Shadow Council 130C

*****

The soft rustling of leaves in the evening breeze underscored the tranquil majesty of the Windsor Castle gardens. The gathered Knights of the Realm stood arrayed on the emerald lawns, a constellation of service and duty under the fading golden light of the day. Tables adorned with white linen and silver glimmered faintly, but all attention was fixed on the small dais where Her Majesty the Queen now rose to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Realm,” she began, her voice clear and unwavering despite the open air, “it is a privilege to welcome you to these gardens, a place of peace and reflection. It is fitting that we gather here tonight, beneath the canopy of this shared sky, to honor a tradition as enduring as the stars themselves: the call to serve.”

Her words lingered, as if carried by the evening breeze. “Knighthood has always been both an honor and a responsibility. It is not a reward for deeds past but a promise, a pledge to uphold the values that define our nation: courage, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice.”

Her gaze swept across the assembly, each individual knight standing straighter under her steady attention. “Tonight, we reflect not only on the history of this great order but on the stories that bind us to it. Among these are tales that weave the fabric of our shared heritage, speaking of those who once served the Crown with extraordinary devotion. These figures, the Knights of legend, are remembered not merely for their deeds, but for their unwavering commitment to their charge—despite the challenges, despite the cost.”

The Queen paused, letting her words settle like dew on the gathered assembly. “Though the Knights of legend exist now only in history and myth, their legacy is one we honor through our own acts. For what is knighthood if not the recognition that the extraordinary lies not in power but in purpose?”

Her attention turned briefly to a young man standing near the edge of the assembly. Dressed smartly but modestly, his expression was a mix of humility and resolve. “It is in this spirit that we welcome Sir Harry James Potter to our service. His journey, like all of yours, has been unlike any other, yet it is defined by the same courage, dedication, and selflessness that mark all who stand here.”

She inclined her head slightly toward Harry, her smile subtle yet warm. “Sir Harry, the path before you will demand as much of your heart as it does of your mind, your body, and your soul. But let this evening remind you: you do not walk it alone. You join a fellowship that has stood together through centuries of change and challenge, bound by a shared vow.”

Turning her attention back to the broader assembly, her tone grew firm, carrying the authority of centuries of tradition. “To all Knights of the Realm, warriors, scholars, and artists alike… I remind you that your duty is not to the Crown alone, but to all those who look to you as a beacon of hope. In a world ever-changing, it is your constancy—your service—that will endure.”

She raised her glass, the light of the setting sun catching its surface and casting a fleeting rainbow onto the table beside her. “To the Knights of the Realm: may your courage never waver, your purpose never falter, and your service always inspire.”

The assembled knights raised their glasses in unison, the faint chime of crystal mingling with the sounds of nature. As the Queen’s gaze lingered over the gathering, Harry felt the weight of the moment settle fully upon him. Around him, the other knights stood not just as symbols of history, but as allies in a shared calling—a living legacy of service.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the gathering stood as a testament to the enduring strength of duty, bound together under the watchful eye of their Queen.

*****

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Xander covered his mouth, hiding the laughter he desperately wanted to let out as he took in the green tinged face Harry was sporting.

“I think that speech was supposed to inspire you, not make you upchuck over the garden flowers, mate,” Xander said, his amusement barely in check.

“Easy for you to say,” Harry mumbled as he tried to shake off the feeling of incredible weight the Queen’s words had dropped on his shoulders. “The magical world looking at me like I’m a savior or a demon, depending on which day it is, is hard enough to deal with. I don’t want all this…”

His last words were whispered, more so than the first ones, and plaintive as he looked around the room and realized that everyone was looking back.

Tonks thumped him in the side, pushing some air from his lungs as he grimaced and grabbed at the ‘injury’.

“Buck up, midget,” She told him firmly. “These are the cards you’ve been dealt. Live with them and stop whining, only your friends care and they can’t help you with this. You need to do it yourself, your family, your friends, they’re depending on you. Screw everyone else, yeah?”

Harry glowered at her but Tonks merely smirked unrepentantly back at him until he rolled his eyes and straightened up.

“Yeah,” He said, a little weakly but his tone firming up. “Yeah, I guess that’s so.”

“Damn right it is,” She told him firmly. “You’re The Potter, The Black Regent, the Boy who blocked a killing curse with his damn forehead and didn’t croak it…”

“You’re also not half bad on a broom, and a good wand hand to have on our side in a pinch,” Xander finished for her, seriously stepping closer and dropping a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “You may have to lead the way on this, but we’ve got your back.”

“Speak for yourselves,” Draco said, rolling his eyes. “I’m just here because…”

“Because your mother told you to,” Xander shot him a grin, “We know.”

“Shut it, Harris,” Draco’s hand dipped to where his wand would normally be, but of course it was actually in Xander’s control at the moment so he was left flushed and empty handed as Xander turned away from him.

“Come on, mate,” Xander told Harry. “Time you got on with the hard part of the evening.”

“The… hard part?” Harry asked, slightly horrified.

“Yeah,” Xander grinned, “Mingling.”

“Oh just kill me now,” Harry begged.

“Then we might have to mingle,” Tonks said, grinning as she put a hand over her heart. “Not a chance, midget. Let’s do this, for the families, yeah?”

Harry sighed, but nodded firmly.

“Right.”

For the families.

****