Title:Way of the Force
Author name:Icy Manipulator
Author Category: Romance
Keywords:Harry Jedi Muggles

Rating:PG-13

Summary:Lady's and Gents', the muggles. Oh, and ofcourse, the fluffy end of chapter.

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.

–Courage is Fear holding on a minute longer.

- General George S. Patton

Chapter 15 – October Compromise II (Faces of War)

Rev. 2.

28 September 1996 – 20 Miles West of Beauxbatton Castle

Bode and Croaker re-appeared just outside a forest clearing. With the experience of years doing field work, the two unspeakables didn't need to say anything as they moved fluidly onto their brooms and sped off towards 'target two', Beauxbattons.

"Frontline, Bode here… we're approaching where the first wards should be in sec…" Bode reported in.

"It's not there?… I'm reading heavy magical discharge…" Croaker said as he kept making fine adjustments on the magic detector mounted on the handle of his broom. "Looks like the second line defense wards, anti-apparition and muggle repelling wards are down too…"

"10 miles out and skimming low… no sight of the castle yet…" Bode added as he kept a sharp eye on his surroundings. It was too quiet. Unlike the sight which had greeted them in Paris, their way to Beauxbatton seemed like a leisurely broom ride.

Well… it was, until they went over a hill when they were five miles out…

"Holy Sh… Croak… Stealth Mode, Now!" Bode suddenly called out to his partner.

Instinct kicked in as both of them quickly cast cloaking, silencing and 'not-here' charms on themselves and their brooms. As an afterthought, Croaker also turned of his active detection equipment… a decision which would save their lives.

"Frontline, Ground Recon… we're going passive, we'll continue with the feed, but if you're seeing this I suggest you guys assemble a strike and recovery team ASAP." Bode then called out and knew not to expect a reply as they settled into a small nook of rocks they've found to be perfect as an observation point. Croaker went out to cast perimeter and fortification charms on their impromptu base, while Bode then set up his visor on an exposed rock and charmed it to stay and look like a part of the rock.

Once they've secured the small area they continued on in counting the enemy forces that lay before them… knowing that whatever data they could possibly get would be a bit of an edge for the strike team.

Same Day - Frontline HQ (Hogwarts Castle)

The shock from the devastation of Paris was still fresh as the portal suddenly opened letting in Frontline's Command and Control Officer, Alastor Moody… and he wasn't in a good mood.

"Could someone please tell me, how the bleedin' hell did Voldemort get a nuclear weapon?" Moody growled angrily.

"I'm sure, like every one else in the room, doesn't know, Alastor," Dumbledore replied for all of them.

"It doesn't fit his M.O., He hates muggles and everything that has to do with them... right?" Remus asked perturbed.

"Nevertheless, I suggest to the council that we initiate project Unity and go to Armageddon Alert Code Yellow," Moody then recommended.

"But… we can't, not yet at any rate, project Unity has to be approved by the Entire magical world and one of the prerequisites is that witches and wizards would be accepted by the other people of the World…not to mention the time frame. We'd be about five hundred years too early..." Mrs. Bones supplied.

"Yes…" Arthur sighed out. "But, it was also stated that if there is dire need, magical help can be provided. I believe this is such a time in which all sentient people… magical or not, should unite to fight for peace and equality."

Harry, who while listening intently to the discussion was also in communion with the Force. He was trying to get a grip on the deaths wars have caused, not to mention the grief and rebuilding for the survivors. He looked back along the tendrils of time and space for knowledge and wisdom…

"Arthur is right…" Harry said in a calm voice. "We did not ask for war, but such is the price of peace. We could only hope that more good will come out of this. I submit to the Triumvirate, let us reveal ourselves and stand as citizens not just of the wizarding, but also of the world in its entirety…." Harry's eyes began to glaze as the future unfolds in a hazy mist as he spoke. "A time will come not long from now, I can foresee, once peace has been won… where once again the call shall come for our world to join… " Harry fell quiet, not wanting yet to tell what he knew could happen…

"Join what, Harry," Bill prompted him.

Harry turned to look at him and smiled. "In time…" he answered cryptically as he shook out the haze.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, something caught his attention. He immediately punched a few keys and the image went to the larger panel screen.

"What are those things?" George asked. Fred didn't register the question as he was looking intently at the effects of the missiles the muggle fighters launched at the black ships.

"They're still five miles out… it should come clear in a few moments," Shacklebolt said through the intercom.

"Holy Sh… Croak… Stealth Mode, Now!" They heard Bode call out.

"What's happening?" Fred asked.

"Trouble," Percy answered. His words where prophetic as the images cleared and everyone in the council room saw the images sent back by the ground recon.

"Frontline, Ground Recon… we're going passive, we'll continue with the feed, but if you're seeing this I suggest you guys assemble a strike and recovery team ASAP."

Moody grunted. "I need to make a few calls…" and with the trademark clip-clop of his wooden leg he strode out purposely to cash in a few of his markers.

"Remus, How many WAR's do we have available?" Bill asked with gritted teeth.

"We've got a hundred and fifty normal-type from Harry's armory but only a third of them serviceable and they're mostly ceremonial, fifty Standard type like what you and Harry have, and thirteen E-WAR prototypes including the one Charlie's been testing," The werewolf answered, already knowing what was going on in Bill's mind.

"Don't be hasty son…" Arthur then said worriedly.

"She was visiting her sister… so help me; heads will roll if they touch her," Bill retorted to which Arthur just sighed.

"It's decided then…" Madam Bones spoke up. "It is clearly obvious that the Dark Lord is not only using Dementors, Vampires and whatever other creature he could put in his service, but Muggles as well. This is beyond the scope of what we can control, and that was the agreement of every Magical Government in every country they're in. I move Unity to effect," She concluded, her mind changed and convinced.

"I move Unity into effect," Arthur then said. He knew that just those simple words are needed from the other leaders in order to fulfill the Magical Contract.

"I move Unity into effect," Dumbledore stated after which he called out Fawkes to head off to the leaders of the magical community of other nations to inform them of Magical Britain's move.

"Lori… It would seem that we've gone from bad to worse," Rupert told his counterpart in the US.

After his meeting with Molly, in which a sudden call from Arthur informed all in the room of latest developments, it was decided that the alert be raised to code 'Yellow' and preparations be made to reveal the hidden world of magic to the entire world.

"I know… we've got the same reports from the USFE-NATO Recon, as well as the debrief from the 50th TFW by Darkstar. I have also come in contact with our Department of Paranormal Phenomena as you've suggested… mind you, it was an eye opener. To make the long story short, the President has approved US military intervention (pending Congress approval for a declaration of war) as part of its campaign against terrorism; this is the US official stand."

"Very well. Now we must turn our attention to help our allies with a captured stronghold of theirs," Rupert said.

"I'm ahead of you on that one. Of course, Military Intervention means we've got the Sixth Fleet Mobilizing to a discretionary Defcon 2 in support of NATO efforts and with the Fifth Fleet to take a supporting stand from the South. But, when our guys at Key-Hole saw a castle suddenly appear in the south-eastern end of France, we immediately called in experts from the D.P.P. and they confirmed that this was Beauxbattons castle, or what's left of it from what we could discern. At any rate, General Walters was called in and he said he's got the right man for the job," Lori then concluded.

"What's our time-frame then?" Rupert asked. He was getting more and more into his element, preparing covert strikes against the enemy.

"Delta Force should be strike ready in 48 hours, Seal team Six and Three are being relocated and should be ready to do the quick and dirty also in 48 Hours… No offense but we think your SAS might have its hands full on this one." She said.

"None taken and I believe those boys would get along fine. Well, I think we've covered a lot more that I expected… I'll be in touch with you again tomorrow Lori in the meantime, I've got to get some HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and I was wondering if you could perhaps have something as for a quick strike, hit-fade operation?" Rupert said

"I think the Army might have just the thing... Well, Goodnight… or is it Good morning Rupert? I'll get back to you on your request," She then said as her image flicked off.

Not soon after the image faded that Rupert turn his cushioned seat around to face his companion.

"I've got a job for you, James."

01 October 1996 – Somewhere over Albania.

Dusk was just settling in when all of a sudden six large fuel tanks and a nearby vehicle yard exploded, brightening the dimming light in its orange fireball.

From a nearby rusted warehouse, men started pouring out, swearing and confused, as they waved their AK-47 assault rifles in search for the intruder. From the corners of the enclosed base, bright searchlights lit up to scour the ground and nearby foliage, as spotters scrambled to their posts to scan the skies and known approaches.

Undetected and hidden behind a low hill, the attacker sent another ripple of four Hellfire missiles which, a few seconds later, found its marks as a truck, the warehouse, and two of the watch towers joined the other burning structures. Waves of heat bathe the baffled defenders as they sweated out, not knowing where the attack was coming from.

Suddenly, the last two watchtowers erupted in flames just as another Truck exploded. A hissing whine could now be heard from the southeast. A few of the defenders alert enough to notice, ran for the Anti-Aircraft guns and swung them around to meet the attacker.

As soon as they've manage to deduce the position, they let up a field of flak fire in an over lapping pattern. Their barrage was joined by the distinct cracks of the other men's AK-47…

A few seconds later, several whooshing sounds were heard from in front of them… the men manning the anti-aircraft guns didn't have time to process this new information though, because by then, they and the AA guns they manned were turned to slag as the four AA's that were able to return fire each received two direct hits from the attacker's Hydra 70 Unguided Missiles.

Even before the smoke cleared, the whine grew louder as the attacker closed in and opened fire with its XM301 20mm cannon at the remaining men still able to fire their AK's at the still unseen attacker…

As the Chemical Weapons plant fell silent, the attacker dipped and turned on its axis to scan for any remaining targets, sending a Hydra or a burst of its 20mm cannon to destroy it. Sure that he'd done a thorough job, the attacker turned one final time before heading off to return to base.

"Griffin Six, Griffin Two-Six… Mission Accomplished and RTB," Capt. David Sheffler reported in. Recently promoted and transferred from Black-Ops to be the Chief Test Pilot for the United States Army, he had been assigned to verify the viability of the Army's latest in Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter technology.

The RAH-66 Comanche is the centerpiece of the U.S. Army's aviation modernization plan. This reflects the Army's overall transition to an Objective Force that will utilize advanced weapon systems and smaller forces that are responsive, deployable, agile, versatile, lethal, survivable and sustainable.

He happily accepted his assignment, as the army was able to commandeer two units for 'mission testing purposes in real-life, live-fire situations'. Since then, he and Griffin Squadron have been moving to different bases of operations where it was believed the Comanche would be put through its paces. It was no surprise when he heard what the response of the controller would be.

"Copy Two-Six, be advised control has been transferred to Darkstar," The smooth female voice said.

"Roger that Six. Darkstar, this is Griffin Two-Six with you," David called out.

"We see you Two-Six, head for a bearing of One-Niner-Eight, Forty miles. Recovery station has been provided for transfer to new Base of Operations," Darkstar's controller said.

"Copy Darkstar, we've got the ball and will see you in ten…" David replied as he thought. 'Wonder what the boys at Langley Spec-Ops are cooking?'

02 October 1996 – Dawn, 70 Miles North-West off the Norwegian Coast

The Akula class Hunter-Killer serenely cruised under the vast expanse of the frigid North Atlantic waters.

Its crew was on a war time footing but it wasn't stalking its usual prey of American or British nuclear launch platforms, nor was it assigned its normal duty of guarding the Typhoon-class submarines… No, it was tasked with the dangerous work of remapping the suddenly changed underwater landscape as well as tracking the northern currents, which had diverted eastwards.

But why was it on red alert? Well, it was probably because a nuclear device had detonated over a large capital city, and the nuclear community was jittery- notwithstanding the communiqué passing back and forth between Nation Leaders, each trying to delineate friend from foe. And as far as the Russians are concerned, they won't or can't take sides… The Motherland couldn't take the further strain on its dwindling resources. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact as well as its war actions in Herzegovina, Estonia and the other separatist states, Russia will need to pool the resources left available to her in hopes of keeping the economy afloat.

"Are you sure about these readings, Pulov?" The Captain, Vladimir Peterovich, asked his sonar man.

"Yes, Captain… Sonar echo shows what appears to be a carrier sized ship, though it is twice as large as to be expected," Pulov replied.

"…and no screws either?..." Peterovich asked skeptically.

Who has ever heard of a ship with no screws? It might be a hovercraft but, twice as big as an aircraft carrier?... this must be faulty equipment, no doubt another indication of cutbacks forced on the Soviet… Russian Navy.

He winced as he thought of the proud Navy of the Soviet Union. Once, it was more than equal to task and in some ways even more advanced than the Imperialist Amerikaners' technology. 'Those were the days.' He mused. Being the fifth in a long line of sea commanders from his family, he dreamed of the day when he too would make the Motherland proud.

"Aye, Captain, we wouldn't even had detected it if it wasn't for the last sounding ping you ordered…" Pulov reasoned.

"Very well, clear baffles and rise to periscope depth," He ordered the Helm.

"Clearing baffles and Up to Periscope depth, Aye…. Baffles cleared… Depth at 150… 100… 50…" the helmsman replied as he completed each required action to go to the proper depth for raising the periscope.

"Let's see what's out there… Up scope…" the Captain ordered. He started to do a standard 360 degree sweep to make sure the area was clear… but, as he passed 270 degrees in his rotation, he paused and went back a few degrees… paused again… and blinked to make sure he wasn't hallucinating….

"EMERGENCY! DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!" He suddenly bellowed out.

Born from days of endless drills and training, the submarine's crew immediately jumped into action.

There was an ordered chaos as men ran to their prescribed posts. From outside, air bubbled out violently as sea water was let in to unbalance the subs' buoyancy.

"HARD RIGHT BEARING 060! ALL AHEAD EMERGENCY FLANK!" Peterovich ordered again.

But, as the men tried to comply with his order, the creaking of metal against metal was heard from somewhere in the conning tower.

The creaking grew louder in accompaniment with the sub's own overtaxed engine, which by now was working at its 110 redline for emergency flank.

"We're not moving forward, Captain… inertial gyros indicates we're slipping portside…" the helmsman shouted through the din.

The outer part of the submarines' double hull buckled from the strain….

The groans grew louder as the inner hull also caved in from the water pressure where it was hit and weakened…

Thousands of gallons of water rushed in to fill the spaces where air escaped from the doomed sub...

In a final groan of twisting metal, the Akula class submarine Red Dawn, split into two taking all hands with her into the dark, cold depths.

On the surface, the shadowy form of the behemoth cruised silently by, unhindered or bothered by the fact that it had rammed and sunk another ship… nor did it care.

04 October 1996 – Hogwarts Great Hall

The morning was bright and sunny, but the atmosphere as the students took their breakfast was far from happy. They were sullen, and some could still not believe the news that the Headmaster gave them at dinner last night.

Paris was demolished, Beauxbatons had been under siege and captured, and worst of all, though they all knew the wizarding world is at war… that it has escalated so suddenly, that the whole world was now entering another World War.

With the weapons wielded by all sides, it wouldn't matter who won… the victor would most likely perish if there wasn't any world left.

Though the elves clearly outdid themselves with this morning's breakfast, none in the Gryffindor table could manage a bite. They knew that one of their own will be in the middle of things and all thoughts they had was…'what could they do to help.'

Harry's closest circle of friends was especially no better. Ever since they've learned of Harry's fate, his powers and the responsibilities placed upon him, they swore they'd do anything to help him… If they could find out where he and Neville was at…

"Where do you think they are?" Ginny asked her blond friend worriedly. It's been five days since any of them saw Harry, not to mention Neville, last. Although Hermione did catch a glimpse of her father and Professor Dumbledore in the library the other day, they were gone before the older girl could get to them.

She still felt quite jealous of Luna for having gone with Harry on the first dance last Friday evening. But, she remembered that Harry had danced with her first in the dreamworld Harry made for her. This brought a small smile to her face… well… almost.

"I'm almost sure they're still both in the castle somewhere," Luna, who had taken to sitting in the Gryffindor table for breakfast, answered her offhandedly.

"And what makes you say that?" Ginny retorted back.

"Well, if you took the time to look at the Marauders Map, you'll find that their names appear from time to time," Luna answered.

At this, Hermione and Ron perked up from their own silent conversation and joined in.

"You have the Map?" the both asked.

"No.." Luna said shaking her head.." But Professor Lupin does… it's in his office. Doesn't anyone remember that he told us that incase we need it, it would just be there?"

The other three were flabbergasted and neither spoke as each felt like they could hit their head on the table… which in the case of Ginny, she was… until she heard a most familiar and welcome voice behind her.

"Gin, if you keep doing that, the house elves will have to get a new table for Gryffindor… everyone knows how hardheaded you can be…" Harry teased.

Ginny suddenly stopped banging her head and abruptly stood up. Her flailing arms hitting Collin Creevey's head (who was silently eating beside her), who in turn involuntarily spat out the pumpkin juice he was drinking, effectively spraying Lavender with the orangey liquid, prompting Seamus to burst into laughter and getting drench in return from a pitcher of pumpkin juice poured over him by a now irate Lavender . From the end of the table a sudden guffaw from Ron earned him a piece of strawberry shortcake in the eye from the drenched Seamus…

A shout of "FOOD FIGHT!" Was heard from somewhere and in just a few moments, the entire school was engaged in the food war.

Meanwhile, Harry pulled Ginny to him to balance her.

"You're beautiful for sure, but you won't get any points in the grace department for that fine display of coordination," Harry said as he diverted a strawberry shortcake towards Ron, who was laughing at Seamus.

Looking fully at Ginny, who had gained a measure of balance, he said. "Let's get out of here; I've got a feeling this would get ugly…" He turned and pulled her with him without waiting for her reply. He gave a quick wave at Hermione and Neville (who came back with him) that where hiding under the table and a wink and smile to Luna, who smiled back forlornly and nodded in understanding, not minding that was food flying past her.

TBC