Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Inc., Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Raincoast, and any other affiliated party.
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Chapter 14: Prelude to a War
A few hours later, a blizzard was blowing through Durmstrang, burying everything under snow. Harry and Hermione were keeping shelter in a small cave located on the edge of a rocky mountain. The entrance to the cave was long buried under seven feet of snow, effectively secluding the couple from the rest of the world. Harry and Hermione had decided to stay hidden for a few days as they thought of a way to return to their homeland and staying in a cave buried under snow was just perfect.
Harry and Hermione were sitting along the wall and warming up by a magical blue bell flame conjured by Hermione. They were wrapped up in a couple of blankets Harry had conjured up.
"I can't believe it. Voldemort is alive," said Harry. He buried his face in his hands. "Things just get better and better, don't they?"
Hermione leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. "I'd rather not think about what happened at that place," she said. A few tears streamed down her eyes as she remembered what Krum had nearly done to her; it was still hard to deal with even with the knowledge that he was under the Imperius Curse.
Harry knew what she was thinking about as he wiped away her tears. "The next time I see the people hurt you, I am going to kill them," he said. Hermione said nothing and just buried her face into the nape of Harry's neck. Harry wrapped her into a tight embrace. They remained in that position for a few minutes.
"I missed you," said Harry. Hermione drew closer to Harry.
"So did I," she said. "I miss James and Lily."
"They're safe at Hogwarts."
"I know, but I still miss them."
"So do I." The two quieted down for a minute. "I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too, Harry." The couple shared a very passionate and intimate kiss as the blizzard raged outside, isolating the two from the world.
* * * * * * * * * *
Back at Hogwarts, the Mage Knights were bracing for the coming invasion. Ron was sitting with the chief of militaries of the Alliance. Ron was impressed by the way his second in command, Oliver Wood had run things while he was away.
"Here," said Remus pointing to a map of the kingdom of Hufflepuff. "This is where the enemy is going to land: at this ravine here, between the cliffs of Little Hangleton. There's no place else where you could land an entire army."
"So they don't know that we know they're coming right?" said Sirius. "How do we use that to our advantage?"
Ron stared at the map for a moment. "Think of it like chess," he said. "At the present, the enemy is moving his pieces into our territory in an attempt to check us. However, when our turn roles around, we can place our pieces in areas where we can capture all of the enemy pieces and thus turn the tide to our side. The key is where to place the pieces."
"So, what does that mean?" asked Sirius.
"The cliffs," said Remus.
Ron nodded. "We split our forces in two and place them on the edges of each cliff overlooking the ravine. Then, when the enemy soldiers march through, we can attack them from both sides and catch them by surprise."
"Ah, but how can you assume such a plan could work coming from your brain?" said a drawling voice from the entrance of the room. The commanders looked up to see Sir Draco Malfoy enter, wearing his Mage Knight armor and green cape.
"Well ferret boy," said Ron, looking not too pleased. "I see you've remembered where your loyalties lie."
Draco sneered. "I never forgot them, Weasley. I just had other things on my mind."
Ron shrugged. "If you say so. Of course I think I need to remind you that you hesitated backing Harry when Krum insulted us."
"I made a mistake, OK!"
Sirius butted in. "OK, forget about the past and lets concentrate on the present," he said. "We need the support of the entire Alliance to win this war."
"Well you have all of Slytherin's support," said Draco looking smug. Ron glowered at him.
* * * * * * * * * *
Outside of the castle, Margaret was talking with Hagrid and playing with little James and Lily.
"How's it feel ta be back 'ome, eh?" asked Hagrid. Margaret beamed at him. She had taken an immediate liking of him as well as Harry and Hermione's children.
"I never thought it would be possible," she said. "I long gave up on my prospects of ever coming home to Magiterran, and yet here I am at Hogwarts." She let a tear of joy slide down her cheek. She started cooing little James who was in her arms.
Hagrid smiled. "Ah, there's no place like 'ome. Well, lassie, you're welcome ter come aroun' any time you like."
"Thank you," she said.
At that moment, Severus Snape came by looking as greasy as ever. He sneered at Margaret before turning to Hagrid.
"Hagrid, Dumbledore needs to see all Hogwarts trainers now," he said. Hagrid stood up.
"Well, gotta go," he said. "Lassie, do me a favor and look a'ter James an' Lily fer me."
"OK," said Margaret with a smile. She cradled the twins in her arms as Hagrid left with Snape.
* * * * * * * * * *
All Hogwarts trainers and Mage Knights were crowded in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The Gryffindor Mage Knights sadly noted that two of their number, Harry and Hermione, were missing. Fred and George Weasley, the Gryffindor court jesters were also there, trying to lighten up the gloomy atmosphere by testing their joke products on various people.
"I sure hope Harry and Hermione are alright," said Ginny. "Do you think they're together now?"
"Don't worry about it," said Ron. "Harry and Hermione have been through even worse times and they've always come out OK. They'll be alright." He took a sip of his butterbeer and immediately spat it out as roses started blossoming out of his ears! "FRED! GEORGE!" he yelled. The Mage Knights surrounding Ron all burst out into laughter as Fred and George gave each other a high five. McGonagall glared at them, but as they were only court jesters, she couldn't really do anything to them.
Finally, Dumbledore spoke up over the crowd. "Mage Knights of Hogwarts," he called out. "It is my duty to inform all of you that we are going to war. Early tomorrow morning, invading soldiers from Durmstrang will land at the ravines of Little Hangleton on the coast of the Kingdom of Hufflepuff. Therefore, the militaries of the Four-kingdom Alliance must camp out on the cliffs tonight so that we can fight off the enemy. The Alliance military is marching there even now as I speak. Will any of you rise to join the Alliance military to defend our homeland?" The Mage Knights all shouted a cry of agreement. Dumbledore beamed. "Then, we shall march immediately to Little Hangleton where we shall fight for Magiterran!"
* * * * * * * * * *
Within an hour, all of the Mage Knights were astride their horses and preparing to gallop toward the site of the coming battle.
"You look a little gloomy, Ron," said Ginny as she had her horse trot alongside her brother's.
"Really? Well I don't think I've felt any better, Ginny."
"Cheer up. You said yourself that Harry and Hermione will be alright."
Ron sighed. He couldn't help but be worried about Harry and Hermione and being anxious about the coming battle did not help calm his nerves. He caught sight of Margaret bidding farewells to the Mage Knights she had grown close to. Ron suddenly had the urge to go do one last thing before he left. He stepped off his horse and made his way back to Margaret.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey."
"Well, I suppose I'm going off now."
Margaret remained quiet for a split second before she let out a sob and rushed into Ron's arms. He let her cry into his shoulder for a minute. Finally, she looked up into his eyes.
"I can't convince you to stay, can I?"
"No I'm afraid not," said Ron. Margaret hesitated before she brought her lips to Ron's. They kissed sweetly for a minute before Ron finally parted.
"I need to go," he said.
"OK." Tears were streaming down Margaret's face.
"Take care of Lily and James, alright?" Margaret nodded mutely. Ron climbed back on his horse and went to join Ginny. Within minutes, the Mage Knights had galloped away from Hogwarts into the night.
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A/N MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! I told you guys that Oliver Wood would come out in this! Well OK, I only mentioned him in this chapter, but he'll have a speaking role later on in the story. So please be patient. Next: it's the long awaited battle between Durmstrang and the Alliance!