Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Never have, never will.

AN: To my dear readers, I must apologize for waiting so long to update. That would be due to life catching up with me. I'll try to update as regularly as I can, though school really burns away a lot of my time.

Chapter 6: Negotiations and Revelations

2 days after the defeat of the Legion…

Harry plopped himself wearily on the throne, mentally exhausted by the grueling three hour session with the Council which involved ironing out several details of what was to be done with the newly reclaimed islands. It had been difficult to get the Council to start working together instead of vying against each other for power. Suffice to say, Harry had to take on a firmer role during the planning to ensure its success.

Weary of speaking and all too ready to finish up for the day, the monarch signaled to the Guardians stationed by the door, silently telling them to let the next, and last, person requesting an audience in. The face that met his sight was an unexpected, but not unwelcome sight. "Storm, it's good to see you again. What brings you here?" Harry asked with some curiosity, delighted he didn't need to deal with yet another politician.

"I would have waited longer before requesting an audience with you, my liege, but the remnants of the Legion have compelled me to act on their behalf. While it is true sire, that our defection to your cause has bought us freedom from persecution and some acceptance within the army, we are still under some discrimination from the others sire."

A frown touched Harry's face as he heard the news. "I'm afraid I don't understand. Elaborate for me."

"The Legion requests that you allow us to partake once again in our time honored traditions. We want to be able to actively recruit civilians into our ranks, and train them to be true legionnaires. To do that, the Legion needs your sanction. The Legion wants its name back."

"Wouldn't you rather have the army train the civilians for you and pass on their more experienced veterans into your group? And how would naming you give you authority to do that?" Harry asked, unaware of the trivialities of Army protocol.

Felix shook his head. "To go about with your suggestion would break the Legion over time. Transferees are rarely ever true legionnaires. They lack the camaraderie, spirit, and willingness to sacrifice that those trained by the Legion do. Those are the qualities the Legion exemplifies. Those are the ideals bred into us from the day we joined the army, 'til the day we die for the Imperium.

"We need you to give us a name, because that would show favor towards us. It shows utter confidence in our loyalty. It shows that you are giving us the responsibility of training our own men for your service. And most important of all, it shows that we have become marked; destined to be the first to rise and the last to fall. No surrender, no compromise. Victory or Death. This is our motto; the marked's motto." Felix stated proudly.

Harry looked thoughtful after the show of pride from the latest officer recruited in the Ionian Legions. "I shall give the matter some thought, General Storm." Harry said, addressing Felix with his proper title. "But before I decide, there is something I must ask from the legion under your command."

Felix dropped to one knee in a bow. "Anything you ask of, my Lord and my Legion will obey."

"I want your men to lead the Vanguard in our invasion against the Azkabanian held island of Marpor, should they choose not to comply with our requests."

"It will be an honor to serve, my liege. The Legion shan't fail you in this. Fidelis Terminus!" Felix chanted, beating his chest enthusiastically, before turning to leave.

The patriot's actions brought a slight smile to Harry's face, but that quickly transformed into a scowl once he remembered the next item on his schedule for that day. It's time to talk to Fudge I suppose. Better have the guard form up.

Ministry of Magic, Atrium…

The Auror posted at the entrance of the Atrium yawned lazily as he prepared for what he thought would be yet another boring day as a guard. Nothing could have been further than the truth for this hapless victim of fate. This became quite apparent to the Auror as he found one Harry James Potter marching up to him with an armed party in tow. Mustering all the courage he could, in a potentially dangerously outnumbered situation as this, he raised a hand to stop their advance. "What is your business with the Ministry, Mr. Potter?" The Auror asked his voice firm, yet passive.

"I'm here to meet with Minister Fudge. I am sure he's informed all security personnel of my visit." Harry answered smoothly.

The Auror hesitated. Technically speaking, they had been told of his pending arrival, but nobody had told him he would be bringing a freaking attack group into the ministry as well. "Your visit was expected, Mr. Potter. However, as for your friends here," The Auror gestured to the waiting force behind him. "they have no business with the Ministry."

"I think you'll find that they do." Harry replied coolly, meeting the Auror's eyes. Harry tossed a stack of papers at the guard, who, in turn, caught it deftly with his hands. Suspiciously, the Auror broke eye contact with Harry, and turned to scan at the papers.

Harry smiled when he saw the confusion and at the same time understanding on the Auror's face. His point had been driven home. "You are clear to go ahead to the Minister's office…with your guards, sir." The Auror said, handing him back the papers and stepping aside to let the group pass.

Harry nodded to him, and continued on with the Guardians following behind him. They went through by some more check points along the way to the Minister's office with little trouble; though their passing did elicit some attention from bystanders. No doubt, within the hour, word of his arrival would have been made known to the British elite. There was an atmosphere of anomalous seriousness in the ministry, Harry noted. Probably due to the war's escalation. They can hardly take any chances with the Death Eaters at large. Harry thought conclusively.

Harry reached the Minister's office rather quickly considering all the bureaucratic red tape that usually went about during processing. Unsurprisingly, there was an entire Auror Platoon standing guard outside said office, apparently waiting to intercept them. "Mr. Potter, I'm afraid your escorts will have to remain here for the safety of the Minister. You are, of course, free to enter as you please." The Captain, Harry deduced from the insignia on his robes, said.

Harry nodded in acceptance of the regulation, silently signaling to his men to comply with the announcement. Alone, but confident, he walked onwards to meet the minister. He opened the door and stepped inside. The minister, he saw, was sitting quite comfortably on his chair, waiting for his arrival. "Harry Potter, welcome back to the United Kingdom. Although I'm quite pleased you've decided to come and speak to me, I'd rather that you didn't bring an army into the ministry with you." Fudge said condescendingly, hoping to intimidate him.

"I'd hardly call twenty men an army, Minister Fudge. Besides, their presence is merely a formality at this point. If you'd kindly turn your attention to the papers on your table, you'll understand perfectly I'm sure." Harry replied, unimpressed. With a flick of his wand, a stack of papers materialized on the Minister's table.

Fudge scanned through the papers, his face similar to the guard's. After a period of silence, Fudge turned to look at him once again."You've been assigned as the Ambassador of Ionos to the United Kingdom? How-"

Harry interrupted the Minister. "The new King of Ionos has risen, Minister, and I have been fortunate enough to be acquainted with him during my visit to their country. The King has shown great confidence in me by appointing me as his subject and ambassador. You'll find minister, that there are no laws against dual citizenship in both countries. Of course, if push came to shove, let's just say it might become rather…unpleasant for you if you so decide to interfere with that." Harry replied.

Fudge's eyes narrowed at him in rage. "Don't threaten me boy! I am the head of one of the World's strongest nations! England shall not bow to your Lord. Ionos is but a backwater state with most of your initial lands seized from you! You couldn't even keep together your islands with that ragtag army of yours that rebellions have overthrown your authority in some places! You have no leg to stand on. What could you possibly do to us?" Fudge ended haughtily.

Harry raised a brow at him. "We could do a lot to make your war with the Death Eaters difficult. Are you aware that those insurrections you so fondly speak of have been put down? Are you aware that Ionos has rebuilt its army? Do you know of the Dragons we have under our control? True our fleets have been crushed before, but I'm sure that if Ionos were to launch raids along your Scottish holdings, you'd find yourselves in quite a dismal position.

"But how about we take it a step further? What if we made a deal with the Death Eaters? We would give them access to our seas and skies unhampered. With that advantage in hand, they could strike you at either side. Hell, with the way things are going, it's more likely that we'll decide to launch a two-pronged attack and envelop your lands. Your nation doesn't have the will to fend off two forces, much less a dragon guerilla force. Face it Minister, you need us more than you think. It might even turn to your advantage should we decide to help you."

The Minster's shoulders slumped, aware of the implications of provoking a two fronted war. "What does your King want from us?"

Harry smiled. "All we require from you is a simple concession. When the time comes, withdraw your support to Azkaban's claim on the Island of Marpor. Allow us, to reclaim the land which was taken forcibly, and Ionos shall leave you in peace. Do this Minister, and no Death Eater will be allowed into your northern frontier. That is all we ask of you." Harry said diplomatically.

Fudge looked positively surprised. "That's all your Lord wants? A withdrawal of support from one island? Why, might I ask would he ask for something so trivial and send death threats to accompany it?"

"The King wants to unite the Kingdom's shattered remnants. Marpor is key to the accomplishments of his goals. In time, I believe you'll understand that we are not your enemies. We only become so, when you decide it. Good day, Minister." I'll have until tomorrow 'til word of this gets out in all likelihood. Harry thought.

It came as no surprise to the young monarch in disguise when the Prophet's featured article tomorrow was so.

Ionos's Ambassador

By Joseph Dawson

Yesterday afternoon, an armed party was seen marching through the Ministry with Harry Potter at the head. Apparently, Harry Potter had a meeting with the Minister. Though the topics discussed in said meeting are still unknown, we have learned some things from eyewitnesses.

Several people have reported that Harry Potter was referred to several times as the "Ambassador". Others have claimed to seeing the insignia of Ionos (Turn to page 3, Article B for more information on Ionos) inscribed on the robes of the group. It is not unreasonable then to assume that he has been given this position by the newly enthroned King of Ionos. We are unaware at this time who this King might be, but no effort has been spared to find out.

Ambassador Potter was unavailable for an interview, though the Minster did say that they had "reached an understanding" that would lead to "better relationships between the two states". He has also assured that "there will be no hostilities towards Ionos and that this was not the start of another war".