The Rise of the God-Emperor

CH 45: Building the Team and The Mountain Lab Infiltration

The sun rose over Hogwarts, casting a golden glow on the grounds as the castle buzzed with quiet determination. Inside the War Room, Harry sat at the head of the table, maps and notes spread before him. This mission was bigger than any of the others. They had to infiltrate the mountain lab, and this time, it wasn't just about saving a few people or destroying a lab—it was about shutting down the Muggles' Project Chimera once and for all. For that, they needed a larger team.

"We need more than just five of us this time," Harry said, looking across the room at Draco, Luna, Neville, Seamus, and Susan. "Twenty people. No less."

Draco leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his usual smirk absent. "Twenty sounds about right. If they've got as much security as we think, five won't cut it."

Seamus, his expression tight with anticipation, added, "If my parents are in there... I'll tear the place apart brick by brick to get them out."

Harry gave him a nod of understanding. "We'll find them, Seamus. And we'll get everyone out."

Luna, who had been quietly flipping through the notes from the forest lab, spoke softly. "We need people who can move quickly, silently. This lab will be bigger, more dangerous. The stakes are higher."

Neville, always steady and reliable, glanced at Harry. "Who do you have in mind?"

Harry stood, pacing as he rattled off names. "We need combat experience and quick thinkers. Dean, Terry Boot, Ginny, Hannah Abbott, Padma, Parvati, Lee Jordan... They've all proven themselves. Astoria Greengrass, Zabini, and some of the others from Slytherin have been organizing things at Ben Nevis—if they're willing, we should bring them too."

"Good choices," Draco agreed. "Astoria and Zabini know how to handle themselves. We'll need all the help we can get if we're dealing with what we think we are."

"Everyone packs for combat," Harry continued. "Stealth first, but if it comes to a fight, we need to be ready."

Packing and Preparation

The day was spent preparing. Each person packed their magically enhanced bags, filled with the essentials—healing potions, enchanted ropes, food supplies, defensive items, and, of course, their wands. The mission would require both finesse and power, and every team member knew what was at stake.

Harry was finishing packing his own supplies when Ginny entered his dorm room, her face set with determination. "So, this is the big one, huh?"

"Yeah," Harry replied, his voice low but sure. "This is the one that could end it all."

Ginny placed a hand on his arm, her gaze steady. "We've got your back. All of us."

Harry smiled, grateful for her presence. "I know."

The Infiltration Begins

That evening, under the cover of darkness, the team of twenty gathered at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, their figures barely visible in the moonlight. Harry stood at the front, his eyes scanning the faces of his friends and allies. Every one of them was ready.

"This is it," Harry said quietly. "We go in, we get the people out, we take everything they have, and we burn the place down. No mistakes. Everyone knows their role?"

Nods all around.

With one final glance at the group, Harry raised his wand. "Alright. Let's go."

In a series of quiet pops, the team Disapparated, arriving on the outskirts of the Cairngorm Mountains. The cold mountain air bit at their skin, and the towering peaks loomed above them, casting long shadows over the rocky terrain. Somewhere up there, hidden within the craggy cliffs, was the Muggle lab.