OLD MAGIC
Chapter 73: WAR PLANS
Back at the Elder Council Headquarters, late evening
Madame Bones shook herself out as she appeared in the transport area once more. "Thank you, Dobby."
"You are welcome, Madame Bones. Good fortune to us all tomorrow," Dobby said before disappearing.
"Yes, good fortune indeed," she thought as she headed out of the room and made her way to the command center followed by her team of ten.
The command center was abuzz with people and beings running about doing who knows what. She saw Jason speaking to a small group of people near the three dimensional display.
Before she headed that way, she turned to her team. "Go take a seat in the bleachers," she instructed Nodding their obedience, she continued forward while the ten split off. Now moving toward the council table she found she had to carefully thread her way through all the moving carpet of beings and feeling a bit of wind blowing her hair from all the air traffic above.
"Quite the busy place, Madame Bones," A familiar voice spoke from her left side. She glanced over and gave Headmaster Dumbledore a wane smile. "Indeed. It seems like a madhouse if I didn't know it was really just messengers pretending they were a beehive."
"Oh, I like that metaphor and you are right. I see the council members are nearly all here as are my own people. I take it you didn't have anyone that would be helpful during this meeting?"
"No. Except I did learn I had a ten team of people who are well versed in mountain fighting. I chose them to be the vanguard for my team of a hundred I'm bringing. The rest will join, I'm supposing, Ms Delacour's team."
"This meeting should tell us where all our people will be placed. I don't really care where we are as long as we take the enemy out swiftly and decisively."
"I am with you on that, Headmaster," Jason said, overhearing them as they approached the table. "I have sent the all call and we should be hashing out details here within the hour. If you would take your seats in that bleacher there behind Blayrock, your people will know where to go when they arrive."
"Of course," Dumbledore answered and began to move toward the indicated area with Madame Bones in tow. She took a seat beside him as members of the Order of Phoenix began appearing and taking seats surrounding them. Her own team moving to sit behind them.
It wasn't long before the bleachers were filled with people and beings, and, to both Dumbledore's and Bones' surprise, quite a large number of muggles as well, identified by their unusual clothing.
"Attention. I'm going to assume all needed to be in attendance are here so let's get this meeting started," Jason announced. Silence fell immediately. "As our strategist and general, I will leave the meeting to Kingsley Shacklebolt to conduct." Thus saying, Jason took a seat while Kingsley stepped up onto a podium that sat just below the largest view screen in the room which depicted a mountainous area surrounded by a forest and a crumbling chateau on a small distant cliff.
"I want everyone's attention on the screen above my head. What is represented there is a heavily forested area near the town of Bormio that was reported to be in Switzerland but is actually in the Province of Sondrio, Lombardy a region of the alps in the northern part of Italy. The town has a sizable population of some 4100 souls which means we need to be very careful to keep our actions away from their location which is just below that chateau you see there in the distance. And it isn't just because it is a muggle town that care must be taken, but because it has already been exposed to magical interference during the hunt for Grindelwald. The crumbled chateau is the result of that past dust up. This engagement is on a much greater scale so all care must be taken to take the enemy and sweep them all out of there with as little disruption as we can manage."
Shackelbolt held some kind of device in his hand and when he touched something on it the image above it changed. Now the image of the chateau was much closer. One could see the deep rents in the stone where parts of the edifice had collapsed and swept down the hillside it sat on. Another click that was heard faintly caused the image to close in even more.
Now an army could be seen sprawled on what flat fields there were around the crumbled ruins. There was a gasp from the wizards present when the image went from simply a still picture to one that moved. It was rather like their moving photographs except this was a moving image that was much, much clearer. Almost as if one was right there and watching what was going on.
"What spell is this?" Came someone in the audience.
"It's called a drone," Blayrock answered after a nod from Shackelbolt, his tone amused. "Muggles use them to do surveillance and even, just recently, deliver packages of all things. The device flies by way of a controller from a person on the ground. The person has a viewer so they can see everything the drone sees as well allows them to direct it where they want it. This drone hovered over the site of the army and because no one is used to such things most just take it for a bat flying around. It helps that a small spell did just that, gave it a glamour to hide. This is the result."
"Wait, do you mean we are actually seeing this in real time," Tonks suddenly shouted out, excitedly.
Blayrock was surprised. "Why yes milady wizard that is exactly what is happening. You interact with the muggle world?"
"Oh, yes, I love shopping in their posh stores but recently since I heard about all the advancements, I wanted to see what all the to do was about and boy did I get a boomers full of info. But drones … I just heard of those but hadn't seen one in action. This is mega to the max," Tonks said, eyes changing colors madly.
The Dwarf leader smiled benevolently at her. "We could use you in our conclave of tech minded people, miss ... uh, excuse me but what is your name?"
"Oh, Nymphadora Tonks and that sounds mag. I would love to be a part of some that," she said grinning like a little girl getting her fondest dream granted.
Remus Lupin sitting next to her smiled indulgently at his girlfriends joy at learning new tech things. He hadn't gotten that deep into such things as his werewolfism prevented him from daring to visit the muggles much. But he now wished he could do more study in what had Tonks so enraptured. Perhaps he could join this group too. He'd wait and see after this business was over.
"I will ensure you are included in our next gathering, my dear. But right now we have a war to win. So as you all can see, this is a Ms Tonks has said, is the army in real time," Blayrock continued but was interrupted again.
"Now just a minute! Ms Tonks might know what you be jabbering about but I most certainly don't," Podmore rudely interrupted, his expression rather like someone had eaten a lemon. "So how's about telling us that aren't much for muggle things, just what you mean by this "real time" business?"
Dumbledore was more than a little miffed by Sturgis Podmore's manner but kept silent since more interruptions weren't going to help matters.
Blayrock gave Podmore a narrow look of displeasure but answered readily enough. "Meaning, sir, that what you are seeing is happening right this minute. That is what real time means."
"Ahhh, alright." Podmore didn't apologize either.
"If we may move on now," Shackelbolt said, taking back the reins of the meeting. "Thank you Blayrock for helping our allies to understand what we are showing," he said nodding at the Dwarf who was mollified at being politely told to take a seat. "Now as you can see the army is rather scattered haphazardly around the base of this ruin.
He clicked the device and again the image began to follow a path around the outer ring of the chateau's boundaries. Coming into view were tents set in somewhat of a circle in one field.
"Annis, if you would explain what we're seeing in this area?" Shackelbolt asked of the hag who stood when addressed.
"Certainly, governor. Those tents be where the the werewolves and vampires are camping. There be only about a hundred and fifty all told. They be the only ones who haven't deserted. Of course the deserters were picked up by our hunters. Now you move that thingee over to the right more..." she asked.
Shackelbolt did so and the image changed to a more rocky area with a sparser area of trees. Ugly creatures were lounging there.
"These be the trolls of course. Don't know who is controlling the empty headed bruts but whoever it is has them rather docile and staying right where you see them now. They do forage but do that on the back side of the ruins of the chateau away from the towns people. So at least the one keeping them under control is also trying to keep them from being detected by the towns people. It be important that whoever the wizard is that be keeping them docile be found before trying to take these beasties out," Annis warned. "Then if you take your little flyer up and over the ruins themselves, please ..." The drone buzzed upward giving them a very good birds eye view of the grounds around the ruins.
Suddenly a huge paw swiped at the air nearly making contact with the drone but the machine dropped making the view skew and blur as it avoided the giant's attempt to knock it from the sky.
"Whist now, that be close. As you saw, the two giants that are hanging about have taken to using the ruins as their roost. They will be the hardest to take out. And that be their pathetic army, such as it is," Annis finished then took her seat.
"Thank you Annis, that was concise and very helpful," Shackelbolt said. "So that is the enemy we face. I need input on how we should set up our teams and go about capturing rather than going in fighting that would garner us unwanted attention from the muggle population that is much to close."
An avalanche of mini discussions broke out and he let it go on. He took a seat on a stool left for him and waited. When it seemed many had formed groups and real discussions were being held, he decided it was time to get them all on the same page.
"May I have your attention again, please." Shackelbolt's voice echoed off the walls and drowned out the sounds of tech around them. Heads turned his way as people went silent and waited. Jason eyed him attentively from his seat at the council table.
"Thank you. Could I ask that all of you take a seat and, if you are a group that has a an idea or suggestion please remain together so you may present it together."
It didn't take long before about four groups took seats together on the bleachers. Madame Bones had found herself amid a group of mixed muggles, elves, and a few Veela as well as Delacour, herself, with the ever present Annis.
Dumbledore had found himself on the fringe of the Weasley boys group that were advocating a truly radical method to help with the larger of the enemy.
"Now which of you would like to present your plan, weapon, or method of taking on the army?"
There was a brief moment as certain groups stared at each other until, the Weasley's, impatient as usual, stood up to show they wished to be first.
"Alright, which of you is the speaker," Shackelbolt asked.
"My idea so I'll just shoot it out there," Charley spoke, his brother sitting so as not to confuse people. "Some of you may be aware of my occupation but for those that don't, I am a dragon keeper and have been working with the beasties for many years in the high mountains of Romania. I and my associates here feel that dragons could play a significant role in taking out the giants and perhaps the trolls with quicker finesse than just going at them with spells. Which, I am assuming we are aiming to keep at a minimum so no spell can take out an innocent bystander?" He asked.
"Yes, that is the plan," Shackelbolt confirmed, intrigued.
"Yeh, so I thought the best dragons for this mission would be the Ukrainian Ironbelly. They are very strong of wing and carry power. So the plan would be to swoop in and simply carry off the giants. I only need to know where to take them. However, it can't be very far as an Ironbelly has a short attention span and will only obey its handler for about an hour before becoming unmanageable," Charlie Weasley warned.
Fawkes trilled. Snape stood from where he sat just behind Fawkes' perch at the council table. "Council recognizes Fawkes," Jason said nodding at the Phoenix.
"Severus, transmit for me," Fawkes warbled at the potion's master. Snape nodded and listened closely to what the phoenix was saying. After a few minutes of warbling and some discussion between the two, Fawkes went silent. Turning to everyone, Snape translated.
"Fawkes suggests that if time is a criteria here in using the dragons, then a house elf should ride with the handler and when the giant has been picked up, said elf will transport them both to the prison in Wyrdwood. Tongra has already told him that he had built cells strong enough for the giants and the trolls. This will ensure we don't have a giant hieing off down the mountain before the actual sweep of the enemy begins. So if we do decide to use this method of capture, which Fawkes' agrees is an excellent idea, then the giants need be taken out first followed immediately by the trolls. As for the trolls capture, again house elves could be utilized to transport them out quickly before their handler is able to mobilize them. Since it isn't feasible to use a dragon for this, I have volunteered to fly above with Dobby and Firg so they may quickly transport them all while under cover of the dragons sudden assault. That also means with the trolls howling due to the giants being taken the ground troops who would have encircled the encampment, would swoop in and take out the ground troops during the ensuing chaos" Snape finished.
There was a stunned long silence as everyone digested this amazingly massive strategy.
"That is an incredibly well thought plan, Fawkes," Shackelbolt finally managed to say. "It is simple and elegant enough to take out the army much more swiftly and with less risk of muggle interference and, hopefully, with no escapees. Anyone have something else to add?"
"Oh, I don't believe there should be any escapees dear General as I strongly recommend we do three rings of encirclement and place an anti-apparition spell around the battle site thus ensuring none escape our noose," Delacour stated authoritatively. "And, the idea of using the house elves is brilliant and should be taken one step further."
Jason frowned. "A step further how?"
"If they are willing then have them seeded among the inner ring and quickly apparate any caught to the cells waiting for them. Before I relate the rest of my plan, is using the house elves this way actually feasible?" She asked looking over at Fawkes for an answer. The phoenix warbled a response.
"Fawkes says, he has been authorized to tell you one hundred house elves from our council headquarters wish to participate. Firg will have to be asked if he wishes to ride a dragon to do this. And would Dobby please go and get that answer," Snape reported.
"Dobby will. Return soon." Sang out the house elf in question.
"Since you have actually walked the soon to be battlefield area, Apolline, will a hundred elves be sufficient?" Shackelbolt asked.
Apolline turned away a moment and spoke with Annis in low whispers before turning to their General once more. "Yes, that should do nicely. It appears General that we have a plan."
"It nearly does. All we need to do now is have everyone discuss it over looking for any flaws before we commit to it. Then pick the teams for each ring. But you did say you had something more?"
"Yes. When the battle has been won, then I and my team and anyone that wants to remain to help, will do a complete sweep of the area to ensure no sign of what happened is left nor that anyone had somehow managed to slip by us. As for the town of Bormio, I would recommend a squad of about twenty filter in and check the population for problems and anyone hiding from us. We don't want to have to obliviate anyone if it can be helped," she finished.
"Sound reasoning and planning. I have a recommendation of my own to add," Jason dropped in at last. "First, I know many of you have noted the large number of muggles present … well they are actually a well trained militia group that has worked with us for years. I've asked their assistance with keeping the town secured. It will be they that will form a border between our battle and the towns people. Secondly, the inner ring should be our best fighters and skilled wizards. So that would mean a mix of Aurors, house elves, Order of the Phoenix, and your picked team Apolline."
"That is a really great idea using muggles to defend muggles," Delacour said waving amiably to the group of fighters. One of them returned the gesture. "I will want to talk to your leader after this. That same man nodded back in understanding. Then Delacour tallied the number Jason was talking about before saying, "Yes, that's nearly enough, Jason, but I would add some aerial support that doesn't include the dragons. Perhaps a Hippogriff or two, some Phoenixes, Severus Snape, and I believe we have a Thunderbird in our area?"
"Yes we do and that sounds like a good idea …." Jason began before being interrupted.
"Excuse me but I need to say those flyers must remain strictly away from where the dragons will be flying," Charlie warned. "They act very territorial during battle and aren't that smart at recognizing foe from friend. So if you really want to do that, then insure they remain nearly glued to the inner ring of fighters."
"Understood. However, since your lot will be at the very top of the mountain where the chateau is located and we're down in the fields below it, that should help keep things separated, yes?" Delacour asked.
"It should, just be watchful just in case," Charlie said cautiously.
"Got it." Delacour added that to all the other details she needed to deal with on the battlefield.
"Then disperse and discuss and in an hour we will meet one last time," Jason told them.
Everyone pulled together in groups here and there discussed, raked over the details, studied the battlefield still showing on the view screen. An hour went by and they gathered together again and Jason called them to order.
"Here is what we all here have settled on as a battle plan … tonight a final reconnaissance will be conducted to ensure there isn't anything more we need to know before showing up. According to Charley Weasley, he can have the dragons here by tomorrow.
Tomorrow at nine am, everyone going into battle will assemble at the practice field where you will be segregated into the teams for each ring then practice together so we can work out any kinks and communication issues. Later that afternoon, we will weapon up or charge up as the case may be, get plenty of rest, settle any last details and prepare to head out at dawn on Thursday morn at five am. The early hour is necessary so we can hide in the morning mist. Most of the camp will be mostly somnolent and the vampires will be taking to their tents to hide from the rising sun. Anything I missed?" He asked the room of allies.
"How is transport going to be made?" Dumbledore called out.
"Ah, yes. Since the Dwarves devices have been so successful, that is the means we are going to use to get us close to within ten kilometers of Bormio on the side away from the army. This way such a large landing of troops won't be noticed. That is something else Ms Delacour will ascertain on her visit to the site tonight. Ensuring the town hasn't got some affair going on and that our landing site is clear. We will muster in groups of ten as we had before for transport. One group will consist of our centaurs and flyers. Anything else?"
"Are the dragons also going to be transported that way as well?" Charley asked.
"I don't know. Will they be able to handle that?" Justin asked back.
Charley thought about that a moment. "I haven't experienced this means of transport to be able to answer that," he finally admitted.
"When we are done here dragon handler, I will personally demonstrate it to you," Blayrock called out.
"Thank you that will help. Dragons are used to being apparated so if it's similar they shouldn't have an issue though they will be skittish and irritable when arriving from Romania. And I do require a lift from there first. I intend to transport them here in cages for safety reasons. But when we leave for the battle field they will be free and controlled by myself and my fellow handler Ranson. This also means we will need a clear field to land in so we can settle the dragons before sending them airborne." Charlie glanced over to Delacour to see what she might say about the requirement.
She stood and gestured to the viewscreen. "Could you please send the drone to the southwest of the mountain, please."
Shackelbolt did as bidden. The view showed the drone moving over the landscape until it passed over a thick area of forest before halting over a small meadow surrounded by the trees.
"Will this area do for your needs," she asked Charley.
"Yes, it's perfect and it will keep the dragons invisible long enough for them to get to a high altitude so they won't be seen until we attack," Charley said, nodding in satisfaction.
"Excellent. Thank you for insuring that was covered. As for the actual transport you asked about, I will send Balor with you to pick the dragons up from Romania tonight," Blayrock nodded agreement. Charlie gave him a brief salute in return.
"Anything else needing to be discussed or covered?" Jason asked again.
"I wanted to remind you, Jason, that my people still need to be transported. I don't believe they need to be here until morning but I do need to notify them of what is planned before that. I will remain at home and arrive with them in the morning unless there is other business you need me for here," Madame Bones spoke up.
"Ah, yes of course, I had forgotten about that, Madame Bones. Thank you for the reminder. No, I believe we have covered all that is needed tonight. Tomorrow will be good for your team. Dobby can make sure you are taken home. Then I believe meeting in Queerditch Marsh again will work to retrieve you all here once more." Jason paused to look over at Blayrock. "Are your people available to do another mass transfer."
"Oh aye, not a problem Jason. What time do you wish pick up, Madam Bones?" The Dwarf leader asked.
Bones thought a moment then said, "Eight forty-five should be fine, thank you." Blayrock just nodded.
"Dobby here, sir," the house elf appeared on the table before Jason suddenly. "I have answer for you. Hogwart's house elf leader Firg agrees to be part of the battle plan. I but need to pick him up in the morning. I also would be happy to transport Madam Bones and her people home tonight."
"Thank you Dobby. Well that's it folks. Get some rest and prepare for action in the morning," Jason told them all before moving off with Shackelbolt for a private discussion.
"Dobby can take you now if you wish Madame Bones," Dobby said the Auror politely.
She looked around for a moment, didn't see anyone she needed to speak to nor anyone needing to see her so nodded. "If you would collect my people too please."
"Of course Madam Bones. Would you care to proceed to the transport room while I do that?"
"Certainly. See you there," she said with a smile. With that she began to walk to the exit while Dobby apparated away.
Dumbledore gathered his own people around him and walked them to a more quiet corner. When they formed a circle around the headmaster, Dumbledore said, "Except for Charley, do anyone here need to go home for any reason?"
The Order of the Phoenix eyed each for a few minutes then heads shook no. "Nah, Albus, we good to stay here overnight, means we get a bit more sleep and breakfast before running around a field tomorrow," Tonks said for all.
"Good idea, then I will say good night to you all. Get rested and I will see you in the morning," Dumbledore said with a smile before walking off. The rest wandered off to their own pursuits.
Delacour met up with the leader of the muggle tactical team and set up signals to be used, their skill set, who was in charge of the field, etc. It took them a few hours but eventually, Delacour was satisfied the group would be a good fit with her plans and set off to get some food before getting some rest.