Disclaimer: Thanks for all the great reviews! I never thought I'd get so many! To answer a question: Remus was the worst off; you'll find out about most of the others this chapter. Sorry about chapter length but I'm posting what I can type with an injured arm. I'll try to make them longer since class starts on Monday and I don't know how quickly I'll be able to update after that. Did you like Harry as Philip? Someone commented on the lack of description, sorry about that, this is my first fic and description is definitely something I need to work on, I'll try harder.
Sorry about not mentioning reviewers names but my email accounts acting up and I forgot to write your names down before signing off.
Chapter 3
Kinthia crouched in the bushes, not three feet from a supposedly invisible Order guard. Trained in woodcraft from childhood, she blended in better without an invisibility cloak than he did with one. Her uniform also helped as it was night. The traditional garb of the Prince's Personal Guard consisted of black boots and pants, a dark green fitted shirt with a black sleeveless vest over it and black, fingerless gloves. Her long mahogany hair was tightly braided and secured at the nape of her neck. Along with her various weapons and supplies she carried a sealed envelope, addressed to none other than Albus Dumbledore. It was finally time for the final act to begin and then they'd be able to go home. As much as she enjoined the human realm she longed for the fresh air and sprawling hills of home.
With practised ease she slipped past the guard and the various traps and alarms that made up the bases security systems until she was inside the base. She wrinkled her nose in distaste; the smell caused by so many humans squashed into a small underground space was no fun with the enhanced senses of a Fey. The base was pretty pitiful by anyone's standards, just roughly hewn rock walls and scones for the lit torches to rest in. No attempt had been made to make it anything but functional, she pitied the children hidden within its depths. The various tunnels were laid out in a maze to confuse any attackers and give the defenders time to escape. Despite all their precautions she was slipping back past the guard within fifteen minutes, grinning at the ease and success of her mission.
When the surviving Weasley's plus Hermione, Professor Flitwick and Alastor Moody walked into the 'war room' they found Albus Dumbledore already seated and staring at an envelope in front of him.
"What is it Albus?" The aging wizard, still considered the most powerful wizard alive except for maybe Tom, looked up as if he hadn't noticed their presence. Gone were the once flamboyant robes, replaced with plain but functional battle robes. They were all anyone old enough to fight wore these days.
"Someone got passed our security, without using a single spell, even against the guards."
"What? How?"
"I don't know. We would not know eve now except he or she left a note." He pointed to the innocent looking envelope. Flitwick and Moody quickly checked it, even though Albus had already done so.
"Nothing harmful that I can detect."
"Agreed." Moody growled. "One of us should still open it, just in case."
"No Alastor, I will not have anyone here harmed by something meant for me." They all held their breath as he carefully slit the seal and pulled a piece of parchment out. He cleared his throat and began to read.
"Dear Albus Dumbledore,
My apologies for the concern this letters delivery will have caused. Rest assured that my messenger is long gone and meant no harm. I am writing to inform you that Remus Lupin is safe and recovering well as a guest in my home. He will be returned to you whenever he wishes to do so. I an my compatriots wish you and yours no harm and in fact fight for the same goal, the Wizarding Worlds freedom from Riddle's madness. Eventually you will know us but for now take hope in the knowledge that you are not alone.
Sincerest regards,
Cullen
"Remus is alive? Why didn't we try to rescue him?" Ron spoke for all of Harry's friends. They all knew Harry wouldn't have rested until Remus was free or he'd died trying.
"You have seen the security at the Compound yourself. To mount a rescue against that would have been unrealistic and futile."
"But…"
"It is what Harry would have done?" Ron and Hermione nodded.
"In all probability he would have so I would not have told him either. One man, no matter how important to us is not worth the lives of the hundreds it would have taken."
"And yet someone, somehow managed to do just that without anyone hearing a thing." Arthur commented.
"At least we know Remus is alive and being cared for, if this letter is genuine."
"Is there anyway for one of our spies to verify it?" Hermione asked, leaning forward over the stone table.
"It is too risky, we shall simply have to wait and see."
"Severus." He stopped and turned to face the approaching group, glaring menacingly. He hated these so-called 'social' gatherings the Dark Lord threw occasionally, although they were useful in their own way.
"Severus, this is Sir Philip DuCharm, his wife Amanda and her brother Andre Phillips. They recently moved here form Paris. Sirs, Milady may I present Severus Snape, Potions Master."
"It is an honour to meet such a renowned Potions Master sir. Mr. Malfoy here has been kind enough to show us around and give introductions. It's so amazing to actually be within our Lord's home."
"Indeed."
"Actually Severus, the DuCharms recently made a purchase from the Compound that you may be interested in. An old enemy."
"Really?"
"You mean the werewolf? What did the guard say his name was Andre?"
"Remus Lupin, Amanda." Severus nearly snorted, typical aristocratic airhead.
"Lupin? A dangerous purchase sir, he is loyal to Dumbledore."
"Perhaps not as loyal as you think, he's an excellent conversationalist."
"When he's not screaming." Amanda gave a shiver of delight. "His screams are so exquisite!"
"If he's an old enemy perhaps you'd like to join us one day, curse him a bit for old times sake."
"I may just take you up on that offer Milady." He gave a half-bow and moved away, thinking furiously. Had Lupin finally cracked under torture and begun spilling Order secrets? Had he betrayed his identity? The DuCharms had seemed overly interested in him. He looked up at the central dais as Voldemort stood from his throne to begin speaking. The large, opulent room was designed so that you could see the dais no matter where you stood. Before the Dark Lord could begin the overly ornate doors were flung open as the outside guards were propelled forcefully through them, landing in an unmoving heap on the ballroom floor. Everyone froze, everyone but the inner circle had been told to hand their wand in before entering so only twelve wands were raised.
A figure emerged from the shadowed entrance where the now ruined doors once stood. It was a woman, dressed in green and black clothes of an almost muggle style, no robes. Severus focused on her face, there was something odd about her.
"You might want to look into better guards." Severus blinked, was she mad? Or just that sure of her position?
"Kill her!"
"Wouldn't if I was you. Shooting the messenger and all that." She grinned cockily as the inner circle hesitated. Messenger?
"Messenger?" Voldemort hissed, clearly unamused by either her entrance or comments.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Squad Commander Kinthia Coventtina Morrigan Ardra of His Highnesses Guard. I bring you a message from my liege, Arawn Llewelyn, Prince of Life and Death. Got your attention yet?"
"Prince of whom?" He waved the circle back, a little.
"The Unseelie Fey." That definitely got everyone's attention. It was well known that Voldemort had been looking to access their realm and form an alliance, with their armies at his back he'd be unstoppable. Severus fought to remain calm, this night had gone from bad to worse. No one noticed the small smiles on the faces of the three French arrivals. Kinthia grinned.
"You really don't want to make him mad by trying to kill me, we frown on the murder of family."
"His message Commander?" Voldemort's voice held more respect but she knew it would be replaced, probably with rage, once she finished her message.
"Run. Run and hide if you can Tom Riddle. The past is coming for you. Your arrogance and evil have angered more than just your precious fellow Wizards. There are things older and far more powerful in the World than the likes of you."
"The past is no danger to anyone."
"But someone from that past?" She flicked her wrist and the guard who'd been sneaking up behind her froze, literally, before shattering into a million pieces.
"You have been warned Tom Riddle. The heir has chosen sides. Yield or die." With that the air around her rippled and she vanished, even as guards poured into the room. Voldemort left, his inner circle following.
"Well, that was too much excitement for me. Imagine, a real live Fey! What about you my dear? Andre?"
"Take me home Philip. What a horrid girl!"
"I agree, let us depart Philip."
"Very well, please give our apologies to your husband and our Lord Mrs. Malfoy. I'm afraid this has all been too much for my wife, especially considering her delicate condition."
"Congratulations! Under the circumstances it's quite understandable. Make sure she gets plenty of rest, no need to risk a possible heir."
"My thoughts exactly Milady. Good evening."
Notes:
Names: Got them at except for Kinthia and Geo
Arawn Cullen Llewelyn myth name (king of the underworld) + cub+ ruler
Kinthia Coventtina Morrigan Ardra made up + water goddess + war goddess + noble
Geo Anghus Cedric something to do with the earth+ exceptionally strong + chief