The Prophecy of Gwydion

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Warning(s): See Chapter One

Note: Translation at the end of the story
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Three:

Archaeology Guild Headquarters...
Geneva, Switzerland...
June, 2000...

The sounds of shouting echoed throughout the magnificent halls of the Archaeology Guild Headquarters. The shouting interrupted the usually serene atmosphere of the Headquarters; those wihtin the Halls stopped as a young man and young woman rushed from a nerby office. Those that occupied the headquarters for many years looked pained while newcomers looked confused.

"I see the lad's at it again" commented an older Archaeologist to his companion. The other gave the older man an exasperated look.

"When isn't Ioannides causing turmoil."

In the office (which belonged to him when he was at the headquarters), Cassander Ioannides growled and raked his hands through his curls. He hated interviewing! He hated having to deal with the morons that came in; morons that cared nothing about the field only wanting bragging rights to having said they worked with the Cassander Ioannides. Nearby, seated in the window seat, Harry Potter the Second of the Team, sat smirking; Cassander lifted his head and cast an ugly glare over at the British Wizard. The younger man was amused by him; Cassander made to snarl but had to refrain when a knock came at the door.

"Enter!" Cassander called.

The large oak doors opened, revealing a young man of apanese Ancestry; he was dressed in a white kimono with a blue hakama. A string of prayer breads rested on his shoulders; his lack hair was tied into a top knot, reminiscent of the Japanese samurai. Cassander stood.

"Konnichi wa. Boku wa Kobayashi Kaoru desu... dozo yoroshiku" the young man greeted, bowing. Cassander returned it; "dore no anata wa Ioannides-sensei ka."

"Hajimemashite, Ioannides Cassander desu. Dozu yoroshiku" Cassander answered, "sono wa Potter Harry desu. Boku no niban desu". Harry raised a hand in greeting; though not really knowing what was being said. For all he knew, Cassander could have called him an idiot. "Nani o sashigemashou ka."

"Hai! Boku no..." Kaoru started.

"Sumimasen, demo, anata wa eigo hanashi desu ka" Cassander inquired. The Japanese wizard nodded, abashed.

"Yes, terribly sorry" Kaoru said, his English completely unaccented. "I just arrived from Tokyo through the International Floo." Cassander nodded, gesturing for Kaoru to take a seat.

"What can I do for you?" Cassander asked.

"I am here to apply for a position on your team, Dr. Ioannides" Kaoru replied, pulling several papers from his haori. Cassander accepted them when handed over; the blonde leaned back, looking through them. The papaers were impeccable; while Kaoru was young (only a year older then Harry) he possessed two separate masteries; one in Archaeology and one in Mediwizardry (that could come in handy). Kaoru was a graduate of Amaterasu Academy of Magick (graduated as Head Boy) and of the Imperial University of Magick; both very prestigious schools in Japan. Kaoru hadn't had a lot of field experience; just several small digs in Japan.

"What are you hoping to gain from joining my team, Kobayashi-san?" Cassander inquired, laying the papers on his desk.

"Experience" Kaoru answered, honestly. "Archaeology is not that big in Wizarding apan; many of the ancient sites are still in use". The Healer looked at his hands; "the fact that you are the foremost expert in the field means tha I could learn a lot from you."

Cassander nodded; well, the applicant was being honest as his Gifts were reading the Japanese Wizard. That was one of the good things that cae with his Gifts. "Speak any languages outside English and your native tongue?"

"Five fluently and two conversationally" Kaoru replied.

"Can you list them?" Cassander inquired.

"Mandarin, Mongolian, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese" Kaoru answered, "conversationally, I speak Russian and Filipino."

"Your records state that you possess two Masteries" Cassander said, tapping the papers. "Mediwizardry?"

"Yes, one of my Gifts is Natural Healing" Kaoru explained, "it was thought best that I learn how ot harns that ability. Also, I know how dangerous the field can be."

"And your mastery of Mediwizardry translates over to a Muggle MD" Cassander stated. Kaoru nodded; "alright, Kobayashi-san, if you go through the green door... the Guild's House-Elves will see to anything that you need". Kaoru and Cassander stood; the two bowed to each other. Kaoru disappeared through the green door; the indicated door was for the applicants that were highly favorable. So far, Kaoru had been the only one.

"Well, that's one down" Harry joked, "how many have we gone through?" Cassander sent the brunette a glare.

"Be silent" Cassander said, "too many... I hate interviewing." Cassander dropped his head into his hands. "Remind me to hire an assistant?"

"Instead of one, Cousin..."

"...How about two?"

Cassander's head snapped up while Harry looked confused at the two fifteen-year-olds.

"Fernando! Christos!" Cassander said, getting up. "What are you doing here?" Harry watched as Cassander glared at the two teenagers. "Where are your parents? Aunt Leda and Uncle Adonis? Aunt Isabella and Uncle Alejandro?"

"Haven't the..." spoke the blonde.

Harry blinked as Cassander suddenly appeared before the two and grabbed them both by the ear and twisted; the two yelped and squirmed, trying to get away from Cassander. But the Grecian-Spaniard held tighter and glared harder.

"Do not lie to me" Cassander growled, "where are your parents?"

"Fernando! Christos!" came a scolding voice.

Harry looked up to see a beautiful woman; her raven black hair pulled back from her warm chocolate eyes. She was glaring at the two, who shifted uncomfortably. She turned to Cassander.

"Cassander, Amada, Soy así afligido. Ellos recogido asente de mi" the woman said. She turned back to the two boys, allowing Cassander to step back; Harry moved up to Cassander's side. Both teenagers looked contrite as the woman began berating the two in Spanish.

"So... family?" Harry asked.

"Unfortunately" Cassander said, jerking his thumb at the two. "Those are my cousins. Fernando De la Cruz and Christos Pavlopoulos." Fernando was the brunette with indigo eyes while Christos was the blonde with grey eyes. "And this is my aunt, Isabella De la Cruz... she's my adoptive uncle's wife." Harry raised an eyebrow; "Uncle Alejandro is technically my cousin but was adopted, blood-adopted, by my grandparents". Harry nodded.

Cassander leaded against his desk as his three relations faced them. "Abuelo did not inform me that you were going to be in Geneva, Aunt Isabella."

"It came as a surprise" Isabella answered, "Alejandro thoguht he would be posted to France." Harry looked confused; he looked at Cassander.

"Uncle Alejandor is Wizarding Spain's Ambassador" Cassander explained, "but that does not explain why Christos is here."

"Adonis and Leda are on their second honeymoon" Isabella explained. Cassander rolled his eyes; "the boys and I came to see if you and your friend would like to have lunch?"

"You got no more appointments" Harry said, as Cassander looked at him. "Least not til after lunch."

"Why not."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Christos and Fernando may act annoying pains to their cousin, Cassander, but they were also very protective of him. Cassander, though very bad tempered and sarcastic, embodied the tolerant teachings that the Ioannides Family were famous for. Cassander didn't care who or what you were. His siblings had a more superior attitude, as did Cassander's mother while his father was more indifferent then anything.

Due to that attitude and Cassander's clear dismissal of his Pureblood heritage caused for a lot of strife. Christos nor Fernando knew the exact number of times, Cassander fled the ancestoral home of the Ioannides Family. The two wanted to protect Cassander from such pain. When cassander intorduced them to Harry Potter, the Savior of the Wizarding World; the two were both awed (he was the Savior of the Wizarding World) and suspicious (they had seen how Harry looked at their cousin).

They were keeping an eye on him.

_______________________

The whispers were what attracted Harry's attention toward Fernando and Christos. The group were walking the streets of Geneva toward a popular Muggle Restaurant; Harry looked over his shoulder at the pair. They were making him slightly nervous.

"Fernando! Christos! Stop whatever it is that you're planning!" Isabella ordered, throwing a glare over her shoulder. "Or I will let Cassander discipline you."

The pair grumbled and slunk ahead of the older Wizards and Witch.

"My apologizes, Lord Potter" Isabella said, softly. Despite being in a Muggle setting, Isabella still used his title; Cassander, before they left the Guild Headquarters, placed a handy charm around them. It enabled them to speak of the Wizarding World and of Magick though the Muggles heard mundane topics.

"Please, call me Harry" Harry said, "I'm not yet used to being titled as a Lord, if you know what I mean." Isabella laughed, nodding.

"I know what you mean, exactly" Isabella said, "my husband, Alejando, was groomed to be the Don of the De la Cruz Familia." The Spanish Witch shook her head; "me? I was raised a Muggleborn Witch. Not prime material for the Doña of the De la Cruz Familia". Harry nodded; he looked to Cassander, who seemed to be off in his own littled world.

"And what of Cassander? Does he have any titles?" Harry asked. Isabella looked at her nephew and sighed.

"Yes... even if he does not want them" Isabella said, "as the youngest grandchild of his Abuelo, Cassander is Heir Apparent to the De la Vega, De la Fuente and De Soto Familias." Harry blinked in shock; he knew about the De la Vega but the De la Fuente and De Soto Familias as well? The De la Vega, De la Fuente, De Soto and three other families of Spain made up the Círculo de Antiguos; the group of families that literally brought Magick to Spain through Squib children married into Muggle noble families and Bastard lineages that created new vassal houses. Cassander was Heir to three of the six families was impressive. Isabella looked at the blue sky above; "its also possible that Cassander will inherit the Lordship of the Ioannides Family."

"Mama! We're here!" Fernando called, from up the street.

Fernando waved his hand, attracting attention of the three. Isabella returned the wave; she smiled at Harry.

"I hope you enjoy Swiss food, Harry, because this restaurant only sells the best" Isabella said.

"Trust me, Aunt Bella, Harry likes anything as long as its not British" Cassander said, grinning. "Especially sweets." Harry swatted at the smaller man as he ducked into the restaurant, laughing.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next applicants were waiting for them when they arrived back. A redhead and a brown-haired man sat in Cassander's office and were being served by the House Elves attached to the Guild. Cassander moved up to the two men with Harry following; the two stood. Hands were shook.

"Cassander Ioannides, Team leader" Cassander said.

"Harry Potter, Second" Harry said, "sorry we're late; were either of you waiting long?"

"No, no" spoke the redhead, "we arrived at the same time, partners. Leifr Eiríksson, pleasure to meet you, sirs."

"Alexei Nikolaevich Ryazanov" the other said, smiling, "nice to meet you." Harry was looking between the pair; he knew them from somewhere. But where? Then it struck him. Fourth Year, during the Tri-Wizard Tournament; the redhead, Leifr, was an Assistant Professor at Durmstrang while Alexei had been a student.

"I remember you two" Harry said, drawing attention. "You two were with Durmstrang during the Tri-Wizard Tournament." Cassander frowned; he had heard of the barbaric Tournament. But he hadn't realized that it had been brought back.

"Yes, the second Hogwarts Champion" Leifr said, nodding. "You caused quite the commotion." Leifr and Alexei chuckled.

"I've never seen Igor Kakaroff so angry" Alexei said, "best laugh we ever got. Pompous ass." Harry grinned but moved off toward his window, permitting the interview to go ahead. The trio sat down; Leifr and Alexei pulled out papers, handing them over at the same time. Cassander began with Leifr's; he was educated at Durmstrang Institute where he graduated in the top of his class with Honors and immediately accepting into the University of Asgard in Norway, graduating with two Masteries (one for History, the other for Archaeology). He had a lenghty list of digs but they were undoubtly short. He moved to Alexei's papers; Alexei was also a graduate of Durmstrang (though a year behind Leifr). He also attended the University of Asgard, gaining his mastery in Archaeology (a note was made that Alexei's speciality lay primarily in Arthimacy).

"You two said you were partners?" Cassander said.

"Yes, our skills seem to compliment each other" Alexei answered, "plus with Leifr as a Linguist makes my job even more interesting." Cassander looked at the embarressed Redhead. A linguist was always a good thing.

"How many languages do you speak?" Cassander inquired. The Grecian-Spanaird was expecting between
ten to fifteen; as was the norm for Wizarding Linguists.

"Twenty-five" Leifr said, softly. Cassander lifted an eyebrow, surprised. "I have an ear for languages and my mother worked as a Translator." A Linguist with that many languages was a very very good thing; Cassander wanted to snatch him up before anyone else got the chance. But something was bothering him; the short digs.

"Mr. Eiriksson, you seem to move from dig to dig" Cassander nodded. Leifr seemed to hunch in on himself; Cassander and Harry shared a look.

"Leifr and I worked those digs together" Alexei spoke up, "those sites were either funded or taken over by Purebloods." Cassander knew where this was going; he had seen it happen all too often.

"And because he's not a Pureblood, he was summarily dismissed" Cassander finished, earning Alexei's nod. "That will not happen with me, understood?"

"Yes" Leifr replied.

"Right then, you, Mr. Ryazanov, are primarily skilled in Arithmacy?"

"Yes" Alexei replied, "I use it in conjuction with my masteries in Charms and curse-breaking." Cassander and Harry looked at each other intrigued; usually Arithmancers who were Archaeologists usually used arithmacy in connection to Defense or Transfiguration. "I was also trained as a Researcher." Cassander nodded; he stood and thanked both men and directed them to the green door. After the door shut, Cassander looked to Harry. The British Wizard was leaning against his desk.

"I think these last three have turned out to be good prospects" Harry commented, crossing his arms. "A Healer, a Linguist and an Arthimancer? They seem too good to pass up."

"So, they're a definite yes?" Cassander inquired. He wasn't going to hire anyone without Harry's agreement.

"I say yes" Harry replied, watching Cassander move Kaoru, Leifr and Alexei's papers to the accepted pile. "Shall I go and deliver the good news?"

"Go... I've got only ten more interviews" Cassander groaned, "ignore anyone that you hear wailing."

"Like it isn't hard for you to do" Harry said, recieving a smack on his butt for the comment. Harry gave a grin to Cassander, who gave him an annoyed look.

"No cheeky comments from the peanut gallery, Potter" Cassander retorted, turning back to his work.

"Yes, my Peanut King" Harry said, giving Cassander an extravagant bow. Harry was through the green when a thunk was heard; Harry smirked. He loved tormenting Cassander; he walked down the hall to their waiting room. The room provided food and drink for those waiting inside; as well as entertainment. Harry found Kaoru, Leifr and Alexei engaged in a heavy debate. "Gentlemen" Harry said, halting the debate.

He stepped into the room, drawing attention to himself. As he shut the door, the trio stood. Various degress of anxiety and hope displayed on their faces; Harry could unerstand their anxiety and hope.

"You all met me at the interview" Harry said, "Harry Potter... and I'm here to give you all bouts of congratulations." The look on their faces was enough for Harry to grin; they were all stunned.

"You mean... we got the job?" Leifr said.

"You do indeed" Harry relied, "all of you are more interested in your work then getting bragging rights. And you all have skills that are highly sought after." Leifr still looked unsure.

"And of my Half-Blood status? I know Dr. Ioannides said that what happened before would happen again but..." Leifr said. Harry knew that he had to belay those fears or they would loose both Leifr and Alexei.

"Cassander doesn't care for that type of hype" Harry said, "afterall, I'm considered a Half-blood even though my mother was descent of Pureblood squibs." Leifr nodded, recieving a clap on his back from Alexei and a smile from Kaoru. "Now, we have a discussion tomorrow at nine concerning the expedition." The three nodded, made to leave when Harry stopped Kaoru. "Not to sound rude, Kobayashi-san, but... do you have muggle attire?"

"Yes, yes, of course" Kaoru said, looking at his clothing. He smiled at Harry; "this does make me stand out a bit, doesn't it... not to worry, I will make sure to wear them." Harry nodded, saying goodbye to the three and giving them the necessary information about tomorrow's discussion and how to leave the hallway.

_________________________

As Harry was giving the newest members of the Ioannides-Potter team the good news, Cassander was waiting for the next applicant. He already kicked two out; they weren't even Archaeologists. Cassander was rubbing his forehead when there came a timid knock.

"Enter!" Cassander called, looking up. The door opened revealing a shy aubrun-haired young man with light blue-grey eyes; he fiddled with papers as he entered. Cassander recognized him immediately. Daniel Hughes, Canada's leading Magizoologist and a renoun Archaeologist in his own right. Cassander stood, immediately. "Dr. Hughes, what a pleasure."

"G-g-g-... nice to see you again, Dr. Ioannides" Daniel said, shaking Cassander's hand. The two had met briefly at a conference in France. Both had enjoyed the other's company; "A-Argent sent me to s-see you." Cassander gestured fot the Magizoologist to sit. Both Daniel and Cassander knew Argent; for various reasons ithin their profession.

"Really?" Cassander said.

"H-H-He thought y-you could use my e-exp-exp... help" Daniel stuttered. The Canadian Wizard handed over the note from Argent; as he flicked over the not, Cassander could see where Argent was going; he rested the note down.

"I can see where Argent's coming from" Cassander said, "and I have to agree. A Wizard with your abilities
would be an asset." The green door opened as Harry entered the office. "Ah, Harry... delivered the good news?"

"As well as the time for the meeting tomorrow" Harry answered, looking at Daniel. An easy smile flashing onto his face; Cassander stamped down on a bout of irrational jealousy. "Harry Potter, Second."

"D-D-Daniel Hughes" Daniel replied, offering his hand. The two shook.

"Daniel will be joining the team" Cassander said, his attention on Harry. "Argent recommended him." Harry nodded, coming to sit on the corner of Cassander's desk. "There's a meeting tomorrow, here, at nine, Daniel."

"Y-yes, see y-you then". Cassander and Harry watched as Daniel left the office.

"That's Daniel Hughes, huh?" Harry said, knowing about the other man. "What happened?"

"A failed expedition to South America" Cassander replied, "Daniel's the only one that survived." Harry winced; he had read about that expedition. A temple had been uncovered in the jungles of South America and a team entered to study it; the stories and reports got hazy around the time that the Archaeologists entered the jungle but only one ever made it out.

"Trying to back out into the field, I take it" Harry stated, earning Cassander's nod of approval. Cassander made to speak but a knock interrupted him.

"Enter!"

A beautiful Chinese woman entered; her raven black hair swept back from her almond dark eyes by a braid. She had a grin on her face; Cassander's face lit up causing Harry to stamp down on his bout of irration jealousy.

"Xiao Xing!" Cassander said, getting up.

"Cassander!" she smiled, meeting him halfway. The two hugged the other tightly before Cassander pulled back; he spun her around, taking her in. The beautiful Cheongam floating around her.

"Nĭ hăo má?" Cassander asked.

"Hěn hăo, xiè xiè" she replied, speaking the same language as Cassander. "Nĭ ne?"

"Wŏ yě hěn hăo" Cassander replied, he seemed to realize that Harry was in the room. "God, sorry, where are my manners. Huang Xiao Xing, allow me to introduce Harry Potter, my second. Harry this is my dear friend, Huang Xiao Xing". The two shook hands; "but look at you, Shishi... last I saw you. You were knee-high into an excavation pit. Covered in black mud; my, my, you do clean up nicely". He was rewared with a punch to the shoulder.

"And you're the same ass as you, Sandy" Xiao Xing said, grinning. She looked at Harry; "we worked the Tomb of Yu Huang, or the Jade Emperor, together".

"I remember reading about that excavation" Harry replied, "one of the greatest finds for China, wasn't it?"

"It was" Xiao Xing replied.

"Anyway, what are you doing here, Shishi?" Cassander asked. He was handed a piece of paper; "Argent gave you a referal?" He raised an eyebrow as he looked at his friend.

"Course" Xiao Xing said, leaning against a table. "Word's out that you're starting an expedition... one funded by Gringotts". Harry cast a glance at Cassander, who frowned.

"Rumour say why?" Cassander inquired.

"Two words, Sandy... Gwydion Wyllt" Xiao Xing said, causing Cassander to swear, colorfully.

"It hasn't gotten to any Hunter, has it?" Harry asked, concerned. Xiao Xing shook her head; Cassander gave a sigh of relief. He sank into the nearest chair.

"Good... last thing we need is that" Cassander said. He looked up at her; "you in, Shishi?"

"You know it" Xiao Xing replied.

"Good... meeting, here, at nine" Cassander said. The Chinese Witch nodded, kissed Cassander's cheek and shook Harry's hand and departed from the office. Cassander looked at Harry. "How far a head start do you think we got?"

"A lot, I hope" Harry answered.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next day found the new team inCassander's office; the blonde Grecian-Spaniard was leaning against his desk while Harry was sitting in a chair beside him. The office was warded with an army of silencing, anti-spying and protection charms; the office was impenetrable. Cassander and Harry both did not want what they were doing to get out before they had a very very good head start.

Introduction had been made all around; introducing the new team to each other and their new positions. Xiao Xing looked at her friend.

"So, Sandy, does this expedition have anything to with what I told you?" Xiao Xing inquired, earning curious looks from Kaoru, Alexei and Leifr. Daniel looked as if he knew; though if Argent had sent him, he probably had some inkling.

"I was on a dig back in June in Egypt" Cassander began, "there, I was joined by Harry. As we were conducting an investigation of one of the tombs, we discovered soemthing." It was then that Cassand broke off and began muttering in Greek.

"There was a Spirit Diamond within the main tomb" Harry continued, "the Diamond gave us two...
exotic... familiars". At that moment, Bolt stepped out of the shadows with Phoenix perched on his head; the Dwarf Songbird Dragon chirped when he saw Cassander and flew over to him. The tiny dragon rubbed his head against Cassander's cheek; Bolt settled at Harry's feet with a quiet 'woof'. Daniel looked utterly fascinated
by them.

"What the hell?" Alexei said.

"How?" Daniel inquired.

"A spell woven into the Egyptian hierogylphs coupled with the power of the Spirit Diamonds" Harry replied, "or at least, that's what we concluded in our initial examination".

"Continuing on" Cassander picked up, "when Harry and were shoved onto the floor, the Diamond vanished. Leaving us with these". At that point, both Harry and Cassander pulled out their necklaces which had been hidden under their shirts.

"A Spirit Diamond, one of the most hardest substances in the known Magickal World, beccame two?" Xiao Xing siad, raising an eyebrow. "That must have been some seriously advance charms".

"Yes, well, once we read the inscription near the Spirit Diamond" Harry said, "it all became clear. Apparently, the Tomb was the first evidence that we have uncovered of Gwydion Wyllt leaving the United Kingdom".

Cassander watched as Alexei, Kaoru and Leifr looked shock; a shock that was very genuine. Xiao Xing and Daniel were surprised; as if they hadn't truly believed what Argent had told them. Not that Cassander or Harry could blame them; if they hadn't seen it for themselves, they probably wouldn't have believed it either.

"Gwydion Wyllt? The Gwydion Wyllt" Leifr said, "I know we've all heard the legends but... well, I never thought they could be true". He rubbed at his eyes.

"Now, I know why Gringotts hushed it all up" Alexei said, "could you imagine what the Hunters would do?"

"Which is why they won't" Cassander siad, "secrecy is at the utmost", The five nodded, understanding.

"Ioannides-sensei, didn't Gwydion-dono put fort a prophecy foretelling of eight warriors? And of a Savior?" Kaoru asked. Attention turned to Cassander.

"Yes" Cassander said, "and I have been informed by not only the Oracle of Delphi but by Goblin Seers that the Prophecy has begun.

The group looked at each other.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Translations
Konnichi wa. Boku wa Kobayashi Kaoru desu... dozo yoroshiku (Japanese): Hello. My name is Kobayashi Kaoru... pleased to meet you.

Dore no anata wa Ioannides-sensei ka(Japanese): Which of you is Dr. Ioannides?

Hajimemashite, Ioannides Cassander desu. Dozu yoroshiku (Japanese): How do you do? I am Cassander Ioannides. Pleased to meet you.

Sono wa Potter Harry desu. Boku no niban desu (Japanese): This is Harry Potter. My second.

Nani o sashigemashou ka (Japanese): What can I do to help?

Hai! Watashi wa... (Japanese): Yes! I'm...

Sumimasen. Demo, anata wa eigo hanashi desu ka (Japanese): Sorry. But, do you speak English?

-san (Japanese): Honorific; Japanese equivalent of Mr./Mrs./Ms.

Amada, soy asi afligido. Ellos recogido ausente de mi (Spanish): Darling, I am so sorry. They got away from me.

Doña (Spanish): Title; female variation of Don

Nĭ hăo má (Chinese): How are you?

Hěn hăo, xiè xiè... Nĭ ne? (Chinese): I'm fine, thanks... and you?

Wŏ yě hěn hăo (Chinese): I'm fine too.