Chapter 11
Earth. UNSC HIGHCOM.
January 14th, 2261
Hood glanced upward as an incoming transmission from Infinity, accompanied by sizable files, arrived. "Lasky?" he questioned.
Appearing on the screen, Lasky commenced recounting the events to the Chief and the fleet. Simultaneously, he engaged Hood in a discussion regarding the transmitted files. Lasky then introduced Gerald West, an esteemed theoretical physicist on board the Infinity, renowned for his scientific expertise.
"Sir, we have reason to believe that this Strange Matter exhibits a peculiar attraction towards sentience, be it artificial intelligence or organic beings. We observed a higher concentration of this substance around both AI constructs and Humans/Sangheili," Gerald elucidated. "Our hypothesis suggests that when Chief and Cortana entered the anomaly, it destabilized the black hole, resulting in two significant consequences: intense magical pulses and heightened reactivity to any form of matter."
Hood groaned as he rubbed his eyes "So, what implications does this hold for us?"
"Sir, the presence of additional smart AI constructs or intelligent entities could potentially lead to the collapse of the wormhole, thereby trapping the Chief within its confines," the scientist cautioned.
Understanding the severity of the situation, Hood sighed, "I understand. In that case, the best course of action we can take for the Chief is to enhance his armor. Lasky, I will dispatch a GEN-3 Mjolnir suit to you promptly. We don't know the challenges he might encounter there; it's better he gets updated."
Hogwarts. The Great Hall.
Sierra-117 entered the majestic Great Hall, gently brushing off the snow that had settled on his armor. As he settled into his seat, his attention was captured by Hagrid, and coincidentally, an owl gracefully descended onto his table, carrying a paper.
"What's the owl for?" Master Chief asked
"Huh, oh! The owls, it's how we get our news" Hagrid, momentarily distracted, responded, "Now let's see..."
Without delay, Hagrid's expression swiftly shifted, revealing deep concern etched upon his face. Sensing something amiss, the Chief questioned, "What happened?" Meanwhile, Hagrid handed him a newspaper bearing the name "The Daily Prophet."
"MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN
"We have confirmed that ten high-security prisoners, in the early hours of yesterday evening, did escape. And of course, the Muggle Prime Minister has been alerted to the danger. We strongly suspect that the breakout was engineered by a man with personal experience in escaping from Azkaban; notorious mass murderer Sirius Black, cousin of the escapee Bellatrix Lestrange."
— Cornelius Fudge's statement
MINISTRY FEARS BLACK IS "RALLYING POINT" FOR OLD DEATH EATERS
The Ministry of Magic announced late last night that there has been a mass breakout from Azkaban. Speaking to reporters in his private office, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, confirmed that ten high-security prisoners escaped in the early hours of yesterday evening and that he has already informed the Muggle Prime Minister of the dangerous nature of these individuals..."
Chief read through it recognizing the name Death Eaters and nothing else.
"Hagrid what is Azkaban, and who is Sirius Black," Chief questioned.
"Why Azkaban, it is, y'see, a wizard prison, it is. An' let me tell ya, I've been there meself, I 'ave. Dreadful it was, with darkness all 'round and a bone-chillin' cold that seeped inta yer very soul." Hagrid spoke somberly
"Now as far as, 'bout Sirius Black. 'E's innocent, I tell ya! 'E never laid a finger on anybody, but the Ministry, they keep playin' pretend, actin' like he-who-must-not-be-named 'as nothin' to do with it all. And why, y'say? 'Cause that Minister's scared Dumbledore's gonna snatch his job, so 'e keeps pointin' fingers at poor Harry over there, callin' 'im a liar." Hagrid explained as he pointed over to Harry and his friends, "The Minister even went 'n hired Umbridge, that toad, as the Inquisitor to keep a close eye on all of us."
"I see," Chief observed as he noticed a particularly intense glare from Umbridge.
"I suppose she doesn't like us as we don't kneel down to the Ministry," Cortana noted as Chief finished his breakfast.
Forward Unto Dawn. (HALO 3 sized up 2.6 (see INSTALLATION 00))
It was nighttime now as Harry and his friends went to Muggle Defensive Arts.
"What do you reckon he'll have us doing now!" exclaimed Ron with excitement, "Maybe we'll get to see another Umbridge takedown,"
"While it would be nice to see that old hag get what she deserves again, I don't think we'll see that again," answered Hermione. Up ahead the majestic remains of the Dawn could be seen.
"Everybody hop off," Professor 117 commanded.
As Ron and Hermione took their seats Harry wondered what they were going to do that day. As if he was answered, a holo-gram by Cortana wrote Battlefield Strategics in bold.
"Today, we are covering battlefield tactics today. After that I'll test what you learned," Chief announced as he began working with Cortana to teach it.
The first 45 minutes of class was a drag for most of the class, excluding Hermione. Still, it was a lot better than Professor Binn's classes. Harry watched as a map with 8 blue and 8 red dots duked it out as the blue team began circling the enemy pushing them onto a pit-like region. Then the hologram cut out as Cortana began to speak, "Well then now that we've covered today's lesson it's time for you guys to learn how to use it,"
Chief stepped in, "Does anyone know how to use the disarming spell?
Almost all of the room raised their hand.
"Good, we'll be conducting wargames to test what you learned," Chief informed.
Robotic claws descended from the ceiling, skillfully reconfiguring crates and ramps as the students observed in awe. Two bases materialized before their eyes. Master Chief then divided the class into two teams, each consisting of twenty members, while permitting cherished companions to stay united. With a sense of camaraderie, the students topped themselves in caps of either ocean blue or fiery red, aligning with their respective teams. The majority of Gryffindors, including Harry and his comrades, opted to embrace the red team, with other esteemed members of Dumbledore's Army rallying beside them. Further organization ensued as squads of four were formed, with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville together as such. In stark contrast, the ranks of the Slytherins remained thin, as many refused to partake in a class perceived as beneath their pure-blooded standards, leaving only Umbridge's squad to represent them, for reasons that were all too apparent. The remaining forces comprised the formidable Ravenclaws and the steadfast Hufflepuffs.
"Match started, Capture the Flag," stated an unseen announcer.
And so, the simulation started.
"Red team has the flag,"
The score stood at 2-2, with both sides needing only one more point to secure victory. Scarlet sparks flew past Harry's Squad as they sprinted, having just lost Hermione. Neville, panting heavily, clung to the flag and gasped, "Huff, huff, I reckon they're closing in on us, huff." Taking cover behind a crate, the squad sought refuge as Harry retaliated with a barrage of counterfire.
In a remarkable feat, Harry disarmed four adversaries simultaneously, prompting the announcer to exclaim, "Overkill." However, with no assistance in sight, Harry found himself cornered.
"Where is everybody mate?" Ron cried "We could really use their help about now..."
Harry thought of a way to attract everybody to his location. It was then that a brilliant idea dawned upon him. Pointing his wand towards his base, he uttered the incantation, "Expecto Patronum."
Some members of the red team had assumed defensive positions, while others accompanying Potter scoured the surroundings in search of him. Suddenly, a majestic silver stag emerged from the North-East, instantly recognized by Hermione, who led everybody to its origin to find Potter.
More members of the blue team arrived, and Draco couldn't resist taunting them, saying, "Little Potter hiding in a corner. You scared Potter?"
They began closing in on them. A spark hit Ron causing his wand to fly out of his hand,
"Bloody hell mate. You're on your own, good luck,"
Then as he left seemingly losing all hope for Harry, all hell erupted as the remaining members of the red team joined the fray, sparks flying in every direction, shielding Neville as he sprinted back to base. The Blue team, outnumbered and under relentless attack, attempted to evade capture, yet a few slipped through and continued the chase. Harry's eyes remained fixed on Neville as he skillfully weaved through the fiery onslaught. Ten steps to go. Five more, a spark narrowly missed him. Three steps. Two steps, and one spark headed straight for Neville. Yet somehow, he evaded it! The entire red team erupted in triumphant cheers as Neville scored the final point with himself being lifted by everyone.
"GAME OVER. The Red team wins," declared the voice, sealing their hard-fought triumph.
After concluding the class, John made his way back home. However, his journey was interrupted by the presence of a young man who stood out amidst the students and professors. It was evident that he did not belong to either group. Clad in a formal black robe, his countenance exuded an air of deceit, reminiscent of a dishonest investor. His greasy, slicked-back hair mirrored the appearance of a Mafia boss. As Chief's hand instinctively gravitated towards his magnum, he approached the man cautiously, wary of the potential danger that lay before him."Woah there, chap!" the young man yelped, "I'm a reporter for the Daily Prophet, Churchill Skipper,"
"And this has to do with me how?"
"Well, I've been covering you for some months now, but to really top it off an interview would really sell the paper well," explained Skipper, "If you wouldn't mind, can we interview?"
"Fine,"
Somewhere...
January 15th, 1996
The Dark Lord looked in rage at the headline.
MUGGLE SOLDIER OF THE FUTURE FALLS FROM THE STARS.
A two-month development in the works!
It was quite a shock for me and Chief, but we pulled through. We're even professors now...
Voldemort, consumed by fury, found himself incensed. How could a mere muggle, not even a mud-blood wizard, have the audacity to impart their wretched teachings upon the impressionable children of Hogwarts? However, an undeniable sense of curiosity gnawed at him. The Daily Prophet's story hinted at the extraordinary nature of this individual, who bore the moniker "Master Chief." Nevertheless, Voldemort recognized the potential threat this Spartan posed to his grand designs. For his plans to subjugate the muggle world to succeed, he needed to strike when they least expected it. The fact that the Spartan displayed no inclination to expose his wizarding comrades bestowed upon him a distinct advantage. However, Voldemort understood all too well that it was merely a matter of time before Dumbledore persuaded the Spartan to align himself with their cause.
Hogwarts. Headmaster's Office.
January 18th
"Sir, what is it that you wanted me here for?"
"I am indeed aware that you possess knowledge of the return of Voldemort." Dumbledore began to explain, "My reason for summoning you here is to discuss an opportunity to join my organization, the Order of the Phoenix. It is a group of brave individuals who have united to combat Lord Voldemort and his followers. You have no doubt seen the steps the ministry has taken to deny any part of his return. It is up to us and maybe you if you join to stop him. So, I ask that you consider it,"
The Chief thought hard for several minutes until he finally "Protecting Earth and humanity is my purpose sir. Humanity means here too, "muggles" and wizards. If it means taking the fight to Lord Voldemort and his followers, then I'm in. Consider me a member of the Order of the Phoenix."
February 9th, 1996
Master Chief by this time had finally settled in with the Hogwarts community. He was now generally considered as part of the school rather than the big scary cyborg. The weather had finally gotten warmer as his lessons went on. Funny enough, the strategic simulation games he created ended up being so much of a hit that they ended up becoming a quidditch-like competition of their own, other muggle sports were added which brought together a small community of mostly muggle-Borns but plenty of other kids together. Today though Master Chief's was on business trip. Chief stood outside a strange apartment building. Dumbledore told him the place, but it was clear whoever built the place forgot to include #12 between #11 and #13. Still, it was refreshing to go back to the normal world, it seemed more like home than the crazy world of Hogwarts. It was perplexing Dumbledore had said, "the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London."
Right when Chief was about to leave the apartments began to expand. Further and further until lo and behold 12 Grimmuald Place appeared.