For You I Will #4- The Goblet Of Fire

First Task Fallout

Y/N apparated with Dobby to his estate and a scene of chaos. Phoenix Bearers were running to and fro, Jackson and the other acolytes issuing orders.

"We don't know yet if this is a declaration of war. Ready yourselves, we may be sent to combat at any moment" Jackson yelled.

"I assure you that won't be necessary, my friend" Y/N smiled.

Jackson and the others turned to him, all dropping to a knee instantly.

"My Lord" Jackson gasped in relief as he knelt. Y/N smiled and stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Rise, brother. Rise all of you" Y/N stated calmly. The Bearers did, all looking up and gasping at their Lord's appearance.

"My Lord, your face" Vinda gasped most loudly as she forgot her place and rushed forward. Her left hand cupped Y/N's cheek as her right trailed a finger down his scar. As she observed it Y/N looked down and saw the genuine care and distress in her eyes as she muttered:

"Mon Seigneur, que vous ont-ils fait?"

Y/N reached up and took Vinda's hand, genuinely smiling at her concern as he whispered:

"I assure you, my dear. I am fine."

Vinda suddenly realised her position, a bright red blush filling her cheeks as she stepped back. Y/N smiled, cupping her face and kissing her forehead, whispering:

"Thank you for your concern, my sweet."

Before he looked out among his followers.

"It appears you, my Phoenix Bearers, are gearing up for war. Strange, I issued no such order."

The Phoenix Bearers looked around shocked, unsure what to say or do. Jackson stepped forward:

"I apologise, My Lord, and I accept full responsibility. Pour your wrath onto me, if it is required, and not the others."

He bowed, fully expecting the possibility of pain to follow. It was his Lord's right to dispense justice, or punishment, on his followers when they were disobedient, or acted without his permission. It had been that way since ancient times when one swore an oath of allegiance to a Lord, the person became their property, as the Death Eaters had to Voldemort for example. When no punishment came Jackson looked up, his Lord simply smiling:

"Thank you, Jackson, for mobilising the Phoenix Bearers. Should I fall in battle you will lead our forces. Know you act with my confidence."

Jackson smiled, and bowed again. Of course his Lord didn't punish him, his Lord was not like other Lords. He should have known that. He felt an immense sense of guilt as his Lord spoke again.

"My Phoenix Bearers, I want you to stay calm. Today was the First Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Would you like, I wonder, to see it in action?"

The Phoenix Bearers reacted excitedly, so Y/N nodded to Vinda. She walked out the room quickly and reappeared with a skull hookah his grandfather had given him on his last visit.