Chapter 27

Harry woke up with a violent gasp. His chest was searing in pain as though fire had been driven straight through him, and perhaps it had. The agonizing pain radiated from the phantom wound, which caused each breath to drag like a knife across his ribs. He tried to move but found iron chains around his arms and neck.

The room he was in was dark, and Harry strained his eyes to try to identify the silhouette further off. The person did not move until Harry let out a grunt of pain. Footsteps echoed in the room, and Harry's eyes, who had adjusted to the darkness, widened upon seeing the visage staring back at him.

"Severus?"

The figure's lips curved into a smile as Harry froze. "Harry, I need you to tell me where the crown is."

"Wh... What crown?!"

"The Water fae Queen's crown," Severus said as he croached down and guided Harry's face towards him. He placed a soft kiss on Harry's temple.

"You've been out for a while, Harry," Severus said as he continued to caress the other's face. "We found Oberon's base, but he won't release you until he gets the crown."

Severus's kisses pressed harder. They were nearly insistent, but Harry turned his face away as panic rose.

"No... no, this isn't right," Harry uttered as he pushed Severus away.

"I know that this can be disorienting for you, but..."

"You're not him," Harry said with conviction. "You're not Severus."

For a moment, it looked like Severus's face rippled. His eyes got harder as Harry continued, "Severus's touch doesn't feel like this. He would never beg me to reveal information, and he certainly doesn't barter. You're not him!" Harry's eyes narrowed as he headbutted the imposter.

The false image of Severus shattered. Oberon stumbled backward, clutching his nose. The Fae's eyes burned with malice as he spat. "Miserable, stubborn mortal,"

From the deepest shadows of the room, a low, rasping chuckle sounded.

Albus Dumbledore stepped forward. Harry could still see the veiny dark lines of Oberon's corruption. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen," Dumbledore taunted. His voice was mocking as he tilted his head while watching Oberon.

"Shut your mouth, old man!" Oberon roared. He whipped around to face the headmaster, and his magic flared slightly. Oberon took a predatory step toward Dumbledore. His voice dropped as he hissed, "Do not dare lecture me on power. You came to me begging on your hands and knees." The fae spat. "You couldn't even gather enough loyal allies. I had higher hopes for you when I chose you."

Dumbledore faltered slightly as Oberon continued. "You had to beg me for minions," he stated. "You had to beg me for allies as your so-called pawns seemed to have their own minds still and will." He sneered. "You are a puppet, Albus. Never forget who holds your strings."

Oberon stepped back. Then he raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The iron door further into the room, 'no dungeon', Harry thought, swung open.

Harry's breath hitched as he saw Ron Weasley walking through the threshold while being flanked by two other prominent members of his own court.

Harry stared at Ron, whose skin had the same black veins as the old Headmaster. He had to squint, as it was still dark, to try and place the two other court members who had marched into the room behind Ron in perfect, terrifying synchronization.

Oberon let out a sharp, mocking laugh while gesturing grandly toward the trio. "You see, Dumbledore? Ron Weasley here showed far more promise than you ever did."

"At least the boy had the competence to get people to follow him. He successfully endorsed himself as Potter's future spouse, swaying hearts right under everyone's noses while you sat in your little cottage." He taunted.

Dumbledore stiffened while Harry stared at them. A cold dread washed over him that far outweighed the agonizing pain in his chest. Harry's heart hammered wildly against his ribs as he realized that his court had been infiltrated long ago. It hit him like a physical blow, and he wheezed as he put all the pieces together.

Meanwhile, back at Slytherin Castle, Severus was worrying so much. He had been pacing the length of the study. His wand was clenched so tightly that sparks leapt from its tip and the curtains nearest caught fire.

"Merlin's beard!" Draco exclaimed as he flicked his wand. A jet of water doused the flames. Severus just glared at the charred edges before resuming his pacing.

"Setting the castle ablaze won't bring Potter back, Uncle Sev," Draco muttered. But before Severus could retort, a sharp pop echoed in the room. Zippy appeared, and she was wringing her hands. Her enormous eyes blinked up at Severus, and her ears twitched nervously.

"Master Severus, sir," Zippy squeaked, "Zippy couldn't help but hear yous saying you need to contact Lady Nimue. Zippy knows a way."

Severus's head snapped toward the small elf so fast Draco was sure he heard a crack. "How would you know how to contact the fae?" He asked.

Zippy straightened slightly as she explained. "House‑elves weren't always like this, sir. Before wizards came, we were elves... like in the old tales. We spoke with trees and rivers. Wizards bound us, made us small, but the old blood still remembers."

"You're telling me you can summon The Lady of the Lake herself?" Draco blinked.

"Zippy can try, sir. Zippy can call to the waters. Nimue listens when her name is spoken by those who still carry the old tongue. It will not be easy, but Zippy thinks she will come."

"If you can bring her here, do it. We need her power if we are to face Oberon." Severus stated.