This is where Albus properly gets dragged into the fighting, honest...

Disclaimer: Harry Potter isn't mine

Chapter XI – Urgent Assistance Needed

Hermes returned to the inn a full 2 days after Caradoc sent the message to his Torch in Mersch. "Ok, here we go", Caradoc said after he'd taken the parchment from his owl's outstretched leg. "To Caradoc Dearborn and Albus Dumbledore", Caradoc said aloud, "congratulations on your high brow capture. Preparations are now being made to bring him to England for interrogation and imprisonment. The news on the home front is bleak. The German Luftwaffe has inflicted major blows on London and other cities in England. Magical towns and magical sections of cities, such Diagon Alley, are protected by highly advanced and strong magic. Horacio Wilson has been removed as Minister for Magic and has been replaced by, Validus Scrimgeour, as War Minister. Keep up the good work gentleman. Yours Sincerely, Monica Dubert".

"So, Validus is minister now", Albus said, incredulously. "Apparently, Albus", Caradoc replied, "isn't he the one that invented the Fortis charm". "Yes he is", Albus replied, "and he's the only witch or wizard in the world that can perform it". Fleischer was bound by conjured chains to arm chair. He was taken out of the effects of the impediment curse the day before due to the painful effects of prolonged stiffness.

Another owl dropped onto the window sill, this one was a large black barn owl carrying a letter in its beak. Caradoc turned to take the letter from the owl's mouth and opened it. "Urgent assistance needed", Caradoc announced aloud again, "send reinforcements to the French Ministry. Urgent assistance needed". Albus and Caradoc were quiet for a moment until Caradoc said, "we have to go". "How can we go", Albus said, "what about Fleischer"? "We'll just impediment him again", Caradoc retorted, "come on Albus, the letter said urgent assistance needed". "Well can't you send a letter to the Torch", Albus said, desperately. "Well I could", Caradoc said, "but by the time reinforcements get there through the Torch it'll surely be too late. We could get there in about 3 hours if we leave. Albus, they need our help".

Albus sat there, trying to think of a reason not to leave; there mission to guard Fleischer seemed far too great to him. Then, he stood up, pulled out his wand, pointed it at Fleischer and said, "Stupefy", following it with, "impedimenta". Fleischer was unconscious and when he woke up, he wouldn't be able to move; and he was still chained to the chair. It was the best measure Albus could put in place while he and Caradoc went to Paris.

The flight took less than 3 hours, but when they arrived they were met with hostility. 5 German stormtroopers patrolling the same side road Epave met Albus and Paddock in. They opened fire on the pair of wizards that had landed behind them. Albus and Caradoc whipped out their wands and launched as many Stupefy and Defence jinxes as they could. The fight was over soon enough. All the Germans were unconscious but more would come soon to the sound of the fight, and in greater numbers.

Albus approached that same crack in the wall, but he new he couldn't use a piece of parchment to get in this time. He inserted his wand into the crack and closed his eyes tightly. He twisted his wand around in the crack, shifting it and digging it further until finally, he opened his eyes, for he had found what he was looking for. Albus turned to Caradoc and said, "Watch this". He heaved his wand up, both hands gripping the handle, cutting the wall open like his wand was a knife. Albus' face was strained and gritty, "Go on, Caradoc". Caradoc dashed for the gash and spread it apart, clambering through. Albus followed after him and the gash sealed itself.

"Lumos", Albus said, the tip of his wand igniting with a glorious light, illuminating the stairs in front of them. They got to the foot of the stairs and stood right in front of the door to the Atrium. "Are you ready old friend"? Albus said, Caradoc nodding anxiously, pulling his wand out of his pocket. Albus placed his hand on the door handle, shook his wand free of the light and prepared himself for the worst.

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