Chapter 21 – No Introductions Necessary

Hello my friends! I am back home finally and writing…somewhat. My beta told me that my writing is a bit off in this chapter. I sort of agree. BUT, that is what this site is for – improving your writing while providing cheap entertainment for all. Well, maybe not, but that makes me feel better. Please leave a review – especially now – I need a little help.

Ron stood with Hermione in the hospital ward with Harry and Ginny both still in bed. He had explained as much as he could. Again Fred had given him instructions on what he could say. He was also clear about what he could not say.

"The thing is," Ron was about to finish, "I'm pretty sure where they 'were,' and what's happened, and I'm really foggy on how to get there exactly. I do think though that if I concentrate on just George, then I can get there."

And then we can side-along Apparate with you," Harry finished.

"I don't mean to throw cold water on this plan," Hermione said while Harry got up and started for the cupboard where Madam Pomfrey stored patients' clothes. "But just going there is not the answer to the problem." Hermione stopped and seemed to want to say more but waited for some signal. It was not her normal know-it-all behavior.

"Spill Hermione," Ginny said. "You've got more to say, obviously."

Hermione looked almost thankful someone acknowledged her concern. "Well, I know everyone's magical core has increased strength due to the bonding, but technically…Oh well there's no easy way to say this..."

She looked at Ron and then to Harry and Ginny, "This thinking of a person and trying to Apparate to them, well, it just isn't possible according to everything we know about magical transportation. And to side-along would be even more dangerous – can you imagine the splinch if they "determined" without the proper "deliberation" and went to more than one place at a time?

"And say, just for arguments' sake, we get there. Then what? Do we just knock on the door, ask if George, Iris, and James can come out and play and they'll just hand them over?"

Ron's ears turned red with embarrassment. He knew Hermione would be, as Kreacher said, the one who slows them down to think about their plans – or in this case, lack of planning. It was Ginny who then spoke up. "I think it is possible."

Ginny sat up straighter in her bed as if she were about to give a lesson. "Apparating without knowing exactly where one is going, I mean. When I went after Harry at Grimmauld Place, Luna showed up."

It was Harry's turn to feel embarrassment now as he remembered how he had run away from her and the rest of the Weasleys. Ginny could feel his emotions pouring into their bond. She wanted to stop and tend to his needs, but decided it would be better to continue.

"She said that she just thought about me and was then there. I was about to argue with her about it being impossible, but there she was. And she had no way of knowing where I was or even about Grimmauld Place."

Ron and Hermione gaped at Ginny.

"What?" she asked. "I know that Luna's a little different, but she did do it. So why can't Ron do it too?"

"Well, I kind of thought this was going to be…" Ron hemmed a bit, "well, I knew about Hermione's doubts." Hermione cast him a scandalized look.

Ron gave her a surprised look in return. "Well we are bonded, you know. I mean I am going to be able to sense your misgivings about things.

He turned back to the group.

"This just felt like it was going to be one of my special abilities. You know, since I've been pretty much rubbish at most of the difficult stuff, I thought this would be different."

All three of the others rolled their eyes and sighed. Hermione reached over and wound her arm around Ron's waist. "I'm sure it will be your special ability, Ron."

"No need to patronize," Ron said with feigned indignation. "It was just a thought."

"Right then, how about we go about finding a way to get to George, Iris, and James and free them from whoever has them," Harry said in an effort to get the four back on task.

"I thought I told you who it was." Ron's pronouncement surprised everyone. "It's your uncle…"

Before Ron could finish his sentence Harry blurted out, "Randal! What the bloody hell are you talking about?"

"I think if you give Ron a chance to finish a thought, you might find out what he's talking about." Hermione said. "Tell him Ron."

"It's not Randal. I told you he looked exactly like you Harry," Ron said. "The only thing missing is the scar."

Harry reached up and felt for the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. He had forgotten about it since it given up the last sliver of Voldemort's soul during the Battle of Hogwarts. All the feelings the last Horcrux had faded leaving Harry with nothing more than simple scar.

"I know he's much older than you," Ron continued. "But, he doesn't look any older than any of us. I think he'd fit right in with all of us if we met him at the Three broomsticks."

"How do you know he's much older? For that matter, how do you know he's my uncle," Harry asked.

Ron's face showed his surprise. Fred told him to keep certain facts from the others where his special abilities were concerned. He didn't know why, only that if he told Harry everything he'd most likely need to hold his best friend back from acting irrationally.

"Uh, that's a little harder to explain," Ron said. "I just know. You have to trust me on this…It's more like a feeling than anything."

Ron looked around at the others hoping his flimsy explanation would suffice.

"Well, divination is a bit more unexplainable than any other magic," Hermione offered.

"I think the phrasing you used included the word "wooly," if I'm not mistaken," Harry said.

Ginny smiled at Harry's taking the mickey out of Hermione.

"Yes, well that was before," Hermione said. "But now we need to put our heads together and devise a rescue plan."

Hermione started in her signature lecture mode, "I think the best thing for you to do, Harry, is to go see Randal and find out what you can about your 'other' uncle. From there we can decide if we need reinforcements. On that account, I'll stop in on Kingsley and see if there are any Aurors available to help. Ginny, I think you and Ron need to go to see Lee Jordan and pick up some Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder and anything else you think might help us if something goes wrong."

The other three looked blankly at Hermione until Ron spoke up.

"That's my girl. Not only have you become an adventurer, you've also become a true rule breaker.

"I think we need to get these two released from the hospital wing first, and then maybe let Professor McGonagall in on where we are going and why."

Now it was Hermione's turn to take the mickey out of someone. "Ronald, what amazes me is that you have decided to be sensible. It almost seems as though my years of encouragement have finally paid off. You have no idea how stimulating it is to hear you talk about following a proper procedure for leaving the school."

"Er, right," Harry started, "do you think we could get on with it before you two start rowing?"

Both Ron and Hermione turned to Harry. "Rowing…we are doing no such thing.

_C

Harry stood in his Uncle Randal's study glaring at him as the older man picked himself up from behind the chair where a burst of Harry's accidental magic had tossed him.

He had come to his uncle house after a long discussion with Professor McGonagall about what he and the others needed to do to rescue their missing family. While Harry was ready to Apparate directly to their holding site, the professor showed him the validity of Hermione's plan to collect more information before blindly running into what could be a trap.

Randal's movements to stand up spilled papers onto the already cluttered floor. He rose and brushed his hand through his hair in the same manner as Harry and his father before him. He then pulled at the bottom of his coat and addressed the seething young man.

"Am I correct in assuming this is not the normal family social call, then?" Randal said. "Or do you often barge into homes and turn their occupants on their arses? Cheers, if that works for you, but I didn't really enjoy the idea of being arse over teakettle at the sight of my nephew."

It would have been a comical scene, if the situation were not so serious in Harry's mind. "I just found out that I have another uncle," he huffed, "one you didn't bother telling me about. I know he's back, I know he's hiding, and I know you know about him."

Randal stood nonplussed by the younger man's comments. It wasn't as if it were a secret that he had arrested Jax. He just wondered why it was so important to Harry to know about him.

"I don't know what this is all about Harry," Randal said. "Jax is actually my cousin and he is in custody in the St Mungo's high security wing. He'll be standing trial as soon as he is well enough…"

Harry broke into Randal's explanation. "He's holding George, James, and Iris. We need to make him tell us where they are and what we need to know to bring them back."

Randal stood shocked. Could all of his cousin's words been nothing but a screen for his true intent. At face value, Randal should have known Jax wasn't telling the truth. He quickly gathered his cloak and hat and moved to the fireplace with Harry. As he was reaching for floo powder his house elf Jinks cleared his throat to get his attention.

"Will Master be leaving, then?" he said in tone devoid of emotion. "Again, without telling Jinks if he'll be needing anything."

Randal's hand stopped in mid throw and looked at the little elf. His mind was racing to put his thoughts together into words. He knew Jinks knew more about the Potter legacy than he did. He also knew that Jinks was sure Jax was here to save the Potters.

"Jinks, I want you to meet us at St Mungo's," he said. "We are going to the high security wing to talk to Jax and I want you to be there."

The old elf knew something wrong was about to happen by the way his master was ordering him instead of his usual asking.

"You are mistaken if you believe Master Jax has taken Missy Iris and Master James," Jinks said directly to Harry. "Jinks knows Master Jax is good –misguided, hurt by the family – but he is a good Potter."

Harry was about to ignore the elf and push Randal into the fireplace. His impatience at not being able to recue Iris, James and George had amplified since he felt he was seeing a trend of deception amongst his new found family members.

"Wait, Harry," Randal said. "What do you mean, Jinks?"

The old elf sighed and stared at Harry. "Youngest Potter is not wanting to know the true history of his family. Look at him. He is wanting to charge off not knowing nothing about anything."

Harry stopped and looked at the elf. His eyes searched Jink's muddy brown eyes for a sign he was lying. The elf held Harry's gaze. He would wait until he was asked the right questions to reveal what he knew.

Harry, wait, Ginny said through the link. She and Ron had already found everything they thought they could use at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. She was helping Ron put together knapsacks when she heard what was going on. She was sure Harry's impatience would cause him to fail to listen to important information. You don't know what Jinks is trying to tell you yet. Remember, Hermione is still with Kingsley. We won't be going anywhere until she gets back.

Harry decided he could wait for a few moments, even though he wanted to find his other uncle and tear him to pieces for what he had done.

"Okay Jinks, what is it that I need to know before I go charging off," Harry asked.

"You needs to know about all other Potters," the elf said. "You needs to know that Jax doesn't know the blood magic is lifted. He made very dark magic to lift it, but he been stabbed and in too much pain to realize the curse is lifted."

Randal turned to the elf. "He knows already. I told him."

The elf shook his head. "He knows nothing. All he knows is that you had him arrested. Master Jax forgets the effects of the blood magic. He forgets what he remembers. He needs telling what happened. He is a Potter and has a hard head."

Hmmm, that sounds familiar, doesn't it? Ginny sent through the link. Harry ignored her jab.

"So is he involved in holding my family," Harry asked.

"Tis my family too, young Master Harry, tis my family too," the elf reminded him. "No, Master Jax is not able to be involved. He has other battles he wants to fight with other Potters."

Harry turned to Randal. "You mean I have more relatives out there? Not to mention that they are feuding amongst themselves?"

"Well," Randal started, "yes, of course. I thought James and Iris told you that. You must have realized that after Arthur told you about William."

Harry had forgotten if Mr. Weasley had actually mentioned his uncle's name. In fact, he had almost completely forgotten the conversation until Randal brought it up.

"I thought Jax was the uncle he was talking about. I mean, I…" Harry stopped.

"None of this is making sense." He turned back to his uncle. "Exactly how many Potters are we talking about? I thought there were only five of us left; well now six with this other uncle."

Randal sighed. "Well, that's the question, isn't it? I really don't know. But I think that's it.

"You see there's the line that comes from your grandfather; that me, your father, and William. Then there's your great uncle's line."

Before Harry could interrupt Ginny shushed him.

Do be quiet, Harry, I want to hear this, Ginny sent.

Randal saw Harry's conversation and mistook it for confusion.

"Your great uncle is where Jax comes from. He had a younger brother, Angel, who he killed when he killed his father."

"He did what?" Harry snapped.

"He claims now that he didn't do it; that it was William," Randal said. "There is just too much evidence against him. And I'm not sure William could have been involved in something that nasty at the time. He didn't turn to dark magic until later."

-C

Kingsley sat at his desk thinking of everything he'd just been told. He knew Hermione was not one to embellish anything that involved Harry Potter. He knew she didn't need to. And now that Harry had assumed the role of Defender of the Light, she, Ginny, and Ron were even more dedicated to ensuring Harry received the help he needed. But that would not stop the Minister from assessing the situation fully. If there was one thing he was sure of it was that Harry Potter was prone to diving into danger without considering the consequences.

"Very well, Hermione," Kingsley began, "I will have the Head Auror ready to move a squad of MLE as soon as you give me the word. However, I do need to know where they are going and what they are facing." He stood from his desk. "And I'll need Harry to allow the DMLE to do its job."

Hermione knew this was coming. While Harry was a very powerful wizard and the Defender of the Light, she was also well aware that no one would trust him to lead a rescue without ministry-approved training. It was enough for her that Kingsley had even taken the time to listen to her. She was also well aware that Harry would not be put off. Regardless of the outcome here he would do this with or without the Minister or Magical Law Enforcement. She knew she needed a plan to bring all their strengths to bear, as well as provide a safety net if they ran into more than they could handle.

"Yes, Minister, of course," Hermione said. "That's exactly what we intend to do. Unfortunately we don't know where to go or what is in store for the DMLE once they get there. I think the only thing safe to say is that we are going somewhere and once we are there we will hopefully find someone or something there that will help us free our family."

"That's not acceptable," Kingsley said. "First off, who is going? If I am to believe it is the four of you, then which one of you has the training to deal with this kind of situation? Secondly, what kind of adversary do you think you are facing who won't be expecting Harry to charge in? Do you think for a moment there is not a trap waiting for all of you?"

"No, Minister, we are very well aware of the risks involved. If we were not, I doubt Harry would have sent me to you to better develop our plan."

This quieted Kingsley. He sat down at his desk and steepled his hands. He took a deep breath and released it as if much of his doubt for this mission was still weighing on him.

"Hermione, there is no way the DMLE can teach you the hostage rescue tactics and techniques that you and the others need to know in the time needed."

"Of course Minister, but you can help us by allowing us to go there and collect all the information we can, provide you with the location as well as any other information, and then decide what to do from there. You are right that whoever is holding our family is most likely counting on Harry's running in without a plan. It's a perfect trap, unless we prepare a trap of our own."

Hermione paused and looked for some sign of agreement in the minister's face. Not finding it, she decided to press on.

"If we find they are counting on trapping Harry, then we leave and return with the appropriate MLE forces to overwhelm them. Quite frankly, Minister, I think it will work. I also think it will convince everyone, especially Harry, that we need additional training after Hogwarts."

Kingsley Shacklebolt always liked the way Hermione thought. While most would have thought what she was doing was manipulative, he saw it for what it truly was: bringing her friends' and her own strengths to the forefront as well as capitalizing on their position. This was not to mention that she was reducing the possibility if anyone taking advantage of their weaknesses.

"Alright, then," he said. "You run your plan past the Head Auror. Once you have a plan that he agrees with, then, if anything, and I mean anything, goes even the slightest bit outside the plan, you return immediately and allow him to take over."

Kingsley rose again. "I can't say that I like your plan. In fact, I'd call it downright ridiculous to send the leader of the magical world into harms way. But, if you can assure me Harry will abide by this agreement, then I will support it.

"Now as far as what he needs; I am quite sure you have plans for what you are willing to accept. I'll send word to the DMLE you are on your way."

Kingsley bent down to his desk and scribbled a note on his letterhead. He tapped it with his wand and it folded into an airplane and headed out the door.

"Thank you, Minister," Hermione said as she turned to the door to leave.

"Ah, Hermione, one more thing," Kingsley said. "I understand all of you have goals you accomplish. I want you all to finish your Hogwarts education – As I know you have told me is your goal, but you need to explain it may not be possible if Harry wants to continue to involve himself directly in 'saving people.'

"I am more than willing to have the training begin as soon as you are ready. I just wish Harry and Ginny would take time to look at the 'big picture,' if you will. There is only one issue at this time needing his personal attention. Not going after the remnants of the Dark Lord's organization. After this rescue is completed, will you ask the rest of your team to come and see me? We need to talk."

Hermione cocked her head and answered, "Of course, Minister, I'm sure we'll be here as soon as this is finished.

_C

Harry stood looking out the window at the park across from his uncle's flat. The cold, damp, wintery weather seemed just as cool as his mood. His mood previously had been quite the opposite. Jinks, his Uncle Randal's house elf and family historian, as Harry just realized, had explained some of the Potter family history. He now understood why he had two uncles and a cousin who were ready to kill each other. It seemed to Harry that having regained his family had made his life more complicated.

For the most part, Jinks had confirmed most of what Mr. Weasley had said about the Potters being strong supporters of the Light.

The little elf stood waiting to continue his tale. "They fought in the war against Grindelwald as well as in the other wizarding wars," Jinks said. "Your great-grandfather Potter began reading the oldest books and practicing spells no one else dared. Many thought he was becoming Dark. He spent many hours locked away in his study. He only sent owls out to those he knew best. But even those who knew he was preparing for the worst could not stop the family from running headlong into another war.

"The Great Master Andrew was looking for magic in places feared by other wizards. He was pushing past known magic. He was learning Elf, Goblin, and other creatures magic. What other wizards thought was unknowable or unclean. He is the one who wrote down spells and jinks that makes wizards' and witches' lives easier. He also found another way to extend natural life without a philosopher's stone."

Jinks watched surprise wash over Harry and Randal's faces.

"Yes, tis true," the old elf continued. "It was The Great Master Andrew Potter who first discovered how to make the vilest magical creation – A Horcrux."

As Harry stood against the wall looking out to the cold landscape and sighed. He could hardly believe what Jinks had told him about his kinfolk. Could it be that they were at the root of his life of pain and suffering. Could it be true that they were the cause of his lost family as well as the cause of the near destruction of the entire magical Potter family – not to mention the rise of Tom Riddle's Lord Voldemort.

"Why would they do something like that," Harry asked to himself more than to his Uncle Randal or the old house elf. He didn't expect an answer.

None came at first. Then the little elf took a deep breath and roared. "Haves you not heard? The Potters did nothing wrong! They was trying only to bring peace and security from historic pain that they knew would come. They was trying to help. They was trying to make strong magic – but people called it dark before they knew what they was talking about. The great and noble Potters found the key. They found it and kept it for when the great evil is here.

"I knows the story. Been passed from elf to elf so's we know who it is we serve. Take heed Master Harry, you is not knowing all. Not yet, not yet."

The elf began circling his right forefinger in the air producing a small wave of air. The air shimmered as the circle the elf traced in the air grew larger. The effect was similar to what happened in a Pensive, except for the unpleasant drop into someone else's memory. Both Harry and Randal watched as a scene in a cluttered study unfolded around them.

An older man that Harry could only guess was his great-grandfather sat in his study reading from an old tome. His desk was covered with parchment and other books. As the elder Potter studied, a boy, who could only be his son, entered. The youth looked around at his father's collection and cleared his throat.

"Yes, my son, I know your mother sent you to check on me. Tell her I'll be along momentarily."

The boy turned to leave and hesitated. He turned back to his father's back. "What is so important to you here father? You spend hours here. Why?"

The man looked up and smiled. He closed the book and turned away from his work and to his most beloved son – the youngest of the five strong boys given to him by his strong-willed mother. He took the boy's arm and gently pulled him closer. "It is our family's quest. This is something that has passed from father to son over many generations. It is, in its truest form, the battle between Light and Darkness. It is also a battle between life and death."

The boy looked into his father's eyes searching for more answers. He had learned over the years patience was the best way to learn from his father. His father was not one to hold any information from his family – he just waited until they were ready.

Until now, none of Andrew Potter's sons had shown any interest in his quest. But his youngest now seemed ready. The elder face showed misgivings that the boy was ready to learn and accept the gravity of the Potter's family quest. He moved his hand up his son's soft face and looked deep into the cerulean blue eyes that belied wisdom well beyond the boy's age.

"Are you ready to know this," his father asked.

"I want to know father…what I don't yet know."

"Why," the elder replied.

"I want to know more about what you are doing and why. I want to learn more than they teach at school. You know more than the headmaster and all of my professors combined – they have said as much. I want to learn about the magic you know because mother tells me you are trying to help our world."

The boy's father was impressed. His wife of all these years, who seemed not to care about his work, was very well attuned to the gravity of its result. He was also impressed his son also understood.

"You will find there are many parts of our world and this work that will appear to fly in the face of what you have learned of our world. I have found ancient wizards who practiced magical travel that is much faster than our use of brooms and carriage. As you know, I have brought forward some of this learning to the wizarding world. Yet, there is much that I cannot bring out; at least not yet. Our kind is not ready to understand this magic. It is fearsome, yet it is also most gentle and kind. It is the woven fabric of our existence. It is for that reason that if you wish to learn this from me that you must do exactly as I say at all times. And you must leave behind the trappings of childhood and become a man. Are you ready for such a sacrifice?"

The boy did not hesitate. "Yes, father, I'm ready."

The elder Potter half smiled. In his heart he knew this was the right thing for his twelve year old son to do. He was giving up his normal life to prepare for what was to come. He was about to begin a life or preparation for the very worst that existed in the magical world. His son was about to begin a search for knowledge that would not only tax his mind, but also his body and his soul.

Andrew Potter was about to prepare his youngest son to truly be definition of his given name. He was beginning the long road of becoming the 'home ruler.' Young Harry Randall Potter would prepare for the worst and the best the magical world had to offer.

The 'memory' shimmered and winked out of existence. Harry closed his eyes in reliving the dryness caused by his refusal to blink during the elf's memory so as not to miss a second.

"You sees Master? You sees Master Harry? " the elf said to Harry and Randal. "What kind of monster would bring his son to ruin? No, he's trying to save hims and the wizarding world. You stay; there is more to sees."

Jinks started circling his finger again producing the same small wave of air. The air shimmered as the circle the elf traced in the air grew larger and produced another memory.

Harry and Randal saw their ancestor Harry's exploits as he began the apprenticeship that took him at first with his father and then later alone to the four corners of the earth using long-distance magical travel – a 'new' form of magic that would take the boy as far as he could imagine. It was difficult for Randal to believe that Apparition and Port Keys were not always a part of wizarding life. And since Harry had not been reared in the magical world he knew no difference – he was, however, surprised that it was his great-grandfather who discovered the magic since he had never heard anything about it at Hogwarts. He was sure Hermione would have told him as soon as she found out, similarly as to when she found out about Harry's father's history as a Quidditch player.

Harry and Randal watched as their ancestors and later just the boy went far and wide in search of magical knowledge. The first time he returned empty handed he found his father's disappointment almost more than he could bear. The old man would only look at him to see that he was unhurt. Then he would turn away, disappointment clear on his face, and tell him to rest. This was more than enough to push the boy to try again and again, until he accomplished his father's taskings. At times young Harry would have to ask his father for advice on how to overcome obstacles. Each time his father would guide him through the magic the boy had learned on his journeys. Each time the tasks became more difficult. Until one day when the boy returned beaten and bloodied.

"You have faced gryphon before," the senior Potter began after hearing the boy's tale, "What then makes this one so strong?"

"The others were defending treasure Father," the boy said. "This one is different. It is also protecting two eggs in its keep."

The man's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You mean there is one missing or one you did not see?"

"No, I am sure there were only two."

The man steepled his fingers and closed his eyes in thought. What could have happened that there were only two eggs where there should be three, he wondered. He and his son knew three eggs were symbolic of the Holy Trinity as was the gryphon itself a symbol of Christ; a combination of lion and eagle, both kings of the beasts, one of land, the other of air. Without the third egg the others would never hatch. In addition the gryphon would have sent its mate to find the other egg. Or it was dead. Either way the remaining creature would be impossible to defeat using conventional means.

"Father, no amount of magic that I possess will allow me to pass the beast," the boy continued. "It refuses, blocks or returns its own magic."

"Yes, I imagine it is more than you have ever faced. And I am sure it is more than you will ever face again, until at least the final battle with whatever comes forth from the Dagger of Fear."

The memory faded leaving Harry and Randal looking at Jinks.

"None of this makes any sense to me," Harry said. "What does a missing gryphon egg have to do with the Dagger of Fear?"

Harry combed back his hair with his hand and looked to his uncle to answer his question. Seeing no answer was forthcoming, he continued.

"And what about this is supposed to help me find this other uncle who has George, Iris and James? Not one bit of this is making sense. What does any of this have to do with Jax? None of this story is helping at all."

Randal turned to Jinks. "Can you help us understand more of this story?"

The old elf sighed. Any additional information he could provide was the kind that Merlin himself found on his own. Jinks was bound by his family to serve them – he was also bound by elf law forbidding him from divulging unknowable secrets to anyone outside elf-kind. The greatest power of the universe was the thread that the missing egg and the Dagger of Fear had in common.