The year is 2015. Canon compliant through the epilogue and what JKR has released and on Pottermore so far (as best as I could do). Something strange has occurred and Harry is investigating as an Auror. Rated M for what is involved.
Chapter 1: In Life Truth
Few people were out and about as darkness draped Diagon Alley. A false report of a Dark Wizard near Knockturn Alley had turned out to be bunk. It rankled to be away at night from home. Ginny would be with Al and Lily by herself for a little while longer as business still called.
An empty common room was a surprise at the Leaky Cauldron. This was usually a prime drinking hour for patrons. Rumors flowed easily at the Cauldron. Hoping to find out who had started the word would not come tonight at the Cauldron. Turning back out to Diagon Alley, Harry knocked upon the apartment door George had hidden on the side of the store.
Angelina opened the door with a smile. "Hullo, Harry." "Hullo, Angelina. I was around so I figured I'd stop in." "Of course, mate! Come on in." The house had knick knacks from the store spread throughout as he followed her to the living room.
George popped his head out of a side room. "Harry, friend! Did my sister not like an antic and force you to bum my couch?" "No, George. I'm more surprised Angelina hasn't sent you to my couch." "Ah, she loves me too much. And my poor ear can't handle it." "Enough about your ear, George." "I couldn't hear that. Please say it in my good ear?"
Angelina laughed along with Harry. It was nice to relax after stalking about Knockturn Alley for a while. Some new Aurors had needed training and the rumor had been a good chance. That it devolved into nothing was good too. Few needs for Aurors had come since the fall of Voldemort.
"What can I do you for, mate?" "Word came through the office yesterday of a suspicious wizard seen around Knockturn." George shook his head, "I keep my ear out for rubbish like that. I haven't heard. Did you ask Ronikins?" "No, I haven't." "Ron has been chasing rumors like he's still an Auror. Hermoine is going to kill him if I don't for him leaving the store."
"She knows the laws well enough to get away with it." "And how to hide the body." "That is Hermoine." Harry looked as George's youngest walked in. Mischief filled Roxanne's face much like her father's. "Uncle Harry!" "Roxanne!" She hugged him tightly. "What are you doing here?" "I came to see your dad." "Oh." "But I always like seeing my niece." She smiled before running off.
"Ron's been acting like a git, huh?" "Yeah. A right out of his mind bloke. Hermoine has been stressing with work and Ron is fit for St. Mungo's with his antics." "What has he been doing?"
George shrugged, "Monday saw him chase after a bunch of kids. He screamed at them for not being in school. They graduated a few years ago. He's losing it, mate." "I'll swing by with Ginny and check on him this weekend." "Sounds good. You hungry?" "I should head back to Grimmauld Place. Ginny is expecting me." "Sounds good, Harry. See you soon." "Yeah, see you soon. Say goodbye to Angelina and Roxanne for me." "I will."
The children were busy eating supper as she reviewed notes from work. Ron had begged her to leave work at work. But lately cases were too interesting and intriguing for her to not take some home and try to get further. Ron had been distracted himself lately, she noted. "Ronald Bilius! Get in here for supper!" Several minutes passed before Ron walked in.
"Everything alright, love?" "Yes." He took his seat as Rose and Hugo argued over something. His table manners were much improved from their time at Hogwarts. Food didn't fly everywhere. Hugo tried at times to match his father's old etiquette but Hermoine had done a lot to ensure that didn't happen.
Eating absentmindedly as she reviewed a proposed change to a subsection of the Misuse of Magic code when something else struck her. Ron had yet to complain about her having parchments spread on her end of the table. Looking up saw him staring straight ahead as he ate. The kids were asking questions of him since they knew mommy was busy with work. He didn't answer.
George had owled her about some strange behavior. This was completely abnormal. For years she had known her husband. Never had he acted like this. Even when he had been a complete blockhead or toerag. Concern replaced all thoughts of work. "Rose, take Hugo and go play." "Yes, mum." They bounded off quickly.
"Ron?" "Yes." His tone was the same as earlier. Still he looked straight ahead. "Accio Ron's wand." Ron's wand came flying from another room. "Prior incantato."
Harry still didn't like apparating but it was the quickest way to travel. Ginny had gone to Ron and Hermoine's house to grab Rose and Hugo as he came to St. Mungo's to be with Hermoine. Arthur and Molly made a pop behind him as they apparated. Harry grabbed Molly tight as she sobbed.
"Any word yet, Harry?" "No. Ginny is taking the kids back to our place. Hermoine took Ron here immediately. I sent Andrew to their house to search for anything, once Ginny is gone with the kids." "What do you think?"
"I heard a rumor of a dark wizard in Knockturn Alley. We scoured the entire alley today in search of a trail. There was nothing we could find. Until tonight."
Molly reached a new high in her cries. Arthur took over duties from Harry. They made their way to Hermoine. She was red eyed yet strong as iron. Few times had Harry ever seen her not be strong. The entire quest for Horcruxes had been her providing strength to him when he wavered in their search.
She filled Harry in on everything. The dead ahead stare, the lack of solid communications lately, his wand not being on him in the house, and her seeing what spells had been cast. She shuddered as she told him the last part. Harry hugged her as she finished the tale.
"Harry, I don't feel safe at home with him until this is over." "I won't let them release him until we figure out everything." "I know. But our kids. Our life…" "It will be fine. The Healers will fix Ron and I will catch whoever is behind this." "I wish I could help you." "As do I. But we're not in Hogwarts anymore." She smiled weakly.
The news from Hermoine was too crucial for him to stay for long. Molly and Arthur understood why he had to leave. They wanted their son to be better. Harry Potter was off to help another Weasley yet again. It was familiar territory.
Duchess Tavitani waited for the redheaded woman to take the sniveling children away. They had sobbed and moaned about their father being different. The wife was as smart as told. Clever witch. The redheaded husband had always been the weakest link of the trio.
Warding the house to tell her if anyone arrived, Tavitani began her search. Hermoine was the true target of this all, for now. Soon the Chosen One would realize what being chosen meant. The Dark Lord had inspired many, like herself, to prove they were better at the Dark Arts than he had been. Voldemort had caused quite a ruckus and scare. Muggles had even been fearful during his time. Tavitani could care less for now about the magic less.
Witches and wizards would despair at her name. Like Voldemort, she had rearranged words to create a name worthy of a strong practitioner of the Dark Arts. She knew love though, and didn't fear death like Voldemort had. That had been his weakness. Immortality was better in the history books. Voldemort would always be remembered for failing to kill a child because of love. She wouldn't make such a mistake. Love could conquer all. And it might. Love for her. Once she enthralled others with her power, they would love her.
The wards sounded in her ear. Someone had apparated outside of the house. Disillusioning herself, she cast a spell to remove the effects of her magic from the area around her. Voldemort would have loved that one. She had discovered it in the Yucatan. The Mayans had been quite adept at spells that most of the European schools avoided learning. Durmstrang even avoided a lot of the Mayan spells.
A short, handsome man walked past her. He was searching without knowing what he wanted to find. He hoped to find something. Tavitani felt mirth at that. She had been clueless like him once. She always knew what she sought, if her mind didn't always know. Part of her always did.
"Afeto hera." The man turned to look at her as she threw off the disillusionment spell. He blushed as he looked at her. Much like the redheaded man had. "Contrecto laetus." He smiled deeply. One last one before she instructed him. The Imperius Curse was useful but too detectable. Voldemort had ruined lots as well for Dark Patrons.
"Volo meus." She gave this man her instructions. Carefully she adjusted the force of the spell so she didn't completely override his natural personality. He would think of her as his secret love. No one would believe such a beautiful woman was his soul mate. He would know she was his. He loved her too deeply. Felt too much for her.
Harry was frustrated. Andrew's search of the house had turned up nothing. He had gone there himself to see if he could anything. The next day had turned into a search to find who and what Ron had cursed while he had been cursed.
The Healers hadn't been able to determine what had been done to Ron exactly. It was an ancient spell that was similar to the Imperius Curse, yet they couldn't find out what spell was it. Hermoine was diving into the search as deeply as anything she had ever done. Ron was still in St. Mungo's and it had been three months now. Christmas approached and he wouldn't be home unless a breakthrough happened soon.
An owl landed at his desk with a letter for him. Harry didn't recognize the owl. It wasn't a Ministry owl. The letter was sealed with the seal of the Magical Congress of the U.S. Harry had reached out to their version of the Auror branch for an updated list of suspected or known Dark Wizards and Witches. He was held in high regard by their office. He had gone on a few trips to assist with training and lectures.
Mr. Potter,
Thank you for contacting us and sending us an updated list. The report on your friend and former Auror was disturbing to hear of. Mr. Weasley is a proven wizard and that he was jinxed and cursed to act so is a threat to the greater Magical Community.
We thoroughly researched our indexes and lists and reports. The results are included as well. In addition, we consulted with our fellow agencies on this side of the Oceans. We heard a very disturbing report from the Mexican Dark Defense Office.
Approximately four months there was a break in to a Mayan pyramid that is an Unchartable location. It was the location of a fearsome Dark Wizard thousands of years ago who terrorized the Yucatan area. He is actually buried in the bottom of the pyramid.
An area that had never been discovered before, at least known, was found open after the break in. Several tomes are thought to have been taken. They were full of dark magic if the writings on the walls can be trusted fully. The writings there have been… vicious in the past according to our friends.
The break in fit the profile of a certain Witch that used to be a member of the Salem Witches Institute. Sarah Gilmore was a top student at our school, graduating in 1993. She was a member of the SWI until roughly 2000 when she was sent off for theft and practicing Dark Arts. She fled the country before we could arrange for her safe arrest and trial.
Last we heard she had been seen in Russia, two months ago. We hope this is helpful to you. Please let us know if you come across Ms. Gilmore, even if she is not your mysterious Dark Patron. If you can safely arrest her we will collect her. If she commits crimes there, then do as you need. We just again ask for notice of her arrest.
Respectfully,
Jason Reed
Harry felt a bit relieved. They knew finally a name to look for a possible location. And a hint at what could be afflicting Ron. Hermoine would be overjoyed and would probably work a counter curse if given time. The Healers would be offended yet happy she found a new way to help people.
The Healers had worked swiftly and found a counter curse that worked. Hermoine had been trying to figure it out but it was arcane knowledge she didn't have. She had been paying strong attention to everything that came through the Department. Harry had been grateful for her help. He tracked down potential leads and even traveled to Russia for four days. Nothing had occurred on that trip.
Ron was to come home the day before Christmas. He seemed much his old self the few times she had been in to see him since the successful counter curse. The Healers said a few more days of observation was all that would be needed to ensure he was fine.
Old wounds and scars had reappeared because of this incident. She loved Ron. Ron had been there through a lot as they grew up under the specter and fear of Voldemort. The Horcrux had been what forced Ron to act like a git and run off for a bit. And he had returned in their greatest hour of need to that point. They had barely been separated since then.
The World Cup the year before had been a fun excursion with all the children and family present. Yet something seemed distant between her and Ron the last few years. It might be the kids and work, Hermoine hoped. Their romantic life wasn't as strong as it had been. Part of her thought that the whole reason she and Ron wound up together was the rush of relief and passion once Voldemort was defeated. She had crushed on Ron and Harry alternatively during their Hogwart years. And a few times, during the quest for the Horcruxes, she had felt strongly for Harry as they discovered more and more of his past and fate.
Now, she felt love towards Ron as always. But it didn't seem to be the burning, deep love that she had seen in Tonks and Lupin. Even with as reluctant as Lupin was at times. Harry loved Ginny deeply as could be from everything she had seen. Flowers he bought and didn't just conjure were always being presented to her. Nights where he would act like they were in Sixth Year and there was little to worry about at that moment.
Ginny cuddled against him. Sweat dried on both of them. Harry felt relaxed now. Ginny had seemed affectionate after dinner. He had been right in what she had been after.
Harry looked his naked wife up and down. She was, and had always been, beautiful. He kicked himself for chasing after Cho for so long at Hogwarts. Ginny had craved his attention and he had been a blunderhead the entire time. It was fate though they wound up together. Hadn't he witnessed enough of how badly his father had acted and been with his mother before she finally gave him a chance? While he had never been as bad as his father, he wasn't sure why Lily had James a chance. She had seen the good though in his heart.
Lips tickled his ear. "Are you ready for another go round? I like being picked by the Chosen One." He squirmed. "Give me a couple minutes. You are magic but there's no spell that can work right now." "I think I know of a charm to use."
"Yeah?" "Yeah." Her confidence was always an attractive quality. When she had played for the Harpies, he had been glad to being the boyfriend of someone famous. He was the arm candy instead of the other way. It had been pleasant. Now they were faded from the spot light and enjoying it. Her writing on Quidditch was about all that kept the Potter name in the Daily Prophet these days.
Her charm was a reliable one. She was between his legs placing tender kisses on his thighs and around him. Her breath worked to stimulate him quicker than he had ever thought. The warmth of her mouth took him. "Oh Ginny. Oooh." A satisfied sound came from her as always.
Once they had gotten intimate, Harry had slipped up and called her the red vacuum. Ron had figured the name out quickly. A brief tussle between them had Hermoine separating and telling Ron if he wanted similar treatment, he had better recognize his sister as a woman. Ron had never said more about intimacy near Harry.
Soon enough he was ready for a second round. Ginny was still ready from the first, his fingers found. She bucked on his fingers for a few moments before he moved over her. Harry's favorite place to be, besides with his children, was the way he was now. Him and Ginny connected as one. Muggle's talked of sex being magical. If they only knew what magic could actually do for their sex life.
The bond between the two of them seemed to strengthen each time they were together intimately like this. He loved his wife and she loved him. He had been scared at first when they had bared their bodies to the other. She knew so much of him emotionally and mentally. Then she had seen him, scars and all beyond the lightning bolt on his forehead.
Ginny was on all fours as he held her hips now. Her head reared up as she vocalized primal feelings. Harry responded in kind. Then the door burst open as James poured in with the younger two. Ginny immediately cast a wandless charm to cover them with the sheets. James appeared distraught at the scene he had intruded on. Albus and Lily seemed more concerned.
Ginny put her pajamas on before going and dealing with the kids. James waited for Harry to dress to talk to his father. That was why they had barged in. Apparently he had news that couldn't wait for morning to get to Harry's ears.
"James, this really has to be important." "I know, Dad!" It always brought a bit of sadness to Harry when one of the kids called him dad. Especially James. He wish he had been able to call James Potter his father 'Dad'. Happiness came though that he was able to hear his own children call by that word.
"So what is it?" Serious eyes looked up at him, "I heard about what happened to Uncle Ron. I heard from some Slytherin students about weird letters from their parents. And a new store opened in Hogsmeade. People said those who went in acted strange coming out." Harry was concerned. Slytherin had proved itself a good house. It wasn't full of just dark wizards and witches. But the traits best suited for the House were best suited for the Dark Arts it seemed.
"You came home several days ago, though, James." "I know. Then tonight I was exploring." That meant do what Uncle George and Uncle Fred had been infamous for. Even what his father and his friends were still known for at Hogwarts. Sneaking around. Being where they shouldn't.
"Yes?" "I found a letter you had in your office." He was looking for approval from his father. "It's fine. So?" "Ok… Uhm… the letter mentioned a Sarah Gilmore. I know what happened to her." Harry leaned in, "How?"
"Professor Roughshod had us look up modern Dark Wizards and Witches around Halloween. The Salem Witches were brought up and how there were six Witches who were arrested for Dark Arts after Voldemort was defeated. A seventh escaped. Sarah Gilmore. They even had her picture." Harry was reeling. Reed hadn't mentioned ant of this! He kicked himself for not looking more into the whole situation. The crimes he had. Jinxing Muggle objects. Cursing a few Muggles who had wandered into a meeting. Other offenses of a similar nature.
It made sense now that she had been in a group. They probably had a name Voldemort would have enjoyed. Many groups since Voldemort's fall had used names like the Death Eaters. "What about this store in Hogsmeade? What's the name?" "Well… Sarah Gilmore died. She was cornered in Germany in 2003 and died in a duel with the German Aurors."
"Ok. Thank you. But the store in Hogsmeade?" "It's called In Vita Veritas." "Thank you."
Christmas had been a blast as the different branches of the Weasley family descended on the Burrow. Molly was overjoyed to have the grandchildren running around and feeding them all. She ensured she fattened Ron up after his time at St. Mungo's. That was the best gift the family had was the youngest Weasley son back. He was himself yet again.
Hermoine seemed distant to Harry as she dealt with her husband. She was the same as far as he could tell with everyone else. Ginny even commented on how apart Hermoine seemed with her brother. Harry was determined to figure it out later.
Now, a few days before the students were due back to Hogwarts, Harry found himself with Andrew and a few other Aurors outside the store. It was on the edge of the village. Harry had distributed the picture of Sarah Gilmore to the office. The American office had told him that the Germans had only been half sure it was Sarah they encountered. That's why they hadn't said she had been.
Sarah Gilmore had apparently stolen items that had been used to tell the truth. The name of the store seem rang too close to the evidence. Maybe she had thought herself hidden well enough. Her spells on the Muggles had been ones that altered minds. Very similar to what happened with Ron and the supposed differences in Slytherin parents. It was too coincidental for Harry.
Harry nodded at his team. Andrew was to tail him in and cover his rear. "Alohamaro." The door flew open from the strength of his spell. Harry rushed in, eyes scanning the open room. A man stood at the counter with his arms up. He was scared.
The rest of the team swarmed in reporting that the house was clear. It was just the old man. Harry detailed them to explore the store as he took the man into a corner. "Hullo." "Hullo." His eyes shifted everywhere as Harry sat him down. His hair was bone white. He had an English accent. "I hear that you specialize in magical truth telling." "I do, good master. The students like the products. And the joke stores won't sell. Hogsmeade seemed a good choice."
"Why are students reporting feeling weird after coming into the store and not remembering everything that happened?" "I am unsure, good master." Ollivander had been the strangest Wizard Harry had ever encountered. This gentleman was taking the claim without talking weirdly.
Harry normally asked permission to cast spells on or around people he wasn't hostilely questioning. He didn't this time. None of the spells revealed anything. The gentleman just looked disturbed by it all.
An explosion rocked the building. Harry's last thought was of the man running out the back door as Andrew stood opposite of him. His right arm was gone and he was laughing uncontrollably.
Fool Potter had tried discerning her true ability. He had lucked into her location earlier than she anticipated. An apparition cast had convinced that fool Auror that he saw an opponent for her love and affection. He had blown the basement up. Precious evidence was destroyed. Her plot was delayed and temporarily defeated. But she was not.
Tavitani embraced the plan she had enacted for a failure. The tunnel under the sweets shop was still there. It was amazing how much information she had gotten out of the oafish redhead. The Seventh floor was where she found herself. Three trips allowed her to find a door appear on the wall. She was set for her long term plan.