Hope's End

Diplomacy and Aggression

Ω

A man was working in the highest tower of the castle. With a hammer he was attempting to level the stones that formed the battlements. Suddenly he struck a bit more forcefully with the hammer, causing a stone to fall down to a balcony. 'Now I've done it' he thought, 'now that madman will surely kill me like he did Ivan.'

Λ

(Quite some time sooner)

"But I assure you gentlemen, I have visited your lands quite some times in the last two months and there were never any difficulties," said Albus Dumbledore, an old man dressed in purple robes, to the soldiers that blocked his way into the Island-continent.

The soldiers were clad in full battle regalia, which would scarcely be out of place in the middle ages. It was as though they were dressed in silver, armoured boots, plated chain mail leggings, tunic, and arm protections, and metal helms that allowed them full view, for they did not cover their handsome faces. Their weapons, which blocked Albus Dumbledore's path, were long halberds made of the finest steel.

This unit of eight soldiers blocked a gap in the rocks that protected Atlantis from sea bond threats. Dumbledore stood in the small beach that was the only place ordinary people could gain access to the island.

The soldiers before him had refused to either grant him passage, or even so much as speak to him after one of them had emotionlessly told towards him "Entrance into Atlantis is denied".

Dumbledore's requests and pleads had been met with only silence from the marble features of the soldiers. Apparating was not an option, since the whole continent was somehow naturally warded against it. Not seeing another option, since he had no way of contacting the one who had invited him, he was half convinced to withdraw, and return to the comfort of Hogwarts.

Just as he had decided to return, two other figures appeared from behind the soldiers, both of them clad in garments similar to the soldiers', except for the helmets that both held feathers. Dumbledore knew this to indicate higher ranks, and one of them even wore the golden gauntlets that marked him as a legion lieutenant.

"I heard that you remained here," said the lieutenant. "Even after being told that you are not allowed entrance to Atlantis.

"An old man's stubbornness lieutenant," answered Dumbledore, eyes sparkling, as he gazed over the lieutenant's shoulder to see a carriage stopping quietly. "I seem to have taken into my mind not to leave before being given an explanation as to why I may not enter, despite being invited."

The lieutenant frowned at this. "The High commander has decided that no human is to enter Atlantis...under any circumstances," he said, as if no other reason was needed, and as if human affairs were below him.

"However, my good lieutenant, my invitation did not come from this High Commander of yours...My host was very keen on meeting with me today, and I don't believe that he will be pleased by this delay," said Dumbledore, his smile widening, with a slight nod over the lieutenant's shoulder he added," But you don't have to take my word for it... Perhaps you should direct your questions to him?"

As the lieutenant turned, slightly nervous (Dumbledore even thought he noticed some of his unit cringe a little), he saw that behind him stood three persons, two of them clad in steel plated armours, with the seal of the senate on their breastplates. However it was the presence of the third that brought about both his reaction and those of his men. The third was dressed in a simple grey tunic that was decorated with the elemental symbol of wind. This man carried himself with a sense of both security and power. The lieutenant knew a lot about this man, having heard a great deal from the High Commander, and the rest he knew only by reputation. The Keeper of the Wind was known for being a calm person, and for never losing his temper... apparently this situation did not please him, the man looked ready to strike the whole unit down.

Fearing the reaction of one of the most important persons in the continent the lieutenant tried to justify himself: "Lord Nolwistar... I... the High Commander..."

"Forgets his place once again. Lieutenant, you and your men will stand down and return to your superior officer. You will remind him, on my behalf, that it is not his place to dictate who is, or is not to enter Atlantis." His voice as he spoke carried both the calm he had appeared to lose before speaking, and a hint of threat that got the soldiers moving. Having dealt with the soldiers, Karkasuume Nolwistar turned to his guest "Warlock Dumbledore, if you would follow me."

After being comfortably installed in the Keeper of the Wind's carriage the keeper greeted the warlock more warmly. "My good friend, it has been weeks. It is good that you could respond so promptly to my invitation."

Dumbledore smiled and replied, "A pleasure as usual. I must say that I expected to arrange a meeting before the beginning of the term at Hogwarts..."

"Let us save that matter for when we arrive at my office at the senate, I am too annoyed by that situation back there. I do apologise Dumbledore... the High Commander is becoming more of a nuisance every day."

"Think nothing of it my friend... I am quite accustomed to meeting with obstructions from the powers that be."

"I believe you are, if everything that master Ptolemy tells me is true... The problem is that the High Commander has no power over the borders, or over the government... That man's responsibilities lay solely on organizing the army and leading it in campaign, nothing more... and nothing less. This means that in the current times his responsibilities lie solely in dealing with the Yrch to the south." Letting his mind drift a bit he added "And some of his suggestions to that are becoming quite alarming..." Returning his mind to the present, he said, "But these are not matters I brought here to discuss... Tell me, Dumbledore, are the arrangements we made, regarding your charge's security, working out for the best?"

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled as he smiled "Yes, quite perfect in fact. He was for some days overcome with guilt, but a friend spoke to him, and got him to understand that the fault lies not in him, but in Voldemort... I believe I told of him." Lord Nolwistar nodded. "Well he is still in mourning over his godfather, but thankfully the feelings of guilt seem to be overcome. But being able to move around freely and without fear that a Death Eater will jump him or his friends seems to take a lot from his shoulders, he is beginning to act his age. Of course being able to watch Quidditch games and practices in Portugal is also a plus for him. We owe you our thanks..."

"You can leave it at that Dumbledore... I think my son will want to thank you for getting me to remove his protection and placing it elsewhere." The elf answered smiling. "Of course my wife might want to murder you for it too... Since the guard was raised, he decided to explore the wizarding world and has missed several matches, but not to worry.

"Now I believe you intended to discuss the schedules with your new professor, correct?"

"Yes," answered Dumbledore. "Since the school year will begin tomorrow, and he has skilfully avoided me for the last weeks."

Lord Nolwistar nodded. "Yes he does that a lot, doesn't he? Managing to avoid people until he decides that he wants to talk to them. Don't worry, he has been devoting all of his time to his current students' classes, he wants them to go to Hogwarts with the best knowledge he can give them."

"Well he has nothing to worry about, since I have received the results of the exams they took and their marks were all quite good."

"They were taught by a great teacher, after all," answered Lord Nolwistar.

As the two great men talked the carriage drew nearer to the senate. The driver stopped it before the senate gates to allow the Keeper of the Wind and his guest to exit.

Stepping outside the carriage, Professor Dumbledore and Lord Nolwistar noticed that between them and the Senate gates stood even more soldiers, this time led by an elf completely clad in golden armour: the High Commander, a tall elf, with blonde hair, and light blue eyes.

Lord Nolwistar frowned and strode, followed by his two men, towards the High Commander, causing the company that was behind him to take a small step back.

"High Commander Kallonengwe, it is odd meeting you here," said Lord Nolwistar, stopping in front of him.

"I would think you would be expecting it, since you incomprehensibly overruled my command for that... that human not to enter Atlantis."

"You will remember High Commander that your duties do not include the decision of who is or is not to enter Atlantis. Keep your efforts in controlling the Yrch; they have been, I hear, eluding your troops lately."

The High commander blushed at this and muttered "Well... I... I have been busy with the troops..."

"Busy meddling in affairs that are not your own. Now remove your troops before I have them removed."

"That human has no business being here milord. I cannot in good conscience towards the people of Atlantis allow him to enter our sacred senate."

"You do not speak for the people of Atlantis High Commander, and I assure you, the senate will be just as sacred after he enters it as it was before. Now get your men out of my way before I order my men to remove you from the gates," stated Lord Nolwistar matter-of-factly.

The High Commander smiled slightly, "With two men, Keeper? That would be a sight. You are aware that my men are drilled daily?"

"Are these the same men that fled from two kids and a senatorial cadet, just a couple of years ago?"

"Uncle is there a problem?"- Asked a young elf, clad in senatorial armour, as he arrived, followed by other soldiers.

"Absolutely not Lindorn, the High Commander was just leaving."

"You will regret this decision Milord, deeply."

With this, both the High commander and his troops took their leave immediately; it was one thing to mess around with two senatorial guards, but a whole division?

After the hasty departure of the army personnel, Lindorn turned to his uncle. "Uncle what did the all and mighty want?"

"Seems he had a problem with my guest here, but he decided not to pursue it after you and your men arrived, Captain."

"You are no better than Estel... You baited him didn't you?"

"Well...Let's just say it runs in the family." Answered his uncle grinning.

Entering the Senate, Dumbledore and Lord Nolwistar went straight to the Keeper of the Wind's office, without any further problems.

Once there they proceeded to discuss the final details of three late entries at Hogwarts.

When they were in the middle of these discussions a pitch-black bat entered through the window of the Keeper's office.

"Odd, he seems to have a message attached to his leg. I know no one who uses such an animal in message carrying."

"I know of one, but I do hope it is not from him," stated Dumbledore gravely.

Taking the piece of parchment from the bat's leg lord Nolwistar proceeded to reading it.

'My dear Keeper of the Winds:

It would appear that you have meddled in affairs that were none of your business. I understand that with my hasty departure from the British islands, my dear friend Albus took this opportunity to get one of my targets out of the islands too and put under your protection. Quite a magnificent plan, however your resources are not that interminable. By offering protection to Potter you have taken it from your son I hear. As you receive this message my Eaters are taking him.

Withdraw your support from Dumbledore and his little troupe and I will return him to you, I also demand that the Elves steer clear off this conflict.

The heir of Slytherin

Lord Voldemort'

"Remarkable. However it is unlikely that he speaks the truth... my son is probably in the middle of a match for the Lisbon eagles right now. He is playing against one of your English teams...I believe it is called the Chudley Cannons."

"Yes... are you sure there is no chance of the Death Eaters taking him?"

"Not unless they are accustomed to capturing people in front of thousands of wizards, plus my wife's guard."

"Yes...it would be quite a feat," said Dumbledore with a look of unease in his eyes.

Σ

Meanwhile in England, the Lisbon Eagles had just lost the match to the Chudley Cannons, adding to the increasing list of lost games they had amassed in the last season.

Chaser, as he was known by the fans and called by his team mates, was heading to the locker rooms, to drown the defeat from his aching muscles. Losing a game after being in the lead by 200-60 was just awful.

As he neared the door, three men, dressed in black, approached him.

"Excuse me mister Chaser?"

"What gave me away? The outfit or the lousy match?" he said, a bit annoyed by the question, after all he was dressed in Quidditch robes, black with a silver eagle in the chest.

The stranger laughed, "I am sorry mister Chaser, I merely wanted to speak to you, my master has demanded from me that I get him your autograph."

Usually Chaser lived for these moments, well when it was the girls it was better, but right now he really didn't feel like handing out signatures.

"Listen mister..."

"Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy," the stranger said, stretching a parchment and quill towards him.

"Mister Malfoy, I really am not in the mood for this right now... perhaps if you come by the next match, or if you come by training," Chaser answered without making the slightest motion towards the objects the other man was stretching towards him.

"Really just this one autograph... my master would just torture me if I didn't bring back what he asked."

Sighing Chaser stretched out his wand and took the quill and parchment from Malfoy.

"Why thank you so very much lord Nolwistar," said Malfoy as Chaser signed the parchment.

"What? How...." Just as Chaser said 'How' he was pulled by the objects in his hand and landed a few seconds after in front of a man clad in black and sitting in a blood red throne.

Taking his long, dark brown, hair away from his eyes, Chaser looked around him. He was in a hall, which had very little light sources. If he would have to guess he would say he was in some sort of medieval castle.

Just as he considered his surroundings Chaser heard three faint pops just behind him. As he turned, he saw the three men that had abducted him standing just behind him, and then bowing to the man on the throne.

Turning his attention back to the man sitting on the throne, Chaser felt annoyed, he had just lost a game and that was just no time for someone to kidnap him. 'Well,' he thought, 'they asked for it.'

"Excuse me oh high and mighty king, or whatever," he said to the one on the throne. "You are aware that there are easier ways to getting a guy's autograph, right?"

The man on the throne chuckled slightly, "Cheek, how quaint. You know why you are here don't you Lord Nolwistar?" said the dark cloaked man in a snakeish voice.

"That would be my father..." narrowing his eyes he regarded the other man. "You are that guy right? The one the humans fear to say the name? What was it again? ... hard to remember it when no one ever says it."

"Yes, I am Lord Voldemort."

"Death flight... how... quaint," said Chaser smiling sheepishly.

The dark Lord frowned. "Do not get in over your head, boy... you are here only until your father agrees to my terms. It won't take long I expect. After all how hard can it be for the Elves to steer clear of the world once more?"

"As if dad would do that... first off you'll have a hard time proving that you have me. Second you'll have to deal with the hordes of Elven troops that will pour in here like there's no tomorrow."

"You hope, don't you? But I have some insight on what the Elves' reactions usually are... Don't I? Ally?" He said looking slightly over his shoulder.

"Yes Lord Voldemort," said the one behind the throne, from its shadow appeared a tall elf with very dark, blood red, hair, and eyes with black iris. "Greetings child of Nolwistar. I am called Ara." With this he nodded to Chaser.

"Greetings master. Ara," he regarded the other elf curiously. "A short name for an elf."

"You didn't expect me to give you my full name did you?"

"I hoped."

"Odd... you are trapped in the midst of people that would easily slit your throat without a second thought and yet you seem calm."

"Who would go to so much trouble just to cut someone's throat out?"

"You are a brave young man...are they all like you in Atlantis nowadays?"

"Enough! This boy's cheek has gone on for long enough! Crucio!" bellowed Voldemort, pointing his wand at Chaser as he uttered the curse.

Pain shot through Chaser's body, and he was barely able to maintain his consciousness. He was beginning to faint when the pain subsided.

"Now you know what expects those who dare to cross Lord Voldemort."

Moving his limbs slightly, trying to find out how much he could strain his muscles after such a painful curse.

"Well milord, I believe it's safe to say that I have learned my lesson." Feeling his movements very little hindered he pulled the glove on his right hand a little closer to the fist, oddly it was not a Quidditch glove. "Do not cross a Dark Lord unless you are sure you can escape him... good advice."

With this he stretched his hand towards the death eaters behind him and said "pusta", and as the death eaters scrambled, wary of his elvish magic, he managed to rush out of the room.

As he ran down a dark hall he thought to himself 'Wind spell...who uses a wind spell against anything other than candles? Honestly!' Running as fast as he could, he managed to reach a balcony that lacked any guards.

Just as he began to try to think of a way to get out of this gloomy castle, the elf Ara appeared before him.

"You are resourceful, you should be given another day to live. Take this opal," he said placing a jewel in Chaser's hand. "It will aid you in your travel. The word is 'mar', by the way." And without another word or explanation he disappeared, as death eaters could be heard coming in the halls.

Chaser was beginning to feel desperate, how could he get out of there, and as he despaired he looked down to his left hand and understood...'the word is...'

Suddenly before him stood the Dark Lord himself, his dark robes flying around him and a frown on his hideous face.

"You will not live to regret this...Elf!"

Pretending to bow down, Chaser reached into his boot and drew a dagger. Jumping to his feet he whirled the dagger at Voldemort. The Dark Lord was caught unaware, completely unprepared for such an attack, and as the dagger drew nearer it was as though time grew slower and all where able to see clearly a stone come from above, as if thrown by the gods themselves, and cross paths with the dagger, changing it's trajectory and leaving it lying harmlessly on the floor.

Without taking a moment from witnessing his attack fail, Chaser ran to the edge of the balcony and jumped, grasping the opal tightly he uttered 'mar', disappearing in thin air.