Magic and Monsters

ESKK: Well at last a new chapter now we move on to Zorah Magdaros at last. Now then let's begin this chapter folks.

(Start Council Table Astera)

It was the evening as the main groups had all gathered at the table to discuss their plans to capture the Elder Dragon. So far it seems the group even had the Wizarding Folks as well as they all listened in on the tale. "Gather around, people. We have much to discuss." The Commander said as he looked to the group around him. "All our preparations are complete, and I have all of you to thank for working double time to make it happen." The Commander said not forgetting to let the magical folks how grateful he was for their aid.

"I'm especially impressed with our other world folks and their work with the fifth fleet for hunting the Anjanath despite being new here." The commander said as he looked to Harry and his group. "That's one less misery standing between us and capturing Zorah Magdaros." He said as all eyes fell to the group. "Well done." He praised as Harry blushed a bit as Iris took in the praise like a sponge to water.

Dumbledore was impressed as well as he had seen the Anjanath and was able to id a fearsome beast when he saw one. But what surprised him was also what it involved the Death Eaters were making their way here to this world which meant many of these people were in danger of being drawn into the Second Blood War. But his musing was cut short when Mordred spoke up.

"When will Zorah reach the Great Ravine?" Mordred asked as he looked to the group.

"Precisely at daybreak." The Chief Ecologist said as the Commander nodded in response to this.

"Good let's run through the operation one last time." The commander said as it was time to strategize their plans.

"Our hunters will rendezvous on site with the Wizards and Witches who wish to provide aid." The commander began as he looked to Dumbledore who is offering the services of the Order of the Phoenix hopefully to earn brownie points with Lily and Iris to convince them to come back. "Once the beast appears the operation will commence." He said as in turn Mordred spoke up.

"Two barriers have been constructed in the path of the target. The first barrier is designed to wear it down with cannons, magic, and ballista fire." Mordred said as he showed them the plan treating it like it was a war back in Camelot. "From there we restrain it with Binders but that alone comes with the risk of Zorah breaking through even with the magic warding and transfiguring the barrier to withstand it." Mordred spoke as Dumbledore was informed of the raw power of these Elder Dragons that their very existence bends nature to their will.

"If and when this happens we will mount the Dragon and attack its Magma Cores weakening it further to restrain it at the second barrier." Mordred said as he looked to the group to which the Commander spoke up next.

"We need to hammer it as much as possible with cannons and ballista. They're there for a reason." The Commander said as Dumbledore then added more.

"Coordinated Explosion charms via the Maxima variant should yield better results in weakening it." Dumbledore added to which Mordred agreed to that.

"Field Leaders shall be assigned for this operation and I have taken the liberty of assigning these teams." Mordred said as all eyes fell back to him. "Follow the orders of your field leaders and stick close to each other Zorah Magnaros is still and Elder Dragon thus you must exercise caution." Mordred spoke as he looked to the gathered hunters, wizards, and witches.

"Technicians, make sure you do a final check on the equipment before we begin." The Commander reminded to which Sirius and his boss nodded.

"Yes sir!" The head smith said as he nodded to his old friend.

"Quartermasters, conduct an inventory of our supplies. Researchers, proceed to the Great Ravine with your escort as soon as you're ready." The Commander said as he knew why that is. "We can't bring our quarry back to base, so take what you need and prepare to conduct your research on site." The commander said as the trio nodded.

"Don't worry commander." The Supplies chief responded.

"Everything will be in order." The elven analytics director responded as their dwarven friend nodded as well.

"Keep your ears open your field leaders may have control but I will still be giving orders as the situation unfolds." The Commander said as it was clear Mordred, Dumbledore, and himself were going to be in the command center for this operation giving orders as needed. "May the Sapphire Star Light your way." He said and thus they knew what was next. "Dismissed." The Commander said as in turn they all split up to get ready for their destinies tomorrow.

As everyone began to part ways Mordred approached Harry as he looked ready to talk with Hermione. "Boy." Mordred began as Harry looked and saw Mordred. "I hadn't had time to inform you but for this operation you will a field leader." Mordred said as Harry was wide eyed at this.

"Wait what?!" Harry gaped in shock to what Mordred had just said to him.

"Yes not only will you be responsible for your squad members but also for others and I trust you will be able to handle this." Mordred said putting a hand on Harry's shoulder to show he was putting his trust in Harry making him nervous.

"I won't disappoint." Harry said as Ron then walked in.

"Better not mate." Ron said as he was wearing some armor. "Because the DA plus a few Slytherin's will be joining in." Ron said as Harry was shocked to this.

"Wait you'll still follow me even after what happened last time?" Harry asked to which Neville nodded.

"Of course Harry." Neville said as he kept to some distance from Mordred.

"Wait what?!" Iris was heard as all eyes fell to her as Ginny saw her as well. "I'm not going to work with that red haired slut!" Iris yelled as she pointed and accusing finger at Ginny.

"Like I'd work with a bloody bitch like you!" Ginny countered as it was clear these two still weren't getting along.

"Enough!" Mordred yelled as the two girls looked to him. "You two will work together or you shall not partake in this operation." Mordred warned as Iris was wide eyed by this before agreeing… for now. Mordred sighed to himself before he looked to Iris and Harry knowing a great battle was upon them and had an idea for tomorrow. "All of you head to bed we'll need all of our strength tomorrow." Mordred said knowing full well that the battle to come would be a difficult one.

With that the group agreed but Daphne Greengrass was currently missing right now.

(With Jesper)

Jesper was heading to his lodgings when he came across an oddest of sites at the canteen. He saw one of the witches reading a book similar to the one Hermione now had for a handler. Jesper began to walk torts Daphne curiosity getting the better of him here. "Why are you up so late?" Jesper asked as Daphne saw him with a shock.

"Sorry… I just want to make sure we have all the information needed for Zorah Magnaros." Daphne said as she wanted to be prepared for anything that will get thrown their way in tomorrow's battle.

"I see." Jesper said as he saw the logic in being prepared for such things. "You should get some rest most of the other hunters are already making their way to the operation site." Jesper said knowing full well they all needed their strength for what's to come.

"Yes I suppose your right." Daphne said as she closed the book and stood up.

"Shall I be needed to walk you there?" Jesper asked to which Daphne smiled to him.

"Thank you sir knight." She teased and thus the two headed off to the Astera lodgings. Jesper chuckled agreeing he did look a bit like a Knight with his current armor.

(Meanwhile with Iris)

After Iris had parted for the others she yawned a bit as she went to meet up with her parents. Escorts were the first heading out. After that the main forces would go so they needed to get as much rest as they could for the operation. But as Iris walked she soon caught sight of Dumbledore again as he was leaving the Council Table after talking to her father, the Commander, and the other Astera Quartermasters.

"Ah Iris my girl a pleasant evening to see you." Dumbledore greeted the young Pendragon.

"Hello there." Iris greeted as she looked to Dumbledore. Her mother said she once trusted Dumbledore but she had lost that trust after the situation that nearly lost her Harry. She didn't get anything else but Iris knew this man made a mistake that cost her mother and brother a lot of suffering. "What brings you out this late sir?" Iris asked as she looked to Dumbledore with curiosity.

"Ah well I was meeting with your father, and this bases leader over some final information pertaining to magic and it seems I found myself out later then intended." Dumbledore said as he admired how clearer the stars were from home. "Care to walk with me my dear?" Dumbledore offered with a twinkle to his eye. Dumbledore knew Iris was young and it pained him to manipulate her like this but he had a plan. He wanted to try his hand subtly at convincing Iris to join as a Hogwarts student hopefully if she did Iris would not wish to return to her father. Dumbledore intended to show her some of the wanders of magic in this stroll should she accept his offer. If he played it right it may give him a key to separate her from Mordred.

It didn't escape his notice that Mordred had reclaimed Clarent so it stood to reason he may be at greater risk of reverting to his darker days. Dumbledore intended to avoid Iris being exposed to that at all costs. If Iris chose to change her mind he could use it to convince Lily to come as with Harry, Hermione, and Sirius and leaving no attachments behind to save them from someone as dark as Mordred.

"I guess a short walk wouldn't hurt." Iris said as she and Dumbledore then began to walk through Astera which was preparing for the operation come morning transporting equipment to help set up.

As they walked for a bit Dumbledore broke the ice as he looked to the stars. "I must confess I do not recognized any of these constellations." Dumbledore said as Iris shrugged a bit.

"Meh I only see the Sapphire Star in the distance." Iris said as she looked to Dumbledore.

"Sapphire Star?" Dumbledore asked as Iris nodded.

"Yes it's only like that when its night and when the location is just right." Iris said as she looked to him. "It's what guided some of the first hunters long ago after a great cataclysm hence why we say 'may the Sapphire Star Guide you." Iris said giving Dumbledore a brief history lesson.

"Something new learned about a culture." Dumbledore confessed as he saw the girl was a smart one.

"Yeah learning is fun when it's something actually interesting." Iris agreed as she looked to Dumbledore with a small smile.

"Must be truly a sign of hope to many." Dumbledore said as he admired the Sapphire Star Iris spoke of.

"Yeah it is." Iris said agreeing with the Headmaster on this.

As they walked through Astera it was clear it was still bustling no doubt due to the fact people still needed to get ready for the operation. "Iris I must ask though... is your mother happy here?" Dumbledore asked as he couldn't imagine Lily being happy in a world with these Wyvern's dominating most of it.

"Honestly it's confusing. Mum seems happy but she had this distant look sometimes. I didn't know what it was exactly until, Sirius, Harry, and Hermione arrived." Iris explained as she looked to the Old wizards. "When they arrived save for Harry explaining what his life was like I don't think I've ever seen her that happy before." Iris said as she then jumped up to a ramp spot and walked on it. "I won't lie we all did have a bumpy start, Harry and mum had problems and Harry and my dad couldn't exactly see eye to eye but Harry came around eventually." Iris explained as she walked on the ramp before jumping down.

"I see." Dumbledore said as he paid close attention picking up what he could use and what he could not.

"Dad trained me to hunt since I could hold a sword always said in this world I needed to be strong and I was more than happy to go through with it." Iris said as she regaled to the Headmaster the story of her life. "He always seemed distant though keeping me at arm's length, he still does but not as bad as before." Iris said as she in turn began to walk backwards. "He told me the truth and needless to say it feels like a huge weight got lifted off my head." Iris said while walking backwards.

"Oh did he now?" Dumbledore asked as he paid close attention to what Iris was saying.

"Yeah I kind of felt bad for what we had to do to those two Death Eaters even though one of them tried to..." Iris trailed off but then continued on. "But I understand now we're royalty those two petty psychopaths', they were just in the way." Iris said as the way she spoke was dangerous talk for anyone to speak.

"Iris that is dangerous talk dark talk in fact." Dumbledore said as he looked to the young Pendragon Heiress. "Surely they deserved a chance at redemption to be brought back into the light." Dumbledore said as Iris glared at him for a moment.

"From the stories I heard they didn't accept anything of the sort. If they didn't want to be 'redeemed,' then I have no love loss for those two." Iris said as it added to the fact one of them tried to rape her.

'This is concerning.' Dumbledore thought as he saw the signs as clear as day. Iris was starting to show signals that would suggest her turning to the dark at the right trigger. Mordred may have had a hand in it but he also felt this 'truth,' he told her was due to her being of royal blood.

"Anyway sir." Iris began as she looked to Dumbledore. "Here we are." She said as she gestured to the door to the housing spots. "You may want to rest up we all need to leave soon to make it to the operation point." Iris said as she looked to Dumbledore. Just then Iris noticed something and cursed as she realized it. "Damn my dagger." Iris cursed as she never left home without it. "Mum made it for me." Iris sighed to which Dumbledore had an idea.

"Accio Dagger." Dumbledore said as he had seen the dagger before. In turn from the meeting table the Dagger came flying by to which Iris caught it with ease amazed by that bit of magic.

"Thank you." Iris thanked as she smiled a bit to Dumbledore.

"Yes well I must confess I am a bit saddened that you turned down Hogwarts but I hope you may consider changing your mind someday soon." Dumbledore said to which Iris nodded.

"Yes but I stand by the decision I made." Iris said but she had to admit what Dumbledore did was pretty useful. "Anyway rest up we'll send someone to wake you up when its time." Iris said and thus she took her leave of Dumbledore to let him rest for their operation to capture Zorah Magnaros.

As Iris left Dumbledore noted what she had said about the Death Eaters who had already arrived. Two of them had died and now that she knew her lineage she didn't feel any remorse or sorrow for their deaths. Clearly Iris didn't start acting like this until AFTER Mordred told her of their shared blood lineage. He felt it would be best to keep an eye out and if Iris shows signs of becoming worse he may need to take drastic measures before she goes too far into the dark.

The world need not to beget another Mordred but he feared for the worse. Thus he began to enter his humble room to rest and ponder on the next move. Clearly if they hoped to capture Zorah Magnaros they would need their strength both physical and magical.

(Meanwhile over with Mordred and Lily)

Mordred and Lily were once more in their rooms grabbing what they would need for this operation. Lily made sure she had everything she would need from flares to any slinger pods. She also packed a great deal of Cool Drinks, Potions, and Nulberries. The amount she secured was for the soul purpose of this operation. If they failed to capture Zorah Magnaros here then she counted a lot of injuries and casualties from this event.

Mordred was always prepared but he was here to retrieve something more... sentimental. Mordred had been impressed by Harry's growth and though the boy still had a great deal of anger in him he was beginning to learn control over it. Iris had also impressed him with how much she had grown as well. He knew that at the very least they both deserve this being as come morning they would all be in the thick of it. He then pulled out a bottle of sorts similar to an urn and uncorked it. When he did so he sniffed the contents within basking in the scent that reminded him of his home.

"Mordred." Lily said as she came up and hugged her husband from behind comforting him. Many would ask why she would bed let alone marry someone like Mordred Pendragon. She would even question it but after over year with him followed by the years after sh3esa w Mordred for what he truly was. She saw someone who was once a good man, brave, and noble man broken and cast aside like trash. A champion devoted to a noble goal turned by those who pulled his strings. She saw a good yet broken man who now only knows pain and regret for all that he has done in the past.

Mordred simply looked to her and smiled often times wondering what she saw in him. He was grateful despite his questions for Lily had given him what he desired, a family and love. But now was not the time for musing or reminiscent thoughts now was the time to move for they had a job to do quiet soon.

(Scene Break Early Morning Great Ravine)

The Hunters had all arrived and were preparing for the operation. The First wall had been constructed and the second wall was almost ready. Harry walked around seeing everyone all ready to pull this off as it was clear that this was going to be a huge event. He saw Jesper and Ron working on a massive crossbow while Kira was helping with some of the heavy lifting nearby.

Nearby Iris was with Hermione and Daphne going over the blueprints and plans jotting down what they could do to help the operation. Nearby Remus and Lily were aiding the Acquisitions Division with moving and organizing everything they needed for this as the Wizards and Witches were helping with setting up their defenses and cannons. "Gauh bloody hell!" Ron cried out as he held his thumb when he got it hurt.

Harry acted and took over for Ron as Jesper almost slipped without Ron. "Thank you." Jesper said as he hammered down the staves and tightened the bolts.

"No problem." Harry responded as they got back to work.

Just then Mordred walked in as he cleared his throat. "Granger how goes progress." Mordred asked as he looked to Hermione.

"If we keep up the pace we'll be more than ready before Zorah Magnaros arrives." Hermione confirmed as she looked to Mordred.

"Good." Mordred said showing he was ready as he'll ever be for the operation. "Boy." Mordred spoke getting Harry's attention.

"Kind of busy here." Harry said as he had his wand out to help.

"When your finish there I wish to speak with both you and Iris." Mordred said as he held the bottle he had grabbed from his and Lily's shared room.

"Understood!" Harry called out as he helped out as best he could.

Over by Ron as he was getting his thumb treated as he said, "Bloody hell this isn't good. Doing something important and I mess by my hurting myself, I maybe should not be doing this. I would just be in the way."

"Be in the way of what?" came a familiar voice calling out as Ron turn and saw the Amazon huntress who suddenly picked him up by the back of his shirt as she said, "Hey, put me down you nutter! I don't like this!"

"Hmm to bad I kind of like holding you like this." Kira teased a bit with a toothy grin torts Ron. "I heard you hurt yourself. But it not something to beat yourself over for, I meant someone drop a bolder on their own foot, and got it replace with wooden one and keep on the hunt," Kira said as Ron looked at her as she keep saying, "You'll do fine, just keep your hand out of the way of dangerous things and things will be alright."

"Thanks, I guess," Ron said as Kira give the ginger teen a smile as she said to him, "Not a problem."

"Now could you put me do-" Ron began to say until he stop near the end as he saw Harry and Hermione walking by, going over their part of the operation of capturing Zorah Magnaros while being so close together it almost seem they were holding hands or arm lock with each other as Ron could not help but feel a upset with the look of jealousy is clearly seen on his face.

Kira wonder why he was making that expression as she look over and saw the newly couple as she asked him, "Did something happen between you and your friends?"

"Something like that," Ron said as he his tone of voice is clear of how he felt as Kira figure what it was as she said to him, "You liked her but she picked him over you?"

Ron just looked away after that as Kira got it in one as she said, "There no need to be like that, I mean things don't always go the way you may want them to be, but that how things goes at times."

"How could it not go my way… it just seem thing were just going well for us, and then they vanish for a few months. But when we do found them here they are together and just when we gotten close before this. It looks like we weren't as close as I would have hoped." Ron said as he hope Hermione could have been his one and only but it was too late and she is with his best friend. As she listened to Ron's woes Kira thought of what to do in this situation as she had a thought that she heard from a few people that gotten close and became a couple as well as she said, "Tell you what, how about we both go out together."

"W-what?" Ron question as Kira said, "For a meal, after we deal with Zorah Magnaros, we can go out get something to eat with each other, help you get your mind off of things, my treat."

And with that Ron was taken by that offer as he said to her, "Well… I guess we can both have a meal together."

"Good then, I'll hold you to that," Kira said as she then put Ron back down. Nearby Iris saw what was going on when she was just walking by to find her brother and saw an interesting site with Kira holding Ron which is pretty funny to her, and over heard what they talking about, as she felt a bit of pity for Ron but it seem things were looking up if Kira seem interest to take him out for a meal, as it seem she doing it to cheer him up. But there seem to be a more person reason to it she didn't dare to say to anyone.

(Back with Harry and Jesper)

"Ok we're all good here." Jesper said as Harry nodded to him.

"I'll go let the Commander know." Hermione said as Harry then stretched a bit. Hermione then took her leave and thus Harry deflated a bit as he sat down.

"Nervous?" Jesper asked as he saw Harry and sat next to him.

"Would you believe me if I claimed otherwise?" Harry asked to which Jesper nodded to humor him.

"It's ok to be nervous." Jesper said as he looked to Harry. "I've seen what you can do and see how you'd risk everything for others if that's not the makings of a leader I don't know what is." Jesper said as Harry heard this. "Plus there's her." Jesper said gesturing to Iris who grabbed a firecracker from the twins aimed at Ginny. "She has a lot of faith in you." Jesper said as he saw Iris throw it and caused Ginny to panic a bit. Iris of course laughed at Ginny's misery before the red head retaliated. The Twins had to hold her back and drag her away while Harry sighed to this.

"Bloody Hell she and Ginny may end up killing each other." Harry said hoping Iris wouldn't come to Hogwarts fearing Ginny and Iris would cause a huge fiasco there.

"Cherish her." Jesper said as he looked to Iris.

"Huh?" Harry asked looking over to Jesper.

"Cherish the time you have with her because at the end of the day she is your family." Jesper said with a tone of longing as he missed his own family. His mother, father, and sister... all gone because he was so weak back then.

"What about you?" Harry asked as he looked to the Tom Riddle look-a-like donned in his Anjanath armor. "What about your family?" Harry asked to which Jesper then stood up and began to walk away.

"I don't have any family anymore." Jesper said as Harry heard the tone he used. It was one of loss and rage suggesting his family was lost due to tragedy. "I'll keep an eye on things here you go see Mordred." Jesper said before walking off showing he did not want to talk about it. Opting to respect his choice Harry also made a mental note to keep an eye on him. It could be just a coincidence that he looked like young Tom but Harry also knew never assume things as just a coincidence.

Harry then headed over to Iris who when she saw her brother knew it was time and thus the two headed off to see Mordred.

(Later with Mordred)

"I'm well aware Voldemort will do whatever he must to get to Harry and I shall not allow that to happen." Mordred said as he looked to Remus. For some time the two were discussing Harry's destiny and the Prophesy involved.

"I'm afraid we may not have much of an option Voldemort will do whatever he has to in order to Kill Harry." Remus said but Mordred begged to differ.

"Over a Prophesy I believe." Mordred said as he then glared to Remus. "Then tell your prophesy to leave him be, I do not believe our lives should be dictated by any other but ourselves." Mordred said as he had enough of those damn prophesies to last him several lifetimes.

"If you're willing I'm sure Dumbledore would find an alternative with your aid." Remus offered as he didn't like it either but Mordred begged to differ.

"Then the answer remains as no. I do not trust the supposed leader of the light nor do I believe a world that needs a child to solve their problems should have any right to ask for said aid considering how things were." Mordred said as in his mind Harry has no reason to fight for such people. There is only so far the right thing can go before it becomes pointless. "And I will never bow to someone who would manipulate others as." Mordred began just before Harry and Iris were heard.

"Hey dad!" Iris called out as the two adults saw Harry and Iris approaching.

"Harry Iris." Mordred greeted as Remus saw them.

"Hello pup." Remus greeted as he smiled to the two before looking to Lily's youngest. "I don't believe we have properly met Iris." Remus said as they had met if only briefly.

"No but I know your name Remus." Iris greeted as she smiled to Remus. Remus was happy to meet Lily's second child as he saw a lot of Lily in Iris.

"Moony." Harry greeted with a smile as he saw the Marauder there.

"Ah Harry how are you and Iris getting along?" Remus asked as Iris smiled a bit.

"Quite well actually all things considered." Harry said as he looked to Mordred who nodded off to the side.

"Yeah dad is like that you need to take time getting to know him." Iris smiled as she wasn't exactly daddy's little girl but she was no damsel in distress either. "Anyway I've been meaning to ask how does, Lycanthropy work." Iris said looking to Remus before Mordred glared at her.

"Iris!" Mordred snapped with a scolding tone showing that was not a topic to discuss with Remus.

"No it's quiet alright she's simply curious." Remus said as he saw she wanted to learn but also understood why Mordred scolded her like that. "In simplest terms I was bitten by a Werewolf and he spread his lycanthropy to me. So every full moon I am forced to transform into a... monster who is only docile via Wolfsbane potion." Remus explained as he didn't want to go into detail. "And as much as I'd wish it the effects are... irreversible." Remus said sadly showing he was stuck as a werewolf for the rest of his days.

"Oh... sorry." Iris apologized as she noted the tone used here.

Remus smiled as he patted Iris on the head. "Anyway I must be off if we wish to succeed in this endeavor we will need all hands on deck." Remus said and thus took his leave to prepare for Zorah Magnaros arrival.

Once Remus was gone Mordred looked to the two with a calm look. "Come." Mordred ordered and thus they began to follow Mordred to their destination.

(Later)

The group arrived at the base camp set up for the operation as it was larger than normal. It was basically their medic center to tend to on sight injuries. Once they arrived they got to the canteen part of it and thus Mordred looked to them after he sat down. "Sit." Mordred gestured and thus Harry and Iris sat down across from Mordred. Mordred then took out a bottle and held it almost as a cherished item. "Nimue Wine from the personal Vineyards of Gawain near the land of my birth." Mordred said as he proceeded to open the bottle of wine in question after he basically revealed it was from Camelot.

Mordred then passed the wine over to the two as Harry was the first to take it and gave of a sniff. When he did he gagged at the smell before passing it over to Iris.

"Nimue." Iris repeated as she looked the bottle over after seeing how her brother gagged at the smell.

She then passed the bottle back to her father only for Mordred to push it back to them. "To victory." Mordred said making it clear he was sharing a drink with them.

"Really?" Iris asked while Mordred nodded to them as Harry saw it as well. Curiosity got the better of the girl and she too gave the contents a small whiff. When she did so Iris crunched up her eyes and pulled it away.

"It smelled like rotten eggs... is it still good?" Harry asked as Mordred chuckled to this.

"Should be." Mordred said but it was wine and the more it ages the better it becomes.

"Ok then bottoms up." Iris said as she then took a swing of the drink swallowing it. She nearly let her gag reflex loose as she wasn't used to such drinks. She then passed it over to Harry who realized this was a personal thing for Mordred and thus took his own swing of it. Once he swallowed Harry flinched up a bit after it went down his throat.

Mordred chuckled and took the bottle and downed the whole thing without flinching. Once the bottle was empty he smashed it to the ground where it shattered and thus the three looked to each other. The three shared a moment breathing out after a refreshing drink. Harry had to admit Mordred must have truly trusted him to share such a memento from his past.

"Come we best go." Mordred said but before he could go Iris stopped him.

"Dad... why did you leave your kingdom to come here?" Iris asked stopping Mordred in his tracks. "Did something happen over there?" Harry asked as that had been bothering her for some time.

"Yes." Mordred said being vague as possible knowing Iris didn't need to know that part of his past. "Many people died and I was forced into exile while the Kingdom fell around me before I could be crowned." Mordred said as he looked to the exit of this base camp.

"But you only killed those deserving right?" Iris asked remembering how Mordred had killed one of the Death Eaters and severely harmed Bellatrix.

"Yes." Mordred said as that wasn't exactly a lie just omitting the rest of the truth.

"Ah but who is worthy enough to judge." Came the voice of Dumbledore as they saw him standing at the entrance.

"Pardon sir but I'm quite well sure father and I know better." Iris said to which Dumbledore nodded and sighed.

"Truly sounding more like your father everyday my dear." Dumbledore said which was what he was most afraid of. He didn't think Britain would survive two Dark Lords or heaven forbid four if Mordred continued to remain a part of Harry and Iris' lives. "Any who I was asked to come retrieve you Mordred it seems the Commander wishes for you to help lead this operation." Dumbledore said to which Mordred nodded.

"Very well I shall be there soon." Mordred said and thus Dumbledore nodded and took his leave of them. When he was gone Mordred began to walk but Iris wasn't done.

"You know I think I'm going to like being royalty." Iris said with a smile on her face clearly unaware of the darker aspects of the Pendragon bloodline.

"Should I start calling you your majesty then?" Harry joked to which Iris had a counter.

"If you want to be my servant instead of my knight." Iris countered as the half-siblings shared a laugh while Mordred walked away. But as Mordred walked he could not help but smile at the scene with his daughter and step-son bonding as they are. Mordred's hope was that when he was gone... Harry can watch over Iris even if she is ready to leave the nest or after she already had done so. Next to Lily Iris was his greatest treasure and his hope that she would be the one good thing he leaves in the world.

As Harry and Iris laughed enjoying their siblings company Iris mind began to wonder. She was in fact royalty so with that in mind would it not mean she had more power then she thought. Even more so wouldn't that also mean she had more privileges then others or at least be allowed them as royal blood. She knew she could speak to the Dragons but it made Iris wonder if that was the mark of her royal blood.

As Harry headed off Iris stopped as her mind wondered further. She was royalty so should that not mean her goals took precedence over others desires. What Iris failed to realize was that such thoughts were dangerous thoughts for her to have. It was thoughts like those that lead Mordred down a dark path and some could argue it is the first step to the path of a Dark Lord much like Voldemort. And if Iris was not careful she too would become something dark.

(Scene Break)

Dawn was almost upon them all as they all prepared for what may be the task of their lives. Zorah Magnaros was a massive Elder Dragon so the task of capturing him will not be an easy one. Even more so with the fact Elder Dragons were like a forces of nature which made it impossible to capture one alive. That not factoring in the size of Zorah itself. Needless to say everyone was nervous in some way or form for the battle to come.

Some members of the magical team were nervous as they never thought they would monster hunting. Adding the fact they were trying to capture a creature that was like a force of nature in itself didn't help the matter either.

Others almost seem excited of doing this as it seem they were ready for some sort of action when they got there. As some hope there could have been some Death Eaters but other than the few before none really came

The only one that didn't seem a nervous or excited was Dumbledore. He may have never seen a Dragon or any sort of creature that was as big as a mountain and was a living volcano as well, but the thought didn't seem to faze him.

Mordred saw this and wonder what is up with the old man. He even wonder why he was there in the first place as he wasn't operating a cannon or a turret. Yes he a powerful wizard but he didn't believe he could do much, even with his wand, as he try to keep an eye on him for a bit. Then again Dumbledore could lead the magical forces despite how few of them there was seeing this was originally a rescue mission for them.

Harry and Hermione stood ready of what is to come, as they stood together holding hands as they ready themselves for what's about to come. Iris stood on standby with her bow gun keeping her distance from Ginny. Kira stood at a turret ready herself with Ron standing next to her with his wand, Jasper stood calmly with his weapon ready. Meanwhile every other wizard ready themselves and waiting for Zorah Magnaros to appear curious to what was coming that required an army.

Suddenly everyone's Scoutflies all acted together, as under the near full moon light everyone saw the flies floated up into the air. The scoutflies began to glow blue, and flew down into the Great Ravine and gather around one spot as everyone watch as the scoutflies turn from blue to yellow.

The land suddenly shakes and the area where the flies were at. The ground suddenly rises up as fire and magma came forth, with sounds akin to heavy footsteps or movement. In turn a massive form began to make its way into the Great Ravine. In turn they saw a massive form enter the chasm of the Great Ravine with a body shape akin to a turtle. As it made its way through it was clear to all who saw it that the moment of truth was upon them. The massive Elder Dragon made a roar signaling it arrival as everyone was ready for it. The sun rose glistening off of the massive beast showing this was no Wyvern. This was none other than the target of the research and the intended target of capture. Thus for all who were here the hunt was on as Zorah Magnaros had finally arrived.

(Mordred)

It was time for the Hunters to move out as Mordred glared upon it clenching his fists before looking to the forces below. He had absolute faith Harry would make a fine field leader but he was also ready to jump in should the need arrive for them. Dumbledore was visibly amazed at the massive size of this Elder Dragon. It was a miracle in itself that it had not collapsed under its own weight yet due to its sheer size.

(Lily)

Lily was ready as she knew this was not going to be an easy battle. Then again since when does any task ever have an easy path? She was ready for anything and in turn gave the Elder Dragon a glare knowing it was their time now.

(Harry)

Harry looked to his friends and knew it was now or never and with a nod Iris grinned and in turn the group was ready to move out. Thus without giving any order Harry and his growing crowd of friends charged into the fray. They had a target, they had the means, and they had the goal. Harry had the full intention of making this goal happen because by the next night Zorah Magnaros would be in chains and would be the FIRST Elder Dragon ever captured.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here you go the newest chapter. I hoped you all enjoyed it and leave a review before you leave and until next time I will again say ja-ne.