DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER/GODS AND GENERALS.
In April of 1861 in Lexington, Virginia you could see students of a Military Institute drilling outside of the Institute, while wearing gray uniforms and bronze straps with medals. While inside of the Institute you could see in one of the classrooms, a teacher was talking to his students with disappointment. He had a long beard, a mustache that touched the beard, blue eyes, and a face that shows that one must not mess with him. Unless they want to suffer the consequences.
"Gentlemen", he said with a stern tone," if you are going to succeed at this institution then you have one common goal. To learn your lesson, if you're energies elsewhere and you will not either with me or in your career is as military officers. I had hoped that with the proper grasp of the artillery principles that I have laid before you today that you would learn to apply these principles with a great effectiveness in your own field experiences but since only Cadet Lee managed to cto grasp these principles. "He looked around at each student with disappointment, except 13 year old Cadet Lee (who actually looks like about 18 years old).
"I am forced to conclude that I must repeat the lesson tomorrow, word for word." He said. As the other cadets showed shocked faces that almost all of them dropped their jaws to their desks, as he repeated," Word for Word."
While Cadet Lee was happy, he studied hard to pass the lesson as he also learned from his father. He has only been here for a few months and now he's doing amazing. He still wondered how his father managed to get him here, all he had to do was send a letter to a congressman to get some support. Though the only problem he had at the Institute was that some the other cadets at the Institute were insulting him and calls him names like: Jamie Lee, Know It All, Young Blue Light, etc. usually when Maj. Jackson(who they also call him Old Blue Light, Old Fool, Old Jack, etc.) wasn't looking during class or after class. Though James Lee had no problem with it and ignored it, knowing that one day they would be under his command and regret it. He won hurt them or worse, just give them positions that they wouldn't like.
Though not too much during the time of war, because in order to win a battle the Army one commands must be loyal to their ranking higher officers. That was one of the lessons his father has taught him, who is in Washington for some reason, right now. His father didn't say why though, he assumed that it had something to do with the newly formed Confederate States of America that is at war with the United States.
But before he could think more about it, he heard the yell of the "Secession" coming from the outside. He could tell everyone else heard it, because the rest of the cadets went up to the window to see what was going on. While James walked to Maj. Jackson, who was looking from the window as James joined him and watched as he saw what was going on. Outside of the Institute, you could see a group of people: professors, staff, and even cadets were crowding around the flagpole that that was flying the Stars And Stripes. They kept yelling "Secession" as they got closer and closer to the flagpole, then one of the cadets lowered the Stars And Stripes down to the ground as one of the cadets played tug-of-war with another cadet over the flag.
"Class dismissed." Maj. Jackson announced as a different flag was hoisted on the flagpole. James took note of the flag that was hoisted. They had nine white stars in a circle formation in the middle of a blue square at the upper left of the flag, while the remaining part of the flag had three Horizontal bars: the first red, the second White, and the last Red again. James recognizes the flag as the Confederate flag, also called The Bars and Stars. The crowd cheered when the flag flew proudly on the flagpole.
James tried to look away, trying to not believe that the war would come here to his native State. But he knew that he was wrong, because Virginia was what he and his father called as well as many people up north," Cotton States". Which are states that have the institution of slavery, which is what powers the high production of the cotton industry. James and his father always had a distaste for slavery. It is a curse that ruins a nation, is what causes the pain in separations of families that had done no wrong.
Though he knew that other people had different ideas about slavery, thinking that God had made Negroes (or in James opinion African-Americans) in slavery and that ending slavery was an insult to God. James disagreed, thinking that people misunderstood the Bible, like people misunderstood about witchcraft. He could give a good example about the subject: Salem, Massachusetts; which is known for its witch trials (Which none of the people killed were Witches. Just people were pointing fingers at people before the United States was formed and is still dealing with its humiliation, today.
"Cadet Lee?" He heard someone called.
James turned around away from the window and saw that it was Maj. Jackson that called for him.
"Yes?" James said with a salute.
Maj. Jackson saluted back as he said," mind if you have a walk with me, I wish to talk to you about something?"
James blinked for a minute wondering what Maj. Jackson wanted to talk about and said," no, sir. I have no problem with that."
"Good, follow me ", Maj. Jackson said.
James nodded, and follows him as they walked outside; they could still see the crowd cheering and kept yelling "Secession" as the Bars and Stars were flying proudly. James could tell that the possibility that the war would come to Virginia had affected the Major, because he swore that he saw a frown on the Majors face as he kept staring at the new flag, then he stopped as he heard a person that called for his name. James turned the same time as the Major to see who it was.
"Sir." Major said as he saluted, as James saluted to. Even though he didn't know the teacher.
The teacher saluted back as he walked closer to Maj. Jackson talk to him.
"Major, listen to them." He said pointing to the crowd with a paleface that had a couple of tears," the leaders of our intellectual future, screaming for the destruction of our nation."
"Sir, President Lincoln raising the troops." Maj. Jackson replied.
James nodded, agreeing with the Major. He read about that on the Richmond Times, where Pres. Lincoln requested a total of 75,000 volunteers to suppress the Confederate States. Many states agreeing to, but Virginia and a few other southern states refused to. James didn't sign up in any state up north, because 1: He was too young to, 2: He wasn't sure that his father would approve, and 3: There was no doubt that Virginia would secede from the union and join the Confederacy. The third problem was the one that convinced him not to enlist.
"I... I will not stay in a place, where my students dishonor their country's flag. Major, I'm leaving for Pennsylvania tomorrow." The teacher said.
"War is the sum of all evils, but all I know and all I have is to the service to my home, my country." Maj. Jackson pointed out.
That shocked James, as that made his final decision even though he already made it, but it convinced him even more. As he would not want to fight against the Major, he considered the Major as a second father. No, he would not fight with the union. He would fight with the Confederacy, with the Major. He hoped that his father would understand.
"Your country, Thomas?" The teacher said shocked," your country, my country is all one. Is all one Thomas, all one."
He sighed as he walked away, obviously to pack up for his new home in Pennsylvania.
James felt sorry for the poor guy, as Maj. Jackson said," Cadet Lee?"
James turned around and answered," yes, sir?"
"What do you plan to do, if Virginia secedes and joins the Confederacy?"
James blinked for a second answered," Sir, I plan to join Virginia, until my dying day."
Maj. Jackson smiled and said," good, I'll be happy to know that I will be fine alongside you for Virginia."
"Thank you, sir. It is an honor to fight alongside you as well." James said as he saluted to Maj. Jackson.
Maj. Jackson saluted as he looked at his watch," you best be hurrying to the train station, you're train that takes you back to Arlington leaves in about 30 minutes."
James nodded as he remembered that gets to visit his family today for next 3 days, as he said," Thanks you sir, please give my compliments to Mrs. Jackson."
Maj. Jackson nodded as James left to the train station faster than a speeding bullet.
It took about four hours for the Train to reach Arlington, because it had to stop at Richmond first to pick up more passengers and then head to Arlington. James was wiped after the long trip and couldn't wait to reach home. He missed his Brothers, Sisters, Mother, and Father. He hasn't seen them since Christmas season, he rubbed his eyes. It had hurt him to leave his Family, now he was back to stay for the night and then return to the Institute. Though he didn't mind one bit, at least he'd get the chance to meet his family again.
He stepped out of the carriage that picked him up from Train Station, as the carriage stopped near the house. James walked up to the driver and gave him a Double Eagle coin ($20 in gold), as he also said, "thank you."
The Carriage driver nodded and left to back to downtown Arlington, As James walked to the front porch. He knocked on the door, and waited a few seconds for the door to open. Which slowly did to show that it was one of his Brothers, Robert E. Lee Jr., though he and most of his family call him Rob. He had brown hair as his mother, grey eyes, and a kindly face.
"James, it's so good to see you. Mom's going to be excited." Rob said as he hugged James.
James smiled as he hugged his brother back, as he said, "It's good to see you too, brother. How's Mom doing anyway?"
"She's doing better, though she's been missing you.", Rob answered.
James smiled as he hugged his brother back, as he said, "It's good to see you too, brother. How's Mom doing anyway?"
"She's doing better, though she's been missing you." Rob answered.
James smiled, happy to know that his mother was okay. It was only a few years ago that his mother had to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. James couldn't help, but worry about his mother. She had never been the same person after that. Luckily she had the company of James's for Sisters: Mary, Anne, Eleanor, and Mildred. He missed them as well, while he was at VMI.
"Are the others here?" James asked.
Rob smiled and said," yes, and even fathers here; he just got home."
James smiled even more; he hasn't seen his father since he left to VMI. Now he couldn't wait to see him.
"Where is he?" James asked.
"I think he's in the Dining Room, we were just about to have dinner. We know that you were coming or mom would have waited for you."
"It's okay, besides I wanted to surprise mother anyway." James said.
Rob as he said," you're going to drive mom crazy one of these days."
"Alright, but hope that mom doesn't burst your eardrums." Rob replied with a smirk. As he turned around and led James to the Dining Room.
James absolutely missed the place, as he passed all the beautiful paintings that his mother made. She did a really good job on them; they were so amazing that you would feel as if you were part of the paintings. He passed one that his mother had painted of him and his father in one picture when he was about 7 years old, all the pretty colors on it gave him a big smile. James absolutely love them, he couldn't paint as good as his mother. Though painting isn't his thing, but it did give them some good inspiration.
"Rob son, who was it?" James heard a very familiar voice in the Dining Room.
"Well father, it is our very own Harry James Lee.", Rob answered, as he and James walked into the Dining Room.
James saw that all the rest of his brothers and sisters were at the Dining Table at the left and right sides, while at the back he saw both his mother and father there as well.
He smiled as he said," Hello everyone, sorry that I didn't tell you that I was coming home."
"It's no problem, James." Said Anne (his youngest sister), who was as tall as James, Blue eyes, Black hair, and in a very beautiful White Dress; as she went up to hug James.
"Yeah, Shrimp. Nothing to worry about, except mother of course." Said William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, his second oldest brother. He looked almost like his father, only with Brown hair, Brown beard that was as long as his father's, and Brown Mustache that touched to the beard, and was about 29 years old.
"In case, if you forgotten William, that I'm right here." Said a very stern voice.
William winced and went pale, as James turned to the voice; as his Emerald Green eyes looked into a pair of Blue eyes that James swore he saw fire in them.
"Um… Hi mom." James said with a small smile.
James's Mother glared even harder at James as she said," Young Man, if you were coming home. How come you didn't at least send a telegraph?"
" Because I wanted to surprise you, Mother.", James answered with a very large smile.
While most of his brothers and sisters groaned , as this isn't the first time he tried to surprise his mother. While his father was trying not to laugh, as his mother yelled so loud that it could be heard all the away at Washington.
"HARRY JAMES LEE, THIS IS NOT FUNNY. YOU KNOW THAT I DON'T LIKE THAT KIND OF SURPRISE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE MADE YOUR FAVORITE MEALS FOR DINNER, IF YOU HAD SENT ME A TELEGRAPH. I BET THAT YOU LOVE TORTURING ME LIKE THAT. NOW SIT DOWN AND EAT DINNER WITH US. "
James quickly sat down at a chair next to Rob, as he put some Mashed Potatoes and a piece of Stake on his plate. While he watched his mother calmed down, as his father talked to her about something. James looked away as he began eating his Stake, knowing that he must talk to his father after dinner.
Then he heard Anne asked his father," Dad?"
" Yes, Anne?", He replied.
" How was it that Washington and what did Pres. Lincoln wanting you for?"
" Well, he offered me to the rank of Major General of the Union Army to quell the rebellion in the South."
Then came the sound of dropped Forks and Spoons, as though looks of shocked faces came from everyone else in the Dining Room, including James.
" But doesn't he know the possibility that Virginia will be seceding and join the Confederacy?", James asked.
" Yes, but he doubts it will happen along with the other Cotton States.", His Father answered.
James huffed, obviously President Lincoln doesn't understand the picture of the Southern States. He doesn't hate President Lincoln, it was just that he didn't think that President Lincoln was up to the challenge. He could understand the president's belief to slavery, it was just that the South was too independent on it. James believed that to end slavery was to make the South less independent enough , where the South is as industrialized as the North. There the South would have no need to keep slavery.
"And what did you say to the offer, Dad?" George Washington Curtis Lee asked, who was the oldest of James's Brothers. He had a Black Mustache, a clean chin, Brown hair, and Ocean Blue eyes that matched his mother's.
"I said no, because I could not stand knowing that if I accept the offer that I would be fighting against my home state. Then I sent my resignation to the Army and sent my enlistment to the Confederate Government; and now the Virginia Legislator wishes for me to be at the State Capitol tomorrow afternoon.", His father answered.
" Why?", James asked, curiously.
" I have no idea, yet.", His father answered.
James nodded, as he was a little bit happy to know that he is going to be fighting on the same side as his father against the Union.
" James?", Asked Eleanor Agnes Lee, who is like 20-year-old copy of her mother.
" Yes?", James applied, as he finished his Stake.
" How was it at VMI?", She asked, with a smile.
" Amazing, I managed to pass the Artillery Principles today with flying colors and the only one to pass the exam.", James answered.
" That's great, it will come in handy when you join the military.", His father answered with a smile.
" The Confederate Military?", James asked.
" If you want to, then yes.", His father answered.
" Dad?", James asked.
" Yes?", His father replied.
" I was thinking about joining the Confederate Army right now, but I won't join without your permission. Is it okay?"
Then came the long silence again, as everyone stared at James. While James was wondering what he'd did.
As his mother said," But you're too young to join!"
" If that's true, mother; then am I too young to be in VMI, right now. Dad, you said yourself, that I look like that I could be about 18. So I could fool the recruiters thinking that I'm of age.", James replied back with a kind voice. As his mother realized that she had nothing to say back.
" Robert, can I talk to you for a minute?", His mother asked.
Robert nodded, as he followed his wife to the library. While leaving their confused Sons and Daughters in the Dining Room.
" James, are you sure this is what you want to do?", Anne asked, very concerned.
" Yes, this is what I want to do. I want to devote myself to the duty of my state.", James answered.
" But James, I know you already pointed this out. Though your 13 years old, 13 year olds, like you, should be chasing around skirts. Not fighting wars!" Said Mildred, who is about 15 years old, brown hair that touches her shoulders, Grey eyes , and a flawless face.
"Well, I'm not like an ordinary 13-year-old. I'm different." James replied.
"But what if you don't live through this war?" George asked, trying to persuade James.
"Then it is an honor to die for my state, as I do not fear the death of myself. As God has set my time of death."
Everyone bowed their heads, as they knew that they couldn't change James's mind.
Then Anne asked," James will you at least promise to write to us when you can? "
James nodded, as the sound of knocking on the Front Door was heard.
Rob told everyone that he'll get it, as he went to answer it.
While in the library, Mary Curtis Lee stared out at the window watching the beautiful stars that filled the night sky. As the moon was at its full stage. She kept staring with tears running down her eyes, as she felt a pair of hands touched her shoulders. She looked up and smiled, as she saw the handsome face of her husband.
She then frown as she said," oh, Robert. I don't want to lose James or any of our children in this war. Especially when James is supposed to return to his time where he belongs in about God knows when. If he is killed in the war, then the world will fall into the hands of that Dark Lord …what's his name…Moldemort...Goldemort…Voldemort, who killed James's real parents and what will they say? Since we only taught him Muggle Warfare and not Magical. Especially since we blocked this magic, so that he won't go to any Magical Schools or else the Union Magical Department will discover that he's not from this time period and do God knows what. We only know that the blocks are breaking and that his Magical Core is getting stronger as he ages. What are we going to do, Robert?"
Robert looked deep into his wives beautiful blue eyes as he replied," we let him join in the war. It hurts me as much as it hurts you, but you and I both know that we can't stop them from joining. All we can do is pray to God that his magic matures quickly. When it does, we tell him the truth."
"And will he react, when we tell him that we aren't his real parents?" Mary asked, with even more tears running down her eyes.
"All we can do is hope that he understands and is happy about It.", her husband answered.
Mary smiled, as her husband gave a kiss to her cheek; as the sound of knocking came from the Library Door.
"Come in.", Robert said to whoever was at the other side of the door.
He heard the sound of the door opening, as he saw that it was James. He walked up to his parents with a small smile and a telegram in his hand.
His father noticed it and asked," what is it, James?"
James handed his father telegram, as his father adjusted his glasses. As he read out the whole telegram.
To: Cadet Harry James Lee
You are to report to the Institute by tomorrow afternoon (though later than one o'clock) to be joining with the Corps Cadets to help with the training of the Provision Army for defense of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Note: You must be in uniform, when you arrive.
Superintended Smith
Robert closed his eyes, as he knew that the decision was now made; there was no turning back, now. James is going to join in the war. He only hoped that this war would be over quick and that James would survive. He could tell that his wife was thinking the same thing as she had even more tears in her eyes.
"James." He said.
"Yes, Dad?" James asked.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do? Because I'll see if I can pull you out of VMI." His father asked, looking into James's eyes.
"Yes, father. This is what I want to do; I want to defend my home and state. Just as you are, father." James answered.
Robert nodded sadly, as he said," very well, but I want you to promise me three things."
"Yes?" James asked.
" 1. I want you to be very careful, 2. Not to do any heroes stuff, and 3. After this war is over, I want you to resign and live a different life, if possible."
James stared for a minute and then nodded.
"Good, you might want you to get some sleep? Tomorrow is going to be a big day.", His father said.
James nodded, as he left to his bedroom to get some sleep. While his parents stayed in the library for a little bit more, knowing that he was never going to be the same person after this war and that they couldn't get him away from it.
Finally, I got this chapter. Sorry. It took so long, I had gotten Type B Flu and didn't have the energy to work on this chapter. Though I managed to do some work for story , like events for that could change the Civil War, some ideas for story ahead to make it perfect, etc. The next Chapter will probably come next weekend, it will be on the 1st Battle of Manassas A.K.A Battle of Bull Run. Also please give some of your ideas for the story or opinions.
