"The Lone Traveler: Young man who tried to change the past and save those he loved… plan failed and became the Lone Traveler, wandering through time and reality, making a difference wherever he went… very powerful… defeated a powerful Dark Lord… swept along the path he walked by a spectacular aura of blue light."

'Legends & Myths of the Wizarding World' by Gertrude Yolanda

FF St ID 2673584 – Chap 9 – The Professional

Gary looked over at Harry with his face grinning and said, "Do we get stunned or no?"

Harry, having learned a few things from his dimensional twin and having become more comfortable with him, replied with some humor, "You said Moody and Sirius are both likely to be here?" Gary nodded. "Moody will want to, but Sirius ate rats for me. He'll stop him."

Gary, remembering the incident Harry referred to, laughed a bit.

Suddenly the door was opened violently and the two had several wands pointed at them. Harry looked at Gary and said, "Told ya." He turned to the wizards standing in front of them and said, "Professors Moody and Moony! Dogfather Padfoot!"

Moody snarled, "Get in here and keep your hands from your wands." Harry and Gary both entered, Harry dragging his trunk. He let go of it after they were inside.

Gary pointed his hand and whispered to Harry (loud enough for the three to overhear), "That's the picture of the Harpy. Padfoot really IS a son of a bitch."

Sirius barked a short laugh. The three were led to the sitting room nearby. The rest of the order were arrayed there, many holding wands.

Gary grinned at them all and said, "Hello, folks." He turned his head to Harry and said, "That's Kingsley Shacklebolt. Next to him in the pink is 'She-who-must-not-be-named' Tonks – she'll hex you if you use her first name." He stage-whispered "Nymphadora." A growl could be heard in response. "You know Mrs. Weasley. That's Mundungus Fletcher – the crack you heard earlier when you were under the window when you hit you head was him leaving to pick up some dodgy cauldrons. Sirius is why he has a black eye. Hestia Jones. Emmeline Vance. Sturgis Podmore. Elphias Doge. Deadilus Diggle. Snape is probably making sure it wasn't Lord Moldyshorts that sent the dementors so he isn't here. Mrs. Figg is at home, probably waiting for the Aurors to leave. Mr. Weasley is probably at the Ministry checking out what happened – unlikely to be questioned as to why he's asking as Ron is known as your best friend. Dumbledore is there too. Gred, Forge, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny are all probably upstairs because teenagers aren't allowed in the Order – they're as in the dark as you are, trust me. Charlie is recruiting foreign wizards in Romania. Bill is at Gringotts. Percy is … a sore spot as he's a Ministry lackey. He doesn't even know his family is not at the Burrow. He'll come around, but it will take a massive knock to his senses. The Hogwarts professors are otherwise probably there." Gary looked around at the gobsmacked looks on all the faces of the people present. He then looked at Remus and said, "Okay, Moony. Hit me with a Finite – I've got a glamour on."

Remus Lupin – just as shocked as everyone else in the room – complied. He mumbled a Finite and shot his wand at Gary. Everyone in the room was shocked when the man's hair darkened and his eyes turned an emerald green.

"Hello, everyone. This is Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived and Broody Saviour. I'm Harry Potter, Dimensional Visitor. Any questions?"

Order of the Phoenix members were all in a state of shock. They were standing around talking to other members while Remus, Sirius, Harry and Gary were having a pleasant discussion. Harry had been enormously amused by pranking the whole lot of them, and so had been broken out of his funk. It was quite late. They were all waiting for Dumbledore to be retrieved from the Ministry.

Mrs. Weasley bustled in from the kitchen with sandwiches for tea for the new arrivals. She looked on with disapproval at the levity being displayed by the four, even as she was relieved that Harry had finally been gotten out of that horrible house.

Finally, Kingsley arrived back and reported, "Albus is too caught up at the Ministry. He'll be here tomorrow and meet with everyone then."

Gary sighed and then stood up. "Okay. Dumbledore is playing 'Stay Away from Harry.' His counterpart did the same with me. I really didn't want to do this without him, but I guess there's no choice. Moody, Moony, Padfoot, Harry. Before Harry goes to bed, we have to take care of something. It's secret, so No, Mrs. Weasley, you can't come. Moody is Albus' second and Remus and Sirius are the closest thing to family Harry's got. If we don't do this tonight, Harry will never get a good night's sleep."

Gary led the group downstairs. "Sirius, this was the old 'Muggle Torture' room. It's empty and it's secure." Harry got a nervous look. "No, we're not torturing you."

Finally, they arrived in the dingy room. In this dimension, Kreature had not cleaned beforehand so the dust was very present. Gary sent a banishing charm and most of it disappeared. He then conjured a comfortable bed. "Okay, Harry. Lay down and I'm going to get rid of a curse you didn't know you had." He turned to Mad-eye. "I'll explain after we get Harry to bed when this is done. You can tell Albus all about it."

Moody nodded. "This is all pretty mysterious. Why hasn't Dumbledore or Poppy taken care of it before?" Sirius and Remus were both nodding in agreement.

"Because they couldn't. Resonance frequencies and all. Albus could have tried, but he 'knew' he couldn't." Harry had lain down and nervously took this in.

Gary asked, "Are you ready?"

Harry asked, "Where is the curse? What is it?"

Gary said, "It's in your scar. And I'll explain tomorrow. First you need to get some sleep. This will hurt for a bit but then it'll be over." Harry was shocked at that, as were the other three. The idea of getting rid of whatever it was meant he gave Gary the go ahead enthusiastically. Gary took his version of the Elder Wand and pointed it at Harry. "Finite Incantatum!"

When the light hit Harry's scar, and the black mist oozed out. Sirius was being held back by Remus. Moody was just shocked. The face of Voldemort appeared briefly in the mist and then it dissipated. Gary vanished the residue and asked, "How does that feel, Harry?"

Harry shook his head. He was very tired but he felt like a weight had been taken off his forehead. The low level headache he had been suffering from had disappeared. "This is brilliant! What the hell was that?"

Gary solemnly replied, "A part of a diseased soul. It's gone now and the dark idiot didn't even know he left it there. Should make sleep a bit easier tonight."

Sirius had rushed over and was inspecting Harry minutely. Finally Harry pushed Sirius off with a laugh and said, "I'm fine! Now I just need some sleep."

Gary agreed with him. "I'm going to explain to Alastor. Why don't you two get Harry to bed?"

The three left and Gary turned to Alastor. "Tell Albus all about this. Tell him that's two down and five to go before the idiot can be vanquished." Alastor nodded. "And for explanation about how I gave Harry the secret, remember I became a secondary secret keeper when the Dumbledore in my own universe died. Just because he isn't dead here didn't mean that I lost that status."

Alastor cackled. "That's a good one, Laddy. I'll tell you Albus' expression when I tell him."

Gary woke up suddenly with a feeling that he was being watched. He looked around and spied an old house elf looking at him and mumbling. "Why does miserable blood-traitor feel like a Master? Mistress is so disappointed. Kreacher wishes the mudbloods and traitors would all leave and leave Kreacher in peace."

Gary shook his head and said, "Kreacher. Be quiet."

Kreacher suddenly emitted no noise, even as his mouth continued to move. Gary sighed. "Kreacher, leave this room but do not leave the house. Clean the cellar fully. If you will stop speaking insults and if you clean the cellar fully by tonight, I will help you to complete Regulus Black's last command. You may once again speak. Do you understand?"

Kreacher looked at Gary with awe. He nodded his head. "I understand, Master. I will clean the cellar fully."

Gary nodded. "Go." Once he left, Gary cleaned his clothes with a spell and made his way to the bathroom in preparation for the havoc yet to come.

By the time he made it downstairs, the teenagers in the house were all in the kitchen eating. Mrs. Weasley placed a plate in front of him as he sat down. "Okay. I and Harry have to go to the Ministry to meet with Director Bones at 1:00."

Immediately Mrs. Weasley began to protest but Gary cut her off. "What none of the Order realized is that Madam Bones is the best possible ally you can get in the Ministry. Why would you want to antagonize her by not allowing Harry to make the appointment she set last night?"

No one had an answer.

Finally, the teenagers started asking questions trying to get information about him. Mrs. Weasley kept interrupting. Gary just sighed and ate his food. When he was done, he looked at everyone in the room and said, "Enough people. After we take care of things this afternoon, tonight we can deal with everything else." He mentally conceded that he and his friends were quite trying at that age. "Hermione, I'm sure you can research 'the Lone Traveler' and get what you need to know about me. Everyone, call me Gary."

Everyone who was raised in the Magical World abruptly looked at Gary in shock. That was one item that he had not explained last night. He had only told them he was a dimensional traveler.

Hermione and Harry looked at everyone's reaction and resolved to find out more.

Gary stood. "Now, Remus will accompany us as he is known as Potter family friend and few will question it. I and he can protect Harry. It's 9:00." He turned his head toward Sirius. "Can I talk to you? Alone?"

Sirius nodded and followed Gary to the hallway. "Padfoot. Sirius. I have an idea." Sirius listened carefully to Gary's suggestions and laughed. This would be the greatest prank.

The two made their way back into the dining area.

Gary explained while Sirius went to get the vault key. "We're going to get Harry fixed up with some decent clothes and make sure he looks presentable. If you want people to react well to him, he's going to have to present an image that he's respectable." He turned his head to Remus. "Sorry Moony, but if you're going to be with him, we're going to have to fix you up too – furry problem or not." He looked at Mrs. Weasley. "And his friends."

Sirius gleefully ran back in and handed Gary his key. He then turned to Mrs. Weasley. "Before you say no, realize that we're fighting for hearts and minds here. With me being stuck here, there isn't much I can do but make sure that the resources used in the past to push pureblood bigotry are used to fight it. We need your family – the biggest blood traitors in England – to command a certain image. It helps that the Death Eaters and laying low and will be for at least the next six months, not wanting to call attention to themselves, so it will be reasonably safe."

Gary called out, before a comment could be made. "Shut up, Ron. It's happening. Deal with it."

Sirius grinned at Gary and then turned back to the others. "Gary Seven here, make sure you call him that, will be taking Harry to the Ministry at 1:00. Until then, you all are going to be getting clothes and uniforms and the Black family will be footing the bill." He turned to two particular people in the room. "You two are in charge of making sure Harry, Ron, Remus, Fred, and George are fully clothed and ready to impress both muggle and wizard. Ginny, you're in charge in Diagon Alley. Hermione, you'll be in charge on the Muggle side. Harry, Gary, and Remus will most likely be leaving before you make your way there so you will be taking the measurements from Madam Malkins with you. Gary will be getting the funds from Gringotts. Fred and George are of age. Mrs. Weasley will also be there. So there should be enough wands." He looked at the two girls with intensity. "No one is allowed to spend one knut of their own money. On anything. Transportation. Food. Accessories. Wand Holsters. Shoes. Books. I don't care. Not one knut."

Mrs. Weasley continued to try to protest, but Sirius and Gary were adamant. Finally she conceded in a huff and made her way back to the kitchen to shut things down.

Harry grinned. He knew he would never get the Weasleys or Remus to accept money from himself. Sirius forcing the issue was the next best thing.

Harry approached the Ministry entrance in a huff. Gary and Remus followed, both quite amused.

Remus had capitulated to his old friend after a brief and intense conversation out of the hearing of everyone else. Harry had imagined that shopping would mostly be about the Weasleys and Remus. He didn't feel he needed much. Ginny and Hermione had nixed that idea quite early on. Their argument that if they had to suffer the indignity of being forced to buy new clothes, Harry's need was more intense. And the females had all gotten together (even Mrs. Weasley) on forcing the males (Harry, Remus, Ron and the Twins) into playing dressing mannequins. Gary, being the only male who was spared the treatment, could only stand back and grin at the others (when the women were looking the other way). Gary had handed Madam Malkin a bag with several hundred Galleons and informed her that the budget was unlimited, even if the time was not. He then indicated that the youngest Weasley was in charge with Hermione as her Deputy. This, of course, got Madam Malkin on board. Harry and then others were then poked, prodded, and posed repeatedly. When they were done, Gary had pointed at the three females and informed them that the boys would be getting butterbeers to recover from the incident.

Gary led them to a private dining area at the Cauldron and told Tom that there would be three more joining after they finished shopping. It was getting close to noon before the three female members of the entourage arrived. Ginny carried a bottomless bag that Gary had suggested to carry the purchases. They all got their food and with 30 minutes left before their appointment, Gary handed Hermione a purse with a large stack of bills that he had gotten from Gringotts as well as Sirius' key to hold on to at the bottom of the purse. When the three ladies had gone to freshen themselves up, Gary had grinned at the Weasley males and cracked a joke about Harry getting out of the torture coming. Ron and the twins were all quite annoyed. Gary's response was only, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. Sirius provided the dosh. You provide the amusement." Gary and Remus had waved cheerily at the three remaining males as they were marched, with the female Weasleys, to waiting cabs by Hermione. Harry was just annoyed that Remus and Gary found it so funny.

After making their way to the DMLE offices, the three had to wait for a bit until Amelia called them in. She had a few questions. First she called in an Auror regarding their statements.

Gary, under his glamour, explained what had happened the night before. Amelia dismissed her Auror and then started in.

"Okay, that's good enough for the report. I want to know what's really going on." She turned to Gary. "How did you know that the evidence could be found and Azkaban? I have a senior Ministry employee now in custody."

Gary grinned. "Well, I have some experience. Can I remove my glamour?" Amelia nodded. Gary removed his glamour and said, "Although Gary Seven is a name I've often used, my birth name is Harry Potter. And having lived through what my dimensional brother is currently experiencing, I knew what was happening and why."

Amelia was shocked. Remus, who was sitting in the background, said, "Believe me. Everyone else who knows is just as shocked."

Gary nodded. "Now, questions for you. Realize I ask these because every dimension is different. How independent are you in terms of power? Does informing you of corruption produce any results? Can you get someone a trial or exonerated with Veritaserum testimony and without Wizengamot approval? How much do you know of Harry's experiences at Hogwarts? Can pensieve testimony be used at trial? Can a minor's memories be used as evidence? Are you aware of what happened at the Tri-Wizard tournament last year and the murder of Cedric Diggory? Why wasn't the death of Cedric investigated by the DMLE? Can a minor request veritaserum? Do you know about Fudge's capturing Sirius Black at Hogwarts over a year ago and his subsequent escape? Do you know of Hagrid's being imprisoned without a trial two years ago? Was that legal for Fudge to order? Is Fudge's kiss on sight order for Black legal if he was in a courtroom GETTING a trial? If Sirius Black surrendered to you, could you guarantee him the trial he never received? Could he have betrayed the Potters if he was Harry's oath-bonded godfather in the first place? How much sovereignty do the goblins have? Are Blood Wards legal? Does a Royal Warrant have legal precedence in the Wizengamot? Does the Wizarding World respect the Writ of Habeus Corpus? Just a few questions …"

Amelia Bones went a little into shutdown. The implications of the questions she was asked were mind-blowing. She looked at the three in her office and noted that the younger Harry Potter and Remus Lupin were looking at the older Harry in awe. The older Harry was waiting calmly for answers to his questions ….

Harry, Gary, and Remus all took a taxicab back to Grimmauld Place. They could have apparated, but non-magical travel could not be traced by pureblooded idiots and there was no rush. Gary's questions to Amelia Bones had kicked over a hornet's nest and she had just had many more things dropped on her plate. It would take time to resolve it all.

The three had done a few things that afternoon which had markedly changed the landscape of the current political scene. Harry had been thrilled. For the first time, he felt that someone was listening to what he was saying.

It was still afternoon and Gary wanted to finish the work with the Locket and the Cup before the Order met that evening. With Kreacher's and Sirius' help, it was done.

The four then sat around, waiting for the teenagers to get back with Mrs. Weasley. They returned before dinner and Hermione turned Sirius' key and the remaining money over to Sirius. He took the key and receipts but split most of the money between the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione and refused to discuss it further.

The Order of the Phoenix met at 8:00 at 12 Grimmauld Place. Sirius and Gary insisted Harry remain when they all appeared. Severus Snape sneered mightily but kept his cool.

Dumbledore arrived just as 8:00 struck. He noted the additions to the room. He looked quite abashed. His first words surprised Harry. "Harry, my dear boy, I must apologize for a number of actions which I have taken over the years as regards your education and upbringing. Alastor shared with me the happenings of the night just past. I regret I never attempted to accomplish what has been accomplished and I wish to discuss it with yourself and your counterpart when this meeting has concluded."

Harry nodded warily. Gary's relaxed pose gave him confidence that Dumbledore was not an immediate threat.

Finally, Dumbledore sat down. "I believe the first item on the agenda should be a debriefing of the two Harry Potters as to what occurred last night."

Harry and Gary spent a bit of time explaining what had occurred all the way up to their arrival the night before. When they were done Dumbledore asked for the Ministry's reaction. He was no longer welcome to pass in and out of different Ministry offices and needed the update. Before Arthur could reply, however, Gary interrupted.

"Myself and Harry both visited Amelia Bones as regards last night's incident. Due to quick action on her part, proof of a plot from the highest levels of the Ministry to kill Harry was uncovered. Madam Dolores Umbridge is now currently residing in a holding cell at the Ministry. Cornelius Fudge attempted to prevent that, but Madam Bones showed him the proof of it and subtly reminded the dear Minister that Harry was still considered a hero to most wizards and witches and information on this plot without clear action from the Ministry would not be conducive to his position and power. He backed off quite quickly."

Tonks, Kingsley, and Arthur were all nodding in agreement.

"While we were there, we resolved a number of items with Madam Bones." At the interested look of most of the Order, Gary turned to Tonks and said, "Did she give it to you?"

Tonks gleefully nodded her head and brought out a sealed scroll from her robe. Tonks turned and handed it to Sirius. Sirius took it with confusion and opened it. His face went from confusion to shock to awe to glee. Harry, Remus, Gary, and Tonks were the only people in the room who were not confused. Finally Sirius jumped up and yelled, "Finally!" He grabbed Harry and capered about the room until Snape made an acerbic comment. Sirius blew him a raspberry and then yelled, "I'm free! Innocent! And here's the proof!" He waved the scroll in front of the Order as he danced around. Many voices were raised in reaction as Sirius glomped those that had visited the Ministry.

Dumbledore eyes twinkled as he regained control. "That is excellent news, Sirius. Congratulations." Snape was the only one in the room which seemed upset about it.

Gary then said, "Additionally, a memory of Voldemort's" shudder throughout the room "resurrection has been submitted to Madam Bones along with his reunion with his inner circle. She will begin to take steps and I recommend Professor Dumbledore consult with her tomorrow."

Dumbledore looked years younger as he said, "This is excellently done. Were there any other items that need to be covered from the Ministry?"

Gary nodded to Remus who said, "The item that we were protecting no longer needs to be protected." Several voices were raised in protest and Professor Dumbledore looked almost appalled. Remus finally quieted everyone down and said, "Harry took a secrecy oath to prevent the information being taken from him by magic or force. He then was taken by Madam Bones to retrieve it. It was replaced with a similar item which contains something else." He turned to Gary with a hidden grin and said, "What was it again, Gary?"

Gary grinned in response and said, "A memory of a particularly cute Goddess I met in my Traveling. The memory contains a remarkable amount of tangible love (one of her attributes) and somehow, I believe, her blessing. If Tom somehow retrieves it, it will do him no good." He sent a subtle nod and grin at the Headmaster. No one, besides Professor Dumbledore, had any idea of the amount of pain that Voldemort would feel if he unexpectedly came across a tangible form of love. Such was anathema to his current existence. "Madam Bones and the Head of Unspeakables have sworn to tell no one that it has been listened to and replaced. So, no more guard needs be kept."

Albus became much more sanguine about this development after that report. But he did turn to Harry. "I did not with to have you find out about this until you were older. I did not think it was time to force you to put aside your childhood with this information."

Harry shrugged. "Actually, knowing about it means that I feel better and more calm knowing why things keep happening to me. It will actually mean I can enjoy my friends and my time more."

Dumbledore's sigh at that was obvious to all. His remorse was quite obvious to Harry and those that knew him best.

Finally Gary had one more item. "Am I correct that you have not gotten a Defense Professor yet?" Dumbledore nodded. "And that the current curse seems to prevent anyone from serving more than a year?" Dumbledore nodded. "Well, I suggest a one-year contract. Seeing as you have an Order member," Gary pointedly looked at Sirius, "who has no current plans and is newly available, hiring him will give you time to search for NEXT year's Professor." Gary ignored Snape's sound of protest in the background. "As long as applicants know that it will be a maximum of a one-year commitment, a 364-day contract should prevent the curse from being triggered. You can then work at leisure on getting retired Aurors, Cursebreakers, or other qualified people to agree ahead of time and it will also mean that you won't spend the first month of every summer worrying about it. As long as none achieves tenure, it should be safe."

Dumbledore, as well as all of those who were aware of the curse, looked at Gary in shock. Dumbledore's whisper could be heard through the gathering: "Why did I never think of that?"

Gary grinned. "Something that your parents didn't have time to teach you as a young lad: An outside perspective is always useful. No one can solve everything by themselves."

Sirius, Remus, and Harry all had looks of glee at the idea of Sirius being at Hogwarts for the next year. Snape became, if it was possible, even more stoic.

Harry suddenly felt the pull. He stood up and rolled a parchment to Professor Dumbledore. "A present for you, with some few small notes of warning. It is regards your research project. Harry and Sirius can tell you more. It's time for me to go."

Harry looked at the people in the room and said, "Things should become easier that otherwise anticipated. I will leave you with some words of wisdom that I heard once in a muggle film: 'Be excellent to one another … and … PARTYON, DUDES!'" He grinned as he turned away. His form condensed to a small ball and phoenix song filled the room as it disappeared. The whimsical and cheerful tone to the music was obvious.

The Order looked on in astonishment at the event. Everyone in the room, save one, was amazed at the events they just witnessed. The lone holdout sat in the back and sulked. Severus Snape was not looking forward to a year with Sirius Black as a fellow professor.

A/N: Yes, the whole reason for the visit was just that one last item: Instilling common sense to Albus Dumbledore. I'm sure most can imagine the result of what occurred. The whimsical nature of Harry on this particular Traveling was a result of his just previous visit. Aphrael the Child Goddess of Styricum, from David Eddings Elenium, IS a whimsical Goddess and I could just imagine that having an effect on Harry. Aphrael was introduced originally as "Flute" and you don't find out till later she is a Goddess. Little was my own appellation to that name. She was reborn (by her own conscious decision) as the daughter of the main hero and his his wife, and is named Danae in that incarnation. Sparhawk knows, Elenia doesn't.