I do not own Harry Potter. It's all JK Rowling's :)


Aubrey Brooke knew exactly who Lucius Malfoy was.

She just hoped he hadn't put two and two together to realize that she was the one who snogged his face off a few months ago. Making her way to Dumbledore's office she recalled that fateful night when the main function on her technology failed.

— 3 1/2 months ago —

The Universal Federation of Overseers (the galactic organization's moniker laughably known as UFO), had sent one of their Jumper's, Aubrey, on a simple reconnaissance mission for The Cause. She was to gather information about a new outpost their opposition, the Enmity, had set up.

From her understanding, the Hunters at this outpost were supposedly a very simple bunch. She did not, however, expect to find what she did. What they were guarding was definitely not something to entrust with low-ranking Hunters. It was a good cover to prevent snooping agents from either side.

The outpost had been guarding a shipment of a very unassuming weapon. Seeing it, confirmed what the Federation had surmised. It was why so many flourishing worlds had rapidly descended into destruction.

Deciding that the best course was action rather than information gathering, Aubrey quickly stuffed the newly discovered case of vials into her pack and began making her way out of the facility to teleport. She made it to the outer gate but quickly realized her mistaken route when she was faced with a half dozen group of gruff looking Hunters having a smoke. After a moment of stunned silence, chaos erupted.

Aubrey had been in such a rush to escape that she turned the jump settings to automatic - forming portals to planets that were compatible to her biology. However, to throw the Hunters off her path, she must have jumped through seven consecutive gateways at least. The last one to Earth had completely fried the portal constructor and drained almost all of the power for other functions. The damage was beyond repair.

Clifford, her artificially intelligent assistant, had been badgering her constantly since then - Reminding Aubrey that he had warned all along about the real possibility of circuit destruction after making so many abrupt jumps. She really should disable that personality feature since he was getting a bit uppity these days. Thank god he was still able to access basic features like the one that had helped her get away that night. That combined with a lucky cover up with that blond stranger.

After leaving said stranger (who had looked expectedly stunned at the situation), Aubrey ran many blocks before turning down a side road to finally take a moment and figure out where she was. Based on Cliff's calculations and Aubrey's observations they had teleported to London in one of the many existing parallel Earths. However figuring out which one, was going to be difficult. Aubrey would need to know so that she could find and negotiate help from an appropriate dominate race. She might even be able to get a little work in. Hopefully without stepping on another Jumper's toes, since most tended to be quite possessive over their assignments.

It wasn't until she slumped down on a nearby bench and stared down at her boots, did she notice a long blond hair clinging to the sleeve of her cable knit. She pulled it free from the sweater and held it up to the street light.

That man... familiarity pulled at the corners of a forgotten memory. Frowning she asked, "Cliff can you analyze this hair for me?"

"I have fixed most of the damage done to my systems, so I should be able to now. The only functions that won't be possible any longer, are ones pertaining to inter-dimensional travel and communications. Oh, and any of the updates to the Federation's databases will be inaccessible of course."

Not knowing how helpful this evidence would be, she eagerly straightened out the strand upon her leg, then ghosted the glowing wristband over it very slowly.

"It will be a few moments before I am able to locate some type of match in our current database, Miss. You know, a blood sample would have been more helpful."

Aubrey rolled her eyes before mumbling, "I practically assaulted a complete stranger, Clifford. I doubt they would have appreciated me asking to draw a bit of their blood just for kicks." She sat back patiently and waited for the results.

After a few minutes, Cliff spoke startling Aubrey out of her thoughts. "Magic."

"Excuse me?"

"I detect traces of magic within this sample. I'm assuming this variant of Earth contains a populace with magical abilities."

Her heart practically stopped as realization finally dawned on her.

Blond hair... handsome... he practically oozed power and wealth... Cliff had said magic...

Aubrey took a shuddering breath and buried shaking hands in her hair.

"Aubrey are you alright?" a concerned sounding Cliff asked.

"I know who it is we ran into tonight, or rather, I know where we are." she groaned.

"That's wonderful news Miss! Where have we had the good fortune of landing?"

"A land of thestrals, butterbeer, quidditch, a snakefaced Dark Lord, a boy who lived, and apparently ...a very kissable Death Eater by the name of Lucius Malfoy."

It had been many years since Aubrey had left her Earth she called home to join The Cause, but now she could recall memories of staying up late into the night to read about the fantastical adventures of Harry Potter.

Recruiting magical folk did not usually fall in her particular jurisdiction, so she never dreamed of encountering the famous wizard. It was laughable really. Here she was finally, and not only was the first person she ran into a wizard, but he was also one of the most muggle hating purebloods to exist in the set of stories. And she had forced her attentions on him! She groaned once more How mortifying.

After Aubrey came to the realization that action needed to be taken for her portal predicament, she had Cliff change her back to original appearances. Reaching behind her back she felt for a release tab on the jumpsuit, pulling it to reveal a backpack of supplies. Flat-space technology was a wonderful thing indeed! Rummaging through the seemingly slim pack, carefully avoiding the stolen case of vials, Aubrey found the black wallet she was looking for. With a renewed sense of hope she held up the pocketbook with a grin.

"Money conversion Cliffy!"

"Please don't call be Cliffy Miss. I do dislike it so."

"Yeesh! You're so snippy tonight. Just change it to the appropriate currency, alright? The British pound sterling I believe."

The most obvious choice was to seek out Albus Dumbledore. He would probably know if their world had already been visited by one of the Federation's recruiters. If they hadn't, she would wait it out to rendezvous with whoever was assigned to this world. If, however, the Jumper had already done their job, then whoever they had selected would have access to inter-dimensional communications. Thus a way to call home for help.

Haggling for cooperation from the Headmaster was going to be interesting though. If they were anywhere near Harry Potter's timeline (and most likely so judging by the age of Lucius), she knew that the old wizard's main focus would be on overcoming Voldemort.

Although quite sweet on the outside, she believed Dumbledore to be a manipulative man who saw everyone around him as useful to his cause. And boy, with the knowledge Aubrey held about their world, she would be viewed as very useful. Well, Aubrey would eventually have to determine how much to let on. For now she needed to get someplace where she could think it all out.

After finding accommodations with a hot shower and a good meal, Aubrey began careful planning and extensive review upon what she remembered about this world. She decided that the best way of getting to Hogwarts would be by boarding the train at King's Cross. It might be a bit challenging due to the muggle warding on the platform, but she was confident that with this bit of hair she now possessed, Cliff could assimilate the pureblood wizard's DNA and temporarily emulate its magical properties within her own system. An extremely temporary solution - as Cliff had been so keen to point out - blood worked way more effectively than hair. Longer too. It would have to do, and so she kept it in a small stasis capsule until the day came when it was needed.

When September 1st finally rolled around, Aubrey had successfully managed to slip onto the Hogwarts Express unnoticed and waited out the journey in a storage compartment. Once the train had arrived in Hogsmeade, she made it up to the school in a carriage with a quiet group of younger students who didn't dare question the stranger. It was difficult trying to sneak by the school's staff, but after getting turned around quite a few times and asking a few portraits, she finally made it up to the Headmaster's tower. The gargoyle guarding the passageway was unimpressed at Aubrey's vocalized list of wizarding sweets, but after "Fizzing Whizzbees" the gargoyle reluctantly leapt aside. Now all she had to do was wait for the great man himself to appear.

When he entered the office, Aubrey noticed to her amusement, a genuine flash of surprise registered on his face. Aha! The "all knowing" wizard doesn't always know everything! But he composed himself and sat in the chair at his desk waiting patiently for her to begin.

She breathed in deeply remembering that she had decided on going the blunt course instead of a tricky dance of "I know something you don't know".

Pointing at her self she started "Aubrey Brooke, inter-dimensional traveler. Recently stranded due to a technological failure." Then she pointed at the Headmaster across from her. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Headmaster of Hogwarts, meddling old fool with a penchant for sherbet lemon candies, and hellbent on destroying a dark wizard by the name of Voldemort.

"Yes, I am aware that your community is in turmoil. Yes, I am aware of the events that will transpire and thus the outcome. And no I will absolutely not share any information regarding said events. I couldn't change critical points of time even if I wanted to - the universe tends to right the balance if such modifications are even attempted.

"More importantly, I am in need of your assistance. Have you or your any of your kind been contacted about a possible allegiance to the Universal Federation of Overseers or involvement to it's campaign, The Cause? If so may I suggest the wisest course of action is to disclose to me any information you may have. They happen to be my employers and I have not way of contacting them at this time. Oh yes I almost forgot - please and thank you." she ended cheekily with a sweet smile.

Albus sat back in his chair raising a hand to hide his chuckle. Before clearing his throat to reply.

"Miss Brooke, I must admit upon seeing you that I was surprised that a muggle such as yourself had made it this far to our castle and especially to my office. But I see I am mistaken, and that while muggle you may appear, you most certainly aren't one entirely. My curiosity is piqued - which may answer the question concerning others of your nature having contacted us. I'm afraid I've not had the pleasure until now. Tell me - what is this Cause you speak of? Is it one and the same as ours? And how is it that you have such a wealth of knowledge about this world?"

Aubrey gave a brief overview of the Federation, it's purpose, and what it had begun fighting against to protect every universe that was unknowingly in danger. She then ventured into explaining about how she knew of the infamous Boy Who Lived and the oppressive Dark Lord that sought a genocide.

"Creation Sages or Prophets, are clairvoyants whose inspirations take form in ballads, folktales, or modern day stories. Their literary works when read, studied, retold, or passed down, sustain it's corresponding world in another universe. When the recounting of such tales peters out, another Sage, somewhere in time and space, will come forth to create a new form of sustainability for the dying universe in question.

"Thus parallel dimensions are formed and maintained. Most all works of fiction or tales you can think of where the lore is heavy, most likely exist somewhere out there because of the power we as listeners and storytellers give it. The universe is teeming with life, Professor Dumbledore, because of that transcendent power of thought. I guess you could say it shares the same relationship as the power of love that you so ardently stand behind.

"Where I originate from, your lives are retold as beloved tales for children and adults alike. It has resonated with people from all walks of life for many years."

She paused and mused, "How funny it is that we often feel so alone in our own lives, yet our very existence is so intrinsically dependent upon others. That it is observed indirectly by others is unnerving I suppose, but in my case it doesn't bother me much since my person is unregistered from any such world after having become a Jumper."

Albus looked at her sadly understanding dawning on him, "You've become a lone traveler without a place to call home anymore."

Shifting uncomfortably in her seat she brought back the matter at hand, "It could be quite sometime then before one of my own comes this way. As the wizarding community is the most likely place for a Jumper to recruit, I'd like to be stationed here. Since Harry is a good candidate for our cause - I gathered that this is Harry's 6th year? - I should think someone will be around either by the end of this year or the next."

"I take it you would like to disguise yourself as one of our students here for the time being?" She nodded. He gave a tired sigh. "Your physical appearance won't pass for a student's - though I suppose we could use glamours to hide that. However, as ingenious as you have proved yourself to be, there is the very important matter that you have no magical capabilities. You won't be able to conceal that fact, Miss Brooke."

At this she smiled slyly. "Do you know of any willing magical blood donors?"

Albus looked a little bewildered. "Blood?"

After explaining that she could temporarily mimic characteristics within certain DNA from blood samples, he steepled his hands in thought, half forgetting about his recently cursed hand when he did so. Albus noticed her observing the blackened appendage with a knowing look in her eyes. He averted his gaze and tucked both hands into his lap.

"I will help you Aubrey Brooke, but you most likely know that I expect some assistance in return. Our Dark Lord may not be the greater evil out there as you tell me, but his vanquishment is never the less important to our people and this world. I agree that knowing future events in our timeline would be a detrimental mistake. So I ask only that you lend your abilities when they are needed. We can determine how and to what extent later, but I am sure you are very tired from your journey. I'll show you to your temporary dwellings tonight, and tomorrow we will make preparations for your guise."

"Thank you sir."

As they walked through the quiet castle halls to her quarters, he spoke. "You know, I'm quite amazed you aren't so taken with being in a world that you seem very familiar with but haven't visited before."

She gave a little laugh, "Yes well, the novelty does wear off when having jumped to several places you previously thought only existed in fantasy."

Things had settled into place after their initial meeting. Aubrey had been sorted into a house, attended classes, all while keeping a watchful eye on everyone who had an important role to play in the looming wizarding war. She did her best to avoid personal questions from everyone and so the excitement and curiosity of a new student wore off after a few weeks.

Now there was only the wait for her rescue left. And maybe, just maybe, she would be lucky enough to avoid a devastatingly handsome wizard with beautiful gray eyes.

It seemed luck was not on her side. Aubrey tried not to think about her run in at the courtyard but sooner or later she'd have to face facts. There was no avoiding Lucius Malfoy altogether.

Aubrey reached the gargoyle and gave it a good stare down. Immediately it leapt aside willingly. By now the sentient statue was tired of having to endure the girl's never ending list of incorrect attempts at the password.

Making her way up the steps she greeted Albus at his desk.

"Ah Miss Brooke! It seems there have been some recent developments in our situation. Ones that I wish to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Aubrey could tell this was going to take a while and so she made herself comfortable in one of the wingback chairs.

"Yes. Very interesting developments indeed. Lemon drop?" Dumbledore offered cheerfully.