A/N – Hello again. Here is the first chapter of the third book in the series. This one will take a little longer to post because I have to go through it and remove all the HTML code that I originally wrote it in, but I'll do my best to update regularly.
Once again, I don't own Harry Potter and this story contains references, quotes and shout-outs to the 4000 odd things that inspired these stories.
Hope you enjoy. :)
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DEUS EX MACHINA
Hogwarts
November 14th
2022 A.D.
"So many people ask me why I do this," Albus smiled casually and sipped his coffee. His face was slightly blackened and is clothes were scorched and burnt in several places.
Standing just behind him was a woman that could quite easily be described as a goddess. She had perfect dirty blond hair down to her lower ribs and hypnotic jade green eyes, not to mention the fact that she could control electricity.
On his left was another drop dead gorgeous woman. With long, flowing jet black hair and blue wolf-like eyes, Aurora had one of her most intimidating looks on her face. A small bulge had finally started to appear on her stomach.
"And everyone that asks me is always surprised by the answer. Not because it's some kind of earth shattering, philosophical revelation that opens peoples eyes to a new world of possibilities but because it's so simple and obvious and easily ignored,"
He pulled out a cigarette but couldn't seem to find his lighter. He lent back on his chair a little allowing Athena to bring her forefinger forward and put it to the tip of the cigarette. A small blue spark shot from her fingertip, igniting the cigarette. No one seemed all that surprised.
"I do this because it has to be done," He smiled. "The world is full of coulda, shoulda, woulda's but sometimes, something comes along that has to happen... I'm the guy that makes sure that it does. I learn from the mistakes of the past. Your mistakes."
He nodded to the men sitting across from him.
"Let me ask you a question. What if, hypothetically speaking, the atomic bomb had been dropped at the beginning of World War II? I'm taking, like, a week after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor or even before that, 1940, '39? How many lives would have been saved? True...a few hundred thousand would still have been killed but...maybe it would have been worth it. No D-Day, no Battle of the Bulge, no Holocaust! Maybe the Cold War would have happened, maybe not. Who knows. If it did, there would still be 20 million people alive and well, to deal with it." Albus smiled. "That's the thing, isn't it. So few people think about the future...the big picture...,"
"Everyone thinks about the future," one of the men in front of him said with a gritty London accent.
"You think about your future. The future of your country, your family, your life. Unfortunately, man is a party animal. When things are going great right in front of your faces, nothing else matters. You ignore everything that could put a downer on your happy little world and all you really think about is how to keep it going or make it better. I think about the future of the world. The future of Mankind. The big picture,"
"So that's why you're doing this? For the future?"
"Exactly. To ensure that the world goes on spinning, certain things must be done whether we like them or not. True, sometimes I'm not subtle about it. Sometimes I'm forced to resort to brutal methods but I'm confident that the ends will justify the means."
"Your ends?" the other man across from him asked.
"Everyone's," Albus said before taking a drag on his smoke. "I told you, I'm interested in one thing: the future. And believe me when I say the only way to get there is together. I am trying to stop you from making a very big mistake."
"Well there's a problem with that plan," the Londoner said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it only works if everyone else agrees with the ends,"
"Ahh, I see your predicament. Unfortunately, because you people don't see the future in the same light that I do, I can't show you what the ends look like..., you're just going to have to take it on faith," Al grinned.
"If it were up to us, we probably would. But it's not," the other man said.
"I know..., that's one of the great shames about this," Albus checked his watch. "sorry guys, we gotta go. Gotta go to work, thanks for the coffee,"
Albus stood up and the moment he did, 30 rifle barrels were pointed at his head. Little red points from laser sights were poker-dotted around their bodies. Camouflaged solders everywhere had targeted him, Aurora and Athena as the commanders in front of him got out of their chairs as well. The operations tent was packed solid with military personnel, radio and tactical equipment, and a lot of tension.
They had been daring enough to actually walk in there because they knew that they couldn't actually get hurt. However, it wouldn't stop the military from trying if they got the chance.
"You have 5 minutes to pull your forces back. If you don't, you will have a very bad day," Albus growled.
He, Aurora and Athena walked to the entrance where 8 soldiers immediately raised their weapons at them.
"Move," They hesitated. "I won't ask again,"
The soldiers let them pass and the trio exited the tent.
Outside looked like an army base even though it was actually the grounds of Hogwarts. There must have been 5,000 soldiers surrounding the school. Attack helicopters circled the area while Tanks, Humvee's and MRLS's were deployed all over the perimeter.
Hogwarts was under siege.
The Castle showed signs of already being attacked. The massive double doors at the entrance had been blown apart and several windows had been smashed.
As the trio walked towards the castle, they moved past a burnt-out and destroyed Humvee. There was blood on the ground along with several dozen broken suits of armor.
They entered the school through the smashed double doors. Directly inside, Harry, Ron, Amelia, Lincoln, Scorpius, Rose, Hugo, Lily, Violet, Lynx, the Bobs, Teddy and Tannis were taking cover with wands and guns at the ready.
"What's happening?" Harry asked quickly.
"Relax, it's under control," Albus said instantly.
"You think they'll listen?" Athena asked in a light Polish accent.
"No," he said back quickly and turned to Tannis. "Students safe?"
"Not with them around." He nodded to the Muggle military forces that were holding on the perimeter line. "They're in the dorms."
"Good, they should be okay there." Albus pulled a satellite phone out of his pocket and tossed it to Athena. He checked his watch again.
"They're not moving," Athena stated.
"They still have 40 seconds,"
They watched through the broken doors as soldiers moved out and around the school. Near the operations tent, several of the officers were talking down on radios, probably to their superiors but none of them were pulling back.
"Target the MRLS's," he said.
Athena turned the phone on and closed her eyes.
On the perimeter, the computer control screens on two MGM-140 Multiple Rocket Launch Systems flickered and buzzed.
"Got 'em." She smiled.
Albus checked his watch again. They had 10 seconds left.
"Lock on." he said.
"Wait, Albus! You don't have to do this! Give them more time!" Harry pleaded.
"They had their chance."
The Turrets on each of the Rocket Launchers came alive and turned to face each other. Soldiers around them started to run about and panic, trying to pull and cut wires out of the computer systems.
"Albus, don't do this! Please!" Harry yelled.
The Missile hatches opened on Launch Pads.
The soldiers yelled and bolted from them, running as fast as they could away from the school. Other soldiers in the area ducked for cover and hid behind tanks and vehicles. They were out of time.
"ALBUS DON'T!"
"Hit 'em!" he growled.
The boosters fired! The missiles ejected from the ports and struck each other head on, in mid air. The explosion was so huge that it engulfed half the grounds. The noise was enough to pop a person's eardrums. Vehicles and soldiers were blasted through the air as fire scorched the entire area. What was left of one of the Missile Launchers catapulted though the sky and struck a tree on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, while other debris slammed into the side of the castle.
Albus raised a huge shield which caused the shrapnel to bounce off and back towards the line. Harry and the others nevertheless hit the deck for cover.
The flames subsided and were replaced by heavy smoke. All around, burning pieces of military equipment lay on the ground. Medics quickly rushed around to tend to the wounded soldiers as screams of pain cut the air.
Harry slowly picked himself off the deck and looked around. His face was awe struck with horror. "Oh, my God!" he breathed.
"Yeah...they're probably thinking the same thing," Albus chimed and Athena smiled deviously.
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
North Atlantic Ocean
184 Miles West of Faroe Islands
August 15TH
2022 A.D.
The enormous metal submarine glided effortlessly through the water. A thousand feet down there was no light from the surface moon and the water was easily -30 degrees. The strong current was the only thing stopping it from freezing over.
The Nuclear Ballistic Missile Sub that housed 28 Trident Warheads. This ship alone was capable of kick starting World War 3 but at the moment, it was simply conducting dive and maneuvering test South of Iceland. Inside the hull, the labyrinth of gantries and walkways would have made anyone feel claustrophobic, but to the seasoned crew, it was their home away from home.
On the Bridge, the crew went about their duties as they always did while Captain Kneeler and the EXO checked over a few charts.
"If we make another turn here, we should fall right into the current and cut even more time off," The EXO suggested.
"We're already 28 minutes ahead. It's not a race," The Captain smiled.
"I know, but it gives me something to do. Might give us the edge if we end up using this area in the war games,"
"Well, I won't argue with that," The Laughed marking down their current position.
"Sir?" Ensign Woods, the sonar operator called out.
"What's up Woodsy?" The Captain walked over.
"I Still got that sound," He said listening a little closer to his headphones. "it's been with us ever since we passed the Trench,"
"Still behind us?" Kneeler asked.
"Yes sir. Holding steady 1000 yards off our stern,"
"Let's hear it,"
Woods flicked a few switches on his sonar station. The sound he was listening to came over the main speakers. It was a very odd noise. A sort of rough clicking and buzzing, almost like an insect would make.
"What do you think it is?" Kneeler asked him.
"If I had to make a guess sir, I'd say...a crustacean,"
"A Crustacean?" Kneeler raised his eyebrows.
"You ever been to Marino's Sea Food bar in Cape Cod?" Woods asked.
"No, but I take it you have," The Captain seemed to find the whole thing quite humorous. The EXO walked over to see what was happening.
"Well, they keep call the lobsters in this big tank at the back and you get to go up and choose which one you want for your meal, some of the ones they got in there are huge, I mean like...anyway, they never seem to like each other very much and their always moving around and hitting each other and stuff and...well...that's what this sounds like!" Woods explained quickly.
"A bunch of Lobsters duking it out?" EXO Chuckled.
Soon the Captain and a few of the other sailors were laughing as well. Woods realized how stupid it sounded but he was too stubborn to give up on his theory. "Fine, you don't wanna listen to me, okay. I'm tellin' you it's a crustacean or a lot of crustaceans,"
"Alright, Alright, any surface traffic?" The Captain asked trying not to laugh.
"Got a fishing trawler about 500 yards to Port, but that's about it,"
"Alright," The Captain said grabbing the comm's mic off the computer station and radioing the bridge. "Helm, all stop, Chief of the Boat, rig for silent,"
"Rig for Silent, Aye sir," The Chief's voice replied.
"Captain?" The EXO questioned.
"Ah, Woodsy's very rarely wrong and if it is what he says it is, I don't want to be responsible for upsetting the migration pattens of a couple thousand Lobsters. We'd have Greenpeace picketing outside every base on the Eastern Seaboard," He looked at the Sonar screen. "It still moving towards us?"
"Yes sir, holding steady at 10 knots,"
"We're ahead of schedule, we'll just wait till it passes. Mark it in the log," The Captain order.
"It'll pass under us in the about 3 minutes," Woods said, putting his headphones back on.
The Captain watched the small blip on the Sonar screen move closer and closer towards the sub. Woods continued to listen as the sounds became clearer.
"Man, that is a lot of Lobsters," Woods said to himself.
Suddenly the blip on the sonar screen disappeared. Woods looked confused as the sound stop in his headphones.
"It's gone...,"
The Captain looked at screen for a few seconds. He was as puzzled at Woods. "Run a diagnostic, maybe it's your equipment," He ordered.
Woods worked his station for a second until a progress bar came up on his screen. The Moment it hit 100% it reported: All Hardware and Software functioning normally.
"Every thing's working fine," Woods looked puzzled. "They just...stopped...or vanished...,"
The Captain thought for a second then picked up the comm's mic again. "Helm come right -"
Alarms sounded all over the sub. "COLLISION ALARM!" The EXO yelled.
The Captain, The EXO, Woods and every other sailor on board the submarine were thrown through the air as the ship was stuck by something that felt like a torpedo! Sparks exploded from consoles and water pipes burst everywhere!
The Captain picked himself up and charged towards the Bridge. "Damage Report!"
"Propulsion offline! Planes aren't responding!" The Chief yelled.
"Hull breach! Flooding in multiple compartments!" Another sailor yelled.
"What the hell just hit us?!" The EXO screamed.
"I don't know!"
"What's our depth?"
"Passing 1200!"
"Level us out!"
"Hydraulics aren't responding!"
"Blow the tanks, get us on the surface!" The Captain order.
"Main forward tanks are ruptured!"
"Passing 1500!"
"We're too deep to pump out manually!" The EXO yelled.
"Passing 1700!"
"We can't hold her...," The Captain breathed.
The EXO knew it too. They were going down too fast. They were already dead.
"Launch the Buoy," He said.
The EXO climbed his way over to the control panel. He opened up a cover that revealed what looked like a fire alarm.
He smashed the glass and yanked out the handle.
On the back of the sub, a hatch blasted open and a small cylinder the size of a traffic cone was launched through the water towards the surface.
Below it, the pressure overwhelmed the The Kitty Hawk and hull was crushed like an empty beer can. A few tonnes of oxygen bubbles were all that was left as the broken machine sank further into the darkness.
Only 9 minutes later, the buoy breached the night time surface and bobbed around on top like a champagne cork. The white signal beacon flashed once every 2 seconds to attract anyone that was in the area, but it had already been spotted.
The Fishing Trawler sailed towards it at high speed, slowed and came to rest along side it. Two large men were waiting by the side with their wands ready. Together they levitated the heavy metal buoy out of the ocean and onto the boat deck.
They checked it over quickly then looked up to the bridge house. Standing just by the entrance was a cloaked man who's face was covered by the darkness.
"Get started, we've only got 5 hours," He ordered with a deep but well spoken voice.
The Two men nodded and started levitating the buoy into the ship.
The Cloaked man turned to another man inside the Bridge house. "Send our friend back to the trench,"
International Confederation of Wizards
Paris, France
August 27TH
2022 A.D.
"...This Metamorphosis most commonly seems to begin when normal children would be entering puberty or at least a certain hormonal stage of puberty recognized as the time in which adolescence first start to notice the opposite sex, usually between the ages of 13 to 14," Tannis said,his voice amplified by the Sonarus Charm.
The large hall was filled with representatives from all over the wizarding world. At least 200 people were sitting in their designated seats with the name of whatever magical community they represented edged in a small white plaque in front of them. Hermione sat with her arms folded in her chair with the sign: British Minister in front of her.
The whole thing mimicked the look of a U.N. Summit meeting. Some members were using Translation charms while others were reading through small hand outs that had been given to them upon arrival.
Behind Professor Tannis was a large floating projection of the Daily Prophet news article that had stated that Albus Severus Potter had been afflicted by a freak aging disorder.
"What follows is a completely comatose state that last between 4 to 6 weeks, during which time, they will physically age up to 6 years. This is so that they are fully developed when they wake up and would able to mate immediately if a partner were available. Their mature form also allows them complete control over their abilities,"
He gave is wand a quick flick and projection changed to a blurred, non-moving photo of The Colossus approaching the Baltimore bank while bullets bounced off his shield.
"The abilities often manifest themselves even before the Metamorphosis takes place, usually in moments of heightened emotional stress. But these manifestations are undeveloped and the subject has little or no control over them. After The Metamorphosis they regard their abilities as a literal extension of their bodies. They would probably put it in the same category as being able to walk or blink,"
"Excuse me Professor," The Irish Minister said, his voice also amplified for the entire hall to hear. "you said that their body's grow faster so that they can be ready to reproduce as soon as they wake...why? If they are so adaptive at surviving, why the sudden need to produce off spring?" He asked.
"We as I said at the beginning of this lecture, I don't have all the answer but if I had to guess, I'd say that they know their species is in danger. When entire ecosystems were threatened by deforestation, a number of animals and insects exhibited accelerated breeding patterns, perhaps they are doing the same. These Anomalies are standing on the doorstep of extinction and are doing everything in their power to avoid being invited in," Tannis continued. "Upon waking, these Anomalies often display very animalistic qualities, being aggressive and territorial. They feel the need to show their dominance so that they won't be challenged and will be able to claim a mate without argument. But these traits fade over time and eventually they interact with others, humans, wizard, there own kind just like anyone else would,"
He flicked his wand again to show a moving picture of human red blood cells.
"One of the most intriguing aspects of an Anomaly is it's immune system. The are literally able to adapt to almost any foreign compound. This includes potions, poisons and remedies. In 2019, I'm sure you all remember, Albus Potter was being attacked using a curse that inflicted extreme nightmares directly into the subconscious. To combat this, we tried to give him regular doses of Dreamless Sleep Draught but after a while, the Draught stopped working completely. Even before he entered his Metamorphosis his immune system was more advanced than our own and he had developed an immunity to it. The same can be said when he was captured and put into a magically induced coma, he started to develop an immunity to something as powerful as Draught of Living Death. I hope you can all understand the kind of medical benefits we could gain if we were able to study this development,"
"We are all aware of the medical and scientific advancements that could be made Professor Tannis," Kelly Winters, the President of ACM (American Corum of Magic) said none too friendly. She was an intimidating women in her mid 50's with dark hair. "but that doesn't take away from the very credible threat that these 'Anomalies' pose,"
"Anyone that uses their power for destructive ends is a credible threat, Madam President," Tannis kept his cool.
"Indeed, but forgive me Professor but I am just dying to know how you know so much about there kind," She was trying to attack his credibility but he had been prepared for it.
"I'm afraid my sources are highly confidential," Tannis said sweetly.
"Well, you seem to have a great deal of knowledge on this subject so I was hoping that you might enlighten me about a few things," She pulled out a few pieces of Parchment from inside a folder. "perhaps you could tell me whether or not you think the man that burst the ear drums of 12 people in Oslo with 'Sonic Manipulation' or, whether the man that melted through a safe door by spraying molecular acid from his hands or, the girl that pumped 3000 volts of electricity into a pair of C.I.A. Agents last week," That last one caught his attention.
Hermione saw Tannis's eyes widen but Winters didn't.
"Perhaps you could tell me, if you think those kind of people are credible threats?" She smiled sweetly. "and of course, lets not forget the obvious one that almost ripped the world in half with a Black Hole not too long ago,"
"And was subsequently captured and drugged but still managed to get to London in time to defeat a monster that no one else could stand up to, is that the man your talking about?" Tannis shot the insulting smile back at her. Winters glared. "Madam President, I'm not here to tell you whether or not these people are dangerous, I'm simply going to tell that they are here, among us and they have no intention of leaving but, there are those who would very much like to see them gone forever,"
"Your speaking of the mysterious organization apparently responsible for the near extinction of these Anomalies but of which no hard evidence actually exists?" The President asked.
"Exactly. It would certainly explain how a species, more powerful than our own hasn't been discovered sooner,"
"So your saying that these Anomalies are climbing out of the woodwork now because these people are no longer a threat to them?"
"I think that they'll always be a threat. But if we uphold the convictions and rights that we have fought so hard to put in place...if we treat Anomalies as equals and not outcasts, if we except them just as the Muggles are trying to do for us, then perhaps we'll be able to finally break through the barriers that have held us apart for so long," Tannis said with more conviction that Winters was expecting.
"I certainly hope that your right Professor, because hate crimes towards wizards and witches are getting worse every day and if we have to worry about Anomalies joining this unrest as well, then things are only going to get worse,"
"That's not what anyone wants, Madam President," Tannis said.
Hermione saw her opening and stood. "Thank you Professor Tannis, this lecture was very informative and helpful," She turned to look at the other representatives. "We'll return here in an hour and continue with the Economy Issues and immigration monitoring,"
Everyone else in the hall stood up and begin packing away their things. Many of them were met by security forces or assistance. President Winters actually had an entire team of men that looked a lot like the muggle secret service. Hermione walked over to Tannis who was still packing away some of his things.
"Thank you Alex," She said.
"That's quite alright. I just hope they listen,"
"The President grilled you pretty hard back there," She smiled.
"I was kind of expecting it," He admitted.
"You seemed pretty interested when she mentioned those agents getting Electrocuted," She was expecting some kind of big reaction from Tannis but he was too smart for something like that.
"Oh, I had heard there might be an Electokinetic out there somewhere," He lied. "looks like the President's information may be better than my own,"
"I see," She didn't fully believe him but wasn't going to pry. "I wish I could keep you here, I could use your advice about some of the other issues we'll be discussing,"
"I'm sorry, I have to get back to Hogwarts. Student's will be arriving in a few days and I -"
"I know, your an extremely busy man. I won't keep you any longer and I suppose you need to prepare the school for the arrival of your new assistant Defense against the Dark Arts teacher," She laughed.
"I'm sure he'll behave...at least as long as Amelia's around,"
"Let's hope so," Her smiled faded. "Thanks again Alex," She left and walked towards the exit.
He felt pity for her. She had slipped up just once and it had cost her so much. She hadn't heard from her husband in 3 months. Part of her would probably have been happy if he had sent her a letter asking for a divorce because at least it would have been some kind of contact. But he had simply vanished and although she was doing her best to put on a brave face, it was killer her.
The Leaky Cauldron
London, England
August 27TH
2022 A.D.
"That was Professor Alexander Tannis, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, speaking in Paris earlier today about the Evo-Human phenomenon that is...," The voice on the wireless trailed away.
Harry had only been half listening to the broadcast. Most of that information he already knew. He was sitting at the bar of the pub, a glass of fire whiskey in his hand. He had been spinning his wedding ring on the bar counter about once every 30 seconds or so, watching it eventually stop and fall on it's side. Just like his marriage.
He had promised her time. He had promised her anything she wanted but after 3 weeks of waiting to talk to her again, he was starting to doubt that she would ever give him a second chance. He knew he didn't deserve one but he prayed from it nevertheless.
"Here you go, Harry," Hannah slid a second glass in front of him and smiled faintly.
"Thanks Hannah," He finished off the glass in his hand and gave it to her before starting on the second.
Even though he had been drinking it for the last hour or so, the stench of much more potent whiskey, followed by tobacco shot up Harry's nose. The man standing at the bar next to him must have been living in a cave for the last few months because he looked terrible. He had a short unshaven brown beard, long matted hair and large black bags under his eyes. His cloths obviously hadn't been washed or changed for a very long time and he seemed to be quite drunk already.
Hannah approached him cautiously. She wondered whether or not he might actually be a muggle.
"Hello,"
"Good afternoon," He grinned showing his bad teeth. He reached into his pocket a dumped a large about of change on the bar. "I take some of dat Fire Whiskey," He said in a deep Cajun accent.
She poured the booze and handed him the glass. The Cajun simply pushed the change over to let Hannah sort it out.
He downed the glass in one and pushed the it forward before she even had time to take the money. "Nother' one,"
Hannah looked worried. "You know, there's a two glass limit before 6 o'clock," She said.
"Well, I only had one," The Cajun stared at her.
Hannah nervously pushed another glass of fire whiskey towards him. He downed it in one again.
"Why don't you make a exception?" He asked, still staring.
Hannah took a breath. "Those men behind you," She nodded to the 4 people sat around one of the tables. "they're Auror's and the man at the end of the bar is Harry Potter, so don't make any trouble in here,"
"Harry Potter," He looked at him with contempt and chuckled. "why ain't he savin' us?"
Harry looked at the Cajun. He really wasn't in the mood for this kind of crap.
"You spos to be da Saviour..., why ain't you boardin' da windows, Harry?"
"Excuse me?" Harry scowled.
"Oh I see. You excepted the inevitable too...," The Cajun smiled.
"Unless your getting a non-alcoholic drink, I suggest you leave," Harry said going back to his drink.
"Ahh, don't worry, Harry. You get off lighter dan da rest of us," The Cajun said absently. "your death gone be quick..., rest of us gone have to suffer,"
Harry put down his drink and stood up. "Alright, your leaving, lets go,"
"Should have listened to your son, Harry..., he was trying to save you,"
Harry looked stunned and suddenly became a lot more interested in what he had to say. "What did you just say?"
"Not even da Colossus can save you now..., he can't save none of us..., we all gone die,"
Harry focused. He knew that he was just a drunken weirdo that had nothing better to do. "That's enough!" He hissed. "Why don't you go somewhere as sober up!"
"Drunk the only way to be now," The Cajun laughed. "got ta live it up while we can. All be gone soon. Nothin' can stop whats comin',"
"Really?" Harry lost his temper got in the Cajun's face. "and what's coming?"
"Death..., death in the flesh," The Cajun smiled. He turned to the rest of the pub and yelled at the top of his lungs. "YOU ALL GONE DIE!"
Harry grabbed him and twisted his arm behind his back. The 4 Auror's jumped out of their seats and took over the arrest. He struggled against the Auror's as they tried to pull him out of the bar.
"Lock him up in the Ministry until he's sober!" Harry barked.
"Why you so unhappy, Harry!?" The Cajun waled, still laughing. "you get a nice quick death! She gone make sure o dat!" He looked ready to punch him. "She gone finish what her father started!"
Harry suddenly felt something cold bite into his stomach.
"Aurora gone kill you!" The Cajun grinned before being pulled out of the pub.