Author's Notes: I apologise for the long delay, however chapter eight is
finally finished. Thank you to all of you who have emailed me with
encouragement! Also thank you to Rachel, who 'encouraged' me to not get up
from my seat until the whole chapter was finished.
Disclaimer: As in part one; everything you don't recognise from the books is mine.
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It was dark by the time Thor managed to escape the dozens of representatives who had all arrived at Hogwarts soon after his summons. They had all flocked to him with offers of loyalty, servitude, and aid in his war against Voldemort..which had somehow become public knowledge. The rulers of all the magical beasts and beings had promised him the better parts of their armies in less than a day.
Thor had graciously accepted all their offers of help, and fled as quickly as possible. This was one aspect of who he was now, he decided firmly, that he most definitely did not like. The afternoon's talks had not been helped by the fact that Zodiac had hung around looking as though he was trying not to laugh.
Now, as the sun disappeared in the horizon and the Moon showed herself in the skies, Thor breathed a sigh of relief and slipped into the higher levels of the school, still trying to keep away from anyone who wanted him to do anything. He had, throughout the afternoon, felt horrifying jolts of pain, and now he wanted to try to send something back across his bond to Draco, to tell the Unicorn-born that they were coming soon.
However it was not to be, as Thor discovered to his chagrin as he reached the old Transfiguration classroom. The entire Council of Mages had laid in wait for him, and now pounced, drawing him into the classroom and sitting him down firmly at a desk before he could object at all.
"What?' he demanded irritably. "If you hadn't noticed, I've had a long afternoon." He glared around at the Council, daring them with his eyes to give him any bad news.
"Yes," Zodiac agreed mildly. "I did warn the Council, Thor, but I'm afraid this is rather important." His eyes danced mischievously, but the angry, almost desperate look in Thor's eyes made him become sombre quickly. "It's about your coronation, Thor."
Thor stared, unsure if he had actually heard Zodiac correctly. He blinked, and went over Zodiac's words in his mind. He blinked again. Then he raised his eyebrows curiously. "You actually think I'll agree to go through a coronation at a time like this?" he inquired, very interested in the reply.
"You can't lead unless you're crowned," Coyote told him curtly. "You must have a coronation if you are to be crowned."
Thor stared at him for a long moment, then laughed at him. When he finally regained control of himself, wiping tears from his eyes, he gasped, "Mother of dragons, you really are clueless, aren't you?"
Coyote bristled in anger. "Excuse me?" he demanded stiffly.
"I've already been accepted by the dragons," Thor said, deadly serious now. "That is all the crowning I need, Mage Coyote. And the coronation of the Dragon King cannot take place without the presence of the Unicorn-born of the Prophecy, who unfortunately happens to be Voldemort's captive right now - I believe you've seen him before. You know, my apprentice, Draco Malfoy." Thor shrugged a little. "Besides, coronations are pointless. I've already been accepted by the magical creatures and peoples, it's only the Mages and the Wizards who haven't formally accepted me. Everyone else is willing to go to war with me in two days." He rose from the desk. "Now, if you don't mind, I have to go and prepare war strategies. You know, so we can defeat Voldemort?"
He stalked from the room with grace and purpose, leaving both Zodiac and Seraph to calm the agitated Council. They were, however, worried. Thor only got that sarcastic when he was either really angry or upset. They suspected that it was latter emotion that was causing the problem at the moment.
They were right. Thor stormed through the castle, once more trying to find a place to attempt to contact Draco from. The only problem, he fumed to himself, was that because of the stupidity of the Council his connection with Draco had faded amongst his raging emotions.
He stalked through the doorway to Draco's room; the door slammed behind him. With a sigh he dropped onto the bed. If he couldn't contact Draco now, he resolved, he would just have to wait until he was calmer. He stripped off his boots and closed his eyes as the last vestiges of sunlight left the room.
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Draco lifted his head wearily, and spat at the red-haired man in front of him. Ron didn't even bother to wipe it away; he raised his fist and punched Draco's stomach. Draco jerked back, but the chains that he wore held him in place. Another two punches; Draco felt blood dribble down his chin from his mouth. Ron paused and regarded him grimly.
"What?" Draco managed. "Can't take any more, Weasley? Doesn't really surprise me, you always were pathetic." Ron hissed in fury and kicked Draco's stomach. Draco mused with a small part of his mind that if he had eaten any breakfast, he wouldn't be able to keep it down. He slowly got his breath back.
"Is that the best you can do?" he taunted. "But then again, your master won't be best pleased if you kill me, will he? No, he needs me. Unlike you, you filthy traitor. You're entirely dispensable."
"Shut it, Malfoy," Ron warned darkly. "My master may want you alive, but he said nothing about the condition you were to be in." He raised his fist again, and Draco winced in expectation.
"No, Weasley," came a rasping voice from a darkened corner of the room. "As much as I enjoy watching you play out your old school rivalries, matters are swiftly coming to a head." Voldemort emerged from the shadows, his red eyes glinting. Ron bowed low, and Draco aimed a kick at the Death Eater's back that missed as Ron twisted away.
"As I've said, Voldemort," Draco spat, "I'll tell you nothing. Not about Thor, not about the Dragon King - and not about me, either." Voldemort stepped closer to him and ran one long finger down his jaw.
"You're talking a great deal," the older Mage said slowly. "But not about the right things." He stepped back, and Draco glared. "I want to know about the Dragon King, Draco, and his plans..and I am certain you know them."
"I know nothing," Draco snapped. "Haven't you got that through your thick skull yet? Oh, I forgot - you don't have a brain, so you couldn't possibly comprehend such a simple fact."
"Arrogance, Draco, will not be tolerated," Voldemort observed lazily, producing his wand. "I should have thought you had learnt that lesson by now. *Crucio*." Draco screamed as agony enveloped him; the pain lessened slightly, and he could feel waves of comfort through the bond he now shared with Thor. Then the curse was lifted, and he gasped for breath.
"Well?" Voldemort demanded, looking thoroughly disgruntled. "Tell me why the Circle of Mages has gone to Hogwarts." Draco lifted his head and met Voldemort's eyes. "TELL ME, Malfoy!"
"I - don't - know," Draco managed. "I don't know." He slumped against his chains. He didn't hear the curse; he only felt pain race through his body like fire.
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Thor jerked awake, still screaming from Draco's pain. Someone was holding his shoulders; blindly he thrashed against whoever it was until a worried voice reached his ears.
"Thor - Thor, it's only me," Zodiac soothed. Thor blinked up at the Mage. "Thor, what's wrong?"
Thor shook his head, unable to speak. He took a deep breath, pushed Zodiac away, and then sat up. "Draco," he said hoarsely. "Voldemort is torturing Draco." He shivered. "And I'm sitting here, wasting time when I should be getting him out of there." He grabbed his boots and tugged them on angrily, then checked that his wand was in place at his belt.
"Thor, calm down," Zodiac ordered him. Thor glanced up, his eyes flashing. "You can't help Draco if you go off half-cocked. Remember your lessons on attack strategy, for Dragons' sakes."
"Make a plan, get necessary help, then execute the plan," Thor repeated tonelessly. Zodiac pulled him into his arms and hugged him gently. Thor sighed. "But..but I can feel what Draco's going through," he explained. "And I..I don't want him to suffer because of me. Too many people have suffered in my life because of me."
"But it isn't your fault," Zodiac reminded Thor. "And you wouldn't be doing Draco any favours if you just rushed in. Voldemort would sense you the moment you entered the Dragon-realms, and would hurt Draco more - maybe even kill him. You know that."
Thor closed his eyes. Zodiac was making sense, he knew, but he didn't like it. He took a deep breath, and stood up. "The representatives are all still here, aren't they?" he inquired. Zodiac silently nodded. "Good. I'll go talk to them now."
'What about breakfast?" Zodiac reminded him. Thor turned, his eyes cold. "If Draco doesn't get breakfast," he said softly, "then neither do I." He left Draco's room, and began making his way through Hogwarts towards the entrance hall.
He had almost made it when someone grabbed his shoulder, effectively halting him. Thor whipped around, his wand instantly in his hand, and had spoken half a curse when he realised who it was. He relaxed.
"Sirius," he breathed. "Please don't sneak up on me like that."
Sirius gave a small smile. "Sorry, Harry - uh, Thor. Sorry."
Thor shrugged awkwardly. "I'd like for you to call me Harry," he admitted. "You - you're the closest thing to family I have, Sirius." Sirius regarded him for a moment, then hugged him. Thor relaxed for a moment, then pulled away. "Did you want something, Sirius? Only I need to go and talk to those representatives."
"You were screaming, Harry," Sirius reminded him. "I imagine the whole castle heard it." Thor winced. "Was it that - that bond thing you have with Malfoy?" Thor nodded, and Sirius sighed. "Let me guess, you're going to tear off in a great hurry and try to rescue him?" Thor's mouth dropped open. Sirius grinned. 'I was your father's best friend, Harry, and you're just like him. Come on, the representatives are all in the entrance hall. I'll go down with you, I want breakfast." Thor nodded, and they continued down to the entrance hall. Sirius disappeared into the Great Hall to fill his stomach, and Thor surveyed the representatives of various species.
Elves, Half-Elves, fairies, goblins, dwarfs, dryads, nymphs, sprites, a basilisk, a griffin, a chimaera and a unicorn all wandered about the entrance hall, creating the oddest group Thor had ever seen - and that, Thor smiled to himself, was saying something. The chimaera and the basilisk were keeping to themselves thankfully, but the other species were mixing together freely, despite any rivalries that existed between them. Thor chewed on his lip thoughtfully as he pondered what he was going to say to them - now that he was here, he really wasn't sure what the best course of action would be.
Finally he cleared his throat. The conversations, in all languages, died down, and the beasts and beings turned to him with bows. Thor nodded to them all. Then he asked bluntly: "How soon can your armies be here?"
There was some low muttering among the crowd, then a dwarf stepped forward. "I think I'm right in sayin' that most of 'em could be 'ere by tomorrow mornin', sire," he observed. "Might I ask why you want to know?"
Thor regarded the dwarf calmly. "Assuming the armies arrive by tomorrow morning, we will go into battle tomorrow at noon." He looked around at the others. "Does anyone have anything to say about this?" Again there was low muttering. Thor glanced around at them all; none met his eyes except the Half-Elf representative, who stepped out of the crowd.
"Sire," he began delicately. "Might I inquire as to this sudden haste, if it would not be too bold? It will take some time for our armies to coordinate - surely it would be better to delay the beginning of the battle until we are sure how well the armies will work together?"
Thor sighed inwardly at the etiquette of Half-Elves that prevented the Half- Elf in front of him from saying that he thought it was a stupid idea. Now he carefully shaped his words to be indirect enough so that the Half-Elf wouldn't find them offensive, but clear enough that everyone else would get the message.
In the end he gave up and settled for bluntness, hoping the Half-Elves wouldn't be too upset. "Draco Malfoy is a prisoner of Voldemort, and he must be retrieved. Also, all of Britain has been enslaved to this Mage, and I find this completely unacceptable. I believe that we can coordinate the armies in time - and I fully intend to end the imprisonment of Britain by this time in two days." He paused, and looked around again. "Any more questions?"
"I have one," came a familiar voice from behind Thor. Thor didn't turn; Coyote walked around him until they were facing. "How do you propose to enter the Dragon-realms with a group of magical beasts and beings and go to wherever Mage Voldemort happens to be without attracting his attention? For that matter, how do you propose freeing an entire country in one day?"
Thor raised one eyebrow. "You will find out with everyone else, Mage Coyote," he replied coolly, "in ten minutes, by the lake so the Mer- representative may attend. Perhaps, if you have any specific questions, you would be civil enough to address them to me in private." He met Coyote's eyes; a battle of wills took place. Finally Coyote turned away. Thor nodded, satisfied, and looked back at the representatives. "As I said to Mage Coyote, there will be council in ten minutes at the furthest edge of the lake to discuss the plan for battle. I would be most grateful if you could all give me a specific time of arrival of your armies then." He looked back at Coyote. "Mage Coyote, a word, please."
He whirled and strode towards a small room that lay off to the side of the entrance hall, certain that Coyote was following him. Once the other Mage was inside, Thor closed the door and rounded furiously on him.
"You had no right to question me out there," he said sharply. "You may not like me, Coyote, and Dragons know that I don't like you, but if I don't have your cooperation in this there's no way I can succeed."
"I disagree," Coyote snapped. "I have every right to question you, Thor - or is it your majesty now? You say you are the Dragon King, but you have no proof of your claim, even if it is taken for granted by everyone else. You are as you always have been; too sure of your own abilities to think about the danger your actions put the rest of the world in; too arrogant to survive long in this world, or any other. You can't see past your own emotions - can't see past your apprentice to what would be best for the whole world!"
He stopped, catching his breath, and Thor raised his eyebrows. "Are you quite finished?" he inquired. "Because quite frankly, Coyote, I don't care what you think, since almost all of your opinions are based on prejudice and jealousy, and I don't really want to hear it. If you don't trust the Mages under your guidance as to my right to claim the Dragon King's throne, perhaps you'd like to take it up with the Dragons - you trust their word, don't you, Coyote?" There was a dangerous glint in Thor's eye; he was fed up with dealing with Coyote, and he didn't mind letting Coyote know it.
Finally Thor sighed. "Look, Coyote, I don't want to fight you. May I count on having the Circle's help, or must I change my plans?"
Coyote shook his head. "I know I can't stop you," he muttered. "You have the Circle's help..even if I do not trust you as far as I can throw you."
Unexpectedly, Thor smiled. "No more do I trust you," he revealed. "And I'm glad we understand each other. Now I'd better get to the lake - are you coming?"
"I'm going to talk to your Professor Dumbledore first," Coyote told him. "The Wizards still haven't produced a representative."
"Not surprising, considering most of them are in work camps," Thor reminded him, raking a hand through his hair. "Try not to take too long?" He turned and left the room, aware that Coyote was glaring at him. He smiled slightly. He did enjoy getting Coyote flustered, although, he reminded himself with a sigh, it wasn't really the sort of thing a king should do.
A ghost of pain hit his chest, and he faltered for a moment on the front steps of the castle, taking several deep breaths. He closed his eyes for a second, then glanced up at the sky as an owl came towards him with a screech. He instinctively ducked, but grabbed the parchment that the owl dropped to him. He frowned at the seal. A black snake twisted around a black skull. Now he thought about it, he remembered seeing that sign in one of his books when he had still been a Mage apprentice. It was the sign of a Mage who had gone insane years before Voldemort had even been born.
"Ironic," Thor muttered, and opened the letter. He quickly read it, and then pursed his lips thoughtfully. He raised his eyes to Hermione, who was standing at the bottom of the steps.
"Who's it from?" she inquired quietly.
"Voldemort," Thor said lazily. "He seems to think that by threatening me with Draco's death, he will force me into giving myself up to him." He scrunched the parchment into a ball, threw it into the air and set it alight. "I think his years of evil have turned him absolutely insane. I know he won't kill Draco, because if he does that I won't have any incentive to go after him," he explained on her inquisitive look. "So his threat is pointless. Are you coming down to the lake?"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at the complete change of subject, then nodded. "Professor Dumbledore appointed me as the wizard representative," she informed him. "Much to the disapproval of certain Potions Masters, but I daresay he'll live."
Thor smiled slightly. "Oh, I'm sure he will," he agreed dryly. 'We've done much worse to him, after all." He descended the steps, and together they walked down to the lake, where the representatives were all waiting. A merman bobbed his head out of the water as Thor approached.
Thor sat down, indicated for the others to do so, and then began outlining his plan.
"The armies will be split up into dozens, if not hundreds, or smaller groups," he started. "Each group will have a member of each species' army; possibly several, depending on numbers. The Mage and wizard or witch of each group will Apparate the group to set locations around Britain - the main work camps and London - and free the wizards, witches and non-magical people there. Death Eaters should be killed or captured; whatever happens, don't let any get free." He paused to let this sink in. "A larger group, probably mostly Mages and wizards, will go to the Dragon-realms. We know Voldemort doesn't have a large force there, thanks to the Mages who have been scrying, so we won't need many. We will capture or kill any Death Eaters, retrieve Draco Malfoy, and, if possible, bring the Mage Voldemort back into this realm for justice."
He leant back on his arms, waiting the uproar he knew would come. For a long moment, there was silence. Then a dryad exhaled loudly.
"You're crazy," she said bluntly. "Your majesty, you are absolutely crazy." Thor grinned, and she proceeded to explain exactly why he was crazy.
It took several long hours for Thor to persuade and cajole all the beasts and beings that his plan was actually the most sensible course of action and had the least risk of loss of life. It took several more hours for him to then explain to Zodiac, Seraph, Sirius and Hermione exactly why he had to face Voldemort alone, even though he had told the representatives that he would bring back Voldemort for justice.
"I just don't understand, Thor!" Seraph exclaimed at last, when the sun was directly above them in the sky. "I don't understand why it is you hate this man so much that you're determined to destroy him - it just isn't like you!"
"No," Thor said quietly, exhausted from talking. "No, it isn't like me. But Voldemort destroyed my life, Seraph. He took my parents, my home, my friends, and now he's taken my apprentice and my love. He has gone too far, and he will pay for that." He glanced up at the other three. "Look, I'm sorry if you don't like it, but I'm not giving you any choice. Voldemort and I need a confrontation - it's what always happens between us. You know that as well as I do."
He was about to say more, he cut himself off and shook his head silently.
"Harry," Hermione sighed, "You're right, I don't like it. But..but you're going to do it anyway. Is there anything I can do to help?"
A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. "Just.just keep safe, 'Mione. All of you.just keep safe." He lifted his face to the sky. I'm nearly coming, Draco, his mind whispered. Just a few more hours.
In the Dragon-realms, chained to the wall, a slow smile spread across Draco's face in the darkness. "A few more hours," he muttered. "Just a few more hours." He closed his eyes, and drifted into an uneasy sleep that was disturbed with dreams of unicorns and dragons battling together.
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Disclaimer: As in part one; everything you don't recognise from the books is mine.
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It was dark by the time Thor managed to escape the dozens of representatives who had all arrived at Hogwarts soon after his summons. They had all flocked to him with offers of loyalty, servitude, and aid in his war against Voldemort..which had somehow become public knowledge. The rulers of all the magical beasts and beings had promised him the better parts of their armies in less than a day.
Thor had graciously accepted all their offers of help, and fled as quickly as possible. This was one aspect of who he was now, he decided firmly, that he most definitely did not like. The afternoon's talks had not been helped by the fact that Zodiac had hung around looking as though he was trying not to laugh.
Now, as the sun disappeared in the horizon and the Moon showed herself in the skies, Thor breathed a sigh of relief and slipped into the higher levels of the school, still trying to keep away from anyone who wanted him to do anything. He had, throughout the afternoon, felt horrifying jolts of pain, and now he wanted to try to send something back across his bond to Draco, to tell the Unicorn-born that they were coming soon.
However it was not to be, as Thor discovered to his chagrin as he reached the old Transfiguration classroom. The entire Council of Mages had laid in wait for him, and now pounced, drawing him into the classroom and sitting him down firmly at a desk before he could object at all.
"What?' he demanded irritably. "If you hadn't noticed, I've had a long afternoon." He glared around at the Council, daring them with his eyes to give him any bad news.
"Yes," Zodiac agreed mildly. "I did warn the Council, Thor, but I'm afraid this is rather important." His eyes danced mischievously, but the angry, almost desperate look in Thor's eyes made him become sombre quickly. "It's about your coronation, Thor."
Thor stared, unsure if he had actually heard Zodiac correctly. He blinked, and went over Zodiac's words in his mind. He blinked again. Then he raised his eyebrows curiously. "You actually think I'll agree to go through a coronation at a time like this?" he inquired, very interested in the reply.
"You can't lead unless you're crowned," Coyote told him curtly. "You must have a coronation if you are to be crowned."
Thor stared at him for a long moment, then laughed at him. When he finally regained control of himself, wiping tears from his eyes, he gasped, "Mother of dragons, you really are clueless, aren't you?"
Coyote bristled in anger. "Excuse me?" he demanded stiffly.
"I've already been accepted by the dragons," Thor said, deadly serious now. "That is all the crowning I need, Mage Coyote. And the coronation of the Dragon King cannot take place without the presence of the Unicorn-born of the Prophecy, who unfortunately happens to be Voldemort's captive right now - I believe you've seen him before. You know, my apprentice, Draco Malfoy." Thor shrugged a little. "Besides, coronations are pointless. I've already been accepted by the magical creatures and peoples, it's only the Mages and the Wizards who haven't formally accepted me. Everyone else is willing to go to war with me in two days." He rose from the desk. "Now, if you don't mind, I have to go and prepare war strategies. You know, so we can defeat Voldemort?"
He stalked from the room with grace and purpose, leaving both Zodiac and Seraph to calm the agitated Council. They were, however, worried. Thor only got that sarcastic when he was either really angry or upset. They suspected that it was latter emotion that was causing the problem at the moment.
They were right. Thor stormed through the castle, once more trying to find a place to attempt to contact Draco from. The only problem, he fumed to himself, was that because of the stupidity of the Council his connection with Draco had faded amongst his raging emotions.
He stalked through the doorway to Draco's room; the door slammed behind him. With a sigh he dropped onto the bed. If he couldn't contact Draco now, he resolved, he would just have to wait until he was calmer. He stripped off his boots and closed his eyes as the last vestiges of sunlight left the room.
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Draco lifted his head wearily, and spat at the red-haired man in front of him. Ron didn't even bother to wipe it away; he raised his fist and punched Draco's stomach. Draco jerked back, but the chains that he wore held him in place. Another two punches; Draco felt blood dribble down his chin from his mouth. Ron paused and regarded him grimly.
"What?" Draco managed. "Can't take any more, Weasley? Doesn't really surprise me, you always were pathetic." Ron hissed in fury and kicked Draco's stomach. Draco mused with a small part of his mind that if he had eaten any breakfast, he wouldn't be able to keep it down. He slowly got his breath back.
"Is that the best you can do?" he taunted. "But then again, your master won't be best pleased if you kill me, will he? No, he needs me. Unlike you, you filthy traitor. You're entirely dispensable."
"Shut it, Malfoy," Ron warned darkly. "My master may want you alive, but he said nothing about the condition you were to be in." He raised his fist again, and Draco winced in expectation.
"No, Weasley," came a rasping voice from a darkened corner of the room. "As much as I enjoy watching you play out your old school rivalries, matters are swiftly coming to a head." Voldemort emerged from the shadows, his red eyes glinting. Ron bowed low, and Draco aimed a kick at the Death Eater's back that missed as Ron twisted away.
"As I've said, Voldemort," Draco spat, "I'll tell you nothing. Not about Thor, not about the Dragon King - and not about me, either." Voldemort stepped closer to him and ran one long finger down his jaw.
"You're talking a great deal," the older Mage said slowly. "But not about the right things." He stepped back, and Draco glared. "I want to know about the Dragon King, Draco, and his plans..and I am certain you know them."
"I know nothing," Draco snapped. "Haven't you got that through your thick skull yet? Oh, I forgot - you don't have a brain, so you couldn't possibly comprehend such a simple fact."
"Arrogance, Draco, will not be tolerated," Voldemort observed lazily, producing his wand. "I should have thought you had learnt that lesson by now. *Crucio*." Draco screamed as agony enveloped him; the pain lessened slightly, and he could feel waves of comfort through the bond he now shared with Thor. Then the curse was lifted, and he gasped for breath.
"Well?" Voldemort demanded, looking thoroughly disgruntled. "Tell me why the Circle of Mages has gone to Hogwarts." Draco lifted his head and met Voldemort's eyes. "TELL ME, Malfoy!"
"I - don't - know," Draco managed. "I don't know." He slumped against his chains. He didn't hear the curse; he only felt pain race through his body like fire.
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Thor jerked awake, still screaming from Draco's pain. Someone was holding his shoulders; blindly he thrashed against whoever it was until a worried voice reached his ears.
"Thor - Thor, it's only me," Zodiac soothed. Thor blinked up at the Mage. "Thor, what's wrong?"
Thor shook his head, unable to speak. He took a deep breath, pushed Zodiac away, and then sat up. "Draco," he said hoarsely. "Voldemort is torturing Draco." He shivered. "And I'm sitting here, wasting time when I should be getting him out of there." He grabbed his boots and tugged them on angrily, then checked that his wand was in place at his belt.
"Thor, calm down," Zodiac ordered him. Thor glanced up, his eyes flashing. "You can't help Draco if you go off half-cocked. Remember your lessons on attack strategy, for Dragons' sakes."
"Make a plan, get necessary help, then execute the plan," Thor repeated tonelessly. Zodiac pulled him into his arms and hugged him gently. Thor sighed. "But..but I can feel what Draco's going through," he explained. "And I..I don't want him to suffer because of me. Too many people have suffered in my life because of me."
"But it isn't your fault," Zodiac reminded Thor. "And you wouldn't be doing Draco any favours if you just rushed in. Voldemort would sense you the moment you entered the Dragon-realms, and would hurt Draco more - maybe even kill him. You know that."
Thor closed his eyes. Zodiac was making sense, he knew, but he didn't like it. He took a deep breath, and stood up. "The representatives are all still here, aren't they?" he inquired. Zodiac silently nodded. "Good. I'll go talk to them now."
'What about breakfast?" Zodiac reminded him. Thor turned, his eyes cold. "If Draco doesn't get breakfast," he said softly, "then neither do I." He left Draco's room, and began making his way through Hogwarts towards the entrance hall.
He had almost made it when someone grabbed his shoulder, effectively halting him. Thor whipped around, his wand instantly in his hand, and had spoken half a curse when he realised who it was. He relaxed.
"Sirius," he breathed. "Please don't sneak up on me like that."
Sirius gave a small smile. "Sorry, Harry - uh, Thor. Sorry."
Thor shrugged awkwardly. "I'd like for you to call me Harry," he admitted. "You - you're the closest thing to family I have, Sirius." Sirius regarded him for a moment, then hugged him. Thor relaxed for a moment, then pulled away. "Did you want something, Sirius? Only I need to go and talk to those representatives."
"You were screaming, Harry," Sirius reminded him. "I imagine the whole castle heard it." Thor winced. "Was it that - that bond thing you have with Malfoy?" Thor nodded, and Sirius sighed. "Let me guess, you're going to tear off in a great hurry and try to rescue him?" Thor's mouth dropped open. Sirius grinned. 'I was your father's best friend, Harry, and you're just like him. Come on, the representatives are all in the entrance hall. I'll go down with you, I want breakfast." Thor nodded, and they continued down to the entrance hall. Sirius disappeared into the Great Hall to fill his stomach, and Thor surveyed the representatives of various species.
Elves, Half-Elves, fairies, goblins, dwarfs, dryads, nymphs, sprites, a basilisk, a griffin, a chimaera and a unicorn all wandered about the entrance hall, creating the oddest group Thor had ever seen - and that, Thor smiled to himself, was saying something. The chimaera and the basilisk were keeping to themselves thankfully, but the other species were mixing together freely, despite any rivalries that existed between them. Thor chewed on his lip thoughtfully as he pondered what he was going to say to them - now that he was here, he really wasn't sure what the best course of action would be.
Finally he cleared his throat. The conversations, in all languages, died down, and the beasts and beings turned to him with bows. Thor nodded to them all. Then he asked bluntly: "How soon can your armies be here?"
There was some low muttering among the crowd, then a dwarf stepped forward. "I think I'm right in sayin' that most of 'em could be 'ere by tomorrow mornin', sire," he observed. "Might I ask why you want to know?"
Thor regarded the dwarf calmly. "Assuming the armies arrive by tomorrow morning, we will go into battle tomorrow at noon." He looked around at the others. "Does anyone have anything to say about this?" Again there was low muttering. Thor glanced around at them all; none met his eyes except the Half-Elf representative, who stepped out of the crowd.
"Sire," he began delicately. "Might I inquire as to this sudden haste, if it would not be too bold? It will take some time for our armies to coordinate - surely it would be better to delay the beginning of the battle until we are sure how well the armies will work together?"
Thor sighed inwardly at the etiquette of Half-Elves that prevented the Half- Elf in front of him from saying that he thought it was a stupid idea. Now he carefully shaped his words to be indirect enough so that the Half-Elf wouldn't find them offensive, but clear enough that everyone else would get the message.
In the end he gave up and settled for bluntness, hoping the Half-Elves wouldn't be too upset. "Draco Malfoy is a prisoner of Voldemort, and he must be retrieved. Also, all of Britain has been enslaved to this Mage, and I find this completely unacceptable. I believe that we can coordinate the armies in time - and I fully intend to end the imprisonment of Britain by this time in two days." He paused, and looked around again. "Any more questions?"
"I have one," came a familiar voice from behind Thor. Thor didn't turn; Coyote walked around him until they were facing. "How do you propose to enter the Dragon-realms with a group of magical beasts and beings and go to wherever Mage Voldemort happens to be without attracting his attention? For that matter, how do you propose freeing an entire country in one day?"
Thor raised one eyebrow. "You will find out with everyone else, Mage Coyote," he replied coolly, "in ten minutes, by the lake so the Mer- representative may attend. Perhaps, if you have any specific questions, you would be civil enough to address them to me in private." He met Coyote's eyes; a battle of wills took place. Finally Coyote turned away. Thor nodded, satisfied, and looked back at the representatives. "As I said to Mage Coyote, there will be council in ten minutes at the furthest edge of the lake to discuss the plan for battle. I would be most grateful if you could all give me a specific time of arrival of your armies then." He looked back at Coyote. "Mage Coyote, a word, please."
He whirled and strode towards a small room that lay off to the side of the entrance hall, certain that Coyote was following him. Once the other Mage was inside, Thor closed the door and rounded furiously on him.
"You had no right to question me out there," he said sharply. "You may not like me, Coyote, and Dragons know that I don't like you, but if I don't have your cooperation in this there's no way I can succeed."
"I disagree," Coyote snapped. "I have every right to question you, Thor - or is it your majesty now? You say you are the Dragon King, but you have no proof of your claim, even if it is taken for granted by everyone else. You are as you always have been; too sure of your own abilities to think about the danger your actions put the rest of the world in; too arrogant to survive long in this world, or any other. You can't see past your own emotions - can't see past your apprentice to what would be best for the whole world!"
He stopped, catching his breath, and Thor raised his eyebrows. "Are you quite finished?" he inquired. "Because quite frankly, Coyote, I don't care what you think, since almost all of your opinions are based on prejudice and jealousy, and I don't really want to hear it. If you don't trust the Mages under your guidance as to my right to claim the Dragon King's throne, perhaps you'd like to take it up with the Dragons - you trust their word, don't you, Coyote?" There was a dangerous glint in Thor's eye; he was fed up with dealing with Coyote, and he didn't mind letting Coyote know it.
Finally Thor sighed. "Look, Coyote, I don't want to fight you. May I count on having the Circle's help, or must I change my plans?"
Coyote shook his head. "I know I can't stop you," he muttered. "You have the Circle's help..even if I do not trust you as far as I can throw you."
Unexpectedly, Thor smiled. "No more do I trust you," he revealed. "And I'm glad we understand each other. Now I'd better get to the lake - are you coming?"
"I'm going to talk to your Professor Dumbledore first," Coyote told him. "The Wizards still haven't produced a representative."
"Not surprising, considering most of them are in work camps," Thor reminded him, raking a hand through his hair. "Try not to take too long?" He turned and left the room, aware that Coyote was glaring at him. He smiled slightly. He did enjoy getting Coyote flustered, although, he reminded himself with a sigh, it wasn't really the sort of thing a king should do.
A ghost of pain hit his chest, and he faltered for a moment on the front steps of the castle, taking several deep breaths. He closed his eyes for a second, then glanced up at the sky as an owl came towards him with a screech. He instinctively ducked, but grabbed the parchment that the owl dropped to him. He frowned at the seal. A black snake twisted around a black skull. Now he thought about it, he remembered seeing that sign in one of his books when he had still been a Mage apprentice. It was the sign of a Mage who had gone insane years before Voldemort had even been born.
"Ironic," Thor muttered, and opened the letter. He quickly read it, and then pursed his lips thoughtfully. He raised his eyes to Hermione, who was standing at the bottom of the steps.
"Who's it from?" she inquired quietly.
"Voldemort," Thor said lazily. "He seems to think that by threatening me with Draco's death, he will force me into giving myself up to him." He scrunched the parchment into a ball, threw it into the air and set it alight. "I think his years of evil have turned him absolutely insane. I know he won't kill Draco, because if he does that I won't have any incentive to go after him," he explained on her inquisitive look. "So his threat is pointless. Are you coming down to the lake?"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at the complete change of subject, then nodded. "Professor Dumbledore appointed me as the wizard representative," she informed him. "Much to the disapproval of certain Potions Masters, but I daresay he'll live."
Thor smiled slightly. "Oh, I'm sure he will," he agreed dryly. 'We've done much worse to him, after all." He descended the steps, and together they walked down to the lake, where the representatives were all waiting. A merman bobbed his head out of the water as Thor approached.
Thor sat down, indicated for the others to do so, and then began outlining his plan.
"The armies will be split up into dozens, if not hundreds, or smaller groups," he started. "Each group will have a member of each species' army; possibly several, depending on numbers. The Mage and wizard or witch of each group will Apparate the group to set locations around Britain - the main work camps and London - and free the wizards, witches and non-magical people there. Death Eaters should be killed or captured; whatever happens, don't let any get free." He paused to let this sink in. "A larger group, probably mostly Mages and wizards, will go to the Dragon-realms. We know Voldemort doesn't have a large force there, thanks to the Mages who have been scrying, so we won't need many. We will capture or kill any Death Eaters, retrieve Draco Malfoy, and, if possible, bring the Mage Voldemort back into this realm for justice."
He leant back on his arms, waiting the uproar he knew would come. For a long moment, there was silence. Then a dryad exhaled loudly.
"You're crazy," she said bluntly. "Your majesty, you are absolutely crazy." Thor grinned, and she proceeded to explain exactly why he was crazy.
It took several long hours for Thor to persuade and cajole all the beasts and beings that his plan was actually the most sensible course of action and had the least risk of loss of life. It took several more hours for him to then explain to Zodiac, Seraph, Sirius and Hermione exactly why he had to face Voldemort alone, even though he had told the representatives that he would bring back Voldemort for justice.
"I just don't understand, Thor!" Seraph exclaimed at last, when the sun was directly above them in the sky. "I don't understand why it is you hate this man so much that you're determined to destroy him - it just isn't like you!"
"No," Thor said quietly, exhausted from talking. "No, it isn't like me. But Voldemort destroyed my life, Seraph. He took my parents, my home, my friends, and now he's taken my apprentice and my love. He has gone too far, and he will pay for that." He glanced up at the other three. "Look, I'm sorry if you don't like it, but I'm not giving you any choice. Voldemort and I need a confrontation - it's what always happens between us. You know that as well as I do."
He was about to say more, he cut himself off and shook his head silently.
"Harry," Hermione sighed, "You're right, I don't like it. But..but you're going to do it anyway. Is there anything I can do to help?"
A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. "Just.just keep safe, 'Mione. All of you.just keep safe." He lifted his face to the sky. I'm nearly coming, Draco, his mind whispered. Just a few more hours.
In the Dragon-realms, chained to the wall, a slow smile spread across Draco's face in the darkness. "A few more hours," he muttered. "Just a few more hours." He closed his eyes, and drifted into an uneasy sleep that was disturbed with dreams of unicorns and dragons battling together.
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