Disclaimer: All characters, names, settings etc belong to their respective copyright holders, only much of the convoluted plot, Night Wolf and a few other things are of my own creation (but inspired from many things under copyright, which aren't mine).
Chapter 17
General Lethbridge Stewart checked his uniform as he walked towards the Prime Minister's offices in Whitehall, sometimes known as 'the bunker', it was literally a bomb shelter which had been reinforced against all surveillance.
It wasn't technically the Prime Minister's office, it was an office…a meeting place for anyone high enough up the chain of command that knew it existed.
As he walked through the lower levels of Whitehall Lethbridge Stewart started to count off the various MI5 officers and surveillance that was being operated along his route.
Either there was a Real IRA threat that he didn't know about, or they were worried…or paranoid…or just doing their job.
Finally reaching the entrance, hidden as it was between the various services that lay beneath Whitehall, and passing the 3 MI5 officers he walked straight in.
The Prime Minister was working behind a desk, he looked…not so much worried…angry, annoyed…
Lethbridge Stewart had heard, seen and visited more than his fair share of Prime Ministers during times of crisis…usually alien invasion…and the like.
The Prime Minister looked up as he entered before nodding to the MI5 agent inside who walked out, closing the door behind him.
The Prime Minister pressed a button and there was a loud thud from the door behind Lethbridge Stewart.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice General."
"Sir." Lethbridge Stewart said neutrally.
"Lethbridge Stewart, you're still part of UNIT…"
"Sir…UNIT does have an office in London…" Lethbridge Stewart pointed our needless. The Prime Minister smiled thinly.
"Yes…but certain sources have informed me that you are the man to go to…in such instances…"
"Sir?"
"Watch…" He picked up a remote and pointed it at a screen on one side of the concrete room. An image of the Prime Minister's office inside Downing Street flicked into life.
"This footage is from my office in Downing Street…I've had surveillance instigated…just in case considering what happened to my predecessor…" He laughed nervously.
From the angle of the camera Lethbridge Stewart could see half the office, including the fireplace, the door and the Prime Minister's desk.
Then the fireplace…which generally wasn't lit, flared with life, even from the black and white footage that the flames were green.
He frowned, then a person came out, his frown deepened. Then it looked as though the figure was waving a wand…something came out and the screen went black.
"I see by your expression that those within Five were right." The Prime Minister said grimly.
"Who was it?" Lethbridge Stewart asked annoyed…angry at the wand users. "Sir." He added.
The Prime Minister sat back in his chair.
"Said his name was Fudge…a minister…of magic!" Lethbridge Stewart watched the Prime Minister watch him for a reaction.
Generally the Prime Minister wasn't aware…as such of Night Wolf's operations, they dealt with the armed forces…not politicians.
The magic side however…anyone that found out on their own…could know…they weren't like the ministry, they wouldn't go around destroying people's memories…
"You knew Lethbridge Stewart?"
"I know of magic…I know to take it as lightly as alien invasions…yeti in the underground…or Martian spaceships landing in Trafalgar Square." Lethbridge Stewart replied, the Prime Minister nodded.
"What sir did Fudge want?"
"Worse type of politician." Lethbridge Stewart held his tongue stopping himself from saying 'I didn't know there was any other kind…'.
"Waved that…."
"A wand." Lethbridge Stewart supplied.
"Yes…said that he'd come as a formality…that his…his ministry would be performing searches and purges to remove someone called 'he-who-must-not-be-named…' you wouldn't know who…"
"His name is Voldemort…he's a leader of…a group of terrorist extremists within the wand user magic world." Lethbridge Stewart supplied calmly.
"He told me about this world…he said I was a mug something…that we wouldn't understand…he was more than a bit rude…like he was…"
"Talking down to you Prime Minister?"
"Yes."
Lethbridge Stewart nodded.
"I called you Lethbridge Stewart because I want to know what we can do to fight these…wizards and their terrorists…to try and keep England safe…." He trailed off.
Lethbridge Stewart stayed quiet.
"This Fudge also bugged my office…"
"Bugged?"
"A man came through the fire place, he put a painting on the wall…" the Prime Minister gave him a hard stare.
"The painting is off a man…it looks around the room…it's spoken more than once." He said staring at Lethbridge Stewart as though waiting for him to laugh or call him mad.
Alistair did neither of these he simply nodded.
"Five advised me not to speak that part to anyone…although Pearce did seem…sceptical…"
"Yes…" Lethbridge Stewart said slowly, he couldn't tell the Prime Minister everything…not without making him sign some of the amended articles…although he did already know…so he could tell him some things of Night Wolf's operations.
"We are…at UNIT monitoring the situation…I have many teams out assessing and patrolling points of interest." He paused. "We also have a man inside the wand users magic world who is close to several key members." Not to mention being a key member.
"And these terrorists?"
"We are on standby for any attacks…although Prime Minister…you are lucky to have seen their magic…and remember it…"
"Remember?"
"They can…modify people's memories in order to erase their memories of events…"
The Prime Minister slumped into his chair.
"Oh…what about my 'spy' in my office, all attempts to remove the painting have failed…they even tried to remove the plaster…"
"No luck?" The Prime Minister shook his head.
"That I can…assist you with…we have certain technologies at our disposal that can jam the wand users magic…I can arrange to have these placed in Downing Street for you."
"Should I ask Lethbridge Stewart?" The Prime Minister seemed more light hearted upon hearing his answer.
Lethbridge Stewart just smiled.
"They will be delivered within the next day Prime Minister…"
"What of intelligence on these terrorists…would MI5…"
"They know…of Voldemort…"
"Just not of what they are am I correct?"
Lethbridge Stewart inclined his head once more.
"I see." The Prime Minister paused for a moment. "Secrets on-top of secrets General…most of the lower house still refuses to believe that we've ever had an alien visit to Earth…let alone London…do you know how many 'invasions' are on the books?"
Lethbridge Stewart chose not to tell the Prime Minister how many were…and weren't on the books.
They spoke…well the Prime Minister spoke on various other issues, the security of power systems, airports and other primary supply channels that may be disrupted…or destroyed by the wand users.
Lethbridge Stewart had assured that while they couldn't guard every single security risk, they would back up and provide integral support to the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
As General Lethbridge Stewart paused by the door.
"Thank you for attending this meeting Lethbridge Stewart…it will be good to return to my office without that…painting watching over me…your people will be able to remove it?"
Alistair didn't say anything, while they could magic jammers would stop the fire place from acting as a communications and matter transmission device, and would most likely stop the painting from acting as a communication viewer…they hadn't actually tested whether they could remove a painting place with whatever adhesive charm.
"If we can't we'll certainly remove the wall…either way you won't need to worry about it…" Lethbridge Stewart said causally, the Prime Minister stared at him trying to work out whether he was serious or not, he seemed to smile and then laugh uneasily.
"Very good Lethbridge Stewart…I'll inform my security to expect a call from…UNIT."
"Prime Minister." Lethbridge Stewart said as the Prime Minister unlocked the door, he nodded before walking out.
--/
When he'd returned to Night Wolf Command Lethbridge Stewart had immediately ordered preparations for 3 heavy duty magical jamming devices to be ready for transportation.
Then he'd grabbed his 2IC, Birmingham and they walked and talked about this newest development.
"It's not unusual for incoming ministers to inform their 'political opposites' as it were Brigadier…"
"Yes…but it's these searches…and it is Fudge, considering what he and his supporters did the last time…" The Brig started.
"Yes…I remember…" They walked in silence for a while.
"Do you think now is the time to test the transmat?" Birmingham said after a long while of silence.
"You already have a target in mind Birmingham?" Lethbridge Stewart asked curiously.
"No…nothing like that Brigadier…while I could think of some targets…we don't have the intelligence to support a strike…nor Geneva's approval for its use in that way."
"Then?"
"A message…sent to Harry, he did indicate that he would keep us informed of his time…and events around him…perhaps a test, right into the heart." Birmingham propositioned.
"Hogwarts?" Lethbridge Stewart asked with a small smile.
"Hogwarts…the layout hasn't changed since…well for some time…the location of the great hall is always they same."
"Can you work up a plan?"
"I can work with the other sorcerers we currently have on duty and on Earth come up with some exact coordinates…even an approximation of where in the great hall the Gryffindor tables are, so we can get the letter as close to Harry."
--/
The Brig strode into one of the labs they were using in Night Wolf to transmat the note to Hogwarts.
Around the room were various plans, some which had come from Night Wolf's library, which were complex computer models based off of various drawings and personal experience from people in Night Wolf.
There were other, hand drawn plans some of which appeared to be a large dining area, the 'great hall' Lethbridge Stewart supposed.
He had left Birmingham to organise this project whilst the Brigadier handled various other works.
ASCS Flinders had been launched successfully, and following a shakedown around Research Outpost 5 and 6 would begin transport duties along with ASCS Hattah, RSCS Firefox and RSCS Victory, although he was trying to keep at least one ship in orbit around Earth to provide security.
According to Birmingham's last brief on his project they wouldn't be using a ship to relay the transmat signal…which was typically what was called for in this situation…not that they had done it…ever. But according to the researchers at the Gibson Desert facility, that would be the process were they to transmat or teleport something or someone from a location on Earth to another location on Earth.
"How's it going Birmingham?" Lethbridge Stewart asked as he walked in.
"We're just about ready Brigadier…I've had a dish set up on the hill overlooking us, it's pointing near enough to Hogwarts."
"And this will…get around the necessity for a relay that Professor Vleugal spoke of?"
"Yes, considering we're only sending a letter rather than something bigger, all the power can be put into getting it into the castle…because we're not sure we're hooking up more than enough power to the systems…" Birmingham said calmly, though he did seem slightly concerned.
"There's no chance of Dumbledore or anyone else tracking the signal?"
"Not unless they know something about the various systems our transmat systems are based on."
It was true that as with most of the technologies implemented the transmat system had come from a variety of sources, refined and backwards engineered until they had a working model, that was now, along with the teleport incorporated in all vessels and bases in Night Wolf.
"Just checking Birmingham, wouldn't want to give Scott, Palmer and Renwick a reason to break out the big guns and start blasting out walls." He chuckled looking around him.
The lab was divided between the planning and obviously meeting area, then a control desk/bank of computers and equipment, then separated from the rest of the room was the transmat pad.
Cables lead off it and off all the equipment out of the castle and out most likely to the dish that Birmingham had set up.
"Got the letter Brigadier?" Birmingham asked as they walked towards the pad where some personnel were performing final checks.
"Yes…" He handed it to Birmingham, he checked it over and was greeted by a raised eyebrow.
"Worried I can't write a letter."
"Just in case…it end up…" Birmingham started.
"Just in case?" Lethbridge Stewart asked slightly in humour.
"There is a slight…probability that our coordinates may be…off. Or that the transmat signal may be deflected by the barriers in place at the target…sir." One of the technicians that was checking the connections around the pad, who had been listening to them added.
The Brig nodded, eyeing the letter.
"Owl?" Birmingham asked with a raised eyebrow. "I thought the transmat was full proof Brigadier?"
"In Harry's current situation it would be far too conspicuous…Dumbledore may be one of the worst but that doesn't make him stupid...not entirely Birmingham. I've ordered one of the spires be cleared out, and some food place to direct Harry's owls there so we can retrieve the letters."
Birmingham just nodded.
"Are we ready?" He called back.
"Yes sir…" Birmingham nodded and placed the letter in the centre of the pad.
Lethbridge Stewart followed Birmingham back to the control area as a door was slid shut between them.
Birmingham reached for a phone. "This is Sorcerer Birmingham, prepare for stage 3 power down and transfer."
"Just how much power are you using Birmingham?"
He looked a little sheepish at the Brigadier.
"Enough…given this system is slightly different to our the systems between ship and base, or within the bases…and we are some distance from Hogwarts…"
"We have all full power Sorcerer." One of the technicians sitting at the controls stated.
"Good, co-ordinates locked in?"
"Sir."
"Alright lets go."
"Co-ordinates locked in…sending transmat test signal…" There was a thrum of power as a signal was sent between Night Wolf and the transmission dish, testing it for the actual transmission. "We have a clear path, beginning transmat…" The thrum of power increased in pitch as the letter disappeared, as it was disappeared there were some sparks, and a crackling of ozone as it did so.
"Package on route…and arrive at target…now…" The technician stated as the whine of power and technology ground down to its steady hum before the test.
"This is Sorcery Birmingham, resume normal power usage, experiment over. Repeat resume power usage."
"What were the sparks in aid of?"
"Drama?" Birmingham asked curiously and then looked at the Brigadier and frowned slightly.
"We'll have to analyse that…and wait for Harry's response."
--/
Lt Nisbet walked through the corridors of Night Wolf Command toward the rear east turret of the castle.
Technically he should be on sick leave…during a mission scouting out some wand user's houses that were being used as a meeting place for Death Eaters they'd come under fire, he'd taken a stunner at full power to the leg and what doctor Baker a 'lucky shot' of a not too powerful slashing curse to the upper left shoulder. Just deep enough for him to bleed out and black out, but not deep enough to have any long lasting effects, other than a very large scar and about 2 months off any heavy duty…
He'd been put on sick leave…but at home he felt no better…it reminded him too much…
A few years ago he'd been in University studying landscape gardening…when he'd witnessed something, it wasn't until Night Wolf that he'd remembered what that something was.
He had been at Uni during the first week before classes started showing people around, he'd been there for two years and he knew the campus pretty well.
Then they had come.
Wand users, a bunch of them, running around, firing spells at one another…and at students…he knew they weren't killing anyone, but he still tried to move the younger students he was showing around away…
He'd lived with his great aunt Whilema for the last 8 years since he was 12 after his parents died in a mining disaster.
She'd tell him stories…and then show him a few tricks.
She was a 'witch'…she'd shown him books and everything…it wasn't till he was studying world war II and the Third Reich in 5th form history that he really understood what had happened to her.
She had said that they'd called her a 'mudblood', and that people with no magic were 'muggles', as soon as she'd finished school she'd left that world behind her.
But she always told him what to do if he ever got near a wizard, there wasn't any way to fight…they could open their mouth and with two simple words you'd be dead on the ground.
He'd never really wondered why he'd left university after…a 'prank' and joined the Royal Marines…
His great aunt had thought it odd…but then she had done some odd things in her time.
It wasn't until he'd decided to join UNIT…and been accepted into Night Wolf that…something in his mind tricked over a memory…and he'd screamed and felt like his brain had exploded.
Then Sorcerer Birmingham, and a few others had helped and explained and he'd been given the choice to return to university, finish his degree…
But he wanted to stay…to fight to stop the…wand users from doing what they did to him…ruining his life like that…
All he knew was that they had worked for 'The Ministry of Magic'.
He went home sometimes, his aunt still lived in a large manor house too big for her, but he had liked to go home when he was at university, and even when he'd been in the marines.
But now…now that he knew what had happened…he knew why she had left that world…
It hurt him to think that one of those…one of those had been the same people that drove his aunt out…and said…and done…
When he told her…she'd broken down apologising for it, as though it was her fault, she'd been angry and sorry in equal amounts…now when he went home…she still had a look in her eye, of sorrow…and that glint of anger at what they'd done to him.
He didn't like to see that in her.
Trudging up the stairs he waited, a bag of mixed seed and fruit in his hand.
He had been coming up here for the last day or two since Sorcerer Birmingham had sent his message through to the barriers to Hogwarts to Harry Potter.
He'd only met Harry in passing, he was pretty laid back, considering he had enough weight on his shoulders to break the proverbial donkey's back.
Sitting down on the stone step he stared out the window…basically his orders were to A: Take it easy, since he didn't want to/refused to go home and B: For the next couple of days go and wait up in the recently opened up rear east turret and wait…for a snowy white owl.
He'd been a little surprised, considering Night Wolf didn't subscribe to any wand user print media, and no one would have an owl deliver anything anyway…but he'd also connected the owl quite quickly to Harry Potter.
So sitting against the cool stone wall he sat and waited, pulling a 'book' from his pocket; it was a 'collection' of poetry some of the scientists had deciphered from various bits and pieces of Dalek technology which the xeno-biologists and xeno-linguists had stated must have come from an early period of Dalek history.
He'd started reading the 128 stanza long poem entitled 'Lament of the Non-Operational', a rather odd and fruity piece of Dalek poetry.
They had…some character…considering some of the sweeping generalisations that had been made by a certain scientific advisor during the 70s…and 80s…and when ever he was around.
Not, he thought to himself, not that he was sympathising with the Daleks…but they did have some cool tech that Night Wolf had used and reverse engineered…and literature was almost as valuable (the linguists would say just as valuable) as technology.
He was on the 38th stanza, and it wasn't nearly as dry as some Earth based poetry he'd read in the past.
--/
Just to establish a timeline for this:
The Prime Minister featured here is the prime minister who ends up dead in the cupboard in Doctor Who 2005 episode 'Aliens of London'.
To put this in further perspective this Prime Minister immediately followed Lord Greyhaven, following the events of The Dying Days Virgin NA (the events of which I occasionally mention as 'The Martian Invasion').
Not totally necessary information, but I thought it would add some context.
'Lament of the Non-Operational' is yet another of my obscure references (which was mentioned a sum total of once in NA book Original Sin).
Thanks for reading