Title: Way of the
Force
Author name: Icy Manipulator
Author email:
Category: Action/Adventure
Sub Category: Romance
Keywords: Harry Jedi
Rating: PG-13
Summary: To the 'thing' we all just love to , it's our favorite guy (yah, Right!), The Dork Lord!
Oh, and we'll see some, for those with a Need for Speed.
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: What can I say?
Review answers: ask a question, pick an answer. -)
1. I've got plans for Ginny…
2. Decided to remain using Virginia instead of Ginevra… Hey, it's AU anyway… -)
3. 'The trials will Never end' -)
4. I'm glad everyone is really enjoying this story and I do apologize for the delay in updating. Although a few of you who've read this fic before might know what's coming next… well, it might not be what you might think… -)
5. a very heartfelt 'Thank you' to those who think I've done a respectable job in merging the two worlds of HP and SW. I'm here to please…
6. Some want it simple, some want it complicated… I try to cater to both.
7. Re: special force ability… Here's a hint, try to read between the lines when the Force is interacting with Harry.
8. Ginny, will grow more in character. All of them will grow in character. But, it will be painful.
9. Something hit me… I don't know, In the head or in the heart, maybe… about the 'Trio' scene in POA:movie. Is it me or is it a foreshadow of RHr with UnrequitedH/Hr?
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who have stuck with me, even though I've been hangin' on the updates. Please see my thank you gift for all of you… a fic entitled 'Essence'. Something, I believe, we all want for Harry. Please R/R
-
"IT WILL HAPPEN TONIGHT."
Harry wheeled around. Professor Trelawney had gone rigid in her
armchair; her eyes were unfocused and her mouth sagging.
"S - sorry?" said Harry.
But Professor Trelawney didn't seem to hear him. Her eyes started to
roll. Harry sat there in a panic. She looked as though she was about to
have some sort of seizure. He hesitated, thinking of running to the
hospital wing - and then Professor Trelawney spoke again, in the same
harsh voice, quite unlike her own:
"THE DARK LORD LIES ALONE AND FRIENDLESS, ABANDONED BY HIS FOLLOWERS.
HIS SERVANT HAS BEEN CHAINED THESE TWELVE YEARS. TONIGHT, BEFORE
MIDNIGHT... THE SERVANT WILL BREAK FREE AND SET OUT TO REJOIN HIS
MASTER. THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN WITH HIS SERVANTS AID, GREATER AND
MORE TERRIBLE THAN EVER HE WAS. TONIGHT... BEFORE MIDNIGHT... THE
SERVANT... WILL SET OUT... TO REJOIN... HIS MASTER...
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
-
Chapter 11 – Dark Lord's Domain
Azkaban Prison
The icy northern winds blew across the dark and stony patch of deserted beach. The blood red of twilight bore foreboding as darkness creeps, threatening to envelope the once considered, both from without and within, impregnable fortress. Azkaban. Its very name brings shudders even to the brave of heart.
Home of the Dementors, the cold and vile guards that feed on every happy thought of those unfortunate enough to come near them. This same fortress that once served as a prison for the wizarding world is now also the center of the Dark Lords plotting.
Unlike the previous years of its use when only the insane wails of the inmates provide any indication of life on this island, new sounds could be heard, making anyone who could see and hear swear that the fortress itself was alive. At regular intervals, bubbles of molten rock would rise up from the depths of the freezing North Sea, forming islands that grew till it met with the main island of the fortress, steadily increasing its size.
As one draws closer to the fortress one would start to hear the beatings of metal being forged for weapons, armor and war machines which gave a rhythm not unlike a beating heart. The sighing, whooshing of air being forced by bellows is its breath. Incredibly huge furnaces fed with air by the bellows and fueled by magic, coal and bodies of vanquished foes provide enough illumination for the dreadful scene. Orcs and trolls, the workforce of the Dark Lord, labor continuously, unfeeling of the heat in which they were also bred. Their sweat giving the predominant stench of the strip mined pits.
Gore, slime and sinew of the vanquished aurors lined the walls; while those who thought to surrender and were kept alive wished that they had died. They toil endlessly, some in pushing the heavy carts, while other pounded and shaped the metal that flows molten from the smelting pots. They worked side by side with the foul creatures or used not unlike cattle for the vampires… all for the Dark Lord.
Over looking the lower breeds where the lieutenants of this sinister army were the vampires. Foul creatures of the dark that possess the gift and curse of an immortal life. With unnatural beauty and grace hiding the truth of the villainy once transformed and shed of their facade. Fearing nothing but the sun's light and perhaps a stake through the heart. It is well fitting that the strength of this army is in the dead of night.
Over them came the captains, the Deatheaters of the Dark Lords third circle. These are the witches and wizards who have joined the Deatheater ranks after his second rise two years ago. It is surprising that there are so many… or maybe not surprising at all, for Voldemort has a sweet tongue of lies and deceit, promising glory and power and wealth to those who seek it. Most of these are people whose ambitions are great, eager to prove their names. For here lies the new bloods… people who were of pure wizarding blood up to the sixth generation or so. It is also surprising that most of those here are not Slytherins, but of the other Hogwarts houses when they were still at school.
Above these is the second circle of the Deatheaters, the Dark Knights of Walpurgis. They are the members of the old families that once served under the Dark Lord Grindewald and now served in the same loyal fashion to the new Dark Lord. In fact, some of these witches and wizards are the same ones who have taught the young Tom Riddle after he left Hogwarts in his search for power and immortality. Aside from their authority of the third circle and the lower breeds, they were also given the Giants and Dementors to command, as well as the other beast they were able to master and enslave… dragons, chimearas, wyverns… all for war. None but the inner circle and the Dark Lord himself could question them. And rule they did with steel gauntleted fists.
But even so, there is no higher honor for all of these sinister men and women but to stand near the presence of the Dark Lord. The Inner Circle, the advisors and tacticians of what is known as the Shadow Army. Their hold on those below them are absolute, orders should be followed without question on pain of death and hesitation or treachery means the elimination of your entire family… by your own hand. Though each of them vies for more favor from the Dark Lord over the others, their lust for power and inhuman need and passion for death and destruction brings them together in a common goal… domination. They are the Lords of Death.
High atop it all, surveying his domain, the start of his empire, from a newly erected spire that reached more than a quarter of a mile high and located at the very center of the fortress is the Dark Lord himself.
Voldemort.
The most feared man… creature, to walk the face of this earth. Men with stouts hearts cannot even utter his name for fear of being heard by the dark lord himself. Women and children faint and cower even before the first syllable of his name is complete. His reputation of ruthlessness is unbound. No one dared to defy him.
"All. Except. One. Boy!" Voldemort hissed in contempt. The red of his eyes like hot coal, possibly able to burn and blind anyone who dared look unto him. But then a sardonic smile came to brush his snake like visage. 'But for you, I have a very nice surprise…'
He turned from the open balcony, from which he could see his minions at work in the pits below, and headed to a large ornate throne which was located on a raised platform on one end of a great hall that was very similar to the Chamber of Secrets. Rows of fifteen foot statues of serpents lined the walls on each side that led to the throne. Each statue faced its counterpart on the opposite side as if ready to strike whoever came between them, which they might just do. Two more of these statues guard the further end from the throne. They stood on each side of the great doors, warding it from intruders. Alternating between the serpent statues were torches that are mounted along the walls. Though the do provide enough light to read by, they did nothing to the cold that seem to emanate from around. Behind and above the throne itself was the three dimensional image of the Dark Mark. Eternal green flames surrounded it as it gave an eerie glow about the room as the skulls eye sockets seem to have a faint pinprick of red light at its center. The snake coming out of the skulls mouth writhe from side to side as if it was testing the air for its next victim.
Voldemort sat down upon his throne as servants came to attend to him, when the great doors swung open then to admit those which bear news and reports for him this night.
"My Lord" The kneeling form of Lucius Malfoy said. His bleached blond hair framing the sides of his face as he bowed his head low.
"Stand up Lord Malfoy and report, How goes our plans?" Voldemort said as he watched his loyal follower.
"Everything is proceeding as you ordered, My Lord" Malfoy began. "We have bred more than three thousand Orcs and half that number in Trolls from the stocks that joined us. We expect the number to double each month."
After giving a slight nod, he turned to a quivering Peter Petigrew. "and what have you found out for me?"
"M-M-My Lord, Th-T-The sp-spies have r-r-reported that our m-m-m-main cor-ridor for attack has b-been hhastily, though effectively blocked." The stuttering Petigrew reported to the great annoyance of Voldemort.
"Stop that quivering you fool. You sound a whole lot like that idiot Quirrel!" the displeased Voldemort demanded after rendering a quick Cruciatus at wormtail.
"McNair, you will go with this whimpering buffoon and inform our people in France that I shall be testing their allegiance soon enough."
"Yes, My Lord" the one time Ministry Executor answered as he pulled up the still shuddering Wormtail to head out and fulfill their Masters' wish.
"Oh, by the way…" Voldemort said as the two started to leave.
"Yes, My Lord?"
"CRUCIO!" The Dark Lord bellowed the curse. After a few excruciating minutes, he lifted the curse from the two who were still on the floor twitching.
"I have not yet dismissed you." Voldemort then said in an almost conversational tone, laced with a warning that all of them understood. 'Don't even breath without my permission.'
Perhaps because she knew of her own standing as the one closest of Voldemort, Bellatrix then asked the question that the others were to afraid to ask. "Is it wise to move on against France at such an early stage? Not that I am questioning your logic, My Lord, but please, enlighten us of your wisdom regarding the matter so we may serve you better."
Voldemort just gave a mocking snort and replied. "While flattery is unbecoming of you my dear Bella… I shall give in to your curiosity. It is time for us to be made known. It is time for us to strike fear against these fools who still do not believe in our might. Britain may now be battered close from an outside attack, but even as we speak we are attacking already from within. So now we must turn unto its neighbors to cut off any help possible and also increase the resources for our war efforts. It won't be long before it would be alone in this war."
"But my Lord…" Lucius bravely cut in. "Would the forces we have be enough? And what about the Americans?"
Voldemort turned a baleful eye on the elder Malfoy for speaking out of turn but answered his question anyway. "Lucius, I'll answer you this time, but never question me again… Our forces shall remain on standby and waiting for the signal to come and occupy France… I'm told that the signal should be very clear and to the point. Our friends say I might even enjoy the irony of it. As for the Americans… history has an uncanny way of repeating itself don't you think so?" Voldemort then concluded as a knowing smirk brushed his thin lipped mouth.
"As you wish My Lord." Lucius just said as he inclined his head, knowing full well that he couldn't push his luck further.
"Now, what of the war machines that we have... commissioned?" Voldemort asked. Now turning his attention to Dolohov and the brothers Lestrange.
"Our research and development in this regard are proceeding as ordered. The war golems and battle tank prototypes are being spelled as we speak. We have one Carrier ship that should be complete by the end of next month and two more a fortnight after that." Dolohov said with pride. "Surprisingly, it was Wormtail who managed to point out corrections on a few of our difficulties, Sire."
"In fact, we would like to present you with a small demonstration of the recently completed prototype of what we have come to call Wraiths." Rastaban Lestrange intoned in an almost insane manner which was bubbling with enthusiasm as he pointed out towards the balcony.
Nodding his acceptance, he was curious at what the demented minds of his three inner officers have thought up.
Floating just before him was some sort of flying vehicle. Viewed form the front its triangular silhouette had a long base of a round four meters with its side curving up to the triangles apex. It was around three meters from the flat bottom to tail tip. Voldemort guessed correctly that the front tapered towards its flat nose which is near enough for him to touch and that the entire craft was around five meters in length. He smiled in a most evil way as he appreciated the gun black color of the Wraith, aptly named, beautiful and deadly.
At a nod from Rudolphus Lestrange, the Wraith speedily made a snap roll and veered off to the side heading out for an outcropping of rocks by the sea. As it neared the rocks a faint red glow appeared at the tips of each wing then just as sudden a beam of red light streamed out of it. The outcropping rocks exploded where the beams hit, creating a shower of water and debris. The wraith then went into a vertical climb and looped back before it continued on to disappear to the further side of the castle.
"It's our answer to what the muggles call fighter jets, My lord. We have managed to coax the use of six broom cores to operate in unison. Its main source of power comes from the pilot's wand and is almost similar to flying a broom. So far we are only able to focus a reductor curse from the wand through the diverting crystals at the wingtips and a limited protego, when invoked, along the crafts spine. Basically, it's…" Rastaban was more than willing to continue his babbling when Voldemort cut him off.
"Excellent, you have managed to surprise me with your creativeness, and Wormtail… hmmm, he seems to have a few surprises yet in him I see…" He murmured the last. "I want you to make more of these… Wraiths. I want enough of them to turn a summer sky into night. And, I want to see those war golems and battle tanks ready for a similar show, by next week... At the month's end… we take Beuxbattons and France." The dark Lord said as he laughed and hissed.
"Lucius, I trust you've informed Avery and Jugson of their mission to disrupt the Hogwarts express?" Voldemort asked then added "Remind them not to harm the girl, if they're able to destroy the train… let them, but make sure that Potter and the girl are brought to me."
Lucius mind was frantic but somehow, the Dark Lord knew of his worry. "Don't worry about your son, he and those others loyal to me shall be brought back here by dawn."
"Yes My Lord." With a final bow, the inner circle members went to carry out the Dark Lords orders as he dismissed them with a careless wave of his long, thin hand. Voldemort then went back out to the balcony and gazed at his domain. As the smelting fires from the pits below added an ominous glow to the misty night, a high-pitch cackle filled with malice convulsed the nighttime air as he then thumbed at a blood-red crystal that was hanging around his neck.
'Victory is within my grasp Harry Potter, and there's nothing neither you or that bumbling old fool Dumbledore and his precious order could do about it.' The Dark Lord thought as the air once again convulsed under his maniacal laugh.
-
The early morning sky was just starting to turn red, a signal of the approaching dawn. On a deserted highway, two riders in what appears to be leather, black fitting coveralls where racing along the long stretch of roads on their matching pearl black 1997 Prototype Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird's. Alternating and weaving in and out, revving the throttles to the redline, as they ate up the highway at more than a hundred miles an hour, trying to get a lead on the other. Their heads protected from the cold blasts of air from their speed by their matt black crash helmets.
At an unspoken signal the two decelerated and skidded to a stop underneath an old birch tree as clouds of dust rose from the disturbed unpaved curb.
"Call in an 'all clear', Tamer" The man said, as he pulled off his helmet and surveyed the surrounding area.
"Already done, Bill. That was quite a rush," The younger man said as he too pulled of his helmet. "I never thought he had it in him… but when Harry wants something done right, he does it in style."
"Right, you are Charlie." The eldest Weasely said as he turned to his brother.
It's been arranged during the previous meetings with the Order that Harry's Guards should now include the five elder Weasely boys, ever since the twins were told about the family heritage. Though Harry didn't want any added protection for himself since as he aptly demonstrated to all five, when they were alone in the training room that he can take care of himself. It was Percy who pointed out that if he, Harry, would consider the gesture as rather, a protection for his intended.
Reluctantly, it was a very red Harry that agreed to the arrangement. Needless to say it was the twins, who remarked in an undertone that 'it's also to make sure he won't run off after boinking our sister' to which Harry remarked quite plainly 'if I did that, you won't find anything left after she's done with me'. The answer would have been good enough, but it was surprisingly Percy again who offered the clinching remark 'Well, I'd be glad if Harry did come to his senses and mmm…boink… 'Queen', after marrying her ofcourse, because that would mean we can start adding to the next generation of Weasely's'.
It was after this that the traveling arrangements to London was established and they were re-introduced to what Harry, their Dad and Remus where up too for the last two weeks in the garage. The plan was for Percy to take Command and Control, Bill and Charlie would scout out ahead, with the twins taking up the rear, from the main convoy, the rest of the Guards would secure the Hogwarts express.
"Did you see the look on Dad's face when he saw all those cars in the 'pool. He's like 'I think this would need an upgrade to the fuel injection and this one needs a rework on the stability enhancer charms'" Charlie mimicked Mr. Weasely then chuckled. Before Bill could answer though a hiss of static came to his earpiece as a signal for an incoming message.
"Big Eye to Indy. Convoy is rolling… they'll be at your ten-twenty in 15 mikes. " Percy's voice came over the earpiece.
"Roger Big Eye, Pass on to Chip and Dale would you, to keep their eyes peeled and no fooling around." Bill said.
"Awww… we didn't know you cared" came Fred's voice
"Who thought of these call signs anyway…" Asked George
"Chip and Dale are chipmunks George" Harry's amused voice came in to join them along with giggling in the background.
"Cut the chatter guys, the mission clock is already ticking…and for your information the call-signs are aptly given…" Percy cut in from C&C
"Yeah, and yours is Big Head, right?" Came Fred's cheeky reply.
"It's Big Eye, which is a proper call-sign for what we do here." Percy's indignant voice answered back.
Bill and Charlie were hard pressed in keeping from laughing but somehow Charlie was able to cut in. "Big-Head, I mean, Big-Eye…(snicker)… this is Tamer we're now moving out to checkpoint Bravo." And with a nod to Bill got ready to head on to the next checkpoint fifty miles away.
-
"Wotcher, Harry!" Tonks shouted over the rush of air from the top down Lotus Élan she was driving as she pulled up beside Maxi.
Harry grinned as he looked at a green tinged Remus who looked like he was about to hurl. "Hey Tonks, I think Moony's got a problem… maybe he needs more air."
Tonks gave a short laugh as she revved the engine and accelerated at a rapid pace. Harry decided to join, likewise jammed his foot on the throttle, eliciting a short squeal from the tires and a longer one from the girls at the back seat as he too accelerated to catch up. The twins behind them who were on similar Prototype Superbikes as their older brothers, except their paint scheme which matched the coveralls they were wearing – Fred in a dazzling bright yellow and George in a hot neon pink, just looked at each other and shrugged as they joined the impromptu race, burning rubber as the high acceleration of the bikes lifted up the frontwheels as it strove to reach it's top speed of 180mph (non-magically assisted).
Meanwhile, Bill and Charlie were now waiting at checkpoint Charlie and were expecting the arrival of the convoy in 30 minutes when a frazzled Percy came on the communicators.
"What is going on, your way too fast for the profile. Desist this game at once and concentrate on the mission!"
"Lighten up Perce…" a strained voice came over the airwaves.
"Lighten up? You're now approaching Checkpoint Charlie, Profile says you should be at 80mph max… Indy, Tamer get ready cause here they….bzzzt shhhh" a flurry of static blocked whatever else Percy was going to say because at the same time four high speed blurs passed by the two brothers as wind vortices created by the four slammed into them, managing to spill the hot cocoa Bill had been drinking from his thermos onto his coveralls.
"Holy…. They must be going at more than a hundred and eighty…" said Charlie as he was scrambling to get on his bike.
"They're going to need more than that to get away from me when I get through with them… come on, I know a short cut." An irate Bill said as he activated the bike's magical performance enhancers.
-
The six teens who were going back to Hogwarts along with the Twins and the two irate looking older Weaselys' were able to arrive at King's cross an hour earlier that their goal of 1030 so they decided to have a mid morning snack before the went to the Hogwarts Express.
"What did you guys did not understand about not fooling around? Bill asked the twins.
"Oh, we're just having fun, Bill." Fred answered
"Yeah, and it was worth it to hear Ron shrieking his head off as that truck came barreling down on them" George snickered.
"It was not funny… I thought we were goners…" Ron said, still pale as he recalled Tonks near miss with a dump truck.
"Ooooh and the chance to hear Hermione swear, in four different languages too" Fred cooed as Hermione blushed a deep red.
"Speaking of shrieking, Neville…" Harry said in a stern voice as he looked pointedly at Neville, though his eyes were full of mischief. "Squeal one more time in my ear and I'm going to reconsider and call you my 'sister' from now on."
"W-w-well could you blame me?... there was this cow and that- that tree and that bus…" Neville answered looking even greener as he recalled the past ride.
Ginny was watching in amusement. She trusted Harry and she knows nothing bad would have happened while he drove. But suddenly she remembered something " By the way…" she began slyly… "what's this all about the brother thing, we heard in one of your meetings…"
Those in the know looked at each other uncomfortable. They knew full well that Ginny, Luna and Ron are the only ones that didn't know the Full History and the implications thereof. They only know of Harry being Gryffindors heir, since an explanation was needed for Harry's wealth. But, nobody, not even Neville, has revealed the extent of their connections… Especially Harry's and Ginny's.
It was fortunate that the timely crackling of their communicators broke the short but uncomfortable silence that was sure to follow.
"Tinkerer to Indiana, anyone please respond." Mr. Weasely's voice came on.
"Dad this is Indy, we're all on and ok. Just having a breather at the café across the station. Btw, the auto transmit on this thing seems to be malfunctioning" Bill replied as he tapped on the earpiece transceiver to manual transmit.
"Thank Heavens, you're alright. Percy's in a state right now pulling his hair out and muttering something about his irresponsible brothers. Well, anyway, you best get moving, you've only got ten minutes to board the train and we'll see about the transceivers later at the Frontline HQ."
All of them suddenly looked at their watches and made a mad dash for the station. 'Sheesh!' thought Harry 'We get here an hour early and we still need to race to get on the train on time'.
Harry, Ginny and the twins were the last to arrive at the platform. The twins immediately went near a news stand and took positions to watch the crowd of commuters while Harry went off to look for trolleys for Ginny and himself. He didn't take long and was able to load up their belongings quickly enough to see Ron who had just went through the Barrier. They too, took off into a run towards the portal to platform 9 and three quarters with Fred and George looking on in amusement, almost glad that they weren't going back.
Unfortunately, by some freak of nature or maybe Harry's luck kicking in again. Ginny suddenly crashed onto the now painfully solid pillar, upending her trolley. Harry, who was right behind her, didn't have time to slow down but was able to push aside his trolley from hitting the girl infront of him and at the same time, he managed to somehow twist himself into a position so that he could catch Ginny as she fell.
He remained kneeling in a crouch with Ginny deftly cradled in his arms and looked right into her bright brown eyes, which was somehow very appealing to him right now, as they both panted for breath and then he whispered.
"Déjà vu."
TBC