Talks
Hello degens its me ya boi! Well I am not dead yet and managed to get some internet. So here a chapter.... enjoy.
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Ivan saw that all members had gathered, hence he stepped towards the center of the room, garnering everyone's attention as he began, "A few days ago, a scout of ours came into contact with death eaters. Confirming their presence in our borders. He, has brought back crucial evidence that cements his observation."
At Ivan's words, everyone seemed disgruntled. The room was on the brink of a heated debate, frowns etched onto their brows. Nevertheless, he continued, "This is not our failure, neither is it an oversight. In fact, it is a betrayal. The Durmstrang school of witchcraft, has curried favor with the Dark Lord, allowing him to use our centuries old secret channels to transport his men."
Everyone present within the room was aghast. Rightfully so, they were angry to have been exploited.
"Romania has promised safe passage to Durmstrang institute for centuries, yet today, those sacred principals stand violated. This was all orchestrated by one man", Ivan's eyes darted around the room, as he slowed his words.
"The Dark Lord's trusted lapdog, Igor Karkaroff. One day, Durmstrang's talented alumni, but the next, an emissary to recruit death eaters.", Ivan flicked his wand, a reflection of Karkaroff's face formed above the table.
Everyone present immediately began analyzing his features, burning the image to memory.
The door to the meeting hall suddenly clicked open, Zack crept inside as everyone's gaze fell on him. Though some had no inherent reaction, other associates were slightly confused regarding his presence.
Ivan spotted Zack as he nodded, " Welcome. Take a seat." he pointed towards Andrei where they had made some room. Zagreus threw a clueless glance at Zack, as the former offered him a seat.
"Karkaroff is a sly fox, as we speak, he leads in groups of Death Eaters inside our borders. Our current objective, is to neutralize these wizards. With any force or means necessary" Ivan spoke with vigor.
But he held a long pause, his eyes focused on the notebook, "However, Romania cannot fight two sides at once. If we are to prevail, we must execute every step masterfully."
His words drew in the crowd.
"Regarding the current magical crisis, Romania is locked in a civil war. To shift our focus to these guerilla groups would only serve to weaken our overall defenses. Rather, by matching up specialized teams, we may be able to combat this new unpredictable enemy", He said.
Raina objected as she voiced her fears.
"Who is to say the death eaters won't join the beasts. A combined attack would be devastating, and separated man power would weaken the unified front."
"Beasts ultimately desire a portion of Romania for themselves. They yearn to prove their usefulness to the Dark Lord. But due to our efforts, their attempts have been unfruitful. Their own self-interest will work to our advantage" Ivan said reassuringly.
Andrei seemed unsettled from the previous remarks, he looked towards Ivan, "Even if we are to eliminate invading groups. Eventually, they could just bring in new ones. The dark lord does not lack goons. Would it not risk our own forces to attempt such a confrontation." He uttered.
Ivan nodded knowingly, "A wise observation captain".
He flipped a few pages in his notebook, as he came upon an archaic page he had kept within. With a tap of his wand, the runes flew into the air, spelling out a contract.
"What you see Infront of you, is a transcribed copy of the binding magical contract, signed between the Romanian magical ministry, and Durmstrang Institute. Durmstrang, although indirectly, has annulled the contractual terms, by using their unpoliced routes for political actions. Supporting the Dark Lord's faction is certainly to curry favor with him" Ivan explained.
"You imply that we can annul this contract?" Andrei exclaimed.
"Indeed, the contract was an agreement to support Durmstrang's access of Romania's International wizarding borders. However, if either party violates the terms listed, the contract could be undone. The Death Eater's present in Romania will be isolated, unable to cross our international wards. Thereby sealing their fates in our hands. We are currently working on deciphering this centuries old contract, my guess, it will take about a month." Ivan concluded as the runes faded.
Zagreus contemplated their current mission, calculating the different outcomes, "Could you provide us a rough estimate of the enemies forces?" He raised his hand.
Ivan shook his head, "The information we currently possess is limited. In the following days, I aim to dig up all that is possible about Karkaroff's operation. Until then, to all the wizards involved, prepare for the worst." After saying his last words, Ivan closed his notebook, taking a seat beside his fellow associates.
Following that, Dalton stood up, sauntering to the center of the room, as all eyes landed on him.
A deep pause filled the room with silence, his lips parted, "All of you gathered here, are imperative, not only to our victory, but to Romania's survival. Every wand present today, has a purpose." He said, taking a deep breath.
"We must not falter." Dalton uttered.
Dalton nodded his head, as the doors to the room slowly opened, signifying the end of the meeting, "You all are free to leave." He spoke, turning his back to the table.
The associates slowly got up from their seats as they walked out the door.
Zack chose to stay behind as the crowd left, he waited patiently.
Few seconds had passed, when Dalton noticed the room was empty, all had left except Zack. He turned to the boy, "I presume you have something to ask", he questioned.
"This new operation of yours, I want to be a part of it." Zack stated calmly.
"Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but you're not quite ready." Dalton responded.
"Wasn't your training meant to prepare me? I don't suppose we can rush through it." Zack suggested, still lingering in the room.
"My intentions were for you to take your time, but participating in the operation isn't unrealistic, provided you prove your skills to me." Dalton spoke with an unwavering tone.
"Don't you think I've been doing an awful lot of proving? My whole life has circled around practice, learning and dueling. At this point, you're practically holding me back." Zack chuckled.
"A parent always worries for their child, no matter how strong they become. Besides, I gave you my word, whether or not you can absorb that knowledge, that will depend on you." Dalton grinned.
"Quit with the sappy dialogue, just tell me when we start." Zack said, as he waved turning around to leave.
"Tomorrow, at noon. Meet me in the training grounds. I will give you two weeks." Dalton called out.
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[Cafeteria]
Zagreus sat with Dmitry and Zack, as the two wolfed down some ardei umpluți (A/N: Stuffed Bell Peppers) He frowned, seeing the two nonchalantly eating lunch.
"Were you the scout?" Zagreus asked, clasping his mug.
Zack looked up from his plate as he swallowed, "Yeah, how'd you know", he said.
Zagreus took a sip of the Honey Wine, "You didn't show up for training yesterday. Besides, you don't usually participate in those discussions."
Zagreus leaned in closer as he whispered, "What did you witness."
"Nothing conclusive, their numbers are hidden. I only saw one, surrounded by other wizards. Probably snatchers for hire. They might even be increasing their numbers as we speak." Zack replied.
Zagreus frowned, taking another sip of his wine, he glanced at Dmitry, "Seems like we won't have it easy."
"It's never easy is it. Anyways, I heard you might join our team? We'll take good care of you." Dmitry patted Zack's shoulder.
"That matter's still in the talks, but I only have to go through one final training. Guess I'll see you two in a month." Zack smiled, as he got up to leave.
The two men glanced at each other as they shrugged, "They grow up too fast, I still remember him being no taller than the wooden stool." Dmitry laughed.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter.