Chapter 4: Everyone Plots

(AN: I know what's going on, but I think it's getting kinda convoluted for everyone else. Sorry about that. I think I'll try to at least retell the very beginning of my first story again. I'll think of someway to make someone blab about it.)

* * Hidden Basement Mansion * *

"Lucious." an evil voice quietly called out. A week had passed. In an immaculate marble chamber completely contrasting with the halls outside of it, the Dark Lord recuperated slowly.

Lucious Malfoy kneeled before the bed of his snake-like master, gratefully not suffering his master's wrath. Right now, the combination of crippling pain and obsessive fury kept Voldemort solely focused on his new foe. Singularis Nex was one of the stronger dark spells, explosive and homing. And the Dark Lord was dragged onto his own spell, Crabbe being the only reason he wasn't vaporized. The depth of disdain Voldemort saw in the boy's eyes during their encounter was no less than what he felt for muggles. It was maddening. For such contempt to be turned on him was unacceptable! He was Lord Voldemort, the wizard who has mastered all the worthy magics of the West and struck terror in all who heard his name.

"I live to serve, my lord." Lucious groveled sycophantically. Part of Lucious was actually pleased that the Dark Lord was reduced to this state. He knew that following the revelation of the lost diary and now the lost prophecy, he and perhaps his family would have been direly punished were it not for this distraction.

"What has young Draco reported to you from Hogwarts?" the Dark Lord wheezed menacingly.

"My son has seen the boy at Hogwarts as you expected my lord. He was seen wandering the halls and grounds of the school before disappearing into Dumbledore's office."

"I see Lucious… And?" he asked with a tinge of impatience.

"I- I'm afraid he was unable to learn anymore than you already know my lord." Lucious quivered.

The bedridden wizard let out an audible growl and moved as if to raise his wand but his arm fell feebly back to his side. "You will tell Draco to continue his reports, tell your spies to discover all they can of this mongrel, and you will personally ensure they do not fail."

Lucious gulped. "Yes my lord."

"Do not disappoint me again Lucious." Voldemort said with finality.

A knock at the door could be heard and Severus Snape announced himself. "My lord, I have completed it." Carrying a platter, Snape walked to a table in the middle of the room and laid it in the center of the table setting.

"Well done Severus." Voldemort uttered. Slowly he rose. His wounds spanned across the entirety of his left side, from torso to ear, but apparently staunched. "The 'Ξεκοιλιάζω Menu' has been finished?"

Severus nodded and replied, "Lucious was quick to transport the magical chefs from Greece and combined with my potions no wounds will be left on your body, my lord." He lifted away the plate cover to reveal a menagerie of beasts twisted together into a helix and laid on the plate. What was there hardly resembled an animal any longer and was dripping with a silver-ish red blood, the culmination of the Dark Lord's study on blood magic, given to Severus to work with.

Had the Dark Lord felt it was not beneath him he might have drooled a bit of drool, so fond of the more heinous culinary innovations he had become after drinking unicorn blood. The irony of his grotesque form and meal was loss on the dark wizard.

"Now Severus, what do you have to report of Dumbledore?"

Snape reiterated what he knew of the night's events and the less than productive meeting at the Order.

Voldemort was not pleased with the lack of personal information he received on the boy but at least knew he was away from the protection of Dumbledore. "You shall leave me to my recuperation for now, but after prepare to eliminate all those who dared defy us. Do you understand Severus." Snape nodded "And you Lucious. Are the wizards we captured from Cornwall still within the dungeon?"

"Yes, my lord." Lucious affirmed.

"Then you are all dismissed."

The two Death Eaters left silently and swiftly. Voldemort contemplated to himself, "Those two insolent blood-traitors will be fine fodder when I check on my anchors. Perhaps it was mere mad rambling, but if my Horcruxes have truly activated then I must be certain. That child shall die at my hand. No mystery shall be hidden from me and when I uncover all your secrets, a cruciatus will be a blessing." The day would continue with many Death Eaters shuffling anxiously at the Dark Lord's door, hearing foul squelching sounds coupled with manic cackles and hard stomping pacing.

**In the North**

"Gone … All gone." The entire cityscape was nothing but frost. He knew he changed things in his world when he stopped Heiðarís, but only now seeing this barren frozen wasteland, where there should have a magnificent city of spiraling ice towers, fantastic metal-ice masonry, and the vibrant bustling of man and mer, did he understand.

The last prophecy of the North...

"A world once green forever ruled by Frost,

Lest both Lord and Tyrant pay a cost.

What will stay the Beast's hand,

As falls the wicked Rimewind brand?

A spirit maiden's life viciously taken, a world shaken.

A braided maiden's life freely given, a horde driven.

The thrice crowned king shall call, one will fall."

The prophecy regarding Voldemort was certainly not the only one in the world, but just the same, he found that no prophecy had applied to him since the day he was born, since the day he was blessed by the Daedra. Such a transdimensional astral phenomenon was simply not something seers could see, hence the futures they saw were ones that didn't include him. Prophecies were written without his presence. For seers, Gerrard was like a living person suddenly jumping into their story books and interacting with all their characters, drastically changing the ending to the story.

"But perhaps they mean more than mere predictions to those involved. Perhaps this is what Dumbledore feared, a vision of ruin with no chance for reprise." thought Gerrard. "To fight against fate is the same as fighting against any other force. The Elder Scrolls themselves can be challenged. But the price of failure ... was sobering. Then again, when wasn't defeat a road to travesty?"

Grandsage Allidar was the one who devise the plan to trap Voldemort's piece of soul into the ancient rime of the Furthest North. He had planned to do the same to Heiðarís. He'd plan to defy fate. Through the cracked frozen earthen roads, where heaps of snow piled haphazardly showing signs of where buildings might have once been, Gerrard moved towards the old citadel. There was no life here.

There it was. Everything was in ruins, but whatever caused this destruction had long past. Solerebus was not a place one could find if they didn't know where to look. Gerrard paced himself languidly, remembering how each frosty structure use to look, before finally reaching solarium. He couldn't help but mourn this tragic loss and all because of that man...

In the center of the room was a jutting jagged well of ice, like frozen green-blue stalactite. Obscured by the condensation on the outtermost side of the ice was a half-naked muscular man, wearing a scowling sinister face wrought in rage and agony. Surrounding his head were red tendrils, his mistborn necromantic creatures. Gerrard had come here with hopes of finding peace before constructing the Oblivion Gate, but not this- this solitude.

Suddenly Heiðarís' eye swiveled and turned onto him. Gerrard brought his staff up startledly. But quickly understood. Allidar gave up his own life to contain Heiðarís, a fierce Rimemage with much more than a fractured piece of soul. To contain this monster and to stop his the prophecy from ever coming to fruitition, Allidar had to use his own soul as a tether. The North's prophecy had many interpretations of its own. Were Freya and Siguard well? Was the blood price paid? Will the great freezing come?

No. Gerrard summoned a long dark ebony blade, coated in lightning. Without repose he thrust the blade through the ancient frost and into the tyrant's heart. Even though his very soul was bound and frozen unmoving, Hei aris still managed to widen his eyes in shock and wonder at how and why his end had come.

"I can't stay here, not with the Fae, the Dracomancers, or the Drow either. This is a different world." With that, Gerrard solemnly left.

* * In Number 12 Grimmauld Place * *

"Ladies and Gentleman, let us begin our meeting." Dumbledore announced from the head of the round table. "Remus, what did you find?"

Seated in the leftmost side of the table, Remus Lupin rose and answered, "Neither hair nor hide I'm afraid. We tracked him as far Greenland before the spell stopped pointing us a direction to go. I'm certain we could have at least gotten a trail, but with You-Know-Who increasing the movement of his forces it did not seem prudent to commit so the manpower to a long-shot."

Dumbledore nodded and added. "It was a wise decision. While the boy is still a matter that demands attention, it is not our utmost priority."

"That may not be completely so, Headmaster." interjected Severus Snape. "After the Dark Lord's less than graceful flight from the Ministry it seems we've also been tasked with hunting down information on him. It seems his recent defeat has prompted a new obsession. One that dwarfs his fixation on Potter I might add. It's only a matter of time before he learns as much as we know."

Dumbledore pinched the bridge of nose. "Then we can assume he will have moved the objects we discussed?"

"After attending to his wounds, he had prisoners attend to some endeavor he insisted on traveling to alone, so it can be assumed he has at the very least planned to check on them." replied Snape gravely "However, it is unlikely that anyone has actually touched them in this realm. He may not yet want to undo the painstaking protections he has placed them under if he continues to believe we are unaware."

Dumbledore's worst fear had been that Voldemort would move his horcruxes and that all his research into Tom's past will be for naught. He feared young Harry would never be in a position to defeat Voldemort before irrevocable harm came. He even decided postponing his move for the Gaunt's ring in fear of provoking Voldemort into moving all his other potential horcruxes. However, the words of the mysterious youth came back to him again. Dumbledore exasperatedly said "It seems a new player has come into the midst. New plans will have to be made."

Snape nodded in agreement.

"What do we know of the boy's last words Remus?" asked Moody. "It sounded like a bunch of nonsense at the time."

"I worked with Fletcher on that question and it appears to have been a rather highly publicized incident in the muggle news."

"Muggle?" asked Sirius.

"Yes. 'Outer Heaven' was the site of a terrorist organization rising to power somewhere in South Africa according to the government releases. It has been around for the last decade until last year when it was completely destroyed. NATO forces were apparently called in a bombing raid and wiped out the entire group." explained Remus.

"What does that have to with any of us?" questioned Moody impatiently.

"Maybe nothing, but it certainly wasn't a plain event. Mundungus, what did you and your friend find out from the colonel he… 'questioned?' You never met back with me after we separated."

Startled out of his half daze, Mundungus Fletcher jumped up. "Huh- Wha- Oh… Well Micky boy got more outta' the ol' man than we thought. Funny thing, the bloke didn't even know he knew as much as did. Said the whole thing was some kinda cove' up by the Yanks or summit like that. Turns out one of their own got loose. Built some kinda muggle super weapon. Sounded right dangerous, with their nuclear mis-a-what-its. They called it… Metal Gear."

"Metal Gear?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yea'" confirmed Mundungus.

"And what of the other question. 'Who are the Patriots?'" inquired Dumbledore.

"Uhmm…" Mundungus began to look away, scratching his stubble nervously.

"Well? C'mon! Out with it, Dung." Sirius called out.

"Ye' see, Mick couldn't actually get anything about that outta the good colonel but the man knew someone who might know. He gave us a name, 'Jim Houseman.' So me and Mick take the international port to the States, see, and hunt down the bloke. Scouted out his 'ouse in the woods and everything. I bound him up with a charm and told Mick to hurry up and do his legilimency thing. But that's when the problems started. Mick couldn't get read him."

"Couldn't read? Was the man a wizard?" Snape queried.

Mundungus continued, "I don't think so. Mick didn't know what to do next, so I just outright asked him 'Who are the Patriots?' But the next thing we knew there were muggles everywhere, kicked in the doors, pointing their guns at us. I tossed off one o' them dugbog sacks and apparated out behind the smoke. But here's the strange part, them muggles got one of their own to start chasing after us."

"What do you mean? Didn't you apparate far enough?" asked Moody.

"Nay. It wasn't like tha'. Me and Mick must have apparated a good mile and a half away from the man's house, but something apparated- or whatever after us. He wasn't a wizard that was for sure. Had his face all covered in some long black mask –and no, it weren't no Death Eater's mask— he started making Mick go all funny on me." Anticipating more questions, Mundungus waved them off and continued speaking. "Mick started flailing his wand around like he'd been bit by a ghost and I knew he wasn't going to be doing either of us any good, so I threw him my portkey and sent him back around the Lancashire hideout."

"Tell us more about the man, Mundungus." requested Remus.

Mundungus didn't like being put on the spot like this, but he knew this was somewhat important. "He was an odd one, definitely. He was covered in a dark trench coat. He could float and move things, and I don't know what was going on with Mick- he's resting now- but I could tell he must'a done something to his mind. That must have been some kind of mind magic, since Mick was a good occlumence too. And when he started coming after me, well I just legged it. I apparated a good four or five times through the woods before I ended up in another town, but here's where things got stranger. What are those things muggles use… the phone booth, like the one we use to get into Ministry… the one I was next to started ringing. I don't know what I was thinking but I just picked it up and a voice, a muffled said it had a message for me." Suddenly Mundungus just stopped speaking and a glazed look took over his countenance.

"What was the message Mundungus?" Dumbledore asked.

"La Li Lu Le Lo." Mundungus' hand began to shiver a little.

"Excuse me?" asked Remus, noticing the odd look in Mundungus' eyes.

"La Li Lu Le Lo. La Li Lu Le Lo. La Li Lu Le Lo. La Li L—" Mundungus fell over to his side and gargled.

Remus hastily knelt over the diminutive man and tried to steady him. "Dung! Get a hold of yourself! Dumbledore…"

Dumbledore took out his wand and started scanning the man over. "There is no trace of spellwork here…" he said. Casting a charm, Mundungus stopped trembling.

Snape stepped next to Mundungus and pulled out a potion for the little person. He poured the draft down his throat and it seemed to stabilize him for the moment.

With a sigh, Dumbledore said, "It seems there was indeed more to Mr. Barrinalo's words than anticipated. Remus, please deliver Mr. Fletcher to Madam Pomfrey."

"Yes, Dumbledore." Remus said and floated Mundungus towards the floo.

Moody rose to speak. "What do think Dumbledore? Wandless magic, strange mental magic, and all the whole cloak and dagger routine from muggles of all things… Think this is where the boy's from?"

Turning to Moody, Dumbledore responded, "Hmm… I do not believe so. Mr. Barrinalo went through lengths to express his desire for privacy. He would most likely not belong to a group, at least not actively. And most importantly, he would not give us clues he believe would lead to our discovering his own past. No… the muggles or whatever magical group that has infiltrated the muggle government is most likely something that Mr. Barrinalo believes to be of grave importance to enlist our aid or in the worst case…"

"The worst case?" pressed Moody.

"This may be nothing more than a ruse to draw our attention from his ultimate goals, a ruse that will bring more enemies into our midst."

Tonks added, "Couldn't this be related to the Death Eaters? They've taken to using the Imperius on muggles in power before."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Mr. Barrinalo has made his opinion of Voldemort clear. This… may be something he considers to be worst than our current crisis I imagine. We will need to monitor this new situation."

Moody let out a hum of agreement, "Constant vigilance."

A sudden knock on the door drew everyone's attention. Minerva McGonagall followed by Filius Flitwick entered the assembly room.

"Ah Minerva. It's good to see you've arrived. And Filius, I must say again, how glad I'm that you've finally decided to join us."

"Things have been looking grim, haven't they Dumbledore?" said Flitwick. "It's important we stay united before they get out of hand."

"Indeed, Filius, indeed." Dumbledore agreed, familiar twinkle displaying itself again. "And what of the matter with the Sorting Hat?"

"I've gone through all the charms I could find Dumbledore, but there's nothing wrong with the magic I could see. It's… simply clammed up." explained Flitwick. "The hat will still respond too simple questions, but from what you've told me it appears the boy made the hat respond to something in itself rather than actually tampering with it. If you remember Dumbledore, the hat is sentient… It may be best to just let it be."

"Alas, another avenue is lost." lamented Dumbledore.

"What will do about Harry, Dumbledore?" asked Tonks. "His protections are almost gone now. So… where are you goin' put him?"

Sirius piped up and answered, "What do you mean where? Of course he's going to stay here with me. I'm his godfather and it's just a matter of time before those Ministry sods finally get my name cleared. They don't have a choice after that fiasco."

"Yes… Considering the recent changes, it may be prudent to keep Harry in Sirius' care. I'm certain Sirius' good judgment will keep Harry from anymore adversity." said Dumbledore with slight tone of humor, but maintaining a serious glare on Sirius to emphasize the severity of the situation.

"Uh heh… This old dog might have ruffled a few couches the wrong well, but I know well enough to keep my family safe, Dumbledore." Sirius stated firmly, but still with a knowingly embarrass rub to the back of his own head. "Well then… what are we going to do now?"

Dumbledore spoke out in his administrative tone. "I will seek out some old friends in the States to see if this Mundungus' attacker is a graver problem than it appears. Sirius, please find Remus and find Mundungus' associate to see if you can ascertain the extent of his injuries. Miss Tonks, please take over Remus' duties and continue the monitoring the trace spells on Mr. Barrinalo for any activity. Filius, if you may, work with the wards around the Moody's new safe havens. Minerva, I believe you may need to find Horace. Try to convince him of the dangers of traversing on his own. And Severus, try to refrain from informing Voldemort the specifics of our misfortunate encounters in the States until I've returned."

Everyone nodded at their various assignments and adjourned the meeting.

* * At Flourish and Blotts **

An Albus Dumbledore entered through the front door, hitting the chime.

The store clerk lifted his head away from his newspaper and said, "Professor Dumbledore! It's rare that I get to see you in here. How can I help you?"

Dumbledore walked to the front desk and answered, "Even I wish to leave the tower for some fresh air every now and then. Would you perhaps have a copy of the latest revision of Modern Magical History?"

Sure. Just next self-help aisle. But I woulda' thought you'd be the last person to need a copy of that. You're in almost half the chapters." said the clerk as she moved to hand Dumbledore the book.

"If you would humor this old man…" said Dumbledore

"Well alright then. Have a nice day." she said, as she handed Dumbledore his change.

As Dumbledore walked out the door he was greeted by an old man with an equally white and long beard, but slightly sterner countenance. "You have your book then?"

"Yes. …Are you well, Allidar?"

"It's disconcerting. Cyromancy can connect Rimemages through the storms and the clouds." Allidar stated grimly. "That I can't sense a single man… it most likely means my people are truly gone."

Dumbledore frowned sympathetically. "Are you certain? Could it not simply be the transdimensional change that has shifted your magical resonances?"

Allidar shook his head dourly. "Did you look in your book yet?"

"No I haven't."

"But you've looked through your newspapers already. They're calling that Harry Potter boy their savior, their 'Chosen One.' That most likely means that Gerrard Barrinalo Potter was never born."

Realizing the implications from previous conversations, Dumbledore was said nothing, not wanting to appear condescending to the man's loss. But after a moment he said, "Let's depart for now. Lily and Rose are still resting alone in the inn."

Both men began to slowly walk towards the end of the alley to the Leaky Cauldron. A bit testily, Allidar responded, "This most likely means we've lost our lead. We've spent too much time investigating the differences of this world. How shall we approach the search now?"

Dumbledore responded, "The investigation at the ministry seems to have shown Voldemort has only just recently returned and coincidentally take a look at this." Dumbledore handed his companion a copy of the "Daily Prophet."

"He Who Must Not Be Named Returns! Dumbledore Potter Vindicated!"

by Rita Skeeter.

(AN: I considered a different reporter, but sensationalism really sells, even in fan fiction.)

He-who-must-not-be-named attacks the Ministry with the return of the Death Eaters! In a turnaround that has surprised us all, the escaped Death Eaters infiltrated the halls of the Ministry last week, attempting to raid the Department of Mysteries. Minister Fudge has confirmed that the former Dark Lord was indeed seen within the Ministry, but when asked the exact specifics of the attack he responded with "no comment." Likewise when asked if he will retract his previous statements against Albus Dumbledore he responded with "no comment." Luckily, this intrepid reporter was able to attain exclusive sources from the Ministry on the extensive battle that occurred within the dark depths of our political institution.

The first to initiate battle with the Death Eaters was none other than the savior of the wizarding world, The-Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter. It isn't difficult to imagine the why our boy hero would go through such lengths and peril to regain the trust of his adoring fans. To imagine him traveling from the far flung corners of Hogwarts all the way to London to fight the Death Eaters in spite of scathing criticisms against his person is nothing less than we've come to expect from our Gryffindor hero. This reporter wonders if Mr. Potter had foreknowledge of an intrusion in the Ministry, why he hadn't simply alerted the appropriate officials within the Hogwarts administration. However, I'm sure Mr. Potter felt very brave.

Inside the Ministry were the terrible criminals of Azkaban, feral werewolves, and even vampire, all surrounding our young hero. Alone in the dark halls of the ministry he kept the Death Eaters from advancing towards their goal until the informed authorities could arrive. From the west wing of the Ministry building, Aurors had fiercely fought through the masked invaders and staunchly defended the late night department workers. Much more surprisingly was that none other than Albus Dumbledore himself had also appeared and subdued the rampaging werewolves in the east wing. Meanwhile You-Know-Who had already started decimating innocents in the midway after Mr. Potter.

But what was the Death Eater's ultimate goal? It appears that You-Know-Who was after a certain prophecy locked deep within the Hall of Prophecies, which was taken and smashed by Mr. Potter. A known fact is that prophecies contained in the Department of Ministries are charmed with the most advance spells the Unspeakables are capable of, leaving only those involved in the prediction to view the prophecy (reference page D6 for more details on the Hall of Prophecies). Therefore it can be assumed that this particular prophecy must have involved both The-Boy-Who-Lived and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Could young Harry Potter be the prophesized Chosen One, the one to permanently end the Dark Lord's reign? Possibly readers, but the events of the night bring more questions yet.

The Aurors had fought their way through to the famed Veil of Death, former execution chamber of the Ministry before Azkaban was built, and found Mr. Potter overwhelmed by superior. It was an intensive battle that would have tested the limits of any wizard, but what happened next was something no one could have predicted. The Veil of Death came alive and released another young boy said to be about Mr. Potter's age. A completely unprecedented event!

The combatants were obviously stunned by the boy's arrival, but he quickly drew wand fire from the numerous Death Eaters. In a complete turn of events, the resident Ministry Aurors reported seeing the boy, not only deftly evade his attackers, but perform numerous feats of wandless magic and fatally dispatching his attackers with streams of lightning. Even the Aurors, who had tried to dissuade the boy from such brutal tactics had been injured and left with shocking wounds. Battling his way to the antechamber, You-Know-Who himself had appeared, but to the surprise of even this reporter, it appears the boy was heard openly taunting the Dark Lord and daring him attack him. Needless to say, the Dark Lord attacked with ruthlessness and actively threw the killing curse repeatedly. But it seems not even the Dark Lord was capable of overcoming the new boy hero's magic. Witnesses say that in the midst of the battle, the Dark Lord with a dozen of his supporters were pinned at the exit by showers of lightning bolts, summoned beast, and other unnamable dazzling spells. All of which were performed by the boy with wandless magic! After a particular explosive spell which left at least three Death Eaters vaporized and on Dark Lord injured, You-Know-Who actually retreated!

At this point Albus Dumbledore was reported having intercepted the boy's exit and detaining him just as the Minister himself came to witness the aftermath. It seems that Fudge could only stutter at the terrible battle, which left many dead Death Eaters across the chamber and much mourned Aurors in the departments behind the You-Know-Who's rampage. It will be of little surprise to this reporter if Minister Fudge announces his resignation this very moment.

It is of little question that we've seen much of Harry Potter's daring, but was he the goal of the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named or our new dashing boy-hero, who actually overpowered the Dark Lord? Is Harry Potter prophesized savior or was You-Know-Who attempting to prevent this new hero's arrival? This reporter will be keeping you informed.

One final tidbit to titillate your reason, former convict, Sirius Black, was also found in the battle, fighting AGAINST the Death Eaters. Further investigations have shown that Black did not receive a trial for his previous crimes. In addition eye witness accounts from the battle show the Death Eaters themselves have denied his participation in the evil organization even from the earliest moments of the war. What will this mean for the wizarding world? It may be many things, but one thing is certain. This will definitely be the final nail in the tenor of one Cornelius Fudge.

Allidar read through the paper, but focused on the one important line, "Albus Dumbledore was reported having intercepted the boy's exit and detaining him…" This may not bode well. In austere hushed tones, Allidar bristled, "You have him! Oh the irony of it all."

"A tragic irony, I'm sure. However, while I doubt Gerrard will allow himself to be held by myself for long, this may be the lead we need." Dumbledore said solemnly. "This old man still has amends to make."

Allidar looked at Dumbledore, stroking his beard. "There have been far worst men than you Albus… Don't let the mistakes you've made in the past control your future."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled a bit and waved Allidar towards the door of the Leaky Cauldron. Tom the barman nodded to the pair of old men, as they began to head upstairs, but then a voice called out.

"Professor Dumbledore!"

It was Harry Potter and the Weasley family having lunch in the corner booth. Dumbledore had yet to meet anyone that intimately knew him. Although he had no fears of failing to play his part, he was worried that in the advent of Voldemort's return his double will investigate any discrepancies his words or even mere presence may have in the Order member's reports. "Hello." said Dumbledore, not wanting to greet the look-alike of James Jr. by name. "Arthur, Molly. Have you finished your shopping?"

The sage, recognizing the situation, went upstairs with no introduction to reconvene with Lily.

Molly scooted over to the side to offer an open seat before replying, "Yes. We're just having lunch to finish the day before returning home. Has the meeting already finished?"

Without missing a beat, Dumbledore replied, "The meeting has ended. I'm afraid I cannot stay for long; there are still certain individuals I need to meet before the day is over. We'll speak again later when circumstances allow more time." Dumbledore needed to cut this short before he said or heard something that would make them mention this meeting to his counterpart.

Arthur spoke up, "That's a shame professor. We were hoping to speak more about the recent events before we—"

"It will have to wait Arthur. Time is rather pressed. Farewell for now, Molly, Arthur." Turning to Harry and Ron Dumbledore said, "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter." and quickly paced up the stairs. Turning down the hall he entered the corner room.

"Professor, how are things?" asked Lily Potter, sitting on the bed with daughter sleeping in her lap.

"Albus is fine Lily. I've lost the right to be called professor after—"

"Don't be silly professor Dumbledore." replied Lily.

"Just let it be, Albus. Mistakes only stay mistakes until you've made amends." Allidar said. "Lily. Did you see the young man downstairs?"

Lily frowned slightly. "How could I miss it? He was the spitting image of James and Jay. Except those eyes, they looked a little kinder and wiser."

Allidar smiled slightly and said, "They look like your eyes. But you're not wrong."

Lily blushed. "Well he didn't notice anything about the two of us under our glamours. It's a sad irony that I would run into this son when looking for the other."

Dumbledore sat down on the second bed. "It does seem that history is repeating itself. It seems that Gerrard was captured by myself during his entrance to this world."

Lily gasped, "You never manage to restrain my son once in the last four years and the instant he appears here this other Dumbledore captures him!"

Dumbledore shook his head and said, "It's was most likely just an unfortunate set of happenstance." Dumbledore handed Lily the history book he had just purchased. "The history of this world is very similar except you only bore one child instead of twins and… that inauspicious night during Voldemort's attack James and yourself passed away. I doubt Gerrard will be restrained for long."

"Your Merlin himself would have trouble restraining that boy unprepared." Allidar joked.

Lily chuckled a bit, "He is something isn't he… I just wish I could take more credit for it."

Allidar said in a firm grandfatherly tone, "Don't blame yourself for your husband's sins. You know your son does care for you."

Lily replied, "I… I suppose."

Dumbledore spoke up, "We'll find him, Lily. I will need to gain access to the Order's network. Once within there I will either find Gerrard or utilize the tracking spells my counterpart will have most likely put on him."

"Why are you so good with those things?" Lily asked.

Dumbledore replied, "When you're in charge of keeping track of hundreds of magical children over half a century, you find it becomes necessary to… innovate." a touch of pride in is tone.

"Let's rest for the night. I may try to return to my home continent. If Gerrard has been delayed for any period of time, perhaps he will still be in Solerebus. If not, then at least there might be some clues to where he has gone.

"What do you mean, Grandsage? I thought you said he would stay with Rime Mages if he reached the Frozen North." asked Lily.

Allidar's face went grim. "Do you remember the story I told you? How my people were at war with would-be-despot before your son stopped him? Your son wasn't born in this world. I believe that my people were unable to survive the Tyrant's rebellion."

Lily snapped up in realization. "Oh! I'm… I'm sorry."

Allidar clutched his brow. "I suppose they aren't really the same men and women I lead. I know that my comrades- my family are still well in our native realm, but all the same… I believe I shall see what has become of my home."

"Let us retire to the next room then, friend. Tomorrow we shall see what comes." urged Dumbledore.

* * Back Downstairs in the Leaky Cauldron * *

"Hey Harry. That was kind of strange. What do think Dumbledore's up to now?" asked Ron Weasley.

"Not really sure, but it was kind of strange how he called me Mr. Potter. He hasn't done that since the beginning of last year… when he was trying to hide what he was doing from Voldemort." replied Harry.

Ron still jumped a bit at the name. "Harry! Stop pissin' around with that. Hermione already told you 'bout why we don't say You-Know-Who and after what happen just a month ago…"

Harry was about to retort, but stopped after remembering the chaos he had caused and the mental connections Voldemort had to things. "Sorry. It's… a habit. But anyway… did you notice the old man Dumbledore came in with?"

"S'alright Harry. And not really. I didn't even notice Dumbledore until you shouted out his name. I was finishing my chips."

"Ron… Oh whatever. I think something's going on again. Something big."

Ron just stared blankly at Harry. "Harry, of course something big's goin' on. Did you forget that the Death Eaters are openly attacking people now? Or that bloke that had everyone in a tizzy a week ago?"

Harry blustered a bit. "I know! It's just one of those feelings again you know. I think Dumbledore's got some kind of secret plan on right now. C'mon, let's sneak up and see—"

"C'MON BOYS WE'RE LEAVING!" shouted out Mrs. Weasley. "THIS IS NO TIME TO DAWDLE!"

"What can I say mate? Let's go. Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll find out more about it back in Sirius' place." Ron and Harry went towards the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace. "Think Quidditch will be any good this year? You might make captain."

* * Extra * *

The hum of electrical equipment perpetually echoed in the room. Elaborate Patriotic banners hung on the back wall, complimenting the blue carpet and antique light fixtures. Sitting behind a Washington classic wood desk, a man looked up from his pile of recondite documents. "What did you find Mantis?" asked the rugged faced man.

"Do you believe in magic, George?" a muffled voice said.

"I thought you more self respect than to call your abilities that." George replied with a snort. "I know full well about your psychokinetic abilities Mantis, now tell me what you found."

"Ah, but there it is. It wasn't telepathy the rat's friend using, but genuine magic."

George cocked an eyebrow "How do you mean?"

"Is it so strange after seeing what I can do? After having seen what the unit's agent can do? Yes magic. The spy had some kind of rudimentary mental shielding but apparently he wasn't use to my way of reading. I could see he belonged to an entire society of - ha Ha HA – WIZARDS!"

"Don't waste my time with your insane jokes Mantis-"

"It's no joke. It seems magic has been a part of our world for centuries if not millennia, and that little fool seemed to think The Patriots were some part of it. These 'wizards' seem to be starting some kind of little war in their world and he was under orders from someone to discover some connection between it and our… esteemed rulers." Mantis spat out sarcastically. "Unfortunately for him General Houseman has received the cranial implants blocking mental intrusion."

George Sears furled his brow in contemplation of this revelation. Mantis was right; he'd seen more madness around the world to believe that magic might be possible. "Leave now. I'm going to send someone to investigate… unless you would like to enlist full time in Foxhound? I would have thought you tired of interrogating serial killers for the FBI by now."

"A recruitment offer from you, Mr. Vice President? I thought you only favored small boys." Mantis taunted.

The Vice President gave Mantis a deadly glare. Mantis didn't need telepathy to know he was treading on dangerous territory. "I will consider the offer." he rasped before disappearing from his office.

George hit a code on a hidden keypad and spoke into a microphone. "Send Liquid. I have a mission for him. I'm sure he'll be most comfortable in his homeland"

George thought to himself, "Magic… perhaps this is something even The Patriots couldn't account for. Perhaps he had more time than anticipated." George ran his hand through his hair and watched the numerous white hairs the fall out along the steadily fewer black.

End.