Chapter X: A Goblin's Honor, A Naga's Determination
Within the next few days that followed the alert of the attack to the Naga; Goblin Warlord and Director of Gringotts Ragnok Iron-Fist had taken no short-cuts in preparing for their move to India and had gathered a sizeable force to help with the relief efforts that may need to be done. They had all been warned and packed to march from the underground to the lands the snake-people inhabited in less than three hours of notification.
The old goblin general was focused and ready to give his life to solidify their place in the new world order that Lord Peverell would bring about. He was eager for the return of the old ways in new and more adaptable techniques that could be applied to every day life more easily. But, most of all, he was ready to return his people back to their customs and traditions outside of Ministry monitoring and to enjoy the freedom.
India's land was far different than that of Britain; precautions had been taken and executed in precision, but also haste. They had quickly made their way to the jungles and scouted out the palace grounds for signs of the Aurors there. Nearly two hundred men and women were at the place; his smirk was blood-thirsty and his eyes gleamed.
"They won't expect us to come and hunt them so quickly. I want the majority of you to simply go at them in a forward assault. Be mindful of their shields, runes, and wards. Several contingents are to tunnel beneath and issue surprises for them. I will go inside the palace with only three others and attempt to secure the princess's safety and assurances."
Ragnok saw the eager looks of the goblin soldiers as he watched the humans simply try to relax and plan how to take the castle while they had the chance. He smirked wider, "Lord Peverell expects of us to keep the Naga princess safe. We will do this and eliminate all who threaten his agenda, or we will die trying and know that our loss will never be forgotten.
"Now, one the count of three…one, two, …three!" He roared as his battle-axe gleamed and the frontal assault team roared loudly in response as the charged in with wild abandon and eyes that hungered for the taste of battle that had not been satiated for so long.
The Aurors who had been the closest to them had all stood straight up to that and watched in shock and horror as the goblins came from the shade of the trees. Armored in metal with runes for protection and grinning with mad looks to them as their array of weapons were poised to attack at will. They were here to fight and to ensure their task failed.
"Get those wards up now damn it!" Lead Auror Dawlish yelled, "Keep those damnable goblins at bay, or else!"
Many of them had never engaged goblins before and were nervous of this, but they all did as the leader asked. Wards went up but the weak human magic was not able to hold, and the goblin's charge did not halt; they merely smirked and walked through them. Their own runes negating the effects that these witches and wizards had wanted to occur. They then sent the wizards scrambling.
The aurors were confused as to how these goblins were using their magic and weapons conjointly when they were not supposed to be able to without a foci, but however they were…it was not a good thing. Men and women were screaming alike as spears and swords impaled flesh and bone. Screams were heard as purple or blue fire was burning through their battle robes and disintegrating them.
Dawlish was pale as he surveyed the sight of the battleground and continued to fight his way to the palace. He did not make it far before a goblin came in front of him and his eyes were laughing at the pitiful state of these wizards and witches.
They had grown lazy and complacent while the Ministry thought itself in control. Now they were all running like headless chickens trying to get out of here alive.
"Regards Auror Dawlish; we give you the regards of the newly ascended Lord of Magic. Lord Peverell has answered your attack to his allies. Now, you and yours can all die here like the worms you are and witness the rise of a new world from the afterlife." The smirk and show of sharp teeth had been made purposely to the veteran auror
Dawlish grit his teeth and grunted as his wounds pained him; this situation was next to untenable and was realistically not going to go well for them. They had not expected Potter to react so quickly nor to be as capable as a war-leader and tactician as he seemed to be.
It appeared that he wasn't to be taken lightly, it seemed. Dawlish knew of the boy's potential; all the Ministry did after the fiasco in his fifth year. But, Potter hadn't been one of the most intelligent children in his time at the school. They had underestimated what the ascension would do for him and what the Dark Lord would be willing to give to the boy now that they were bound.
He winced again as he fell to one knee and gasped in pain from his previous injury and saw the gleam to these blood-thirsty creatures. They wanted this; this new world Potter would bring with the Dark Lord beside him as the Lord of Magic.
The goblin merely smiled nastily as his axe cleared through his neck and barked orders for none to be left alive. Magic was going to be given new life and through the blood spilt; they would welcome it.
The goblins all roared loud and deafening to that as they moved swifter and more lethally. The tunnellers had caused chaos to erupt as the ground caved around many of them and plummeted them underneath the earth. Buried alive.
Kingsley was fighting for his life now as was Nymphadora beside of him. They could not believe Harry of all people had ordered this massacre. They hadn't wanted to believe him capable of such thoughts, but the sights were too damning. The screams ringing in their ears too real and the smell of the blood that had been shed today too tangible.
The dark-skinned auror was then distracted with a goblin who had a nasty poison-tipped spear and didn't notice that Tonks had been overwhelmed and pushed to the edge of a cliff. It wasn't until he heard her shriek and plummet the falls that he turned and went wide-eyed. It was his last error. That gave the goblin his opening and he ran the spear through him
Kingsley coughed blood and the goblin smiled darkly, "All who oppose Lord Peverell and Mother Magic will be given unto Death. Your soul is now in his hands, so may he find you worthy of the afterlife. You were an honorable man Shacklebolt: I regret that I must kill you because you could have done more, but you made some bad choices in allies."
"Wait." He breathed as the goblin paused and the man hesitated, "Is he truly chosen by Mother Magic and soul-bound to the Dark Lord? Did Albus truly try to raise him to simply kill them both?"
The goblin stood regal and his shoulders were taut as his face went stoic, "Lord Peverell's coming was noted to all in the old alliance on the day he was born through the flow of magic in the world. He was chosen before he ever knew."
Kingsley's eyes then looked haunted as the light began to dim in them.
"As for his bond to the Dark Lord? Yes, he is soul-bound to him. He has been since birth; but, the prophecy was somewhat legitimate. He did cleanse a part of the darkness in Lord Voldemort in effort to keep him somewhat stable until he could grow and come to understand his role."
The goblin snarled, "A role Albus hid from him and tried to keep from happening even if it could not be. Now that he is as should be; he is a god among mortals. His partner as close to a god as can be. They are to re-make the world."
Kingsley's frame slumped as the spear held him from the ground and then his breath stopped. Black and an icy numbness enveloped him as he welcomed Death to take him. He wanted no more part in this war; Albus had lied too much, the Ministry was too corrupt, and the Dark was now making sure balance was restored. But that balance would still favor the Darkness that brought it about, and he wanted no more pain from this.
The goblin lieutenant watched as the remainder of the force was trying to retreat to form a new plan and so he eyed the goblin leader and nodded his assent of the situation before the leader waved to let them go and try to prepare. Even if they returned with reinforcements; the wizards were out-classed in warfare skills.
"What are we going to do now, Anderson?" Mary cried softly for her lost friends and comrades, "We've lost Dawlish, Shacklebolt, Tonks and all the senior Aurors with us. We don't have the skills to fight these goblins; let alone them plus any nearby Naga that would join them. Potter knew that; it's why he sent them."
Out of a force of nearly two-hundred strong and talented Aurors who were the best and brightest of their classes; only seventy of them made out of there alive and all of them were recently graduated from varying wizarding military academies. It was by luck mostly, and that was only for the time being while the goblins waited for how they responded.
"I don't know what to do, Mary. I don't want to needlessly risk our lives more than I have to, but we are sorely out-matched here against these odds." He admitted softly, "They expect us to send for reinforcements due to blind panic and inexperience. It won't matter if we get them either; the goblin nation has had centuries of years to practice their craft in the arts of war. We're out-matched and out-numbered here by three to one as I said."
The group seemed solemn and Anderson then darkened, "Even if we were to surrender; they aren't going to let us go. You heard the leader. They aim to annihilate us. There is no use for diplomacy here."
Mary then stood and straightened herself as her gaze hardened to cold blue stone, "Then we'll fight. We'll die here surely, but…at least we can choose how and will go down as Aurors. Not be seen as cowards hiding in shadows. Not everyone gets a choice in how they die and will be remembered."
He eyed her, "And how do you propose we do that?"
Her cerulean gaze was frigid, "However we can." She then stiffened, "For now we set-up a watch and the injured be tended to. We will use this time to recover some and then tomorrow; we go and face the dawn with our pride and dignity held high."
He pondered that but nodded to it, "It is the best we can do. I don't want to call for more soldiers to join us; that would simply be needless death. We need what manpower we have at home to stay there to protect the citizens. I just hope that our bodies will not be forgotten about here and are reclaimed to be buried at home."
Neither said it aloud due to the fact that most of the others would become discouraged and upset by it; but, both Mary and Anderson highly doubted that any of them would be found after this.
Ragnok and his small team had easily made it into the palace and ensured the guards they had come in peace and at the request of the Lord Peverell. The males had seemed irritated by it, but they had allowed them passage regardless. It was not their decision to allow them stay or not; it was their princess's and they dared not to take decisions under their own wings.
Princess Neha was one of the most beautiful of the Naga that the goblins had thus seen. She was easily as tall as a human would be if she stood up and her scales were a royal coloring of silvery white, pale blue and and sea green. Her body was toned and she felt immensely powerful in mana.
Not like Harry did, or his mate for that matter; but, far more so than the other women beside her and all of the males within the room's vicinity. She sat poised upon her plain off-white stone throne amid the lush foliage and small water pond as her closest hand-maiden played her a tune on a harp as another danced to it and she smiled with a snake's smile to her.
The sunlight gleaming off of her dark hair and illuminating her yellow eyes with peacefulness. She turned as her guards entered and were followed by several goblins. She waved a hand and her entertainers stopped as they then disappeared through the pond of water. Ragnok approached her and bowed his head, "It is an honor to meet the princess of the Naga. I am Ragnok, warlord and leader of the goblin nation. I come to you on behalf of Lord Peverell during your troubling times."
She eyed him with curiosity, "And what does Lord Peverell want?"
Ragnok stood straight, "He asks of you to please consider taking refuge and evacuating the palace. My men have already killed most of the invaders by now. But we are not sure that more will not come."
Her eyes narrowed, "The Ministry would not dare to intrude upon these sacred grounds. It would be a curse upon them to."
Ragnok bowed, "I would agree if it was your country's Ministry that had invaded. But sadly it is not. The British Ministry is the one who ordered this and they do not have the same caution to them as yours would."
Princess Neha then sat still as she considered this, "Why would they send people here to hurt us?"
Ragnok's eyes hardened, "Because you allied to Lord Peverell and made a Blood Pact with him. The British people still are clinging to old prejudices that have hurt their culture for so long. They still fear the name of Peverell and its powers. They are still reacting as they used to. Many wish his death and the death of the dark lord who stands beside of him."
A goblin then approached Ragnok and kneeled as he then gestured. It stood and his face lit up with triumph, "Warlord, the aurors are retreating and we have allowed them to. They seek to try and form a new plan and General Bloodfang is sure that they will be fully dealt with tomorrow before the afternoon sun rises high."
Ragnok grinned now as his blood-lust was clearly seen, "Good. Make sure that none of them live and none will escape. Maintain a watch for more reinforcements; either from the British Ministry, or the Indian one if they would dare to respond."
The scout bowed before retreating and the Naga Princess seemed to be sizing them up with here pale golden gaze as her coils tightened and relaxed.
"A moment scout," She called and the goblin paused as he turned to her and bowed, "Do you know where they are encamped currently?"
The scout nodded, "They are resting and tending to their injured on the ridgeline of the western side of the great waterfall."
The Naga royal then considered, "How dense are their wards?"
The scout seemed confused, "Not dense at all. They are too preoccupied keeping themselves alive and healed to fully focus on reinforcing their barriers. Many of them are too exhausted and drained to even attempt it."
She then smiled as her gaze glowed with a malicious light to them, "Director Ragnok, I ask of you to call off your men. I will ensure the remnants of these filthy infiltrators meet death. Atsuko, gathers my priestesses and have them prepare the elemental ritual site. We will send them off to Death within the depths of the sea amid the cages of thunder and lightning summoned from the heavens."
Ragnok then smirked, "As you wish my lady, but I must ask if I am allowed to watch you perform the rite as they die? I want to see them suffer for the years of discrimination."
She nodded, "You may, as can anyone who does; I will ensure that our Pact to the Lord of Magic is sealed with their blood spilled and their demises will be our homage to his patron deity as much as an offering to the great god of the sea."
She smiled now, "Just as you have done when you aided my people. Now, if you excuse me; I have a great number of things to do before the rite can be performed."
Atsuko then hesitated, "My lady, I do not question your decision since it is your to make, but I do wonder…is it truly wise to have allied with Lord Peverell?"
Ragnok paused here as Princess Neha also paused and turned to him with narrowed eyes, "Why do you ask this now Atsuko? If you had had any reservations about this; you should have brought them to me before the Pact was made?"
The goblin however watched the exchange and saw the male's silence and knew why he did not want this alliance quite so much as the princess seemed to.
"You are jealous of him." He stated firmly, "You saw first-hand of the power that the Lord of Magic commands. You know that his core and skill now is next to unparalleled; and you feel threatened by another male of such power when Naga males typically do not have much magic."
Ragnok eyed them stoically, "It is true that he is immortal and is the one chosen by Mother Magic. I made sure that he found out of his true heritage when his own people tried to lie about it. I arranged for his meeting of the shaman and he has ascended; the world needs him to restore what was lost or magic is going to die. Disappear for good and all those left bereft of her gifts will go mad trying to understand why."
Princess Neha saw the stiffness to Atsuko and knew that his claims were true. Male Naga had very little magical power compared to the females. They were trained as warriors to balance that, but many of the males in their culture resented that they had to prove their strength to a female they wanted to even be considered as mate material.
Ragnok then sighed, "Lord Peverell, as you both know, is spoken for and the Dark Lord Voldemort will not hesitate to kill anyone who would dare to try and take Harry from him. Alliance or no; he would protect him with everything he has as would Harry to the Dark Lord. They are soul-bound and their bond is fully sealed; they will never be torn apart from the other, even in death."
"He is of no threat to anyone in the regards to the Princess and her choice of mate." Ragnok told him as the female Naga seemed discomfited by this.
"Atsuko," She hissed softly as he turned to her, "I asked of Lord Peverell to cleanse my scales because of his lack of need for a mate and because I knew that he would not come to see me in such a manner ever at all. He is firmly devoted to his mate; I sensed it in his aura, and I remind of you that his own mate is male.
He would not have looked twice to me." She hissed soothingly as he seemed to unwind to that a bit
She then continued, "I also wanted to keep all those who wished of me to choose them to be turned away because I knew in my heart to whom I wished beside me. But, I am not ready to bear the burden of a mate yet, nor that of a nest of younglings."
She eyed him with affection and tenderness, "However, I have known you since we both have been snakelings. We played together and laughed together. We shared joys and pains together and with each other. When I am ready to fully commit to a life with a mate; I had hoped that you would consent to be my mate. I have known for some time that I would choose you, but I don't want to be pushed into something I do not feel I am ready for on top of my responsibilities as the leader of our people."
Atsuko then seemed to relax as his gaze looked guilty and apologetic. He bowed to her and then smiled softly, "I will be honored my lady, if when you are ready; that you will allow me to make a home for us. I will wait until you say you want me there beside you each day."
Ragnok grinned, "Lord Peverell will be pleased to hear this news, and I also believe he will expect an invite to the binding. He might even be willing to perform the ceremony for you if you ask it."
Princess Neha smiled now genuinely and nodded as Atsuko merely inclined his head to the words.
"Atsuko, since my maidens and I will be busy preparing for the rite once you summon them, please keep Ragnok and his entourage company. Show them the halls of Naga and welcome them here as any ally." She told him
He nodded, bowed and left to find her hand-maids. They were both priestesses and servants to the princess; who offered their advice to her on matters with dealing to their country and oversaw that their traditions were followed accordingly.
She turned to him, "Tell me Ragnok, what is the Lord of Magic up to now? He is a most intelligent being for an immortal human? Though, I can't say that I have spoken to many humans, so maybe there are plenty of them?"
Ragnok grinned widely, "Humans tend to be a feared of those they don't see as similar or cannot relate to. They have differing views of tolerance, but in regards to most of the magical beings like us; as a whole, they tend to avoid us and pretend we do not exist until they can't."
The princess then nodded somewhat sadly as the Ragnok grinned ferally, "As for the moment though, the lord begins his final preparations for the Yule celebrations that are to take place in the Fortress this year."
Princess Neha smirked, "The traditions of old, or no?"
The goblin laughed, "The traditions of old brought to new life. He has already given to me a preview of the show to come and managed to convince his mate to allow one of his elite to partake in the offering of magic then. The Yule celebration will be larger, grander, and far more binding for the people who serve them than most realize."
Neha then hissed out a laugh and then her eyes glazed, "Tell the Lord Peverell that he shall expect Naga Yule guests once we finish the rite later this evening."
Ragnok grinned fiercely, "Should I also tell him to be sure to wear nothing around the manor at all?"
Neha grinned as her eyes lighted with laughter, "I fear Atsuko might do something horrible if you did, so sadly; as handsome and powerful as Harry is, I think you had better not. Besides, he's going to be eye-candy later as it is. Might want to let him have a reprieve."
Ragnok nodded with a grin before he became solemn, "After the Yule holidays, Lord Peverell is to journey to the Emerald Grove to persuade the Elves to reconsider their part of the alliance. He has already gotten their tiding gifts ready and the arrangements are made. The Dark Lord is to go with him, along with two house-elves and his right-hand as well."
The Princess noted that Ragnok had become tense and his warriors had seemed to gaze blankly to the walls, "Why does this bother you?"
"The Elves have all but made it clear that they want no part in this over the years and their reasons for it are more than easily justified. I fear that their efforts will be in vain." He told her, "The High Elves were forced to isolate themselves from the wizard world when Nocturna Peverell fell to betrayal and our original group was scattered about the world without any real options of recourse.
We had not expected it. The elves had not wished to withdraw totally, but they had not been given a choice. The Naga were not a part of the original alliance, so you likely do not know; but, the elven people were the first that wizards tried to eradicate after her death."
Ragnok growled low as his dark gaze seemed to smolder in intensity, "The humans who turned on us burned down the forests that sheltered them and had been grown from their hands and lives through centuries. They nearly eradicated a people with more magic and talent for healing than any other, and they killed children as unscrupulously as they had the adults. They hunted those of their own who had allied or sympathized with our plight.
The goblins and the dwarven people don't usually get along with the other at all, but we united to try and save the Elves. For Lady Nocturna's sake more than our own; in her memory of what was to be and then was lost."
"So many died that three races of the seven that were a part of this was nearly wiped off-of the playing board. The Elves, the Dwarves, and my own Goblin Nation. Which was quite a bit smaller at the time."
Neha seemed saddened to hear of that and Ragnok sighed, "I just hope that Harry won't be endangered by them. They might agree to meet to negotiate, but the Elves are notorious for verbal traps and manipulations. For double-sided speech; saying one thing and it meaning another completely."
Atsuko then re-entered and bowed to her as she rose, "Thank you for your time Ragnok, it has been pleasant. Now, if you will please excuse me."
Ragnok eyed Atsuko and the male gestured for him to follow. They moved slowly but in time with the other; even as steps and slithering sounds were heard.
"Tell me Ragnok, is Lord Peverell truly immortal?" He asked suddenly as Ragnok turned to him, "Is he truly as powerful as his aura says?"
Ragnok debated whether or not if the information sought after was wise to say. He did not want to make more potential threats from allies.
"General Atsuko, first I will only say that one has to consider what true immortality is and means. Yes, both he and the dark lord can and will live for forever by the other, and both of them no longer age as mere mortals do. But, that does not make them invincible. It is also true that they are more magically gifted than anyone else I know; the descendants of the Peverell lineage having always been favored by Mother Magic and Lord Death.
Mother Magic and Lady Life has favored and chosen her champions among the Elves and is partially why I am concerned over their future visit to the Emerald Grove. Simply because the elves value life and white magic more than other races; it does not mean they won't fight when they feel cornered.
Atsuko listened to the elder goblin and knew he made good points. Ragnok continued to speak, "Both Harry and the Dark Lord can be killed, but it will never be in a normal way. They will never die in a normal death such as through sleep unless they choose to go to Death on their own. They are too powerful and skilled to even consider such a thought.
But does true immortality mean you cannot be killed? Or does it simply mean that since the intended person cannot age that they will live until something does manage to kill them?" Ragnok asked sagely, "Everyone in the world; muggles, witches and wizards, and even the magical races all have their own perceptions of immortality. We all view it differingly and none of us have ever truly cared for the truth but for a few of us. Like the Dark Lord and Harry, the Elves too are immortal…but they haven't shared how they are."
Ragnok eyed the sky, "I think the Elves were simply made that way. They stewarded the world once before the humans came and began to take over. Other magical races, like vampires for instance, are made immortal when they are turned and no longer need to breathe the air."
"Goblins, Dwarves, Naga and many more of the races have extended lifespans compared to muggles and wizards. Wizards too; they live longer than a person without magic, but not nearly as long as we would unless they mate with one of the magical races and share the lifespan."
Atsuko seemed to consider this and noted that Ragnok had not totally answered his query, "I think I understand what you mean to say, but you haven't actually answered all of what I wish to know. I think you are hesitant, but rest assured; I would never jeopardize the alliance that Neha wants. No matter my personal feelings on the matter."
Ragnok eyed him a moment before he sighed, "Yes, they are genuinely as powerful as they seem to be. If not more. Their auras honestly reflect their powers." He told the naga warrior slowly, "They both were born with such reserves to make space for the massive power they have now. It was all preordained from Mother Magic many upon many years before either of them existed. But that power for them both is a curse as much as it is a blessing."
Ragnok eyed the hall, "For two people so powerful and gifted; normal displays of magic are boring and uninteresting. They really do have to continually find new ways to keep their boredom and lack of interest from making them lose control. It is why they are made for the other. Lord Peverell and Lord Voldemort, I mean."
Atsuko seemed to understand that, "Many male Naga would give their souls to behold magic such as theirs. My heart has always belonged to Neha, but upon their arrival to our land and our home in the palace; I do not wish to lie and to say that I felt nothing from them."
Ragnok nodded; now with a grin to his face, "You are not alone in that notion. Many people cannot do that without garnering a ill-advised curiosity from them over it. They gain the attention of all no matter where they are and who they are with. Their magic is a dark and seductive lull and its call is like a sweet song that boils through veins and intoxicates you with its words. They can tell how people want to be near; to be close and touch that which is considered divine to them."
Ragnok's grin then looked fierce as much as amused, "But as with all of that; neither Lord Peverell or his mate allow it. The others can watch as close as they want, but none will ever touch. Not unless allowed and that is rare from either of them. Yule is the exception right now."
Atsuko then grinned, "The sheer display of unclothed bodies and interactions should be interesting to see. Neha seems to find it funny that wizards are so reticent about their bodies and displays of nudity. What did they do before they had clothes and knew how to sew hides?"
Ragnok then grinned widely, "Most of them with magic merely used illusions to let whoever they were with see what they wanted them to. Meaning that is, if they wanted to be seen as thin and blonde, their illusions would provide that cover. It is one of the reasons, a large one, about why they have so many laws now on using magic to manipulate things. As for clothing they are reliant on…I haven't a clue."
Atsuko merely nodded in amusement, "I think this alliance is going to be fun for all of us. The magical races will get to see the humans act out their lives again and become amusing as they once were to us all. Sure, the naga do interact with the humans here…but, not often. Usually it is Neha and humans who wish to parley with her for something."
Ragnok seemed to understand, "Keep in mind that this alliance also is not viewed in favor of those in charge where Lord Peverell lives. We will be forced to fight for our freedoms again as we did once before. I do believe, however, that this time we shall succeed. The Dark Lord has been masterfully manipulating the British government for years and Harry is famous there; though his fame is now in question since he has revealed his darkness to them all."
"Regardless though, both of them are masters when it comes to the battlefield and utilizing their magic. I already witnessed them while afield multiple times since the first show-down at my own bank. Harry has adapted to his powers through the instruction of Death well, and now stands equal to none. He is above them, and he knows that. Yet; despite this, he still wishes to treat his allies as though they are no less than equal to them."
"Though his actions and emotions are also far more tightly held to him than they once were. He is far more reserved and closed-off than he was, and it has been helpful to him to be this way."
Ragnok's gaze hardened, "But still; the Dark Lord is less than pleased at times by that openness to their allies even if Harry is more reserved now. It has allowed others to think they had a way to get at Harry because it. They found out exactly how ruthless he is when he learned of it. One time, Harry even got injured due to the jealousy. His wrath was nothing short of suffocating as the waves of raw magic came off of him and was tinted in fury and shadows."
Atsuko nodded, "Mates protect the other ferociously, and not to do so would be like sacrilege to any of us. Ragnok, the Princess and her priestesses should be ready by twilight for the rite, but I suspect that Neha wants to get them while unguarded. She will wait for the night and the cover of the starlight to do this. Possibly because the night will amplify the water's power in concurrence with the high tide."
The goblin nodded, "Very well. Where shall my men and I stay while here? The palace is a beautiful place. I see why Harry seemed to like it so much from how he talked of it. But, I don't think two hundred goblins in here would go over well."
The general then seemed displaced a moment, "Where would you prefer to be then? I can arrange part of the grounds to be utilized for you?"
"That should be fine as long as you don't mind us building makeshift shelters and fires to cook on?" Ragnok agreed
Atsuko then shook his head, "As long as the fires do not get out of control; it is fine. For now, you and your elite should accompany me to the barracks and then if you want; you may join me on my rounds to scout around the palace."
Ragnok's eyes lighted, "I would love to. I haven't done any of this for so long due to the laws of the Ministry that I'm almost too anxious and eager for this alliance to get moving."
Atsuko then hissed his laughter, "I can imagine. I have heard of the laws and prejudices of the British Ministry. I too am eager to see what Lord Peverell and his mate are going to do about it."
Ragnok then growled, "I hope they burn it down and rebuild it anew in a way that all of us can live with it. The corruption right now in there is next to unthinkable."
Both of them continued on their way and Ragnok's scouts, who followed behind them, all sweat-dropped as they heard Ragnok say he wanted Harry to burn the Ministry. It wasn't that they did not agree; but, perhaps that wasn't the most diplomatic thing to say to a potential ally.
Hours had past swiftly as Ragnok and Atsuko made their round of the palace. General Bloodfang had been shown where they were to make their temporary camp and had all of the goblins preparing shelter and rations within moments. The smells of rice, cooked seasoned meat from a boar they hunted and some sort of local drink they tried had wafted across the gardens and lured many hungry creatures to them. Thankfully, their barrier runes were keeping them out.
The combined group of soldiers from the two races seemed to get along rather well by standard; Ragnok had admitted to himself as he watched Bloodfang grin wickedly as he showed off his excellent use of his spear to some of the younger naga and goblins.
He was just about to rise for to go and retrieve more of the fantastic boar when a female naga dressed in ceremonial bangles made of purest silver and garbed in white silk entered. Her pale green hair wreathed in rare pale blue hibiscus flowers that were hard to find in this region and her orange gaze was somewhat happy to see them all getting along so well.
"Greetings. It is time to send these invaders back to the depths. I welcome all who wish to see them go and ask that if you do come; to not make any sound as the rite starts. The noise can interrupt the flow of magic and might not work if that happens. Princess Neha has decided that she will lead the rite and be the one to seek the aid of the spirit of the sea."
The female then spoke soft, "For her people. For this new turning point for all magical races and for the reassurances that this alliance will be accepted and sealed for good with the blessings of the Great Leviathan."
"Now, follow me if you would watch."
Every goblin rose and eagerly trudged after her, as did most of the naga there. They walked quietly and swiftly through the lush foliage of the jungle to a temple that was hidden deep within and led to the top where Neha stood garbed in pale blue with white flowers wreathed about her dark hair. All the priestesses were dressed similar to the one to came to them.
"Please be careful not to stand to closely to the edge, as Leviathan might shake this building when rising and awakening to aid us. If he does come himself, please be respectful."
All nodded as the priestess rejoined the circle around the princess and began to chant and offer her magic with her sisters. Atsuko took his place in guarding her from the front right side and one of his other elites took the left.
Neha's head was bowed in prayer, quietly hissing to the waters below and then to sky above. Potent magic energy became more and more present. Soon the priestesses were enveloped by a dark purple glow as their magic became one with their bodies.
Neha too began to glow, but her light was of the purest white as her golden gaze then turned to the sea with determination."
"Great Leviathan, god of the sea and provider of life to the Naga, hear my plea in our hour of need." She called out, "Our home is invaded. Our people scattered to the waters and winds, and our hearts torn and divided."
She then bowed her head, "I beseech of you; please answer my cry and come to help us."
All watched and waited as the ocean water was still and calm. She feared that she had not put enough of her yearning into her words and became discouraged. Then the earth rumbled and the ocean had a huge whirlpool form as thunder and lightening seemed to form from nowhere. The sudden storm like an answering to their rage for this attack to them.
Ragnok was in awe of the water dragon that rose from slumber and came from the whirpool. He was a truly a majestic and divine beast.
"You dare to waken me from my eternal slumber? It is not time for me to next waken." His hissing voice roared over them
No doubt that the aurors knew now what was happening and were likely trying to run or prepare.
Neha stepped forth and walked close as she dared to her patron god of transformation. She held out her arms in supplication as her magic roiled along her slim frame.
"Forgive us, Leviathan. I know that I should not have disturbed you. But, our need of your help is too great." She pleaded, "The Naga have been beset upon by foreigners because we made an alliance with someone they do not see as good for the world. The Lord of Magic has returned to the world, and it is he to who I have sworn a Blood Pact."
Leviathan then rumbled, "I see. Does Lord Peverell not send his allies to aid you?"
Neha bowed, "He is newly ascended and has yet to meet with all to who should serve the alliance of old. He did send the goblins and they have helped us to fend off most of them. To seal their end of the pact to the lord. Now, I seek your aid to help us do our part to seal this pact."
The great water serpent then seemed distant, "And what aid do wish of me to bring about?"
Neha smiled, "On the cliffs of the western waterfall; seventy foreigners remain and await a response to our alliance after they attacked those who had not instigated any hostility. They grow close to your shrine from where they are camped; and I doubt that they would leave it untouched."
"I ask of you to rage and storm. I ask of you to return their souls to Lord Death for us and for the new Lord Peverell. I ask you claim their bodies in your depths and let all note this as the beginning of the end."
Leviathan then seemed to consider her as dark hissing laughter erupted from the dragon as water rose up and swirled about it, "And what would keep me from claiming all of you, little naga? I could easily wipe all of you out as much as your enemies? The only one who would stand a chance to seal me away is one you have mentioned, but is not here."
Neha bowed her head in reverence, "I know. The sea is both a giver of life and a powerful entity that takes it away. It can shape civilization as easily as to destroy it; but Leviathan, you should remember that Lord Peverell will answer this if you kill his allies. I beseech of you to consider what sealing you away again would cost the Mother Magic. If you aid us; you will have freedom to roam the waters again. We only ask that you aid us when he needs it."
The great dragon paused to that and then roared as if understanding. Water rushed up as it flew higher and the storm seemed to surround the great beast.
Neha smiled wide now, "Thank you Leviathan; enjoy the waters that were your domain once more."
The aurors that were now all nearly asleep had woken suddenly as the instant storm had broken out. They stared as the rain poured and as the thunder crashed in the sky mutinously. Lightning streaking the sky and crashing with ominous light amid the dark and now starless-seeming heavens.
Mary shivered, "It's so cold now; how did that happen so fast. We need to get the injured somewhere drier."
They froze as a roar erupted about them and then saw the rise in the wave. Their eyes witnessed true terror as the dragon on the high waves was controlling the storm and was heading right at them. Mary went slack and numb as did so many; this was it.
The Naga had deigned to answer their actions. They had called upon their patron Leviathan. A creature they had thought nothing more as mythical for so long through stories that were considered fables.
The dragon paused as it reached them; its crimson eyes looking angry to what he sensed from them all.
"You mortals dare to threaten those who have done you no harm. I will enjoy washing your souls clean before they go unto the Lord of the Underworld. I will enjoy as the depths take your bodies; never to see the light of the land again."
Mary and Anderson then seemed to break free of their stupor.
"They may not have harmed anyone yet, great spirit." He told him, "But they have allied with a man who uses the darkest of magic to try and bring balance."
Leviathan snorted, "The balance of Mother Magic is too sided to the light right now to be considered good. Lord Peverell may be dark and use dark magic, but tell me mortal; why do mortals hate dark magic?"
Both of them seemed confused as the spirit seemed angry, "Dark magic was created by the ancients to protect our kind from those who would have killed us in infancy if possible. It was created to be a weapon and to serve a master.
People became afraid because Dark magic is addictive and can lead those with no will down a road to insanity and greed. Black magic and Dark magic are two different things; Black magic is forbidden in all cultures, though some have tried to use it."
Leviathan eyed them, "The water tells me of the Black magic of this mate to the Lord Peverell. However, his soul has been cleansed of the corruption from it by the new lord of magic. Dark magic has its place in the world, just as all other magic does. Why would it exist if it did not?
The balance must be restored; magic is dying because inane fear and prejudices. They seek to restore dark magic to its rightful place. To educate those who need it and to make the fear of it less than it is now. They may change may things in effort to do this, but nothing they do will be in vain and for nothing and no reason."
"Now," The serpent hissed as its eyes began to shine with eerie red light, "The waters beckon you. Run, if you dare, but Death will come."
Leviathan then crackled the thunder to the wet ground and made a large area of it a trap with electricity as the aurors screamed in panic and began running. The sounds of their fear were music to the Naga and goblins who heard it from the opposite shore.
The spirit waited patiently for them to try and run to cover. Patience was one of the highest of virtues to the snake-people. Once they had gained a good distance; the dragon roared loudly and all hell broke loose. The skies answered with energy surging down around them as the waves rolled over the land furiously.
As they were taken by the water, many of them tried to cast bubblehead charms. Only to realize the water was to strong to cast in and was negating any magic used within. The lightning that crashed into the water easily pierced them as if it knew where they were.
Ragnok stood in awe of the dragon and witnessed this colossal power. In less than one hour, the great spirit had wiped seventy soldiers out. The expressions of despair and terror on the faces in death was too satisfying. Their bodies drowned in the depths and sparking from the lightning as if they had been burned by it and paralyzed.
The great spirit returned to them and bowed, "It is done. I see now why you have woken me. The world needs me again as much as the other great spirits and the Lord of Magic. I offer you sound advice before I part."
Leviathan then seemed to smile with maliciousness, "You want them to acknowledge that this alliance is not to be underestimated. Then recover the land bound bodies of the senior Aurors and send them back home. A gift of courtesy."
"The dark-skinned one and the metamorphmagus to the one called Albus Dumbledore and the others to the Ministry for someone called Scrimegeour."
Ragnok's eyes lighted up, "That is a fantastic idea. I thank you great Leviathan."
The serpent eyed him, "Tell Lord Peverell to come back here soon. I need to speak to him and his mate alone. It is for their ears only."
Neha and all of them bowed low as the dragon dove back into his depths and the storm that raged subsided as the moon came into view.
"We need to rest and prepare for the journey to the fortress." Neha said slowly, "Kya, you will be in charge while Atsuko and I are gone. I expect to find all is well upon our return here after Yule."
"It will be as you say, my lady." She bowed
Neha then grinned, "Come then and rest for tonight as we celebrate the liberation of the Naga from isolation and the coming of the new world order. We will eat, drink, dance and then sleep."
The party that had followed their triumph was unlike any that the goblins had ever seen. They reveled and eagerly partook of the Naga's hospitality. Tomorrow was going to see to their glorious return home.