Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Harry and his entourage arrived using their carriage at the edge of De Luc Palace on Tuesday in the evening of the twenty-second of August. Immediately the elves were met by Veela Elder Rosalie De Luc. Rosalie greeted Harry with a very professional emotionless façade so different from the usual hug reserved for her eldest granddaughter’s best friend.
Harry knew that Dumbledore and his entourage would also be arriving along with the enslaved Elves they had brought with them. Unlike the Death Eaters the Order of the Phoenix were only too happy to part with their slaves especially if it meant securing an alliance with the Light Elves ignorant of Dumbledore’s deceit. They would be coming by the Rowena which was the ship that Hogwarts had not used in four centuries but it was still part of the caretaker’s job to see to its upkeep.
Fleur would greet the wizards and lead them to the dining room which they would be having their meeting in. Fleur and Rosalie had everything organised so that the two parties would be arriving in the room at exactly the same time. Harry was just saddened that the enslaved elves would be remaining aboard the Rowena until their meeting was a success or a failure at which point they would either be transported back to Hogwarts or handed over to Harry.
After Harry had heard there would be four people accompanying Dumbledore Harry had chosen the same number to accompany him. Chieftain Mailthial was essential given that they would be entering a potentially hostile situation. Ahabi was another essential given that they would be likely dealing with physically and emotionally abused elves some just babes who should be at their mother or bearer’s breast.
Finally Harry chose a representative of both the Dark and Light nations. From the Light nation Baron Nallworm due to the fact that Baron Lonelorain was not good with people and even worse with diplomacy so would likely spend the whole time in silence glaring at the wizards and Veela which would not help them. Nallworm on the other hand was a wily politician even if the Nallworms had a history of producing grey elves like Harry ever since the Baron’s ancestor had married a beautiful Dark elf.
Choosing a Dark elf to accompany him was far harder as when Dumbledore’s duplicity was revealed most would attack the wizard which would only lead to a war. Harry was not afraid of war but did not want to waste his people’s lives when the wizards would soon destroy each other anyway. Harry knew that has frustrating as it was sometimes the best bet was to wait.
There were those such as Stonesailor and Tearnest who Harry could absolutely not take or he’d have to deal with the political backlash of attempted murder at a diplomatic meeting. In the end Harry chose Lord Lightsky who was greyer than other dark elves due to the Light and wind elves within his bloodline. That and he had agreed with Harry’s plans so unlike Stonesailor would not cause trouble for Harry.
Harry entered the dining room which was huge and spacious it’s carefully mosaicked ceilings and walls documenting the De Lucs family history all the way from Lancelot and Guinevere in gold leaf. The shining black marble floor was the exact opposite to the ceiling that shone gold. It was like day and night, the sun and the moon, dark and light were being put on display.
Right in the centre of the dining room was a large mahogany table set so there were five seats on either side. One for each of the De Lucs guests Harry knew. There were refreshments laid out on the De Lucs finest pottery which if sold would be pay for a small house but as they were entertaining royalty it was expected that the De Lucs would bar no expenses.
As Harry entered the familiar dining room Harry saw the other party who entered the room from the other side of the palace following after Fleur. Fleur’s face remained impassive as was expected of the neutral party. Harry had absolutely no idea what this was like her trying to remain neutral when put between her childhood best friend and those whom had earnt her loyalty which was very difficult to earn from a Veela.
Harry observed the party of five finding the visage of Albus Dumbledore who did not react at the obvious opulence of the room he had entered. The man who had spent the last few years of the First Wizarding War trying to set up his mother’s death. The man who had bound his magic and sentenced Harry to hell on earth. The man who had manipulated the neutrals and his own followers into refusing legal action against his enslaved peoples in the Wizengamot. Somehow despite the burning hatred bubbling in his chest Harry managed to keep his face expressionless and give nothing more than a polite nod of his head in the way of greeting.
To the leader of the light’s right was Alastor Moody retired ex-Auror who was responsible for half of the captured Death Eaters in the last war. Moody was considered the man that Dumbledore trusted the most but Harry did not think that Dumbledore trusted anyone. Moody was too busy looking suspiciously at the assembled elves and Veela to have much care for the symbols of status in the De Luc palace.
To Dumbledore’s left was Lupin probably due to the fact that Dumbledore wanted the werewolf close so that he could be informed if he sensed anything. Never mind that Lupin knew the most about non-human species as one himself even if he had knowingly never met an elf. Harry did wonder why the lycan had not been invited to Avalon as a werewolf but Harry would find that out later.
Harry tensed knowing full well this was when his true identity could come out. Lupin had after all been pack mates with Harry’s parents after all. That meant Lupin would be able to sense that Harry was also pack and be able to recognise his scent as Harry Potter. All Lupin had to do was open his mouth and blurt out his past identity. Harry may have plans to use his status as the Boy Who Lived but not yet.
However, Lupin did not seem to have any interest in doing so. Instead the Lycan was gazing at Harry with undisguised hope and joy as he realised what his senses meant. Harry shook his head minutely knowing that only those with supernatural senses would be able to see the movement. Lupin immediately became blank faced but Harry counted it as a win. His birth name was still safe for now.
Behind Lupin was his mate and wife the witch Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin more commonly known as Tonks. Harry knew from reports that his spies had given him that the young Auror was a metamorphagus so she was likely descended from a shapeshifter of one kind or another. Currently the young woman was sporting straight bright tomato red hair that fell to just above her shoulder, a full fringe and bright brown eyes set in a heart shaped face. The rest of the group wore their best dress robes but this young woman wore a short black Muggle dress.
So this was the woman that Harry’s parents’ werewolf best friend and packmate had chosen to mate with. She certainly seemed an interesting and vibrant witch if her clothing and choice of looks were anything to go by. Probably the only one able to get through the self-hatred the wizards had left the werewolf with. Harry thought that she would be good for the werewolf's self-esteem.
Harry once again regretted that the werewolf had never gone to Avalon where he would have been taught that there was nothing to fear from being a werewolf although that would mean Lupin would never have chosen Harry’s father as his alpha. Thus, Harry would not be considered a pack mate of the werewolf which despite not knowing the werewolf caused Harry a sense of dissatisfaction likely coming from the weak pack-bond that had laid dormant for the past fourteen years.
Finally standing behind Alastor Moody most likely due to Dumbledore hoping to keep control of his rebellious subordinate was Sirius Black. The man that Harry was most interested in meeting today. The second most important thing to come from today aside from the freeing of Harry’s people. Harry was finally meeting his falsely imprisoned godfather – Sirius Black.
Harry took in the man who in another life would have been classed as roguishly handsome or the bad boy. However, Harry could see the effects of Azkaban on the wizard even after Black being free for two years. It was in the shadows under his eyes telling of nightmares that never left, the dark haunted look in his eyes, his gaunt features and skinny frame telling of the malnourishment he was still healing from.
Harry took his place at the table with Baron Nallworm to his right and Lord Lightsky to his left. Ahabi was seated at Nallworm’s left and Chieftain Mailthial to Lightsky’s right. At the same time Albus took his seat opposite Harry with Moody to his right and Lupin to his left. Sirius sat opposite to Ahabi who was staring at the man with sadness whilst Tonks sat opposite to the chieftain.
‘This is a meeting to discuss an alliance between the Light Elves of Avalon and the Order of the Phoenix,’ Rosalie said gravely. ‘Representatives of the Elven nation for this meeting are King Haralith Dlartanseer leader of the Light Elves of the British Isles, Baron Nallworm Head of the Nallworm clan, Lord Lightsky Head of the Lightsky Clan, Healer Ahabi Waterosnake court Healer of the Light Elves, and Chieftain Legoost Mailthial Head of the Avalon warrior. Representatives of the Order of the Phoenix for this meeting are Headmaster-Lord Albus Dumbledore leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Remus Lupin the Order of the Phoenix’s emissary to the werewolf clans of Europe, Alastor Moody, Sirius Black and Nymphadora Lupin-Tonks whom are the Order of the Phoenix’s warriors.
‘The terms of this meeting are as follows. No magic is to be used in this meeting room until the meeting is adjourned. There shall be no violence or threats of violence to each other or the De Lucs as the neutral party. There shall be no derogatory comments to any of the races gathered here nor insults to either party or the De Lucs. If this meeting does not go well both parties shall leave with no violence. Do you agree?’ asked Rosalie sky blue eyes sharp piercing them all.
‘Yes,’ Harry replied calmly.
‘I agree,’ Dumbledore said.
‘Good,’ Rosalie smiled. ‘Then you will not mind signing the magical contract stating as such. It should have been forwarded to you before the meeting. These rules will be in place until I call the meeting adjourned.’
‘Yes, Elder De Luc, I received it,’ nodded Harry.
Harry had already had the contract forwarded and found everything to be above board which is lawyer had agreed. Not that Harry would have expected anything else from Rosalie De Luc but it did not hurt to check. Thus, Harry signed the contract prompting the other elves and the werewolf to do the same. Black and Tonks followed Lupin’s example making it impossible for Dumbledore and Moody to do anything but follow suit.
‘Good,’ smiled Rosalie. ‘Now the meeting may adjourn. Please state both your cases.’
‘I plead for my people to be freed from the horrific slavery they are currently bound in,’ Harry said.
Dumbledore sighed tiredly, ‘I am desperately sorry and ashamed of what my people have decided on. I wish it were in my power to change their minds to make the right choice rather than the easy choice. Unfortunately the Wizarding World has become reliant on the House Elves-‘
‘Elves,’ Rosalie interrupted. ‘House Elves implies they are but pets rather than the enslaved sentients that they are.’
Dumbledore smiled wanly, ‘I am sorry for the slight. I have never known any other terms for Elves but House Elves. It will take me time to become accustomed to new classifications.’
‘I understand, Lord Dumbledore,’ Harry said quietly hiding his seething anger at the insult to his race. ‘However, my people have suffered enough injustices without being classed in the same category as domesticated felines.’
‘I understand, King Dlartanseer, please understand that we have to learn anew and we would like to do that with you if you would be willing,’ Dumbledore said.
‘I would,’ Harry agreed. ‘And whilst I understand that you cannot force your people to illegalise the enslavement of my people. You must free all the elves in your custody and demand that your people do the same!’
‘King Dlartanseer,’ Rosalie interrupted. ‘Is this your first request if an alliance should be formed between the Order of the Phoenix and the Light Elven Clans of the British Isles?’
‘Yes,’ Harry replied calmly.
‘Is there anything the Order of the Phoenix would like to contribute to this term?’ asked Rosalie.
‘What would happen should it be found that one of the Order were not complying with the terms?’ asked Dumbledore.
‘I would ask action be taken against them,’ Harry said, ‘as I would take action against any of my people threatening our alliance by not complying with the terms set down by us. Starting off with a reprimand and order them to free the elf or elves in question. If they do not comply then they should be suspended from active duty and sensitive meetings until they have done so. If they still do not do so then they should be asked to leave your organisation.’
‘Do you really think that we have volunteers to get rid of members so easily?’ demanded Moody.
‘That depends on what your organisation wishes to promote,’ Harry said crisply. ‘Your organisation fights against tyranny and oppression. Fights to allow all people equal rights no matter what their birth is. Am I right?’
‘You are,’ Dumbledore said grudgingly.
‘So would you really want someone who undermines everything you are fighting for by encouraging slavery of a sentient?’ demanded Harry. ‘It is just one small step from saying elves should be enslaved because they are not human to Muggles and Muggleborns should be enslaved because they do not have the right blood!’
Harry could tell right away that his words had at least got through to the three warriors opposite him. Moody was nodding grudgingly even if he did not seem to be very happy to see that point. Tonks and Black had looked like they had never considered it that way but both agreed. Only Dumbledore seemed unaffected by his speech but that man's mask was the best one Harry had ever seen.
‘I for one agree,’ Black said suddenly. ‘I will hand over my elves personally today no matter what the outcome of today is.’
‘Thank you, Lord Black, those words bring great joy to my heart,’ Harry said quietly. ‘And I would like to say that any wizard who wishes to return the elves to their people – their families – independently would be more than eagerly received no matter if it is just one or one hundred.’
‘We will let people know,’ Tonks said quietly.
‘Thank you, Mrs Lupin-Tonks,’ Harry replied.
Dumbledore had not reacted, ‘I see your point and whilst there are those we can do without there are those who are essential for our work. What would you do if one of these people were found to be unpunished for their breaking of the treaty?’
‘If the treaty was broken in such a serious way then I would consider that the alliance to was broken,’ Harry said seriously.
‘You would leave the innocents of the Wizarding World to mercy of Voldemort, his Death Eaters and now the Dark Elves?’ questioned Dumbledore.
‘That alliance has fallen through,’ Harry replied calmly. ‘And as to your question. I would not want to but your people have left innocents of my kind at the mercy of slave masters. If you continue to do so no help will be given to you from me or the elven kind.’
Dumbledore bowed his head, ‘how long would you expect either the elves be returned to you once they are discovered still enslaved or the culprit dismissed?’
‘One month,’ Harry replied.
‘One month!’ Black said incredulously. ‘That is not enough time to put them on suspension and dismissed after discovery?’
‘How long would you suggest?’ asked Harry quietly.
‘Alastor how long are Aurors usually suspended from duty?’ asked Dumbledore.
Moody snorted, ‘if they don’t bribe their way out of trouble or don’t have friends in high places to get them out of trouble – that depends on the charge. I suppose this would be counted as an abuse of power. Thus, he or she would be suspended for six months.’
‘Six months, then,’ Dumbledore said.
‘Three months,’ returned Harry.
Dumbledore frowned then nodded, ‘three months.’
‘So the first term,’ Rosalie said. ‘Is that all elves currently enslaved by members of the Order of the Phoenix are to be freed and returned the Light Elven nation. If any member of the Order of the Phoenix are found to have not complied with freeing the enslaved elves they are to be suspended from duties until they either do comply or are dismissed at three months. Anything else to add?’
‘This includes elves that are bought,’ Harry sneered, ‘at a later date as well as those who are not freed currently.’
Rosalie nodded, ‘understood. Headmaster-Lord Dumbledore?’
‘That if it is King Dlartanseer or the Elven nation who discover the infarction they are to inform myself immediately,’ Dumbledore replied.
‘I understand,’ agreed Harry. ‘If it is the Order of the Phoenix who discover they are to inform me immediately.’
‘Agreed,’ Dumbledore said.
'I would also like to say if it is a leader of the Order of the Phoenix - Albus Dumbledore or any future leader is found hiding the fact that they or others in their employ still have enslaved house-elves then the alliance will be over,' Harry stated.
Harry waited at what Dumbledore would say or do at his pronouncement. Both Dumbledore and Harry knew that Dumbledore was not planning to hand over the Hogwarts house-elves. Only Dumbledore was not aware that Harry knew. Harry had to be very careful in the way that he phrased it so Dumbledore wouldn't realise Harry was aware of his duplicity. Hence why Harry Had made it sound like he was more concerned with Dumbledore hiding his followers duplicity than his own.
'Do you really think I would hide the fact that there are slaves in our employ?' asked Dumbledore genially.
'No,' Harry lied. 'But I have to cover all of my bases.'
‘Agreed,' Dumbledore said. 'What about elves who have sensitive information about the Order of the Phoenix or the family they were enslaved to?’
‘They should be Obliviated by a licensed Obliviator,’ Harry replied bitterly.
‘Is that acceptable, Headmaster-Lord Dumbledore?’ asked Rosalie.
‘Yes,’ agreed Dumbledore.
‘Is there anything else on the condition of the freeing of enslaved elves?’ asked Rosalie.
‘No,’ replied Harry.
‘Headmaster-Lord Dumbledore are there any terms you want to add?’ asked Rosalie.
‘That as our allies we can call on the Light Elves when battling with Voldemort, the Death Eaters and his allies,’ Dumbledore said.
‘Agreed,’ Harry replied readily. ‘In return that if the Dark Lord Voldemort turns his attention on us that the Order of the Phoenix will fight to defend us.’
‘Agreed,’ Dumbledore said without a fuss.
‘Any other terms?’ asked Rosalie.
‘I would request that we meet once a month to discuss intel on the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters as well as to planning his ultimate defeat,’ Harry said calmly. ‘More often should there be a plan in place needing both of our peoples input.’
Harry didn’t say that he was already aware of the methods that Voldemort had taken to ensure his immortality. In given time should Voldemort not be tipped off to Harry’s knowledge Harry would destroy the Horcruxes. Then it would only be a matter of defeating the Dark Lord himself but that would not until after the Ministry and Dumbledore’s fated fall. Harry didn’t know how much Dumbledore knew about Voldemort’s survival all those years ago but he was not going to tell the old man before Dumbledore died.
‘I would request that our people be allowed onto the legendary Island of Avalon,’ Dumbledore said.
Harry felt an icy hand tighten around his heart at Dumbledore’s request to be allowed into his Kingdom. The first time that an unmated human would be allowed onto Avalon in centuries. Harry knew he could not let Dumbledore endanger his people by entering his lands and have access to his people. However, Harry could bargain with the best of them.
‘I am afraid that is not possible,’ Harry said sadly. ‘Free reign would mean removing the anti-human wards and endangering our children if the slavers should ever find out. However, I would be more than willing to meet you at a predetermined location and bring you in and then out when you are finished.’
‘I do not see why you being there will help us any,’ growled the chieftain.
‘In the name of openness and honesty,’ Dumbledore smiled. ‘I will do the same. Meet you at Hogwarts wards and invite you in as long as you contact me first.’
‘That will be fine,’ Harry said. ‘And I would need warning as a lot of my people only know cruelty at human’s hands so I would need to warn them not to be afraid.’
Truthfully Harry would warn them to watch out for their children whilst the humans were on Avalon. Harry did not like the idea of inviting humans into his kingdom at all and would do everything he could to keep them out. However, if Dumbledore was inviting him into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts Harry had to be at least seem to be doing the same.
Dumbledore sighed sadly, ‘I understand King Dlartanseer. I do hope that this is the start of a better time for our people?’
‘As do I,’ agreed Harry.
‘Are there any other terms you wish to add?’ asked Rosalie again.
Dumbledore shook his head, ‘no.’
‘No,’ Harry agreed.
‘Okay,’ smiled Rosalie. ‘Then I shall have the goblins make a contract. I shall call you both back in when it is ready. You are, of course, welcome to show it to your lawyers.’
‘Yes, that will be preferable,’ Harry replied. ‘He is on the carriage so I will have him take a look at it when I receive it.’
‘I am more than competent at law to be able to confirm its efficiency for myself,’ Dumbledore replied.
Rosalie nodded, ‘good day, your majesty, your lordship.’
Rosalie swept out of the room long blue robe sweeping along the floor as she walked out of the door leaving her husband, daughter, son in law and granddaughter with her guests. Harry wished to speak to his godfather, to the man who saw him as a cub and to his best friend. However, until the day’s business was over Harry had to maintain his kingly persona for a little while longer.
‘Would you like dinner whilst you wait?’ asked Julien Delacour, Fleur’s father.
‘Yes please, Mr Delacour,’ Lupin smiled softly. ‘What is it?’
‘Bouillabaisse,’ replied Julien.
Somehow Harry was not surprised as he knew that it was Fleur’s and her grandmother’s favourite dish. It was one of the common dishes that Rosalie cooked for them as children when Harry was visiting. Harry’s Uncles had encouraged their friendship due to the fact that she was the first person of Harry’s age group who Harry really opened up to. Before Harry had been too scared of the other children to really make friends but Fleur had been different.
‘So were you happy growing up on Avalon?’ asked the werewolf in what seemed a casual tone.
‘Very,’ Harry smiled kindly. ‘You would have been too. I can honestly say that I have no idea why you as a magical creature were not invited to our school. It is something I will be looking into when I get back. I do not want there to be any more children out there having to deal with wizard prejudice on their own,’ Harry said with a growl.
‘I believe Lyall and Hope wished Remus to attend Hogwarts,’ Dumbledore said mildly.
‘That could be it,’ Harry admitted with a sigh. ‘If your guardians were not abusive and did not wish for you to go to Avalon there would be no grounds for removal.’
‘They weren't. Did you go to Avalon?’ asked Lupin eyes burning with curiosity.
Harry smiled kindly, ‘yes I did.’
‘Did you enjoy it?’ Lupin asked seemingly unable to help himself.
‘Immensely,’ Harry agreed.
Lupin seemed to want to know more about his friends' son whom he had not seen since Harry was but a babe. Luckily the werewolf was very aware that Harry did not want anyone to know of who he had once been just yet. For that Harry was extremely grateful to the werewolf. Dinner resumed with casual conversations on the weather, Quidditch and the latest publications.
Then Rosalie came back with the two copies of the completed contracts for each of the parties to take and give to their lawyers to okay. Harry took his as Dumbledore did his. They both parted ways ready to return when they were both satisfied with the terms of the contract. Harry thought everything looked above board as Rosalie was sure to make it.
Sure enough an hour later Harry returned with the okay from his lawyer as Harry had expected. Ten minutes later Dumbledore and his entourage had returned as though they had known Harry had just returned which Harry would not put past Albus Dumbledore. This didn't surprise Harry at all as from everything Harry knew of Albus Dumbledore the man liked his grand entrances.
‘Everything seems above board,’ Harry said quietly.
‘Indeed,’ Dumbledore said. ‘The contract seems fair.’
‘If you are both in agreement please sign the Alliance between the Light Elves and the Order of the Phoenix,’ requested Rosalie.
‘Now where are my people?’ asked Harry.
‘Back on my ship,’ Dumbledore said. ‘If you would follow me. If that is okay with Lady De Luc.’
‘Naturally Headmaster,’ Dumbledore said.
Harry did as he was requested and followed Dumbledore to the Rowena. Immediately the Healer of Hogwarts ushered out with a crowd of freed elves. Less than the Dark Lord had given but Harry had expected that as there weren’t as many rich and landed Old Bloods in the Order as there were in the Death Eaters. Never mind the hundred Hogwarts elves had not been returned to them.
‘Healer Waterosnake would you please transport the elves back to the Healing Halls,’ requested Harry.
‘Of course, your majesty,’ bowed Ahabi.
Harry returned his attention to Dumbledore ice in his eyes as appraised the deceitful, manipulative wizard before him finally able to let the hatred he felt to this man show. Did he really think that he would be able to get away with keeping elves for himself? Just because wizards saw Dumbledore as above reproach did not mean that Haralith Jamiel Dlartanseer-Shadowmage-Potter did!
‘Now may I ask where the Hogwarts elves are?’ demanded Harry coolly.
I am not a politician or a diplomat. I have no idea how an alliance is worked out. Hope I got something right at least. If not then blame the differences on the magical culture.