Harry Potter and the Gilded Portrait
Standard Disclaimers Apply…
Chapter 27 - Training (Part 1)
Harry stood on an ancient looking dock gazing out over a rather turbulent North Sea under grey overcast skies as a thick mist rolled like a solid white wall about a quarter mile off shore.
He had been instructed to apparate to this place after receiving a rather cryptic patronus from Kingsley.
He was to go to Scotland, specifically to the Islands of Orkney. Once there he would proceed to a town called Kirkwall. Once at Kirkwall he would make his way to a place the locals call "The Dregs." He would then be met by someone who would escort him to the training facility.
As he stood there having misgivings about his decision he saw a boat appear, coming out of the mists slicing through the rough water like a sailor's worst nightmare.
He realized it was more ship than boat as more of the vessel came into view but what stunned Harry was it looked as ancient as the docks he was now standing, gaping at the craft approaching his position as silently as a Hogwarts ghost.
He remembered the Durmstrang ship they came to Hogwarts in for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This one was similar in design but much, much older.
The thing looked like some of the ships in the pirate film he had seen not long ago at Hermione's. Captain Jack Sparrow was his favorite character. This one, however, looked like it had been dredged up from the bottom of the ocean and pressed back into service wholly against its will and knowing how eccentric wizards could be - it just may have been exactly that.
The sails were nothing more than tattered rags fluttering in the stiff North Sea winds. Its riggings, ropes and lines were all draped with what looked like dried seaweed. Barnacles covered both sides of the bow just above the waterline. The wood looked blackened and slick with mildew and no telling what other things.
Mounted under the front beam of the ship was what appeared to be a carved wooden likeness of a woman. Arms raised high over her head she looked as if she were clinging to the rail with her hand and bare feet pressed to either side of the bow. She wore what looked like a very thin but fancy gown and had a tiara on her up-turned head. Her ample breasts pushed up and out as if proud to display them for all the creatures of the sea before her. The likeness was weather beaten and cracked in places but the physical likeness was uncanny and very life-like. Harry couldn't help but gawk at the figure stupidly.
As it came nearer to the dock the large ship slid silently sideways and came to rest against the dock edge with a muffled thump.
Harry could do nothing more than stand there gaping up at the huge vessel, mouth hanging open. A few moments later he watched as a gap appeared in the rail amid ship and a gang plank slide smoothly and noiselessly from somewhere hidden just below the deck level.
When it lowered and settled on the dock two men, dressed in what appeared to be turn-of-the-century before last sailor's garb, scurried down the plank and stationed themselves fore an aft on the dock. He then saw coils of thick rope sail over the side into the waiting arms of the men below and they proceeded to tie the ship to the dock.
The subtle rise and fall of the ancient looking ship made ominous creaking and groaning noises as it sat there looking for all the world like Jack Sparrow himself might spring from the deck any moment.
Instead, a rather short, squat man appeared at the gap in the rail and proceeded down the plank. He was wearing what appeared to Harry like a tan colored uniform. He instantly recognized it as definitely Muggle military in origin. He had seen them in Muggle films as well. The man was looking around as he descended. When his eyes landed on Harry his chubby cheeks puffed out in a wide, rather jovial grin.
"Ah, bless my soul," The man said in a loud, booming voice that echoed off the surrounding buildings on the other side of the landing, "As I live and breath, it is none other than Harry Potter himself!"
As the man waddled his way to the bottom of the plank on bandy legs he made his way quickly to where Harry was standing, still a bit stunned by the ship. Harry quickly realized the man was about a half a foot shorter than he was.
The older, shorter man took Harry's hand in his warmly and offered Harry a bright, very genuine smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last son," he said with a slight nod, "Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Director Thurston Boreguard. I have had the distinct privilege to be placed in charge of this very special training facility. When Commander Shacklebolt informed me you had accepted his appointment I must admit I was more than a little pleased."
"Thank you, Mr. Boreguard," Harry said smiling, "That's very kind of you…or should I call you Director or…something?" Harry couldn't help but glance up at the ship towering above them.
"Director, will be fine going forward Mr. Potter," he chuckled seeing Harry gaping at the ship, "I see you have much the same reaction to our rather unique method of transportation as most others."
"Is that…" Harry began to ask pointing to the vessel.
"It most certainly is Mr. Potter," the Director said with a bit of pride, "This ship was once the pride and flag ship of Her Majesty's Royal Navy. I'm afraid her long and illustrious history is simply much too involved to go into at present but if time permits I will gladly share my knowledge of her past. Saying thus, do you have everything you wish to bring with you?"
"Yes sir," Harry nodded and scooped up the ruck sack at his feet.
"Excellent," Director Boreguard said with a beaming smile, "If you'll climb aboard we'll be shoving off shortly." He gestured to the gang plank, "We're awaiting the arrival of a few more recruits but they should be along any time now." Harry watched as he pulled a pocket watch from his pocket and inspect it briefly, "You are more than welcome to look around the ship but do step cautiously. She can be a bit slippery in places. I will rejoin you shortly. I have some business to attend to at the harbormaster's office."
"Alright then," Harry said, glancing up at the ship again a bit wearily as he made his way aboard.
Stepping on the deck he noticed several men milling about doing various chores and tasks. They seemed to ignore his presence completely which was fine with him. When Harry placed his hand on the rail the wood felt as slick and slimy as it appeared. Making a face he wiped his hand on the seat of his trousers and proceeded to make his way toward the rear.
There was what appeared to be a wall that ran the entire width of the boat. Set in the wall were windows with a rather short door in the center. On both sides were wide stairs that ran up to the level above what Harry guessed was a cabin. Just above the cabin entrance Harry saw the unmistakable shape of the wheel!
He couldn't help but smile. It looked just like it did in the pirate picture.
As Harry made his way around the deck taking in the unmistakably abandoned appearance of the vessel he heard voices below. Making his way over to the dock side of the ship he carefully leaned over and saw several people approaching. They seemed to be hesitant to approach the ship.
There were three men and a woman. They all looked slightly older than Harry but what caught his immediate attention was the woman's hair. It was jet black. In the back it was just a bit longer than shoulder length but at the top, it was spiked and the tips were a bright red color. He then took in the rest of her appearance.
She was slender but not skinny. Her clothes were dark. She wore black jeans and a very tight black tee-shirt and heavy black boots along with dark red lipstick and black painted finger nails. She had on a very intimidating studded dog collar and matching gauntlets around her wrists. What was most surprising were the tattoos on both rather well muscled arms, the colorful art scrawling up from her wrists into the short sleeves of her shirt.
When she glanced up at the ship Harry could see her face. She was very pretty but what shocked him was that she bore a striking resemblance to Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin! In fact the resemblance was so close he had to look twice to make certain which, he thought later, was completely ridiculous.
The others below stood milling about until he heard Director Boregaurd approaching. He, in turn introduced himself in the same friendly manner as he had with Harry and quickly ushered them aboard.
When they were all on board the same men scurried back down the gang plank and proceeded to untie the lines from the dock. Other men were up on the deck quickly pulling the ropes in winding them into impossibly neat coils as the other two hurried back aboard.
Once back on the ship the gang plank again slid silently back into its hidden location below the top deck of its own accord.
As Harry stood watching this all take place it was as if the men attending to the ship simply vanished into the ship itself. He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining what he had just seen.
Director Boreguard, seemingly completely unconcerned by this, stood in the middle of the main deck and pulling his wand swirled it in a circle above his head. The ship lurched sideways and began pulling silently away from the dock. A few moments more and they were heading out to sea toward the wall of mist.
"Lady and gentlemen," the Director said, "please relax and enjoy your trip. It should only take approximately an hour to make the crossing, however, as we make our way through the mists you may want to avoid leaning over the rails as the old girl's deck is a bit slippery. We don't want anyone going over the sides in this pea soup. It would be almost impossible to find you."
His laugh was meant to be reassuring and light hearted but Harry could tell it had a rather ominous tinge to it. He decided to stay where he was perched on one set of the steps leading to the bridge.
As the journey wore on Harry noticed the others remained together standing toward the middle of the deck. He could barely make out their shapes in the thick mist but could hear bits of their hushed conversation. He was almost certain he had heard his name at one point during their trip but wasn't sure. He really didn't care.
He took the time to think about Hermione. He missed her already. The realization she loved him kept him impervious to the damp sea mist swirling around him. He could see her beautiful sun-kissed face in his minds eye as she smiled up at him standing in the setting sun on the pure white sands of the beach in Tahiti.
As long as he lived he would never forget their adventure. It was, he was absolutely certain, the very best time in his otherwise dreary and often dangerous life. Things would be different now, how different amazed him when he considered it.
If Ginny had not reconnected with Dean Thomas...
But he didn't want to consider it. Not any more. He had cared for Ginny very much but she was happy now so there was no more guilt.
He loved Hermione. He loved her with everything he was or ever could be. He wanted to make her proud. He remembered her words just before she left with her parents for the Hogwarts Express…
I love you with all my heart and everything that is within me to give to you for the rest of my life Harry James Potter…Now go be great!
She had left him with a blazing look of affection in her eyes. He didn't want to leave. For the first time since he had stepped foot into Hogwarts he felt he belonged. He belonged to her and nothing, not even space, time or death would ever change that. How it made him feel was indescribable.
As suddenly as they had entered it, the foggy mist cleared. Harry stood looking out past the side of the ship to what looked like a jagged and craggy collection of peaks rising out of the churning waters of the North Sea, jutting up at angles toward the sky.
The tops of the jagged cliffs were hidden in much the same mist they had just come through. The land looked dark, ominous and foreboding. For just the briefest of moments he felt he had seen this place before but searching his mind he could not for the life of him remember where.
As the ship eased its way closer they could see a dock that looked very similar to the one they just departed. Again the ship silently turned and glided up snugly to it just as before. The gang plank slid out and the same men dashed down the ramp to lash the ship fast. Again, the men seemed to appear from nowhere. He had not seen them the entire voyage and it gave him the chills.
He shoved all thoughts aside as they disembarked and stood in a group at the bottom of the ramp waiting on Director Boreguard to join them.
As Harry glanced at the others his eyes fell once again on the woman. They made no effort to introduce themselves so Harry decided to keep to himself.
Now that he could see her up close it did nothing to detract from the uncanny familiarity of her face. There were subtle differences but not many. He hadn't realized he was starring.
"Gettin' an eye full are you?" The woman asked in a rather gravely voice seeming a bit irritated.
Harry quickly cast his eyes elsewhere as he nervously shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Sorry," he said in a weak voice just above a whisper, "You remind me of a friend I once knew."
"Once knew?" She asked a bit haughtily, "Savior of the Wizarding World don't wanna be associated with freaky lookin' chicks now that he's all famous aye?"
Harry's anger spiked hotly at her words. They stung like being burned by a blast-ended Skrewt. He looked at the girl full in the eyes this time as he spoke.
"Actually, she was one of the toughest and bravest people I've ever met. She died a hero fighting in the war. Her husband died at the same time. I'm Godfather to their son who's an orphan now…just like me!"
The young woman's hand came up instantly to cover her gaping mouth. The look of shock that covered her face turned quickly to shame.
"I…I'm really sorry," she stammered blushing, "That was a bloody insensitive thing for me to say, wasn't it?"
Harry simply held up his hand, holding his thumb and forefinger just slightly apart as if telling her `just a little.'
The girl blushed profusely again looking properly chastised but said nothing more.
As Harry turned back to watch Director Boreguard descend the gang plank he noticed a plaque made of wood attached to the side of the ship just below the windows of the cabins above. It was old, weather beaten and split in placed making what was written on it very hard to read.
As he strained his eyes squinting at the faded script he thought he could just make out some of the letters. It appeared to be something like…Q_EEN A_N'S REV_N_E.
He just shrugged his shoulders. To him it made no sense. He smiled thinking Hermione could have figured it out with half her brain confunded.
He could here that lovely, sweet, bossy little voice in his head.
Oh Harry, it's really very simple! (Roll of her eyes) All you have to do is put in missing letters until it make's sense…see!
His irritation at the woman's comments evaporated in the face of such internal joy.
Harry began applying the imaginary Hermione's advice to solve the riddle but the Director announced for them to follow him so he was forced to abandon his little distraction.
It didn't do much for his self-confidence to know even an imaginary Hermione was still more clever and intelligent than he was in the flesh. The realization made him sigh.
Being without her now is going to take some getting used to.
They all fell in step behind Director Boreguard following a narrow path in the rocks that wound up through the craggy peaks to a rather long tunnel cut right into the side of a sheer cliff face.
Again Harry got a strange sense of familiarity but it seemed completely misplaced. He would have known if he had been to a place like this before. Nothing actually looked familiar…it was more just a feeling.
Exiting the tunnel they came to a small clearing. A carriage, much like the ones at Hogwarts was waiting except this one was being pulled by a team of very ordinary looking horses.
Off in the distance a bit below them in a shallow valley was a quaint but very old looking village. Surrounding the village proper were what seemed like miles upon miles of fertile green fields with all manner of things growing in them.
Apparently it was harvest time because the fields were crawling with people. They looked the size of insects from where they were standing on the ridge above.
As they climbed onto the carriage the Director chose to ride up front with the driver.
As the driver flipped the reigns to get the horses moving Harry noticed the path before them went in two directions. An old, deeply grooved and worn path led down to the town below and the other newly cut path went off to the left winding in between two sharp and ominous looking spires of black rock. Boreguard turned in his seat to regard them all with his signature jovial smile.
"This strange island you find yourselves on is known today mostly as Hideaway Island." Director Boreguard began to tell them as they made their way slowly along the cart path toward the spires, "It's really only a nickname. To most of the locals, however, the proper name for the island is after its founder and first long time resident, MacTaggart Hardaway. Old Mac, as most came to call him, was Muggle-born. He started out life as a farmer's son in the early 14th century. When a drought caused many farms to fail, Old Mac took to the sea, learning the fishing trade."
"Later in the same century, around 1355 if I remember correctly, the Black Death swept across most of the western world…"
"The Black Death?" Harry interrupted.
"That was what we wizards called it but the Muggles adopted the tag shortly after." One of the other young men sitting across from Harry replied, "There are some legends about what wizards thought caused it but many Muggles believe it was the Bubonic Plague. Some thought it typhus or what's called typhoid fever, still others insist it was rabies carried in the rat population that lived in most European cities of the day. Who knows? Many think it also had to do with the filthy conditions people lived in back then. They didn't have cures for such things then so it devastated the population."
"Quite an interesting response, Mr. Harcourt," The Director said smiling, "I'm very impressed."
"And wizards couldn't help?" Harry asked feeling a bit dense.
"Statute of Secrecy forbids involvement or interference in Muggle life…even back then," one of the other men added.
"Correct Mr. Lydecker." Boreguard smiled again.
"As I was saying, after loosing his youngest boy to the scourge he decided it was time to try and move his clan away from the devastation. He had seen this island many times on his fishing trips but had never considered it habitable."
"I'm sure you can ascertain why most would think such a thing looking at the place from off shore but that didn't stop Old Mac from exploring. One afternoon when the ship they were sailing had to drop anchor just off shore to repair a broken rudder he and a ship mate decided to take some time and explore the place."
"When they climbed the craggy rocks they found the inland valley. They couldn't believe what the island had hidden away. Fields of some of the richest soil they had ever seen. To most it was just barren land but to an experienced farmer like Old Mac it was as good as finding King Solomon's mines!"
"I don't mean to sound daft but who's King Solomon?" Harry asked.
"Very wise and very rich bloke," the third young man said, "lived centuries ago, owned a few gold mines in Persia, diamond mines in North Africa and lots of land in Egypt. Did alright for himself. Evidence is still a bit sketchy as to if he was actually one of our kind or not."
Harry nodded. Boreguard continued smiling.
"A very unique description Mr. Ellesley," the Director chuckled. "It was shortly after Old Mac arrived and settled and after he had established himself, he then sent back for the rest of the clan. Sending his eldest son to fetch them it was said he sent along a sack of the rich loam so the lad could convince his kin to join him here. The funny thing is, as more folks came here they began referring to it as their own personal hideaway and the nickname stuck, much to the consternation of its founder."
"Local stories say Old Mac was so incensed by people calling the place Hideaway instead of Hardaway he put up signs all over the village reminding folks of the proper name and would thump anyone he heard using the other. The problem was MacTaggart was mostly illiterate so none of the signs were spelled the same way twice which for those who could read, made things that much more confusing. It made little difference in the end. After Old Mac died the people held a huge gathering and feast in his honor thus tearing down and using all his signs to build a bonfire to roast a pig."
They all laughed.
"No-one paid this place any mind until 1940. The Air Defense Ministry in the Royal Armed Forces used the place to set up what was then a fledgling early warning detection system called Radar used in the Second Great Muggle War. Old Mac's descendants were suddenly faced with discovery for the first time in almost six centuries of peace, prosperity and total isolation. They were forced to put up wards and charms to keep the Muggles from straying too far inland. Their protections worked well. This place remains to this day one of the very few all wizard societies left on earth."
"You mean there are no Muggles here at all?" Harry asked amazed.
"Not a single one." Boreguard replied.
"What about those who marry Muggles or those born with no magical ability?" It was the first thing Harry had heard from the testy Tonks look-alike since they had made their way from the docks.
"Excellent question Ms. Patterson. They're forced to return to the mainland with all memories of this place erased from their minds. No exceptions." The Director replied a bit glumly.
"That seems a bit harsh," she said.
"Indeed, but Clan rules apply here. It's not a democracy."
"So is that why the Ministry decided to place this new training facility here?" the one named Ellesley asked.
"What better place to locate a secret training facility then on a secret island?" Boreguard replied with a cryptic grin.
The rest of the carriage ride was mostly in companionable silence. Harry got the impression they all already knew who he was so apparently felt introductions unnecessary. Now that he had spent some time in close proximity to the others he realized they were all a bit older than he had realized. He guessed they were all in their mid twenties, except for the Director. Boreguard looked like he may have been a bit older than his parents would have been.
Harry liked the Director. He liked the man's easy way he talked to everyone not as an instructor to a student or recruit but as an equal, someone on his own level. His politeness was extravagant at times but not over the top.
But Harry was also very aware most people had more than one side. This was a training facility so there was no doubt discipline would be involved.
Moving through the towering rock spires the carriage entered what appeared to be nothing more than a collection of odd-looking buildings and structures. There were four long low buildings with rounded roofs made of what looked like wavy metal. The rest of the structures looked conventional but Harry could see one building was quite a bit larger then the rest.
As they moved closer to the compound Director Boreguard turned back to face them once again.
"Some of the structures in this facility were what was left over from the Muggle military compound here. The rest we erected after Kingsley discovered this place in the archives of the Ministry. No sense letting perfectly useful buildings go to waste!"
"I thought I recognized the Quonset huts," Harcourt said, "Barracks?"
"Indeed, Mr. Harcourt," the Director nodded, "Our group is the last to arrive. The rest of the recruits are already here."
"How many of us will there be in this session, Director?" Asked Lydecker.
"Twenty five in this first go-round. Since this is our first class we thought it best to keep it what Commander Shacklebolt considered manageable but we'll discuss all this during orientation. That way we'll all be on the same page."
"It's still early enough we my just be able to get that out of the way today. I wasn't planning on having Orientation `till tomorrow morning but…" the Director considered. "I'll talk it over with my instructors and we'll decide then."
"Just think lady and gents," he grinned, "You'll all be Charter members of this organization. You'll be the first, of what we hope will be many, to train in this facility. That makes you practically pioneers in your field! Something to be proud of, I'd say."
Harry liked the sound of that and found himself smiling despite his anxiety.
"Sounds like fancy propaganda to me," he heard the woman mutter under her breath.
She sat rigid with her arms folded tightly under her rather ample bust line. Harry tore his eyes away from her chest before she caught him starring again. He was picking up some very negative energy from the woman but he just figured it was because of their initial contact. Still, he had the impression this was not one to trifle with. Under closer scrutiny she looked a lot physically tougher than Nymphadora.
As the carriage came to a halt in front of the largest building in the compound they could now see quite a few others standing around either alone or in small groups talking quietly.
Just as Harry's shoes touched ground the door to the big building opened and a huge man exited. He was so big he had to duck to clear the top of the doorway. He was clad from head to toe in a rather strange ensemble. From the top of his puff-ball topped tartan hat to his calf-high boots he was a Scotsman through and through. Plaid kilt and all!
The man looked fierce and imposing with his fiery red beard and hair. His beard was braided on either side of his mouth, his hair at both temples and a braid in back as well. He wore a black patch over his right eye.
The man's forearms were as big as Harry's thighs. He wondered briefly if the man was part Giant but even as big as he was he still wasn't as large as Hagrid. Harry knew that meant very little but it was all he had to measure the man against.
To the newcomers, the man was a sight but to the ones already there they barely gave the big man a second glance.
He suddenly held his arms out and gave the new arrivals a huge toothy grin.
"Welcome to the Hideaway training facility. I hope ye had a nice restful journey." His accent was thick but not too terribly so. Harry knew with some Scots one could barely understand a word.
They nodded and the big man started chuckling.
"Excellent, cause yer' gonna need all the rest ye can store up lads and lasses!"
Director Boreguard held up his hand.
"Let's not terrify the new arrivals just yet McTavish. This is one of my instructors Angus McTavish. He's been an Auror for over 25 years and is one of the most capable and creative instructors I've ever met."
"Thank you for your praise Director but let's reserve it `till this group's been trained up right and proper, agreed?"
"Agreed, Angus," the Director nodded, "Lets round up the rest of the staff. I believe we have time today to go ahead and get Orientation out of the way. Would you agree?"
The big man scratched his beard for a moment looking skyward, then nodded.
"Eya, I thin' we can get that done tonight Director. That should still leave time for a spot of grub and letting the recruits settle inta' their quarters."
"Excellent," the director said as McTavish pulled something from his shirt pocket, flipped it open and began mumbling into it as the Director addressed them.
"Alright everyone, if you'll all please file into the Main Hall in an orderly fashion we'll commence Orientation as soon as all my instructors are present. For now just take a seat anywhere. Thank you."
Harry fell in behind Harcourt, Lydecker and Patterson as they made their way into the Main Hall. There was a simple black and white block-lettered sign above the door that read Main Hall - Office of the Director - Administrations. It was apparently a multi-purpose building.
As they all filed in most just settled into the first seats they came to. Harry found himself being shuffled further and further toward the back of the seating. He finally settled in the second to last row next to a stocky built bloke on his left, a tall bloke with a very prominent Adam's apple and long nose to his right and a rather surly-looking Patterson on the end.
The Instructors stood in line behind the recruits, legs set shoulder width apart and arms clasped behind their backs. McTavish stood in the center of the four other instructors. They all looked very different form one another.
One looked Oriental and even though he looked rather small compared to some of the others he looked strong, sinewy and deadly as a viper.
There was one that appeared to be Arabian and wore a spotless white turban. He was tall, thin and looked almost regal standing there.
Another looked like he might have been from England but he really could have been from just about anywhere, even the United States. He sported a huge handlebar mustache and eyebrows so thick they almost completely covered his eyes.
The last, but certainly not least was a tall stocky woman. Her yellow-blond hair was twisted into two tightly braided buns on both sides of her huge head. She looked almost as intimidating as McTavish with muscular arms and thick legs.
They all wore the same tan Muggle military-type uniform impeccably pressed and fit to perfection, all but McTavish, who wore his kilt, but even he had on a finely pressed matching shirt under his tartan and matching calf-high socks in his big black boots.
Harry could tell at once this was no slack organization. The instructors looked capable, confident and proud to be standing where they were.
Director Boreguard stepped up on a small raised platform with a podium in the center. When he reached it he stood looking out over the group and a slight smile crossed his lips. Harry could see the same unmistakable look of pride in his eyes as well.
"First. Let me say welcome, one and all, to this new Department of Magical Law Enforcement training facility. As all of you should know by now I am the Director of the facility Thurston Boreguard. From today forward you will address me as Director or Sir. The same goes for my instructors as well as any visiting dignitaries or superiors who may pop in for a visit. Respect and courtesy not only to us but to one-another as well, at all times if you please."
"I have sent word to Commander Shacklebolt we decided to commence Orientation this evening and he has informed me he will be arriving shortly to welcome you as well. I'm certain he will want to speak to you all before we adjourn the meeting so please be patient."
Harry brightened a little at that information. Hopefully he would get an opportunity to talk with the Commander as he was apparently now known. That, also, would take some getting used to.
"I have five very capable, highly skilled, experienced instructors hand selected by myself, Commander Shacklebolt and the Minister for Magic Arthur Weasley. I shall introduce them in a moment but first we have more pertinent information to discuss."
"Let me make something very clear right up front ladies and gentlemen. While we agreed this facility is not a military one we take discipline very seriously here so you may see some military aspects to our program. Dress is the most profound military-like element you will see first. It was necessary to contain costs of this program so certain measures were adopted from Muggle military programs to help us maintain reasonable financial expenditures. I realize some of you my find this a bit distasteful but please work with us on this. I believe the ladies will be affected most by the uniforms. Please feel free to alter them as you see fit to help, however, let's not get too, how shall I say it…creative with these alterations please. Keeping the garment within the confines of its original appearance shall suffice as a guideline I think." The Director smirked and everyone chuckled.
"What, no bikinis?" Someone asked laughing.
"No bikinis, Mr. Bloom," the Director laughed, "Unless you'll be wearing said garment yourself young man." He looked pointedly at the one who spoke. "I'm not certain that's an image I wish to be privy to." He added light-heartedly. Everyone cracked up proper but then settled down quickly as if that was expected.
That little exchange served to calm jittery nerves and the whole room seemed to relax, all except Patterson. She still looked as tense as a piano wire. She was sitting at the end of Harry's row. Harry couldn't help but wonder what her problem was.
"It is virtually impossible to maintain a proper learning environment where there is confusion, chaos and discord. As most of you have come directly from the Auror and Hit Wizard departments this should be old news for you. You've already been through Auror training so we are certain you already know what is expected of you. I also expect you will assist us in bringing the few who have joined us from the private sector up to scratch on that score."
"At the risk of sounding redundant I will only say while you are here we expect and please let me emphasize the word expect you all to conduct yourselves as proper ladies and gentlemen, is that clear?"
25 heads in the room bobbed up and down.
"Excellent! The last thing I wish to do is administer reprimand or release a recruit for undistinguished or unsavory conduct. That is all I shall say about that at present."
"Since I believe the vast majority of you volunteered for this assignment please keep in mind if you discover this program is not for you, you may withdraw at any time and none will think less of you for doing so. As I said, this is not the military, ladies and gentlemen so you are free to step out if you so choose but please let me ad this…This is a new, untested program and I urge you to give it a fair chance. The program you are about to undertake is, I must say, unprecedented in its nature. You are going to learn skills and abilities here that no-one within our enforcement departments possess with any degree of competence or practical application."
"You will become a highly skilled and trained unit able to handle any situation that arises within our world with competence and confidence and I, for one cannot wait until you have completed this program and see you in action. It's not simply because I'm Director and have a direct interest in your success…that is true but it is also because I know myself and my family will be able to rest much easier at night knowing this unit is out there, exists and is ready to handle any responsibility put before you!"
"There is no question in my mind about that and I think I can safely speak for my instructors as well as the Ministry in saying they are in complete accord."
"Now - Having said that - I must impress upon you this entire program is not going to be easy. It is designed to push you to the ultimate limits of your abilities, endurance and skill and beyond. Not only will we be focusing on your magical abilities, we will be addressing your physical as well as mental capabilities. We feel these two elements just as important to obtain what we like to refer to as ultimate warrior conditioning. I realize that sounds very dramatic and bold but upon completion of this program, that is precisely what you will all possess. Make no mistake, there are fierce and deadly organized fighting forces out there in the Muggle world but they will never posses the one element you will all possess…Magic! Knowing thus, without a doubt you all will become the deadliest fighting force on earth and that is not a boast or an exaggeration. It is fact!"
The Director leaned back from the podium and let that sink in to the group for a moment. Some smiled glancing around but most just looked grave staring straight ahead.
"However, along with great power comes even greater responsibility. We are not here to teach you how to take someone's life ladies and gentlemen. We are here to teach you how to prevent loss of life whenever possible through superior skill, knowledge and ability. We're going to train you how to out-think and out-wit your opposition."
"Notice I did not use the word `enemy.' There is a reason for that. The one who is standing in front of the business end of your wand may be the most horrible, despicable witch or wizard on the face of the earth…but we must always view them as living, breathing creatures that feel and think and bleed just as we do. If we loose sight of that then we run the risk of becoming as destructive as those which we want to protect ourselves from."
"There will come a time when you will have no other choice. Sometimes our adversaries give us no other alternative. What this program will help you discover his how to recognize there is no other alternative and be confident that all other options have been exhausted before you throw that curse or hex. We will teach you to think, and think quickly before you act. That is one of the most important elements you will learn here."
"We will help you overcome three main elements that lead to mistakes in conflict that can potentially cost you or your team members their lives. Those are trepidation, reservation, and misinterpretation. Overcome those and you are well on your way to becoming that confident, competent and capable Enforcement Specialist or what will be her-to-for referred to in all departments of the Ministry as an E-Spec."
"The first lines of defense in our world are our citizens, witches and wizards passing through every day life. They may or may not recognize a potential threat and report it but they are on the front line even if they don't know it. However, the general population is not trained to recognize certain characteristics of the dark and subversive side of magic."
"The second line of defense in our world are the standard Ministry trained Aurors, competent and capable, no question. This institution has been in existence since the late 17th century and has done an acceptable job of protecting our world; however, they have been for the most part, a reactionary force…"
"But…" The Director paused and leaned out over the podium as if to stress his next point, "in a situation as one that presented itself to us in the form of a very powerful madman bent and determined to take over our world this new Ministry has decided there must be another third and last line of defense, one capable of dealing with such a monumental threat as the likes of the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters, one so highly skilled and trained that none would dare consider attempting such activity in the future."
"That," he pointed out over the group, "Will be you 16 weeks from today. After the implementation of this program in the public sector and your units hit the streets of London those who choose to do wrong will come to know the special insignias that will adorn your uniforms. They will come to realize very quickly they have no hope of success and it is my solemn hope that dark and subversive magic becomes a thing of the past in my lifetime!"
"That is our long term goal ladies and gentlemen. It is a lofty one at that and one that may prove to be unobtainable but we will never again be caught off guard as we have been in the past. That I can assure you! Why, because of you!"
The Director stood casting a steely gaze out over all as his words landed on each and every one of them. To Harry he could feel the Director's conviction in his message. He believed so it was easy for Harry to believe along with him. For the first time since leaving Grimmuald Place knowing the commitment he had made to a man he respected greatly he felt if he just listened and learned he could make a difference with confidence and skill.
"Now, on to some specifics then I will introduce you to your instructors. Once that is concluded you will then be issued your cot assignments as well as some devices we have developed to assist you in your new rolls. Then you'll all receive a good hardy meal then you may retire to your assigned quarters and become acquainted with the items in your lockers."
"First, after breakfast tomorrow, upon leaving the dining hall you will be required to surrender your wands. The reason we are not collecting them now is to give the ladies in our group time to alter their uniforms to fit more comfortably. If you gentlemen wish to turn in your wands tonight that will be perfectly fine."
There was some mumbling from the group but very little.
"I promise you, they will be kept safe. For the first eight weeks they will not be needed. The emphasis on the physical and mental training I told you about previously will become your solitary focus during that time. I realize to many some of what you will be undertaking will be repetitive due to your previous Auror training but here, things will be much more intense I assure you."
"During the first eight weeks you will work together as a group, all twenty five of you. The second most important lesson you will learn here ladies and gentlemen will be to learn to work as a team. We realize this is a vastly different philosophy then you have been subjected to in the past. For some the transition will be easy, for others who are perhaps older and more experienced in relying on their own abilities it will be more difficult to openly trust and relay on others but here, it is absolutely essential. There are no individuals here. There are none her more important or regarded any different from any other."
Boreguard paused to glance out over the crowd and his eyes landed on Harry for just a brief moment but he could feel the weight of his comment land on him like a sack of wet cement.
"Let me repeat that ladies and gentlemen. No one here is more important then another. We are all equals and will be regarded and evaluated as such. Any who fall below acceptable levels of performance or it is determined are at risk to continue will be dismissed from the program without hesitation. We do not want people getting hurt but as I said previously, this program is extremely difficult and demanding."
Harry could now feel the additional weight of twenty four sets of eyes scrutinizing him as if the whole reason for the Director's comments were because of his ridiculous and unwanted notoriety.
The realization made his insides squirm uncomfortably. He was also suddenly but acutely aware he would now be faced with much the same treatment he had been subjected to at Hogwarts for almost half his life. It seemed inescapable and he suddenly felt the even heavier weight of depression begin to crush him under its massive unyielding bulk.
That was the main reason for his reluctance in returning to Hogwarts and now, it seemed, it made no difference where he went or what he did, because the stupid and unwanted stigmatism hung about his neck like the rusty anchor of the old ship they had come here on.
At least at Hogwarts he would have been with people he knew, those of his own age…Hermione, who would have protected him from such unwanted attention with all the vicious ferocity of a nesting female Hungarian Horntail. (Breathing fire and all, knowing her.) He had discovered her latent possessive and territorial nature during their holiday when unwanted attention had been cast in Harry's direction by other curious females. To Harry it had given him a complete new prospective on warm and fuzzy to see her like that.
Once again, left to your own devices you've made the wrong choice. Well done you idiot!
He suddenly realized that maybe it was a complete mistake for him to be here. If he couldn't make the best decisions for himself how could anyone expect him to be competent enough to make decisions that would affect other's lives?
Director Boreguard continued as Harry sank further into despair.
"After the first eight week session has been completed satisfactorily you will then be split up into five groups of five recruits each and be paired with your selected or assigned Specialist Instructor to begin you individual specialist training. After four weeks of this specialist training you will then be merged into your teams."
"Each team will consist of five members. Each member will be not only highly skilled in general tactics and combat but will also possess a specialized skill we feel is necessary for the success of each team in the field."
"Each individual specialist will be classified as follows, a Curse and Ward Breaker Specialist, a Communications Specialist, an Infiltration or, as the Muggles call them, Reconnaissance Specialist, a Team Protection Specialist and last but no less important a Healer Specialist. The Healer specialist will also be responsible for team transportation which, in our assessment, goes hand in hand with the duties of a Healer, to quickly and competently transport injured or, Merlin forbid, incapacitated members of their teams away from the conflict area."
"The specific duties of each specialized member will be covered in detail during the final four week special training period. If we find at that time that an individual may be suited for a different specialty then changes will be made accordingly. We want the best fit possible for each team member ladies and gentlemen. Complete confidence in your respective team member's abilities is crucial to the success of each team."
"Please understand that once you are placed on your team it is imperative to become as well acquainted with your team members as possible. Your lives may depend upon it! If you have no confidence in your team members or are not acutely familiar with each member of your team then it compromises your ability to function as a unit. It is during this five-member team phase you will be closely scrutinized and evaluated for how your team works together as a unit. If at any time we feel the team is not coming together changes will be made to correct the problem."
"That is why it is important for all of you to become acquainted with one-another during the first eight week training session. While we realize there are some people who will simply not fit together for whatever reason, the time to discover this will be as early as possible so the right recruits can be placed together to achieve the best results possible."
"During the final four week session you will be immersed in learning engagement maneuvers and tactics as a five member unit. This is the final stage of your development and in our estimation, the most important for your success. Each team will be hit with a variety of situations they will be expected to engage with confidence and overcome with authority. In conclusion, if time permits we will also create a situation that will require all five teams to co-ordinate and work together to resolve with satisfactory results."
"You were all selected as a result of your performances as well as recommendations from your division heads or commanding officers. You are already the best of the best the Ministry and its departments has to offer. That's why most of you are here. The rest are here for other various reasons but it was determined you fit the profile and/or the skill level of this program. Irregardless of how or why you came to be here you will be treated like anyone else with the same expectations."
"Next, you may not communicate directly with anyone outside this facility at any time for any reason. The letter you received from the Ministry should have made that clear and why but for those who did not receive a letter let me reiterate briefly. We will receive mail once every week while on the island. It will come with the Commander when he reports for his weekly assessment meeting and performance evaluations so please make certain all your families and loved ones know to send all correspondence to the Ministry care of the Commander. You aren't the only ones being graded ladies and gentlemen," Director Boreguard smirked, "This will usually be on Fridays, however due to the Commander's very busy schedule and unforeseen circumstances that may be changed upon little notice. Out going mail will be the same. Out with the Commander on Fridays."
"Any attempt at contacting the outside from this facility will be considered an inexcusable breach of security and you will be removed from this program immediately. I certainly hope I don't have to repeat that. We are serious about our security ladies and gentlemen. We could choose to alter your memories but we would much rather depend on the honor of our graduates instead. However, if you choose to quite the program before you have completed your training that is precisely what will be done for security reasons."
"Emergencies will be handled on a case by case basis. We will do everything within our power to assist you in any way possible to accommodate an emergency situation but there again, it must be a legitimate emergency."
One of the recruits raised his had.
"Yes Mr. Gorman?"
"What about vertiserum sir?"
"Excellent question young man, I like the way you think however I don't think you need fear the effects of a truth potion. Do you recall the mist we traveled through to reach this place?"
"Yes sir."
"Do you recall in which direction we were traveling Mr. Gorman?
"No sir," Gorman grinned knowingly, "Not at all!"
The director simply beamed like the cat that ate the canary.
"Neither the departure location nor the time in which it took for us to make the journey will assist anyone trying to locate this island. Contrary to the popular belief of my wife, there is a method to my madness."
Laughter rippled through the hall.
That exchange made Harry wonder about the strange sensation he had when he first arrived on the island and if he should mention it to the Director. He was almost certain it meant nothing so he chose to keep that to himself. No sense in drawing any further unwanted attention to himself
"Please note we shall begin each day oh-five hundred. Is everyone here familiar with Muggle military time?"
Most everyone nodded. Harry had no idea what they were talking about but didn't want everyone to think he was a complete idiot. He figured if he listened he would find out what Muggle military time was soon enough.
"Very well, as I said, assembly each morning at five a.m., breakfast promptly at five-fifteen then we will begin each day's training at six. This will be rain or shine, ladies and gentlemen, please keep that in mind. We will train six days a week with our off day being Friday to start. That coincides with Commander Shaklebolt's inspection and mail call."
"Continuing, each and every one will be expected to contribute to the day to day operations of this facility. Those mundane domestic duties such as cleaning, kitchen duties, assisting in food preparation, laundry and the like will be performed on a rotating schedule to make it fare for everyone. Schedules will be posted weekly in each dorm building on a board near the entrance. We have no servants or House Elves here ladies and gentlemen due to the nature of our need for complete secrecy and the need to reduce operating expenses so please lets everyone pitch in willingly to assist."
"You will also be expected to keep your own areas neat and tidy at all times. Your dormitories will be inspected on a regular basis for compliance but really, ladies and gentlemen, we're all adults. I hope it not necessary to remind you to clean up after yourselves. I realize that not having your wands will require most of these things to be done the Muggle way but…it is a necessary evil in this situation so please try to understand and bear with us."
"All recruits will be confined to this compound at all times unless otherwise allowed or instructed to do so by myself, your instructors or the Commander himself. No-one else possesses the authorization to allow you off the compound for any reason. If there is anything specific you require it will be obtained for you as quickly as possible but lacking an emergency it will be brought on Fridays with the Commander and the mail."
"The near-by village of Hardaway is off-limits…period! However, I have discussed the possibility of granting a leave of sorts for exceptional evaluations by the entire group, meaning, if you all obtain above satisfactory scores in your assignments and practical lessons you may be granted a free day to go into town as a reward…But!"
The Director looked at them all sternly.
"If such freedom is granted any misconduct by anyone in this group while in town will be considered a terminable offense. The people of this island have graciously allowed us to be here and I will not allow our relationship with them to be sullied by ridiculous or juvenile behavior, do I make myself clear ladies and gentlemen?"
Nods all around.
"Very well…As a result of having several ladies present we have found it necessary to alter accommodations slightly on their behalf. Again, I certainly hope I need not have to remind you gentlemen that we will respect the privacy of our female recruits at all times as they are expected to yours. Their dormitory will be off limits to male members for the duration of this session."
A wry grin fell across the Director's features for an instant.
"Keep in mind gentlemen that these ladies will be undergoing the same intense training as you so the thought of getting on the wrong side of one of these recruits would be ill advised if you understand what I'm getting at."
"Some of us don't need training in that regard Director," Patterson said darkly.
"Indeed!" Boreguard chuckled, "Very well, I think that covers the basics for now. Any questions about procedures or training schedules will generally be answered in the days ahead. I, for one, am anxious to begin…"
Director Boreguard suddenly looked down at the podium as if something distracted his attention.
"Very well," he said, still looking at the podium, "It seems Commander Shacklebolt had just arrived and will address you shortly. In the mean time let me quickly introduce your Instructors."
In the next few minutes they were introduced to the four men and one woman standing silently and patiently at the back of the room.
The first was Angus McTavish. He was to be a general as well as physical trainer. He was also to be the Curse and Ward Breaker Specialist trainer. He was classified as a Duelist-First Class. He is the current world record holder for dragon take-down wrestling at 21 seconds flat. There are no other records since all other competitors were either killed or eaten.
Next was Chow Ling Fong, Instructor Fong was a general and mental trainer and his specialty was Team protection, ward and spell application and was listed as a Master Duelist. In fact, he was considered by most to be one of the most skilled and deadliest Duelists alive. His additional skills included extensive knowledge in handling and using all types of bladed Muggle weapons.
There was the mysterious looking Ali-Ben Hassim. He was a general as well as mental discipline trainer listed as a Master Duelist. His specialty was Infiltration. He was also very skilled in using everyday items in one's surroundings as weapons and protections.
Next was Olga Gurrkenheimer, the frightening female. Instructor Gurrkenheimer was also a general and physical trainer with extensive knowledge and experience in wand-less and silent magical application. Her specialty was Tactical training, team maneuvers and hand signal training. She is also considered a Duelists-First Class.
And lastly, there was the eccentric-looking Edgar Brice-Tottingsworth. He was the resident Healer Specialist. He would be training the Healer Specs exclusively. He was also a Master Potions Maker as well as a Duelist-Second Class.
After introductions were completed Harry saw the familiar figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt enter the Main Hall. He was greeted with what Harry could see was obviously great respect from the Director as well as the Instructors. The Director turned to the group and said loudly and with as much authority as he could muster.
"All rise! Commander is on the premises!"
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