A/N thanks for your reviews and support.
Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!
mizzrazz72: thanks for your review, my friend. That he will.
DarkRavie: thanks for your review, my friend.
WhiteElfElder: thanks for your review, my friend. Ah, but it really wasnt. Harry has an idea of what he is doing. As we will see in this chapter. There is more to a battle mage fight than just wand work. This is not your typical duel.
zero fullbuster: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!
Marvolo's POV
A few days after watching Potter argue with the Order found him once again in his office. During this time he had focused on expanding his influence within the Wizengott. Much to his annoyance however Potter's return was making people have second thoughts. They had hope once again that their "savior" would protect him. It annoyed him to no end that people could put so much faith onto the shoulder of a child.
It was around noon when a knock sounded at his door. Marvolo bit back a tired sigh. If this was another piece of paperwork he was going to crucio someone. He was tired of paperwork.
He called out, "Enter."
Benjamin opened the door and entered alongside Lucius. It was unusual for both men to be together unless there was a large social event happening. Even then they knew better than to bother him with such things.
Both men gave a bow as they greeted, "My lord."
Marvolo questioned as he motioned for them to rise, "What news do you bring that is so important that you both need to be here?"
Benjamin was the one who answered calmly, "My lord, a battle mage meet has been called for the first time in over a decade here. There are small meetings every year where mages take their ranking exams. This is not one of those meetings, however."
Lucius continued, "This is a full meet set to include a retired battlemage squad against a rising European squad led by none other than Potter. Rumors have it that they are fighting the Order. From what I understand there is a lot at stake and Potter has apparently sent off a request to use military magic in this fight. It has not been decided yet if they approve his request or not."
"When?"
Benjamin answered with a grin, "Tonight at seven o'clock my lord. Due to the nature of the event, all of the Wizengott and higher-ups of the Ministry have been invited. With my grandson in Italy this month I would be honored if you accompanied me."
A ticket was laid out on the desk for him to examine later as his friend continued, "The dress code is casual for all who do not intend to participate. Meets allow for duels and demonstrations of power. So if my lord wishes to attend as a member, you should dress ready for battle."
Marvolo considered his words. This would be their best chance to see how far Potter had come without actively engaging him. It would also give him the chance to check on his suspicions.
When he had first seen the smoke around Potter he thought nothing of it. The Leaky Cauldron was a bar full of smoke and other things. Upon reviewing the memory later he noticed it had come from the boy. Now he wanted to see if it was something that was taught by Nightingale or if it was something more.
Tonight he would have some answers.
Harrison's POV
A frown crossed his face as he and XIII entered the established side of meet. Due to the retired status of the squad, Dumbledore and his bunch would have to enter with the civilians. This was better for his squad as they needed to have their CAD's registered along with their approved military magics.
Harrison in his time as a Technomage apprentice had improved upon the CAD's that were originally created. His improved version was made of a lighter goblin steel crafted by the best blacksmiths in Gringotts. Unlike many of his kind, he did not underestimate the value that the goblins and other creatures held.
Every one of his CAD's that sold a generous percentage went to the goblins. Without them, they would still be using lesser metals that couldn't integrate with electronic systems. It had taken almost a year and a half of research into programming and muggle technology to finally perfect it.
His CAD's were broken up into three grades. Beginners, Intermediate, and Military. Each grade specified what kind of magic circles could and could not be programmed into the system. Programming the magic circles into the CAD was not required but it saved in casting time and magic expense.
Harrison for his part had received permission to use his newest spell, Extinction Array. in the battle today. To be certified as military magic he had to prove it not only worked but could be used in battle. It was considered black magic in the world's eyes. Due to his status as a battlemage rank 4, he was allowed to use it with permission from the council. As long as he won this battle he and his squad would be moved up to rank 5. With that, he would no longer need permission to use military magic.
Heading to the registration area he found his squad waiting. The group comprised of himself, XIII, Kavar Durendal a master of weapons crafting and inscriptions, Darren Beaumont a half-demon, Jacob Stryker a skinwalker, Blue their resident seer, and Eon an illusionist.
Blue and Eon never shared their last names and Harrison didnt press. He knew what it was like to be known for something he didnt like. As a whole, the squad got along great. They covered each other's weakness and increased their strengths.
In Nightingale, they were also his Guard. As King, he was required to have a group known as the Guard. When a new King is announced they must come up with a group they explicitly trust to become their Guard. Any member of the Guard could be challenged for their position by members of the student body. Just as the King could.
Eon greeted with a smile, "Hey Harrison. It's been a while. How is England treating you since being back?"
Harrison grumbled, "It's only been a few days you bastard. You know how England is treating me otherwise we wouldn't be here. Everyone prepared for battle? Remember we are going up against Light Wizards but Moody is not above using any means necessary to win."
The group nodded their assent and allowed him a chance to check their CADs. He was the engineer on the team and makes sure that their CADs worked properly. With that, he signed off on their gear. As they turned to enter the briefing room to receive battle room information he spied Dumbledore and his Order entering. The two shared a look before Harrison continued on. There was nothing left to say until the battle was done.
