OLD MAGIC

Chapter 60: "We found the enemy's army!"

While Hagrid and Snape were gathering all their allies, elsewhere in the world the hunting party lead by Aestra was chasing down a rumor of a large gathering of creatures that could be the missing Death Eater Army they had been searching for these many long months.

As she and her small detachment of Fae, Dwarves, a few centaurs, and Annis Black, carried out their mission to ferret out any of the enemy in all the small villages, towns, and every other hiding places outside the major cities, they heard persistent rumors and whispers, of a large number of disreputable creatures moving through their areas in groups of twos, threes, and as many as ten. All apparently heading in a northeasterly direction.

But the best lead was from a group of old warriors living in Germany who had fought in the war against Grindelwald, secretly and without the knowledge of the Aurors, who bore the brunt of the battle. Aestra was told these odd collection of creatures might be heading for the crumbling ruins of an old chateau where the battle with Grindelwald had been fought. The Aurors lost the battle and Grindelwald managed to elude capture until caught and defeated by Albus Dumbledore in 1945. The evil wizard was now incarcerated in his old home turned prison for his enemies, Nuremgard Castle somewhere in Europe. The chateau, however, was located in the alps of Switzerland.

This had been the strongest lead they had gotten by far and was good enough for Aestra to decide a trip to Switzerland was in order. She had taken a moment before heading out, to reach out to a contact she knew within the Ministry of Magic's historical department. That person researched their records on the battle site looking for its exact location and passing it on to her. With that knowledge in hand, she took her detachment and had them apparate to the tiny village of Bormio located below where the chateau was said to be hidden on a mountain side. They arrived at dusk, Swiss time on Sunday.

No one saw them arrive as everyone was safely inside their homes having supper. One of Aestra's scouts that had gone ahead of the group, directed them to a small clearing he had found, about a mile from the village. This was where they would set up camp. Resting for the night, they would begin their search, fresh and alert, at dawn.

Using the scout's mental image, the detachment apparated to the campsite. They could have walked but that would have risked being seen by the locals. Upon arrival, Aestra looked around and pronounced the location perfect. She and four others set about erecting a strong concealment charm to keep their encampment hidden from the villagers and their enemy while the others set up tents, cook fires, and watch schedules.

When her hunters had finished setting up a sketchy but comfortable camp, they settled down around a large bonfire as it was very cold, and ate a hot meal. She used the time to brief her hunters on the plans for the morrow.

"At dawn, before the sun rises, we head out in teams of four, spreading out in four directions so that we can spy on the enemy more efficiently. Ensure you use the strongest stealth charm you have to keep your presence secret. Don't forget scent as many of the enemy hunts that way. If the rumors be true, we may have finally found the missing army. Sleep well for tomorrow we hunt." A cheer of excitement went up, all anxious to see the end to their long search. Meals were finished and all headed to their sleeping spots or tents to rest.

As a thick fog shrouded the forest making for a very chilly Monday morning, the sun toiling hard to pierce the glum, Aestra and her detachment ate a quick breakfast, broke camp then split up to search the vast area around the chateau grounds.

Barely an hour into their search, though, one of her hunters found the enemy. The Fae hunter of the team left his companions to return silently to their leader's side to report.

"What did you see?" Aestra asked eagerly.

"What we hoped to find, my leader. We came across a large complement of werewolves, a giant, a vampire, and many other unsavory creatures spread out below a barely seen ruins at the top of a cliff. The army has set up a formal camp."

"Then we need to have a closer look," Aestra decided and called in all her people then, letting the Fae scout guide them, they apparated to within five miles of the largest collection of the creatures onto a small outcrop that overlooked the valley and hill that held the army and the chateau.

They all hunkered down and took up an observation post, fanned out a ways from their leader and waited for her orders of what they would do next. Aestra and Annis, with her murder of crows hiding in a nearby tall pine, settled into a patch of high grass and weeds to watch the moving carpet of creatures sleeping or moving about below them.

Her eyes narrowing, Aestra hissed out a soft breath. "At last we've found them. Jason will be pleased. We need to get that information to him soonest." She paused and stared below for a few minutes more before stating, "Disgusting looking sight isn't it?"

"Aye, it tis. What a disorganized mess they be too," Annis Black muttered, her black outfit helping her blend in the darkness of the forest behind her and the deep grasses they crouched in. "Wonder who be keeping them in check?"

"Hmm, perhaps one of your aerial army could find out," Aestra suggested. "Besides getting the exact numbers and types of creatures were dealing with. As soon as we have that you and I will deliver it to Jason straight away so he has time to determine what action the council wants to take about how and when we capture the lot. It be a good thing a jail has already been constructed to them as well."

"Brilliant idea! Let me get them on their way," Annis nodded. Using her magic she summoned a crow to her. Speaking mind to mind for a moment, she instructed the bird to gather it's fellows and sweep the area and collect the information they needed. The crow nodded and without a sound leaped upward and swept off over the small valley below where the enemy sprawled, calling to its brethren to come to its side.

"Excellent! Now we wait and watch," Aestra murmured watching the crows fly to and froe over the army, occasionally swooping down then soaring back up out of reach of the giant's and ogres that tried to swat them.

Some thirty minutes later, the lead crow returned to Annis and reported. Giving the creature a smile and a treat, she sent if off again to join it fellows in the pine tree.

Snorting in disgust, Annis turned to Aestra. "What a pathetic lot they be, only four trolls, two giants, that keep wandering off, a flock of vampires, a full pack of werewolves, and a variety of other lesser beings ... all told, about four hundred. Don't seem to be any more arriving. This be more like a small battalion rather than an Army. Also, my spies weren't able to catch the name of the nominal leader."

"It be still large enough to cause serious problems and we must get them taken down before their leaders finally get their collective asses together to muster an attack," Aestra reminded her.

"Oh aye, I agree even though there might not be enough motivation to get this lot to continue fighting, me thinks," Annis observed.

"Hmm, that's possible but no matter, let us get this vital information to Jason. Annis, please set up a murder of crows to continue spying and listening for the leader's name. No telling what other useful information they might pick up while we are gone," she ordered, her sudden grin very predatory, anticipation of the battle to come heating her veins.

"Good thinking," Annis grinned back then called the lead crow back to her side. It landed on her out stretched arm. Giving it a brief caress, she gave it Aestra's order before tossing it back into the air.

While Annis was busy, Aestra gathered her small force and gave them their orders. She was going to have them encircle the encampment and capture any of the army that attempted desertion and forward them to the newly built jail at the Elder's Headquarters. Rejoining Annis, Aestra apparated them both back to Scotland while the army behind them slipped away and spread out around the enemy to take up their watch.

Upon arrival the pair were immediately taken to the strategy room where Jason was busy speaking with his council.

The Elder Council Headquarters was located in the hidden heart of the Forbidden Forest. A massive concealment charm hid its location from spying eyes as did the huge, stately trees of the ancient forest who's branches stretched to hide much of it from aerial eyes and surrounded it as well. It had been built more than a century or so earlier and was used as the regular meeting place for the council and where other forest dwellers could safely conduct their own business in safety. The huge dark edifice looked very much like a medieval castle, but instead of narrow slit windows, the castle boasted huge glass ones and skylights that allowed the sun to filter in and give it more natural lighting even on the darkest days of winter.

The castle environs could hold nearly all the intelligent beings of the forest if a safe retreat was needed but most of the time it was only lightly manned. Each floor had a specific purpose. The top of the castle held an amazing array of muggle satellite dishes for their surprisingly sophisticated security, observation systems, and internet, but also there were simple long distance telescopes. Also old fashion cannons were set on each corner of the castles ramparts just in case they were needed.

Just one floor below was the owlery and below that housed small apartments, the next floor contained the dining hall, hospital, library, and entertainment areas. Below that was the main floor lobby and entrance that contained a greeting bay, meeting room, admin office, support staff, personnel office, and offices for the higher echelon. And left of the entrance doors, down the end of a long hall led to a large, comfortable space dedicated to the needs of the centaurs. The first floor below the main lobby, held the strategy room, communications center, massive computer banks, messenger staff, radio room, and office supply room.

Going deeper into the ground were floors that held, weapons storage, weapons development and construction, huge kitchens, food and other supply storage areas, a huge gym and training area, research labs, and panic room where non-combatants could be hidden in case of attack on the fortress. And at the bottom of all this was the bowels of the castle where a small number of cells and interrogation rooms were plus the plumbing needed for such a large place. Of course magic was used along with fireplaces to keep the place warm for the winter months and a cooling system for summer.

A huge clearing that was unseen by any flying overhead due to yet another massive magical screen, was used as a training field for the warriors of the Elder Council. Here all who wished to, could train in all forms of combat or for the simple pleasure of playing competition games of which they were fond of. In another clearing about a mile from the castle sat a huge block building that had just been constructed and also surrounded by trees, was the temporary prison for the enemy.

The most important space in the castle though was the huge strategy room. On one of its many walls was an impressive array of modern muggle equipment namely a bank of monitor screens below which were a row of computers manned by forest dwellers and muggles. Behind them on tier step podiums sat the desks that held members of the council. The muggle setup made it easier for the council to watch the screens for incoming information or briefings such as the one Jason was holding now. On another wall a huge map of the wizarding world was represented.

Since early morning, Jason, their leader had been taking reports and now with the council assembled he was in the process of disseminating that information and getting their opinions and answering questions. Fawkes had arrived early hoping to speak with Jason but as the morning wore on, he still hadn't been able to capture the half-giant's attention.

He was growing a bit frustrated. It was very important he speak with Jason on the subject of house elves and their possible participation in ending the war quicker. But so much was going on he decided since his participation wasn't needed right now, he should leave and get some other vital tasks accomplished and hope to garner Jason's attention later.

Arriving nearer to lunch, Fawkes saw things had not changed much since his earlier departure. Watching for a bit, he could understand why as he saw how much data and reports were pouring in as events set in motion were now coming together. There was a staggering amount of information needing to be sorted and looked at, but despite everyone pitching in and the new admin staff, it still took time to assimilate all that data into a cohesive form they could use to make decisions.

Fortunately, a recent influx of additional volunteers was beginning to speed things up so all that overwhelming data was finally being processed, consolidated and disseminated. But still a rather frustrating process all around.

This was the organized chaos Aestra walked into with Annis by her side. Just like Fawkes, she too had to wait to be noticed by their leader. Seeing a huge layout of some kind on the side of the room away from the wall of monitors, the pair drifted over to take a look and were soon perusing the new piece of technology that helped them see where everyone was at this moment in time. The impressive 3D layout of the topography of the castle, its surroundings, Hogwarts, London, the rest of the UK, and the entirety of Europe was a wonder to behold. Magical flags floated over areas of import … most showing where all the Light's forces were posted or standing by for orders. These were represented by blue glowing flags. The enemy was represented by red glowing skulls.

The pair had to study the layout for some time before they understood exactly what they were looking at and were suitably impressed as to where their resources were and how many there were. It was a good sign.

"Wist, it appears we be verra close to engaging the enemy than we supposed if these numbers be correct. Wonder how close we be to having our hoped for allies join us too?" Annis asked more to herself than Aestra.

"Hmm, I couldn't say but I am pleased by the progress that has been made while we hunted the enemy. This combining our forces and turning it into an actual army was a good plan. Now if our allies do join, it will complete our army and we will be able to overwhelm them easily based on what we've discovered of the enemies true numbers," Aestra said, a feeling of optimism stealing over her. She hoped it wasn't mistaken.

"That is because a meeting with them is in progress as we speak," Jason murmured over their shoulders.

Annis and Aestra turned in surprise. They had been so preoccupied with the table display they had failed to notice the council was taking a break.

"You have news for me?" Jason asked, eyeing them expectantly.

Turning around Aestra smiled widely. "Oh yes very good news, Jason. We found the enemy's army at last."

It was Jason's turn to smile broadly in relief. "Brilliant! Where and how many?" He signaled for his secretary, to join him. When he hurried over with quill and scroll, only then did Jason nod at the Fae leader to give her report.

She quickly briefed him on what they had found, the numbers, and the types of creatures waiting and their location.

"This is perfect! I can now notify the Aurors and the Order, that is, when or if they join us."

"When will you know?" Aestra asked, concerned at the delay.

"Only this morning did Hagrid and Snape meet with Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Bones must still meet with the Order. After that they will be brought here to meet the council. Hopefully, that will all happen by tomorrow or the next day. I haven't heard from either but it is too soon as yet. You have watchers on the army?" Jason asked, though he was certain she had. She was thorough like that.

"Oh aye, of course. From the looks of the camp, they don't seem to be planning to move very soon, except for the pair of giants and few trolls that keep wandering off only to return within hours, no one else seems inclined to walk off," Aestra said, snorting. "Which is surprising. I would have expected some defections but admittedly we haven't been watching long so I wouldn't know if that were fact or not," she said pensively.

"Since we have to wait, you still might find out more during your observation of them. Meanwhile, keep everyone on guard and take notes of anything they see or hear. We need them to stay put and to know if anymore join or leave. If any leave of course have them picked up immediately so they don't disappear."

"I have already ordered that be done but where do we incarcerate them? I hadn't been told that as yet," Delacour asked.

"Ahh, I do believe we have something set up ..." Jason paused and looked down at his secretary.

"Yes sir, a prison has been set up in the Wyrdwood just north of the castle. Tongra left his second in command, Odar, in charge of manning and running it."

"Does he have an active guard there now?"

"Hmm, I don't believe so sir. You want me to send a message to Tongra or Odar and ask?"

"Yes to Tongra. Them him, he needs to have a small force report to the prison immediately and relay why. But do that after we finish here," Jason decided.

"Of course, sir."

"Thank you for bringing that to my attention so I can have the prison ready and manned, Aestra," Jason said, turning to the Fae woman.

"With all that is going on, Jason, I'm amazed you manage to keep track of all of it in the first place." Aestra shrugged off the thanks.

"It's because of you and everyone else invested in this operation that I manage that, my dear. Now as to this army, do you have any idea who might be leading them?"

Aestra sighed and shrugged, but it was Annis who answered. "Nay, we weren't there long enough, Jason, to figure that out, however, I left me crows as lookouts and spies. They should pick up something soon and any other interesting tidbits."

Jason nodded. "Brilliant. It really doesn't matter to us who is in charge but I know it be necessary for the Aurors as a warrant for him needs to be written for his arrest to be legal. Meanwhile, why don't you and Annis avail yourselves of our hospitality … eat, get some rest. Hopefully, I will have news on our allies come tomorrow but either way, we are ready for whatever the news might be. Many things are going on right now that have us waiting for answers and they simply can't be hurried even though events are moving forward rapidly according to some of the reports floating in. However, despite that, events are looking very positive so far."

Both females smiled with pleasure at the news. "I can't wait until this be over. Everyone is getting very antsy. It be hard keeping their excitement contained," Annis warned.

"I certainly can understand that. All have been awaiting for this moment," Jason agreed.

"Until we have the answers we need to move forward, Jason, I'll keep my forces on a twelve hour rotation so they remain fresh and ready when the word is finally given to take the enemy down," Aestra promised.

"Good, until later," Jason bid them goodbye while he turned to deal with whatever it was Fawkes wanted to see him about.

The two females strode away, occasionally stopping to speak to a few of the council members before heading out to find something to eat as lunch was fast approaching.