Note: In my story Voldemort is going to be close in age to Lucius, Severus, the Marauder's, etc.
Harry closed his eyes as he was sucked into the pensieve and didn't open them until he felt something solid beneath him. Opening his eyes, he found that he and Draco had landed in the familiar Great Hall in Hogwarts, and they were standing in front of the head table. Looking around, Harry saw a familiar mop of dark hair and realized that they had arrived just in time to witness the Sorting of Tom Riddle.
"That's Voldemort," Harry told the blond, not bothering to whisper as he knew they could not be heard by those in the memory, "He changed his name later on, but he was born Tom Marvolo Riddle." Draco hummed absently, his grey eyes sweeping the great hall before responding.
"Dumbledore doesn't seem to like him much," he pointed out, and Harry turned his gaze to the head table, where a much younger Dumbledore was watching the Sorting, a calculating gleam in the future headmaster's eyes as Tom Riddle took his place at the end of the Slytherin table.
The image around them swirled briefly, before settling on the great hall during the Sorting Ceremony once more; a slightly older Tom-perhaps in second year-was welcoming a new Slytherin to the table.
"Lucius Malfoy," the new student held out his hand, and Tom accepted it, replying, "Tom Riddle."
"Riddle?" Lucius wrinkled his nose, "Isn't that a Muggle name?"
"Unfortunately," Tom replied, scowling, "Professor Dumbledore told me I was a Muggleborn, but I went to the library and found out my mother was a witch, so I guess my father was a Muggle. They must both dead though, as I was raised in a Muggle orphanage."
"How horrible," Lucius said, his tone completely sincere and nothing like what one would expect from Lucius Malfoy, "I can't imagine what it must have been like for you, to be raised among Muggles; tell me, are they truly as barbaric as Father says?"
"They aren't very nice," Tom admitted, "I hate living with them; they think they're so much better than me. I thought everything would be better after I started at Hogwarts, but Headmaster Dippet says I still have to go back every summer; I don't see why I can't just stay here." He scowled for a moment before perking up, "I have plans though; I can't do much for myself, but when I graduate from Hogwarts I will go into the ministry and fix it so that other magical children don't have to grow up like I did."
"Good for you," Lucius said approvingly, "I'll help you; I don't see why magical children-even Muggleborns-are left with Muggles anyway. The best way to keep magic a secret from Muggles would be to cut all ties, don't you think?" The memory faded out on the conversation, and Draco looked over at Harry.
"The Dark Lord certainly didn't seem to be evil at that point," he commented, "He was already against Muggles, but he seemed to have good reason, and he wasn't bent on death and destruction." Harry nodded his agreement, before pointing out;
"Your dad didn't seem to be evil yet either," he ignored Draco's glare and added, "Of course, they were just kids too; I'm sure no one is born evil."
"My father is not evil," Draco protested, "Just because you don't agree with some of the things he has done-"
"What? You mean like giving a possessed diary to an eleven-year-old girl? Or beating a House Elf nearly to death? Or trying to attack a twelve-year-old boy because he was stupid enough to be tricked into freeing the House Elf?" Draco's scowl grew as Harry continued, "I know, how about trying to get Hagrid fired because his son couldn't be bothered to follow instructions? Or tormenting Muggles while wearing his Death Eater robes? OR, hell, how about becoming a Death Eater in the first place?"
"My father may not have always made the best decisions," Draco said stiffly, "However, everything he has done has been for the good of my mother and myself; forgive me if I do not think he is evil. As for becoming a Death Eater…well, did you, or did you not, seek out the Dark Lord because the 'Light' betrayed you?" Harry was silent, unable to argue with that statement, and Draco smirked at him, "As I thought. Now shush."
They stopped talking as a new memory appeared, once again of the Sorting Ceremony. Tom and Lucius sat across from one another, and they were joined by Severus Snape, who took a seat beside Lucius. Harry noticed the young Slytherin looking longingly at the Gryffindor table-at his mother, Lily Evans.
"Don't look so gloomy Severus," Lucius said, "That's the girl you told me about over the summer, isn't it?"
"Yes," Severus replied, still not looking away from the Gryffindor table, "That's Lily; I can't believe she's in Gryffindor! She's so nice, and smart, and pretty…" he trailed off blushing, then added; "and she's in the same house as that spoiled prat James Potter! Don't even get me started on Sirius Black!"
"If she's as smart as you say she won't stop being your friend just because she's in a different house," Lucius placated the younger boy, "In fact, she will probably need you more than ever. Oh, by the way Severus, this is my friend Tom Riddle; Tom, this is Severus Snape-we've been friends since we were little."
"Nice to meet you," Severus said shyly, accepting Tom's hand, "Luca told me about you in his letters."
"Hey!" Lucius protested, "I told you not to call me that anymore; if you're going to call me Luca then I'm calling you Sev!" The scene faded out again to the sight of Tom Riddle laughing at the two younger boys, and then it faded back in to show the boys (still the same age as the previous memory) sitting out by the lake joined by Lily and another girl with dark hair and the same green eyes; the new girl was wearing the blue and bronze of Ravenclaw.
"Hey Sev," Lily greeted, "Luca; Tom; this is my cousin Elena I was telling you about. She's in fourth year with you, Tom. Her father's a Pruitt-distantly related to the Prewitt's here, but their branch of the family moved to America a few generations ago. Elena, this is Severus, Lucius and Tom."
"Hi," Elena smiled at the boys, "It's nice to meet you, although I've seen Tom before in some of my classes; we have potions together and you always beat my score." She mock-glared at him and Tom laughed.
"It's nice to meet you, Elena," Tom replied, "Is your family still in America?"
"Oh, yes," Elena replied, "My younger brother Alec will be here next year though, and then Jasper will be here the year after. Lily said you have plans for improving the wizarding world; I'd like to hear them, if you don't mind." Tom's expression became excited, but the memory faded out before he started to speak.
"That was strange," Harry said frowning, "I never knew that my mom had a cousin in America-and she was a witch! Everyone always said Mum was a Muggleborn and didn't know about magic until she met Snape. Why didn't Dumbledore ever tell me? Hell, why didn't he let me stay with her? She obviously liked my Mum!"
"Dumbledore is a manipulative old coot," Draco replied as if that explained everything, and in a way it did. The next memory was a couple years down the road, and Harry recognized a 16-year-old Tom Riddle sitting with Elena out by the lake. The two had books spread out around them, and appeared to have been doing their homework, although they were currently just talking.
"I discovered a secret chamber," Tom was saying, "Sev and Luca are coming with me to see it tonight, and I wondered if you would like to come too?"
"Sounds like fun," Elena smiled, "Where should we meet, and when?"
"Meet outside the girl's loo on the second floor," Tom replied, "an hour before curfew. You can invite Lily too, but only if she leaves Potter and his friends behind; Sev still doesn't feel comfortable around them after what happened last year."
"I don't blame him really," Elena said, "I still can't believe Peter sent Sev in after Remus on the night of a full moon! I swear that boy doesn't have any brains in his head; and I can't even fathom his reasons for doing so-was he trying to get Severus killed, or trying to expose Remus as a werewolf?"
"I have no idea," Tom said, "but we need to keep an eye on him; I still can't believe Dumbledore talked the headmaster out of expelling-or at least suspending-Peter. If Sirius and James hadn't gone after Sev he would probably be dead by now. I'm working on something to pay Pettigrew back though, don't worry." They were silent for a moment, and Tom cleared his throat nervously before speaking up again. "Elena? I was wondering if you would come with me next Hogsmeade weekend; on a date?" Elena's smile was dazzling when she replied;
"I'd love to Tom," she leaned over to kiss his cheek before standing up, "I'll see you tonight at half-ten."
"Tom Riddle-Voldemort-had a girlfriend," Harry said in disbelief, "He was-he was dating my mum's cousin! And! He's still not evil!"
"It is rather hard to wraps one's mind around, isn't it?" Draco agreed, with a thoughtful frown, "I never thought of the Dark Lord as an actual person; I wonder why Father never mentioned him? Even if he didn't want to tell me that he was the Dark Lord he could have mentioned that he and Uncle Sev had a friend named Tom…" He trailed off as the next memory started; Tom and his friends Severus, Lucius, Lily and Elena, as well as James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Narcissa, Bellatrix, Regulus and Sirius Black were standing in a room that was very familiar to Harry.
"This is the Chamber of Secrets," he whispered and Draco nodded.
"This is Slytherin's hidden chamber," Tom said smugly, "I discovered it last night, and I wanted to share it with my friends."
"Why are they here?" Elena demanded, green eyes flashing as she jerked her chin at Bellatrix and Narcissa, the former of which was standing in between Lucius and Tom, but nearer to the dark-haired boy, "They've never been involved with us before."
"They are here because Lucius and Narcissa have just been notified that they will be married once they graduate Hogwarts and Luca wants to have an honest relationship with his future wife," Severus replied drily, "Bellatrix is here because Narcissa evidently can't keep a secret from her sister any more than Sirius can keep a secret from Reg." Dark eyes narrowed as Severus sneered at the three Gryffindor boys, "I would have skipped out on this little gathering if I'd known that those three clowns were going to be here."
"Look Severus, I-that is to say, we-" James made a gesture to include Remus and Sirius- "are really sorry about what Peter did. I know you and I have never been close friends, but we were friends of a sort and I'd hate for that idiot's actions to end that. If you'll accept our apology, Siri, Remus and I will help you prank Peter really good. And, I'll allow you to borrow my invisibility cloak one time for twenty-four hours with no questions asked." Severus scowled and looked over at the wall, but Harry could detect an excited gleam in his eyes.
"Very well," Severus replied, sounding very put-out, "I will accept your apology, with the understanding that you will help me in my revenge against Peter and allow me to borrow your cloak." James held out his hand and Severus shook it, doing the same with Sirius and, with a slight hesitation, Remus.
"Good," Tom said, with the air of someone who was not happy with being ignored for so long, "Now that that's taken care of, I want to introduce you to Salazar Slytherin's familiar. Just a warning-I have warned her not to harm any of you, but you need to avoid looking in her eyes." Tom began hissing and the shape of a large snake appeared, but the memory faded before they could see it clearly.
"What was that?" Draco demanded.
"That was the basilisk that used to live in the Chamber of Secrets," Harry replied musingly, "She wasn't as big as she was when I saw her."
"That thing got bigger?" Draco cried, "And you saw it?"
"I killed it," Harry corrected, "But it was a near-thing." He held out his arm to show Draco the scar from the basilisk's fang; "If Fawkes hadn't been there I would have died. Oh, here's more!" He drew Draco's attention to the new memory, which showed Tom-still sixteen-sitting in an empty classroom with Dumbledore.
"You are very powerful Tom," Dumbledore was saying, "But I feel you are not using your power to its full potential; you are nearly an adult now and it is time for you to start thinking of your future. How would you like to work at Hogwarts after you graduate? I'm sure you have heard that Headmaster Dippet will be retiring at the end of the year, and I have been chosen to take his place."
"That's very generous of you sir," Tom said calmly, "However I will have to decline; I plan to join the ministry so that I can work to change the laws regarding contact between wizards and Muggles, as well as work to improve living conditions for magical children being raised by Muggles."
"Oh?" Dumbledore arched his eyebrow, affecting polite interest, "And how would you improve these conditions?"
"By making sure that all magical children are raised with at least one wizarding parent," Tom replied promptly, "If the child is a Muggleborn, then they will have monthly visits with a magical tutor, and I also think we need to create a new branch in the ministry to monitor magical children living with Muggles so that we can make sure they are not being abused or neglected."
"That's a wonderful idea," Dumbledore beamed, "We already have a department in place to look after pureblood children and it is about time one was created to look after half-bloods and Muggleborns as well. What about improving relations between our two societies? If Muggles understood us better-"
"I don't think so," Tom interrupted, "I feel that contact between our world and the Muggle world should be limited as much as possible; in the past Muggles have persecuted us and at one point nearly eliminated us, and they are still exceedingly violent-I'm sure you've heard of Adolf Hitler? Muggles discriminate against anything that is different, and I don't believe we should associate with them except for when it is absolutely necessary."
"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way my boy," Dumbledore said sadly, "but if you will not work with me then you are my enemy," Dumbledore's voice trailed off as he began talking to himself, as if he had forgotten that Tom was still in the room, "I just have to find a way to bring out the darkness which surely lurks within you, and make certain the other teachers see the evil in your soul, but how?" Tom had gotten out of his chair and was slowly making his way to the door, only to freeze when Dumbledore's twinkling blues eyes focused on him again.
"Ah yes; I overheard the two Black sisters talking about a dark creature that you can control-that will be perfect." He calmly pointed his wand at Tom and said, "Imperio!" Once the boy was under the spells control Dumbledore gave his orders, "You will release the creature you have found and order it to attack-but not kill-Muggleborn students. After ten students have been attacked, you will command your pet to kill…oh, let's say Myrtle, that girl who is always crying. Yes, once Myrtle is dead, you will make sure that Rubeus Hagrid catches you, and you will not harm him. You will speak of this to no one. You may go now." The memory faded once again, and the next one showed Dumbledore talking to a young Hagrid.
"Hagrid I am so sorry about this," Dumbledore said quietly, "I am not sure how he broke free of my spell, but most of the professors think that Tom is a nice young man, and they believe what he is saying."
"But what'll I do professor?" Hagrid was crying, "I ain't got nowhere ter go!"
"Don't worry my dear boy," Dumbledore said soothingly, "You will stay at my family home for now, and once I am headmaster I will give you a job at the school. Now, I managed to get the pieces of your broken wand from the minister, and I have hidden them in this so that you will still be able to perform some magic. Be careful, and don't let anyone see you using this." Dumbledore handed the young Hagrid a pink umbrella and the scene faded out again.
"I always wondered how he made that umbrella," Harry murmured, "I didn't think he could make it himself, and now I see I was right."
"Shh!" Draco shushed him as the next memory started, showing Tom sitting in a dark room with the same students from before, all of them looking very solemn.
"I know you all heard about what happened," Tom began, "and how Hagrid was blamed for those attacks; well, I'm about to tell you the truth, but you have to swear an unbreakable vow not to tell anyone else." All of the students made the vow and then Tom continued; "It was my fault those students were attacked, and my fault that Myrtle was killed. I released Satomi and she attacked the students, but I did not do it willingly; just after the Holidays Dumbledore put me under the imperius curse because I refused to support his aims, and he told me to make Satomi attack students because he wanted everyone to see how evil I was. After Myrtle died I was supposed to let Hagrid discover me, but Myrtle's death was enough to help me break free of his spell, so I framed the stupid oaf instead."
"That's horrible!" Elena cried, "I can't believe Dumbledore would do something like that; my mom always said that Dumbledore was a great wizard and trustworthy, otherwise she never would have let me, Alec, and Jasper come here. Of course, Daddy always said he never trusted him but…" She frowned as she thought it over and then met Tom's dark brown eyes with her own emerald green, "I believe you Tom, and I will stand by you no matter what." She placed her hand in his and Tom gave a small relieved smile as he looked around at the other students.
"You know Severus and I stand by you," Lucius said, glancing at Narcissa who gave a small nod, "and so do Cissy and Bella."
"I believe you too," James said, "Dumbledore has been acting very strange, and the way he stuck up for Peter…if you need our help, the Marauder's stand behind you 100%!" Sirius and Remus nodded their agreement.
The memory faded into a new one; the same group of students was there but they were all a bit older and they were gathered outside on a sunny day. Tom was standing underneath an archway covered in flowering vines, wearing expensive looking silver dress robes and fidgeting nervously. A soft, haunting melody began to play and everyone looked behind them, standing as Elena came down the aisle on the arm of a man only slightly taller than her, with dark tanned skin, black hair and a mustache, and brown eyes; Elena was wearing pale green dress robes edged in silver and carrying a bouquet of pink and white roses. Elena was followed by what appeared to be her younger sister, a ten-year old girl with dark brown hair and hazel eyes carrying pink roses. The memory became hazy for a few seconds, and then refocused in time for the boys to hear the officiating wizard say;
"With the power vested in me by Merlin and the Ministry of Magic, I now pronounce you husband and wife, bonded for life; you may kiss the bride." There was loud applause as Tom leaned in to give Elena a sweet kiss, and when they broke away there was a faint blush on her cheeks. "I now present to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Tom Riddle! What Merlin has joined let no man part."
The memory faded out again, and now Tom and a pregnant Elena were standing in a bedroom along with Severus; Narcissa was lying in the bed holding a small bundle, and Lucius was sitting next to her, smiling proudly.
"I'd like you to meet my son and heir, Draco Lucius Malfoy," Lucius lifted the bundle and tilted his arms so that his friends could see the baby; Draco had a small tuft of silvery-blonde hair and when his eyes opened they could see that they were a pale blue-grey.
"I can't believe you and Cissa are parents first," Elena pouted, "but I have to admit, he is beautiful; he's going to be heartbreaker, that one."
"He's going to be a terror," Severus corrected drily, "A Malfoy for a father and a Black for a mother? Oh yes, he will definitely be a terror." He never-the-less stepped forward and gently touched the baby's cheek, stepping back in surprise as baby Draco let out a plaintive cry.
"Don't worry; he's just hungry," Narcissa laughed, reaching out her arms to take Draco back from Lucius, "You might want to get used to him Sev-after all, we are naming you his godfather." She adjusted Draco to feed him, watching Severus with amused blue eyes.
"G-godfather?" Severus stuttered, paling, "Me? But I don't know anything about raising children!"
"You're the godfather, not the father," Tom pointed out with amusement as he conjured a chair for Elena, "And at least you only have one; I don't know how I'm going to manage two babies!"
"You'll be fine honey," Elena smiled softly at him, "And we'll have Sirius and Bella to help us."
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if one of your babies was a girl?" Narcissa smiled, "Then we could get her to marry Draco-"
"My babies aren't even born yet-there is no way I am going to allow you to plan their marriage," Tom interrupted with a mock glare, "Besides, what if both of the babies are boys?"
"It could still work," Severus said, "You know I've accepted that apprenticeship with Professor Slughorn, and he's working on developing a potion to allow same-sex couples a way to have children."
"We're still not agreeing to an arranged marriage," Elena said firmly, "They will marry whomever they fall in love with, just as I did." She tilted her head back to beam at Tom and he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss before the scene faded once again.
"You were a rather cute baby," Harry grinned at Draco, "Wonder what happened?"
"I grew up to be devastatingly handsome, of course," Draco smirked, preening a bit before frowning, "This doesn't make any sense though; according to everything we've been taught Voldemort was out killing Muggles at this point, not having babies with a beautiful American witch-and I know I've never heard of him being married!"
"It is strange," Harry agreed frowning, "But hopefully it will make sense soon; here's another memory."
This time it showed Elena lying on a bed in Saint Mungo's, face pale and sweaty as she screamed at the nervous Tom holding her hand; gathered around them were Sirius and Regulus Black, the Potter's, Lucius and Severus, along with a medi-witch and her assistant.
"You bastard!" Elena screamed, "You did this to me! Oh Merlin! I hate you!"
"I hope you aren't that angry when our little one is born," James whispered to Lily, who looked back at him laughing.
"I heard that James Potter!" Elena yelled, "Someone give me my wand so I can hex his balls off!" Draco and Harry were watching the scene with wide eyes, both of them laughing quietly.
"I don't think so, 'Laine," Lily laughed, "I'd really rather my husband keep his bits so we can have more children after this. Besides, I thought you were mad at Tom?"
"Hey!" Tom protested, "Elena is the one who wanted-" he trailed off as he noticed his wife's murderous glare, "Er, I mean, I love you honey?"
"Are you saying this is my fault?" Elena demanded, "That's it! Once these babies are born you are never touching me again! Will somebody please get his devil-spawn out of me!"
"Just relax dear, you're doing fine," the medi-witch said soothingly, and Harry recognized her as Molly Weasley, "Okay, it looks like they're ready to come out; when I give the word I need you to bear down and push, okay sweetie?"
What followed was a long, intense scene that involved a lot of screaming and cursing from Elena, laughter from the men in the room, and encouraging words from Lily and Molly. Harry had turned his head away, in no way ready to experience the mysteries of childbirth, but he looked back over quickly when he heard a loud cry, and was just in time to see the first baby born.
"It's a boy," Molly said cheerfully, severing the umbilical cord and handing the baby to Sirius, who accepted with a broad grin on his face, "Oh, and here comes the next one!" Several minutes later there was another cry, and Molly announced, "A girl! So beautiful!" The new baby was handed over to Regulus once she was cleaned off, and the two godfather's brought the babies over to their parents; an exhausted Elena held the girl, while Tom held their son.
"They are perfect," Tom said breathlessly, leaning over to give Elena a loving kiss, "You did this Elena; you gave me the two most beautiful, perfect children in the world."
"Well, I may have had a bit of help," Elena said impishly, "but they are beautiful, a boy and a girl; how perfect!" The group of friends crowded around to see the new babies; the boy had a shock of thick black hair, and his inquisitive eyes were an intense green, while the girl had blond-ish hair and bright blue eyes. They both had their mother's olive skin tone, and they both seemed oddly observant for newborns.
"What are their names?" Severus asked curiously as he gazed down at the newborn babies.
"Well, the boy will be Hadrian Thomas Riddle," Tom smiled, "and our daughter is Aracely Lorelei Riddle."
"Sirius, we would like for you and my sister Annalisa to be Hadrian's godparents," Elena announced, "Annalisa will be here this weekend; and Regulus, we'd like for you and Bella to be Aracely's godparent's."
The scene faded, and the boys were left in darkness for a few minutes.
"Voldemort had children," Harry frowned, "He had a loving family and friends, and he was married with two children; Dumbledore always said that Voldemort turned evil because he was alone, and never had any love…"
"Well, we've already realized that Dumbledore is a liar," Draco drawled, "I just don't see how he could have changed everyone's memories…" He was silent for a moment, "Harry, those two babies-no, never mind. Let's just watch."
The next scene was in a large, comfortable-looking room, and it showed Tom and Elena, Lucius and Narcissa, Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband Rodolphus, along with Severus, Sirius, and Regulus sitting on the furniture and watching four babies crawl around on the floor. Draco was obviously one of the children, with his pale blonde hair, and the Riddle twins were also on the floor-Hadrian still had thick black hair, while Aracely's hair had darkened slightly to have some red highlights in it- and the other child was another girl with a headful of wild black curls; Draco and Hadrian were playing with a stuffed dragon that was flying around their heads, while the girls were coloring happily. There was a noise at the door and it opened to reveal the Potter's with a baby in Lily's arms, Remus, and another young couple he recognized as Alice and Frank Longbottom, along with Augusta Longbottom, who was holding a small boy.
"Good; you're here," Tom nodded at James, Lily and Remus, "And these are the ones you told us about, the Longbottoms'?"
"I am Augusta Longbottom, and this is my son Frank, his wife Alice, and this little boy, this is my grandson Neville," Augusta smiled down at the boy before pinning Tom with a steely gaze, "We normally don't associate much with families who are known for their affinity with the Dark Arts, but Lily and James have convinced me to hear you out."
"We are glad you came," Narcissa smiled, "Why don't you set Neville down and let him play with the others? And Lily, you can put Lillian in the playpen as well."
"Lillian?" Harry frowned as Lily set down a baby with dark red hair and green eyes; "This can't be right."
"Come on Neville," Lily held out her hand to the small boy, leading him over to the children already playing, "Neville, this is Draco," the blonde boy looked up and smiled before returning his attention to the dragon, "Hadrian, Aracely, and Helena," Helena was obviously the dark-haired girl, but…
"Who are her parents?" Harry muttered.
"I think her mother is Bellatrix," Draco murmured back, "See? They both have dark, wild hair and grey eyes like most of the Black's. That would make her a Lestrange, as Aunt Bellatrix married Rodolphus."
Once the children were all settled in, Lucius raised a protective circle around them so that the adults could talk without having to worry about the children over-hearing, even though they really weren't old enough to understand.
"I'm sure there's no need to tell everyone that what's said here cannot be repeated outside of this room," Tom began, "We have put wards up to insure our privacy. We are here to set up an organization to fight Dumbledore's influence in the wizarding world. We have named our group the Order of the Black Rose, for black roses are symbols of death and rebirth-the death of an old way of life and the birth of new."
"Albus Dumbledore is a great wizard and a beacon for the light," Augusta frowned, "Why would you want to oppose him, and why should we work with you? Albus has told us your feelings on Muggleborns."
"Albus Dumbledore is a fool," Severus scoffed, "not to mention a liar. He used the imperious curse on Tom back in sixth year, and he is spreading rumors that we are out to kill all Muggles, which is not true."
"That's right," Remus spoke up, smiling softly at Severus, "Tom has made us see that it is unfair for magical children to be raised completely in the Muggle world; when they are finally brought into our world they are confused and at a disadvantage. We want to make it so that all magical children spend at least some time in the wizard world every year, starting at age five, and Muggleborn children without any wizards in their immediate family tree should start attending a summer camp at age seven or eight so that they can learn the basics and our traditions."
The memory went along the same vein for some time, with the wizards present making a compelling argument, and the Longbottoms nodded thoughtfully.
"I agree with you," Augusta said after some time, and her son and daughter-in-law nodded, "We will join your cause to improve the lives of wizarding children and support you in the ministry. Now, the real problem is dealing with Dumbledore."
The scene faded again, and then showed the Great Hall in Hogwarts, where the group (The Riddles, Malfoy's, Potter's, Rabastan, Rodolphus and Bellatrix, Regulus, Sirius and Remus, the Longbottom's, minus Augusta, and Severus) was gathered at what was normally the Slytherin table, while Dumbledore and a group of other wizards-they must have been his supporters, because Harry recognized Arthur and Molly Weasley, Minerva McGonagall and a young-looking Kingsley, as well as Mad-Eye Moody-were sitting at the teachers table.
"I am very sorry it has come to this," Dumbledore said sadly, "You all have the potential to be very powerful, and we could accomplish much together, but I cannot allow you all to exist at odds with me."
"You cannot stop us," Tom said, "Not unless you plan to kill us all, women and children included."
"Yes, where are your beautiful children?" Dumbledore questioned, "I am surprised you didn't bring them."
"And expose them to you?" Lily scoffed, "We aren't stupid Dumbledore; we have someone we trust watching them."
"Of course," Dumbledore nodded, smiling, "Xenophilius and his wife Artemis must be watching them; how fortunate that the Molly sent her children over as well-along with Peter the two older boys can help keep track of Ron, Percy and the Twins, and before the day is out they will have a new baby sister."
"What are you planning?" Lucius demanded, "You leave our children out of this; they are innocent!"
"Yes, and at least some of them will stay that way," Dumbledore said pleasantly.
"My babies," Elena gasped, "Come Lily; we have to go! Cissy, Bella, Alice-hurry!" The five women ran to the door, only to have it swing open to reveal Peter Pettigrew and a man Harry and Draco recognized as Filch accompanied by the children belonging to the members of the Order of the Black Rose. When the parents tried to claim their children they were blasted back by a bright purple light; when the light vanished only the wizards on Dumbledore's side were still conscious.
"Now we can get started," Dumbledore said, "I have the potions for everyone to take so that our memories will remain the same-except concerning the children-once the children are given to their new families I want them to be safe, so those memories will be altered. Now, first we shall take little Lillian; she already has red hair and I know you and Arthur have always wanted a daughter, so she will be the newest member of the Weasley family. What would you like to name her?"
"Ginerva Molly Weasley," Arthur said promptly, "We discussed it the last time Molly was pregnant."
"Very good," Dumbledore nodded, "Molly, why don't you bring your new daughter over here so we can get started." Molly quickly complied, and soon she and Arthur were standing in front of Dumbledore, holding Lillian Potter between them.
"I don't like this," Harry muttered, and Draco had to fight against his new instinct to protect the brunette; he crossed his arms over his chest and replied, "Neither do I."
"We just need a drop of blood from each of you," Dumbledore held out a vial with a blue potion, and the Weasley's each added a drop of blood; he poured the potion into a baby bottle, and then woke up the sleeping child and used a compulsion spell to make her drink when she would have refused. Once the bottle was empty, the baby began to cry in pain.
"This is barbaric!" Draco said in disgust, "Kidnapping children; I always knew the Weasel's were dirt." Harry could only nod his agreement as he watched in horrified fascination the changes that overcame Lillian Potter-now Ginerva Weasley. Her hair lightened just a shade so that it was only slightly darker than the other Weasley children, and her bright green eyes darkened to brown.
"Oh, she's perfect!" Molly cooed, and she and Arthur walked off a few paces to fawn over their new daughter. Harry and Draco watched as a Muggle couple was brought in, and Helena suffered the same fate, being blood-adopted to Muggles who had their memories changed to believe that she was always their child.
"That's Hermione," Harry frowned, "I-I recognize her parents."
"We will let the Malfoy's keep their spawn," Dumbledore said, "We just need to alter their memories; young Neville can also stay with his parents, but we will give the Riddle boy to the Potter's so that he can be raised to despise the Dark Arts, and Elena and her daughter will be disposed of; it should offer a big enough shock so that we have an advantage over Tom." Dumbledore had his back to his unconscious enemies, so he didn't notice a number of them stirring; Tom and Elena, Narcissa and Lucius, Bellatrix, and Frank and Alice Longbottom seemed to have suffered less from the spell, and they shared a look, nodding briefly before acting.
Dumbledore had no warning before Tom, Lucius, Frank and Bellatrix jumped up and began shooting hexes at the people surrounding Dumbledore; during the distraction Narcissa grabbed Draco, Alice grabbed Neville, and Elena grabbed her two children; the jarring motions had awoken the children, and they were all crying. The women made a run for it, Narcissa in the lead, but they had forgotten about Pettigrew; he sent a stunner which hit Narcissa in the back, and she fell to the ground, losing her grip on Draco.
"Come Draco," Elena commanded, slowing down for a moment, "Come with me and we will get help for Mummy." The sobbing blonde nodded, and allowed Alice to swoop him up in her arms; they stepped out into the corridor and then halted as they came face-to-face with a portly man who immediately held his hands out to show that he was unarmed.
"Stupefy me," he said, "I can't fight Dumbledore, but if you stupefy me you can use the Floo in the teachers' lounge; Hurry!" Alice nodded and set Draco and Neville down, telling them to follow Elena who continued towards the office, and then stunned her old professor before running after the small group and scooping the boys up again. When they reached the lounge, Alice set the boys on the floor and cast a locking jinx on the door while Elena prepared the fire.
"Take your children through first and then I will send Neville and Draco," Alice instructed, "Are you going to Potter Manor?"
"Yes," Elena nodded, "I will wait fifteen minutes and if you don't come through I will take the children to my parents in America; you and Tom both know how to contact me there." Alice nodded at this and gestured Elena to the fireplace; Alice tossed the Floo powder in for her friend, and then Elena stepped in and stated her destination, disappearing with the twins.
"Okay Draco," Alice knelt down so she was eye level with the blonde child, "Just step in and say 'Potter Manor'; Neville, hold tight to his hand." The two boys nodded at her with wide eyes, but obediently stepped into the fireplace after she threw the powder.
"Potter Manor!" Draco said, looking frightened, and then the two boys were gone; seconds later the door was blasted open, and Dumbledore cast a hex at the witch, knocking her unconscious.
"Stupid, idiotic…" he growled under his breath, "Pettigrew! Take her to the others!"
There was a brief fade out, and then Harry and Draco were back in the Great Hall, where the members of the 'Black Rose' had all been subdued; the Potter's, Severus, Remus and Regulus were awake by this time, and all were glaring at Dumbledore.
"It didn't have to be this way," Dumbledore sighed, "But you all had to work against me; you must know that what I do is always for the Greater Good. No worries though; I will get this all sorted out, I just need to get Elena and the children brought back. Would you like to tell me where they went?" He was met with silence, to which he just smiled, "No matter; I'm sure she went to Potter Manor since it is the most protected and, luckily, I have the head of the Potter line here with me." He approached the bound James and withdrew a dagger which he used to make a long gash in his forearm; he captured the drops of blood in a vial and then walked away, leaving the wound open and bleeding. "I must leave immediately; Peter-clean him up." He swept from the room and it faded into darkness again, before re-focusing on a sitting room where Elena was standing protectively in front of the four children they had rescued.
"You made me chase you my girl," Dumbledore shook his head, "Flooing to Potter Manor and then apparating here; did you really think you could throw me off?"
"Don't do this!" Elena pleaded, "You're supposed to be the paragon of the Light, how can you kill an innocent child?"
"I must in order to protect our world from a greater evil," Dumbledore said, "I have all of your co-conspirators under my power again, and you won't be able to escape, so why not hand over the children and sacrifice your life like a good mother? If we fight I can't guarantee the safety of any of the children, but if you concede to me then only you and your daughter will have to be sacrificed, and I promise it will be painless. Can you really countenance putting other children in danger?" Elena hung her head and Dumbledore smiled in victory.
"No, I can't," she lifted her head and looked at Dumbledore with burning green eyes, "but neither can I allow you to kill my daughter. However…" she paused uncertainly for a moment, looking at the children behind her before meeting Dumbledore's gaze again; "I offer a compromise; you have no intention of killing the boys, correct?" Dumbledore nodded and Elena continued, "Very well; if you promise to do everything in your power to make sure that the boys survive, then I will agree to an Obliviate-I will take my daughter with me and return to my family. I will even bring along one of those memory potions I know Slughorn created so that no one in my family remembers what happened; this way my daughter and I will be out of the way and you can concoct whatever story you wish." Dumbledore was silent in thought for a moment before nodding his agreement.
"Very well," he agreed, "I will spare your lives, if you agree to leave and have your memories altered."
"I want an Unbreakable Vow," Elena said and Dumbledore nodded once again saying; "I will have to get someone to be our binder; I am going to ward the manor behind me, so don't try flooing or apparating out."
"I understand," Elena said, "I will be upstairs collecting anything that is important to my family." She waited for Dumbledore to vanish through the Floo and then ran upstairs; she threw some items in a bag and then went over to a desk in the corner where she pulled out a number of leather-bound books that Harry assumed were journals and placed a charm on them, transfiguring them into pictures of her with three other children who were apparently her siblings. When she was done she went back downstairs and sat down amongst the children, pulling Hadrian and Aracely onto her lap and letting Neville and Draco lean up against her.
"In just a little while things are going to change," she told the children, "I don't know how different it will be, but I hope that no matter what you stick together, because I sense you will need one another. And no matter what, remember that I love you, and your parents love you; do whatever you must to stay safe." She pressed a kiss to the top of each of the children's foreheads just as the whoosh of the fireplace announced Dumbledore's return; he stepped into the room followed by a tall blonde man.
"I'm sorry about this Elena, but I have to do what I can to keep Artemis and Luna safe," the man said sadly, "I would help you if I could."
"I know," Elena replied, "and I don't hold it against you. Can we please just do this before my heart breaks?" Dumbledore nodded his assent and made an Unbreakable Vow to do everything in his power to keep Neville, Draco and Hadrian alive, and then he cast an Obliviate on Elena, giving her the command to take her daughter to America and forget about the other family she was leaving behind. He also handed her a potion and instructed her to give it to everyone in her family, and a moment later she vanished into the Floo with baby Aracely. The memory wavered, changing back to Dumbledore's point of view.
"Okay Xenophilius, let's get these boys back to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said cheerfully and the scene became fuzzy for a moment before clarifying to reveal the Great Hall once more. Dumbledore forced a potion down Hadrian's throat and then frowned when the baby didn't go through many changes; his hair lightened a shade to become dark brown instead of black, and his lips were fuller, but there were no other visible changes.
"Well, most of you are done for tonight," Dumbledore announced cheerfully as he faced the bound-and-gagged members of the Order of the Black Rose, several of whom were unconscious and injured, "Moody, if you would be so kind as to take the Potter's home and see to their memories?" Moody nodded, took baby Hadrian from Dumbledore and crossed over to where the Potter's were sitting. He grabbed Lily and James' clasped hands, and then activated a portkey.
Harry stood there in shocked silence, unable to believe what he had just seen; James and Lily had a daughter…they didn't have a son…James and Lily weren't his parents.
"Harry," the brunet jerked away when Draco placed what was supposed to be a comforting hand on his shoulder, "I-"
"Not now," Harry shook his head, "Let's just…" He trailed off, forcing himself to focus on the scene in front of him; there would be plenty of time later to figure out what all this meant.
Dumbledore had turned his attention to Sirius and Remus now, and was currently altering their memories, along with those of Severus; all three men were unconscious and thus unable to fight back. When he was finished, he placed a portkey on each man's chest and watched as they disappeared. He surveyed his remaining prisoners-Tom, the Longbottom's, Narcissa, the three Lestranges and Regulus-thoughtfully, before turning to McGonagall.
"Minerva, will you see to Frank and Alice's memories, and then take them home to Augusta?" Dumbledore asked, "I have an extra potion for her."
"Of course, Albus," McGonagall nodded her head, then hesitated for a moment before accepting the proffered potions, "Albus…this…this truly is for the Greater Good? There is a larger purpose behind everything we do this night?"
"Of course, Minerva," Dumbledore replied solemnly, "I would never do anything like this if it were not absolutely necessary for the Greater Good. You will understand in time, I assure you." McGonagall nodded again, then pocketed the potions vials and approached the Longbottom's. She altered their memories, then activated a portkey.
"Hmm, nearly done now," Dumbledore said, "I have use for you Regulus, and you as well, Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan. Lucius and Narcissa, you will be free to go in just a moment." The Malfoy's glared at him, but Dumbledore ignored the look as he stepped forward to alter another set of memories. When he was finished, he gestured for Shacklebolt to bring Draco, who was sleeping, over, and the young Auror activated a portkey to transport the family to their home.
"Once Moody returns, we will be able to finish up for tonight," Dumbledore announced. The memory blurred, clearing up as Moody appeared with leading a line of children with them, all grubby and looking frightened.
"Peter, if you would see to the children," Dumbledore instructed, "Make sure they are fed, and keep them in the room until we are ready for them."
"Y-yes, of course, Albus," Peter simpered, before leading the children to the Gryffindor table, where they were all settled with plates of food.
"How did things go with the Potter's, Alastor?" Dumbledore inquired.
"Exactly as planned," Moody replied, "James and Lily are settled in with Baby Harry, and I altered all of the photographs. I wasn't able to change to godfather bond, so I had to alter James and Lily's memories on that as well. The house is under Fidelius with Pettigrew as Secret Keeper, and I had them read the address Pettigrew wrote. Sirius Black arrived right on schedule, and I made sure his memories line up with those of the Potter's. Everything is ready for your final plan."
"Excellent!" Dumbledore beamed, then turned to look at McGonagall, who had just returned.
"It's done," She said, not waiting for him to ask, "All memories have been changed, and I removed anything that could unlock them."
"The Malfoy's are settled in as well," Shacklebolt announced as he returned, "I checked the mark again before I left, and the magical signature traces back to Riddle, so no one will be able to tie it back to you."
"Wonderful job," Dumbledore praised, "We will go out over the next few days and similarly mark some other witches and wizards that I have already selected. For now, however, we have other things to take care of. Alastor, I need you and Kingsley to take everyone down to the dungeons, to the rooms we already prepared; you know what to do once you are there. I shall take care of Tom and-Molly, Arthur; why don't you take Ginny home to meet her brothers?" Dumbledore withdrew several potions vials and handed them to the Weasley patriarch, "Make sure everyone takes their potions so that there is no confusion, and we will meet up again in a few days."
"Of course, Albus," Molly smiled, "We can't thank you enough for what you have done for us."
"Quite so," Arthur agreed, "The Weasley's are forever indebted to you; if you have need of us, you need only ask. Molly has never cared much for portkeys; may we use the Floo?"
"Certainly," Dumbledore agreed, "The teacher's lounge is open." Once the Weasley's left, Dumbledore turned his attention to Tom.
"It's your turn now Tom," Dumbledore smiled, "Ever heard of a Horcrux my boy? No? Well, we're going to create one for you…or six. Bring them up now, Peter." Pettigrew brought the children over to where Dumbledore and McGonagall were still standing with Tom, who was bound by conjured chains. McGonagall looked extremely unhappy, and Dumbledore was quick to soothe her concerns. "They're all orphans, living on the street Minerva; this really is kinder for them." McGonagall nodded and set out several objects on the table, then Harry and Draco watched in disbelief as Dumbledore imperiused Tom, forcing him to murder a total of six children; as he did so a shaky McGonagall cast a spell, and each murder resulted in one of the objects on the table being enchanted.
By the time the last child was dead, Tom was no longer the handsome young man they had been watching; his skin was white as death, his eyes a burning crimson, he has slits for nostrils, and a decidedly crazy look in his eyes.
"From now on, Tom will be known as Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore announced, "Now, to adjust his memories."
The memory changed again; now Pettigrew was standing in the Headmaster's office, trembling in front of Dumbledore.
"All the potions have been distributed, A-Albus," Pettigrew stuttered, "We have confirmations that even the magical communities in Russia and the America's have received the altered memories. James, Lily, Sirius and Remus don't suspect anything either, and the-the Dark Lord has marked several more wizards."
"In two nights," Dumbledore replied, "On Halloween night, you shall go to Voldemort and tell him the Secret. Make sure that he goes alone. While he is gone, you will drop hints to Bellatrix that the Longbottom's have a plan to defeat him, and then you will lure Sirius into a trap so that he is blamed for betraying the Potter's. Once that is done, you will take your potion and hide with the Weasley's in your Animagus form. You will not return to me unless I call you, understand?"
"Y-yes Albus," Pettigrew nodded, "It w-will be done. F-for the Greater Good."
"For the Greater Good," Dumbledore agreed, "Now go."
The next memory zeroed in on a small house, where James and Lily were enjoying a peaceful evening with Hadrian-now called Harry-whom they evidently believed was their child. Hadrian and Draco witnessed the events that everyone had been told happened October 31, 1981. James and Lily were sitting on the couch with Hadrian-Harry-and Tom (now Voldemort) blasted the door open; he killed James while Lily tried to run, and then cornered the red-haired witch who begged for Harry's life-she was hit with the killing curse, and then Voldemort aimed his wand at Harry, but a flash of blue light had the curse rebounding, and Voldemort was apparently destroyed, leaving baby Harry with the lightning bolt scar he was so famous for.
After the flash of green light, the boys found themselves in Dumbledore's office, where the headmaster was murmuring to himself.
"Yes, I think that will do it," Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction, "Everyone's memories have been altered, Sirius is in Azkaban for betraying the Potter's, where he will rot along with the Lestranges, who tortured poor Alice and Frank into insanity, and poor Harry has been left with Lily's sister to be raised in safety until he is old enough to return to the wizarding world; those few who remember Elena know that she betrayed Voldemort and suffered the consequences, and Hadrian and Aracely never existed. I already had that prophecy altered, and all is in place for what must happen in the future. Now, finally, I can relax until it is time for Harry Potter to return to us."
The memory went dark and then Harry and Draco found themselves back in Draco's room.
AN: This chapter turned out to be much longer than I had planned, and it has many more revisions than any other chapter I have worked on so far. For those of you who have read the original, yes, I changed Hadrian's sisters name to Aracely. Why? Because when I originally started this story, I forgot that Dumbledore's sisters name was Arianna, and I disliked them having the same name. So, now we have Aracely Riddle, twin sister to Hadrian Riddle. When I read through the original version of this chapter, I felt like things were too jumbled and that some things were too complicated; so, I added more details, and simplified things a bit. Also, just a little behind-the-scenes info-the Lestranges were taken to the dungeons and tortured and brainwashed until they became insane followers of the new Dark Lord; you know, in case you were wondering.
I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for all the reviews and kudos. Until next time!