This fanfic takes place in a world in which Muggles do not exist. Much of history is similar to the original timeline, with Wizards taking the place of muggles. Technology is slightly different, and far behind the Muggle technology that would exist in 2041, closer to early 20th century, or late 19th. Harry Potter and his friends still existed. Rather than seeking the destruction of Muggles, Voldemort was a Britannian (British) wizard who sought the genocide of the French. His ideals garnered many followers, who believed in the purity of the Britannians, however, he was at last stopped, at the Battle of Hogwarts Castle, in 1997. Following his defeat, he was tried and executed, however, French and British tensions remain as high as ever. As their relationship spirals downwards, they will begin to take the rest of Wizarding Europe, and eventually, the entire Wizarding World, into war. So begins our story.
December 12, 2041.
James Potter hurried through the halls of the Britannian Ministry. He was late. Very late. Sharp turns, corners, one after the other, rushing past him in an unrecognisable blur. For a moment, he stopped to lament the Ministry's ban on Apparition inside the complex. Frankly, he thought it was rather preposterous. As he turned down a final flight of stairs, an enormous wooden door, some 10 metres in height rushed to meet him. The doors groaned open without a touch. Panting, James Potter stumbled into the room beyond.
Lavish carpets, chairs, chandeliers, and golden statues were what inhabited the room. It was to be expected of the Britannian Senate, the highest authority in the land, comprised of 121 elected members. 119 men and women were seated. The red velvet chairs were all filled, save for one on the left side, in the third row. His head bowed, James Potter made for his seat.
"Sorry for the delay, sir, there was a bit of a commotion at home, we can't get in touch with Albus." James muttered, knowing that the excuse would hardly suffice.
"...For once, it's quite alright, Senator Potter. That's exactly the matter you were called here to discuss, " declared the man seated at the head of the table. His eyes were fierce, sharp...and cold. His body was well defined, and his face rugged from years of experience. One glance at him was easily enough to tell that he was a man nobody would want to cross. And nobody ever did. No-one was stupid enough to ever cross the Chairman of the Senate, Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"I-I'm sorry, Sir, I..don't quite understand." James replied, bewildered, as he took his seat. The two Senators to his right gave rather scathing looks of disapproval, as though they disliked the attention he was receiving. Those to his left remained indifferent.
"Well. Senator Potter, at 10AM, on Monday morning, Albus Severus Potter, your younger brother, was reported missing, and-"
Kingsley's speech went no further, as James stood up to interrupt. "Sir, this is a family issue. I know it will be resolved soon en-"
Barely even glancing at James, Kingsley continued his tirade. "Your father, the esteemed Harry James Potter, was extremely worried. He relayed this to me personally. On Tuesday morning, Albus made no appearance, and had not been seen. On Wednesday morning, he-"
Irritatedly, James stood once more and began to speak. "With all due respect, Chairman Kingsley, this is a personal matter! I won't have you interfering with things that aren't your-"
Halfway through the sentence, Kingsley's eyes flashed with anger, sweeping away the ice cold facade as he stood himself, his voice now thunderously booming across the room. "It is of utmost importance, Senator Potter! At 11AM, on Wednesday, the 11th of December, Albus Severus Potter was sighted in Lille, by Britannian agents!"
James reeled back in shock momentarily, his mouth agape as he fell back into his chair. "Wha-...No...Whaaat?"
Kingsley continued on, ignoring James' objections. "The following afternoon, Albus was seen in Paris, entering the Hall of Governance! I'm sure you're well aware of the implications of this. Senator Albus Severus Potter, has defected to the enemy."
James had no words in response. His usual flippaliant, snappy nature had vanished, and his face was drained of all color. Yet something in his eyes indicated that the blow was not as much of a surprise as the others though it may have been to him.
"The defection of one of our Senators is bad enough. However, with Albus Severus being our Military Governor, we can only assume the worst. We have no doubt France is seeking war with us. I ask you this now, James Potter. Can we bring your brother back to our side?"
The rest of the Senate began to roll their eyes, knowing what was going to come next. The bond the brothers shared was a natural strength between them, using their connection in the Political battlefield to wreak havoc as they climbed the ladder. James looked Kingsley in the eye, his answer long formed.
"No. We cannot."