Chapter 14: Active Defenses

Date: Friday, 15th October 2010

Time: 11 am, Privet Drive, London

"Stupefy! Confringo! Locomotor Mortis!"

Luna sent a series of spells at Dudley. Today was the final day of training defending himself against verbal and visible spells. Next up was visible but non-verbal spells. The most advanced and difficult were both invisible and non-verbal. Only a select few witches and wizards in the world could handle it with feelings on the skin and to expect a Muggle to defend against them was flirting with an impossibility. Luckily, a mere handful of wizards and witches could cast these invisible nonverbal spells.

Luna knew that she was running out of time with the Quidditch World Cup Final date fixed on 28th November 2010. She dedicated nearly 5 months to get the basic defenses right and she expected the foundations to be crystal clear. She would then pack 4 years of extensive training into 40 days of intensive training with the best essence of each module.

Luna groaned in frustration when the leg lock spell hit home but she knew that Dudley was now at close to 90% competency level. All their group wizards and witches including Harry and Hermione were at 98% and only Neville and Athena were at 100%. She felt a sense of wonder even as she thought this, given the meek personality of Neville.

"That is very good, Dudley. You could escape my spells for 20 minutes straight, all of them coming in from different directions. As we discussed, from tomorrow, we shift to nonverbal visible spells. You ought to dedicate 6 hours a day to practice and build on your foundation. To aid you in your practice, I have magically coded your royal 14th century antique mirror back on your right entrance wall. The mirror will be my proxy, working only in your basement, and you are to whisper Luna to it, move back to the center of your room and it will shoot visible spells at you with my magical voice from all directions. New spells will be added each night to reflect on new lessons I impart to you. Now, before we move on, I would like Celia to leave the room. Advanced nonverbal spells are effective because they have higher electro-magnetic force and this is not good for herself and your unborn baby. Our whole gang remain in deep gratitude to Celia for devising ways to quicken our own reaction time. This immensely benefits even Neville and Athena, two of our wizards with perfect competency. It shows that even for perfect people, improvement is always required."

In the past 4 months, Hermione had redefined the roles, given new facts. Penelope was assigned in charge of Athena's employment to analyze incoming codes from Athena in real time. This was then sorted out by Pansy and reported to Hermione and her core group-Harry, Ron, Draco, Fred, and George-each night. Neville remained in charge of training Draco and Ron and upgrading the skills of Harry, Fred and Co. All of them shared the victories of progress and the defeats of stagnation together but they were all united as part of a grand mission spearheaded by Hermione and Athena. Additionally, Neville and Pansy, with their day station at Hogwarts, also kept their beloved school under elite protection.

Arthur and Pansy were a formidable partnership with regards to research and they were aided by the perfectionist attitude of Katie and Zabini with respect to Dark Wizard activity which they simultaneously reported to Hermione, Harry and Pansy for different reasons. Harry had direct use of this information in his line of work as Auror Head. Hermione needed this information to understand the dynamics of their relationship with Lucas and how and where her original plan needed to be modified. Pansy needed this information to add proper perspective to her research.

In early July, Hermione and Luna jointly updated the true stakes of this mission, first to the magical circle and then to Muggles. It was not just Lucas and his organization they were now dealing with but an entire cartel of the darkest forces whose power made Voldemort seem like an infant. As much as Hermione wanted to help out Lucas and hasten the process of a voluntary partnership with the aid of Jack, Hermione did not wish to be publicly involved or else the entire legal magical system would be thrown into jeopardy. Hermione was in a dilemma because delay meant that the ultra-sensitive struggle of bad vs very bad was increasingly at a knife edge but an entry at that point would mean their group would face the ire of the darkest cartel, whose powers they had no idea of combating. She could not even give subtle hints of cooperation because the ultra-dark cartel had extremely intelligent interpreters with powers comparable to, if not matching Athena. All they lacked was immortality. Hermione decided that it was best to maintain status-quo.

Dudley had to be trained even harder given the new players they were facing. Ginny, Molly, Narcissa and Fleur were assigned to train the children at an easy but serious pace, with information given out in phases and in packets, should all of the adults perish. Bill was to oversee the financial angle of Lucas and all other Magical suspects. Percy was to be their eyes and ears in administration for other departments outside of core group. Charlie was to be on the lookout for extraordinary species trade that could indicate a biological warfare. His natural aid here was Luna, with her expertise as a Vet in Magical Zoology.

Hermione's primary focus now was to atleast learn the group identity of these darkest members, if not decipher their individual names. The core group spent a significant amount of time each night digesting the information of Pansy/Arthur, Katie/Zabini, Athena/Penelope and Jack apart from the work done by the core group themselves. Hermione's final source of information was Malcom, her security head. Having learned about a Dark cartel from Hermione, they setup an elite force with sole duty to track down the members. His methods were a secret but Hermione still got detailed information from Malcom each evening.

With well-placed trackers ready to pounce, all Hermione needed was a single mistake- analogous to a Sherlock Holmes battle with Professor Moriarty-by her opposition but much to her frustration, that did not happen in the past 4 months. Hermione was forced to have a grudging respect to an opposition, every bit as clever as herself. The common fear of the core group was that with the Quidditch World Cup final coming up, a major mishap was being planned that would escape both the scrutiny of her group and Lucas's and make both of them abject failures and a laughing stock in the good and bad Magical World. Fred/George, Katie/Zabini and snippets from Jack were already pointing out at mysterious subtle movements that could indicate the hand of dark forces but could also equally mean moles planted by them to distract Hermione and her group from carrying out their true quality work. Even during her darkest phases of confusion, Hermione had faith in Lucas that he was not relaxing about this, and she was right.

Lucas Office HQ, Liverpool

Same day (15/10/2010), 6pm

Jack, Lucas and Adena were just finishing their customary evening snack, a time they used to unwind before plunging jointly into the final hour of workday, planning and strategizing.

Adena smiled at Jack, "You ought to stop taking so much additive sugar in your coffee, Jack. At your age, sugar levels can drastically increase the risk of diabetes. I know we can magically heal that, but why to bear the pain in the first place?"

Jack was touched, "I love your concern for me, Adena. I work for the good side now but both you and Lucas continue to show me the same respect. I also love the space you provide me. My dear little brother passed away last month but even now, you have not asked me to rejoin you."

Lucas had a thick lump in his throat as he replied, "With all your services over a lifetime, you do not need to prove yourself to anyone anymore. Both of us love you and also your kid bro, Cody especially after learning about his heroic valor. Adena could easily have tortured him to come up with the truth but each night, even a person as strong as Adena, was reduced to tears and I only abused wine to keep myself from breaking down in front of her. We tried to magically heal Cody but he was too far gone, by then. Our sessions were only increasing his pain. We realized that the best path would be to let him live his days with his loved ones. I am sorry about Cody, I truly am."

For two silent minutes, three people united in a tight embrace, commonly bound in a fit of convulsive sobbing.

Lucas finally spoke, "Jack, what you wish to do is purely left to you. We want you here purely for boosting our morale."

Jack frowned, "I am also here to cover you're a*#."

Adena was surprised, "Why do you say that, Jack?"

Jack looked at Adena with a disgusted expression, "Why, Adena, you ask? Being the No 2 person in this empire, you ought to know that there are some seriously worrying signs that the dark powers under our thumb are finding ways to spread their wings. They are up to something but I can't figure out what or when because the patterns this time differ from earlier."

A mask of gloom fell across the room over Lucas and Adena. Both sighed and quoted, "Some event that is big, sinister and utterly shocking, as far as we can make out, from our sources."

Jack looked at Lucas with pity, "Your quest for absolute power domination made you open an ugly can of worms that you are not prepared for. You thought that a universal concentration of power will provide the magical world stability and sustainability just like USA provided the Muggle World from 40s till early 2000s. Now you need Hermione and Athena more than they need you because we are in a supreme mess. We can't reveal the identity of the dark forces we control but we can't just sit back either. We need to involve Hermione from this month onwards and for that, if we are to concede significant ground to her, we ought to do that. Let us vote on this decision."

All of them unanimously voted in favor of involving Hermione at whatever cost.

"Now that it is decided, we ought to find ways to urgently involve her without revealing too much about the problems. Her team is already aware but we need not spell out our problems and scare her. We need her help so we must unconditionally accept their terms. After things cool down, we can re-negotiate keeping best interests of both parties."

With this, each poured a glass of champagne and toasted to the success of their mission.

2am, Malfoy Manor, October 16th, 2010

Hermione had to wake up from her deep slumber because of an urgent buzz from Malcom. As soon as Hermione came out to the common Hall, Malcom and his team simply appeared before even asking for permission.

Malcom spoke fast, "Ma'am, I am very sorry to awake you like this but we can't wait for you to get dressed. My sources tell me Aurey and Teddy are in grave danger as is entire Hogwarts. We already took the necessary actions and secured the 5km circle with 800 spells. Hogwarts by itself has a combination of 2000 spells protecting it. Most importantly, Lucas and his team were also fixing up spells to protect his beloved school. He wants to speak to you right away so I had to wake you up." Malcom and his team gave her a small bow.

Hermione nodded, "Kreachera, Pernie, please come at once."

Immediately two sleepy House-elves appeared.

Hermione gave them both a kind smile, "Sorry for waking you up at this late hour but it is urgent. Gather our entire Magical Circle in their current clothes and assemble at our hall."

Within the next 5 minutes, the entire Magical circle of Weaselys and their Spouses, Hermione/Draco, Katie/Zabini, Harry/Ginny, Pansy/Neville, Dean/Dennis, Lee Jordan, Angelica, Other Hogwarts Students Alumni and Athena were there at full alert.

Hermione called out, "Please appear, Lucas."

There were various degrees of shocked gasps as Lucas appeared between them in physical form, occupying a central rocking chair facing all of them. Molly kindly made a glass of warm tea. That seemed to calm him down from his state of emotional wreck.

"You may appear shocked to see me in my physical form among you people and specially my arch rival Athena. Things are so critical now, that I would not mind if I am captured or killed by her or you guys. For the first time, my all powerful weapon-my intelligence- has failed me. Tonight our beloved Hogwarts can come under attack. Rumors are very strong and I can't dismiss them. I took action immediately and sent 500 of my best men and women to guard Hogwarts after placing 8000 protective charms between Hogwarts own defensive line and the defense line fixed by Malcom. With my 500 people and Malcom's elite 300 people guarding Hogwarts (with backup of 100,000 and 45,000 respectively), it ought to be safe tonight from even the vilest attackers. I am still too emotionally involved and need to hear the neutral stance of Hermione and Athena. Hermione, I have made a list of the 8000 spells I cast and they form the cream of defensive spells. Please look through this list and advise me if any more need to be added and in which sequence."

Lucas handed the list in a Nile Parchment to Hermione. She raised her hand to ask for attention, "Fred/George, please join me in the study. Rest of you guys, please wait here. I will be back in a jiffy."

Once they reached the study, Hermione closed the door and spoke up, "Fred/George, you both are my biggest assets at times like this. You are just as composed as I am or Athena is but we both need to be here. Here is what you do: Visit my office, open my door with password of my favorite ice cream flavor, and whisper to the African Grey parrot my favorite Hollywood classic film and he will fly you to my secret chamber within the Office. That chamber has a single red leather case book with a gold engraving on the coffee table. Open the 80th chapter on defensive spells and magically compare with this list. If all of them are here, check them off and come back. If that chapter has more spells than this list, you proceed to the site and meet Adena and Jack. Cast the additional spells with their aid. If you need more manpower, Malcom will provide you. (Malcom sent a mild vibration to her mind, indicating that he heard her.) Once you are done, visit Professor McGonagall and summarize her about all the steps, we have taken as a team. Ask her to stop all Magical science experiments and carefully store away the experiment records, if indeed Hogwarts is attacked and the opponents wish to use Hogwarts brain power. The Science experiments are not to resume, till we give our clearance. As a rule, I never interfere in education, but special circumstances such as one today, dictate otherwise."

Fred/George both got up and quietly embraced her, "You are truly special, Hermione. We feel privileged to be near such a person-calm, composed, intelligent and kind. We have understood your instructions completely and would implement them to the T. After briefing the principal, do we come back here or set up station out there?"

"No Fred, both of you report back here. There are enough people there. If needed, all of us will go together. I think this is all a hoax, but I can't take it lightly."

They bowed and went out of the back garden door. Hermione returned to the main hall.

"Things are under control, Lucas. Even if my nerves are on edge, I can't forget basic courtesy. Thank you for everything you did today."

Lucas was surprised, "Why this formality, Hermione? Hogwarts was my school too and currently-rather shamelessly, I must admit-my chief recruiting ground. In fact, I should be the one to apologize. It was because of my lust for power that all of you are facing this crisis today. Without my greed, my focus would have never diverted and these forces would never have gotten stronger. I have worse news for you, Hermione. The person who was about to cast the killing curse of Aurey, was not our man. Our man was later found drugged and this was one of the dark world agents with the effect of Polyjuice Potion. We never use unforgivable, even as scare tactics. Aurey could have died that night for all my false sense of heroism, greed and envy. I am truly sorry Hermione, for bringing this upon you."

At this, much to the surprise of everyone, he started sobbing hard. Hermione stepped up to Lucas, kindly patted his arm and as he looked up, pulled him into a warm embrace. Others looked on in absolute silence. At this gesture of unexpected kindness, Lucas completely broke down and fell to his knees as Hermione also knelt down and pulled him close to her once more.

"There, there, Lucas. Please get a hold on yourself. You are a genuine human being first and our main rival later. At this time, you need our emotional support. We are forward looking people, Lucas. We did not ask to be involved but now that we are at the heart of things, we look forward to the best interests of all concerned. I already figured out that as per your mode of operations, your guys would never use unforgivable. It had to be a mole from darker forces. We will solve this situation together and we will move forward as partners. Negotiating on power equations can happen later at ease but we will solve this together. I and my full group stand by you, Lucas. Please calm down and get up."

After a good 3 minutes, Lucas complied and took his assigned armchair. Tears were still dropping from his eyes as he spoke, "Stories of your kindness are legendary, Hermione, but this is the first instance I saw it personally. I always respected you and Athena but I now place you on the highest personal pedestal as my chief inspirers that includes only one other person: my Science Teacher, the first female biologist in Europe. Yes guys, just like Athena, Tom and Hermione, I studied Muggle Sciences rigorously and still do. Your power equations are rather complex with the presence of Adena and truly dark forces but I appreciate your offer Hermione. We will become unofficial partners, but only after we tie up the loose ends. I now have your assurance to try to sort out the internal issues and I can't thank you enough for that, Hermione. I am no Angel and can never be one but I swear on my own honor that as long as I am alive, I will remember your kindness, Hermione."

This time Lucas pulled Hermione into a tight embrace and everyone gave them a thunderous standing ovation, tears gracing Athena's cheeks as she watched her chief rival and her former best friend's favorite person make up.

"All right guys, let us bring back our focus on Hogwarts. We will never allow a Bellatrix type of situation to develop in Hogwarts tonight. From what I can make out, at this point of time, Hogwarts is secure with 10,500 spells and 802 specialized external personnel (including Jack and Adena) aside from Hogwarts own folks. Pansy/Neville, you join the teachers. They may need help from all hands to transport children to safety. You use my magically enhanced watch to communicate in real time on the ground situation there. Once Fred/George comes back, I will have a fair idea on how effective these defensive spells are. My personal research results on latest dark magic and defensive spells will also aid us but I will talk about this if and only if we need it. 90% chances are of this being a hoax and that being so, I do not wish to open our entire arsenal for our rivals to see and copy and possibly use against us in a future Mission. My core group is aware of this Plan Z, our ultimate strategy code. We would activate it in only the worst circumstances. For now, let us calm our nerves with Molly's middle of the night tea."

The group visibly relaxed after this exchange of ideas as Luna and Narcissa went to disperse the information to their Muggle Wing. At this point, they could only wait and see if Hogwarts was to once again become a bloodied battle ground. The best of the evil world and the best of the good world were together protecting Hogwarts: their beloved institution of learning.

Time came back full circle. This hallowed institution made each of them (bar Athena) who they were today and this institution once again brought together two arch rivals to protect the honor and safety of their school. All of them had faced far worse battles but Hogwarts was the biggest stake in all their lives. A combined shield of 4000 plus people now formed the backbone of Active Defense System setup by the combined intelligence of the group.