed them back to the castle, it would be a while until the last competition for the day was about to start. Harry wanted to look for Brandon and the best place to find him was the Hall of a Hundred Hearths as far as the wizard was concerned.
On the way through the mass of tents Harry's group stopped by an unknown tent with a violet coat of arms that had a silver sword with a shooting star over it. It wasn't because anyone except Lyanna recognised the coat of arms, but because Ned came out of the tent. Dishevelled and clumsily he was making his way in the general direction where the Stark tent stood.
"Ned!" Lyanna called out, nearly in a shout.
The reaction was immediate. Ned whirled around, surprise etched into his face at the sight that greeted him. "Lyanna?!" he greeted back, more question than statement.
Before the man could get anything more out the she-wolf was on him. "What were you doing in that tent?" she had an idea, a pretty good one, but Ned wasn't one for such things, like seducing wenches or ladies. Leaving open the question what happened and at this time of day no less.
Without really wanting it Eddard blushed at the memories, hastily saying. "Nothing, I just wanted to speak with Arthur Dayne." he really didn't want to give his sister more leverage to tease or torment him.
Lyanna's response was a simply raised eye-brow. "Really?" she asked in disbelief. Her brother wasn't some starstruck boy, worshipping knights and such. Well, not anymore. "Then you probably should look near the prince. Otherwise you will be disappointed." there was mirth in her grey eyes, as well as a knowing glint. The reaction of him was enough to tell her exactly what happened in there.
"I will keep that in mind." Eddard assured her, adding upon truly registering Harry's group with his sister. "It seems you have a tale of your own to tell." he fired back lightly and in good humour, seeing the ten horses they apparently had in tow. Of course he couldn't overlook the two creatures that could only be unicorns. Though, he regained his composure quickly enough. Not nearly as shocking as two dragons crashing the feast.
"Indeed, Lord Stark." Harry interjected. "Though ours isn't as... exciting as your own, I am sure." a mischievous grin on his face that caused Ned to become a bit more embarrassed. "We simply met your sister at the beginning of the axe-throwing contest and were together for the rest of the following competitions."
Ned simply nodded. "I see." Lyanna probably simply went along, if they wanted her with them or not. As her brother he knew how headstrong she could be. "Then you have my condolences." the Quiet Wolf said with a smirk and mirth in his eyes.
"Ned!" Lyanna exclaimed with a scowl. Normally she would be more annoyed, if not for her good mood, knowing that she had a trainer for fighting and the knowledge that her brother was simply pulling her leg. Come to think of it whoever did whatever they did with Ned must've really loosened him up. Otherwise Ned wouldn't act like this. That or he still was a little hammered.
Harry simply laughed, while some of his group smirked, giggled or laughed with him. Lyanna simply growled, but the slight upturn of her lips gave her true feelings away.
"Anyhow, Lord Stark, my companions and I would like to know where we can find your brother Brandon. Do you know his whereabouts by any chance?" Harry said with a slight smile.
Ned shook his head in the negative. "I have lost track of him shortly after he introduced me to Lady Ashara Dayne." he explained, remembering the night fondly. He would've to thank his brother later today for introducing him to Ashara, something he had been too shy to do himself. Though, as soon as he said the name Ned knew he fucked up, seeing an evil glint in Lyanna's eyes.
"Ashara, huh?" Lyanna half-stated and half-asked. "I bet she told you all about where you can find her brother, but I think you got lost somewhere between her thighs." An accusing look on her face, directed at Ned, who didn't see the teasing glint in her eyes as he sputtered denials. She knew Ned's honour wouldn't allow him to let Ashara be dishonoured, though Lyanna got the impression from Ashara that the Dornish woman wasn't a virgin to begin with. Ned wasn't Brandon, who had dishonoured his fair share of women by claiming their maidenhead and not marrying them. Ned would probably do his best to marry the Dayne.
Not that the she-wolf cared about that stuff overly much. She only detested the double-standards. A man could apparently have as much sex as he wanted before marriage, even going so far as to father bastards, but a woman outside of Dorne was forbidden to have sex with whomever she liked.
It was the same with the oaf she had as a betrothed. He could stick his dick in anything resembling a woman, but Lyanna couldn't fuck anyone she wanted. Not that she would fuck around, but it was the principle of the thing. It would even be better if that idiot wouldn't claim to love her. It wasn't love when you ignored your so called love's wishes of fidelity and her in general in favour of sucking a serving wenches face off, like Robert had done at the welcoming feast. She doubted very much that Robert would like it when he heard another man stuck his dick in her pussy before him or that she carried a bastard.
She was just a womb on legs. Territory to be marked and forgotten about as soon as another prettier looking one came along. That was if she didn't win that dragon. No one would argue with her then. Lyanna subtly shook her head to clear it.
Ned gathered his wits and changed the subject quickly. "Mayhaps Brandon is back at our tent, why don't I escort you there? I was just in the process of going back myself."
Andromeda wanted to say they had already checked there, but conceded mentally that Brandon could be there now. So, the group followed Eddard back to the tent of the Starks. Maybe they were lucky and they could get the conversation out of the way before the meeting with Aerys.
'Do you think you can talk with Brandon, Harry?' Fleur asked through their connection.
Harry gave her an affirmative answer. 'Of course, but why? I thought you wanted to do so.' it wasn't a big deal, but he could manipulate the man as easy as herself, just not with the same methods.
'I can, but my sister and I want to get our and the rests instruments from back home for the competition, to prepare for it, as well as returning our unicorns and the new horses.' the Veela replied. It would be better if they could practise a bit to come back in the swing of playing an instrument.
'Ok, have fun.' it wasn't a big deal if she talked with Brandon or not. Besides it wasn't even guaranteed that the man was in the Stark tent.
On the way there many splintered from the group. Every of his wives, except Melisandre and Kinvara could play an instrument, it having been part of a pureblood lady's education. Though, in case of Fleur and Gabrielle they had learned during their school years. Only their busy schedule kept them from playing, be it before coming to this world or after.
Bellatrix plays the piano, Narcissa the German flute, Andromeda the Cello, Marcella the Ocarina and Gabrielle and Fleur the violin. All taken from Grimmauld Place's drawing room.
Harry himself couldn't play an instrument if his life depended on it. However, his part didn't require him to do anything but sing, something made very easy due to his Animagus form. Otherwise he more than likely would do worse than average, while mutilating tones left, right and centre.
By now only Harry, Davos and Ros remained with the Starks. Melisandre and Kinvara having wanted to check up on their dragons. After a few minutes the now much smaller group arrived quickly enough near the Stark tent.
Though, the group didn't get to go any further as a boisterous voice shouted across the mass of tents. "NED!" the Head of House Black knew that interrupting man and scowled, identifying the voice's owner as the idiot that had tried to pull Andromeda away the previous day.
The tall, bulky and muscular frame of Robert Baratheon pushed himself through the masses, intent to reach his best mate. Of course, this was done with the subtlety of a warhammer.
Ned smiled at his friend, while Lyanna mirrored Harry's scowl hidden behind him and Ned, but didn't mask it quickly like the last Potter did.
Robert pulled Ned in a one-armed hug. "Where did you disappear to yesterday evening, Ned? You missed me making the eight!" the Heir of Storm's End laughed joyously at that. Lyanna's scowl only deepened, growing more harsh. "You should've seen her, Bessie, tits so big you can bury your face in them." another laugh followed, this time more uproariously. Lyanna's scowl turned to an outright snarl.
"But I suppose you were in good hands with Lady Dayne, eh?" Robert said and pounded Ned's back proudly with his hand. A jolly grin on his face. "Knew you had it in you, a quiet wolf is still a wolf!" followed by a boisterous howl, imitating said animal.
Ned coughed uncomfortably. Harry simply raised an eye-brow at the man's behaviours, however it wasn't anything unexpected. 'Though, the incident with him could be attributed towards Fleur and Gabrielle's Allure experiment.' Harry thought, not that it made the situation that much better. It only showed the man's weak self-control.
On the positive side was that he probably won't even remember him or his wives properly.
The She-wolf decided to step out behind Harry and her brother at that moment. "It is good to see you haven't changed, heir Baratheon." she spoke as coldly as a northern winter, but truthfully. Trying and nearly failing in masking her fury. It was the truth because she knew by now he would never change and it therefore wouldn't make her feeling guilty by snubbing him when she flew away on her dragon.
To scream and shout wouldn't help her with her betrothed. She knew because she had tried numerous times before to shout at Ned, Brandon, her father or everyone in hearing range that she didn't want to marry the oaf. Her words fell on deaf ears.
At the back of her mind was also Harry, in front of whom she didn't want to embarrass herself by behaving like a petulant child.
Robert then greeted Lyanna like Ned, or tried to at least. Lyanna avoided being crushed by the bigger man's hug by stretching her right hand out, as if wanting him to kiss it. In truth it was a sign that spoke 'You shall go no further!'. Lyanna couldn't imagine wanting those lips anywhere near her body when they had done unspeakable things to some faceless wench just the night before. However, the useless courtesy was better than to be crushed and have his whole body even nearer on her own.
"Lyanna!" Robert said cordially and lovingly, her name leaving his lips and taking his breath with it. A charming smile was on his face while no hint of embarrassment from his actions before appeared in his expression. He took her offered hand and instead of kissing it for the single second it should last, the heir of Storm's End took more, going up the arm until Lyanna wrenched her hand out of his grasp with a glower, which seemed to fly right over the Stormlander's head.
With that over Robert inquired, addressing Lyanna. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the Great Hall for supper?"
The She-wolf looked like she really wanted to throw some choice words at him. Desiring nothing more than say to him that she had no patience to look on as he groped some serving wench or did other inappropriate things in front of her. Before she could do so she felt a presence standing protectively behind her.
"I am afraid that isn't possible, heir Baratheon." Harry interrupted, drawing the young man's attention to himself. "Lady Lyanna is currently helping me in an urgent matter." from the way the girl acted, snarling and growling like a wolf and tensing while preparing to flee, Harry knew she disliked, if not loathed the tall boy. It was weird to think of someone as tall as himself as a boy, but that was what Robert was. He had no burdens on his shoulders, hadn't killed anyone and hadn't done anything of note.
Growling, Robert asked rudely. "And who're you?" now looking more like a dog protecting a bone he wanted to chew on than a man defending a maiden.
Harry answered cool as a cucumber, introducing himself to the boy. "Harry Black." glad that the idiot apparently didn't remember a thing from their last encounter. "And like I said Lyanna is helping me bring an important matter to her brother Brandon's attention."
Not willing to give up on some time spent with the so called love of his life that easily, the heir of Storm's End asked. "Why would you need her for that? Ned can do that for you much better, I reckon." completely oblivious to Lyanna's murderous expression as she tried to slay him with her eyes alone.
Harry nearly cringed at that. It seemed the boy wanted to dig the grave for his and Lyanna's non-existent relationship himself. "I don't doubt that and be that as it may, but it would take double the time to explain it to Ned and again another time to Brandon." Harry said politely. "Now if you'll excuse us, the sooner we get this over with the sooner Lady Lyanna will be available." without waiting for confirmation or not Harry walked towards where he could see the Stark tent. Ros, Davos and Lyanna following closely behind and ignoring Robert, who was talked to by Ned.
Harry let the female Stark enter first, it was only polite. She motioned him to come in a moment later.
Inside Harry found a man that could only be the heir to Winterfell from his features, hair and grey wolfs on his clothes. He was massaging his temples, to banish a hangover most likely.
Not the least bit gentle or mindful in her approach Lyanna shouted. "Brandon! We have guests!"
Her shout caused Brandon to wince. Normally he wouldn't have a hangover from drinking, but yesterday he overindulged in mead and wine and wenches. At this time of day Brandon's hangover would be gone under normal circumstance, but he only went to bed in the morning and woke up not a few hours earlier. "What is it, Lyanna?" he groaned out.
Huffing Lyanna replied. "I already told you. I brought guests." pointing to Harry, Davos and Ros.
Forcing himself to look up Brandon saw that she indeed brought guests. "Can't it wait a while longer?"
Lyanna growled again, this time in annoyance. She needed Brandon so that Harry could talk to him, otherwise her deal of Harry training her wouldn't be fulfilled. "NO!" she yelled again, not the least bit compassionate about her brother's plight. He brought it onto himself after all.
Cringing, Brandon ground out while waving her off. "All right, all right!" after a bit more massaging his temples he continued, looking up. "What do you want?"
Satisfied Lyanna motioned to their guests standing behind her. Harry simply decided to introduce himself and his companions and going straight to the point. "Greetings, Lord Stark." a small nod of his head was done instead of a bow. "I am sure you know by now that my name is Harry Black." if not from yesterday then from the countless rumours that'll surely circulate about him and his wives by now. Pointing to his two companions, Harry said. "My companions are Davos and Ros." both bowing to the heir of a Lord Paramount.
Brandon simply nodded, asking gruffly and more than a bit annoyed. "What're you here for?"
If Harry was insulted by the near demand that could be perceived as a slight, he didn't show it. "I am here on behalf of Ros and I am sure what she has to say will be of great interest to you as well." he gave the woman in question a significant look, who seemed to shake on the spot. Only with Davos' gentle hand and calm presence did she calm down.
It took a while for the woman to gather her wits in front of Brandon, but she managed it with a few deep breaths and the silent encouragement of Davos. "I am here to ask you to punish the Lord of the Dreadfort." she said remembering the words she had been given by Davos and repeated over and over in her head.
Brandon simply raised an eyebrow in incredulity and somewhat amused at the commoner's audacity, asking. "For what crime exactly?"
Ros took another deep breath. "For killing my husband, claiming his right of the First Night and raping me afterwards under my husband's swinging corpse." the further she got along the more she felt her emotions running wild. She may not have loved her husband, but he had been good to her.
Silence ensued after Ros' exclamation.
The oldest son of Rickard Stark grew grim. "That is a serious accusation to make."
In his own mind Brandon did not find it so far fetched. Just like he had visited the swamps of the neck he also went to the other holdfasts of the North. Under them the Dreadfort of House Bolton. He disliked Roose Bolton and his father, both talking in whispery voices, forcing people to quiet and listen. They also had eerie and unsettling eyes, paler than stone, but darker than milk. Not to mention the apparent lack of emotion, things that deeply disturbed a man like Brandon, who wore his emotions on his sleeve.
"Can you give me any kind of proof?" Brandon inquired. Without it he could do nothing. The word of a lord was worth much more than that of a commoner. If Brandon was honest with himself most other lords wouldn't act on a commoner's behalf, even with proof. Most Lords would also simply accept bribes and swipe it under the rug. Only the fact that someone violated the king's law and practised the First Night, despite it being forbidden in all of the Seven Kingdoms, enabled him to hope somewhat for the woman before him.
He may be a womaniser, but he would never rape a woman. Such a vile act was beneath him, it also took all the enjoyment out of it as well. Another wave of pain from his hangover flared to life, causing him to wince a little.
When no answer came Brandon thought she didn't have a bit of proof. Only for Harry to speak up. "If I may, I can provide you with the proof you seek." without waiting Harry flamed back home, startling all people present, picked up the pensieve and while he was at it also a Hangover Remedy Potion from their private stock. Regardless of needing it or not, Narcissa always had everything they could need prepared.
Just a few moments later he reappeared inside of the tent again. Put the pensieve carefully on a table nearby and handed the vial with the potion into Brandon's hand. "Drink this and you should feel better immediately." Seeing the hesitancy Harry said. "I publicly requested Guest Right and it was granted. You have nothing to fear from me."
That reminder caused Brandon to relax. Guest Right was even more precious in the North than in the South. For him to say such meant he knew what it meant to Northmen. With that the oldest Stark child gulped the yellow potion down and felt his hangover vanish in a few seconds. "Thank you."
"No problem." Harry waved him off.
Looking at the strange bowl, Lyanna asked curiously. "How does this provide the evidence?" touching the runes engraved on the bowl and gazing at her reflection on the water inside the bowl.
"Easy, it lets someone view memories be it from yourself or another." he swatted the she-wolf's hands away from the delicate object and turned to Ros, his gaze softening. "I need you to think about what happened to you as hard as you can." Ros stayed silent. "Do you think you're up for it?"
The recently widowed woman hesitated. She really didn't want anyone seeing her so vulnerable. The only one with whom she formed any sort of bond was Davos, who was kind and understanding to her. Not that the Black's weren't, but they also frightened her. Davos also had been the one rescuing her. In the end she wanted the bastard to pay for his crime more than she wanted to keep what remained of her pride, so she nodded her acceptance, replying as strong as her voice allowed. "Yes."
"All right." putting his index-finger and middle-finger on her temple, he said. "Nod when you're ready."
Harry waited a few moments for the woman to gather herself and extracted the copy of her memory as soon as she signalled him to do so. Carefully Harry placed the thick, silvery gossamer strand into the pensieve. It fell gracefully inside, where it swirled silvery-white, neither liquid nor gas. "You just have to dunk your head into the bowl and it will do the rest. Don't be alarmed by the sensation of falling in the beginning, that is normal." he commented more to Brandon than to the others.
The wild wolf did so in typical Gryffindor fashion, storming ahead and thinking of the consequences later. It helped with Ros' situation, but Harry couldn't help but shake his head internally. It could've been a trap that does any number of things, not that the heir of Winterfell knew the complete capacity of magic or had any indication at all. Also something Harry wouldn't tell him anytime soon. No one trusted a shape-shifter or mind-reader, such things were better left a secret.
It didn't took long for the young man to come up again, a furious look on his face. "That unbelievably vile piece of shit!" he snarled out, growling and pacing like a cage wolf that wanted nothing more than to hunt his prey.
"What did you see?" Lyanna prompted, beginning to walk over to the pensieve to see for herself.
Until Harry's hand stopped her in her tracks. "That moment is an intensely private matter not up for view to just anybody." Harry said strongly. It was bad enough that Brandon had to see that. Ros looked at Harry in gratitude.
Brandon meanwhile tried and failed to calm himself. "I saw the truth she told us." pointing to Ros with a wild wave of his hand. "Lord Bolton..." here he swallowed what nearly slipped out, looking at Ros, who was shrinking in on herself "claiming his right of the First Night."
Lyanna's reaction wasn't much better, working herself into a fury now that it was confirmed to be true. "But that's forbidden!" such a thing was even worse than marrying someone you don't want to. Instead you married someone you loved and were told to fuck a complete stranger. Complete with chance of birthing a bastard. "What are you going to do about it?!" she demanded of Brandon. Not even thinking he wouldn't do something about it.
Growling and driving a hand through his long hair he replied just as angry, pacing. "What do you think? When this tournament is over I will ride to the Dreadfort and deal with this personally, after I informed father." his father needed to hear of Bolton's actions. Just like Brandon and nearly any other house in the North Rickard Stark found the region governed by House Bolton to be too quiet. Nothing ever happened there, be it a melee, brawl, something good, bad or anything else. It just wasn't normal.
He may not know what kind of punishment would be inflicted upon Lord Bolton, but it was inevitable he got one. Regardless of the fact that Ros and her now dead husband hadn't asked for Bolton's leave to marry, like they should have. That information he got out of the memory could complicate matters, but he doubted it. Brandon turned to Ros with honesty in his grey eyes. "You can be assured that I will do everything in my power to see justice served, my Lady."
"Good." the she-wolf agreed, satisfied that the rapist got what he deserved, forgetting for a moment why she was originally here.
Glad that it was over Ros left together with Davos as her support after thanking them and saying goodbye.
Harry stayed behind.
"Was there something else you wanted to talk about?" Brandon asked, seeing that Harry was still there.
The last Potter nodded. "Yes," he motioned to Lyanna. "Lyanna and I made a bargain. In exchange for her helping me talk to you I am to give her martial training." before her brother could say anything Harry said. "I just wanted to inform you of this and to not be alarmed when she is later than usual in returning to her tent."
Indignantly Brandon tried to prevent it. "I forbid it. She is a woman and not made to fight." it wasn't all said in anger, but also in tiredness. As if the argument was older than an age.
The she-wolf's anger of Lord Bolton's actions didn't vanish. Instead it redirected itself onto her brother.
Before Lyanna could explode Harry intervened, knowing the signs of what would happen next from personal experience. "I am afraid you misunderstand. I was merely informing you of it and not asking for permission. The deal was made between me and Lady Lyanna and she fulfilled her part of it." raising an eye-brow at Brandon the head of house Black inquired. "Or are you insinuating that I should sully my honour and ignore the favour I owe her?"
Brandon was visibly indecisive, knowing that if his honour was questioned he wouldn't hesitate to correct the fool who did so. "Alright." A man's word should count for something after all. 'Besides, how much can she learn in little more than a week's time.' Brandon thought in relief.
Lyanna brightened at that, hugging her brother in gratitude followed by Harry. "Thank you!"
"No need to thank me. I don't go back on my word." Harry said, disengaging the hug and nodding to Brandon. "Thank you for receiving me, but I have to be elsewhere soon." turning to Lyanna. "I will see you later and tell you when and where we will meet."
Lyanna just agreed giddily.
The wizard left the tent shortly after.
Shortly after Harry was gone Brandon asked his sister. "Are you sure we can trust him?" he didn't see anything that warranted great caution, but he still was a bit vary of the man. With good reason, to disappear and reappear in a pillar of flame wasn't normal. Nor was it to watch the memories of another. He could only imagine what else the House Black was capable of. He hoped it wasn't much.
Lyanna rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Of course we can! Do you think defending a defenceless man or helping a woman get justice are the actions of an honourless and untrustworthy man?" in her eyes Harry was a good man, even if he had more than one wife. She herself wouldn't be thrilled or willing to share a husband. Though, his wives didn't seem to hate each other, more like the opposite. How that worked she didn't know.
Only when all was said and done did she think about what her training implied. Namely that she would be exhausted before the joust could even start and therefore severely cut down her chances of winning, if not downright eliminating them. 'Shite, what do I do now?' the she-wolf fretted, having taken more on her plate than she could eat.
Doing his best to ignore the obvious stares Harry walked towards his tent. For once he thanked the idiocy of Hogwarts. It prepared him for this. Right now Harry couldn't care less if people were staring at him. Being used to it by now, from a lifetime of training. He was still a bit uncomfortable in big crowds, but it wasn't as bad as before where he would do anything to avoid them or attention in general.
At the moment the singer's competition was a few hours away, enough time for him to prepare an elegant three course meal. Harry didn't have to do so, but found it would surely help distract the mad king, making Rhaegar's undertaking easier. Dishes Aerys had never seen would distract more than ones he had eaten all his life. Not to mention Firewhisky. The alcohol would serve as a big distraction with how much the king seemed to be obsessed with dragons. Allowing him to spew flames from his mouth should give the madman the illusion of being one.
'The question is what to make.' Harry pondered. He had countless dishes from a hundred cultures to choose from. In the end couldn't decide between French, British or Italian cuisine and decided to go with British for now and change it for the following suppers.
A good, creamy pumpkin soup should be good as an appetizer and also to administer the Draught of Peace to Aerys undetected. For the main course Harry decided to go with a good Sunday roast, consisting of roast beef, Yorkshire-pudding, veggies and mashed potatoes together with gravy. The dessert obviously had to be treacle tart. It may not be very extravagant, but it was prepared out of ingredients not seen in Westeros, like potatoes and pumpkins.
At least Harry thought so, after all such things weren't present in medieval Europe either, which essentially summed up Westeros as a whole with its own unique traits, of course.
Finished with his thoughts Harry went to work preparing it all and to then put it under warming and stasis charms to keep it fresh for after the competition.
While their husband cooked the food for after the competition the woman of the Black family fetched the instruments from back home, after they had familiarized themselves with them once more. Playing a few simple songs on them to do so.
Fortunately it was like riding a bike. Even if none of them knew how to ride one, ironically enough. The Veela changed clothes quickly and soon the group arrived at their destination.
Due to the time the women had until the competition was set to begin they didn't know what to do, until Marcella's proposition. "Why don't we make it a performance these brutes won't forget so easily?" naturally the rest took it as a challenge to show how superior the were to these superstitious Westerosi.
The ideas grew more outrageous with each shared idea. First it was the simple idea of enchanting the crowd with Harry's voice together with their foreign instruments, foreign for these people anyway. After that came Gabrielle's own input of adding her own and her sister's bewitching voices to Harry's own Phoenix song. Next came Kinvara's of incorporating the dragons, lest her baby and its sibling felt left out. Lastly came Melisandre's idea of weaving illusions into the act.
It went on with them sharing ideas on how to make these reality, until they arrived at the here and now, drawing runes and symbols with chalk into the earth they transfigured flat and even. Everyone had their assigned places in the massive ritual circle and everyone had their specific tasks.
Obviously the ones with the bigger instruments couldn't walk or dance around and therefore got stationary positions. The rest would dance to an easy choreography while playing and singing, the ones without wind instruments anyway. Arrax and Meleys would fly above together with Melisandre and Kinvara, dancing in the sky and igniting it with colourful bursts of their flames, while the red priestesses weaved illusions into the sky.
Naturally they needed a massive amount of power to encompass the entirety of Harrenhal in the illusion. After a few rejected proposals Narcissa got the idea of using the ghosts, like they did to make Atlantis or rather Chroyane fly. With the Resurrection stone in Harry's possession it should be easy to exorcise all of them in one fell swoop, while also lending them enough power to do so.
Obviously, Bellatrix wouldn't be outdone and made her own contributions.
The eldest Black sister felt the curse on the castle clearly once she inspected the place in detail. It was very similar to the curse on the position of the Defence Professor from Hogwarts. Akin to the curse placed by Voldemort on the position this one seemed to be designed to kill every family completely that ruled the castle. Harry had said they shouldn't do anything to antagonize their hosts. And what said "I don't want to weave a tapestry out of your disgusting muggle intensities!" better than lifting a curse that would kill the ruling family?
After calculating how much power it would demand of them, together with the additional energy coming from the ghosts, Bella could even add something extra. A surprise so to speak or a surprise for the muggles at least.
She didn't do these things for the Whent family, neither did she do it out of the goodness of her heart. No, her heart was completely occupied by Harry and her new family. Bellatrix simply did it to make Harry happy, because a happy Harry made Bellatrix joyous in turn. Simple as that. In the back of her mind she admitted that it also increased her chances of a excellent shag as a reward for her good behaviour. Another bonus was that it will show how superior they were to these muggles.
However, there seemed to be a problem. Some idiots didn't take kindly to their preparations. 'Most likely thinking we are about to summon a demon or some such nonsense.' Bellatrix snorted mentally with contempt coating every thought.
It all came to a head when the same idiotic and fanatic Septon from before confronted them with a mass of equally stupid followers. "Stop your heinous actions at once, demons!" came the demand of the Septon. None of them deigned to acknowledge his existence or his demand, which in turn made him only rant more. "In the name of the Holy Seven Who Are One I hereby order you to stop or I am forced to take action and remove you from these lands!"
Acting surprised, Marcella turned to the mob and drawled sarcastically. "I didn't know we have the High Septon in our presence." The Italian woman had read up on the Faith and knew that the High Septon was considered to speak for the gods like this man claimed to do.
Innocent as can be, Kinvara added. "Though, you'll have to forgive us. Without your crystal crown it is difficult to distinguish you from the rest." It was difficult to discern if her statement was said to mock or not. Unlike her fellow red priestess Kinvara informed herself about different faiths, to better fight them obviously. Though, more often than not the incentive to learn had been not being able to sleep with Harry, and the library carried books on all manner of interesting subjects.
Apparently the septon took it as an insult. His face flushing a deep crimson red in his fury. "You dare insult... "
He didn't get further as Marcella talked over him, her gaze enough to pin the man down. "We didn't insult anyone. It isn't our fault you don't know your own faith. Otherwise, you would know that your attempts are a clear violation of Guest Right. Not to mention that you people conveniently forget that the Stranger is also an aspect of your god." The stranger being the part that represented the unknown, which for them included magic. Sadly the unknown was always feared. Her inflection stayed the same during her dressing the man down. Calm and collected, not a hint of anger in her voice, at most it was annoyance.
"Now with that cleared up" Andromeda interjected imperiously. "you can leave." the dismissal was clear to hear in her voice. As if she had just finished talking with an unruly child and sent it to bed early. She didn't even wait for him to answer and turned around, the matter clearly settled for her.
Most people remained unsettled by them, others simply gaped at them, but they also were unsure about attacking people under guest right who had done nothing to break it. The rules were very clear after all, and every boy and girl knew the history of the rat cook and what punishment the gods inflicted upon him.
With an angry snarl the fanatic, gnarl-footed septon left and took the mob with him, seeing that his companions were reluctant to act, for now. Though they would surely act once these demons finished with whatever heinous and monstrous act they were performing. The truth would come out, one way or another.
All relaxed when the mob finally took the hint and left, leaving them to finish preparing. Just shortly before the beginning of the competition the group put on the last touches to the symbols they had drawn into the earth of the outer ward of Harrenhal, where the competition was to take place.
Melisandre and Kinvara went to get Arrax and Meleys, and while they were at it Harry as well.
It didn't take long for them to come back and due to their big scaly children it was no problem to get through the mass of people, who avoided the dragons like the plague. For that matter, these uneducated dunces kept away from their drawn ritual circle as if it would consume their souls if they stepped on it. Which was just fine with them.
"Did anything happen while I was gone?" Harry asked, looking around the throng of people. Many commoners were present, but parted to make space for Arrax and his sister. The section where they were was practically deserted of all human life ,except for them. Others were fully packed with people anticipating the competition in a state of bedlam.
Curiously enough most attendees were female, but once Harry saw Prince Rhaegar among the competitors and the many lustful glances thrown his way he understood. 'Seems the prince has his own fan-girls to deal with.' another look was directed at the gaggle of women in fine dresses, for Westerosi standards. 'Common and high-born alike.' Harry thought amused. It was funny when it was not directed at himself.
Narcissa shook her head in the negative, waving it off. "Nothing of importance." she spoke the truth as far as she was concerned. He could get the information easily through their bond, but Harry trusted them more than to oversee every aspect of their lives.
Harry took her word for it with a nod. "All right." His wives could look after themselves, of that he had no doubt. He surveyed the symbols painted onto the stone and asked. "What have you planned? I doubt it is as simple as we planned in the beginning." it never was, especially not when each of them wanted to outdo the other. Be it a friendly competition or vying for his attention. Thankfully the activities of the latter category should seize in the future, now that the island was finished and with his wives hopefully on the way to come to an understanding with each other.
While the group waited for the competition to start minstrels, singers and other musicians trickled in. All carrying instruments of medieval times, like the lute, harp and some even had drums.
Prince Rhaegar carried a high harp with him. Said prince came over to them as soon as he spotted them. 'Most likely interested in our instruments and preparations.' Harry mused and a bit miffed that Rhaegar was here instead of preparing the meeting he should have with his most important vassals. In the end it didn't matter to Harry. He would win either way. If the prince failed then nothing changes and if he succeeds then the chance of him hatching the dragon was low, not to mention that he didn't have a method to speak with the dragon or bind the beast to himself.
The prince inclined his head in greeting. "If you don't mind me asking, but what kind of instruments are these?" he asked, straight to the point and without unnecessary pleasantries. More intent to observe new things and learn and experience from them, rather than to observe courtesies.
Gabrielle answered with a kind smile. "We don't mind." from then on she showed him one instrument after another and explained how it functioned to the best of her ability.
While that was happening Marcella turned to Harry, whispering in his ear. "Get that bloody fool away from us!" it came out harsher than intended.
Puzzled Harry turned to her, not knowing what was wrong. "What's wrong? He just asked about our instruments." he didn't know what was so bad about that.
"That has nothing to do with it!" she replied with a frown. "Look around you!" she finally said urgently, her head jerking towards the masses.
Harry did so and saw that they were the centre of attention and with it the prince. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary at first, only the typical looks they got from the Westerosi, full of distrust and wariness. Upon closer inspection it became clearer that the people, peasants and nobles alike, looked between them and the prince, the mistrustful whispers did the rest.
"I see you understand." Marcella observed. "If you want that bloody idiot to succeed in his endeavour he can't be seen with us publicly or his lords and smallfolk alike will think the 'evil demons' influence him with their 'dark magic'. In the end most of the blame would fall on us." the words so mockingly spoken Harry could practically hear the quotation marks flying from her mouth. "Of course, the fanatics of the Faith will only take that as encouragement to attack and vilify us. I for one would like to not be forced to fight my way out."
Harry grimaced at that, knowing Marcella had a point, no matter how irritating the last Potter found that point. "Alright." he agreed, but did not do anything before asking. "Though, what about the king then? Shouldn't they be more concerned what we do with him behind closed doors?"
"Everyone and their grandmother knows he is as insane as you can get, and in the case they didn't, they do so after yesterday." after a look at the oblivious prince she continued. "People put all their hopes and dreams on the prince and as annoying as it is our presence doesn't help him."
The head of House Black knew it to be true. But how could he get the prince away from them without sounding rude or making it worse? He could for all intents and purposes kick the prince away from them, which would only make the masses madder. Another would be to use magic to get him away. Something that would probably be discovered by the prince and put a strain on their new relationship. There were memory-charms, however these, like all mental spells from compulsions to the Imperius, could be broken or outright resisted with enough willpower, making Harry averse to use them outside of dire circumstances.
In the end he found that honesty was the best way to go here. With that cleared he approached the prince. "Excuse me, prince Rhaegar." Harry interrupted the conversation between Gabrielle and Rhaegar by tapping the man softly on the shoulder. At least the man wasn't checking his wives out like nearly all other men here. A quick spell saw a bubble of silence erected around their group of three.
"Yes, king Harry?" the prince queried.
"I don't think it is beneficial for you to be seen with us." came the blunt reply. Harry repressed the urge to whisper, despite knowing he didn't need to. "Your people distrust us, even if you don't." his hands pointing subtly to the mass of people around them. "My advise is for you to keep your distance from us, otherwise I fear your vassals will grow to distrust you just because of your association with us, making your task that much harder for you."
Rhaegar looked around and a melancholic smile appeared on his face. A kind of tired sigh escaping his mouth. "Ah, the burdens of kingship." he spoke with a kind of acceptance that wasn't tinged with bitterness, but with something Harry couldn't identify. "I do hope we can have at least a few conversations together. It is rare that I can speak to people without having to worry about their motives." something only strengthened by the fact that Harry told him bluntly what he thought was best for Rhaegar to do. Even helping him to escape his father's eyes for a time.
"I wish you good luck winning the competition." Harry answered with a small smile on his face, trying to get the topic on happier things.
"Likewise." Rhaegar nodded, saying softly. "I am looking forward to hear what kind of music you will gift us with." then he wandered off and Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that some kind of shadow hung over Rhaegar, some sense of melancholy and doom, but he shook it off.
From then on it did not take long for the competition to start. Either out of spite, pettiness or something else the organiser of that particular event put Harry's group last, while Rhaegar went first. Not that it bothered them in the least, after all it allowed them to discuss the dance and explain it to Harry and the two priestesses. Normally it would take much more than a bit of time to learn such an act, but with the bond they could communicate much better and move in synch with each other.
It begun with each singer announced by the herald. Under them Tom of Sevenstreams, Rymund the Rhymer, Alesander Frey, Symon Silver Tongue, an old woman named Alia, Orland of Oldtown, Rhaegar, as well as many others. All of them singing songs Harry had never heard of, naturally.
Under them A Cask of Ale, A Rose of Gold, Six Sorrows, Seven Swords for Seven sons and the Bear and the Maiden Fair. However, flowery and love songs were in the majority. Which wouldn't be a bad thing if not more than half of them were sung with his wives in mind, judging by the lewd and lecherous expressions on most men's faces towards said women.
For people who saw them as demons or something close to it, most of these men obviously only thought with their lower head all of the time. Apparently just because his wives had strange features didn't make their bodies any less fuckable. That these morons thought Harry's group to be lower than themselves in the social hierarchy just because of their appearance was simply stupid. It wasn't anything new or unexpected to experience such, but galling nonetheless.
Love songs like Oh, Lay My Sweet Lass Down in the Grass or Let Me Drink Your Beauty. Songs that were ostensibly about something else, but were clearly about sex in truth, like The Mother's Tears and When Willum's Wife Was Wet. Rude and bawdy songs like Her Little Flower, Megget Was a Merry Maid, a Merry Maid Was She and Milady's Supper. Other songs were The Dornishman's Wife and The Lusty Lad.
Harry didn't know if it was done to aggravate him into doing something stupid and break guest right or if these men simply thought his wives dumb enough to fall in love with them just because they sang a song. If it weren't for his anger Harry would even be kind of impressed with the amount of songs these people invented to get into a woman's knickers. As it was he had to be calmed down mentally to not spring into action and rip each of these assholes a new one and defend their honour.
It wasn't about his wives not being able to defend themselves, which they all could. No, it was in Harry's eyes for the blatant disrespect shown to them.
'Calm down, mon amour.' Fleur voice whispered soothingly and calmly in his head. 'The best way to take revenge is to show them how inferior they really are.'
'Indeed.' Marcella concurred strongly. 'We'll show them the error of their behaviour and baseless assumptions soon enough.' she followed it up with a sensual kiss with her husband in front of everybody. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon here, but the Italian woman together with her sister-wives couldn't care less about that silly notion. It wasn't as if their reputation wasn't at rock bottom anyway.
'Alright.' Harry conceded a little reluctantly, but knowing it would be better to force-feed them their own humble pie than to rip them apart. To be sure they went over how it was to go down again.
While Harry's group went over their plan once more the last of the singers finished up. Though from the looks of things Rhaegar was the clear crowd favourite, which consisted mostly out of women. The same was true for the judges, either because he was the crown prince or his excellent skills with a harp. Unlike the rest the prince had played a sad song, which again moved all ladies to tears.
Finally it was time for the last act of the day, the House of Black. The herald was announcing them shortly after the last competitor went off the stage. "Our final competitors is the House of Black from Essos." it wasn't said as an insult, but the sneering expression on the man's face pointed to the fact that he didn't like foreigners any more than the average Westerosi.
With that their group went into position and to their respective instruments. Or in Melisandre and Kinvara's case their position near their dragons in the intrinsically drawn chalk circle.
Before they began Harry addressed the crowd. A sonorous charm active on him and everyone else participating in the due to the runic circle. "We'd like to dedicate this song to the Night's Watch and their honourable duty to protect the Realms of Men. For the night is dark and full of terrors." the last bit was a dig at the septons, if they understood it or not wasn't really important. Besides that Harry knew that a representative of the Night's Watch was present and that the order was valued in the North and especially by House Stark. It should give them at least some points with the family.
The spell they were attempting wasn't like any ordinary spell, but the principle was the same. The song would be the incantation and the dance the movement of the wand. However, there was even more to it. There needed to be harmony and rhythm to it, otherwise it wouldn't work. Music truly was one of the greatest magics, if used correctly. Like the rain-dances and similar large scale magic proved. Harry briefly wondered if that was why the Hogwarts school song was sung off-key. To prevent a disaster caused by untrained school children, dwarfing normal accidental magic.
The thought vanished again as soon as it came as his concentration shifted fully to what came next.
Bella began playing together with Andy, Fleur and Gabby. It started slowly with the piano and added the other instruments to the Death knell, who played just as slow.
Meanwhile Harry, Narcissa and Marcella were beginning to dance along specific paths, meeting each other and separating just as fast. Spinning, twirling and bouncing clockwise or counter-clockwise along what seemed to be a random pattern with apparently no clear direction. Only as all three met in the middle of the circle, with Harry sticking his sword into the earth, and separated again became it clear that each of them danced the same dance as it began anew.
While that happened Melisandre and Kinvara were singing in the tongue of Asshai along with Arrax and Meleys. The voices of the priestesses, shrill and ululating, were complemented by the rumbling and hissing sound made by the dragons. Both mixing and merging in a weird yet fitting way as the night was filled with the music of dragons.
Last to start singing was Harry, who then began his Phoenix Lament, a song of terrible beauty. His lay simply mesmerizing, captivating all as it quite literally touched the soul of all people present, echoing in their very being and reverberating through them.
A change came after half a minute as the time of day changed to sunset. Shadows stretched in length what was at first assumed to be natural by the spectators, but soon the dark tendrils moved on what seemed their own volition. Twisting and turning as if wanting to dance as well, but to a different tune than the living, moving towards the Resurrection Stone sitting on the pommel of Harry's sword, grasping towards it.
An eldritch and dark light began to emanate from the black stone, growing in intensity as the dance and song progressed. It looked like a hole in the world not unlike the black light that could come from a glass candle. Soon enough the command of the Deathly Hallow made all the ghosts in the vicinity visible to mundane eyes.
As soon as that happened Frost was gathering at the walls and various objects lying around as the atmosphere grew colder and colder with each new ghost appearing. The massive amount of spirits affecting the environment more than normal now that they were forced to show themselves. People could see their breath forming clouds in the air as they began shivering, forming a cloud of mist that encompassed the whole castle, but wasn't obscuring the view.
The crowd was gasping in awe at the display before them. None were terrified due to Harry's bewitching song. The House of Black didn't notice any of it, too consumed by their performance.
Harren the Black could be seen floating in the air with his sons, all burning with ghostly fire together with Mad Lady Lothston who had her lips stained with human blood, both among the more famous and recognizable. Most ghosts wore chains with signs of starvation and beatings, gashes and other wounds running along their bodies, coming from the times of Harren and his enslavement of the Riverlands. All ghost, spirits and wraiths too near the black light got sucked in and consumed, exorcised immediately.
The first phase was complete with the last notes of the Elegy sounding across the outer ward and beyond the borders of Harrenhal.
Harry let his tune fade away while Melisandre and Kinvara changed their chant to a different one, mounted their dragons and took off to the sky, but the two could still be heard by all of the audience.
Music and dance changed soon after as they picked up in speed, growing more vibrant and lively. Narcissa and Marcella began playing their own instruments together with the rest, still dancing with Harry, who soon began to sing again. This time with a soothing and bit more happy emotion conveyed by it, followed immediately by Fleur and Gabrielle, joining him in song with their own enchanting voices.
"Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way"
"Awaken from a quiet sleep
Hear the whispering of the wind
Awaken as the silence grows
In a solitude of the night"
Both dragonriders began to cast a massive illusion over the castle, borrowing power and magic from Harry and the rest through their bond. Shadows trailing behind them, covering the sky with blackness as it looked like the two brought the night with them. Both flying in opposite directions, with Melisandre flying in a curve south and Kinvara going north. The red priestesses went from the point of the castle farthest from the sinking sun towards said semi circle on the horizon, meeting there and extinguishing the last rays of colour and leaving only the moon and stars in the sky.
"Darkness spreads throughout the land
And your weary eyes open silently
Sunsets have forsaken all
The most far off horizons"
"Nightmares come when shadows grow
Eyes close and heartbeats slow"
Next, everyone capable summoned up a Patronus silently. Surprisingly, all of the spiritual animals had changed, with Harry's stag transformed into a Thestral together with the rest. The love they felt for each other giving them the same form, due to the happiest memories being associated with each other. Flying among the ghosts every Patronus looked as if they belonged there, radiating joy and happiness and driving the ghosts away from the crowd with their magical light, while mitigating the coldness.
"Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way"
"And you can always be strong
Lift your voice with the first light of dawn!"
"Dawn's just a heartbeat away
Hope's just a sunrise away"
Ghost after ghost was consumed by the dark light and imprisoned into the Resurrection Stone. Circling above the crowd Melisandre and Kinvara were commanding Arrax and Meleys to spew flame at the wraiths, who fled before the heat and light generated by the dragonfire. Both priestesses were using a fire-whip while they sang, forcing the more persistent spirits in line before sending them away and into oblivion's embrace.
It was a dance of dragons as both reptiles flew in the sky, illuminating the night with their flames.
Clouds of dark smoke appeared under them as Narcissa and Marcella lifted off the ground, their unbound hair whipping behind them, indistinguishable from the night sky and leaving Harry to dance with Fleur and Gabrielle. Their music echoing through the air as the two replaced Melisandre and Kinvara in casting a new illusion.
"Distant sounds of melodies
Calling through the night to your heart
Auroras, mists, and echoes dance
In the solitude of our life"
The airborne sister-wives weaved a new spell into the sky. No words and no gestures were used, only the music. Forth came a silent Morsmordre and with it the canopy of the world was set ablaze with the image of an Aurora, exploding outwards and looking as if consisting of the very stars themselves. A new constellation was born into the world.
At first the light was a pulsing white colour, a stark contrast to the black light on the ground, but that soon changed as the dragons spewed more flames into the sky while they herded the ghosts into the ominously glowing black light. The fire swirled together with the Aurora, generating colours of all kinds as the light broke down to the colours it consisted of. Blue, green, red, yellow, violet and more were present.
In that moment the sky was a canvas for Marcella and Narcissa, both working their magic to the extreme. Each step, of dragon or human, created a ripple in the pool of kaleidoscopic colours, changing the picture as they painted onto the heavens, creating waves upon waves of chromatic beasts and pictures. Dragons, phoenixes, snakes and more came alive, running across the heavens, chasing and playing with each other. Upon impact they fused together to form a new image, ever changing, never resting. At the end a Galaxy of colour was seemingly painted upon the sky.
"Pleadings heard in arias
Gently grieving in captive misery
Darkness sings a forlorn song
Yet our hope can still rise up"
While not many ghosts were left over, causing the atmosphere to lighten, more than a few thousands did. Their numbers having been easily above the hundred-thousands at the start. Harrenhal was made to hold a million after all and most people died a terrible death. Though, now the residual ones seemed to join the song with wails and pleas. Begging to be released from the torment that was the mockery of life they were trapped in. Now these disembodied beings were trapped, enthralled by the song and bound to obey.
"Nightmares come when shadows grow
Lift your voice, lift your hope"
"Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
Still the stars find their way"
Fleur and Gabrielle finally flew into the air shortly after, three pairs of powerful wings bursting from each of their backs, still singing. The largest pair coming from the shoulders, one slightly smaller pair from the back and the smallest from just above the arse, all of them flapping to gain altitude, swinging the women into the air. The iridescent wings shimmered with cloud-like patterns on each feather and shifted from white to silver, to grey, to electrifying blue, to deep navy until it finally settled on white tinged with gold.
Both Veela transformed partially into their Animagus forms, a Thunderbird. Normally A Veela's animal form was that of an elegant swan, but the ritual in the House of the Undying seemed to have changed more than their appearance. However, their form wasn't able to summon storms, much like Harry's Phoenix form couldn't produce healing tears or be reborn. Nonetheless they were happy possessing an animal form that was a close relative to the Phoenix.
Their silvery hair flowing freely in the wind, their aura springing to life, radiating soft light that banished the spirits nearby and growing in intensity, until the Veela looked exactly like one would imagine Angels come to earth. Despite flying Fleur, Gabrielle, Andromeda and Narcissa still played their instruments, whose sound carried over the giant castle, due to the sonorous charm.
"And though the night sky's filled with blackness
Fear not, rise up, call out and take my hand!"
Melisandre and Kinvara flew down side by side, diving just so over Harry, right and left hand outstretched respectively, as if to pull him up. Harry leaped straight up, was caught by both hands and thrown higher where he sprouted his own flaming wings. Flying together with everyone except Bellatrix and Andromeda, who couldn't move with their instruments like the rest.
"Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
(Still the stars find their way)"
As soon as Harry was in the air he flew across the colourfully illuminated sky together with the rest in an spear formation with him at the front, Gabrielle and Narcissa and Kinvara to his left and Fleur, Marcella and Melisandre to his right. As the master of the resurrection stone Harry commanded the ghosts to follow him, effectively amassing an army of spectral forms floating behind him. Harry then flew downward in a corkscrew-motion, the circles ever shrinking, creating a maelstrom of ghosts behind them as the group picked up speed.
"Fear not this night
You will not go astray
Though shadows fall
(Still the stars find their way)"
"And you can always be strong
Lift your voice with the first light of dawn"
"Dawn's just a heartbeat away
Hope's just a sunrise away"
The song died away, echoing in the air and the very being of the people. By now the mass of people was completely silent, having grown so big everyone at Harrenhal was surely present. Be they child or adult, man or woman, noble or peasant. All were staring in shock, wonderment or awe at the awesome display before them. Women and men alike had tears in their eyes and on their cheeks.
The whirlwind of spectral beings touched the ground with Harry's group being the first to land. Each of the nine being directly on their point of beginning, channelling all the power they had available into the runic circle as spirit after spirit was consumed by the black light emitted by the Deathly Hallow. This particular action only served to make the Resurrection Stone glow even brighter, if that was possible.
Once every ghost of Harrenhal was trapped and he had every bit of magic from himself and his wives at his command, Harry pushed the sword deeper into the stone floor. His amplified voice shouting to the heavens as he used every ounce of power at his command. "REPARO MAXIMA HARRENHAL!"
In a flash an orb of light was emitted from the Resurrection Stone directly into the heavens, where it exploded into a conflagration, setting the sky on fire in a fierce explosion. The newborn sun illuminated the illusionary sky clearly, who was awash with the star's radiance, birthing a new dawn into their midst.
A shock wave of power passed through the air, knocking the nearest people to the ground, which trembled, but everyone could see what was happening with the new light source present
A few seconds went by, after which small parts of the castle flew back together. First only dust was raised up, but then small rocks did the same, followed by bigger and bigger parts. People had to hastily abandon the various rocks or ruins they sat upon to catch a glimpse of them, lest they be worked into the stonework and mortar themselves.
Battlements and walls repaired themselves, support beams got re-erected, bridges stabilised, stone was mended and righted.
The great hall's roof mended its holes as debris flew back together, the bathhouse doing the same, as well as the various other buildings. All five great towers, righted themselves slowly, moving like groaning giants waking from a centuries old slumber. Be they Tower of Dread, Widow's Tower, Wailing Tower, Tower of Ghosts or Kingspyre Tower. Even the melted stone was repaired to its original state of smooth rock.
It took ten minutes, but at the end of it Harrenhal stood as if time was turned back three centuries, looking as good as new.
Meanwhile the miniature sun dimmed with each minute. At the beginning it pulsed brightly but then shrunk down as it lost power rapidly. Its energy spent repairing the massive castle.
The moment their spell expired so too did the illusion in the sky, shattering like glass, revealing moon and stars instead of the surreal picture that had been painted there. The shards of glass, remnants of the spell, dissolved like sand falling softly to earth. The luminescence of the small sun was creating rainbow-coloured light as it reflected off of the glitter. Finally the sand-like substance was carried away by the soft evening breeze.
In the middle of it all was Harry, standing tall and proud among his equally imposing looking wives. Even Arrax and Meleys had their chest puffed out in pride at what their help accomplished.
The curse was removed from Harrenhal, its glory restored and the ghosts banished to the afterlife.
However another fact was more important. One so ridiculous to believe for the people of Westeros that it would be met with disbelief by most, if not for the display that had happened in front of them.
Namely that magic was back and no one could dispute that after the House of Black's performance.
Nobody noticed as the night reclaimed the land, dipping it in darkness once again.