Shattering the Mirror

Disclaimer: I own naught but my own ideas; all the good stuff belongs to those that created the worlds and characters with which I apply my mediocre skill. I make neither money nor any other form of profit from these works.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Important Story Note on AU events: For the sake of convenience (my convenience anyway) I have made moved some of the time lines and events the X-Men & HP Movies, Books and Comic's.

Last time:

Pansy Parkinson was laid to rest in the formal garden. Harry working with Bill had created a simple headstone of white marble with her name and the symbol of the Marauders. Throughout the short service and the burial, Lavender had been supported by Hannah, Susan and surprisingly Rose. Red-eyed and sniffling Lavender stood straight-backed as the casket was lowered into the ground. As the Weasley twins solemnly filled the grave she turned to Harry and Hannah.

"I want to make them pay Harry. Help me make them pay."

Harry took her hand and squeezed. "Train with us Lav and we'll make them pay. Pansy's death will be avenged."

Hannah's cold smile was feral. "Lavender we'll burn them all."

Chapter 14

The Lion Hotel - London

Arthur Weasley sat nervously in a rather upmarket bar in muggle London. He had really made an effort to dress like a muggle but to be honest he wasn't sure how successful he had been. Considering the strange looks he received from the bar staff he probably had not done a great job of it.

"Another drink Mister Weasley?" nearly caused Arthur to swallow and choke on the piece of lime that the barmen had for some reason put in his beer. He looked up into the familiar face of Luna Lovegood.

"Lu…"

Luna winked at him. "Here is you drink love and your change." She placed a silvery disk on the table next to his hand.

"Wha…."

"Last drinks for you love in about two minutes." Luna smiled at Arthur and walked off into the crowd. Arthur sat feeling somewhat stunned before his brain kicked in and he grabbed the silver disk. A slow minute and a half passed before he felt the portkey activate.

Arthur appeared in a featureless concrete room with a single metal door and three chairs. Standing in a semi-circle with their drawn wands were William, Charlie and Harry. Without being asked Arthur slowly drew his wand and handed it to Charlie.

Bill gestured toward a seat. "Take a seat Dad."

As Arthur sat Harry whispered something into Bill's ear and disappeared through the door.

All three Weasleys sat silently for a few moments before Arthur cleared his throat and looked up at his eldest sons. "It's good to see you, boys."

"Is it?" asked Bill, his voice cold.

Arthur seemed to deflate as Bill spoke. "I know things are bad right now, but you are still my sons."

"Bad? Dad you turned on Harry on Dumbledore's orders and helped as he tried to make him a magical bomb to kill Voldemort. He failed at that, thank Merlin. If he hadn't have failed you would have been an accessory to murder."

Arthur looked absolutely bereft. "Bill I…."

But Bill was relentless. "If that was not enough you allowed your youngest son to rape a school friend and then sat by as she was mind wiped and healed to hide his crime. HEALED, do you know what that means? What he has done to Hermione?"

Arthur took a deep breath. "William, Charlie I-I can't defend my actions. I won't ever try to defend Ron's despicable behavior, I won't even try. I trusted Albus and in doing so I failed you all."

"Yes, you did," Charlie replied but with no heat. He simply sounded disappointed.

There was silence as the three Weasleys tried to find a way forward. Eventually, Bill cleared his throat. "Why did you come today?"

Arthur slumped back into his chair. "I needed to know that you were truly all safe. Bill your letter made me think. I did some….soul searching. I want out and I need your help."

"Our help?" said Charlie with a raised brow.

Arthur sat forward and ran his hands through his thinning hair. "Last night I stunned your mother, tied her up and used Veritaserum on her. She had no idea what Dumbledore was doing and she knew nothing of Ron's…actions."

"You stunned Mum and used Veritaserum on her?" asked a wide-eyed Charlie.

"Well, I had to know…."

Bill whistled softly. 'You are going to be in really deep shit when she catches up with you. Mum really didn't know?"

Arthur straightened in his chair. "I am willing to swear a magical oath."

Bill and Charlie exchanged a glance and at Bill's nod Charlie stood up and left the room. Arthur sat nervously watching Bill as his eldest son sat silently fingering his wand. Arthur nearly jumped when the door opened. When Ginny, Charlie and the twins walked in he nearly fainted.

Ginny was the first to speak. "Hello, Dad."

Arthur could feel his heart beating wildly as he tried to find the right words. "Ginny, boys I….I'm sorry."

Ginny studied his face for a moment before she nodded. The twins simply stared at him with expressionless faces.

Arthur swallowed a few times before he managed to find his voice. "What happens now?"

Bill frowned, his face serious. "We need to decide what happens to Ron."

Arthur sighed and his shoulders slumped as his eyes went to the floor. "I always worried about Ron. He was so very jealous of all of you and a bad temper to boot. But I swear on my magic I didn't know about him….assaulting Hermione. I had guessed that something was tainted in their friendship but…..well I failed to do anything. I never thought Ron could do such a vile thing. I don't have many choices. Unfair as it is there is no way the Wizengamot would convict a pureblood of assaulting a muggle born with no corroborative evidence. It especially won't happen if Dumbledore speaks against her." Arthur paused and frowned. "Perhaps it would be better if I simply cast him out."

Bill shuddered and reluctantly nodded. "Dad he deserves worse but you are right. But I tell you right now there are people with us who would be happy to catch Ron alone in a dark alley. So perhaps one day he'll pay."

Charlie studied his father for a few moments before speaking. "Dad you can't stay here and I don't think Harry would allow it anyway. But Hannah suggested an alternate solution. We have access to a safe house in Australia. It is in a muggle neighborhood called Clovelly and has no connection to any of us. You and Mum should be safe there until this is all resolved, one way or another."

"Australia!" exclaimed Arthur.

Charlie shrugged. "Dad you can't stay in the UK and Dumbledore and Voldemort have little interest in Australia. We have Goblin portkeys so we will be able to visit fairly regularly."

Ginny smiled at her expression on her fathers face." If you want I can visit in the holidays."

Arthur tried to find a problem with the plan. There wasn't any he could see. "Okay I'll need to talk to your mother but it sounds okay. Will I need to get a muggle job?"

Charlie shrugged. "I don't know, probably why?"

"I wouldn't mind. I saw a muggle advert once, in the paper, you know the muggle paper. Bikini inspector I know Australia has lots of beaches."

oOoOoOoOo

SAS Barracks – Hereford UK

Colour Sergeant Michael Hayes was standing outside the office of M Squadrons Major Wade. While not worried he was curious as to why he was being called in to the office of the Anti-Terrorist/Magic and Mutant squadrons' commanding officer.

"Enter."

Michael was somewhat surprised to see two men in civilian suits in the room but recovered quickly and saluted and waited until he heard the expected. "Stand easy Sergeant."

Major Wade smiled as he leaned back in his office chair and looked the Colour Sergeant over. "What year is your daughter attending at Hogwarts?"

Michael nearly choked on his tongue. "Um Sir I…."

"I am fully aware of the magical world after all that is what M Squadron is all about, mutants and magic. To cut to the chase I want to offer you a position in my team. We need people in the know and you are uniquely suited as you are already trained and you know about magic. You would come in as the senior NCO for team two."

Michael was now in a difficult position. This was a golden opportunity to be in a position to help make his daughters' world safer. The difficulty was that his existing commitment to Harry. As he tried to decide his years of military service kicked. There really was only one decision and as always he would trust his comrades.

"Sir I am in somewhat of a difficult position here."

Major Wade's eyes narrowed somewhat. "Indeed how so?"

"Sir how much do you know about current conditions in the magical world?"

"I've been briefed in on the recent incidents."

"I have some…connections with some of the players in some of those recent events."

Major Wade's smile had completely disappeared now. "Go on Sergeant."

Michael spent twenty-five minutes explaining about the attack in Diagon Alley and what he knew of the current situation in the magical world. When he finished he simply sat and waited while the three others in the room processed his information. Eventually one of the civilians lent forward in his chair. Looking toward Major Wade he gestured toward Michael.

"If I may Major?"

Major Wade nodded politely, "Of course Sir."

"So Colour Sergeant if I understand things correctly, you have been in contact with the elusive Mister Potter and his group. The Marauders' I believe you called them?"

"Yes Sir."

The blond man nodded and continued. "And you have been using shall we say semi-legal means to arrange training for his team."

Michael flinched at the words 'semi-legal' but answered with "Yes Sir."

"You do realise that some would construe your actions as questionable?"

"I do Sir."

The other older civilian cleared his throat. "Yes, yes James we know that the good Colour Sergeant has skated close to the line. Now more importantly would you be willing to arrange a meeting between the Her Majesty's Government and Mister Potter?"

"Sir I…..I owe Harry. That is I….."

The older civilian smiled and waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Relax son, I mean Mister Potter no harm. It would be a simple meeting."

"I can try Sir. I can't speak for Harry. He may be leery of any meeting with officials considering what has happened recently." Replied Michael cautiously.

"Ah you mean the raid on the Wizarding prison. You may assure Mister Potter that we have little interest in arresting him for his raiding of that glorified concentration camp. No I and my people are interested in him for other reasons."

"Sir?"

The older man paused and spoke softly to Major Wade and the other civilian. Both nodded and quickly left the room. Michael was now feeling a bit apprehensive. Who ever the older man was he had clout for all that he looked like a run of the mill civil servant.

"Colour Sergeant Hayes my name is Geoffrey Smyth and I represent Section 5 of Military Intelligence. I am also a squib so I am well aware of the wizarding world and their secrecy laws. Now I wish to speak to Mister Potter about a man called Tom Riddle or you might know him by his adopted alias Lord Voldemort. We recently managed to ahhh….acquired some members of Mister Riddles faction. What they had to say was rather interesting and deeply disturbing."

Michael simply nodded.

"I have a great many contacts living in the magical world and on top of that I have the resources of my organisation behind me. Until recently I had a great deal of influence through my contacts among the senior unspeakables in the Department of Mysteries. Sadly that is no longer the case."

Geoffrey Smyth leant forward his expression serious. "I want you to tell Mister Potter that I know what he aims to achieve. I know about Dumbledore and Voldemort. What I need to know is where Mister Potter stands with true Government of the United Kingdom."

"Sir I can try."

Geoffrey Smyth smiled and nodded. "Thank you. Oh and Colour Sergeant Hayes?"

"Sir?"

"Please tell Harry that Her Majesties Government in no way supports or indeed recognises the authority of the Ministry of Magic in regard to their stand on mutants."

"I will Sir."

"One last thing as of right now you will assume your duties in M squadron. After you have done your redeployment paperwork I want you to come in to my office at Thames House in London. There are some people you will need to meet."

"Understood Sir."

Thames House Millbank, London

The next day Michael walked toward the uninspiring riverside entrance to Thames House. To be honest he was still unsure why he was here. Some of the possibilities were somewhat worrisome. After being checked through security he was led to a large waiting room and told that he would be collected. After cooling his heels for ten minutes Geoffrey Smyth appeared and they together walked in to a small conference room where he gestured Michael to take a seat.

"Sergeant Hayes I've been thinking how we use you in M Squadron. In fact I've just got off the phone with Major Wade. I'm thinking of assigning you and a team of M Squadron specialists to act as trainers in a special project team. If we can set it up you will be working with several groups and individuals to build a paramilitary special response group."

"Sir I take it that you want Mister Potter and his people on the team."

"Yes and no. I want them trained and geared to work with us. But Harry Potter's group will be considered as specialists to help us with Tom Riddle and his terrorist cell."

"Who else would we be working with?"

Michael was handed a number of manila folders. Each one had a code name hand written in the top right corner.

"You will be working with a mix of people including magicals and mutants. I want you to read through these Sergeant Hayes. But before you do that, I want to take you downstairs to meet the rest of your team."

oOoOoOoOo

Xavier Institute

Three weeks after they arrived at the Xavier Institute the first of the magically sedated ex-prisoners of Azkaban woke up. Most were disorientated and weak. However with the care being overseen by Dr Grey they began to regain their strength. Professor Xavier was good to his word and spoke to each ex-prisoner before offering to contact their families. As it turned out more than half declined and asked about the feasibility of relocating away from the United Kingdom.

Most of those reunited with their families also chose not to risk a return to the control of the British Ministry of Magic. A plan was quickly formed to relocate those impacted to Canada. Both the Canadian Ministry and the Canadian Government were rather progressive and had been amongst the first to recognise mutants as members of their community.

There was however one mutant left in the infirmary, Blaise Zabini.

Blaise Zabini was a rather cold young man. In fact the only person to whom he had even been open and friendly was his near squib half sister Bridget. He loved his Bridget with a passion that would have shocked most who knew him. Not in any 'inappropriate way' but rather she was the focus of his life.

Their mother moved through husbands quickly had little interest in child raring so they had been raised by House Elves and hired servants. He had been a big brother and protector to his younger sibling. Defending her and preparing for their life once free from their dominating, beauty obsessed mother.

It was Blaise that explained to her the facts of life. It was her beloved brother who had patiently explained her changing body. So it was no surprise when she had come to him, her only friend and confident and shown him her new talent. With her first period had come a startling ability. She could levitate herself off the ground.

He had been astonished. Was she developing magical talent? Working quietly and away from his mother and her household spies he had her tested for magical ability once more. Again she registered barley enough magic to cast a light spell. When Blaise had awoken to the news that mutants were to be 'detained' he had not waited. He grabbed his grandfathers' wand, collected Bridget and fled to Muggle London.

A week later Blaise had awoken to find himself covered in silver grey fur. Horrified he had run to the mirror to see what appeared to be a werewolf. After his heart rate had slowed down he realise that he was still himself just covered in fur. Using his 'spare' wand he had first cast a spell to dismiss any glamour, nothing. He then tried to cast a finite on himself, again nothing. Two day later he was still looking like a partially transformed werewolf. Regardless of what he did the 'transformation' faded when he was asleep and re-established the moment he awoke.

Bridget found it hilarious and had begun to whistle and call for him to come. However by the end of the week they were both becoming more concerned. He still hadn't managed to reverse his transformation when awake and their money was running out. They decided to risk a trip to Gringotts. Heavily cloaked and under disillusionment spells. They had nevertheless been spotted and after a brief tussle captured.

Blaise had then woken up in this place. After determining that his sister was safe and well he had begun gathering what information he could. This facility was run by muggles or more correctly mutants. Apparently they had been imprisoned and subsequently rescued by a group who then brought them here for treatment. Both Zabinis agreed that Dr Jean Grey was alright for a muggle/mutant and to be honest Blaise had been relieved to find out what had happened to them when their X-Genes activated.

The only shock had been finding out who had been behind the rescue. Blaise had been neutral in the Malfoy/Potter war while at Hogwarts and hadn't been interested in learning about Potter. Now he wished he knew more.

With little or no data to draw on he wasn't sure what to do next. The United Kingdom was unsafe and they had no money to restart in Canada. In the end he had asked Dr Grey in she could pass a message on to Harry.

oOoOoOoOo

Ministry of Magic - London

Albus Dumbledore stalked along the corridor to the office of Minister Fudge. To say he was unhappy to receive a pre-emptive summons would be a massive understatement. Eventually he reached the right office. Pausing only to take a deep breath and plaster a false smile on his face he knocked and pushed the door open.

Minister Cornelius Fudge was sitting at his large desk. "Ah Albus please take a seat."

Dumbledore noted that Fudge didn't offer his hand nor did he rise from his seat. With a slight narrowing of his eyes Dumbledore took in the single hard backed chair. Gone were the usual comfortable, plush seats.

"You wished to see me Minister?"

"Yes, yes it's the damn Canadians again. They were already up in arms over your poorly thought out exploits in their country, now they are in the ICW calling for sanctions over mutant rights. Now the Australians are starting to lobby for an inquest in to allegations of attempted genocide. It's a disaster Dumbledore. You need to get yourself to the ICW and clear this mess up. I'm not having bloody foreigners dictating how we deal with dark creatures and freaks of nature."

Inside Dumbledore smiled as the Minister reacted just as he needed him to. Outside he just sighed. "Minister you realise that the ICW is somewhat dubious regarding our policies?" he held up a hand as Fudge opened his mouth. "Yes I know that the ICW is being difficult Minister and I will attend the next session and attempt to steer them toward a more….. informed stance."

"Excellent. Now I've just finished reading the final Departmental report on the Azkaban fiasco. I want Potter and his terrorists caught. They've killed Aurors and ministry officials. That can't be ignored Dumbledore. He needs to be, well dealt with."

Dumbledore simply stared at the Minister who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "What are you saying Cornelius? That you are going to order the execution of the boy-who-lived, who is a hero to many in our world."

"The freak-who-lived is no longer a part of our world Dumbledore. He is an exile and by his actions a traitor and a criminal."

Dumbledore stood to leave pausing only for one last shot at Fudge. "And if Harry turns out to really be the one chosen to face Voldermort? Will you be the one that takes his place?"

"You are a fool to trust him Albus. Dark creatures have no loyalty, he'll turn on you."

Dumbledore stalked out of the Ministers office and back to his own small Wizengamot office. After sealing the door he began to laugh. The Ministry would hunt Harry Potter down and drive him back to where he needed him. He needed to simply wait for others to play their parts.

oOoOoOoOo

Hall of Speakers – International Confederation of Wizards

Dumbledore was feeling somewhat cautious as he acted on Fudge's orders and called for a repeal of the recent ruling on Mutant rights. This might be unpleasant but he was still confident that he could persuade the conservatives to see his position. It would be a trying day.

The representative from Spain stood and glared at the British wizard at the speakers' lectern. "I fail to see why this discussion is even needed. The ICW has ruled on this already. Mutants who use magical are to be considered a Wizard or Witch. Mutants who cannot are numbered among the mundane. Why are the British so determined to see this ruling repealed? Is it so that their shameful conduct can be hidden away under some legal fiction?"

Albus Dumbledore resisted the urge to draw his wand. "The honourable representative from Spain fails to recognise that my Ministry has worked to protect our people from the risk of…."

The Canadian speaker shot to his feet. "Risk? Risk of what Dumbledore? The risk posed to an incompetent Ministry by Mutants or the risk of being exposed as a government of racist bigots?"

Dumbledore's magic appeared as a visible aura around him as he stood gripping the lectern in a seething rage. "How DARE you."

"Your temper does not impress me Dumbledore and it doesn't address the issue at hand" the Canadian representative turned to the rest of the representatives. "The British want us to repeal a ruling. Well I say tell us why. Tell us why you want Mutant Wizards and Witches to have no rights under your law."

Dumbledore took a deep breath and summoned up his stern, grandfatherly demeanour. "They are a risk to our security. They have already attacked our prison and they have killed. Already I have heard rumours of them joining with the darker elements of our society."

"Oh yes the 'mutants attacked us'. Please Dumbledore don't insult our intelligence. Who was imprisoned in your new Azkaban facility? Why were they there and not in the main prison. Do I dispute that they attacked your people? No I do not. However from what I have been able to find out you were illegally arresting mutants, sterilising them and throwing away the key. Strange that you now want their rights revoked would that mean they no longer have a right to a fair trial?"

Dumbledore cursed under his breath. The ICW seemed to be firmly on the side of the Canadian/Spanish speakers. Damn Fudge for dropping this on him. This could go bad, fast. "Honoured representatives I can see passions are running high. We need calm discourse on this issue. Perhaps a committee could be formed to look into…"

The outraged response from almost half the seated representatives killed Dumbledore's back up plan before it started.

"No Dumbledore no committees, they are too susceptible to ah unseen influences." Many of those present knew the Australian representative was alluding to Dumbledore's strong arm tactics. "No we want action Chief Warlock. You will repeal your oppressive laws and treat those who wield magic as the magical citizens that they are."

"And if the Minister refuses?" asked Dumbledore.

Representative Takayama of Japan, Dumbledore's one true match both magically and politically stood and faced him. "Then the United Kingdom will face Magical Sanctions until such time as they do. Our charter is very clear we are to provide oversight for the ministries of the signatory nations. If the United Kingdom refuses to comply with our requests then we will act."

Dumbledore almost cringed as he watched the elderly Japanese wizard speak. There was no mistaking the ICW's stand now. Takayama was an ultra-conservative and his support meant that even the most resistant to change were moving against the British.

Dumbledore bowed his head respectfully to Takayama before he spoke. "Very well I shall see the Minister Fudge receives notice of your concerns. Now I would like to open the floor to…"

"Not so fast Dumbledore, I also have some questions about rumours we are hearing about…"

Albus Dumbledore revised his opinion of this meetings outcome. He would be lucky to keep his position.

oOoOoOoOo

Potter Estate - Canada

The hidden watchers looked on as a robed Death Eater slumped to the ground with wisps of smoke rising from its hooded form. A moment later a shadowy figure slipped past. A heartbeat later three more figures followed.

The simulated fight that followed was impressive. Using a combination of muggle, magical and mutant skills and techniques the four Marauders tore through the simulated Death Eaters guarding the hostages. In the end it came down to individual duels.

Harry ducked under a stunner and came up firing of a string of explosive hexes designed to distract rather than kill. Using his powers he sheathed his wand and moved almost too quickly for human eyes to follow as he slammed in to the hooded figure. With a quick movement he broke the stunned Death Eaters neck and threw the corpse at a figure trading spells with Luna. Then he leapt at his next target who somehow managed to avoid his impact. With a snarl Harry raked his talons across the Death Eaters face. He slammed his fist in to the screaming Death Eaters throat to silence him even as he dodged to the side to avoid a burst of spell fire.

Hannah ducked under a cutting curse and gestured toward the Death Eater hiding behind a pile of crates. Within a few seconds the wooden crates were well alight. Predictably the hidden figure tried to run but only managed two steps before bursting in flames. Screaming the burning figure fell to the floor rolling in a vain attempt to extinguish the flames consuming him. As Hannah walked past she dispatched the still thrashing figure with a cutting curse, abruptly ending his feeble screams.

Lavender wiped her bloody knife off on the robe of the dead Death Eater. Then she simply stood and walked toward her next targets. When a spell was cast in her direction it simply fizzled out on an invisible energy shield. Eventually the two Death Eaters grew desperate and began casting wildly at her. Killing curses, stunners, explosive hexes were all nullified by the invisible shield. Eventually the larger Death Eater drew a curved knife and charged at the advancing Lavender. With a small gesture the Death Eater exploded in to bloody mist. The second threw down his wand and managed to raise his shaking hands before Lavender gestured again. The young blond then simply walked through the fine mist of blood.

Luna cast another explosive hex and swayed out of the way of the returning spells. For no apparent reason she took a big step backward and smiled at her foe. The hooded man raised his wand only to be struck heavily by a flying corpse. With a jaunty wave of thanks to Harry she stepped over to the stunned Death Eater and bound him with conjured ropes.

Harry looked around the room in a loud voice he called out "All clear."

Three all clears followed.

The Marauders stood looking at the heavy wooden door that presumably led to the hostages. Harry turned to Luna. "Check it out Oracle."

Luna began to chant and a red line of smoke appeared around the door. Eventually the entire door was covered in the thin red smoke.

Luna stepped back "It is heavily warded. It will take hours to bring down the trap-wards and get through."

Lavender looked across at Harry. "Will we blow it Raptor?"

Hannah frowned "That might injure the hostages. We need some way to safely trigger it."

Luna gestured to her tied up Death Eater.

The warding on the door had been impressive and very deadly. As they stepped other the withered corpse of their reluctant volunteer Luna had stopped to study the wards effects. "Wow a Mesopotamian withering curse, cool."

The moment Harry touched the door the entire room shimmered and faded revealing the ruined manor house. A moment later Bill, Fred and George Weasley appeared in the doorway.

Bill smiled at the four teenagers. "Well done guys, twelve minutes forty-five seconds from start to finish. Okay any injuries?" Hannah held up her hand.

"Nothing to bad Bill just a scrape from the doorway as I came through."

Bill nodded. "Still get it healed up and then head back to the house. Have something to eat and then we'll do a run through."

Forty minutes later the Marauders were sitting along one side of the dining room table. The other side was taken up by Bill Weasley, Severus Snape and Michael Hayes.

Bill smiled at the four Marauders. "Before we start can I ask where the code names come from."

Hannah laughed and turned to the curse-breaker. "Harry convinced us to give ourselves Marauder names just like the original Marauders. Harry is Raptor, Luna is Oracle, and Lavender is Fury. For obvious reasons I choose Flame."

Bill grinned at Hannah and then drew his wand and tapped the recording crystal. Like the much rarer pensive it was an enchanted device used to review recorded memories or in this case raw footage that it recorded. Instantly the outside of the manor appeared. When the projected image died away Michael looked across at the four teens.

"So any comments you would like to make before I critique your performance? No? Good. Well first off let's look at how you approached the guard force. Why did you choose hand to hand rather that a long rifle?"

Two hours later four exhausted teenagers sat looking down at their notes in disgust. The SAS veteran had been critical and brutally honest.

"Harry?" Harry looked up as Michael called for his attention. "Overall the Marauders beat the simulation because you have trained hard, you had a plan and you had enough faith in yourself to improvise when needed. You might think I've been hard on you but combat is the most brutal of Darwinian processes. Only the smart and strong survive. I want you to be both."

Harry started to stand with the ladies following suit when Michael cleared his throat. "I did have another item to bring up."

Harry sat back down. "About our training?"

"No Harry, about Her Majesties Government. Earlier this week I was pulled in to Hereford to speak to the CO of M Squadron." Seeing their blank faces he explained further. "It's the SAS's Counter Mutant and Magic team. Harry they want me on the team."

Harry scratched at his chin. "So what do you want to do?"

Michael made a dismissive gesture. "I want to keep on working with you. But there is more Harry. There was a man from MI5 there he knows all about the magical world. He knows who you are and he wants to meet you. He wanted me to pass on that Her Majesties Government does not support the authority of the Ministry of Magic. He's basically offered for me to be your trainer and your liaison with MI5 and the Government. MI5 is trying to set up some special action teams and he wants you to help him bring down Riddle."

Harry glanced around the table seeing the shocked and apprehensive faces. Well except Luna who looked more intrigued than shocked. "Luna did you know anything about this?"

Luna shook her head. "No this is a new twist."

Hannah spoke up next. "So what do we do? Do we think it can work?"

Harry asked "Michael do you think this is just a way for the Government to control us?"

Michael answered without hesitation. "I think that may be a part of it but he hasn't made any demands, well except that we are loyal to the crown. The resources he is offering us access to are pretty bloody impressive."

Harry half-smiled at the 'we', "I trust you Michael and your help and training have been invaluable to us but I won't commit to anything till we meet this bloke."

Michael nodded. "Fair enough, do you want me to set it up?"

"Anyone have any objections?" No one spoke up so Harry gave Michael the nod.

oOoOoOoOo

Granger House - Salem

Rose Granger finished feeding Lily and gently sat her up, supporting her head and began patting her back. After a few seconds she was rewarded with a burp. Seeing that Lily was nearly asleep she quickly wrapped her and laid her in the bassinet. With a sigh she re-arranged her robe.

"You are a natural Rose."

Rose turned her head to smile at Emma Granger. "I don't feel like it but I'm sure every new mum says that."

Hermione was watching with moist eyes as her….well they had decided on sister-in-law for now finished feeding Lily. The small baby girl was beautiful with downy auburn hair and big green eyes. "She is so very beautiful Rose."

Rose looked down at the sleeping baby. "Thank you Hermione, to be honest I'm just happy that she's a good sleeper. That and thanking Morgana that my milks in. No one bloody warns you about that little gem."

Emma laughed softly.

Hermione didn't consider her self overly maternal. But watching Rose and Lily was definitely casting light on a new aspect of her womanhood. She was just about to ask if she could carry Lily to Rose's room when a loud alarm sounded. A wizard not keyed to the wards had just tried to approach the house.

Immediately Hermione and Rose pulled their wands out.

Hermione turned to her mother. "It's too bloody late for visitors. Take Lily and portkey out. As soon as you go we'll follow."

Emma nodded picked up Lily and activated her portkey. Nothing happened. She looked up and shook her head. Hermione immediately used her personalised emergency portkey to call for help. Harry immediately warned her to stay in the house and assured her that his team was on the way.

The second alarm indicating that the wards were about to fail sounded seven minutes after the first. A part of Hermione's mind noted that whoever was breaking down the wards was quite skilled to have brought them down so quickly. Then she heard Harry shouting.

oOoOoOoOo

The Marauders were ready to go within minutes of receiving Hermione's call. Obviously they couldn't portkey in to the Granger House but they could use Luna's 'dimension shift' ability.

As the four finished their final checks Harry called out "Shift formation."

Quickly either drew wands or pistols and stood shoulder to shoulder facing outwards. A second later Harry called "Go Oracle" and the four disappeared in a flash of white light.

oOoOoOoOo

They reappeared outside the Granger home almost directly behind a group of wizards casting spells against an almost translucent shield. Suddenly the shield disappeared as the wards went down.

Harry raised his automatic pistol and aimed at the tallest of the hooded wizards. "Stand down and identify yourselves or we will not hesitate to use deadly force."

The six hooded figures slowly sheathed their wands. The tallest of the hooded figures slowly reached up and lowered his hood to reveal a middle aged man.

"Ah and as predicted after ringing the door bell so to speak you have dutifully appeared. You should watch that Harry Potter. It makes you predictable and being predictable will get you killed." The speaker had an accent but Harry couldn't quite identify it.

Without lowering his pistol Harry studied the man opposite him. "You risked us coming in guns blazing just to get my attention?"

With a gesture that caused the Marauders to tense the man gestured to the others before turning his attention back to Harry. "Well you see Mister Potter of late you have made yourself rather hard to find."

Luna lowered her wand and whispered in to Harry's ear for a few long tense moments before she backed away and he lowered his wand. "You're from the ICW?"

The man raised an eyebrow in surprise before responding. "Indeed, I won't ask how you knew Miss Lovegood. My name is Ernest Dancing Wolf and I do indeed represent the ICW. Perhaps we could retire to a more discreet location for this discussion. I don't doubt that we have already attracted attention."

"Oracle, Fury please let the Grangers know that I said it's all clear out here" ordered Harry.

A few moments later Hermione appeared with her wand in hand. "What is going on Harry?"

"Ah yes the redoubtable Miss Hermione Granger. My humblest apologies for any distress we caused. I must compliment you on your wards. They were truly excellent work." Seeing her look he quickly added "Don't worry my people are all experts so we'll re-establish them directly and if you are interested we can add some rather unique ones. Perhaps after we are done we might impose on your hospitality for a few moments?"

An hour later the wards were up again and the Marauders, Grangers and Ernest Dancing Wolf were sitting in the Grangers lounge room.

Ernest cleared his throat before he addressed the room. "Well it looks like I need to go first." He raised his wand and intoned "I swear that I shall speak nothing but the truth until I leave the Grangers house," there was a flash of white light. "My Name is Ernest Dancing Wolf and I am a hit wizard with the Canadian Ministry of Magic. As you may know my Minister and Albus are not friendly. In fact they are currently engaged in political warfare in the ICW hall of speakers. This is important for you to know because it has started a chain of events that will end in Dumbledore being censured and losing his chairmanship."

Harry shook his head. "Okay but why tell me? I am not a politician."

Ernest smiled at Harry. "Because Mister Potter you deserve to hear what you have helped to achieve. Because of your actions both the Magical and Mundane Governments of Canada, Spain and Australia are taking in both magical and normal mutants from around the world. Because of your actions they are now safely away from Fudge and his regime. That is a win Harry. Hopefully the first of many wins."

Harry looked in to the Canadian Hit Wizards eyes. "After I've finished with Voldemort I mean to bring Fudge and Dumbledore down. There has to be some sort of justice served."

Ernest smiled again. "Harry you don't know the half of Dumbledore's crimes. Believe me I'll shed no tears for the man. We just ask that you limit yourself to legitimate targets. We won't interfere as long as you are selective."

Harry's eyes never left Ernest's. After a few moments he nodded.

"Now that is my official message from my Minister, personally I'd like to offer my thanks to whoever took down Marcus Quimby. He was one of the dead men found in Azkaban. He was a rather nasty hired killer," Ernest's smile was rather predatory. "I believe there may even be a reward."

Rose looked over at Harry and then at Ernest. "Excuse me but how did you even find the Granger house? Are they at risk?"

Ernest looked thoughtfully at Rose for a moment before answering. "I found the address through Salem Academy. The Headmaster is my brother-in-law. I shouldn't think a Death Eater or one of Dumbledore's people would have access. Miss….?"

Rose's eyes flicked to Harry who nodded slowly. "Granger, Rose Potter-Granger."

Ernest looked surprised and his eyes flicked to the sleeping baby being held by Mrs Granger. The Canadian made no comment and soon made his excuses and left once he confirmed the improved wards were re-established.

Hermione turned to Rose, "Was that wise Rose?"

"I won't hide and I won't hide Lily away as if she is something shameful."

Emma Granger made an exasperated noise. "Rose they're not saying anything about Lily. But you do need to be careful; right now Lily can't protect herself."

"And" continued Harry "The fact that very few people know who the hell you are is part of your protection."

oOoOoOoOo

Voldemort smiled as the American Auror writhed under three crucio's. He raised his hand as his Death Eaters lifted their curses.

He leaned over the prone, shuddering figure. "All you need to do is tell me their address and I'll let you live. Why die for a stranger?"

"P-p-piss o-f-f you psycho" Adam Grant knew he was a dead man but he was determine to protect one last citizen.

Voldemort gestured and the Americans screams once more rang out. Drawing his wand he once more tried to gain access to the Aurors mind. There…..finally he got in and he was quickly past the dying mans defences. She was living in Salem with her wretched mudblood family, excellent.

oOoOoOoOo

Diagon Alley

Ronald Weasley was convinced the Headmasters plan would work. All he had to do was send the owls to his brothers. Written in Ron's hand the letters were a masterpiece of misinformation. He had been 'controlled' by Snape. It was Snape that forced him to 'attack' Hermione, a liquid imperius or some such. It finished by begging to be with his family and that he'd be staying with Tom in the pub until they could come for him.

Yes it was sure to work.