Creation and Destruction

Bode watched with satisfaction as the sound of bullets being fired cut out all other noise. He couldn't see much due to the men standing right in front of him, but a minute later, the air cleared, giving him a view of the mess they had created.

While wizards could no doubt defend themselves against guns, how long could they power a shield to protect themselves against continuous assault from all directions? He was confident that Potter would be dead.

Unfortunately, when the smoke cleared, he and everyone else was stunned to see the Boy-Who-Lived simply standing there, wiping the non-existent dirt from under his fingernails against his robes.

"You know," said Harry conversationally. "I've always had the greatest respect for Unspeakables. After all, my mother and grandmother were Unspeakables themselves when they were alive. Director Croaker has proved himself to be an honourable man. I thought you were too, Mr Bode. It's disappointing that for such a brilliant man, you forget that I'm not a weakling. Powering an advanced shield in all directions isn't something I find too difficult after taking care of a Dark Lord."

"H-How is he alive?" exclaimed one of the Muggles. The phoenix screeched threateningly. Harry gently patted the creature. Turning towards them, he smirked. The Muggle yelped when the assault rifle was summoned from his hand, towards the young wizard.

"I've always been curious about these things," muttered Harry as he observed the rifle. "You seem to labour under the delusion that a lone wizard would be no match for a dozen machine guns. What you don't understand, you stupid fools, is that these are filled with bullets made of metal. You then fire it, using the momentum of the bullet as your only weapon. Magic, on the other hand, is pure energy. Fire how many ever bullets you want, but you won't be able to shatter a well-conjured shield. That is something your puny brains can't comprehend."

Bode and his partner drew their wands in preparation while Harry spoke.

The phoenix spotted this. Screeching loudly, the creature flapped its wings, creating a gust of wind. Harry immediately summoned Bode before he could be attacked. The rest, however, gasped for air. The area around them was filled with the vacuum of space. Their bodies began to swell. They experienced loss of vision and their brain was unable to process thought. Blood was gushing from their eyes as they floated in mid-air, dead.

The rogue Unspeakable swallowed when the phoenix turned towards him. It made a threatening noise, but a red jet of light soon impacted his chest, making him black out.

Harry transfigured him into a quill and placed him in his bag. He then turned his attention to the little boy. For twenty minutes, he guided the child through a meditative technique that all students of Occlumency were taught. The nine-year-old boy calmed down until the magic of the Obscurus settled into his body. It would be enough until Newt Scamander, one of the world's leading experts on Obscuri, would take a look at him. While recovery was not guaranteed, it was still possible.

"Come on," he said encouragingly. "Let's get you to St Mungo's." He then turned towards the royal phoenix who was observing him keenly. Harry bowed low in respect, which the creature returned. With a cry, the phoenix disappeared, as if sucked into the abyss of space.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Amelia Black cursed under her breath. Harry had just reported to Croaker that he had rescued the Obscurial. Unfortunately, the little boy was not the only Obscurial present in the bunker. Daphne had detected another, and that had escaped into Muggle London.

It was wreaking havoc everywhere. She had just Apparated at the scene, only to find Dylan looking worse for wear. Daphne was beside him, looking angrier than she had ever seen her.

"Mum, please tell me you're not going to kill that little girl," begged Dylan. "It's not her fault. They were –"

"I know," interrupted Amelia. "Neither Algernon nor I want to kill the Obscurial."

"Where is she?" asked Daphne.

Her question went unanswered as they heard multiple cracks of Apparition. Several witches and wizards wearing black cloaks appeared, immediately rushing to confront the Obscurial.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Amelia, having recognised them. "Kingsley! What is the Special Task Force of the International Confederation doing here?"

The Head Auror replied through the communication device. "Ma'am, we couldn't stop them. They're here after receiving direct orders from Supreme Mugwump Ivan Krum. Apparently, they've been told to stop the Obscurial by any means necessary."

"No!" exclaimed Daphne in horror. Within seconds, she Disapparated and found herself in front of the building where the Obscurial had been cornered. Several Muggles stood there, watching with horrified fascination. Police sirens echoed throughout the city just as several teams of Obliviators Apparated to take care of the mess.

"Leave her alone!" Daphne yelled. "She's just a child! Can't you see that? She's still young; she can be cured of the illness. Get away from her!"

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we have our orders," said the witch crisply. "The Obscurial is a threat to the Statute of Secrecy. Should you interfere, you will be arrested for breaking International Law. Step aside."

Before she could even make a decision, the task force had already started firing spells at the Obscurial. Daphne screamed in fury, blasting the various witches and wizards away as she tried to save the girl. Unfortunately, it was too late. The air was coated with the destruction of the chaotic magic that had once resided in the Obscurial.

Daphne looked at her hands, shaking badly. Tears pricked her eyes and slowly trickled down her face. She had failed in protecting that girl. Her right hand automatically moved towards her stomach.

Would she one day fail in protecting her children too?

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic

"– they have not done anything to stop the attacks caused by the Obscurial," said the Bulgarian representative. "It has been two months, and the attacks on the Muggle world are increasing day by day."

Five world leaders stood together, looking incensed, as more voices spoke out against them.

"– Minister Akecheta of MACUSA, at first, didn't even acknowledge that it was an Obscurial –"

"– Minister Saraswati Rao of India has yet to take action –"

"– Minister Wang Li if China has proven himself to be incompetent –"

"– German Minister of Magic Anna Müller should be booted out of office –"

"– It's disgusting how Minister Sirius Black of Britain does not even seem to care about –"

"You know what's disgusting?" snapped a new voice. "It's the fact that the Supreme Mugwump, the leader of the international magical world, condones cold-blooded murder."

Deathly silence gripped the chamber. Sirius blinked in surprise. The room was dimly lit, so it was proving to be difficult for many to see who was standing by the door. He, however, recognised the voice at once.

Many shrieked when two bodies were thrown across the large room, to land at the feet of Ivan Krum. The middle-aged man looked at the intruder furiously as Harry Potter entered the chamber.

"So that's how it's going to be, is it?" Krum asked snidely. "Minister Black allows one of his family members to gate-crash on an international conference."

"How dare you accuse the Supreme Mugwump of murder?" hissed the Bulgarian representative. "Who do you think you are?"

Whispers broke out between the various members as they all recognised the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry bowed respectfully to them, but couldn't help but glare at Krum. His blood was boiling, but his breathing calm and even.

"You can stop accusing these five men and women of not handling the mess the Obscurial is causing, dear members," Harry announced. "The situation has been resolved. The person responsible for the attacks has been caught."

Krum narrowed his eyes. Sirius frowned.

"Meet Broderick Bode, an Unspeakable of the I.C.W.," he said, "and his accomplice, a Muggle named Jackson Barebone."

Minister Akecheta sucked in a breath.

"Do you recognise him?" asked Sirius in surprise.

"Yes," Akecheta replied through gritted teeth. "He's a wanted criminal. His grandmother, Mary Barebone, caused a chain of events that led to Grindelwald nearly exposing the magical world to the Muggles. The Muggle woman was killed by an Obscurial, and their family was reported missing. Ten years ago, he was discovered attempting to once more stir trouble for us. His child was born magical. By recording every instance of accidental magic with a camera, he nearly exposed us once more."

Harry's eyes widened. Was the boy he rescued today the son of Jackson Barebone? He mentally reviewed the memories of the child and compared them with the face of the Muggle in the room. The resemblance was undeniable.

One of the members frowned. "But who is he, exactly?"

Akecheta took a deep breath. "As many of you probably know, until about three hundred years ago, North America did not have a central magical government. Various magical communities in the region managed their own affairs. However, in the late seventeenth century, threats in the form of Scourers demanded the formation of MACUSA. These people, Jackson Barebone's ancestor, for example, were rogue wizards who fled to America from Europe and beyond, masquerading as Muggle immigrants. Without a central force to tackle them, they had free reign to kidnap magical children and give them to Muggles, all for the sake of money!"

"The Salem Witch Trials," observed an Australian member softly.

"Exactly. Once MACUSA's Auror force was formed, the Scourers had to retreat. But they didn't do so quietly. They caused chaos that resulted in the deaths of several witches and wizards. By the time we caught up with them, it was too late. They had disappeared into the Muggle world, intermarrying with Muggles in the region. They kept the knowledge and hatred of magic alive in those families. For all these years, they have been a threat to the Statute of Secrecy. Grindelwald chose to exploit that weakness."

"Unnatural freaks," muttered Barebone, his voice echoing throughout the room.

"Shut up, you filthy Muggle!" spat Akecheta.

"Calm yourself, Minister Akecheta," Krum said sharply. "The Confederation does not condone such bigotry!"

"Filth such as him cannot be given any respect, sir," Harry said quietly, as all the attention was once more back on him. "He and Bode teamed up together to experiment on such children. They tried to manipulate their magic into serving them! And you expect us to remain silent about this? What about your order that caused the death of that girl?"

Krum ignored him. "Aurors," he called. "Please escort Mr Potter out of the room."

"I don't think so," Sirius interrupted. "You are currently in our Ministry building. You cannot order him about."

Harry knew he was on thin ice. Sirius' words were no good here because this was an international emergency session. He, Harry, was not a member, and hence had no business being here. Thankfully, he was rescued by Director Croaker who swiftly entered the chamber.

"Instead of thanking young Lord Potter, his wife and brother for their help, you seem determined to ignore their brave deeds, Your Excellency," said Croaker, looking very angry. "As Head Unspeakable, I'm choosing my right to speak before this body and show you exactly how far this conspiracy goes."

Krum sighed dramatically. "Go ahead."

Croaker removed a phial of Veritaserum and force-fed the two men three drops of it. Soon, Bode and Barebone were under the effects of the serum.

The members listened, horrified, as the two revealed their original plan. Bode had been very dissatisfied with his work and lack of recognition. He wanted more glory for himself, and in preparation, had teamed up with Gnarlak who had introduced him to Jackson Barebone who had several connections in the Muggle underworld. Both men did not get along or like each other, but they put up with the other's presence only for the sake of a united goal – a war between wizards and Muggles.

Bode wanted a war to break out solely for the money and recognition involved. The technology he was testing, using the regenerative properties of phoenixes, the strengthening properties of Re'em blood, and so many others, would be used by wizards in the war. He would sell it to the I.C.W. and make a profit that he would share with Gnarlak as per an agreement. He planned to go down in history as the greatest wizard that ever lived.

Barebone simply wanted to expose the evil wizards to the world and get rid of such filth once and for all. It was simply blind, conditioned hatred.

Many had died due to this conspiracy. Former Head Unspeakable Madam Nisaba had found out about their plans, which was why she had been killed. Young Muggle-borns had been kidnapped and used for experiments, including Barebone's own son. They had then dwelled into the theory of Obscurials. The chaotic magic helped shield their bunker from the scans of the various magical governments. Attacks on the Muggle world, according to Barebone, would quickly escalate the problem, leading to the Muggles discovering the existence of the magical world.

Everyone was silenced after the confession. Even Krum looked horrified.

"But that's not the worst that happened today, ladies and gentlemen," Harry said in a low voice, his greenish-black eyes fixed on the Supreme Mugwump. "His Excellency, Mr Krum, signed an order that sent the Confederation's emergency task force to kill the little girl who had transformed into an Obscurial."

"I don't answer to you, Mr Potter," snapped Krum.

"But you answer to us," Sirius snarled, speaking on behalf of all the members.

"You ordered them to kill that poor girl?" spat Raghu Patil, the representative of the Indian Ministry of Magic. "She was just eight years old!"

"These two tortured her beyond reason," agreed Madam Valeriya of Russia. "It wasn't her fault!"

"She was a threat to the International Statute of Secrecy!" yelled Krum, losing his cool. Sirius always thought the man was hot-headed, and he was proved right. "It is our job to maintain the existence of the magical world a secret from the Muggles. She had to be stopped! Do you think you could have reasoned with her?"

"I managed to do it," injected Harry. "I found another Obscurial and I helped him control his magical powers. This girl could have been saved, but your stupid, delusional actions led to her death!"

"What about the deaths of all those Muggles she was responsible for?" Krum shot back. "Have you forgotten that, Mr Potter? Those Obscurials are dangerous. Even those who survived shall be taken care of."

There were cries of outrage. Harry shook his head. "They are children," he spat. The air shimmered as his magic lashed out. Many of the members shivered as they felt it. Krum involuntarily shuddered as well. The magical aura was causing so much heat that beads of sweat formed on his brow.

"This is the International Confederation of Wizards, not Muggles! Its members, each and every one of you, are the representatives of every magical government on the planet. You are all responsible for the magical population of your respective countries. Is this what the I.C.W. has come to? Why are you not protecting the magical population as you promised us? That little girl did not become an Obscurial voluntarily. People like Bode and Barebone tortured her, and that was the cause of the Obscurus. Don't blame the child for the mistakes of others! Tell me, Your Excellency, would you so easily kill your own daughter had she turned into an Obscurial?"

Krum's eyes widened in shock at the question posed to him. More than a hundred eyes observed the Supreme Mugwump who remained silent, trying to deflect the simple question that no one else would answer either.

"That's what I thought," Harry said softly. "It's a sad day indeed when the I.C.W., the supreme governing body of the magical world, fails its most fundamental duty – to keep its citizens safe. I promise you, should you pass an order to execute those poor children, I will lead a rally in every country to rebel against your authority. Don't think I'm not cable of it, Your Excellency."

Minister Acahuana of the Peruvian Ministry of Magic cleared his throat. "That won't be necessary, Mr Potter," he said. "I apologise on behalf of the Confederation to every witch and wizard of the world. What happened this evening was wrong. I give you my word that those children shall not be harmed."

"Thank you, sir," said Harry, bowing respectfully. "I apologise for interrupting your session. I shall take my leave."

Murmurs began as Harry left the chamber, many whispering about the sheer magical power the Boy-Who-Lived possessed. None of them had forgotten his aura that was released when he was angry. They were also impressed with his dedication, behaviour and bravery. Harry Potter had gained the respect of many a member of the International Confederation that day.

"You never cease to amaze me, Harry," Sirius muttered under his breath. A smirk formed on his face as he observed Ivan Krum looking uncomfortable. The tables were slowly turning. It was not enough to replace the Supreme Mugwump, but at least Krum had suffered a blow.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Potter Castle

It was nighttime. In the bathroom attached to the master bedroom on the second floor, Harry placed his hands on the smooth wall as the hot water from the shower soothed his aching muscles. It had been a long day and not everything had gone according to plan.

The death of that poor girl haunted Harry. Unfortunately, it was troubling Daphne more than him. She was the one who was at the scene and had been powerless to stop it. Dylan was affected too, but Harry was confident that Astoria would help him recover. His brother was currently at Hogwarts, having secretly snuck into the castle and was spending quality time with his girlfriend. Daphne, however, was missing.

After wearing comfortable clothes, Harry made his way downstairs. Years of knowing Daphne ensured that he didn't have to look too far to find her. His legs automatically carried him to the castle's ballroom. From outside, he could hear the beats of music and the sound of bare feet slapping against the marble floor. As expected, Harry found his wife dancing.

Astoria had confessed to Harry once that according to their mother, Daphne had been an unusually quiet child. She rarely spoke to anyone. In fact, she had been a late bloomer when it came to speaking at all. Cyrus and Elizabeth Greengrass had been worried and had consulted a Pediatric Healer, who recommended that she find other forms of expression. Therefore, since a very young age, Daphne had been trained in three forms of dance – Ballet, Salsa, and Bharatnatyam.

Dancing also helped her cope with her anger issues. Unlike Harry, Daphne found it quite hard to control her temper. With Harry being as closed off as he was and Daphne being short-tempered, it had led to a lot of problems for them as a couple. Over the years, Harry observed that dancing always helped Daphne calm down should her temper flare up. Her skill also gave her the added advantage in duelling. With such fluidic movements, dodging spells came naturally to her.

For nearly an hour, Harry watched as his wife danced to different forms of music, quite amazed by her talent. He didn't dare join her. She was a professional and while his dancing skills were good, it was only cut out for social functions, not classical dance performances. He couldn't ever hope to match her style.

When the music finally stopped, Harry conjured a towel and silently passed it to his wife. Daphne wiped her face with it, breathing heavily. He gently grabbed her wrist and led her outside, towards the lake. The stars were twinkling in the night sky as Daphne rested her back against the trunk of a tree, with her husband's head on her lap.

"What is it?" asked Harry softly. "What's troubling you?"

Daphne remained silent. "I don't think our current plan for the future of the magical world is good enough," she stated, gently running her fingers through his hair.

Harry frowned.

"Think about it, Harry. There are problems we didn't consider. When the Statute of Secrecy was implemented, most of the countries in the world fully separated from the Muggle world. In Europe, due to intermarriage between wizards and Muggles, complete separation was not possible. That resulted in us producing Dark Lords every other generation due to the culture shock that wizards and Muggles face with each other. We bitch and whine about the predicament we find ourselves in, but no one is willing to step up to solve the issue that many have overlooked."

"That was the reason I insisted on constructing Camelot," Harry replied, holding her hand in his. "With three large cities, our entire population will be relocated. We can work with the other European magical governments. That problem can be tackled."

"That's not what I meant," exhaled Daphne. "What I'm trying to say is that the Statute of Secrecy is not helping us; it is, in fact, hindering us."

"I disagree, but continue."

A faint smile formed on Daphne's lips. Such disagreements were what helped them come up with a good plan. They were a team, with two viewpoints that were combined to create a better solution to their problems.

"For three hundred years now, the Statute has shaped our way of life," she said. "It has kept us safe from the threat of Muggles. But it has also hindered us, Harry. We just can't think outside the box! We are so paranoid about secrecy that we are willing to go to any lengths to protect it – including murder an innocent child. What happened tonight was a repeat of history."

"Director Croaker told me that the same thing happened seventy years ago in New York City. The then Minister of MACUSA ordered the execution of an Obscurial, citing the deaths of Muggles. Who are the leaders of our government here to protect? Today's I.C.W meeting was yet another example that proves that we are a society that needs help. Should we ignore the obvious signs now, there can be no chance of recovery in the future."

"Too many words coming from a woman who hates politics," Harry chuckled.

"This isn't politics, it's philosophy. We can't ignore the fact that wizards were involved in this scandal. That shows that we have a serious problem. If there are people willing to sacrifice everyone, just to make money, what does that mean? Had Bode and Barebone succeeded, it would have meant war. Can you imagine the repercussions of a global war with the Muggles?"

'– a holy war will end it all ...'

Harry took a deep breath, trying not to think of the prophecy. That fact was nagging him too. It made him doubt himself, and he didn't like that feeling at all.

"We can't blame Muggles for all our problems," Daphne said quietly. "We created most of our problems and blame them for our mistakes. That just highlights our stupidity. I understand that you hate them, Harry, but you have to realise that you're not the only one. The number of wizards who dislike Muggles comprise of two-thirds of the world's population. The Statute of Secrecy compounded that hatred. Dark wizards like Grindelwald and Voldemort, not to mention their supporters, did not appear out of thin air and –"

"– neither did I," muttered Harry.

There was a pause. "Don't say that," she snapped. "You are no Voldemort!"

"Maybe not," he acknowledged. "But don't you think I seem like the second coming of Grindelwald?"

Daphne paused. "Grindelwald tried to tear down the Statute; you're trying to enforce it more rigidly."

Harry shrugged. "It's the same thing from different points of view. How many have we killed, Daphne?"

"It's not the way of a warrior to –"

"Except I'm not an Auror!" snapped Harry. "We have been acting outside the law! How do expect people to follow the law when we ourselves don't? Yes, I now understand that we have some serious problems in the magical world. I let my blind hatred for Muggles cloud my judgement. Maybe Hermione Granger is right, and I'm a fucking bigot of the first order. Who then would be willing to listen to me?"

"You convinced the International Confederation to listen to your point of view," observed Daphne.

Harry snorted uncharacteristically.

"Yeah, and when I propose we amend the Statute of Secrecy, do you think all those members will praise me for my intellect? I'll be branded the new Dark Lord! I killed a man when I was eleven years old. I didn't mind killing innumerable Death Eaters to win the war with Voldemort. I manipulated Draco Malfoy to swear fealty to me. I am helping relocate witches and wizards from their homes, and if there are wizards married to Muggles, complete separation would tear them apart. How am I different from Albus Dumbledore?"

Daphne remained silent.

"The greater good is important," she confessed. "We were too immature to realise that during the Voldemort war. But we know better now. Albus Dumbledore was a leader who was trying to save his people. That cannot be denied. But he was also a man who sacrificed the innocent to save the guilty. You are not such a person. I know you, Harry. Yes, you murdered Professor Quirrell, who, incidentally, was possessed by Lord Voldemort. Did you ever think about what could have happened had Lucius Malfoy found out about his master's continued existence that year? The war would have been far deadlier."

"Yes, you killed Death Eaters. You and I may not be Aurors, but we both trained ourselves to be warriors. It was not murder, but a fight for justice. I have interacted with several learned philosophers in Inbu-Hedj, and what they told me is that society needs to adapt and change with time! If the government is corrupt and does not take action, the people need to step in. Otherwise, society will crumble! The magical world needs a breath of fresh air. Maybe that's what the prophecy is referring to. We need a stable leader."

"Stable? Don't discount the fact that both you and I lost control," said Harry. "I lost it on the day when you and Dylan were kidnapped, and you, this evening."

Daphne cringed. She too knew that her anger had reached epic proportions just several hours earlier. Deep in her heart, Daphne was worried, for she didn't know what might trigger such an incident once more in the future. She was unsure of how she would react should she find herself in a situation that drove her over the edge.

Hopefully, such a scenario would never come to pass.

"The Statute of Secrecy," Harry continued, "was essential for our protection. You make valid points, and I agree that it has led to stagnation and paranoia. We simply can't think of anything outside the Statute. We scurry in the gutter like cockroaches. Do you even know how many times MACUSA has shifted its headquarters due to fear of being discovered? It's ridiculous! There are just over three hundred million witches and wizards in the world, while the Muggles account for more than seven billion. Those are not good odds. Overall, though, I think the Statute has done more good than harm."

Daphne hummed. They both enjoyed the peaceful silence, his head still on her lap, their fingers intertwined.

"I think I have a way for us to avoid too much of a scandal with the amendment you are proposing to the International Statute of Secrecy," said Daphne.

"Really? I'm all ears."

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Somewhere underground in Egypt, North Africa

Ragnok watched anxiously as the rest of the imperial council stood up in respect. King Ragnuk, his great-uncle, had just taken his seat on the throne. The goblin straightened his back. He couldn't let his nervousness show. The future of their race depended on this meeting. The imperial council had assured him that he would succeed. Now all he had to do was wait for the right moment.

"Your Majesty," began one of the goblins. "British Minister of Magic Sirius Black has once more approached me for a meeting. He is requesting that we reconsider our decision in maintaining that branch of Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Apparently, Camelot –"

King Ragnuk waved his hand dismissively, baring his pointed teeth. "I don't care about that stupid human. How goes the mission to rescue Gnarlak?"

Ragnok cleared his throat. "Actually, Your Majesty, he has already been rescued."

The aged goblin's eyes narrowed. "And why was I not informed about this?" he thundered.

"That's because the person who delivered Gnarlak to us was Dylan Lestrange, the younger brother of Harry Potter."

The king's dark eyes were slits of fury. "The same Potter who caught and tortured Gnarlak in the first place?" he snarled. "I shall not rest until Potter's intestines decorate my palace. You dare keep this from me?"

Ragnok scrutinized the king's reaction. "You are willing to risk a war with the humans?" he asked. "Do you even know how many, besides humans, have a vested interest in the boy?"

The members of the imperial council looked very eager for the response.

King Ragnuk waved his hand dismissively. "I have nothing to fear from a child who survived due to luck. As for humans, I think it is time we show them –"

"You are willing to risk the lives of our people in order to satisfy your lust for Potter's blood, all in the name of revenge?"

"You will address me with respect! I am your king!"

"Not for long," said one the female goblins of the imperial council. "Your grandnephew, Ragnok, is contesting for your place as king, Your Majesty."

"You dare –"

Ragnok didn't hesitate. He held his sword by his side, waiting to strike. Goblin culture was mostly war-based, which meant only the strongest would get to be king, while the wisest would get to sit on the imperial council.

"I knew it! You have all been listening to those blasted Elves!" thundered King Ragnuk. When the council remained silent, the goblin snarled. "The Elves have never helped us! Have you forgotten that? They have always allied with the humans and the humans have always allied with the Elves. That's how it has always been. We were lucky that their alliance collapsed so long ago. They assured us help over the centuries, but not once did they come forward to assist us in battle."

"Elves don't fight like goblins," another council member shot back.

"That's because they're weak! Just like their cursed ancestors, the house-elves! I protected you all from becoming just another slave to the humans, and this is how you treat me? You rebel?"

"And we are grateful for your rule, Your Majesty, but times are changing," said Ragnok. "This is not about goblins versus humans, but about the very survival of magic. We don't have a choice. I have been contacted by Perenelle Fl –"

King Ragnuk howled in fury as he charged. The members of the imperial council stepped back as they watched the swords of the two goblin warriors repeatedly clash against the other. It was a close fight. Both of them were exceptional. Should Ragnok lose, the imperial council would be executed for treason. Should he win, they would have a new king, as per the ancient laws of their ancestors.

The sword finally pierced the heart of King Ragnuk. With a thud, he fell to the floor. The goblins now had a new king. Still breathing heavily, face splattered with blood, King Ragnok gave his first command to the imperial council.

"Arrange a meeting with Sirius Black. Gringotts shall be moved to Camelot as soon as possible. Begin preparations for its construction. Also, arrange a meeting with the Queen of the Elves."

"It shall be done, Your Majesty."

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Six months later ...

April 2009

St Mungo's Hospital, London

Harry James Potter stood next to his wife, looking very uncomfortable. Daphne was sitting on a hospital bed, her face puffed up, sweating profusely. The environmental charms did not seem to help any.

Daphne groaned. "I can't take it anymore!" she cried. "Get these babies out of me, NOW!"

A hint of a smile formed on his face. "Well, it was you who declined to opt for any other procedure other than a vaginal birth," he said, gently caressing the side of her face with his fingers.

"That doesn't mean I can't complain about it!"

"Daph, maybe –"

"No," declared Daphne. "Our children shall be born naturally. A few hours here and there won't matter. I can handle it."

Harry exhaled in frustration. Vaginal birth was considered more auspicious in wizarding culture due to the belief that the mother produced a form of protective magic during birth that was absorbed by the child. While many expectant mothers opted for other forms of delivery, there were some, like Daphne, who did not mind any amount of pain, just to secrete that special magic, which some theorised, was just superstition.

Superstition or not, Daphne wouldn't budge, even if she was in labour for nearly fifteen hours.

Harry mentally huffed. From the brief moments he had spent outside in the waiting room, he knew that Dylan found the whole ordeal highly amusing.

Just wait until it's your turn, he thought vindictively. Harry was distracted when his wife painfully squeezed his hand as another contraction hit her.

"It'll end very soon," he said awkwardly. He really had no idea how to comfort his wife who was in labour. Thankfully, she understood that he was out of his depth here and didn't castrate him in anger.

He had heard that reattaching genitals was very painful. Maybe he could lead Dylan in here and expose him to an irate Daphne? He could then determine if the procedure was really as painful as people claimed.

Decisions, decisions ...

"Daphne, you're ready," said Elizabeth Greengrass, bringing Harry to the present. "I need you to push, now!"

Harry gulped. The torture that he underwent at the hands of Voldemort, Rodolphus and Bellatrix combined paled in comparison to what Daphne was currently going through. How did women all over the world deal with that sort of pain? Harry's respect for his wife only increased manyfold. He was witnessing one of the miracles of creation.

Daphne collapsed, breathing heavily as she gave birth to their son, Charles Alfred Potter, but before he could get a good look at the new-born infant, the healers took their child away. Just thirty seconds later, she gave birth to a girl, Belladonna Lillian Potter, who was again taken into the care of the healers as Elizabeth helped her eldest daughter with the after-birth procedure.

"You did it," whispered Harry, kissing his wife's forehead. Daphne smiled weakly, kissing his chin affectionately.

"That was the scariest experience of my life, and I've seen Voldemort being reborn!"

Daphne chuckled. "Nothing was going to happen to me. I told you that."

"I know," sighed Harry. "I really don't think I would have been able to handle it."

"What? Giving birth to babies?"

"Yes! Bloody hell, just watching it made me cringe! I really mean no offence, but I'm so glad I was born a boy. I don't have to go through that sort of pain."

"Coward," teased Daphne as he slowly helped her sit up.

Just a few moments later, they heard babies crying. Two healers brought their newborn infants over to them. Harry and Daphne couldn't help but smile happily.

"I don't think I've seen anything this beautiful since Rigel was born," Harry confessed softly as he held his daughter. Daphne nodded, looking amazed as she held her son near her bosom. The boy, his eyes still closed, inherently recognised the magical presence of his mother as his mouth found her nipple and began suckling.

"Hello, Charlie," whispered Daphne, gently running a finger over her son's face. "I'm your Mummy. This is your Daddy. Welcome to the world."

Harry smiled as he gently placed a kiss on his daughter's forehead. "You as well, Bella," he said softly.

Once their oldest was done, they switched, with Daphne now feeding their daughter as Harry cradled his son.

"Do you think we can tour the world with two infants who would most definitely have inherited their Grandfather James' penchant for mischief?" joked Harry.

"Make that three," Daphne muttered. "If you want one more, I'm certainly not willing to wait. I want to get it over with once and for all."

"Ah, I knew you did not enjoy the process of giving birth."

"Enjoy? Do you think I'm a psychopath?"

"Do you really want me to answer that question?"

Daphne glared at him. "The reason I haven't cursed you is that you're holding our son in your arms. I can always do it later."

Harry smiled. "I'll be sure to remember that."

Sitting side by side, the couple watched their children sleep, both of them beaming with happiness.