Training and Confrontations

Chapter XI

Alicia guided the group through the villa, until they reached a pair of doors. The maid Rora, who had been exchanging glances with Ron, led the boys through one door, while Lita led Tonks and the girls through the other. Remus dismissed the maid after she showed them into a stone room with benches, much to both Ron and Rora's disappointment.

"Now, just in case you don't understand the immediate set-up," Remus instructed them, "we strip, and I do a quick cleaning charm on the clothes. We sit in a hot room, like a sauna if you're familiar with those." None of the three boys really were, although Harry had a very rough idea.

"We sweat. We get clean. Then we soak in a hot pool and then take a quick dip in a cold one. Now, some of the serving maids will be coming on to you, perhaps strongly. If they do, in one sense it's up to you. If one doesn't, you are not, under any circumstances, to so much as flirt. Understand?"

"Sure," Ron said, "but why? I don't mean why would some come on strong and others won't. I mean, why not flirt and see if one was interested?"

"Some will come on strong because we're wizards, right?" Harry asked.

"Right," Remus answered. "The servants are serfs or slaves. If they bear a magical child, they will be freed. The ones who don't come on to you either aren't interested or more likely already have a magical protector."

"Ah," Ron said.

"Do I need to go over contraceptive charms?" Remus demanded.

Ron blushed, while Harry said, "That shouldn't be necessary, should it, Ron?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you ever want a chance with Hermione. . . ."

"Leave Hermione out of this!" Ron said firmly. "Besides, if it frees someone, how can she complain?"

Harry invaded Ron's personal space. "Just imagine how Ginny would feel if someone did that to her, and how you would respond. That's how I feel about Hermione."

Ron was about to remind his friend that despite Harry's recent growth spurt Ron was almost seven inches taller and at least a stone heavier when he looked into Harry's eyes. He remembered that a fight with Harry might not be a physical one. Ron knew that if Harry could duel Voldemort, he should avoid dueling with Harry.

"And if I've given up on Hermione?"

Harry stepped away, "As long as you make that clear to her first, then just listen to Remus." Harry wasn't about to harass Ron on this.

"Are you prepared to pay for the upkeep of a child, Ron? There's not a lot of charity here," Remus pointed out. "Would you want a child of yours put at that sort of disadvantage? The last time I was here, the going price was a minimum of twelve hundred Galleons. And, if it's not magical, your son would be a field hand, while a girl at best might be taken as a concubine."

"Alright, alright," Ron said, surrendering, at least for the moment.

Remus paused. "I suppose I should say that James left a daughter, a witch, after his first trip here, and that Sirius left five children, four of them magical, over his three trips."

The boys were too embarrassed to pursue the idea any further.

Just after Neville finished stripping and they started toward the hot room, he said, "Err, we are going to be alone for this, right?"

"Well, they obviously could have made changes since the last time I was here, but yes, there should be separate facilities for male and female. There shouldn't be any maids, unless we request them. What other questions do you have?"

"Will you transform here?" Harry asked.

"No," Remus said as they sat in the sauna. "They have werewolves here, but the moon is different. I'll feel miserable, but I won't actually change. I would really prefer that you not mention that I am a werewolf back home." The three boys nodded.

"What do we call this place?" Ron asked.

"All the linked worlds call themselves 'Earth', if that's what you mean. There are nine separate continental areas, the smallest a bit larger than Greenland, the largest about the size of South America. We're right in the middle of one of the more northern continents, called 'Dyrnaid.' The area centered on that magical circle -- there isn't another for more than a hundred and fifty miles in any direction -- is called 'Ruchak,' as are the circle and the town."

"What type of government does it have?" Harry inquired.

Remus shrugged. "That's rather difficult to say. Most of it is rather informal. The towns have an elected Council, and each family is internally quite independent. There are various religious solidities, and those cross the planet. Still, there is no formal government as such, although some of the religious groups keep a general eye on things. One seems to be an informal enforcement group."

"Is that one reason why you didn't stay here, despite the fact you won't change?" Neville asked.

"No, not really." Remus shrugged. "James suggested I stay several times. I said I would consider it after Voldemort was defeated. Well, maybe I will, after he's really destroyed."

Remus showed them how to oil up and then wipe the perspiration and oil of their bodies with stirgils. Remus was pleased to see that hot showers had been added in the warm room, and they took turns taking showers and settling into the hot tub. They went and took a quick dip into the cold pool, and then went back to the first room. Rora and three other women were waiting for them, all nude. Rora was both the youngest and most attractive.

The embarrassed boys laid down on thick towels already placed on the benches, and the women massaged their upper arms, backs, and legs (Rora made certain she was massaging Ron). The serving maids then gave them manicures and pedicures, and finally anointed them with scented oil.

All four of the wizards enjoyed the process to some degree, although Harry and Neville were both slightly embarrassed by the entire process, and also noted that as Remus chatted with them and the maids, how ignorant and limited the serving maids were. Both realized that it was a limitation brought on by their servile condition.

Ron just enjoyed himself, and wished there was a way to have the same service at home.

Rora showed them to a formal room, Harry thought mostly to keep Ron enticed with her nude body. Alone, Remus said, "Come here. Sometime after the women join us, we will likely have an audience with the current Lord Dumbledore and some of his family. They'll tell us about the trunks after they introduce themselves, so don't ask. Now, there are a number of ways to introduce ourselves. Dumble . . . Albus and I worked out several possible introductions for each of you. Here." He handed them index cards he had kept in his outfit.

At that point, two of the other serving maids who had been massaging them (now dressed) came in with wine, water, and fruit juices, and then left silently. Tonks and the girls were escorted in less than five minutes later. The serving maids then brought in bread, fruit, cheeses, boiled eggs, carrot and celery sticks, and olives.

"Lunch is fairly light here," Remus said, helping himself. "We're likely to be meeting the Dumbledores after we're finished, so eat up." They all started eating, and talked about the day's events, and debating how to announce themselves, which created some heated discussions.

Remus was right. Three serving maids showed up after all of them, other than Ron, were finished eating. They had hot towels, and wiped each visitor's face and hands. Remus made Ron stop eating so that the rest of the villa's inhabitants could get on with things.

As soon as the serving maids left, taking what little food was left with them, to Ron's disappointment, six people (one of them Astor Dumbledore) came into the room. Remus stood and set down his goblet down. The other seven followed his lead.

One was obviously Lord Dumbledore, and he spoke first. "I am Alexander, Lord Dumbledore. I welcome you all to my home, the center of the House of Dumbledore. This is my great grandson and heir, Alton, and his eldest son, Astor, and their wives, Marcia and Alicia."

He turned to a woman swathed in multicolored robes. "This is the Sibyl for this land."

The woman moved to Remus and looked into his eyes, and then moved in turn to each visitor's. When she was finished, Remus stated, "I am Remus, son of House Lupin and a friend of long standing to House Dumbledore. I stand as tutor to these charges."

"I am Nymphadora, better known as Dora, daughter of House Tonks and friend to House Dumbledore. I stand as tutor to these charges."

"I am Harry, Head of House Potter and relative of House Dumbledore, currently under the protection and guardianship of House Moody. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora. These are my friends and companions in many quests."

"I am Ronald, better known as Ron, son of House Weasley and distant relation to House Dumbledore. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora, and friend and companion to Harry."

"I am Hermione, new to the magical world, under the guardianship of House Lovegood and the protection of House Potter. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora, and friend, companion, and advisor to Harry."

"I am Ginevra, better known as Ginny, daughter of House Weasley and distant relation to House Dumbledore. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora, and friend and companion to Harry."

"I am Luna, daughter of House Lovegood. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora, and companion as well as friend of Harry."

"I am Neville, titular Head of House Longbottom. I stand as a student of Albus, head of House Dumbledore on my world, and Remus and Dora, and friend and companion to Harry."

"I welcome you all," Alexander stated formally. He relaxed slightly. "You should know that we recovered your trunks. Who loaded them onto the wagon?"

"I did, sir," Harry answered. Remus leaned over and whispered a correction in his ear.

"You put a charm on them, correct?"

"Yes, my lord, to keep them from rattling and knocking against each other."

"I see. Well, it was fortunate that you put such a strong one on them. The thieves were trying to figure out how to remove them when my people caught up with them." He smiled. "Of course, once they get here, you'll have to remove the charm."

Harry frowned. "I don't understand. The magic held them on, so they couldn't be shifted by accident, but they should be easily moved by hand."

"Ah . . . everyone tried to do it by magic," Astor said. "The servants will try to move them by hand."

"You may all be seated," Alexander said, moving to sit himself. "You are owed an explanation for this mishap."

"This world actually has relatively little contact with yours. As far as I know, I am the only Head of House in anything like regular contact with your world in all Dyrnaid. None of the few I am aware of in other parts of the world are in any more contact than I. So, advances in your world are not always communicated to ours."

"My potion," Luna whispered, stricken.

"Yes, child. Oh, do not be concerned. It is certainly not your fault. Albus was surprised no one had mentioned it before, and immediately gave us the formula. Now, it just so happens that one family here in Ruchak has a young daughter coming into power. We offered to sell them the potion, nearly at cost, but they were concerned that the potion has never been tested here. And, while the potion was prepared according to the formula, and looks correct, they decided that they wished some of your supply, to compare to what we sold them."

"They couldn't ask?" Harry inquired.

"They chose not to. The Markons do not have a good reputation, and oft prefer to take twisted paths. They suborned our now ex-steward. Well, I wish them the luck of him. They claim to be returning our true reeve and peasants, and if they are unharmed, we shall return theirs. Would you like us to pursue this matter further?"

"Not on our account," Remus answered. "Obviously, we would not presume to advise you on how to deal with the matter."

"I see." His glance included the others. "No comment?"

"Would it be wrong of me to offer one of the vials I brought with me?" Luna asked tentatively. She normally would not have thought twice about offering a vial of the potion. Although time-consuming to make, it was not particularly expensive back home, as it was made in large batches from mostly inexpensive ingredients, and taken in very small quantities. However, a month spent with Harry had taught her a bit of caution.

"Not right away, in any event," Alexander stated. "We don't want to appear weak."

"However, it would be a kindness to the girl," the Sibyl stated. "There are horrors involved on the way to developing the full Gift."

"Let us test one of the vials against what we produced," Alton suggested. "If the tests work as we predict, and a Markon then comes and apologizes to us and to our guests, perhaps we can consider it."

"Perhaps," Alexander agreed. "Astor, will you show our guests the grounds, and then the villa? We shall have decided on rooms by then."

After the octet had left, Alexander turned to the Sibyl. "Have you opinions on our guests?"

"Of course," she answered. "That is the main reason you asked me to be here, after all. Actually, they are much more interesting than I had anticipated. I had thought only this so-called Boy-Who-Lived and perhaps the young Seer would be at all interesting."

"And?"

"Both adults are hiding secrets about themselves they feared I might see. They, and the Boy, have recently lost someone close to them. Remus is a scholar and a fairly powerful wizard, and a man who hides his passions, often even from himself. He is attracted to the woman, but does not acknowledge it even to himself. The woman is very attracted to him, but is uncertain what to do about it. She is nearly Remus' equal in power, and she is very skilled if raw and awkward. Remus loves the boy, and would be dangerous to cross. He would be a formidable warrior no matter what, but if his passions are aroused, he would be calmly deadly."

"The redhead, Ronald, is certainly above average in power, but probably the weakest in the group. He has a warrior's heart, and a mind capable of strategic and tactical insight. He has never developed it, and does not wish to work hard to do so. He is here only out of friendship. Other than that, I only sensed his lust after one of the maids, which was very strong."

"Typical for his age," Alton said.

"I have the feeling that the redheads come from a poor family, but that is not certain. His sister has had strong feelings for the Boy, but she has moved them towards the third boy, Neville. She also feels under an obligation to Harry."

Alton snickered, "That name."

"We shall discuss that later," Alexander said.

"Neville is besotted by Ginevra. He is certainly powerful, but his powers feel checked. We shall have to talk with Remus about that. Ginevra is nearly as powerful as Neville, but knows how to use it."

"Luna is in love with Harry and is very attracted to the girl Hermione. Luna is a true, full Seer. Her other powers are strong, although she is actually only more powerful than Ron in this group. I should add that Hermione has not a trace of the Gift, while Ginevra and Neville only have a touch of it. Harry and especially Ronald have stronger Gifts, but neither is really strong enough to be really trainable."

"The mundane-born girl, Hermione. . . ." the Sibyl shook her head. "Remus is a true scholar, Luna and Harry are brilliant and Ron should be if he had any discipline, while the other two are well above average. Hermione, however, has the most brilliant mind I have encountered, except perhaps for Albus."

"Indeed? Most impressive," Alexander agreed.

"She is. I am not certain if she or Neville would be the second most powerful in this group. She has a great command over her power, and all eight of these visitors would be dangerous if cornered. If they were fighting for each other, I would say that seven of them would be quite formidable."

"Seven?"

She shuddered. "If Harry's full, adult powers were aroused, only the gods could withstand his fury."

"That Albus already told me. I am glad to have his opinion reenforced."

"Hermione has also suffered even more intense and recent grief than the others, which masks many of her feelings for the others. I believe she has had strong feelings for Ronald, and has very strong feelings for Harry, Ginevra, and Luna, but I cannot tell what those feelings are."

"Her parents were murdered just a few days ago by their time line, which account for the problems you are having in reading her. Harry's mundane relatives were murdered about a month ago. His last guardian, who was Remus' close friend and Dora's close relative, was murdered less than two months ago."

"Then we must make certain they heal," Marcia stated.

"Agreed," the Sibyl said, before going on, "Harry was very hard to read, other than his power. He is the most powerful wizard I have ever encountered, nearly equal to Albus already, long before he has reached his full powers. Like his friend Neville, he has odd checks on his magic. If he can overcome then, he will outshine most wizards in history."

"And?"

"And . . . very little else. I could read that grief he has in common with Remus and Dora. I know he cares for the others, and that he has been physically intimate with Luna and is almost as in love with her as she is with him. He loves Hermione in a similar, although less sexual way, and loves the others as true friends do. His mental shields are most impressive, although he really has none on his emotions. I was not about to press a young wizard of his power."

"I suppose I should go assign them rooms," Marcia said.

"I shall help," the Sibyl said. None one looking at them would know that they had actually been fraternal twins, although, as the Sibyl, one had technically renounced all family ties.

The octet found the portions of the estate they toured very impressive. The villa itself covered a great amount of ground, perhaps three hundred yards by a hundred, built around a courtyard and two peristyle gardens. The second peristyle and the building around it had been added since Remus' first visit.

The group was led to a stretch of rooms on the third floor which overlooked the first peristyle. Each room was therefore off a veranda of sorts. They were pleasantly surprised to find that each large room had a modern-built in toilet, sink, and small shower built into a small room in the back. (Hermione had sniffed and said it reminded her of an American motel room, except for the small fireplaces. Hermione then had to explain the reference to Ron and Neville.)

Ron's room was first. Harry and Luna next had rooms and were joined to a sitting room in between them (just another bedroom, but with doors leading to their bedrooms). Hermione's room was next. Tonks and Remus were next, with the same arrangement as Harry and Luna. Ginny's room was next, and Neville's last. The bedroom next to Neville's was a maid's room, and there would be a maid on duty at all time, if they should ring for one.

Astor reminded them before leaving that it was now past mid-afternoon, and that dinner would be at dusk. Proper clothes had been provided for dinner.

Remus gathered them into his and Tonks' sitting room. He gave them a fifteen minute crash course in dinner manners (or at least the dinner manners of two centuries before), and sent them off to take short naps. He wanted everyone to be sharp for dinner.

Just before they broke up, Hermione asked, "By the way, what day is it here?"

"They don't bother with days of the week. They have a three-hundred and sixty-six day calender, with a leap year every five years. Their months match ours, although they still call July and August Quinctilis and Sextilis. Today is actually the First of May, and we need to leave early in the morning of the Fifth of December." Remus looked at them. "What is it?"

"I think . . . we've just realized we're really here for seven months," Hermione said.

"I guess we'll have lots of time to finish our summer homework and revisions," Ginny said to Luna.

"Oh . . . Harry helped me finish those right before his birthday," Luna said absently.

Hermione beamed, and Ron shook his head in sorrow.