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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

The Barbarian Wizard

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

This story has been on my hard drive for quite a while. I've been holding off posting it (Due to a heavy story load already) but my sounding board Peter who I originally pitched this to has put his foot down. So here it is!

PS Don't expect frequent updates until I've finished up a few other stories.

Synopsis:

Harry Potter is not a success. A failure as an Auror and with a string of failed relationships he is living proof that money can't buy you happiness. Eventually he finds himself working with George Weasley at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. There he finds himself caught up in a new round of dangerous and deadly events. Now he is a wizard out of time and a long way from home.

Chapter 1

Harry cursed as he awoke to someone pounding on his door.

As he pulled a t-shirt on, he called out, "I'm coming."

When he finally reached the door, he already knew who it was likely to be. And he knew just how pissed off the witch standing outside was going to be. Gathering his courage, he unlocked the door to find just who he expected, Hermione Weasley. He was also spot on regarding her expected level of indignant anger.

Hermione pushed past him in to his flat, "Harry Potter do you know how worried we have all been? You haven't contacted anyone in weeks. Your Floo is disconnected and your bloody mobile is going to voice mail. I half expected to find you dead or in an alcoholic coma!"

Harry winced as he closed the door.

Harry tried to derail his friend's rant, "Hello Hermione, you look well, how many weeks now?"

"Don't think you can change the subject Potter. You can't go on like this," Hermione exclaimed as she looked around the messy room. "This place is filthy Harry. I can't believe you live like this."

Harry prepared himself for another lecture but was surprised when Hermione simply sighed and lowered herself on to his lounge with her hands on her distended belly. "Harry, you really can't go on like this. I ..what the hell have I just sat on!"

The pregnant witch sat up and reached under her bottom to pull out a condom, a used condom. With a shriek she threw it on the floor and banished the offending item before casting a cleaning charm on herself.

"Arghh yuck Harry really?"

Harry shrugged, "I had a guest last night and well I haven't had time to clean up yet."

With a huff Hermione whipped her wand around and cast several household cleaning charms.

Hermione fixed her gaze on Harry and patted the lounge next to her, "I'd ask for a cup of tea, but I am afraid of catching something. Why Harry?"

Harry sat next to his oldest female friend. "Why not, it's not like I've got anything else to do besides spend money."

Hermione reached over and took Harry's hand, "I understand that you are still upset about the Auror training. It was unjust to kick you off the course after what happened. Ron told me that the truth has come out. Now you could go back and resume the training."

"Why? I hated it. I only went because I thought I should and because Ron was so desperate to go. Yes, I was and still am pissed off about being sacked on the word of that…woman. That doesn't mean I want to go back to be the Auror's poster boy."

That woman was Tracy Davis. She had accused Harry of sexually molesting her after he turned down her advances. Given his high profile the Chief Auror had kicked him out of the Auror training program, citing his inappropriate behaviour as the reason. The first to react was Ginny who immediately dumped him.

Harry's other friends had been furious at the shabby treatment. Ron had vowed to prove his friend's innocence and had indeed been pivotal in proving that Davis had made the story up to punish Harry's lack of interest. There had however been no offer from the Chief Auror for Harry to return to his third and last year of Auror training. Nor had he gotten back together with Ginny. Not that he was complaining.

In the months following his abrupt departure he had gone on a few benders and basically drifted around spending the money had inherited from his parents and Sirius. It had been fun for a while, but he had found his new lifestyle had its pitfalls. Chief among those had been his slow, downward spiral into what Hermione would probably call depression. If he had to describe it, Harry would call it a feeling of purposelessness.

Hermione gave his hand a squeeze, "Come to dinner tonight please. Ron has been worried, and George has been threatening to come here and hex you."

Harry was about to beg off until he saw the genuine concern in his friend's eyes, "Okay what time?"

Hermione smiled, "Six will be fine, so how about that cup of tea now?"

"Sure," replied Harry.

Hermione stood and turned to ward Harry's bedroom, "I'm just going to use the loo."

Harry nodded absently as he prepared a teapot before realising what Hermione had said.

"Oh, bloody hell."

A red-faced Hermione reappeared, "Harry there is a naked woman passed out on your bed!"

"Err," was all he managed before mount Hermione exploded.

"Harry how could you use a young woman like this?"

""Well it's…."

"So what, you got drunk and…I'm very …"

""Hermione, she was the one that seduced me not the other way around."

Hermione looked ready to launch into another round before pausing and taking a deep breath. "Fine Harry, you are an adult and from what I could see so is your friend. I should leave you two alone. You should thank your lucky starts I talked Molly out of coming over." Hermione half turned as she apparated, presumably back to her house."

"Who was that?" asked Astoria Greengrass as she walked naked out of Harry's room.

"Hermione," replied Harry.

"Thank goodness I was face down then," replied Astoria with a musical laugh. "Last thing I need is Hermione taking points. On that note, I had better get going. Daphne won't say anything but if mother or father found out, yeech they would go ballistic with the formal betrothal being announced in the next few weeks."

Harry grinned as he studied the beautiful blond, "I know Stori, but there is a part of me that would love to see Draco's face if he found out your last fling was with me."

oOoOoOo

Weasley House Old Cleeve - West Somerset

Ron Weasley was sipping a fire whiskey in the lounge room of his small house listening to Hermione bustling about as she prepared dinner. He had offered to help but had been told to leave.

With Hermione nearly eight months pregnant he was growing increasingly worried about her. She insisted on not only running the house but also studying feverishly to finish her university course work before the academic term finished. He had to smile at the mental picture of Hermione reading as she stirred a pot on the stove. She had wanted to get a muggle….non-magical degree in psychology before going on to healer studies in the magical world. It was all planned out and he sometimes had to stop and shake his head at just how organised she was. He was immensely proud of her.

A loud chime sounded as the fireplace blazed with green flames allowing Harry Potter to step into the lounge room.

"Harry, you're early," said Ron as he stood to greet his visitor.

Harry smiled as he dusted ash off his shirt. "Yeah well, your other half scared off my….friend, and quite honestly I was afraid of what might happen if I was late."

Ron gave Harry a rueful shrug. "Don't take it personally mate. It's the hor…."

Ron trained off at the sight of his pregnant wife standing in the doorway with her arm crossed. "You had better not have been about to say hormones Ronald."

"I err no darling of course not I was talking about….um," Ron looked over to Harry for help.

Harry laughed, "Ron, the only word I can think of the sounds plausible is whores. Somehow I don't think it will help."

Ron stared at his friend, aghast at his betrayal.

Hermione turned away from her gaping husband and walked over to hug Harry, "Harry, I'm glad you came."

Dinner was excellent, and as the evening progressed Harry found himself relaxing. Ron and Hermione were as always excellent company, friends with whom he needed no pretence. Unfortunately, it appeared that he had failed to notice the band warming up so when the music started it had caught him off guard.

"So Harry, did you know George was looking for help?" asked Hermione.

Harry took another sip of his wine before answering, "I thought Lee Jordan and Angelina were helping him out?"

Ron shook his head, "Angelina is pregnant and even George isn't crazy enough to want his pregnant wife working in that madhouse. Lee is essentially running the store, while George does all the inventing."

"Oh well, I'm sure George will work it out. There are lots of Hogwarts graduates that would love to work there." Harry took another slice of apple crumble and spooned on some cream before looking up. Hermione was looking at him in exasperation while Ron gave him a half smile.

"What?"

"Harry, he wants to know if you would like a job. You're already a part owner even if you don't agree that you are," Hermione knew that her friend refused to acknowledge the debt. She also knew that George Weasley would never forget it.

"Why me, I'm not an inventor?"

Ron waved dismissing Harry's concerns. "You are a powerful wizard Harry and George needs help with some of his projects. You should think about it mate."

Harry made a non-committal response and Hermione changed the subject.

oOoOoOo

Harry truly wondered if he had been hit by the Imperius or a confundus charm. After leaving the Weasley's house, he had gone home with no intention of actually seeing George about a job. Yet here he was, standing outside a still closed Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Summoning up an enthusiastic look, he raised his hand to knock on the door when it swung open.

George Weasley reached out to pull Harry into the shop, "Harrykins, come in don't mind the boxes we are doing a bit of a stocktake."

Harry almost stumbled as George let go of his arm, "I knew you would come. Hang on I'll let Angelina know you are here," George turned to the stairs leading up to his flat and called out. "Oi Ange Harry's here."

Harry tried to get George's attention, "George, I'm not sure what Ron…."

He was interrupted by Angelina's appearance on the stairs. "Hello Harry, I am so chuffed you decided to help out. Now I'm in the pudding club, George is becoming annoyingly vigilant."

Harry was about to protest when he realised that if he now begged off helping, he would end up having two pregnant witches very, very annoyed with him. "That's fine Angelina, you look great by the way, glowing."

Angelina raised an eyebrow, "When did you become a flatterer?"

Harry just grinned.

After Angelina retreated back upstairs, George led Harry out the back into his workroom. The large well-lit space was cluttered but very clean. There was an entire case of potion ingredients next to several cauldrons on one wall. On the other side on the room was a marble workbench empty save for what looked like a disassembled clock.

George pulled out two stools and waited for Harry to take a seat.

"Harry, I know you have been pushed to be here, but I could really use your help with a specific project," he pointed at the 'clock' on the workbench.

Harry studied the device for a moment. It looked vaguely familiar to something he had seen before. "Is that a bloody time turner?"

George looked smug, "Yes Harrykins, it is."

"Bloody hell George they are illegal, very illegal."

George handed Harry a piece of parchment that had a ministry seal affixed to it. Harry quickly read through the short letter from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Basically, George had been contracted by the new head of the DMLE to produce items 'of use to DMLE Aurors and other operatives.'

Harry shook his head in amazement, "Wow, quite the coup for a joke shop but what about the time turner?"

"Part of my price Harry. You see after Hermione told me about using the time turned to save Sirius, I had an idea for what I'm calling a timed emergency portkey. As you know a portkey still takes time to transit you to your destination. My idea is to have a portkey that has a built-in time turned to remove the effect. In theory it takes a set amount of time to travel via a portkey. Once you know that number you build in the time turner that cancels out the travel time. You could transport an injured person almost instantly but best of all I think it would also smooth out the trip. No spinning through the portkey vortex. I pitched it to the DMLE, and they jumped at it."

Harry shook his head in wonder at how George's mind worked, "Sounds like a really innovative idea but I'm not sure where I fit in."

George pointed at the device on his workbench, "Ah well that is the rub. I can't get the portkey spell to graft to the time turner. Something about it interferes with the spell taking. Originally, I thought the enchanted glass or the sand were the problem so I bought an Italian made mechanical portkey. Then I spoke to a few researchers and even an unspeakable from the ministry. They suggest that it would take a powerful wizard and that is where you figure Harrykins. I need you to create the portkey. Once that is done, I can use the permanency charms. If we can get that to work, setting the destination to St Mungo's is the easy part."

"I'm not that powerful George," argued Harry.

George shook his head, "You've got more power available than me Harry."

Harry was about to raise another argument when he saw the desperation on George's face, "Okay, so how do we do this?"

With a wide smile George pulled out a piece of parchment and began walking Harry through his ideas.

oOoOoOo

Harry bucked on his dragon hide armour before walking out to the middle of the field. It wasn't that he didn't trust the theory it was just a precaution. If it all worked as planned, he would create the portkey and activate the time turner. He should appear in the field outside the Burrow after less than one second of elapsed time.

The trouble was that they really didn't know how much power Harry would have to 'push' to have the portkey creation spell 'stick' to the time turner. Once the experiment was done George would do the Arithmancy to work out the distance and time range variables. Harry would potentially need to cast the portkey spell several times to get the power level correct.

Harry pulled out a small mirror and called George. The red head soon appeared in the tiny mirror. "All set Harry?"

"Ready, I going to start now," reported Harry before shoving the mirror in his pocket.

Harry set the time turner down and cast 'Portus' on the device as he pictured the destination field.

Nothing

Trying again he poured a bit more power into the spell.

Still nothing.

Three more attempts had little visible effect. Unfortunately, there was something happening.

At the heart of the enchanted mechanism there was a single tear drop shaped piece of lead. The purpose of the lead was to act as a magical circuit breaker of sorts. If the time turner was 'overpowered' the magic was channelled into the lead where the magically inert metal absorbed it. The Italian company that made the precision magical device had created this as a failsafe should some fool try to do exactly what Harry was attempting. As Harry tried again and again to get his magic to stick, the small piece of lead began to heat up and soften.

"One more time," Harry muttered as he poured magic into the spell.

The lead had softened enough that it changed shape allowing power to flow unimpeded through the mechanism.

The explosion of blinding white light was seen for miles.

oOoOoOo

Harry hit the ground hard and rolled down an embankment before ending up in a water filled ditch. Once he stopped seeing stars, he dragged himself to his feet. The water in the ditch wasn't deep and thankfully it looked to be rainwater. Still wet was wet. Reaching for his sheathed wand he realised it wasn't there. He had been holding it before activating the portkey.

Looking around the ditch he didn't see his wand anywhere. So, odds were, he had lost it when he hit the ground. With a fair bit of protest from what had to be newly forming bruises, he clambered back up the fairly step bank on the side of the ditch even as he checked the ground for his lost wand. Thank Merlin, he now wore contacts rather than glasses.

It was easy to see where he had impacted the soft earth. It was also easy to see that he had obviously landed well away from the Burrow. It looked like open farmland although he could see some smoke in the distance. With a sigh he began a methodical search. It took nearly ten minutes to find his wand and he was deeply relieved to see it was still intact. He searched for another thirty minutes but failed to find the time turner. He tried Accio'ing the damn thing, but nothing happened. It was probably still back in the field.

"Right, now to find Weasley and curse his bollocks off," muttered Harry as he pictured the Burrow in his head and apparated.

The crack of apparition was still echoing when he appeared on the edge of the ditch.

"What the bleeding hell was that?"

Harry tried again only to appear back where he was. It wasn't anti-apparition wards, or he wouldn't have been able to apparate at all.

Harry concentrated on the Burrow and cast the point me spell. "Point me the Burrow."

His wand spun listlessly until he ended the spell. Something was not right, even if he was miles off course, he should have been able to verify the direction.

Okay, thought Harry time for plan B. Picturing his flat he attempted to apparate home only to have the spell fail this time. Something had gone badly wrong. For apparition not to work he must be out of range. Could the bloody device have shunted him to France or somewhere else in Europe?

Sheathing his wand, he turned back to the plume of smoke in the distance, over the crest of the next hill. There was a rough path headed in the same direction so with a resigned sigh he used his wand to dry himself off and began walking. Wherever he was it certainly was visited by someone, if the prints in the dirt were any indication.

Cresting the hill, he paused in surprise. Not a half mile distant there was a forest. Not a stretch of woodland, but an honest-to-God forest. The smoke was rising from a small rudely built hut under the eaves of the forest.

Harry had a good look around but there was no one in sight so he apparated to the hut.

The round hut appeared to be constructed from wattle and daub with a thatch roof. From a distance, it had looked crude, but he had to admit up close it was rather rustic but appeared to be well made. It was also quite obviously some sort of hunter's cabin, if the animal skins drying on racks were indicative.

Harry raised his voice and called out, "Hello, um anybody home?"

He was answered by silence, so he cautiously walked around the hut until he came to a doorway hung with what looked like deer skins. "Hello?"

Harry cautiously moved the furs aside to peer inside. The single room was hazy with smoke and appeared to be unoccupied. Although someone was certainly staying here as the fire was neatly laid and well alight. Not feeling comfortable nosing about someone else's possessions, he simply let the furs drop back into place. Apparently, he was too far away to apparate back to anywhere he knew well enough. There was little else he could do but wait for the huts owner to return and give him directions.

There was a tree stump near the hut, so he sat on the ground with his back to the stump and settled down to wait.

oOoOoOo

Sawyl readjusted the boar's carcass slung over his shoulder to relieve his aching back before grabbing his hunting spear, bow and quiver from where they leaned against a tree. He wasn't far from home and in his younger days he would have carried a large boar home without having to pause and rest. A wry smile curled his lips as he began walking again. He could remember his father complaining about his back and how he and his brothers had mocked him. It appeared that time was going to give his father his long overdue revenge.

The sun was starting to get low in the sky as his feet were following the well-worn path to his hut. He was walking through the clearing around his home when something made him pause. Looking around he saw almost immediately what had given him pause. There was a young man sleeping with his back to an old tree stump.

He lived almost a full day's walk from his ancestor's village, so it was rare for him to see a visitor here and even rarer for it to be a stranger. The young man didn't stir, so Sawyl hung the boar from the iron hook on his skinning tree before hefting his spear and cautiously approaching the sleeping man.

He was dressed in some sort of leather tunic and breeches with odd hard shoes and unlike most of the men in his village he was clean shaven. He was also unarmed. Was he lost or was this something more dangerous like a scout for another tribe or a thief?

Harry sensed someone standing over him and opened his eyes to see a man with a heavy beard and a filthy shirt leaning over him. Somewhat worryingly he was holding a long spear, "Er hello?"

Sawyl shook his head, not understanding the boy's tongue. What language was this? Thanks to living near the coast, Sawyl spoke a little Latin and Greek and this sounded very different.

Harry could see the lack of recognition in the expression on the bearded man's face. He was also starting to develop any number of unpleasant theories around just how far from Devon the portkey had dumped him. He could cast a translation spell but wasn't keen to do so while the man held a spear. That was another worrying point. Who still used spears to hunt? Was this some sort of weird, back to nature survivalist?

The man spoke again gesturing with his left hand to the east.

"Okay bugger this," whispered Harry. He could always obliviate the man afterwards. Pulling his wand slowly, to avoid startling the spearman he quickly cast an Auror translation spell, "Reddo orator lingua."

The spell was used extensively by Aurors when dealing with foreign wizards. It had one big draw back. It was tiring to keep running as it was continuously drawing on the casters magic to power the translation.

Sawyl stepped back as the young man reached into his sleeve to draw out a stick. After waving the stick around and speaking in his strange tongue there was a strange feeling like when a storm was building. After a moment the feeling faded, and the young man smiled.

"Can you understand me now?"

Sawyl to a step back in surprise realising what he had felt was real, "You are a druid!"

oOoOo

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Warning - Mentions of slavery and historically typical violence.

Year of the Consulship of Lentulus and Philippus (56 BCE)

"A druid…what…no I'm not," replied Harry with a frown. The Reconstituted Ancient Order of Druids were a bunch of twits who were constantly and ineffectually lobbying the Ministry for their 'ancient rights' to be restored. Mainly they wanted certain potions decriminalised so that they could 'alter their perceptions'.

"I saw you cast your magic. We had a druid that visited my people for decades. Ludd the Lame's magic felt like yours," explained Sawyl.

"Your people are?" prompted Harry.

"I am of the Remi who hold these lands," replied Sawyl with pride.

Harry wasn't a history buff, but he had once done a project on Julius Caesar and had compiled a list of the different tribes of ancient Gaul. He had a sinking suspicion that the Remi were Gallic … . The trouble was that meant he was in bloody France. So, if this wasn't a bad dream or some sort of Weasley prank, then he was in deep fucking trouble.

"Are you well?" asked Sawyl as Harry paled.

"No…well, I'm a bit further from home than I had anticipated. Could you direct me to the nearest town?" Harry asked. He was hoping he was given directions to a nice modern town.

"The closest town is a day south of here. A fishing village on the river," explained Sawyl as he pointed off to the south.

Harry could work with that, "Right, thank you."

Sawyl watched, confused as the Druid stalked off into the bushes. All the while muttering to himself. It was rather odd, but one did not question Druids as they went about their business.

Meanwhile, Harry made his way south until he could see a hill in the distance. He studied it carefully before picturing it in his mind. The three D's, Destination, Determination, and Deliberation.

With a crack that startled birds to flight he was gone.

oOoOo

It took several hours but he finally had what looked like a large village in sight. It was built on the river and had several wooden jetties. The entire village had a nearly eight-foot-high wooden fence around it. The other thing he noticed was that it was deserted.

"Okay, so a deserted village. That's not bloody ominous, is it?" Harry asked himself as tried to decide on a next step.

Then he heard it. A vibration more than a noise. Turning he looked west and saw something that shattered any hope that this was simply a rustic part of the countryside.

It was an army.

A Roman army. That had just crested a hill and was marching in his direction.

He stood there, stunned watching the impossible, unsure what to do.

As it turned out he waited too long.

oOoOo

Harry grimaced but resisted the urge to grimace as he was escorted (dragged and prodded by weapons) by a bunch of Roman legionaries. Their destination seemed to be a large tent.

'Why didn't I just apparate?' Harry mused as he was pushed to his knees outside the tent. Of course, he still could but he had never tried to apparate with a sword poking him in his back. 'A better question is why did I try and talk to the bloody mounted scouts?' Harry thought with some annoyance as he waited.

Thank God that he had managed a translation spell before he was 'captured'.

"In," ordered the man behind him. "And mind your manners!"

Harry almost replied before rising slowly to his feet and walking into the tent.

A man in his early forties, wearing roman armour, was looking over what appeared to be an odd-looking map. He turned, and Harry bit back a shocked exclamation. He had a pretty good idea who he was facing.

"You may go Atticus," ordered Gaius Julius Caesar with a wave to Harry's guard.

"Sir," replied the man behind Harry as he turned and left.

Caesar studied him for a moment before sighing, "My scouts suspect that you are a Gallic scout. I for one doubt it, considering how you were caught. So, if you are not, who are you?"

Harry was still trying to process that the man in front of him looked exactly like the statues of Caesar…hell, he WAS Caesar. That meant that, despite his hope of some sort of delusion, he was in ancient times.

He realised that Caesar was staring at him with evident curiosity.

"Right," muttered Harry. "Bugger this for a game of soldiers." He concentrated and turned sharply as he apparated.

Only to move two feet to his right.

Much to Harry's surprise, Caesar simply raised an eyebrow. "My tent is thoroughly warded young wizard. Well, this is quite interesting." Caesar said conversationally as he took a few steps to sit down on a stool. He waved for Harry to take a seat on the much plainer stool nearby. "You are not the first wizard we have encountered. Magi, sorcerers, druids, we have faced them all and thus take precautions. Although you are the first that I've seen not using a staff as your foci."

Caesar looked toward the tents opening and waved away whoever was there. "So, I will ask again, who are you?"

"Harry Potter," replied Harry as he watched Caesar cautiously.

"Hmmm…and are you an enemy, Harry the Potter?"

Now it was Harry's turn to raise an eyebrow, "Does anyone ever say yes?"

Caesar's lips quirked up into a smile, "Not often, no. I think you are not my enemy Harry the Potter. But it might be wise for me to treat you as one."

Harry tensed slightly, his hand tightening around his still hidden wand. "I'm not your enemy, Hell, I've never seen a Roman before."

"And yet you speak Latin fluently," replied Caesar.

Harry suddenly realised just how deep in the hole he really was. He had no money, job, home or allies and he was trapped in bloody France in Roman times WITH no way to get home that he could think of. "I learned it magically," he admitted.

"Governor?"

Caesar turned slightly to study a man in the doorway. Harry looked to see a swarthy middle-aged man in a red robe in the doorway. Then he noticed the staff.

"Ah Lucius, Harry this is Lucius Barbillus one of my medicus vulnerarius," seeing Harry's blank look, Caesar explained further. "A surgeon or physician in the legions. He is also an accomplished wizard. Lucius, this is Harry the Potter."

"Just Harry Potter will do…ah, Sir…General?"

Caesar smiled, seemingly amused. "Just Caesar will do in private."

Lucius Barbillus studied Harry with a raised eyebrow, "A wizard, then I greet you, Harry Potter. An odd name, Gremani is it?"

Harry could see Caesar watching him. "No, British or Britannica…um, ish?"

"Ah…a Druid?" Lucius asked with some interest.

Harry shook his head, "No…it's a long, complicated and I assure you unbelievable story. Gods…I've lived it and I don't believe it."

Lucius studied him, "I suppose it must be. Your dress alone is intriguing. Dragon skin, I assume although I cannot place your tunic and boots. What wood was your foci?"

"Holly and Phoenix feather," replied Harry. There wasn't a lot to be gained from lying. He slowly pulled it out. It appeared that Lucius was rather surprised.

"May I see it?" He must have sensed Harry's reluctance because he quickly continued. "I simply wish to examine it."

Harry handed his wand over with a nod.

Lucius studied it and then said something under his breath. He then scrutinised the wand closely before handing it back. "Amazing, I've not seen a foci so small before. I can see the advantage of it for fine work but I'm not sure how well it serves on a battlefield."

"It served me well enough in my adventures," Harry replied with a touch of asperity. After all he was talking about his wand.

"Potters have adventures?" Caesar asked with a smile.

"I'm not a Potter, that's my family name," seeing their confusion he tried to explain. He'd read something about Roman names, years ago. What was it? Three names. First name, family name and the third name, something to identify them among families that often shared names. "Ah my praenomen is Harry, my nomen is Potter."

"Ah," said Caesar. "What then is your profession, Harry?"

This was a rather difficult question to answer. He was pretty damn sure that Aurors did not exist. "I was training as a dark wizard catcher."

Caesar looked rather puzzled, but Lucius had a grim expression on his face.

"Lucius?" questioned Caesar with a raised eyebrow.

Lucius shook his head, "Among those who practice magic some turn to dark and forbidden things. Those of us that do not tread that path make a point of avoiding them. A very few like Harry here, hunt them down. It is an honourable profession and a rather dangerous one. What of your master?"

Right, how the hell to manage that question? Harry decided to answer somewhat truthfully…from a certain point of view. "He died, killed to protect me."

Lucius frowned, "And how did you arrive here?"

"A fellow wizard had me testing a transportation spell. One that was meant to cancel out travel time. It failed or perhaps worked to well. I ended up arriving well before I had left."

Lucius and Caesar were looking at him oddly.

"How long before you left?" Lucius asked after a few moments.

Harry grimaced, "Well before I was born."

oOoOo

They had taken it rather well.

Caesar had confined him to a tent, as a guest. Although he had been fed. Some hardboiled eggs and some sort of stew. It wasn't too bad, and he had been rather hungry. He sat on the hard camp bed and waited. He wasn't sure what the Romans would do but if it came down to it, he'd risk trying to fight his way free.

"Harry?"

Somehow, he had missed the arrival of Lucius.

Harry studied the wizard, but the older man's expression wasn't giving anything away.

"Come quickly, the General wishes to speak with you."

Harry got up and followed Lucius back to the large tent in the centre of the camp. All around them were soldiers, servants (Harry assumed that they were slaves but had no way of telling) and others that looked like Gauls. He had not expected it to be so busy but then again what had he expected?

The two guards announced them, and they were quickly ushered in.

"Ah, thank you Lucius Barbillus. I wish to talk to Harry alone."

Lucius bowed and left the tent, not even glancing at Harry.

"You Harry have presented me with a thorny problem," Caesar waved him to the same stool he had sat on before.

Harry sat, careful to keep his eye on Caesar.

"You are a man from the future," Caesar stopped and smiled wryly at him. "Oh, yes, I believe you. Barbillus assures me that such a thing is possible. Even if he knows of no way to replicate it. I am a hard man to lie to, being both a military man and a politician. I trust my own judgement that you are telling us most of the truth. Of course, you are omitting things. I understand that. It was a rather wise decision…given the temptation that you present."

Harry could feel himself sweating. Why the hell had he not listened when Hermione had told him all the things not to do when she had used that bloody time turner!

"I don't doubt that you have knowledge of the future. My future, the future of Rome," he trailed off as he looked out the tents entrance. "I once lived for some months in the kingdom of Bithynia. The king, Nicomedes was an old man at the time but a good ally to the Senate and the people of Rome. In truth, he was a decent man and rather good host. During my time there he introduced me to a Greek philosopher named Dimodes. I had many interesting conversations with the man before he returned to Athens. One in particular was about the dangers of foretelling the future."

Harry was wondering where this was going but stayed silent.

"That worthy man argued that knowing the future could be disastrous. He gave the story of a man who had a prophecy given to him that he would die because of his son. The man followed the same wisdom as Kronos, killing each of his sons at birth. After killing his third son, his wife poisoned him for killing her children. He created the circumstances which led to the prophecy being fulfilled. The lesson is, I suppose that knowing the future is dangerous."

"I was told the same thing. That changes, even little ones, might have consequences that are hard to predict," admitted Harry before he shook his head. "I was also prophesied to die. I'm still here and the other man is not. So, yes, I agree that relying on anything I say is a st…a bad idea. Because the minute you change anything, say attacking this town instead of that town. Well, now everything I knew is wrong. Things are different and every change, including me being here, means what I knew in my future is now wrong."

Caesar nodded slowly, "That is my conclusion as well."

Harry relaxed, slightly. It still felt …dangerous. "Although I personally think some aspects of the future sucked. So who knows?"

Caesar sighed, "I will not ask Harry. I will let my life and fate play out."

Harry had to admit that the man was not stupid. "I won't say I can't help. Little warnings, don't have the fish, don't travel by boat, avoid senate meetings in March. They might save you some…inconvenience."

"Wise and Lucius tells me you are powerful as wizards measure such things. Have you considered your future?"

Harry shook his head ruefully, "I am between jobs right now."

Caesar looked away again, "I believe that Lucius could use an assistant. Do you know anything about the healing arts?"

Harry shrugged, "A little that I picked up here and there."

"Then you had best speak to him about it," said Caesar with a flick of his fingers toward the door.

oOoOo

Harry honestly didn't know why he simply didn't leave.

Lucius was a decent chap, serious as hell, but decent enough. Sharing a tent with the man though was a pain in the arse!

It seemed that the man was on call day and night. Just like during Auror training, accidents happened. Even in camp accidents happened. He had assisted Lucius during several procedures and once he had shown that he could heal minor injuries and had a decent idea of basic first aid (he had no idea what the Romans called it) he was assigned to the medicus vulnerarius.

He served there for almost six months before Lucius was visited by a fellow wizard and medical man named Gaius Lesbinus. Gaius was the son of a freedman who had achieved Roman citizenship. Gaius was given a good education and studied magic and medicine under the same teacher as Lucius. He was a short jovial man who had served many years 'under the eagles' before retiring to write and study in his villa near Rome.

Gaius was, Lucius assured Harry, a well-educated wizard who might offer him new avenues to research regarding his dilemma. Gaius was more than willing to take Harry into his household.

Harry had warily approached Caesar who had agreed, paid Harry a stipend for his work. Harry had found that Romans were sticklers for such things. He had also given Harry a scroll that recorded that Harry was now a Roman Citizen.

It was an amazing gift although Caesar had waved off his thanks. He had saved Roman lives. That was enough to earn him Caesar's thanks.

oOoOo

Rome was NOTHING like Harry had expected.

For starters it stank. Really stank. It was pervasive and foul, and Harry was immensely thankful when Gaius explained that his Villa was well outside Rome itself.

But he had gritted his teeth and put up with it for the two days they stayed in a small set of rooms Gaius owned in the city.

Harry spent some of his money on buying new clothes (tailoring was well worth the cost) and ensuring that he had a few togas and tunics for formal occasions. It was on his way back to the apartments that he made one of his best-ever purchases.

Intellectually he had known about slavery. But the institution of slavery and the plight of most of the slaves was something no number of books or movies could prepare you for.

He had watched, disgusted and angry, as women, men, boys and girls were sold. Having had enough he turned to leave when a woman clutching the terrified hand of a young girl was dragged forward.

Her skin colouring was a bit darker the hair too, but her eyes were chocolate brown, and her face was the same shape as Hermione's. The woman was pulled away from her child and cried out, only to be struck by one of the slavers. Harry's wand was in his hand before common sense prevailed.

He walked forward, pushing rudely to the front.

"How much?"

The slaver said a price. Harry didn't even haggle.

"And the girl," he said as he counted out the coins.

"Not for sale, she's for the brothels. They pay well for girls."

Harry resisted the urge to curse the slaver, barely.

"I'll double what you'll get," he promised.

Once again Harry paid the price quoted and a few minutes later was leaning on a wall watching the woman hugging her daughter.

"Dominus, thank you," said the woman her eyes downcast.

Harry knew that freeing her, without funds, a home or any immediate plans was not really a good idea. She was clearly Greek or something like it and spoke Latin well enough…perhaps when they were out of Rome.

"What are your names?"

"I am named Cassandra, Dominus. This is my daughter, Penelope."

"My name is Harry. I am pleased to meet you ladies. Now we had best get you off the street so that we can have a proper talk."

Cassandra nodded and took Penelope's hand. She looked terrified and flinched when Harry moved too close. For a moment he wished he had cursed all the slavers.

"I promise you will not be hurt," he said quietly.

Penelope looked a bit less terrified, but Cassandra looked unconvinced.

As they walked, Harry got the odd look but the two 'slaves' were ignored. Cassandra was beautiful but her stained smock was dirty and stained and Penelope's was little more than a sack.

When they returned to the rooms, Gaius was not home so Harry sat the two slaves down in his room. There was only a low stool, so Harry gestured for them to sit on the bed. Cassandra flinched and looked at the floor.

"Dominus, she is too young, I will see to your needs but I…"

Harry suddenly realised what Cassandra was saying…and his mind connected a few dots. Cassandra had been walking stiffly, sore and…gods they had raped her. And she expected him to do the same. His hands curled into fists as he stood.

Only to stop when Cassandra cried out. He took a deep breath.

"I meant what I said, you will come to no harm from me. I was angry that you had been mistreated. Now I insist you rest. I will make arrangements for you and arrange new clothes."

oOoOo

Gaius appeared and was at first amused and then shaking his head with a sad and knowing look. "You are not the first to object to the treatment some house slaves are subjected to. Nor the first to do as you have done. I will not argue against your act for one should not gainsay mercy and kindness. You will need servants to help once we reach my Villa. I only keep a few. So, their inclusion is no burden."

"I don't want damn slaves. I want to free them!" Harry exclaimed with more than a bit of frustration.

Gaius held up a hand, "I understand Harry. But here in the city is not wise. They would likely end up slaves again, in short order. We can see to their needs and talk more at the Villa."

When Gaius and his small household relocated, they had a third wagon. The driver had two passengers. Both dressed as slaves but well-dressed ones. A not uncommon sight with household slaves of the wealthy. Since arriving Harry had discovered that while the vast majority of slaves led miserable lives not all of them had terrible lives. Indeed, some favoured household slaves lived better lives than some of the freeborn poor. Some masters and mistresses considered slaves an extension of their family, albeit a lesser part, and ensured that they received decent care.

A spectator looking closer might wonder at the bemused look on the woman's face.

oOoOo

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

Cassandra had been surprised by the clothes and the doll for Penelope. Before her father and husband had died, she had her own slaves. She had always treated them well. After all they lived in the same house. Why would she be cruel? But there was still a barrier between slave and master. No matter how valuable a slave, they were still property. Few masters would buy a child slave a doll and few would send a female healer to her to see to her health. Harry and Gaius had explained that slaves were not mistreated in their household. That her body was her own.

She didn't believe it.

Men could be beasts and slaves had no rights.

But she would do her best to protect Penelope.

The villa was on a hill overlooking a green valley and a winding river. There were orchards and goats grazing.

The villa's staff were lined up outside the gates waiting for their master's return.

Felix, the freedman in charge of the Villa's staff, pulled Cassandra aside and explained that her room was to be next to the master's new student. Her daughter would stay with her. Her duties were to be allocated by Master Harry and so she should talk to him about them. Finally, he had made it clear that the household was small and that he would tolerate no foolish fighting or troublemaking.

She had nodded and the older man had looked pleased. "Master Gaius is a kind man and a healer, so nobody is mistreated here and only punished when it is deserved." He lowered his voice slightly. "I was once his slave and secretary. The Domina, Julia, died in an accident when he was away. He has not and likely will not marry again. Nor does he take any of the household to his bed. So, no need to fear that from the Dominus. Although I cannot speak of the master's student."

"He has not touched me or my daughter," said Cassandra.

"Then you are indeed lucky. Now you had best go and change into work clothes, my girl. Dinner will be in two hours and the staff eat beforehand, can't have us salivating like dogs as we feed the master, can we?" He laughed merrily and left her blinking after him in surprise.

The meal was simple, as was what they served the masters. It seemed that Gaius and Harry had little desire for grand foods. The cook, Leta, a rotund woman of Hispanic stock, had explained that Gaius and Harry were both ex-military and such men usually preferred plain food most days.

"But why is ours so good?" Cassandra had become accustomed to poor food and little enough of that. A meal where she could eat her fill and contained meat, in this case well-roasted lamb, was almost unbelievable.

The cook looked her over, eyes sad. "Ah, my girl, I see you have had a rough go of it. Don't fret, the Dominus is a good man. Fair and even-handed. And I don't doubt Harry is the same. If he abuses the household, well the Dominus will see him off."

Cassandra had put Penelope to bed, which was another glaring change. The beds were proper beds with well-stuffed mattresses. One adult-sized and one slightly smaller for Penelope. She had found herself shaking her head. Slaves usually slept on straw or if lucky in a shared room. A room to share with her daughter was not just unexpected it was shocking. With a final check on Penelope, she went to check what Harry required. She was still half expecting to be told to warm his bed.

Harry was sitting at a writing desk waiting for her.

"Please Cassandra, sit," he waited until she sat in the offered wooden chair.

"I will not keep you long as I am sure you are tired. I had not planned to buy you and I don't really want a slave, much less two. So, I will make a deal with you. Serve me, as my personal servant, for a year and I will free you. Penelope as well. I am more than happy to keep you on as paid servants and see to both your educations. Regardless, a year from now, I will free you. If I die, I will also make that a part of my will. I do not do this to entice you to my bed, but because I hate slavery and when I saw you…for a moment, you looked like a very good friend of mine."

Cassandra was struck dumb.

What could she say to that?

"Thank you, Dominus" she whispered.

"You are welcome," replied Harry with what looked like a sad smile.

Cassandra went back to her room in shock. What was happening, why was this Harry trying so hard to win her over? She lay awake for a long time considering before sleep overtook her.

oOoOo

Harry and Gaius ate breakfast and then retired to a large airy study.

Gaius sighed happily as he sat, "I confess that I love this room. The light, the breeze and the view of the valley. I find it relaxing."

Harry had to agree the room had a very nice view down the valley.

"I understand that you are in a difficult position. Foreign wizards are rare in Rome and not overly trusted. But Lucius made it clear that you are quite skilled magically and in particular with healing," said Gaius with a smile. "Caesar did you a great favour by granting you the citizenship. It will grant you protection."

"I'm by no means a healer," Harry pointed out. Although he had learned to access wounds and injuries and many of the basics, such as bandaging and stitching wounds from Lucius.

Gaius waved that away, "By your people's standards perhaps. For Lucius to approve of you means a lot. That you are also a wizard hunter is irrelevant. That is something you do occasionally, good healers are needed all the time. Lucius sent you my way because he knew that I need a helper." The Roman looked pleased as he pointed to the pile of notes and herbs littering his desk. "I have started writing a work on medicinal herbs and I shall, no doubt, have less time to see people. That is where you come in."

"I see," replied Harry.

"Oh, don't pout," said Gaius with a laugh. "I'm not talking about you doing everything. Just the day-to-day visits. You help me with my regulars, and I'll help you educate you on being Roman."

"Well, I do need a job," said Harry with a shrug. "And I'm sure I'll make mistakes fitting in."

Gaius smiled slightly, "Well, I think the Gods love you, Harry. You come to the attention of Lucius and manage to impress him. You buy a random slave, and she turns out to be an educated woman. Your instincts have served you well."

"An educated woman?" Harry asked, slightly puzzled.

"You didn't know?" Gaius asked. "I spoke to her for some time this morning before breakfast. Cassandra is the daughter and wife of merchants. It is not so rare for her to be taught to read and do basic sums. Many Roman merchants do the same. My sister all but ran my father's household after my mother died. As for Cassandra, sadly, both her husband and father died leaving debts unpaid." He sighed and shook his head, "She was sold into slavery to settle those debts. Well, the good news is that I am not a man that mistreats my household and I doubt you are. She and Penelope will be safe here and if you are thinking of freeing them, she will have a place here."

Harry was faintly surprised by his perceptiveness. "I spoke to her about it, and she seemed to find it difficult to believe."

"Can you blame her?" Gaius asked with some amusement. "Give her time to see that things can get better. I suspect her skills will be of use to you."

oOoOo

Harry began doing the rounds with Gaius. He was a well-known local healer and so he was in demand. Seeing him at work allowed Harry to take in the vast differences between his old life and the new. Many of the locals were farmers, although there were a few wealthy Romans that lived on nearby estates. Gaius had made it clear that most maintained these homes as holiday spots.

The first emergency happened when Gaius was away, seeing to a broken leg. A breathless slave appeared at the villa, having run from the home of his master. It appeared that his master's daughter had been injured when she fell and struck her head.

Harry had gathered his healers kit and had Gaius's servants harness a cart and make a fast trip to the country villa of Titus Pomponius Atticus.

The nearly two-year-old girl, Attica, was fitting when Harry arrived. The girl's mother was hysterical as she held the shaking girl, and the father was pale and clearly trying to be stoic and strong for his wife. She had a clear head injury, a lump that was bleeding profusely despite the slave holding a cloth to the little girl's wound.

"You are not Gaius!" said the husband.

"I am his partner," said Harry with a nod. "Now how long ago did this happen?"

"Nearly four hours ago," replied Atticus.

"Has she been fitting…shaking the whole time?" Harry asked as he carefully checked the girl over.

"N…no," replied the mother. "It started a little while after."

Harry was not a healer, by his people's standards. But here he would be considered an expert. "She has injured her head, which is obvious. But what we cannot see is that she is bleeding inside the head. I can save her, but I ask that the slaves leave us. The…ritual is a secret."

Atticus studied him for a moment before waving the servants out.

Harry drew his wand and closed his eyes for a moment envisioning what he needed to achieve. Lucius had taught him that magic was not about gestures and incantations. It was about intent and power.

He pointed his wand and released a wave of healing power.

oOoOo

Harry awoke laying on a plain but comfortable bed. He sat up and saw a young man sitting in a chair. The man shot up and said something about getting his master.

A few minutes later Atticus entered, a smile on his face. "Ah, awake I see." The older man shook his head as he studied Harry.

"Attica?" Harry asked as he stood.

"Sleeping in her mother's arms."

Harry nodded, relieved.

"You have done us a great service Magi."

Harry didn't respond verbally, simply inclining his head.

"Come, I don't doubt you are hungry, and I would speak with you," he led Harry out into a garden where a table was positioned under a shady tree. Several slaves hustled about setting the table with food.

Atticus picked up a grape and popped it in his mouth, all the while studying Harry. After swallowing he smiled, "When I lived in Athens, I used to walk the city and on one such walk, I met a magi named Leonis. He grew to be a friend and I spent many hours discussing his abilities. He had been a warrior in his youth, a mercenary. He had many tales, which he shared. Some were about his abilities and those of other Magi he knew. It is a rare gift, so Leonis tells me. And that those gifted enough to use their powers for more than simple things were even rarer. Which is why I suspect both you and Gaius are careful to not garner too much attention."

Harry studied Atticus in return. He looked to be in his early to middle forties and was a man who was clearly smart and well educated. "I trained for a while under Lucius Barbillus. He instructed me to be careful as there was little love or even tolerance for Magi."

"Ah, a military healer. That explains much. Lucius is quite well known for his skills. He's been serving the legions for decades. Although I would argue that healers are always welcomed by the wise. Particularly those that served in the military." Atticus smiled wryly, "I'm given to understand that is because they actually know what they are doing."

Harry shrugged, "Perhaps, I am glad I was able to help Attica."

They enjoyed a light meal and then Harry graciously accepted a heavy bag of silver denarii before Atticus had two of his slaves escort Harry home. The slaves were quiet until they were about to leave. The elder of the two offered Harry a deep bow.

"You have the thanks of our household; the little mistress is a treasure."

"It was my pleasure. Have a safe journey back."

oOoOo

Gaius didn't return for two days. There had been a fire at a nearby farm and Gaius had been busy treating the farm family. On his return, he had been pleased with Harry and even more pleased with the payment.

"That is a significant amount, Harry. A thousand silver denarii are well over a year's pay for a centurion. Not bad for a barbarian wizard!" Gaius explained with a laugh.

Harry smiled and shook his head.

It was a good start and Atticus turned out to be an excellent word-of-mouth referrer. Within the month they had new clients. Including several upper-class Romans, friends of Atticus.

Gaius was overjoyed and he began to allow Harry to take over all but the most complicated cases. Surprisingly Harry found himself enjoying the job. Life was simple at the villa and had a pleasant, welcome routine.

After two months Cassandra had cautiously approached him. "Dominus, may I talk to you?"

Harry, who had been reading a work by a Roman named Gaius Valgius Rufus on medicinal plants, set it aside. "Of course, what do you need."

"I…I would like to help you," replied Cassandra. "With your work."

"You are helping," replied Harry truthfully. Cassandra ensured that Harry didn't have to worry about the domestic side of things. She saw to it that his clothes were clean, that he was organised.

"I mean with your healing, Dominus."

Harry studied Cassandra carefully. Her hair was clean and neatly tied back and she looked far healthier and happier than when he had first seen her. "In Rome there are few female healers that aren't midwives. Something that Gaius and I do little of. I am sure that we could find someone to…"

Cassandra shook her head, "I mean assisting you. I already look after your tools and help with your accounts. Can I do more?"

Harry had not expected this, "You know that I am a healer and a magus?"

Cassandra nodded, "I do, I know of the Magi…my grandfather had the gift."

"Really?" Harry asked in some surprise. This was doubly unexpected. "Have you ever had anything happen around you, something that you couldn't explain?"

Cassandra looked surprised by the question. "No, I don't think so Dominus."

"Magic is in the blood, Cassandra. It is entirely possible that you or Penelope inherited that from your grandfather. But we will look at that later, for now, I will think on it."

"Thank you, Dominus!"

Once Cassandra had left Harry found himself looking out the window, considering her request. She might be a witch, but Harry doubted it. Regardless, she was an intelligent young woman and at twenty-six years old she was certainly capable of assisting him. The question was if she would be accepted. Rome was as far as possible from an equal society. Women had few rights and even the high-born had little control over their own lives. Their fathers or husbands controlled them and there were few that gained any autonomy.

Feeling like escaping his room to consider the offer, he stood and walked to the door, and out into the large peristyle garden. The continuous porch with its simple columns was shady and bordered a garden planted with a variety of medicinal herbs as well a few magical plants. He quite liked the garden; it was peaceful and freshly scented.

"Dominus! Watch out for the red beetles."

Harry turned to see Penelope and Lucretia. Lucretia was the slave who looked after the peristyle garden. She was a Latin woman of middle years and had a true gift for plants.

"Red beetles?"

Penelope ran over and pointed at one of the flowering plants. Harry bent over and laughed. Ladybugs, the plant had half a dozen red and black ladybugs on it. In fact, there were quite a few on the path as well. It was the first time he had seen them in the garden.

"Ah, I see them now. They are very pretty Penelope," he said with mock seriousness.

Lucretia knelt down by Penelope, "I call them red lions, because they hunt the smaller insects that feed on the plants. So, we don't tread on them because they help the plants grow."

"They don't look like lions," said Penelope.

"No? I suppose that they look too pretty but they are hunters. She peered at the plant and then lifted a leaf gently. "And there is their prey. The little green ones…too many of these and the plant will wither and get sick."

Harry watched with a smile on his face. Penelope was a sweet girl and a smart one.

"Thank you for telling me. I would hate to see the garden suffer because of my big feet," said Harry.

Penelope smiled and went back to watching the beetles. "They are our friends in the garden. Like spiders that catch flies!"

Harry grinned and watched the girl potter about in the garden beds.

"She is a good girl, Dominus," said Lucretia with a smile on her tanned face.

"She is," replied Harry. "I hope she can…"

Harry and Lucretia turned at Penelope's scream. The young girl was looking at one of the doorways and had spotted a figure with a bloodied sword standing over the slumped body of Felix. A second figure with a club followed the first into the garden and was advancing toward Penelope.

Harry didn't hesitate. His wand was in his hand as he stunned the swordsman and then turned his attention to the second man.

The large man yelled something in a language Harry didn't recognise and charged him. A moment later he joined his companion on the ground.

Lucretia was shaking in fear and had pulled Penelope into her arms. "W_what shall we do Dominus?"

Harry frowned, the two invaders may not be alone and charging off might get Penelope and Lucretia killed. "Stay behind me, I'll keep you safe."

Harry moved toward a door into the villa and paused at the sight of Gaius being punched as he was held by another man. Two other thugs stood by laughing and a third…this one with a staff glared at Harry's friend and mentor.

Nobody saw Harry in the doorway, and he took advantage of that, stunning the man holding Gaius. As the man fell, the others turned, and he stunned one of the other thugs.

"Get him!" screamed the man with the staff as he raised it to point at Harry.

Harry sent a stunner at the man, but he missed when the thug moved faster than he had thought possible. He didn't even have time to curse as the knife slashed toward his neck. Somehow, he managed to avoid the attack and acting on instinct he fired a blasting curse at his attacker.

The thug's head exploded like a dropped watermelon and his headless body crashed to the floor. Behind him, someone, possibly Penelope screamed. He continued moving, trying to line up the staff bearer.

Then he almost screamed as he was struck by a cutting curse. He fired off a curse in retaliation but the figure with the staff shielded himself. The figure then jabbed his staff toward Harry, forcing him to shield himself and those behind him from the spell.

Ignoring his injury, he sent a stunner toward the magi and followed up with a cutting curse. He would have to win and quickly. Stunners were off the table now with a child in the room.

His opponent sent another spell at him, and he blocked it causing a shower of red and yellow sparks. As he prepared to respond, the staff stabbed out again and a snake appeared. The man smiled evilly at him as he gestured the conjured snake forward.

"Well, that was a mistake dickhead," Harry muttered as he looked down at the snake and hissed. "Hello, can I ask you to whip around and bite the idiot behind you?"

The snake froze in place. "A speaker! Of course, master!"

The snake whipped around and bit the foot of the magi.

"No, I…arghh," the magi tried to scream but it was more of a moan as he fell to the floor and began to shake.

Harry transfigured a fallen cup into a mouse and stunned it before rewarding the snake with a meal before banishing both creatures.

Everyone was looking at him in shock as he turned back to the household.

oOoOo

"A dark magus was leading these bandits," mused Gaius as he shared a goblet of wine with Harry. "That is rather odd."

"It was effective. If I had not been in the garden, he might have killed everyone," Harry replied, his expression and tone grim.

"True my friend. I thank you for my life and those of our household. I have never been much use in a fight."

Working together, Harry and Gaius had managed to save Felix and treat the others injured in the bandit attack.

That night the household ignored protocol and ate together even as guards were set as well as messengers sent to others living nearby.

It turned out that another villa had been attacked but the bandits had made a terrible error for it had belonged to an equestrian military man turned advocate, whose family and friends had been staying overnight to celebrate his victory in a large case in the courts and his son being appointed a Tribune of the soldiers. The bandits had not expected the unarmed guests to resist and had been killed. Although the son had been quite badly injured and Gaius and Harry had made their way, come daylight to treat the man.

The slave leading the way and acting as an escort was quite concerned about his master's son.

"Marcus Curius is a brave man and was wounded killing the bandits that attempted to stab his father."

Marcus was a rather handsome young man with quite a serious stomach wound. His father, Marcus Curius senior, knew Gaius well and greeted Gaius and Harry at the door alongside his panicked steward.

"Gaius! Thank the Gods. Young Marcus is in his room."

The wound was bad and both Gaius and Harry knew that magic would be needed to save the young man.

oOoOo

They managed to save Marcus. But that opened a whole other can of worms.

The elder Marcus was a decent man for a lawyer. But his calculating expression when Harry used magic on his son had Harry itching to wipe the Roman's memory. Although to his relief the Roman seemed to let the matter drop, perhaps out of gratitude.

Gaius and Harry had been pleased with the generous payment offered and had returned home, tired, pleased and in Harry's case somewhat relieved.

The villa was returning to some sort of order, although Felix was still confined to bed. The surviving bandits had been secured and Gaius had announced that he had sent word to his friend Quintus, a retired legion officer of equestrian rank. Said Quintus arrived before midday with an escort of ten armed men. He was a short, stocky man of middle years with tanned skin and thinning brown hair. He clapped hands with Gaius and when introduced to Harry he had laughed and repeated his greeting with Harry.

"Ha, one of the medicus vulnerarius! I'll share a cup with you in thanks for all your brothers that patched me up in the field!" He did just that as his hard-faced and professional men took their prisoners into their custody.

"What will happen with them?" Harry asked as their shared a second cup of wine.

Quintus grinned, showing that he had several missing teeth. Harry hid a smile as his gap-toothed grin made him look like an overgrown naughty schoolboy. "Oh, don't worry Harry. I'll take them to the local magistrates, and they can deal with the scum all nice and legal."

"Good," muttered Harry.

"You must come over for dinner one night soon Quintus, bring the Julias so we have something pretty to look at."

Quintus laughed as he nodded, "I will, Julia will be pleased that you called her pretty."

Gaius shrugged, "She is a good woman and an excellent mother."

"Far too good for me and I thank the household goods daily that her father gave her to me. Two stout sons and two daughters. The boys and Julia Major are all married now. Just my Julia and little Julia left at home now."

Gaius shook his head, "You wait, they'll all come around with their children come summer and you will be as happy as a pig in shit."

Quintus toasted Gaius, "Too true. In fact, Julia wanted me to ask if you would look in on Gallia, her slave, next time you can. She had a little boy a month or two ago and hasn't really been right since."

Gaius became serious as he slipped into what Harry called his 'Doctor' mode. "I will come tomorrow and see what can be done."

Quintus seemed pleased, "Thank you, Gaius. She has been with Julia since she was a girl, and we would hate to lose her."

Harry always found it hard to reconcile the Romans and their attitude to slaves. They could look on slaves as little more than cattle and yet fret when a favourite was ill.

Quintus finished his wine and made his farewells, almost marching off as he called orders to his men. Harry realised that they were likely veterans of the legions.

That night the household was almost back to normal.

The evening meal had seen Gaius thanking his household for their work and bravery. Each slave was given a handful of silver coins as a treat, and he once again promised that their diligence would be remembered.

By the time Harry returned to his room, he was more than a bit tipsy. The wine was usually well-watered but tonight it had not and while not the best wine it packed a punch.

"Dominus?"

Harry turned and had to stop himself from swaying.

Cassandra studied him an odd look on her face, "Do you need help, Dominus?"

Harry sighed, "Cassandra, I wish that you would call me Harry when we are alone. You know that I don't consider you a slave."

For once she didn't look away from him, "I am a slave, and you are my owner. I…I understand that you would wish it otherwise but for now, it is safe. The house here is a good place and Penelope is thriving." She took a deep breath and stepped closer. "You saved her, in the garden."

Harry nodded, slightly disconcerted by her sudden intensity.

"She is all that I have and once more you have saved her."

"I did what any…" his explanation was cut off by Cassandra who rushed forward and kissed him.

"What!" managed Harry.

She shook her head and grabbed his hand, tugging him toward his room. "Come on Dominus."

"You don't have to do this," he tried to explain.

"Of course, I don't. I want to!"

Harry was moving again before his brain caught up. "Hey, hold on."

Cassandra kept pulling him along.

Harry was now only a few steps from his room and while he was quite appreciative of forceful women, this felt wrong.

"Cassandra, stop…please."

Cassandra stopped, let go of his hand and averted her eyes. "My apologies Dominus."

Great, now he felt like a shit.

"Cassandra, please don't do that. I am trying to do the right thing."

"Yes, Dominus."

"Oh for fuc…look if we were not in this situation I would have happily jumped into bed with you. I made a promise to you, and I meant it. You are safe here; Penelope is safe here and that includes safe from me."

Cassandra was looking at him now.

"If you want to have sex because you want to. That is fine. But not because you think you owe me."

Cassandra studied him carefully, a thoughtful frown on her face. "You are a strange man."

"I hope so," Harry admitted with a smile.

"You do not want me to share your bed?"

"Not tonight," replied Harry.

He lay awake for hours before finally drifting off, trying hard not to think of soft lips on his.

oOoOo

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

There were repercussions from the bandit raid. Not the least being that Gaius and Harry were visited by the local magistrate, one Marcus Servilius.

He was a middle-aged man with thinning blond hair and a serious demeanour.

"You did well to capture that lot, Gaius. They have been raiding isolated villas for several months, staying one step ahead of the hunters. They had even been reported to the senate."

"We only did our duty and protected the household," Gaius answered with a nod.

He gave Gaius and Harry a long look, "I served in the legions in the east. Saw a lot while I was there. Meet a man with…abilities. A good man who was a great friend to the legions. He told me of the eastern magi and of those among his fellows that were evil. So, when I put them to questioning, I knew what to ask. They revealed that they were led by a pair of brothers, both of whom were dark magi." He studied Gaius and Harry for a moment from beneath his bushy eyebrows. "From what they say, you Harry are a foreign magus."

Gaius frowned as he replied, "Is that an accusation, Marcus Servilius?"

Marcus looked confused for a moment before waving his hand as if dismissing the question. "Jupiter no, I want your help to hunt down the other."

Harry had not been expecting that and took a few seconds to reply, "Um, well I have dealt with dark wiz…magi before."

"Excellent," replied Marcus with a pleased nod. "From those captured, we have a general location and I have gathered up a few veterans and some volunteers. We have more than a few that live in the area."

"How many bandits?" Harry asked.

"They say ten and the magi of course."

Harry considered then shrugged his shoulders, "I can handle one magus if you can help keep me from being stuck full of swords."

"Good, then we had better move our arses. No telling where the scum will run to if they get wind that we are after them."

oOoOo

Less than a half hour later Harry found himself standing outside the villa with a worried Gaius.

"Be careful my friend," warned a concerned Gaius.

"I will be. This is what I trained to do back home and although I hadn't really expected to be doing it again so soon."

"Dominus?"

Harry and Gaius turned to see Felix, who was holding a belt with a sheath and long knife.

"Ah, thank you Felix," Gaius took the knife and handed it to Harry. "This was mine when I served. It served me well."

Harry let Gaius and Felix fasten it around his waist.

Marcus was calling out orders and Harry quickly said his farewells and walked over to the magistrate. As he reached him, he realised that the man standing next to Marcus was someone he knew, Marcus Curius.

The older man had a gladius on his belt and wore what looked like a heavy leather vest. He nodded to Harry and then went back to listening to Marcus.

The march to the bandit hideout took most of the day and the light was starting to fade when they reached the line of rocky hills.

"Do you think you can get in by yourself?" Marcus Servilius asked quietly.

They had approached as closely as they could and could see the fires burning in the clearing between the two hills. As far as they could determine there was just the one lookout. A man sitting with his back to a rock, who looked to be asleep or at least dozing.

"I can get in," Harry promised him. "The problem is that I don't know what magical defences are in the area. So, when you hear a commotion…"

Marcus grinned, "We will charge in and rescue you."

Harry disillusioned himself and apparated onto the hilltop next to the guard and stunned him at point-blank range. He then took the opportunity to study the bandit camp. Six…no, seven tents. He could see eight men, sitting around the fire drinking wine and eating. That meant a couple were missing or the prisoners had lied.

None of the men looked like a wizard but Harry knew that meant nothing. He watched for a few more moments and was just about to apparate into the camp when a figure in odd clothes exited one of the tents. The figure had a staff.

"Game time," whispered Harry.

He apparated on the other side of the tents and carefully made his way to where the wizard was talking to the seated men. When he could see the wizard clearly, he paused and tried to make out what they were saying.

"…tell them not to drink too much, Larius."

The seated man grunted and gestured with a chicken leg, "You worry too much. They'll never find our campsite without our sentry seeing them."

The wizard looked less than happy but nodded and turned to walk off. Harry raised his wand and aimed but before he could fire off a spell the wizard turned back to the seated man.

"We will leave in the morning. My brother and his men are overdue and may have been captured. Our mission is to find any magi and bring them to my master. He will not be pleased if we fail."

"Pfft, so what? If he is stupid enough to get captured our contact among the slave traders will ensure we know when and where to find and free our friends."

The wizard stiffened and his expression darkened, "We cannot risk exposure you fool! The Master would roast you alive if you upset his plans."

"I don't give a shit about your master. I'm in this for the loot."

"Then don't forget that my master promises rich rewards for good service."

The mercenary/bandit made a dismissive gesture and the wizard turned back to his tent.

Harry sent a stunner toward the wizard and was astonished that the wizard somehow avoided the spell. Harry moved as he cast, which saved him from the spell cast at him.

The seated men were now rising, and Harry sent an explosive hex at them. The blast might not kill them, but it blasted them off their feet and alerted his allies. The spell had its desired effect, but it cost Harry. He narrowly avoided getting gutted by what looked like a cutting curse. As it was it opened what felt like a nasty cut on his hip.

Harry grunted in pain and countered with a stunner. The hit had cancelled his disillusionment and he didn't bother casting it again. Instead, he shielded himself and managed to block the next curse sent his way before sending a cutting curse of his own at his opponent.

The spell connected with what looked like some sort of basic shield centred around the wizard's staff and there was a flash of light. The wizard stumbled back with a look of shock on his face. Harry didn't pause and sent a brace of stunners followed by an explosive curse aimed at the wizards' feet.

He had expected the man to counter but instead, his opponent didn't seem to react instead raising his staff like a shield. The explosive curse struck between his feet and blasted the wizard backward over twenty feet, slamming him into a large rock.

Harry turned to check on his other opponents but found them motionless on the ground or rolling around and groaning.

The 'Cavalry' arrived, and the living were quickly tied up. Three were dead, two bandits and the wizard. Harry had cursed when he had found that he had broken the wizard's neck.

"Damn it," he muttered before informing Marcus of what he had heard in the bandit camp.

"I don't like the sound of that," mused Marcus Servilius who had been listening to Harry's report.

Marcus Curius was shaking his head, "Nor do I. Who was this master they claim to serve? I may be wrong, but it does not sound like a bandit captain."

"Agreed," Marcus Servilius replied as he watched one of his men search the corpse of the wizard. "Well?"

The man handed over a pouch and a silver ring that had an odd design on it. It looked like a stylized eye. The pouch had a handful of gold coins and quite a bit of silver.

"What do you think Magi?"

Harry studied the ring and then cast a spell that should tell him if the ring was magical. It lit up like a light bulb. Okay, so it was magical. That helped but it didn't tell him what it was. He carefully placed the ring on the ground and cast a more powerful diagnostic charm.

It lit up this time with a sickly green light.

That was not what he had expected and frankly, he was glad he had taken a crap before this happened. He could vividly remember Dumbledore's withered and decaying arm.

"It is cursed, a withering curse and something else I am not sure about." Harry frowned. "Was he wearing it?"

The man who had searched the body grimly shook his head, "No, it was on a leather thong around his neck."

"Well, I for one am not putting the damn thing on," said Harry as he glared at the offending jewellery. "This is not something that I expected to find. Everyone needs to stand back while I try and work out what it does before we do anything else."

Harry didn't acknowledge the men moving back as he began casting diagnostic spells that he hadn't used since his Auror training. The spell on the ring was difficult to pin down but his spellcasting did have an effect. The ring began to vibrate.

"Ooookay, what the hell are you?" Harry grimaced as he realised that there was some sort of communication spell on the ring. To his surprise, light began to form around the ring and then there was a ghostly figure hovering in the air.

His companions stumbled backwards in shock and Harry quickly raised a shield. He wasn't taking any chances.

Marcus had drawn his sword and stepped up next to Harry, "What is it?"

"A communication spell, I think," replied Harry.

The figure's face was hidden beneath a hood although Harry caught a glimpse of a beard as the figure raised a staff and stabbed it forward.

His instincts told him to move and so he grabbed Marcus and pulled him back. From the ring, flames rushed out forming a fiery humanoid shape that immediately set the grass at its feet alight.

"Run," ordered Harry and gave Marcus a push.

The fiery figure turned and seemed to focus on Harry. It gestured and a stream of fire rushed toward Harry. Harry conjured a stone wall just in time. Flames that seemed almost liquid lapped at the edges of the wall and the conjured stone quickly grew hot.

Fiendfyre, great…bloody fiendfyre or something very much like it. He could deal with it, but it would take time. The problem was the spectators and the slight complication that he had no fricking idea how the spell was being cast through a ring.

The fire was now forming into what looked like some sort of draconic head and rose above his wall. Time to move.

He apparated to the other side of the clearing and sent a stream of water toward the creature of living flame. The miniature fiendfyre dragon recoiled slightly and Harry caught sight of a line of fire that connected the living fire to the ring. He gestured and the water moved to douse the ring.

The fiery creature screamed soundlessly, and Harry took that as a sign that it a) didn't like water and b) it was linked to the ring. He had to break the connection.

Letting the spell drop, Harry gambled on a spell taught to him by Hermione. Keeping his eye on the ring he cast a shattering curse.

There was a flash of light and then the fiery best was gone.

Harry cautiously advanced, wand out as he advanced toward where the ring had been. Sure enough, he found dozens of pieces of silver fragments. He might have overpowered the spell, just a tad, but better safe than dead.

"What, in the name of the Gods was that!?" Marcus demanded as he approached Harry.

Harry shook his head, "A very dark spell called Fiendfyre. It was cursed fire that someone called down on us I suspect via the ring. I don't know exactly how that was done and until I do, I think we should leave…quickly."

"But you defeated it?" Marcus asked as he looked at the still smouldering ground.

"The spell, yes but the man who cast it, no idea," he admitted with a shrug.

The journey back into the town was much faster despite the darkness. Thankfully the moon was nearly full, and the sky was clear, so they made good time.

Marcus Servilius and Marcus Curius both peppered him with questions as they travelled. He explained what he had heard. The two men might not fully understand magic, but they seemed to understand that they might be facing a rather dangerous situation.

"I thank you for your help, Harry. You probably saved us all," admitted Marcus Servilius. "I must send word to the Senate. We can't have magic being used to attack citizens."

Marcus Curius was nodding along, "I agree Marcus Servilius. Young Harry was skilled enough to deal with the situation this time, but this situation is something that the magistrates, Jupiter maybe even the Consuls need to be made aware of. I was returning to Rome in a few days, once my son fully recovered but I think I will leave tomorrow."

That sounded like a very good idea to Harry. The powers that be in Rome needed to know. The problem was that he would no doubt feature in the report.

Not Ideal.

"You did well, magi," said Marcus Servilius with a smile, "It's rare to see one of you in action and by the Gods, you certainly saved us all. I do have a favour to ask can you accompany Marcus Curius to Rome? I know that it is a lot to ask, but I think that this dark magus and his hidden master are a direct threat, and you would be best to convince the magistrates."

There was not a great deal Harry could say to that, it was certainly true enough. Although he was concerned about leaving Gaius in the lurch.

Marcus Servilius nodded understandingly when he voiced his concern, "I can understand your concern. I'll leave some good men with Gaius and make sure we increase patrols."

oOoOo

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Rome - Year of the Consulship of Crassus and Pompeius (55 BCE)

It was amazing what a letter from a minor Roman official could achieve. It certainly got Harry and Marcus Curius in to see Lucius Tampius Flavianus. That worthy was a Praetor and an ally of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, the man known to the future as Pompeius the great.

"It worries me a great deal, Curius. I have had a few, very few, dealing with magi and so I can appreciate you bringing one to explain the situation more clearly," Flavianus said after being told the story. "I will bring it to the attention of the senate when it sits next week. Actually, Pompeius is home, and I was going to dine with him tonight. I will send a runner to him. He knows quite a bit about the east, more so than I."

Flavianus was true to his word and less than an hour later they were led into the study of the consul of Rome, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.

He was middle-aged and round-faced, still good-looking and obviously quite fit. He had greeted them both with a smile and listened politely to their story. By the end, he was frowning.

"You did well to bring this to me, Lucius Tampius. I know a bit about Magi and so I agree it is concerning, can't have them attacking villas and the like." He looked thoughtful for a few moments before sighing. "This comes at a poor time. You may be aware of some of the civil unrest being stirred up. Well, stories like this will add to the people's worries. I think I can send some reliable men, maybe a cohort or two. I'll put the word out that we need to capture or kill this lot."

"Thank you, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus."

Pompeius waived away the thanks, "We should be thanking you for your prompt action."

There was a soft knock on the door and an older man stuck his head in. He whispered quietly to Pompeius whose face paled as he stood up abruptly. "I'm afraid that I will need to cut this short, my wife is unwell."

"I am a healer if I can be of assistance…"

Pompeius studied Harry carefully, "You were a medicus vulnerarius in Caesar's legions?"

"I was," replied Harry.

"Then yes, I trust military healers over some half-trained idiot," Pompeius waved for Harry to follow him and his distressed servant.

Harry was led into the room of a pregnant young woman of perhaps twenty years of age. Despite her distress and pain, she was a beautiful woman. Pompeius the consul morphed into Pompeius the worried husband.

"It…hurts so…my love," she gasped out.

Gaius winced as he took her hand and looked over at Harry. "I have a healer, Julia; he can help you."

Harry hoped he could. There was blood on the sheets and Julia was pale.

oOoOo

Six hours later an exhausted Harry sat slumped on a couch, wearing a borrowed tunic with a goblet of well-watered wine in his shaking hand. It was at times like this that he wished he knew more about actual healing.

Julia had been in the early stages of a miscarriage and to save her and the baby he had to resort to 'brute forcing' the healing. Something that left him drained and likely magically exhausted.

He took a sip from the goblet and rubbed his face tiredly. His eyes felt like they had sand in them.

"Harry?"

He turned to see Marcus Curius looking at him with no small amount of awe.

"Are you well?"

Harry nodded slowly, "Just tired."

"Pompeius said that you save his wife and the baby."

Harry frowned and nodded slowly, "I think so, it was touch and…it was in the hands of the gods there for an hour or two. But I think I was able to do enough."

Marcus Curius shook his head, and smiled ruefully, "Jupiter, you have saved the wife and child of one of the most important and powerful men in Rome. You will be the most sort after and rich healer in Italia."

Harry didn't manage to hide his wince, "I didn't do it for fame or money. She was lucky that I was here."

"Indeed, we were," said Pompeius from the doorway. He looked tired but he was smiling as Harry stood.

Pompeius crossed over to him and kissed him on both cheeks.

Harry was slightly taken a back but decided just to go with it.

"You have saved my beloved Julia and our child," Pompeius was a big man, fit looking for his age and you could see him as a general on the battlefield or marshalling the senate for more political battles.

He personally led his visitors to his office. A room dominated by a large desk and several seats.

"I received a note from Lucius Tampius Flavianus this morning regarding these raiders, apparently the ones you dealt with are not the only ones being reported. There are reports from more than a dozen towns." He shook his head, "This now looks far more of a problem than one or two rogue magi."

"Then we are thankful for the cohorts," Marcus Curius said with unfeigned gratitude.

Pompeius suddenly grinned, looking decades younger, "Oh I'll do one better. I have quite a few veterans from my legions who will welcome some paid work. I'll send some messages and you will have some solid men in addition to those you have already. I doubt the Senate will willingly pay so I will fund you."

Harry was surprised by the generosity but wasn't going to question it.

What followed was a whirlwind as Pompeius marshalled his veteran legionaries and two veteran centurions. The centurions were both short, heavily muscled and wore almost identical serious, professional expressions. Pompeius explained the situation and the two centurions were introduced. To Harry's surprise the elder of the two men, Fabius knew Marcus Curius.

"I served with you in the East, Marcus Curius." He grinned showing a missing tooth. "You were a decent military prefect and I hear that your boy is working out quite well."

Marcus Curius looked pleased. Harry supposed that it was nice to be recognised. He was somewhat surprised when the centurion turned to him.

"A magus then eh lad?"

"Um, yes," Harry agreed with a careful nod.

Fabius laughed, "A barbarian magus at that. Well, you served with Caesar and you saved the little lady. That makes any of us that followed Magnus your friends."

"I would have done the same for anyone," Harry assured him.

Fabius looked at him, his eyes roaming over his face, "Yes, you look the type that would. Won't hear no complaints from me."

Travelling back, they were accompanied by over twenty men led by Fabius.

oOoOo

Gaius Lesbinus was somewhat surprised at the size of the group returning but he and his steward quickly had things organised. Food and wine were spread among the grateful volunteers. Fabius thanked Gaius and assured him that they would be leaving at first light to meet up with the local men.

Harry had spent the night thinking about the wizard he had encountered and what had been said just before the fight broke out. Something about his master…so the wizard was not the leader. That implied that there was another wizard…or did it?

oOoOo

It was conjecture, pure guesswork on his part. But he kept circling back to it. Master…that word conjured a picture in his mind of Tom Riddle. Was this some dark wizard trying to…do something? Harry slumped back in his chair. He didn't have anything concrete. Hell, he didn't have anything beyond the few words he had overheard and the decidedly dark spells he had encountered. No location, numbers or manifesto. That they were after, apparently after, magical's was also bothering him.

Romans accepted magic, for the most part, neither liking nor disliking it. Gaius had made clear that they needed to circumspect as neither wanted to be dragged before a local magistrate accused of cursing some farmers cow. The east was similar and according to a work Gaius had lent him, Greece, Egypt and many other countries had magical communities that lived quietly among the populace. Given the rudimentary understanding of magic he had seen, save for some specialised areas, he could not imagine a situation where a Roman wizard would be able to hold off legionaries.

Hours later Harry was still laying in his bed waiting for sleep to overtake him.

oOoOo

A few days later, he was still trying to work out what it was that was worrying him. They could have been simple outlaws, raiding for slaves. Led by two dark wizards. But something was telling him that there was something more to it.

Strictly speaking, it wasn't his job. He could just walk away…but he couldn't, could he.

"Fuck it," he muttered as he stared at the wall.

"There are children around Dominus!" chided Cassandra with a slight smile. She was carrying several scrolls, returning them to Harry's desk. "These arrived for you just now, by messenger."

Harry raised an eyebrow and picked up the first, far smaller scroll.

My dear Harry,

I have recently heard that there were some difficulties around the area from the son of a friend of mine, Marcus Curius. Another of those that owe you a debt of gratitude.

When I arrived home, I remembered several scrolls on the Magi and their arts that I had purchased in Athens. Please borrow them with my wish that they may be of some assistance.

My wife and daughter are well, please do not hesitate to contact me should the need for support arise.

Titus Pomponius Atticus.

The other two scrolls were far larger and from a cursory inspection appeared to indeed be accounts of two Magi that had once lived in Thebes.

It was a generous gift and totally unexpected.

"Is the messenger still here?"

"I believe so," Cassandra replied, her eyes curious.

"Please find him, I have a return letter."

Harry quickly penned a thank you and when the messenger arrived paid him several gold coins to see that Titus Pomponius Atticus received the message. The stunned messenger thanked him and left, his hands shaking.

"You paid him too much," Cassandra gently scolded him.

Harry shrugged, "Money is for spending. There is a saying from my homeland. You can't take it with you."

Cassandra shook her head, "What an odd saying."

Harry was about to respond when he saw Gaius in the doorway. His host was dressed like he was about to go and see a patient, clad in a tunic and with his satchel over his shoulder. "Harry, I am glad that I caught you before I went out."

"Gaius, what is it?"

Gaius gestured toward the main section of the villa, "We have some unexpected visitors…"

Curious, Harry followed Gaius to his atrium. Gaius usually greeted guests and clients there while Harry preferred his smaller and far less formal room. Waiting inside were three togate figures. All three were men and all three carried ornately carved staves.

'Oh shite,' was Harry's first thought.

"Thank you, Gaius, you may of course stay as we speak with your student," said the oldest of the men. He looked… perhaps seventy years old (perhaps far older if he was indeed a wizard) and his cold blue eyes were appraising and very sharp.

The other two were younger, perhaps in their forties and they both looked Roman or perhaps Greek. One was bald with a long, pointed nose and a friendly smile. The other was shorter and stockier, with bright red hair a round face and deep-set brown eyes.

"I am Marius Cornelius Clementius of the Concave," said the older man, as he gestured to the two other men. "These are my fellow concave members, Publius Sexta and Quintus Paulinus Rufus."

"Greetings, I am Harry Potter."

Marius smiled making him look far less intimidating, "We know. Which leads to why we are here. I received a letter from an old friend serving with Gaius Julius Caesar. It spiked our interest and then reports of healing and then the defeat of a dark magus reached the concave." He looked over at a nervous-looking Gaius. "I do not intend to censure you, Gaius. It was wise to keep news of such a…unique situation quiet. Not all of our people are wise enough to realise that knowledge such as that young Harry holds is dangerous."

Harry felt a moment of relief. The first of his worries was addressed.

Marius turned his gaze back to Harry, "All Magi, who are citizens or working toward the good of the Senate and the people of Rome are expected, once they reach mastery of their skills are expected to register with the Conclave in Rome."

Publius cleared his throat and smiled slightly, "Gaius is a healer and a quite learned man. He comes from freedman stock, which of course means little in terms of his membership. Ability trumps blood. His training of a healer is perfectly acceptable and given that you hold the citizenship there are no impediments to you joining our ranks."

Marius continued on when Publius stopped speaking, "Given the situation we have quietly added you to the roll of membership. We meet yearly in Rome, usually at a member's house. There is usually a fee but given the situation, we have waived that for this year. After all, you have done the Conclaves work."

"Hold on," said Harry as politely as he could, in his confusion. "What situation, what did I do?"

Publius laughed, a merry sound of genuine amusement, "I told Marius that you would say that. Healers like you and Gaius are valuable. You are skilled, respected and trusted. Healing Julia wins favours with Pompey, the people and many in the senate. Well, that and you saved a young woman and her child. All good news for those like I that share the profession. We work constantly to help people put aside their fear and hatred of our gifts. But more importantly some serious military men have now heard the tale of the healer and dark magi slayer. They are talking about the threat you warned of and no lesser personage than the Consul approached Marius. The Conclave has been asked to investigate and aid the Senate in dealing with the threat."

"Which means that we are asking for your assistance and that you join us," said Quintus with a respectful nod.

Harry hid a grimace, "I…before I go too much further, I should explain a few things."

He told them of his training and the threat he had faced as a boy. The prophecy and the defeat of Riddle and his cronies. He told them of how his fellow wizards had turned against him and forced him from his training as an Auror. He then spoke, honestly of his skill set and that until recently his healing had been rather brute force as opposed to the application of skill.

They took it reasonably well.

After a few moments of silence, Marius sighed, "It is depressing to hear that even in the future politics is the bane of man. Harry, you are, by my reckoning, a very powerful young man. I know of maybe a handful of my fellow Magi who have such a broad education and know how to fight and win. That you lost your path after such political accusations is understandable in a young man with little exposure to the muck that is politics. I do know that you are now here, and we have a problem that you are well equipped to help with. I am asking if you are willing?"

Harry hesitated, he got the feeling that they wouldn't force him, and he needed a moment to think.

Knowledge of magic HAD grown and been refined. He knew more spells than many mages here and he supposed that was a plus. That did not make him unbeatable, but it did give him an advantage. Magic was hidden here but there was no statute of Secrecy. No, hidden world. For all he knew he was stuck here forever. He couldn't run and hide, could he?

No, he couldn't. The fuckers that had attacked the villa had been killers and the Magi he had bested was a dark wizard, Magus or whatever. He could help, and from what he had been told the Conclave would back him.

"Okay, sorry, yes I will help."

Marius gave him a slow nod, "Then I name you an agent of the Conclave, a veneficus venator."

oOoOo

Harry asked Gaius what exactly a veneficus venator was. It turns out it was the Conclaves version of a Hit Wizard, a dark wizard hunter.

oOoOo

As Harry re-read the missive from Marius, he silently swore his head off.

They had found nothing. Even Seers had been unable to find anything useful. Oh, they had found an abandoned farmhouse that was, may have been, a second base. They had found two dead families, had reports of slave raids and one confirmed case of magic being used (A cutting curse of some sort). But that was it. They had then upped and disappeared.

Then a murder attempt was made on a Senator whose brother was a senior member of the Conclave.

The assassin was magical and had apparated into the path of the good senator, stabbing out with a poisoned blade. The blade had cut the sleeve of the Senator and the man had been subdued by a veteran in the crowd. When questioned, the man had refused to answer and then uttered a phrase, or spell of some sort. The result of which was that the man was a red coating on the wall of the room he was being held in.

The Senate wanted answers and Marius was requesting his aid.

He had to go and probably for a while as Marius was outright saying that this was of the highest priority.

Gaius had been understanding enough, advising that of course, he should go. The Conclave would not have asked if he was not needed. Furthermore, he should take several people with him. The Conclave would supply somewhere to stay but he would need servants and a staff.

Harry had protested that he did not want to relocate to Rome and that keeping anyone with him safe could be a problem. The result of that discussion was Quintus Ollius Felix, an ex-centurion and friend of Gaius. He was a wiry, middle-aged man with a scarred face and a friendly smile. He was to be Harry's bodyguard.

He didn't want a damn bodyguard but both Gaius and Quintus had insisted. The latter had a sister who was magical and worked as a priestess in a local temple and was well aware of the Conclave and the dangers present in Rome.

"It's no good you being a big bad Magus hunter if some prick dashes your brains out from behind with a club," explained Quintus patiently. "The streets of the city can be dangerous and once people know you are hunting them…well, I'll make sure that your back doesn't grow any knives."

Harry had finally accepted the advice but had absolutely, flatly rejected the next piece of advice.

To take Cassandra and Penelope with him.

"No way, why the fuck would I do that?"

The smile on the face of Gaius was almost a smirk, "I have seen you two watching each other. Cassandra desires you and Penelope worships you."

"Even if she wanted that, why in the name of the Gods would I put them at risk?"

"Because she truly wants to learn to be a midwife and assist you and her training could continue in the city. Because she is smart, well-educated, and skilled at running your finances. And lastly, because you need something to fight for. Free her and marry her it is not unknown for a man to marry a former slave."

Later that night he had broached the topic with Cassandra. She had not been all that shocked at the suggestion. That had been a surprise that had amused her when he voiced his opinion.

"Surprised? No Dominus. I am a slave, and you are my master. I have accepted that and thank the Gods that you are kind to my daughter and I. Once we settled here, I offered you my body and you turned me down. I didn't understand then, but I do now. You are a man that does not seek to dominate or one who sees a woman as property. So, I will say this to you as Harry the man. I think that you are a good man and I believe that I could be a good wife for you."

Harry had been surprised enough that he had stood silent as Cassandra studied him with a faint smile.

In the end, he sighed, "Cassandra, I have not always been a good man. Gods, I've jumped from bed to bed without thinking of the consequences. I'm not sure that I will ever be marriage material."

Cassandra had laughed, "I think Dominus that you are too hard on yourself."

He had gone to bed sure of his decision to leave Cassandra and Penelope safe with Gaius.

He was half-woken by a warm weight next to him.

What?

Fully awake now he realised that it was Cassandra.

"Cassandra…what are you doing?" He kept his volume down, not wanting to wake the entire household.

"Making a point," replied Cassandra.

oOoOo

Quintus raised an eyebrow as he peeled a hardboiled egg. "So, what happened to change your mind?"

Harry glared at the older man, ignoring the smiles from the others eating around the table. "We spoke last night and reached an agreement."

Gaius looked pleased as he dripped honey onto his bread. "It is, I think a good decision. The Conclave respects family men. Being a new man, that is a new citizen, they will want to see what type of man you are. Cassandra is an intelligent woman who knows how to keep a household. Penelope is a bright child and as your stepdaughter, she will reflect well on you."

"Let's just hope we can keep everyone safe," replied Harry. "I don't really want to be hunting dark magus with a bloody household in tow."

oOoOo

Roman marriage was complicated but given that Harry was a private citizen and a new man who was formerly a barbarian and Cassandra was a soon-to-be-former slave, it was straightforward. They could have formed a contubernium (Kind of like a defacto relationship but for different social classes) but Harry wanted it to be done properly. If he was going to give up his bachelorhood, then he'd do it right. He wasn't exactly religious and given that Christianity hadn't even begun yet he had to ask Gaius what he needed to do.

For it to be legal, they both needed to consent legally and morally. Which they obviously did. They would sign a marriage contract and that was it.

The first step was freeing Cassandra. That was done in a simple legal ceremony and the next was the 'marriage'.

By the time they went to bed that night, they were husband and wife. He had to admit that he was a lot happier about it than he had expected. Maybe that had something to do with the gorgeous woman lying beside him.

They had made love and then simply held each other until Cassandra fell asleep. He had slept with a lot of women, mainly for something to do. God knows that he hadn't felt anything for them. With Cassandra there was a connection. To an outsider it looked like a very odd and unequal relationship. But in the months since Harry had bought Cassandra and Penelope there had been something growing between them. He hadn't planned it and he had not initiated anything but for some reason, that connection had grown and blossomed.

Given that his previous conquests had been…what had they been? Were they just conquests or had he been looking for something? He thought that he had long abandoned introspective self-analysis but as he lay beside his new wife, he couldn't help feeling that he owed the universe some sort of karmic payback.

oOoOo

He awoke to a weight on his legs. Opening his eyes, he looked up into the grinning face of Penelope.

"Good morning, Dominus!"

Harry wasn't quite sure what to say and before his brain could throw up something, Cassandra was laughing beside him.

"Harry is your father now, my love."

Penelope giggled, "I know that."

"Then please call me father, or Harry," he added with a smile.

She had nodded solemnly, giggled and then raced off…babbling that the villa's goat had given birth to a kid and Penelope wanted to see it.

"She is a smart child," Harry offered with a grin.

"She is…come husband we have much to do if we are to leave tomorrow."

oOoOo

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Last Time:

He awoke to a weight on his legs. Opening his eyes, he looked up into the grinning face of Penelope.

"Good morning, Dominus!"

Harry wasn't quite sure what to say and before his brain could throw up something, Cassandra was laughing beside him.

"Harry is your father now, my love."

Penelope giggled, "I know that."

"Then please call me father, or Harry," he added with a smile.

She had nodded solemnly, giggled and then raced off…apparently the villa's goat had given birth to a kid and Penelope wanted to see it.

"She is a smart child," Harry offered with a grin.

"She is…come husband we have much to do if we are to leave tomorrow."

oOoOo

Rome still stank.

He was seriously tempted to start casting bubblehead charms as he and his entourage made their way to the domus of Publius Sexta. The wizard (Magus, whatever, he would have to decide soon), lived on the slope of the Caelian Hill. It was clearly a fashionable residential part of the city if the houses and shops were anything to go by.

"Here we are," Quintus said, pointing to a door where a slave could be seen keeping an eye on those passing by. He straightened when he saw the party approaching. He was a rather bulky fellow with short blond hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

"We are here to see Publius Sexta," announced Quintus.

The slave nodded politely, "My master has many visitors..." He paused, clearly waiting for names, so that he could pass them on.

"Harry Potter and party," replied Quintus, before Harry could.

"Ah, yes. The Dominus mentioned that you should be here today. Please wait here and I shall announce you." He ducked back into the small enclosure and disappeared through a small door. A few moments later the heavy front door opened. But, instead of a slave, it was Publius Sexta himself.

"Come in, come in…you have made good time my friend," he gestured for Harry and presumably the others to follow.

"It was a quick journey and Quintus led us straight to your door," Harry replied as he took Cassandra's hand as she led a wide-eyed Penelope along. She was staring at the richly decorated building in awe as her mother tried to keep her moving.

"Which is a blessing in these dangerous times," replied Publius.

He led them into a beautiful peristyle garden where a woman in her early thirties stood with two young girls around Penelope's age.

"Let me introduce my wife Julia and my daughters Julia Major and Julia Minor," he saw Harry's wry smile and laughed. "I know, but it is a family name. My wife is the Julia of the household, and the girls are unofficially called Lia and Min." He pointed to the girls as he named them. "Perhaps your Penelope might join the girls, I believe that they are tending the garden at the moment."

"I will stay and help husband," Cassandra offered as Penelope began chatting with the two girls.

Publius led Harry to a well-appointed office and shut the door, "Your wife is most perceptive, my new friend."

"She is, how did…ah Gaius sent a message?"

"Just so," replied Publius as he gestured for Harry to take a seat. "Wine?"

Harry accepted the well-watered wine that Publius poured him. "You must forgive me for not letting you recover from the trip before talking business. Unfortunately matters have taken a turn for the worse."

"What happened?" Harry asked as he took a sip of the wine. It was rather refreshing and a decent vintage. Another indicator that Publius was a wealthy man.

"One of our agents, a Greek tutor, was killed along with his family. The same day he reported that there was a new and dangerous element in the city." Publius explained, his expression grim. "Gordian was a good man and a skilled Magus. Whoever it was that killed him did so by magical means. It was done openly and messily…the authorities have become concerned. The conclave has been asked to find these renegades and end their threat."

"Which we suspected," mused Harry. "But why did the murderer act so publicly? That's just stupid unless the whole point was for it to be seen. If you feared that you'd been discovered by an enemy, you don't go and announce that they were right by burning their house down." He didn't say it, but he also felt a flash of worry about his people. If the bad guys were willing to kill openly…that would put them at risk. He'd need to set up some pretty good defences.

Something about his thoughts must have shown on his face because Publius considered him carefully before speaking, "You are worried about your wife and child?"

"I am, I can rig…create some strong defences but it will take a bit of time," Harry explained.

"Well on that I have some good news. Although how good depends on if it is true. Gordian lived in and kept an eye on the Suburra," seeing Harry's blank look he explained. "The Suburra is one of the poorer parts of the city. It's a crowded mix of the plebs, foreigners and freedmen."

"Plenty of places to hide," said Harry. "And the authorities aren't likely to be looking too closely at the goings on there. Until magi start killing people."

"Worse, the locals can be quite tight lipped if they think of these killers as locals," explained Publius. "They might be in Suburra and we would struggle to find them. But they also might find it harder to blend in elsewhere."

Harry wasn't entirely sure on that count. Glamours and a straight up disguise might allow someone to move easily through crowded Roman streets.

Publius rubbed his chin, "Although we might not have to. One person survived the killings. An eight-year-old, the daughter of a freedman who was doing some frescoes in the household. He was killed in his sleep, Gordian had him and his daughter living in the domus while he was working. We think that she saw one of the killers, but the poor thing is quite traumatised and all that she has told us is that he wore a toga with a purple stripe, and he was 'angry'. Not much to go on."

"A purple stripe, the toga praetexta. Which means that this potential killer could potentially be a senator or worse a magistrate," Harry said with a shake of his head.

"Or a priest or someone dressed as one," suggested Publius.

"Great, so what now?"

"Now we start looking at who might have links to these magi. I'll be your voice in the conclave and you'll be our hunter. This has a lot of attention, Pompeius mentioned you privately to a few select ears in the senate. Which hopefully means that we will get some cooperation from the senate."

Harry had to admit that the idea of official help was something that sounded promising…unless their mystery man was part of officialdom.

"On a happier note, the conclave has provided quite a nice domus for you and your household. It belonged to Lucius Cornelius Sisenna, a member of the conclave for nearly seventy years. When he passed, he left his place in Rome to the conclave. We have maintained it and while you live in the city it is yours."

"That is generous of them Publius, please pass on my thanks," Harry was more than happy to accept the generosity of the conclave. From what Gaius had told him, renting anything halfway decent would have been an expensive exercise.

"I'll have my man take you to it presently," Publius promised as he gestured to the door. "But first, take this." He handed Harry a tightly furled scroll. "It is a letter from your apparent patron, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "My patron?"

Publius snorted in amusement, "Did you think that healing his beloved young wife would be forgotten? No, Magnus is in many ways very old school. I suspect that he will want to formalise his patronage and that my friend will help you in many ways. As his client, you will receive a lot more assistance both in and should you need it, outside the city. Pompeius and Caesar, two very influential men, Harry."

"But how did he find out about me being here?" Harry asked curiously.

"No doubt from one of his clients, he has friends in the strangest places. Pompeius Magnus is a distinguished member of the Senate and Consul thus he is very well connected and has ears everywhere," explained Publius. "No doubt he'll send an invite to meet soon as you are settled."

oOoOo

The large airy domus was about the same size as the home of Gaius but there the similarity ended. This was the home of a wealthy man who liked to show off that wealth. Everything from the floor frescoes to the painted walls was beautiful.

"We will need a staff husband," Cassandra said after they inspected the villa.

Harry had not even considered that fact and admitted it to his wife. She shrugged and explained that she would handle it. Good household servants were not that expensive and while he was not pleased about owning slaves, he could always free them after a period of service. He Cassandra had discussed it on the journey to Rome and he was finally understanding something of the mindset of the current periods' relationship to slaves.

Frankly it was shite, bloody horrible shite. He'd seen a young girl being whipped by her master as Romans walked past. At best they looked on with pity before turning away most didn't even do that. The indifference stuck with him.

Seeing his expression she patted his hand, "Don't worry, I know you don't like owning slaves. We can free them quickly and make them freedmen and women. If we pick good people, they will be pleased to work with the household after they have been freed. It will help you build up a group of your own clients."

Clients…the Roman system of patronage was something he also had to learn. Debts were important to Romans. Both monetary debts and personal ones. A patron was to be supported and clients were to be assisted. That was how Rome worked. Nepotism was built into their society.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Harry asked carefully, not really wanting to go but knowing that Cassandra had a very personal hatred of slavers and the slave markets.

Cassandra frowned thoughtfully, "Maybe, at home it was not unseemly for a woman to buy household slaves, but Rome can be quite conservative."

Harry hated the slave market. It revolted him but there was little he could do to end the institution. What he could do was help those whose lives were in his hands.

In the end, Cassandra and Harry spent a bit more than he had expected, close to 1,200 denarii. Cassandra had been delighted, as they were buying in the aftermath of a huge influx of slaves (thanks to the wars in Gaul). For that sum they purchased six slaves. Two men in their thirties, two women in their late twenties and two girls aged ten and twelve. The later had nearly caused Harry to commit murder on the slave vendor. The wretched man had waxed lyrical on the virtues of bedding young slaves much to Harry's disgust. Luckily Cassandra had seen Harry reaching a tipping point and had dealt with the seller, telling him that Harry was looking for servants for a country villa and wanted value for money. That had satisfied the man and they were finally able to escape the market with their new "household".

Once back at the house, Quintus had shaken his head when Harry had explained, "I can't fault your generosity but freeing so many slaves at once will raise eyebrows. Do you plan to mistreat them, beat them, or take them to bed? No, then you'll be a better damn master than many in Rome. Tell them the rules of the household and that you will pay them a stipend. Believe me they'll be better off as your slaves than trying to survive as poor freedmen. Especially the women," he added darkly. "T'is not uncommon that they have to become whores to survive."

Harry made a point of speaking to each of the slaves and explaining that yes, he was their owner, but he also considered them more as employees than slaves. For fair and honest service, they would be paid a stipend. This they could keep, save or spend. His door was always open for any concerns they had and that they should speak to him, or Cassandra should they need anything.

That evening Cassandra presented him with a list of their new household and their ages and skills.

The two older men were from Greek colonies in the East. Both Charon and Apos spoke Latin and had been tradesmen before being enslaved when they fell afoul of debt, a common thread in Rome. They were slightly suspicious of Harry's motives but remarkably accepting of their situation. He had made it clear to both men that any misconduct, especially sexual misconduct would result in the attacker regretting it for the rest of their very short life. Harry had asked them what trade they followed, and he was surprised, and Cassandra amused when it turned out that Apos was a potter. Charon was a furniture maker.

He had suggested to Cassandra that he might be able to set them up workshops and she had agreed that some income coming in would be welcome.

The first of two women was Sophia, the child of a Macedonian and Egyptian slaves. She had grown up in the household of an elderly widowed Roman woman and had been sold on by her son when the old woman had died. She was to be Cassandra's servant and a nanny for Penelope. She was pretty and rather timid but seemed to get on well with both Cassandra and Penelope.

The other was Alecta, a busty and round-faced Gallic woman. She was to be the cook and after one meal, Harry was happy to sing her praises. Mainly because she didn't use, or at least he couldn't taste, his most hated of the Roman 'foods' Garum sauce. He hated the bloody stuff and considered the fermented fish sauce putrid and inedible. Alecta spoke halting latin despite being a slave for four years.

The two girls were Sucaria and Leuca Given their fearful looks he could guess at some of their experiences. Both had been slaves for less than a year. They were the victims of their parents rebelling against Roman rule in Gaul.

Cassandra had taken them away after Harry spoke to them. He hoped that they would be a bit more talkative with her.

Quintus promised to keep a close eye on the newest members of the household as Harry wasn't going to take chances with anyone's safety.

His next job was to place some of the few wards he knew (thank you Hermione).

oOoOo

Publius had been pretty spot on about the invite coming but he wasn't summoned to dinner.

He was woken by Charon who was the night watchman, knocking on the door of Harry and Cassandra's room.

"Dominus, there is a messenger at the door," he reported quietly.

Harry, assuming it was from Publius or the conclave about his mission, got out of bed as carefully as he could. No need to wake Cassandra. By the time he had pulled on a tunic, Quintus had replaced Charon.

"Quintus?"

"I heard the commotion," he said in response to Harry's unspoken question.

"What is it?"

"A runner from the domus of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. His wife is giving birth, and the midwife is worried, and Magnus has sent for you."

"Shit, right…Let me get my bag together," said Harry as he rushed back to his study and grabbed his healer's kit. He re-joined Quintus who now had lit a small oil lamp and wore a dagger on his belt and a stout cane that was almost a staff in the other hand.

"We are going to a birth, Quintus."

"And there are evil Magi waiting to bash your head in," retorted Quintus.

Harry gave up and shrugged, "We had better hurry."

oOoOo

Julia was indeed in trouble and the experienced midwife was shaking her head when Harry was introduced. She had been kneeling beside Julia, with what looked like a bronze trumpet to her ear listening to the baby, Harry realised.

"It is good you are here magus, she's lost too much blood and the baby is distressed," she reported quietly. "The babe is early but not too much so. We tried the birthing chair," She pointed to the birthing chair that was against the wall. "But she is too tired…and the bleeding. Her colour is bad, and her breathing is getting worse."

Harry was far from an expert on childbirth but from the sound of things the middle-aged midwife knew her business and she had named him a magus, so she had clearly been told so there was no need to be circumspect. "She nearly miscarried early in the pregnancy. I healed her but I haven't treated a woman in labour before."

The midwife grimaced as she thought things through, "I've delivered hundreds of babies. Once even had a Greek magus help. He said that the best he could do was lend her vitality…whatever that means."

Harry considered that and realised that the Greek wizard had likely done exactly what he had done in the past when he wasn't sure what to do to heal an injury. Brute force…well it worked but it always left Harry exhausted.

Harry started unpacking his kit, "Very well, um, what is your name? Sorry, I should have asked."

"Lucretia," replied the midwife with a tired smile.

"Shall we do this Lucretia?"

oOoOo

Julia gave birth to a boy as dawn broke over Rome.

To Harry and Lucretia's immense relief the small but healthy baby and his exhausted mother were both as alive and well. Julia had been healed, well healed enough that childbirth or infection was likely not going to be an issue.

As Julia slept, her husband, the warrior and general, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus wept in relief. He cradled his son in his arms as he thanked them both, promising them their due for this miracle. He then left the room, son in hand to show those that had gathered to support him.

"You did well Harry," Lucretia said as she patted his arm. "I don't usually like men in the birthing room but for you I'll make an exception."

Harry yawned and then bowed to Lucretia, "And it went well Lucretia because you knew what to do."

Soon several female slaves arrived and began cleaning the room, although they left the covered clay pot with the afterbirth. It would be burnt, and the ashes along with an offering and prayers would be made at the shrine of Juno Lucina, the aspect of the Goddess Juno who protected women in childbirth.

"What happens now?" Harry asked with a tired smile.

"You go and rest, I don't doubt that Pompeius has a bed to spare. I'll check Julia over and the babe once it is back. She'll likely need help with the first feed and her milk will come in a few days…Goddess willing. It's that or a wetnurse."

Lucretia's explanation made sense, so Harry nodded tiredly, then paused as a thought hit him. "Lucretia, my wife wants to learn about being a midwife…"

"And you are asking if I would train her?"

Harry nodded.

Lucretia sighed, "It's a hard job but Goddess knows that I could use the help. But I need to meet her first and see if she has it in her. It is a calling more than a job."

oOoOo

Julia did recover and soon was being dotted on by her husband and her female friends. In fact, the whole household was rejoicing. It appeared that Julia was a kind mistress and Pompeius a decent master.

He was also a generous man.

"How much?" Harry asked as he looked at Cassandra in shock.

"Ten thousand sesterces," whispered Cassandra.

Harry was doing some quick math…that was…hell, it was a fortune. "It's too much."

"You saved his wife and son," Cassandra said with an amused look. "If I had known I was marrying a rich man I would have ordered more jewellery."

She burst out laughing at his expression.

oOoOo

Cassandra ended up sharing lunch with Lucretia and walked away her new assistant. She had been so excited and pleased that she had rewarded her husband with a very romantic night in.

So, it was a slightly more tired and relaxed Harry that sat with his eyes closed, resting on a comfortable chair, with Cassandra seated beside him, outside the office of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.

"Harry!"

Harry was startled awake as Pompeius called his name. He quickly stood as the man himself strode up to him and kissed him on both cheeks. "And this must be your wife, Cassandra." He kissed a surprised Cassandra on the cheek. "It is good that you are here my friend. Julia and little Titus have been looking forward to seeing you."

Harry and Cassandra were swept along by the consul as he led the way further into his domus, waving away slaves. The large and ornate peristyle garden was beautiful and on a comfortable couch, set it the shade, was Julia who was making faces at a swaddled Titus who was being gently held by a tall blonde slave.

"Julia," boomed Pompeius. "Look who has arrived!"

Lunch with Pompeius and Julia was an experience. Julia was a wonderful hostess and clearly an educated woman. She also seemed as in love with her husband as he was with her.

"I am so glad that it was a boy, Harry. Gnaeus so wanted another boy to spoil," she winked at her husband. "All his other children are grown now. Next time a girl…to spoil."

Pompeius laughed and reached over to pat her hand, "When you are well Julia. I've enough land and money for a whole new tribe of ankle biters."

Julia giggled, "Lucretia, who is wonderful by the way, so helpful, told me you have a daughter, Cassandra."

"I do, Penelope…she is a blessing," Cassandra replied with a smile.

"How did you two meet?" Julia asked curiously.

Harry and Cassandra told their story, which they edited slightly. Mainly because Harry had no idea if Pompeius would welcome his wife hearing the details of fighting evil Magi.

"A dreadful business," said Pompeius. "These foreign magi need to be found. I still have my people keeping a close eye out. At least the senate is taking it seriously. In fact, Julia, Cassandra if you would excuse us. I would like to take Harry through the latest reports."

Julia waved him away, "Go, please do. We are fine here. I want to talk to Cassandra about her studying with Lucretia."

Pompeius led Harry to his office and his steward poured both men wine, which they took well-watered.

After he had left, Pompeius sighed. "I owe you Harry Potter."

"You have already paid…" Harry began but Pompeius waved a hand.

"The money was nothing, Harry. I owe you my son and my Julia. It is a debt that I will never consider paid, my friend. I don't doubt that Gaius Julius will be just as indebted to you. I am frustrated that I can't offer you more help with your mission hunting down these cunni." He slapped his hand on the table then frowned as he picked up a scroll. "This came from a client of mine in Ostia. I have other reports from Antium and Capua. All reporting strange happenings, people disappearing and the Duumviri of the towns unable to do anything. I've spread the word, but these magi seem able to disappear."

"In Rome, we think they might be living in suburbia so they can blend into. I think…" He trailed off as he again considered his speculation that they might be targeting magicals. Just as Tom had done back in that other future. But that didn't quite fit, he had done it for the purposes of terror. Harry had no idea why whoever this was might be doing this or even if it was just one individual.

"You are thinking something?" Pompeius asked, his shrewd eyes on Harry.

"I am not sure yet, but I think it is meant to do something. People are scared, the Senate takes notice, the conclave takes notice. Murders, people disappearing, slavers led by Magus. It feels like it should make sense, but I am left asking why?"

"Power," replied Pompeius thoughtfully. "Power but over whom, their fellow Magi?"

"Then why not attack the Conclave directly? If you wanted to do that you make the conclave look bad or even look responsible. All we have so far is an unreliable witness, a frightened child who said the man had a purple stripe on his toga," Harry said with more than a little frustration in his voice. "That gives me little that I can use."

"Maybe we can question the child of the murdered man, get a description of the man," Pompeius was thinking aloud as he tried to come up with a plan to attack the problem.

"Hold on, the murdered man. They never said how he was killed. Just that he was. I need to see the place he was killed in. Damn it, I've forgotten my training. Get all the facts, even the things that don't make sense."

"The body would be gone by now," Pompeius warned.

"True, but the magic used lingers…It can give me a lot of information," explained Harry.

Pompeius looked interested and for a moment Harry thought he was going to insist on coming.

"You should go with an escort; take your man Quintus and I'll see to it that you get a few men you can trust to go with you. And, I'll see your wife home safely, my friend."

Pompeius was true to his word. Less than an hour later, Harry, Quintus and five tough looking men were standing outside the home of Gordian. Already waiting for him had been Publius with his own three-man escort.

"I received a message from Pompeius," Publius explained on seeing Harry.

Harry walked through the house, studying the damage. He was looking for tell-tale signs of magic use. Thankfully the house had been guarded and so it wasn't looted or overly disturbed.

It had been a while for Harry, but he still remembered the detection spells he had been taught.

There were fading 'spell echoes' in the room. Not all that helpful, it could be from lighting a cooking fire. He moved to the living spaces and cast the same spells.

Several spells had been cast, more powerful and tinted with the shadowy blackness that his Auror instructor, an unspeakable, had taught him were echoes of magic that was meant to hurt, kill, main, to destroy. Not the killing curse…but something dangerous and, wait. There was something almost familiar to the shadows in the room where a bed and a small cot sat side by side. Something similar to an unforgivable was cast in the room and the target appeared to have been in the small bed. A cutting curse of some sort had targeted the larger bed. The damage and small amounts of blood were still showing on the bedframe and the wall. Not a lot of blood, which was odd.

He looked around the room and frowned. There were no children's clothes, just a rough straw stuffed mattress. The other mattress was of better quality. Much better quality. Another oddity. He bent down and looked at the 'bed', it was covered in dog hair.

"Who found the child?" Harry found himself asking.

Publius frowned, "I don't recall, a slave probably."

"If nothing has been taken, where are the girl's clothes?"

"This is the room of a single man, a tradesman. His host supplied a decent bed for him and his pet dog," he pointed at the dog bed.

Publius was staring at him.

Harry kept going, "How do we find out about who exactly was living here and where is the girl now?"

Publius paled, "She is with a friend of mind. A merchant with several young girls, I think he was going to take her on as a maid, given that she is freeborn."

"We need to get there now and hope that I'm wrong," Harry said grimly.

They moved quickly, Quintus and the ex-legionaries Pompeius had supplied forcing a way through the street traffic.

They arrived at the domus of Rufus and his family to be met by a startled slave. Publius had all but ordered the man to get his master.

Rufus, a middle-aged man with thinning reddish hair (and a passing resemblance to Arthur Weasley) soon appeared.

"Publius, whatever is the matter, my friend?"

"The girl, where is she Rufus?" Publius asked, his expression grim.

Misunderstanding, Rufus looked worried. "Is she in danger? My wife and I know that she saw something terrible. The little thing was so frightened. We put her in with Illyia, my wife's freedwoman. She a clever girl and has been keeping an eye on her for the last few days. The poor girl is exhausted, she's mostly slept and hardly eaten."

"Can you take me to her please?" Harry asked.

Rufus looked to Publius who nodded.

He led them into the small but neat domus and out into the small peristyle garden. The domus was the ground floor of a three-story, well-maintained Insula. Which Harry still thought of as blocks of flats. He noted that despite the light well in the roof, there wasn't a lot of natural light.

"Here is her room," said a confused Rufus.

Harry nodded and drew his wand, "Wait here, but if you hear a commotion please come and rescue me."

The room wasn't quite dark, but it was most certainly not well lit. Two beds, a chest and several clothes hanging on pegs. A small shape was under the blankets on the smaller bed apparently asleep.

He kept his wand pointed at the shape as he slowly moved forward.

There was almost no warning as the figure went from lying still to launching itself at him.

Even with his wand aimed at her, he only managed a glancing hit with his stunner. Which should have put a child down and out. Instead, the figure only stumbled but kept coming. Fingers reaching for his throat.

His overpowered banisher smashed his attacker into the concrete wall and stunned her long enough for him to bind her in ropes. He added a temporary anti-animagus spell to the ropes. It might not work if his fears were correct, but it couldn't hurt.

The 'cavalry' arrived to see the bound child on the floor.

"What in Jupiter's name is happening?" Rufus demanded.

Harry pointed his wand at the girl, "That is not a little harmless girl. That is a vampire." Seeing their lack of comprehension, he quickly added, "A Strix." The Roman word for Vampire was not a direct translation but it would do."

Rufus paled and stepped back and even Publius looked grim as he grasped his staff tightly. The fighters in the room had their hands on their weapons and most had drawn knives.

"Are you sure?" Publius asked.

"One way to find out," Harry said as he pointed his wand at the girl that was glaring at him with a murderous look in her eyes. He quickly cast a spell that simulated sunlight. It wouldn't harm a human and it wouldn't kill a vampire, but it would cause them a great deal of pain and that usually got them to reveal their vampiric nature.

The bound girl shrieked and convulsed and to everyone's horror long fangs appeared in her mouth and her nails lengthened. Harry took the opportunity to stun her and then stun her again. Stunners were not always effective against vampires.

"How did you know?" Publius asked.

"I didn't know, not until that just happened. But I guessed she was not what she seemed, and things were adding up to a magus or something else that could use magic."

"A Strix…a blood drinker," Publius muttered as he shook his head and studied the creature with disgust. "The conclave has worked for decades to drive them out of the city. I have only ever heard them described and none like this."

"Well, I suspect this one is our killer. Which means we get to ask her some questions. I don't know about you, but I really want to hear her answers."

oOoOo

Questioning the child vampire was difficult. Mainly because they had no intention of letting her go (neither did the conclave) and thus not a lot to bargain with. That meant Harry had to consider other options. Back in his England, the Wizarding world had strict rules about vampires and their treatment and behaviour. Vampires were considered dark creatures and those that killed humans were hunted down and destroyed by hit wizards rather than imprisoned. Here they usually just killed them or drove them out. And hunters, like Harry, were usually tasked with that.

A few in the conclave had suggested getting answers through using but that was voted down. Instead, it was dumped back on Harry and Publius to sort out.

"I for one am not keen on torturing answers out of it," Publius said to Harry as they sat in his office considering options.

"Neither am I," admitted Harry. Although his objection to it also included that the being tortured had little incentive to tell the truth and confessions gained by torture would therefore be suspect. From what he had read, various organisations throughout history had tried it and ultimately heard what they wanted to hear. Not that he'd ever really tortured anyone…a treacherous memory of casting the torture curse at Bellatrix Lestrange was dismissed with a wince.

"Can it be bargained with?" Publius asked somewhat hesitantly.

"The ones back home could but the Strix that killed were dealt with ruthlessly. This one was in the form of a child. That is abhorrent but so is the one that turned that child. To make matters worse, I suspect that she can use magic."

"The conclave has rarely encountered ones that can use magic. They were, according to our records, very dangerous," warned Publius.

"There is Legilimency, but I can't remember if it works on the undead," admitted Harry.

"Legilimency?" Publius repeated the unfamiliar word curiously.

"Mind magics, they let the practitioner read another's thoughts. There are magical defences, and some beings have natural defences. Indeed, it can be dangerous to attempt against those that do," explained Harry.

"And you don't know if this Strix has those defences," mused Publius. "How dangerous are we talking here?"

"It could kill you. But I am not sure that we have a choice. I assumed that this was a rogue magus, maybe a few of them. Now…now I'm not sure. If this is a coven of magic using vampires, sorry Strix, that becomes a big problem. If it's a coven that has turned or subverted a powerful Senator, that is worse." Harry looked to the room where two Magi and four armed guards kept watch on the unconscious captive. "I think I may have to do this."

oOoOo

The venerable old wizard studied Harry with some concern, "Are you sure about this my young friend?"

"I am, just make sure that if it starts to go bad, someone will knock me on the head."

He turned back to where the Vampire lay bound with chains to a stone table in the ritual room. A dozen senior magus were gathered, prepared for anything.

Her eyes were open, and she was glaring at Harry with blistering hatred. Which while off putting, actually helped. Eye contact was eye contact. Harry was by no means an expert. He knew the basics, Aurors were taught how to defend their mind and a smattering of Legilimency. Thanks to Snape, old Tom and Dumbledore he had a dislike of the whole branch of magic.

Carefully, he made eye contact with the vampire and tried to make a connection.

To his surprise, it was easy. She appeared to have no barriers at all!

He moved quickly before the vampire became aware of his intrusion. Her mindscape was made up of shadowy shapes, each of which appeared to be a memory. He was speeding past them; he had no interest in seeing the vampire's past victims. His search was for more recent memories.

Then he saw a man, a tall pale man standing in a smoke-filled room. His expression was one of disdain as he cast a spell at a man who was crawling across the floor. It wasn't a spell Harry recognised, and it crushed the man's head like a dropped melon. He could hear a girl screaming and realised that he was seeing the vampire's human memories.

The man…no, the vampire, turned to the girl and rushed forward fangs out.

Harry grimaced and then realised something. There was a red light that was foreign to this shadowy place. It was coming from…over there. Harry willed himself to approach the light.

To his surprise, it was an archway. It was formed out of the shadowy stuff but beyond it was fire. He'd never seen or heard of something like this. It wasn't a memory or at least he didn't think it was.

Then to his horror, the figure he had seen in the vampire's memories was looking at him. He looked real, tangible and just on the other side of the arch.

"We meet again, magus," said the figure in oddly accented Latin.

Harry must have looked stupid standing there with his mouth open.

Then he mentally shook himself and raised his wand.

The figure laughed in feigned amusement. "Please do magus, it will save me the trouble of hunting you down."

Harry hesitated and the figure slowly nodded, still smiling, "Ah, and wise as well as gifted."

"Who are you?" Harry asked as he kept his wand raised.

The figure ignored the question as it studied Harry intently. "You are young to be so skilled. I thought your killing or my servant Iotas a fluke, pure luck. But then I find you in my follower's mind, in my preserve." The smile was gone now. "A pity to waste such potential but I cannot let you live."

"Mister Bond," muttered Harry with a grin. "Fantastic villain speech. But before we get to the threats, I don't suppose that you would be willing to tell me all about your evil plan?"

"You dare mock me?"

"Another villain classic, shall I rue the day as well?" Harry's cheeky grin was a bit wider.

The figure's face transformed, becoming feral as fangs slowly protruded from his lips. "Now you die magus."

Harry Potter had managed to throw Tom Riddle out of his mindscape. Now it was time to see if he could do the same to this asshat. Without a word or even a gesture he sent a blast of mind magic toward the vampire. Which sent it tumbling end over end before it disappeared.

"Damn," muttered Harry. He'd put a bit too much oomph into that. He still had questions that needed answers. He was about to return to searching the memories when he felt rather than saw the shadows begin to change.

The male vampire was back. His fingers were clenched as claws and his eyes burned as he walked through the doorway.

"I am not so easily destroyed fool. I own the souls of my slaves!" he yelled the last as he charged toward Harry.

Harry made a slashing gesture, blasting the vampire back.

So, it was some sort of soul magic. Great, just great. The bit about owning his slaves was not that great either.

"I see through their eyes, and they are my weapons," ranted the vampire as he appeared again. This time appearing directly behind Harry. He reached out but Harry was already gone.

oOoOo

"Shit, bloody buggering shite!"

"What is it, are you well?" Publius asked as Harry opened his eyes and started cursing.

"Fine," he grated out as he pointed his wand at the chained figure, preparing to end the vampire and the threat it presented. He paused when the child laughed. A deep familiar laugh.

"I have marked you boy," said the vampire. It wasn't an exact match to the male vampire, but it was close enough.

"Good, fine," replied Harry as he raised his wand. "And now I know a lot more than I did. I can't have your little puppet causing trouble."

He cast a fire spell at the vampire which screamed and then writhed before turning to ash.

"Well, that was not fun," announced Harry grimly.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 7

Harry wasn't a history buff by any measure. But in the weeks following his altercation with the vampire things were happening in the Roman Republic. Things that he realised didn't seem right. Had he changed things?

It was a question that bothered him to the extent that he spent a few days trying to write down the fragmented history of the Republic/Empire that he remembered from school, books and TV. It was the dates that let him down, he was rubbish at remembering dates.

His notes were sparse and once he had copied them down into a list of bullet points it was boiled down to a couple of key events that he hoped were accurate. If only he could accurately pin dates to them.

He knew that the First Triumvirate of Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Caesar had obviously happened as Caesar was in Gaul. From his notes that made it somewhere between 60-55 BC. He remembered that according to history (or history as it was) Crassus was dead in Parthia before the civil war and the Roman plutocrat was still alive.

The deaths of Crassus and Julia. He had read something about their deaths beginning the breakdown of the Triumvirate. But he had stopped that, hadn't he?

If the Triumvirate didn't break up, what did that mean to the future?

Living in Rome meant that he heard far more rumours and gossip as well as far more politics. It was something he had not been prepared for. But living in the city and receiving patronage from Caesar and Pompey meant that he was hearing far more about politics than he might otherwise have.

What he was hearing was worrying.

A large section of the Senate was conservative in the extreme. Merlin they nearly went up in flames when they felt the slightest change was on the horizon. Caesar, Pompey and to an extent Crassus were making waves. Forcing change through the Peoples Assembly, bypassing the Senate and worst of all succeeding. Despite what he had changed it was obvious a confrontation was still coming, one way or another.

The triumvirate got a law passed, the Lex Trebonia. Like Caesar's extended command in Gaul, this granted Crassus an extended term and the province of Sicily. Which he would use to stage his war against Parthia. (Which would kill him and quite a few soldiers). The trouble was that Harry had no way of warning the man.

Pompey received the provinces of Nearer Spain and Further Spain but didn't seem too keen to travel there and remained in Rome and did his administration duties through his legates. Apparently, he was besotted with his wife and their latest child.

To get all this done, the Triumvirate were using the Tribune of the Plebs and their own allies to stymie the Senate. There had been violence and near riots but so far, the peace held in Rome. There were threats of litigation against Caesar and to a lesser extent Pompeius Magnus were being bandied about by the Boni and there were whispers of deals being done to bring the 'strongmen' down. But instead of the triumvirate breaking up they still stood firm and…and what? As far as he could determine the Senate was as corrupt as the wizarding worlds had been. If the Triumvirate stayed together, could they help end the corruption and save the Republic…or would they make things worse?

Amidst this frankly worrying contemplation he received a missive from one of the men he had been thinking on, Caesar himself.

He had received a letter from his daughter and was sending his thanks for her continued health and that of her child. The second part of the letter was a request for updates on the situation in Rome. Pompeius had of course sent his own correspondence to Caesar, and it was clear that he was concerned regarding the threat to Rome. Caesar stated that he would write to those that might help Harry.

As the new year grew closer Harry was debating what if anything he should say or do. And had not yet decided one way or another. He planned to speak with Cassandra about it…soon.

His thoughts were interrupted by Quintus knocking on his doorframe. It was a summons to the house of Pompeius. It appeared that Julia's grandmother, Aurelia had fallen ill while visiting.

Aurelia turned out to be a woman a slim and still handsome woman in her early sixties. Her blonde hear was greying and her face was lined but her back was straight, and she was quite vocal about the 'fuss'.

As he examined her, his concerns grew. Clearing the room, save for a worried Julia, he locked eyes with the matriarch.

"How long have you been unwell?" He was using his healers voice now.

Aurelia sighed, "For many months…but it has grown more difficult over these last few months."

Julia gasped and Aurelia took her hand, "Don't fret Julia. I am prepared."

Harry smiled slightly at her stoic display and then sobered, "Well Aurelia, I suspect that we can do better than preparing your will. I think it is your heart…from what you are describing you sound like you may have what we call heart disease. The good news is that it is treatable. My mentor has long believed that diet is a key part of health. Something any mother knows. Sometimes things build up…they cause problems that get worse over time. You will need to make a few changes in your life. Gentle exercise, walking or swimming are best. Changing your diet, more vegetables and salads…I will write out a full list for you. I would also like to give you a curative."

"Magic?" Aurelia frowned as she asked.

Harry shook his head, "No, an extract of beneficial herbs. It should help with the swollen feet and the extra fluids that have built up."

Aurelia didn't look convinced, but Julia was beaming.

"I see," said Aurelia. "I had thought…well, my father had similar symptoms."

"It can run in families. I believe that you have caught it early and that means changes can stop it getting worse," explained Harry.

"That is good," Aurelia looked slightly less grim as she studied Harry. "My son mentioned you in his letters. I can see that his judgement was as accurate as it usually is."

Harry smiled, "His patronage is welcome, as is yours Julia."

oOoOo

Harry didn't realise (or remember) just how well-respected Aurelia was. Even those that disliked her son's politics respected her. She was held up as an example of a Roman woman.

Over the next two weeks his new customers increased. Noblewomen and good solid Roman men and women. Aurelia had many contacts in places high and low. Not surprising for a woman who had lived most of her life in an area of Rome that most of the rich and influential avoided. He was sure that few high-end Romans realised just how vast her network of contacts really was.

He found himself looking over his patient notes, reading through and amending them. It was an important chance to review his treatments. Something he had adopted from his teacher.

"Harry?"

He turned to see Cassandra who was wearing a simple dress that accented her figure and one that Harry loved. "Good evening love, what is it?" She rarely interrupted him in his study.

"I…I wanted to talk to you, before we ate."

Sensing the serious tone and her concerned expression he placed his stylus in its holder and stood to walk over and take his wife's hand. "What is it Cass?"

"I think I might be pregnant."

Harry blinked and then swept Cassandra into a tight hug, "Really?"

"I've missed my moon blood twice," she replied.

Harry's rather interesting life had meant that he had learned the pregnancy test charm and it had come in handy in his old life (bringing peace of mind). Now he found his hands shaking as he cast the spell.

Cassandra was a beautiful woman and more important than beauty was her personality. It had taken him time to see it but in the end he did.

There was a faint pink glow around her lower abdomen.

oOoOo

The household was celebrating with Cassandra and Harry being congratulated by the entire household with the most enthusiastic being Penelope. In fact, the party went for several days. Somehow the news spread, and Harry was not that surprised to receive congratulatory notes from Julia, Aurelia and Pompeius himself.

His return to his normal routine was somewhat of a relief.

oOoOo

7 months later - Year of the Consulship of Messalla and Calvinus (53 BCE)

Violence was being perpetrated on the streets of Rome.

It wasn't too bad but already the more sensible voices among the senate were calling for calm.

For Harry and his household, it was a dangerous, worrying time to be in the city and more than once he had considered packing up his household and leaving. Something was not right in the city. It wasn't just the politics and the waring ideologies. There was a darkness over the city, and he knew the cause was lurking somewhere beyond his ability to find. Hell, beyond the ability of every seer in the fricking city.

Yawning he rolled over to see Cassandra lying on her back, quietly snoring. Cursing he got out of bed as carefully as he could so as not to wake her. She had been out most of the night assisting her teacher with a difficult birth. Something that was becoming somewhat of a challenge now as her pregnancy progressed.

The sky was growing less dark as dawn approached so he made his way to his office. Passing the servants domain, he nodded to Alecta and Sucaria who were both already up, no doubt preparing breakfast for the rest of the household.

Alecta nodded back with a small smile as Sucaria bowed her head, "Dominus."

"Good morning, Cassandra is still asleep so I will have a bite to eat in my office."

"Of course, Dominus. Do you have a preference?" Alecta asked in her accented Latin.

"Perhaps some eggs and toast?"

Alecta shook her head, "You and your toast, Domius."

"What can I say, I like to keep things simple."

His office had been tidied, probably by Sophia the previous evening. He trusted her to clean and tidy his office and notes. Sophia was responsible and knew to leave things if she wasn't sure. She was also like Alecta in that she had adapted to the household and her new 'owners' quite quickly. She got on well with Cassandra and appeared to adore Penelope. She was also one of the first to truly believe that her owners planned to free her.

He opened the window that looked out on to the peristyle garden, still dark save for the pool of light cast by a single enchanted lamp.

The Conclave had been lavish with its praise for actions of nearly a year ago. But as time passed, he and they grew concerned. They had expected to eventually flush out Rome's mystical enemy and had failed. None of the senior wizards believed that the threat was gone but the trail had gone cold. And with the lack of sightings and immediate threat, there had come waning interest from the Senate. Their focus was on the current messy political situation in Rome.

His sat thinking as the light in the room slowly grew brighter.

"Dominus?"

Harry turned to see Sucaria holding a tray with several slices of toast and four hard boiled eggs. Bless Alecta, she had even spread a bit of olive oil on the slices and there was a small clay dish with a few pinches of salt and pepper.

He slowly ate, taking a few moments to enjoy the food. Alecta knew he liked simple, and she did it well. It was probably a good idea to have an early breakfast as he had a busy day ahead.

"Pater?"

Turning he saw a sleepy looking Penelope in the doorway of his office.

"Hello love, what is the matter?"

The nearly seven-year-old yawned, "I heard something in the hall…it was Felix but now I can't get to sleep."

Felix was the cat that the household fed and looked after to keep mice and rats at bay. The large, vicious tortoiseshell was an efficient hunter and seemed to view the entire household, with the exception of Penelope, with feline contempt.

"Well then, you had better come and sit with me and help me eat all this food."

They finished the food and then sat talking quietly as the rest of the household started moving around undertaking their morning tasks.

A heavily pregnant Cassandra appeared in the doorway, "Harry have you seen…Ah, there you are child! Your Nanny has been searching everywhere for you."

"She has been helping me plan for my day, beloved," Harry winked at Penelope who giggled.

Cassandra smiled and kissed Harry and then Penelope. "I suppose that is alright then. I can see that you have eaten. Go and change for the day daughter. Your tutor is here today, and you must be ready."

"Yes Mater," replied Penelope before she ran out the door.

"Such energy, I envy her," Cassandra smiled as she lowered herself onto the spare seat.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine, Harry. Really, I am. Just feeling the weight of this one," she patted her belly and smiled. "I remember the last moon being bad with Penelope. This one feels like a ball of lead."

"Not long to go now," he replied with a grin.

"Let us pray that all goes well. I sometimes wonder if knowing about birthing makes it better or worse. I've attended a few births now and seen some things go wrong." Seeing Harry's worried look she patted his hand. "But most go well, and I trust my teacher and I trust you."

oOoOo

"Harry, just the man we are looking for!"

The eldest son of Pompeius looked like a Hollywood actor playing a Roman. He was handsome with wavy hair, fine features, and an impressive physique.

Despite their different social statuses, Harry had found the entire family to be friendly and welcoming. It was odd but he supposed that his help had made them well disposed toward him.

"Good morning Sextus. Dropping in to visit your father?"

The smile disappeared as Sextus shook his head. Taking Harry's arm, he led him further in to the Domus before replying, "No, the whole family is here." He lowered his voice. "Things are getting worse. And now that the old boy isn't consul, he wants his family and allies near to him. The stable is now home to more than two dozen of his best veterans and we have Caesars wife and mother staying with us. Pater wants you and yours here as well. He says something is in the wind and the new consuls are…well, I'm sure he'll tell you."

Harry grimaced. "Are things truly that bad?"

Sextus nodded grimly.

"Then my family, I should…"

"I'll send a big escort back with you, my friend. Come now, speak to Pater."

Pompeius looked frustrated and stressed but still greeted Harry warmly. "Come in, come in." He gestured to the guest seat. Harry did so, somewhat puzzled.

"Sextus, please tell Demetrius that I am not accepting any more clients today."

Sextus nodded and left the room, closing the door.

"Wine?"

Harry studied the normally unflappable man and could see that the frustration and stress might have only been the tip of the iceberg. "No, thank you. I can see that you are worried Gnaeus Pompeius, what is the matter?"

Pompeius shook his head, "Dealing with idiots is what is the matter." He threw his heads into the air. "The senate is refusing to deal with reality. They have created a problem and now they cannot understand that it is a problem of their own making. Gaius Julius and I are being targeted. Our allies and clients are being targeted and our political agenda is being targeted. I might not like that insufferable ass Crassus, but he at least was a realist. Things in the senate are descending into paranoid madness. That fool Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus hinted that Caesar was going down and I would go with him without his help. His help? I could crush him beneath my foot like the flea Caesar once named him. I nearly did…but then I realised that the flea wouldn't have had the courage to even hint without others supporting him."

Harry was treated to a sight he had never fully seen, the feared and successful military man.

"So instead, I watched who he spoke with, sat with…and I realised that the Senate was listening to them. When our allies spoke, they were shouted down. Someone was showing us that they had the numbers in the senate. Then new consul is one of their arse kissers, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus who smirked at me the whole session."

"I am no expert at politics but that does sound bad."

His host grimaced, "Yes, it is bad, but it gets worse. The optimates are gathering the fearful and let me tell you that the senate is full of frightened rabbits. When the session ended, I was approached by one of the few wolves, Cato."

Harry managed to not flinch when Pompeius slammed his hand on the table.

"That wolf made it clear that Caesar was going down as soon as he returned to Rome. And that I was going down with him. Unless of course I aligned myself to the right side. He told me that his allies wanted me, the successful legate, to help lead their armies. Offered me a better marriage…a better fucking marriage…the cunni was lucky I didn't kill him right there and then. As if I'd set Julia aside." He took a moment to compose himself. "And then he commented that my family was in the city."

"Oh shit," whispered Harry.

"So, I am spreading the word and making sure all my family, friends and clients are taking precautions."

"That seems wise," Harry explained. Pompeius was warning him to be careful. He appreciated that.

"I've just sent a message to the father of Caesar's wife, Calpurnia. "Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus will see to her safety. They are leaving the city tonight for their estate in Herculaneum with a strong escort. Which leads me to you. I want you and your family here, tonight."

That surprised Harry, "I thank you for the offer, Gnaeus Pompeius. Although you do know that my domus is heavily warded."

Pompeius shook his head, his expression still a mix of tiredness and anger. "Normally I would trust your word. But one of the Tribunes of the plebs in the escort Bibulus brought with him…he mentioned you by name Harry."

Harry swore under his breath and then forced himself to calm down, "What?"

"I am sorry my friend, but your friends make you their enemy."

"Damn it," Harry was thinking quickly. "Fine, I will get everyone here. What of my household. I'll not leave them to suffer in my place."

Pompeius reached over and placed his large hand on Harry's shoulder, "We will survive this. These are precautions that I hope are me being too cautious. If only these fools could simply see that both Caesar and I are working to avoid another civil war. The Republic was put to rights by Sulla and not even a generation later and the same idiots are carping on about the mos maiorum. And how the best men in Rome are working to make themselves king. King? Ha, who would want to be king of a bunch of litigious romans?"

Harry hid a grimace as his host threw his hands into the air.

"I am a successful General, an ex-consular and one of the richest men in Rome. Caesar is a brilliant General, a gifted politician and a good man. But these idiots will ruin him out of jealous spite. We stand above, so we must be torn down. Well…fuck them. I'll laugh my head off if they push too hard because Caesar and I are both capable of crushing them like an ant beneath our boot. I don't want to fight my fellow Romans, but I will not allow them to destroy me because I am better than them. I am the first man in Rome and my father-in-law is likely to be the same once he finishes with the Gauls." He took a deep breath and visibly calmed.

"No, I will not allow it. If the senate cannot control the Republic and the fools in its midst…then…then I will join Caesar and we will restore order. Even if that means I take up arms against my countrymen and walk the same path as Sulla." He turned back to Harry, his eyes glittering. "So, my friend, your household will join me here as my guests. We will take stock and take council and see what can be done."

"Alright," Harry agreed as he stood. "I will return shortly."

oOoOo

Julia was in a quiet panic.

Her beloved husband had sat her down and explained exactly why there were armed ex-legionaries guarding her home. She was quite aware of most of the larger events but had not been told of the threats to her husband and family.

"Will the children be safe?"

Her husband grimaced, "I wish that I could say yes, my love. But the city is growing dangerous. We should be safe for now. Harry is here. If the worst happens, we can use his magic to escape."

Julia frowned slightly and looked over to where her grandmother, Aurelia sat. The matron was straight backed in her chair as she listened to her husband speak. When she realised that Julia was looking to her, she cleared her throat.

"Preparing is never unwise Julia."

"I know, but I am worried. Both my husband and father are being threatened…our family."

"I will not lie and say to you that all will be well," Aurelia's eyes went between both of them. "But my son and you Gnaeus Pompeius are both great men. Great men attract envy and hatred, and they rise above it. We shall, as a family, rise higher still. Let them come against us. Julia. Let them come."

oOoOo

Cato glared at the men standing in the atrium of his residence. Could they not see that Caesar, Pompeius and their ilk were the biggest danger to the Republic since the brothers Grachii? His ally, Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus, shared a look with him before he stepped forward raising his voice.

"My friends, we are not saying that it must come to war. But we must be prepared to defend the republic should the need arise."

Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus was trying show his serious side but to Cato he just looked constipated, "We must protect the ideals of the Republic. Our laws and traditions are under threat, and so we must be ready to act. Soon Caesar will return, and he must be thrown to the courts. Exile is the only way to stop him."

"And what shall he be charged with?"

Cato turned to look at the speaker, spotting the balding head and beak-like nose of Marcus Valerius Messalla Niger. The ex-consular was no fan of the popularist agenda but didn't seem to personally like or dislike Caesar.

Before Cato could answer some idiot yelled out that Caesar was a traitor and an enemy of Rome. That had Niger frowning balefully at those gathered around Cato. "And where does that lead? Violence, murder, proscriptions…I want no part of that and if you are wise, you will not embrace the ways of Sulla and Marius." With that Niger turned and left, followed by a half dozen senior senators.

"I'll strangle the idiot that yelled that out," hissed Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus. "We needed Niger and his faction!"

"What we need is men with the courage of their convictions. Unfortunately, Niger is exactly that and a stickler for tradition. I will speak to him in a few days. We have time to bring him onside."

Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus nodded in agreement. Cato was a good man. Harsh and humourless but his sense of honour…of right and wrong was like iron. Which is why he had not ever mentioned that he had been approached by a new…ally. One that promised to deal with Gnaeus Pompeius…permanently.

oOoOo

Dinner was a large affair with a full house. It was enjoyable enough but was quietening down as the servants began clearing the tables. Harry found himself yawning. Which was odd, he hadn't eaten all that much and drunk even less.

That was the first indication that something was wrong.

Then Harry realised that Pompeius was slumped on his couch. He tried to shake off his own sudden lethargy as he pushed himself to his feet, only for his knees to give way. He saw Casandra look in his direction and he tried to call out even as the blackness closed in.

oOoOo

Julia truly enjoyed the company of Cassandra not that she didn't appreciate the other adults, but Cassandra was so down to earth and friendly. That she was Harry's wife only inclined Julia to like her more. Neither of them was drinking, Julia because she wasn't one for wine and Cassandra because she was pregnant.

"It looks like my husband has imbibed a bit too much," said Julia with a giggle.

Cassandra was frowning, Harry rarely drank to excess and nearly every male at the table was slumping on their couch. "Julia, something is wrong."

Julia's expression changed from amusement to concern. "What is it?"

"They can't all be passing out at once." She raised her voice getting the attention of Aurelia and the others that were still awake. "Something is wrong with the food or drink."

The still upright guests exchanged worried looks, as Aurelia joined Cassandra and Julia. A moment later she was calling out instructions as Cassandra started giving out orders. That might not have all listened to Cassandra, but Aurelia was not a respected Roman matron for no reason. When she spoke, people listened.

Galvius, a grizzled and grey-haired ex-centurion was summoned inside. The older man was in charge of the security for the Pompeius Domus and he was soon cursing under his breath. "I agree we need healers but where will we find them at this time of night?" It was a half-rhetorical question apparently. "I think there is a Greek fellow a few streets away. I'll send a runner with the biggest lad we have to drag the bastard here if he buggers about."

"Galvius!"

The Centurion turned to see one of his men. The other veteran looked worried.

"What is it Paulus?"

"There are armed men outside…and something else," he trailed off, his expression growing grim. "Not sure what the fuck it was but the Healer's man said to get him right quick."

Cassandra felt a momentary panic as she considered her apparently unconscious husband. She turned to Julia and Aurelia and raised her voice, "I need as much Ilex as we can get. We need to purge them, quickly."

Cassandra moved straight to Harry and ordered he be laid on his side. One of the slaves arrived with the Ilex, crushed holly berries in strong wine. It was a strong purgative and she hoped it would help empty her husband's stomach.

Luckily, they were able to get enough down his throat to get him to vomit. "Quickly now, give it the same way to the others. I fear it was poison and they must expel as much of it as possible."

"Urrghh…oh god," Harry moaned as he attempted to sit up. "W-what happened?"

Cassandra explained as Harry sat grimacing. "Well, you did the right thing, I think. Galvius was it?"

"Yes?"

"What was it, outside I mean?"

Galvius shrugged but his eyes were narrowed. "Your man saw something in the shadows. Said you should be told."

Harry felt like he had been on a week-long bender as he staggered to his feet. "Then I had best go see. Cassandra, are you alright here?"

Cassandra nodded, "I know what to do, a mouthful of the Ilex?"

Harry slowly nodded, "No more than that. It can do harm if too much is used. If they don't respond, then stick your fingers down their throat."

Cassandra grimaced slightly but nodded her understanding.

"Let's go Galvius," ordered Harry.

oOoOo

The armed men were veterans and while they were concerned regarding the dozen or so armed men outside the house of Pompeius, they were not scared. No, what had them spooked was the shadowy figure they had spotted.

Apparently, it had leapt from the ground to the roof of the building opposite. Some twenty feet straight up.

By the time Harry got there it was gone. Although he had caught a glimpse of red eyes peering down when he first looked up. If it was something bad, it had fled.

"Well shit," muttered Harry as he looked around. Spotting Quintus, he waved him over. "I saw red eyes, what did you see?"

"I thought I saw wings," replied Quintus in a low voice. "And I thought I saw it hit something in the air, Like it had hit a wall."

"The wards I set…okay that is both good and bad. Good that they worked but bad that whatever it was had set them off."

"Could it have been a Stryx?" Quintus asked grimly.

Harry shrugged, "Maybe, so many people out it could have killed us all if it was. So, glad I put the wards up. Who are the men outside?"

"Apparently envoys from the counsel," replied Galvius before spitting on the ground. "Like I'd believe that pile of shit. If we was all poisoned, they could have put us all to the sword."

Galvius might have been rough around the edges but he was not an idiot.

"Can we hold until morning?" Harry asked grimly.

"Depends on what they throw at us," replied Galvius. "The lads here are tough, and your man seems like he can hold his own. Should be able to deal with the lot out there."

"Right, I'm going back in to help my wife. Keep a close watch."

Harry ducked back inside to find a pale and sweating Gnaeus Pompeius being helped to walk by a slave. His young wife was hovering beside the pair making concerned noises.

When Gnaeus Pompeius noticed Harry approaching he weakly raised a hand, "Harry, Jupiter I feel like shit…what is going on?"

Harry explained and when he had finished Gnaeus Pompeius was pale and furious. "Right then, gather the household. Julia, we will be relocating to my lands in Picenum in the morning. Aurelia, Harry, your households will be joining us." He held up a hand, silencing Aurelia. "No arguments, Caesar would murder me if I left you in this shit storm."

"How bad is it, Gnaeus Pompeius?" Julia asked in a subdued voice.

Gnaeus Pompeius sighed, "I suspect that Harry is right. Without our precautions we might have been taken or killed. The Gods know that we've tried to be reasonable. We've worked for the betterment of the people…well, it appears that the Optimates have decided that murder is better than change. I wash my hands of the lot of them. If Caesar marches on this sorry lot of bleating sheep, I'll join him."

oOoOo

Terms

The mos maiorum(custom of the ancestors) of ancient Rome was the social custom and traditions that defined Roman social and cultural traditions. If you are interested, I advise that you to do a little research.

The optimates or Boni were known as the "best men" in Rome, as the word optimates is translated as "best men" from Latin. They were the very traditionalist Senatorial majority of the Roman Republic.

Thepopulares were often in conflict with the Senate. They could be described as men who were acting (at least on the surface) as the people's men. You could say that they were popularists and many, like the Gracchi brothers were reformists whose political agitation and desire for land ownership reforms saw them murdered by the senate.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

“How bad is it, Gnaeus Pompeius?” Julia asked in a subdued voice.

Gnaeus Pompeius sighed, “I suspect that Harry is right. Without our precautions, we might have been taken or killed. The Gods know that we’ve tried to be reasonable. We’ve worked for the betterment of the people…well, it appears that the Optimates have decided that murder is better than change. I wash my hands of the lot of them. If Caesar marches on this sorry lot of bleating sheep, I’ll join him.”

oOoOo

Chapter 8

For all its military might the city of Rome didn’t have a standing army. It often had armies camped outside its walls or nearby. Of course, this had been broken in the past. Both Sulla and Gaius Marius had marched on Rome. What was forgotten is that living in and around Rome were many veterans. Those veterans often remembered their generals fondly and currently there were many veterans of Pompeius and Caesar in the city.

The escort was huge, large enough to both attract notice and deter the thugs hired by the Optimates and their sympathisers. Soon enough the caravan was outside the gates of Rome and making good speed toward Ostia and more importantly its port.

The messengers must have nearly ridden their horses to death carrying word but by the time the convoy reached the outskirts of Ostia a small flotilla of transport ships awaited them.

Harry learned something about efficient organisation on that trip. He was a general but Pompeius was also a master organiser. As they travelled, he dictated new messages and poured over maps and travel plans. It was amazing to watch him work.

When Harry asked, he smiled, “It is something I learned over the years. Organisation is what makes being a successful general possible.”

Harry sent a message, as a patronus, to the conclave. He outlined what had happened and the news that he was with Pompeius. He would continue to report but couldn’t be sure where they were headed. It was vague enough that any ‘leaks’ in the conclave’s ranks should not endanger his friends or their families.

They reached the port at Ostia just as the sun set. Not that it disrupted the ships being loaded. Torches and lamps were lit, and an endless stream of efficient men set about loading the ships.

“I can’t believe that we got away from Rome without any trouble,” Aurelia said as she sat on one of the comfortable stools that considerate crewmen had brought out for the ladies.

Pompeius laughed, “I can. The good men can bleat on about their prowess but few of them are men of action. Politics and plotting they can do, planning and doing? Not a chance. At least not quickly enough to hamper us.”

“So, we are safe?” Julia asked.

Pompeius took his wife’s hand. “We should be Julia. I’ve got nearly three hundred veterans on our four ships. And more will be following. And these are the best ships I could find. Built as military transports and sailed by men who know what they are doing. We’ll join your father soon enough and then we can decide what we are going to do.”

“Will it be war?” Aurelia asked evenly.

Pompeius sighed and rubbed his free hand through his hair, “Civil war is an ugly business and truly I doubt Gaius Julius wants it any more than I do. But if the choice is death or exile and fighting for Rome and our principles?” He looked out at the scurrying dock workers and shook his head. “Rome is prosperous and powerful, but those idiots will ruin it in a decade if we left them to it. So yes, I think it will come down to a fight. I hope it can be decided quickly but something tells me that we might have to go far further than we want to.”

oOoOo

Rome

The Conclave was in an uproar when Harry’s patronus messenger reached them. While not strictly a political body, the conclave was tied to Rome’s political ups and downs. That a magical threat was happening in magical Rome at the same time as this political turmoil was either an unfortunate coincidence or potentially something far more sinister.

Harry would be missed, for now. However, his warning would be heeded, and their vigilance would not waver as they tried to unravel and reveal the magical threat to the People of Rome.

oOoOo

Caesar dismissed the messenger, with his thanks and then read the first of the two missives that had just arrived. It bore the seal of Pompeius and was likely information from his ally. Frowning he set the scroll down, letting it curl back up as he attempted to master his emotions. His family…they had gone after his family!

For this he would make them burn…no, no he needed to think, to plan. Pompeius was many things, but he was most certainly not an idiot. He had left Rome and sailed with their families. That told Caesar exactly how bad the situation truly was. Poisonings, dark creatures…. He let that thought trail off and opened the second scroll. This too was sealed by Pompeius, but the hand was his mother’s tight, no-nonsense script.

She assured him that she was well. She told much the same story as Pompeius but in less political detail. Instead, she spoke of family matters. Julia and the child were well. That travel with Pompeius was speedy and well organised and she was quite enjoying the travel by sea. A method of transport she had not before experienced. The most important part of the missive was at the end. She had also written to several of his allies, alerting them and asking them to manage the family’s affairs.

Jupiter, she was without price. She had ensured that her son’s clients would be able to protect themselves as best as they were able. She might have been born into a woman’s body, but Aurelia was both as sharp and as wise as she had even been. He smiled slightly as he considered that thought. He had a knack of finding smart women entering his life.

Standing he sought out his steward. He needed orders issued and there was no time to waste.

oOoOo

The Port they arrived in was in no way a mirror of Ostia. It was messy loud and seemingly disorganised, almost chaotic.

Pompeius laughed when Aurelia said as much as she looked on with disapproval. “You are not wrong, bloody Greeks can’t run a port for shit.”

The officials that met them were keen to help and offered up all sorts of aid. Which was politely declined. Pompeius would use men he knew rather than strangers. It took far more time to unload so by the time they had a large escort of burly, professional-looking men had appeared along with a client of Pompeius.

“Ah Tiberius, you made it!” Pompeius exclaimed when he caught sight of the burly balding man in a toga.

“Pompeius Magnus, you look well for a man well past his prime and gone to seed,” replied Tiberius as both men laughed. “You made good time considering this is a poor time to travel by sea.”

Pompeius replied in a low voice, “I was hoping for a speedy crossing, and we did well enough, no ships lost is always good. Have you heard from Caesar?”

Tiberius nodded, “He is sending a mounted escort. He’s set up camp with one legion a day’s ride from here. He is still in his province so he can tell the Senate to shove it up the arse if they complain. Besides, you know what he is like. He swept in, did his assizes, listened to the complaints, settled them and then made camp.”

Harry noticed that Pompeius made no mention of the details of what was happening in Rome and that Tiberius didn’t ask.

“He is close, that’s good. Right, time to meet the others. First is my wife Julia…”

“This must be your lovely wife…”

When Harry was introduced, Tiberius looked surprised. “The healer? I am pleased to meet you.”

That surprised Harry but he didn’t get a chance to ask anything more as they prepared to depart. They had made it barely three miles before they were intercepted by a large body of mounted troops. They were led by a man who Pompeius introduced as Quintus Tullius Cicero. The younger brother of the famous Marcus Tullius looked very different to his brother. Firstly, he was armoured and looked like a soldier. Which Harry found out was indeed the case. He was one of Caesar’s Legates and had been serving with him in his Gallic campaigns.

They had sent a carpentum, a comfortable four-wheel cart for the ladies. This was a much better and more comfortable prospect than the baggage cart they had been travelling in.

With the mounted escort they didn’t encounter anything on the road. Well, nothing but odd looks. With Cassandra and Penelope in with Julia and Aurelia, Harry was happy to blend in and ride in the cart behind the carpentum.

In his mind, he was debating what to tell Caesar and Pompeius. He was no ancient historian and so he knew some rough dates around key events and some names, but he did not have detailed information about who, what, why and when. Hells Bells, it was likely he had already changed events.

And that worried him.

Had he fucked things up?

Had he made things worse?

He wasn’t some dispassionate observer. He had a child on the way. A wife and adopted daughter. He lived here and after all this time he felt there was zero chance of going back to his original time. This here and now mattered. Which left him with a dilemma. Should he speak up?

When they stopped for a meal Harry took his portion and sat with Penelope and Cassandra.

Eventually, his wife patted his hand, “You look lost in your thoughts, is something troubling you?”

Cassandra was one of the few people who knew of his past.

“I’m still thinking, struggling with what I should do. What I should say,” he replied quietly.

Cassandra didn’t reply straight away. Instead, she seemed to be composing an answer. “I think that you know, and you just need to convince yourself.”

oOoOo

Caesars Camp – Cisalpine Gaul

Gaius Julius Caesar had been granted the governorship of Cisalpine Gaul and Illyria and he had used it to springboard into the military conquest of the rest of the Gallic tribes. It should have won him renown and respect and to some extent it had. What he had underestimated was the fear and envy of his enemies. His agents reporting from Rome had made it clear that they had pulled out all stops to oppose his every move.

He had expanded Rome’s reach. He had secured its borders and fought for Rome and his personal glory. But lesser men were trying to tear down his achievements, attacking his dignity and authority. Even if he chose to set aside their hateful spite, he knew in his bones that unopposed they would destroy Rome.

Pompeius was of a similar mind. Which was an amusing thought as they were very different men. His arrival here would set off their enemies. They would be saying that they were traitors. They would make him a traitor.

The irony was that if they did that, he would be their worst enemy. The only other military man he rated as a true threat was Pompeius. The man was ruthless and a master organiser. And he was family.

His musing was interrupted by the report that his guests had arrived.

He stood and went to meet his family.

oOoOo

Rome – Steps of the Senate House

Marcus Valerius Messalla Niger walked past Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus with only a small nod of acknowledgement. In and of itself that wasn’t that surprising but given recent events, it was worrying. More worrying were the next pair.

“A fine day,” said Gaius Cassius Longinus as he walked alongside Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus. “Although I don’t like to tempt Fortuna.”

Longinus shook his head and looked around, failing to see Bibulus in the shadows of the Senate House doors. “Pompeius has decamped.”

Albinus looked… ‘What was that?’ Bibulus thought. Was it anger, or frustration?

Longinus made a noise of frustration. “I had it confirmed this morning by Marcus Valerius,” he shook his head. “An assassination attempt. Madness, it is madness. Caesar is enough of a problem. How much worse will it be if they join forces?”

Albinus slowed his pace and gripped the arm of Longinus, “Be careful my friend. The Optimates are trying to show their teeth.”

Longinus laughed bitterly, “Their teeth? That lot are sheep and Caesar is a wolf and Pompeius is a lion. I’d rather owe money to Crassus.”

The two senators moved off and Bibulus was left silently cursing in the shadows. If only his friend had succeeded in killing…no, executing, Pompeius. Now he had two generals to worry about. He was just about to make his way inside when he found a bony hand on his shoulder.

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus was an old man, nearing eighty years but still spritely and intelligent. He held himself aloof from the Optimates despite being of a conservative bent and so Bibulus knew less about him than he might have otherwise. He was searching his memory now, he should know more about his politics More importantly he was also acclaimed as the princeps senatus, the first member by precedence on the membership rolls of the senate. A prestigious position and it only added to the man’s authority. Bibulus found himself pinned by the man’s stern gaze.

“Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus, I had hoped to see you before the meeting and here you are. Fortune must be favouring me today.” His gap-toothed smile was chilling.

Bibulus had a bad feeling about this encounter, “Then we had best take our seats as the…”

“Be silent,” ordered the older man in a harsh voice. “Better, you might live longer if you let me speak.”

Bibulus held his tongue.

“You are a fool if you think that attempting to kill Pompeius and his family was wise. Don’t deny it, it makes you look like a lackwit.” The old man had a dangerous glint in his eyes. “There was a faint chance that wise and good men might have found a way past this situation you forced on us. I was going to send Cicero to negotiate. He always got on well with Pompeius despite their differences and Caesar would have appreciated a smart man. I am half tempted to send you, maybe if Pompeius lops your head off he’ll forgive the fact that a proconsul of Rome used dark sorcery and poison to try and have him killed. Many would argue that you brought it on yourself you unmitigated fucking idiot.”

“I….I….” Bibulus found he had lost the ability to form words.

“I would flee the city if I was you,” said Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus coldly. “Once word spreads of what you and your stupid friends have done, and it will spread, half the city will be after your blood.”

Bibulus managed to find his voice, “I…I am defending the Republic.” He hated that his voice broke as he said it.

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus laughed, “You and that stiff-necked halfwit Cato have forced another civil war on us. If you think that is in any way serving the Republic, you are less a fool and more a simpleton.”

With that, the old man turned his back and continued into the building.

Bibulus stood shaking in shock as he desperately tried to understand what had just happened. He moved slowly toward the doors that now seemed to loom over him. He forced himself to walk through the doors and toward the benches where his friends and allies sat. He managed to make it to a bench and as he did his concern grew. It seemed that the senators were looking away from him or glaring in his direction.

“Marcus Calpurnius?”

“Marcus Calpurnius?”

Bibulus realised that someone was calling his name. Turning he saw Cato. His friend was stern-faced but he could recognise the concern in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Cato. What were you saying?”

Cato frowned as he straightened up and adjusted the hang of his toga. “I said that our stand against Caesar and Pompeius has finally shown some results. Pompeius has fled the city and with that victory, we can now deal with Caesar. I’ll speak to stripping him of his Governorship and legions. Then we can try him in a senatorial court and get him exiled.”

Bibulus shivered. Cato spoke loudly and he did not doubt that others heard some of it. If Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus was speaking truthfully then their situation could be perilous.

“We need to speak,” he managed to say before he was interrupted by the sound of prayers. The meeting had begun, and the ritual sacrifice to the gods was being made. Silence was traditional as the priests looked at the auspices. Cato took his seat and bowed his head. However, Bibulus found his eyes resting on the wizened form of Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus. He was sitting with several ex-consulars and senior senators. He suddenly realised that many of those surrounding the old man were powerful men. Men who led factions…men who looked grim and unhappy. No, he was almost panicking, and he refused to let fear drive him. Looking away, he took a moment to compose himself. The doors to the senate were closed now and the room grew dimmer as the natural light was diminished. As he looked toward the doors, he saw a shadowed figure looking in his direction. He almost dismissed the figure when he realised that the figure had pulled its toga over his head. As those involved in the religious rites were required to do. The light was poor but to him, the face of the figure was obscured…no, not obscured…it had no face. There was nothing beneath the cowl.

His heart was beating wildly as he looked away. He forced himself to look again and the figure was gone.

Bibulus swallowed heavily as he tried to understand what he had seen as he sat huddled in his toga while his hands shook. The prayers seemed to be taking far too long but eventually, the priestly functions were concluded and the session seemed about to begin. Nothing had happened…the senate looked normal. Cato was speaking quietly to one of the Caecili seated next to him. He really needed to speak to Cato but dragging him off would be seen and taken note of. Something he did not want.

The senior consul spoke briefly before surrendering the floor to Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus. The old man stepped forward and made a sweeping gesture toward the seated senators.

“Today I speak for the good of the Republic and the people and of Rome. I have served this body for decades and I want you to note that service. I have seen good men and bad ascend the cursus honorum. Seeking out personal and family glory as they followed in the footsteps of our ancestors. I myself climbed that ladder of honour. Tradition and law guide those that seek high office. We seek to be first among equals to show that we have the right mind to lead, the backbone and dare I say balls to lead a country full of litigious, argumentative people.

I have seen war and internal conflict. I can honestly say that I had thought to have seen all types of men and their motivations. But in this last decade, the political divisions have been so bad that men are motivated more by hatred than by patriotism. We have reached a time when men will do anything to defeat their opponents. That they risk destroying our great Republic seems to not even factor into their plots.

When members of this supposedly wise body used magic and poison in an attempt to remove a man they crossed a line. I am not a man who likes the politics of the
Populares…but I can respect them. They seek to redress an ill in our society, stagnation. They have some…I repeat some, valid points regarding the distribution of land and the reduced ability for our citizens to make a living. I too see those ills and in my own way have looked at solutions.

Does this prudence mean that I am Caesar’s man? That I am a bootlicker of Strabo the butcher's son?

No, it doesn’t. This is a house of debate a place where we are meant to show leadership. Not a place where members plot the murder of fellow senators. It angers me that this has led to me having to stand here and defend men I don’t personally like. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus and his family have wisely left Rome. A great general and servant of the Republic is no doubt making his way to an upcoming great general Gaius Julius Caesar, his son-in-law. Fleeing poisoners and foreign magi seeking his death and his family’s death on the orders of…a…prominent…senator.”

Now Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus was looking at Bibulus and Cato. His wrinkled eyes flashed as he studied the two men and those seated with them.

“I hope you fools realise what you have done. If you continue to use every low tactic at your disposal you will FORCE two brilliant generals to rise in rebellion. We will have another civil war. They will have no choice!”

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus took deep breaths, regaining his composure. Neither Cato nor Bibulus moved as the silence grew.

“I propose that the senate send envoys to both men. Let us try and salvage the situation before we face civil war.”

Bibulus felt relief as Cato stood. His friend’s face was pinched with anger and as he hastily stood he had to readjust his toga. Cato was a good if strident speaker. A man whose honesty was respected. Then he spoke and Bibulus knew he had made a mistake.

“Never, I will never countenance appeasing a man who seeks to rule Rome as a KING! Caesar wants a diadem on his brow and us at his feet. Pompeius is an ignorant man from a backcountry province. I demand that the house strip Caesar of his command and immediately order him home to stand trial. He would not dare to ignore a summons from the Senate.”

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus laughed and gestured to where Rome's elected officials sat. Before anything else could be said one of the conservative Tribunes of the Plebs stood and spoke loudly and clearly. “I veto that on the grounds that it is not in the interests of the people of Rome.”

“Good lad,” remarked Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus before turning to face Cato and Bibulus. “I think it wise that envoys be sent to both men. And before you send any more of that idiotic vitriol my way Cato, if I was to walk out and ask the people what they want, what do you think they will say? Particularly after word spreads of what you have done?”
Cato opened his mouth to argue but pause as Bibulus managed to grab his hand and his attention.

“No, not here,” he whispered.

Cato looked shocked but slowly sat.

They and the half dozen that sat with them listened in shock as the senior consul stood and proposed a law to select and appoint suitable senatorial envoys.

The Boni sat, waiting for the other consul to intercessio the motion or any of their bought Tribunes of the plebs to veto it. To their horror, it passed in a solid majority.

The Senate had spoken and their word would no doubt be ratified by the people.

Bibulus grimaced at the look on Cato’s face.

“Not here, my house as soon as possible. Only people you trust.” He managed to whisper to Cato. The looks he was getting from his political enemies and even some allies were concerning.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Last Time:

"Well, what is it you suggest," demanded Cato.

The figure through back it's cowl to expose a pale bearded face. "I will kill Pompeius and Caesar."

Cato studied the newcomer, "And what shall be your price assassin?"

The figure's thin lips turned up into a cruel smile, "I have little need for riches…let us say a favour owed?"

oOoOo

Harry spent the night with his family and didn't speak of his plans or indeed even think about them. Instead, he simply enjoyed their time together. Tomorrow would come soon enough.

oOoOo

"I understand, Harry," Cassandra said with a smile. "You must go. We will be fine and safe here with Pompeius and Caesar."

And that was that. Rome was calling and he had a vampire to hunt down.

oOoOo

Harry apparated into the Atrium of the Conclave and was surprised to see that it was empty. There were usually a few magicals hanging around the large and rather grand marble-lined room.

"Harry?"

He swung around, preparing to cast a spell when he recognised the man who had called his name.

Titus Entellus was a thickset middle-aged magical who ran a successful herbalist business in the suburbia. He wasn't a friend, but he was someone he had shared a few conversations with, usually when Harry was stocking up on medicinal herbs.

"Titus, well met."

"I heard what happened, your wife and family?" Titus had a family of his own.

"Away and safe," Harry replied with a smile. "How are things in the city?"

Titus shook his head, "Tense, the people are unhappy although begrudgingly accepting that the Senate is doing what it can to stop any violence. Now that Bibulus and Cato have left the city things seem to be calming down."

Harry took a moment to process that. "Hold on, they've left the city?"

"Two days ago, they fled to the East. Or so rumour has it. Cato and Bibulus tried to regain control of the Senate and even tried to get one of their paid Tribunes to get the People to vote on stripping Caesar of his armies."

"It didn't work I take it," Harry raised an eyebrow.

"No, it didn't. They had company when they left. Almost a dozen of the hard-line Optimates."

"East, why East?" Harry mused even as he realised that he would have to return to Caesar and Pompeius and tell them about the latest development, in the off chance they had not already been informed.

"Well that I don't know. But come I've delayed you when the Conclave have put out the word that they would like to speak with you if you appeared."

oOoOo

Harry left the Conclave more concerned than we had arrived if that was possible. The magical vampire had not been spotted, and the Conclave had hoped that he might have fled the city. Not that Harry believed that.

No, he was still lurking somewhere nearby. That is what his gut told him. He just had to figure out…

Harry might not have seen the attack coming but his sixth sense that had served him so well as a seeker and in the magical world saved him once more. He threw himself sideways as something flashed past him.

Rolling away he caught sight of movement in the shadows to his right and moved behind the cover of the stone steps of a small temple.

He could see the alleyway between two buildings and there was…something in the shadows there.

He disapparated with a loud crack, appearing in the alleyway and just caught a glimpse of a figure in a hooded cloak as it faded away.

Silently cursing he backtracked searching for what had nearly struck him.

Lying on the road was a knife with a greenish tinge on the blade.

"Bugger."

There were a few potions that could be applied to a knife by unscrupulous magicals and one of the worst was green. He couldn't even remember the name but certainly wasn't going to take chances. He vanished the blade and considered his next move.

oOoOo

Harry had a plan, a bad plan that he didn't like very much but a plan that had a chance of working. He would be bait in his own trap.

He already knew that the Vampire and whatever allies the thing had were out for his blood. Literally most likely. He could search the city for months and not find him. But, the attack, within hours of his return told him that his enemies had the means to find him. Now there were a few ways to stop others scrying his location out. Such as wards. But if he was in a place of his choosing and let them come to him. He might be able to end this quickly.

oOoOo

The room he rented was poorly ventilated and frankly filthy. Clearly, the owner of these wretched flophouse saw nothing wrong with it or Harry's insistence that he pay for the other three rooms that made up the tiny second-storey dwelling. He probably thought Harry was a pimp. He spent nearly two hours setting up his defences before he was satisfied. Hermione would be proud of his efforts…if not his plan.

He cast a cleaning spell on a low stool and sat with his back to the unplastered brick wall where he could see the doorway and the small narrow window.

The hours passed slowly, and he was starting to wonder if he should be reconsidering the whole idea when the greasy curtain that separated the 'sleeping area' was swept aside and a cloaked figure launched itself at the sleeping figure on the floor.

It struck a blow that would have smashed Harry's skull…if he wasn't sitting disillusioned on a stool several feet away.

The illusion of Harry faded away and the figure whipped around with a snarled curse.

To see Harry standing with his wand pointed at the figure's chest.

"Pretty good illusion if I do say so myself."

The figure tensed and Harry shook his head. "I wouldn't, you are standing in the middle of a warding array that will fry you like bacon if I twist my wand. So, let's have a chat shall we."

"You will die magi…the master wills it and he has countless servants."

"Ah, so he sent a minion. Annoying but not unexpected. So old chap, it looks like you are going to have to do. Because I think your master is an egotistical psychopath and I expect he turned you himself. Expecting me to batter down your mental defences so he can ambush me…again. He must really think I'm a fucking idiot."

The vampire tensed and Harry shook his head and smirked as the wards flared and the vampire screamed and fell writhing to the floor. "That's just a taste. So, care to tell me where your sire is right now?"

"Yo-u….wi-l-l die…scream…ing."

Harry was rather impressed with its ability to speak considering its pained writhing. But that didn't stop him from squeezing the vampire for everything he could get.

Several hours later, Harry apparated out.

oOoOo

Cicero led the delegation and for once he was thankful for the brutal pace they were setting. When they boarded a swift courier ship and were informed that the weather would be fair and the passage swift, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He slept soundly, rocked to sleep by the movement of the ship.

The morning brought clear skies and it looked to his inexperienced eyes that they were making excellent time. He broke his fast with a simple meal and found himself enjoying it. Maybe the fresh air cleared his head.

"Ah, there you are Cicero!"

Cicero turned to see Aulus Gabinius. His fellow senator and ex-consul was a thickset man of roughly the same age as himself. Cicero was pleased that the Senate had shown enough foresight to assign a man he could work with. He might not always have agreed with Gabinius, but he truly believed that he was an honest man and far from a fool.

"Gabinius, I'm sorry were you looking for me?"

Gabinius shook his head, his eyes going to Cicero's wooden plate, "No, well not for anything official. I was seeking you out to see if you had eaten. I was up early and ate then. I know I look like a food lover but truthfully, I prefer plain food, my time as a soldier I suppose, so I helped myself to some bread and oil and a boiled egg or two. If you have finished eating, I will take the chance to speak to you, privately."

Cicero nodded and Gabinius joined him at the railing.

"I know that you spent time with Pompeius, more than I have anyway. I know his oldest boy, he served with me for a while when he was barely shaving. But I've barely spoken more than a greeting to Pompeius. Caesar I've spent enough time with to at least have an idea of his type. Jupiter knows that I'd be furious if they went after my family." Cicero knew that Gabinius doted on his wife and family.

"Pompeius is a good man," Cicero began, keeping his voice low. "He's got a temper, but he is also able to master it. With everything that has happened…what those fools did he would have been livid, but I doubt it's enough to make him do anything foolish. I'd say he will listen."

Gabinius looked out over the ocean, his expression showed that he was gathering his thoughts before he sighed and turned back to face Cicero.

"I am inclined to think that Caesar will listen. He's an intelligent man and I believe that he believes that he is trying to fix the ills of Rome. He grew up in Suburbia and his mother is rightly considered an exemplar for Roman women. Wise and despite his Patrician status he knows the real Rome. He knows that he has a good chance of winning if it comes to civil war. With Pompeius with him? That is a fucking nightmare. But I doubt that he'll march on Rome unless he has no other choice."

"Choice?" Cicero almost snorted. "Those immoderate idiots who oppose him simply because it's him. They won't let him win as they see it."

Gabinius squared his shoulders, "Then we have a lot to do." He surprised Cicero by grinning. "The air is much more pleasant out here. I'll rouse one of the scribes and we can start drafting a plan."

Cicero's respect for his companion went up a few notches. "Yes, let's do that."

oOoOo

By the time they arrived in port, they had drafted a few versions of possible solutions. They had been delayed on their final day at sea and while annoying it meant that his missive to Caesar and Pompeius that he had sent by the fastest ship possible and then by a swift rider, should have already reached Caesar.

When he saw armed men on the docks, he had a moment of confused fear before he realised that they did not seem about to attack.

Cicero was even further surprised when he recognised the Roman officer leading the men. It was his younger brother, Quintus Tullius Cicero. Striding down the gangway he reached his brother just as he was dismounting.

"Brother, I had not known that you were even in the province!"

Quintus laughed as he embraced his elder brother.

"Don't you muddy my toga you oaf!" Cicero had to laugh.

"Serves you right for dressing up. My Legate's uniform is far more forgiving." Quintus grew serious as he spotted the rest of Cicero's companions disembarking.

Cicero tuned out the official greetings as he considered the job ahead. Both Caesar and Pompeius were proud men. He found most military men were proud to some degree. So, he would need to ensure that he took that into account. It was a blessing that his military-minded brother was here to fill the gaps in his knowledge. And it was a promising courtesy from the two generals to send a family member.

Soon enough they were climbing aboard a comfortable four-wheeled pilentum. Not as good as the one he had in Rome but comfortable enough.

"I had forgotten that your brother was serving with Gaius Julius."

Cicero turned away from watching the passing landscape and turned his attention back to Gabinius, "He served with Pompeius as well as being with Caesar for most of the Gallic campaigns."

"I seem to remember that he was mentioned in Caesar's dispatches. Holding out against the Nervii when the Gauls attacked their winter camps."

Cicero nodded. He was proud of Quintus and his military achievements. His brother was a good soldier and to Cicero it was pleasing that he had found his feet. Quintus had never shown much interest in scholarly or legal matters and when he was younger Cicero had worried about his future. It was pleasing to Cicero that he had become a credit to the family.

He had also been a font of knowledge about the current state of Caesar's legions.

Gabinius continued, interrupting Cicero's thoughts, "I like the courtesy Caesar and Pompeius are showing us. To me, it bodes well that they sent an escort, and had your brother lead them. Let us hope they are in a mood to negotiate."

Cicero could only nod.

oOoOo

Caesar watched the arrival of the Senate's envoys with some interest. Someone, it might have been any of a few of the wiser senators, had decided on a smaller party. After all the two men they had sent were both moderates. Conservative of course but not idiots. That had been a little bit of a surprise if he was honest with himself. Gabinius was a decent fellow. An ex-consul and experienced military man who managed to combine brains, ambition and skill in a likable way. Charisma and authority but of a different stripe than his own. He was a family man who few had any objection to. Cato and the other idiots would have struggled to find anything to criticise in his appointment.

Cicero.

Now Cicero was a different matter. The ex-consul, brilliant speaker and legal expert was a man he respected. Like most new men, he was a conservative. His family had been rich rural landowners. And to make it in Rome he had to be more Roman than those born to the 'right' families. Despite his conservative stand, Caesar judged him a decent man and someone whose intellect he respected. Cicero was, of course, ambitious but he was also a man who viewed himself as having a duty to the Senate and the People of Rome. He wanted to leave a legacy and that was something that he understood all too well.

"Ah there he is, the old chook looks well enough," Pompeius said as he joined Caesar. Both were in military attire although they were both unarmed.

"He seems to grow more dignified as he ages," Caesar said with a fleeting smile.

"Well, we had better get a move on."

oOoOo

Cicero and Gabinius were both rather surprised to first be shown to the General's building for lunch instead of going straight into negotiations.

It was a fairly simple affair but one that Julia and Aurelia hosted perfectly. The respected matron and the beautiful young wife ensured that the two envoys were fed and welcomed appropriately. As the meal concluded they had departed after the appropriate courtesies.

"She truly is a beautiful woman, you are a lucky man Pompeius," said Gabinius with a genuine smile. "It might be an important day but truthfully, I was most pleased to meet your wife Pompeius and your mother Caesar. She was a close friend of my mother but one whom I only met as a child. I see now why Mater spoke so highly of her."

Servants cleared the food away and the four men considered each other. It was Cicero that broke the silence.

"I will not wax lyrical here. We know why we are meeting, and we all know what is at stake here. I would like to hear your intentions regarding the…events in Rome."

Pompeius smiled for a moment, "Cicero my friend, and I do count you as a friend. Both Gaius Julius and I have been put into an untenable position. And while we are willing to negotiate, certain things must first be addressed."

Cicero leaned forward, "I understand. The Senate also has concerns about the situation and despite what those idiots have tried to do we welcome a solution that does not mean war."

"I know that you are both men who understand that Rome is more than the Senate," added Caesar. "I have had my authority and dignity questioned along with my loyalty to the Senate and People of Rome. Yes, I have been successful in expanding Rome's territories, and I have to manoeuvre using the People's Assembly. I won't apologise for that. I see several problems on the horizon that those of us who lead the people seem determined to ignore just as they have ignored the problem for centuries."

"You speak of land reform," said Gabinius in a careful, neutral voice.

"I do," said Caesar. "I see it as one of the most vexing issues and one that I tried to resolve. With new territory comes new land and opening up land means that we give opportunity to the people. Having every bit of arable land owned by the elite means our citizens are forced to eke out a living. That is why I wanted to settle veterans on the public lands. Not in Italy but in Gaul and in the provinces. That is why Pompeius, Crassus and I acted as we did. The brothers Gracchi were right when they said that change had to happen."

"And your campaign in Gaul?" Cicero asked with a stern look at the two men. "Your command being extended was barely legal and it was certainly not done within our laws and customs."

"My dear Cicero, would the Senate have allowed me to finish what I started? With Cato and Bibulus calling me Caesar Rex and opposing me for the sake of it, out of spite because I am a better Roman than they are?" There was a touch of frustration in Caesar's voice. "They attacked my family! They have impinged on my legacy. Pompeius and I are two of Rome's best generals. We have waged war on behalf of our people and our reward is accusations, attempts to tear us down. What have I done that is different to the Governors and Legates before me? So much do they hate and fear us that I had to bend the law, to go beyond convention so that I didn't end up an impoverished exile. Pompeius served a man who was forced to march on Rome. Can you honestly say that you believe that I want to be another Sulla?"

oOoOo

Cicero was tired, it had been a long day. Listening to Caesar and Pompeius outline their grievances had driven home just how dangerous the current system was. That they had been forced, and yes, he believed that forced was the right way to word it, to do as they had was less about their ambition and more about the shambles Roman politics had become.

He now saw just how badly polarised and divided the Senate truly was. Alliances that cared little for the welfare of the people had held sway for too long. Marius and Sulla had done the Roman people no favours when they fought out their dispute. They had done a terrible thing in showing that marching on Rome was possible. He believed civil war was not the answer…he knew it wasn't. But how did he convince men who saw no other options? Generals who had troops who loved them and would follow their General even into a bloody civil war.

He honestly doubted that he would recognise or like what Rome would become if another civil war was the outcome of this madness.

He looked down at his notes. Caesar had Pompeius made a good case. Their hands had been forced…there had to be a way forward. If this were a trial in the courts, he would know...wait.

It couldn't be that simple, could it?

oOoOo

Caesar stared at Cicero in genuine shock.

"You want us to what?"

Cicero gestured at the two men, "Allow the matter to be tried in the courts, specifically the extortion courts. Given the nature of the acts of the Optimates, they have little political clout at this time. I believe a jury would find you not guilty and at the same time, we bring Bibulus and his cronies up on charges using theLex Cornelia de sicariis et veneficis. They used dark magic and poison against you Pompeius. We shall drag that out into an open court. Let the people decide if they will accept their criminal actions."

Caesar surprised Cicero and Pompeius when he began to laugh. "Sulla's Cornelian Law against Murderers and Poisoners. My dear Cicero, I can honestly say that I did not expect that. A law aimed at murderers, poisoners and evil magics…that is absolutely brilliant. Those cretins will not see that coming. Not in a hundred years."

Pompeius had realised what was amusing Caesar. "Cicero you really are the best advocate in the damned Republic. The question is would it work?"

"I believe that it would, and the best thing is that it allows you to be tried in absentia. I think there are very few Senators, well sensible ones, that would convict you with the ways things stand in Rome. And of course, the same thing cannot be said about Bibulus, Cato and their fellows."

Caesar shook his head, "In Absentia? No, that isn't enough. If I, we, do this then it must be in person. It is truly a brilliant idea but if we want Rome to pay attention then Pompeius and I need to walk into the Senate as citizens."

Gabinius laughed, "Jupiter, make sure I'm there when you walk in. I want to see what is left of the Optimates carried off by collected apoplexy."

"Would it work?" Pompeius was studying the other men's faces.

"My dear Pompeius, I am the best advocate in Rome, and I am telling you that I cannot see how they could vote for a conviction based on what we know was happening. When you and Gaius Julius walk in as ex-consulars, without your legions at your back. Those that are conservative but not yet decided will see it as you both being the better men and we will make sure that is the message we will ensure is spread."

"And if…"

Pompeius trailed off as a large crack sounded just outside the room.

Before anyone could react, Harry burst into the room followed by two legionaries.

"Harry?" Caesar asked taking in the wizard's dishevelled appearance.

"We've got a big problem."

oOoOo

Caesar looked up as one of his servants, Palinus, entered carrying a small tray of sliced fruit and a decanter of well-watered wine.

At least he tried to.

Instead, he stumbled and squealed in agony as he fell to the floor and before Caesar's eyes, the man twisted and writhed before his features became pallid and changed from his long-time servant into a stranger. Before he could move, Harry shimmered into view, his staff in hand.

Caesar looked back at the writhing assassin growing still, "Well, you were right. Were there any other incidents?"

Harry's expression was hard as he studied the figure. "Three, my wards got all of them. The one I interrogated in Rome claimed that the undead bastard sent a dozen." He shrugged, "No idea if that was true or not. But three is enough to worry me."

"Will your wards hold?"

"They will, but that does not stop one with a bow or a sling taking a shot at you, or someone else," warned Harry.

"Then we will all be careful, but I cannot hide away."

"I knew you were going to say that," bemoaned Harry.

"On a different note, could we get a message to some people in the Senate?"

"I can."

"Then I will have some messages."

oOoOo

Decimus Laelius had a cousin who was a member of the Conclave. So, he was probably the most informed of the current year's Tribunes of the Plebs. When a senior Magi and his cousin Brutus appeared just before the college was due to meet, he gave them his ear.

By the time they had finished speaking, Decimus was pale and sweating. He rushed off to speak to his fellow tribunes. The two magi hurried off in the direction of the Senate house. They had more messages to deliver.

oOoOo

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus sighed and rolled the scroll he was holding back up before looking at the messengers.

"I thank you for this, please see my freeman Ludo and he will see to your needs. I will have a reply for you shortly."

Once the two Magi had left, Publius considered the letter he had just received. Say what you want about Cicero, but you would be hard-pressed to find a more gifted advocate. His plan, explained in Caesar's usual clear way was a way forward that hopefully did not end in civil war. It was one thing for Bibulus, Cato and their hangers on to attack Caesar but to use foul magics, poison and dark creatures? He still struggled to believe it despite the copious amounts of proof he and his handpicked spies had uncovered.

Pompeius, Caesar and their allies could have marched on Rome. They both would have hated it. But they damn well would have done it. And probably won the inevitable civil war.

He could tell the Senate that he had the word of both Caesar and Pompeius that they would submit to the Senate if their dignity and honour were respected. They assured him that Crassus would also submit. They would let law and custom prevail.

He doubted that the Optimates could secure a conviction. So loathed were they in Rome. No, they wouldn't convict a Caesar or a Pompeius.

And then once Rome had finished celebrating, they would use all their power to punish those optimate idiots. Smiling grimly, he considered what he knew of those involved. He did not doubt that the two of them would win. They would crush their enemies like a hammer crushing an egg.

His role, alongside good men like Cicero and Gabinius, would be to steer the two powerful men on a course that would build Rome up rather than shake it down.

Taking up his stylus he considered how to best reply.

oOoOo

Hi Readers, Well I'm back for a chapter edit and a new chapter the TBW.

Chapter Text

Last Time

Pompeius, Caesar and their allies could have marched on Rome. They both would have hated it. But they damn well would have done it. And probably won the inevitable civil war.

He could tell the Senate that he had the word of both Caesar and Pompeius that they would submit to the Senate if their dignity and honour were respected. They assured him that Crassus would also submit. They would let law and custom prevail.

He doubted that the Optimates could secure a conviction. So loathed were they in Rome. No, they wouldn't convict a Caesar or a Pompeius.

And then once Rome had finished celebrating, they would use all their power to punish those optimate idiots. Smiling grimly, he considered what he knew of those involved. He did not doubt that the two of them would win. They would crush their enemies like a hammer crushing an egg.

His role, alongside good men like Cicero and Gabinius, would be to steer the two powerful men on a course that would build Rome up rather than shake it down.

Taking up his stylus he considered how to best reply.

oOoOo

Chapter 11

Harry had made sure that his wards were as strong as he could make them. If the vampire had been truthful…hell, if the vampire minion even knew the truth, then there were potentially more assassins out there. His family was in the camp and so he wasn't going to take any chances.

He hadn't had much time to consider his next move. Caesar and Pompeius had taken his recounting of what was now a possible future as well as could be expected. When he had spoken to the two of them this morning, they had mentioned that they had been considering his words.

"And we shall find a way to avoid that…madness."

Caesar had been clear that he believed that he and Pompeius would find a way. With some of the most powerful and even better, sensible, men of the senate working to stop a war before it began.

Harry had to admit that both Cicero and Gabinius seemed to think that it was possible. To be honest he wasn't so sure. Thankfully he wasn't in command and the difficult political decisions were in the hands of someone who was competent. Shaking his head, he made his way to his own tent. Although tent didn't seem adequate to describe the well-appointed pavilion he and his family shared.

Only to stop in surprise at seeing Julia and Aurelia standing outside. Aurelia was holding Penelope's hand and all three seemed to be expecting him.

Before he could speak, Aurelia gestured to the tent. "Your wife is in labour."

Harry blinked.

Julia sighed and shot her grandmother a look, "All is well Harry. But you had best go in."

Harry didn't reply as he rushed into the tent as Aurelia said, "Men."

oOoOo

Hermione Potter was born just as dawn lit the sky.

To Harry the little wrinkled bundle was beautiful. She and her mother came through the birth with little need for intervention from the midwife Cassandra and Aurelia had organised. He had no idea how or when they had done that, but the woman was apparently skilled. She had even let Harry remain in the room, given that he was a healer.

He thanked the gods that his services were not needed.

"She is beautiful, my love."

Harry had thought that Cassandra was asleep as he sat cradling his newborn daughter. When he looked to her, she was smiling tiredly.

"She is," he agreed. "Hermione…are you truly happy with the name?"

Cassandra laughed as she took Harry's hand.

"It's a good name…and she is named after a remarkable woman."

Harry smiled slightly. "That is the Gods own truth."

Cassandra yawned, "I….I'm tired."

"Sleep," replied Harry. "We've got a whole army around us and several clucky women waiting for cuddles. And I'll be around for a while yet I think."

She was asleep in moments.

oOoOo

"Congratulations! I do so love babies," Julia was holding Hermione and rocking the sleeping newborn.

Harry smiled as his wife chatted with the two women but before he could intrude, he spotted Pompeius who was holding open the tent flap as he gestured for him to come closer.

When he ducked out if the Pompeius was, he realised, accompanied by Cicero.

"Harry, congratulations. I hear that they are both well."

"They are indeed and thank you. Although I feel that it is Cassandra that deserves the acknowledgement more that me."

"That and she did all the hard work," Pompeius said with a laugh and a wink. The Roman's face however quickly grew serious. "I hate to bother you today, but Cicero just had a request. After he filled me and Caesar in, I said that we had better find you and see if it was possible."

Harry turned to Cicero, "If I can help, I will."

Cicero studied Harry for a moment before replying, "I have some letters for my clients and more importantly for those members of the Senate who can be trusted."

"I can help with that," Harry assured the older man.

"Excellent, but in truth there was more. I am hoping that you can help us get in contact with Crassus." Harry saw Pompeius roll his eyes and remembered that the two men had struggled to get along during their consulship. "I know that he has departed for his province and has plans to attack the Persians. I was hoping to forestall that decision until matters in Rome are clearer."

Harry shook his head, "That's a bit more of a problem. I need to be able to visualise the location."

Cicero frowned, "I know that he has taken up his duties in the Syrian province. Would it help if someone described the lands or perhaps a town to you?"

It turned out that several of the legionaries in camp had been the province and one of the military tribunes had been posted there for several years. The trouble was that despite the tribunes help, Harry couldn't visualise the destination well enough. If he had a painting or a photo…maybe. He was considering legimancy when Caesar found him.

When informed of the situation Caesar frowned thoughtfully, "That is not so bad. If we can get these to the port along with orders for one of our ships. That should mean we get the messages there before he marches."

Caesar handed Harry a sealed leather pouch with his own seal on it. "I know that you have never met Marcus, so you won't be recognised as an ally. But messages with my seal should get to him promptly if sent by sea."

"I can travel with the ship and ensure they reach him. I could always apparate home after its delivered with his reply," offered Harry.

Caesar shook his head, "No, I don't think that is necessary. But I thank you for the offer."

oOoOo

Alsium– Villa of Bibulus

It had caused Bibulus almost physical pain to leave Rome.

Ultimately, he and his allies had little choice. The ignorant people of the city had failed to understand that the Boni were working for the Republic…but, no they hadn't the vision. So the Boni had no choice. They relocated to Alsium, less than fifty miles from Rome. Distant enough that they avoided the current issues in the city but close enough to be able to return once the situation improved.

Cato had found an upside. He was recruiting, heavily, among the veterans settled in the area. His famous name and reputation helped enormously. But even this success was tainted. Odd looks and whispers among the more important men in town were being noted. Client's that they would have expected to have joined them…were mysteriously delayed or just not as enthused as they should be.

Rumour was clearly spreading beyond the city. Bibulus looked at the scroll he had received by the worrying if expedient method of it appearing in his sleeping quarters.

His…ally, and how he wished he believed that, reported that all was going as he had promised. If the…magi, it helped to think of it in those terms, managed to execute Caesar and Pompeius then they could once again bring the Boni to supremacy.

'But what if it fails?'

He tried to ignore the voice in his mind, repeating his fears and doubts. No, he had to be strong because if he, if they, failed it would be the end of the Republic.

Bibulus knew that trusting the monster had been a terrible, perhaps fatal mistake. But he had done it in the name of the Republic.

Or at least he told himself that. But he knew the the real reason and it was nothing so noble or high minded. He hated Caesar. It was that simple. He hated him. The smug superiority, the accursed luck that granted him unearned victory.

It enraged him that the Senate could not see the danger that was Caesar, that was Pompeius, that was Crassus. Their stupidity had forced his hand. His duty was clear and if that meant he had to deal with a different kind of monster, then so be it.

He had to believe that he had done the right thing.

oOoOo

Harry was quite surprised when he was let in on the plan to beat the conservatives that were set against Caesar and Pompeius. As the plan was explained he realised that Caesar likely wanted him in Rome as a backup should their plan fail.

To be honest he had expected to be asked to transport the men at any moment. And was very surprised that almost a week went by without incident.

When he was summoned to appear before Caesar, he quickly realised that the day to depart had come. All four men, Pompeius, Caesar, Cicero and Gabinius were clad in their tunics and togas.

oOoOo

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus was surprised…almost to the point of open-mouthed shock, when his freedman informed him that Cicero, Pompeius, Caesar and Gabinius were awaiting him in his office.

He dressed quickly, letting his freedman help him drape his toga correctly and ensure he was respectable, before he let his master leave the room. Ajax had once again correctly anticipated what his former owner and now employer's orders would be and had the four powerful men waiting comfortably, seated on the wooden benches in the lamp lit atrium.

"Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, Gaius Julius Caesar…I must admit I'm surprised that you made it here without me being alerted to your return."

Pompeius laughed and gestured to a man standing to the side. "Our good friend Harry is a member of the conclave and saw to our travel arrangements."

"Ah, well then, I welcome you too. If I may ask, are you the magi that helped thwart the plans of Bibulus and his fellow idiots?"

Harry nodded and the stern looking older man grinned, looking decades younger. "Ha, well we should bring you along tomorrow to the senate meeting. We owe you and I'm sure you want to see what's left of the good men fall over from shock."

"What's left of them. Have they fled?" Cicero asked in some surprise.

"Oh, even better than that, my dear Cicero. They've been losing supporters daily. That should make your fight in the courts even more of a foregone conclusion." He studied his two envoys for a moment before rubbing his wrinkled, gnarled hands together. "Right, we need to get cracking. But before we do anything else. Cicero, Gabinius, you both have served the senate and people of Rome in a commendable way. I will ensure that both the Senate and the people know it. Just as I will acknowledge you Caesar and you Pompeius. You have saved us from what I know would have been a devastating civil war."

When, much later that night, the visitors were shown to comfortable guest rooms, Harry had fallen asleep almost instantly.

oOoOo

Alsium – Military Camp of the Boni

As he entered his tent, Bibulus lay his cloak on his camp bed. He had taken a walk to clear his head and to be seen. Recruitment had slowed to a trickle and many of those who were recruited had yet to arrive. Assuming that they were coming at all.

"You are worried about the beast?"

Bibulus turned his head to see Cato. His friend's habitual harsh expression was in place, but Bibulus knew Cato and knew that the hard as iron man was a good friend.

"I am, it has promised me Caesar's head."

Cato grunted and drank from his wine cup, "If it's done, then we have won the field."

"If," echoed Bibulus.

"We can…"

Cato never finished as the curtain of the tent was pulled aside and Lucius Cornelius Scipio entered. He looked dishevelled and any comment regarding his impolite entrance died as soon as Bibulus saw his expression.

"A courier has just arrived…Caesar and Pompeius are in Rome."

"What in the Jupiter's name are you talking about?" Cato's glare was fierce as he studied the younger man.

"Caesar and Pompeius are in Rome. They have just been acquitted by the extortion courts…the trial didn't even last two days."

Bibulus couldn't have heard that correctly. "What do you mean they are in Rome? There is no way they could have moved their legions in so short a time. We would have heard if they invaded!"

Lucius Cornelius Scipio's expression was grim. "They didn't travel with their legions you cursed idiot. They walked, as ex-consulars, into the Senate. They were tried the next day and acquitted of extortion. Then the next case was announced." Scipio's expression became malicious. "You two are being tried in absentia under the Lex Cornelia de sicariis et veneficis and more charges may well follow."

"The what!" exclaimed Bibulus.

Scipio's eyes narrowed. "Sulla's law about magic and poisoners. Both of which, as far as I can determine, you are in fact guilty of."

In that moment Bibulus and to a lesser extent Cato, realised that Scipio might be a lame duck compared to his famous ancestors, but he was most certainly not a weak man.

Cato screamed in rage and dashed the scrolls, maps and other correspondence onto the floor. "Arggghhhhh…Those cowardly fellators. A curse on them and their families."

Bibulus was, at that moment, afraid of Cato rather than for him. The look of rage on his face and the red flush didn't pass but the man seemingly ever present will power had not deserted him. "Then our next move is even more important. Scipio, send word to our allies in Rome. I'm well known in the East and in Africa. Begin recruiting more troops. We have what, two legions?"

"More like one, if that," replied Scipio.

The sound of Cato's teeth grinding together was audible. "We'll need more. I will march on Rome to depose Caesar and his lickspittle Pompeius. We have the best men in Rome in our camp. The senate will see sense. We will force them to see sense. At least only we know about this…travesty."

Scipio's eyes widened and to the other two's surprise he laughed. "Gods above, you two…do you seriously think that word hasn't spread? Half the Senators here are already preparing to leave. I know I am."

Cato stepped forward, his fists coming up and stopped as Scipio drew his sword. "Ah, none of that. I refuse to go down with you."

He backed out if the tent and Cato spat on the ground. "We can still beat him he's not some infallible god."

Bibulus searched for something to say that wouldn't make things worse. It seemed he had sold his, no their, reputations for the cause. If the monster did manage to kill Caesar and Pompeius it would have to be soon. If they were to have a chance to save Rome.

oOoOo

Their potential saviour was having his own issues and would not have cared that his 'allies' were suffering. His own plans were stalled. His magical assassins had failed. The Magi had avoided his servant and had erected wards that he lacked any knowledge of how to bypass.

It galled him.

A mortal magi had somehow bested him, at least for now. Despite his claims he did not have endless hordes of trained assassins. He could do damage, not all the magi in Rome were quite so well protected but that left they main threat on the field of battle.

His plan called for Rome's magi to be weakened and ultimately driven from Rome. Leaving it ripe for the taking. His mind magics had not encountered any who could stave him off once he had their measure. Except for this Potter.

The man wasn't the strongest magical foe he had ever faced. That tittle went to Canthos the Magoi of Thebes. A true master but one whose frail body had been his weakness. Canthos had evaded his plan to turn him and had forced him and his dozen magical brethren to kill him.

He had sent a dozen turned killers and they had clearly failed and thanks to those failures he had also failed to kill Caesar or Pompeius.

Moving silently, he stood and left the room. He didn't even glance and the five bloodless corpses that had once been the inhabitants of the country villa he had occupied for the last week.

His plans for Rome would have to wait.

There were alterative resources he could call on, although the cost would be high.

But then so were the rewards.

His covered cart was waiting along with two of his most powerful servants.

"All is ready Master."

"Good, I will travel to the estate in Larinum. And Regaris, deal with the loose ends before joining me there."

oOoOo

Cicero studied the jury and the presiding magistrate. He made sure that he stood confidently as his eyes moved to the large crowd watching. And it was a large crowd. Senators, Tribunes of the Plebs, Equestrians and many of the head count, the normal people of Rome.

The last two days had been watched by the appreciative crowds. Romans of high and low estate loved drama. And Cicero had given it to them. He was a fair man and so he would also give credit to his assistants as well.

The leaders of the Boni were done. Their adherents had secured decent enough advocates but given the current feelings in Rome those worthies had little to work with. He had planned out another few days of testimony, but he knew it was likely not going to be needed.

The other side had sent their absent clients the news that they had best head into voluntary exile to preserve their goods and property because they would be found guilty.

Exile, undertaken voluntarily to escape a penalty (usually death), or imposed as a punishment, was common in trials where the guilty potentially faced death or more heinous punishments.

Cicero made no attempt to stop the messages. It was customary that a person threatened by criminal proceedings for a capital offence could flee into self-exile, even after the proceedings had begun, but before the sentence was passed. If remove themselves from Roman jurisdiction they would be let go.

This self-banishment was tolerated by custom and the magistrates accepted it, provided that the person did not return from exile. In effect, if not law, it was a substitute for the death penalty.

They were of course denied water and fire and after a grace period they no longer enjoyed any legal protection. And of course they would be killed if they returned without being recalled.

"Cicero…Cicero!"

Cicero turned to see one of his clients, Marcus Salonius, waving his arms to get his attention.

"Marcus, what is it?"

Marcus Salonius took a moment to catch his breath, "News…from…Alsium!"

Cicero could guess what it was, "Oh! Do tell Marcus Salonius." No doubt word of some voluntary exiles…his thoughts ground to a halt with the messengers next words.

"Cato and Bibulus are dead…murdered!"

oOoOo

The Domus of Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus

"What happened?"

The Urban Praetor, Decius Munius Vitalis, shrugged with an apologetic look toward his patron. "I have no idea. They had been recruiting troops and one of their men entered the tents and found them." He shook his head before continuing. "There was blood splattered everywhere and Bibulus and Cato had their throats torn out. It was pretty gruesome, like they had been torn apart by wolves."

The second man in his study, Tertius Sextilius Marinus, was an elderly Magi from the Conclave. He was, to the amusement of his host a decade older than himself and looked a decade younger. "Given the dark forces that they were dealing with, I would say that it sounds like they were killed by whatever the Stryx sent or even the Stryx itself."

Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus thought carefully about repercussions and how things might play out in the senate.

"A dark deal gone awry…only fools collude with dark entities," added Tertius Sextilius Marinus. "I am willing to testify to the Senate that such was most likely the case here."

"That would be helpful," acknowledged Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus. And it would further prove that the Senate had nothing to do with their deaths.

"Decius Munius, I would be grateful if you could request the consuls gather the Senate. We need to report this to them, and we need to ensure that no…unwise accusations are made."

oOoOo

Harry was back home or at least back in his domus. It wasn't home without his family and household. With a wry smile he acknowledged that they would be joining him soon enough.

Publius Sexta looked around the empty home and seemed to understand Harry's silence. "Come my friend, we still have a few more tasks and then you can go to see them."

Harry turned to his fellow wizard, "True enough. The conclave and then Pompeius and Caesar. Recent…events have caused enough chaos, and the conclave will need to be vigilant."

"I doubt anyone will disagree. Although, I think the warding of our public spaces is also a priority. Your new wards are effective, very effective," the older Wizard smiled warmly at Harry's worried expression before he clasped Harry shoulder. "You don't have to do all the work yourself. We have warders, who have been most insistent about using the wards you shared." He winked at Harry before continuing. "In fact they have already begun the work."

Harry didn't bother hiding his relief. "That is good to hear."

"So let us get ourselves to the conclave, report and then go and share some no doubt excellent wine with Pompeius and Caesar. As I said, you don't have to do everything yourself my gifted friend."

oOoOo

Publius Sexta was mostly spot on.

The Senate's orders for the conclave were simple. Do what they could to protect the people of Rome and hunt down the Stryx and whomever was aiding it. The conclave had already been undertaking both tasks, but the backing of Rome's rulers made sure that there were no impediments. The only surprise was the announcement that the conclave had assembled a unit of their more militant members, the guardians or custos in Latin. The custos would supply men to protect public spaces and officials. But more importantly they were what Harry thought of as a auror fast response team.

For a few moments he though the conclave were going to name him as their leader, but he was spared the job. Although he was requested, and it was a request, to assist when required. The leader of the custos was a middle-aged Roman wizard, Lucius Cotta, who had the build and demeanour of a soldier.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry." Cotta's stern face transformed as he smiled and took Harry's hand. "It would be a pleasure to work with a magi as accomplished as you."

"Ah, thanks but I haven't done everything myself."

"Oh I know, I served in the legions for my twenty as a military engineer. Got out as a centurion and one thing that you learned under the eagle was how everyone played their part. You might not have done everything, but you've done your part. I'd welcome your help."

"You have but to ask, Lucius Cotta."

oOoOo

That night as he lay beside Cassandra in his own bed he reflected on his meeting with Caesar and Pompeius. They were working out their plans to manage their affairs in Rome and in Caesar's case, his troops currently overseas.

Harry had agreed to ferry messengers as well as the men themselves as required.

When Harry broached the topic of the Stryx, they did agree that the threat posed was likely not over and it remained a priority.

"You have your duties to the Conclave and Rome…just as we do," was Caesar's comment. "Your wisdom allowed us to help steer the republic away from a terrible fate. We will not forget your aid my friend. And that is not even acknowledging your personal service to our families. My daughter and grandchild live thanks to you."

Pompeius had also acknowledged his service and promised to continue his patronage.

It was…rewarding but he was still deeply worried about the changes he had caused. In his mind's eye, he could almost see history unravelling.

Had he made things better, worse or was he the catalyst of a new timeline?

It troubled him. Because he had more than himself to worry about now. His wife, his children, Hell his whole household. He would, he supposed, have to wait and see.

oOoOo

When the next year's elections were held it was not a surprise to the politically astute that moderates were elected to every senior position. Rome it seemed wanted a rest from the violence and chaos.

While it seemingly spoke of less political violence on the horizon, it wasn't all peace and happiness. The Boni may have felt the wrath of Rome but the problems that started the issues in the Republic largely remained unresolved. The Senate still seemed unable to coherently deal with the problem of land ownership. Given that the Senate were the major landowners he could understand their reluctance if not their lack of vision. In Rome land was a measure of wealth.

Pompeius had decided that Harry needed a political education. And so he organised for a tutor to take him through how the system actually worked and who the movers and shakers were. Marcus Amelius Demetrius also made sure that his student understood how Rome had reached the current situation.

A series of foreign wars, with barbarian tribes haunting the borders, their Latin allies demanding equal rights and the ongoing issue of land ownership. In response Rome needed troops and when Gaius Marius had championed enrolling the landless joining the Legions he unwittingly created a scenario where the legions were reliant on their commanders for an education and a career. The end of which was a reward, that was typically Roman, a parcel of land.

Land that had to be found somewhere or provided by the state.

But land in Italy and indeed many of the provinces, was in the hands of the Rome's richest families. Rome knew it was a problem, and so veterans were given land in conquered territories where new colonies were founded. A solution…but one that seemed to be failing as the rich started buying that land as well.

Harry found the whole thing frustrating. Not that Harry had too much time to worry about the politics. He was in demand as a healer and his family life was busy enough to leave him little free time. Added to that was his duty with the Conclave.

The Custos had been a success, and the Conclave had received a number of accolades for their service in protecting the people. Not only from dark magic but from other threats. To the people of Rome, it was their actions in one of the terrible fires that plagued the city. A group of Custos had fought the flames and saved hundreds of lives and livelihoods.

The Senate had been pleased, and a public ovation was read from the Rosta by the Senior Consul. In the speech that followed both Lucius Cotta and Harry were named.

oOoOo

That night, when he and Cassandra had escaped the well wishes and returned home, he had enjoyed a simple meal and some time wife his family. They had finally settled Hermione when Harry received an urgent message. One of his newer clients had recently been healed after badly breaking his arm and now the wealthy equestrian's son had been badly injured in a fall from a horse while hunting.

"Go love," Cassandra ordered with a wry smile. "It sounds like they need your help."

Harry kissed her on the lips and quietly went to see that his healers kit was prepared.

oOoOo