The Raven: An Explosive Thriller About Hogwarts Most Badass Hero - Part 1
Prologue
Hogwarts, 1998.
A frightened teenager was sit down, head between the knees and backs to the wall, crying. The sound off its tears increasing as the sounds of the explosions blasted harder, where cutting the silence of the common room. His body was shaking while his mind was trap into a sea storm of thoughts. He simply couldn't move. He had lost track of time, desperate with the situation, until he sensed something in the room: the grey lady was approaching.
The ghost stood in front of him; her face in deep sorrow. The boy slowly raised his head, eyes deep red and tears pouring out, and looked at her.
- Your kindred is dying - said bluntly - time to get up.
- I can't - mumbled him.
- You have too, please - her voice changed to a much sinister tone, especially the last word.
- No, you don't understand - hi begged - I can't help then. I just can't.
- You know you very well dear - now, in a much comforting tone - I know what you can do. Please get up.
- I can't
- She will die. That's what you want? To Hide...like a coward?
- No! Please...
- Then get up, get up and save her. C'mon boy. Get up!
He slowly raised to his feet and took the wand with his shaky hands.
- Good, now get down there and strike back!
He walked out of the room, still mumbling, his skinny body pushing hard maintain its balance while reaching for the battleground.
Hogwarts was on fire, with its exterior ground turned into a bloody mess. The teenager walked scared, dodging fallen colleagues and death eaters making their final push. He stopped at a group of wounded students with the ravenclaw symbol near the garden entrance. They looked scared. A professor was helping with the healing while other group was holding a perimeter to defend any possible aggressor. He recognized a classmate among them.
- Hey, have you seen Elizabeth?
- I think she is outside – said the short girl with curly hair – She was looking for you. Where were you?
He ignored her question and ran to the battlefield outside. The chaos was overwhelming. In desperation, he screamed her name loudly, in a foolish attempt to be hear on the middle of the battle.
- Over here – shouted a young man – Hurry.
They seemed surrounded by a group of death eaters. He came close when they advanced to them. Elizabeth was there. Tall, beautiful and implacably well dressed. A woman with such class and finesse. She never looked so pretty like on that moment. The spell hit her right on her chest. Her body was push meters away until hit a wall. He screamed with all his strengths and ran to her. She was severely wounded, but still conscious.
- Elizabeth – he was crying – oh god, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.
- Wher…- her breath was slowing down – where..were you?
The eyes became static and her arms dropped to the floor, as he was holding her head close to his chest. Her beautiful red hear on his face. That was last time he would felt her smell. He cried at first, and then it turned into a sinister screen of pure rage. He slowly put her body on the floor and took her wand on his left hand. Some students were in shock by his breakdown.
- Stand aside – he said, with a grim face.
A death eater came out of his cover to face him, with a big laughter on his face. He was going to say something, but the teenager was faster. He pointed both of the wands to the evil minion and shouted: "Avadra Kedavra". The death eater opened his eyes widely because he couldn't believe what he saw. A green and red lighting sparked out of the wands and hit him in the face. The death eater dropped dead after the fatal shot. Two other showed up on his defense, and the kid delivered it: Avadra Kedavra! Avadra Kedavra! He was deadly with both wands. No one were capable to stop him.
He advanced trough the field, hitting any minions he could. He would not stop until every single one of them were dead. "Avadra Kedavra" he screamed so anyone could hear it. His frenzy was out of control as he fired to kill. He just wanted to kill and murder. He felt blood on his mouth as he dropped every enemy that tried to match him until fatigue took place. As the battle reached a dramatic grand finale, he fell, exhausted. The remaining students and teachers staring at him in absolute shock and disgust. He returned the look, tears rolling out of his eyes, and he laughed one last time. He didn't even realize he was holding major wounds. It didn't matter anymore. He just shut his eyes hoping to never wake up again.
Chapter 1 - Operation Sandstorm
Afghanistan, 2015
Staff Sergeant Stephen Hunter woke up scared, shirt moistened in sweat. The first thought on his mind was that the base camp were being raid, but he suddenly realized he was just having a bad dream. It was still 3:00 o`clock in the morning and the operation would only take place a few hours later. He tried to go back to sleep but the nightmare got into him. Many years passed since he experienced such disturbing mosaic of darkness and despair. Maybe the war was starting to collect its price after so many years, he thought.
He left the tent for a cigarette outside. It was still dark, but the sky was clean enough to show the infinite amount of stars. Hunter light up the cigarette and went for a short walk through the sand. He was a tall man, with large shoulders and strong muscles. His blonde hair shaved in a standard military buzz cut and no beard. Being entrenched in the desert for so long keeps you without tracks of dates and time in general. The sensation he had was that he was there for months. The body was getting tired faster – maybe because of the job or perhaps because he was aging – and for the first time Stephan wish he could go back to England. Maybe request for a vacation. Since he joined the Special Air Service many years ago, his life became harder; he just could not remember the last time he took a break.
He enjoyed the opportunity and made a quick inspection around. A lonely sentinel was on patrol.
- Great fucking night isn't it private?
- Absolutely Sarge, at least the dusty wind calmed down.
- I'm not sure. This bloody desert don't give a break. I got sand in every part of my body. Pisses me the hell off.
The sentinel laughed, but Hunter wasn't in a mood for small talk, so he headed to the small common area where a good bottle of scotch was stash. Alone with his thoughts, he felt weird. He had a feeling that he could not explain, except that he was disturbed. His mind tried to trick him by brought up memories he made sure to bury in the deepest corners of his brain. War has its price and Hunter have been fighting for too long. The best solution, he concluded, was to drink the whole bottle until sleep.
Next morning, Hunter was woke with a painful headache. He made sure to put on his feet as fast as possible and get ready for the coming mission. For the first in years, he was feeling anxious in an abnormal way. It was supposed to be a standard "snatch-and-grab" operation, but something else was telling him it would be very different. At 17:30 PM, he joined the rest of the detachment for the briefing:
- All right, here is the plan – said Captain McMillan pointing to a board with a region map – we will fly in two choppers to these landing areas. Those points are half kilometer from the entrance point of the cave. Our mission is to capture Amir Rostamzadeh alive and every Intel in his possession. We should expect resistance right before the entrance. According to the Intelligence two small teams, heavily armed with RPGs, are patroling the area. We are going to operate with a small detachment of two squads. Sergeant Lipton, is your team ready?
- Yes sir.
- Hunter?
- Aye, Captain.
- Good, any questions?
- Actually, I do have a question sir – said Hunter – Rostamzadeh is far from be a highly valueable asset, why are we going after him?
- Sergeant, we have Intel from the MI6 that confronts with rest of our allies about Mr. Farad's allegiances. We need to move before he realizes he became important to us. The reason is above my pay grade and I do not have the answer. Any other questions?
Nobody said anything.
- You have your orders gentleman, we leave in 30 minutes.
The choppers left the base with the thirteen men right to the landing point, without any resistance on the way. Captain McMillan was leading the crew trough the operation. A very experienced and respected officer like him knew the risks implied in a direct assault. Right before reaching the huge opened plains that stood before the cave entrance, he preferred a detour through the surrounding hills. Despite the difficulty of the path, they could get a better view of the whole area, which, for their surprise, were empty. There were no patrols or lonely sentinels guarding de place.
- This is weird sir – said Sgt. Lipton – is it possible the Intel was wrong? This place was supposed to be guarded. At least by a few men.
- This does not smell good – Hunter left the word in the air. He bad feelings and anxious was increasing. If first he was just worried, now he was sure something was deeply wrong. The feeling of desperation started to consume him but he could not explain why. I t was not just the lack of men – he have faced many worst situations before and sometimes Intel were just bad – his was afraid of the cave. He looked deep from his binoculars to the entrance. The pitch dark was terrifying along with the sunset. He kept looking to the dark while some old thoughts tried to leave the cage in his subconscious. Hi forced everything back to the bottom because, even consider such hypotheses, would be too much painful. No, that is not it. It is just a bad feeling, he thought, it happened before. He was woke from his daydream by his Captain:
- Sergeant Hunter, we are going in. Lipton, you take point!
The sergeant and his team took the lead of the mission, covering the rest as they reached at the doorsteps of the cave. Lipton stopped at front of the entrance. His body was shanking in a abnormal way.
- Are you all right mate? – asked Hunter, worried.
- I don't know, there is something wrong – he nervously replied.
Hunter knew at that point that his instincts were correct. He knew what he was feeling. He sensed it before. The mission had to be abort or they would all be in serious trouble. "Fuck me. How can I explain to the Captain?" he thought, but it was too late: McMillan pushed the detachment inside the cave, leading the way.
The place was narrow at first, then it widely spread its way until a large hall. The cave was much bigger than they expected, with huge celling and illumined by torches.
They walked in formation, covering every spot possible in order to be prepared to an attack. McMillan, suddenly, fainted a little.
- Sir? – asked Hunter.
- I'm fine Sergeant – but his eyes told a different story – let's keep going.
Hunter looked to the other soldiers and realized that none of them were looking as sharp as usual. They were all feeling it. Hunter could not just hold it anymore.
- Captain, we need to abort this mission. They already know we are here. They are setting us a trap.
- Are you insane Sergeant Hunter? We can't leave without him.
- I'm begging you sir. We can't – he missed the correct words – we can't face them.
The Captain was going to say something but it was too late. A man walked from the shadows above a small plateu a few meters away from them.
- He is right Captain – said the man with a sardonic voice – but don't worry, you all are going to serve a purpose.
He seemed old with his long grey hair. His eyes were light green and he had a very well trimmed goatee. He was wearing long vests and, in his left hand, a wand was pointing at the soldiers. The team immediately aimed their rifles to the mysterious man.
- Amir Rostamzadeh, you're under arrest – shouted Captain McMillan – drop that thing on your hand and slowly walk. Hands behind your head or we will open fire.
Hunter wasn't aiming his rifle, but his eyes was facing the wizard in plain shock. Rostamzadeh returned the stare and said with a smirk.
- Ah, you. You are not like them aren't you? I can see it. Tell me, do you still think you can save your muggle friends, Sergeant?
- What the fuck is he talking about Hunter?
Hunter didn't answer. He was in shock. His mind was scrambling, trying to find a way out of that mess.
- Well Captain – Rostamzadeh turned his eyes to McMillan – I'm afraid I can't obey your command.
- You have three seconds to do as I say or we will take you down – said the Captain.
- No, Captain – he replied with calm – This ends now.
The cold wind that's been following those men along the cave intensified as long dark creatures emerges from the corners of the room. The soldiers immediately pointed their guns to the creatures.
- Stand down! – Ordered the Captain – Stay the fuck down.
"They can see them! How the fuck is that possible?" thought Hunter.
- Yes, Sergeant, your friends can see them – said Rostamzadeh as if he just read Hunters mind – Your time is running out. Did you brought your wand?
- Open fire! – Shouted Captain McMillan.
- No! – Hunter was begging – We need to run Captain! We need to run now!
They didn't even bothered. The guns started to sing as the bullets ripped trough the creatures bodies without even scratching them.
- So uncivilized…– said Rostamzadeh.
- Dammit – Hunter pulled his team corporal by the shirt – Cease-fire right now, we got go! Everybody, run!
- God dammit Hunter, get back in line and start shooting – shouted the Captain.
- Bloody hell! – said the Corporal – get out of the way.
He pulled a grenade out of his belt and threw it in front two of the creatures. The blast hit then hard, but they kept walking towards their spot.
- Our weapons are useless Captain, Hunter is right! – said Lipton.
Hunter stepped away from then and stood on the hall entrance. He touched the button of his radio:
- Alfa one this is bravo six do you copy? We need an extraction, now!
No response.
- Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
- Go Hunter – Rostamzadeh was taunting him – Save yourself. They would never understand you.
The sergeant decided one more try, but the creatures were closing the gap. One of then approached to a forward soldier who ran out of bullets. As he was trying to reload, the creature grabbed him on his arms and took him to the ground. Private Woods didn't resist. His body was being dried up. He opened his mouth too scream but he had no more strenght to fight, so the creature embraced him and kissed his lip, frozing him to oblivion. The detachment saw that scene in terror. They tried to flee to Hunters direction, but they were surrounded: the creatures jumped on them, hungry for their souls. Hunter stood still. His body couldn't move. He knew it was impossible to defeat then. He looked impotent as every one of his team mates agonized in pain, absolutely helpless. He saw Lipton begging for help. Corporal Dunn was crying in desperation. Rostamadeh was laughing.
After the feast, all the creatures turned their attentions to hunter, but even so, he stood still.
- Wait – ordered Rostamzadeh – Not him.
- Come on you son of bitch – Hunter spited on floor – Come get me.
- No, Sergeant Hunter – he was smiling – your friends served the purpose. I think I will let you be the witness of little show. For my lucky, your are the only one here capable to…well…you know what. This has been I surprise, I admit. I didn't expect one of ours among their ranks. If you could only imagine how glad I am. Lucky seems to find me everywhere I go.
Hunter, in a quick move, drew his rifle and aimed to Rostamzadeh. He squeezed the trigger, hoping to hit that moron's hand.
- Good bye Sergeant – said Rostamzadeh waving his wand as he disappeared in the air.
The creatures slowly walked away and disappeared in the shadows. Hunter approached the fallen teammates, his nerves exploding in fury.
- You fucking piece of shit – he mumbled – I'm going to find you and gut you down. You God damn son of a bitch. Mark my fucking words!
Chapter 2 - Back On The Grid
London, Ministry of Magic
The head of the Department of Magic Law Enforcement was sitting on the chair for more than ten minutes.
– Mr. Director, good evening, can I get you something?
- Thank you Mr. Potter.
- My secretary told me you were waiting, im sorry for the delay.
- That's fine Mr. Potter I came unnoticed. There are urgent matters I need to discuss with you
- Sure, I am all ears – said Potter sitting on his chair.
- I was send by the Minister of Magic itself. There is an issue and the minister wants the chief auror leading this investigation himself.
- What investigation Mr. Director? I am afraid I haven't been informed of anything.
- No, you have not. This came up recently. Tell me Potter, have you ever heard about a wizard named Amir Rostamzadeh?
- I don't think so. Why?
- Well, the Minister wants him to be apprehend.
- What is this about Director?
- Rostamzadeh is rogue auror, who has been disappeared since 1988. We suspected he joined the Voldemorts cohorts during the ninnies, but he never showed up. After we hunt down all Voldemorts minions, Rostamzadeh was not among then. For many years, we heard rumors of his actions in many parts of the world but we could never confirm any of them. He is responsible for many incidents with casualties.
- I don't understand, if we never had any evidence that he fliped to the dark side, or couldn't even locate him, how come the Minister wants me to handle this?
- Because he showed up five weeks ago.
- What happened?
- I don't know exactly how to explain, but he was found by muggles. A group of their aurors of something called army.
- Soldiers – said Potter.
- Yes, precisely. I had a hand for someone from the muggle department to help me with that, I am sorry – said the director a little embarrassed – anyway, this group of soldiers were conducting some kind mission in a cave in Afghanistan when they found Rostamzadeh. We don't know exactly what happened and what they faced, but the entire group was killed, except one man.
- How did you get that information? Is it solid?
- Very solid Mr. Potter, it came from one of our best assets. And here where it becomes more interesting. Do you know who this survivor is?
- No, please tell me – said Harry annoyed by all that mystery.
- Stephen Hunter.
Potter took a few seconds to process the information.
- Hold on. You said Stephen Hunter?! You mean "The" Stephen Hunter?!
- In flesh.
- Are you sure? He is been disappeared for 17 years. How is that possible? Why is he working with muggles?
- We have no idea what he is been doing all these years. That is precisely why you were chose for this task. Before you start the investigation you ought to locate Hunter e bring him in to assist you.
- Wait a minute – Potter smirked – What make you believe that Hunter will cooperate? He probably left our world because he did not want anything to do with us.
- It does not matter, Potter. Hunter is the only person who saw Rostamzadeh in decades. We have no leads: all of his records are gone; there are no photos of him or any people capable of recognizing him, and that is not all. The muggles probably did not wrote on their reports what happened in the cave. Hunter would never tell then what he saw, but he can tell us what happened. He can detail the events and maybe we can have some clues. He is essential for the investigation.
- I understand and I agree with you, but there is more to this isn't it?
- I don't see were you're are going Potter.
- The Hunters are an old and traditional family. His father, mother, brothers, sisters, uncles, you name it; all of them have powerful positions in many places. Years ago, when I took this office, his father came to me. He begged me to locate his son and I did tried to locate him, but there were no place to start. Hi simply vanished, leaving no trails after the Hogwarts battle.
- Well Potter, the Minister is a close friend to Mr. Edward Hunter, but I do not know if he was informed about his son being located. Anyway, thats not important. You need his help for this case.
- Fine, where can I find him?
- He's been retransferred to England. His base is in Credenhill, in Hereforshire. I don't know how long time he will stay there until they send him abroad again, so I suggest you do this as soon as possible.
- All right, I will see what I can do.
- Here are the dossiers – said the director handing two folders to Potter – one about our rogue agent and the other about Hunter. There are few information about them, but its something to start. Hurry up Potter, this absolutely urgent and the Minister wants every resource on this.
- Great…
Harry flew to Credenhill a few hours' later, right after briefing his team. The task, he presumed, would be complicated enough. Bringing other wizards with him could put Hunter in a defense position. It was a warm and sunny day, good enough for a broom fly. Harry easily spotted the heavily militarized place when in Credenhill. He gentled landed the broom and headed to the base entrance.
Hunter was at the office, playing a desk jockey role after been pushed out of the field due to the events in Afghanistan. His mood was the worst possible and he only thought was to blow his brains off. Death seemed to be a good option compared to that boring assignment. The telephone in front of him ringed.
- There is someone here to talk to you sergeant – said the secretary voice on the other side – should I send him in?
- Yes please – anything to get me rid of this stupid job he thought.
Harry Potter, dressed in a discreet suit, entered the room. Hunter, still looking down to a mount of paper, told him to seat.
- Staff Sergeant Stephen Hunter I presume?
- Who the fuck are you? – replied grumpy.
- My name is Potter. Harry Potter.
Hunters eyes opened in a blast as he almost jumped of the chair. He slowly raised his head to face the wizard. He face was tight, jaws compressed and the heart exploding in adrenaline.
- Bloody hell…why the fuck I'm not surprised?
- Perhaps you know why I'm here.
- Do I? – Hunter answered angry - Potter, give me a good reason not to shoot you down right away.
- I was expecting a much warmer welcome from an old classmate.
- No, don't pull that shit on me. What the fuck do you want?
- I need your help; also, people are looking for you.
- A lot of people are looking for me. Ask the Taliban?
- Aren't you even curious why?
- Actually I'm not.
- A lot of things changed since you vanished and people have been searching for you. I've even heard rumor, all exaggerated of course, about you joining Voldemorts last remaining followers.
- Nobody found me because I didn't want to be found and i intend to remain that way, and fuck Voldemort, he can suck my tallywacker for all i care.
- Maybe, but there some things going on in the other side. You saw it.
- And why is that my fucking problem?
- A rogue auror is on the run. You are the only person capable to identify him.
- Capital! Still don't give a fuck
- I see that you made peace with yourself, somehow. However, you might want to hear what I have to say. At least give me that. After you hear me, if you decide you really don't want anything to do with our affairs, I promise I will go away.
- Fine Potter; meet me at Joey Rays Pub near the train station at 6:00 PM. And make you sure you go alone because if i see anything that smells like a set up, I will put you down before you can touch your bloody stupid wand and shove it up your arsehole. Do I make myself clear?
- Fair enough.
- Good, now fuck off.
Harry arrived at the pub on the time Hunter told him. The place looked old and poorly maintained. There were some drunk ruffians at the door, talking very loud. Inside, the place was crowded with too many people the place seemed capable to hold. He saw hunter on a table and approached him. A tall, strong type stood on his way, hand on Harry's chest.
- Is this necessary?
- Standard procedure Potter, it's not personal. Or maybe it is. – said Hunter.
- Boss, he is carrying this weird twig.
- Thank you Terry, I take it from here. Sit down Mr. Potter; can I get you something to drink? Don't even think about ask for that sissy butter beer you used to have in Hogwarts.
- I'm fine, thank you.
- So, enough of cheap talk. Tell me something: why are you in the middle of this Potter?
- I am the Chief Auror of the UK section. The Ministry of Magic wants me to handle this case.
- Oh great! So you are a constable now. That's fucking amazing. Cheers – said Hunter laughing loudly.
- What about you Hunter? What you became?
- I'm am a servant of our Majesty the Queen of England – he said in pompous way, raising his pint on a toast gesture.
- Why did you joined the Army?
- Long story. Im not in the mood.
- People still talk about what you did, y'a know.
- I bet. Eleven plus KIAs, hell of a mark. And i was just getting started.
- I'm not sure if it was the right thing to do, but ok.
- Fuck you Mr. Constable, are you going to arrest me for that? I did what I had to do and if you ask me, no, I don't regret it. The only regret i have was not killing more of them. Don't need any lecture from you.
- There are mix feelings about your actions. Many believe what you did was profane. It became a case in the magic community: "Was Stephen Hunters actions justified?"
- You damn right it was.
- Just for the record, do you kept tracks about what goes on the other side? Have you heard what happened after you left?
- No Potter, I gave my back to all of that shit. I don't care about any of this.
- I'm really curious. Why did you left?
- I had my reasons. Thats all you need to know.
- Well, to be fair, you became quite a legend too. I dare to say your name holds more power and respect in Ravenclaw than the old Rowena herself. They got songs about you, portraits on the common hall and events to celebrate your deeds, despite all the controversy. They even call you "The Raven".
For the first time, Stephan Hunter didn't had any smart comment to taunt Potter with. That kind o information caught him of guard. He stared at Potter with deeply sorrowful eyes.
- Great to hear it Potter. My family used to despise me for not going to Gryffindor like the rest of then, but Ravenclaw is a great and respected house and I enjoyed it. Never complained about it. It could be worse. I could have been sent to Hufflepuff and be surrounded by autists, but enough of this. What do you want from me Potter?
- I need you to come back with me.
- Not a chance.
this is serious, we need you.
- I made promise to myself that I would never go back. I am sorry. Even if a wanted, The Regiment would not release me. Not after the internal inquiry going on. You cannot imagine the shit storm I'm going through. I cant tell them the truth.
- Don't worry about the Regiment.
- Ah I see, you can play some sorcery on them. So low.
- I can see your reasons, but let me ask something: how many men have you lost there?
Hunters face became darker.
- You don't go wann go that way Potter.
- Do you honest believe you might able to avenge them by staying in the army? I can give you the chance to make him pay. That's what you want, isn't it?
- You are a piece of shit Potter, always have been. Did you know that?
- I don't care what you think. What I offer is real. You know it.
Hunter took a few seconds staring at his old classmate. He coulnd believe how things got that way. He always felt like he could never put that world behind, no matter how hard he tried. The day finally came.
- Alright Potter, let's make a deal.
- I'm listening.
- First, I don't want anyone knowing I'm around, especially my family. Second, when this is over, im out for good and I don't want you people looking for me for the rest of my existence. Can you do that Potter?
- Yes, it seems reasonable.
- Good, one more thing. I get to take that fucker down.
- Im not sure about that, we have standard procedures too follow. We can't just k
- Fuck that boy wonder. This is out of the table or I won't go.
Potter took a few seconds thinking.
- Okay, I will see what I can do about this. I will make sure you make the arrest at least.
- Well, that's a start – Hunter stood his hand – don't fuck with me Potter, that's a warning.
- Fine. We need to go now.
Hunter shook his head and finished the pint. The two wizards walk together outside the bar, to an abandoned lot around the corner of the street.
- I'm brought an extra broom for you. Still remember how to fly this?
- Bloody hell Potter, I'm too pissed for that kind of ride.
- Great! Just follow my lead
- bollocks!
They arrived in London a few hours later. Hunter had to rely on Potters help the entire trip not to fall from the broom. He quickly took of the broom after landing and got close to a wall, right beside the ministry entrance. Harry turn his head to the other side as the man was putting his stomach through his mouth.
- Shit, I told you Potter.
- Feel better now?
- Fuck no!
- Lets go – said potter opening the phone booth – we are about to enter the ministry and for the first time in 17 years you will be back. There will be no turning back after this point and you will be navigating into not-so uncharted territories for you. Are you ready for this?
- Sure Mr. Constable, why the hell not?
END OF PART 1