Gryffindor

Protector's sword?

Feeling confused Chris opened her mouth to answer Sylvia but a cold hand touched Chris's left hand under the table and she flinched. She looked at Oziyat surprised and he gave her a warning look before turning to Sylvia.

"Sylvia, let's not overwhelm our guest."

"But I was --" Sylvia pouted.

"I would also like to know how she summoned the sword," barked Volker suddenly.

Chris almost winced at his harsh angry tone but quickly composed herself.

"Well, I am --" Chris began calmly but again she was interrupted.

"Volker, this is an honor feast," Queen Vasilisa said looking irritated. Her voice had a dangerous edge. "I would prefer if we keep our queries to our guest for later."

At once the table fell silent.

"No need to keep quiet. I think we can talk while avoiding debatable topics," Vasilisa told the table then turned to Chris with a smile. "I hope you understand, Lady Christina. It's been a while since we have had an honor feast with all of the Royal Family, I don't want to ruin it with the ancient topics."

"Oh, of course, we can talk later," Chris said with clear disappointment. But she understood enough not to push the Queen even though she had a lot of questions herself.

"Apologies, your Majesty," Sylvia said timidly and Vasilisa gave her nod.

And they started eating. At first, the table looked pretty quiet but then gradually people started to talk. Sylvia talked to almost everyone. Chris answered her questions about the wizarding world very shortly and concentrated on eating. At some point she realized something.

"Hey, Oziyat?"

"Yes?"

"You have meat here. Not only one kind but like four kinds of meat."

"Yes, we do, why?" Oziyat looked confused.

"No, it's just . . . since I have been here, all your servants have brought me either fruits or dishes made with vegetables."

"Really?" Oziyat frowned. "But that would be insulting because --"

His eyes narrowed as he looked at Volker who was still drinking.

"I am sorry, Christina," Oziyat looked back at Chris. "Because we vampires drink blood, it is our tradition to offer our guests meat as respect but if we don't like them or want to insult them we give them fruits and vegetables."

"Oh! So . . . I get it." Chris found the tradition very ridiculous and gave a ghost of a smile.

"But don't worry, I am sure after today, nobody will dare to give you just fruits," Oziyat gave a soft smile.

After half an hour the feast was coming to end and Chris couldn't eat anymore. They all got up from the table as Vasilisa excused herself and asked them to mingle if they want. As soon as she was gone a crowd started to form around Chris and Sylvia started to ask questions again with much enthusiasm. Suddenly a very drunk Volker whirled on her, red-faced, eyes blazing and pointing a fat finger at Chris.

"You! You witch! Tell me how you --"

Chris automatically drew her wand to stop Volker but before he could come close to her, Oziyat and Rosaline swiftly stepped in his way.

"Brother, it is really not your business," Oziyat said quietly but his face showed pure anger and disgust.

"It is! It is my business whom we chose to trust," Volker growled baring his fangs. "I am the future ki--"

"Behave yourself, Volker!" Rosaline said coldly.

Volker stopped in front of Rosaline. He looked a little bit nervous.

"S-sister, I just --"

"Leaving," Rosaline completed. "You were just leaving. You have already embarrassed yourself enough. Go."

"But --" Volker struggled to talk.

"Alright, then, we will leave," Rosaline turned to Chris. "After you Lady Christina, if you please."

"But big Sister," Sylvia began but one look from Rosaline stopped her.

Chris thought it was wise to go with Rosaline and probably she would finally find some answers.

As Chris and Rosaline walked out of the room Oziyat followed.

"Sister, I can walk Christina to her room," Oziyat said catching up with them.

"No need, Oziyat," Rosaline said. "I wanted to talk to Lady Christina alone."

"But --" Oziyat tried to argue and Rosaline raised her eyebrows at him. Looking sheepish Oziyat leaned forward and whispered something in Rosaline's ears. Pulling back he looked at Chris and she gave him a confused look. He gave her an odd look before walking away.

"What was that about?" Chris asked Rosaline.

"You will know soon," Rosaline turned serious. "For now, please come with me. We should talk."

⁂

"I think we should go to Godric's Hollow," Hermione said looking up from a book. They were camping beside a river.

"What?" Surprised Harry looked at her from behind the stove where he was trying to make tea for the three of them.

"I have been wondering. I think we should," Hermione said looking into the distance. "I can't think anywhere else it would be. I know it's dangerous and probably You-Know-Who will expect you to go there but the more I think about it I think it's there."

"What's where?" Ron asked coming out of the tent.

"The sword of Gryffindor, Ron!" Hermione said looking bewildered. They have been trying to track down the swords for weeks now. "I think it's in Godric's Hollow and we should go --"

"No," Harry said quietly.

"Harry? I mean, I thought you wanted to and Dumbledore would have wanted you to --" Hermione tried again.

"No, Hermione. Not now. Let's focus on the next Horcrux," Harry replied very calmly. "We will go there after finding the next Horcrux."

Ron and Hermione exchanged worried looks as Harry focused back on the tea. The truth was Harry didn't want to go there alone. He wasn't ready to face his parents' grave.

⁂

Rosaline didn't talk until they were on the other side of the castle. Even though Chris had wandered through the castle, she had never come to this place. Chris felt a little worried. After all, Rosaline was trying to kill her yesterday. She gripped her wand tightly as she followed Rosaline through a series of staircases. Eventually, they stopped in front of a locked high glass door. Rosaline took out a key from her dress and unlocked it.

"Where are we?" Chris finally asked.

"The old portrait room," Rosaline opened the door and walked in.

Nervously Chris followed and found herself surrounded by stained glass windows, statues of white marble, wall-sized portraits, and elegant columns supporting a vaulted ceiling. The inside was only lit by candles and moonlight which made the room look beautiful and peaceful.

"You are nervous," Rosaline said looking at Chris intently.

Chris turned to look at Rosaline and she could tell that Rosaline was sensing her emotions just like the day of their first meeting. When Rosaline sensed her despite the invisibility spell.

"Why are we here?" Chris asked trying to feel braver. Nothing was threatening about Rosaline's attitude or aura but Chris was cautious.

"To talk, of course," Rosaline looked around the room. "First, let me tell you I am not sorry for whatever happened at the arena. I stand by my actions no matter how others feel. I do not regret trying to kill you and I don't regret vowing my loyalty to you either. To be honest, It was nothing personal, I just have some bad experiences with wizards and witches, so I don't trust them anymore. But after you wielded the Protector's sword I knew you were worthy."

"So, what is this Protector business is about?" Chris asked crossing her arms. "I understood that you call Godric Gryffindor, Protector but why?"

"Yes, Oziyat told me you don't know about that. Well, I am surprised. You were in Hogwarts and you never wondered why Godric Gryffindor had a sword when he is one of the most powerful wizards of his age?" Rosaline looked back at Chris and raised an eyebrow. "Which house were you in?"

"Er . . ." Chris felt like an embarrassed little girl as she answered, "Gryffindor."

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To be continued. . .