The Prophecy of Gwydion

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Note: Sorry about the latest of this chapter... the last of May was busy and I've been searching for a job. Well, anyway, enjoy this chapter

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Chapter Seven:

Black Estates...
Cannes, France...
December, 2000...

Harry had decided to bring his team to France; to his adoptive parents' estates; Cassander and Leifr had spent all of November in a legal battle with the Norwegian government. Finally, they gotten permission but only because Harald V, King of Norway, intervened; the lenght that they had permission was for spring and summer. The waters around the Magickal isles was treacherous in the winter and as a result, the Magickal government decided to close down transport to the noninhabited isles.

The first reason for going to France was to get Cassander away from the cold and the second reason was to introduce the team to Harry's adoptive Fathers. Harry's only hpe was that Sirius would behave himself with Cassander. The Head of the team had the exact same temperment as Order Spy, Seerus Snape, and Harry did not want to cause any problems between his Soul Mate and his adoptive parents. Though, something told Harry that he need not worry.

________________________

The portkey deposited them in the main foyer of the Black Villa. Harry almost fell over if Cassander hadn't caught him. "I take it you're not a fan of portkeys" Leifr noted.

"It's bloody impossible to keep your balance!" Harry said, straightening. "Nothing helps".

"That's because you don't bend your knees" Cassander answered.

"Snazzy place your parents got" Alexei said. The ceiling of the foyer was high-vaulted with a gold and crystal chandalier; the doors behind them were orante, cherry would with gold door handles. The floor was marble with an ornate design between two twin staircases with gold railings. It was very elegant; Harry had never really noticed before. Before he could say anything, a shout could be heard.

"Harry!"

And before Harry knew it; he was clasped into a tight embrace with his ever fun-loving adoptive Father, Sirius.

"Honestly, Sirius!" came Remus' voice. "Let the Cub breath... What are you trying to do? Kill him?" Sirius stuck out his tongue to his Mate but allowed the Werewolf to hug Harry. "Hello, Cub, did you have a pleasant trip?"

"Have I mentioned how much I hate portkeys?" Harry said, kissing Remus' cheek. "Sirius, Remus, allow me to introduce my team".

"No, no... let me guess! Please?" Sirius said, bouncing. Alexei leaned over to Cassander as the others stared at Sirius' wide-eyed.

"And I thought your grandfather was mad" Alexei said, softly.

"He did survive Azkaban, you know" Leifr said, "that place must have left its mark; no matter how mentally strong a person is". The group nodded; Sirius bounced up to Kaoru, literally.

"This must be Healer Kobayashi Kaoru" Sirius said, bowing to Kaoru.

"Nice to meet you" Kaoru said, returning the bow. Sirius moved down to Daniel, who shuffled shyly. It reminded Sirius of Remus when they had been younger.

"Magizoologist Daniel Hughes, right?" Sirius said, offering his hand. Daniel shook it shyly. "Aw! He's just like you, Moony!" Sirius dragged the blushing Canadian into a hug. Daniel turned scarlet but was soon released and he hid behind Alexei, who patted his head. Sirius grinned but move to Xiao Xing.

"Huang Xiao Xing, Transfigurist, right?" Sirius said, kissing Xiao Xing's cheek. The Chinese woman laughed but nodded, smiling her gretting. Alexei and Sirius shook hands. "Arithmancer Alexei Ryazanov... any relations to Nikolas Ryazanov?"

"My father" Alexei said, "you know him?"

"Distant relative on both sides" Sirius replied. Before snapping his fingers; "Alyosha!" The group watched as Alexei turned a bright shade of red. "Nik is always on about you".

"Otec, Â byt iduŝij k ubivat ty" Alexei muttered. Leifr grinned at his partner; there wasn't many people that who could ruffle Alexei. Sirius turned to Leifr, who shook hands.

"Linguist Leifr Eiriksson, right?" Sirius said.

"Yes sir, and thank you for having us" Leifr said.

"Any friend of Harry is always welcomed" Sirius said, smiling. "And none of that Sir or Lord Black... we're Sirius and Remus". Leifr nodded. Sirius turned to Cassander, who raised an eyebrow.

"And this must be the infamous Cassander Ioannides" Sirius said. Cassander offered his hand but was yanked into a hug; Cassander blinked, wide-eyed. The only ones that had ever hugged him were the females of both sides and his grandfathers; the men of both sides just shook hands. "Now, I can certainly say it's a pleasure meeting you!"

"It... is?" Cassander said, after being released. Harry covered his face, groaning while Remus decided to yank in his wayward Mate.

"This mangy mutt is Sirius Black" Remus said, "please not that if you see a large grim-like dog, then its obviously Sirius".

"Or Bolt" Daniel said, peering around Alexei.

"Bolt?" Sirius and Remus said, confused. At that moment, the Hell Hound emerged from the shadows with Phoenix riding on his head; both men jumped at the sudden appearance.

"Bloody hell!" Sirius said, "is that... is that a Hell Hound?"

"Yes, he's my familiar" Harry said, petting Bolt's head. The large canine gave a happy whine.

"Okay, now I've seen just about bloody everything" Sirius said, staring at Bolt.

"And who is this?" Remus asked, petting Pheonix who had flown over to him. The dwarf Dragon preened happily under the attention.

"That would be Pheonix, my familiar, Mr. Lupin---" Cassander said.

"Remus... call me Remus" the werewolf replied, handing the tiny Dragon over; Pheonix scampered up Cassander's arm and perched on his shoulder. "Let's get you all settled".

---

Christmas and New Year's at the Black Estates was not dull; especially to those that didn't celebrate Christmas. Xiao Xing and Kaoru were both Buddhists with sprinklings of Shintoism and Taoism; they both did observed the Dōngzhi Festival on December 22nd. Alexei was Russian and their version of Father Christmas, known as Ded Moroz came in the New Year. It made for an interesting Christmas.

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Harry leaned against the door, watching the others that were quickly becoming his best friends. Harry moved away to a nearby window, staring out over the estate grounds.

"You're being awfully quiet" came a soft voice. Harry looked up to see Remus standing behind him. "Trouble on your mind?"

"Just... just reflecting on my life since the Final Battle" Harry replied, as Remus sat down. "I wouldn't trade anything now but I-- I just can't help but wonder".

Remus placed his hand on Harry's neck, rubbing it; "leave it alone, Harry" Remus said, "it never does any good wondering what ifs".

Harry nodded and looked at the group. "Have you talked to the Weasleys?" Harry asked. He was referring to all the Weasleys, who had been quite close to Harry prior to the Final Battle; Harry was speaking of the eldest sons (Bill and Charlie), the twins (Fred and George) and the youngest (Ron).

"Bill's living in Paris with Fleur, they're expecting" Remus said, "Charlie's in Romania, still working with Dragons. The twins just opened a new store in Ireland, and Ron..."

"What's wrong?" Harry said.

"You know Ron had entered Auror training ?" Remus said, receiving Harry's nod. "He took a cutting hex to leg. Damaged his leg to badly to continue training... He's in preparing for University". Harry nodded; at least Ron was okay. The five Weasley sons, Neville and Luna and a handful of others all took his side over Dumbledore's.

"Don't dwell, Cub" Remus said. He looked up and smiled; he patted Harry's shoulder. Harry looked up to see Cassander, standing nearby; he smiled and reached out his hand. Cassander moved over and grasped Harry's hand; he was tugged into Harry's laps.

"You okay?"

"I am now" Harry said, leaning up for a kiss; Cassander thread his fingers through the hair at Harry's neck.

"Aw! Ain't that the sweetest thing?" came Sirius' voice.

The two pulled back, seeing the others as well as Sirius and Remus; Kaoru, Leifr and Remus were trying to Xiao Xing, Alexei and Sirius to leave while Daniel looked away, blushing.

"Can I help you?" Cassander growled.

"Nope" Sirius said, "please continue". Cassander looked at Harry.

"May I kill him?"

Laughter rose up.

---

Sacred Island of Kings, Norway...
April, 2001...

With spring, the team found themselves on the island with a number of Archaeolgists and students; the Monarchy wanted the opportunity to further the history of Norway. Cassander did not have an issue with the Archaeologist excavating as long as they did not disrupt the Burial Mound of Haþuwulafr.

The main camp was begin set up on the shores of the island; the team were gathered in one of the main tents where research, conservation and preseveration labs as well where cataloging would take place. Cassander had several copies of old maps that had been used by architects. Leifr was leaning against the table while the others were gathered around the table.

"Where should we begin?" Xiao Xing inquired.

"Further in" Leifr said, gesturing to the middle of the map. "The futher in the Burial Mounds are oldest".

"I would love t have the whole year" Cassander said, staring at the map. "This place has got to be one of the biggest finds in the history of the Wizarding World".

"Apparently, the King also thought that" Leifr said, "he knows that what we find must never reach the Muggles but he does believe that this history should be opened fr the Wizarding World". Leifr looked at Cassander; "after we get what we get, he has agreed to have the other Archaeologists continue with a Head Archaeologist who meets your approval".

Cassander's face lit up with a beautiful smile; his violet eyes sparkled with delight. "I knw just the Archaeologist" Cassander said, "we have different methods but I'm positive that Gunn would love to explore this place. Norse Mythology and History are passion".

"Gunn... as in Gunnar Arildsson?" Leifr said, "you know him?"

"Yeah... Gunn and I have worked together" Cassander said, eying Leifr oddly. "Why?"

"I can't believe you know Norway's Gunnar Arildsson" Leifr said. Cassander blinked, forgetting that many of the people he knew were famouse and considered the leading experts in their wn countries.

Leifr clapped Casssander on the shoulder and left; Cassander looked thoughtful. It would be nice to see Gunn again, Cassander thought, smiling. The tall blonde blonde Norwegian was nt one fr proper decorum; though he was Pureblod (he could trace both maternal and paternal ancestries back to the time f Beowulf) but he could careless about who were or what you were. As long as you worked hard and could drink harder, you were okay in Gunn's book. Yes, Cassander thought, it would be very nice to see Gunn again.

---

"Ioannides! Where are you, you Grecian-Spaniard bastard!" came a shout.

Everyone jumped, looking at the tall blonde Wizard that was stalking through the camp. "Ioannides! when I catch your flea-bitten hide, I'm gonna skin it!"

Harry watched as the man stormed passed him and Daniel; very colorful swear words were shouted around the camp causing both to blush. Daniel looked at the brunette.

"Who-- wh was that?" Daniel inquired.

"I think that was Gunnar Arildsson, the one to head this dig after we leave" Harry replied. Daniel nodded, understanding; "he's what I imagine when I think of a Viking".

"Oh? You mean throw you over his shulder and have his wicked way with you?" Daniel said, innocently. Harry spluttered and gapped at Daniel, who turned an intesting shade of crimson. "So-sorry".

"Sorry? Dn't be, Dan" Harry said, grinning. "Yu made a sexual innuendo!"

Daniel turned red and shuffled his feet; he looked at the younger man. "Don't tell Xiao Xing, okay?"

"Why? Do you fancy her or -- You do!" Harry said, "you like Xiao Xing". Daniel clamped his hand over Harry's muth.

"Shh!" Daniel said, looking around.

"Ioannides!"

Both men clambered toward the sund and saw a bored-looking Cassander staring up at the tall blonde. "Gunn, must you lumber around like a great oaf?" Cassander said, handing a timid looking assistant several papers. "And if you haven't forgotten, Gunn, you were the one that fell into that infested hive, not me".

Gunnar Arildsson glared at the smaller blonde but was stpped from doing anything by a diminutive brunette. "Must you always greet each other like this?" came the exasperated sigh. Gunnar and Cassander looked at each other then at brunette.

"Yes" both said, deadpanned.

The brunette threw his hands up; "give me strength" he said, "I swear, you two are worse then Ailill and Nyusha".

"Oi! I resent that, István" Gunnar said, "nobody is worse then those two".

"I have to concur, István" Cassander agreed, "there is no way anyone is any worse then those two. And what, may I inquire, are you doing here?"

"Gunn invited me" sad the man. "Besides, someone has to make sure that this hülye does not kill himself".

Cassander smirked and corssed his arms. "All brawn and no brain" Cassander said, "I thought you liked your men liked that István?" The brunette opened his mouth before closing it.

"I hate it when you do that" the man said.

The team gathered round. "Sandy, who are these men?" Xiao Xing inquired.

"The tall blonde is Gunnar Arildsson, he's going to head the dig in concern with the other burial mounds" Cassander said, "and the diminuitive..."

"Do not call me small, Cassander" the growled.

"Or you'll do what, István?" Cassander said, "bite my ankles?"

"Átok ön-hoz legtávolabbi nyúl-ból pokol!" the man crowed.

"As I was saying, this is István Sólyom" Cassander continued, ignoring the threats. Gunnar calmly held István in his strong embrace as the man struggled to get free. "He's Hungary's leading Archaelogist, even if he's a pain in the ass". The two glared at each other.

"Now, whose worse then Ailill and Nyusha?" Gunnar said, "pot? Have you met kettle?" István grumbled under his breath.

Cassander smirked. "Come on, your tent has already set up".

Gunnar tucked István over his shoulder, ignoring the man's threats. The trio left.

"Damn" came a mutter, "I'd kill to have any one of those three in my bed".

"Amen to that".

Harry loked a bit worried but was knocked out of it as Alexei and Leifr grabbed, pointing a possible Mound as Haþuwulafr's.

_____________________

That night, Cassander sank into the warm comfort of his couch; Harry looked at him amused but concerned. Cassander looked up at his soulmate.

"Ask me, Harry" Cassander said.

"Did you ever... I mean, were you...?"

Cassander crawled over to Harry, throwing his leg over Harry's legs and sat in Harry's lap. He slipped his hands behind Harry's neck and entwined his fingers. "There was someone, yes" Cassander said, "it was Ellery Jones".

"That guy that broke into Sortfarget-Ulv?" Harry said.

"Yeah" Cassander replied, "he was once an Archaeologist but was caught selling artifacts. I have no feelings for him". Cassander rested his forehead against Harry's. "As for Gunn? He's only ever had eyes for István; they met two years before Gunn and I met". Harry smiled and leaned up, kissing Cassander. They broke apart; "by the way, where are Bolt and Phoenix? Those two keep vanishing and appearing, I can't keep track" Harry said, looking around.

"In the ther room" Cassander said, "I think the smell of death is getting to Bolt. Pheonix is keeping him company". Harry had joined Cassander in the same room in Egypt (though they had separate rooms at Sortfarget-Ulv). Cassander toyed with the hairs at the back of Harry's neck; his vilet eyes darkening with lust. Harry smiled up; he could feel Cassander against his stomach.

"Someone's perky" Harry said.

Cassander gave Harry a smile before leaning down to kiss him heatedly. The brunette cupped Cassander's bottom, tugging the blonde closer. They began rubbing against each as they kissed. The blonde pulled back gasping, arching his back; he panted as he looked down.

"Bed" Cassander said, leaning down and kissing along Harry's jaw and nibblling on the brunette's ear.

Harry shifted Cassander's weight and stood; his hands cupped beneath Cassander's bottom. Cassander had his legs wrapped around Harry's waist; his arm around Harry's neck. They began kissing heatedly again as they made it to the bedroom; together they fell on the bed. Harry tugged off Cassander's shirt as Cassander pulled his off; pushing the smaller man into the bed, Harry straddled Cassander's legs and leaned down. He kissed along Cassander's neck, moving down to his chest; he moved to Cassander's nipples. He thumbed Cassander's nipples before latching onto Cassander's right one; Cassander cried out, threading his fingers through Harry's hair. He arched up, his clothed erectiong coming into contact with Harry's. Cassander reached down for Harry's jeans.

"Off" he said, tugging. Harry pulled back and undid his jeans; together they pulled both the jeans and underwear off before turning back to Cassander's. The jeans were tossed to the floor; Harry turned back to the nipples, resting between Cassander's legs. He latched back onto the right nipple while playing with the left. Cassander clutched tightly to Harry's shoulder rubbing up against him. Harry switched nipples. "Harry" Cassander moaned.

Harry pulled back before kissing his way down Cassander's torso until he reached Cassander's member. He nuzzled the sparse hair there, looking up at Cassander. The blonde stared down at him; violet eyes dark. Harry ran his tongue up the length of the member all the while watching Cassander. The Grecian-Spaniard gasped, throwing back his head; one hand slipped into Harry's hair. Harry engulfed the member; his head bobbing up and down.

"Yes... oh god... Harry!" Cassander gasped.

Harry slipped a hand between the cheeks of Cassander's arse; his finger circled the ring of muscle before pushing in. Cassander arched his back as the finger began to move in and out of him; Cassander's pants and moans grew heavy. And Harry knew he was close.

Harry pulled back before Cassander could climax; perched between Cassander's splayed legs, Harry looked at Cassander.

"Harry?"

Cassander looked up at him curiously.

"I... I want to come with you around me" Harry said. Cassander nodded; he sat up.

"We'll spells first... I'm sure you don't know--" Cassander said, looking at Harry. The younger man shook his head; Cassander would be his first. "Okay, first spell is to stretch me... Intendo".

Harry whispered the incantation, watching for any sign of discomfort. Cassander shifted; he didn't like using spells but until he could teach Harry to properly stretch him, spells would be the way to go. Harry caressed his cheek.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine... the second spell is lubricus" Cassander said. Harry raised an eyebrow but said the spell. Cassander shivered as he felt the spell take effect. Harry reached down, his fingers slipping in. Cassander was eased back down, spreading his legs. Harry slowly eased himself inside; Cassander clutched tightly at Harry's shoulders.

"You okay?" Harry panted, fully sheathed in Cassander. The tight heat was unbelieveable.

"J-just give me a minute" Cassander gasped. he looked up at Harry; "its been awhile". Harry nodded, staying as still as possible for Cassander to accomodate his length. Cassander felt the burning sensation dull and shifted his hips, elicting a groan from Harry. "Okay, you can move".

Harry braced his weight on his arms and began thrusting in slowly. Cassander shifted, bringing his legs up further to take more of Harry in. "Yes" he hissed, "more... Harry". He began picking up the pace; Cassander reached up, wrapping his arms around Harry's neck, drawing Harry's weight down on him. Harry settled comfortably on top of Cassander; he buried his face in Cassander's shoulder as his speed picked up. Cassander pressed his temple to Harry's as he felt his climax rising; he cried out as he came. Arching up against Harry, who muffled his shout of release in Cassander's shoulder. He pulled himself out and laid beside Cassander, who curled up to his chest.

Sated and sleepy, Harry threaded his fingers through Cassander's curls. "So... was I okay?" Harry asked.

"For your first time? You were more then good" Cassander said.

"Better then Ellery Jones?" Harry asked.

"You outstrip him by a long shot".

"Yeah?"

"Yeah".

Harry hugged Cassander close, smiling as he settled down to sleep.

---

Bolt sniffed around the area that the Mound of Haþwulafr was located; the Hell Hound was trying to find a way in. Alexei and Leifr had managed to locate the Mound by narrowing the search parameters on the basis of unique structural features. nly one Mound fit that category. Haþuwulafr's Burial Mound was lined along the outside with stones that were emitting a strange magical signature. Gunnar and István stood with the group; Cassander had informed the pair after making them swear a Wizard's Oath never to reveal what Cassander told them.

Currently, the team was mapping out the Mound; Cassander was adament about the correct prceedures. Xiao Xing and Daniel were calling out measurements to Kaoru as he mapped the Mound.

Leifr was photography the runes that had been found carved into the stones. Alexei was copying them into Leifr's notebook for the Wizard to take apart later. Harry was trying to get a depth measurement from the Mound by use of spells but they kept shooting back at him with negative readings.

"That energy field is screwing with my readings" Harry said, moving to Cassander, Gunnar and István.

"It's possible that Runic Magick was used" Leifr said, moving over to the quartet.

"Aye, that is possible... the older Norse were quite fluent in Runic Magick" Gunnar agreed. "Their jewellry, their homes, everything was marked with Runic Magick".

"How?" Kaoru asked, as he and Xiao Xing and Daniel approached; Alexei as the team's Arithmancer (and skilled in the basics of Runic Magick), stepped up.

"The indicated runes weave a very complicated net of Magick" Alexei said, "how complicated because at the moment. I don't know what the runes are". Alexei lked at his sketches. "I'll need to rune some tests in order to bring down the net".

"Okay, Leifr help Alexei... what are the measurements?"Cassander asked. Alexei nodded and headed off.

"Length is nine and a half feet" Kaoru replied, "width is twelve feet".

"Not the largest tomb especially for a king" Gunnar said, "but that net is interesting... would you mind if we went in with you?" Gunnar looked at Cassander.

"Two more wizards wuld help" Cassander said, "and you do know Burial Mounds".

TBC

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Translations

Otec, Â byt iduŝij k ubivat ty (Russian): Father, I am going to kill you

Sortfarget-Ulv (Norwegian): Black Wolf

Hülye (Hungarian): Idiot

Átok ön-hoz legtávolabbi nyúl-ból pokol! (Hungarian): Damn you to the Farthest reaches of Hell

Intendo (Latin): To stretch

Lubricus (Latin): slick