Catcher
A/N; Someone recently pointed out that I should change my summaries to my stories, and I think that would be a great idea, the only problem is that I royally suck at them. If anyone feels that they are good at them could they write one out for me? None of my summaries need details on anything in the future of stories. Please Please Please!
Chapter 26; Long Deliberations
The Group all shuffled slightly as they settled in for the long run that most knew was coming. Most of the Humans looked nervously up at the rafters from time to time at the great watery snake above them; especially the Muggles but then again they were looking nervously in all directions.
Eventually Harry continued. "This meeting was called for two purposes, to discuss the re-creation of this much needed council and also to explain the captivity of the older students these past few weeks. As we talk they are being escorted to the boats. They would have been released much earlier however they have been extremely uncooperative in they detainment and have many times attempted to attack they Elves that have taken them food."
"Mr. Potter!" This was Minister Blockestina in a rather harsh voice. "You can't expect…" She couldn't continue as the only Elf at the table interrupted her.
"Minister, you are excused as you do not know the rules of this council however proper etiquette should surely tell you that amongst this gathering you should use the proper respect when addressing any member of this body, especially that of the immortals and the Heir of the Council."
He looked to continue but a voice in everyone's head started. For some reason all knew where it originated and looked over at the outer circle and the now standing fiery form of the Lepra. 'Your tone will also not be accepted in this place or for that matter anywhere else in our presence. You will show the proper respect for Lord Catcher as he is the Head of this Council!'
"Thank you." Harry said audibly to Lord Kelvinus. But also at the same time he sent the same message telepathically to Liedier, the Lepra representative but only for the Immortals to hear. He continued to the whole collection, "The argument is academic in any sense as they should now be on the boats and will be escorted by the Aurors to the Hogwarts infirmary. However the students are banned from these ships or from any of the Alliance of the Light's facilities as of the end of this meeting."
There were nods to this statement by many of the council, especially the Elf.
'If I may, Lord Catcher, I would like to continue the meeting. May I approach the table.'
Harry telepathically replied to the Ice Phoenix, 'Of course,' he motioned to the table where a small box sat for that purpose.
With a flutter of wings the Ice Phoenix lifted from the back of Firenze and flew over the heads of the seated mortals. A shiver went through the Muggles who were closest to its path at the cold left in its wake.
Harry winced suddenly drawing the attention of the Ice Phoenix and Matt who laid a hand on his arm sympathetically. Harry had been insightful enough to put a dampening effect around the Immortals circle in order to soften the blinding effect of their powerful magic to his Crysti ability but had forgotten that the table had no such ward.
Harry had decided that it was best to keep an eye on the Magic in the room in case of subterfuge of some kind. He already knew through it that the Headmaster had been working at his bracelet so that he could use Legilimancy on him, but was happy to see no well up of Magic in the man. The arrival of the Ice Phoenix on the table had completely blanked out Harry's senses before he could realise his mistake.
'My deepest apologies, Lord Catcher, I am unused to dealings with those with your abilities.' The Ice Phoenix said to all.
Harry nodded in return for all, but replied only to the Ice Phoenix. 'Think nothing of it Koarda. As the Wizards have their Magic bound I had almost forgotten that my senses were open. Please continue.'
Koarda turned to address everyone in the council. 'Times are becoming difficult my friends. A force is building that far out stretches the powers of Voldermort and the Danus. The forces of Kristoshia are collecting on the Southern continent of America. Their forces are being watched by my own and they grow constantly and quickly. We will need to form a complete alliance to destroy this threat. That is why this Council and Alliance must be formed. No party is being forced to join this Alliance but the leader has already been chosen.'
"I mean no disrespect but wouldn't a more experienced member serve better as leader?" This was from Admiral Leover who was careful to keep his words respectful with a nervous glance at the fires surrounding the Lepra representative.
It was the Leviathan that responded and to the surprise of many it was vocally but washed over everybody like water. "Lord Catcher is the Leader for many reasons, most of which you couldn't understand. First and foremost he is the designated Heir of Magic making him probably the most powerful magic wielder in existence after the Creator of Magic himself. Also he holds this position as he is the Heir of the Creator of this Council and Alliance."
The Muggles and some of the Wizards seemed to not understand this but the Leviathan continued regardless. "He also has the blessing of the Leviathans, Phoenixes, Leprano, Unicorns, and the Elementals. And is a member of the Order of the Zalot, would have been elected by Fawkes, the governor of the Order of the Phoenix as the new leader after the eventual passing of the current leader. He has a knowledge of the Muggle and Wizarding Worlds as well as a high standing in the Elf community. He also holds the friendship of the last remaining member of the Kristoshia Light who happens to be a Dragon Summoner."
"Enough, my friend, their allegiance is their own to give in their own time." Harry ended the speech with the uplifting of his hand. He collected his thoughts before continuing. "We can not defeat this new force easily with the subterfuge of Voldermort on our own door step, so logically the old must be stopped before the new. I need to know what forces we have at our disposal."
"My lesser dragons have already made contact with the hidden Dragon colonies on this world whilst Kalia has been searching for the Bronze and Silver Dragons who are rumoured to be together. If she finds them then I will plan to see them. Till them of course you have my Dragons." Matt spoke to Harry and all knew that he was pledging his support to Harry and the council only.
"The Elementals have already agreed to support the council and will fight alongside their elemental brothers. Fire with the Fire Phoenixes, Water with the Leviathans, Earth with the Dwarf as they have dwelt with each other for so long and Air with the Leprano and the Dragons and by proxy, Lord Catcher and Lord Dragon." Aeri spoke for her race. "The Elemental Cities; Hydra, Hiva, Fierious, and Arious, are at your disposal also but under permission and agreement only."
Harry knew of the Cities from the books in the Elven Libraries. Hydra was a huge underwater city off the coast of the Artic. Hiva, also known as the Dwarven city of Antarctica was where the name implied. Fierious was an underground city far below the Volcanoes of the Fire Ring Islands. Lastly Arious was a floating city high above the Earth hidden by clouds and storms to keep the Populace of the Planet unaware of its existence.
"The Council and I greatly appreciate this gesture and will respect you Cities as we would the City of the Elves or any other."
"Speaking of the Elves," started Lord Kelvinus, "The City of the Elves is open for the use of all Light Beings. We must leave it closed off for the time being against Humans and Dwarfs with the exception of Lord Catcher and Lord Dragon."
Albus being himself inquired as to the exceptions, when the Elementals had been so welcoming to presences in their Cities. Harry answered himself.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I am sure you remember the death of Ronald Weasley. News of his attempt on my life has caused a lot of strife in the Elves and it nearly got so bad that the Elves threatened to pull out of the Alliance if I hadn't asked them to reconsider. Other than that the City is in an offset World so it would be taxing for continued travel for mortals between these Worlds. As for Lord Dragon and I, we have special permission and reason to travel freely between all Worlds."
Albus was forced to concede the point knowing the risks and power involved in travel between Worlds. The attention turned to the Wizards.
"If the council is willing to aid us in the destruction of Voldermort and this new threat then we of course offer all of our resources to this Council, but command of our troops must be allowed to our own commanders." Palin responded after a brief discussion between them. "Hogwarts will be open to all those in the Alliance as a refuge area and staging area but we ask that the Students are disturbed as little as possible."
"Understandable," Harry nodded then turned to the Muggles.
"We say pretty much the same as our Wizarding kin, though most of our forces are trying to withstand the turmoil that was created by the combining of our worlds. We have several terrorist groups that have broken away and have sworn a repeat of the witch burning era but we are confident that it will soon be resolved. All of our bases are open to Alliance Military Personnel but we ask that civilian visitors are kept to a limited amount. We suggest a merging of Wizarding forces into our bases and ships to provide cover against Wizards which I am sure we agree is needed after the destruction of our Submarine base."
"You may discuss that with the Wizarding Representatives in my Cabin after the meeting." Harry granted.
Tonks was the next one to speak at the table. "Lord Catcher, you are aware personally about the troubles that we are having with our familiars," Harry knew she was talking about the Zalots departure. "We are unable to induct new recruits however many have been told by their Zalots that they are not being left in the near future. I also have been instructed to inform you of the passing of Uric Den Lipstell and Patla Grela. They both have finally died of old age." Tears were seen in her eyes.
At many inquiring glances Harry explained. "Uric Den Lipstell and Patla Greya are two of the founders of the Order of the Zalot. They have been two or the four Maesters for fifteen thousand years, which makes them some of the oldest beings in all the Worlds and have helped to maintain peace on over four hundred policed worlds." Harry saw many eyebrows climb as he told them their ages. "Their deaths are the first of old age in the history of the Order of the Zalot and their deaths are a great loss to the Order and indeed this Council in these troubled times. I ask for a few minutes of reflection for them before Tonks continues."
The Wizards sat in silence along with most over members. However Lord Kelvinus began to sing an Elvish lament in their honour and was soon joined by the Leviathan, Phoenix and Lepra to make a beautiful and unforgettable sound that brought many tears to peoples eyes.
"Due to this loss all of our forces have been recalled, even the spies like me and as such Lord Catcher and I are the only Order of the Zalot members not in Atlanta." Tonks soon continued, "I was there yesterday to discuss matters with the remaining Maesters and they have fully pledged their support but request time to reform their leadership due to the inevitable passing of the last Maesters."
"Very well Tonks." Harry responded, "Please inform them that we are grateful for their contribution and that we will attempt to avoid use of their forces till they can commit them happily."
'Also please convey our condolences for the loss of Patla and Uric.' Koarda spoke to all.
"The Dwarfs will happily aid the council but ask that the Location of the City of Antarctica or Hiva remains the knowledge of only few. We will open our armouries to Alliance forces as well as our Healers and technology."
Harry could only nod before Towky started, "The House Elf Council has decided that this is the best time for our race to return to Kelbatory and as of midnight tonight our race will leave the households that they now reside in. We do not apologise to any inconvenience this may cause to the Wizarding community, however we will remain in the larger place reliant on us and helpful to the Alliance like St. Mungo's and Hogwarts."
Harry almost grinned at the look on the Wizards' faces at this announcement and couldn't help thinking of Hermione's reaction if she ever found out that the House Elves were never truly loyal to the Wizards.
"The Goblins take much the same stand as the House Elves, we will remain at Gringotts as it is our home and life but we will no longer tolerate interference from the Wizards."
"Thank you all" Harry said to Greynor, Towky and Griplock.
He turned finally to the outer circle of the room. Firenze spoke first, "The centaurs we aid where we can but whilst we will agree to a Pact of Non-Aggression with the Wizards we will not agree to a full out Alliance if this council dissolves."
"Understood." Harry nodded respectfully, knowing that that was all he could hope for after the oppression that the Wizards had put onto a lot of races.
'The Unicorns will aid in the Healing of any brought to our lands and also will collect and protect the children of this school and any others brought to us, however we are not warriors Lord Catcher.'
"We understand. I will arrange a meeting with the Healers of our combined alliance forces in the near future to discuss an exchange of aid if you will." After receiving a nod he allowed Koarda to settle on his shoulder.
'The Phoenixes healing powers are known already but we wish not to be only used for that. We have agreed to act as scouts and protectors. Each of you present today are vulnerable due to your positions in this Council and will receive a Fire Phoenix as your familiar who will come to you in the near future. Treat them well or they will be revoked. And remember that they are their own entities and will not like being ill treated. Headmaster, you are an exception as you are already bonded to Fawkes.' Koarda hopped onto the table. 'If you will have me Lord Catcher I would become your bonded.'
Harry knew that the last part had been said to him alone and therefore answered to only Koarda, I would be greatly honoured Koarda, please call me Harry though, I get enough of the Lord thing from the Elves!'
'Very well, Harry.' Koarda said with a small mental laugh and with a jumped landed onto Harry's shoulder again.
Liedier stood again and flared her Fires and Lightning briefly in what was unmistakeably their equivalent of a dog stretching when they wake. She then pull her fires into her to become her Winged Panther form though she kept to bolts of Lightning swirling her to show that she didn't completely trust the humans present as she stared into their eyes. Especially that of the Wizards who had spoken out earlier. 'The Leprano will answer to the call of out brother Lord Catcher, we will remain to protect Hogwarts from Voldermort but will remain in our home in the Elven City. We have recently found this Worlds Leprano and they will gladly join this Alliance as part of our own forces.'
"That is good to hear, my sister." Harry replied.
Finally the last member spoke in its watery voice. "Our race will of course aid in this effort and will offer anything that you ask if it is our power to give."
"Thank you friend." Harry said. "I think that this meeting has gone on for far too long so we will reconvene in the near future. As is your rights, with the permission of the Captain of any of these ships you are welcome to stay at your leisure however I suggest that the Wizards and the Muggles return to Hogwarts to continue this meeting in respect to your combining of forces.
Harry waited beside Matt as the rest of the group walked out of the meeting room. He could see people collecting weapons in the Ante-Chamber, he remembered to shut off his Crysti ability when he saw the Wizards removing their bracelets and almost like waking up they stretched their magic.
Once gone Harry exited the room with Matt at his side and Koarda still perched on his shoulder. He wandlessly called his and Matt's weapons to them as he felt the bracelet fall from his wrist. He smiled inside knowing the pointlessness off the bracelet on him. As it was a type of Magic he could control it and could have switched off the device at any time with only a flicker of thought or even just called up his magic over it and blasted the thing off of him. He had only worn it to prevent accusations by the three Wizards; he knew Tonks wouldn't have complained. She was over four hundred after all and knew better than to speak out for no reason.
He was snapped from his musings when they reached the Quarter deck. "That went well don't you think Harry?" Matt said.
Before he could answer he heard an Elven sentry shout, "Halt!"
He spun around and saw Tonks trying to get up the stairs to the Quarterdeck but was being held back by two guards who held their sword across her path. "Guards! Let her through!" They complied with Matt's orders instantly but made no apology to Tonks who jumped up the steps as fast as she could.
"Harry!" She almost yelled and ignored the glares of the Elves at addressing Harry by his first name. She quieted slightly and breathed a couple of times as Harry held his hand up to calm her. "I can't contact the Maesters with the device they gave me; they should be expecting my call! I don't see any reason that they wouldn't. Could you open a portal for me, I don't have enough energy left after the portals I had to open yesterday."
Harry was troubled, knowing the Maesters, they should have answered. He turned to an open part of the deck to create his own portal to Atlanta but was shocked to see one grow in front of him.
It spluttered a few times and started to flicker as the magic grew out of control. "It's going to collapse!" Matt whispered. If someone was in it at the moment they would surely be killed if it collapsed and the only ones to really use this method of transportation was the Order of the Zalot. Harry went to work immediately pulling the loss magic back into the spiral of colours and adding more of his own to stabilise the portal. It calmed almost immediately after Harry started and soon two figures were thrown clear of it.
Before Harry could react the Elven Guards had their bows pulled back and arrows in place, ready to kill the intruders at the smallest provocation. They were obviously still wary after Ron's attack.
"Alandria!" He gasped as he recognised the bloodied forms of his mentors, "Valice!" He ran to their sides where they lay on the deck. "Stand down! Get me Healers now!"
The Elves around him snapped alive and went for help. A few knelt by Valice and pulled him over onto his back to see his wounds as he did the same for Alandria.
She'd been cut very badly across her stomach and again on her face. He searched her with magic to see her injuries. The cut on her stomach might kill her but the one on her cheek was only superficial so he ignored it. The problem was her magical exhaustion.
"They're magically exhausted Matt. That's why the portal nearly collapsed." Harry concluded. "Use the staff and give Valice more Magic." He saw out of the corner of his eye Matt going to work as he turned back to Alandria. He started channelling the Magic around him to replenish her reserves. It was lucky he was there or they would probably have died. Koarda landed on her stomach and started to heal her wound and he saw that Vevere, the Unicorn representative, had responded to the call for Healers and had struggled up onto the deck and was gently healing Valice's wounds with a gentle prod of his horn.
His attention went back to Alandria though as he tried to work out what happened. He said at her face and gently touched a finger to the cut on her cheek. It healed under his touch just at the amount of magic in his body. He jumped as her hand snacked up and grabbed his own hand and her eyes snapped open and she stared at him.
"Harry…Help…Atlanta…Kristosh…" She managed to gasp out not able to complete the message.
A/N; As usual thank you to all my reviewers and also I apologise to anyone that found this chapter too wordy…but I needed everyone to know the players in this story.
I'd like to thank everyone that offered their support recently and to let them know that every little word helped! Thank you all.
Oh yeah! I am having trouble coming up with reasons for the greater Dragons to join Matt. For details about them look at Chapter 24; 'The Danus II,' and in Chapter 16; 'A Dragon's Battle'. I already know how the highest (White) Dragon will come to be, but I need help for the other Bronze, Silver, Black and Gold.