Of Power, Wisdom and Courage
These new developments are quite intriguing, Dumbledore thought as he made his way to Hogsmeade. Normally he would have Fawkes take him there, but today he needed the time walking there took to think.
The existence of other worlds was simply fascinating, but frightening at the same time. Reyna and Raven might have had good intentions for coming here, but if they found, why shouldn't somebody else? He had to find out how travelling between worlds worked and if they wouldn't comply, a bit of legilimency would do the trick.
He finally arrived at the Hogshead, where the interview would take place. His brother Aberforth looked up as he entered. "She is already here, Albus. You know which room.", he said and Dumbledore nodded.
He went up the stairs to the second room on the right. The door was already open and inside sitting at a table was a woman. She looked up when Dumbledore entered. "Sybill Trelawny, I presume?", Dumbledore asked and shook her hand.
"Now then, you applied for the position of divination professor at Hogwarts, so I'll be asking you a few questions to see if you are qualified."
His questions were numerous, from reading the future in crystal balls to tarot cards, he asked her everything. During his own time at Hogwarts many years ago, he hadn't taken any interest in divination, but later he had learned how useful it could be to know of the future. So he had began researching the subject, not everyone could be a seer however and so, apart from theoretic knowledge, he hadn't gotten very far.
Finally, his last question came. "I see that you are indeed very knowledgeable in this field, so my last question is, if you have ever given a true prophecy?" Trelawny nodded. "Yes, I have. It happened once before and the prophecy has been recorded in the Department of Mysteries." "That are all the questions I have for now, so we can discuss things like your salary and other things now.", he said with a smile, but before he even finished his sentence, her gaze seemed far away and when she spoke, her voice was hoarse.
The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord
has entered this world,
he we will be stuck between light and darkness,
cursed by ancient force, destined for greatness.
With power, wisdom and courage by his side,
his will be the choice
to save this world or cast it into eternal darkness.
The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord
has entered this world.
Trelawny suddenly coughed violently, bringing her out of her trance. She looked around for a moment, before focusing her gaze on Dumbledore again. "I'm sorry, I spaced out there for a moment. Did you say something?" "Only that it's now time to discuss your salary and other important matters.", Dumbledore replied with a smile and Trelawny nodded. They quickly discussed everything of greater importance, before Trelawny said her goodbyes and left the room, leaving Dumbledore to ponder the prophecy she had just made.
There was no doubt in his mind, who the prophecy was talking about, but that only made it more disturbing. Even more so, as it seemed as he hadn't he heard everything. He would have to influence the boy, so that he wouldn't turn dark, but it wouldn't be easy, as it sounded like the forces of darkness would try to get a hold of him as well.
He made his way downstairs, where his brother stopped him. "Someone was eavesdropping on your conversation, brother.", Aberforth said and Dumbledore's eyes widened. "Who was he?" "Don't know. He had black, greasy hair, but that's all I could see, he ran as soon as I called out to him." Dumbledore thanked his brother, before he left.
Things have gotten a lot more complicated just now, he thought as he used the fireplace in the Hogshead to floo back to his office.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
"And that's all you heard?", Voldemort asked and Snape nodded. "Unfortunately yes, my lord. The owner of the Hogshead caught me and I had to escape." "This is still pretty intriguing though. I will ask our spy in Dumbledore's order if the old fool told them anything. We should take care of this new threat. Given that the prophecy said, that he has entered this world, the boy is probably still a newborn." He looked at the other death eaters. "Were there any reports of newborns here in Britain for the last few months?" Barty Crouch Jr. was the first to speak up. "There were two boys born in July, only one day apart. One is a Potter, the other a Longbottom, my lord."
As Voldemort heard the name 'Potter', his face twisted in anger. "Of course it would be Potter!", he spat. "As if I didn't have enough trouble with James Potter, now his son as well?" He was about to continue, when the door of the banquet hall of Malfoy Manor, where he resided, opened. In came a small, pitiful man. "What brings you here, Wormtail?", Voldemort asked while swallowing down his fury. "My lord, Dumbledore had called for an Order meeting and I wanted to give you a report.", Wormtail replied in a small voice. "Then do so and don't waste my time!", Voldemort bellowed and Wormtail flinched in fear.
As he reported what had happened, Voldemort grew more and more intrigued. "So, the old fool wants his sheep to protect this Ganondorf Dragmire? How old is he?" "About as old as the son of Lily and James, my Lord.", Wormtail replied fearful.
A huge grin spread across Voldemort's face. "So this Ganondorf's going to be his trump card. The old fool! Does he really think that a mere child could beat me, Lord Voldemort?", he laughed and his death eaters joined in.
"Do we have to kill him, my lord?", Snape asked. "After all, the prophecy said 'he will be stuck between light and darkness'. Wouldn't he be a valuable asset to our cause?" Voldemort pondered the idea for a moment. "If we want to do so, then we have to take him while he is still young, still impressionable. We have to take out his caretakers as well. Wormtail!", he called for the small man, who flinched in fear as he was spoken to. "Gather information about both of them. Where they go, what they do, what magic they use, everything!", he bellowed and Wormtail bowed in fear. "Of course, my lord, whatever you want.", he stuttered, before quickly leaving the hall.
"I hate that little rat.", Bellatrix Lestrange mumbled as he left. "A rat he maybe, and a dirty, treacherous one at that, but he is useful and as long as he is, I will use him. Once he isn't however, you may dispose of him, Bella.", Voldemort said as he had heard. "Thank you, my lord!", Bellatrix breathed, love and devotion shining brightly in her eyes. Voldemort looked at her for a moment, then he snapped his fingers and multiple house elves appeared, bringing food and wine for his inner circle. Voldemort himself didn't eat however, he watched his faithful minions. He had chosen them well.
Severus was an excellent potions master. Barty was an aspiring runes master and, through his father, had connections to the ministry. Through Rodolphus and Lucius he had the money and political influence he needed. Rookwood supplied him with information directly out of the Department of Mysteries. Crabe, Goyle and Nott didn't have the same political power that Lucius or Rodolphus had, but their money certainly helped.
And then there was Bella. She was his strongest fighter, second only to him and so loyal, she'd do anything for him. And despite her less then stable mind, she worked very well as his second in command and her strategies were flawless. "Bella, I have a mission for you.", he said and she looked at him. "Anything for you, my lord.", she breathed and he chuckled at her eagerness. "I want you to prepare a strike team. James and Lily Potter have been a thorn in my side for to long. Kill them and their boy." "Yes, my lord.", she replied and he smiled again. Yes, she was his most faithful servant.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
Raven was woken by the loud knocking on the door. "Raven, Dumbledore has called for us, they need our help.", his mother called. With a groan he got up. After getting dressed, he left his room and went to the room Dumbledore used for the Order meetings together with his mother. It had been two weeks since they had arrived in this world and Filius had been a great help in understanding everything this world had to offer, so much so that both he and his mother saw the charms professor as a friend.
They entered the meeting room, but apart from some of the other teachers, no one else was, not even Dumbledore, was there yet. They went over to Filius, who was talking to Pomona Sprout, the head teacher of Hufflepuff.
Raven didn't like the house system, sure it helped both the teachers and students in numerous ways, but it also lead to so much rivalry between the houses. Gryffindor and Slytherin were the worst, always fighting, sometimes even over trivial things. "Ah, good morning, Reyna, Raven.", Filius greeted them. "How is young Ganon doing?", he asked. "He is as healthy as ever.", Reyna replied. They kept talking for quite a while, before Dumbledore finally came. Raven didn't know what to think of the old wizard. He was very powerful, Raven could feel it, and his intentions seemed to be pure, but his instincts told Raven to be wary of that man and so have they had never betrayed him.
Dumbledore didn't waste time with pleasantries as he began, something Raven did appreciate. "I was just contacted by one of the death eaters of Voldemort's inner circle. I won't reveal his name yet, as he told me that there is a spy in the Order. Who it is, he didn't know." Somehow, Raven doubted that, but he understood why Dumbledore didn't reveal the name. They could use the spy to feed false information to Voldemort. "This inner circle member is ready to act as a spy for our side and he has already revealed something of great importance. Tonight, a small group of death eaters lead by Bellatrix Lestrange will attack the Potters. We will send a team of our own to intercept." His gaze turned to Raven. "Over the past two weeks you have shown me your skills, Mr Dragmire, and I'd like to ask you to accompany the team and lent them your strength."
This came as a surprise to Raven. He and Dumbledore had done some mock duels, but he didn't think, that Dumbledore would actually sent him on a mission. "I will join them, but who'll be in command?" A young man stepped forward. "I will. I won't let my crazy cousin kill the only family I have left." "Then it is settled. Take whomever you need besides Raven, Sirius, but be careful. You know as well as I do how dangerous Bellatrix is." Sirius nodded and then choose five out of all, who were present, that would accompany him and Raven. Among those were Frank Longbottom, an auror, Filius told Raven, and Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Sirius then took them to another room, where they would discuss their strategy.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
The Hylian longsword felt heavy in Raven's hand as they waited. He had chosen to wear his Sheikah robes, as they allowed for great flexibility, while the enchantments woven into the cloth would protect him from most spells. Some of the others were fidgeting around slightly as they all were anxious for their ambush to commence. The plan was relatively simple. Raven would use his magic to get in close where he could use his sword and distract the death eaters and the others would cover him with spells.
Suddenly, a loud crack sounded through the night and ten figures clad in black robes appeared. "Alright, everyone ready?", Sirius asked and the others nodded. "Good. Raven, it's your turn." Raven simply nodded and suddenly the darkness closed in around him as he used the Shadow Step spell. Unseen, he moved forward, getting closer to the death eaters, none of them noticing anything, until the farthest one back let out a piercing scream as Raven impaled him with his sword.
The other death eaters spun around only to see their dead comrade sliding of Raven's blade. "Kill him!", a female voice roared and Raven, who was visible again, had to dodge out of the way of green-coloured curses sent his way. While dodging, Raven moved closer to the death eater closest to him. The other members of the Order had joined the fight now as well and were keeping some of the death eaters busy. When Raven was finally close enough, he swung his sword upwards, slicing the death eaters wand hand of. The man didn't have time to scream as Raven quickly brought the blade down again, ending the man's live. A spell barely missed him and Raven turned to face the caster. He raised his hand and another spell sent by the death eater crashed into a shield, before a fireball left Raven's hand and incinerated the man. He looked around only to see, that the battle was over.
Sirius was kneeling besides one of their man, whose face was blank. "What happened?", Raven asked. "The Killing Curse. Bellatrix got him, before she escaped.", Sirius replied and looked around. Seven death eaters were dead, one stunned and one had escaped together with Bellatrix. Frank, as he was the only auror with them, took care of the stunned death eater and Sirius took their fallen comrade, before they made their way back to Hogwarts.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
The next morning, Raven was sitting in the great hall of Hogwarts between his mother, who was having a conversation with Minerva McGonagall, the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts, and Filius. When Raven and his mother had eaten in the great hall, Dumbledore had introduced them as 'additional security in these dark times'. Raven didn't mind, he would have protected them anyway, if there had been an attack.
"So, had did it go last night?", Filius asked him and Raven sighed. "We were able to stop them, but Bellatrix and someone else, Gideon thinks it was her husband Rodolphus, got away." He paused for a moment. "She also took down one of our own. Aiden Locksley was hit by a Killing Curse." Sadly, Filius shook his head. "I knew Aiden well, he had taken his mastery degree under me. He was a promising wizard, but Lestrange was simply beyond him." Raven looked to his mother for a moment, then back to Filius. "Did he have family?", Raven asked and the charms master nodded. "A daughter and a twin brother. I'm guessing that Robin is going to take care of Meredith now."
Suddenly, hooting filled the great hall, as many owls swept into the hall through it's many windows. The first time Raven had witnessed this, both he and his mother had been quite startled, so much so, that Filius had broken out in roaring laughter. Now, however, Raven had gotten used to it and he had thought about getting an owl himself, after all, it was questionable if he and his were ever going to return to Hyrule.
The conversation between Raven and Filius stopped, when an owl landed in front of him. Before he could take the letter, Filius waved his wand over it. "Just a precaution.", he said when Raven looked at him. Filius took a look a the seal. "It's from Gringotts." "Gringotts?" "The Wizarding Bank, it's run by my people." Raven opened the letter.
Dear Mr Dragmire,
your presence is required at Gringotts today at 11:00am. Take this letter with you, as it will serve as your identification. If you aren't able to make, please inform us at least one hour before the meeting starts.
Yours sincerely, Ragnok, Director of Gringotts and King of the Goblin Nation.
"I've never heard of the king taking care of sending a letter himself, it must be a matter of great importance." "So I should go?", Raven asked. Filius snorted. "Of course you should! The only reasons the goblins would accept if you didn't came, would your own death or that of a family member." "I guess your people take business very seriously." Filius gave a wry smile. "You have now idea. If you want, I could accompany you. Goblins can be tricky to deal with." "I would appreciate your help.", Raven replied with a smile.
At half past ten, the two of them used Filius' fireplace to floo directly to Gringotts. Only members of the Nation were allowed to have a direct connection to Gringotts via the floo network, others would have to travel to diagon alley first. They went to a goblin teller and Raven kept quiet and watched, just like Filius had told him. "Greetings, teller, my your gold ever flow." The teller looked up at the greeting. "Good day to you, charms master, may the rivers run red with the blood of your enemies. What can Gringotts do for you today?" "We have an appointment with director Ragnok.", Filius replied and handed him the letter Raven had received. The teller took a look the letter, then he turned to Raven. "You are Mr Dragmire?" "Yes, may your gold ever flow.", Raven hastily replied. The teller gave him a toothy grin. "And may the rivers run red with the blood of your enemies. Before you may see the director, one question. All visitors of the director must be recorded. Are planning on taking charms master Flitwick with you to the meeting?" Raven nodded. "Yes, I'd like him to be there as my advisor, since I haven't had to deal with your people before. I don't want to embarrass myself or insult the director by accident." The teller nodded and wrote it down. He then called for another goblin. "Ironfist, take them to the director's office." Ironfist nodded and led them trough Gringotts.
After some time, they reached the office. Two guards armed with spears were standing in front of the entrance. The guards struck the ground with the end of their spears to announce their arrival and from inside the office a voice called out in a language Raven didn't understand. The guards quickly let them in and Ironfist went his way again.
Inside the office, a goblin was sitting at a desk, waiting for them. "May your gold ever flow, please take a seat.", the goblin said and both of them sat down. "May the rivers run red with the blood of your enemies.", both Raven and Filius." "Now then, let me begin by saying, that you kept us busy since last night, Mr Dragmire. If my informations are correct, you killed one Erik Watson in battle last night, yes?" Raven shrugged. "I defeated three men last night, I don't know if any of them were called that." Ragnok nodded, before he continued. "Because of your victory and Right of Conquest, you are now the new lord of his house." "Excuse me, director.", Filius stopped him. "As far as I know, the Right of Conquest isn't being used any more." Ragnok nodded nodded. "For most families, that is correct, but some of the old ones still use it." He took a small box from his desk drawer and opened it. Inside lay a ring with a crest in form of a eagle on it. "Mr Dragmire, by Right of Conquest you are now able to claim the lordship of house Ravenclaw. The only thing that is left, is to see, if the family accepts you as the new Lord Ravenclaw. For that, you only have to put on the ring." Raven looked at the ring sceptically. "What happens, if it doesn't accept me?", he asked and Ragnok gave him a wry smile. "Then the ring will become painfully hot, before shrinking down after five seconds and snapping of your finger." Raven sighed. "I'll do it."
He put the ring on his middle finger. For a moment, nothing happened, then a bright flash filled the office. Ragnok seemed satisfied. "Congratulations, you are now officially Lord Ravenclaw. With that, everything inside the Ravenclaw vault now belongs to you." "And my mother and my adoptive brother? Are they a part of house Ravenclaw now as well?" Ragnok shook his head. "No, but you can take them in. If you do so, your brother would become your heir, but you'll need your mother's approval, since she is his guardian." He looked to a clock on the wall. "But I'm afraid, we can't do that today, as I am quiet busy., but later this week, maybe on Friday, we could take of integrating your mother and your brother into house Ravenclaw.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
"They are visiting Hogsmeade tomorrow?", Voldemort asked and Wormtail nodded. "Yes, my lord, tomorrow at 1pm. You said you needed to take them out and when Dumbledore told me about it, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you, my lord." Voldemort nodded and smiled at the pitiful rat at his feet. "Indeed it is, you've done well, Wormtail. Call for my most faithful servants." Voldemort smiled as the rat left.
About an hour later, all of his inner circle had arrived. "Welcome everybody. Our friend Wormtail told me that the Dragmires will be visiting Hogsmeade tomorrow, an excellent opportunity to strike. Some of you will be able to right some of the mistakes of the past." Here he looked at Bellatrix. She had been devastated when she had told him, that she had failed two weeks ago. "Thank you, my lord", she now breathed and he smiled at her, making the devoted witch blush. "Now then, my friends, tomorrow, when the Dragmires are visiting Hogsmeade, we'll launch our attack. You will keep all reinforcements occupied, while I'll deal with the Dragmires." There were no rejections to his plan.
The next day, he was hiding in an alley in Hogsmeade and waited for his death eaters to strike. He heard screams filling the air and smiled, it was time. Leaving the alley, he was directly behind the Dragmires. He quickly flicked his wand and a Killing Curse left it, hitting the woman in the back. He was filled with glee as he watched Reyna Dragmire drop to the ground. Within seconds, her son was at her side and his agony filled scrams drowned out any other sounds. "I've been waiting a long time to finally meet you, Raven Dragmire.", Voldemort said and Raven looked up. "I'm sure you have heard of me, I am Lord Voldemort." Raven didn't answer and only raised his hands. He hadn't taken his sword with him, so he had to rely on his magic to win. He flung a fireball at the dark lord, but Voldemort simply side-stepped it. The boys fury was certainly impressive and he was very powerful, but his rage left him unfocused and predictable. This is to easy, Voldemort thought as he continued to dodge the boy's attacks. He flicked his wand and three spears appeared and shot towards the boy. One missed completely, the second grazed his shoulder, but the third pierced his right knee. Raven collapsed to the ground and his breath was unsteady. "You put up quite a fight, it's a shame you have to die like your mother." The was a spark of hatred and with power and speed he shouldn't be able to have, he ripped the spear out of his leg and charged the dark lord one last time. The spear broke through Voldemort's left shoulder and, with great pain, Voldemort pointed his wand at Raven. "Bombarda Maxima!", he spat and Raven's body exploded and blood and gore flew everywhere, covering the dark lord.
With a grunt he pulled he spear out of his shoulder and went over to the boy Ganondorf Dragmire. The child still lying in the arms of the dead Reyna. As Voldemort looked at him, somehow he knew, if he took the boy in, he wouldn't serve him. Fear filled the dark lord and he pointed his wand at the boy. "Avada Kedavra!", he hissed and the curse hit the child's left hand. A bright golden light filled the street upon impact, blinding the dark lord. The next thing he felt was immense pain as spell rebounded. He screamed in agony, before his body dropped to floor, lifeless. A black smoke rose up from his body and tried to enter Ganondorf's body, but another golden flash of light destroyed the smoke. The boy never noticed how he was picked up by an old wizard whose long, white beard tickled his nose.
-Of Power, Wisdom and Courage-
Ghirahim sighed in frustration. This was the eleventh world he had visited, but he still couldn't feel his master. How dare those stupid hylians rip him from the world, that was rightfully his, he thought as went about preparing the ritual that would open a new portal. He wouldn't stop searching and once he found him, he would prepare him for his conquest. First the new world, then Hyrule. A smile crept onto Ghirahim's face as he thought about what he would do with the kidnappers. "Oh, I will make suffer until they beg for me to kill them, but I won't give them the sweet relieve of death.", he said and his laughter echoed through the forest he was standing in.
AN: There goes chapter 2. I'll try to make each chapter a bit longer, until I feel comfortable with the length. Like last time, please review and leave some feedback for me, so I can make my story even better. Have good day and Zardas out!