Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter he is the property of J.K. Rowling, the Dark Elves described in this chapter are the properties of Wizards of the Coast and various authors of the Forgotten Realms.
Recap: The crowd started to disperse when a gong started to sound in the city. Each of the elven warriors started to run to their post. When suddenly the gate doors burst open.
"DROW!" Came the scream. Suddenly the sound of ringing metal could be heard.
Chapter 10
The Dark Elves were waiting for the sun to fall. From where they where many could see several guards on patrol along the wall. A smile crept up on the leaders face he knew that the High Elves were going to be taken by surprise. They knew of the Dark Lord, but refused to serve him. His ambassador and three others with him had been slaughtered for the fun of it. With a shudder he relived that moment. But an evil grin formed on his face when he personally told the Dark Lord that his men will not fight for him or any human and to prove his point one of his safe houses was destroyed and all inside were slaughtered. Though he did leave one alive but poisoned him. He watched from the shadows as an old man and a group approached him. Then started to laugh when he heard the conversation.
"They had black skin, red glowing eyes. White Hair. They maybe stood at least between four foot even to four eleven. They had swords with a metal I've never seen before. It was sudden, and we had no warning they just broke through the door. The other Death Eaters started to fire killing curses. It didn't even affect them. If it did, they didn't show it." The Death Eater said.
"How many were there?" The old man asked.
"Five, maybe six, I couldn't s..." Suddenly the man's chest exploded in a shower of blood. The poison that he used was a nasty concoction that when it hits the heart it explodes violently. The dark lord had sent several Dementors to them. His displeasure us fun for the Dark Elves even when the Dementors entered their caverns, they to were cut down. His anger flared when he remembered his peoples flight to the underground caverns of Europe, forced down there by the High Elves and Woodland elves. Now the sun burns their eyes, and stings their skin when they come to the surface. The sun had dipped behind the wall, a long enough shadow reached out to the raiding group. Gripping his sword tightly in his hand, he signaled his men to move. Suddenly a cheer went up from the city. The drow warriors smiled as they realized this was the perfect time. They surged forward, toward the gate. Up on the wall a lone guard saw the black skinned elves rushing toward the walls and the door. He spun and sprinted down the walk way. He past four others who were sitting on the walk way throwing dice and having a fun time. The running guard screamed at them to get up. He was near the alarm when he was struck in the side. Jumping forwards he hit the alarm, he could hear it. Slowly he drifted off, never to open his eyes again. But his work was done, he fulfilled his duties to the King. The four saw him get struck by an object, then go down as one they lifted there heads and could see what made him run so fast. Breaking out of their stupor they fitted arrows into their bows and began to rain death down upon the attacking army. Soon they were joined by others who were close to the wall as they too began firing their missiles.
The lead warrior saw his men fall but he cared not. He was close to close to run now. He fired his strongest cure at the wooden door at first the doors never moved, and he dared not stop, but twenty other Drow warriors fired the same curse and the doors burst open. ""DROW!" One of the High elves screamed. The lead Drow rushed through the now open city, his sword at the ready. He immediately saw his first target a young elf running with a child in her arms. With a fluid motion he cut her down and silenced the child. More and more of his warriors now flooded the gate, to them it was a matter of time before this city fell. After all he thought only the High Elves were here. He looked up the road to see a human running down it. He was surprised to see him. Thinking to get a quick kill he threw a dagger at the running man. His surprise was complete when he saw him roll forward and the dagger hit a wooden post.
Harry began running for the gates when he heard that the doors were breached. He felt that something wasn't right. His instincts told him to roll forwards. After his roll he heard what sounded like a blade striking the wooden post he was by. Harry looked to his left to see the one who threw the weapon at him. Rising quickly he drew the sword of Gryffindor. Even in the firelight from the burning buildings everyone could see the keen edge and the perfect simmering of the blade. Harry charged the Drow who tried to kill him. The drow warrior lifted his scimitar parallel with the ground to block Harry's over head chop. When the blades struck a ring unlike any heard before sounded forth. To the drow it was painful, but for Harry and his friends as well as the surface elves it rang with the sound of hope. Suddenly the sounds of horses could be heard as Ami and her calvary charged into the sides of the surging tide, her presence as well as her warriors surprised all of the attacking force. The surprise attack began to turn on the attackers as the two races of elves fought a race thought dead. The lead Drow was about to sound the retreat when more shouting and the cries of the dying reached his ears. Harry smiled at the drow standing in front of him, thinking to unnerve him, then attacked with a sudden thrust. The two fought back and forth with the ringing gaining momentum with each block. To those watching the fight they could only stare in awe of the battle they were witnessing, from what they could tell both fighters were dancing an intricate dance, to many swordsmen this was the dance of death, when both swordsman used their skills in battle this wasn't the friendly duels and training fights that many had watched the young human fight, this was a fight for life. Suddenly Harry then thought of something that would end this fight, he brought the sword up and feinted as if he was going to strike from the left. The drow fell for it and brought his sword up in a block only to find himself blocking the air and he was caught flatfooted. Harry spotted his opportunity and with a swift motion he stabbed the drow in the chest, while grabbing the drow's shirt. The blade ripped through the drow's armor and into the drow's blackened heart. Harry used all of his weight to drive the sword all of the to the hilt. The drow looked into the eyes of his killer only to see something that many would later see for the last time. 'Elife nor drigon.' He muttered. Harry watched the drow slide off the blade and he looked around to find more targets. Seeing several he ran to join the elves fighting them. Jumping into the fray, Harry brought his sword in a vertical swipe that raked across two of the drow's back. One of the elven warriors brought his sword up into a salute then he rushed off to find more targets. Taking one last look around he could see Hermione, and Tonks fighting back to back against three drow. Soon he spotted Susan who was throwing knifes and then return to the shadows only to strike from a new spot. He spied Luna who seemed to be using her spear like a lance to run down her opponents from atop a horse. He could tell that she was in charge of the small group, he could see Ami fighting with skill besides Yu, she was bleeding from a cut on her forehead. Near the two was a dead horse that looked like it had been run through with twenty spears. He could barely see Neville who stood on the walls with the other archers. From what he could tell is that the drow figured that the High Elves would be caught unawares and it would be a slaughter. What they didn't expect was the Wood Elves being here, and most definitely humans. A noise from the gate took his attention from the battle. From the sound of it there was a massive battle raging outside of the gates. The drow started to retreat from the battle and head out the door. Their surprise was complete when they saw that they were fighting not only the elves inside the city but their one time ally. Many of the drow threw down their weapons and surrendered. Those who saw the situation fought and were cut down where they stood. Those who surrendered were knocked unconscious and shackled. They were thrown into a holding cell. They were going to be interrogated later in the day. Harry was standing with Yu and Ami when a runner found them, while awaiting for a tally of the dead and wounded, after the brief fight.
"My lord's and Lady. I have the death toll's." He said, handing over the small sheet. Yu shoulders slumped at the count.
"One hundred High Elves, eighty Woodland elves and ninety shadow elves lost their lives. We took fifty prisoners and killed seven hundred and eighty drow. But that is not what I'm worried about. Fifteen centaurs were killed. From the wounds it appears that they were killed by archers from the walls." Yu said.
"Well there goes the peace agreement we had. Though it was tentative at best." Ami said.
"Let's ask the archers what they saw? I'm sure Neville saw something. Let me go get him." Harry said. Harry came back twenty minutes later with Neville and the others. Hermione's arm was in a sling, and Tonks was favoring her right leg. Susan didn't have a scratch on her, yet Luna's shirt was stained in blood. Her look told them that the blood was mostly of her enemies. The only wound she had was on her arm that an unknown assailant gave her. Neville had a small cut that ran along his arm. Harry looked at him.
"Centaurs attacked behind the Drow and didn't help. I think that they were here for a purpose, and not a good one." Neville said.
"Well that answers that." Ami said.
"I will lead a diploic force to the main Centaurs camp. I will leave in two days time." Ami said, walking away.
"Well if she doesn't get any answers as to why those half horses were here then war will erupt in the forest." Yu said.
"What of the prisoners?" Harry asked.
"Well get information from them and then kill them." Yu replied who walked away.
"He's right. They can't live not in this city. Many here would love to kill them right now. Including the bow maker he heard that the city became under attack by drow and started to scream that he knew it. He told the lords of the time that the drow had escaped underground, and this attack today proved it. Unlike the shadow elves who are being punished still today. Get some rest sir's in three days time a feast to celebrate the lives of the fallen and the following day we will set the dead afloat in the lake, in which we set the platform they rest on by the use of flaming arrows. Tomorrow you have a busy day." The elf said walking away.
Later that night Harry stood on the balcony, he stood there standing looking at the spot where he had killed. Yet he couldn't remember it. No matter how hard he tried. Hermione and Tonks were asleep, and from the sounds of it Hermione was in the grip of a nightmare. He walked over to her and gently held her in his arms. This was something unfamiliar to Harry, this time the situation had been reversed. Hermione relaxed and he move from where he was, knowing that he wasn't going to get any sleep this night. He put his armor on and headed out the door. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the two elves that had been patrolling the hallways, nor did he see that they move to both sides of the wall, and stood at attention. The two could tell that Harry was deep in thought as he past. Harry continued until he came to the library. The guardian of the library saw him walk in and with a smile he nodded to Harry.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked.
"Not really."
"Well if you happen to pick out a book all, I ask is that you replace it from whence it came." He said walking away.
Harry started to walk down the isles looking at the titles. He was in the third isle when a little red book caught his eye. The spine had no indexation of what it was but the cover clearly had a name. He gasp when he read the name. Erice Potter. He opened the book and could clearly see that this was a diary of some sorts. Each page was filled with notes, or a spell of some kind. But when he flipped to the last hundred pages, the writer started to write about his adventures with Godric Gryffindor.
April, 996
The school completed, last year is now finally open. The founders that's what they are now called, but if it weren't for the others who helped then the castle would have never been built this fast. Built it for the younger mages out there, but there is one who wants to let only those he sees fit in those with pureblood. However Godric, Rowena, and Helga over ruled him, told him that every magic born person who wished to learn will be welcomed here. Each started there own houses, choosing who went were was left up a hat they name Alistar. I watched as a rivalry was born when Godric threw Salazar out of the castle for trying to kill one of the students. It was I who alerted Sir Gryffindor to what Slytherin was doing after all I am a healer, and the other three need to know what he was up to.
Harry couldn't believe what he was reading here he had a diary from one of his ancestors, flipping a few pages he found something that shocked him.
I can't believe I did it. I made a spell that would ease the suffering of those in pain and were going to die anyway. I used it for the first time, since inventing it. But the sad part is that I had to use it one my friend Helga. Poor lass was in so much pain, she had contracted the plague that has been ravaging Europe. It hurt my heart to hear her beg me to end her life so I did I raised my wand and muttered Avada Kadvra. I hope that Godric and Rowena can forgive me for what I have done. I will only use that curse when I have no other choice.
Harry slammed the book shut and got up on shaky legs. With a slow resolve he asked the head librarian if he could borrow the book for a few days. They let him one condition that he take great care of the book. He walked quickly out of the library, as soon as he cleared the threshold hold, he sprinted for his room. When he arrived, he found it empty. Much to his surprise the sun was peaking over the horizon. Placing the book on the table in the room he turned and headed for the dining hall. As he neared, he could hear a slight chatter. Carefully he crept up to the door.
"Hermione you did what you needed to do. Feel no shame in taking the enemies life. Because if you did not, they would have killed you. Do not think you are alone in this, your friends to feel this pain. They may deal with it in different ways. Take Harry for example, he was up all night but yet he understands what happened and accepted it, all because of the horrors he has seen in his young life, and I must confess that of an elf. Feel not sorrow for those enemies that died at your hands."
"I know that but I can't help but think of what I did and what Harry would think of me when he finds out. I killed five of them before they fled outside of the gates. They died by my hand Ami." Hermione replied.
"You did what was needed, and your friends will not think badly about you. And if you think that let me ask you this. Do you think Harry a murder for grabbing the one who lead this raid by his armor and thrust his own blade into his enemy's chest? What of Tonks she stood with you as you fought back to back. What of Neville he was using his skills with the bow to take out targets outside of the wall. Susan who hit them from the shadows. Or Luna who put her spear too deadly uses while she charged in with other calvary?" Do you think so little of them." Hermione shook her head. "As I said you and your friends are dealing with this in your own way. Hell even the warriors who took their first lives yesterday are in the same boat as you, and I can see that the six of you will live but will be changed, like all soldiers, for the better or the worse, only time will tell. I can see you changing now, so go to your friends spend the day in their company. Tonight is a night of celebration. Tonight we honor those who had fallen in battle, then the ritual of purification will take place, three days this takes one the final night all who knew the fallen will gather to say one final farewell. Go and find some peace Hermione." Ami said, Harry could hear a chair being pushed forward and the sounds of someone approaching the door. Ami stepped out and looked at Harry, she gave him a slight smile before walking down the hall way. Harry entered the room and could see Hermione still weeping. Slowly he headed toward her. When she looked up to see who had entered the room she got up and approached him. Suddenly she grabbed Harry and held onto him tightly, and started to cry anew. Harry was somewhat uncertain to do but he rapped his arms around her and just held her.
"Hermione lets go find Tonks and the others, I found something that you all need to hear." He could feel her nod and lead her out of the room. He found Tonks sitting and talking to Neville, Luna, and Susan.
"I know what you are feeling, and trust me, when I say this it is never easy to have to kill your opponent." She said.
"How would you know!?" Susan snarled.
"I was an Auror remember. There was a time when I had to take a life. In battle it is easy to kill but after the battle is the most difficult time it is when you realize that you had taken a life. There are different ways of dealing with killing, and all five of you are showing it." Tonks said, Susan just sat there.
"I think we need to have a little chat. With what we did and what I have found." Harry said. He proceeded to tell them of the journal and who created the killing curse.
"Your family created that!? And he used it on Helga Hufflepuff?" Tonks asked.
"Yes but he was a healer and eased her suffering. From what I read she had the bubonic plague, and was in great pain. Nothing he tried could spare her so he used a last resort and ended her life. I didn't read any farther."
"To think your family is responsible creating that curse. Wait the creator used it as a tool to help ease the passing of those suffering and could not be help. Then how did it become dark?" Hermione asked.
"Don't know but I think that journal may hold the key." Harry answered.
Before they knew, they were being summoned to the training grounds. From what they could see there was every elf in the land there. Yu and Ami were standing near a dais. Harry could see both Kali and Liu were there in the front with six empty chairs. When they got to where they were needed Yu started to speak. He praised the bravery of those who had fallen and those still alive. Harry watched silently, but something was nagging at the back of his mind. Slowly the ancient elf he meet last month came walking up the isle, sadly this would be the last night for the ancient one who's body wouldn't be found until two days later and with a smile on his face. Kali, Liu, Oni and Necrose stood and approached the daises.
"Harry will you and your friends approach please?"Yu asked. The six stood as one and joined the six in front of them. Both the bowyer and the sword maker handed over the bows and blades they crafted.
"To you Neville Longbottom, I give you the bow Temril the Heart seeker, with this you will never miss, and this blade Nerfis, this blade has a special ability and that is to absorb the energy from your opponent's spells all you have to do is block with the sword and the spell will be absorbed." Oni said.
"To you Luna Lovegood I give you this Bow. The bow's name is Lighting. On your commands this bow fires bolts of lightning. Deadly for a closely group of packed enemies. And this spear. Its name is Firestone. It can unleash a wall of fire when in the presence of the undead." Liu said.
"Susan Bones to you I present this the Bow of Reflex, with it you can use it upon the back of a horse, more easily that what your friends can. Should your arrows hit, it will cause those standing around to see the arrow will flee in fright and these daggers, if you throw them you have the ability to summon them back to your sheaths." Necrose said.
"Hermione to you I give you this the bow of Aeros. This bow has the ability to sap the energy from an opponent and use it against others, and this blade wound healer. It has the ability to make wounds bigger, or to heal any wound. The choice is yours and yours alone." Kali said.
"To you Tonks I give you this the bow of darkness. The area where your first arrow lands will be blanked in an impenetrable cloud of darkness, only you and your friends can see into the bank, but your enemies cannot, and this blade it is call cutter, it can cut through anything material in this world." Ami said.
"To you Harry Potter, I give you this. The bow of Nicor, he smiles upon you this night, the power of this bow is unknown to us but will reveal its self when the time is right I think, and you wear your sword, the blade of Gryffindor has been named after each hero of the light has used it. On this night you must give it a new name." Yu said. "Chose the name wisely."
Harry pulled the blade from its scabbard and held it lightly in his hands with the flat of the blade resting in his palm. With his eyes closed he thought of how it came to him and what he has done with it so far. In his head he could hear a cry. Has he focused on that cry and he realized it was that of a phoenix? Slowly in his mind he could see the majestic bird appear. Wings held wide a scream of defiance at the shadow that had fallen. Slowly Harry opened his eyes. Each one of the presenters could see the fires burn behind them. They spoke of all the injustices that he had suffered, and the fate that awaited him.
Turning his attention to Yu Harry spoke. "I name this sword. The Phoenixes Rage."
No one spoke, for no words were needed. Those who fought near Harry could swear they heard a phoenix's battle cry, and no one could deny what they heard when that blade struck the blade of the drow. The sword rose slowly into the air and it hung there. Before Harry could grab the pommel of the sword a light burst forth and spread into the crowd. When the light faded many had found that the Elven emblems that were engraved into their armor had change to that of a phoenix with its wings spread wide, and its beak open in a silent scream. The ones who noticed the change felt honored to wear the symbol of the god of war and justice. To them Harry was Nicor's voice in this mortal realm. Suddenly before anyone could move, Harry and the others they feel into a deep sleep and wouldn't awake until the rays of the next morning were peaking over the horizon.
A/N OKAY, OKAY I MAY HAVE PROMISE TO GET TO THE WILL READING IN THIS CHAPTER BUT THE CONSEQUENCES FROM THE LITTLE FIGHT WITH THE DROW WERE LONGER THAN I EXPECTED.