OLD MAGIC
Chapter 60: "We found the enemy's army!"
While Hagrid and Snape were gathering all their allies, elsewhere in the world the hunting party lead by Apolline Delacour was chasing down a rumor of a large gathering of creatures that could be the missing Death Eater Army they had been searching for these many long months.
As she and her small detachment of Veela, Elves, Dwarves, a few centaurs, and Annis Black, the only hag alive this century, carried out their mission to ferret out any of the enemy in all the small villages, towns, and every other hiding places outside the major cities, they heard persistent rumors and whispers, of a large number of disreputable creatures moving through their areas in groups of twos, threes, and as many as ten. All apparently heading in a northeasterly direction.
But the best lead was from a group of old warriors living in Germany who had fought in the war against Grindelwald, secretly and without the knowledge of the Aurors who bore the brunt of the battle. Delacour was told these odd collection of creatures might be heading for the crumbling ruins of an old chateau where the battle with Grindelwald had been fought. The Aurors lost the battle and Grindelwald managed to elude capture until caught and defeated by Albus Dumbledore in 1945. The evil wizard was now incarcerated in his old home turned prison for his enemies, Nurmengard Castle somewhere in Europe. The chateau, however, was located in the alps of Switzerland.
This had been the strongest lead they had gotten by far and was good enough for Apolline to decide a trip to Switzerland was in order. She had taken a moment before heading out, to reach out to a contact she knew within the Ministry of Magic's historical department. That person researched their records on the battle site looking for its exact location and passing it on to her. With that knowledge in hand, she took her detachment and had them apparate to the tiny village of Bormio located below where the chateau was said to be hidden on a mountain side. They arrived at dusk, Swiss time on Sunday.
No one saw them arrive as everyone was safely inside their homes having supper. One of Delacour's scouts that had come ahead of her, directed them to a small clearing he had found, about a mile from the village. This was where they would set up camp. Resting for the night, they would begin their search, fresh and alert, at dawn.
Using the scout's mental image, the detachment apparated to the campsite. They could have walked but that would have risked being seen by the locals. Upon arrival, Delacour looked around and pronounced the location perfect. She and four others set about erecting a strong concealment charm to keep their encampment hidden from the villagers and their enemy while the others set up tents, cook fires, and watch schedules.
When her hunters had finished setting up a sketchy but comfortable camp, they settled down around a large bonfire as it was very cold, and ate a hot meal. She used the time to brief her hunters on the plans for the morrow.
"At dawn, before the sun rises, we head out in teams of four each, spreading out in four directions so that we can spy on the enemy more efficiently. Ensure you use the strongest stealth charm you have to keep your presence secret. Don't forget scent as many of the enemy hunts that way. If the rumors be true, we may have finally found the missing army. Sleep well for tomorrow we hunt." A cheer of excitement went up, all anxious to see the end of the long hunt. Meals were finished and all headed to their sleeping spots or tents to rest.
As a thick fog filled the forest making for a very chilly Monday morning, the sun toiling hard to pierce the glum, Delacour and her detachment ate a quick breakfast broke camp then split up to search the vast area around the chateau grounds.
Barely an hour into their search and one of her hunters had found the enemy. The elf hunter of the team left his companions to return silently to their leader's side to report.
"What did you see?" Delacour asked eagerly.
"What we hoped to find, Apolline. We came across a large complement of werewolves, a giant, a vampire, and many other unsavory creatures spread out below barely seen ruins at the top of a cliff. The army has set up a formal camp."
"Then we need to have a closer look," Delacour decided and called in all her people then letting the elf guide them, they apparated to within twenty miles of the largest collection of creatures. There was a small outcrop that overlooked the valley and hill that held the army and the chateau.
She and a small party took up an observation post and settled to watch the moving carpet of creatures sleeping or moving about below them.
Her eyes narrowing, Apolline hissed out a soft breath. "At last we've found them. Jason will be pleased. Disgusting looking sight isn't it?"
"Aye, it tis Apolline. What a disorganized mess they be too," Annis Black muttered, her black outfit helping her blend in the darkness of the forest they hid in. "Wonder who is keeping them in check?"
"Doubtful we get lucky enough to find out. Matters not. What we need to know is their numbers and types of creatures waiting then we'll take that straight to Jason so he may determine what action the council wants to take about capturing them all," Apolline decided. "I'll take six with me and Annis, the rest of you are to remain here to keep a close watch on their movements, especially any deserters. Those you will immediately capture. I will send you the information of where to send them as soon as I speak to Jason. I know they must have built a prison for them by now. Right now let's see what we are dealing with."
Annis nodded. Using her magic she summoned a crow to her. Speaking mind to mind for a moment, she instructed the bird to gather it's fellows and sweep the area for the enemy. The crow nodded and without a sound leaped upward and swept off over the small valley below where the enemy sprawled, calling to its brethren. Some thirty minutes later, it returned to her and reported.
Giving the crow a treat she sent it off. "What a pathetic lot they be, only a few trolls, two giants that keep wandering off, a flock of vampires, a full pack of werewolves, and a variety of other lesser beings...only about four hundred all told. Don't seem to be any more arriving. This be more like a small battalion rather than an Army," Annis snorted.
"It be still large enough to cause serious problems and we must get them taken down before their leaders finally get their collective asses together to muster an attack," Apolline warned.
"Oh aye, I agree even though there might not be enough motivation to get this lot to continue fighting, me thinks," Annis observed.
"Hmm, that's possible but no matter, let us get this vital information to Jason. Annis I suggest you set up a listening murder of crows. No telling what useful information they might pick up while we are gone," Apolline told Annis, her sudden grin very predatory, anticipation of the battle to come heating her veins.
"Oh aye, good thinking," Annis grinned back then called the lead crow of the murder she was already using from the area. When he arrived, she quickly gave it instructions then sent it off.
Apolline briefed the rest of her hunters that were remaining then she, Annis, and the rest of her small party apparated away to Scotland and the Forbidden Forest.
Upon arrival they were immediately taken to the strategy room where Jason was busy speaking with his council.
The Elder Council Headquarters was located in the hidden heart of the Forbidden Forest. A massive concealment charm hid its location from spying eyes. It had been built more than a century or so earlier and was used as the regular meeting place for the council and where other forest dwellers could safely conduct their own business in safety.
The huge white edifice looked very much like a medieval castle. But instead of narrow slit windows, the castle had huge glass windows to allow the sun to filter in and give it more natural lighting even on the darkest days of winter. Much of the ancient forest surrounded and hid the place.
The castle environs hid plenty of space to hold nearly all the intelligent beings of the forest if they needed a safe retreat but most times it was only lightly manned. Each floor had a specific purpose. The top of the castle held an amazing aray of muggle satellite dishes for their surprisingly sophisticated security, observation systems, and internet, but also there were simple long distance telescopes. Also old fashion cannons were set on each corner of the castles ramparts.
Just one floor below was the owlery and below that housed small apartments, the next floor contained the dining hall, hospital, library, and entertainment areas. Below that was the main floor lobby and entrance that contained a greeting bay, meeting room, admin office, support staff, personnel office, and offices for the higher echelon. As well as a small area with rooms meant for the centaurs needs. The first floor below the main lobby, held the strategy room, communications center, massive computer banks, messenger staff, radio room, and office supply room.
Going deeper into the ground were floors that held, weapons storage, weapons development and construction, huge kitchens, food and other supply storage areas, a huge gym and training area, research labs, and panic room where non-combatants could be hidden in case of attack on the fortress. And at the bottom of all this was the bowels of the castle where a small number of cells and interrogation rooms were plus the plumbing needed for such a large place. Of course magic was used along with fireplaces to keep the place warm for the winter months and a cooling system for summer.
A huge clearing that was unseen by any flying overhead was used as a training field for the warriors of the Elder Council. Here all who wished to could train in all forms of combat or for playing competition games of which they were fond of. In another clearing a huge block building had been constructed and surrounded by trees. This was the temporary prison for the enemy.
The most important space in the castle though was the huge strategy room. On one of the walls was an impressive array of modern muggle equipment namely a bank of monitor screens below which were a row of computers manned by forest dwellers and muggles. Behind them on tier step setup were desks that held member of the council. The muggle setup made it easier for the council to watch the screens for incoming information or briefings such as the one Jason was holding now. On another wall a huge map of the wizarding world was represented.
Since early morning, Jason, their leader had been taking reports and now with the council assembled he was in the process of disseminating that information and getting their opinions and answering questions. Fawkes had arrived early hoping to speak with Jason but as the morning waned and he still hadn't been able to capture the half-giant's attention.
He was growing a bit frustrated. It was very important he speak with Jason on the subject of house elves and their possible participation in ending the war quicker. But so much was going on he decided since his participation wasn't needed right now that he should leave for the time being and get some other tasks accomplished and hope to get Jason's attention later.
Arriving nearer to lunch, Fawkes saw things had not changed much since his earlier departure. Watching for a bit, he could understand why as he saw how much data and reports were pouring in as events set in motion were now coming together. There was a staggering amount of information needing to be sorted through and despite everyone pitching in and the new admin staff, it still took time to assimilate all that information into cohesive data they could use to make decisions.
Fortunately, the addition of more support staff had helped speed up things so that the information was finally being processed, consolidated and disseminated. But still a rather frustrating process all around.
This was the organized chaos Delacour walked into with with Annis by her side. Just like Fawkes, she too had to wait to be noticed by their leader. Seeing a huge layout of some kind on the side of the room away from the wall of monitors, the pair drifted over to take a look and were soon perusing the new piece of technology that helped them see where everyone was at this moment in time. The impressive 3D layout of the topography of the castle, its surroundings, Hogwarts, London, the rest of the UK, and the entirety of Europe was a wonder to behold. Magical flags floated over areas of import … most showing where all the Light's forces were posted or standing by for orders. These were represented by blue glowing flags. The enemy was represented by red glowing skulls.
The pair had to study the layout for some time before they understood exactly what they were looking at and were suitably impressed as to where their resources were and how many there were. It was a good sign.
"Wist, it appears we be verra close to engaging the enemy than we supposed if these numbers be correct. Wonder how close we be to having our hoped for allies join us too?" Annis asked more to herself than Delacour.
"Hmm, I couldn't say but I am pleased by the progress that has been made while we hunted the enemy. This combining our forces and turning it into an actual army was a good plan. Now if our allies do join, it will complete our army and we will be able to overwhelm them easily based on what we've discovered of the enemies true numbers," Delacour said, a feeling of optimism stealing over her. She hoped it wasn't mistaken.
"That is because a meeting with them is in progress as we speak," Jason murmured over their shoulders.
Annis and Apolline turned in surprise. They had been so preoccupied with the table display they had failed to notice the council was taking a break.
"You have news for me?" Jason asked, eyeing them expectantly.
Turning around Delacour smiled widely. "Oh yes very good news, Jason. We found the enemy's army at last."
It was Jason's turn to smile broadly in relief. "Brilliant! Where and how many?" He signaled for his secretary, a dwarf by the name of Draylin, to join him. When hurried over with quill and scroll, only then did Jason nod at the Veela to give her report.
She quickly briefed him on what they had found, the numbers, and the types of creatures waiting and their location.
"This is perfect! I can now notify the Aurors and the Order when or if they join us."
"When will you know?" Delacour asked, concerned at the delay.
"Only this morning did Hagrid and Snape meet with Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shackelbolt. Bones must still meet with the Order and only then will they be brought here to meet the council. Hopefully, that will all happen by tomorrow or the next day. I haven't heard from either but it is too soon as yet. You have watchers on the army?" Jason asked, though he was certain she had. She was thorough like that.
"Oh aye, of course. From the looks of the camp, they don't seem to be planning to move very soon, except for the pair of giants and few trolls that keep wandering off only to return within hours, no one else seems inclined to walk off," Delacour said, snorting. "Which is surprising. I would have expected some defections but admittedly we haven't been watching long so I wouldn't know if that were fact or not," she said pensively.
"Since we have to wait, you still might find out more during your observation of them. Meanwhile, keep everyone on guard and take notes of anything they see or hear. We need them to stay put and to know if anymore join or leave. If any leave of course have them picked up immediately so they don't disappear."
"I have already ordered that be done but where do we incarcerate them? I hadn't been told that as yet," Delacour asked.
"Ahh, I do believe we have something set up ..." Jason paused and looked down at his secretary.
"Yes sir, a prison has been set up in the Wyrdwood just north of the castle. Tongra left his second in command, Odar, in charge of manning and running it."
"Does he have an active guard there now?"
"Hmm, I don't believe so sir. You want me to send a message to Tongra or Odar and ask?"
"Yes to Tongra. Them him, he needs to have a small force report to the prison immediately and relay why. But do that after we finish here," Jason decided.
"Of course, sir."
"Thank you for bringing that to my attention that I had not known a prison was set up and who was manning it, Apolline," Jason said, turning to the Veela.
"With all that is going on, Jason, I'm amazed you manage to keep track of all of it in the first place." Apolline shrugged off the thanks.
"It's because of you and everyone else invested in this operation that I manage that, my dear. Now as to this army, do you have any idea who might be leading them?"
Delacour sighed, shrugged, but it was Annis who answered. "Nay, we weren't there long enough, Jason, to figure that out, however, I left me crows as lookouts and spies. They should pick up something soon and any other interesting tidbits."
Jason nodded. "Brilliant. It really doesn't matter to us who is in charge but I know it be necessary for the aurors as a warrant for him needs to be written for his arrest to be legal. Meanwhile, why don't you and those with you avail yourselves of our hospitality … eat, get some rest. Hopefully, I will have news on our allies come tomorrow but either way, we are ready for whatever the news be. Many things are going on right now that have us waiting for answers and they simply can't be hurried even though events are moving forward rapidly according to some of the reports floating in. However, despite that events are looking very positive so far."
Both females smiled with pleasure at that news. "I can't wait until this be all over. Everyone is getting very antsy. It be hard keeping their excitement contained," Annis warned.
"I certainly can understand that. All have been awaiting for this moment," Jason agreed.
"Until we have the answers we need to move forward, Jason, I'll keep my forces on a twelve hour rotation so they remain fresh and ready when the word is finally given to take the enemy down," Apolline promised.
"Good, until later ladies," Jason bid them goodbye while he turned to deal with whatever it was Fawkes wanted to see him about.
The two females strode away, occasionally stopping to speak to a few of the council members before heading out to find something to eat as lunch was fast approaching.