Polar Opposites
Chapter 14 of 35
White EyebrowAlastor Moody's defining battle will not be fought without, but within.
Chapter 14
Polar Opposites
It was a lazy afternoon. Ollivander sat in his shop, flipping through the pages of the Sunday Prophet and taking no notice of the ringing bell above the shop's entrance. He reached for his cup of tea, but his hand was blocked by a wand that was slammed suddenly onto the counter. He looked up from his paper to meet Moody's glare.
"This wand doesn't work."
Ollivander took off his spectacles, folded the paper and calmly took the wand from the counter. He balanced it on his open palm and concentrated. It rose a few inches and began to twirl, slowly at first, then faster and faster until it was nothing more than a blur. At Ollivander's command its motion was stilled, and it proceeded to emit a bright, white glow. The illumination ceased as he closed his fingers around the base. "Mhmm. Interesting."
Moody gave him a quizzical look. "What is it?"
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with this wand." Ollivander placed the wand back on the counter.
"I beg to differ. It damn near killed me!"
"It has been my experience that accidents involving wands generally have more to do with operator error than with the wand itself."
"It shot my left buttock clean off!"
Ollivander maintained a look of casual disinterest as he returned to his newspaper. "How the devil did you manage that?"
Moody placed his hand over the newspaper, prompting Ollivander to look up at him over the rim of his glasses. Moody's tone was calm, but his patience had clearly worn thin. "Look, I'm not a bloody first year, and I'm not stupid."
"I wasn't suggesting otherwise."
"I know how to hold a wand in my hand without causing it to go off willy-nilly."
"My apologies, sir." Ollivander took his glasses off and placed them in his vest pocket. "Tell me what happened."
Satisfied that he had Ollivander's undivided attention, Moody withdrew his hand. "I'm not sure what happened; it wasn't even engaged. I had it concealed in my pocket as a backup while I was using my primary wand."
"Primary?" Ollivander repeated, rubbing his chin. "What nonsense are you talking?"
"It's simple." Moody removed the wand that had been concealed up his sleeve and held it up. "I have a primary wand for everyday use and a secondary one that I bring out in reserve—"
"MY GODS! Are you daft, man? Nobody wields two wands anymore! It's uncivilized. Not to mention dangerous."
Moody was surprised by the rebuke but insisted, "Godric Gryffindor did it."
"You are not Godric Gryffindor!"
"If it was so dangerous, why on Earth did you sell it to me, then?"
"I assumed you were buying a replacement! I certainly wouldn't have sold it to you had I known what you were trying to do!"
At his request Moody handed Ollivander his ‘primary’ wand. He held it up next to the ‘secondary’ wand and slowly brought their ends together. The tips had almost touched when a spark shot out between them. Ollivander separated them immediately, having made his point.
"Placing two identical wands in close proximity is like putting two positive ends of a magnet together: they repel each other. No wonder you misfired—your poor wands were confused. In order to wield two wands properly, you must get two that are polar opposites, so to speak."
"I see." Moody stood up straight. "It appears I'm the one who owes the apology." He cleared his throat nervously and continued, "Moving on, then, which wand would be a suitable match for me?"
Ollivander snorted at Moody's perseverance. He reached beneath the counter, retrieved a stack of papers and placed them in front of Moody. "First, you must sign these."
"What are these?"
"They're waivers, absolving me of liability for any future damages. Furthermore, I suggest that you seek proper instruction. Dual wand combat is extremely difficult to master; most consider the disadvantages to outweigh the advantages of such an endeavor."
"Of all the bloody…." Moody trailed off, mumbling to himself as he mulled over the documents. After a few minutes he picked up the pen next to the register and signed them.
Satisfied, Ollivander bound the papers and stamped them; after which, they flitted magically into an open drawer of the enchanted file cabinet.
"So, about that wand," Moody continued after witnessing the display. "What kind would be compatible with Purpleheart?"
"Most likely something in the Beech family would do; I would recommend Chestnut. I'll have to do more research on the core needed." Ollivander retrieved his glasses from his pocket and began to polish the lenses using the flap of his vest. "In any event, it's going to be a custom job."
Moody averted his eyes. "Why does that sound expensive?"
Ollivander smirked. "Because it is."
"I'm afraid I'm a little short on funds. Can I exchange my first wand for credit?"
"No exchanges," Ollivander replied tersely. "That wand has already chosen you. Wands do not appreciate being cast aside like old pairs of socks."
Moody sighed, stuck his hands in his pockets and twiddled with the loose change therein. He regarded the newspaper that Ollivander had been reading, and a smile appeared on his face. "Maybe we can work out some other arrangement, then."
"What kind of arrangement?"
Moody turned to the front page where his picture was displayed prominently above a caption that read, Heroic Auror to be Commended at Ministry Unveiling.
Moody gave the shopkeeper time to skim the article at length and continued, "How much better would it be for business if it became known that the next giant I slay or Dementor that I repel will be done with the aid of an Ollivander custom wand? "
Ollivander glanced from the picture, to Moody, then back again. Slowly but surely, the corners of his lips curled upward in a smile.
In tacit agreement the two men shook hands.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Prisoner of Hope
84 Reviews | 6.06/10 Average
Aw wow. Nice angles u explored there. Very entertaining. Did u answer all the ther asked questions?
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
I think so. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Chances are that stuff that seems to be a plot hole is actually a twist that will be revealed at a later time.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
I think so. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Chances are that stuff that seems to be a plot hole is actually a twist that will be revealed at a later time.
Ahhh no wonder JKR said alastor moody was a ladies' man! Thanks! I begin to see it now.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Yes, what spurred me to write this was to tell Alastor Moody's story. I figure someone who got so chopped up must've had in interesting life.
wow.... You introduced so many great elements. But it rivals JKR in effort and talent but maybe not money. Please do not let me discourage you. God bless!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
money???
Absorbing. Totally absorbing. This chapter was quite unexpected though....! But still very very interesting.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Yes this chapter kicked off the next act of the story (marked by a discrete passage of time)
You wrote really well. Especially the first chapters and this one. Wonder if you have the whole story finished?
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
I do, but it's all in my head.
You could have made it simple with a happy but creatively fresh ending ... Remember that if you ever feel the need to wrap up this ambitious but fully plausible story.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Well, there's still a lot of story left to go. Afterall, Moody is still in his mid/late twenties at this point.
"Are you sure this thing is safe?" Oh, funny! I kind of like the touch of Hepburn/Tracy reparte going on here, even if I'm a bit worried about what will happen next.
I do love the feeling of "police procedural" you give us. It makes it all seem somehow real and plausible in a way lots of HP fic doesn't.
Looking forward to seeing how the mystery plays out.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Thanks. I'm sure being an auror is a thankless job; we never get to see things they have to put up with.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Thanks. I'm sure being an auror is a thankless job; we never get to see things they have to put up with.
The Wolf Squadron gone rogue- 
- brilliant sabatoge, brilliant action writing, just everything brilliant and engaging! It nags me that Maestro isn't miffed by the Wolf Squadron's agenda and mutiny/assination mission as much as he could be - I understand he must be cool, collected, all-controlled, unless... Love the deadly danger and brutal revelation of the ultimate means of dealing with a 'problem' is by the Operation Green Purge: extermination...
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Thank you, and, yes, the maestro is a hard one to read, isn't he?
Hmm... it seems the inner politics of the giants are their own worst enemies, leading further to their own extinction if some inner coup has indeed occurred, rather than dubious Wizarding interference; wonderful description and dynamics!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
What's life without a little mystery and political intrigue, I always say.
Ozymandias - PB Shelley's poem and another poet wrote one with the same noble title - flits through my mind bringing this epic meeting with the giants to another place- surreal and divine! Have a feeling that things may come full circle regarding the earlier giantess Moody saved from Ton's further humiliation and abuse - but something gives me the feeling that Ysbaddaden has his own agenda... Great chapter!!!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
The plot will thicken. 
So moved, can barely type, hope this makes sense: your skill of touching on powerful emotions and unspoken feelings through the dialogue and actions of all of your characters is an incredibly powerful, and so very fulfilling for the reader. With this scene between Minerva and Alastor on the balcony, entire lives are filled in and sweeping us along with them. I've always felt that the stalwart Gryffindor shielded her sensitive, noble heart, especially from painful experiences in earlier years of her life, and am gaga and entranced with you flushing this out in your story, and the intertwining of these two amazing characters (along with all the others!); you've got me hopelessly in love with Alastor (another notch on is belt- hehe!) and my heart breaking for Minerva, stuck in an abusive relationship, with Billings as the perfect personification of corruption and smug abusers under the disguise of Law and propriety ... love the fierce passion and honour of Alastor, among so many things. Thank you for sharing your talent, vision. time and creativity with us!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
This was a hard one to write; I didn't know how people would react to Minerva being a victim. I agree with you that she developed that Gryffindor-inspired shield as a defense mechanism of sorts. But even then, we see glimpses of a gentle soul peek out from time to time.
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
For me, it was 'wonderful' having Minerva's character depicted this way due to the universality and, sometimes, the irony in real life of victims being of her 'profile', the ones you least expect to have been victimised - it makes it all the more profound, and regarding Minerva, as well as others, it doesn't 'weaken' them in our eyes, only engages us more passionately in their story, in identifying with very 'real' life occurrences, and their overcoming, or not, of situations. (Also, on a side note, besides being a very poor typist, always in a rush, my keyboard must be one of the oldest in the world, some keys are not working/getting stuck, etc. - please forgive my spelling mistakes and hope you can make out most of what I mean! Best wishes!)
..have you send my wand?- Hah! LOL! Love the naughty, but charming, rascally Alastor having fun with Pomfrey (thank you, I adore Madam Pomfrey - have you written more of her back story? If not: *nudge, nudge* :-)), the Aurors in their Ministry environment; Maestro is perfect - anytime he makes an appearance he's a zinger with so few words but so powerful. Also, love the mysterious atmosphere surrounding Minerva and Moody's keen observations - he doesn't miss thing, does he? yum!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
I think all of the staff have a worthy back story. They're an odd, intriguing assortment of characters, yeah? Pomfrey will return.
Wonderful dynamics and twists, love the succubi, and Moody and Reuben's banter and teamwork, as a Tolkien fan, thoroughly enjoyed the details of the succubus' attack and gloating - intense, blood-sucking lengths of darkness the succubus will go to, ensnaring poor Moody - Druella -oooh, that was a low blow - poor Alastor!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Alas, some scars never heal completely...
Mmm... love the undercover work and scenario, Moody and Reuben in action, hardened and in full swing; but, have a bad feeling about the two missing students and the illegal wand trade
Great chapter!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Heh, they had to start somewhere right? 
Love the flow and action; poor Moody, but you can't keep a good man down... Druella's fate has been sealed with another, and Moody lost no time to move on; nice, effective back-to-reality-slap to the horrid captivity of the trunk and Crouch Jr !
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Yep, I figure this to be one of those personality-shaping life experiences, for good or ill.
So glad that all's well that ends well regarding that - teamwork and the kovely reminder that people need each other to survive on a fundamental core - so 'happy' that Moody and others are bonafide Aurors - but know the nitty-gritty duties will now begin - wonderful tale!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Yep, no more playing around.
Wonderful, breath-taking, action-filled chapter! Brilliant, just brilliant - I guffawed (needed some relief from the suspense!) at Moody's brilliance in ensnaring the Medusa squad with the vines - HA! Everything was clear, second-by-second like a film flitting in the mind - and the ending - yes Maestro is peeved, isn't he? Being bested by the best! Great work!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Don't count the old codger out yet. 
Yes... the mirroring of the real-life, nazi Aryan purity requirements is quite effective. Poor Moody, he doesn't realise what he's up against yet. Something worse than the Dementors attack.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Druella's one saving grace I think is at least she's willing to look past the 1% rule for Moody's sake (as long as nobody finds out of course.) 
So the caste system flexes it muscles more and more and it's money and ghastly 'artwork' - poor Moody, the signs are all there of a pending, detrimental heartbreak; that said, I loved the private training & drilling he's recieved from Shacklebolt - I know it's purely professional 
but he wasn't able to produce another Patronus without her... hmm... Great chapter!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
One thing's for sure: Alastor still has a lot to learn.
LOL! - I thought for sure Moody had met his match with the wonderful, wiley Ollivander; but, Alastor knew how to handle him! Love the wand lore and the sly Olivander and his custom made services!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Thanks, I always found wandlore interesting and wanted to draw it out to see where it leads.
Mmm... love the hints of something with Minerva and her special *medical* touch - hehe! Compared to Druella's touch; both causing a slightly frustrated Alastor at their Mercy - love all of the cheek & cheeky jokes/play on words with the other cadets jibing at him; yes, Dumbledore ina a bikini...
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
I tell you, once you get that image in your head, it's hard to get it out. Moreso if it was a two-piece. 
This was an unusual treat - I love how you used the Biblical book of Genesis here - a great chance to take history and religion of the real world and work it into fiction - and a great take on the nephilim - really.Some bits of confusion in the discussion first between Moody and Ozy - and then between Moody and Tia - the Giantess - but then, you know I tend to get lost in some of your dialogue scenes.I'm still not entirely sure what Dumbledore was intending... but it seems like he took Moody to meet with the giants hoping he would breed with the princess - and that... doesn't sit entirely well with me - but then not everyone writes/sees Dumbledore the way I would - I kind of feel he wouldn't just "throw" Moody into that, if he was even going to consider something like that, he'd have discussed it with Moody before hand - but that's assuming you write Dumbledore the way I would, or such like canon, and I know that's not always the case in fanfiction.I should also point out that I love how Ozy used magic to tell the history of his people - the nephilim - and grinned when Dumbledore explained - after Moody asked the question - that Ozy wasn't using magic - though I tend to disagree - but still, that was really vivid and amazing - and beautiful.Great chapter - perhaps the best so far in the fic - loved it!
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
No, the reason, as Moody pointed out, was political. The king of the giants extending the olive branch to his son's killer, all to spearhead Ozy's "peace and reconcilliation" theme.Yeah, Moody sleeping with Titaiaja probably wouldn't sit well with neither Dumbledore nor Ozy.
(Well, unless they were very quiet... but I digress.)
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
By the way, giving you a heads up, details in this chapter will be relevant for the next nine chapters. Don't worry, I'll repeat them as the narrative goes along, but since I like to make the reader work, if anything throws you, the source was most likely from this chapter. I promise it will have a huge payoff.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
You like to make the reader work (chuckles) you wouldn't by chance be an English teacher, would you? 
I remember doing that to my students - well not in my writing, but in the assignments.Looking forward to the pay-off - and I'll refer to this chapter should I get lost in the next bunch - thanks for the heads up! And great job!
Ouch... I can't seem to remember who Holly - aka Pomona is - is she a prostitute??? Sheesh....And McGonagall with an abusive, self-important prick like that? Really? *shakes head* That's difficult to see on any day... but especially after she's already back at the school.... what made you want to bend Minerva that far? I'm curious.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Hi
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
.I'm glad you asked that question. I am very sensitive to the fact that McGonagall is a fan favorite, and I, therefore, cannot take as much liberty with her as I can with Moody. That being said, my thinking is thus: In canon, McGonagall, like Moody, is a person in her "golden years". As such, you shouldn't expect her to be the same person she was in her youth (heck, I'm not the same person I was just ten years ago.) Therefore, In my treatment of her as a three-dimensional character, I would grant her the right to grow as an individual. In order to grow, you have to start from someplace lower than where you are (things that I hope you will trust me to flesh out and explain later on, because EVERYTHING I do will have a basis in canon.)In the case of McGonagall, there is a very rigid perception of her as having an oftentimes aloof, flinty and otherwise unshakable personality. HOWEVER, with her there are glimpses of vulnerability in the novels if you read carefully enough. I'm not going to go into details because this will be the narrative's job to explore, but I will leave you with this as an example: the end chapters of "Goblet fo Fire" gives some poignant insight into McGonagall's character. Around chapters 35 and 36 (I don't remember exactly) Dumbledore chastised McGonagall for leaving Barty Crouch Jr. unguarded. In fact, I had Moody use similar verbage that Dumbledore used in canon, "Minerva, I'm surprised at you..." I think her reaction in that brief exchange spoke volumes (at the very least her "unshakable" facade was visibly shaken.) This is not an isolated incident with her character. My personal take away from those incidents paint a picture--in my mind anyway--that there is a gentle soul hidden behind that flinty exterior. A defense mechanism, maybe? I don't know.Long story short: she's human.(Can you tell I was prepared for that? LOL!)BTW, Holly/Pomona is the girl that slapped Alastor while he was undercover for the black-market wand deal.Thanks for reading, fellow Moody lover!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Aye - you WERE expecting that kind of question - and thank you so much for such a well thought out answer - and I will trust you to flesh all this out - and of course, tis true - McGonagall wasn't born a Titan - we all go through changes in life - you are so very right.I swear I'm going to go back when you are finished and read this anew - I seem to get so lost - not entirely sure if its due to the sheer number of characters, the time between chapters or just that I'm getting senile - hehe - but I do seem to forget pieces here and there and it must aggrivate you to no end, how often I'm asking who is who - but anyway.Thanks so much for this update - just in time for Thanksgiving! Hope yours was awesome! And tis true, McGonagall is one of my favorites, but so is Mr. Moody! Thanks for doing a piece focusing on him!
I think I've decided that the reason I get so confused, forgetting who is who, must be because this story only updates once every few weeks or so - and I can't seem to wait to read this through completely, at last, when you finish it, because I'm so anxious to see what comes next - ARG!That said - I enjoyed seeing Poppy Pomfrey and was intrieged and a bit confused seeing McGonagall.... what was that all about? Or did you intend to leave the audience wondering about what she was doing and who she was talking to, not to mention how cool she was toward Moody.
Response from White Eyebrow (Author of Prisoner of Hope)
Correct 
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Arg! Tease!~