July

England

"Linus Picquery is Kadir's pet and I cannot stand taking orders from someone who is barely 18 years old!" Lucius hissed in a dark voice as he stood in a patch of dark woods with Avery Jr., Crabbe Sr., Yaxley, Goyle Sr., Mulciber Jr., Nott Sr., Rodolphus Lestrange, Selwyn, Rowle, Travers, Goyle Jr., Pansy Parkinson, Mafalda Hopkirk, Runcorn, and several others who had been freed by Kadir but didn't like that Linus was basically Kadir's deputy. "I called you all here today so we can make a plan…"

Murmurs filled the air, "Are you actually serious or are you going to keep on this crusade you've got against Draco?" Runcorn hissed coldly. "If you're serious…"

"Kadir sits in wait for something, but we need to bring down MACUSA and then the Ministry!" Lucius hissed angrily, his expression murderous. "We can do it!"

Runcorn, however, scoffed, "You're not a leader, Malfoy," he replied in an annoyed voice. "You turned tail and ran when Voldemort died and when Umbridge was…"

"Fine, let a child tell you what to do!" Lucius roared angrily as he raised his wand and brought lightning down on the trees, causing them to light on fire. "INCENDIO!"

The fire grew quickly as everyone Apprated away, divided by what Lucius had said.

New York City, United States

The weather was warm and Linus found himself enjoying the company of his grandmother as they sat in Central Park. Around them, No-Maj's played on the grass, playgrounds, and walked around in a busy state. He had warned Kadir that Lucius was donning various Polyjuice disguises to try and murder Draco and Scorpius, therby ending the bloodline, and Kadir had punished Lucius by temporarily banishing him.

As a result of his banishment, Lucius was angry and Linus knew that there were also others in the group that doubted his abilities simply because he was so young. Kadir had asked Linus to simply lie low and he would personally ensure that any defectors would be either tortured or temporarily banished; the time for war was drawing near and they didn't need anyone defecting and giving the Light side the upper hand.

"Linus, darling?" Linus heard the quiet voice of his grandmother say. "I'm tired…"

Sighing, Linus watched his feeble grandmother look to him, "All right, we'll go back to the MACUSA building and I'll take you home from there," he spoke calmly, offering his arm as he got off the bench they had been sharing. "Ready?"

Seraphina nodded and got up with the help of his offered arm. The two left the park, crossed the street, and went into the MACUSA building together.

As they walked towards the fireplaces that would take them back to the apartments, Linus heard the kind chatter of people who thought he was the world's best Ilvermony graduate for taking care of his grandmother instead of pursuing an ambitious career. Truth be told, Linus had 'lost' his parents years ago and his grandmother had taken him in so he could finish school. She was the only magical being he cared about.

"Linus!"

As he approached the fireplace with his grandmother, Linus heard footsteps, "Linus," Roger Taylor spoke in a kind voice as he approached the young man. "Got a moment?"

"My grandmother's tired from our time in the park," Linus replied softly. "We're going to head home and she's going to have tea before her nap. What is it?"

Roger nodded, "Ilvermony sent over the results of your last exams and you've done quite well for yourself," he spoke calmly. "The Ministry wants to put you on the fast track to where you could be Junior Undersecretary within the next three years…"

Linus gave Roger a look, "And who would look after my grandmother while I worked all those hours they'd ask of me?" he replied quietly, his expression concerned. "I know most witches and wizards here dump their elderly in that pool of death once it gets to the point where No-Maj's would be suspicious of how we magic folk age slower, but I will NOT do that."

"Nobody's asking you to," Roger replied worriedly. "You look tired and stressed and I'm concerned. Did you know there's talk among the British wizards about you?"

Linus scoffed, "What, because I'm talented at magic, I must be dark?" he hissed.

Seraphina suddenly trembled, "Linus, I feel weak…" she spoke in a pained voice.

Linus frowned, "You are weak, dearest Seraphina," a cold voice suddenly spoke.

Wands were produced as Lucius Malfoy suddenly appeared out of thin air, "Really, security here has gotten quite lax over the years," Lucius spoke in a bored voice. "I'm surprised that you didn't realize it was me who infiltrated your boarding house…"

Linus paled considerably, as he did know that Lucius had come, but he thought it was on Kadir's order. Now, however, it was painfully clear that Lucius was acting alone.

A cold smile filled Lucius's face as he raised his wand, "FIENDFYRE!" he roared.

Before Linus knew what was happening, he found himself thrust backwards into the fireplace. To his horror, his grandmother was lucid and had her wand out.

"Go!" Seraphina spoke anxiously as the flames began to flood the entire Ministry.

Linus, however, found himself paralyzed by shock and fear and was determined to let the flames take him since he himself didn't know how well Lucius was controlling the spell. In a matter of seconds, he found himself being dragged back into his study.

Pain shot through Linus's body as he tumbled to the floor, unaware that he had been indeed burned by the flames, "No!" he managed to say as hands grabbed him.

"Son, it's too dangerous!" Roger yelled as he sealed the fireplace. "You're hurt!"

Linus, however, struggled to get up, "My…grandmother," he spoke in a shaking voice that was hoarse because of smoke inhalation. "She's got dementia and is helpless!"

"I'll need to use my Patronus to call on Britain for help since I had to seal the fireplace," Roger spoke anxiously, frowning as Linus began to pass out. "Linus…"

My trust was betrayed….again. Linus thought as he passed into unconsciousness.

Britain

"MACUSA took heavy damage, but whoever cast that spell knew how to stop it and they did so as they escaped," Minister Shacklebolt explained in an anxious voice as he stood in front of a crowd that included Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy, LeighAnn, Stacey, George, Angelina, Ron, Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Teddy, Victoire, Rob, Oliver, and other Healers. "I would not normally call on the Order to help with this, but there was a magical fire in Hogsmeade not long before the attack and half the Aurors are investigating that. Fortunately, it was extinguished quickly and nobody…"

Loud alarms suddenly filled the Ministry, "Right, that sound means that the survivors of the attack on MACUSA are coming through now," Minister Shacklebolt spoke in a concerned voice. "Anyone still injured will be triage-tagged and sent to St. Mungo's, anyone uninjured will be asked to wait here, and anyone who didn't survive..."

The group looked at each other, horrified at what had happened, "All shopkeepers in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade have been notified that they may need to house displaced people for the time being," Minister Shacklebolt said. "Any questions?"

No reply came and so Kingsley nodded and gestured to the fireplaces where a few very smoky, deeply shaken people had just emerged, "Doesn't MACUSA have a staff of thousands?" Hermione asked worriedly. "Where's everyone else?"

Suddenly, another man burst into the Ministry with an unconscious, burned Linus Picquery in his arms with a bag on his arm, "This irritating network sent me to the wrong place!" he snapped angrily. "The Brits couldn't even connect the network…!"

Without hesitation, Rob rushed over to the group, prompting the others present to follow after him, "I'm Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt," Kingsley explained in an anxious voice as the group separated to check the injured. "Where's your…?"

"President Quahog or Vice President Frederick Corvallis haven't come through yet," Roger spoke anxiously, giving Kingsley a look. "I was taking with young Mister Picquery here. He's an intern for the Minister, but was off today and helping his grandmother home when the attack happened…"

Harry frowned, "What attack was used?" he asked in an anxious voice.

"Fiendfyre," a faint voice suddenly managed to say hoarsely. "Lucius…Malfoy…"

Ron swore and Hermione looked frightened, "We don't know how many actually survived," Roger spoke worriedly as he knelt to check on Linus, who he knew had managed to speak. "Seraphina thrust him into the Floo and I followed him back to his boarding house. I had to block the Floor after we arrived because the fire followed…"

"The Floo to MACUSA is open, so I will send what Aurors I can," Kingsley replied in an anxious voice as he fired off his Patronus. "Harry, take Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Victoire, and a few Healers to MACUSA and see what you can find out. Since we know Malfoy did this, it's unsafe to send anyone to St. Mungo's. I'll order them here."

Noise filled the atrim as more smoky, injured survivors suddenly came through and Harry, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Victoire, and a few Healers went through to the American side to see the damage. Ron caught Harry's eye as Harry was leaving and Harry motioned for Ron to follow, but Ron shook his head and said, "Not cleared."

Harry frowned, but Ron quickly turned his attention to helping Roger move Linus so that neither would be trampled by the oncoming crowd of injured and shaken people that were arriving. LeighAnn and Hermione quickly conjured up cots and private areas for people to rest and be cared for once Healers arrived from St. Mungo's.

Ron gently deposited Linus and his things on a bed and Roger sat on the bed next to him, "Picquery…does that mean his grandmother is Seraphina?" he asked softly.

"Linus's grandmother raised him," Roger replied softly. "She was a great witch."

Ron nodded, watching numbly as other members of his immediate and extended family led people to cots, "You're Potter's right-hand man, aren't you?" Roger asked in a confused voice, frowning at Ron. "Why didn't you go to MACUSA with him?"

Fear filled Ron's heart, as how was he to explain that he had almost died by Kadir's hand very recently? He was known as one of those brave souls who had fought Voldemort to the end and now, here he was, being accused of abandoning Harry.

Fortunately for him, George had noticed his sudden discomfort and came over to him, "Is there a problem?" he asked in a concerned voice. "Ron, what happened?"

"What happened is I'm calling him out for being here when Potter's off at what's left of MACUSA!" Roger shouted angrily. "He's one of the Hogwarts Heroes, isn't he?"

George scowled, "He almost died at Kadir's hand, you tosspot!" he snapped.

While George and Roger continued to argue, which quickly attracted the attention of everyone else, Ron numbly made his way out of the crowd and into the men's lavatory.

"It's too soon," Ron muttered as he splashed cold water on his face.

It was too soon for him to be at any sort of disaster scene, Ron realized; he was already tired, a little bit sore, and was struggling to keep it together emotionally, especially after Roger's comment. That made him feel guilty about everything.

He still bore many physical and mental scars of his several months with Kadir and seeing all the damage done to people by Lucius Malfoy made him want to vomit and was forcing him to relive memories of his own torture. He hadn't known who impersonated him during those months; all he had known that people had done it…

"Ron?"

Ron turned to see his father standing there looking worried, "Everyone heard George and that American wizard get into it, but Hermione's the only one who noticed you take off in here," Mr. Weasley explained gently. "It's too much, too soon…isn't it?"

"Yeah," Ron replied shakily. "I should be stronger, like Harry, but I'm not…"

Mr. Weasley scowled, "Harry was only strong because he had to be," he replied in an annoyed voice. "The way he grew up left him with very little choice and even though things are different now, he still struggles to let people see him when he's feeling…"

Ron sighed, "I'm tired and getting really sore," he finally managed to say softly. "I'd love to go back home and rest, but if I have to walk all that madness again, I'll…"

"It's not safe to go traipsing about London right now, but you can come to the Burrow and rest," Mr. Weasley replied softly. "Alexander and Dominique are doing better and they and Louis are looking after the younger ones. It's quiet and heavily warded…"

Ron nodded and Mr. Weasley offered his arm, "In situations like this, only Ministry employees can Apprate," Mr. Weasley explained. "Just hold on tight, all right?"

Anxiety filled Draco as he quickly dressed himself in travelling clothes, giving Scorpius a look as the young man packed his things, "I'd rather you not come on the run with me," Draco spoke worriedly. "You have friends to stay with…"

"You're my father," Scorpius replied softly. "If you go on the run, so do I."

As Draco sighed heavily, Scorpius sighed, "Dad, you just barely got out of St. Mungo's a week ago," he argued. "I'm not going to be separated from you…"

"We may not even have to flee," Draco replied weakly, sighing. "I'm tired…"

Scorpius nodded and helped him lie down, "I'll keep watch," he replied softly.

As Draco closed his eyes to sleep, the door opened and Neville stood there looking worried, "Lucius Malfoy attacked the American Ministry," he spoke softly.

"I hope they don't think my dad was involved," Scorpius replied worriedly.

Neville shook his head as Draco sat up, clearly tired and too weak to do anything, "The Ministry wanted to send survivors of the MACUSA attack here, but I told them we couldn't take anyone," Neville explained. "I don't want to disrupt your recovery."

A knock suddenly sounded, "Dad, Mum made Mister Malfoy some tea," Allison said.

Neville opened the door and smiled as Allison carried a mug into the room, "Thank you," Draco spoke, watching while Allison put the tea on the nightstand.

"Isn't this touching?!" a cold, familiar voice suddenly spoke. "So…submissive…"

Neville swore as Lucius suddenly Disillusioned himself and smirked. He raised his wand, but Lucius was faster and whipped Neville out of the room and down the stairs.

A terrified scream filled the air, but Lucius ignored it and pointed his wand at Draco with the Killing Curse in mind. The sight of Allison Longbottom, however, caused him to pause and leer at her as he backed her into a corner, clearly excited by her.

"Stay away from her!" Draco snapped, brandishing his wand at Lucius.

Lucius, however, was quicker and shot a spell at Draco's abdomen, causing him to double over in pain. Scorpius swore and ran over to Allison with his wand out.

"You're no match for me, boy," Lucius snarled, raising his wand. "Cru…"

Mustering what little strength he had, Draco lunged forward and grabbed both Allison and Scorpius, "I'm going to Apprate us out of here!" Draco shouted anxiously.

As Draco Apprated away with Scorpius and Allison, Lucius promptly let out a roar of fury and blasted the room to pieces before Apprating out, desperate for Kadir's help.

Downstairs, a terrified Frank was cowering underneath the bar while Neville gazed up at the damage, "Where…where did Draco take them?" Hannah spoke anxiously.

"At least they got away without being killed," Neville replied as he raised his wand and fired a Patronus off to anyone who could help. "Kadir's stepped things up…"

Outskirts of Keresley, England

A wave of dizziness flooded over Allison as she slowly regained consciousness and found herself staring at a blue sky. She slowly sat up and realized that she was in a wooded area, "Scorpius, Mister Malfoy?" she spoke in a worried voice.

Whimpering filled the air and Allison got up, frowning when she saw Draco shakily waving his wand in the air while Scorpius helped him stay standing, "As soon as I cast these protective enchantments, I can rest," Draco spoke in a pained voice.

"Where are we?" Allison spoke in a shaky voice. "Did…did we Apprate?"

Scorpius nodded, "Lucius Malfoy was coming after you and my dad brought us to the forests outside of Keresley," he explained anxiously. "Did you get hurt at all?"

Just then, Draco's knees buckled and Scorpius caught him, "That should be enough for now," Draco spoke softly. "Scorpius, you may have to do this next time…"

Nodding, Scorpius led Draco over to a tent that had been constructed, "Where did that come from?" Allison asked in a confused voice. "Was it in that bag on the bed?"

"It's supposed to rain, Allison," Draco spoke weakly. "Better get inside."

Allison silently entered the tent and found that it resembled a small cabin. There was a small common area that had a table, a shelf, and a stove and a sleeping area that had three cots in it. Draco was resting on one of the cots while Scorpius sat on another cot, rummaging through the bag that Draco had grabbed before their escape.

"Dad says using magic to get back could be dangerous," Scorpius spoke anxiously as he pulled a Muggle map out. "It's about 100 miles back to London from where we are and we'll have to take Dad on a stretcher since he can't walk. His insides are hurt…"

Allison frowned at Draco, who was now shuddering with his eyes closed, and she looked at Scorpius just in time to see him get a vial of potion out, "When Dad's rested, I guess we can start walking," Scorpius spoke softly. "For now, though, he needs this and rest. If you're bored, there are books in the bag that you're welcome to read."

Instead of reading, however, Allison watched Scorpius feed Draco some potion.

An eerie silence greeted Ron and Mr. Weasley as they walked into the kitchen after Apprating from the Ministry lavatory, "Hello?" he called out in a worried voice.

Ron frowned as Collins came into the kitchen with an anxious looking Kingsley, "There was another attack," Kingsley spoke softly. "At the Leaky Cauldron."

Mr. Weasley's eyes widened in shock and Ron swore, "Lucius Malfoy showed up and blew up half the place and attacked Neville and Draco before trying to get to Allison Longbottom, but Draco grabbed Scorpius and Allison," Kingsley explained in an anxious voice. "They Apprated somewhere and Draco's a hero, but we can't find them. Neville, Hannah, and their son are staying elsewhere for now, but the others are…"

"Malfoy actually rescued Neville's kid?" Ron asked. "I thought they hated each other?"

Kingsley sighed, "Draco and Scorpius are currently living at the Leaky Cauldron, but they're now missing," he explained calmly. "Draco's suffering from a terminal illness that is a combination of non-transformative Lycanthropy and Muggle cancer…"

Collins flinched, "Thank goodness the younger ones are upstairs with Dominique," he spoke in an anxious voice. "Can I do anything to help? I'm still in school, but…"

"Actually, you can," Kingsley replied in a kind voice. "From what we've been able to find out, Voldemort and Kadir were alive at the same time and I'd like you to go through your family's things and see what they can tell us about both of them…"

Collins frowned, "My father was a Squib, sir, and my mother was very much a Muggle, so I'm not sure they had any interactions with either of them," he replied softly. "At least the letters between them and my aunt claim that, but I'm not sure if they were lying to my aunt to try and protect me. Since my parents are dead…"

"Your aunt has a vault at Gringotts which goes to you as the last living member of her family line," Kingsley replied. "It's wizarding law. You're of age, so you can claim it and whatever's inside. Besides money, there are artifacts and many writings…"

Collins paled and Ron quickly forced him into a kitchen chair, prompting Kingsley and Mr. Weasley to also sit, "This series of attacks today proves that Kadir is very powerful and we need more of an insight into who he is as a person," Mr. Weasley spoke gently. "Kaysar Linnis only saw the bad parts of his father and did what he could to avoid being around him, but he managed to tell us that Kadir is dark…"

"I had never intended to visit that vault or use Umbridge's money," Collins replied.

Kingsley sighed patiently, "It's your right to use it and the Ministry will gladly pay you for exploring the contents of Dolores Umbridge's vault for anything that might help us deal with Kadir," he explained quietly. "You don't have to explore it alone."

"I'm not subjecting Dominique to that," Collins replied anxiously.

Kingsley looked amused, "I was thinking an older adult," he replied gently.

"I can go with him," Ron spoke up softly, sighing. "That's one thing I can still do."

Kingsley nodded, "Once the Leaky's rebuilt, you two can go to Gringotts," he agreed in a calm voice. "For now, though, Diagon Alley and other wizarding areas will be closed to commerce and socializing so the survivors of the MACUSA attack can get resettled appropriately. The fire near Hogsmeade is now out, thankfully, so those resources can be redirected to both the MACUSA survivors and finding the Malfoys."

Mr. Weasley sighed wearily, "I best get back to the Ministry to help, then," he said in a tired voice. "Ron, you're in charge. Make sure everyone stays out of trouble."

Ron nodded and watched as his father and Kingsley hurried out to the Apparition point that was just outside of the wards that kept the property protected.

Paris, France

"Lucius, I see you've been busy," Kadir spoke in a cold voice.

Swallowing hard, Lucius looked around the gathering room at Narcissa, an anxious and bewitched Gilderoy Lockhart, Avery Jr., Crabbe Sr., Yaxley, Goyle Sr., Mulciber Jr., Nott Sr., Rodolphus Lestrange, Selwyn, Rowle, Travers, Goyle Jr., Pansy Parkinson, Mafalda Hopkirk, Runcorn, and the others who had been Summoned to the emergency meeting. Kadir sat on a throne at the front of the room looking angry.

"I heard that you attacked MACUSA without my authorization and used Fiyendfire," Kadir spoke in a cold, commanding voice. "That section of the map turned red when you did that and my sources tell me that they're still cleaning up the mess…"

Instead of cowering, however, Lucius stood tall, "I did," he replied coldly. "I did it."

"I don't know where you got the idea that Linus Picquery was my deputy, Malfoy," Kadir sneered angrily, his expression one of rage. "He is the one I had assigned to destroy MACUSA by taking it over for me. Now that you've destroyed it, he can't."

Lucius frowned as Kadir pointed his wand at him, "Crucio," Kadir hissed coldly.

Narcissa flinched as Lucius convulsed violently on the floor for nearly 20 minutes before Kadir flicked his wand, stopping the curse. Lucius promptly passed out.

"I know half of you are only here out of fear," Kadir spoke quietly, giving the group a look. "I suggest you all return to your lives and only come back when you want to be here. I have what Voldemort did not; great patience and a deep, thorough plan."

Nobody moved, however, and Kadir looked at Naricissa, "Remove that mess of a husband to your rooms," he ordered softly. "The next time I see Lucius, he had better fall in line with my orders or he will be the next one I murder. Do I make myself clear?!"

Narcissa nodded and quickly used her wand to levitate Lucius out of the war room, intending to talk to him again when he woke. Lucius was angry at Draco for publicly disowning them, but being with Draco had been better than what they were enduring now in Kadir's manor. She knew that they would need to speak about it again.

For now, however, all Narcissa could do was watch over her husband as he slept off the injuries he had received from the Cruciatus Curse and hope that he would be okay.

Anxious talking flooded Severus's ears as he stepped out of the fireplace after being personally contacted by Kingsley to come help the survivors. He had reluctantly agreed to come after Adeleina and Adrian promised to babysit Little Severus.

As he approached the Atrium, however, Severus found himself freezing in his tracks and watching as everyone he knew helped the injured survivors. He wasn't sure if people would accept his help, despite his legendary skills, because he was a former Death Eater who had allegedly died at Voldemort's hand during the Battle of Hogwarts. He had all of his supplies with him, but would people let him help?

"Father, it's good you came," LeighAnn spoke as she suddenly approached him.

Severus sighed, "The Minister thought I'd be useful," he replied quietly.

"I…I don't know if you heard, but the Leaky was also attacked and Draco got hurt, but he managed to Apprate away with Allison and Scorpious," LeighAnn spoke in a concerned voice, her expression worried. "People need to break away to find them."

Severus frowned, "Perhaps if the Ministry hadn't been so hateful to the Malfoys after the dust settled, it would be easier to find them now?" he suggested in a cold voice. "Lucius and Narcissa made their choice and they have to live with it, but Draco has done nothing but his best to raise Scorpius. The wizarding world is still hateful…"

"You know Healing Spellwork that most people don't, Severus," Mrs. Weasley spoke, having overheard his rant as she approached. "Kingsley went over to the Burrow…"

LeighAnn paused as Kingsley and Mr. Weasley suddenly came out of the Floo, "Ah, Severus, thank you for coming," Kingsley said, spotting Snape. "How are you?"

"What is it you wish me to do in this situation?" Severus asked quietly, not wanting to share how he was feeling about being there. "I have all of my supplies with me."

Kingsley sighed, "You know how to make the healing salve for Fiendfyre burns," he explained quietly. "It's a rather rare talent and I remember you mentioning it."

Severus nodded and silently moved to a corner of the Atrium where he could see everything while he set up a station, "The Aurors are still searching for people, but I don't believe anyone else survived," Mr. Weasley spoke as he walked over to him.

"The MACUSA building is rather old and in need of modernization, but the Heads were always concerned with what the Muggles over there might notice," Severus replied in a quiet voice, his eyes on his work as he spoke. "I also do not believe Kadir gave Lucius the order to do it."

Mr. Weasley frowned, but said nothing, "While in captivity, I observed what Kadir is like and he would not authorize such a monumental attack without careful planning so to avoid being seen or noticed," Severus replied quietly. "This attack was sloppy."

Before Mr. Weasley had a chance to reply, Severus offered a bottle filled with healing salve, "This should be enough to begin with," Severus spoke in a quiet voice.

Kingsley took the bottle and hurried over to the patients, but Mr. Weasley lingered, "You don't like being here, do you?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"Not particularly, but my help was requested and not even my daughters can make the salve you need to the quality I make it," Severus replied quietly. "I've taught them and Kaysar all I know, but this new war has taken a toll on all of us and more is to…"

A shriek suddenly filled the Atrium and Severus and Mr. Weasley turned just in time to see a bandaged man take a swing at Stacey, who was trying to get salve from Kingsley for Linus Picquery. Charlie swore, crashed through the crowd, and immediately lunged at the provoker, sending them both to the floor in a heap.

Severus quietly pointed his wand at his throat before clearing it, "Really, fighting like Muggles!" he shouted in a stern, professor-like voice. "When there are people in need…"

"Shut up, you greasy haired git!" the attacker shouted as he was pinned by Charlie.

Severus flicked his wand and the man slumped over, unconscious from a Stunning Spell, "Who was that idiot?" Kingsley asked sharply. "Charlie Weasley…."

"One of the Aurors I used to work with at MACUSA before I was transferred to Britain," Stacey replied with a sigh. "The American Ministry is very strict about how magic folks should conduct themselves and they don't like people who don't have magic. I heavily disagreed and I was transferred, but many said I was abandoning…"

Charlie got up and walked over to Stacey as Severus lowered his voice and resumed making salve, "I'm all right," she spoke softly. "Mind helping me with this one?"

Roger Taylor, who had been assigned a cot and was accepting salve from an anxious Hermione, sighed anxiously, "…Cold.." Linus suddenly spoke weakly without waking as Charlie and Stacey removed the smoke-stained, damage clothes and began applying salve to his burned body. "I…why are people touching me? Am I dead?"

Charlie looked around for Kaysar as Linus woke and froze at the sight of his unfamiliar surroundings and the unfamiliar people. As he tried to sit up, pain shot through his body and he trembled upon realizing that his clothes were gone.

"It's all right," Kaysar spoke anxiously as he hurried to them. "I'm a Healer…"

Linus shivered violently and closed his eyes again, "I need to get him to St. Mungo's now or he'll die from shock," Kaysar spoke anxiously. "What's his name?"

"Linus Picquery," Roger spoke weakly. "His grandmother was Seraphina…"

Shuddering, Roger laid down because being upright was becoming too much, "The lad's only 18," he spoke weakly, sighing. "He's lost so much already…"

Kaysar nodded and raised his wand before Apprating away with Linus, "Sir, why did you lie down?" Hermione asked in a worried voice. "Are you feeling dizzy?"

"I'm just overwhelmed by what happened, my dear," Roger replied softly, unable to stop tears from filling his eyes. "Many people not only worked at MACUSA, but many also lived there and the trauma of losing Newt and Tina Scamander to Kadir and his group is still fresh in everyone's minds. Now that this has happened…"

A wooshing sound filled the Atrium and Hermione turned just in time to see Jacob Scamander walk out of the fireplace with his dark hair styled like Newt's while sporting a dark suit. His expression was somber, but he looked ready to help.

Hermione swallowed hard as Jacob made his way through the rows of cot, occasionally stopping to talk to someone who had commented on how much he resembled his father. Jacob then spoke with Kingsley, Bill, Mr. Weasley, Charlie and Stacey before walking over to her, "Hello," Jacob spoke in a quiet voice.

"Jacob, my boy," Roger spoke in a weak voice, recognizing the man's voice.

Jacob sighed, "Mister Taylor," he spoke softly. "I heard about the attack when I was at home with Rolf, Luna, and their sons organizing my parents' funerals."

"Did Aaron Dumbledore hear of the attack?" Hermione asked in a concerned voice.

Jacob nodded, "Aaron and I are friends, but he won't come here because he can't stand being compared to his father and he's in a meeting of the Hogsmeade Council with other shopkeepers there about the magical fire," he replied in a quiet voice.

"I don't understand why Aaron would be ashamed of Dumbledore," Hermione replied.

Jacob scoffed, "I thought you knew everything, Hermione Granger-Weasley?" he asked in a cold voice. "Maybe you only know things on your side of the ocean."

Instead of retaliating, however, Hermione kept quiet because she knew Jacob was grieving and speaking out of anger, "Jacob, dear child, come sit with me so I can stop worrying," Roger spoke weakly. "Linus Picquery just got taken to hospital…"

Exhaling softly, Jacob silently sat on a chair next to the cot and Hermione quietly moved away to assist someone else because she didn't want another fight to start.

"Daddy?"

Ron, who had been sitting next to the fireplace in the living room with a cup of hot chocolate to calm his nerves, looked up from the ever-growing lists that Kingsley had been sending him of survivors and bodies found in the attacks. Hugo was standing there with Lily, Albus, and Molly and they were holding buckets of craft supplies.

"What are you kids up to?" Ron asked tiredly. "What's with the craft stuff?"

Molly sighed, "Lucy, Hugo, Michael, Charity, Charlie, and Rose are all taking naps," she spoke in a quiet voice. "Louis is writing to Amanda and Dominique and Alex are out by the pond talking. James and Fred are in the attic making pranks…"

"Could we make letters and cards for the people who were hurt?" Albus asked softly.

Ron sighed, but nodded as he turned the chair away from the list and towards the coffee table, "They're still looking for people," he replied in a worried voice.

"Yes, but some survived, right?" Albus asked in a concerned voice.

Ron nodded as a BOOM rocked the house, "I better go see what James and Fred are up to," he muttered as he got up. "Don't make a mess that you don't clean, all right?"

It didn't take Ron long to get up to the attic, but he was tired by the time he got there. He frowned when he saw James and Fred working at the worktable that Fred and George used to make their inventions at, "What are you two doing?" he asked.

"Uncle George needs new products for his shop and maybe if we prove we're good enough at making stuff, he'll hire us," James spoke in an anxious voice. "I don't want to be an Auror when I'm out of school even though I'm a Prefect. It's too intense…"

Ron paused, as it was very obvious that James still carried emotional scars from his time at Malfoy Manor and he didn't want to discourage James from pursuing something he didn't want to do, "Dad and Mum say I'm too young to worry about that stuff and that I should just be a kid, but I can't just be a kid," James spoke softly, sighing as he looked at Ron. "I feel like Lucius Malfoy broke me…"

Fred looked worried, "I still get so tired and so I sneak to the kitchens a lot," James spoke in an anxious voice, sighing. "I wanna tell Mum and Dad, but I'm scared that they'll not let me do fun stuff anymore. I just don't know why I feel bad all the time."

"Fred, you were in Malfoy Manor too," Ron observed worriedly. "Do you…?"

Fred shook his head, "Not like that," he replied quietly. "Not as bad…"

"Do you want to go to St. Mungo's, James?" Ron asked in a worried voice.

James shrugged, but finally nodded and Ron helped him downstairs with Fred at their heels, "Fred's gonna sit with you lot while I take James to St. Mungo's," Ron said quietly as he looked at Lily, Albus, and Molly. "Try to stay out of trouble."

Lily looked worried, "Jamie, are you okay?" she asked in a worried voice.

James, however, didn't reply, "James, you want me to contact Mum and Dad?" Albus asked in a concerned voice, frowning at his brother. "They're…"

"Busy," James replied softly. "Uncle Ron can take care of me. Just behave."

Albus nodded as Collins and Dominique came into the living room, all three of them silent as Ron left with James through the Floo, "What's wrong?" Collins asked.

Lily's lip trembled and she began to cry, scared for her oldest brother. Albus silently moved over to the fireplace and before anyone could stop him, he took off towards the Ministry using Floo Powder. He had to let his parents know about James being sick.

Linus Picquery lay unconscious in bed, heavily medicated by salve, potions, and bandages to keep him from feeling pain until he was out of his state of shock. To preserve his dignity, Kaysar had also put him in a pair of loose pajamas and had his things sent over from the Ministry, "I think he'll make it," Kaysar said softly.

"You've done well over the years, Kaysar," Severus spoke softly. "Greater than I."

Kaysar sighed softly, "You invented the salve," he replied softly. "And raised me alongside your daughters even though you were very, very busy teaching."

Severus smirked, "You weren't difficult and you were very self-reliant," he replied.

"We should probably get back to the Ministry in case anyone else needs to be brought here," Kaysar replied quietly, sighing. "Everyone's going to be busy for a long time."

Severus nodded as a woosh and coughing filled the air, "Easy," a worried voice said.

Kaysar silently hurried out of the private room and frowned when he saw Ron helping James stay upright, "I don't feel good, Professor Linnis," James spoke softly.

"I see," Kaysar replied gently. "Do you mind if I do a quick diagnostic spell?"

James shrugged and Kaysar quietly waved his wand, frowning when he discovered that James's internal organs were struggling to keep up with his growth due to a curse placed on them when he was at the Manor. The curse was also rapidly producing tumors that was making it so James's growth would eventually kill him by the time he reached full magic and Muggle puberty. There was also a tumor growing on the part of James's brain that deal with feelings and emotions, inviting depressive feelings.

"What is it?" Severus asked as he came out into the corridor and saw James and Ron.

Kaysar sighed, "I need to operate on James right away if I am to save his life," he spoke in a concerned voice. "James, listen to me, if I don't do this, you'll die…"

James nodded and Kaysar hurried him off into the surgery area with Severus and Ron following, "There's a curse inside your body that is producing tumors to keep you from growing properly and induce depression," Kaysar explained as he had James sit on the table. "It's only become apparent now that you're growing into an adult…"

Severus's eyes narrowed, as he knew of the curse, but he didn't think that anyone would actually ever use it because Voldemort hadn't bothered with it. Kaysar quickly got James a Dreamless Sleep potion from the cupboard and offered it to him.

"I'd rather you were asleep for this, as it's quite a quick and painful procedure," Kaysar explained in a kind voice. "No harm will come to you, I promise."

James looked at Ron uncertainly, "I'd take it," Ron spoke in a kind voice.

Nodding, James took the potion and drank it before laying down because he knew he'd fall asleep quickly, "My parents are going to freak," he spoke groggily.

Kaysar sighed as he magicked himself into clean Healer's robes, "Just relax," he spoke gently. "Severus, I could use your guidance in this serious situation."

Severus nodded, "I'll wait out in the hall for Harry and Ginny," Ron spoke softly.

Swallowing hard, Ron excused himself and hoped that James would be okay.

"Dad!"

Harry, who had just returned from the Leaky Cauldron after evacuating Neville, Hannah, and Frank to a safe location, turned at the sound of Albus's voice, "Albus, what are you doing here?" he asked worriedly. "You're supposed to be at the Burrow."

"Dad, James got really sick and Uncle Ron took him to St. Mungo's," Albus spoke in an anxious voice, his expression worried. "It wasn't like the other times he was sick."

Harry frowned, "Other times?" he asked in a confused voice. "What other times?"

"James had pain spells at school this year," Albus confessed softly. "I…Fred told me about them and James skipped a couple classes, but Adeleina and Scorp tutored him."

Harry frowned, "What kind of pain?" he asked worriedly. "Migraines or…?"

"Pain bad enough that he passed out and Fred let him rest," Albus admitted softly. "We didn't want him to be forced into the infirmary, so Molly, Adeleina, Scorpius, Fred, and me made a pact to help James get through the year as best we could."

Harry's eyes narrowed, "Albus, that was a serious matter that should have been told to your mother and I immediately," he replied sternly. "Or at least a Professor!"

Albus sighed, knowing he deserved the lecture he was getting because he had avoided involving an adult in the problem like he should have, "Harry?" a voice asked.

Harry turned to see Ginny and Hermione come over to them, "Everyone's as settled as they can get right now," Hermione spoke anxiously. "The Aurors are still searching…"

"Albus, honey, what are you doing here?" Ginny asked, seeing her youngest son.

Albus sighed, "James got really sick," he spoke softly. "He's had spells all year…"

Ginny frowned and Albus broke down crying, prompting Harry to sigh calmly and gently hug him, "Albus said Ron took James to St. Mungo's," Harry said softly.

"I think they'll be fine here for a bit if we all go," Hermione spoke anxiously.

Harry sighed and silently dried Albus's tears with his hand, "James was scared to tell," Albus spoke softly. "He didn't want to be taken out of school."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a look, "You might as well come with us to see how he is and then we'll talk about telling the truth," Ginny spoke gently. "All right?"

Albus nodded and stayed close to his parents as they went back towards the Floo.

"...This hadn't been detectable before now, but I managed to get everything out and lift the curse from James's body," Harry heard a quiet voice say as he, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Albus walked down the corridor at St. Mungo's. "He's resting…"

Kaysar suddenly paused and Ron turned, deeply relieved when he saw the group, "Albus came to the Ministry and told us about James," Harry spoke softly. "Is he..?"

"I operated immediately when I saw the problem and Severus assisted me," Kaysar explained in a quiet voice. "I gave James a Dreamless Sleep potion before operating so he wouldn't feel anything and he's still asleep, but the curse was lifted successfully."

Harry frowned, "Curse?" he asked worriedly. "What kind of curse was it?"

"Can we visit James?" Ginny asked anxiously. "I just need to see him…"

Kaysar nodded, "Severus is keeping watch," he replied calmly. "The curse was rather dark and was apidly producing tumors that was making it so James's growth would eventually kill him by the time he reached full magic and Muggle puberty. There was also a tumor growing on the part of James's brain that deal with feelings and emotions, inviting depressive feelings. I managed, with Severus's help, to lift the curse completely."

Hermione gasped and grabbed Ron's hand for reassurance as Kaysar led them, Albus, Harry, and Ginny into the room. The surgery table had been replaced with a Muggle-like gurney and James was sound asleep in bed wearing loose pajamas and there were IV lines and a bag of blood hooked to his arms. Severus was sitting in a chair in the corner, silently making notes with a parchment and quill. He didn't look up at all.

"Oh, Jamie," Harry breathed softly, sighing. "Thank you for helping James…"

Ginny conjured a chair and sat down beside James's bed, "He's going to be weak for a while, but I don't see why he can't go back to school in September provided he behaves himself til then," Kaysar explained softly. "I need to get back over to the Ministry to help with the American evacuees, but Severus will be here…"

"Ron, thank you for bringing James here," Harry spoke anxiously once Kaysar left. "I know you can't be an Auror anymore, but you've still got so much good you can do.."

Ron nodded and sighed, smiling as Hermione kissed his cheek, "He's right," she said.

Harry conjured a chair and sat, gently holding to Albus and Ginny as they watched James sleep. He knew he needed to find a way to balance his priorities better than he was currently doing, as his family was growing and needed him as much as others did.

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