Two Hours, Thirty Seconds
Chapter 32 of 35
White EyebrowAlastor Moody's defining battle will not be fought without, but within.
Chapter 32
Two Hours, Thirty Seconds.
The door to the modest flat flew open. The Patronus of a hyena crossed the entrance. She sniffed the air and started to explore the quiet room; her aura illumined the darkness. A voice made her ear twitch.
"If thermodynamic work is to be done at a finite rate, free energy must be expended."
She ventured deeper into the flat until she came upon the source: two humans—one male, one female— seated at a small kitchen table. The female was dead.
The male spoke again. "The entropy of the universe tends to a maximum."
The Patronus hopped onto the table and sniffed the male human thoroughly. Satisfied, she summoned her mistress with a 'yip'.
BAM!
Shacklebolt and Moody Apparated back to back, and the glowing tips of their wands panned about. When the area was deemed secure, they regarded the couple seated at the table, whose gazes remained fixated upon a gem mounted on a rather large ring—a ring too large to be worn by any human.
With empty eyes the male looked up from the jewel's dull glow. "The phenomena of Apparition in species Homo Sapiens Magi is achieved by 'Quantum Tunnelling', whereby, within a theoretical probability, a particle may bypass a barrier without travelling through it."
Moody waved his hand in front of the man's face. "Stoker, are you in there?"
He garnered no reaction as Stoker continued to mumble. "A grand unified field theory – incorporating the harmonization between quanta, electro-magnetic force, strong and weak nuclear forces – can be encompassed by the concept of Superunification, which states—"
"He's speaking gibberish," Moody said.
"This is his girlfriend, I presume." Shacklebolt put two fingers against the corpse's wrist; there was no pulse. She moved to examine the glowing artefact on the table. "That's Ozymandias' ring!"
"Careful, Queenie." Moody extended his arm, blocking her. "This is probably what put Stoker and his woman in such a state."
"Why do you assume that?"
"Back at the giant's camp, Gurg Ozymandias used this ring to transmit information directly into my brain," Moody answered. "These giants clearly possess knowledge that we lack; I'm rather surprised no one noticed that the ring was missing from the body."
"I imagine it was easy to miss given the distraction that his chest was exploded from within." She stepped carefully around the table. "Let's do this one by the book."
It took Moody several minutes to preserve and protect the crime scene. He proceeded to lay down a complicated series of spells and incantations while Shacklebolt fumbled through the occupants' belongings. When Moody was finished, as per procedure, he put the tip of his wand to his temple whereupon he drew out the shiny silvery strand of his recollection into a small vial. He pocketed the vial and joined Shacklebolt, who was standing at the counter going through the mail. "Any first impressions, sir?"
"At face value it appears that Wolf Squadron must have been working in concert with Stoker. Stoker was a known heavy, so his job must have been to kill Ozymandias and then plant one of Fletcher's untraceable wands in order to implicate Wizardkind."
Nodding, Moody added, "But he sees the ring and gets greedy, and being unaware of the ring's power, he does himself in and ends up a vegetable."
"Misadventure: neat and tidy." Shacklebolt resumed sorting the many envelopes with keen interest.
Moody picked over some the discarded pieces. "Is this all Stoker's post?"
"No, his girlfriend's." She handed one of the open letters to Moody. "They're dividend warrants from the Ministry of Magic's finance division. I'm willing to bet that this is the payoff they've been working towards."
"Why are they made out to her, I wonder? Why wouldn't Stoker cash in on this directly?"
"Stoker has a criminal record. He's obviously using his girlfriend to funnel his ill-gotten gains."
Moody pursed his lips as he read the document. "These checks are drawn on the Rotfang Land Trust."
"It's interesting, isn't it?" Shacklebolt added. "Especially when you consider that our malefactors' primary motive seems to involve the acquisition of land."
"But, Queenie, these amounts are but a pittance... hardly worth all this trouble we've seen going in."
"They are indeed a pittance until the land to which they are attributed were to suddenly become valuable, that is."
Moody snorted in understanding. "And a land trust is good way to hide one's ownership in the land itself. It fits, but one thing still bothers me."
"We have motive, means and opportunity, as well as Ozymandias' ring, linking Stoker to the scene of the crime. What else do you need, Alastor?"
"It's just that my gut tells me everything in Stoker's M.O. points to him being a hustler, not an assassin with the stones to take out a powerful giant like Ozymandias."
She shrugged. "I said it was neat and tidy, not perfect. It's obvious that someone with means orchestrated all of this."
"Well, isn't our mandate to strive for the whole truth?"
"It is, usually," Shacklebolt replied. "But we have less than two hours to stop a war."
"It's almost morning; let me talk to Bones," Moody persisted. "He might have some insight into this. After all, a land trust is bound to leave a paper trail."
She regarded him. "All right, Alastor. I'll wait here for forensics while you see what you can glean from Bones. Wait for me at Hogwarts."
Moody returned her guarded look with a grin. "You're finally going to let me drive, then?"
"There's a broom in the boot. Take it."
"A broom can also be tracked."
"Like you said, it's almost morning; it doesn't matter anymore." With that Shacklebolt set her Patronus off in the direction of St Mungo's. "Alastor," she called out to her partner as he turned to leave, "be careful just the same."
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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!~