_____________________________________________________________________
The Rules of War
____________________________________________________________________
He needed an extra special gift for his Lord now. He suspected the gift he was planning would fit the order, but he really should thank his master twice. Once for the rebuilding of his power and once for the increase.
That was settled then. Two gifts. And the second would be greater than the first.
The first would be war. The second would be victory.
They would be worked around his master's plans, of course.
But first, war.
He had been there when the Minister of Magic. Cornelius Fudge, refused to admit to the reappearance of the Dark Lord. He had also foolishly tried to convince the man. But it was unlikely that the Minister would even speculate as to his existence. Well, at least that of the Dark Prince.
The Ministry was more than willing to cover up any mention of him during the first war. He was conveniently rationalized as a specter, nothing more than a name to frighten little children.
But he had done more than frighten children. He had frighten the entire wizarding world.
While his Lord Voldemort was a terrifying reality, pushed back to an unmentionable name, and covered with a pseudonym. They were terrified of his Lord. But they wanted to forget about him.
He was the reason half of the Aurors who lived during that time died. He was the reason his master was feared. He was the reason there had been a war to begin with.
And so, as all good things must, a war must begin.
And he knew exactly what would serve as an excellent gift for his master.
"Now, what could my Prince be pondering to the exclusion of all other conversation," his Lord questioned.
"Forgive me, my Lord," the Prince said, bowing slightly. This was the third time he met with his master. They were planning a breach in Azkaban, which would be a perfect opportunity for the Ministry to declare war. "My attention was planning a suitable way to announce you reemergence through a more permanent venue, instead of having half the world disbelieve a boy."
"And what was my Prince intending to do in order to prove to the world I exist."
"I had in mind a kidnapping and a murder, my Lord, of the highest positions in the Ministry."
"Which two were you planning?"
"The Minister of Magic and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Though I haven't decided which to murder and which to kidnap. I leave that decision to you, my Lord."
"Bring them both, then I'll decide."
"As good as done, my Lord."
"And be so kind as to turn the Department of Mysteries inside out," the Lord added tiredly, but with a conspiratorial smile. "Rookwood was having his hands full with trying to keep things in line. And I'm sure the good witches and wizards of the world would love to know that they are being spied upon."
The Prince grinned behind his mask. He had always wanted to pull down the Department of Mysteries. "Your wish is my command, Master." Why shouldn't he play the apparition? It was far too enjoyable.
"Now perhaps you would care to focus your attention on the matter at hand," his Lord chided. He ducked his head like a shy child caught with his hand in the cookie jar by an over indulgent father.
Inwardly he smiled. This caused a great amount of confusion among the Lord's followers. There were times when they acted the Master and Servant, times when they were Lord and General, and those odd moments when they were Father and Son. Yes, it cause a great deal of confusion when they switched between the three options. The Death Eaters didn't seem to know when one ended and another began through the course of a conversation. True, he played the Servant and General far more often than the Son, but the times he played the Son always shocked those present.
He participated in the discussions, laying out the plans to capture Azkaban. It was decided that the Dark Prince should make a brief appearance at the Prison before attacking the Ministry outright. The plans were simple, mostly his ideas since he would be the General to put them into practice. It would be a smash and grab job in Azkaban, pulling all available Aurors to the island allowing a couple of smaller contingents to infiltrate the Ministry once they were certain the authorities had been notified.
Now there was only time to wait until the pieces fell into place.
The thing he enjoyed most about war was its lack of rules. Nothing was set on how you were to proceed with winning. War crimes were determined by the winner. They were always used as a legitimate way to punish the enemy. Neither side was better than the other when it came to that. Rules were determined by the victor.
But to begin a war the rules of peace must be broken.
That was the only time he desired to condone that premeditated action.
And so, he must wait for the time when rules could be set aside. Not all of the rules, just the ones he needed, when he needed.
However some intrigue must be seen to first.
* * * *
~ What is to be done when the Light vanishes from the Darkest Void on Earth? ~
Dumbledore reread the scrape of paper that had been slipped into his morning mail. It had come with no owl, just was situated between a letter from the Minister and one from his Deputy Headmistress.
He didn't question where it was from, or who wrote it. He was more concerned about what it meant. This was his first such note in over fourteen years. Though those previous ones had more substance, they were just as enigmatic.
The first question was from which side was the author looking. Not always, but usually it mattered.
The second question was where did the references referred. It was a tricky matter if one did not know anything about who would write such a note.
The third question was when was the action to take place. The time was there, hidden in a double meaning, waiting to be overlooked.
For any other wizard, this puzzle would have stumped them for a good while. Dumbledore had the misfortune of reading far too many warnings of similar construction.
Just what was he planning?
* * * * *
The bout in Azkaban began without a hitch. Aurors alerted the Ministry and more Aurors arrived. His appearance seemed to hasten their arrival. Moody must have informed the troops of his arrival. He appreciated the sentiment. Perhaps this round he would be more than the specter. That would be an interesting development.
He almost wished he could stay for the completion of this project. Watching the Aurors battling the Dementors to regain access to their feared prison was amusing. So far none had come close enough to tempt the Dementors' Kiss. It gave Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters opportunities to remove obstructing wards and place them with ones of their own construction.
Soon his selection of followers gathered and they Apparated into a predetermined location in the Ministry.
And people thought this was a protected area. He smirked. This was too easy. Perhaps he should have made his little note more plain. It was very dull when everything went your way. His master understood that and usually indulged his desires. As his Lord expressed that this venture was solely his Prince's undertaken. He just wanted someone to oppose him.
Knowing the present Minister, the idiot would be conferring with his top officials at this moment, among which the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. A perfect and public atmosphere to exercise his new found power.
He motioned to the two he entrusted with the actual removal of his targets. They vanished their masks and robes in favor of something less conspicuous. Simple glamor spells and notice-me-not charms worked their magic as they entered the meeting rooms. They were to get as close to the targets are possible and wait for his further direction. It wouldn't work if the company didn't know who took their leaders.
Granted the Minister was merely a figurehead, but this was merely a show of power in taking him.
The Head of Magical Law Enforcement might actually caused some problems in the organization of counterattacks.
Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones.
Slipping into an unnoticed alcove, he watched his men filter through the chaos. It was amazing that no one seemed to think there was anyone out of place. This would be too easy.
He was ready to emerge when the personnel in the room sudden stilled as an unexpected wizard crossed the threshold.
Dumbledore.
Wonderful.
He smiled gleefully.
Finally something to make this interesting.
He didn't wait for Dumbledore to find him, as he was sure would happen should pause too long. Nor was he required to say anything. One look at his alabaster face and they knew.
The whispered statements of denial scattered thoughts of their lost prison. "Impossible." "Can't be." "They said he was dead." "He was never real." "Impossible."
The Minister pompously faced the Dark Prince. "What do you want?" The question was slightly stuttered. Fudge never was one to handle the unexpected with grace.
"To extend an invitation to yourself and Madam Bones, Minister. It would be wise of you to accept," he said graciously, as though showering untold honors upon his targets. However he always had an eye on the Hogwarts's Headmaster.
The mass of confused witches and wizards stared in shock, much like a herd of shepherd-less sheep.
"What do you intend to gain?" Dumbledore questioned. He was quite surprised when the Headmaster did not reveal his identity. Possibly because that would ruin any chance Severus Snape would have of returning to Hogwarts. The Headmaster could not allow that now, could he.
"I believe I have already gained what I intended, Headmaster. My Lord is once again casting fear into the hearts of men. But for those doubting, I intent to gift my Lord with the opportunity for a crushing blow. It would be rude to keep my Lord waiting." He gestured and his shadowed men activated port keys and vanished with the targets. He would follow shortly.
"This is not a game."
"Correct, Headmaster. A game is played by rules. War is not a game. Therefore war is not played by rules. I congratulate you one figuring out where we struck, but I am afraid you were to late."
"You should check again. Even the Dark Prince is fallible."
He debated on a comment. "Whether we succeed tonight or fail, we have succeeded in reminding the world there is a force to be feared." He disappeared from sight in a blur of motion.
Fallible.
Perhaps.
There were somethings he decided were not worth pondering. But fallible. The question was how. He did not like the idea that he had failed.
"Doppelgangers."
He looked at the man addressing him. The one who had port keyed the Minister. "Doppelgangers?" Perhaps Dumbledore determined which of his goals were less important. Or rather which he would take more pride in.
"Fudge and Bones, both, your Highness."
His gifts were delayed in coming. "Azkaban?" Now the messenger looked nervous. They had lost the prison as well. "Who did we get out?" He would wonder how the Aurors achieved this later.
"The ten who were imprisoned."
"Good enough." Lucius would take most of the blame. "Where is the Lord?" They were once again in the Malfoy's manor. It had become the unofficial office of strategy only in that it was less likely to be searched while Lucius was so prominent in society.
"The formal sitting room, your Highness."
He actually found that title irritating. No one ever said that was how to address the Dark Prince. But it fell into place.
However, he was required to be in the Lord's presence and explain tonight's events. And try to determine where he had placed the flawed plan or if it was in the execution. Fallible. But without rules one could never be fallible.
When he entered Lucius had already given his report and was waiting off to the side, avoiding the Dark Lord's interest. Smarter than given credit for.
"What news does my Prince bring?" his Lord asked never once turning to his servant.
He did not know what Lucius faced. It did not matter. His Lord was watching through a window, back towards all. He went to his Lord's chair instead, knelling at its left side. "Dumbledore replaced the targets with Doppelgangers, my Lord."
"Doppelgangers? And how would he know to do that?" The Dark Lord turned slightly. "Lucius, considering you lost Azkaban, it is a wonder you can summon enough stubborn pride to remain standing. Remove yourself." Odd. His Lord seemed to be taking failure without the usual need for punishment. Or had he missed Malfoy's session. "I told you before that this was your enterprise," the Dark Lord continued once his third in command departed the room. "And that all failures would fall upon your head. I will take into consideration that and will allow you to do as you see fit.
"But I warned you about putting you desires before mine. It is my belief your absence at Azkaban proliferated the rate of success. However, since I cannot find proof of this and that Lucius has already admitted to blundering. Your fate in this matter will remain uncertain. Should I find reason to believe you private agendas out-shadow your responsibility to me, I will personally see to your punishment.
"Your games with Dumbledore will not interfere with my plans. Is that clear? Whatever notice you sent to him had better not be found to have contributed to this failure. I dislike begining with a failure. Be glad the most important objected have been reached. You had best prove to me that you are not fallible. I'll send for you when I am ready."
He knew a dismissal when directed so directly. He never said a word. Rose and bowed and backed way three steps and out the door. His Lord was likely brooding over their mistakes, fitting the pieces of the puzzle together neatly.
He would prove he was not fallible. Both to his Lord and the Headmaster.
But that would break the rules.
But then again, when did spies play by the rules.
___________________________________________________
AN: Finally. I swear these characters have a life of their own and are thwarting every attempt I make at trying to direct them. None of this chapter went the way I expected. I'm not to displeased with the result. It just made for one difficult ride.
And a great thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story. It means a great deal to me. I find this story to be the most interesting one I've written. Please review and let me know what you think.
The Rules of War
____________________________________________________________________
He needed an extra special gift for his Lord now. He suspected the gift he was planning would fit the order, but he really should thank his master twice. Once for the rebuilding of his power and once for the increase.
That was settled then. Two gifts. And the second would be greater than the first.
The first would be war. The second would be victory.
They would be worked around his master's plans, of course.
But first, war.
He had been there when the Minister of Magic. Cornelius Fudge, refused to admit to the reappearance of the Dark Lord. He had also foolishly tried to convince the man. But it was unlikely that the Minister would even speculate as to his existence. Well, at least that of the Dark Prince.
The Ministry was more than willing to cover up any mention of him during the first war. He was conveniently rationalized as a specter, nothing more than a name to frighten little children.
But he had done more than frighten children. He had frighten the entire wizarding world.
While his Lord Voldemort was a terrifying reality, pushed back to an unmentionable name, and covered with a pseudonym. They were terrified of his Lord. But they wanted to forget about him.
He was the reason half of the Aurors who lived during that time died. He was the reason his master was feared. He was the reason there had been a war to begin with.
And so, as all good things must, a war must begin.
And he knew exactly what would serve as an excellent gift for his master.
"Now, what could my Prince be pondering to the exclusion of all other conversation," his Lord questioned.
"Forgive me, my Lord," the Prince said, bowing slightly. This was the third time he met with his master. They were planning a breach in Azkaban, which would be a perfect opportunity for the Ministry to declare war. "My attention was planning a suitable way to announce you reemergence through a more permanent venue, instead of having half the world disbelieve a boy."
"And what was my Prince intending to do in order to prove to the world I exist."
"I had in mind a kidnapping and a murder, my Lord, of the highest positions in the Ministry."
"Which two were you planning?"
"The Minister of Magic and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Though I haven't decided which to murder and which to kidnap. I leave that decision to you, my Lord."
"Bring them both, then I'll decide."
"As good as done, my Lord."
"And be so kind as to turn the Department of Mysteries inside out," the Lord added tiredly, but with a conspiratorial smile. "Rookwood was having his hands full with trying to keep things in line. And I'm sure the good witches and wizards of the world would love to know that they are being spied upon."
The Prince grinned behind his mask. He had always wanted to pull down the Department of Mysteries. "Your wish is my command, Master." Why shouldn't he play the apparition? It was far too enjoyable.
"Now perhaps you would care to focus your attention on the matter at hand," his Lord chided. He ducked his head like a shy child caught with his hand in the cookie jar by an over indulgent father.
Inwardly he smiled. This caused a great amount of confusion among the Lord's followers. There were times when they acted the Master and Servant, times when they were Lord and General, and those odd moments when they were Father and Son. Yes, it cause a great deal of confusion when they switched between the three options. The Death Eaters didn't seem to know when one ended and another began through the course of a conversation. True, he played the Servant and General far more often than the Son, but the times he played the Son always shocked those present.
He participated in the discussions, laying out the plans to capture Azkaban. It was decided that the Dark Prince should make a brief appearance at the Prison before attacking the Ministry outright. The plans were simple, mostly his ideas since he would be the General to put them into practice. It would be a smash and grab job in Azkaban, pulling all available Aurors to the island allowing a couple of smaller contingents to infiltrate the Ministry once they were certain the authorities had been notified.
Now there was only time to wait until the pieces fell into place.
The thing he enjoyed most about war was its lack of rules. Nothing was set on how you were to proceed with winning. War crimes were determined by the winner. They were always used as a legitimate way to punish the enemy. Neither side was better than the other when it came to that. Rules were determined by the victor.
But to begin a war the rules of peace must be broken.
That was the only time he desired to condone that premeditated action.
And so, he must wait for the time when rules could be set aside. Not all of the rules, just the ones he needed, when he needed.
However some intrigue must be seen to first.
* * * *
~ What is to be done when the Light vanishes from the Darkest Void on Earth? ~
Dumbledore reread the scrape of paper that had been slipped into his morning mail. It had come with no owl, just was situated between a letter from the Minister and one from his Deputy Headmistress.
He didn't question where it was from, or who wrote it. He was more concerned about what it meant. This was his first such note in over fourteen years. Though those previous ones had more substance, they were just as enigmatic.
The first question was from which side was the author looking. Not always, but usually it mattered.
The second question was where did the references referred. It was a tricky matter if one did not know anything about who would write such a note.
The third question was when was the action to take place. The time was there, hidden in a double meaning, waiting to be overlooked.
For any other wizard, this puzzle would have stumped them for a good while. Dumbledore had the misfortune of reading far too many warnings of similar construction.
Just what was he planning?
* * * * *
The bout in Azkaban began without a hitch. Aurors alerted the Ministry and more Aurors arrived. His appearance seemed to hasten their arrival. Moody must have informed the troops of his arrival. He appreciated the sentiment. Perhaps this round he would be more than the specter. That would be an interesting development.
He almost wished he could stay for the completion of this project. Watching the Aurors battling the Dementors to regain access to their feared prison was amusing. So far none had come close enough to tempt the Dementors' Kiss. It gave Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters opportunities to remove obstructing wards and place them with ones of their own construction.
Soon his selection of followers gathered and they Apparated into a predetermined location in the Ministry.
And people thought this was a protected area. He smirked. This was too easy. Perhaps he should have made his little note more plain. It was very dull when everything went your way. His master understood that and usually indulged his desires. As his Lord expressed that this venture was solely his Prince's undertaken. He just wanted someone to oppose him.
Knowing the present Minister, the idiot would be conferring with his top officials at this moment, among which the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. A perfect and public atmosphere to exercise his new found power.
He motioned to the two he entrusted with the actual removal of his targets. They vanished their masks and robes in favor of something less conspicuous. Simple glamor spells and notice-me-not charms worked their magic as they entered the meeting rooms. They were to get as close to the targets are possible and wait for his further direction. It wouldn't work if the company didn't know who took their leaders.
Granted the Minister was merely a figurehead, but this was merely a show of power in taking him.
The Head of Magical Law Enforcement might actually caused some problems in the organization of counterattacks.
Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones.
Slipping into an unnoticed alcove, he watched his men filter through the chaos. It was amazing that no one seemed to think there was anyone out of place. This would be too easy.
He was ready to emerge when the personnel in the room sudden stilled as an unexpected wizard crossed the threshold.
Dumbledore.
Wonderful.
He smiled gleefully.
Finally something to make this interesting.
He didn't wait for Dumbledore to find him, as he was sure would happen should pause too long. Nor was he required to say anything. One look at his alabaster face and they knew.
The whispered statements of denial scattered thoughts of their lost prison. "Impossible." "Can't be." "They said he was dead." "He was never real." "Impossible."
The Minister pompously faced the Dark Prince. "What do you want?" The question was slightly stuttered. Fudge never was one to handle the unexpected with grace.
"To extend an invitation to yourself and Madam Bones, Minister. It would be wise of you to accept," he said graciously, as though showering untold honors upon his targets. However he always had an eye on the Hogwarts's Headmaster.
The mass of confused witches and wizards stared in shock, much like a herd of shepherd-less sheep.
"What do you intend to gain?" Dumbledore questioned. He was quite surprised when the Headmaster did not reveal his identity. Possibly because that would ruin any chance Severus Snape would have of returning to Hogwarts. The Headmaster could not allow that now, could he.
"I believe I have already gained what I intended, Headmaster. My Lord is once again casting fear into the hearts of men. But for those doubting, I intent to gift my Lord with the opportunity for a crushing blow. It would be rude to keep my Lord waiting." He gestured and his shadowed men activated port keys and vanished with the targets. He would follow shortly.
"This is not a game."
"Correct, Headmaster. A game is played by rules. War is not a game. Therefore war is not played by rules. I congratulate you one figuring out where we struck, but I am afraid you were to late."
"You should check again. Even the Dark Prince is fallible."
He debated on a comment. "Whether we succeed tonight or fail, we have succeeded in reminding the world there is a force to be feared." He disappeared from sight in a blur of motion.
Fallible.
Perhaps.
There were somethings he decided were not worth pondering. But fallible. The question was how. He did not like the idea that he had failed.
"Doppelgangers."
He looked at the man addressing him. The one who had port keyed the Minister. "Doppelgangers?" Perhaps Dumbledore determined which of his goals were less important. Or rather which he would take more pride in.
"Fudge and Bones, both, your Highness."
His gifts were delayed in coming. "Azkaban?" Now the messenger looked nervous. They had lost the prison as well. "Who did we get out?" He would wonder how the Aurors achieved this later.
"The ten who were imprisoned."
"Good enough." Lucius would take most of the blame. "Where is the Lord?" They were once again in the Malfoy's manor. It had become the unofficial office of strategy only in that it was less likely to be searched while Lucius was so prominent in society.
"The formal sitting room, your Highness."
He actually found that title irritating. No one ever said that was how to address the Dark Prince. But it fell into place.
However, he was required to be in the Lord's presence and explain tonight's events. And try to determine where he had placed the flawed plan or if it was in the execution. Fallible. But without rules one could never be fallible.
When he entered Lucius had already given his report and was waiting off to the side, avoiding the Dark Lord's interest. Smarter than given credit for.
"What news does my Prince bring?" his Lord asked never once turning to his servant.
He did not know what Lucius faced. It did not matter. His Lord was watching through a window, back towards all. He went to his Lord's chair instead, knelling at its left side. "Dumbledore replaced the targets with Doppelgangers, my Lord."
"Doppelgangers? And how would he know to do that?" The Dark Lord turned slightly. "Lucius, considering you lost Azkaban, it is a wonder you can summon enough stubborn pride to remain standing. Remove yourself." Odd. His Lord seemed to be taking failure without the usual need for punishment. Or had he missed Malfoy's session. "I told you before that this was your enterprise," the Dark Lord continued once his third in command departed the room. "And that all failures would fall upon your head. I will take into consideration that and will allow you to do as you see fit.
"But I warned you about putting you desires before mine. It is my belief your absence at Azkaban proliferated the rate of success. However, since I cannot find proof of this and that Lucius has already admitted to blundering. Your fate in this matter will remain uncertain. Should I find reason to believe you private agendas out-shadow your responsibility to me, I will personally see to your punishment.
"Your games with Dumbledore will not interfere with my plans. Is that clear? Whatever notice you sent to him had better not be found to have contributed to this failure. I dislike begining with a failure. Be glad the most important objected have been reached. You had best prove to me that you are not fallible. I'll send for you when I am ready."
He knew a dismissal when directed so directly. He never said a word. Rose and bowed and backed way three steps and out the door. His Lord was likely brooding over their mistakes, fitting the pieces of the puzzle together neatly.
He would prove he was not fallible. Both to his Lord and the Headmaster.
But that would break the rules.
But then again, when did spies play by the rules.
___________________________________________________
AN: Finally. I swear these characters have a life of their own and are thwarting every attempt I make at trying to direct them. None of this chapter went the way I expected. I'm not to displeased with the result. It just made for one difficult ride.
And a great thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story. It means a great deal to me. I find this story to be the most interesting one I've written. Please review and let me know what you think.