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. This chapters starts in September 2017.
Chapter Four: If I Could Do It All Again, I Would Go Back And Change Everything, But Time Won't Let Me Go
Harry waited for the chosen group at the Tower. He hadn't been able to track down the members. Hermione had seemingly vanished and Draco made no response at his house. Astoria was at her parents still in Manchester. As far as Harry could tell, there had been a falling out between the Malfoy's that they hid from their son.
A pop sounded announcing the arrival of Draco. He was loaded with gear. His wand lowered once he recognized Harry. "Potter." "Malfoy." "I thought this quest wasn't for you." "It's not for any of us. I cannot allow you to go."
"Why not?" Hermione was similarly clad with gear. Killian and Marie were right behind her. "It isn't safe. I have knowledge I gleaned over the weekend. I think I stumbled on a way to decipher the Parchment."
"The mysterious woman made contact with you, didn't she?" Draco couldn't hide the sneer. Harry felt he wasn't trying. "She did. And, well, I think she was right that it is too dangerous to send you on."
"A few words and you believe her." "Yes. She knew information about the other Time." "Harry, we're going." Hermione was brokering no argument. Harry had been prepared. "Obliviate!" Four times he did as the group stood awed.
He was sorry for having to obliterate their memories of how to use the Tower. Now, two others besides him would know. His lies would cover it up from the one who didn't know the group wasn't going through.
Carefully chosen words sent the four on their ways. Harry stayed for a while at the stone. Using spells he had researched, he made it unfindable without the proper spells and knowledge. It was a tough choice. Ginny wouldn't even learn of this.
He would leave it written on a new parchment to join the still undecipherable one. Once it was cracked, he would create a new codex to encrypt how to use the stones.
/
James Potter tucked the Marauder's Map back into his robes. Albus was giggling next to him under the invisibility cloak. The mystical, mythical cloak. James felt powerful in one of the legendary Hallows. His father had said to the public that the cloak had been destroyed in the Battle of Hogwarts. Now it was in his eldest son's possession.
The house elves still loved the Potter family for the help given to Dobby and received from Dobby. A statue of Dobby graced the hallway where the entrance to the kitchens were. Extra meals and sweets were always available to one of the great Potter's.
The map had shown the path was clear all the way back up to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had wanted to join in on a legendary 'Potter Adventure.' If their father and grandfathers could have great adventures with the cloak and map, it was only right for the newest generation to do the same.
Getting back into the Tower was easy. And that was when James saw Mia Masterton. His heart fluttered. He had a crush on her for years now. Staying quiet was hard as Albus wanted to brag about the adventure and finding of sweets. Dropping the cloak off in his trunk, they descended back into the common room.
An eruption of cheers went up as they had the spoils of their jaunt. Albus relished the attention. James was glad. A month into the term and he was having a blast at Hogwarts. Yet he kept showing signs of missing home and their parents. He sent almost daily letters back home. Mum always responded the next day.
Winning the first Quidditch match of the term had boosted the spirits of the House. The term had been rocky with rumors flying around and students freaking out about weird rumors that Dad was mixed up in. Professor Longbottom had tried keeping the students calm with positive results.
Mia eventually cornered him. She was a redhead and in his year. James felt weirded a bit by being attracted to a redheaded lady. Like father, like son, for the third generation. "One day I'm going to figure out your magical food abilities." "It runs in the family." "I think its bloody brilliant."
James laughed at her use of a cuss. She was bright red in the face. The conversation turned to the match that day. Her compliments were always how brilliant he had flown and similar flirty words. James fell for each one quicker than a Seeker spotting the snitch.
Before James knew what was happening, her lips were against his. His first kiss. In public view at a party in the common room. Oohs and aahs sounded from the Gryffindor's. James felt victorious for some reason. Mia smiled brilliantly when it ended.
Once the party died down that night, James found himself weirdly content as he lay in bed. He hadn't felt this way before. Giddiness joined the contentment. When he woke up in the morning, Mia was waiting in the common room to go to breakfast with him. It dawned on James that he had a girlfriend and he hadn't told his mother. He had barely told Mum of his crush.
Monday morning brought another breakers with Mia next to him when the post came in. His owl nipped his finger after landing. A letter was tied to her talon. Opening it, he saw it was from his mum. She was excited about his relationship with stern words about not telling her earlier. Having to hear from Albus was unacceptable. His dad was now talking with the Masteron's about meeting up during the holidays if the children were still together. Pressure from the parents and it was still brand new.
Another owl landed a bit later. He recognized it as his grandparents. Grandmum had sent a small amount of candies for Mia and a letter for him. Her words were sterner than his mum's. Grandmum Molly was a fierce witch that no one crossed. Her duel with Bellatrix Lastrange was legendary.
Mia found it funny until Tuesday morning when an owl came from her mum with similar words to James' family. It was a lot of fun to needle her after being on the receiving end. James found it comforting to be in a relationship, even if he was young.
/
Elation was the only emotion Harry felt. The Parchment had been cracked! He had done it. Not Hermione. Not the Department of Mysteries. He had! His intellect had worked wonders instead of talent. Hermione would deflate a bit for not being the one to decipher it first. She would see the value in his doing it though. It was one of the best parts of her.
Racing through the Ministry to find Hermione, Harry had to brush off many people. Hermione was in her office. She was looking through a stack of parchments. Harry slammed down his parchment. Hermione gave it a quick glance, "Brilliant. Superbly brilliant. You did it." "I think so."
Together, they began deciphering the entire text. It took tedious hours to ensure they followed the pattern. During a break, Harry almost broached a subject he had noticed but decided against it. Her and Ron's personal life wasn't his affair. It was theirs and if they wished to talk about it, then they would talk about it.
"I think we're done. I've proofed it three times now." "I agree, 'Mione." "Well?" "I'll read it."
This is the Parchment that the Greeks knew of. They said it was written by the three Fates. It is not. This was written by a wizened witch in the time of the Greeks of Minoa. She discovered the purpose of Life. Some think the Purpose is Death. It is not. Death is the result of Life and is a worthy goal. I have studied this before fleeing this Time. Be wary of Tavitani. She has ended more than my life in this world. SG
I have seen Hades in his lair. I have spoken with Hades after crossing the River. The Journey was rough and I felt like I would never return to my Life. Hades greeted me warily. Few sought him out. Many sought to send others to Him. Hades was powerful and didn't agree to my requests at first.
My requests were simple. How to return to my Life. Why did we fear immortality? Power none else ever living had held. Three simple ones, I felt. Hades didn't agree with them. Mainly the first and third. I had to make a Deal with Hades to get them all. I would become his Mistress once, and would join him once my coil expired.
My name is Persephone. I have learned the Athenil talk of me now. They call me the wife of Hades and why the seasons change because my mother grudges Hades. I begrudge nothing. This Parchment is the testament of one who has dealt with Hades for Life.
After seeking Hades, and gaining my boons, I am able to tell you of them. I will start with my second, for it is easiest to tell. We humans get bored and feel the loss of too much love in our lives. The more you love people and see them go to Hades, the worse it becomes it each time. It is why we fear immortality so much. And Hades will press with each loved one who comes to him to bring you to his lair.
Returning to Life was the most difficult and worse of the three. Returning over the river would not release the soul back. It would be like the hooded stealers had given their Kiss. It was how Hades prevents us from stealing his possessions. Hades showed me a Veil he had located in his domain which had hung from an archway. It was the guide post for souls. I watched many Souls come to Hades.
This was partly due to my bearing the child of Hades. I will not name them for fear of their safety and any offspring they will have. I love them too dearly to endanger them. Hades has not imbued his darkness into my line that I can tell.
The process for leaving the realm of Hades came down to that Veil in the archway. Pressing through the Veil to return to mortal lands would cause a separation of body and soul, with the soul leaving and the body staying with Hades. To have body and soul united in the passing was nigh impossible.
Hades let slip once our child was born what was secret of returning. It was our child. That or a terrible evil even Hades disapproves of. Splitting the soul into pieces for immortality in the worst way. Splitting the soul is worse than murdering someone else. Murdering breaks your soul. Splitting your own is completely devoid of love. No love at all.
The reason our child was a barrier to the effects of the Veil was because they had part of him, and his realm, and they hard part of me, and mortal lands, in their heart. Holding my child would provide the barrier as I crossed back.
The last boon, the power, was the most reluctant thing Hades gifted me. I expected a talisman, a scroll, a wand even. He gave me none of that. He gave me another Arch and Veil. It was the power to straddle both the living world and the dead. My child and their progeny could visit their Father's realm with impunity. It was fitting it was not a power for me but for my child.
I write this as I plan to go with my child back to Hades, for I feel my life expiring and I plan to seek my old flame out as old lovers. I regret none of my choices.
The two friends stared at each other. If what Tavitani had said was truthful about Dumbledore, than he was Hades. The Greek Wizards barely talked of their magical past due to a great war involving the great Muggle Alexander the Great. He was a powerful Wizard who had conquered for the pursuit of knowledge. Muggles had flocked to him more readily than magical folk. He had been defeated by a lone wizard who had appeared out of seemingly nowhere. Alexander had fought hard to survive the duel but was outmatched.
It was assumed that there were reasons the Muggles had the Greek and Roman myths based on actual wizards and witches. The stories just became Mugglefied over time. "The Veil in the Department of Mysteries." "The Unspeakables might tell us more." "We need more information, Harry. Even for you, they won't just tell us about the Veil. They are annoyed at you always asking." "I don't always ask!" Harry got up immediately and stormed out of her office.
Hermione followed him as they raced to the Ninth floor. Harry brushed off her attempts to stop him. He was focused. Determined. Could Sirius have survived his fall through the Veil? It was plausible that he had blood of Persephone in him. Which means he could have had the blood of Death as well. If he survived, he might not know how to return.
The first Unspeakable Harry found was an ancient one. He only responded to the name 'Geoffrey' but no one was sure if that was his name. "Master Potter." "Geoffrey." "I can tell you're here about the Veil again." "I have new information. I just need to know if it matches yours."
"The Policy is heavily enforced." "Geoffrey, please." "I cannot." "Let me look at the Veil." "Fine."
Geoffrey easily led them back to that bleak chamber. The Archway stood with the Veil flowing. As Harry approached, he heard voices float towards him from the other side. Several sounded familiar. It pained Harry to listen to his parents, and Lupin, and Tonks, and even Sirius.
Harry got as close as he dared. He studied the arch. No writing was visible. Several spells cast upon it did nothing. Hermione tried some on her own. This arch was placed in history. It was the actual door to Death.
"What are you trying to do?" Harry was startled by Geoffrey, who he saw had been joined by several other Unspeakables. A few looked familiar. Students who had been at Hogwarts when he was there. Hermione handed Geoffrey their deciphering. Geoffrey was pale at the end.
"Where did you get this?" "It came from a house in Belgium tied to Time and Life." "We know the house. Where was this knowledge?" "It appeared to me at the mosaic on the floor." "The Master of the Castle had been a descendent of Persephone. His line still exists. We monitor them closely. A few have become Unspeakables."
Hermione gasped behind him. The Unspeakables knew! "I need to know if I am. I have similar ancestry to Sirius Black." Geoffrey sadly shook his head, "I'm sorry, Master Potter. You are not." "I would die going through the Veil." "Yes." "You know of the descendants. I need to find one."
"We… are bound to not let any through. It was unfortunate what happened to Master Black. He should never have gone through the Arch. It was a surprise his body didn't stay on this side as his soul transferred. That was… irregular."
"Who binds you? I was questioned heavily after Voldemort's defeat about the Hallows. I deserve information." "We are once more bound to not say anything. This Veil is one of… the biggest assets we have. The Time room was the grander one until Mistress Weasley Malfoy destroyed parts of it."
Harry turned to Hermione, who was mouth agape. "Mistress Weasley Malfoy?" "I do not know what they mean." Geoffrey said nothing when Harry turned back to him. Harry was unsettled. What was happening with Hermione? What he wanted to ask earlier seemed important again.
"Geoffrey, where did this come from?" "The Arch was at the Grave of Alexander the Great. The Greeks shipped it to near London during the Roman Invasion. It was hidden when the Romans arrived here. Once the Romans left, the British Wizards hid it from the world. You are one of the few to know of it." "The Greeks want it back?" "Yes. They consider it theirs. They proved… unworthy of keeping it."
"The Statutes! The Agreements! The Wizengamot!" Hermione was shaking as she rattled them off. "We do not know of this Arch to the rest of the world. The Roman's claim they have it." "How?" "They built their own and use cheap tricks to prove to others it is the real Arch and Veil."
"Please, please. Let me talk to one of the descendants." "Not an option."
/
James and Mia were tucked away in a corner of Madam Puddifoot's. With Christmas and the impending meeting of families not far off, they were relishing their time together without them. Albus kept pestering him about the relationship. He didn't mind. He was happy.
A strange woman approached their table. She hovered right next to his chair. James backed up in the chair as he looked at her. She was plump and matronly. Mia looked concerned as the woman swayed back and forth now.
"Can I help you?" A head nod was all that happened. James could recall what Bathilda Bagshot had done when possessed in Godric's Hollow. It was eerily similar to what this woman was doing now. James motioned for Mia to grab help as he sat there. Mia ran off to the front of the shop.
The woman didn't look or move as Mia ran. James was frightened. He gripped his wand tightly and readied it for use. Madam Puddifoot approached the table with Mia and other students behind her. Puddifoot had her wand ready as she spoke, "Can I help you, dearie?"
"No," a cold, light voice answered. The woman did not take her eyes off James. "You are frightening my customers, dearie. I need you to leave, please." "I will take a pot of tea, thank you." "No. I don't think so." A quick wave of her hand sent a blast of blue light at Madam Puddifoot, who fell to the floor. The students ran off except for Mia.
James felt more frightened then he ever had before. She had done wandless magic and it was powerful. Madam Puddifoot was not moving or making a sound from where she lay. "You, boy. You're James Potter?" "No." "You are your father. And your namesake. Stand up, boy."
Before he could, she turned and countered a spell Neville had cast. He was standing fiercely, a determined look upon his face, as his wand was extended. Mia was beyond him. "Leave the boy alone." "No." "Yes. Expelliarmus." She pushed her left hand out. Neville's spell rebounded into the ceiling leaving a gap. Cold air was followed by snow.
Neville cast several spells in a row. All went flying away from her. Neville never gave up as he worked to protect the son of Harry Potter. Mia had sheltered behind the counter. James was in a ball on the chair. He had none of his father's courage. At 11, his father had faced down Voldemort. Then again at 12. And he was scared in front of his girlfriend. Neville, who had always shown courage even when he was too frightened, was a mirror of what James thought his father was like when facing dark wizards.
The witch was now on the offensive, sending spells and flashes at Neville. He dodged and countered. The store was turning into a wreck. James had the realization Neville was waiting on others. He was the herbology teacher yet was standing up for the students.
Pops that meant Apparations sounded from outside the store. James was ecstatic when he saw his father rush in, wand casting spells, aiding Neville. Other Aurors were with him. They formed a half moon around the witch. Harry kept trying to move in and cover his son. The witch would not let anyone close to him besides herself.
Knowing he would be yelled at if he did anything, but knowing his father would understand, courage finally came to James. He was ashamed it was only now when others were around. He waited for her to move to avoid spells when he pushed a broken chair leg under her feet. She tripped and put a dangerous hand out to catch herself. Several spells hit her back then. She collapsed heavily onto the floor.
His father grinned heavily while looking relief. "Smart and brave idea, son. Wait for her to be distracted and think you were not a threat." "I… was a coward. Uncle Neville fought her by himself. Thank you so much, Professor!"
Neville brushed away the thanks, "I did what I would for any student of Hogwarts. I'm glad I was around. And Hannah was there to contact others."
His dad was back to work. His fellow Auror's were searching the witch. They found no wand. Her robes were tagless and yielded nothing. Harry and Neville escorted him out of the demolished store. Madam Puddifoot was being taken by Hagrid to the castle.
James recanted what he had seen and did to his father when asked. Concerned wrinkles seemed etched into his dad's face. James was aware of all the eyes on him from students. A picket of Ministry employees were keeping them away from the area. Some of the students from the shop were being questioned as well.
"I thought we Potter's were supposed to be brave, Dad." Harry looked at him, "You were, James." "I wasn't like you or granddad. You always say that when Voldemort came to their house, granddad put himself between you and grandmum." "He was a fully trained wizard, son. He knew his sacrifice was all he could give then."
"Then what about your first year and facing Voldemort and Quirrel over the philosopher's stone?" Harry grimaced. James could tell his dad was searching for excuses now. Lies he could tell his son and not feel bad about.
"I was reckless and stupid at times. I lucked out and had help from two of the best friends anyone could ever have. Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione did so much for me in everything. Getting through the traps to face Quirrel, the research into the Chamber, dealing with Pettigrew, the Tournament, Dumbledore's Army and the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore's death, and during the quest for the Hallows. They sacrificed as much as I did during those times. Hermione was petrified for a good chunk of a school year. You know how much Aunt Hermione loves knowledge and reading. Your loyal Uncle Ron even took off a few times. Especially during the quest. But he always came back."
"But what about me today then?" "You were concerned and untested. It's not your fault. It's an innocence I never had. I wish I did. I'm glad you have it. My children don't have to live in fear like my generation did." James laughed as his dad ruffled his hair.
"Who was she?" "We won't know for a while. She's dangerous. Powerful." James waited as his dad walked back to the shop to talk to an Auror. It was one he didn't recognize.
Harry walked back to him after a few minutes. "I need to go. Something… has happened. Owl your mother. Tell her I will be gone for a few days. She'll understand." "Ok." "I love you, James." "I love you too, Dad."
James felt sad as Mia and him walked back to the castle, hand in hand, under Auror escort. A few of the teachers were at the door. They cast spells to ensure that the students were students. The two of them went right to the owlery. Other students were there sending out letters.
Mum,
A weird dark witch approached me in Hogsmeade today while I was with Mia. She acted weird like the Bathilda Bagshog? lady Dad and Aunt Mione ran into in where Grandmum and Granddad are buried. Madam Puddifoot tried helping us but she was cursed.
Uncle Neville came and dueled with her until Dad and other Auror's showed up. I tripped the witch up during the fight when I had a chance and it let Dad and the other's stun her.
Dad is on his way somewhere with other Auror's. He wanted me to tell you it would be a few days before he was home. He was acting strange.
Your favorite,
James
Mia and him were swarmed in the common room when they returned to it. Albus was proud as could be at being a Potter and associated with a dark witch. He kept reaffirming what James told the crowd as if he had been in the shop with Mia and James.
The Gryffindor's thought it was amazing how brave he had been the one to take the witch down with the chair leg. If she had been so strong as to not need a wand with advanced spellcasting, his use of non magic made it very brave. The Gryffindor students were even prouder their Head of House had fought her alone for minutes to save students regardless of House.
Professor Longbottom was extremely in the school because of his role in bringing Voldemort down. A painting of his using the Sword of Gryffindor to kill Voldemort's snake was hanging in the Entrance Hall now. The painting Longbottom would always give encouragement to students who passed by. Whenever Professor Longbottom himself would pass by, they would have fun talks that were highlights for students.
Across from that painting was one of the one half of the greatest troublemaking duo Hogwarts had ever seen. Uncle Fred played pranks on other paintings and students. Peeves was a huge fan of the painting of Uncle Fred and was even more mischievous than he had been years before.
James had not told Albus about Uncle Fred's painting. When Albus had encountered it the first day of classes, Uncle Fred had pulled a prank by moving into Neville's painting and pretending to be the snake as Neville swung the sword. Albus had freaked out. It had been a highlight of the first week of school for everyone.
The days excitement kept the common room populated until late at night. Mia was curled up next to him on the comfy couch. James felt no urge to go to sleep. He was still riding the high of doing something that day.
A scratch at the window told him an owl was looking for someone. James recognized the school owl he had used. Albus had sent out their owl for something earlier in the day. It was a note back from Mum.
James Sirius Potter!
How dare you deal with a dark witch or wizard when FULLY TRAINED AUROR'S AND YOUR FATHER were there! I'm very happy you are safe now, as is Mia, BUT WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, YOUNG MAN? Uncle Neville had it covered and you did nothing then. But your father shows up and you decide to be dumb? WE DID NOT RAISE YOU TO BE LIKE THIS, JAMES SIRIUS!
I do not want to hear that your father did this when he was in school. You are not your father not matter how much you look like him. I will take the Marauder's Map and Invisibility Cloak from you if you ever do something so dumb again! Albus is frightened you two are being targeted like your father was by Voldemort.
I do appreciate you telling me about Dad going away for several days. It must be serious and I will let you know when I hear from him. I have sent a thank you gift to Uncle Neville for what he did. I also told Mia's parents about what happened. They are glad you two are safe as well.
Love you equally to my other two children,
Mum
James read the letter in his mum's voice, but Grandmum Molly's tone when upset. Mum could sound like the younger twin of her mum when she wanted to. A Howler was what James had expected. He would be on the look the next few days at post.
Mia woke him a short while later as they still were curled up on the couch. James smiled at her in return. She snogged him before he could do anything. He lost track of time as he enjoyed his first session. They had talked about it before the witch had shown up. A few pecks had been all they had done before.
"Ahem." Cassandra Calliwort, a sixth year prefect, was standing over them. "Sorry," they both spit out. "To bed, now!" "Of course." Cassandra stalked behind them on the way to the dorms. She kept a sharp eye on him as he went to his dorm. Snores and heavy breathing greeted him.
He happily climbed into his bed. As he drifted off, a naughty thought came to him. Digging in his trunk produced his cloak and map. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The map sprung to life. Cassandra was in her dorm the floor above Mia's. Mia was in her bed.
Donning the cloak, he approached the female dorm stairs. Having learned last year what happened to males who tried to use the stairs, James looked at his trust map. His dot was at the base of the stairs. A bubble appeared showing him using a broomstick. James shook his head. His was down at the quidditch locker room.
Another bubble appeared. It showed him using a spell. He studied carefully. It made him laugh once he realized how clever his grandfather and his friends had been. To have known this, they would have made several trips to figure it out. And they had first used broomsticks. Why had no male student discovered this yet? Or had they? Or did they just have their girlfriends join them in the male dorms?
Glancing again at the surroundings, James paused at the seventh year dorms. Charles and Quinton, two players on the Quidditch team with him, were in the same bed. James wasn't surprised. They were very close friends. And always trying to be the new mischievous pair of friends in the school.
Using the well of bravery he had discovered earlier in the day, James did as the map had shown. "Leviautocorpi." He felt himself rise up several feet off the ground. Moving forward, he found he could control his direction of travel several feet. Then he felt himself falling. Casting the spell again, he managed to keep off the stairs and the alarm that would happen.
He made it to her dorm with more effort than he had thought it would take. The excitement and bravery propelled him though. Checking the map again, he saw the all clear signal from his symbol. Breathing easily, James moved to the bed marked as Mia's.
Leaning down, he removed his head from the cloak and prodded her. She gasped loudly. None of her dormmates woke. She smiled happily. James climbed into the bed with her. Throwing the clock under the sheets, he snuggled up against her.
"I wasn't expecting you," she whispered. "Good. I'm full of surprises today." "You are, James Potter. Living up to your name." He smiled now, "Even better."
They drifted off with smiles on their faces. It was nothing but cuddling. The other girls woke them. Luckily James had closed the curtains when he entered. They were soon gone leaving the two alone again for a good while.
"Won't Al be looking for you soon?" "Yeah. But I don't care right now. We should do this more often." "I think so too. Amber does it a lot with her fourth year boyfriend. Parker." "Oh that git?" "Yes. But in his dorm." "This is better." "I agree."
He began the snogging this time. It was even more enjoyable knowing how much trouble they could face with him in the female dorms. And the ability of getting in them on top of it. The founders had known how much trouble the young students could get into but like any worthy wizard or witch, appreciated cleverness.
James found his hands moving on her body. He was possessed with something to do it. He couldn't describe what but knew he was not his normal self. His entire body felt electric as his hands shaped her body. Her hands were on his now as well.
Pleasure seemed focus on one part of his body. A few times, James had found out how much pleasure that could be achieved from there. This was the first time Mia was very close for it. And he was doing nothing himself to bring his pleasure to a peak. Nor was she.
He found her chest under her shirt. It drove her wild under him as he felt himself go crazy. His hips moved on their own now. His pants were filled soon. James lay next to her breathing heavily. Mia became concerned, "Are you ok, James?" "I'm great," he found himself saying dreamily.
"Oh. Oh!" She giggled. "You… finished?" "Yes." "Wow. That was fun." "Yes." He could barely talk. She grabbed her wand from her nightstand and cast a cleaning spell on his pants. He felt the stickiness disappear. "Thanks." "I heard Amber talk about it. She says it's a whole different kind of magic." "It felt very magical."
/
Ginny was startled when Harry plopped down in a chair behind her after Apparating quickly into the kitchen. Blood leaked down his face. His robes were torn and singed.
"Merlin's beard! Harry!" Lily came rushing in. Ginny sent out a warning Patronus as she began healing Harry. He was woozy. She didn't doubt it as she saw the amount of dried and fresh blood adorning his garments. Lily helped her as she fought tears.
Five days. Five days. No word. No notices. Nothing from the Auror's Office or the Ministry. Not even the Auror's knew where Harry was, they claimed, when asked. Ginny would have words with him again when he was healed and right.
Hermione and a Healer from St Mungo's Apparated into the house. They rushed to help her. The Healer took over duties on Harry. Hermione helped her search Harry's robes for clues. His wand was in his pocket. Several parchments were full of writing.
Hermione perused them as Ginny kept searching. More parchments were tucked away. Lily left when ordered by the Healer. They put Harry on the table as more Healer's appeared. Several pieces of shrapnel were embedded in him.
They conducted a thorough removal and healing. Harry was placed in the master bedroom as they left with promises to return later to see how he held up. Apparently they were forbidden from taking him to the hospital.
Ginny was exhausted at the end as she sat down with her sister-in-law and brother. Ron was concerned as he read parchments handed to him by Hermione. Ginny waited for them to tell her what was written. She didn't dare read them.
"This is amazing. What is written here puts the quest for the Hallows as just a simple journey. Even Harry's trip to the other world is pale compared to this."
"Out with it." Ron was tightlipped at her tone. Hermione prodded him to go on. "Harry traced the witch to a small coven in the Shetland Islands. They in turn led him to a group of dark practitioners in Greenland. Harry and a few Aurors dueled a group of them. The Auror's stayed as Harry followed their leader.
Following that leader had taken him around the world. Each time, the Wizard had been near stone cylinders. It was a weird coincidence, Harry wrote. It was a battle at each one before the Wizard disappeared, unable to use a stone.
Finally, at a cylinder near the Kremlin in Russia, they had fought to a standstill. Eventually, his foe had told him he was sent to this world by Sarah Gilmore. He was from a land where the use of 'magic' in men caused madness. Tavitani was who greeted him on his entry to this world. This world had no madness to the magic. It was a heaven. They didn't need wands for magic. No need to control the feel of magic either.
Harry had talked in depth to his foe. They had been equally matched and tired. Harry was debating on what to do with the knowledge and foe when he was ambushed. He had barely fought off the ambushers. His foe had run to the cylinder and disappeared. In the end, his ambushers turned out to be Russian wizards who had felt the use of heavy magic in a duel. Once they had realized who he was, they fled in fear of a retaliation. They thought they had caused a war with the British Wizarding Community. Harry had to promise them it wasn't that. When leaving, he had been attacked once more.
That had been written a day ago. What had happened since then was what the three of them wondered. Harry had been on the go for that long? Ron left with Lily late that night as the two women provided an overwatch on Harry.
The two began talking as the vigil dragged on. Ginny avoided asking any hard questions. It was a rough time as she wanted to ask something heavy.
"How was Draco?" "It was magical. Way better than Ron." Hermione clamped her hand over her mouth. It was clear she hadn't meant what she said. Ginny was a bit furious but still understood.
"What are you going to do about Ron?" "I still love him. And we have our children. But… I feel no wifely love for him anymore. Just… a best friends. Almost like how I feel about Harry."
Ginny embraced her with a hug. Hermione cried into her shoulder. "You have always been a great friend." "You are my surrogate big sister, Hermione. One I never had." "You and Harry have always felt like my siblings too." Ginny passed the wine bottle over that they had been sharing.
Hermione took a long drag of it. She giggled now. It was definitely a drunken giggle. "Draco has such a nice wanker compared to your brother." Ginny laughed herself now, "I don't want to hear that." "Well who has a better one? Harry or Dean?" Ginny blushed, "Harry. It's not that it's bigger but that it's just… well… better. I don't know."
Hermione looked at her coyly now from her spot on the bed. She grabbed the blanket covering Harry and tossed it down. "It is nice." "Hermione! Put that back!" "No!" Ginny tackled her friend while they struggled to place the blanket back.
Ginny found herself under her friend. Ginny felt a stirring she once had and gave into it. She pushed Hermione down. Their clothes disappeared with her prodding. Hermione giggled the entire time. She was beautiful naked. A few showers together had filled some fantasies Ginny had enjoyed.
Hermione seemed uneasy now that they were entwined like this. Ginny positioned herself strategically, "Is this where Draco violated your marriage?" Her fingers probed. Hermione moaned softly, "Yes." "Is this where you gave up your loyalty?" "Yes!" Curled fingers elicited the last response. A hand grabbed her hand forcefully. Ginny enjoyed tormenting her oldest female friend
She kept her questions and onslaught up for ages. Hermione soon had the whole bedroom perfumed with her scent. Ginny was captivated by the foreign smell. Never before had she experienced this. Hermione had such a beautiful curvy body that was a drug on its own.
Somehow Hermione got her onto her back and was asking questions now. "Is this the hole Harry thought was his conquest?" "Merlin, yes!" Hermione changed the game and licked her bud. Magical pleasure ripped through her. "Fuck, Hermione!" Ginny wasn't sure how she felt besides pleasured from the new element. Hermione laughed cleverly before digging her tongue in deep.
Ginny soon was panting, breathe barely coming, as she lay on her back, smiling deeply. Hermione was curled up next to her in a similar state. Harry was still soundly asleep on the bed. This was euphoric compared to the normal sex she had been accustomed to.
/
The house was crammed with people as everyone had come to the Potter house at Ginny's invite. Albus seemed the happiest of all the kids to be around the house. He would talk to anyone who listened about his heroic brother.
Harry was recovered now and walking around slowly. He had told her some of what had happened. Ginny had kept quiet about everything Hermione had gushed out to her. It was hard to look at Ron and not feel sorry for him. Even with knowing before, she was still shocked with all the details Hermione had said.
The children were all over the house now as Ginny fought with her mother over dinner. Molly was insistent on what sides were needed. Ginny kept arguing that it was her year to cook and she would decide what everyone ate.
Shouts from the kids in the study garnered her attention. Ginny made her way through the crowded house to find Rose and Albus arguing over something trivial. It took little effort to calm them down and send Albus to his room without distractions.
A quick survey revealed there was a missing child from the assortment. James was not in his room nor in the living room. It was a wonder where he really was. "James Sirius Potter!" Ginny cast her voice across the house with a spell.
Albus poked his head out from his room. "Back into your room now!" "Mum!" "Albus! Unless you know where your brother is, into your room now!" Albus scurried back in.
James appeared from the attic with a guilty look upon his face. Ginny ran through what to say quickly but before she could, Harry spoke behind her, "James, when there are people over, we do not hide." "Yes, Dad." "You upset your mother. You upset me. You will go apologize to everyone here."
"Yes, Dad." Ginny turned on her husband. He stood his ground. "I had it covered." "I was irritated. I apologize." He bleakly smiled. It was his apology.
"You didn't have to be so stern." "I did what I felt necessary. Isn't that what I always do?" He gently embraced her. She avoided his wounds as she embraced him back
"Why is Hermione avoiding Ron today?" "I am unsure." "You do know. We will discuss this later?" "Yes." Ginny dreaded that conversation. Harry was so honorable. She barely understood it but just went with it because it was her friend. How would Harry react when it was his old foe, Draco? With his old friend, Hermione?
/
Hermione was worried after talking with Ginny. She was sitting on her bed. Ron was asleep, dead to the world, as he was obnoxiously snoring. Many times she had tried finding it endearing. Now it was only obnoxious.
She had three parchments written out for Ron on the dresser. It was time to actually come clean and tell Ron. Or it was time to lie and break it off. Or it was time to just… disappear from all of this. She was torn from any of the options.
"This is a tough choice, is it not?" A woman stood in the corner of the room. Her garments were not place able. It was a weird accent too. Not American. Not any part of England.
"You haven't made a choice because you do not want to make one. You feel as if you should make one." "Yes." "Don't make one of those. Make a different one. Follow me. Leave nothing behind." "My children." "They have love of family and a devoted father. Who has taken to helping his brother. They know love. They will be fine. Follow me, Miss Granger." "I can't." "You betrayed your marriage bond. Some consider that a huge piece of dark magic."
"I'm not sure it is." "You violated love." "Why are you here?" "I have been following you for the last few years." "Sarah Gilmore." "Yes. That… is what I'm called, here." "Who is Tavitani?" "My enemy. She is not a dark witch. She appears to be one, but she is not." "You are?" "Yes."
/
James ignored the conversations of his parents. Mia's parents were over for dinner. Something had happened with Aunt Hermione. It was depressing and that was all he knew.
Being an expert troublemaker, James had set his siblings off on a task so Mia and he could squirrel away in his room with no interruptions. It had only been a few days since they had last seen each other at Platform 9 and 3 quarters. A few times they had redone their fun night in her dorm.
Now they were in his bedroom. Alone. With distracted parents and time. The risk was rewarding. They were soon engaged together on his bed.
A boom shook the house. James hastily threw clothes on and ran to the door. Smoke filled the hallway. He could hear nothing out of the ordinary now. Fear spiked in him as he looked and waited for word from any adult. None came. There weren't even sounds from the other younger crowd. Mia was behind him barely breathing.
James was unsure of what to do. Courage flooded him but nothing came to mind. He was all he had at that moment. Mia was shaking now. James tried to come up with a plan. This surely counted as an emergency and a threat to life. "Lumos." He cast light onto what he could see. Shards of timber and glass were splayed around the landing. Nothing moved.
A tall woman moved towards the front door. She looked up at him. "Stupefy!" The red light of the spell raced towards the woman. She raised a hand and the spell died. James remembered all too well the tea shop.
"Avada kedevra!" The terrible spell scorched his soul as he cast it. The woman just grinned. Her arm arched out, palm facing him, and a terribly bright white light raced at his green spell. It ate the green spell and disappeared with the green one. James knew he had cast the spell but couldn't remember. Or what he was doing now on the landing. He had lost a lot of memory. The world seemed to warp around him.
Mia was no longer behind him. James felt like he had done things but couldn't recall what. "Stop being foolish, boy." Her accent was strange and unplaceable. He didn't care now. "Where are my parents?" "They are safe. Like you will be. Stop casting spells and you will be fine."
"Where are my parents?" He demanded this time. She cackled below him, "You are a fool. A great fool." A second witch suddenly appeared behind the first. "Leave the boy." "No!" The interloper cast a spell and it lifted the witch off the ground. "You made an agreement to never return here. I will end you." "You can't!" "I will." She reached her free hand out and suddenly fire engulfed the floating lady. James turned away. It was too much.
When he opened his eyes again, the second, taller witch was squatting so she was eye level. "You must forget this all, child. Obliviate."
