1Chapter 11: The Wrath of the Elves

The next day at breakfast, Dumbledore announced that a Halloween ball would be held. Harry smiled. At least this year he wouldn't have to worry about finding a date.

"So Ginny, can I assume you'll be my date? He asked her.

"I don't know... I'm sure I could find someone better." She teased.

Harry did a very good job in pretending to have a broken heart. So good in fact, that Ginny thought he really had believed her.

"Oh, Harry. I'm just joking. I would never go with anyone else!" She reassured him.

"Good! So, what should our costumes be?" He asked, grinning widely at her.

She realized then that he had gotten her back. "I don't know Harry. What would you recommend?" She replied.

"Well, I think you would look good in a ceremonial elven outfit. It would certainly constitute a costume." He said.

"Really?" She asked. "That's great! I'll have to ask Allia for some help."

"Good idea. Just be careful with anything she gives you." He said laughing.

He was interrupted from his thoughts of costumes by Apollo, who flew in and landed on his shoulder.

"Harry, they've arrived." the phoenix said simply.

"Good. Go tell Allia, and tell her I'll meet her after dinner." He told the phoenix.

"Of course. Oh, and you'll be in for a pleasant surprise when you return to Falandais." Apollo said.

"What's that?" He asked.

"You'll see." said the phoenix cryptically, before flying over to Allia, and landing on her shoulder briefly.

As soon as Apollo left her shoulder, she turned her head briefly towards Harry, and gave him an almost imperceptible nod of her head, before turning back to her meal.

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That evening, Harry told his friends that he was going to talk with Allia in her office after dinner, then quickly broke away from them. Running quickly through the halls, he entered the entrance hall mere moments before Allia.

They walked quicky towards the forest, where they were met by Rathi and Warwick, Allia's mount.

"Hello Harry. Get on, and we'll take you to the camp. Moonstar is nearby. He will make sure none follow you." the war unicorn said.

Harry smoothly leapt onto Rathi's back, while Allia mounted Warwick., then they plunged into the forest.

They sped through the trees for several minutes, before Harry noticed the first of the elven sentries, perched high in the trees. Soon the two unicorns slowed their pace as they approached the camp, bringing the camp slowly into view, revealing the elven war party in all its might. Six hundred elven warriors lay encamped in the woods, along with ten fully trained mages, and ten healers. Here was the force to defend Hogwarts when the attack eventually came. Here was the force to bring justice to the evil.

Harry and Allia made their way to the command tent in the centre of the camp, and nodded their greetings to the guards outside the tent, before entering.

The leaders of the elven camp had already been alerted to their presence, and so had gathered in the tent before the two had even sighted it. Three elves waited for them as they entered. The one on the left was dressed in the robes of a healer, while the one on the right was wearing rune covered robes that marked him a mage. The one in the centre was obviously a warrior, as he bore numerous blades upon his person.

"Greetings Prince Caldarain, and you Commander Daldanan. The Strike Force stands ready. We are yours to command." The grim looking elf in the centre said.

"Thank you Captain." Allia said. "It is good to see you again."

"You know the plan gentlemen," Harry began. "You are to remain here, and under no circumstances are you to reveal yourselves unless commanded by Allia or myself. We shall mind call you if you are needed."

"Very well my prince." The captain replied.

"Good. Here's a map of the area. I've marked where our beast allies are currently positioned. This map is the same as the map we have in the war room at the castle. It shows where people are, and if you need to talk to one, simply place your finger on the dot. This map has been altered so that you can only contact one of the elves at Hogwarts. We can't have you accidentally contact a student." Allia said.

"Olvyn, I'm going to need you to report to the school." Harry said.

"What? What about Astara?" The old mage asked.

"She's been sent back to Falandias. Ask Allia about why later, I'd rather not discuss it. You had best wait a while before coming though. It would look suspicious if you showed up so soon. It would be best if you arrived around Halloween, we can say it took you that long to travel to Hogwarts as Astara's replacement. Just mention that you were too old to gate, and no one will ask any questions." Harry said.

"Of course." Olvyn answered.

"How long will it take you to mobilize and get to Hogwarts when we call?" Allia asked.

"About an hour." Answered the Captain.

"Good. That's better than could be expected. Very well then. Make sure everyone keeps in shape, and be prepared. We'll contact you if you are needed." Harry said, before turning and leaving.

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The two elves returned to the school, and Harry went up to Gryffindor tower. Almost as soon as he entered, he was interrogated by his friends.

"Where were you Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I told you, I was in Allia's office." He said.

"No you weren't." Said Ron. "We went there, and you weren't there. We also saw you outside through the window."

"We talked in her office for a few minutes, then we went outside to inspect the wards. What's the problem?" He asked.

"You're lying Harry. I can feel it." Ginny said.

"Fine, you want the truth? I'm secretly gathering together an army to kill Voldemort and save the world."

Silence.

"I'm joking, geez. I visited Rathi, and spent some quiet time in the forest." He said. 'Which is the truth,' he thought. 'Just not the whole truth.'

They accepted that finally, and Harry kissed Ginny goodnight before following Ron up to bed. Ginny watched as he walked up the stairs. It still felt like he was keeping something from her.

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The rest of October passed quickly, and before anyone knew it, it was October 30th. Allia and Harry had been helping Ginny get her costume ready for the ball. She would be going in the traditional elven female ceremonial robes, and Harry would be going in the male version. The costumes were designed to look good together.

Harry said goodnight to Ginny that evening, and went to bed excited about the following day.

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"Well Wormtail? Is everything ready?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, my lord. The troops will be in position when the time comes." Wormtail replied.

"Good. The attack will occur in the evening then, when everyone will be celebrating Halloween." The Dark Lord replied.

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Harry jerked out of bead Halloween morning sweating. 'Damn it! I don't know where they're attacking!" He swore to himself.

The quickly mind called Allia.

"Allia, get the others together, we need to talk immediately." He told her.

"Right away Emrys. We'll meet you in the war room." She replied.

Harry quickly got out of bed, and hurriedly dressed. He then ran out through the common room, making for Allia's office at top speed.

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"Okay, I know for a fact that an attack will come at some point this evening. The only problem is I don't know where. I do know it won't be here though." Harry said, addressing the other elves. "So here's the plan. You will all be attending the ball tonight, in an appropriate costume. Allia and myself shall do the same."

"What costume, Emrys?" Evan, one of the warriors, asked. He also happened to be one of Harry's former training partners, and a very good friend.

"Why, full battle uniform of course." Harry replied. "It's the best way we can all be ready to gate to wherever the attack is. We'll already be ready for a fight, and we'll have all our weapons with us."

"Full uniform?" Allia asked. "Are you sure Emrys? We may scare some of them."

"They've seen me in almost full uniform already. I'm sure they won't be scared. After all, they've grown used to you, and you can just say it's a costume." Harry assured her.

"That sounds like a good plan then." She replied. "What about the war party? Will we need to call in them?"

"Hopefully we won't have to. I think the best thing we can do would be if any of us get injured, then that person gates back to the Camp, and have one of the warriors there gate back to the fight. That way there will never be more elves at the fight then there should be. I'm fairly certain that no one will realize that different elves are fighting. Especially when we're all dressed alike. Once the fight is over, we'll all gate back to the Camp, regroup, then return to the school. You must remember, the only healing you should receive while in Camp is to prevent life threatening, or crippling injuries. It would look odd if we returned without a scratch. " Harry said.

"How will we know when the attack comes?" Someone asked.

"My scar will tell me. We'll know mere moments after it starts." Harry answered.

"Okay then." Allia said. "Everyone get ready. Tonight, we fight."

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Harry sat down at breakfast next to Ginny. She must have noticed the worry in his eyes, because she looked at him with concern.

"Harry? What's wrong?" She asked.

"Nothing Ginny. I wouldn't want to worry you." He said. "Just so you know, I've had to alter my costume a bit. I'm going in battle uniform now. Don't ask why."

"Alright. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but as long as you are there, I'll be happy." She told him.

He grinned falteringly at her. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he may not be there for very long.

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He waited next to Ron that evening. Ron was going as Julius Caesar, and Hermione was going as Cleopatra. It was Hermione's idea of course. Harry didn't even think Ron knew who he was supposed to be. His thoughts were confirmed when Ron opened his mouth.

"Who am I again? Some salad guy?" He asked.

"You're the Emperor of Rome." Harry told him.

"Oh. Okay. What are you going as? All I can see is that damn cloak." Ron said.

Harry, who was wearing the same cloak he wore when he had arrived shrugged. "You'll find out." Was all he said.

Hermione was first to come down the stairs. Ron gaped at her. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Harry stood there impatiently, looking urgently at the stairs, waiting for Ginny.

"She'll be down in a second." Hermione told him, as she left with Ron. "We'll meet you down there."

Harry nodded, not paying much attention. His attention was solely focussed on the breathtaking figure that was making her way gracefully down the stairs.

Ginny took his breath away. He'd seen numerous elves dressed in those same clothes while in Falandais, but Ginny seemed to fit them better than any elf. It was as though the ceremonial designs of the elves had been made with her in mind.

The flowing gown clung to her petite form. It seemed to dance with a life of its own, the bottom hem swirling as if caught in a breeze when there was none. The tiara she wore, which on most elven ladies clashed with their hair, fit perfectly with her fiery red hair. An elven gemstone, a firestone, rested in the centre, sparkled in the light.

"Ginny, you... wow." He said in awe.

She blushed prettily. "Wow yourself. All you're wearing is a cloak?" She asked.

"No. Here, I'll take it off." He replied.

He swung the cloak of his shoulders, revealing what lay underneath. He was wearing the same dark green pants, and tight shirt he had worn when he arrived. Over the shirt, however, he was wearing a glittering silver vest of chainmail. Over the chainmail he wore a tabard with a Golden Gryphon on it, clutching a sword in its front paws. Over its head hovered a Phoenix Lord, which had its wings spread, covering the width of the tabard. Upon the blade the Gryphon carried was engraved the name Caldarain. It was the coat of arms of his family. He was also carrying all his weapons. He struck quite the imposing figure.

"Wow. Even with all those weapons, you still look damn good!" Ginny gasped.

"Thanks Ginny. I'm sorry for the change in costume, but I have a feeling I'm going to need it tonight." He told her.

"It's okay Harry. But I know you're hiding something from me." She said.

"Ginny, I have to tell you something. I...Voldemort is going to attack somewhere tonight. That's why I'm going like this. All the elves are." He admitted to her.

"Okay Harry. Just, be careful okay? For me?" she said.

"I will Ginny, I promise." He replied, before offering her an arm to escort her down to the ball.

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People looked at Harry with shock as they entered the great hall, then calmed down when they realized it was just a costume. Or so they thought anyway. No one said a word when the other elves arrived either, all dressed similarly to Harry, although with different coat of arms than his. They were also all carrying their weapons.

Once Harry was certain everyone was in the great hall, he quietly sealed the doors. He didn't want to risk Dumbledore following after them, or sending the Order.

The music started, and Harry pulled Ginny up for a dance. He wanted to have at least one chance to dance with her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder as they danced slowly to the music. Harry sighed. He didn't want the song to end. They quietly danced together through the next few songs, content simply to be together.

Harry gently kissed the top of her head as another song ended. She looked up at him, love evident in her eyes.

"I love you Harry." She said to him.

"I love you too Gin- Ahh!" He cried out suddenly, dropping to his knees, gripping his forehead.

Immediately the elves converged on him, forming into ranks behind him, ready to gate to the battle.

"Diagon Alley." Harry gasped out through the pain. "He's attacking Diagon Alley. Allia, open the gate."

Allia nodded, and began casting the spell required to open a gate. All elves were highly skilled in magic, and could cast gates. The only difference between a mage and a regular elf was a mage training was focussed entirely on magic, and mages learnt more powerful spells.

"Harry, wait! You can't rush just rush into a fight. Wait for the Order, we'll help you." Dumbledore said, as he made his way over to Harry.

"No. There is no time. We go now. Justice delayed is justice denied." He said, as he leapt through the newly formed Gate, the rest of the elves following behind him.

"Be safe Harry." Ginny whispered to herself, as she watched him leave.

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Harry and the others emerged in a side alley. It seemed the delay had been enough, as a few corpses already littered the ground. Sorrow filled Harry's eyes, as he looked down at a young girl, no older than seven, who lay motionless upon the ground. Then his eyes hardened as he turned to the other elves.

"The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is the duty of the living to do so for them." He said shortly.

With nods, the elves readied their weapons, and went out to bring justice to the wicked.

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The people in the Great Hall waited anxiously for news. It had been thirty minutes since Harry and the elves had left. Dumbledore had found out right away about Harry sealing them in, and had not been pleased about it, although he understood the reasoning. He figured Harry woulnd't have wanted any of them to get hurt.

Suddenly, the doors opened, and in stepped an elderly elf, who looked around for a moment, before turning to Dumbledore, who he obviously recognized as the person in charge.

"What is going on? Where is the Prince?" The elf asked.

"Who are you?" Dumbledore asked.

"I am Olvyn, Astara's replacement. Now, where is the Prince? I tried to contact him as I approached the castle, but couldn't sense him." The mage said.

"He's gone to fight. Voldemort is attacking Diagon Alley, and Harry sealed us in." Dumbledore said.

"Ah. Of course. He wouldn't have wanted you in the way. Elves fight as a cohesive unit, and work better in such small groups if they don't have to worry about allies interfering with their attacks. I don't mean this too be insulting, but when you fight with someone you are not used to, you cannot fight as fluidly. That is almost certainly why the Prince would not have wanted you to accompany them." The elf said.

"Oh. Do you have any idea when they will return?" Dumbledore asked.

The old mage closed his eyes briefly, before opening them again. "They'll be here shortly. They are just opening the gate to return. I can sense its creation."

The old elf was right. A circle of light seemed to open before them, and the elves emerged. They all seemed to be injured in some way, and their clothes were ripped in various places and wet with blood. The healers amongst them, now that they were away from the battle, turned their attention to healing the various wounds.

Ginny ran over to Harry, pulling him into a hug, ignoring the blood streaming from the cut on his forehead.

"Thank Merlin you're okay! I was worried." She admitted.

"It's okay Gin. I'm fine. Once I get this cut healed, I'll be good as new." He said.

She watched as one of the healers came over to him, and quickly healed his cut.

As soon as the cut had sealed, she grabbed Harry and pulled him into a deep kiss. He was shocked at first, but quickly returned the kiss.

The clearing of a throat broke them apart.

"Excuse me Harry, but would you mind telling me what happened?" Dumbledore asked.

"About a hundred Death Eaters attacked Diagon Alley, along with a few Dementors. Not a very large attack force. We fought them off, but we arrived too late and there were casualties. We failed to protect them." Harry said, his face drooping in sorrow.

"Harry stop it." Ginny said. "You probably saved hundreds of people tonight, you can't blame yourself for a few deaths."

Harry sighed nodding. He slowly walked out of the room, still feeling guilty. Ginny followed quietly after him. She followed him all the way up to his room, where he collapsed to the floor, crying silently.

"Harry! What's wrong?" She asked, wrapping her arms around his shaking shoulders.

"A little girl died. She was no older than seven. She was dead before we even arrived. What did she do? What did she do to deserve to have her life snuffed out?" He sobbed.

"Shhh Harry, it's okay. There was nothing you could do. It's Voldemort's fault, not yours." She whispered in his ear, still hugging him tightly.

"I know. It's just when I saw her, I couldn't help but think that it could have been you. It could have been you laying there lifeless. It...it scared me." He whispered.

She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling his fear. "Harry?" She said, making him look her in the eye. Then she poured reassurance and love through their bond, letting him feel how much she loved him. "It'll be okay, you won't lose me." She told him, hugging him tightly.

He merely nodded, still shaking, and slowly drifted off to sleep, still hugging Ginny to him.