Hope's End

Chapter Four

Declaration of War

There was a palpable excitement in the air. Ever since Korath's body had been found, the Dark Council had been meeting constantly. There was talk of war. There hasn't been a Dark War for ages, because many Darklings had been united. But now it seemed, war was coming. Down the corridor, the Dark Emperor walked. He turned into a room in the left, nodding to each person seated at the long table. He took his place at the end, with the high wing-backed chair. He sank into the chair, and laid his head back. It was several moments before he spoke.

"Comrades! I bring grim news," the hooded figure said. Murmuring rippled around the room. Grim news either mean't something involving death and destruction, or massive loss of some kind. Many hoped it wasn't the latter.

"As you know, last week we found Korath's body. What people do NOT know, is that I found a note pinned to his forehead. I cleaned it of blood, and what I read has infuriated me so much this past week that I have been contemplating a serious decision," continued the figure. Hushed whispers now erupted around the room. This could be it.

"Lord Voldemort has made it very clear he wants to take over the world, and that nothing will stand in his way. Not the corrupted Ministry of Magic, not the skilled and battle-veteran Order of the Phoenix, and definitely not Harry Potter. However, what he doesn't know, when he hurts one of ours, we respond in kind. We respond in a kind so brutal and vicious they usually surrender within two days. But I fear that Voldemort will not. His powers have grown dramatically since 1956, when we last saw him. He is a very powerful wizard. So powerful in fact, that it has led me to believe he is approaching the rank of Dark Emperor." At this he was cut off, for now outraged talking broke out, denying this. The figure raised his hands, and all was quiet once more.

"I know this is hard to believe, but it is very possible. This is why I am bringing the matter to a halt. We will decide what to do here and now! I hereby motion that we formally declare a state of war between the Dark Order and Lord Voldemort and his agents!" declared the figure. Another one stood up at the far left, and said, "I second it!"

Agreements rang throughout the hall. The Dark Emperor stood up, and said,

"all of those in favour of war with Voldemort, say aye!"

The entire chamber roared "AYE!" Though no one could see it, the Emperor smirked.

"Then so be it! Let it be known throughout the Order that war is coming! Let us prepare! Meeting adjourned!" exclaimed the Emperor. Everyone cheered and ran out to spread the word.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Daily Prophet

November 2nd, 1996,

Daisy Martin

"DARK ORDER REVEALED!"

You read it folks! An ancient Dark Order has been revealed to the Wizarding World! This Order apparently containts almost every single Dark Wizard or Witch in the WORLD! Everyone, it seems, except for our very own Dark Lord and his Death Eaters! Now, why has this Dark Order revealed itself now? Because, esteemed reader, its Ambassador was sent to us yesterday!

It appears that Dark Order would like to form an alliance with US! With the Ministry of Magic. Well, I'm exaggerating a bit. Not exactly an alliance, but more like a non-agression pact. And what's more, under the advice of Headmaser Albus Dumbledore (106), Minister Fudge (48) has agreed! But why would the D.O. want a pact with us...?

Daily Prophet

November 3rd, 1996,

Daisy Martin

"WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED!"

Its true folks! The rumor is true! The Dark Order's representative made a statement today, "It is with grim certainity today, that I should bear you this news," here he took a great deep breath, and continued, "The Dark Order hereby declares a state of war on the Dark Lord Voldemort and it's agents. It will stop at nothing to see Voldemort's downfall." At this, he bid goodbye to the Wizengamot, and shocking most of us there, Disapparated with a very loud crack. What we can probably expect from the coming war is that that there will be plenty of death, but I expect that the Dark Order SHOULD win by Christmas.

Hopefully.

Voldemort put down the paper and sneered. Ha! The Dark Order, declaring war on HIM!? Fools, he thought. They assume I'm still a Lord. What they DON'T know is that I'm inches away from the power of a King! Soon the whole world will know my name, and fear to use it! Voldemort grinned predatorily, and called his Death Eaters in for a meeting. After a few pointless reports, Voldemort stood up. "My fellow Death Eaters! The strike against Diagon Alley was indeed a great success! It is with great pleasure that I announce our next target: THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC! Now, I want you to understand that we will be using guerilla warfare for this attack. The date will be December first, nineteen nintey-six!"

A/N: hello again! I know it has been quite some time since i last updated, but meh. The writer's block is over. Now, the war is just starting to begin. Hope you like it and PLEASE REVIEW!