A Solemn Flame
Book 1:
Prologue
Norway 1952
The remaining curtains and shutters fluttered in the gentle sea breeze rolling through the village. The locals had fled days ago. Doors and windows left ajar, hearths and stoves quenched by the storm that had been so fecklessly thrown at Turøy. The men who had laid waste to a continent couldn't have taken note of the towns left desolated across the sea. Their work was too monumental, and the aftershocks had scarcely begun.
England 1970
Albus rarely enjoyed the sea anymore, but today he had to admit to himself it was serene. He basked in the sun and the perfect sea breeze as he began approaching the Continental's embassy. As much as he despised the men who had built it, he conceded that it was a rather attractive building. A grand entryway flanked by engraved columns leading to the marble hall, glistering in the sunlight and topped by the radiant eagle Gellert was so fond of. Albus was more partial to Phoenixes. But that seemed the least of their differences now.
"Into the breach and all, no?" Abigail muttered under her breath, the minister was no more a fan of the Continentals than Albus. A sensible position to hold for a rather practical leader like her.
"None of that now Abby, this is a diplomatic mission, after all, some courtesy will serve us greatly." Elaris on the other hand was a blithering fool. A former minister, one who had sat idly on his hands two decades ago and allowed the continent to fall. The coward was an optimist by nature. Albus had once considered that a useful trait in the man, less so now that they were on the same side. That jovial tone of his was so natural it drove Albus mad. Perhaps if Elaris wasn't perpetually daft he would think it suspicious, but no one could be so close to senility and still pose any threat. Abby apparently thought the same.
"Courtesy is for friends, not enemies Crumeni, you ought to remember which they are." Her accusation had gone unnoticed by the former Minister.
"Of course dear, but how else will we turn enemies to friends if we don't begin to treat them as such. I've said a thousand times now that we cannot wage this cold war forever, we must build ties with the continentals. Look at how they've advanced these past decades, yet here we stand hidden beneath our own Muggles, desperately trying to maintain the Statue."
"This is hardly the time for that debate, Minister, we must keep our energies focused on these negotiations."
"Of course, of course, Albus, right you are. After you Abby, this is your show now after all." The thinnest sneer passed over Minister Smith's face as she took the lead, fading just as fast. And perfectly timed Albus thought. The Continentals had come out to greet them.
Julian Le'Clarc cut an imposing figure as he marched out of the Consulate. On either side of him his Prefects a step behind in matching red robes, Eagles pinned to the shoulders. They really could never have enough Eagles.
"Ave" Consular Le'Clarc thundered. Rather cold for a delegation of friendship too. Of course, everyone here had a very different idea of what friendship between nemesis would look like than the esteemed Minister Crumeni.
"Consular, it's a pleasure to see you again, I believe you're familiar with my party." Abby stated, almost bored and as far from pleasant as one could be without insulting. She used that perfect diplomatic tone that all politicians seemed to master.
"Indeed! It is such a pleasure to see you Consular, I hope our weather hasn't been too difficult for you, ha!" Crumeni roared, chuckling as if the two were old friends. Almost all Dumbeldore revised. A polite nod and blank stare were all that the old fool received in return before LeClerc's eyes flickered over Albus. Dumbledore wasn't quite sure what to expect, they hadn't seen each other in nine years and never had a chance to say goodbye, not that there was much to say but still. They had been colleagues once. Julian was a very capable wizard, but like Gellert, his true genius lay in people. And yet Albus received nothing. The Consular's eyes flickered on and off just as quickly. His face was as blank as the junior officers behind him. His Occulmancy masterfully emplaced, as was expected of a Senior Officer. The Prefects on the other hand, skilled as they were, were no match for the greatest Legillimens alive. Albus could not apply force to enter their minds without them noticing, but just on the surface; genuine anger was bubbling. That did not bode well for these talks. It was likely that Julian shared their mood and was just as unhappy as they were, about something.
"Welcome to our embassy, we are honored to host you all for the duration of these talks. Once the oaths are executed my Prefects will take your wands until we have adjourned, if you are ready Ministers, Headmaster, we will begin" Two nods and a smile saw them grasp a chalice as vows of safety and hospitality were exchanged, set for the duration of the talks, limited to the grounds of the Embassy, and the oaths were complete, almost.
"We would like another vow ensuring that no agent of your embassy will take any action to harm the three of us, without a wand, under the same restrictions as before Counselor," Abby added. Julian on the other hand was unfazed, expected but annoying still.
"Of course Minister" he completed the final oath and the group was rejoined by Julian's aides. The Prefects extended a velvet-laid box to hold their wands. Once it was sealed and most of their party rendered helpless, they entered the glittering marble fortress.