A/N 1: I do not own Harry Potter nor do I own Star Wars.
A/N 2: Thanks for all the reviews.
Spells or Force Powers
Chapter 12: A Time to Stand
August 19th, 2007
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
It was near lunchtime. Lily had just finished getting ready for her appointment with Albus. Even after all these years, the man still made her feel like a nervous first year. It didn't help that he wanted to talk to her about Revan. It didn't take a genius to realize that Albus did not agree with her son's actions, not that she was in total agreement either. However, she was reconciling herself to the fact that he didn't kill without reason and he did not take pleasure in it the way the Death Eaters did.
After taking a quick glance at her watch, Lily decided to apparate to Hogsmeade and walk to the school. Hopefully that would help calm her nerves. She arrived with a soft crack at the edge of the village. Without the students, it was a much quieter and sedate place. Gathering her courage, Lily walked up the path to Hogwarts letting the warm summer sun and relative peace and quiet soak into her relieving some of her nervousness.
By the time she reached the gargoyle guarding Albus' office, she felt much calmer and more in control of herself. The gargoyle jumped aside when she gave the password and she proceeded up the stairs. The door opened on its own when she was about to knock. A deep breath helped steady her nerves again before she walked into the office and greeted Albus.
"Albus, good morning." Lily said brightly, though she wasn't feeling nearly as cheerful as she sounded.
Eyes twinkling, he waved a hand at an open chair motioning her to sit. "Good morning Lily, I am happy you could free up some time to make it here on such short notice."
"Of course, with Hailey visiting friends and James at work, there was nothing at the manor that couldn't be put off to later in the day." She said amiably, declining the proffered tea with a wave of her hand. She and James had long suspected that Albus laced his tea with different charms to make people more agreeable during their meetings with him.
Albus simply smiled though inside he was annoyed that she had not taken the tea. It would have made this discussion easier. "I am sure you are wondering why I asked you to meet with me today." He paused as she nodded but got no other response. Sighing to himself, he pressed ahead "I am concerned about Harry…"
Lily cut him off immediately "His name is Revan, not Harry!" She surprised herself with the strength of her statement. After seeing some of his past, she could understand why he didn't feel like he could give up the name. Though it still made her sad that he didn't want their name, she was also proud that he would honor the sacrifice of those that followed him.
Dumbledore was equally surprised by her comment but he thought it was for a different reason. It was evident that she was just as upset with her son for killing those Death Eaters as he was. By calling him this other foolish name, she could disassociate the baby she had known with the man he had become. Maybe this would not be as difficult as he expected. Folding his hands on the desk in front of him Albus responded "Of course, I meant nothing by it. However, I am concerned by some of the actions that he has taken both in Diagon Alley and again in the Wizengamot chamber."
"What are you concerned about? I wish he hadn't killed those men, but there is nothing to do about it now." Lily said honestly. It wouldn't do any good to try and disguise her feelings on the matter.
"That's just it; there is no way to save those men since your son killed them." He had to be blunt and hope that Lily would feel guilty for his actions. "They will never have the chance to change and come back to the light."
She responded with a frown "I don't disagree with you, but it was the way he was raised. He isn't doing it because he enjoys it; he does it to keep others safe."
Albus looked at her, his eyes reflecting his disappointment in her. "Lily, you know the type of role that he is fated to play in this conflict. He can't be a symbol for the light if he is seen by the public as a killer." What he didn't say but added mentally what that the boy was far too independent and disrespectful too. The public wouldn't follow him and Albus by extension if he was always fighting against Albus' plans and goals.
"Of course I do, that awful prophecy has haunted me ever since the night we thought he died. That being said, you can't expect him to throw away everything he has been taught to believe. He is a person not a symbol." Lily argued.
"He must be both. Sadly, he is more important as a symbol of the fight against Voldemort than he is as a warrior or even an individual. Everyone must make sacrifices for the greater good." Albus said with confidence.
Lily seemed to deflate as Albus' arguments sank in. Privately she still disagreed with him, but feared what might happen if she continued to argue. She needed to warn Revan and James that Albus may try something. "Regardless, what do you suggest we do?"
"As much I don't want to, I think we need to Obliviate him and then plant new memories so that he is more pliable, more of a symbol for the light." He could use the opportunity to place blocks on the boy's magic as well. It would not do if the boy ever became a dark lord himself given his command of wandless magic. He had to keep this to himself though, Lily would never agree to it.
"I don't think that would work. James and Hailey would notice the difference and ask questions." Lily said. She was horrified, that Albus was prepared to erase someone's life. Her son did not deserve something like that.
"We would have to Obliviate James and Hailey as well. Since they have only known Revan a short time it shouldn't be an issue." He said reasonably. Though Lily was being supportive, Albus was not certain she believed in the plan. Unfortunately, her Occlumency was strong enough to resist his Legilimancy so he couldn't know for certain.
"But how could we do it. It would have to be soon before Hailey goes back to Hogwarts."
Albus smiled at Lily's tacit agreement to the plan. "I will give you a potion that you can give them at dinner. It will knock them out and I can proceed with the rest of the plan."
"I don't know Albus. It just doesn't seem right. What right do we have to erase his life? We aren't gods. You're talking about erasing everything that makes him who he is." She had tried to hide her true feelings, but she couldn't do it.
"Lily I know the idea is distasteful, but the sacrifice is necessary to save our world."
Her mind was racing; Dumbledore was going to effectively kill her son. Try as she might, she couldn't keep her silence. "No it isn't! You're talking about killing him. Oh he may still be alive, but you are killing the person and leaving a shell. I won't do it. You can find another tool to fulfill your damn prophecy." Lily said angrily. She stood and stormed towards the door.
Albus smiled sadly at Lily even as he pulled his wand. "I won't allow you to warn your family. Obliviate!" A soft white jet of light issued forth from his wand and struck Lily in the head. He watched as her eyes glazed over. Taking advantage of her vulnerable state, he used a legal version of the Imperio and planted instructions in Lily's mind. In two week's time, she would lace their dinner with the knockout potion so that he could modify everyone's memories. It was regrettable but necessary.
Revan's Gunship, Godric's Hollow Wales
Revan and Bastila had returned to the gunship after breakfast. Bastila had asked Revan to return with her so that they could speak openly about certain subjects. Revan had agreed without argument.
Revan sat in a chair and watched as Bastila paced. They were currently in her sleeping quarters. The three crewmen were currently going about their daily tasks maintaining the ship. Revan noticed that something had changed with Bastila since his return from the Wizengamot meeting. Bastila seemed upset by something but it wasn't aimed at him. Yet, she was also being extremely protective; he had caught her hovering over him a few times.
He was slouched back in the chair and his legs were stretched out in front of him when he said grumpily "Bastila, please stand still or sit down. My neck is getting sore from following you pace back and forth."
Bastila stopped for a moment then shook her head and started pacing again. Revan was about to forcibly sit her down when she finally said something "Revan, I expect to be part of this battle. I don't care about any prophecy; I will be fighting at your side."
His legs slid close to the chair and he sat up straighter before answering in a confused voice "I didn't expect otherwise. Have I given you reason to think I wouldn't let you fight by my side?"
"You haven't but I need to be clear on this point. I won't be on the sidelines, the outcome is too important for me to do nothing. And I want to be involved in the planning." Determination shone from her posture.
Revan sighed theatrically "Are you prepared to do what is necessary to ensure that the Massassi are pushed back from this world? You know that there is a good chance you will need more than the strength afforded to you by using the light side." This was a golden opportunity to bring her closer to his way of thinking.
Bastila blanched, she knew that Revan was training Hailey with the mindset characterized by the dark side of the force. He hadn't bothered to train her in the force given her age. Just by being in the training sessions with them, Bastila found herself giving credence to some of the lessons. The danger was in totally following the path to the dark side; however, there were advantages to using her darker emotions and letting them guide you when appropriate. For now she avoided the question "What did they do to you? I realize they are evil but …" She trailed off not sure how to finish the question.
Revan was silent and his face lost what little color it normally had. It was his eyes that scared her though; they were empty devoid of any emotion whatsoever. Then he spoke in a soft voice "I don't think I could describe it to you. I will use my father's pensieve to show you some of the memories later, but at one point I was captured and tortured by them. I died multiple times only to be brought back and tortured again. They never asked me a single question; they simply tortured me for the pleasure of it. The little I saw of their society is built around such attitudes. Everything in their lives revolves around hatred, pain, and death."
Bastila just nodded. She wasn't sure she wanted to see those memories, but at the same time she needed to understand what had forced the young man she remembered so fondly to change into the Sith Lord she was trying to save. A vow was made at that moment, Bastila vowed to never let Revan return to being a Sith Lord. This was different than other promises she had made regarding Revan, in the past she had always justified her actions because Revan would be invaluable to the Republic as a leader. This time the vow was more personal, he was important to her and it would kill a part of her to see him sink back into the depths of the dark side.
"How do you plan on drawing the Massassi out of hiding? We have yet to find a single trace of them."
"We need to draw them out. I imagine that they are acting in the shadows behind Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Of course, even if they are he must also be acting on his own since they are usually more subtle than he is."
"If Voldemort is being directed by the Massassi, what do we do to get him in the open? As you know from experience, the Sith and I assume the Massassi are far more comfortable striking from the shadows." Bastila pressed.
"I'm not sure. There is very little real history written about Voldemort. I am not sure what his motivations are beyond the superficial blood purity issue. We will also need to deal with his Death Eaters. They will probably be used as cannon fodder but still they represent a real enough danger too."
"The books I have read don't seem to say anything on him either. Have you thought about asking James? I would suggest Lily, but James seems to be more in touch with the motivation behind dark lords on this planet."
"No I hadn't thought of that, but you're right. Perhaps there will be time this evening to speak to him about it. We should expect the Massassi to strike out at us if we start becoming too much of a threat."
"What kind of numbers are we talking about? We won't have reinforcements available unless you can convince some people from this world to fight for you."
"I don't think it will be more than a handful of agents. Like myself and Malak, there is probably a master and apprentice. I doubt there is more than that, but I don't have much to go on."
"Hopefully, if we destroy Voldemort, the Massassi will emerge from the shadows to strike back. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that you dark lords have a huge ego." She finished smiling.
"It is entirely justified though. I agree with you though, spending years on this rock trying to find them is not appealing to me either. We are needed by the Republic and as much I want to help my family, this planet is not worth the lives it will cost to stay here for a significant length of time."
"Won't they just flee the planet though if their agents are killed or neutralized? How would we know they've left?" Bastila asked after sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"I don't think they will try to run. There is a certain amount of truth to your statement about their ego. If I was in their position, I don't think I would run. I think I would try to destroy whoever was responsible for disrupting my plans."
"And if they do run?" She pressed.
"We will have measures in place to prevent that from happening." Once his ships arrived, they could set up gravity well generators to prevent ships from entering or leaving the system without their knowing about it. He knew Bastila was curious but he was uncomfortable about sharing this secret with her just yet.
Bastila wanted to press the issue, but she saw the cold faraway look on his face. "Revan, I know I don't understand them the way you do, but I won't let you follow the same path you were on."
"You will change your mind once you have seen my enemies, until then you can't understand the evil we are up against." He said with a fanatical gleam in his eyes.
She reached out and grabbed his hands in hers and pleaded "Don't you see that by fighting like them, by killing innocents so freely you are becoming them. You are becoming the enemy you claim to be fighting!"
Revan jerked his hands away and stood up, anger clearly evident in the tightness of his body and face "What would you have me do, follow the light side again? Maybe we could negotiate with them, find a peaceful solution?" He said scornfully.
"No, you could never walk that path again. I know you have it in you to find a balance between the light and dark sides. You have experienced both extremes and can forge a new path for yourself in the middle."
Revan was glaring at Bastila now, because she was filling him with doubt. Would he be better off by trying to follow her path or would his weakness destroy him? "I know what you are trying to do. Push me too far and we will find ourselves on opposite sides once again." He threatened before sweeping out of the room.
As the door to her chamber closed, Bastila felt hope flare within her. Even as he was threatening her, she felt the confusion and self-doubt within him. He was considering her path and in the end she felt he would find himself walking it with her by his side.
August 31st, 2007
Department of Mysteries, Ministry of Magic
It was very early, shortly after dawn when James, Revan and Bastila arrived at the Ministry of Magic. James had yet to explain why they were at the Ministry so early in the morning. Privately, Revan suspected it was to avoid the Aurors. While they were not actively seeking his arrest, he had been told by James that there was a standing warrant should the opportunity arise to do it quietly.
The three passed through security and entered the lifts. James pulled a key from his robes and inserted into the control panel of the lift. Immediately, they began dropping at an incredible speed until they reached their destination. Revan knew for a fact that his father worked on the 5th level, so what were they doing at the Department of Mysteries.
As soon as they got off the lift, they were met by Martin Freestar. A quick round of handshakes was exchanged before Martin led them through the department to his office. Once inside, he cast a complex privacy ward to ensure that they would not be disturbed. That done, he conjured some tea and biscuits and motioned for everyone to sit.
"Revan, thank you for coming at this ungodly hour. I wanted to meet with you without the whole Ministry knowing." Martin said affably.
Revan took a sip of tea and grimaced slightly at the taste. He couldn't understand what these people saw in the bitter drink. "It is too early in the morning to play games, what can we do for you?"
Smiling at Revan's attitude and desire to get straight to the point, Martin responded "I am in charge of the Unspeakables." He proceeded to explain who they were and gave a more thorough history of their activities than what had been printed in the Daily Prophet. "As you may have guessed by now, you father is one of my agents. He has been since your disappearance."
Both Revan and Bastila looked at James in surprise. James had the grace to look embarrassed for keeping it a secret. Bastila in particular was surprised that James would have such a career given Lily's stance on killing. There was more that Martin had to share with them, she was sure of it. "That's not all is it?" She asked.
Martin leaned back in his chair and studied Bastila through steepled fingers. "No it isn't." He opened a drawer and pulled out two badges. "I would like both of you to become Unspeakable agents. Based on your fight in Diagon Alley and the Wizengamot I believe we share similar beliefs on the approach to fighting evil."
Revan glanced at Bastila with a slight smirk before nodding his head. "Why should we accept? Even if I were to accept, I would not take orders from you or your men."
"That is a very good question. No I would not expect you to serve under any of my agents. In fact, the badge is more for your protection that anything else. With that badge, you are immune from prosecution for any attacks against dark wizards. Based on what I have seen, I expect you will continue to play a significant role in the upcoming war."
James finally said something "Revan, the badge can also be used as a portkey to take you programmed locations. Whenever there is an attack, the magic on the badge updates the location to reflect the attack's coordinates. As an Unspeakable you would be able to help us fight the Death Eaters more effectively." James paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Also, I want you to realize that I don't care if you take the badge or not. I will be proud of you either way. You have already done more than most wizards and witches in this war."
Bastila spoke up before Revan even had a chance to decide. "We'll take the position. It will help everyone involved." She looked at Revan as she made her declaration practically daring him to contradict her.
Revan gave in and simply nodded his agreement. After they both pocketed the badges, Martin went over the basics of the Unspeakables and what they could expect from the other agents. Both were surprised at the amount of training that was expected of the agents and Revan looked at his father with a new found respect. He never had suspected the man of having any advanced training, now he was looking forward to their next sparring session.
James grimaced when he saw the predatory glint in Revan's eyes. He knew he was going to be in pain following their next sparring session. Despite his years of training, he expected he would be no match for Revan or Bastila.
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
Later that evening, Lily was preparing dinner. Normally, she would have used the house elves, but this evening she felt the need to prepare everything herself. Unbeknownst to her, the instructions that Albus had implanted were being enacted. She had laced the glasses with the knockout potion that Albus had given her and scheduled the dinner itself for 7pm. The timing was important so that Albus would arrive after everyone had passed out but before the potion began to wear off.
Shortly before 7pm, Lily called out to everyone letting them know that dinner was ready. While she was waiting for them to show up, she poured drinks for everyone. Rather than lace the drinks with the potion, she put it on the glasses themselves so the results would be the same regardless of the drink.
James and Hailey were the first to arrive. They had been training with Revan and Bastila but in the end simply watched as Revan and Bastila danced back and forth in a very intense sparring session.
Revan and Bastila walked in a few minutes later. A large smile formed on Revan's face whenever Bastila limped or moaned. Bastila had vastly overestimated her abilities compared to Revan's. While she was a very strong and talented Jedi, she was a still a novice compared to Revan. Though she was improving under his tutelage, she still envied the ease and skill he displayed whenever they sparred. He flowed like water, completely smooth and fluid with hidden strength beneath the surface.
With a final smirk at Bastila's discomfort, Revan took a seat at the dinner table with everyone else. Given that things had improved with his mother, he decided to be polite and said "Everything looks great Lily, thank you."
Lily smiled at the compliment from her son. She knew they had a ways to go before they were truly comfortable around each other, but there was progress on both their parts. Conversation was light as the food was passed around.
Just as Revan was reaching for his glass, the communicator in his pocket chirped. Standing and politely excusing himself from the table, he pulled the communicator from his pocket once he had exited the manor.
"This is Revan go ahead." He ordered.
"Lord Revan, we have received word. Those forces still loyal to you are en route. They expect to reach the system tomorrow."
"Very well. Do you have anything else to report?" He had more questions but they could wait until his forces arrived.
"Yes my lord, Commander Halcyon wishes to speak with you."
"Put him through." Revan groaned to himself, he knew Lily would lecture him for missing part of their dinner. Sometimes family was more trouble than it was worth.
A strong confident voice replaced the hesitant voice of the crewman. "Lord Revan, what are your orders once we reach the system?" Halcyon had been with Revan for two years now and was always straight to the point.
"Take up positions around the third planet. It is a primitive society so stay beyond the orbit of its moon. Setup gravity well generators, I don't want any surprises." Revan commanded.
"Your orders will be executed as soon as we arrive. I would appreciate an audience with you at your earliest convenience. There is a droid here that I believe you are acquainted with."
Revan smiled. There was only one droid he could be referring to. "Of course commander, contact me once you are in position. Commander, how many ships do we have?"
Halcyon was silent for a moment and Revan knew the answer would be not be good. "My lord, I estimate that we will have somewhere between 20 and 30 ships, mostly a mix of cruiser and destroyer class ships. There could be additional ships en route. We have followed the protocol you gave us and have taken multiple jumps to random systems to throw off any trackers."
A sigh escaped from Revan as he answered "Thank you commander, it is more than I could reasonably expect. Revan out."
Revan walked back into the manor and found everyone unconscious. They were collapsed on the dining table. He pulled his light saber from his belt but did not activate it as he scanned the room for enemies. He didn't see or sense anyone. Who then attacked his family?
He soon got his answer. The fireplace in the main entrance hall flared to life with green flames. Albus Dumbledore emerged from the flames and calmly brushed the ash from his yellow and purple robes. Strolling into the dining room while humming a nameless tune, Albus pulled his wand from his sleeve and prepared to Obliviate the entire family.
Revan emerged back into the dining room from the hall when he heard someone moving around. He expected to see one of his family waking up. Instead he saw Albus Dumbledore preparing to cast some sort of spell on his family. "What are you doing here old man?"
Albus spun around and cast Stupefy. Revan saw the attack coming and his light saber was activated and deflecting the spell. Dumbledore knew he would likely not beat Revan before his family started to revive from the potion. "My boy, I apologize. I arrived to speak with your mother and found you family unconscious."
"Yes, what convenient timing you have. You just happened to visit when everyone but me was unconscious. Since you are here, you can help me in reviving them."
Albus groaned, somehow this brat had avoided the effects of the potion. It would be better to play along for now and try again at a later date. "Of course, anything I can do to help." Albus pointed his wand at James and cast Enervate.
James slowly came to and looked around. Albus had already moved on and was reviving the others. Revan was having a quick whispered conversation with James. Both men suspected that Dumbledore had something to do with their condition, but no way of proving it. Instead, James politely thanked Albus and then asked him to leave. Albus protested but even Lily was not feeling up to dealing with headmaster after being revived.
Dinner was spoiled. James and Lily vanished everything on the table. Something had been laced with a potion to knock them out. None of the adults knew what Albus had been up to, but they did not trust the man anymore. Lily swore that she would watch him for any more suspicious actions. If they were lucky, they could catch him in the act; it would be the only way they were like to neutralize him, short of killing him that is.
September 1st, 2007
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
James and Hailey were sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast. He had been reading the Daily Prophet when he spit out his coffee in surprise. Hailey had grabbed the paper after he left the table she had been careful to note the page he had been reading at the time.
Unspeakables – Are they protectors or persecutors?
By
Veritas Hawking
It has come to light that the Unspeakables may be as much of a danger to the wizarding world as the Death Eaters they claim to be protecting us from. This reporter has received reports that on a handful of people have disappeared after being taken into custody by the Unspeakables on the flimsiest of charges. Their fate is unknown and the Unspeakables have denied any knowledge of the disappearances.
In our fear of the Death Eaters, we turned to this unknown group in the Ministry to protect us. We risked much in the name of security. Are we paying now for that risk? It was a muggle by the name of Benjamin Franklin that said "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
In the coming weeks and months, we may find that we have indeed traded our liberty for non-existent security. We may find that not all threats to our way of life come in the form of men dressed in black robes and white masks. This reporter will continue to be the voice of those that have been silenced by the Unspeakables. For surely if someone doesn't raise their voice, eventually no one will be left to do it.
While Hailey was finishing her breakfast and reading the article, James had gone to his office and was speaking with Revan. "Unless there is a secret group acting within the Unspeakables, these allegations are total fabrications."
Revan was quiet as he considered both the impetus for such an article as well as the implications. He walked away from the desk and sat down in a soft leather chair near the darkened fireplace. James mistook his silence and said "Revan, these are lies. I have worked with the Unspeakables for more than 25 years and there have never been any cases where we made people disappear."
Revan looked at James and said reassuringly "Oh, I don't think the Unspeakables are at fault for anything. I was thinking that this seems far more subtle than Voldemort's usual tactics."
Realization broke over James "Of course, it has to be someone else in Voldemort's camp or even possibly Dumbledore's. He was almost as opposed to the Unspeakables as Voldemort was. And after last night, I wouldn't put anything past him."
Nodding Revan said without thought "Yes, he was but I think we should be looking to Voldemort. This may be the first indication that the Massassi are taking a more active role in this war. I imagine they were not happy with the way that Voldemort has bungled things in the last month."
James looked at Revan in confusion "Who are the Massassi and why would they have any power over Voldemort?"
Looking over at James sharply as he realized what he had revealed, Revan replied evasively "The Massassi are an enemy that I have faced many times on different planets. The only description for them is evil. They are far darker than Voldemort could ever hope to be. Yet, they move slowly preferring to strike from the shadows with lies and rumors to weaken their enemies' resolve before emerging."
"If that is true, than this would be exactly their style. Although I am not proud to say it, the wizarding world is composed largely of sheep that follow the loudest voice or the easiest path. I will pass your information on to Martin. We may need to investigate this reporter Veritas Hawking."
Platform 9 ¾s, London UK
James, Revan, Hailey and Lily had arrived at King's Cross to see Hailey off to Hogwarts. There had been some discussion about whether she should return given Dumbledore's actions the previous night but in the end, Hailey won everyone over. She wanted to be with her friends and she didn't think that Dumbledore would dare strike back at her with the other students around. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough evidence to sway a court. Given Dumbledore's reputation, they would need an overwhelming case against him.
Hailey gave James a quick hug before moving on to her mother. She didn't know why, but her father had been distracted and grouchy ever since he had read that article on the Unspeakables. If they were doing something wrong Uncle Sirius would do something about it. After giving her brother a hug, she ran onto the train to see her friends.
James, Lily and Revan watched the train depart before turning to leave. Before they could pass through the barrier again, the trio was surrounded by Aurors. Sirius himself had come to arrest his godson. Most of the parents stopped to watch the spectacle.
Sirius strode forward and announced "Revan Potter, you are under arrest for the murder of 15 men. Aurors, restrain him."
James just rolled his eyes and watched the show. Lily was more concerned, she didn't know that Revan was an Unspeakable and therefore immune from prosecution.
Revan said in a loud but calm voice. "You have no authority to arrest me. Why are you wasting your time with this farce when you could be investigating potential Death Eaters and criminals?"
Sirius turned red and said hotly "I am investigating a criminal right now. I don't know what your parents see in you, but I see nothing but a killer. As far as authority, I am a Captain of the Aurors. I have a warrant for your arrest right here."
"It's fortunate for me that I am immune from prosecution." Revan said reasonably. The crowd around them had grown and many were chattering to each other confused by Revan's statement.
Sirius ordered "Don't move. Keep your hands where I can see them." Revan had been reaching into his pocket to retrieve something. Taking the initiative, one of the Aurors reached into Revan's pocket and pulled out a small badge.
Revan just smiled as Sirius groaned. "Yes, that's right you can't prosecute me because I was simply doing my job. I am an Unspeakable and since the Aurors have been so ineffectual in fighting the Death Eaters, we had to step in."
Many in the crowd gasped in surprise at the revelation. Revan sensed an opportunity to sway people to his side and began to speak. He turned towards the crowd before beginning "Is this the world I am fighting for? This is the 3rd time that Aurors have tried to arrest me for standing up in the face of evil. Rather than help the Unspeakables hunt down the Death Eaters and other criminals the Aurors focus on those that have stood up against our enemies. Why do they do this? I can only think it is because by standing up we shine a spotlight on their failures." Revan paused for effect.
Sirius and the Aurors were silent. There was little they could argue with against Revan at the moment.
Revan changed his focus somewhat as he began speaking once again "There is a cancer in the wizarding world and it is destroying you. No, the cancer is not Voldemort and his Death Eaters. They are simply symptoms of the greater problem. Many of you are the cause. You have allowed your fear and laziness to rule your lives for too long. As I told the Wizengamot, if you had stood up to Voldemort, he never would have gained so much power. Instead you sat back and waited for someone else to deal with the problem.
The time has come for you to pull your head out of the sand. The Unspeakables are not the answer to your problems. We won't save you from your greatest enemy and the biggest threat to this world. Quite simply, we can't save you from yourselves. Don't look to the Aurors for blame either, they are but a reflection of yourselves going after the easy targets rather than the root problem.
When faced with evil, you have two choices. You can cower in fear and hope that the evil passes you by or you can stand and face it. For too long the wizarding world has cowered in fear. Veritas Hawking said in his article today that he would stand for those who had no voice. Who will stand for your children when the Unspeakables and Aurors are not there? It is time for you to stand and join in the defense of your lives and your world. It is time for you to stand and protect those who can't stand any longer. It is time for you to stand because we can't do it alone."
The crowd and the Aurors were silent. Slowly the crowd was coming back to life as Revan's words sank in. And then a young woman stepped forward, she couldn't be much older than 20 and was probably an older sister to one of the students. She was not especially strong or bright but she knew what she had to do. In a loud clear voice filled with determination she said "I will stand with you."
Voldemort's Mansion, Little Hangleton
Voldemort was sitting in his main chamber with Kael. On the table in front of them were two copies of the Daily Prophet. The first was from that day and was opened to the article written by Veritas Hawking.
"I see you have one of your men in place at the Daily Prophet." Kael said as he scanned the article and nodded at the tone.
"Yes, we will begin spreading rumors regarding the Unspeakables to undermine their authority as you advised." Voldemort said meekly. If any of his Death Eaters would have heard them, they would have been shocked by the subservience coming from their lord.
"Excellent, you will need to get agents in some of the other media outlets as well. If there is only one source spreading these tales, it will be easier to dismiss." Even as he said this, Kael turned his attention to the other issue of the Daily Prophet. It was much older and detailed the attack on Diagon Alley over a month ago.
"Why did you want more information on our failed attack on Diagon Alley?" Voldemort asked when he saw what Kael was reading.
Kael snapped his attention back to Voldemort; his eyes were blazing with anger. This fool dared question his actions; quickly he backhanded Voldemort across the face sending him crashing to the floor. It was many seconds before Voldemort was able to raise his head and get back on his feet. A large bruise was already forming on Voldemort's jaw.
"I am studying our enemy. This is the one that will lead them against us. He is who we need to eliminate."
Cringing even as he spoke Voldemort said "But he is only Potter's brat of son. Certainly he is powerful, but he couldn't stand up to our might."
Kael's eyes blazed again and Voldemort flinched back in fear. "He is more than you realize. Your Death Eaters will not be able to eliminate him, they don't have the skill. My apprentice will lead the attack against him when the time comes. Only he has the skills and power necessary to remove him from the board."
"But my men won't follow your apprentice. They will question my authority if I allow him to lead the attack."
Kael let the force enhance his strength. Moving faster than Voldemort could follow; Kael reached out and lifted the man from the floor by his neck. Voldemort began to choke and was grabbing desperately at Kael's arm to get him to let go. "My apprentice will lead the attack and you Death Eaters will follow every command or I will destroy them myself."
Kael watched for a moment longer as the fear grew more prevalent in Voldemort's eyes. Finally he released the man and he crashed to floor gasping for breath. "Don't question my orders again Voldemort. Remember, you're alive at my whim only. Now have your men watch the man. I want to know his every move and we will only attack once we can predict his reactions. In a month's time, I expect you to have the information I need."
Not caring if Voldemort responded or not, Kael swept from the room leaving the most feared dark lord in recent history trembling on the floor of his chamber.
Potter Manor, Godric's Hollow UK
Meanwhile at Potter Manor, Revan's communicator was chirping again. He was greeted with a simple message from his crew. A smile formed on his face as heard the news. His fleet had arrived.