Disclaimer: I don't own anything involving the Harry Potter series.
Claimer: I only own my OCs and the plot.
Shadow Lion
Severus 25
A full minute has passed after Shadow Lion asked for Minister Bagnold's help and support by prostrating himself in front of her.
'Too straight forward' would be an understatement in the situation Shadow Lion put himself in. Regulus mentioned before bringing him to the Ministry that what he was doing was 'beyond reckless and breaking common sense'. He argued they didn't have time for subtleties with the upcoming raid that could be a turning point of the war.
The odd silence is acceptable in this case since this is the first direct contact Shadow Lion made to the Ministry.
Shadow Lion looks up to see Minister Bagnold pinching the bridge of her nose. She looks deep in thought.
"Did I come at a bad time?" He ask daringly.
His question brought the Minister back from her mind's reservoir. "What ...No, of course not. I just didn't expect you, a vigilante that everyone is talking about, to infiltrate the Ministry and contact me directly." She said with obvious shock in her voice.
"Well, a friend of mine said I do tend to break common sense."
"Of that I full heartedly agree," she says. She takes a deep breathe before regaining her composure. "Before we move on I have to ask, who are you?"
Shadow Lion remains silent, not sure how to answer her question.
"I'll be more specific, who are you under that mask?"
After another moment of silence, he finally answers: "I'm just a single man, trying to fight and survive with those that are dear to me."
"So you are only fighting for yourself, despite decimating countless Death Eaters attacking Muggle settlements and nearly crippling them into submission?" She questions. She eyes at him critically.
Shadow Lion lifts himself up and looks at the minister directly, searching for any hidden meanings to her words. 'Cripple' was the key word. He stands up and walks up to her face-to-face.
"Do you have a problem with my methods Minister Bagnold?" He asks in a low voice.
He could sense the minister's unnerve at his presence so close to her.
"Honestly your actions and the injuries you inflict onto your victims over the past year are what makes the Ministry of Magic and the Wizarding Community wary of you," she answers.
Ah ...So this matter is more than just his conduct against Death Eaters, it's the fact he himself might be a threat to wizard kind.
He's not oblivious to what happens to the bloodily beaten Death Eaters he left behind after each raid. Before he was content in just knocking them out. However, after the New Year, he realized it would not be enough to stop the Death Eaters' attacks. He had to diminish their forces as well. Instead of babying them and holding back, he employed his strength and his skills he normally does against enemy ninja. He also use special tactics to severely demoralize the Death Eaters as a whole.
Most of the Death Eaters were captured and arrested on the spot by the Aurors apparating on site, but not before the Aurors witnessed the public humiliation he had caused them.
He tied up the Death Eaters he had beaten to a pulp. Sometimes he left them hanging off the ground together, either upside down or right side up. Other times he buried them in the dirt up to their necks. He even piled them on top of another a few times in an embarrassing fashion.
The few Death Eaters he let escape were those who were faint-hearted and had doubts about their cause. If they were smart, they would go into hiding instead of going back to Voldemort's side.
Regulus would come the next morning with an article from the Daily Prophet with a picture of the tied up and beaten Death Eaters, unmasked for the whole wizard community to see. Of course, before going to trial, they were sent to St. Mungo's for treatment. A few days later, another article was published about the Death Eaters at St. Mungo's and the state they were in.
It wasn't intentional but, if he had to guess, he basically destroyed the Death Eaters' pride as wizards since they were also the type of wizards who thought they could get away with anything as they enjoyed tormenting and killing the muggles they attacked.
The article reported on the number of injures: open sword wounds, bruises, broken, and fractured bones in various places on the body. Not to mention there were the black eyes, bruised voice boxes, and, in rare cases, the amputation of their wand arms.
After the Death Eaters regained consciousness, their reactions baffled the St. Mungo's staff there. Most of them were crying, some were delirious and begged for their lives at the sight of their own shadows, and others had either become non-responsive or suffered from severe night terrors. Finally there were a small number of Death Eaters who could barely perform magic anymore. Partially because they were missing their right arms and had been replaced by prosthetic arms by the hospital staff.
Needless to say, the wizard community was shock at how mentally scarred the Death Eaters became after their encounter with the Shadow Lion. As expected, there were a number of sympathetic wizards calling out for Shadow Lion's arrest and imprisonment in Azkaban for his actions, and there were those who feared for their safety. Some of those wizards happened to be from Pure-blood families, trying to use political tactics to have the injured Death Eaters get off at their trials.
Unfortunately for them, the identities of the hospitalized Death Eaters became common knowledge to the wizard community and the past crimes they had committed were announced and published as well so those wizards couldn't gain ground in getting sympathy. On another note, Bartemius Crouch Sr. had issued a warrant for Shadow Lion's arrest for vigilantism.
Families and some formal acquaintances of those arrested Death Eaters went into hiding before the articles were released. It is also because their identities were revealed that Voldemort lost a number of funding for his cause as well. The hospitalized Death Eaters were from some of the wealthy Pure-blood wizard families and soon after they were sent to the hospital, their manors were raided.
He personally does not care what those wizard naysayers and sympathizers had to say, his actions helped in completing his goals since the start of the New Year. With Voldemort's forces weakened and demoralized, there is little for Voldemort to do at this point. His recruitment drive at Hogwarts has been halted thanks to the power of the press and any other form of recruitment would quickly be disregarded and discouraged.
Thus Voldemort would aspire to do three things before continuing his conquest for wizard dominance. One: he will soon become personally active in the war. Two: he will attempt to recruit from other magical races. Three: he will hunt and kill Shadow Lion himself.
From Regulus's information, Voldemort rarely joins in the attacks himself and only publicly announces himself to instill fear in the wizard public. The only times Voldemort actually fought was against Dumbledore in a few scrimmages before retreating when given a chance. The times Voldemort fought against Dumbledore showcased how powerful both of them truly are. He made a mental note not underestimate either of them.
Shadow Lion was able to reveal himself to Voldemort through the press that he was more of a threat to the Dark Lord's plans than Dumbledore and he would eventually take action against him, which is exactly what Shadow Lion wanted him to do. Before Voldemort could even prepare himself and at his moment of weakness, he will strike.
Voldemort's soul may be immortal for now, but his physical body is still that of a normal human being. He will injure him to the point where Voldemort will be forced to retreat and recover. While the dark wizard recovers, he will find the rest of the horcruxes and destroy them.
Still...
"So the Death Eaters are the victims now?" He sneers. "If you want to see victims, look at the deceased Muggles buried in the past years and their families after each one of those Death Eater attacks."
Minister Bagnold wince slightly at the comment before returning to her stoic expression.
"I believe you don't understand the consequences of your actions, what you did-"
"What I did is nothing compared to the immeasurable losses and numerous deaths they caused since Voldemort and his Death Eaters became active," Shadow Lion cuts her off. He notices she winces at Tom's other name as well. "Unlike them, I at least, left them alive, bruised, and beaten. I may have cut them but only to make them less of a threat and to the point they can't harm anyone less."
"That's just it, your methods are too crud and gruesome to wizards and witches," Minister Bagnold argues. "The barbarism you leave behind insights negative criticism of Muggles among the wizard community."
"Oh really ...Then tell me this, Minister Bagnold, how is the 'barbarism' I've shown to the community any less different than how Death Eaters victimized the Muggles in their attacks before killing them?" He asks, in a low and threatening tone. His eyes express his anger.
"I am sure you're not oblivious to what they did to the deceased Muggles before killing them. How they used their magic to torment, hurt, and commit any unspeakable, sick, and twisted acts to the men, women, and children in their Muggle raids," he says. Bagnold remains silent.
Of course she's not, any good Minister would read the reports of Death Eater attacks. Either from the Daily Prophet or from the Auror reports.
"What I do is mainly to reduce their numbers. Though honestly, I hope that with my actions, I am enacting justice for the deceased and victimized Muggles and giving closure to their families," he continues. "I am not blinded by rage nor do I act on impulse when I come face-to-face with a Death Eater."
"So you're not attacking Death Eaters out of revenge or some personal vendetta, you're doing all this for the Muggles?" Bagnold ask curiously.
"While I don't have personal vendetta against Death Eaters per say, you can say I am merely teaching them a life lesson," Shadow Lion answers.
Bagnold does a double take. "A lesson?" She looks surprised. "And what lesson is that?"
"It's a simple Muggle lesson actually: 'What goes around comes around'," he replies. Bagnold looks confused until she realize the implications of his words.
"...I see." She says. Then she walk towards her desk and seats herself.
"While I don't entirely agree with your methods. I do acknowledge that, because of you, multiple counts of Death Eater arrests and inquires within the ministry were made. The Ministry was able to identify the traitors and spies from the mark they all have on their forearms."
"I take that the hit wizards are hunting those in hiding," he guesses.
Bagnold nods in response. "Now on to other business. I'll hear your proposal in exchange for any information you have on the Death Eaters."
"Oh I have so much more to tell you than just Death Eater movements," he says with a chuckle. "But before anything else, you should charm your door with a silencing charm first."
Minister Bagnold nods and with the flicks her wand, she applies the charm.
"First, are you aware there is secret organization fighting the Death Eaters as well?" He asks her.
"No, but I am not surprise that there is a group of wizards wanting to fight against them. However that makes them just as dangerous as the Death Eaters." She answers with a heavy sigh.
"Even if the one leading them is Dumbledore himself?"
"I'm not sure whether I should be surprised or not." She shakes her head in exasperation.
"Well he calls his organization 'The Order of the Phoenix' and I came into contact with him and his group to collaborate on a raid in three days' time, at 8 o'clock pm."
"A raid on whom?"
"The Malfoy's."
"What?!" Bagnold quickly stands up. "But the Malfoy's have been an influential family to the wizard community and the Ministry itself. That is a big accusation you're making."
"I never said that they were part of the Death Eaters," he says, though, he doesn't deny it either. "Perhaps they have their own circumstances, but I have a spy within the Death Eaters and he has confirmed that there will be a gathering in Malfoy Manor to initiate new recruits into their inner circle."
Bagnold looks baffled at first before she gives him a serious look.
"The point is that all the remaining Death Eaters will be gathering in one place, including Voldemort." Shadow Lion continues after seeing her shudder at the name. "It will be a collaborated surprise attack with my own group within an hour of the meeting."
"So you have your own group... Fine, I understand, but how do you benefit by telling me this?"
"Before I can go into any further detail, I want your oath that you will give clemency to my own group, 'The Howling Liberators', after the raid and recognize them as an independent society outside of wizard law afterwards. I know you have the power to do so."
"Are you mad?" She yells as she slams her hands on the desk. "Clemency is one thing, but to officially recognize a society outside of wizard law in the middle of a war is not only dangerous, but also unheard of. Just who are these 'Liberators' who you speak of?"
"Oh! I forgot to mention that they are a group of reformed werewolves that I recruited and trained after killing Greyback a few months back," he answers simply.
"You killed Greyback?" She asks in disbelief.
"Yes," he answers.
After he replies, Bagnold gave a loud gasp before closing her eyes and massaging her temple.
"I can promise you clemency, but to recognize an independent werewolf society takes time to process through the appropriate channels." She says briefly.
"It doesn't have to happen right after the raid. When order is restored in the Ministry and the wizard community would be the appropriate time to establish them as an independent society," he tells her. "However some groundwork needs to be establish before that could happen."
"What sort of groundwork do you have in mind?"
"Good publicity, but for now, I need you to swear a wizard's oath before I tell you the most crucial information I have."
Minister Bagnold eyes him critically before sighing.
"Fine. I swear by my magic I will recognize the Howling Liberators as an independent society should it be within my power and within my term as Minister of Magic." She swears.
"Good, and I ...respect the way you worded it," Shadow Lion says with a nod of approval.
Nothing is certain until it happens.
"I appreciate your sentiment. As the highest form of authority in the Ministry, the power I currently wield is great, but restricting," Bagnold tells him. "I'll try to have the documents for clemency ready for you and your group as soon as I can. Come by the day before the raid."
"Now this information I'm going to give you is highly sensitive and very dangerous so I hope you won't act too rash with it." Shadow Lion warns her.
"Whatever it is better be worth it for me afterwards," she warns.
"Then I'll get on with it," he says. "How much do you know about Lord Voldemort's background?"
Bagnold shivers before answering. "Other than the fact he is a dark wizard who rose to power almost a decade ago, nothing ...Wait, are you saying you know who he is?"
He nods.
Bagnold looks deadly pale.
"His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, a half blood wizard. His parents were a pure blood witch and a rich Muggle man, both deceased. While I have no concrete proof that is his real identity, I did an investigation for more than a year and it points in the right direction."
"I have so many questions." Bagnold rubs her temple once more. "What led you to investigate You-Know-Who's identity? No one knew who he was before he rose to power."
"Actually that is where you're wrong. There are a few who knew, but they were either too afraid to or didn't want to cause pandemonium in the middle of a war." But before Shadow Lion could continue, the door suddenly opens to reveal Bartemius Crouch Sr.
Crouch stands still for a moment before quickly taking out his wand to cast a stunning spell on the dark-clothed man. However, Shadow Lion reacts more quickly, swiftly moving in front of Crouch before he could point his wand at him. The sudden closeness causes Crouch to step back.
However Shadow Lion disappears in front of him as an afterimage then a cold sharp blade touches underneath his chin. Crouch turns his head slightly to see Shadow Lion behind him with a kunai knife in his hand.
"Before I was so rudely interrupted," Shadow Lion says as he slowly closes the door behind him with his foot, "Only a handful of wizards do know Voldemort's true identity and I think you can guess who one of them is?"
Crouch stiffens. He probably didn't expect this when he came in abruptly.
"Before I answer, would you be so kind as to let go of Mr. Crouch?" She asks.
"Certainly, if he swears not to use his wand on me nor can he disclose any information to anyone I give you while I'm here."
Minister Bagnold nods her head and looks at Crouch critically. Crouch reluctantly agrees and swears on his magic.
"Do you mind telling me what the Bloody Hell going on Minister Bagnold? And why is he here?" Crouch asks after Shadow Lion releases him. Shadow Lion gestures to Bagnold to allow her to reveal what he told her.
After few minutes of explaining, Crouch is appalled with the agreement Bagnold has made with Shadow Lion.
"Are you mad? You can't give clemency to a group of reformed werewolves lead by a vigilante. Not to mention, recognizing those very same werewolves as an independent society outside wizard law ...that's just insane!" Crouch argues. "And how do we know he's telling the truth? We should have him locked up right away."
"Do you not agree with my methods as well Mr. Crouch?" Shadow Lion asks.
"Personally I don't care how you defeat and capture those Death Eaters but as a Ministry official and Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I can't overlook how you are undermining our authority with your actions." Crouch answers with a slight glare. "They should all be sent to Azkaban, not lying in a hospital bed in St. Mungo's."
Hmm... While wanting to maintain the Ministry's public image, Crouch does seem to have his priorities straight. However...
'He has no sympathy towards the Death Eaters and wants to prosecute them as a method of showing off the Ministry's authority,' Shadow Lion concludes in his mind. Part of him suspects Crouch might run for Minister of Magic, but not right now.
"Then the upcoming raid would be a good opportunity for not only your department but also the Ministry as a whole," Shadow Lion tells him.
"What do you mean by that?" Crouch asks. He continues to look at him suspiciously.
"You see the reason I came here is to involve the Ministry in the raid in order for them to make the arrests. However, if the public were to know that it was a joint operation between the Auror department and the group I lead then the Ministry's public image would improve as well as the werewolves' social standing," Shadow Lion explains. "While there might be some negative feedback with working alongside a vigilante like myself, the wizard public can't argue with the results after the arrests."
Crouch opens his mouth to argue but stops midway.
"However I can't promise there won't be casualties in this raid; there will always be casualties in war," Shadow Lion continues. "If you want to achieve the best possible results, you will have to acknowledge that you need The Howling Liberators' aid. My group can provide the support and manpower you need and together, Voldemort's power and his Death Eater forces, will be reduced significantly."
"You... you... Can we really trust in this man, Minister Bagnold?" Crouch turns to her after being too flabbergasted to reply to the ninja.
"Whether we can trust him or not, he has provided important information to the Ministry, regardless of etiquette, and an opportunity which could become a turning point in the war," Bagnold replies. "The only thing I could doubt about him is whether he and his group have the ability to succeed in the raid."
"Believe what you want, but the raid will happen with or without the Ministry's aid. I only want to give you the chance to show that the Ministry is effective against this terrorist group plaguing the Wizarding World," Shadow Lion says.
He then sinks back into the shadows of the room, surprising the two wizards. Crouch draws out his wand, but Bagnold stops him by placing her hand on top of it and lower Crouch's wand.
"You're free to investigate Voldemort's true identity as Tom Riddle. I'll return here in two days' time." Before the two wizards realize it, Shadow Lion has left the room.
Me: I'm sure you're thinking along the lines of: 'Finally! An Update!' when you saw this. I am currently writing the next chapter and the story is nearing the end. I'm planning to end the story at chapter 30 where everything will be settled but it might be disappointing to some of you. Then I'll be concentrating on the revamp version. This story basically has a couple of plot devices that are interesting but they are either incomplete and they are in need of improvement with concrete background details. The revamp version will definitely be better. Until the next update, have an early 'Happy Thanksgiving!'