A/N: I still don't own Harry Potter.
A/N(2): Small corrections for typos and word choices have been made (January 22, 2007)
Chapter 14 – Fog of War
September 1, 1939
James sliced through the chaos that was the Ministry of Magic. Ministry workers and reporters filled the Atrium. The crowd parted nervously as James walked through in his Unspeakable robes. In his anger, James radiated magical energy. Combined with his robes, no one wanted to get in his way.
As James walked through the Atrium, he noticed that only a few signs of last night's battle remained. The walls and columns were back into a pristine condition. Only the fountain still showed signs of damage. The portion James banished to release the water was still missing.
'At least we didn't destroy the statue this time,' James thought was he walked into the waiting elevators.
After reading the news, James asked Sarah to take Tom to the Express. Tom looked disappointed but he understood why James had to go to the Ministry. Missing the planned morning in Diagon Alley and Tom's departure on the Express, irritated James. 'Couldn't they have waited one more day?' James fumed.
Five minutes later, James sat in a MoM briefing room. Seated with him were a dozen Ministry officials from the Department of Mysteries, Law Enforcement and International Cooperation. Abel and Charlie joined James as the DoM attendees.
Abel interrupted the chatter in the room. "Let's get started." Abel never spoke in a loud voice, but the room instantly quieted. "Witches and Wizards, we have a full plate today. Our world went mad last night. We had an assault by Grindelwald's forces last night on the Ministry. At the same time, the Muggle German army initiated their invasion of Poland."
Abel paused and glanced around the room. "I don't think anyone will believe that was a coincidence." Abel turned to James, "Count, please report what happened here last night."
James nodded and gave a full report on the events of the previous night. He spoke for ten minutes with no interruptions. When he finished the room was quiet for several seconds.
"What was their objective?" a DMLE official asked.
"Unknown," James answered. "The lone survivor of the fight committed suicide before we could question him. Apparently they placed a mental trigger on him."
Abel frowned, "The wards worked perfectly. The new wards gave us the warnings we needed. The response by the DMLE was severely lacking. Now that the war has come into the open, we will need to upgrade the active defensive measures on the Ministry."
Charlie frowned in thought. "That is probably why they attacked last night. We would be on the alert once the war came into the open. The Count and I simulated an attack before we got the new wards up. Last night was their open window."
Abel nodded, "Agreed. I will take that up with the Minister. I think he will agree to more active defensive measures after last night."
"We will need to include Muggle defenses as well."
A voice sneered, "What could Muggles give us?"
James turned to look at the source of the voice. It was a young man with platinum blonde hair and a permanent sneer. 'Great,' James thought, 'a Malfoy.' James recognized him as Abraxus. He was the same young man James dueled at Hogwarts four years ago.
In a flat tone, James answered, "If you paid attention to the report on last night, Grindelwald used a Muggle solder as part of his team. Our defenses are geared towards magical threats."
Malfoy gave James an ugly grin. "You are just trying to use the threat to cover your own incompetentence. It never would have happened to any decent wizard!"
Before James could respond, Charlie spoke up. "The Count is the best magical fighter in the Unspeakables."
Able interrupted, "I would say our best fighter overall."
Charlie nodded, "If the Count tells you something about fighting or combat, listen. He has more experience in war then anyone in our Ministry."
Malfoy pounded on the table. "We don't need Muggle things corrupting our world!" The murmurs of agreement he heard in the room disturbed James.
James took a hold of his rising temper. "A proper Shield Charm will stop a bullet." Malfoy looked smug at that concession. At least until James continued. "However, it takes a lot of energy to maintain. The average wizard can stop five rounds before draining himself. A wizard like Professor Dumbledore can probably hold out for five to ten times that."
"Muggle weapons can't fire that fast," Malfoy sneered. "By the time they could fire that many a proper wizard would have killed them all."
James laughed. "You have no idea what you are talking about. Muggles are much better at killing each other then wizards. This war will kill millions. They don't use muskets and pikes anymore."
"How dare you! Do you know who I am? I will have your job!"
Before James could respond, Abel cast a charm causing a thunderclap to sound in the room. "That is enough! We have too much to do today! We will discuss the recommendations for defending the Ministry at a later meeting." Malfoy still looked rebellious but held his tongue. James merely nodded.
"Very well." Abel pointed to a witch halfway down the table. "Mrs. Abercrome from International Cooperation monitors eastern Europe. Please report the situation in Poland."
The witch stood. "At approximately five this morning our time, elements of the German army entered Poland. The Polish Muggles were caught by surprise and are relatively poorly equipped. The Germans are quickly overrunning the Polish forces.
We have reports that the wizard village near Zbaszyn was destroyed. We have heard a combined Muggle and Dark Army unit did it. Anti-apparition wards were erected. A few survivors were able to use Portkeys or brooms to clear the area. Approximately 90 of the village was killed." The room went silent.
The witch continued. "We have reports that the Muggle Soviet Union is preparing to invade also. No word has come from the eastern Polish border to confirm or deny this."
"The Polish Ministry of Magic has started transferring many of their important personnel and documents to an emergency location outside London."
Charlie leaned over to James and whispered, "So we get their bureaucrats and politicians while their Aurors die in the rear guard."
"Hopefully their best will make it or go underground," James answered.
One wizened old wizard asked, "What about their children?"
Mrs. Abercrome smiled briefly. "Fortunately, the Gdansk School of Magic is not near the German or Soviet Union borders. The school is actually located in a small town named Puck Miasto outside the city. The students arrived two days ago. They have about 350 students. They have already contacted Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and a couple of the smaller schools about accepting the students either here or in France."
James knew that France fell quickly in his timeline and saw no reason to expect that to change. "I suggest we get as many of them into the UK as possible. France will be the next battleground."
Mrs. Abercrome pursed her lips. "You think the Germans will come west?"
"Remember what Grindelwald really wants. Poland fits in with Hitler's plans. Both of them seem England as a target. They will have to go through France to get here. The more students here now, the less we have to move again later."
Abel nodded his agreement. "We can talk to Headmaster Dippet and some of the small schools to see if we can take all of them."
"Best prepare them for the French and Low Countries students as well." James added.
A Ministry official looked shocked at the suggestion. "Surely you don't think it will be that bad! Muggle wars have never touched us in the past!"
James frowned. "This is not a Muggle war. We face something unseen since the dawn of the Roman Empire. Magical and Muggle forces are moving in a united purpose." Malfoy let out a derisive snort, but James ignored him. "Grindelwald is a Dark Lord. He wants to conquer magical Britain just like Hitler wants the Muggle part. They will work together to met their goals."
"The Dark Lord must be using that Muggle fool! He would never accept that scum as a partner!" Malfoy yelled out.
James nodded, "You may be right."
Malfoy looked stunned, "You agree with me?"
"I agree it is a possibility," James answered with a disarming openness. "But I have to ask, so what? If Grindelwald does plan to eliminate Hitler, it will not be until after they have conquered Britain. It won't matter to us at that point. We'll be dead."
James could have picked out the pureblood bigots in the room after his comment. Unfortunately, that appeared to be most of the room. Hermione would have been shocked. The bigotry she encountered was an improvement over magical Britain in the 1930's! ('Okay,' James thought whimsically, 'maybe she wouldn't be. She probably read all the books on it.')
The meeting ended shortly afterwards. James felt like history was repeating itself in a strange way. This Ministry was treating this war as they did Voldemort. They arrogantly assumed their superiority over both the Muggles and the forces of Grindelwald. Not for the first time, James wished History of Magic at Hogwarts covered more then the Goblin Rebellions. He really wanted to know how the MoM resisted Grindelwald in his timeline.
As he walked out of the conference room, a frown crossed James's face. 'Knowing the Ministry, whatever we learned in History would have been Ministry propaganda and not the real events anyway.'
James was called into the Minister's office early that afternoon. The morning had been spent monitoring reports from magical and Muggle sources for news from Poland. The magical refugees continued. The Polish Minister of Magic refused to leave, but sent his senior Undersecretary on his behalf. A hastily converted Muggle warehouse served as office space for the displaced Polish Ministry.
The members of the Polish Ministry were understandably stressed. In the last day, they had gone from peace to being refugees. Many of their families had either not arrived yet or were staying in tents at the Chudley Cannons stadium. (The Cannons were already out of the playoffs and would not be needing it for a while.) Although most of the Polish Ministry workers recognized the stress, but tempers were fraying.
James walked into the Minister's conference room and felt his stomach clench. Abraxus Malfoy sat with the Minister and smiled smugly at James. Five other people sat at the table in addition to the Minister and Malfoy. James recognized Mallica Malfoy, Zebedee Longbottom (who looked nothing like Neville), Thomas Potter, Acturis Black, and Calicus Flint. Behind his hood James frowned; one friendly face, two possible neutral and four probable hostiles. This looked did not look like this would be a happy meeting.
James frowned in his hood. Thomas did not know about James's role as an Unspeakable. So he would not necessarily be a friendly face. Great.
The Minister waved James into the room. "Come in, Count."
James took a seat at the end of the table. "May I help you, Minister?"
The politician took an apologetic expression on his face. James didn't buy it. "I am sorry to call you here when I know you are so busy with this crisis in Poland." The comment came as slightly sarcastic.
"Not at all, sir" James answered.
"These gentlemen represent the Wizengamot. We have had several discussions on the role of the Unspeakables in this crisis. Some are concerned that a secretive organization like the DoM is getting too much power."
"Should I ask Mr. Abel to join us?" James asked.
Mallica sneered at James. "You are the one we don't trust. You are obviously a Mud-blood lover!"
"I really hate that term," James sighed. "I have had my own issues with some Muggles. Just like I have had issues with some wizards. I have found both have the same chances of being a git."
Thomas Potter's face showed a trace of amusement. All of the other wizards in the room seemed infuriated by the comment.
"Minister, this is exactly what I meant about his attitude!" Abraxus Malfoy shrieked. James realized Lucius was much more collected when faced with opposition. Apparently, Draco inherited his over-the-top behavior from his grandfather. "This fool thinks Muggles can hurt wizards!"
James turned his glare towards the younger Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy made an incorrect assumption on the capabilities of Muggles. I was attempting to correct his error."
Mallica Malfoy smacked the table. "A Muggle could never harm a prepared wizard!"
James turned to the Minister. "May I do a demonstration?"
The Minister looked uncomfortable. "What do you mean?"
James turned to the silent Mr. Flint. "Sir, could you please conjure a table and a vase in the far corner of the room?" After getting a nod from the Minister, Flint provided the requested items.
Now James looked at the Minister while pulling something out of his robes. "Minister, I informed Mr. Malfoy that the average wizard can stop five Muggle bullets with a Shield Charm. He claims they would never be able to fire enough to take down the shield in a reasonable amount of time."
"And I still say that!"
James set a pistol on the table. "This is a Colt M1911A1. It is an American made weapon and is their militaries standard sidearm for officers. I am going to ask Mr. Malfoy to cast a Shield Charm on that vase. If he can hold it for thirty seconds, I will resign."
The Malfoys looked like Christmas came early. The Minister seemed dubious at best. The others seemed concerned except Thomas Potter. He again seemed amused.
The Minister reluctantly nodded. "Proceed."
James looked at Abraxius Malfoy. "Would you care to do the honors?"
Malfoy sneered and drew his wand, casting the spell.
"Mr. Potter, will you time for us?" James asked. His grandfather nodded.
James picked up the pistol and fired a round at the shield. The loud crack of the pistol made the room jump. Six more rapid cracks sounded in the small room. The seventh bullet smashed into the vase. The wizards looked stunned.
James safed the pistol then allowed the emptied clip to drop out of the grip and smoothly replaced it with a full clip. "I am now ready to fire another eight rounds."
"Why would you have such a thing?" Longbottom yelled.
James shrugged. "I have been assigned on missions into Germany and Spain over the last few years. I could not use magic when Muggles were around."
"What?" he yelled again.
James grinned to himself when he realized the other wizards were now slightly deaf. "James pulled out his wand and cast a healing charm on the others. "Sorry about that. I should have told you all to cast a Deafening Charm on yourselves before I started firing." Then he repeated his answer to Mr. Longbottom's question.
Thomas Potter rubbed his ears. "My ears still hurt. But I think you made your point." Flint and Longbottom nodded their agreement. The Malfoys looked shocked.
"I would have never imagined a Muggle weapon could do that," the Minister admitted.
"This is about the weakest weapon in the Muggle military. They have weapons called 'machine guns' capable of firing over five hundred rounds a minute. They fire a much heavier and faster round with more energy. A Shield Charm would not have stopped one of those rounds."
"Minister, my point Mr. Malfoy objected to is the Ministry must be prepared for Grindelwald to send Muggle solders to do his bidding. I was shot last night because we did not allow for that situation. I am not talking about a hypothetical, he has already done it."
James glanced around the table. "As for not trusting me, you may have my resignation at any time. For lack of a better term, I was retired from the saving people business. Mr. Abel forced me out of that retirement for my experience.
Gentlemen, I am not a politician. I do not want to be in the Ministry. However, I have been actively fighting Dark Lords since the age of eleven. I will provide you with my experience as long as you feel you need me. If you tell me I am unwanted, I will fade back into my retirement." James paused for a second before adding, "outside of England."
"The Unspeakables recruited you?" Thomas asked.
James grinned, "In a manner of speaking."
Minister Nott frowned at James. "I understand what you are trying to demonstrate to us. I do not approve of your methods but they were effective."
"Minister!" Abraxus Malfoy started to protest.
Nott raised his hand to silence him. "Count, you have provided valuable advise and counsel in the past. However, I understand the concerns of others who fear you may become too powerful. I hope you can understand that."
James silently nodded his agreement.
"Thank you." Nott absently rubbed his cheek. "I will be creating a new Ministry post for the duration of this war. I am calling it the Defense Marshall. This post will be responsible for coordinating all of our defenses and stopping this Dark Lord."
"Minister, you can't think about naming this man to the post!" Flint protested pointing at James.
"No, I think the Count is probably best utilized in the field. No offense Count but if I put you in charge we will probably run out of paper-pushers."
For the first time that day, James laughed. "I do get a bit impatient," James agreed.
"As a member of the Wizengamot, Thomas would you accept the post?" the Minister asked.
Thomas Potter looked surprised at the offer. "I am surprised, Theodore. Why would you pick me?"
The Minister shrugged. "Politics mostly. You represent the second largest voting block in the Wizengamot. I need to ensure our government stays stable. Also I think you can handle the job."
James watched his grandfather consider the offer. James knew he would do it. The "saving people thing" was not a Harry Potter trait. It was simply a Potter trait.
"I accept," Thomas said.
"Good, you begin immediately. I will call a department head meeting as soon as we finish here to announce your appointment." Looking around the room, the Minister said, "I think that concludes our business here today. We have too many other matters to handle. Thank you." The Minister rose signifying they were all dismissed.
A hand on his shoulder stopped James from following the rest out of the conference room. James turned to see his grandfather holding him back.
"Stay a minute, please," he requested.
James noticed the Minister was also still in the room. He turned to face the two wizards.
The Minister started, "The Blacks and the Malfoys have taken a dislike to you. They will fight any proposal you propose or support. They are too powerful politically, socially, and economically for me to ignore."
"I understand, Minister," James said.
Thomas frowned, "Mr. Abel tells me you are his best field agent. I don't want to take you out of the field, but I want you to be my eyes and ears in the field; a roving troubleshooter."
"I can do that, Mr. Potter."
The Minister spoke up, "One last item, Count. We are placing a large amount of trust into your hands. Would you please tell us who you are?"
James frowned. Then he said, "I would need a Wizard's Oath from both of you."
The Minister looked disapproving. "We will not tell anyone."
"I would not expect you to tell anyone willingly. However Legiliency or Veritaserum could force you to give the information. The Dark Army already has a file on me. I don't want a real name to go with it."
The Minister and Thomas Potter shared a look. James understood.
"Your families are not in any immediate danger. However, the rules are different in my world."
The Minister nodded, "We will take the Oath." Thomas Potter nodded his agreement.
James cast a variety of privacy charms on the room. Then the two men gave their Oaths. Once they were done, it was James's turn. He turned from them and cancelled the distortion charm on his hood. Then he lowered his hood. James turned to face the two men.
James was glad he had left the aging glamours on his face. It kept the Minister from asking what an eighteen-year-old boy was doing as an Unspeakable.
"Hello, Thomas," James said.
"James!" Thomas whispered in shock.
The Minister looked at Thomas in surprise. "You know this man, Thomas?"
Thomas nodded, "His name is James Evans."
Now the Minister looked shocked. "James Evans? You mean the Phoenix Foundation James Evans?"
James made a faux bow, "The one and only, Minister. I told you your son was safe at my house."
Both wizards looked shocked. James suppressed a grin at the sight. The Minster sank slowly back into his seat and starred in thought.
"Did the DoM pay for the Phoenix Foundation to create your cover?" the Minister asked.
James shook his head in denial. "I told you the truth. I moved to Hogsmeade after years fighting another Dark Lord. I started the Foundation with my money to help orphans like my son and myself. The DoM recruited me to help pull those Aurors out of Germany."
The Minister winced at the reminder of that disastrous mission. "You were part of the rescue force?"
"After the senior members were killed or captured, I took command."
The Minister nodded. Then he chuckled, "No wonder Abbott's Aurors could not get any information on you. It drove them spare."
James smiled, "I had my wards up before I joined the Unspeakables. I do like my privacy and my experience made me a bit paranoid."
"James, I want you to be careful," his grandfather said. "If anything happens to you under my watch, Elizabeth will never let me back into the Manor. Not to mention what Sarah and the kids would do to me."
The Minister smiled, "Excellent, I can see the two of you will work together well. Now we have a meeting to schedule to announce Thomas's new position."
After James replaced his hood and removed the wards, the three men walked out of the conference room to deal with the new war.
September 3, 1939
"The Muggle British and French governments are declaring war on Germany in an hour."
James turned in his desk chair to face the speaker in the doorway. He was not surprised to see his grandfather. "We knew it was coming. There treaties did not leave them much choice."
The elder Potter nodded. "I need to go to Hogwarts. The Polish department head of their Department of Magical Education is meeting with the Headmaster and Albus. He has a concern about security. Care to come along?"
James glanced distastefully at the report he was reading. "Sounds like an excellent plan to me. Anything to get out of this asylum."
A short time later, James and Thomas were walking up the path to Hogwarts. They had Apparated to the edge of the wards rather then use the Floo. The Floo network was congested with incoming refugees from Poland or British wizards living on or visiting the continent returning due to the impending war.
Unlike his previous visits, the students did not seem too nervous on seeing an Unspeakable walking towards the Headmaster's office. 'I guess they have gotten used to seeing me.' James thought.
Thomas gave the current password to the gargoyle (Dippet was fond of using plant names) and they walked up to the office.
Before they could knock, a voice called out, "Come in, gentlemen."
Thomas preceded James into the room. James saw the Headmaster sitting with Albus Dumbledore, Madam Catchbottom and an unknown wizard.
James looked at the Headmaster and said, "One of these days I am going to find out how the Headmasters always know who is standing outside their door."
Dippet smiled, "Even the Department of Mysteries must have some unanswered questions. May I introduce you to Mr. Karol Mikolajow of the Polish MoM? Mr. Mikolajow, this is Thomas Potter and the Count. Mr. Potter is our new Defense Marshall. The Count is a part of his staff."
The Polish wizard stood to greet them, "Please call me Karol. It is nice to meet you both." The wizard spoke with just a trace of an accent. He appeared to be the same age as Professor Dippet.
"Karol, please call me Thomas. My friend here is just the Count. He likes to be mysterious."
"We have heard of the Count." Karol stated. He looked at James. "Your exploits in Dachau and Berlin were most impressive."
James was a little shocked. "How did you know about Berlin?"
Karol grinned, "Your operation crossed one of ours. Your secondary team tripped a ward. When we investigated we uncovered your code name. No sign of you was ever detected."
"It seems Magical Education covers a broad area in Poland," James commented in a dry tone.
"I was once in the Trade, many years ago. I am still in our Oversight Committee."
James nodded his acceptance of the comment but made a mental note to alert Cain on the possible breach in security.
The Headmaster called everyone's attention to him. "We are here to discuss the influx of Polish students we expect in the next couple of weeks. I have asked Madam Catchbottom to join us as she currently runs the largest magical primary school in Britain."
"How many new students are we talking about, Karol?" Dumbledore asked.
"The current enrollment at Gdansk was 250. Some may go to the Rasputin school in Russia. Others will go to Beauxbatons or some of the lesser schools in France and Britain. I would expect half of them to attend here," the Polish ministry official answered. "A similar amount of pre-magical education children will also be here."
Dumbledore glanced at James and said, "I would recommend we begin planning for students from other countries to arrive here also. Grindelwald and Hitler will not stop with just Poland."
"Surely the Muggle French forces can hold off the Muggle Germans!" Madam Catchbottom exclaimed in surprise.
"I don't believe so." James commented. "Neither the Muggle or magical forces of France are fully prepared. Neither is Britain, but the Channel will give us the needed time to prepare. Otherwise we would be lost also."
Madam Catchbottom went white. "Is it that bad?" she whispered.
"Would our children be safe here?" Karol asked.
"I believe so," James answered. "Hogwarts is far from any Muggle targets and the wards here are stronger then anywhere outside the DoM and Gringotts. The Phoenix school is also very well warded and protected from Muggle aerial bombing by special wards."
Madam Catchbottom looked shocked again. "It is?"
"Mr. Evans developed them and emplaced them some time ago," James answered. "We are talking to him about using them on Diagon Alley and other wizarding locations in London."
"James never said anything," she commented in a distracted voice.
Thomas shrugged, "Knowing James, he probably hoped they would never be needed."
"It does sound like a 'James' thing to do," Albus mused.
James felt a bit funny having himself being the topic of conversation, so he changed the subject. "Can Hogwarts handle the additional students?" James asked in an attempt to change the subject.
"We have about 420 enrolled students with the start of this term with about sixty students per year. The school once supported 800 students," the Headmaster answered.
James felt shocked. The Hogwarts of his time only had half that population. Harry's year in Gryffindor had eight students. The Hufflepuffs had the largest year with ten. Tom's Slytherin year had eleven students and was the smallest House.
James cursed Professor Binns, the Purebloods, and the Ministry of his time under his breath. The magical world in Harry's timeline apparently lost almost half of its population either in this war or in Voldemort's first rise. Even without those losses, the school in 1939 supported barely half of its capacity. No wonder students always could find unused classrooms for getting into trouble! Yet, no one talked about the declining magical population. Binns concentrated on Goblin Wars. The Purebloods and the Ministry ignored all of the signs.
James idly wondered if something in magic cause a wizard's long-term decision making and common sense to get AK'ed.
Madam Catchbottom commented, "We have about the same number of students in each of our five years of pre-Hogwarts age children. About half of them are squibs or will not attend Hogwarts for a variety of reasons."
"Can you take more students?" Thomas asked.
"We can add about 20 with overcrowding. It would be uncomfortable in the long term though," she answered.
"We could set up a second school in a safe location," James suggested. "I would suggest in Wales."
"Why Wales?" Thomas asked.
"A couple of reasons. It is further from Germany and not likely to contain any priority targets. Also the Muggle war effort is likely to concentrate in England and Scotland. It reduce the chance of incidents of conflict," James replied.
Thomas looked thoughtful. "I own an old hunting preserve near a village called Godric's Hollow. It is almost as isolated as Hogsmeade. We could place it there."
Albus smiled, "That sounds like an excellent idea."
Karol smiled. "I appreciate all of efforts on the behalf of my people. The teachers of Gdansk will be available to teach classes here. I believe most of them have already reached safety here."
The Headmaster smiled, "I am sure our students will appreciate the chance to get to meet your students.
September 29, 1939
Found Thomas, Albus and Karol Mikolajow sitting in the Hog's Head late in the afternoon of the twenty-ninth. None of the wizards looked happy. Nor could James blame them.
Seventeen days after the Nazi invasion of Poland, the Soviet army crossed the opposite border. Many were initially excited by the news. They thought that they were responding to the assistance of their neighbor. They were rudely disabused of that theory.
Caught between two superior armies, the Muggle Polish government held out for ten more days. The hopelessly ill-equipped Polish military fought a valiant rearguard action to allow as many of their people to escape as possible. Cavalry on horseback stood little chance against tanks and ground strafing fighter planes on two fronts.
The Polish Ministry of Magic suffered as badly as the Muggle. Grindelwald's Dark Army forces used Portkeys to quickly attack targets well behind the Muggle combat lines. A week after the war started, a Dark ritual destroyed the main Ministry building, taking the Polish Minister and most of his senior staff. Karol was now the second ranking Polish MoM official.
All of the Gdansk students were successfully evacuated to either Hogwarts or the new "Welsh" school. Only half of the children too young for Gdansk made it out of the country. The Dark Army moved too quickly to get Portkeys to all of them.
James approached the three Firewhiskey drinking wizards. "It is official. The Soviets and the Nazis divided Poland. It looks like they had an agreement before the war started."
"Join us, Count, as we drink to my country!" Karol said in a loud voice.
James ignored the offer. He cast a wandless privacy charm and continued, "We did get a message your Unspeakables. They moved to a hidden safe facility before the Ministry building was destroyed. They lost half their number in the fighting but they remain an intact force."
Karol looked momentarily brightened. "That is good news. They will keep the invaders from getting too comfortable."
"They also passed on to us information on a German Muggle they are supporting in an assassination attempt on Hitler," James added.
"They are working with a Muggle?" Thomas asked in surprise.
James nodded, "He is not aware of their assistance. It was all his plan. The Polish Unspeakables have simply been covering him from Dark Army detection. Their wards keep our wizards too far away to directly become involved. We are going to be taking over the magical protection of the man."
"Can we not make sure he is successful?" Thomas asked.
"If we use any magic on him or the bomb, the wards will detect him. Our best bet is to make sure he gets his chance." James stated. "His name is George Elser. He plans to strike at a speech in Berlin on November 8th. One of the Polish Unspeakables overheard him planning his attempt with a friend. Nothing was done until this month when the invasion started."
Albus looked sad but he said, "I do not like the idea of killing anyone, but I think we need to drink a toast to the brave man in his attempt to stop the spread of Darkness." After they all drank, Albus asked James, "Do you think he has a good chance?"
James understood what his old (future?) Headmaster was really asking. "Any chance must be seized. I believe even if he knew it was doomed to failure he would still make the attempt. He knows it is a forlorn hope. I have been in his shoes. Sometimes you win, sometimes you survive, but you still have to make the attempt."
Albus and Thomas understood the message from James. Knowing the story of Harry Potter, they knew how much of his fight with Voldemort seemed a forlorn hope. Coming back in time to change history was another in a long line of them for Harry Potter.
James picked up a glass of the Firewhiskey. Taking a quick drink, James said, "A teacher of mine introduced me to a Muggle poet named Kipling during some particularly dark days. I was always taken with 'If'." Then James set the glass on the bar and walked out.
As he passed the barman, James greeted him, "Aberforth, make sure the old man gets back up to the castle safely."
The barman grunted in a noncommittal fashion. Watching the Unspeakable walk out of the bar, Aberforth was caught by an odd sense of déjà vu.
James disillusioned himself outside of the Hog's Head making it look and sound like he Apparated away. Then he simply walked home. It was a pleasant September Scottish night. The air was slightly cool but the sky was clear. On such a beautiful night it seemed obscene to think about the recent start of war.
Reaching his house, James removed his Unspeakable robes before stepping into the house. Although Sarah 'knew' about James other job, he could not be that blatant about his Unspeakable status.
"Good evening, dear." Sarah called as he walked in the door. "Dinner is almost ready."
"I expected to miss dinner tonight," James said surprised. "I thought the twins and you would have eaten two hours ago. How did you know when I would be home?"
Sarah walked up and hugged James and gave him a kiss. James was really enjoying the kiss when she pulled away. She reached up and pulled on his nose gently and answered his earlier question with a cheeky smile. "Magic" Then she pulled his arm, "Come on, we can eat and I'll tell you about my day."
James groaned playfully. Honestly, he looked forward to it. After all the bad news from Europe and dealing with the Ministry bureaucrats (Arrogant prats!) , James looked forward to hearing about the everyday problems of the St. Mungos pediatric ward. It helped put things in perspective.
James snuggled into his bed, his arms wrapped around his beautiful wife. As a boy, Harry never truly enjoyed sleeping. Sleeping in a cupboard and having Uncle Vernon around did not make for restful sleeping conditions. After starting at Hogwarts, the nightmares provided by Voldemort happened frequently enough that sleep was not a welcome event. After the war, every day and night seemed to be a perpetual nightmare.
Since coming to this time and marrying Sarah, James learned to love his sleep. Sleeping curled around his wife in his own house healed James in a way Madam Pomfrey's spells and potions never could. Sleeping in his bed with his wife behind the wards and protections of his house, James felt truly safe and loved.
It was out of this warm, comfortable place that James was dragged out of kicking and screaming. He was dreaming about Tom. He was yelling for James from a distance.
James opened his eyes and heard the voice call him again. Quickly, James jumped out of bed and opened his wardrobe. Hanging inside the door was a small round mirror. He could see Tom's face in the mirror.
"Tom, what's wrong?"
"Dad! Something is happening up here. The alarms went off and all of the doors locked. I can't even use parseltongue to open my dorm door!"
"I am on my way. Stay in your room and barricade your door," James instructed Tom.
Tom nodded, "Okay, Dad. Please hurry!"
James set the mirror down and quickly woke his wife. Sarah was still drowsy when James told her to call the Ministry. "Call the Aurors. Tell them to send to send reinforcements to Hogwarts. Tell them the code is Horntail."
Sarah looked concerned when she realized the implications of what James was telling her. "James Evans, you be careful. Make sure Tom is safe." Then she kissed him before he could run out the door.
James grabbed his wands, Unspeakable cloak, and his equipment as he ran for the door. As he reached the door, he noticed a large shape standing at the door, Snuffles.
"You sense something is wrong, don't you?" he asked the dog. Snuffles wagged his tail slightly. "I know boy, but I want you to stay here. Watch Sarah and the twins." Snuffles whined and placed his tail down.
"Snuffles goes with you, James. You need someone to watch your back," Sarah interrupted.
"You and the twins could be in danger!"
"You will be in danger, Harry James Potter Evans! We don't have time for this! Both of you, go!"
James and Snuffles were running out the door before James had time to think about it. Once clear of the house, James changed to his wolf form. The huge black dog and the large grey wolf quickly cleared the village, almost invisible in the night.
Reaching the point where the Whomping Willow would later stand, James could here the sounds of magical combat coming from up ahead. Both canines moved faster.
They ran past a body in an Auror's red cloak. Wolf-James paused slightly to sniff the body. It did not smell of blood but did smell dead. James recognized the scent of the Killing Curse. In an instant, he was back in pursuit of Snuffles.
James caught up to Snuffles just short of the Great Hall entrance. The two animals slowed as the sounds of spells became louder. James crept quietly down the hall following some odd scents. Snuffles followed a couple of meters behind him. James recognized this passage way led directly towards the gargoyle protecting the Headmaster's office.
James noticed four men standing in front of the gargoyle. At the gargoyles feet lay three bodies of Aurors. That accounted for all of the Aurors assigned to guard the school. Two of the men held Muggle weapons. The other two wore the robes of the Dark Army. As James watched one of the weapons fired, causing a great deal of damage to the gargoyle in a thunderous explosion. James realized the gargoyle would not be able to withstand too many more hits from those weapons.
Snuffles growled and raced into the room directly at the two with Muggle weapons. In a tremendous leap, the huge dog crashed into the Muggle with the loaded weapon. Both the dog and the Muggle hit the ground. James missed the rest as he reverted to his human form and attacked the two wizards.
Two Killing Curses flew at James instantly. He dove to the ground in a roll to avoid the curses. Coming up out of his roll, James pointed his wand and murmured, "Reducto!" It was followed by four more, all at the same wizard.
The wizard dodged the first, but missed seeing the ones following in his concentration on the first spell. The second and third spells crashed into his shield. The fourth spell slashed through the depleted shield and smashed into his shoulder. The Dark Army wizard's right shoulder almost completely ceased to exist in an instant. The fifth spell passed harmlessly over the wizard as he dropped to the ground, already going into shock.
James saw this out of the corner of his eye as he focused on the remaining wizard. James expected to see more spells coming at him but instead the wizard stood in a ready position.
"Impressive. It is so rare to see a true fighter. Such a wonderful sight." Hearing the light soprano voice with a slight German accent, James suddenly realized this wizard was actually a witch.
"I am so glad you enjoyed the show. I know your friend did not," James commented.
The Dark Army witch chuckled lightly. "I am sure he did not. My name is Christina. We did not expect you to respond so quickly. Again, I am impressed. You must have wards that we missed."
James did not comment that only a Second year with a magical communication mirror alerted him to the attack.
"May I have you name. I so love to know my worthy opponents."
James nodded, "I am the Count."
Now she looked excited. "The Count! This is an honor! The best of the British Unspeakables! I must leave you now. I am sure we shall meet again."
James almost had to laugh at her shear gall. It was almost like dealing with a sane Bellatrix. The brown haired witch gave James a happy smile.
"I can't let you leave," James told her.
"How can you stop me, my dear Count? I believe your Minister's son is a student here. Several of my other… friends are searching for him. I assure you I will not be as easy as this oaf." She indicated the wizard bleeding to death on the castle floor.
James believed her. Her casual stance spoke of experience and confidence. James was sure he had her beat in pure power, but the fight would take too long if others were searching for the Slytherin Second year dorm. Protecting the students took priority over fighting this witch.
"Do I have your word you will leave here and return to Germany?" James asked.
The witch nodded, "By my magic, I swear. I really look forward to the chance to work against you in the future. I love a challenge."
Then she reached into her robe and activated a Portkey. James cast his magical radar charm to ensure she really left. No sign of her remained.
James looked over at Snuffles. The large dog sat atop the two Muggles watching James's conversation with the witch. James summoned Snuffles and then cast Stunners on all the two Muggles and the dying wizard. A quick healing charm stopped the bleeding but he would need help to survive the night.
Turning to Snuffles, James said, "Go to Tommy, boy. Get Tommy!"
Snuffles turned and ran off with a loud woof. Wolf-James was right behind him. Now to make sure Tom was safe.
If
Are
losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If
you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But
make allowance for their doubting too;
If
you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or,
being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or,
being hated, don't give way to hating,
And
yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise; If
you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If
you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If
you can meet with triumph and disaster
And
treat those two imposters just the same;
If
you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted
by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or
watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And
stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools; If
you can make one heap of all your winnings
And
risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And
lose, and start again at your beginnings
And
never breath a word about your loss;
If
you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To
serve your turn long after they are gone,
And
so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except
the Will which says to them: "Hold on !"; If
you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or
walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If
neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If
all men count with you, but none too much;
If
you can fill the unforgiving minute
With
sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours
is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And
- which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
A/N: I want to thank all of the reviews. Jbern submitted my 400th review! I really enjoy your comments and incorporate many of your suggestions and comments into the later chapters. I have created a forum to discuss this story. You can find the link on my profile page.
I included Kipling's 'If' at the end of this chapter. I thought of this poem during GoF and OoF. I always thought it was too bad no one did introduce Harry to this poem.
Thanks again!
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