Just an FYI... The Harry Potter world has been brought forwards a little from the original story in timeline. Currently as it stands the killing of the basilisk happened early in 2014. I love the Wizarding World, so I hope it adds some awesome additions to the story.
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Winter was currently raging in the United Kingdom, frigid winds whipping through massive expanses of natural cliff-faces and flowing hills. Ancient forests stirred and creaked under the frosty weather as soft snow dribbled from the sky peacefully.
Owls hooted and flew through the sky, hunting or delivering messages. Mixed with the nature were massive cities and large villages that echoed with the roars of the automotive industry. Entire cities of hopeful humans and possibly even aliens all working towards a future they knew not, but wish to claim for their progeny or in some cases, themselves.
Flying overhead this mystical, active and vibrant landscape, I couldn't help but sigh in content. As the leader of Australia, officially, I was currently visiting the motherland of the society I ruled. A deluge of responsibility was supposedly placed upon me, to represent Australia, its peoples and obviously the Australian Ministry of Magic. The twitch of my eyebrows could not be helped since the entire talking to from the Minister of Magic, one Alenai Mardook, was rather irksome. The man didn't know how to ask for anything, he simply told people what to do... Artoria had almost cut the man's bollocks off until I stopped her, scaring the utter shit out of the man with a display of Fiendfyre, wandless.
Speaking of my lovely women, Artoria and Yuna were currently with me. Susan was busy tracking down her brother, a task that she was working with Elijah, Hope, Frey and Hayley towards. I had offered her some assistance but she was quick to remind me that I couldn't drop everything just because her brother was stupid. I loved the woman, but damn, she was cold to her brother when she wanted to be... Anyway... Hela wanted some time to adjust to the lack of connection to death, spending some time simply drinking in the sense of community from the Uzumaki Clan and Xavier's School. I had spent some time at the school not but a day ago. The students were good enough but my main goal was spending time with the previous goddess of death. We got closer, somewhat, but ultimately she would need time to herself. Several thousand years of torture was extremely difficult to get over after all.
Now I was about a minute out from landing, a contraption sat upon the marble desk between the lush seats of the private jet. I had been fiddling more with technology of late. Some dabbling into nano-tech, some into droids and their mainframes... The piece of tech on the table however was rather simplistic, mainly designed to attach to normal clothing and keep it heated or cooled as the user wished. Honestly, I was really bored of the slow mode of travel, so I needed something to keep me interested. Unfortunately an air conditioner within the cabin was now utterly removed and scrapped. No doubt Niccolo would have a few words with me over my dalliance in technological scavenging.
The landing warning sounded, a soft bleep amidst the shifting the panels below the plane; the landing gears exiting the inner holds of the craft. Exhaling, watched as the beautiful picture of snow-covered roofs and dimly lit interiors faded away into the visage of a horrid-looking mark of modernism, an airport. Since absorbing Reed's Intelligence I had been capable of appreciating some of the latest architectural accomplishment, but this feeling was snuffed by the lack of any artistic beauty. Every building was stark, bleak and oppressive, monuments to the complete lack of any taste or pride.
With a small bump the Jet landed, my women and I standing as the craft slowly slowed to a stop. Looking outside I noted the amount of media dotted around the exterior, a royal procession waiting just outside the exit. Royal Guard stood with their black hats and red uniforms whilst the SAS stood in the distance, their stealth pitiful for someone like me who could detect emotional auras. All of this was rather droll, or would have been if it had not been for the presence of the Monarch. Queen Elizabeth was waiting for my arrival stalwartly, her handlers holding an umbrella over her head whilst the second held her dogs.
A flare of magic spiked off of Artoria for a moment, my head swivelling to watch her. She was narrowing her eyes in a certain direction before shaking herself from the state and innocently looking at me. "What?"
Grinning a little i scooped her up in my arms, leaning down and meeting her in a deep French kiss. She squirmed slightly under my insistent kiss before pushing off of me and breathing in deeply. "W-what was that for...?"
"I need a reason to kiss my own queen? Or should I call you, king~?" She blushed immediately and struck me lightly, her apocalyptic energy flickering with the 'attack'. 'Cute!'
"N-no! You don't need a reason, but you, could, ask permission...~" Her words fell off in strength as she watched me lick my lips and raise my eyebrows. Needless to say, she went silent from there on, a blush covering her face as Yuna just started cackling off to the side. The evolutionary mutant revelled in the chaos of her entire reaction, whilst poking her ribs teasingly. I enjoyed the scene until the flight attendant tapped me on the shoulder and directed me to the exit hatch. All good things had to come to an end eventually it seems...
Turning and stepping up to the exit I waited as the stairs lowered fully, the procession moving into a formal salute with their firearms, my body being revealed to the entire world through the media that were present. Rubbing my right index finger and thumb together I ensured that my true form now looked like the pinnacle of human beauty, instead of my 'godly' presence; this naturally all occurred before the first video or image was captured.
I stepped out and slowly scanned the crowd before me, stopping on the Queen who looked at me expectantly. Smiling somewhat I confidently strode down the steps. Reaching the bottom I then moved forwards, maintaining a level of poise that could be expected of me. My training as a leader over a span of 1000 years was intoxicatingly helpful here as my very last leader in those 1000 years was Teddy Roosevelt.
"Your Majesty, may I present the Ruler of Australia, Freya Bragisdottir representing the Commonwealth of Australia." A master of ceremonies, clad in a multi-coloured, multi-flagged outfit, announced with practiced formality. Many reporters jotted down notes and ensuring that their cameramen were filming correctly as I approached.
The Queen nodded her head as the Prime Minister stood at her side, the man known as David Cameron sporting a hawkish nose as his perpetually dissatisfied expression gave him a look of practiced austerity, bordering on petulance. Stress had carved itself into his face, his blue eyes heavy with exhaustion, the whole ensemble settling into a rictus of trained stuffiness. His suit was annoyingly pristine, his posture steeped in an almost effortless sleaziness. If it weren't for his position next to the queen I would have thought him a used car salesman... More pictures were taken as Yuna and Artoria stepped up behind me, acting as my secretaries and staff during this visit.
"Your Majesty, It is a pleasure to welcome you to our shores. I trust your journey was comfortable?"
Smiling graciously I inclined my head. "Yes as comfortable as possible... And quite mesmerising given the current weather. I wished I could stare out at this wonderful nation for a greater amount of time, alas, duties push us all to do things we otherwise would wish not to."
The Queen nodded happily, our conversation about to continue before the frog that was the Prime Minister barged in and stuck his greasy hands out. "It is very good to meet you, Your Majesty, my name is David Cameron, you can call me David if you wish." His tone was rather forced and it was obvious he was trying to force the media to make headline about how 'great' of friends we were. It was no wonder that the force sensitives and mutants were hunted down here... The government was run by this asshole.
"Nice to meet you." He frowned a touch upon the abrupt greeting, his hand falling back to his side as I looked to the Queen, the woman completely neutral despite the roaring emotion that coiled below the surface of her massively silver aura. This woman knew diplomacy and discipline more than anyone I had ever seen, it was impressive. More than that, she was pissed at the politician.
She coughed lightly into her hand and gracefully restored our momentarily abandoned conversation from the muck that Cameron had left it in. "I do hope this visit proves both fruitful and enjoyable. May you find the warmest hospitality among us, and may our discussions be of mutual benefit."
"I wish for nothing but the same, Your Majesty. Australia's bond with our mother country remains strong, woven into both our people and our spirit... Though recent actions of the Western world on certain matters have given us pause." The Queen smiled softly before moving off to the side slightly, her security detail closing in and opening the doors to the limousine behind her. She gestured with her hand towards the car, cordially.
"Wonderful, I do hope that we can discuss such matters thoroughly in the near future. It will be most enlightening to obtain a grasp of your perspective. Would you care to accompany me to Buckingham Palace?"
"Naturally, Your Majesty. I greatly anticipate our future discussions." I followed her direction, my ladies following behind me as the Queen was slowly escorted around and into an opposing seat to my own. The Prime Minister was guided to a separate limo, glances from him lingering over the exterior of the Queen's car, a mix of trepidation and queasiness mixing in with his very visible emotional aura.
Within moments we were off and the discussion turned more casual.
"That went far better than I had anticipated, considering our current Prime Minister's rather unfortunate propensity to grandstand, don't you think, Freya?"
The older woman relaxed into her seat, pulling a few cups from a nearby fridge and filling them with a small amount of whiskey before softly sliding them over to me and my companions. I hesitated for a moment, concerned about being improper by drinking when she was not, but my unease was soon brushed aside as she readied herself an orange juice, the security officer off to the side watching us like a hawk.
Taking the glass into my hand, I chuckled. "He's much like a bulldozer. I imagine that you are the one truly maintaining Britain's standing in the grander scheme?"
She faked surprise, her tone surprisingly playful for a monarch. "Whatever do you mean? That is preposterous, especially considering that he was once the sports minister..." She sipped at her juice, hiding a jovial smile that radiated from her aura, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"Haha, I think we'll have very little issues in our chats, Your Majesty."
"In private, please feel no obligation to stick to such burdensome titles," she said with a soft smile, "I tire of hearing them constantly myself."
She placed her glass down as I finished my own beverage, my women slowly becoming more comfortable at the teasing tone of the British Monarch.
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Buckingham Palace, Main Office...
I exhaled slightly as Elizabeth procured a letter from Dumbledore. It seemed the whirly old man was rather influential in the real world also, the letter itself stamped with the crest of Hogwarts and baring the personal signature of the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards.
The Monarch across from me laughed a touch, her hands grasping a cup of tea daintily whilst she watched me open the letter over the rim of her cup.
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Dear Freya Bragisdottir
I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the new representative of Australia to the International Confederation of Wizards. This is a significant role, one that will undoubtedly offer both challenges and opportunities in equal measure, and I have no doubt that you will carry out your duties with the utmost dedication and wisdom.
Australia has long held a unique position within the magical community, and your leadership will only serve to strengthen the bonds between our nations. The international stage is one that demands both discernment and diplomacy, and I am confident that your approach will reflect the values of both your home country and the wider magical world.
Please know that you are not alone in this endeavour. The ICW is a collective body, one where the success of one contributes to the success of all. I look forward to the discussions that will inevitably arise from your presence and hope that your tenure will bring about fruitful collaborations and a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of your people.
At your earliest convenience, please meet me upon the grounds of Hogwarts, preferably within my office, where we can discuss matters at length in a more private setting.
Yours most sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot
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"It seems that Britain's magical community has already taken an interest in you, Freya. Perhaps I should send along a letter declaring that you are not to be harmed? Those wizards do have a rather alarming tendency to ignore danger when it suits them... More's the pity, really."
I stifled a laugh that threatened to spill out, amused by her casual remarks on the wizarding world. Not only was she correct, but she was also right without the full picture that the movies or books would have presented, should they have been published, of course. Her wit and intelligence were a rather relieving sight. It made me feel like I wasn't the only clever one in the room. The room, of course, being Earth in this scenario.
"Perhaps a letter is too much... We wouldn't want them panicking about a royal inquisition into their rather questionable safety standards, or their habits when it comes to magic and bravery."
The Queen held her tea in one hand, her other delicately covering her mouth as a soft giggle escaped her lips. She resembled a teenager in that moment, despite her advanced years. It was truly a wonder how she could maintain such stiff regalness in public, yet be so witty and carefree in private.
"Very well. They shall escape my judgment this time... Though, naturally, they've managed to escape it for far longer, but that is neither here nor there."
"Much appreciated, Elizabeth. Now, to sour the mood, unfortunately..." The Queen's expression quickly shifted, her carefree demeanor slipping away as she assumed the neutral, composed posture of her station. She regarded me quietly from behind her desk.
"The matter of the Mutants, Inhumans, and Force Sensitives... It must be addressed. Australia is currently housing a significant number of them, those who were playing my games, but this does not account for all of them." She remained silent, allowing me space to continue, to clarify further with my words.
"Our fellow nations' actions have left a poor taste in our mouths, so to speak. I, personally, find the detainment of citizens, no matter their powers or proclivities, distasteful. This is the stance Australia has taken as well. As it stands now, our closest ally is the Russian Federation..." The Queen's aura flickered, a brief flash of coldness sweeping through her before warming again. She placed her tea set down and folded her hands comfortably in her lap, her posture now more stoic and carefully composed.
"I understand. Whilst it is impertinent of me to speak so garishly of such topics, I must, indubitably, find myself siding with your, and by extension, your country's perspective on these matters." I stayed silent, feeling that she was going to perhaps expound upon her views more.
"However... This country is no longer a complete monarchy. Whilst I may have influence, and perhaps constitutional power over some matters, I cannot directly countermand the parliament. To do so would be to call for civil war, a scenario not seen since the time of Cromwell."
I exhaled slowly, my gaze meeting hers as she calmly picked up her tea once more.
"If this is the stance of Britain, then why have the wizards not been captured?"
The Queen paused, the tea cup halting just short of her lips. She gently set it back on its saucer, placing it on the mahogany table. With quiet deliberation, she took a small handkerchief and wiped her lips, then set it down beside the now-resting cup.
"I do not make policy or law. That responsibility lies with Parliament. All I know is that they have voted on the rights of Mutants, Inhumans, and Force Sensitives... and decided that they have none."
I opened my mouth to speak again, but she raised a hand to stop me, her eyes soft but firm.
"This matter is fully within my attention, and I have plans to address it. However, that is my business, and the business of the United Kingdom. The duty of a leader is never an easy one, as you well understand. But if change is to be implemented, it must come from those who run the country or government."
"Very well, Your Majesty. I find myself rather fatigued from my travels. If you would permit me, I would like to adjourn our meeting here and procure some rest."
"Quite. I do hope that this discussion has not soured our future communications. If it has, that would be rather... disappointing."
I schooled my features, resisted rolling my eyes and then bowed.
"Of course not, Your Majesty. Now if you will excuse me..." She nodded before I turned and calmly exited the room. My head was working through all of the meanings and hidden information in her words.
She was making a move, for certain. This move seemed to be targeted at the political aspect of the country. Not a coup or a civil war, something more politically minded. 'Perhaps she is supporting the current Prime Minister's opposition?' The thoughts continued to roll into my mind as my women met me just outside of the office, a butler closing the doors behind me and asking for us to follow him.
"Love, what's wrong?" Artoria's tone was rather soft, as if she were trying to negotiate with an unreasonable tiger.
"Ah, nothing my sweet, just politics rearing its ugly head once again." She hugged into me as we walked, Yuna looking around as if she were trying to find something to break or possibly scan... It was a rather endearing quality about her, no matter the situation she found some way to benefit or simply have fun.
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Hogwarts, Gryffindor Male Dormitories...
Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived, sat on his bed reading through his transmutation class's studies whilst Hedwig softly huddled down in sleep upon a perch next his bed. He flinched every now and then as the lightning cracked down in the forbidden forest that lay not that far away.
Ever since he was little he had been afraid of lightning, his uncle's belt making a sound disturbingly similar. The sensation of the leather and metal could still be felt to this day across his body. Despite his best efforts to delve into his learning, it was beaten by the depressing thought that he would have to return to his hateful relatives, to suffer at their hands for his holidays before coming back to Hogwarts.
He hunched over his book and looked out at the drapes that divided his bed from his classmates' beds just a few metres away. Shadows played within their confines and brought shivers to him, the feeling of dampness and death still lingering in his consciousness from his fight with the Basilisk.
"I hope next year is better than this one..."
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