Betrayers Amongst Us
Battles In-Between Us
Ancient
Elements Around Us
Days and weeks passed, "Is everything ready?" asked the Shadow, "Harry Potter and his paltry army are preparing."
"Yes sir," replied the First Shadower, "There is nothing to worry about, I have already created our plan, we will win."
"Good," said the Shadow, "We will be watching." The Shadow disappeared.
"You heard him, the day is OURS!" the First one called to his troops. They cheered eager for battle…
Harry sighed, everything was as ready as it could be… he was still waiting…. at the first sign of enemy troops he would get reinforcements from the Ministry. He almost felt a foreshadowing of the events to come, the battlefield almost seemed to shake in anticipation, time was passing very slowly. Harry felt the uneasiness of all his troops, he had been able to recruit quite a few adults outside Hogwarts, or more accurately they had come to him. Harry could believe how well it was going for them, with Ministry support, they could destroy the Shadows. Granted; it wouldn't be easy and they would suffer losses, but they had a chance! Fawkes stood near Harry, seeming to know, without Harry telling him, that something was going to happen. Fawkes was ready to carry the letter in his beak to Fudge; Harry went over it again;
Minister,
The war has begun.
Harry Potter
Headmaster of Hogwarts
Harry considered it a moment, it seemed that it was inadequate, but he wasn't going to quote Shakespeare's 'Cry HAVOC and let slip the dogs of war…' Harry almost laughed at the thought. What a battle cry… almost seemed childish now… Harry looked up and saw Hermione sitting under a tree close to him, watching his every move. Harry smiled and folded the note. He got up and gave it to Fawkes as he walked over to Hermione, "Take this to Fudge my friend, when the battle begins," said Harry in Phoenix language, Fawkes nodded, Harry continued towards Hermione, she moved over and he sat next to her. Hermione smiled as he cuddled with her; Harry was getting better at cuddling, very much so ever since he had admitted he was insecure to her. Not to mention he'd been doing it a lot more often.
"It almost seems too peaceful…" she commented.
"I know," replied Harry, "The world itself seems to have paused… waiting… for the battle to begin. How easy this war would be if… I didn't have… a conscience… a heart…"
Hermione ribbed him, "Why's that dear?" she asked scathingly.
"I have seen my potential…" replied Harry, "When we fought each other…" Harry stopped, he couldn't continue…
Hermione sensed his hesitation, "Harry… you can tell me anything, I won't get mad at you… I promise," she said gently hugging him and trying to ease his fear.
"I actually saw myself kill you… then without conscience… slaughter billions mercilessly… torturing millions without heart… finally turning upon myself… the world shattered… the sun imploding… causing the extinction of all…" Harry paused, "Herm… I didn't really want to ever tell you… I felt so guilty…" Harry trailed off.
Hermione put her arm around him, "It's okay Harry… neither of us knew what we were doing…" she replied. They kissed quickly, "Our time will come…" Hermione said echoing Harry.
"We must allow them to fight," said Michael.
"But they would cause a Shadow war," replied Achill.
"Then we must fight them openly," replied Michael.
"Not now, let us see the outcome of the battle," said Herk.
"That is fair, but lives will be lost," replied Michael.
"As they will if the Elements are allowed to intervene," answered Achill.
Harry laid Prabhakar on his lap, Hermione pulled out hers, "It's amazing isn't it?" she asked.
"What is?" replied Harry.
"Prabhakar, the fact that it reflects the mood of the bearer," answered Hermione.
"Yep," said Harry, "Very unusual." Harry picked it up and smiled, this was the best present he'd ever gotten from anyone, other than Hermione. Prabhakar seemed to cut the cool thin air with a resonating hum. Hermione brought hers to bear and the two Prabhakars touched, they hummed in harmony and shone brighter, almost like a beating heart. Harry glanced up at Fawkes' scream, people were walking towards them. Harry got up, as he did he noticed they had a dark mark on their robes, not the Dark Mark but a black marking that Harry knew had to be from the Shadow army. "Fawkes," said Harry, "Go." Fawkes disappeared into flames. Harry rallied everyone, "Get ready…" he muttered to himself, "Here they come…"
Harry was the first to meet them… Hermione joined the fray. Everyone started shooting spells, Harry was able to repel them slightly, "Where are they…" Harry asked himself waiting for the Ministry troops… Fawkes appeared and screeched a beautiful note, but a sad one, Harry cursed as Fawkes told him what happened. Fudge had refused; they had been betrayed by the Ministry, Harry, then, suddenly realized that this seemed to be less than the 1000 they had expected. Another group attacked them from the opposite side, blocking them in, this was twice as many as they had expected… Harry looked around at the now ragtag group, he almost felt guilty… Both sides had lost too many… Harry knew they couldn't win this one… Not while his conscience, heart and soul told him he couldn't use the full extent of his powers… There was one thing left to do…
"Hermione!" Harry called.
Hermione answered quickly, "What?"
"Retreat," Harry said in the Ancient language, "This battle cannot be won."
"GATHER INTO A CLOSE GROUP!" Hermione snapped at her wing. They all formed a tight group, Harry did the same, both he and Hermione looked at each other for a moment… They both knew what to do, they would fight later, now was time for regrouping. But their two groups wondered… how would they escape?
Harry and Hermione Apparated their groups away from the battle… Something never done before in the history of magic…
They both collapsed, exhausted, "My…," gasped Hermione, "That was draining."
"Yeah, well our turn," said Harry sarcastically.
"Harry…" she said woozily, "I don't think I…" she trailed off as she hit the ground. Harry dived… Spells were flying towards them, Harry landed on top of her. The spells created a huge crater in the spot where they had been…
The Shadowers cheered, "We have been victorious," The First Shadower cried, "We decimated their army! We even killed Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
"Good," said the Shadow, "You three, bring me the villagers, First Shadower, you shall take the village south… Don't kill the muggles, bring them to me, they are still of use… What of Hogwarts?"
"My master, we are still attempting to take it, but they are putting up a horrendous fight. Now my lord, I wish to reveal my identity…" said the First Shadower, "To show my loyalty to you."
"Yes, you may," replied the Shadow. The First Shadower revealed his face… His flaming red hair…
"Ron, take some troops, deal with the village south, then take the north village," commanded the Shadow.
Ron smiled, "I want 200 volunteers," he said.
Hermione awoke with a start, Harry was sponging her forehead, "Harry?" she asked groggily.
"Yes Herm?" replied Harry.
"What happened?" she asked.
"You fainted," Harry replied.
"I know that, I mean; how did we escape," she scolded.
"Well enough, although just barely," answered Harry, "You rest for a while, I'm teaching a class in a few minutes," he said.
Hermione groaned, "Harry, I've been injured, fought in a battle and I really want to rest, so why can't you cancel your class and crawl in?" she asked irritably.
"Because, I have a war to win," Harry replied.
"Harry… please hurry back then, I would like some restful sleep," she commented sounding very irritable
"They fell without a hitch," said Ron, "It was all in the planning. I am a brilliant general." His companions nodded their agreement. The Shadowers ranks had swelled to beyond capacity with many soldiers, all ready to die for the cause… whatever that was
The Shadow awaited them, "What news?" he asked.
"Total victory my lord, we only lost 5 men!" replied Ron.
"Good Ron, but there is more to be completed," responded the Shadow, "The Ministry of Magic is now under our control, but there is still the matter of the schools, we must destroy Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and Hogwarts."
"Consider it done!" replied Ron, "I will rise to meet the challenge."
"Harrrrry," said Hermione's sweet voice yawned from in front him.
"Yes?" replied Harry sleepily hugging her.
"How many did we lose?" she asked carefully.
Harry sighed, "Over half," he responded sounding downhearted.
"What are we going to do?" she asked. Harry thought a moment then sighed, "We will have to take different tactics," he answered, "Not as direct; I suspected Ron was not being completely truthful about his allegiances, but I didn't think he would do that again… He is much better at strategy than I."
"Not necessarily Harry, this is not chess," Hermione replied snappishly, "You don't have just one move per turn…" she trailed off as Harry kissed her.
"You're right Herm," he said quietly, "Did I ever tell you… behind every great man is an even better woman?"
"You forgot more beautiful," Hermione giggled.
"Definitely that…" Harry answered with a kiss and smile.
"Harry, Hermione," a voice came from the shadows.
Harry and Hermione both got up and quickly grabbed their respective Prabhakar, "Who is there?" asked Harry Prabhakar shinning threateningly.
"Don't tell me you forgot me, I have been gone that long," replied Michael stepping out of the shadows.
Harry sighed in relief, "Don't do that," he said irritably.
"I won't be long, some people will join you soon," Michael said, "they will be… different, allow them to complete their mission." Michael paused, "…not that you could stop them…" with that Michael disappeared into the shadows.
"Yeah, just like you Michael," Harry muttered.
The ten Shadows stood in a circle around a sitting another one, Ahriman, "They have decided to interfere…" said the one that was coordinating the war.
"It is of no concern, I will send our trainees," said Ahriman, "They will be able to take on the Ancient Elementals."
"Are you sure?" asked another Shadow.
"Yes, I trained them myself," replied Ahriman, "But in any case, I want all eleven of you standing by."
"Yes," replied all nine at once.
"Take them with you and tell the Second Shadow," commanded Ahriman just before the others disappeared.
Harry hugged Hermione as he lay back down, "Do you think we should start planning our next attack?" he asked.
"Shouldn't you first figure out how many are still willing to fight?" asked Hermione.
"I believe that will take care of itself," Harry replied.
Hermione sat up, "What do you mean?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, yet," replied Harry, "But I have a feeling we will find out soon."
Hermione and Harry got up soon after. Harry sat outside looking over the dune strewn desert drawing in the sand, he was thinking about his next strategy.
"That's a great idea Harry," said Hermione looking down at his diagram.
"I certainly learned a lot having so much time to read," Harry replied looking down at it, "If we want to have this prepared, we'd better start."
"What about Michael's people?" she asked.
Harry sighed, "I won't depend on anything anymore… other than you…" Harry answered.
Hermione sat next to him, "I'm glad you still trust me," she said quietly.
"How could I not?" replied Harry.
"Where are you planning to meet them?" she asked.
Harry just smiled at her affectionately, his eyes glowing slightly.
"Have you found them," the Shadow asked Ron.
"Yes, unfortunately we didn't kill Harry Potter," replied Ron, "I'm formulating a plan now with my other generals. This should be simple, especially, considering our last conflict with him."
"Good, but take the Elementals with you, it may not be so simple this time, take extra precautions," the Shadow commanded.
"Yes sir," said Ron as he left, he went into his command tent, "Okay, what do we have?"
"We've been tracking his movements, he's setting up all his people here," one of his generals answered drawing an imaginary line across the page.
"How many are left?" he asked.
"We believe 100 maybe 200 people left," came the reply.
"The Shadow mentioned something about it not being as simple this time… plan for all contingencies," Ron said.
"Yes sir!" all the generals replied at once.
Harry smiled, Hermione smiled back… they were so close, having just kissed. They heard the wind pick up, a sandstorm was on the horizon.
"EVERYONE INSIDE!" Harry yelled above the wind, the sandstorm was moving fast. Harry grabbed Hermione and dived into their tent as the sandstorm hit…
Harry couldn't see, he missed it, he covered Hermione as sand stung both of them… then it stopped suddenly. It turned into a tornado; Harry glanced up and watched as it turned from a tornado into a white figure.
Harry coughed as he got up and offered Hermione a hand, she took it and Harry pulled her up, "Which Ancient are you?" asked Harry.
The figure didn't answer right away; then the wind spoke, "I AM… GOVAD."
"Why are you here?" he asked, "Michael did not speak of your mission."
"My mission is my own," replied Govad as he stared off into the distance, "Are you setting your trap?" he asked.
"About to…" Harry started.
"Start now," replied Govad, "There is little time."
"How far is it?" asked Ron.
"50 miles, we'll have to walk it, too many of our soldiers can't apparate. It wouldn't be prudent to separate into two groups. We looked into the contingencies of that and it wasn't good, too many of them," said his top general.
"Okay," replied Ron a little irritated, "Get them ready to move within the hour, I want to attack by morning."
"Isn't that a little too short a…" his top general started to respond.
"No, it's not, we should be able to make it before nightfall; if not we can move back the time table," Ron answered. The general nodded, "I will inform the men," he responded. "Good," replied Ron, "Remember one hour." The general left the room while nodding his assent.
The wind stopped, Harry whistled, "Nice," he said looking at Govad's work.
Govad didn't smile, "With great power comes great responsibility," he replied, "It is… satisfactory for this purpose; although, Gaia would have done better."
"Gaia?" asked Hermione. "My gift is the wind, it can cut through earth, but Gaia has the gift of earth, she controls it as I do wind," Govad said.
"How many are there?" asked Harry. Govad paused, "There are 4 of us," he replied.
There was a moment of silence, "What do you mean us?" asked Hermione.
"Well, there is Michael as well, but he far… different from us, we do not count him among us for that reason," Govad replied looking at the ground. It started to shake…
Gaia smiled and Govad looked slight uncomfortable. Gaia ribbed him again; "You know… that used to be us…" she trailed off.
Govad turned slight red but smiled, "I know… so long ago," he replied.
"Come on," said Gaia pulling Hermione from Harry, "You can kiss him more later; I want to hear about how you two met…" she continued as they left.
"Great," said Govad, "By this time tomorrow, they'll both know everything about us."
Harry laughed, "Yeah, probably more than that," he replied.
"How were you going to listen in?" asked Govad, "We were not told much about you, just that you two had a… special… connection."
"Oh, we're telepathically and empathically linked to each other," Harry smiled slightly, "Hermione's trying to listen in."
'You told me not to do exactly what you are doing…' Harry thought to her.
Harry felt her stop, he shook his head laughing, "That was good," he commented.
"How did you and Gaia meet?" he asked.
Govad sat down, "A long story," he replied, "But the short version; we were found and recruited by Michael, we met and fell for each other after a few years of bickering and trying to outdo each other."
"Long version?" asked Harry laughingly, "I'm sure Hermione will know in a few minutes anyway."
Govad laughed, "Yeah, you're right, but I think that we'll leave that to the girls and start on strategy," he said, "We have precious little time, Mayim and Joash should arrive soon to help… I forgot to ask Gaia to cover our work."
"No problem," said Harry, 'Herm, could you ask Gaia to cover our work?'
'Sure,' came the repy. A few seconds later the ground seemed to close.
"How do you guys do that?" asked Harry.
"It's our way," Govad replied, "It is our gift… and our curse."
"Curse?" asked Harry.
Govad sighed, "It is too difficult to explain in the time we have, but I do have a few suggestions on your strategy…"
A few hours later, Harry and Govad had greatly improved Harry's basic plan. "Thanks Govad, where'd you learn this?" asked Harry.
"We learn much from Michael, he had to fight the Shadow with an army of Farrak. That was nearly impossible battle, but he still triumphed," replied Govad. Harry smiled, maybe they had a chance.
"Allow me to lead the hidden ones, it will be difficult to tell when to intervene," said Govad.
"Okay… I was planning on asking Hermione," started Harry.
Govad smiled, "Yeah, right," was his only reply.
"What?" asked Harry.
"You really think she would do that?" Govad asked.
Harry sighed, "No, but it's always worth a try… isn't it?" he answered.
"For loved ones… yes," Govad replied, "How did you two meet?"
"On the Hogwarts Express… school train, she came in and asked Ron and I if we'd seen a frog running around," Harry smiled at the thought, but almost felt a pain from the loss of Ron…
Harry still wondered why Ron had betrayed them, he would have never thought it was in Ron's character. "You two just fell for each other?" Govad asked sounding slightly surprised.
"No, not even close, actually Ron and I mistreated her for a while…" Harry replied thinking of how sorry he was for that now, every day… he would always feel guilty about the way they treated her… "Just imagine how sorry I am for that now, I can't believe she loves me now… At first, she didn't like either one of us very much until we saved her from a troll in our first year. Still even after that we still mistreated her, treated her like a second-class person; we never encouraged her to walk with us… she was always hanging behind and we talked about her as though she wasn't there. But for some odd reason, she stuck by us, even though we put her in danger… Ron called her names and made comments like 'no wonder she doesn't have any friends' we called her odd… I didn't fight for her at all, so I'm just as guilty." Harry paused reflecting, "I can't believe she could ever love me after that… she showed so much faithfulness, so much hope, towards us, and until the end of the first year, Ron didn't accept her; neither did I to be honest. Even I was still treating her badly. She was always walking behind us, it wasn't until the second year we actually fully accepted her as a friend. Now, after all that, you'd think she'd hate our guts, but no, she stuck by us though thick and thin. In the sixth year, that's when we fell for each other… or told each other." Harry smiled.
"Why?" asked Govad.
"She was kidnapped by Voldemort and I went to rescue her. But I got caught; we spent days getting tortured by Death Eaters… some things that we won't ever admit to; happened between us… When we escaped… or actually when Michael rescued us, from the dungeon, we had a second chance with each other."
"Ever since then huh?" asked Govad.
"No… we've had more trials and tribulations than I could tell you… or care to recall," replied Harry, "But still no matter what happened, one of us still loved the other more than life itself."
"What do you mean?" asked Govad.
"Long story," smiled Harry.
"Fair enough," replied Govad. One of the dunes started turning red…
The sand turned to glass, Govad stood, "It is Joash," he said in a quiet voice.
"Joash?" asked Harry.
"Fire of Yahweh," replied Govad, "Our names bear what we can do; Gaia, earth, Govad, wind, Joash, Fire of Yahweh, Mayim, water."
"Do Mayim and Joash like each other like you two do?" asked Harry.
Govad glanced at him, "It is forbidden," he answered.
"So?" asked Harry, "That doesn't stop what you're feeling, does it?" Govad muttered his assent, "Yes, I guess you could say that… on the other hand… they fight a lot, but they are still much younger than us," he started, "You could consider it …" he trailed off as the earth expelled flames that formed at pillar.
Harry backed up, "Wow," he sputtered as it burned bright and clear. "Show off," Govad muttered.
It formed another white cloaked figure, "Welcome Joash, you think you could arrive in a more ostentatious manner next time?" asked Govad critically.
Joash smirked, "For you… next time I'll try," he replied scathingly.
The ground shook once more… "Mayim," said Govad.
There was a moment of confused silence from Harry, "But I thought Gaia controlled the earth," said Harry confused.
"Yes, she does, but that isn't the only thing that can create an earthquake," replied Joash disparagingly.
"Shut up Joash," snapped Govad, "He's a child."
"No, I'm not," Harry said angrily.
Govad glanced at him, "You are older than most your age; however, to us you are still a child." Harry rolled his eyes as the ground bulged.
The earth burst open spewing water, a geyser of immense strength shot into the air. It formed into yet another white figure, "Welcome Mayim," said Govad.
"Hello Govad, long time…" she replied then glanced at Joash, "But not long enough…"
"Yeah," snapped Joash.
"Enough, we don't have time to fight among ourselves," said Govad.
"Are you their leader?" asked Harry in a whisper.
Govad smiled, "Mostly because if they didn't have a leader; those two would destroy each other before doing any damage to the enemy," he answered in a whisper.
"We heard that!" Both Joash and Mayim said at the same time.
Govad smiled, "Good, then maybe you guys can quit it," he responded scathingly.
"And you guys call me a child," Harry said irritably, "I'm not the one acting like it."
All three gave Harry a surprised look, "How presumptuous," said Joash.
"For once; we agree on something Joash," snapped Mayim.
Govad gave a slight smile, "Good one Harry," he said.
"Please, there are more important things to consider than old feuds," Harry said quietly at first but his voice rising, "We are in the mists of a war too important to allow our petty differences to permit our enemies to run rampant. If we are to argue about something, let it distract our enemies, not us."
"Well said," Govad commented after a few seconds of watching Mayim and Joash stare at Harry in shocked silence.
"Thinks himself great, doesn't he?" commented Joash, "Boy, I am older than your great-great-great grandfather, I know what I am doing."
"Never assume," commented a new voice, a whisper that silenced all of them.
"Who's that?" asked Harry instantly.
Flame, water, light, earth and wind roared with laughter, "No one of importance," he replied his voice fading into the distance of memory…
"Who was it?" asked Harry.
"Oh, someone, I'm sure, of little importance… since you don't know," replied Joash scathingly, "and here I thought you knew everything."
Harry sighed, "Are they always like this?" he asked frustrated.
"Yes," replied Govad, not flinching at the angry glances that got him then continued, "Unless they wish to make other's lives easier."
"Okay, okay," Joash said testily then turned to Mayim, "We'll quit it, right?"
"Yeah," Mayim said rolling her eyes, "Where is Gaia?"
"Chatting," replied Harry.
"Really? With who?" she asked in a slightly excited tone.
"My girl…" Harry stopped, that wouldn't be a good thing to say; especially with the warning glance Govad was giving him, "Some of the girls."
"Which ones?" asked Mayim, "Where?"
"No idea," lied Harry.
Mayim wondered off to find them muttering, "Boys…"
"Do you have a plan?" asked Joash barely keeping back the 'genius' he wanted to add on the back.
"Yes," replied Harry in an even tone.
"Good, then it is time to rest," said Joash.
"Rest? You barely got here," snapped Govad.
"Yes, your point… assuming you have one," asked Joash disappearing into a rushing flames that burrowed deep into the ground.
Harry sighed, "Whatever," he commented turning to Govad, "I want to show you something, just don't tell Hermione or anyone else yet okay?"
"Sure," replied Govad, "Why show me?"
"You, for one, are helping enough for this to help you," answered Harry.
"Okay," Govad followed Harry into his command tent, "What is it?" Harry concentrated and drew in a deep breath, he released it slowly… the room grew dark and a glowing ball appeared in the center.
Govad was surprised, "That is a live representation of the earth… but how…" he asked.
"I don't know, I just found out I could do it by accident," replied Harry, "But that is not all."
"Why don't you tell your girlfriend?" Govad asked.
"I don't want her to worry, look," answered Harry looking down at his hands, they were bleeding.
"Why do you bleed?" asked Govad trailing off.
"The effort required for me to initially call it up causes me to unconsciously squeeze too hard…" replied Harry.
"Hmm," said Govad quietly, "I'll be back in a few minutes." Harry watched as the tent flaps flew in disarray as wind swept from the tent.
Harry turned his attention back to the glowing globe, it zoomed in quickly, Harry almost felt as though he were falling fast into the earth… It stopped and he was staring at their camp from above… Harry waved his hand and it took up the entire room, Harry moved it with his mind, running around looking for weaknesses in their defenses and trying to find Ron's army… He knew they were coming… he continued to watch, the entire earth seemed so small now; he was searching it at great speed. He was searching 10 miles from the camp when he saw them, they were camping on the other side of the mountain range.
"Good, we can attack in the morning, however, I want you to send emissaries to accept their total and unconditional surrender," said Ron maliciously.
"Why?" asked one of his generals.
"Easy, psychological pressure," replied Ron sneeringly, "and if they surrender… we'll slaughter them anyway."
"Yes sir," the general replied looking slightly green at his suggestion of slaughtering defenseless men and women.
"Do you have a problem with that?" asked Ron.
"No sir!" replied the general quickly leaving, "I will send the emissaries now." The general couldn't believe the suggestion of cutting down defenseless human beings. But the Shadow's wishes must be obeyed.