Conflict and resolution

James felt the instant the protection of the shielding spells go down. He froze and an instant later he closed his eyes and focused. Mara moved to touch him but Dago held her back shaking his head.

Angus and Ava appeared next to James but froze at the sight of him being completely still and then he opened his eyes and blinked. He looked at James.

James smiled reached over hugging his dad tightly. "Hey dad. It's great to have you guys back." He said smiling.

Angus hugging James and sighing. "Hey son. Sorry I couldn't get your core back. It's going to take me a little time but I got some stuff to discuss with you." He said and then pulled away and looked at James and stared. "You know?"

James nodded. "I saw you fly. It was pretty impressive. Have you seen Hawks Landing?"

Angus shook his head and stared at him. "You alright."

James frowned and then smiled. "Yeah. Yeah. I'm alright. Why wouldn't I be?"

Angus relaxed. "Great. I don't have to worry now."

"James." Ava called his name.

James turned toward his son. Ava stared at him. "James. What did you lie to me about?"

"Mother. I didn't lie. Jefferson stole my example of my core. We'll get it back eventually but for now whoever has it they'll-" James said.

"-James. Please. I know I'm annoying you but I have to know. How important is that core example as you put it is to you."

James pursed his lips. "Well honestly sense it's not important. I'm not strong of wizard and I don't have as much power. It's maybe five percent important to me. But do I need it back immediately? No. Not really."

Ava stared at him. "Your enemies have your core and your not overall concerned about getting it back now."

"I never was. You were concerned. You said I needed to be concerned because by your estimation I was in serious trouble." James said.

Ava again stared at him. "So you used me."

"Yes." James said. "I have a lot of work to do and you insist on distracting me from my work and purpose. I've told you repeatedly you will not win against me."

Angus shook his head and went over to stare at the magical core of the library. "So is this the power core you made using the memories and knowledge you stole from that Wesley Jackass?"

James turned toward Angus. "Stole?! Dad that's not fair. Mr. Wesley did great work here."

Angus nodded. "Not fair but I think it's what ninety-nine percent the truth. Right?!"

James chuckled. "It's ninety-eight percent of the truth." He said.

"Your Mother tells me every book in here is complete and you have a full library from Jefferson's mind. Is that that completely the truth?"

"Not completely but pretty close to the complete truth." James said with a smile. "But it certainly made for a good story for the back sighters and wizards trying to see into my mind. You really should check out Hawks. He's made his nesting near by." James said smiling at him.

Angus nodded and tapped a finger at the column of energy. The core respond to his touch glowing gold for second and then lightning began to flow through it now.

Dago came to stand beside him writing down in his notebook quickly. "Great job Mr. Potter. Wickedly brilliant." He said.

Angus shook his head. "I didn't do anything Dago." He said and turned toward his James who was grinning at him. "James. Can I ask you a favor?"

"You can ask me anything you dad. I'll do it." James said.

Angus rubbed his head. "Ah. Yeah. Please don't use your mother or lie to her again."

James pursed his lips. "That's going to be hard. She's not going to stop getting in my way." He said.

Angus rubbed the side of his temple. "Okay. For the sake of our relationship I'm asking you to not lie to her or use her ever again. No matter what she says to you or how angry you get. You can't do it. I mean it. You can't disrespect my woman like that. I can't have that and sense I'm the founder here. I'm asking you to do it as a sign of respect toward me or I'll have to ask you to leave here forever. I'm the boss here so I have to ask you to respect my authority here."

Everyone froze and stared between them. James chewed on the inside of his cheek. He glanced at Dago. Dago gave him a nod. James smiled. "What the hell. I give you my word that I will not lie or deceive your woman or use her or do anything underhanded. The same goes for you too? I will completely blunt and honest."

Angus scratched his chin. "Thank you son. Now I know I have put you in a horrible situation and probably screwed up your entire plans plenty but I can handle fixing any screw ups on my end and keep this place moving. You trust me right?"

"Completely." James said in a serious tone. "Dad my opinion of you and mother has not changed. I trust you both completely. Nothing has changed and nothing your saying is at all surprising to me."

Angus snorted and nodded his head. "Yeah. I expect it's rather boring and disappointing to you. So what are we doing today?"

"The team has completed stage one of Hawks Landing project. We have a library, a dueling room and a sleeping apartment unit. The forest and wild life area is complete for the sky realm with that done. We have entered stage two. We are in the hot zone period."

Angus nodded. "Okay. Good. Thanks."

"What is stage two?" Ava asked.

James turned to her. Ava stared at him with a worried expression.

"You don't have to-"

"Stage two. Security is top priority and the attacks on this place will increase by the day. We will have to recruit warriors willing to defend this place until it is completed. Our enemies will know every step we take and come for our throats." James said in serious tone.

Ava paled. "Okay your father and I will work hard to protect you and get warriors into your Hawks Landing. We'll get you instruction in dueling and protection when you make your constructs."

James shook his head. "Stage one is complete. I will not assist in anymore constructs because I won't have the focus or mental energy to protect my mind against invasion as our secrets are leaked out of this place to our enemies. It will be all out combat from now on. If we survive stage two we will go on to the final stage and then-"

"Wait! Stop. That's enough. I got it. I got it." Ava said holding up her shaky hands.

"Mother! Please listen to my plan so you can understand what's coming and why I will do acts that may upset you but-"

Ava held up her hand. "I said enough. Talk to your father. I'm going to go look at your new creations here." Ava said before disappearing.

James turned to Angus who had his shoulders folded across his chest. "Do you have questions you wish to know about the following stages. Please ask them now."

Angus shook his head. "No. You've said your peace. I've screwed up your plans enough but I give you my word I'll hold this place and get it completed."

James nodded. "It's not a problem. I understand-"

"James." Angus interjected calmly. He stared at James. "I screwed up your plans and I couldn't keep your mother from putting you in a position that goes against your plans and instincts to protect your dreams and run your life. I stepped over the line. I own it. Now I have to protect your dreams or make myself a failure in your eyes and the damned world. Please go spend some time with your mother I know the shit is about to hit the fan soon."

James blinked and appeared beside Ava as she stood near the forest island smiling with a light in her eyes. "It's beautiful isn't it?" He said grinning.

"I thought I was going to be ready for when you grew up." Ava spoke softly. 

James said nothing.

Ava shook her head. "I spent two years in Azkaban and then afterward the years just flew by fast when you were in school to right now. I had hoped you wouldn't have to suffer like your father did. I hoped that things were going to change."

"Mother things aren't going to change until I've settled this issue with the dark lord behind all this personally. I intend to-" James began but Ava touched his chest lightly.

"Stop!" Ava said. She took a breath in and out. "I understand what your saying. Your not a child anymore. You don't have to tell me what the hell your doing with your life. I need you to forgive your father. He was only trying to restore our relationship."

James shook his head. "There is nothing wrong with our relationship. You are the way you are. I am what I am. I don't blame you for being yourself. I'm your son."

Ava shook her head. "No. It is unacceptable. What Angus did went against his own philosophy and what he taught you. Now I've put him in a situation where he has to almost die to protect this place you love or lose his honor. Please forgive him."

"I already did." James said quietly.

Ava nodded. "I'm sorry I've been fighting you. I truly do believe you are a capable man now and you don't need to answer to me. We may have different personalities then you but your father and I are completely loyal to you."

"I agree mother. One moment." James turned with his staff in his hand facing a dark lord. "Good afternoon to you. What the hell are you doing on my land?" He said.

Ava turned and slowly with her wand in he hand. "James."

James smiled. "Mother could you please go inform dad that we have a visitor." He said.

Ava stared at him and disappeared.

The dark Lord stood with his cloak hiding his face. He stared at him. "My Lord extends his greetings to you on the completion of the first stage of your project. It is time for you to come and bow before him."

James stared at him. "Is that all?"

"Step forward." The dark lord said motion with his hand. "I will take you to your new Lord and-"

"You keep motioning with your hand like that is supposed to mean something to me. You have no power over me husk. Your in my backyard. Say what you have to or get the hell on. I don't give a damn either case but you better be quick about it all the same." James said calmly.