The Prologue- Some beginnings in the middle
Author's note : some major edits in this one
I don't think the Prologue would interest a lot of people, but do try reading the first chapter before you give up on this fic. All reviews are welcome.
Um, and actually, if you are a first time reader, start reading from chapter 11. The actual story starts there, and without much preamble. The chapter is titled the escape, btw.
-vin
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter universe. As everybody knows.
It has been a decade. Or a lot more than that. He had been left under the non-aging elixir, supposedly from the only philosopher's stone in existence. He had started hating this place since...
His last message was left incomplete, undelivered to the world.
Reduced to essence,I was floating… My soul was broken… death had not been fooled… his revenge for me trying to escape… this was worse than the cruciatus... It is more than what Sherrington described it as. Physical Adjunct? He had no idea...
Eyes twinkling, he looked at the blonde politician. Lucius was never one to neglect his appearance, and he never missed a chance to look impressive. Dumbledore knew the purpose for this visit - to check or rather, confirm if the claim set by the denizens of the deep, the merfolk, was indeed what it seemed to be - more than a prophetic exclamation.
Lucius smiled "As you might have noted, Headmaster, the recent... tidings have interested some of my… ah.. Clients… who suppose the screams heard at the black lake were more than just Grindylows"
"Yes indeed, Lucius, Grindylows don't scream, the screaming ones are the Banshees… of all people, you should know that, pressing charges against a professor of a course pertaining to that subject…
"But" said Lucius, cutting through " that was a personal endeavor taken in the interests of the students. Surely they wouldn't want to endanger their lives to some creature… You do not see the picture, Albus. I am here under the command of the minister, and I need you to see reason. You have been the only one seen talking to -
"Seen talking to- has Cornelius descended so low as to spy upon me? I admit it, talking to them. The great empress of the deep is my friend, and I have my right to talk with whoever I feel fit to.
"- the merfolk, with whom previous encounters have been less than cordial. I'm sorry, Headmaster, but matters of relations between magical brethren in privacy, should not be, and will not be tolerated-"
"Lucius, I find you overstepping your limits. This session is concluded"
"You will not be allowed to just bypass Ministry rules, and act on your own. You have NO RIGHT TO-"
He felt his throats silenced, as he saw the man in front. "Needs arose, Lucius. Impolite behaviour is not one I would expect in a student of mine."
The form of Dumbledore rose before him.
"Me, Lucius? I don't have the right? Is it?"
Fear arose within Lucius. He started sweating but tried maintaining his composure.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Sit down Lucius, petty anger isn't good for our health, with age against us."
The staff fell down, rolled and came to a rest under the chair previously occupied by walked around the room, while Lucius took the seat after picking up his staff.
"I ask this of you as an employee of the ministry, Professor-" Dumbledore noted the change in pronoun and smiled."-whatever is going on with the merfolk, it isn't for the good of wizardkind. If you have any speculations on their activity, it would do you well to inform us as it might have a chance at helping build our relations."
"What , like handing over the job to the senior undersecretary to the minister? Do you seriously believe I would accept such a proposal?"
"Dolores would not be-"
"Enough. I need to look into this matter. Tell Cornelius it was all in the interests of the Tournament in preparation, and they do not wish to participate."
"Very well" said Lucius "evening Dumbledore."
As Lucius went down the stairs, his cloak billowing, Dumbledore looked at his table. Fawkes tilted his head, and dumbledore stroked his plumage for a moment and then pulled out a strand of memory which was taken from the man who left his office mere minutes ago, through means similar to legilimency. The lord of death had work to do.
The Merfolk had indeed called, and their news was more than mere dismissal of their participation in the upcoming tournament. It was a far more disturbing thought, which Dumbledore, of all, should have suspected early on. The man in question was not one known for trusting a single plan. He was sure to have created backups, and Dumbledore feared this might have been his failproof.
So, how was the prologue? And Dumbledore is good, and most probably the hero of my story. Harry would make an appearence in the next chapter.
Tell me what you want. I need more motivation!
