The Prophecy of Gwydion

Author Notes: Special thanks to Reviewer, Natsukyi for correcting my Italian. Thanks a bunch!

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Warning(s): See Chapter One

Note: Translation at the end of the story
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Chapter Two:

The work was hard at the dig site but so very interesting; Harry had finally learned the truth in the nickname of Fafnir. Numerous times, Cassander could be heard swearing in either Greek, Spanish or Italian. This seemed to amuse the other Archaeologists, even though Cassander was often swearing on them; Harry noted, with great interested, that Cassander never seemed irritable nor did he swear at Harry. Most of the Archaeologists took noticed and often would make some remark than Cassander would give then a filthy glare and send them on their way. Harry was thankful that; while he was comfortable around Muggles; he didn’t know how to interact with people when they were teasing.

Harry was currently curled up in one of the large comfortable chairs that decorated the tent. The Self-Updating Book of Familial Gifts was in his laps; he had spent quite some time looking through it. He found several Familial Gifts for school friends; for the Longbottom Family, Harry uncovered that they were by in large plant manipulators. This explained Neville’s outstanding ability in Herbology. Clairvoyance was sporadic in the Lovegoods and Aura Reading was common to the Weasleys (which made sense when Harry thought about it). He uncovered that the Malfoys and many other Pureblood families in England no longer possessed their gifts due to the inbreeding within English Pureblood society. His own mother’s family never had any Familial Gift, which was curious; the Black Family were in there (not as an English Family but French). They had inherited the curious ability of Pyrokinese (which hadn’t been seen in years but explained away many Blacks hot-tempers) and the rare ability to be Metamorphmagi (which explained where Nymphadora Tonks got her ability). Harry wondered if he would inherit that trait since he had been blood-adopted by Remus and Sirius when he was fifteen.

The sound of swearing and cursing caused Haryr to look up. Cassander stormed into the tent; Harry watched as the older man dropped onto the couch and covered his face with a pillow. Harry was quite use to Cassander coming in like this but the strange looking little Dragon was something new. It flew in and landed on Cassander’s stomach, as if it had always belonged there.

“Uh, Cassander?” Harry inquired.

“Muggles!” Cassander growled, sitting up; the little dragon topped onto the couch, yelping. Cassander was quick to pick up the little thing and hold it close to his chest, petting it’s delicate head. The little dragon chirped and nuzzled Cassander’s hand. “They specifically entered a tomb that they were not clear to enter! I had to oblivate the lot of them!”

“Okay, that I get… but what’s with the dragon?” Harry asked, pointing to the little dragon.

“There’s a jewel within the tomb” Cassander said, “nearest I can figure is that it, the jewel, connected to the magick infused in the hieroglyphs and creates familiars specially suited to a person.” Harry looked at the dragon, raising an eyebrow; he knew Cassander had the temper of a Dragon but really. “I also think that it pulled this specific dragon out of my memories.”

“What?”

“When I was little, I had an imaginary friend… a type of Dragon that I created… a Dwarf Songbird Dragon” Cassander replied. “Songbird Dragons are the native Dragon species of Greece.” At that moment, the little Dragon, a beautiful opal color with stunning blue eyes, opened its mouth and trilled.

“Wow, sounds like a Pheonix” Harry said, reaching out a finger and rubbing the dragon’s delicate head; it leaned against the finger, purring happily.

“That’s Pheonix, alright” Cassander replied, “and now, I actually have him. Bound to me as my Familiar”. Cassander lifted the beautiful little dragon to face him; “funny thing is… he doesn’t look at all like the Greek Songbird Dragon… they’re blue-white as they’re aquatic.” Phoenix leaned forward and licked the tip of Cassander’s nose; Harry grinned at the rather cute picture the two made. “You’re not at all as I remember you to be.”

“I think he’s fine the way that he is” Harry said, “maybe he’s a baby?”

“Could be” Cassander said, offhandedly, “he’s more like… a puppy.” Harry looked into Cassander’s lap where a wet spot was forming.
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With Phoenix perched on his shoulder, Cassander lead the way into the dark tomb where Pheonix had been created; Harry trailed at his side. Cassander, the more senior Archaeologist, had contacted Gringotts for aide with the tomb; they had memory-charmed the Muggle Archaeologists with the approval of both governments of Egypt. The Archaeologists had been left with the memory of concluding the dig when Cassander uncovered that the rest of the site was completely magickal.

Thus, Gringotts had sent in several Archaeologists to help Cassander and Harry work. Suddenly, torches lit themselves all around the tomb; Harry had to say, the tomb wasn’t all that impressive. Rather plain except for the large diamond that glittered brilliantly at the far end of the tomb much like a star in the night sky. Phoenix chirped and moved closer to Cassander, tucking his head under the Grecian-Spaniard’s chin.

“Look at the size of that thing” spoke one of the Gringotts’ employed Archaeologists. He made to walk onto the floor but Cassander grabbed him, yanking him back.

“Idiotic moron!” Cassander growled, “can you not read?!” Cassander pointed; Harry looked to where Cassander pointed to; while he never gained a Mastery in Runes, Harry had a fair understanding of them.

“What does it say?” inquired a Curse-Breaker.

“‘Only the worthy are Judged’” Cassander answered.

“What does that mean?” Harry asked, looking at the blonde.

“Nothing… by its self” Cassander replied, “the rest of the script which is located on the mantel on the far side of the tomb”. Harry looked over to the mantel, underneath the diamond. “‘For only they are worthy'.”

“I’m not getting it” spoke an Archaeologist.

Cassander rolled his eyes; “why am I not surprised?”

“It means” Harry spoke before any arguing to start, “that only the worthy are judged because they are the only ones that are considered.” Cassander nodded, petting Phoenix on the head.

“Well, Dr. Potter, if anyone’s worthy… it’s you”. With a hand shove, Harry landed on the stone flor. The Diamond flared brightly; Cassander shouted for the British Archaeologist. As the Diamond’s light grew brighter, everyone instinctually covered their eyes; a moment later, the light died. Harry looked up into the face of a large shaggy wolf with mischevious amber eyes.

Cassander whriled on the one that shoved Harry. “Idiota deficiente! Imbecille!” Cassander shouted, in Italian. “Potevi uddicderlo! Se non fate sparire questo idiota al piú presto, non mi riterrò responsabile delle mie azioni!”

One of the Curse-Breakers that understood Italian grabbed the Archaeologist and immediately left. Cassander growled but turned back to Harry, who was picking himself off the stone floor. Without any warning, Cassander was shoved forward; Phoenix squawked, flying upwards. Harry leapt forward, snagging Cassander around the waist. The Diamond lit up, twice as brightly as before; Harry curled around Cassander, protecting him from the light. When the light immediately vanished, two necklaces with a different colored diamond were around their necks. Cassander’s diamond was an Emerald color while Harry’s was a Violet color; their diamonds were the exact shade of the other’s eyes.

Cassander whirled around, shouting this time in a mix of Greek, Spanish and Italian; being around Cassander for a short time, Harry picked out the gist of what was being said. He blushed heavily at the swear words that Cassander was using and paled a little at the threats of what he would do if he did not speak to a Goblin, immediately. The Archaeologists fled from the ire of the Grecian-Spaniard; one fo the Curse-Breakers left, momentarily, before returning with a Goblin in tow.

“Sir, this is Goblin Argent, Head for this particular dig” the Curse-Breaker said, “I shall leave it to you two to talk.” He stepped out onto the floor when it was cleared.

“You employ idiots at Gringotts, Argent” Cassander said.

“You were never one for pleasantries, Cassander” the Goblin said, “must be the reason you get along with us so famously.” He was rewarded with a glare from the Archaeologist. “Did you have to threaten them?”

“They’re lucky that I only threatened them” Cassander growled, crossing his arms. “Idiots, the lot of them! They should know better then to shove someone onto a floor with a damn warning written on it!” Argent eyed the agitated Archaeologist; he had known Cassander for years. Since the young man had first started his career; though, predominantly a free-lancer, Cassander always made sure he had time for Gringotts. Because of his bad temper, Cassander got along marvelously with the Goblins, who were as equally bad-tempered.

“I suppose you are correct” Argent replied.

“I am correct” Cassander shot back. The two looked at the Curse-Breakers and Harry.

“Still, Cassander” Argent continued, “not all are as skilled as you… or Lord Potter, for that matter”. Cassander had forgotten that as the last Potter, Harry had inherited all the titles and lands that came with it. Maybe it wasn’t forgotten as so much as ignored; Cassander would never inherit the Lordship of the Ioannides Family as he was the youngest male. Though, with the way his father and brothers were acting his Pappoύs, Lucian, might just skip over them; the title of Don of the De la Vega Familia was already his. The De La Vega Familia had this odd habit of presenting the title and all lands to the youngest; and since Cassander was the youngest of an only child, his uncle having died when he was a teenager; Cassander was set to inherit everything. “One of the Curse-Breakers mentioned a diamond?”

“Yes, but when one of the fools pushed myself out onto the floor, it became this” Cassander answered. He gestured to his necklace. Pheonix landed onto his shoulder; the Dwarf Songbird Dragon nudged his head under Cassander’s chin. Argent motioned for Cassander to bend down; the Archaeologist obeyed, allowing his Goblin friend to view the diamon that he now wore.

“Hmm, how interesting.”

“Interesting, Argent?” Cassander eyed the Goblin.

“As you know, I am a Curse-Breaker by trade” Argent said, stepping back from Cassander. “Émeraude, however, is a Gemologist. If there is one thing that I have learned in the fifty years that we mated; is what you wear around your neck is a Spirit Diamond.”

“A Spirit Diamond?” Cassander repeated, “you mean like the one at Delphi?” It was long standing tradition amongst the Greeks to go to the Oracle at Delphi to know who their best match was; the Oracle would use a Spirit Diamond (the oldest in the History of Wizarding Kind) to uncover their ebst match. All of Cassander’s relatives, save his grandfather, had found their match due to the Oracle. Cassander, himself, had went; the Oracle had shook her head, telling him that his match would not be found by this Spirit Diamond. At the time, Cassander hadn’t understood; but now… now, Cassander’s attention was focused upon Harry. “Argent, in your limited knowledge of Spirit Diamonds, does it ever take on color?”

“In my limited knowledge? No” Argent answered, watching Cassander. “Émeraude would know more… shall I make inquires?” Cassander hummed, nodding; he petted Phoenix, who purred in pleasure. Harry appeared at Cassander’s side, the wolf following.

“Fortune smile upon you, Goblin Argent, and your enemies blood run deep” Harry greeted, giving a bow. It was the formal greeting between Wizards and Goblins; a greeting that Cassander never bothered with.

“And upon you, Lord Potter” Argent answered, with a return bow. He noted the wolf; “a Hell Hound… how intriguing”.

“I thought he was a wolf?” Harry said, confused. He looked down at the animal, who looked up at him.

“He is” Cassander answered, “Hell Hounds are a moiker for the Shadow Wolves.” Cassander looked at the wolf; “they’re also known s the Grim and the Black Dog.”

“So, these are the ones that everyone’s afraid of?” Harry said, kneeling down. He rubbed the wolf’s head, causing the large canine to whine and thump his tail, happily.

“They are merely misunderstood, Lord Potter” Argent spoke, “they are not omens of death as they are protrayed. They are drawn to the death energies of a person whose life is about to end.”

Harry looked up from his Hell Hound.

“They’re not at all dangerous, Harry” Cassander assured, the younger man. “In fact, they are quite useful… I know of an Archaeologist who has a pair, they’re like bloodhounds. Dead useful… pardon the pun.”

Harry snickered, standing.

“Dr. Ioannides! Dr. Potter!” came an excited yelp. The indicated duo looked over at the Curse-Breaker, who was frantically gesturing for them to come. Curious, Cassander, Argent and Harry walked over. “Look! Look!”

Cassander bent down to where the hyperventilating Wizard was pointing and, immediately, his violet eyes grew wide. Now ever curious, Harry peered over Cassander while Argent peered from underneath; both Wizard and Goblin stared at the tiny inscription on the tomb. Cassander whirled on Harry, forcing him up; excitement dancing in his violet eyes.

“It’s really him, isn’t it?” Cassander said, grinning.

“It is!” Harry said.

The two Archaeologists grabbed onto each other, laughing. Harry spun around in a circle, lifting Cassander of his feet. Several of the Curse-Breakers looked confused, while others were also laughing and hugging. Argent rolled his eyes.

“Uh? What’s this all about?” one inquired.

Cassander coughed and composed himself though Harry was still giddy. “This, ladies and gentlemen, is the first real evidence of the legendary Mage, Gwydion Wyllt, moved out side the United Kingdom.”

“Wait… are you refering to the same Gwydion who was said to be the rival of Merlin?” somone spoke up.

“It’s more then that” Harry said, “Gwydion served as Royal Court Sorcerer to King Britannicus, father of Uther Pendragon.” Harry crosed his arms over his chest. “Gwydion is said to have been the lover of Mabe, Queen of the Faeries; they produced a child, Myrddin, who later became known as Merlin.”

“When Uther became King after the death of Britannicus, Gwydion stepped aside to allow Merlin to assume his place” Cassander continued, “legends state that Gwydion left the UK for lands unknown.”

“However, that has never been proven…” Argent said, “until now.”

“But doesn’t the legends also state that Gwydion left the United Kingdom with four Spirit Diamonds?” a third inquired. Cassander and Harry looked at each other before rushing to the mantel where the Diamond had been siting; Phoenix gave a huff before settling down onto the Hell Hound’s head, who looked decidely amused.

“Where is it?” Harry said.

The Curse-Breakers looked on as Harry and Cassander searched over the mantel. Argent rolled his eyes in a very human-like gesture.

“Where is it?” Harry said, looking around the base of the mantel.

“Here! Here!” Cassander said, pointing. To a stone near the tope. “Damnit! It’s Welsh… I can’t read Welsh”. Harry sprang up, almost bumping heads with Cassander.

“Let me see” Harry said, peering at it. Cassander allowed Harry a better view; “looks readable… I think I might be albe to read it”. Cassander looked at him; “there were several books at my aunt’s… they belonged to my grandfather, Iustig Evans; all in Welsh. It’s how I learned.”

“Clever” Cassander said.

“Can you read it, Lord Potter?” Argent inquired. Harry looked at the Goblin and nodded.

“Someone copy this down” Harry ordered, “'n naw hysbryion i mewn 'r chaddug... Nine spirits in the darkness... 'n bedwar hysbryd caregos ddisgleiria... Four spirit stone shine...'r bara saf erbyn 'r chyeuna 'n fwyaf cas... The last stand against the Light's greatest enemy...'nwyth am Achubwr, Rhyfelwyr a Hysgolheigion pawb... Eight around the Savior, Warriors and Scholars all... 'r 'n Euroid Ddraig,'r 'n Danbaid Cafell... The Golden Dragon, The Fiery Oracle... and that's all.”

“Well, that doesn't tell us a whole lot” a Curse-Breaker said, tilting his head. Cassander was looking at the script while tugging at his hair. Harry watched as Cassander walked around the stone floor, muttering to himself; he was getting use to this behavior, Cassander did it a lot in their tent.

“Nine spirits... spirit stones... Light's greatest enemy” Cassander said, everyone watching. “I know this... I know this.” Suddeny Cassander stopped and snapped his fingers. “A-ha!” Cassander hurried out of the Tomb, leaving behind a bunch of bewildered Curse-Breakers, a very amused Goblin and a curious Archaeologist.

“Sometimes I'm concerned about that Wizard” Argent said, shaking his head. “Come along, Lord Potter, no doubt Cassander will be tearing apart his study.” Harry followed behind the Goblin as they exited the tomb and headed straight for Cassander's tent; as they entered the tent, they heard the sounds of books thudding against wood and Cassander muttering.

“Where is it? Where is it?”

The pair entered the study and found a pile of books on the tables of the study and Cassander dangling off a ladder; he was searching for something. Suddenly, he yanked a book from a shelf and almost yanked himself off the ladder; “found it!” he said, hopping off the ladder.

“And what precisely, Cassander, have you found?” Argent spoke up when it was clear that Cassander didn't hear them. Cassander jumped and whirled around to look at the two, surprise all over his face.

“When did you get here?”

“A moment ago” Harry answered, “what did you find?”

“When I was little, I remembered my grandfather telling me the Legend of Gwydion” Cassander said, opening the book. “In the Legend, a Prophecy was spoken of.” Cassander flipped pages until stopping; he turned the book around, for Harry and Argent to look at. “Here.”

Harry peered at the beautifully illustrated pages; the words were beautiful calligraphic script of Indian blue. Gold and green were splashed throughout the page.

Nine Spirits in the Darkness...
Four Spirits Stones shine...
The last stand against the Light's greatest enemy...
Eight around the Savior, Warriors and Scholars all...
The Golden Dragon, the Fiery Oracle...
The Gentle Cat, the Healing Sourcer...
The Wise Wolf, the Sensing Linguist...
The Mischevious Firebird, the Feeling Spirit Seer...
The Bashful Hound, the Shield-Bearer...
The Graceful Fox, the Earth's Changer...
The Beautiful Fairy, the Spirit Reader...
The Two-Headed Dog, the Soothsayer...
To seek out the Eight, to find the Savior...
Seek out the Stones, for they hold the key...
To banish the greatest enemy of the Light...

“Well, at least we know who two are” Argent said. The two Wizards looked at him; Harry slightly confused while Cassander apprehensive.

“What do you mean, Goblin Argent?” Harry asked, while Cassander turned away. The Grecian-Spaniard already knew what his Goblin friend going to say.

“The Savior and the Golden Dragon” Argent replied, ignoring the glare that Cassander shot him. He knew what the Wizard was trying to prevent but Argent always knew that his friend was destined for great things. “It's quite obvious.”

“That's enough, Argent!” Cassander barked, “you have no way of knowing who the Prophecy is speaking of.” Harry looked between the two.

“Oh? Then what, Cassander, is the Familial Crest of the Ioannides Family?” Argent said, crossing his arms. “It is not a Golden Dragon? And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you considered an Oracle under Greek Law?” The Goblin and Wizard stared down each other. Pheonix flying in jerked the two from their glares; the tiny Dragon landed on Cassander's shoulder and rubbed its tiny head under Cassander's chin. The Wolf entered not far behind; it padded its way to Harry, bumping its head against Harry's leg. Cassander gave Argent a baleful glare, before facing Harry.

“You'll need to name him, Harry” Cassander said, raising a hand to pet Pheonix. “The naming of a Familiar is what binds the Familiar to the Wizard.”

“Bolt” Harry said, scratching behind the wolf's ears. “His name's Bolt.” They could all feel the Magick tie Harry to Bolt.

“Very powerful, Lord Potter” Argent said. The Goblin looked at Cassander; Argent knew better then to continue to provoke the Grecian-Spaniard. “We will have to launch an investigation into this, Cassander.”

“Yeah... I'll have to set up a team” Cassander sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Katadikázō atyó se kólase! I hate interviewing!” He eyed Harry for a moment; “want the positon as second?”

Harry laughed.

TBC
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Translation
Idiota, deficiente! Imbecille! Potevi ucciderlo! Se non fate sparire questo idiota la piú presto; non mi riterrò responsabile delle mie azioni (Italian): You mindless moron! You imbecile! You could have killed him! If you do not get this idiot out of my sight, I'm liable to do something I should not!

Pappoύs (Greek): Grandfather

Katadikázō atyó se kólase! (Greek): Damn it all to Hell