Chapter 21

Harry blinked as they appeared on a street. Cars went speeding by and people walked passed as if they hadn't noticed that five people had appeared out of nowhere.

Harry glanced at his Mother. "Did you hide our arrival?"

Morrigan shook her head. "No, that would've taken even more power than creating the gateway did. I didn't want to drain my reserves completely in case we ran into trouble."

Harry looked around the street. Every person he could see was smiling widely. They all looked as if they'd received the best news in the world. "Um, mum, I think we've passed the wrong sign post."

"What?" Morrigan asked blinking at him.

"I think we've ended up in the twilight zone. Look at everyone. They all look like they've got a good shot of happy gas."

Morrigan stared at the people. She closed her eyes and reached out with her senses. After a few seconds she opened her eyes. "Something is wrong."

"What kind of something?" Ginny asked.

Morrigan shrugged. "I don't know. Something is off, but I can't tell how or why."

"We need to get to DOSA," Hermione said. "The building is warded against shifts in reality."

"It is?" Harry asked. "Who would think to do that?"

Morrigan grabbed his arm and gestured for the others to gather around her. "I'm going to need a nap after this," she muttered. Shadows rose from the ground and engulfed them all.

**HPSM**

They rematerialized in Hermione's room. As they all got there Barings, Harry reached out and caught his Mother before she could collapse. "Mum?" he said holding her up. "Are you alright?"

Morrigan straightened slowly. "Yeah," she groaned. "I just don't think I'll be shadow traveling for a while."

Harry nodded conciliatorily. "I really wish we had that connection to Otherworld like the fae that are still allowed in Otherworld have. A near limitless supply of power seems really good right about now."

Morrigan glanced at him sharply, but before they could say anything, the door swung open. Rebecca Granger entered the room. Her eyes were red rimmed and she stared down at the ground. Suddenly noticing the occupants of the room, she raised her head and stared at them all.

"Hermione?" she whispered.

"Mum," Hermione said timidly.

Rebecca became a blur. One moment she was standing in the doorway. The next, she was hugging Hermione like she'd never let her go. ;

"I thought you were gone forever," she sobbed.

Hermione was crying to. "I'm so sorry Mum. I just… My friends were in danger. I couldn't let them get hurt."

"I understand," Rebecca sniffled. She glared at Hermione. "When this is all over You are grounded."

Hermione nodded meekly. Turning to the others, Rebecca blinked at seeing Morrigan."

"Lily?" She said raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Morrigan said with a smirk. "And no."

"Right," Rebecca said. "Well even if you are only partially Lily, we have some major problems."

Morrigan nodded soberly. "How long as reality been shifted?"

Rebecca gaped. "How did you…"

"Just because I haven't been here, does not mean I don't know what's going on."

"I think it's best I start from the beginning. Come to my office and I'll try and explain what I can."

**HPSM**

"We don't know how he did it," Rebecca began once they were all seated. "He's somehow gotten all of the Mundane governments under his control. All of my agents that were outside the building when the shift occurred are now under his power."

"Who?" Hermione asked.

Rebecca's lips lifted. "He calls himself Lord Grindelwald."

Morrigan snorted. "Of course he does. "I assume he's mind screwed everyone?"

Rebecca shook her head. "It's a lot more subtle than that. He's altered their perceptions to remove all violence, all conflict, and made them accepting of magic."

"But that's not natural," Ginny said.

"No it's not. He's got his own little police force patrolling the streets. You see, there are those that cause conflict even with Grindelwald's alternations. When conflict occurs, Grindelwald's men execute them on the spot."

Everyone's eyes, accept Morrigan's widened. "What about the magical creatures," Harry asked.

Rebecca winced. "He has given the vampires and werewolves free reign with some exceptions."

"And those are?" Morrigan asked.

"The predators are allowed to feed on any human that Grindelwald does not approve of. The blind, the lame, mentally handicap. Anyone that Grindelwald feels would be a hindrance to the world he is creating."

"But their parents wouldn't allow that," Hermione said aghast.

"I told you," Rebecca said wearily. "Grindelwald's alterations have made it where not many cause conflict. The parents simply believe their children are being taken to a facility that will fit their needs."

"That's horrible," Luna whispered.

"It gets worse," Rebecca said. "He ordered them all killed right in front of him so he can absorb their souls. This makes him even more powerful and solidifies his control over the public."

"I didn't think this was Grindelwald's plan," Harry said looking at Morrigan. "I thought he wanted to rule everything, but not like this."

"It's the Hallows," Morrigan said. "The power has gone to his head. I think he's operating under a different philosophy now. Why trust people to follow your rules when you can make them follow your rules?"

"SO how do we stop him?" Rebecca asked looking at Morrigan.

Morrigan leaned back in her chair and finished off the last of her hot chocolate. "I don't know," she said. "He's become far more powerful than I can even imagine." She looked at Rebecca steadily. "Did you know he's been attacking the wards that surround this building?"

Startled, Rebecca looked up at the ceiling. "No," she said. "Can you stop him?"

Morrigan's eyes glowed briefly. "I've recharged the wards, but they won't hold forever. With each soul he absorbs, he grows even stronger. Soon, he'll be able to shatter the wards with one strike."

"You created the Hallows," Hermione said desperately. "Can't you do something?"

"The hallows have evolved from what I ever intended. They are sentient. IF they were in a physical form, I could call them to me, but they are merged with a host now. I can no longer touch them."

"What about his souls," Harry said. Everyone turned to look at him.

"What do you mean Harry?" Rebecca said.

"Well the souls are like batteries powering him up to levels he couldn't achieve even with the hallows. If we could somehow release those souls, he wouldn't be able to maintain the changes to the world."

"Easier said than done," Morrigan said. "Do you realize how many times we'd have to kill him to release those souls?"

"Um, a lot?" Harry said.

Morrigan rolled her eyes. "Yes Harry, a lot," she said sarcastically.

Rebecca sighed. "It's late," she said looking out at the star filled night sky beyond her window. "Will the wards hold for tonight?" she asked Morrigan.

Morrigan nodded. "He stopped attacking them once I recharged them. Even if he does attack, at his current power, it'll take him a few days to bring them down."

"Then I suggest we get some sleep," Rebecca said. "Maybe we'll think of something in our dreams. I suggest you all stay here. Your homes aren't protected from Grindelwald's control like this place is."

**HPSM**

Dumbledore entered the small warehouse hesitantly. He sighed in relief as the mundane guards didn't seem to notice him. He crept deeper into the warehouse, hoping not to be seen until it was time. The wards of Hogwarts had protected the students from Grindelwald's reality shift, but now they couldn't leave the grounds without falling under Grindelwald's control.

Worse yet, those that fell under Grindelwald's spell were not returned to normal by being returned to the grounds. Dumbledore shuddered. This was not what they'd tried to do a century ago. This was barbaric. He just hoped his plan would work. It had taken time for him to find the correct spell to release the souls from Grindelwald's body, but once he'd discovered what was powering Grindelwald, his search became a lot easier.

He tapped the door in front of him with his wand and heard the click as the locks disengaged. He entered the room and froze. Grindelwald sat behind a large oak desk, smiling at him.

"Hello Albus," he said calmly. "I wondered how long it would take you to show up."

"Gelert," Dumbledore said, clutching his wand tightly. "I suspect you allowed me to get this far?"

Grindelwald nodded. "I became aware of you as soon as you'd entered this place. I knew you'd be coming to try and stop me. Are you jealous Albus? Do you wish it was you at the top of the world?"

"Why would I be jealous of what you've become. You are not the young man I remember. This is not utopia. This is mental enslavement."

Grindelwald shrugged. "You know how fickle people can be. They say they want one thing, but when you give that to them…" He broke off and spread his hands. "They rebel and try to assassinate you. I decided to nip that in the bud. I wanted a peaceful rule after my years in prison. I didn't want to be constantly looking over my shoulder for the next attack."

"And your new ideas have nothing to do with your acquiring of the Deathly Hallows."

"I would be lying if I said the Hallows haven't opened my eyes. They showed me the ways to gain the power I needed. Absorb enough souls and it sets you right on the path. Besides, the dead know many things. This option is better than the destruction that would be if I didn't control everything."

"What do you mean by Path? Path to what?"

"Godhood," Grindelwald said smiling serenely.

"You're no god," Dumbledore said.

"No," Grindelwald agreed. "Not yet." He leaned forward, staring at Dumbledore intently. "Join me Albus," he said earnestly. "It's not too late. We can still have everything we wanted. We can rule the world. You don't have to worry about your old age. I can roll back the clock for you. This is what you've always wanted."

"What I've always wanted? I never wanted slaves."

"Peace," Grindelwald said emphatically. "This is a peaceful world with no conflict between magical and mundane peoples. This is the world we wanted to build. Granted, it's a little different than we'd envisioned, but dreams are so far from reality."

"You have enslaved everyone in the UK and I have no doubt you will want to go farther."

"Of course," Grindelwald said. "The Americans, Russians, and other European nations will not stand idly by. They will need to be brought to heal. Before I do that, I shall need to gain more power."

"What makes you different than Voldemort?" Dumbledore said.

"How many people died during my takeover? I grant you there was some resistance, but only a score or two perished. It was nothing to the death and destruction Tom would've caused."

Dumbledore opened his mouth to say something, but Grindelwald held up a hand.

"You claim I have enslaved people, but do you see chains? Do you see slave masters with whips? I have removed all violence, all conflict, and even made them aware of magic. Has anyone else managed to bring the Muggle and Magical governments together? I have accomplished our goals. Things are the way they were always meant to be."

"But humans were designed with free will," Dumbledore said.

"And if they were designed, what has that free will given us? They've used their so-called free will to kill, rape, and torture each other for centuries. This is better Albus. Everyone is united under one ruler. The world will soon be at peace."

"But it is your kind of peace."

"exactly," Grindelwald said. "My kind of peace has no conflict, no persecution, and no hatred. How can you dis agree with such a vision?"

"I see there is no dissuading you is there?"

Grindelwald shook his head. "No," he said almost gently. "I'm doing what is best for everyone. AL though I would like to know how you got here without being taken by my magic."

Dumbledore smiled. "I have some tricks that you never saw. I did notice your spell isn't active in this warehouse you call a Headquarters. Why is that?"

"All of the so-called monsters, werewolves, vampires, etc. They are immune to my magic. The fact that they are free to follow their… desires makes them as loyal as anyone could ask for."

"Aren't you afraid they'll turn on you?"

Grindelwald laughed. "Why would they? They've gotten everything they've ever wanted. They are free to prey upon the innocent and I, unlike Tom, do not try and govern their affairs. All that matters to me is that my control remains intact. I have no interest in governing the world or controlling people. All I want is peace. Let the countries govern themselves."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't want to control everything. I thought…'

Grindelwald grinned, looking for a moment like the young boy Albus had known all those years ago. "You thought I'd want to rule the world like Alexander the Great. I should've gathered as much from your talk of slaves. No Albus, I just want to maintain this paradise I've created. That will be enough work for me. The only time I intend to step in is when that paradise is threatened."

"But you wanted everyone to know you as Lord Grindelwald."

"Of course," Grindelwald said. "I needed a title that would show everyone that I meant business. Now that you know the truth Albus, what do you say? Will you join me? There is so much I can show you. Think of it. Ariana wouldn't have had to die if we'd just done this all those years ago."

Dumbledore's resolve was wavering. He'd been fighting for so long. Perhaps Gelert was right. Perhaps this was the only way to truly have peace at last.

"I know you've been using the monsters to weed out the disabled and the mentally handicapped. What is your excuse for that?"

"Grindelwald sighed. "It is unfortunate, but they are a drain on all societies. They cannot be allowed to exist. They will simply suck away the societies resources."

"What about my students? Dumbledore asked. "Will they be punished for bringing conflict as well?"

"Children will be children," Grindelwald said. "They will be under the same spell as the rest, but if there is an argument between children, I see no reason to punish them for that."

Grindelwald rose to his feet. "There is one thing you must see." He touched Dumbledore on the forehead with one extended finger.

Dumbledore's eyes flew open wide as visions of death and horror filled his mind. He saw the deaths of thousands in a span of seconds. He jerked back, shuddering as if he'd been doused in cold water.

"That is what will happen if you fight me," Grindelwald said tenderly. "You see, conflict cause chaos. This way is the answer to everything."

Dumbledore nodded shakily, sickened at the images of children being swallowed by the earth. He wanted to fight, but what was the point? He couldn't win. All his life, he'd tried to do what was right over what was easy, but dying would serve no cause. At least if he joined Grindelwald, maybe he could protect his students. Feeling like he was making a deal with the devil, he nodded.

"Where do I sign," he said tiredly.

**HPSM**

"Albus," McGonagall said as Dumbledore entered the Great hall at Hogwarts. "What happened? Is he…"

Dumbledore shook his head. "Call everyone to the hall. I want every student and member of staff here even if they are sick. This won't take long.

McGonagall's lips thinned, but she obeyed. In less than half an hour, all the students had been convened in the Great hall. Dumbledore stood to face them.

"Students," he called, smiling broadly. "I am pleased to tell you that you may return home at the end of this school year. Also, Hogsmede trips are now allowed once again."

When the cheering had died down. Dumbledore drew his wand from his robes. The students could see it was glowing faintly. "Also," He continued. "I'd like to say I'm sorry."

Without another word, he snapped his wand in two. A blinding white light filled the hall.

Dumbledore watched as the students turned and began eating without another word. McGonagall, who was standing at his side, looked at him concerned.

"Albus is something wrong?"

Dumbledore forced his gaze away from the students. "No," he said hoarsely. "Nothing is wrong." He tucked the pieces of his wand away and sat down. He slowly began to fill his plate with food. He couldn't remember the last time he was so hungry.

'I guess being a traitor to the students I swore to protect works up an appetite," he reflected as he began to eat.