Gardenia

It was a girl about the age of eleven or twelve, she was pale and her veins stood in contrast to her skin. They were dark black in colour. Her lips were blue and she wasn’t breathing.

Draco quickly sat on the edge of the bed, extending his right hand to the girl’s chest, hovering over her heart. He then started chanting something. The nurses had stopped their casting, though they looked ready to cast again if something happened.

Harry watched, mesmerized as a blue, almost white light began to glow at his fingertips. Slowly, as if resisting, thin dark blue tendrils of smoke started rising to Draco’s hand. He seemed to struggle then, paling slightly. The dark colour of the girls had lessened slightly. Draco was breathing heavily after he finished chanting, he quickly put the tendrils of smoke in a glass container and gave it to one of the nurses.

Harry looked questioningly towards Tae, wanting some answers. He seemed to understand, “It’s called venenum. The borders of the eastern Gardenian territory, Eurus, was attacked today. Venenum is an extremely dark and powerful spell, if performed correctly, the castor can turn the victim’s magic against them, poisoning their magical core. The victim dies within a few minutes if not treated.”

Harry swallowed, “And the girl?”

“She’s safe for now.” Draco answered, he was still looking at the girl. “The nurses reached at the right time, but a few were already dead.”

“So the curse aims to kill the victim quickly?”

“It also has another purpose. The castor can absorb the victim’s magic..”

“How can someone absorb so much magic? What will happen to their core then?”

“The curse can be performed using a sceptre, the sceptre will absorb the magic preserving it for future use.. It can also be performed without absorbing the victim’s magic, only injecting the venom to his/her bloodstream. That’s what happened to Kathy.” Draco’s voice had been a mere whisper when he said the girl’s name.

“Can anyone perform this spell?”

“No, the spell needs a large amount of energy, especially if they want to absorb the victim’s magic. Only trained magicians can perform the spell without collapsing due to exhaustion. There are only five known magicians who have performed it.”

“Five?”

Draco nodded, standing from the bed and walking out of the room. Harry and Tael followed. The blonde then turned to Tael, “Travel to the borders at dawn. Keir’s faster than his mother. Add new layers of wards, ask the scholars if we can perform a ritual to strengthen the old wards as soon as possible.”

The redhead nodded, going further down the corridor to the left.

“Who’s Keir? What exactly is going on Draco?”

“Draco?” The blonde asked, amused.

“Seriously? That’s what caught your attention? After what happened tonight, I think we’re familiar enough to refer to each other with our first names.”

Draco nodded with a small smile, then started walking the same way they came, to their rooms. Harry walked by his side.

Draco started to answer his previous question then, “We’ve always had enemies.. Gardenia is vast. The wards prevent anyone from the outside world to see it, kind of like a fidelius, but more complex. Although we refer to the place as a whole, Gardenia is divided. The eastern territory is Eurus, the southern territory is Caren and the western one is Felor. The palace is in the north, though we refer to it’s surrounding as the centre, I’ve never understood why.. All three territories have representatives, I hope you remember the two women and two men sitting by my side in the court room?”

Harry nodded, “But you said three representatives, who is the fourth one?”

“The fourth one is the woman who sat closest to me in the court room, someone who I trust to take care of the Centre when I’m away.. Further from the southern territory, beyond the Dark Woods is Achlys. Though it is inside the Gardenian wards, it’s not under our rule. Achlys is ruled by Medea along with her son, Keir.

Achlys was once part of us but a few centuries ago, Azazel, one of the few who were in line to be chosen as the next ruler, decided to have Achlys as his own empire after the ritual chose someone else as the ruler. Azazel was powerful and charismatic. He easily convinced the then representative of Achlys that they would fare better on their own. Achlys has a geographical area of Felor and Caren combined, more population, Azazel had planned to defeat the Centre’s army to conquer Gardenia as a whole, but fortunately we were stronger. The enmity between the four territories and Achlys grew, Azazels descendants became the next rulers, soon Achlys was recognized as a separate state and not part of Gardenia.

Until a few years ago, it was almost peaceful. But as soon as Medea came into power it all went downhill. But it has now become worse because of her son. Medea has always been cunning, but Keir is a master in dark magic. He was the one to first cast venenum. He has four apprentices, though they have completed it for about two years now. They don’t absorb the victim’s magic like Keir, but they are not afraid to use the spell to poison the victims.

They want to rule over Gardenia and it looks like they wont stop until they succeed.”

Harry nodded, taking it all in. It was a little weird, the past few weeks almost reminded him of his first few weeks in the wizarding world, when he was introduced into a whole new world. It was easier to adapt now, since he was more mature, more adaptable to the changes around him. He wondered if Sirius and Remus were worried about him. He’d received a few patronuses, but Draco had asked him to wait a little more before telling them about Gardenia. Would they have finally stopped pining over each other and confessed by now? Not likely. He grimaced inwardly. It was only when he felt a hand on his wrist did he come out of his thoughts. He looked to his right to see Draco watching him with an amused smile.

“You were about to walk right into the wall.”

Harry grinned sheepishly, before glancing to his front. They had arrived in front of what looked like an art gallery. The door was open and the blonde walked in, silently asking Harry to follow.

Harry looked around the hundreds of paintings on the walls. He walked to the one in the farthest wall, Draco right behind him.

The painting had a majestic mountain with smaller ones surrounding it. The mountain was painted purple and there was a waterfall falling down to start a beautiful lake. There was a vast area filled with green grass in front of the lake, wildflowers growing near the edges. The painting looked lifelike, as if the artist had spent years painting it to perfection.

“That’s the Amethyst mountain, not a creative name but I can understand why it is called so… The mountain is covered in amethyst stones.”

Harry looked at the blonde with an incredulous expression, “That mountain is covered in amethyst?” His voice sounded slightly hysterical.

“Hmm.. I was quite surprised too, but its true, though no one has ever tried to take the amethyst stones, it is said that it provides a magical aura. The mountain is right at the back of the castle, the rose garden separating it.”

“Aura?”

“Yes, most of the rituals and festivals are done on these lands. And from the number of times I’ve visited, I am quite sure of the magical aura that surrounds the place.”

“Speaking of auras.. Tae said something about how you could see them?”

The blonde blushed slightly at that, “It’s quite different from what you are thinking.. I can see people’s auras yes, but its more of sensing their emotions. Tae’s aura is a metallic grey with a little silver here and there..”

“Grey?” Draco hummed, “Tae has always been a calm person, grey between black and white. The silver reminds me of his bright side. Though he is a little guarded towards strangers, he is as bright as the sun with his friends. The colour of his aura changes according to his moods, becoming lighter or darker. Everyone has a different coloured aura, for me it’s not the colour, it’s how I feel when I sense it.

When we first met, Eleanor’s aura was a shimmery sky blue, it gave me a sense of calmness, home. On the other hand Lucius’ reminded me of….” He trailed of at that, jaw clenching.

“Draco?”

The blonde blinked, looking at him with wide eyes. Draco shook his head, running a hand through his hair and said softly, “Let’s go back to our rooms. There’s still a few hours till sunrise.”

Harry nodded, shooting the shorter male a concerned look.

They reached Harry’s room first and before closing the door harry asked, “What colour is my aura?”

The blond smiled softly at that. “Green with hints of bronze.”

Harry had managed a few hours of sleep before he got out of bed, joining the others in breakfast. Draco ate with them this time, along with Tae, Jasper and Casey.

Malfoy and Tae were talking in whispers, most probably about the warding. Tae left quickly Jasper and Casey soon followed.

“Mind telling us what you were talking with Tae, Dray?” Pansy asked with a raised eyebrow.

Malfoy sighed, the rest of them had stopped talking to listen to the blonde. He quickly filled them all in on what Harry and he had talked yesterday.

“Venenum?” Hermione asked with a small frown.

Draco nodded. “We haven‘t found a cure yet.”

Hermione’s eyes showed interest at that, she had always been interested in helping others, researching about a cure to an ancient spell was an added bonus. “If you don’t mind, can I refer the library for ideas on a cure?”

Draco nodded with a small smile, “You can use the main library on the third floor, the other two provided to be useless.”

Hermione nodded with an excited smile quickly getting up and leaving the room. Pansy followed the brunette, saying that she would help.

Ron and Blaise quickly said goodbye leaving Harry alone with Draco.

“How long will it take for Blaise and Ronald to reveal that they are dating?”

Harry choked on nothing, “What?”

The blonde shot him an amused smile, “They’ve been disappearing together from the Christmas holidays back at Hogwarts. You didn’t notice?”

“He said that he was going to complete the potion assignment, you know the one in which he was paired with Blaise?”

“I’m sure it was for the assignment in the beginning, but judging by the affectionate touches and not-so-discreet glances, they are clearly in a relationship. I’ve heard more than I wanted to during the last few weeks at Hogwarts.”

Harry paled at the images that popped into his head at that. “Gross.”

Draco laughed, “I’m actually waiting for Pansy to make a move on Granger now.”

“WHAT?”

Draco smirked, “You are really oblivious Harry.  They have been dancing around each other since the time they spend at the library when we first arrived. And judging by how close they were sitting today, I’d say it will only take a few days. Do be careful in entering their rooms without knocking.”

“I did not need those images on my head. I didn’t even know that Ron was bi.”

Draco chuckled again. “Come on, let’s find them all before they start on something daring… I think it’s time for you all to finally visit the cities.”

Harry nodded following the blonde out. They found Blaise and Ron nearby, trying to swallow each others faces. They jumped apart when Draco cleared his throat, Blaise still had his arm around Ron’s neck while the redhead’s face was as red as his hair.

Fortunately, Pansy and Hermione were not tangled in each other when they reached the library.

The streets were similar to Diagon alley, but more brighter and elegant. There were crowds of people walking about some of them stopping to bow their heads slightly at Draco as they passed by. The blonde had been asked to wear the white cloak till the ritual in which the newest ruler would be chosen. So most of the citizens recognized him as Eleanor’s heir.

Pansy and Ron were arguing about which chocolate to buy when Hermione turned to Draco, “You are Eleanor, the former ruler’s heir, so does that make you like the crown prince or something?”

The blonde shook his head, “Like I said, there are four territories, Eurus, Caren, Felor and the Centre. Each representative of the three territories trains a heir and so does the ruler. Eleanor chose me as hers and the three others have heirs of their own. All four heirs have equal right to the throne, if any of the citizens want the crown, they can enter too, though that hasn’t happened in decades. The heirs are often the most loved in their territory and thus they are trusted by the people. The ritual chooses the ruler in the end and the other heirs become the representatives for their territories.”

“What exactly happens in this ritual?”

“There are  three parts to it, kind of like the triwizard tournament, the first is fighting, the competitor has to fight and win at least two of the three fights. If they win the first two, you don’t have to fight the third.

The winners got to the next round which is like a treasure hunt. We have to find and retrieve something from the Dark woods.

The winners then go to the last round which is the simplest, we light the blue flame under the full moon, every Gardenian releases their magic to the pure water that’s placed above the flame. The water kind of absorbs the magic turning to a gemstone. The gemstone has varied through the centuries, they say it represents the new ruler, anyway the gemstone will go to rest on the winner’s forehead, changing itself to a new crown. The initiation ceremony takes place in the next few days”

“The magic chooses the new ruler then.”

Draco hummed, nodding at Hermione.

“When exactly is this ritual going to start?”

“In two weeks.”

Just then Pansy and Ron came out of the sweet shop, both holding chocolates which they quickly gave to the others.

They continued to explore the city, Draco guiding them. The blonde was telling them about the different plants found here when he was suddenly tackled to the ground. Harry looked down to where the blonde was half sitting on the floor, a jet black dog licking the giggling face. No not a dog, a wolf.

“Shadow! I told you to stop jumping on strangers.”

Harry turned to the voice to see a girl with blonde hair and honey coloured eyes running to them. She looked to be about 15 years old. She gasped when they reached them, “Lunae?”

“Hello to you too Evelyn. Where’s your sister?” Draco had a small grin on his face, still petting the wolf.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, “I’m quite sure Lilian will be happy to hear that you’re back” Her tone sarcastic.

Draco chuckled, “You are just jealous that your little sister likes me more than you.”

“She has you wrapped around her little finger, I’d rather not be in your place.” The darker blonde said.

Draco just grinned.

“I’m sorry, but are we just going to ignore the fact that Dray here has a fucking wolf on his lap?” Pansy’s eyes were wide darting between the wolf and Draco.

“Shadow’s Eve’s familiar.” Draco said the same time as Evelyn asked, “Dray?”

Draco nodded to Evelyn, “My real name’s Draco.”

Evelyn nodded slowly while Hermione asked, “The wolf is her familiar?”

Evelyn nodded, “I bonded to him when I was eleven.” There was a soft smile on her face.  

“Do Gardenians have a tradition to have familiar bonds?” Pansy asked with a raised eyebrow.

Draco and Eve looked at each other before shaking their heads. “It’s not exactly a tradition, but most of them do have familiar bonds..”

Eve then turned to Draco, “I was on my way to see dad. Is he near the mountains?”

“I think Oscar is at the rings. Most probably setting up for the ritual..”

Eve nodded. Harry’s eyes widened, “Are you Oscar Peyton’s daughter?”

Eve nodded with a smile, “I apologize for not introducing myself properly. My name is Evelyn Peyton. Oscar is my father.” The five wizards nodded. Harry could see the familiarities between the father and daughter now that he knew.

Eve quickly said goodbye, Shadow following her to the castle.

The six continued their journey. Pansy and Ron still continuing their debate on who bought 

They had finished their tour of the Centre and the other three territories in the next two days.

It was four days before the ritual that Hermione and Pansy came running to the training grounds, an old book in Hermione’s hands. Tae, Jasper, Casey, Blaise, Ron and Harry had been helping Draco train.

“I think we’ve found a cure for the curse.” All eyes were instantly on them. Hermione explained how she and Pansy had found a passage about a stone in the mountains, a myth, but it was worth the chance. Draco and Tae immediately began to discuss the information. According to the book, the stone was inside the Amethyst mountain, it could heal anything and anyone as long as they had at least a drop of life left in them.

“We’ll go after the coronation ceremony.” Draco said firmly.

“But that would be in two weeks.” Casey argued.

“Why don’t some of us search for it.” Harry asked.

“According to the book, only a Gardenian royal can access the stone.” Tae replied.

“What about Eleanor?” The Gardenians froze at Blaise’s question.

It was Tae who replied in the end. “Eleanor was the first victim of venenum.”

The wizards gasped. It wasn’t totally unexpected. Harry knew that something bad had happened to the ruler, if how Draco and the rest rarely talked about her was any sign, but he hadn’t expected her to be dead. Gravely injured maybe, but not dead.

“Is that why you were in the head of the court room despite only being her heir?”

“Yes, it was a joint decision since there was no one else eligible for the post. Carina, the Centre’s representative, took the lead when I was at Hogwarts.”

“When exactly did Eleanor..?”

“During the Christmas holidays in sixth year.”

Harry knew there was something wrong with the blonde when he came back after the holidays, but he was too concerned about Umbridge during the time.

“So we can only go after the ceremony.”

Draco shook his head, biting his lip. “We can go before the ceremony, after the second task.”

“How?” Ron asked. “The book said a Gardenian royal.”

“After the second task, every winner is recognised as a royal prince, we’re even given the *crowns for the third part of the ritual, which takes place three days later.”

“So we’ll live after the second task.”

“Not all of us, we might need some people here.”

 Tae turned to Harry, “Draco, Harry and Hermione can go for the stone.”

They nodded, it was for the best. Harry was good at fighting and Hermione had probably read everything they needed. She was also a good fighter.

The morning of the first task came bright and clear.

But it was unfortunately ruined when a guard came rushing in to the room just as breakfast was finished.

“We have a problem! Medea and Keir are here.”