The Prince

Chapter 1

The Capture

Harry paced in his room. He was really worried. The Resistance had managed to capture three of his Aurors, and were moving on towards his palace. He knew that they could not breach his magic wards, but he didn't want them to be able to do anything at all. Their one major success would loosen his control over the people, and he could not risk that. He had a pretty good idea who the members of the rebel team were, but he fervently wished that his guess would be wrong.

Taking a decision, Harry walked to his wardrobe and put on his robes. When he emerged from the room, the guards stared at him in amazement. He walked to his court after giving them a charming smile, after acknowledging their bow with a slight nod.

The Council of Ministers stared at their emperor as he walked to the throne. He was dressed totally in black robes, which had a silver lining. This meant that he was going out to fight himself. They bowed hurriedly as the Prince took his seat.

Lord Fred Weasley, Minister for Development, stood up and addressed him.

"Your Highness, the Resistance are advancing towards the heart of the city at present. They seem to have conquered quite a few of our Aurors - twelve, by the latest figures. They have also managed to seize seven outposts."

Harry smiled grimly.

"Thank you, Lord Fred. I shall deal with them myself."

Lord George Weasley, Finance Minister, stood up.

"Your Highness, I do not think that it would be advisable for you to go out. I assure you that we will deal with the situation. There are about thirty of them - active, that is. We do not have any information about their bases, but we think that there may be about twenty more rebels, not more."

"Thanks for the information, Lord George. However, I shall deal with the rebels myself."

"Then we request that we be allowed to accompany you, your Highness."

"No, Lord Fred. Your esteemed assistance will not be required. You must look after the castle. I shall go out alone."

"Harry, this is insane! There are thirty of them!"

"I know, Fred."

"Please Harry; you cannot risk yourself so recklessly! Take us with you!"

"No, George."

The Prime Minister, Remus Lupin, Duke of Hogsmeade, stood up and said quietly, "Harry, it is not wise for you to go alone. Take some of us with you. We have no clue as to the identity of those thirty, and we cannot afford to risk you."

The Prince stood up and walked down from his throne. He radiated an incredible aura of power, which flickered all around him like electricity. Most of his courtiers stepped back unconsciously. He walked to the middle of the hall and said in a soft voice full of power, "I am going out immediately. Do not come until I call. I need fifty Aurors to turn up at my call to arrest the rebels. You may come with them, Remus. I have to do this alone. I want my people to know that the Prince can protect them." With that, he swept out of the room, a gloved hand warding off any further arguments.

"Lord Fred, get the Aurors ready. Lord George, please take care of any unfinished business around here. Count Krum, please send a message to Lord Percy to keep Azkaban ready for thirty prisoners. Countess Fleur, kindly alert the med wizards. Baron Finnigan, inform me immediately when the Prince sends a message," said Duke Lupin, after a few moments of silence. He then walked over to a majestic centaur with a palomino body.

"Earl Firenze, please accompany me," he said softly. Firenze and Lupin walked out together. Soon, they were seated in one of their usual rooms.

"Will he be ok?" Lupin asked. Firenze closed his eyes and sat silently for a few minutes. He sighed heavily as he looked at Lupin with sad eyes.

"No."

The Prince Apparated to the heart of his city. Since he was invisible and up in the air, no one noticed him. He watched silently as the rebels dragged out one of his Aurors from a destroyed building and set it on fire. He recognised the building as an Aurors' Branch Office. He could see many of his people lying on the ground. Some of the rebels had fallen, too, but about twenty of them were still standing. It was impossible for him to recognize anyone, because they were all wearing masks. He landed on the ground swiftly and made himself visible.

In the rush, no one noticed him. Harry looked around and saw some civilians running around in panic.

"Stop it!" he said. His voice, though calm and soft, carried in the air and everyone froze. The civilians stared at him in awe. Harry raised a gloved hand and the flaming building returned to its normal state, as if nothing had ever happened to it. By now, every face, masked or otherwise, was turned in his direction. He gave a small smile, took out his wand and muttered, "Enervate!"

All the Aurors and civilians lying on the ground opened their eyes and looked around in confusion. The few standing Aurors, who had been duelling with the rebels before Harry's entrance, bowed slightly.

"Take them to St. Mungo's. When they have recovered sufficiently, they can be sent home. Auror Chang, you are given the responsibility of the injured rebels. They must be healed before they stand for trial," said the Prince. Cho Chang bowed. In a matter of minutes, the entire area was clear of all injured people and Aurors. The Prince was left alone, standing against the rebels. The few civilians left in the background whimpered piteously. Harry turned to them.

"Don't worry. You shall not be hurt," he said softly.

"Your H-Highness, we - we are - how can we help you?" said a little girl of about ten, shivering in fright.

Harry smiled at the child. He waved his wand and muttered, "Protego!"

A shimmering shield engulfed the citizens. The Prince turned to the rebels.

"Very impressive, Potter," drawled the rebel nearest to him.

"Malfoy?" asked the Prince softly. There was no mistaking that voice. All the rebels attacked him together. Curses flew in every direction. Several bounced off the shield protecting the scared citizens, who watched every move with apprehension, wondering how long the Prince would last.

However, it was not for nothing that the Prince had the reputation of being the most powerful wizard. He fought valiantly with all the twenty rebels at the same time. His green eyes sparkled with power; the power of Avada Kedavra. He warded off the curses easily, almost casually. Five minutes later, only ten rebels were standing. Five more minutes later, only three were standing. Five more minutes, and there was only one. And then there were none.

The Prince turned to his people.

"Finite," he said softly. The shield disappeared. The little girl ran forward as if to hug him, but a man, presumably her father, put a restraining hand on her shoulder. All of them bowed to their ruler, their eyes shining with pride and fear at the same time. The Prince walked to them and knelt next to the girl.

"What's your name?"

"Clara, your Highness."

"Thank you for your offer to help, Clara," he said and gave her a quick hug.

A boy of about fifteen stepped forward.

"You are a true Prince, sir," he said. Harry gave him a smile and a pat on his shoulder. He remembered the boy, who had been a second-year Slytherin when Harry was Head Boy.

"Thank you, Cronin," the Prince said, and flicked his fingers. About fifty Aurors Apparated immediately, Duke Lupin at the front. The Duke ran to the Prince and embraced him.

"Thank Merlin you're ok, Harry!" he exclaimed.

"I am fine, Remus," said the Prince and turned to the Aurors.

"Take them to the Court immediately after they are healed. I shall unmask them before their trial," he ordered. With that, the Prince and the Duke returned to the palace.

The moment they reached, Remus turned to Harry.

"Are you ok? Are you hurt?" he asked solicitiously.

Harry smiled at him. "I'm fine, Remus. Not even scratched. I have fought greater opponents in the past. Why are you so worried about this one?"

"Firenze scared me badly. You are like my son, Harry. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you," the werewolf said quietly.

Harry put an arm around him and led him to the hall. They both took their seats and the Prince said, "Bring in the rebels!"