A/N: The shortness has to do with having family situations which distract me, minimizing my time. I could have just not put it out in parts but thought: What the hell?
Around the Multiverse for Fun and Profit, Part 3B
Harry Potter AU
"The Lone Traveler: Originally a Mortal Human Wizard and dimensional traveler, this being ascended to Godhood as a reward for services to the Creator. Very often arrives and leaves using a spectacular aura of blue light. His Divine name is Marek Ilumian, Fury of the Light, a Minor God of Knowledge and Travel and Patron God of Free Will. His appearance normally associated with preventing apocalypses or helping to ensure Free Will can be exercised by mortals. All assistance should be rendered when he appears. Does have a mischievous streak, especially when accompanied by a Goddess from another dimension who appears as a small innocent girl."
Rupert Giles Watcher's Diaries, 27 September, 2000
Flute and Marek watched as the room was stormed by Aurors, Hitwizards, and others. Those arriving found a number of dead bodies and a few that were severely hurt – the one shield charm had prevented them all from being killed.
Flute looked at Marek. "I am a little surprised. Normally, you're pretty adamant about not killing anyone who isn't totally evil. Most of these were following orders."
Marek sighed and said, "I know." He looked at Flute. "But they were pretty amoral. There was already a chance for that happening in the spell they were trying to enact – I just made certain it did happen. At a certain point, you have to let people live and die by their mistakes."
Flute said, "Oh, I know. But I needed to make certain that you did."
Marek gave her a flat look. "I learned that a long time ago."
She gave him a look and said, "Don't take the mortals' stupidity out on me!" She then crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
Marek held his expression for a moment and then broke into a chuckle. If nothing else, Aphrael kept him from descending into brooding – a real worry as most Harry Potters around the multiverse learned to brood as small children.
The two got up and made their way up into the upper parts of the Ministry. As expected, everyone was running around like chickens with their heads cut off. They made their way outside.
There were a number of witches and wizards who watched nervously as Muggles seemed to be driving around, trying to find the source of whatever the explosion was. Members of the Obliviation Squad were out and about, but a news crew had shown up and they had to stay out of sight.
Marek put Aphrael on his shoulders to appear as nothing more than a man out with a younger sister or daughter. Marek captured the thoughts of a few people and found that all the non-Magicals knew was that there had been a bright light and a loud sound which did not sound like an explosion.
The news crew actually caught up with them. The news reporter said, "Hello, Sir. Were you around when it happened?"
Marek glanced at Flute who kept a serious face but he could sense her amusement. "I didn't see it up here – but there was a really bright light, and a sound like a cyclone through a wind tunnel."
"What do you think it was?" the reporter asked.
Marek replied, "Well, no one can find the source. For all we know, it was aliens." He said this with humour. "If there was a fire, then there would be smoke and all that. Obviously someone did something – but as there seems to be no damage anywhere, I'd say just let it go – or leave it to the experts to figure out."
The news reporter was disappointed. Marek observed that she had been upset that he wasn't more freaked out and scared and neither was the girl on his shoulders – calm rationality did nothing to boost ratings.
They moved off to harass other witnesses.
Marek said, "You know? The Prime Minister knows about the Magical world. Perhaps he should be alerted."
Flute, from Harry's shoulders, said, "Isn't that the job of the Minister for Magic?"
"Yeah," he smirked. "But he's been taken out of the equation. I'm pretty certain that no one has thought of alerting his counterpart. I think it's almost our civic duty to alert him so that he can sort this out."
"How are you going to do it?" she asked.
"Well," he said reaching into his pocket, "let's try this." He pulled out the cellular phone which had appeared where he had created it.
He let Flute down and dialed the number which went directly to the desk of the Prime Minister – a number that very few people had.
The Right Honourable Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was listening to the report that had been passed up to his office. At the moment, there was no indication that this was enemy action – it was only a mystery. And so the report was not a huge priority.
Blair was about to thank the staff member for the report when his phone rang. It was strange because this particular phone was available to a very limited number of people. It was also one which was free from monitoring unless the PM himself asked for it. He nodded his thanks and waved his man out as he picked up the phone.
"Good afternoon. This is the Prime Minister."
"Good afternoon, Sir. I am calling to inform you regarding a matter that is covered by the Official Secrets Act. It is regards the other Ministry."
His eyes widened. What was up with those fools now? "Yes?"
"Well, Prime Minister, it's like this: The other Ministry was attempting to put something in place to solve a problem they were having. Unfortunately, they went about it in a very ill-advised way. You, perhaps, have heard about a disturbance in London?"
"I just received a report. They haven't found the source."
"And they won't. What was observed was a backlash from a failed attempt at enacting a method to enforce compliance with a questionable law. Unfortunately, it blew up on them."
Tony Blair's eyes narrowed. "And who are you to be reporting it? Shouldn't the other Minister be telling me?"
"Well, that would be a problem. The other Minister, as you call him, is likely dead. If not dead, he is critically injured and is not able to communicate with anyone. I am just a concerned observer. The problem with the other Minister's people is that they wouldn't think to alert you. You know how they are – cover things up and hope for the best. You'll be happy to know none of your people were harmed and this, hopefully, will be an isolated incident."
Blair considered that for a moment. He was torn between relief that it was nothing and being able to leave it off his own plate – he hated dealing with the other Minister and avoided it when possible – and his duty, in his own mind, of ensuring that this never happened again. Finally his sense of duty won out and he asked, "What do you mean, 'hopefully will be an isolated incident'? Could this happen again?"
The tone of the voice on the other end of the phone became slightly regretful. "Well, the other Ministry is full of frightfully obtuse and obstinate people. They are running around trying to recover from their shortsightedness and their efforts to keep things the way they were. It hasn't been a very successful effort."
Blair's mind was warring with itself. He really didn't want to get involved with these people but he felt it was important to be in the know so that he could anticipate problems. He sighed. "This sounds like a conversation which would be best done in person. Can you come and see me?"
There was a pause. "How would you like to do this? Due to certain circumstances, it will be me and my younger sister, who looks all of 7 or 8 years old. I think it would look odd for a man and a girl to show up for a formal meeting. That being said, arrangements can be made for any circumstance that you might want to set up. And I mean any circumstance."
Blair ran a number of solutions through his mind. Suddenly, his assistant came through the door. "Prime Minister."
He put his hand over the phone and asked, "Yes? What is it?"
"I wanted to let you know that the rooms have been set up for the visit of your distant cousins." He looked at the sheet he was holding. "Mr. Harry Porter, and his young sister Danae, will have adjoining rooms. We will have a car ready to pick them up from Kings Cross Station when their train arrives at 6:14. They will be brought directly here." The assistant looked at his paper. "According to this, the request for no pork due to religious reasons has been passed on and so you will be having Lamb with Dark Chocolate Pepper Sauce for dinner and we will ensure that there is no bacon or sausage for breakfast."
Tony looked at his assistant with a moment's incredulity and then said, "That's fine. Thank you. Let me know when they arrive."
"Of course, Prime Minister. Thank you." The assistant withdrew.
Tony Blair pulled the hand from the phone and said, "Harry. Your rooms will be ready. I am looking forward to the visit from Danae and yourself, considering you are distant cousins and all."
There was a moment's pause. "Sorry about that. My sister seems to have been playing." There was a pause. "She said she is really looking forward to the lamb and asks what there will be for the pudding course."
The Prime Minister noted the tone of exasperation in the man's voice and decided to let it slide. "I'm certain we can find something she likes. I look forward to your visit."
"Yes. Of course. We will see you tonight." The phone clicked off.
It was 6:00. Harry and Danae Porter were in a stateroom on a train that was about to pull up to Kings Cross Station. They had two suitcases. Danae was smirking at the man with her.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes. I admit that it was smooth. But it's a whole lot of trouble for just a conversation."
With amusement Danae replied, "And your point? If I had left it up to you, there would be all kind of secret meetings and all that. Sometimes you forget the obvious." She smirked. "Besides, I like lamb and chocolate."
"Of course you do," he replied.
They finally arrived and Harry did as his name suggested and acted as a porter, bringing along the suitcases. Instead of the casual wear that they had been wearing, the two now looked better dressed. Danae's dress wasn't much different except it was now cotton rather than linen – she couldn't stand man-made materials. Harry was now in what was considered 'professional casual' instead of denims and a t-shirt. Danae was a little put out that she was being forced to wear sandals at least.
As they exited the train, they both saw the well-dressed man holding a sign saying "Porter". They made their way over.
Harry spoke. "Hello. I think you are waiting for us?"
The man nodded and handed the sign off to the copper who was providing security. He took the two bags and Harry showed his identification to the copper – it would have been very strange for them to be accepted without "proof" and so Harry provided.
The copper inspected it carefully and nodded. "Very good, sir. The car is this way."
They were shown to a Rolls Royce which was attached to the Prime Minister's household and were soon on their way.
Danae acted the enthusiastic child as the copper, from his seat in the front, pointed out various historic items and sites. Harry knew that Danae was play-acting: She was forcing him into the over-indulgent brother role. The driver and copper were both amused.
Finally, they arrived at 10 Downing and Danae acted suitably impressed. Harry was actually amused at the rambunctious girl's antics. They pulled up to the proper entrance and were met by servants to take their bags and lead them around. Surprisingly, the Prime Minister had also shown up.
Danae gave a smirk to Harry right before she jumped out and cried, "Cousin Tony!" and rushed over to give him the typical greeting toward those she liked.
Harry followed along. "Hello, Cousin Tony. Thank you for letting us stay with you. Sorry about Danae – she gets enthusiastic."
The Prime Minister was bemused as the young girl had rushed over and thrown herself at him, kissing him on the face a few times. The watching security people, servants, and other witnesses were all quite amused though they tried to hide it. This was far more pleasant than some of the visitors they had to welcome.
"That's fine, Cousin Harry. How was the trip?" he asked politely.
"It was fun. A little tiring but taking her anywhere can be that way," Harry answered in a wry tone.
Tony grinned at that. "I am certain that is true. Well, my people will take you to your rooms to freshen up for dinner and then we can talk afterwards about things."
"That sounds completely fine." He looked at Danae who had finally let the man go. "Come on, Danae. Let's get washed up."
Danae skipped over to Harry and went with him to the rooms that had been assigned.
Tony Blair watched with amusement as the two were led off. He really should be more upset or offended at the obviously magical interference, but this was so much more pleasant and normal than he was used to when he had to deal with the other Minister that he couldn't get too upset about it.
Dinner was quite pleasant. Danae and Harry were quite complimentary and asked the Prime Minister to ensure the cooking staff were made aware. The meal finished off with a white cake with pear, vanilla, and cream which went well with the richness of the meal.
After, Tony had led Harry and Danae to another room for wine and conversation (Danae had fruit juice). Once they had been served and the servants had withdrawn, Harry put his finger to his lips and cast a spell with his wand.
"Okay. No one will overhear." He paused. "Did you know that there is an electronic surveillance device set up in the flower display?"
Tony nodded. "Actually, that is my security. It isn't recorded but they want to ensure I'm not attacked."
"Well, all they will hear will be banal conversation." Harry sat down on a couch.
Tony nodded and sat down himself. "So, what is this all about?" he asked.
Harry rolled his wine glass in his hand. "Are you aware of the civil war that the magical world just went through?"
Tony nodded. "I heard about some of it. This 'You-Know-Who' character led a bunch of conservatives bent on taking over. He was defeated by a Harry Potter." Tony paused. "That name sounds remarkably like the one you are using."
Harry chuckled. "We are distant cousins." Tony gave him a brief look of incredulity. "Actually, it's more complicated but we'll leave it at that. Anyway, after the conflict, the conservative elements tried to assert their control over magical society – effectively recreating the political forces which led to the problem in the first place. There are various 'castes' if you will of Magicals: Pureblood, which includes families that are long established as magicals; Muggleborns, who are children of normal parents; and Half-bloods, which have a combination of parentage. The whole civil war was based on a Half-blood who hid his origin using the superiority that the Purebloods feel they have to kill or drive out those of lesser blood, especially the Muggleborn – known to those who are blood-purists as Mudbloods. Those purebloods who support Muggleborns and their rights are referred to as Blood Traitors.
"After the Purebloods started reestablishing dominance, Harry Potter, in protest, took his family resources and moved abroad. He, a Half-blood, was the subject of a magical prophecy – the validity of which is long established, though derided by some. He felt that the Ministry was spitting on all that he and his friends sacrificed. Harry's leaving caused an exodus of those who were tired of the Pureblood Supremacy agenda, which is firmly entrenched within magical society. Magicals live a long time, 30 to 100 percent longer, and so are much more conservative. Magical society is somewhere between Victorian and post-Victorian. This exodus produced a major problem for the Magical ministry."
The Prime Minister considered what he had been told. Finally he said, "I would guess that this drastically reduced the population base."
"Exactly right. If nothing is done, British Magical society will die out in two generations. To solve this problem, the arch-conservatives pushed through an unpopular law which requires those of lesser blood to return and marry Purebloods so that these families and the current power structure continues. Even the Magical Law Enforcement employees refuse to enforce the law, considering it too egregious." Harry pulled a folded packet of parchment from his pocket and handed it over. "The text of the law."
Tony accepted the packet and opened it. He then read through the law. His eyes widened as he read the particulars. "And this was actually passed the Magical parliament?"
Harry relied grimly, "The Wizengamot, an institution based on the Witenagemot of the Anglo-Saxons, truly believe they have a right to decide for every being of Magical blood within the United Kingdom. Even though many have left the UK, they still feel they have a right to dictate regarding those who have left, considering them subject to the Ministry's laws – regardless of how stupid the idea is. The Wizengamot has some truly stupid people."
Tony nodded. "What does that have to do with what happened today?"
Harry smirked. "The Minister for Magic, in order to enforce this stupid law, attempted to have the Department of Mysteries, the magical equivalent to DSTL, to set up a magical compulsion on those they were targeting to force them to return. Unfortunately, the focus of the spell/ritual was a crystal which overloaded and exploded in their face, killing most of those involved and injuring several more. The Minister for Magic was witnessing. The Magical Ministry is currently in a state of confusion, though the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is keeping things from flying apart completely. As a matter of fact, the Ministry – outside of the Minister himself – is full of civil servants mostly trying to just keep things going. It's the Wizengamot, the Magical parliament as you named them, which is the real problem. Unfortunately, they have too much power over the laws to get around them."
Tony sat back and considered things for a long moment. "It's strange to me that the children of normal families are not protected by the laws of the United Kingdom. This law is pretty clear. This," he motioned to the packet, "is a violation of everything we hold dear."
Harry shrugged. "Honestly, I haven't looked into how the Magical and normal governments interact outside of knowing that they have to alert you to things. I know the International Statute of Secrecy was enacted in 1696. I also know that the British monarchy had that whole reorganization around then: The final laws preventing Papists from becoming king, the Acts of Union, etc. etc. The International Confederation of Wizards passed the Statute of Secrecy in 1696, but the final agreements with the British Monarchy might be later or slightly earlier. As a matter of fact, the withdrawal of the Wizards from the regular world might explain how the Acts of Union became possible after earlier attempts to consolidate governments were somehow prevented – Wizards strongly believe in keeping the non-Magicals in a state of confusion to keep attention off of their world. You'd have to find the involved treaties from your own records. I suspect you will have to consult the Royal archives and that this will involve getting permission from the Queen herself."
Tony put his face in his hands in frustration. After giving a strangled sigh, he looked up. "What is your part in all of this? How do you know so much?"
Harry and Danae, who had been sitting quietly by and observing, looked at each other. Harry gave Danae a questioning look as Tony observed, curious. Danae gave small shrug and then a small smirk. Harry raised his eyebrow and Danae's smirk became more obvious. Harry glanced at Tony who was watching carefully and then back to Danae with a resigned look. Danae shrugged and gave an impish smile.
Harry looked back. "How much has your credulity been stretched so far?"
Tony considered that. "Actually, your explanation of things has explained much that I didn't understand about the other Ministry and those it governs. The politics are a lot easier to understand than 'magic' ever was."
Harry considered that. "Well, we are a different order of magical beings. The British ministry knows nothing of us. We could suss out all the details if we tried but that might cheapen your own efforts. It's your country and your world. It will be better in the long run if you fix it rather than us getting involved. I'm willing to answer questions and be a sounding board, but I cannot, or rather should not, be more directly involved. The reasons behind that are … more primal if you will."
Tony considered that and then nodded. He replied, "Well, I would appreciate a source which can explain when I don't understand. Feel free to stick around. I will contact the the Queen tomorrow morning regarding permission to have the Royal archives perused."
Harry nodded. "Good. You know where we will be."
Tony nodded and stood up. He walked toward the door and then had a sudden thought. He turned slowly and said, "You say that this is my world. That implies that it isn't yours." He looked at the calm Harry and the smirking Danae. "A different order of magical being? Is it magic – or something else?" The two kept the same expression as a sudden light appeared around them as though they were glowing. The small girl gave a cheeky wave. Tony considered it and then shook his head as though clearing his mind. "You know what? It's probably better that I don't know any more than what I do now on the subject. I'll thank you for your assistance and leave it at that." The two had gone back to a regular appearance.
Harry nodded and said, "It might be better in the long run."
