WARNING: Major spoilers for the "Prince Caspian" movie-verse (and probably the book, too). Coarse language.
4: PLANS INTERRUPTED
The attempted infiltration of Miraz's castle had gone horribly wrong. Only half the number of Narnian soldiers arrived back at Aslan's How, where some had remained, including Lucy. Both Peter and Caspian had sour looks on their faces.
"What happened?" asked Lucy.
"Ask him," said Peter, looking toward Caspian.
"Peter," Susan pleaded from behind.
"Me? You could have called it off. There was still time," Caspian rebutted.
"No, there wasn't, thanks to you. If you'd kept to the plan, those soldiers might be alive right now," Peter huffed.
"And, if you'd just stayed here like I suggested, they definitely would be!" Caspian snapped back, his anger rising.
"You called US, remember?"
"My first mistake," Caspian snorted.
"No. Your first mistake was thinking you could lead these people."
"HEY!" Caspian erupted. "I am not the one who abandoned Narnia!"
"You invaded Narnia," Peter hissed. "You have no more right to it than Miraz does! You, him, your father… Narnia's better off without the lot of you!"
Caspian snapped, giving an angry growl. In an instant, Prince and King were facing each other, swords drawn.
"Stop it!" cried Edmund, as Glenstorm, a dark looking centaur, gently set the dwarf, Trumpkin, carefully on the ground. Lucy quickly dropped to his side and administered a few drops to him from her cordial, while the others watched. It drew focus away from the heated battle between the two leaders, as the dwarf slowly opened his eyes. "What are you all standing around for? The Telmarines will be here soon enough," he said. That got Lucy to smile.
"Thank you, my dear little friend."(1)
The scene was suddenly interrupted as a tremendous flash was seen on the horizon. It was accompanied, moments later, by a tremendous CRACK that sounded like an intense clap of thunder. It sent more than a few people to the ground, while others had instinctually drawn weapons.
"Most… unnatural," said Glenstorm, taking his hand off the hilt of his blade.
"What… would make such a noise?" asked Caspian nervously.
"I know EXACTLY what it is," said Peter, smiling for the first time since before the ill-fated assault on the castle.
"So do I," said Lucy.
"Then perhaps you might enlighten us, my liege," said Reepicheep, who happened to be a mouse.
"Years ago, when we first came to Narnia, not long after we became kings and queens, visitors came from another world… much like we did," said Peter.
"Their ships made a loud noise exactly like what just happened," said Edmund.
"I KNEW they would come back some day!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Lu, we do not know that for sure. I hope it is truly them, because we need all the help we can get." Peter again cast a sour look at Caspian.
"We do not even know…" Susan began to object.
"They would go to Cair Paravel… one of their ships is still there. Remember, Susan?" Edmund pointed out.
"The next question, then, is who's coming with me to Cair Paravel?"
"And how do you plan on getting there, Peter? Have you already forgotten our harrowing track through the gorge?" Susan challenged.
"I think we have that sorted," said Edmund, gesturing to several griffins resting nearby. "I will go."
"No," answered Peter. "Stay here with Lucy. Susan, I would like to have you and your bow."
"I will join you also," said Caspian.
oOo
It seemed like hours, travelling through a void. In reality, it was only a second or two, before the three wizards were suddenly spinning wildly toward the ground. Deric, being far more experienced with the use of port keys, managed to land on his feet, while Harry and Travis landed in a heap on the ground. Deric instantly drew his wand. Protocol dictated that, 'strange place with unknown variables, wand out'.
"YES!" Harry practically leapt for joy, gesturing toward the water. They had landed on a beach with a high bluff. As Harry had expected, a large ship, or aircraft—Deric and Travis couldn't decide WHICH it was supposed to be- lay partially beached.
"So is that supposed to be a boat or an aircraft?" asked Travis.
"It's both," answered Harry. He started scanning the beach, looking for other people. Then, his eyes fell on the bluff where the great castle should have been. Instead, he only saw rocks and trees.
"Wait… this can't be right. The castle should be right there," said Harry.
"A castle? You mean that place, Cair Paravel, or whatever?"
"Yeah. It should be there. Hang on, I'm going up there."
"Harry, NO!" Deric protested, but it was too late. Harry vanished with a loud CRACK, to reappear at the top of the bluff. Travis and Deric quickly followed suit.
"Well, there was definitely SOMETHING here at one time," said Deric, gesturing to several broken columns and a few walls.
"Bloody hell!" Harry said, as it dawned on him. "Then… Peter… Lucy… Susan… and Ed, and Orieus… they're gone."
"I'm sorry, Harry," said Travis, sliding an arm around him.
"Don't let Frankie see you doing that," said Deric.
"He won't mind at all," said Harry, looking around. His eyes fell on the concealed access that led into the bunker. "Well, SOMEONE'S been here…"
"How do you know?"
"Follow me."
A few moments later, they were standing in the chamber that rested below the spots where the thrones had been. Their wands lit the room, and, in the dim light, they spotted footprints and modern clothes.
"Looks like a school uniform," said Deric, picking up a tie. "Just lovely, last thing we need… a bunch of kids needing supervision."
"Harry, let's set up your teleport pad here. It's out of sight and so on, right?"
"Not yet. Let's go to the bunker the Invincible's crew set up. It will be in the side of the bluff, right in front of her."
"It's as if you KNEW you would be coming back," said Travis.
"I guess some part of me knew that, yeah. Or maybe that's destiny. As much as I'm meant to fight Voldemort. Let's get back down to the beach." This time, the three of them linked arms, and Harry apparated them back down to the beach, close to the Invincible.
Up close, the Invincible was enormous. She easily stood 50 feet high, and her central body was about 60 feet wide. That central body was about 800 feet long, with a large cross-structure that stuck out of both sides. From that, there extended twin bodies about half the length again, from which rose a tail and rudder.
"You sure this will still be, um, seaworthy, Harry?"
"She will once we make repairs. Bloody hell, I can't believe she's still here."
"Where's the bunker you're talking about?"
"This way." Harry led the others to the face of the bluff, where a tangle of roots, branches, and debris had collected around a large hole. "Could I get some help with this?" He drew his wand and cried, "REDUCTO!". The others joined in, and soon, the path was cleared, revealing a larger opening, at the back of which was a massive steel door.
"Come on!" said Harry, racing to the back. He tapped the large handle with his wand, saying, "Alohamora!" There were eight distinctive clicks, and the door cracked open. "Lumos!" The end of his wand lit up as he then pulled the door the rest of the way open.
"Now, if I remember correctly…" Harry quickly spotted the pot lights, and tapped each of them. They lit up at once, providing much better light to the room.
"So what is this?"
"Things we'll need to get Invincible running again."
"God, most of this stuff is really ancient, shit you'd see at the turn of the century or something," said Travis.
"Well, when everything went to hell, we had to improvise, use older equipment and so on. Wait 'till you see the inside of the Invincible. It's not like any boat you know. Help me pull this out." He gestured to a strange piece of machinery that had several cables coiled up on top of it.
"A generator?"
"We need electricity. In here and out there. There's stuff that, well, it's better not to use magic on."
"Oh."
"We can use magic on that, though, right?" Travis gestured to the generator.
"I guess so."
"Locomotor GENERATOR!" Travis cried. "All right, where do you want it?"
"Outside. The petrol fumes are particularly foul."
"Speaking of petrol, where do you intend on getting that from?"
"There." Harry gestured to a number of large 50-gallon drums stacked in the corner. "We'll need those, too."
Stepping back out into the sunlight, Travis instantly lost concentration, dropping the piece of machinery, finding three individuals staring back at him, Harry, and Deric. The young lady of the group had her bow trained on them.
"P-p-peter? Susan?" Harry managed, looking between the two of them.
"You know them?" asked Deric.
"General Potter? Captain Stafford?" the young man Harry believed to be Peter questioned.
"King Peter… Merlin, I haven't been called that in ten years… bloody hell… this is giving me a headache… you should be OLDER."
"And so should you," answered Peter.
"Captain Stafford?" asked Deric, arching an eyebrow.
"We better find a place to talk… and you are?" asked Harry, gesturing to the stranger.
"I am Prince Caspian the tenth."
"Harry Potter," said Harry, extending a hand. Caspian looked at it briefly and accepted it. "These are my friends Travis, and Deric."
"What is this?" Caspian gestured at the Invincible.
"The UCS Invincible. We left it behind the last time we were here," said Harry. "We've only come back to retrieve her, get her running again."
"Harry, are you sure it's safe to be telling…"
"Deric, it's fine. This is High King Peter, and Queen Susan. Anyone they introduce as a friend, well, I believe I can trust them as well. Narnia is, or at least, was, a place where you could take people at face value."
"That, I am afraid, has changed, Harry," said Peter, gesturing to the ruins.
"Now I know that didn't happen overnight," said Travis. "This looks like hundreds of years' decay."
"My ancestors invaded Narnia," said Caspian.
"Peter, are you sure…" began Susan.
"It's fine," answered Peter, again casting an icy glance Caspian's way. Travis caught that and filed it away for later.
"Harry, all this is fine and good, but let's get going with what we started. Maybe we should drop our teleport pad back to the trunk, get the others out to help."
"Right, indeed," said Harry.
"Wait. Harry. General Potter, as High King of Narnia, I am formally requesting the assistance of your forces." Peter dropped to one knee, having drawn his sword and driven it into the sand. He knelt, hand on the hilt of the sword, head bowed. Caspian hesitated for a moment, then followed suit.
Harry was held speechless. All that kept running through his head, was, 'what was going on?' "I… I will do what I can… but… what in Merlin's name is going on?"
"For one, General…"
"Please, Susan, it's just Harry."
"For one, Harry, then… it's been about 1300 years since we last set foot in Narnia. Most certainly, now, you CAN'T, as you worded it, take people at face value," Susan explained.
"More pressing an issue, my uncle is mobilizing his entire force against our remaining soldiers at Aslan's How," said Caspian.
"They will arrive no later than tomorrow morning, by our expectations," said Peter.
"Portkeys?" thought Travis aloud.
"How many people are we talking?" asked Deric.
"I don't know… a few hundred, maybe," answered Peter.
"We'd have to stagger their use… I can make it reusable…"
"Excuse me… but… you've lost me," said Caspian.
"Something like this…" Harry instantly vanished with a CRACK, to appear behind Caspian. He actually yelped in shock.
"It's fine, they're wizards," explained Peter.
"But… it's WITCHCRAFT!"
"It's magic," answered Travis, once again lifting the generator using his wand. "Harry, where did you want this?"
"Against the face of the bluff… right there will do."
"But… magic such as that… it's evil!" Caspian challenged, his hand wanting to travel to the hilt of his sword.
"Oh please, don't START about that dragon shit," Harry groaned. "LOOK. Magic is a wonderful gift, it's only how one uses it. Unfortunately I know all too well some who use it for evil purposes."
"How so?" Caspian persisted. Harry groaned again, and lifted the hair off his forehead, to reveal his scar.
"A dark wizard gave me this trying to kill me. He managed to kill both my parents before he did it."
"Guys. Look. Let's debate the finer points on the use of magic later," said Deric. "Harry, drop the fucking portal so we can get some help here."
"Excuse me?" said Susan, casting a sour look at Deric.
"Sorry," Deric quickly apologised.
Meanwhile, Harry quickly opened his satchel, and pulled out what looked like a black metal plate, then said, "Follow me."
Back in the bunker, Harry removed the sticking charm from an identical black plate, which then dropped to the floor with a loud CLANG, echoing in the chamber. "Sorry."
"What is this stuff?" asked Caspian.
"Stuff that belongs to the Invincible," answered Harry as he applied a sticking charm to the new plate and placed it on the wall. There was a red box painted on the floor.
"Peter and Susan. You guys remember the rules about the teleport pads?"
"Of course," answered Peter. Susan only nodded.
"Great." Harry tapped the black panel, saying, "Add, Peter Pevensie." A silver point of light vanished into the panel. He then did the same for his siblings, and Caspian. "Right, then. I'll be right back." He touched the black panel, and vanished.
"Well, did it work?" Harry found Frank sitting in one of the chairs in the common room, waiting.
"Exactly as planned," answered Harry, walking over to meet his mate. Just then, Deric appeared on the pad.
"Harry, I'm gonna call a few of my partners at the Ministry."
"And how do you plan on explaining their absence, Mr. Stafford?" asked Lily, from her portrait.
"Hmmmm… good point."
"Simple. A brilliant solution, actually," answered Harry, "if you don't mind spending an hour. It might be dangerous, but…"
"Harry, I'm SAU. That's what we DO."
"Oh. Right. Then I want you and a few of your friends to retrieve another Horcrux." Deric frowned, as that was definitely not what he had in mind, but only nodded, activating the public floo.
"MINISTRY OF MAGIC, SAU OFFICE!"
He vanished into the red flames. As that happened, Peter appeared on the teleport pad and quickly stepped off.
"Who… who are you?" asked Frank.
"Frankie, this is Peter. Peter, of course you remember Frankie."
"Sure. Much older, I must admit."
"Likewise," said Harry. "There much I have to tell you, but now's not the time."
Harry vanished into the library, leaving Frank and Peter alone in the common room.
"It isn't as I remember it," said Peter, finally.
"And who are you, dear?" asked Lily, from her portrait.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Peter said. "And Sirius, good to see you all again."
"How do you know of us?" asked James.
"That is a story for Gen… for Harry to tell, but I am Peter."
"Oh, of course!" Lily quickly put things together. "You are one of the children Harry told us about… so Harry made it back into Narnia?"
"…Absolutely the most foolish thing you could have done, Potter! As if you don't have enough at your feet as it is!" Harry returned from the library, with Alastor following. Hermione and Luna also followed, both casting curious glances at Peter. At the same time, the twins happened to enter from the corridor.
"Look, it's already done… and I believe it's worth it. Now will you help or not? I need every wand I can get."
"Neville's gone into Toronto with his gran," said Luna.
"Harry, son, we will send anyone else through," said James.
"Thanks, dad. Look, guys. There is information aboard the Invincible that will save us weeks, months, possibly years."
"Why not just take what you need from it?" asked Frank. "I mean, going through all the bullshit to get it going… and I mean, how are you gonna keep something that big hidden here?"
"Already sorted," answered Harry. "And the Invincible is an incredible fighting ship. I want her weapon. Right. Anyone who's coming, let's go."
Less than a minute later, a larger crowd of people then stood in the bunker. The others had gone back outside.
"This way." Harry led the rest back out onto the beach, where he found Travis, Caspian, and Susan, making light conversation.
"Right, then," said Harry. "Where is Aslan's How?"
"Err… well… it's…"
"Never mind. Hold still for a moment, and think very carefully of the location. Make sure it's right at the front of your mind."
"All right, I've got it," said Peter.
"Great." Harry gently pushed into Peter's mind and easily saw the location. It looked like a Mayan pyramid, overgrown with grass and brush. He spotted numerous individuals around it, including several fauns standing watch on the upper levels.
"All right. Now to make some portkeys."
"A portkey?" asked Caspian.
"Wait. Harry, what is this place, mate? And who are these people?" asked George.
"Right, yes, knew I was forgetting something." Harry gave a sheepish grin. "This is Peter, Susan, and Caspian. I'll leave you to introduce yourselves, I guess…"
"A portkey is a way to travel from one place to another, using a mundane object…" began Travis.
"Such as this stick," said Harry, picking up a short stick from the beach.
"Harry, why… where are you going?"
"Not 'you', we," answered Harry.
"Not us, Harry, we'll take the griffins back and meet you there," said Peter.
"Which will mean us arriving long before you do, and having to explain to a load of strangers… not a smart plan," said Travis. Just then, a group of ten individuals stepped out of the cave entrance. They were dressed in black uniforms, and carried what seemed like a vast amount of equipment.
"Not too impressed with that, Potter," said Deric.
"S-s-sorry. Look, we needed to get going quickly. If I pass you the location, can you get there?"
"Of course," answered Deric, softening.
"Great. Ready?"
"Let me have it." That got a snort and a goofy grin from Travis.
"Shut up," said Harry, casting a scowl Travis' way. He then gently pushed into Deric's mind, quickly noticing the incredible defences he had set up. Legilimency was useful for not only reading memories, but also passing memories, which was what he did. He then gently exited.
"Most impressive, Harry. Since when did you become a master legilimens?"
"No time to explain just now. Look, we'll sit down for a lengthy chat tonight, I have a lot to tell. You know now where you're going?"
"Clear as mud. What should we do with it when we find it?"
"Bring it here. DO NOT try to destroy it or otherwise tamper with it, it will do you serious harm. Understand?"
"Clearly." Deric turned back to the rest of the men with him. "All right, gentlemen, let's move out." The group disappeared back into the cave.
"Who were they?" asked Susan.
"Special Action Unit… Harry, what are they doing?" asked Travis.
"Horcrux," Harry simply said.
"Oh. Ok, say no more."
"Right. Now." Harry drew his wand, and tapped the stick, saying, "Portus!"
"What shall we do with the griffins?" asked Susan.
"They wait here," answered Peter. "I only assume everyone will be coming here."
"Wait. There is no way everyone will fit on this beach," said Susan.
"No, we can put most of them up there." Peter gestured above the bluff. "Harry, how long do you think it will take to get your boat operational?"
"A couple of days at least."
"A 'couple of days'? We may not HAVE a couple of days!" said Caspian.
"What is the hurry?" asked Luna.
"The Telmarines will take at least that to get turned around… not the least, they won't have any idea as to exactly where we've gone… no, I think we will buy ourselves three or four days, while they search the countryside," said Peter, while Harry continued making a stack of port keys.
"All right, let's make a trip. Fred, George, Hermione, and Luna, I need you guys to come with Peter and I. Err… Susan and Caspian, stay here with Travis, Frankie, and Alastor. Now gather around!" Harry produced one of the items he had charmed earlier. "It activates in 15 seconds, so grab on!"
Caspian let out a gasp, as the group suddenly vanished, as Harry had said, 15 seconds later. Travis had to turn away to hide his grin. He remembered seeing some of the members of Deadly Harvest and their reaction to magic; Caspian's was a little more pronounced.
"Not used to magic, lad?" asked Alastor.
"Most definitely not," answered Caspian. "I have been taught magic is an evil thing."
"Whoever taught you that nonsense needs to be shot and pissed on, I think," said Travis. "Jesus Christ, I would be lost without magic, I think." He drew his wand and transfigured several small twigs into comfortable deck chairs. "Let's have a seat, I'm sure they'll be a while."
"Better get used to it," said Frank. "It's second nature."
"And it may just save Narnia," said Susan, taking a seat in one of the chairs. "Like Peter said, had you only held to our plan, it wouldn't have ended up a disaster." She cast an icy glare Caspian's way.
"An operation that went south, I gather," asked Alastor.
"Very much so," said Susan, and began to give an abbreviated account of the ill-fated mission to infiltrate the Telmarine castle.
oOo
The group landed very awkwardly, not far from the tomb that was Aslan's How. A number of those gathered outside saw the rather awkward landing, and rushed over to help.
"Peter… how… HARRY!" exclaimed Lucy, excited. "Wait, you are so much younger than I remember!"
"I know… I'll explain tonight. Right now…" he drew his wand, and pressed it to his throat. "Sonorus!" He waited a moment. "Good afternoon!" His voice carried for a distance, and everyone around the tomb looked in his direction. "I need everyone to gather around me, right away, please!" Peter whispered something in his ear, and Harry continued, "That includes everyone INSIDE." He paused, and then cancelled the charm, saying, "Quietus."
"It doesn't hurt you to do that?" asked Edmund, joining his brother.
"Not at all."
"Why would it? It's a simple charm," said Hermione. She gasped as a very imposing, dark centaur plodded over.
"This is Glenstorm," Peter introduced.
"I'm Hermione," said Hermione, extending a hand. The centaur had to bend over a bit to reach it, but shook it. That got a grin from Harry.
"Centaurs, right, forgot about them… no offence… err… they will have to take a portkey as their own group."
"I will see to organizing us, although I do ask exactly what you are planning," said Glenstorm.
"Just, yeah, get into a group, I will explain once everyone has gathered around."
oOo
"I would have to agree with Susan here," said Alastor. "During any tactical mission such as what you attempted to mount, never deviate from the plan. It cost you all severely."
"God, Caspian, I've been in your shoes," said Frank. "I didn't follow Harry's instructions… and I almost died." He pulled his pack of cigarettes out of his back pocket, took one out, and lit it.
"Thing is, revenge makes us do stupid things sometimes. This 'Miraz' prick, he's your uncle?" asked Travis, absently following Frank's lead.
"Yes."
"I see now. The thing is, although I mean… you already know… but you made things much worse by stirring them up. Miraz will come at you with everything he's got. At least that's what I would do if I were in his shoes. Never give the enemy a rallying point. That's exactly what you did." Travis took a strong drag off his smoke.
"Like what Voldemort did to Harry," said Frank.
"Sort of, I guess, and I mean, me too. Bill… Jesus, he meant so much to me… it still hurts," said Travis, his voice trailing off.
"You were in love with another man?" asked Caspian.
"Yeah, why, does it bother you?"
"Well, no, I mean, I didn't know that happened."
"Why wouldn't it?" asked Frank. "Jesus, Harry means the world to me… he went fucking nuts because I got hurt by Voldemort."
"Yes, that's right… you and Harry were very close the last time you were in Narnia," said Susan. Frank only nodded, taking another drag off his smoke.
oOo
Finally, the large group of Narnians had gathered around Harry.
"Right, then. We are going to take you all to Cair Paravel. I need everyone to form into groups of 10 to 15… err… group yourselves into relatively similar sizes, please." He turned to Peter. "Take the first group… I will stay here making more portkeys. Have someone collect the port keys once there, we'll have to de-contaminate them." He pulled out one of the port keys, and tapped it with his wand, saying, "Activate." He paused. "This will trigger in one minute. You remember the rules?"
"Right. Yes." Peter quickly walked over to the group of centaurs, with the port key Harry passed him.
"Everyone put a finger on it, and don't let go until I tell you to."
"You have done this before?" asked another centaur.
"Only a few times, but trust me, it works."
Less than a minute later, Peter and the group of centaurs vanished from the field. The rest of the group let out a gasp of shock.
"All right, come off it, it's perfectly safe. Next…" said Harry.
oOo
"Travis? Where's Harry?" asked Ron, appearing from the mouth of the cave.
"He's gone to… um… well… he'll be back soon," answered Travis, standing. At just that moment, Peter and the group of centaurs were deposited rather roughly on the beach.
"Blimey, where are we anyway?"
"This is Narnia," answered Susan, "And you are?"
"Ron. Ron Weasley."
"You are a friend of Harry's?"
"Yes… err… where is he? His mum said something about needing help."
"He's making portkeys at Aslan's How," answered Peter, walking over. "Where did the chairs come from?"
"Here." Travis stood up.
"No, its…"
"Wait." Travis pointed at several more pieces of debris on the beach, transfiguring them into identical chairs.
"Most impressive," said Peter, taking one of the seats.
"Indeed, most impressive," said Glenstorm, plodding over to the group. The others moved to the side of the bluff to talk amongst themselves.
"What… a centaur… I thought… err… you didn't associate with humans," said Ron, cautiously, remembering Hermione's description of their confrontation with centaurs in the Forbidden Forest in June.
"And why would we not?" asked Glenstorm, confused.
"Ron, that's our world. I think things are different here," said Travis.
"A certain badger reminded us not more than a day ago, 'Narnia was never right except when a son of Adam was king'," said Glenstorm.
"A 'son of Adam'?" Travis groaned. "We're called humans. Not some fucking biblical rhetoric!"
"That is what Aslan called you," said Glenstorm. "So goes our knowledge of him, at least."
"Right. Whatever." Just then, another group of Narnians dropped onto the beach, along with Hermione. As quickly as they landed, another group followed, led by Edmund.
The landings continued for the next 20 minutes, until Harry himself at last arrived, with the remaining Narnians and Lucy. It was perfect timing, for, at that point, Deric stepped out of the cave entrance, along with his men. At Harry's inquisitive glance, he gave a 'thumbs up'. "I see you've been busy, Harry." He indicated the now crowded beach.
"Very. So you got it?"
"With no difficulty. You could have retrieved it yourself, Harry." Deric passed him the ring. Harry carefully prodded the stone loose with his fingers, and then pocketed both items.
"Keep sake?"
"No. That stone is no ordinary stone. I would rather it not be lost or destroyed. Now… I guess we need a Basilisk fang."
"Later, Harry. You got everyone here and so on, one task at a time," said Travis. Then he got an idea. "Harry, those things scream when they're destroyed, right?"
"Like a banshee."
"Ok. Peter, you know the concept of psychological warfare, right?"
"Of course! The Germans used it last year, the Blitz, so they called it."
"I'm thinking of something similar. We'll have to get our brooms, though," said Travis.
"I see where you're going," said Harry, "It would probably be best to do it at night to maximize the effect."
"We should try and locate them first, it'll be fucking impossible after dark," said Travis.
"Right. Once we do that, we have to get going with getting Invincible back in the air. That's what we're here for," said Harry. "Peter, you have an idea where they'll be coming from?"
"Yes, we spotted them shortly before we met up with Caspian and the Narnians at the Dancing Lawn. They were building a bridge across the river."
"Good. You can come with me, then."
"Peter, it's dangerous! What if you're seen?" cried Susan.
"We'll be under a disillusionment charm," said Harry. "They won't see us."
"A dis… illusion… charm?" asked Caspian.
"The person or object it is cast on 'blends in' with the surroundings, something like camouflage," Travis explained.
"Are you sure that is safe, my liege?" asked Reepicheep. Harry had mounted his Firebolt, and Peter had climbed on behind, while Caspian watched, uncertainty still marking his features. This 'magic' still had him on edge, for it went against what he had been taught.
"Would you care to come?" asked Peter. "That is, if you don't mind, Harry."
"Not at all," answered Harry. The mouse leapt onto Peter's leg and quickly scurried up to rest on his shoulder.
"Hold on!" warned Harry, and the broom rose into the air, quickly clearing the edge of the bluff.
"Aslan's mane!" cried Reepicheep, as they continued to rise, high above the ground.
"You have flown before, how is this different?" asked Peter, as Harry set a course inland.
"I have, but not by magic," answered the mouse.
"I love flying," said Harry, "When things get to me, this is where I come. High above the ground, feeling the wind in my face. There are few feelings like it."
"As Lu said to me last time you were here," noted Peter.
"Right. Now. You have to guide me."
"Follow the gorge."
"Ok, then." Harry kept a grip on the broom with his left hand, while producing his wand. He tapped the broom with it, muttering an incantation.
It was by no means a short trip, but they finally arrived at the site where the Telmarines had built a bridge across the river. "Bloody hell," Harry managed. Indeed, the enemy was crossing the river by the hundreds, along with massive siege machines.
"We would have been massacred," Peter said. "We might have lasted a few hours at most… Damn you, Caspian!"
"Hey, we all make mistakes, Merlin's balls, I've made enough of them. Look, at least you won't have to worry about those…" He gestured to the trebuchets.
"I'll concede that. Let's find the front line."
oOo
While Harry, Peter, and Reepicheep scouted the movements of the Telmarine soldiers, the wizards left behind at Cair Paravel began setting up tents and such, depending on ability. Of course, most of them were still horribly in the dark about exactly what was going on, but still did their best in light of the circumstances. Both Hermione and Luna were fascinated by the numerous speaking creatures that called themselves 'Narnians'. It was hard to keep concentrating on the tasks at hand, with all the distractions. The centaurs were amazing in their own right, but both were far more intrigued by the fauns—half human, half goat beast folk.
Travis, meanwhile, had already apparated to various points on top of the Invincible. He already assumed there was some flooding, and had then pulled out what looked like pumps out of the bunker. 'Then again,' he thought, 'why bother with pumps when we can just banish the water?' There was much Harry had not explained, and the 'I'll tell you soon' phrase was beginning to grate on him.
Another part of him was truly intrigued by the massive boat. He had already located the main entrance hatch, but had not opened it, deciding to wait until Harry returned. Entering a derelict vessel was extremely dangerous, even if the person knew it well. In this case, Travis had no clue what it was like inside. He was taking enough of a risk just walking around on top of it.
"How does she look?" asked Deric, as Travis once again took a seat in one of the chairs he transfigured earlier, and lit a cigarette.
"I don't know, really. Fuck, though, she's huge. Almost 1200 feet, I estimate."
"They did fly, Mr. Carter," said Lucy. "There were three of them the first time they came to Narnia."
"What happened?"
"There was a dark wizard on the Invincible, a… Death Eater, if I remember correctly?" Travis nodded. "Well, he put some sort of bad program…"
"Virus?"
"That's it, a virus, into the computer, and it caused the Invincible to crash."
"A… Death Eater?" asked Caspian.
"Evil witch or wizard," answered Travis. "Remember what we said earlier, magic itself is not evil, but people can do evil WITH it."
"Oi! Travis, a hand over here!" Edmund called.
"What do you need?" asked Travis, joining Edmund near the face of the bluff.
"Do you know how to make teleport pads, like what you have in the trunk?"
"Of course."
"We think it might be a good idea to have one linking us up to the top of the bluff."
"Yeah, that would make sense. Hold on for a minute."
It took Travis all of two minutes to set up two teleport panels linking the beach with the top of the bluff. He quickly saw the tactical advantage of being able to easily get up to the top of the bluff. The pad was made from several posts, so one of any height could use it, whether it was a mouse or a centaur.
oOo
Harry, Peter, and Reepicheep returned to Cair Paravel to find everyone resting comfortably. Harry was not surprised to find Ron and Edmund playing chess… 'Of course he brought his wizard chess set out', thought Harry, rolling his eyes.
"Well, what's the verdict?" asked Travis.
"Thousands of them," answered Peter. "We're bloody lucky we moved here. They have siege engines."
"And no doubt they will bring them here," said Susan.
"Across that gorge? Not likely," said Harry, "at least not anytime soon. Unless they're able to build a trestle overnight."
"Harry… we owe you much gratitude," said Peter. "You may have saved many lives bringing us here."
"Right. Peter, you were a friend to me, as were the people you rule, mate. I remember those who have been kind to me."
"I still need an explanation of what's going on here, Potter," said Alastor. "You brought us into some strange world, with… unusual beings… what is your purpose here?"
"Questions I would like to have answers to, as well," said Caspian.
"Look, all of you. Tonight, after I return from the woods, we will have a lengthy chat about this. Just have a little more patience," answered Harry. That got another sour look from Alastor.
"I had a general poke around the ship, Harry. I'm guessing there's probably flooding," said Travis, standing.
"Count on it. We tried draining the flooded areas, but… when casting magic was difficult… it was impossible," explained Harry.
"And why would that be?" asked Alastor.
"Again, I'll explain the details later. First off, I need to have a look, and I'd like a bit of help."
"Count me in," said Travis.
"You know our answer, Harry," said Fred.
"Right, then. First thing, we'll need the radios."
"Radios?" asked George.
"Muggle device, right helpful keeping in contact with each other." He took off toward the cave.
"Mental," said Hermione, rolling her eyes. Oh yes, she had some very tough questions for Harry.
"Check mate," declared Ron, sitting back smugly.
"Ugh!" Edmund groaned in frustration. "This is impossible!"
"I think King Edmund…" began Fred.
"…Has realized the futility…" George continued.
"…in playing our little brother!" both twins finished.
"Right you are Gred."
"Indeed, Forge." That got a laugh from Peter.
"And do you two have a habit of finishing each others' sentences?" asked Caspian.
"Absolutely." Fred grinned.
"Oh. Before I forget," said Harry, rejoining the group with a bulky box, "whatever you do… DO NOT accept anything edible from the twins here…" He gave both twins a wicked grin.
"Harry, you…"
"…wound us…"
"…with such a comment!" both twins finished.
"Why?" asked Lucy.
"Well… let's see," said Harry, putting the box on the ground. "There's the Puking Pastilles…"
"One of our skiving snackboxes… candies one can eat for an instant excuse out of class," supplied Fred, grinning.
"…or the Fainting Fancy, causes the person to faint when they eat it…"
"But, why would you want to do something like that?" asked Susan.
"You do remember what I told you about my fifth school year?"
"That… um… Umbridge woman?" asked Edmund.
"That would be her. Evil toad. If she ever sets foot in Hogwarts again, I will hex her so bad her kids will feel it, if she should ever reproduce," Harry vowed. "Right, seriously…" he opened up the box, and pulled out one of the radios. "They work like this…"
By the time the sun was low on the western horizon, most of the flooded compartments had been drained. The Invincible had then righted herself, resting on a more even keel. However, Harry had to stop what he was doing, as dark would soon fall, and he wanted to be back well before midnight.
This time, Travis retrieved his own broom, then joined Peter and Harry, as they took off toward the Telmarines' campsite, deep in the Dark Wood. They arrived just as darkness at last fell across the land. They could see the campfires, and Harry grinned silently to himself. Peter had told him about Caspian's message to the enemy, etched into the back of a wagon at the river. What they were about to do would play right into that message.
"This is good enough here," Harry whispered. They landed, and while Peter held their brooms, and Travis created a light on the tip of his wand, Harry brought out the ring, and a Basilisk fang. It had been enclosed in a plastic freezer bag Lisa had supplied.
"Here goes," warned Harry, grasping the fang firmly in his hand. He jabbed the fang into the empty slot where the stone had been.
Two things happened at once. First, there was a god-awful cry that echoed across the woods. Accompanying it, was a loud BANG and a flash of light, which sent all three of them flying. A chorus of shouts and yells instantly filled the wood, as the Telmarine reacted to this strange occurrence.
"Who's there?" a voice cried out.
"We know there's someone there!" cried another. "Show yourself in the name of the king!"
"Fuck! Let's get the hell out of here," Travis hissed, climbing back to his feet. "Peter? You all right? …Peter?"
"Mate?" called Harry.
"Shit. Harry… he's over here… Shit! Your face, man…"
"What… Oh…" Harry said, putting a hand to his left cheek and finding blood. Peter was strewn awkwardly against a tree, having been knocked out.
"We'll have to… apparate back… to the beach… where are the brooms?"
"Here's yours… mine… I think… I think I'll need a new one." Travis gestured to another tree, where his broom had impacted and broke into several pieces.
"I say again, who's there?" came an angry shout.
"C'mon, Harry, let's go… Harry?" called Travis. He had suddenly collapsed to the ground. "Fuck," Travis cursed silently to himself, "Basilisk venom."
AUTHOR NOTES: A doozie of a cliff-hanger to wrap up a doozie of a chapter. So we meet the characters of Narnia, get their first impressions of Harry and his friends. Moreover, we also get our first real glimpse of the Invincible. You will see a lot of her from here on out, she is definitely a main focus of the story. It is one of the primary goals Harry has in returning to his past self.
Now… as to Caspian's uncertainty around magic, I draw this as being canon… the Telmarines are very suspicious of magic and so on. So of course, he would carry that sentiment as well. We'll have to see if Harry can shatter that conception, now, eh? Of course, Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy already know Harry and a few of his friends from before, so nothing is really new to them, other than Harry's much stronger ability to do magic.
At any rate, this chapter was a ton of fun to write. Now, have I pulled it off, intertwining the two worlds? Canon errors? Let me know (although, keep in mind, I'm drawing on the movie-verse for 'Prince Caspian'). Also keep in mind, there are some things that will be very AU (alternate universe)… and pretty much anything as far as the plot line is pretty much out the window at this point. Hold on your hats!!
(1) Taken verbatim from the movie. I thank those at NarniaWeb, for providing a very accurate transcript of the movie, from which I was able to glean the dialogue. Much credit is due there.