Meeting Of Swords and Wands

Prologue

A sigh escaped from the old man's mouth as he set down The Daily Prophet. Despite reading multiple columns and talking to every contact that he had in the Ministry, Dumbledore was at his wit's end. He had more questions than answers. What didn't help any matters was Rita Skeeter's scathing article on the events of the previous night. 

"Dam that woman" he grumbled to himself. But, as irritating as that scornful bat was, he had to relent that she did have a point, which only irritated the old headmaster even more. Last night was a major blunder for the Ministry of Magic. The latest of a series of blunders. The Ministry had *MULTIPLE* times over *13* years to prevent what had just happened. If they had only *JUST* given Black Veritasium or, had just listened to him last year, the Ministry might have just avoided this whole kerfuffle to begin with! 

But, instead, he had to deal with the insufferable consequences of a wounded and scorned Cornelius Fudge. For being a man of law and order, a Death Eater attack and the reappearance of the Dark Mark after 13 years at the bloody Quittich World Cup of all places is a near fatal wound. Dumbledore did his best to avoid Fudge because he knew that the Minister would irritate him more than he already is. 

It wasn't like the events of the Quittich World Cup came as a surprise to Dumbledore. He knew that after Pettigrew's rather lucky escape that it was only a matter of time before "the rat found the snake" as Severus once elegantly put it. And both men knew that these events were just the opening shots of war.

It was only a question of when Voldemort came back. And when he did, the old headmaster feared the worst. The Ministry and the whole Wizardry Community of the UK was far from prepared for war and Dumbledore's old alliances overseas were shakey at best. If Tom Riddle wanted to, he could launch a surprise attack from the shadows and take all of Britian in the matter of days. From there, his influence will cause problems overseas. Having grown up in Post WW2 Europe, Dumbledore knew of the dangers of ideologies like Tom's. But, Voldemort has not made any signs of returning. There was still time. But, to stop the seemingly inevitable, Dumbledore needed help, and fast. And he knew exactly where to get it from. 

Sending out a Patronus, Dumbledore then got up from behind his desk and strode over to his library. He needed magic. But, not just any magic. No, to change the seemingly inevitable, he needed a special type of magic. A small smile played on Dumbledore's face as he remembered what his old Transfiguration Professor once taught him about the purpose of magic. He had just reached for an old scroll when a voice came from his left.

"You called Headmaster?" The nasally, drawling voice of the potions master asked.

"Severus", Dumbledore smiled, "I am in need of your help."

"Would this concern the Dark Lord?" Severus asked.

"In a way", Dumbledore replied as he pulled out the old scroll, "We both know that what happened last night is only the beginning."

"I thought that is what Alestor was for", Severus said, "was to keep the inevitable at bay. Or, do you doubt his skills?" Snape finished with a slight mocking tone towards the retired auror. 

"Not at all Severus." Dumbledore replied, "But if Tom's followers showed us anything, it is that they can and will get anywhere and we both know the Ministry is severely compromised."

"Indeed." Severus said. "Is that why you summoned me, to 'make a fool of fate'?" Dumbledore smiled.

"Of course. Tell me Severus, what do you know of the first Wizards?" Snape paused, trying to recollect his lessons from his History of Magic classes. Ones that were taught by that same infernal ghost that is currently torturing the current slate of students.

"We are decendents of ancient Greeks blessed by the Goddess Hecate for performing services for her." Snape remembered.

"Well done." Dumbledore said as he opened the old scroll, "The Greek Gods are still kicking around, so they may be able to help us in this matter of stopping Tom and preventing war." 

"And why would they do that?" Snape sneered, "They didn't help last time. And I doubt that Ares would want to avoid the fun of a Wizarding War" 

"No, but now, we have a bargaining chip. One that I'm sure that a certain God will love to have. Now, I need your help for preparations."

A few hours later, Dumbledore and Snape had an empty dungeon room prepared for the summoning ceremony. A Brazier was set with food and a potion as an offering. 

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Severus asked, little twinges of fear etched in his face, "Of all the gods, he is the one I wish to deal with the least. He is known to be tricky and deceitful, just like his father."

"Not to worry Severus", Dumbledore replied as he made the final preparations, "What we have is something that I'm sure that he will want with no strings attached. He doesn't like it when mortals try to cheat him." With that, Dumbledore turned to the bronze brazier and began the ceremony. "By this offering of drink and food, I call on the Lord of the Dead for a meeting." Dumbledore then poured some of the potion and the entire plate of food into the brazier. A sweet smell wafted into the room for just a second before it happened. 

The shadows began to darken to the point that the brazier was barely emitting light. From the shadows, a robed figure wearing a black helm stepped out. Dumbledore and Snape tried their best to not turn and flee from the figure as they kneeled to the man. The figure outstretched his pale hand as Dumbledore offered the rest of the potion. Taking off the helm, Hades drank from the chalice.

"Ah", Hades said with satisfaction, "I have not tasted such a wonderful drink in so long. So, what business do you ask of me, Albus Dumbledore? An extension of your life maybe?" 

"As tempting as the offer is, I ask for a different favour." Albus politely said.

"Oh? And what favour do you believe that the God of the Underworld may give?" Hades asked with amusement 

"War is upon our people and we need champions to aid us. Specifically, we need your champions." Dumbledore replied.

"You wish for the help of the Demigods?" Hades clarified.

"Yes." 

"Well, that is a huge favour. Risking my cousins and brothers' kids to achieve a favour for you is a refreshing request." Hades pondered, half disinterested. The eldest of the Big Three had played this game before and was rarely surprised. Severus was liking the situation less and less. "Even if I were to grant such a favour, it would require quite the payment. Do you have something to offer?"

"I do, my Lord. If the Quest is successful, you shall have two souls: one who betrayed his friends and one who has escaped your justice for 13 years". With that, Hades' attention was fully on the old wizard. Apparently, today was going to be one of those days. A friendly smile played on the god's lips.

"Well, with that kind of offer, how may I be of service?"