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Chapter 47: A Dwarven Step Forward
🕑 Added 2024-11-19 19:05:17 +0000 UTC[--[P]-[W]-[M]--]
Chapter 47: A Dwarven Step Forward
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Reality: Wizarding World (Harry Potter)
Location: Dwarf Hill
Johnathan Grey
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After handing over the last of the Dragon Silver they requested and collecting my payment, I stepped out of the Dwarven workshop to a few well-dressed Dwarves, waiting for me to conclude my business.
“Excellent work as always, Lord Grey,” The lead Dwarf rumbled. I was used to them calling me that by now. With how much business I had given them, allowing them to truly compete with the Goblins, they wouldn’t really budge when I asked them to just call me John. “The craftsmanship is impeccable, as always.”
“Appreciate it.” I nodded politely. “I’ll start on the next batch in a few days.”
The Dwarf nodded while indicating that I should follow. “If you’ll follow me, Lord Grey. The head of the council would like to meet with you.”
“Lead the way.”
The Dwarf led me down a few corridors before we finally arrived at a large set of double doors flanked by two Dwarves clad in ceremonial armour. At the Dwarf’s nod, they opened the doors, revealing a richly furnished meeting room. Two plush couches faced each other across a low stone table. On one couch sat one of the Council’s heads, Zorinn Tundraborn, dressed in a tailored 3-piece suit barely containing the muscle hidden beneath.
“Lord Grey,” Zorinn greeted, rising to his feet and extending a hand. “It’s an honour to meet you again, and congratulations on creating the Meledictus cure. Obtaining a Healer Licence at such a young age, even in specific ailments, is unheard of.”
I crossed the room to firmly grasp his hand for a shake, eliciting a raised eyebrow at my strength. “Good to meet you, friend. Thank you. The news seems to have travelled fast. How’ve you been, by the way?”
“I’ve been well, my Lord. No complaints.” The Dwarf said as he gestured to the couch opposite his. “Please, take a seat.”
I did as indicated, sinking into the couch as the other Dwarves bowed and left the room for us to speak. Unlike the Goblins, who would elevate tier desks and chairs to make people feel like they were beneath them, the Dwarves treated people like they were just that, people. O extra high chairs and tables, no sneers, just basic customer service.
“Drink?” Zorinn offered, motioning to the tray on the table between us with cups and what looked and smelled like freshly made tea. With a nod, I used [Telekineiss] to pick up a cup, bringing it to my mouth to take a sip. It had already been a rather long day spent Enchanting in my briefcase and at the Hospital, so it was good to just relax for a while. Setting the mug down, I leaned back slightly, waiting for the Dwarf to get to the point.
After a moment of marvelling at my use of wandless magic, the Zorinn leaned forward to speak. “I won’t waste your time, Lord Grey. The Dwarven Council has agreed to establish a major bank, one that rivals the reach and reputation of Gringotts. The research and plans were quite thorough.”
I raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for the Dwarf to continue. Seeing that as permission to do so, he carried on.
“The Ministry of Magic has its laws, of course,” Zorinn said, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Laws that might prevent you, a wizard, from outright owning a bank due to the Treaty signed after the Goblin rebellion. However…” His smirk grew. “There’s nothing in those laws that forbids you from owning 49% of a Dwarven bank.”
“Oh please,” I unconsciously smirked as my eyes narrowed slightly. ”Do go on.” My payback for their misbehaviour during that meeting so long ago was still fresh in my mind, and not because I now had a photographic memory thanks to the [Archmage Essense].
Zorinn gestured toward a file on the table with his hand as he continued. “You wouldn’t just be a minority shareholder in name. Your contributions would be integral to the bank’s foundation. All we require is a base—land you own that cannot be taken by the Ministry regardless of what they try, legal or otherwise, with the best wards money can buy. Of course, we’ll provide our expertise in crafting additional layers of protection, but you… you’ll provide the magic and connections that will make it impenetrable.”
I levitated the file for my perusal, quietly turning the pages as he spoke.
He paused, wanting to let his words sink in before continuing. “Your name and reputation as a wizard, your innovations, and your connections within magical society make you the ideal partner. The Dwarves will handle the operational side—funds, personnel, and all legalities….It would make for a wonderful addition to the Hoard.”
I leaned back in my seat, closing the file, having read through the proposal. “An ‘addition to the Hoard’, you say,” I muttered.
They had thought of everything on the legal side by the looks of it. There was a castle with an old Vampire Drark-Lord, who had put up wards to ensure it remained without natural sunlight 24/7, but because he never left his castle, the Ministry didn’t see fit to send people to kill him. The Vampire basically had his own small army of Vampires occupying the village close to the castle in question, and the fact they could also use magic made it almost suicidal to try for the regular Wizard.
But centuries ago, the owner of the castle and, along with it, the village, decreed that the one to wipe out the Vampire menace would gain ownership of his lands and assets. He died a decade later after trying himself, with a mercenary group he had hired with the last of his finances, wanting to avenge his family that was killed by the Vampire. His body was sent to the ministry in a casket, completely drained of blood, with a letter basically saying, ‘Anyone was willing to try, they would be ready’.
It was theorised, after some studies into missing people around the world, that Vampires like that were able to feed themselves by travelling to less monitored places in the world via [Portkey], killing or taking people as food without people making as much of a fuss. I would have gone for blood banks or just created one to cover that, but for all I knew it probably tasted weird to them.
“Where do I sign?”
Zorinn’s face broke into a broad grin. “That’s what I like to hear, Lord Grey,” He said, standing from his seat. “The documents are already prepared, and a few Ministry officials are waiting in the next room to take your signature. Once signed, they’ll file everything with the proper departments immediately. We will have them escorted by our own to make sure it’s done.”
I blinked, tilting my head slightly. “Ministry officials? How long have they been waiting? I don’t remember saying the precise time I would be turning up.”
Zorinn shrugged casually as though it were a trivial matter. “Oh, not too long. They were paid handsomely to wait as long as needed, so they won’t be complaining. Not unless they don’t want the extra addition to their coffers.”
“Time is money,” I snorted.
“Time is money, my Lord,” Zorinn repeated with a smirk. “Now, if you’ll follow me.”
Zorinn led the way out of the meeting room and down another hallway. A pair of heavily armoured Dwarves standing guard outside the door once again. They nodded respectfully to Zorinn and I as Zorinn opened the door, revealing a smaller but equally lavish chamber. I instinctively knew this was a way to show they didn’t consider them as important as myself.
Zorinn gestured toward the table surrounded by 3 Wizards, who were putting down the food they were eating and quickly cleaning their hands. “Gentlemen, our esteemed partner has arrived. Let’s finalise this arrangement.”
One of the officials stood, extending a polite smile toward me, while another reached into a briefcase to produce some documents. “Mr. Grey, it’s a pleasure. Everything is in order; we’ll just need your signature here and here.” He tapped a marked spot on two different parchments provided by his colleague, which glowed faintly under the enchantments placed upon it to prevent tampering. But just to be sure, I made a quick purchase from the system.
[Ability: Observe] [Upgrade]
[I see dead people-cough See the basic information about people, objects and locations.]
[This skill allows users to analyse and gather information about objects, creatures, individuals or the environment. Upgraded to provide more detail on the subject of observation.]
[Purchased for 50,000 SP]
[Current SP: 5,386,025]
I could sense the spells used on the document, but just to be on the safe side, especially considering my recent feats, it would be best to cover all bases.
‘Observe.’
[Magical Document: Official International Confederation of Wizards Banking Document]
[Description: An official International Confederation of Wizards Banking Document written to allow the Dwarves and Johnathan Grey to establish an international bank without going against the Goblin Treaty. The administration was expedited after the ICW received a large payment from the Dwarven Council to ensure everything went smoothly. This will be discussed at the next by-yearly conference, informing all attending countries.]
[+Currently signed by the entirety of Dwarven Council.]
[+Enchanted to be automatically copied.]
[+Enchanted to prevent theft and Alteration.]
[Magical Document: Official Ministry Asset Acquisition Document]
[Description: An official Ministry Asset Acquisition Document written to allow Johnathan Grey to own the lands being occupied by a large group of Vampires as per the Decree made by Lord Orlando Littletree in 1338 AD. Written to prevent the transfer of assets to anyone aside from Johnathan Grey's direct bloodline and to be given to the Dwarves, should none remain. Details to be discussed at the next Wazingmot, informing all attending seats.]
[+Enchanted to prevent theft and Alteration.]
[+Enchanted to be automatically copied.]
Not finding anything wrong with it, I picked up the quill offered by one of the officials, dipped it in the inkwell, and signed my name. As the ink dried, the glow of the parchment intensified briefly, signalling the enchantments had been successfully activated.
“It’s done,” The official announced, a faint professional smile of approval crossing his face. “We’ll file this immediately ourselves, but you should know the Enchantment is linked to the Government, so they will already have a copy. You’re now a legal partner in the establishment of the new Dwarven Bank. And—should you succeed— we congratulate you on your new Lordship.”
Soon enough, the Ministry officials gathered their briefcases and prepared to leave, I gave them a polite nod as they headed out. “Thank you for your time.”
The lead official nodded back with the same formal smile. “It’s our pleasure, Mr. Grey, and best of luck.”
Once they exited the room, I immediately turned to Zorinn, wanting to get this over with a Hop to the Witcher-verse. “I’ll be leaving immediately to get started on the Vampire problem.”
Zorinn’s eyes seemed to gleam as he gave me an approving nod. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he replied. “But… would it be acceptable if we joined the fight? Perhaps aiding in the attack on the village while you go after the castle?”
Seeing my raised eyebrow, Zorinn smirked at the silent question as he puffed up his chest with pride, adding, “We Dwarves are warriors and craftsmen by nature, Lord Grey. It would be strange—unnatural, even—to sit idly by while you take on the bulk of the work. Give us a chance to deal with the lackeys in the village while you handle the master and his castle.”
“Alright,” I nodded. “But we’ll need to leave soon. I have other projects waiting, and I can’t afford to delay.”
Zorinn’s grin widened, and he immediately turned toward the door. Throwing it open, he barked out an order to the armoured Dwarves guardian it. “Tell the men! We leave in a few minutes. Full battle gear—no half-measures!” The Dwarves outside saluted and sped off, quick metallic footsteps echoing through the corridor as they ran.
Turning back to me, Zorinn tilted his head. “Will you need time to contact Dumbledore or Flamel for assistance?”
Oh, he thought this would be that kind of situation. I knew that was what he meant when he talked about having connections, but why would I need those two to deal with this? As Dragonborn, I’m already used to walking into a castle full of vampires that are more dangerous than the ones we’re about to face now. This was going to be child’s play.
Allowing my thoughts to show on my face, my expression shifted into something feral, a predatory grin forming on my face as I materialised my [Enchanted Steel Plate Armour], encasing myself in gleaming, rune-etched and Enchanted metal. The magic I allowed to leave my body startled Zorinn enough to instinctively take a step back, glancing at the dragon emblem on the tunic.
“Why,” My deep baritone rumbled, “Would a Dragon need much aid to kill vermin?”
Zorinn took a moment, most likely to gauge my magic, before he barked out a hearty laugh, clapping his hands together. “Hahaha! Now that’s the spirit! Let’s show these bloodsuckers what it means to cross a Dwarf and a Dragon, eh?”
With that, the two of us strode out of the room
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Zorinn Tundraborn
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Zorinn looked at the boy as he flew toward the castle without the aid of a broom or wand. By then, the swirling disorientation of the Portkey had already faded, depositing Lord Grey, Zorinn, and the Dwarven warriors just outside the Vampire Village.
Lord Grey John had stood tall in his enchanted armour without any sign of disorientation when they arrived, though. All he did was step forward and shout. His armour’s Enchantment only made whatever spell he used sound menacing to the bone.
"DUR-NEH-VIIR!"
And menacing it was.
What looked like out of pure magical energy, an ethereal skeletal frame began to materialise. First, the spine formed, stretching easily over 40 feet, followed by the ribs and the massive and intimidating skull. The creature’s jaws snapped shut, revealing menacing rows of sharp, jagged teeth.
As the skeletal frame took shape, muscle began to weave itself around the bones in an unnatural manner, stretching and coiling around ethereal bone. The skin that followed, though somewhat translucent like the rest of its form, looked like highly durable, textured hide seen on real dragons. Its scales emerged from the muscles beneath in thick, overlapping layers.
As the dragon unfurled its wings, it reminded Zorinn just how he used to love the stories he was told as a child, about Dwarven heroes riesling their lives to take down such beasts to keep their people safe. If anything, he didn’t even come close to giving those heroes their well-earned credit. In moments, the dragon’s full form stood before the armoured Wizard as the Dwarves stood in awe.
“Durnehviir,” Grey commanded, “aid the Dwarves in their fight. Destroy only the vampires—no harm is to come to the Dwarves or anyone else that may be in the Village. Do leave some for our Dwarven friends to enjoy themselves, too.”
The Dragon, Durnehviir, inclined his massive head as his guttural voice rumbled, reverberating far enough for even those standing at the far end of the small army of Dwarves to hear. “Your will is mine to obey, Dovahkiin.”
And wasn’t that an oddity?
A conjuration that could speak was unheard of. The only thing that Zorinn could think of that would even come close was probably mention of Parcelmouths summoning snakes and ordering them to act. Something the most recent Dark Lord was known for far and wide. But, to speak in clear, understandable English? There wasn’t anything Zorinn knew that could even come close.
With a beat of its wings, the dragon instantly took for the sky, launching itself toward the village. It barely took a few seconds before Zorinn started to hear the distinct sound of the vampires alerted to the sudden presence of the fire-breathing monstrosity, scrambled in disarray as their sharp cries cut through the night while they failed to properly defend themselves.
With his work done, the armoured Dragon Wizard began to levitate, his cape billowing behind him as he ascended toward the castle in the distance. He glanced back briefly to leave Zorinn with a few words, “I hope you enjoy your hunt as well as I will, Zorinn.”
With that, he sped off at breakneck speeds. No doubt being protected by what Zorinn assumed was linked to one of the several runes spread across his armour. A part of Zorinn felt bad for those that occupied the Castle.
“He’s mad,” He muttered under his breath as he watched the Dwarve's most important partner. It was the good ‘mad’. The madness that allowed growth and despised stagnation. The madness that had led to the significant financial improvement of an entire species.
Madness, but madness the Dwarves could get behind.
“Lord Tundraborn!” One of his captains called out, breaking Zorinn out of his thoughts.“The Dragon seems to be focusing on taking their attention! It's either dropping down to take them in the air for release at high altitudes or using its jaws and other physical attacks.”
The Dwarves stood ready, a few of their weapons only recently Enchanted by Lord Grey to mimic the effects of the sun, their edges glowing faintly with golden energy. By applying magic to them, they would be able to reproduce the effects of the Lumos Solem spell. A quick test proved the Wizard right, not that they needed proof, but the armoured Lord had insisted on making sure they knew its effects so they wouldn’t accidentally blind themselves.
Zorinn glanced down at his own axe, which radiated the same light, and grinned. The Enchantment may be temporary, but they wouldn't need a few hours to take the village. They would only need a few moments to gain glory. A single moment several Dwarve had been dreaming of after spending so long with just training with no actual action.
“Men!” Zorinn roared with fiery passion. “The vampires are distracted by Lord Grey’s conjured beast! Strike now! Don’t let the creature take all the glory! Show these monsters the wrath of the Horde!”
As one, the Dwarves raised their weapons, letting their war cries echo into the night as they charged toward the village. “FOR THE HORDE!”
Zorinn led the charge, dodging a swipe of long fingernails as his axe raised high to cut down the first vampire to meet him. The vermin didn’t even try to use magic to defend himself, possibly thinking his enhanced physical strength would be enough to win the fight before moving to use magic against the dragon. But Dwarves were made of better stock, so dealing with a Vampire that never actually trained to fight—preferring to focus on abusing their strength—held minor difficulty.
Zorinn watched with glee as the undead bloodsucker shrivelled up unnaturally. Ironically, it was similar to how a human would shrivel up after having their blood and muscles completely drained from their body in a matter of seconds.
A fitting end for such creatures.
Behind Zorinn, his warriors fought with just as much ferocity, their enchanted weapons carving through the living dead as if slicing through cake. Some used their weapon’s Enchantments to burn the vampires to dust. Others preferred close combat, wanting to feel the thrill of being in the thick of it while they watched the life shrivel out of their bodies.
‘Tonight,’ Zorinn thought as he dodged a swipe from another vampire, driving his axe into the creature’s torso a moment later, ignoring the claw that failed to penetrate his armour. ‘The deaths of these Vampires would be written in the annals of Dwarven history….and the name Zorninn would be written right there with them.’
“For the Horde!”
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Johnathan Grey
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Gracefully descended before the castle’s massive front gates, I ignored the wards notifying my presence to its owner as I walked toward its large metal bars. Spending time to disarm them in a way that would keep my presence hidden was pointless with all the sound of fighting in the village anyway.
A quick scan with my magic let me know they were heavily Enchanted along with the walls of the castle, not that I was surprised. When you have so much time on your hands, it would be strange not to secure your base properly.
Without even extending my hand, I used [Telekinesis] on the knocker to bang three times. I didn’t really see a reason to even have it here if the Wards had already let them know I was here, but I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to let them know how fucked they were.
After several seconds, the gates creaked open on their own, allowing me to head through. As I took a few steps forward, the doors quickly swung shut behind me, but I didn’t even pause my stride as I continued forward.
I could sense a few dozen Vampires in the castle, but for some odd reason, most of them were gathered in the same room.
Wanting to die together like that seemed almost romantic.
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"For the Horde!"
—Zorinn Tundraborn, during the massacre of a Vampire Village.
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Autor Here
In this fic, Vampires can use magic, but their magic pool is smaller because after they are bitten, some of their magic is constantly being used to prolong their lifespan and increase their senses and strength, etc. So weeker magic but faster, stronger and, if they continue to study, smarter too.
But sunlight burns them, and with enough physical damage, they can die, leaving a shrivelled corpse behind.
No sparkling.
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC and original ideas. All credit goes to their respective owners.
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Thank you for reading.
As always, stay awesome.
Until next time, Light's out.
Comments
Megajoke
I can't wait to see what happens next
Holosagewolf
ive got a question could you post a pic to show the armor style hes using? there are many different armor styles
Holosagewolf
I do hope he frees durnehviir heals him and gives him a new name since if hes freed and healed his current name wont be what he is
Lightest_Reader
Ooh. Couldn't answer that without giving spoilers I'm afraid.
Lightest_Reader
They picked it up from John. They started using some of his terminology to better get on his good side.
LothWolf
Will he be able to summon and control other dragons from other universes if he was in that dragons native reality
Lightest_Reader
He's more like an intelligent conjuration rather than the actual dragon. Due to not actually being in the Skyrim reality, he won't be able to summon real dragons like that. It will be addressed in the next chapter (if I don't forget).
Holosagewolf
Same i dont think durnehviir is permanent yet. His soul is bound to the soul carin due to the pact he made. But the others might/should in theory be permanent
Holosagewolf
I hope when they ask about the conjured dragon and how it can speak he goes “oh its real and trapped in a pocket dimension i just temporarily freed him
LothWolf
Video of Paarthurnax words of wisdom https://youtu.be/Cy9K5phn2wM?si=fw_dDto-LuMm43kt
Holosagewolf
Omg yes durnehviir! And how did for the horde become part of the dwarves war cries?
LothWolf
So he can summon some Dragons from Elder Scrolls I wonder if it’s permanent and also I wonder if it’s possible for him to summon other dragons by knowing their names like Paarthurnax and Odahviing , I look forward to seeing how the dragons that John can summon interact with other dragons from other Universes
Lictor Magnus
Thanks for the chapter. I’m so sad you had to say no sparkling. Twilight did so much damage to the street rep of vampires 😭. There’s so many spells in elder scrolls magic alone that can kill undead. They’re so screwed.
