Title: Way of the Force
Author name: Icy Manipulator
Author email:
Category: Action/Adventure
Sub Category: Romance
Keywords: Harry Jedi
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Events that where happening at the Ministry of Magic and Harry's ride.
DISCLAIMER:
This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling and/or George Lucas, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, Lucas Books, Del Rey and Randomhouse, Lucas Arts and Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author notes: I'd first like to thank Jaessa again for finding the time to Beta this chapter, despite her hectic school work.
Next, to the wonderful reviewers who too, took time to send a note for me to know that this story is appreciated. Thank you for your support. This is a double update Chapter 07 and 08 contains some minor alterations from the original and hopefully contains fewer mistakes.
The saddest thing every parent has discovered since the days of the cave is that some things cannot be taught.
Every single generation has to rediscover them all on their own.
And the parents have to stand back and let it happen.
And it hurts.
- Peter Dugdale
A Jedi never acts from hatred, anger, fear or aggression. A Jedi must act when calm, at peace with the Force.
- Jedi Tenets
Chapter 8 – Father Son Brother Friend
21 August 1996 1405 Local Time, Entrance to the Ministry of Magic
Arthur Weasely arrived at the dingy street just north of the Thames and south of Convent Garden. What he saw however confused him so much that he thought he made a mistake. 'It's impossible…' he thought, looking around to check his bearing as a sinking feeling in the pit of his gut came to him. How could he have made a mistake in apparating? Well, mistakes could happen, but he had done this hundreds of times, going to and from work. There was no denying whoever the ten meter diameter hole that was before him.
Gone was part of the wall covered with graffiti and most importantly, the broken-down red telephone box which was the entrance to the governing body of magical Britain, was missing, the center of said hole taking it's place.
'It's impossible…' he thought again. The spells and wards coupled with the alarm and a defense system makes the entrance to the Ministry of Magic nigh impregnable.
'Well, obviously not…' he said to himself as he looked around the deserted alley. Spying upon the lid of what was once the lid of a trash can he quickly summoned it to him.
Knowing that it would be far easier to cast a spell on an inanimate object rather than on a living being such as him, he cast the levitation charm upon it as soon as he stepped on it. Trying to balance himself while concentrating on the spell he has on his DIY floating platform, he mused to himself that muggle stuff and magic was really was the way to go. '…Maybe I should put in a self balancing charm or maybe a voice control system... the idea of those kids riding on a board with wheels is really good… what were they called again…smurf-hoarders or something…'
But that was for another time; steeling his resolve, he then directed the 'flying lid', as he now called it, into the gaping hole to do his duty.
21 August 1996 1330 Local Time, Ministry of Magic
At the almost the exact moment that Ginny was running and ducking among the stores and litter boxes that lined to get way from pursuing Deatheaters in Diagon alley. Neville Longbottom was doing the exact same thing and having the same thoughts as she was.
'I knew I should have just stayed in bed!'
He'd been brought here to the ministry by his grandmother to go over the deeds of the Longbottom estate; after all, he would be in control of most of it in a year's time when he came of age. However, instead of the boring day he had come to expect, he got this…
A little more than a half hour ago he was in near a vendor having a hurried lunch. Next thing he knew was an explosion coming from the upper levels that seem to be working its way downward then along with it came screams and shouts of getting to cover and of an attack. Falling back on his DA training, he whipped his wand and charged… trouble is… who the hell was he charging and where's his Gran? That's when he saw a group of black robbed men with white masks covering their faces. Knowing that he couldn't take them all on, discretion being the better part of valor, he took off in the opposite direction to get help.
He was about to turn a corner when he suddenly found himself on his bum after having collided with something or someone. Catching his bearings, he first saw a lanky form with red hair in the same position he was. Though at first he though it was his friend Ron Weasely, he then realized that it was the other boys' elder brother, Percy.
As they both stood up with a groan, Percy suddenly got a look of confusion and worry on his face. "Quickly now, we've got to get out…there're deatheaters about." Percy said post haste, quickly pushing back Neville back to the direction he came from. But Neville held Percy's arm and shook his head.
"They're coming from that way too."
"Well, come on, let's head over to our offices… we've got to find a way out of here…"
They were currently at level five, meaning they were 5 levels under ground. Using the elevators proved impossible that they just decided to climb through the holes in the ceiling.
It was when they were at the second level, that Neville gave a sudden gasp and said something like 'not again…' as he pulled both of them down to hide against a pile of rubble. Percy was confused by this until he looked at Neville's ashen face and followed the younger boy's fingers that he understood, and what he saw also made his face grave with fear. What they saw through, what once was the floor of the first level which is where the Ministers office was located, the kneeling, whimpering form of the Minister of Magic himself and above him stood the Dark Lord Voldemort himself, giving Percy the same idea as his sister and Neville.
'I knew I should have just stayed in bed!'
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21 August 1996 1420 Local Time Ministry of Magic
Arthur settled down in a deserted corridor of what was once the hallway that led to the office of the minister of magic, wand at the ready in case of ambush. Instead of the fighting he had expected, everything was quiet… too quiet. '…Must have sent most of the aurors to defend Diagon Ally…but still…' he thought, wondering why the Ministry seems to have been left undefended.
The answer to his questions became clear when he saw a large whole on the floor of one of the desk clerks rooms. Being familiar with the ministry's layout, it wasn't hard for him to figure out that this was the roof of the aurors headquarters. As he peeked through the gaping hole he saw the bodies of several aurors lying about, though he can't tell whether they were alive or dead. 'No time to check on them though. Fudge maybe a stupid arse but he's still the Minsiter, so I've got to get to him first.' Arthur thought, as he left the sight below him and headed towards the Ministers' door.
Upon reaching the doors to the Ministers office, he heard the sound of people talking. Stealthily taking on a crouching position against the frame of the door which was ajar, he then proceeded to transfigure a fallen piece of plaster into a mirror which he used to see into the Ministers room.
The room was a mess. Like the desk clerks room this too has a wide hole that he could easily see into level two. Catching a glimpse of red hair, he realized that Percy and another boy were crouched behind large pieces of rubble. His face drained of blood, however, when he heard the voices again. Even before he could get the angle of the mirror right to look who the voices were from… he instinctively knew it was the Dark Lord.
"Stop whimpering you pathetic fool…" The cold snake like voice said.
"Y-y-you w-won't get away with t-this." came the ministers trembling reply.
"Oh really?... Crucio!" Voldemort laughed as he continued to torture Fudge. Lifting the curse, he then continued speaking to the minister, mocking him of his impotency to do anything.
"There's nothing you can do about it now…no one can do anything except to bow to me and my power!" He paused a moment to look at the minister before he laughed, in that terrible cold hissing manner and smiled, making him have a look more befitting a snake.
Moving closer against the minister's ear he mock whispered, "Let me tell you a secret… Did you know that after that the attempt to get the prophecy was part of a two fold operation?" The Minister, clearly not wanting to annoy the most feared wizard ever, just shook his head.
"Of course you don't…you're too stupid to realize that sending back my followers you captured to Azkaban was a very fool hardy thing to do…" and Voldemort cackled again. "Though we weren't as successful here as a few months ago, my loyal servants have completed their task… and now nothing can stop me!"
Maybe something snapped in Cornelius… maybe he's got a death wish… no one will know for sure... "Young Potter will stop you!" he said calmly, eyes widening as he realized it was his voice that spoke. Even Arthur who was still hidden behind the door frame, gasped a bit at the ministers' sudden bravado.
"Potter? What can a young boy do against me, Fudge?" saying Harry's name with contempt.
"He'll defeat you again like he did when he was a baby, and you'll be nothing more than ashes this time… …I just wished I'll be there to see it…I - I just wished I could have been even half as noble …" at this, the Minister smiled and using what strength he has left to stand up, just as a flash of green light engulfed him. His last thoughts being 'At least I died, a man,' before he knew no more.
"Stupid, insolent fool…" Voldemorts ranting was cut short however when four of the deatheaters assigned to scour the
"Master, we found these two hiding at the right by that rubble" the deatheater pointed at the level below them. "What are your wishes for them, my lord?" the deatheater then asked.
As Voldemort looked at the two, he had a flash of recognition from both of them. "I know you…" pointing at Neville. "You were here during our campaign to get the prophesy…ah…you're him… aren't you?" As Voldemort drew closer to hold Nevilles chin up to the light. "Yes, you're the Longbottom boy… I hear you're a useless incompetent little slug… just like your parents…" Neville bristled at this. Even though his fear can clearly be seen, his anger also burned… where it not for the binds holding him, he swore he would wipe that grin off Mr. Snakeface. Nobody had a right to talk to his parents like that. He must have said his thoughts aloud, for suddenly he was writhing in pain…
21 August 1996 1445 Local Time Ministry of Magic
The screams of one of his sons' friend wracked at Mr. Weasely. There was only one thing he can do…
"Reducto!" aiming for the floor beneath the Dark Lords feet caused him to stumble back and release Neville from the Cruciatus curse.
Reacting rather poorly, two deatheaters fell victim to Arthur's pressured attack, one by stupefy while the other was now in a complete body bind. Using the distraction of the noise and dust the redactor curse created, he quickly made a dash for Percy and Neville to remove the binds that hold them. Literally, freeing the prisoners from right under the remaining deatheaters noses.
They were running as quick as they could towards the open door way in hopes of making a quick getaway; it was Percy who noticed several flashes of green light headed their way. He knew that not all of them would make it when he saw two of the bright flashes was coming awfully close to their heads. They've passed the doorway but as he looked back a second time; he knew that one of them would now be streaking towards his father…
"Tell Mom, I'm Sorry" he hurriedly says as he pushed Arthur out of the curses' way. The one flaw of his plan is that the curse was now streaking towards him…
He waited for the moment his heart would stop. He was surprised however, as instead of green light hitting him, he was now covered in white dust and silence. 'I'm not dead?' he thought, still unbelieving when a voice interrupted his 'almost' near death experience.
"You know, Perce, you really should tell that to her yourself."
"Harry?...Wh…how?" he heard a groan just as Mr. Weasely was getting up. He'd been dragging Neville with him that when he fell, Neville fell along with him, hitting his head in one of the debris lying around.
"Harry, what are you doing here?" Mr. Weasely asked confused, straightening up to pick up Neville, who was still out.
"No time to chat sir, you need to get out of here… I'll hold them off and follow you out as soon as I can," Harry quickly explained and took off towards the ministers office.
"Shouldn't we go help him?" Percy suddenly asked, all trace of previous spite against the raven haired boy was gone. Shaking his head though Arthur replied
"I'm sure he can take care of himself, but we need to get Neville to treatment first." Nodding his understanding he helped his father carry out Neville, who was still twitching from time to time from the after effects of the Cruciatus.
As they were coming out the hole, a hand held out to them to help them up and out, back into the dingy street. A few more telltale pops of apparition later, it would seem that the Order as well as a contingent of Aurors have arrived.
"Albus! Thank Merlin you've arrive… Fudge is dead… I didn't make it past the second level… I'm not sure but there might be more people in there… place must be swarming with deatheaters… and if it wasn't for Harry levitating that slab to block the killing curse…"
'So that's why I'm covered in dust…' Percy though, as the Headmaster tried to slow Arthur's babble down.
"Relax Arthur… Now, did you say Harry was here?"
"Is… Albus… is, he went down to run interference so we could get out…" Mr Weasely explained then saw a worried look come over the aged Headmasters face, or was it pride?
"You and Percy rest here with Neville as the medics look after his injuries and yours too…" Dumbledore indicated Percy, as he called on Moody and Remus over.
That's when he saw that his sons arm was in an unnatural angle. "Perce…what happened to you?" The protectiveness of being a father going back to the forefront.
"I got it while we were fighting back against those deatheaters before we were caught, didn't notice it… but now that you've mentioned it… it does hurt a little…"
They didn't notice the Dumbledore and the other two men as well as most of the aurors slip into the hole as the medic began to look after Percy's arm.
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Harry's plan was simple. First was to get Arthur out and to screen their escape. Having done that, the second part went to effect, detain Voldie and the Deatheaters until the cavalry arrive. Walking through the cloud of dust that was created when a couple of killing curses hit the slab he was levitating to cover the others retreat he focused on the force in search for his enemies. He didn't need to do so because as soon as his shadowy form in the dust became visible, the other two deatheaters fired red lighted spells at him. Quickly, he drew his lightsaber and deflected back the beams from which they came, rewarding him with two thuds of bodies falling.
"Hello Tom," Harry said as he calmly walked pass Arthur's hiding place. His lightsaber was already stowed in the left side of his belt and wand gripped firmly now in his right hand.
The Dark Lord's eyes widened in recognition and bristled at Harry's insolence. "I am Lord Voldemort..." he started to say, but Harry reeled the bait.
"Yeah, yeah… I know already about that name switching thing you've done, but 'Tom' is way much easier to say. By the way do you know how cowardly your name is? I mean, what kind of 'scary' name.." Harry began as he motioned his fingers to quote the word 'scary', "is Voldemort anyway? It means 'flight from death' doesn't it? That labels you a coward…did you know that? Think about it, everytime when you were about to be beaten, you run away." Goading the Dark Lord was not a good idea, but Harry wasn't well known for his plans either.
"CRUCIO!" the Dark Lord bellowed angrily, but Harry just stepped aside. Though he knew danger was coming, he was entirely focused on Voldemort that he wasn't able to get away in time when three other cruciatus' hit him. Gritting his teeth as Voldemort laughed in the background while berating him for his stupidity, he gathered himself to the force and let it wash the pain from him. He then pointed his wand at the source of the torture and reducto-ed the ground they were on. Not even stopping to look back, he knew it would be a while before those three newcomers would be back, he continued with insulting Voldemort's intelligence.
"What? Did you really think the unforgivables are really unblockable?" He asked Voldemort as the Dark Lord has now stopped speaking, or laughing, and looking at him with a mixture of disbelief.
"You know for yourself that the killing curse can be rebounded" handing up one finger to count. "The imperious just need strong will-power and well… the cruciatus is my secret…" giving Voldemort one of his trademark grins, then said "Too late Tom, they're here" as he heard the approach of who he knew would be the Headmaster and the Order, the cavalry has indeed arrive.
"No, it's too late for you! Avada Kedavra!" As Voldemort finished casting the killing curse he slightly shifted it over to the right. Harry realized that whoever was coming through the doors would instantly be dead. Reacting with the speed offered by the force, he quickly drew and ignited his Lightsaber into his left hand and threw it along the green beams arc, the beam hitting it precisely midlength of the red gold blade, which sputtered and died.
As he called back the now deactivate saber and stowing it back he pointed his wand at the Dark Lord when he realized he wasn't there anymore. Using his distraction, Voldemort promptly escaped, leaving his other minions behind.
"Are you alright sir?" Harry asked the Headmaster.
"Yes Harry, it's nice to see you again. But how are you?" the Headmaster asked, his question laced with concern but eyes still twinkling as if he knew a secret.
"I'm doing better now, sir." Holding the Dumbledore's gaze respectfully but also showing that he too knew of something. The old professor just nodded as his eyes twinkled some more, clearly indicating that he understood.
"Very good, Harry. We could talk later a bit more, seems that we have to round up a few of the Dark Lords' followers. And I do believe you should be going someplace else?"
Harry then looked suspiciously at the Headmaster. "You hear them too, don't you?"
Dumbledore beamed at him as Remus who was behind the Headmaster was fidgeting to get a word in to Harry.
"Not as well as you can but yes… a good friend taught me…" at this Harry smiled and took notice of the fidgeting werewolf. "Hi there Professor Lupin."
"It's Remus, Harry… or Moony if you prefer," Harry's smile grew broader as he heard this, then giving a look at both of them Harry reached for a decision. Turning his wrist to look at the time he then said.
"Oh, I'm running a bit late. Professor, maybe you and Moony would like to continue this chat later at 'Home'?" Clearly stressing where his home was and confirming Dumbledore's belief that Harry indeed already knew his heritage.
"By the way, Moony… Maxi sends her regards," at this the last remaining Marauder choked, but hasn't been able to voice his inquiry for Harry has already took off in the direction where he came in.
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21 August 1996 2000 Local Time Outside the Leaky Cauldron
In 1973, Porsche introduced the 911 Carrera RS, built for the tracks with a 0-60 of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 150MPH courtesy of the 210 bhp 2.7 liter Flat six, it was one of the fastest and quickest production car of its time. Until of course, the Marauders got their hands on one of these mean machines...
Since neither any of them could drive yet, they just spent the entire summer before their third year, as well as two more summers after that, tinkering on it with the help, in casting the spells, of an upcoming ministry official and family friend Arthur Weasely whose fascination with muggle machines is as Peter once said, 'scary at the least'.
The result is the Marauders Active Experiment I, MAXI for short or as they technically call it the 911 Carrera 4 (the Marauders) Twin Turbo (Remus and Arthur's brainchild of using two enclosed mini tornado charms to force air into what once was a normally aspirated engine.)
"Hey there Maxi, I'd like you to meet someone" Harry said as he sat opened up the passenger door for Ginny to get in.
He was getting comfortable in the driver seat when Ginny suddenly gave a yelp and jumped from her seat in surprise as a woman's sexy voice filled the cars cabin.
"Two questions Harry... Who's your friend and do I have to be jealous?" Maxi asked as Harry started to snicker and played along with the cars AI (Artificial Intelligence).
"No need to be Maxi, you know your still the only one that could give me a most... thrilling... ride," he said as he turned to look at Ginny, who was now scowling at whoever the voice was, annoyed at the obvious flirting between Harry and whoever the woman was. 'Probably a muggle on one of those portable felytones,' she thought to herself as she started on a mantra in her mind. 'I am not jealous, I don't care. I am not jealous, why should I be? I am not jealous; I can get any man I want.'… Trouble is, a voice in her head suddenly retorted 'except Harry Potter'.
"By the way, this young lady over here is Ginny Weasely."
"Pleased to meet you, Ginny."
"Charmed I'm sure. Where are you anyway?" She drawled, clearly starting to get irritated at Harry's insistent snickering and that sexy voice.
"You're sitting in me," was Maxi's reply. That's when Harry burst out laughing. That was also when she realized that the voice belonged to the car.
"My dad and his friends' baby," He told her in simple explanation, looking occasionally at the rear view mirror for his other two friends and Mrs. Weasely to come out.
"Dad is just going to love this...."
"I'm sure he will; in fact I would bet that he must have rather missed Maxi."
"Why do you say that, Harry?"
It was Maxi who answered for him "Yes, I miss Arthur too, he was one of my...shall we say, fathers."
Harry was unable to elaborate though due to the arrival of Ron, Hermione and Mrs. Weasely. As Harry and Ginny got off to let the other three into the back seat, Mrs Weasely brought Harry in a fierce hug but as she caught Harry's eye, it widened in recognition. Giving her a slight nod, she just went in and got herself seated in what she knew, though it might not look it, the comfortable rear seat.
"It's been a long time Maxi, I'm happy to see that you're doing so well after all these years."
"Yes it was hasn't it? So how have you been… you know I'm way behind the current gossip and Harry here isn't much up to telling about his escapades..." Maxi greeted her back. Ron and Hermione were still speechless and Ginny again was agape at what they were witnessing. Molly was about to answer back when Harry interrupted them.
"While I think it's nice of this reunion of sorts but do I believe we better get moving…." As if to punctuate his words, the doors and not to mention the windows and part of the walls, of the Leaky Cauldron exploded outwards as the portal to Diagon Alley was breached by the enemies within.
"Well Maxi, let's show our guests what you've got…"
"Aye Captain, Maximum Warp at your command…" was Maxi's reply in a familiar male, Scottish accented, voice. Harry just rolled his eyes and gunned the throttle, creating a staccato roar from the flat 6 and promptly creating billows of smoke from the screeching tires, just as the first of their pursuers were coming out of the Leaky Cauldrons' remains and onto the street behind them.
TBC