Shattering the Mirror

by arturus

A HP/X-Men crossover POST OOTP. Harry is identified by the ministry as one of a growing number of magical mutants. Expelled, Imprisoned and then exiled from the magical word. Harry and his mutant allies form a new alliance one destined to bring down the Dark Lord. A Harry/Hannah pairing but be warned there are brief mentions of rape in early chapters and a F/F relationship.

25. Chapter 25

Shattering the Mirror Chapter 25

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.

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 moved some of the time lines and events the X-Men & HP Movies, Books and Comic's.

Once more here are the Marauders and their Initials/Alias

HP / Raptor

HA / Flame

LB / Fury

LL / Oracle

BZ / Canis/Wolf

Last time:

Dumbledore opened his eyes in shock. What had happened? He found himself blinking against the light as his eyes tried to adjust.

His watering eyes saw movement and he turned to see a blurry shape by his side, "Albus Dumbledore," said an Irish accented voice. "It is time to pay the piper."

Before he could speak something hard and cold was place beside his temple and his world was white.

Chapter 25

Conference Room – Thames House

Harry sipped at his water as he waited for their host to arrive. Beside him Hannah and the others looked around the meeting room with expressions ranging from Luna's excited interest to Blaise's quiet self-contemplation. When the door opened everyone's attention was immediately focused on Michael and the older man at his side.

Geoffrey Smyth gave those in the room a nod before taking a seat at the table. Michael locked the door before taking his own seat.

Smyth studied the others in the room for a quiet moment before offering them a slight smile. "I'm glad to see you all came through unscathed. Now before we go any further I wanted to say well done on the operation. I know you had personal reasons for your hatred of Dumbledore but you must realise that you have done the realm a service in removing him as a threat."

"One down one to go," said Blaise.

Hannah shook her head, "More than that Canis. Voldemort, Stryker and the Ministry all need to be dealt with before the jobs done."

Smyth nodded, "I agree Hannah. We must deal with Voldemort and his followers. I think we need to assign mission teams. I have every British intelligence asset available searching for Stryker as do the Americans and the Chinese. He is running out of places to hide so I have no doubt that we will find him. Your team needs to go after Voldemort."

"Severus and Deathstryke will want to be on the team hunting Stryker," said Luna.

Smyth made a note on his note pad, "The ICW is already supplying us with several hit wizards and investigators. So it is already a joint operation." Smyth looked at his watch. "In fact I have a phone conference with Charles Xavier in forty-five minutes. I would speculate that he is also offering his help in finding Stryker. Magneto has already offered you his help?"

Harry nodded.

"So our priority is Voldemort?" asked Michael Hayes.

"That's what I am suggesting. We have, if we are conservative less than twelve weeks to find and eliminate our targets. I would suggest that our first steps would be to look over your operational plans. Given the timeframe we may want to fast track several of your operations." Smyth slid a file across the table to Harry and Hannah.

"We are also putting out updated orders to all military units in the United Kingdom marking Death Eaters as an immediate threat. This order means that our military units can respond with deadly force. We have included a description of the usual Death Eater attire and tactics. It's a rare order but it means that we can call on any of the services for assistance. I'll leave Michael to explain what it all means."

oOoOoOo

Toronto – Canada ICW Liaisons Office

Nerida Jones was a witch and an alumnus of Salem who had been recruited to the Canadian Auror program right after school. A decade of investigative work had ended with her being transferred to the special investigations unit of the International. Her special skill was finding fugitives. She had a gift for it.

Superintendent Morgan Crane of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was watching over the shoulder of his magical colleague. As a briefed in mundane he was well aware of the magical world. As he watched he realised that regardless of her other skills, the young woman looking over the evidence was obviously a professional.

Nerida held up a photograph, "Superintendent?"

Morgan leaned over staring at the large print, "What is it Miss Jones?"

"This was taken in the abandoned room in England?"

Morgan nodded.

Nerida tapped the photo, "Right top quadrant there is a sticker above the sink, a fragile goods sticker with a logo on it."

Morgan studied the photo, "Damn you are right, you can almost make it out."

"Allied movers; I've seen the logo before."

Two hours later a detective inspector from Scotland Yard and two uniformed constables were in the London office on Allied movers.

oOoOoOo

Red Lion Pub - Bramley, Hampshire

Andrew Travers knew he was a dead man the moment the hooded figures entered his family's pub. He had been warned by a friend about the latest round of Death eater attacks against Muggleborn and half-bloods. The Death Eaters were here for his family. He saw a flash as a spell was launched at one of his patrons and the screams began. Pulling his wand he launched a stunner at one of the masked figures catching the wizard in the back before he had to duck down behind the bar to avoid the return spellfire. Taking a deep breath he started to stand. He was determined to act as a distraction giving his wife, children and patrons a chance. As he stood a spell shattered the wall of bottles behind him. Throwing himself to the side he sent a curse toward a Death Eater to his right and moved again. He had to keep moving and keep the scum focused on him.

Andrew ducked under a burst of green spellfire that shattered a tray of glasses and tried to line up another target.

Patrick Knowles pushed his wife to the floor when the three masked men burst in to the pub. A reservist with C squadron of the SAS he didn't panic instead he let his training kick in. Whatever the situation the three men were threats and needed to be neutralised. Even better for him was the fact that one was down already, apparently felled by Andy the publican. Even the screams of the other patrons was working for him causing further distraction. Improvising he picked up a steak knife that had fallen to the floor when a table had been overturned by a panicking family. It wasn't ideal but it was what he had; now he just needed an opportunity to act.

Walberg Morebank was a new recruit Death Eater from a minor pureblood family and the youngest member of the squad sent to kill the half-blood Travers. He had been expected to kill Travers and terrorise as many of the filthy muggles as possible before the three Death Eaters waiting outside were to seal and torch the building.

Unfortunately things had descended in to chaos and Walberg was fighting for his life. The anti-apparition wards his companions had placed were now stoping him escaping.

Walberg raised his wand to send a reducto at the bar when he felt excruciating pain in his back. Before he could react his legs gave way and he collapsed to the floor with his vision dimming.

Patrick checked the fallen figure before turning to the shattered bar, "Andy?"

Andrew appeared pointing a stick toward the door. "Is he down?"

"Dead, what the fuck is going on Andy?"

Andrew thought quickly. He knew Pat was a soldier, what would a muggle understand? "Terrorists, there will be more outside," warned Andrew.

"Armed with what?"

Andrew held up his wand, "Like this. We need to get everyone out the bastards would kill everyone here without batting an eyelid."

Patrick shook his head he had a bloody lorry load of questions but they could wait. "Not a good idea Andy if the bastards outside have half a brain they'll cut us down."

Thinking quickly now he glanced at his watch, it was just before nine and many of the lads would still be at the barracks. They had been warned by HQ of a possible increase in terrorist activity and given clear instructions on the appropriate response. The SAS was 'weapons free'. "Andy, throw me your phone."

Andy tossed the phone to Patrick who quickly dialled his squadron's barracks. Five minutes later a truck rolled to a stop. It had no headlights and had stopped well between the two street lights.

Outside the pub the three Death Eaters were growing concerned. There had been spell fire and some screams but since then nothing.

"Those three bastards better not be having all the decent ones."

The most experienced of them looked down at his fob watch, "Listen you morons the Dark Lord wants Travers and his spawn dead. If you bugger this up dipping your wicks….you saw what happened to…what's that?" He pointed to the Pub where a muggle was walking toward the door from the shadows of the public green.

The closest Death Eater raised his wand, "Avad….urk."

As their companion dropped to the ground the realisation that something was wrong was dawning on the remaining two. Unfortunately for them they were didn't know enough to be as afraid as they should be.

"Drop your weapons," ordered a voice from the darkness.

The experienced Death Eater knew only one way to deal with muggles, fear. Knowing the scum would run once he slew a few of them he raised his wand and died without ever seeing his killer.

The last Death Eater reached for the Port Key hanging around his neck. To the four men covering him the move meant only one thing, a suicide bomber. A threat they knew all too well. Two independent shots both struck at almost the same moment dropping the wizard.

Ten minutes later the Police arrived in force and forty minutes after that a call came through to Thames House. A Death Eater raid had been foiled and they had a living prisoner.

oOoOoOo

Ministry of Magic - London

Rudyard Collins cleared his throat as he stood to address the Minister and the gathered department heads. "The disappearance of Rufus Scrimegor has yet to be…..resolved. At this stage there is no evidence to support foul play. His house wards are still operative and there are no signs of any untoward magic. He and his family may have simply left the country. He certainly had the resources to do so. It may be the time to ahh…seek the assistance of the public."

Minister Fudge shook his head, "I understand Auror Collins but I am afraid that until you have uncovered his fate we will need to keep this under wraps."

Rudyard hadn't expected Fudge to give his permission so he simply nodded in acknowledgement of his orders.

Aimée Le Prince de Beaumont looked up with a frown at Fudge's words. "Minister I believe we had other issues on the table, in particular the latest ICW statement."

Fudge cringed at the reminder, "Yes, yes the Stoutheart act."

Aimée resisted the urge to scream as another example of Fudge's stupidity. "Minister why is Martin Pryce not present?"

Pryce had replaced Stoutheart as the department head of Department for the regulation and control of Dark Creatures. He had been a rather well respected wizard on the payroll of the DMLE. Who had been chosen, over Fudge's private objections to head up the department whose former head was now wanted for questioning by the ICW. Pryce had been busy trying to unravel what exactly had happened in Azkaban and other places under the auspices of the Ministry. He had argued that it was the first step in trying to appease the ICW.

Mabel Plumpton-Smyth of the department of International magical Co-Operation sneered at the French born witch, "Why should we care what the ICW is blathering on about? They've shown they don't wish to negotiate."

The door swung open without warning as the head of the DMLE hurried in to the room carrying a newspaper. Aronius Winchester looked agitated and worried as he dumped the paper on the table.

Fudge's eye twitched, "Winchester what is the meaning of this?"

"Dumbledore is dead!"

"What?"

"The Muggles killed Dumbledore somehow. It's in the Times."

Fudge looked confused, "The what?"

Aronius pointed at the paper, "The Times is a Muggle newspaper. They conducted some sort of raid and killed him."

"Fils de salope," whispered Aimée who had reached over for the paper before turning to look at Aronius. "Have we confirmed this?"

"I've just sent two Auror's to find out from our contact with their Police."

"This is a…..a foutu bordel," muttered Aimée as she read the article in full.

Fudge shifted uncomfortably not sure about how to feel about Dumbledore's death. "What do the Muggles know?"

"Minister It appeared that several days ago a special operations group of the British Army acted on a tip that a wanted terrorist was hiding in Hertfordshire. They acted on the intelligence and it looks like they caught Dumbledore with his pants down." Aronius explained.

"Can we hide this?" Fudge asked. It was unlikely that many would miss Dumbledore but such actions by the Muggles against Wizards were a dangerous precedent.

Aronius and Aimée both shook their heads.

"Fine then I'll release a press statement. Then I had better contact the ICW. Perhaps they'll be more prepared to talk now Dumbledore is dead."

Another knock on his door had Fudge almost twitching in his seat.

The door opened to reveal Martin Pryce holding a thick portfolio. "Minister I've uncovered something I think you need to see."

"Yes, yes Pryce what is it?"

Pryce looked around the room, "Perhaps alone Minister, the information is rather sensitive."

Mabel Plumpton-Smyth sniffed in disdain, "We are the Ministers advisors Pryce, not that I'd expect an outsider like you to understand."

Pryce ignored the interruption except for a slight narrowing of his eyes.

Fudge looked almost grateful for the interruption, "Of course Pryce, if you ladies and gentlemen will excuse us."

Aronius was walking back to his office with Rudyard discussing the best way forward regarding Dumbledore when an alarm sounded. Somewhere in the ministry an unforgiveable had been cast.

"Seal the ministry and then go and found out where it was cast," Aronius ordered Rudyard as he drew his wand.

By the time four duty Aurors reached the Ministers office Fudge was dead alongside Pryce. It was quickly determined that Pryce had murdered the minister before turning his wand on himself. Given his nature it was concluded that Pryce must have been acting under the imperius.

The Wizenagemot was summoned to an emergency session where Aronius reported the minister's assassination. After a long debate candidates were called for and after several votes Pius Thicknesse a senior member of the DMLE was voted in as Minister of Magic.

oOoOoOo

Unplottable Location – Southern England

Lord Voldemort watched impassively as Rundell Yaxley, Anthony Hudson and Mabel Plumpton-Smyth arrived and knelt at his feet.

He let them kneel on the stone floor for almost two minutes before acknowledging them, "Report."

Yaxley moistened his lips, "My Lord, Thicknesse is now minister. I renewed the Imperius and ordered him to declare me undersecretary."

Voldemort considered the three Death Eaters with a neutral expression, "Good you three are to return immediately and begin our second phase. I want every department head either under our control or dead."

"My Lord Dumbledore is dead," reported Hudson. "Aronius himself reported it."

Voldemort leaned forward, "How?"

Hudson sneered, "The old fool let the muggles kill him."

Hudson's sneer faded as Voldemort's wand rose to point at him, "Explain."

Hudson explained the article in the muggle news.

"It must be Potter," hissed Voldemort. "How very interesting, Hudson go and inform the Death squads that they are to increase the number of raids on those that stand against us. I want the wizarding world on its knees. Yaxley I think it is time to remove these Muggles from Potter's grasp. I want their Prime Minister under the imperius as soon as possible."

Yaxley lowered his head again, "Yes my Lord."

Voldemort turned to a dark haired man standing amongst his followers, "McGregor what of Ireland?"

McGregor bowed his head, "My lord I have a teacher at their Enniskerry School who is sympathetic to our cause."

"Put together a group of our best ward breakers. I shall lead our brethren in destroying the school that was foolish enough to give shelter to my enemies. Before we take the Ministry we must stamp out any fools who think to stand against me."

oOoOoOo

Northern Queensland, Australia

Rose sat with Lily on her lap enjoying the cool evening breeze as she took a sip from a glass of white wine. Her companion was quiet save for the sound of pages turning.

"Hermione?"

"Hmmm"

"What are you working on?"

Looking up from her book Hermione gave Rose and Lily a smile, "I'm looking up parenting spells."

Rose nodded slowly as she considered the young woman in front of her. "At some point we are going to need to have a long conversation Hermione."

Hermione open and closed her mouth a few times before nodding, "I know."

Rose smiled wryly, "You know I never thought my life could be any stranger than being the girl who lived. Now I'm the girl who lived to get preggers and end up in a universe where my partner is now a woman. I seriously think I've got the world record for weirdness."

"Rose I…..I can't give you what you want."

Rose smiled again, "Oh Hermione you are just as much of a twit as….look I know you are not a lesbian. Merlin I'm not a lesbian. But the feelings I have for you….well it is complicated. I think we need to talk it out otherwise it's going to be awkward. I thought I had moved on but even when I'm with Charlie I'll see you and just for a second I see….him."

Hermione reached out and took Rose's hand. "Oh Rose it must be hard."

Rose nodded and for a long moment they just sat offering their support for each other.

"I think maybe talking about it does help. I know I gave that advice to Harry often enough. I think….hang on Charlie. Charlie Weasley?"

Rose simply raised an eyebrow.

"I…..I mean I know you had a few drinks with him the other night when mum babysat…tell me you didn't."

"Oh but I did. Gryffindor remember."

"But….but Charlie?"

"I knew Charlette Weasley really well…..back home. Once I got over the gender thing I realised he was a nice guy. It wasn't planned but well one thing led to another."

"I don't know what to say."

"You really are pretty rubbish at girl talk aren't you?"

"Well in my defense both my best friends were boys."

Rose laughed, "True anyway Charlie wants to make it official and tell everyone we are dating but I wanted to talk to you first."

Hermione felt herself getting a bit teary. Rose cared so much for her that she went out of her way to clear the air. "I'm fine Rose, really I am. Just a bit surprised. I mean he's pretty handsome but what made you…well you know."

Rose considered her question for a long moment before looking Hermione meeting her eyes, "He's hung like a horse."

"Rose!" Hermione turned bright red as Rose burst in to laughter.

"Oh your face was priceless! He's just a really nice guy. Yes he was a caring lover and all that but to be honest it was his personality that attracted me."

Hermione was almost glaring, "Thank you sooo much Rose now every time I see Charlie I'll be thinking how big his penis is."

"Well it's a bit egotistical of me but it is pretty big," said a smiling Charlie from the doorway.

Hermione shrieked and turned magenta before stuttering out gibberish, "Charlie…I….I…..penis…..penis…..I didn't…."

Rose was laughing hysterically as Hermione spluttered in to silence.

Charlie had a huge grin on his face, "Well my girth aside we've just had a call from the Canadians. They wanted to put together a meeting. Something has come up in Britain."

A more composed trio found themselves sitting with the others in the meeting room when Ernest Dancing Wolf walked out of the floo.

"Sorry for the lack of notice but there have been some developments. Yesterday Cornelius Fudge was assassinated in his office. In the wake of Fudge's death a DMLE official named Pius Thicknesse has been elected minister. Unfortunately we don't foresee any change for the better. He's taken a man called Rundell Yaxley as his undersecretary."

"And Yaxley is a Death Eater or at least he was at some stage," said Arthur Weasley. "Yaxley is an unpleasant individual, a muggle….sorry mundane hater."

"So nothing has changed?" asked Hermione.

Rose sat back in her chair, "And Luna's vision is still valid. Voldemort is taking over the ministry."

Bill Weasley looked up from where he was taking notes. "We need to let the Prime Minister know. If we can stop him taking over the mundane government we are giving ourselves a real chance to take change the outcome. It's one thing that he has control of the ministry it's another thing entirely if he controls the military and police."

"Our allies in the ICW agree," said Ernest. "Due to the fact that we suspect that Voldemort may have spies in the PM's office we are going to try and avoid the usual channels and go via Thames house."

Bill looked at his watch, "We are due to catch up with Harry and Hannah in about an hour for our weekly update."

oOoOoOo

Marauders Den – Hertfordshire

Harry sent a stunner straight at Hannah's chest as he lunged forward with his talons extended to rake her but was forced to dive to the side by a burst of flame. Rolling to his feet he prepared to leap toward his opponent again when the world went dark.

"Harry?"

Harry opened his eyes to see Lavender and Hannah grinning down at him.

Lavender twirled a wand in her fingers before slipping it back in to its wrist sheath, "Got you Potter."

Harry sat up shaking his head to clear the lingering effects of the stunner, "I thought you were out for the count."

Lavender grinned, "Nope just playing possum until Han had you occupied."

Harry smiled, "Well it worked."

Lavender's grin widened, "Okay so I'm hitting the shower and then heading out for an hour or two. I need to do some shopping."

Harry nodded but Hannah pointed at the clock, "Don't forget your emergency Portkey and don't forget that we have a meeting with the others at eleven."

Lavender rolled her eyes, "Don't worry I won't be late." The blond left as Harry climbed to his feet.

"So just the two of us, want another session?"

Hannah pulled off her armored vest, "What I'd like is for you to strip so we can make out in the shower."

"You look beautiful like a barbarian princess or a Valkyrie," said Harry as he stepped forward and pulled Hannah close to kiss her.

"I need a….," Hannah stopped complaining as Harry took hold of her bottom and kissed her exposed neck. As soon as he straightened she kissed him hungrily and began trying to undo his vest.

By the time they hit the bathroom there was a trail of clothes and equipment from the training room.

oOoOoOo

Luna watched Blaise intently.

"There did you see it?"

Luna nodded, "Right as you transformed your eyes changed colour."

"I think it's my magic flaring as it fights the transformation."

"It could be…..have you ever tried meditation?"

Blaise shook his head.

"I'll teach you. I think that if you can find a way to stop your magic fighting the change you may gain even better control of it."

Blaise nodded eagerly. He had grown accustomed to his transformation but still felt that he lacked the control Harry had shown.

Luna gestured for Blaise to sit on the floor opposite her.

"Okay I want you to close your eyes…."

oOoOoOo

Enniskerry – Ireland

Daphne Greengrass handed in her assignment to Professor Tomlin before heading down to the dining room to meet Astoria for lunch. It wasn't a long delay but it still meant that she was arriving several minutes behind the majority of the students. As she reached the last flight of stairs she paused just before the landing. There were voices just around the corner. Out of sight but loud enough to be heard but what made her pause was that she recognised one of them. Seamus Lorne the care of magical creatures instructor.

"….shouldn't be here," complained Lorne.

"The students are at lunch. These bloody Irish have no idea about security." The second voice wasn't Irish accented but English.

"Still anyone could come along so just tell me what you need."

"We want the blood traitors and mudbloods that fled here to escape justice. The dark Lord wants them put down as a message to Potter and his allies."

Daphne realised the English accented voice was also vaguely familiar.

"You obviously had no trouble with the wards, why do you need my help?" Lorne asked.

"I'm with the ministry of magic and I'm here to discuss the educational records of the students from Hogwarts now in Ireland. I'd strike now but they are watching me like a bloody misers last Galleon. Besides the Dark Lord wants to personally kill the traitors. After we've had a few of the more…..tasty ones of course."

"Our Aurors…."

"Will be distracted by a raid in Kilkenny, our man in the Ministry will see to that. So where do you stand Seamus?"

"I'll do it but I want my pick of the girls."

"Oh ho got your eyes on someone eh?"

"Meaghen O'Leary I've wanted to take the little bint all year. Her old man was a right bastard to me at school."

Daphne almost hissed out loud at the traitorous teachers words. O'Leary was a second year.

"So how?"

"Tomorrow night take these coins and place them around the perimeter of the wards. They'll act as a focus for the ward breakers. Don't worry Seamus you'll be safe and rewarded for your efforts."

Daphne ran back upstairs taking two steps at a time. It was time to report what she had heard.

oOoOoOo

Harry pulled on his shirt before reaching for the secure phone to Thames House. Picking up he had to wait a few moments for the encrypted phone to synchronise, "Potter."

"Harry its Michael we have a captured Death Eater from a failed raid."

"Where was he captured?"

"A pub in Hampshire, it was a failed raid on a halfblood wizards business. Stupid bastards didn't know there was a SAS base right around the corner. It's their local watering hole. One of the boys took out a DE and called for backup."

"What now?"

"This is an excellent opportunity to get some decent intelligence so he's being kept unconscious. When he wakes up we are going to need wards up to stop the bastard apparating out. We might need Weasley."

Harry looked at his watch it was nearly time for the Marauders meeting. "I'll be talking to Bill and the others shortly. I think I'd like you or Geoffrey here for this one."

Michael went silent for a moment and Harry guessed he was speaking to someone else. "Right –oh Harry I'll Portkey in. Just give me ten or so. Actually just hold a second Michael."

Hannah walked in to the room and gestures at the phone, "Is that Michael because Daphne just notified us of a planned attack in Ireland."

Rather than a three way conversation Harry passed the phone to Hannah who quickly passed on the intelligence Daphne had overheard.

"Right call everyone in for this one. We might need to get to Ireland."

oOoOoOo

Thames House

Geoffrey Smyth was on his own secure call to a Canadian colleague.

"How sure of this are you?"

"Positive Geoffrey the…ah consultant is a bloody genius. I don't know how we missed it. Given his resources we just never considered that he would use a domestic mover. Anyway the good news is that the moving company has a fix on the bastard's location. He's relocated to France."

Smyth knew that Michael Hayes was on the phone to Harry right now letting him know about the captured Death Eater. "I'll see what resources we can gather to investigate this. There is a lot going on right now Alan."

Alan Morris headed up the small Canadian Military intelligence directorate. He was a trusted ally and had been briefed on at least the major points of the Stryker situation. He was also fully briefed on the Wizarding world. "I know Geoffrey. You should consider contacting the French."

Smyth paused before answering. Alan was right but it was not a decision to take lightly. "I'll pass that advice on Allan. I had best go and get things organised here."

"Good luck Geoff."

Smyth hung up and leaned back in his chair. The Direction centrale du renseignement intérieur were sometimes his very good friends and at other times luke warm allies. They were however briefed in and they would not want Stryker in their neck of the woods. Picking up the secure line he pressed the number that would dial the PM.

oOoOoOo

Northern Queensland, Australia

International Portkeys always left Harry feeling nauseous but the feeling didn't last. A quick glance told him that all his people had arrived.

He turned toward the house to see Hermione, Rose and somewhat surprisingly Scott Whitebear standing near the steps leading up in to the main building.

Harry walked over toward the Canadian Minister of Magic, "Scott I didn't expect you tonight."

Scott smiled as he shook Harry's hand. "It's good to see you all. We have some new developments in France that have come to light."

"Voldemort?" asked Hannah.

Scott shook his head, "Stryker."

Lavender stepped up beside Hannah, "Bloody hell he's been found?"

"A solid lead that we need to follow up," warned Scott. "But we had better get inside I think tonight is going to be a long session."

oOoOoOo

The large open room they had used before was again set up as a meeting room however there were even more people crowded around the tables. The ICW was represented by Scott and what looked to be almost a dozen other wizards and witches. Xavier was there along with Logan, Scott, Jean and Ororo. There was also a mutant covered in blue fur who was wearing a suit siting with them. Alongside the Xmen were Geoffrey Smyth and Michael Hayes. Sitting with them was another Army officer who was looking around the room with wide eyes.

At a table by themselves were Eric and a half dozen of his Brotherhood. The Marauders only recognised Toad and Sabretooth. The second last table was occupied by the Weasleys and the other permanent residents of the property.

Geoffrey Smyth was the first to get up and report on the captured Death Eater. Scott Whitebear immediately offered the services of an ICW safe house in which to detain and interrogate the Death Eater. Bill Weasley was the first to agree explaining that it would be time consuming for a small warding team to build the wards up to what an ICW team would already have in place.

As Bill finished speaking Professor Xavier offered his services, "Perhaps a joint operation might be called for. I understand that there are no doubt magical means to question a prisoner but I would also like to offer my services. Perhaps my abilities may be of assistance."

Scott Whitebear nodded, "I am sure that we can arrange that Professor."

Geoffrey Smyth gestured to the Army officer seated next to him, "Major Barrington has the latest intelligence uncovered by the joint operation searching for Colonel Stryker."

The Major stood and walked the group through the discovery of Stryker's suspected new location in France. His presentation was informative and he went in to detail about how the joint operation had worked to track the elusive scientist.

Ernest leaned forward from his position next to Scott Whitebear, "I think another joint operation may be called for. This Stryker is a danger to us all. His hatred seems to be focused on mutants but how long before the magical world is in his sights, how long before he targets China or the Middle East?"

Eric considered himself a good reader of people's motivations. Indeed he had often bet his own life on his ability to find and recruit people to what he saw as his cause. Harry Potter and his Marauders were an anomaly. They were in many ways prime recruitment material. Abused, tortured and betrayed by humanity they had gathered together to fight back. Alas it was not that simple. Potter despised most of the British Magical community, he hated his human relatives but he still allied himself with some humans. The boy and his fire brand girlfriend hated but they hated selectively. Eric was not a fool, nor was he blinded by his own hatred. Potter's alliances had been effective and perhaps that was the important lesson to take away. Clearing his throat he raised his voice to be heard.

"I and my people would be available to serve," Eric paused as he saw Charles Xavier's disbelieving expression and felt the mental tickle. His old friend was using his abilities. "I see you question my motives Charles, you shouldn't. I have seen before what happens if a madman like Stryker is allowed to prosper."

Scott looked like he was about to say something when Xavier laid a hand on his arm. "He is speaking the truth Scott."

Geoffrey Smyth broke the silence, "Thank you we will need to work out some logistics but I welcome your help. We know where Stryker is located but we don't know what resources he has available so we are moving some surveillance assets in to place as we speak."

Harry raised his voice so that the rest of the room could hear. "I have some other disturbing intelligence. A friend in Ireland has information that Voldemort intends to personally lead a raid to destroy a wizarding school in retaliation for the Irish helping British refugees."

Scott Whitebear paled at the thought. "When Harry?"

"Our intelligence says tomorrow," replied Harry grimly.

"Bloody hell," whispered Bill Weasley.

"We should be able to evacuate the school should we not?" asked Professor Xavier.

Hannah nodded, "Yes but if we do we'll potentially miss an opportunity to strike at Voldemort when the bastard is out in the open." Hannah went on to explain what Daphne had told them.

"I think we can come up with a plan that will let us avail ourselves of this opportunity whilst not putting the students at risk," said Scott Whitebear. "Voldemort expects to be hitting a school in which he has a traitor helping to drop the wards. This gives us an opportunity to turn the attack back on Voldemort."

Ernest nodded in agreement, "Voldemort is magically powerful but in a strange way that can be a weaknesses. From everything we know he will attack and attempt to overpower any defenders while his Death Eaters cause chaos. With the right mix of Forces we would be able to take him down."

"Could we pull something together by tomorrow?" asked Scott Whitebear.

Harry smiled coldly, "It will have to be because one way or another we need to respond to this."

Luna who had been quiet the entire time sat up straighter, "It will be one of the few opportunities we may have to fight Voldemort in the open. If we miss this it could be months or years before it happens again."

"Which is more important this Voldemort or William Stryker?" asked Major Barrington.

Luna didn't hesitate, "Right now Voldemort. It is his actions that start the process that ends up with Stryker deploying his genocidal weapons."

Geoffrey Smyth nodded in acceptance of Luna's pronouncement. "Then we need to know what forces besides the Marauders and Michael's men we can have on site in the next twelve hours."

"The X-Men can help," said Professor Xavier.

"As always the brotherhood stands with you Harry," added Eric.

"You are going to need as many wizards as you can trust," added Scott Whitebear with a grim smile. "It's been a few years since I was an Auror but I can still hold my own. Since you started Ernest has been working with a squad of international Hit wizards getting them up to speed for just such an eventuality as this. Voldemort made a mistake when he chose Ireland. The British ministry has locked us out but the Irish are signatories to the ICW treaties that give Hit wizards jurisdiction. It's a bit of legal flimflam bit it covers us acting to stop Voldemort's raid."

Arthur Weasley was the next to turn to Harry, "I would like to help Harry," he paused as the other Weasley's in attendance agreed. "V….Voldemort needs to be stopped."

Harry called for quiet as he stood, "I understand and appreciate everyone's desire to help but we need to have some sort of plan or we will be in each other's way. Michael will act as our coordinator for now. So we had better break so everyone can make their preparations."

As those in the room broke in to smaller groups Harry grabbed Luna and whispered in her ear. Luna nodded and walked out of the room.

oOoOoOo

County Cork - Ireland

Siobhan could honestly say she was surprised when Luna Lovegood walked in to the pub. The blond looked around for a moment before spotting Siobhan and walking over.

"Siobhan I need a message passed on to your boss."

"Oh?" Siobhan replied with a raised eyebrow.

"There will be two Death Eater attacks tomorrow. One in Dublin and the other on the wizarding school in Enniskerry. We believe we have it covered but Harry wanted to let you know that our informant overhead a Death Eater claiming that the Irish ministry was infiltrated."

Siobhan nodded slowly, "We have some…..friends in the Ministry we trust. We'll spread the word."

Luna nodded and handed over a letter. "This is all we know."

Siobhan took the letter and slid it in to a pocket. "I'll make sure Michael gets this but I can't promise anything on his behalf."

"I wouldn't expect you to but we thought you should know. We owe you for Dumbledore. The ICW knows the part you played. Michael is a businessman and I suspect he'll be able to turn this situation to his advantage with your ministry."

oOoOoOo

Moody watched the Death Eater turn the corner in to a back alley before following. His magical eye allowed him to follow the younger wizard as he made his way from the ministries London exit. Blyton-Harris had been identified by one of Moody's allies' months ago. Despite the DMLE having known this the Death Eater had been employed by the ministry as a liaison to the Muggle Prime Minster.

Moody grinned; Blyton-Harris had been working late today apparently and looked to be heading toward the small pub nearby. He apparently didn't like the food in the Ministry cafeteria. The Death Eaters picky eating habits were a gift.

Recasting his notice-me-not charm he apparated to the other end of the alley and waited for his quarry to approach.

It was over in moments. A stunning spell dropped the Death Eater allowing Moody to take a firm hold before activating his portkey.

oOoOoOo

Renton Blyton-Harris awoke to find himself stripped naked and chained to a wall.

"What is this?"

"Ah our Death Eater is back with us."

"I am no Death Eater. What do you think you are doing?"

Moody stepped in to the light with his wand drawn. "Then you've chosen a poor tattoo then eh? Now I've not the time to be gentle lad and I am even less inclined to be so. If you tell me what you know I'll make sure you pass painlessly. Of course the other option is that you don't and I get to spend several bloody hours in your company before you tell me anyway. Well what is it to be?"

Two hours later Moody walked out of the room without a backward glance.

"Dorry!"

A house elf appeared instantly, "Master calls?"

"Our guest has departed. I want you to carry a message for me to Andrew Fisher's house and pass it only to him."

"Yes Master Dorry will do so as ordered."

"Tell him Mad-eye said that the game has begun."