Blood of the Enemy

by Geovanni Luciano

Five years after Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Delphini Riddle dies in Azkaban. Harry is enlisted by Andromeda Tonks to recover her body for burial, learns some secrets. Friends he had prior haven't been entirely honest with him. He plans to travel in time, not to face Voldemort all over again, but to save a little girl.

3. Chapter 3: Fallen

Blood of the Enemy

Chapter 3:

London, UK #12 Grimmauld Place, 31 March 1998 9:35 AM

"I'll need a few moments, I'm afraid." Harry said quickly, looking at the two guests within his house. It took him a moment to register that the wards were completely gone, the house was ransacked, and if anything was to be done at all with the place he desperately needed to find his way immediately down in the basement to rectify this situation.

Walking down the stairway from the first-floor landing Harry… No, most definitely Henry, now, removed his wand just in time, and cast a quick silencing spell on Walburga's portrait, conjured a replacement curtain to cover said portraits view of the room, and made quick time in finding himself in disused dueling chamber. The Wardroom was just through another door inside.

Once inside said Ward room, it was rather easy to remove the existing ward stone. He wore his ring which clearly indicated that he was the Lord of the House of Black, and the ward stone recognized that immediately. That reminded him, he needed to make his way up to the office in the library and retrieve the other copy of the ring, and properly vanish the one he had. It would most certainly be an inconvenience to have two lords to both houses.

"Reducto!" Harry exclaimed, pointing his new wand at the old ward stone. He felt the wards come crashing down at once. Suddenly, and without warning there was the familiar popping of an elf, and Henry found himself amongst company.

"Thief! Scoundrel in the House of Black! You've destroyed our wards! How will poor Kreacher protect Mistress without our wards?" Kreacher exclaimed in what appeared to be utter anguish ever the while pulling at his ears. He rushed to the door, and Henry thought that he meant to make a go for the portrait but instead he bashed his head against the door, and made to do it a second time.

"Stop Kreacher, now!" Henry shouted at his former elf, and the magic of the lord's ring latched on to the elf freezing him in place. "Now, you will look at me, and wait for me to address you. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master Black." Kreacher replied, waiting for instructions.

Henry vanished the remains of the previous ward stone, as well as the book of allowances, as well. It was no longer needed. He removed the new ward stone, and accompanied book, replaced them in the small room. Reviewing the names in the new book, Henry decided that he needed to make sure that Henry Charlus Potter-Black and Harry James Potter were both keyed into the wards. He intended that his younger self had a home here, as well.

Reviewing the list of names, now. The only other names cleared to come and go from the house were Andromeda, Narcissa, Teddy, who hasn't quite been born yet, but will within the week. Victroire who hadn't even been conceived at this point. He went ahead and added Nymphadora to the list of names as well. The entire reason that Andromeda had made this trip in the first place was to ensure that somehow she was going to be able to save her daughter. He was going to do everything within his own power to aid her in that. He owed her that and so much more.

Henry closed the door to the ward room, turned around to face Kreacher, and could see that the tiny but ancient elf had visibly relaxed. He was fairly certain that his relaxation was due to the fact that the wards had become active and much stronger than they probably had been since he had been an elf in the service of the House of Black.

"Follow me, Kreacher." Henry said, walking past the elf, now and made his way into the kitchen. "First and foremost, things are going to change here, immediately. I am the Lord of the House of Black. You are a servant of that House. I mean to bring our family from the brink of extinction back to where it should be. As a servant of the House of Black, you represent me and there for our House. You will wear a proper and clean uniform worthy of a servant of the House. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Black!" Was Kreacher's immediate reply.

"As for the currently state of #12 Grimmauld Place, I expect it to be immaculately cleaned. All of it. Should I entertain guests within these walls, I want the lasting impression from them upon their departure to be envy. They should want for their own homes to be as ours. So, all of the wreckage within this house needs to be vanished away. The magical pests need to find accommodations elsewhere. Within my trunk, I've shrunken new appliances and furnishings for the kitchen, dining room, the parlor, the master's bedroom, Lady Andromeda and Lady Narcissa's bedrooms. These are to be placed in the proper rooms. In addition to those rooms, we'll need bedrooms prepared and worth of members of the House of Black for Harry James Potter and his daughter Delphini Amaryllis Potter. We'll also need bedrooms for Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin and her soon to be son, young master Teddy. There will be no talk of blood status amongst any of the aforementioned people. They are all of the House of Black and will remain so from this day until their last day. Is that understood Kreacher." Henry asked.

"Yes, Master Black sir. Kreacher understands, but Kreacher will be needing to bond with the new Master Black to better serve the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black to his fullest ability." Kreacher said, looking down towards the floor.

"Then bond with me, and see to it that these instructions are followed through. As of right now, there are no other expected guests but for the ones currently within its walls for at least the next month. Does any of the other homes within the House of Black have elves with which we can coordinate the refurbishing of Grimmauld Place?" Henry said, holding out his hand towards Kreacher.

"There was only Dobby, his mate Winky, and their two youngling elves." Was Kreacher's ready reply.

"Winky!" Henry exclaimed, and another familiar pop heralded her arrival.

"Winky does not understand. You is not Master, yet you is master." Winky stated confusedly.

"Winky and Dobby were bonded with Harry Potter who is of the House of Potter and of the House of Black. I am Henry Charlus Potter-Black, Lord of both of the previously mentioned Houses. I know it is confusing, but we'll get used to it, won't we Winky?" Henry asked with a gentle smile to the little elf.

Winky's only response was a still confused nod.

"Winky, how would you feel about help young Harry and I raise young master's daughter, Delphini?" Henry asked, and as he finished the very last syllable of his question the little elf was jumping up and down excitedly.

"Happy days! Happy days indeed, Master Black! Should I pop over and get young miss, now, Master Black?" Winky asked eagerly.

"You know where she is right now, Winky?" Henry asked, and she nodded eagerly. "Well, maybe not just yet. We need to get the nursery set up for her and her young cousin Teddy, too."

"I's be having two big babies to go with my two little elf babies?" Winky squealed.

"Perhaps shortly. Listen Winky, can you help Kreacher here get this house in order for the family? It is "in desperate need of attention!" Henry asked.

"Winky can, but Winky is needing to bond!" Winky said, reaching her hand out to Henry hopefully. Y Henry readily accepted her hand, sealing the bond.

"OK, thank you Winky. If you can keep an eye on young Mistress Delphini for me, I would most appreciate it, but you must not be seen by any who are around her. See to her needs, and get her nursery here prepared for her. I want her to love her new home, understand?" Harry asked, hoping that by having Winky doing so that it might make Delphini's life a little easier before he could bring her home.

"Yes, Master Black, I's be taking care of baby for Master Black & Master Harry Potter sir!" Winky exclaimed gleefully.

"I've got to return to my guests, but I'll check in on the progress of the house, here, shortly. Do me proud!" Harry said before turning to the door and catching Andromeda smiling from the doorway.

"Appears you've issued your marching orders, Master Black!" Andromeda snarked.

"Not you, too? Come on. We shouldn't keep our guests waiting. Where'd they get off to? Henry inquired.

"They're awaiting our return in the parlor. Apparently, at this moment, the floo network is still connected, and they're attempting to get a secure connection between our house, here, and the Department of Mysteries without interference from the Ministry." She informed, as they made the brief jaunt to the parlor.

"Shall we be off? You've still much to do before 2 May, after all." The female Unspeakable said eagerly.

Chelsea London, UK #34 Tite Street 31 March 1998 10:30 AM

There was a crack of apparition which harkened in the arrival of the two witches and equal amount of wizards. Looking up at the house in front of him, Henry could clearly see the line of row street houses very similar to that of the houses on Grimmauld Place with the exception of front exterior being beveled and the bottom two floors having bay windows. It certainly was much more pleasant looking that the Black residence. When the Unspeakables quickly made to leave the street for the house in front of them is when his saw a circular blue plague demarking the house's famous previous owner.

Upon arrive at the front step, Henry nudged Andromeda pointed to the plaque. Even being a pureblood the name it read sparked recognition. The female Unspeakable turned towards Henry, and although he was still unable to see her face, the open cowl facing his direction did convey impatience.

"Sorry." Henry muttered, remembering the keys that were provided to him. He made his way to the door, put the key easily in the lock, turned it and opened the door. He then turned, and while holding the door open, beckoned those accompanying him to enter his new e.

The first thing that caught Henry's attention was how #34 Tite was diametrically difference from #12 Grimmauld Place. Where Grimmauld was compartmentalized, dark and gloomy, #34 was bright with its white walls and honey-color stained wood floors. The flat was open concept, and one could see from the front door all the way back to the eat-in kitchen.

The kitchen was unusual with two of the four walls being glass and opening directly into the back garden. It had modern appliances, and was decorated with grey tiled floors & back splash, white marble counter top and black cabinets.

The back garden was mostly utilitarian. It complete lack of grass wasn't missed with its raised beds for all manor herbs. The beds were waist height and Henry counted at least 4 separate beds. The back gate lead to a small car park in the back. That was all within line of sight. The fact that it was completely furnished and with little to no use by first glance didn't go without appreciation from Henry, nor by Andromeda.

"On a brighter note, on first glance, I didn't see a portrait of Dorian Gray anywhere." Harry said with an overly dramatic sigh, then continued. "When you gave me a key to a flat in London, I was expecting a studio in Southwark, not bloody Oscar Wilde's house in Chelsea. Way not to disappoint, I reckon."

The female Unspeakable was the first to speak up, and stood in front of Henry and Andromeda, both.

"The flat has all the modern amenities, as you've seen. It should serve you well for your purposes. It has a television, a phone, and a computer. Also, the main reason for Chelsea is basic history, really. Provided you've no slip ups in mentioning Tom Riddle by his alias, Chelsea had gone untouched by the death eaters. So, please do your best to ensure that it stays that way, yes?" She had stated, concern clearly threaded in her voice.

"Excuse me, but I know the names of Croaker, and Lazarus, here, of course." Henry stated, pointing towards the other man cloaked in grey robes. "But we've not exactly be properly introduced, and feel a bit rude without the ability to address you."

"Oh, how rude of me. You may address me as Perenelle, Mr. Potter. You, as well, Mrs. Tonks. Please, do not, as the kids say, 'Freak out'." Perenelle said, as she reached up and slowly lowered the hood of her cloak revealing her face to the two for the very first time.

"Mum!" Henry exclaimed excitedly, and rushed to embrace her, but abruptly came to a halt against her open palm against his chest. He immediately looked down at her hand, and missed the shocked look on Perenelle's face.

"No, Henry. I am most certainly not Lily Potter, although she did bear a striking resemblance to me." Perenelle said sadly, and not without compassion. Henry was by no means a child. That fleeting moment of weakness, of wonder, evaporated almost instantaneously. "So, Perenelle, then?" Harry asked, then that spark of recognition of information that he remembered all the way back to his first year at Hogwarts. "As in Perenelle Flamel, and her husband Nicholas Flamel the famous Alchemist?"

"The same, yes." Perenelle replied.

"Well then, considering your uncanny resemblance is there any chance that we're related?" Henry asked.

"More than a chance, and quite a few greats in between, but yes. We'll set aside some time after we've gotten the beginning of May behind us, yes?" She asked, and seeing Henry's nod of agreement, she continued. "I think that it is time that we allow you to get settled in. As I'm sure that Andromeda's informed you, we've set up a direct floo connection directly to the Department of Mysteries floo connection in the conference room. If you have immediate need, feel free to use it. The pantry, cupboard and refrigerator have all been recently stocked up, so you should be more than set. Before we leave you to your plan, there is one last thing that you will have to do before enacting any portion of your plan having to do with Gringott's Bank." Perenelle said, reaching into her pocket, retrieving a potion and handing over to him.

"And what does the potion do, exactly?" Henry asked, worriedly.

"You're a Potter by blood. A Black by blood distantly. This will resolve the distance issue. Goblins are notorious for verification via blood. This little potion will put to rest any worries as to your right and proper identity." Perenelle replied easily as if it were the simplest answer in the world.

Henry removed the stopper, smelled the potion quickly, and downed it. Seconds later that potion had downed Henry, as well.

"Harry!" Andromeda screamed, pulled out her wand and was milliseconds away from firing when the second Unspeakable suddenly had his own wand pointing directly at Andromeda's chest. "Explain, right bloody now!"

"Blood adoption potion containing the blood of Charlus and Dorea Potter. He'll be fine when he wakes up, but it will be a few days before he does." Lazarus explained quickly, still holding his wand on her.

"Madam Tonks, Andromeda, the Goblins will blood test him to verify that he is who he says he is. Without the potion, it would have verified him to be Harry Potter and that he is 45 instead of 17 years old. Which would also lead to further questions. This resolved that being an issue. He will be verified as Henry Charlus Potter as he wanted." Perenelle said, hoping that the truth of her words alleviated some of Andromeda's fears.

"Teddy will be born on the 2nd of next month. That's three days from today. I was hoping to at least have a conversation with… myself and get this plan rolling in the right direction." Andromeda finished somewhat dejectedly.

"There is nothing stopping you with working on your plans while you wait for him to wake up. You still have access to two house elves at Grimmauld Place, and a secure floo if you absolutely need us." Perenelle finished before pulling out her wand and nonchalantly levitating Henry towards one of the two bedrooms, with both Andromeda and Lazarus in her wake.

Andromeda, her wand still very much in her hand waved it towards the king sized platform bed, very modern in her opinion if not a bit minimalistic, perform a turn down on the comforter and sheets, receiving a nod of thanks from Perenelle as she directed her charge to the bed.

"Thanks you, Gran." Henry almost imperceptibly mumbled, but was just loud enough for Perenelle to here, and she liked him very much addressing her as such.

Perenelle ran her hand over his face very gently before exiting the door. Once outside the room and Lazarus beside her once more, they made their way; not to the front door, but to the back garden and confusing Andromeda slightly.

"We'll be in touch, Madam Tonks. Please look after him. He is quite important to me, and my husband." Perenelle said finally before the two of them exited the back door and apparated away.

Chelsea London, UK #34 Tite Street 3 April 1998 8:00 AM

Henry awoke to find himself in an unfamiliar bed. That was startling, at first, but not nearly as startling as finding himself with an unknown and definitely female form snuggled up behind him with her arms wrapped warming but securely behind him. Slowly, all so very slowly, he shifted his weight so as to roll over, and while not totally successful in cause the other not to stir, he found she adjusted quickly. He was well and truly trapped. His left leg was wedged between both of hers. She had to adjust her arms, one beneath him and the other on top of his chest while she adjusted her head to find comfort atop his shoulder.

The last thing he remembered was the conversation in progress with Perenelle and her solution to his identity crisis. He leaped to take that solution, and as soon as he did, pain. So much so that his brain demanded sleep in that instance.

Now, he found himself lying in with his best friend. He had no way of knowing how long he had been here. He looked down at her, now, and knew that he couldn't quite recall ever seeing her face with such a contented look of peace. He reached down, gently brushed the hair away from her forehead causing her to stir a little more until her eyes fluttered a bit before opened slightly, and took a moment before she focused and realized that the two of them were in a very intimate and somewhat compromising position. She tensed for a moment with a thought to get up out of the bed and flee before feeling Henry's hand slip from her hip and slide around to the small of her back.

"Alright Andi?" Henry asked gently, as he looked into her eyes.

"Yes. Good morning, Henry. How are you feeling?" She asked, honestly concerned.

"In a rather desperate need of a good and cold shower, I'm afraid." He said rather deadpanned, but then a smile broke across his face.

"Stop, I'm old enough to be your mum. In fact, I'm five years older than your mum!" She said, slapping his chest lightly in the process.

"Thank Merlin, you're not!" He said, snickering. "So, how long have I been out?"

"Four days." Was her reply.

"Bloody hell! So, we're four days behind schedule! I'm sorry I've knocked us that far off track." He said, making a move to get up, but suddenly Andromeda was firmly holding him in place.

"Don't. I'm comfortable where you are." She said, brokering no room for compromise. "Besides, you're going to need a day or two to get used to a few changes."

"What changes? What's the potion done to me?" Henry asked, now, honestly worried.

"For starters, you definitely look more like what Henry would look like were he to be around, so I think we're safe in that department." Was Andromeda's reply.

"And?" Henry asked, waiting for the bad news. There was always good news and bad news.

"And from what I've seen, you're quite fit." She said with a smirk of her own, and that made for his morning earl y riser, down southward, to strain against the fabric of his sleepwear for which she was definitely feeling firmly against her, now. "Besides, we're not nearly as far behind as you're assuming us to be."

"Really?" He said, rolling over slightly to face her.

He was absolutely oblivious to the situation at hand. Situation one being that his only experience to go by with regards to the fairer sex had been that of his ex-wife. That relation being based upon a lie, and for all intents and purposes that she was a rather frigid bitch who preferred their coupling being on a time table. They only ever did anything according to when she decided to dole certain things out. Unbeknownst to him, that schedule was for the sole purpose of ensuring that she was on a certain potion that prevented pregnancy. That these occurrences also happened while they had been immersed in total darkness wasn't by happenstance, either.

He was also oblivious to situation two. Not all women slept in the same sleepwear. Point of fact being that Andromeda, while wearing a rather comfortable silk night gown, did so sans knickers. Knickers were for modesty while out and about. Sleeping was not out nor about and she was a creature of habit. So, her knickers were currently where they always were when she was in bed, in the laundry bin.

Situation three was completely unknown to Henry, as well. Andromeda, comfortable snuggling up with Henry was in the midst of a rather randy dream when Henry had woken her up, so biologically speaking, she was already primed and ready to go.

So, combining situations one, two, and three with Henry's sudden adjustment and shifting of angles had caused, inadvertently; of course, situation number four. When Henry rolled over he found himself facing Andromeda from above, situated just such that his lower bits collided spectacularly with her eagerly awaiting and prepped bits. Both of their eyes were, now, wide with shocked and neither of them moved at all for what felt like an eternity before Henry, attempting to pull free of the situation found himself stuck in place. Andromeda's legs wrapped around him prevented a hasty exit.

There most definitely might have been moans, groans, and quite a few deep toe-curling kisses. When all was said and done, the one thing that was markedly absent in both Henry and Andromeda's morning was the cold shower.

Chelsea London, UK #34 Tite Street 3 April 1998 10:00 AM

Henry was standing in front of the stove top, now, with a pan of onion, tomato, mushroom, and spinach. He was marrying the flavors together at this point, preparing omelets for brunch. The kitchen was just on the other side of the wall from the bedroom, and he heard Andromeda stopping her shower. He knew that he had only a few moments before she would join him, so he quickly added the scrambled egg mixture to the other already heated pan while removing the pan with the veg off of the heat.

Henry found himself thankful for Perenelle good taste in cookware. She had gifted them with quality, and that helped anyone who knew how to use it. He had thankfully found a wood spatula and used it to ensure the eggs didn't stick. With it, he turned to pan and used the edge of the utensil to move the cooked edge of the egg to the center allowing the uncooked to replace what he moved to quicken the process. He rocked the pan in a circular motion allowing the uncooked egg to form a thinner layer along the edge while adding half of the veg to the to the half of the pan closest to the handle before grabbing the bowl of cheese he had grated earlier and adding it atop the veg, and folded the omelet over the top making a perfect half circle.

He reached over and turned the heat off from that pan, and heard her enter the kitchen from his left.

"Brunch is just about done. I hope that you're a bit hungry. I've made omelet Florentine." Henry says to her from over his shoulder.

"That sounds wonderful!" Andromeda says, making her way to the table seeing that there's already places set for the two of them.

"Kettle is over there on the table. Two minutes on the eggs." Harry said.

True to his word, Henry was only waiting for the tell-tale signs of the cheese melting on the edge of the pan before he cut the omelet in two, plated it and topped the two portions with the remaining veg, and brought it to the table, taking the seat directly across from her."

"So, you mentioned we might not be as far behind as I thought." Henry said conversationally after he served a portion of the omelet to Andromeda before himself.

"While you were recovering, I did have Kreacher pop by to check on you. However, I did make a few calls to Hargraves Lansdowne, popped over and set up our accounts with some rather healthy investment strategy. I may have popped over and had a conversation with a Mrs. Tonks, as well." Andromeda finished, then moaned in delight after taking a bite of Henry's omelet. 'He truly had missed his calling in the food industry.' She thought to herself. When she heard a sharp intake of breath coming from Henry's side of the table, she looked up and saw his eyes were wide with shock.

"How'd that go exactly?" He asked quietly.

"Remarkably well. Of course she, or the other me, was rather suspicious of me at first. In fact, she left the conversation at linger for exactly one hour before she visibly relaxed. Remarkably, that is the same duration it would take for polyjuice to take its course." She quipped.

"Indeed. What else happened?" Henry asked.

"Well, I made use of our pensieve, of course!" Andromeda said, a smile spreading across her face, now.

"How much did you share with her, Andi?" Henry asked.

"Cassi, dear. We must keep up appearance." She said with a laugh.

"Yes, Cassi love." Harry said, a smile on his own face now, as he resumed tucking into his brunch my vigorously. It took him a moment for him to register her own lack of movement from her side of the table, before he looks up to see her own gob smacked look upon her own face. "You never did say how much you shared with Andi, Cassi."

"Everything." She said in a huff.

"What do you mean, everything?" Henry asked in alarm.

"I dumped copies of all of my memories into the pensieve. Without hesitation, she took them back out of the pensieve and put them in her heard. We are the same, Henry. On a lighter note, she's fully on board." She said with a smug grin.

"Well, I suppose she would have to be, wouldn't she?" Harry quipped with his own sense of acceptance, before continuing. "I'm going to have to make a trip to Gringott's to get my plans in place. I have to get my lordships firmly established to save myself. That means I need to remove the available money from my trust vault, arrange a trip to same vault after the Battle of Hogwarts, and see about ending some relationships for my younger self."

"So, you're still going with that part of your plan, then?" She asked worriedly.

"Definitely! We'll solidify it after today's visit to Gringott's. Did you manage to set up accounts at Lloyd's, then, or do we still need to make that happen?" He asked.

"Account singular, and joint at that in both of our names. Investments are done under HAB, LLC. as well, with both of us as the principal owners. We're all set in the muggle world for the foreseeable future." She said with a smile causing Henry to sigh with relief.

The plan of setting up in the muggle world was a simple one. They need autonomy from the Wizarding world, and while that world was a grand splendor, it took real money as both of them acknowledged that Muggle currency had a greater exchange rate of both goods and services.

London, UK Diagon Alley 3 April 1998 11:55 AM

Having just come from London proper through The Leaky Cauldron, the first thing that Henry and Andromeda noticed that was painfully obvious was that there was an overwhelming presence of dread that was looming upon their entrance. Secondly, because of just how much that Andromeda resembled her, now, quite considerably younger; and at the same time older sister, people made it a point of getting out of both of their way without so much as a by-your-leave. Not so much because they recognized her as being Andromeda Black Tonks, but because they realized that she was, indeed, a Black.

Harry had reminded Andromeda earlier that she should get used to addressing him as Henry, but was still having issues remember that for all intents and purposes she should be addressed as Cassiopeia, or Cassi as she preferred. Having never met her Aunt before was probably a factor in that. Both of their subterfuge was an ever-evolving work in progress.

For now, it was only worried or suspicious glances that they came across as they had made their way towards the bank. Henry and Andromeda, both, were quite sure that many of the few faces that they saw were those of Death Eaters, however none had intruded upon them.

The edifice of Gringott's loomed over the rest of Diagon Alley. There were two goblin guards who stood stock still brandishing spears in full armor. Henry and Andromeda passed them by, entered the bank and were shocked at what they saw. With the exception of the goblins, the bank was empty. That was far from the norm, but not entirely unwelcome. It would lend to their expediency, certainly.

If there was one thing that was an absolute within the Wizarding world of Magical Britain it was that goblins took the discomfort of wizard and witch alike as manna from the heavens. Henry and Cassi had been standing in front of the information desk for ten minutes before the goblin behind the desk had bothered looking up briefly before resuming its very important work of ignoring the customers patiently wishing to have a word.

"That's it!" Henry finally said, looking up at the desk, and if goblins had it within their ability to smirk, then each and every single one of them within the lobby would be smirking at the two of them dripping with disdain.

"Don't, please Henry." Andromeda pleaded, but Henry could hear that it was clearly an obligatory. She looked at him, and could clearly see mirth in his eyes as he cleared his throat, and let the lyrics flow that only those whom have shared a roof over head within range of his bathroom might have heard ad nauseam.

Dog goes "woof"

Cat goes "meow"

Bird goes "tweet"

And mouse goes "squeak"

Cow goes "moo"

Frog goes "croak"

And the elephant goes "toot"

Ducks say "quack"

And fish go "blub"

And the seal goes "ow ow ow"

But there's one sound

That no one knows

What does the fox say?

"Henry Charlus Potter-Black don't you bloody dare!" Andromeda screamed as Henry took a deep breath, paused and let the chorus rip.

"Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!"

What the fox say?

"Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!"

What the fox say?

"Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!" Henry bellowed as he was suddenly surrounded by a group of spear-wielding goblin warriors menacingly pointing same said spears in his direction, bringing his enthusiastic singing to a premature end.

"I warned you!" Andromeda sing-songed, but quickly cut the note short when a few of the spears of doom pointed her way.

"What was the meaning of this horrendous noise?" A Goblin behind the squadron of armed warrior goblins suddenly, and quite vocally asked.

"Just taking a moment to express my joy at disrupting excruciatingly long and utterly pointless waits in total silence. You might feel it is completely acceptable to delay actually providing a service to your customers, but time is money, and I'm not being compensated for a loss of mine in this situation… Director Ragnok." Henry said, hoping that, both, his disdain and sarcasm translated, masking the hurt of the critique of his singing.

"What is the purpose of your visit, Wizard?"

"I'm here to talk house finances with the family account manager." Harry said honestly.

"And who might that be?" Ragnok asked.

"Ripclaw." Was Henry's immediate reply.

"Not possible. Ripclaw has one client..." Ragnok replied.

"Henry Charlus Potter-Black at your service." Henry said with a mock bow, a wink, and presented him with the middle finger on his right hand proudly displaying his signet ring.

"Griphook!" Ragnok bellowed.

"Yes, Director!" Griphook yelled back, suddenly beside Director Ragnok now.

"Tell Ripclaw his client is here for a meeting. Have him meet us in my office, immediately."

"Of course, Director Ragnok, sir!"

Henry and Cassi were escorted through a doorway to the left of the Information Desk, and after the brief jaunt down the hallway Henry and Cassi came across something that left the both of them utterly beyond words, an elevator. One of the lead goblin warrior guard took the initiative, stepped forward, and all too gently pressed a downward arrow button, which lit up as elevator buttons are want to do.

When the elevator finally dinged to harken in it arrival, Henry, Cassi, Director Ragnok, and his accompaniment of guards loaded within, and the same previous goblin warrior guard pressed a button for sublevel 101.

Now, there are little known rules about elevators. One, people, and beings in the case of this particular adventure within the halls of Gringott's, rarely talk between floors. It simply just isn't done. You may want to spark a conversation within the close confines, but hold back until the doors open again. Two, what is a ride aboard an elevator without elevator music? Boring, that is what, and this ride wouldn't have anything resembling boring. It did have the shocking haunted lyrical stylings of a vaguely familiar singer belting out the David Bowie lyrics of Dance Magic Dance, however, which made both Henry and Cassi's eyes go wide with shock. There very well may have been some humming along to the tune as well, but that can neither be confirmed nor denied.

The elevator doors opened once they reach the destined floor, and the occupants exited the altogether unexpected mode of transport. Henry, Cassi and Director Ragnok were led by the precession of goblin warrior guards to their final destination. Upon arrival at the door, without knocking even being a requirement, Ripclaw opened the door, and ushered the director and guest within leaving all by the lead goblin warrior guard outside in the hallway.

Henry looked around the office. There was a desk with three chairs in front of it and one behind it. A ledger, quill, and inkwell sat atop the desk, and that was it. There was nothing of personal interest adorning the office whatsoever.

"Do what do I owe the honor of today's visit, Lord Director?" Ripclaw asked as he closed the door to the office and made his way to take his seat behind the desk, but only did so after receiving a nod allowing such from his superior.

"Ripclaw, we are here to discuss your sole client, validate this gentleman's claim, and discuss any business he has after his claim has been verified." Director Ragnok spoke quickly with the understanding that all three points held the same weight and would be done immediately.

"Of course, Director." Ripclaw stated at once before turning his head towards Henry, "What exactly is your claim, Mister…"

"How rude of me. You may address me as Henry Charlus Potter-Black." Henry said carefully, and this caused Ripclaw's eyes to widen in brief alarm before he schooled them carefully.

Henry watched as the goblin whom he had known, now, for decades pulled away from his desk on just enough to reach down, own one of the larger drawers and pull from it a large stone basin, and a rather ornate ceremonial dagger used for various blood rituals, neither of which were un any way unexpected.

"Thank you, sir." Ripclaw said, as he placed the basic atop his desk, and laid the dagger next to it. He looked into Henry's eyes before motioning towards the two items in front of them. "If you would be so kind. Three drops only. Standard verification procedure. I'm sure that you understand."

Henry stood, reached over taking the knife into his hand, and pricked the top of his index finger on his right hand, before placing it over the bowl and allowing only three drops of blood to drip into the bowl. He then, replaced the knife back from where he had retrieved it before resuming his seat.

Ripclaw and Director Ragnok both watched as a series of runes that were inscribed on the exterior of the bowl lit up verifying that Henry was indeed both a Potter and a Black as he had stated. Ripclaw was not an unobservant goblin, either. He had noticed the signet ring that adorned Henry's hand and what that signified. Ripclaw was his account manager.

"How may we assist you, my lord?" Ripclaw asked."

"Would you be so kind as to advise to me what I am authorized to discuss with you, Ripclaw?" Henry asked more for confirmation of what he already knew.

"Anything and everything account related to both the main and subaccounts for both of the Black and Potter accounts. That is not limited to account balances, investments, contract, and liens, loans for all of the accounts within the purview of your title as Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble houses of Black and Potter." Ripclaw stated warily.

"Very well. First and foremost, I would like to remove all monies from Account #687 and have those monies placed within the many Potter family vault. Any personal effects contained therein, I would like to be placed within a box," Henry stated while reaching within an inner pocket producing a sealed letter' before placing the letter upon the desk, "And this is to be placed on top of that box for the former owner's view only. It does not matter whom he brings down to the vault to collect the personal effects, although it would be greatly appreciated if Ginerva Weasley, Ronald Weasley, or Hermione Granger permitted to accompany him to the vault to witness its state of emptiness."

"Oh Henry, that is delightfully cruel!" Cassi said with a laugh.

"How else am I to free him from the faux friends, my dear?" Henry said with a smirk.

"Well, it beats the alternative of having them cling on and slowly bleed you dry. I thoroughly approve!" Cassi said with a wink.

"I will see to the balance transfer, and that of the personal effects are handled immediately." Ripclaw stated.

"I have an account in Muggle London at Lloyd's of London branch for the purpose of investments. Is it at all possible to do balance transfers for investment purposes between that establishment and Gringott's bank?"

"Not at all common knowledge, but we have a few customers whom dabble with investments as you're describing. We can definitely put a contract together which should be more than amicable." Director Ragnok assured both of them, but still saw the look of concern in their eyes. "Was there some other business that you needed to resolve with the bank?"

Henry sat deep in thought for just a moment, weighing whether it was worth it to bring up or not. He'd addressed his main concern with regards to Harry Potter and getting out from beneath their clutches so to speak, but there was still the issue of the cup.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle." Henry said simply.

"A muggleborn or halfblood wizard, Lord Potter… Black?" Director Ragnok inquired, and Henry felt; at once, that the Director knew who he was even after the blood adoption.

"More like a plague upon us all. He's the dark lord. Director, he'll be taken care of within the month, however to do this a break into one of your vaults will take place. Not to steal wealth, per say, but to evict a portion of the same aforementioned man's soul from one of your vaults." Henry finished with a sigh looking directly at the Director. He noticed a look of brief anger coming from the Director before Ragnok's attention was directed towards Ripclaw briefly followed by a small nod, which cause the other goblin to once again rise up and retrieve another rather large basin from within his desk and place it atop the desk alongside the other.

"Show me, Lord Potter-Black. I'm afraid that I really must insist." Director Ragnok's said.

"What would you like to see?" Henry asked worryingly.

"All of it, Mr. Potter." Ragnok said, and Henry knew with the pronunciation of his name sans Black that the jig was up.

Henry thought brief about curtailing what he would share, but decided that too much was better than too little. He retrieved his wand put it to his temple, pulled the memories from within him placed the rather large strand within the pensieve, and stepped away long enough to resume his seat.

"Feel free to go without me. I've no inclination to revisit a past already committed to memory. "Henry said honestly.

He watched as the Director took the blade a made a cut along his own index finger before pressing a unique pattern of runes on the exterior of the pensieve before he and Ripclaw both dipped their heads into the bowl and almost immediately returned from the memory, and retook their seats. Ripclaw took a slight bit longer to return as he took a moment to return both the basin and pensieve to his desk drawers before pulling a piece of parchment and began frantically working sets of complex calculations before handing the parchment to the Director. Ragnok briefly reviewed the document before taking the quill himself and signing off on the work that Ripclaw had just performed.

"My Lord Potter-Black, before we begin to explain the need for the calculations I just performed, let me explain something of Gringott's which you may not be aware, and that is that Gringott's does provide other services outside of the immediately known services that one might associate with a bank. One of those is that we keep track of wizarding genealogy. It would not do if we were not aware of who we engage with in business. We knew who you were upon entering the bank, and although we were expecting you to be quite considerably younger, we also recognized that you have gone through the painstaking process of at least partially concealing your ancestry. You were quite successful in that endeavor, by the way. For all intents and purposes according to the blood tests that we performed earlier you appear to be Henry Charlus Potter-Black, and outside of the walls of this bank this will hold up to everyone and anyone that looks for proof of that. So, please rest assured that we will keep this information confidential." Ripclaw said, looking towards both Henry and Cassi, now.

"Lord Potter-Black, after careful review of the memories that you have provided us, I think that it is best that we allow history to play out as it had in that which you have provided. It would not do to chance a sure thing and take the potential risk of losing the war due to negligent interference. Would you not agree?" Director Ragnok asked after his opening salvo.

Henry took a deep breath before nodding in agreement with the Director. "I agree to a point. I wouldn't be here with the hopes of reliving absolutely everything."

"Very good. Please review the calculations that we have just prepared. Based up the memory of the escape from Gringott's we've given an initial estimate of the future damages that should occur on 1 May 1998. On or immediately after the damages occur, we will deduct the cost of repairs from your accounts. All we require is that you review the estimate, and sign the agreement to pay with your birth name. We shall even place a copy of the receipt of payment within the box for which we intend on leaving within Vault #687."

"Excellent. So long as it doesn't result in a loss of faith in regards to future interactions between Gringott's and either of my houses, I whole-heartedly agree!" Henry said eagerly, and quickly signed the contract.

As soon as the blood quill, or contract quill as it was known within the walls of Gringott's Wizarding Bank, left the parchment, Henry felt a sense of relief. He looked over at Cassi and could see the same look in her eyes, as well. Prior to coming back Henry had always noticed leery glances from any of the goblins when having to do business within the halls of the bank. He couldn't blame them really. He had harbored a sense of extreme guilt whenever he absolutely was forced to be inside the walls. Having to deal with the goblins had always been a chore for any wizard or witch in regular circumstances.

After business had been concluded, Ripclaw had guided Henry and Cassi back to the lobby of the bank. There they saw only one or two customers milling about the lobby as patiently as possible as the goblins went about their business dutifully ignoring the miserable sods as best they could. Upon first glance neither of the two men waiting paid them any mind outside of a cursory glance.

Upon making their way out of the bank, however, there was a weird sense of déjà vu. There was a sense of high alert which immediately caused both Henry and Cassi to immediately pull their wands with a sense of constant vigilance. Luckily, as that state goes, it's better to be prepared for a fight and not find one than to be caught in a fight unprepared for battle.

Henry and Cassi made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron unmolested. The ventured through the pub out into London proper, hailed a cab a block away, and made their way back to Chelsea.

Chelsea London, UK #34 Tite Street 31 March 1998 1:00 PM

Walking back into the front door of the flat, Henry and Cassi fully expected the flat to be in the same state from which they had left it. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In the middle of the kitchen stood two very family figures of Perenelle and a separate Unspeakable they both assumed to be Lazarus. Behind the two, sitting atop their kitchen table was a pensieve that shimmered with the familiar glow of memories.

"You two having a jaunt down in Diagon Alley nearly wrecked all of your carefully laid plans." Lazarus said song quite put out.

"I'm not sure what you're on about, but as far as I can see we made it out unscathed." Cassi said, seeming confused by this confrontation.

"Not quite as unscathed as you would think. Have a look. The memories within are yours after all, Cassiopeia Black." Perenelle chimed in this time, sounding a bit put out in the ordeal herself, now, and pointed towards the table.

Cassi, Henry, Perenelle and Lazarus all surrounded the bowl. Perenelle touched a specific rune set which allowed for the pensieve to adjust in size allowing them all the opportunity to view the memory before they quickly dipped headlong into the bowl to view the memory.

Henry and Cassi immediately and once again felt a sense of déjà vu. They were once again in the lobby of Gringott's in route to making their way, once again, into Diagon Alley. This time, that very first step back into Diagon Alley proper things went to shit.

"Well, well, well… what do we have here? A voice said to their immediate right. Quickly looking over Henry and Cassi saw a man that both of them immediately recognized as Rodolphus Lestrange.

"It appears, dear sweet brother mine, that we have a couple of lost souls of the House of Black." Rastaban Lestrange answered from the left, as he most definitely recognized the signet ring Henry's hand.

"The Dark Lord will be wanting a word, and a long overdue tribute from the both of you." Rodolphus quickly replied.

Situational awareness being ingrained in both Henry and Cassi, they immediately noticed that both brothers had their wands in hand, but held them loosely and almost lackadaisically. Henry immediately began to cast a passive legilimency on Rodolphus's surface thoughts and saw that he was intent on kidnapping the two of them, but would fire a quick bone breaking hex as opening salvo before a Cruciatus curse.

The brothers, self-assured as they were lifted the wands at once, and fired to find their two targets had already armed themselves. Henry deflected Rodolphus's curse into his brother and Cassi, while doing the same found themselves lucky they caught the two off of their game.

Rodolphus was immediately hit in the sternum causing him to immediately go flying backwards down an alley who resoundingly landed with a rather sickening crunch. Henry's redirection was a little bit more precise and deadly catching his brother Rastaban in the neck. His own sickening crunch was a tad bit more final, and he fell lifelessly like a marionette with it strings cut.

Cassi followed Rodolphus quickly into the alley, upon rushing up to him, the first thing that she noticed was the somewhat copious amount of blood pouring from the head wound he sustained from the impact upon the wall. The second thing that she noticed immediately thereafter was the clearly dazed look in his eyes which indicated that he was suffering from a concussion.

"Incarcerous!" She angrily intoned before reaching down and retrieving his wand.

She turned and noticed that Henry had followed her into the alleyway carried what appeared to be a dead rodent of some sort. She could only assume that he had transfigured Rastaban's corpse for easy transport. It would not do for it to be spotted, now. She tossed the wand to Henry before rounding back on the other brother.

"Cassi we need to be quick about this. We don't know how many more of these things are out and about prowling the Alley." Henry said worriedly.

"He has information that I desperately would like to get my hands on. I'll only be a moment, love." Cassi said with a smile before turning back towards Rodolphus.

The absolute beatific smile on Cassi's face turned sadistic one her eyes locked onto the eyes of her arse of a brother-in-law. He looked at her in utter horror as he saw his demise in those chocolate brown orbs.

"Muffliato! There much better! Now, we won't be overheard. Cassiopeia Black at your service, Mr. Lestrange. You have information that I desire to have, and you will give it to me, now." She said as a matter of fact.

"Not bloody likely!" He roared, struggling violently against the ropes of her spell.

"Ossa de speculo!" Cassi roared, choosing a spell that she knew that even her sister was unaware of, turning his bones into glass. She then transfigured the ropes of the Incarcerous spell into leather straps, mummifying him completely from the neck down. "Do I have your attention, Mr. Lestrange? You will tell me what I want to know."

"Never!" He said, shaking his head.

"Aguamenti! Silencio! I want the spell that was cast on Bella's necklace, little Rudy, and since you fail to be cooperative… Legilimens!" Cassi cast with a smile, and dove into his memories with ease.

The fact that he was scared out of his mind, and utterly incapacitated, he still managed to keep Occlumency barriers up. That was until she cast a drying charm on the leather straps he was wrapped in. Slowly, ever so slowly the leather straps began to dry. Rodolphus hadn't noticed it at first because she had initially directed the spell at his feet. As the leather dried, it shrank, of course, constricted tighter and tighter. After a few minutes there was the muffled sound of shattering glass coming from within his feet, and with that his Occlumency falling was a foregone conclusion.

She dove further into his memories and found what she was looking for. Rodolphus had been enraged when Bellatrix had gotten back after being gone for nearly two years working at an undisclosed location on her Defense against the Dark Arts and Dueling Mastery. She had come back to find out that she had been promised to Rodolphus Lestrange and forced into a marriage contract. He had saw red at seeing the crow necklace that she had been gifted by her instructor, and cursed the necklace with a particular curse that made women of the House of Black in particular compliant and subservient to their suitors bending the will of the woman into the perfect complement to that of their husband.

Cassi saw red herself, now, and that made her creative. She snapped his wand, quickly transfigured it into a large tuning fork, and struck it solidly against the brick wall that she had Rodolphus pinned to. She then used the fork running it up his leg, the sound of shattering glass followed the trail until she locked eyes with him.

"The Cruciatus is for the unimaginative, Rudy. Thanks for making my sister a proper widow." She finished by striking the tuning fork, once more and placing it against his forehead. She then turned, fell into Henry's waiting arms and wept in his chest.

While holding on to Cassi's weeping form, Henry transfigured the deceased form of Rodolphus Lestrange into yet another dead rodent. He then, transfigured the tuning fork that Cassi had dropped after dispatching said rodent into that of a small cage.

It took a few minutes, but eventually Cassi's sobs for her sister, not Rodolphus, tapered off and she managed to get herself cleaned up a bit. They caged up the two dead rats, dropped them in one of the snake tanks in Magical Menagerie before exiting Diagon Alley altogether; and luckily enough without incident.

It was here that the memory ended and all four of them were forced back out of the memory. Unsurprisingly, Cassi was inconsolable and Henry had immediately rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her comfortingly.

It was a rather uncharacteristically irate Lazarus whom after finding himself back in the present walked out the back and walked back and forth along the path in the back garden. Henry noticed that Perenelle had paled considerably, and started off to follow the other Unspeakable. She stepped out the back door and followed Lazarus out. From Henry's perspective, he watch the two of them have a heated conversation. Lazarus was quite animated, pacing back and forth; and while Henry could not hear either of them, he could see that the other man was clearly irate or distraught. After a few moments, a somewhat more calm Lazarus leaned in, gave Perenelle a rather maternal hug, stepped away and apparated to parts unknown. A moment later Perenelle walked back into the kitchen.

"What was that about, then?" Henry asked her.

"He didn't handle what had happened to his gift to young Bellatrix well." Perenelle said simply.

"What?" Henry asked.

"So, that's why he sounded familiar. He was her instructor after Hogwarts." Cassi said, solemnly.

"He was quite proud of her and her abilities. He helped her cultivate that talent. They were… quite close at one point. Lazarus established a school many years ago for students after NEWTs who showed promise. He only took a few students, at first, to establish a staff of masters who would go on to instruct future generations. He had hoped that she might have been one to do the same, but disappeared later only to end up with that Lestrange boy. He had hoped that was by her own choice. To see that not being the case, well."

"Will he be alright?" Cassi asked, concernedly.

"He should be fine. I fear that he will be himself a plan of his own for the coming battle. Now, I think we should focus on the two of you, however. It would not be prudent for the two of you to find yourself being seen within the boundaries of the Wizarding world again before the second of next month." Perenelle said sternly. She glared at Henry seeing he meant to protest, but he simply nodded. "Good, I am glad we have come to an accord. Starting tomorrow, you'll go to #12 every morning and floo to my office. We'll meet to discuss your plans, assess your abilities, and ensure you're up to the task ahead."

"I've spent a month getting into fairly decent shape." Cassi started to protest.

"Dear heart, you're 73 years of age. While that is in no way ancient, you've certainly crested. Regardless, you will be assessed. Henry, you're certainly skilled for an Auror. We will need to assess how those skills will translate to special operations within our department, and get you up to speed on those operations, as well. Keep in mind that you'll not be out in the field with exception of dealing with the Nott situation after May 2nd. Regardless, the two of you have a decision to make. You can sit back, allow things to unfold as they did originally, and take the easy path, or you can resume training, lay low and prepare for the objectives that you set for yourself when you set out for this journey in the first place. Regardless, take the weekend to relax. When Monday arrives you will be expected in my department at 8:00 AM." Perenelle finished which was said in such a way that it was not open for discussion. She had set her reasonable expectations.

Euphemia Rowle's Residence, Mould-on-the-Wold 2 May 1998 11:55 PM

Henry had sat patiently disillusioned along the outer border of the property housing his daughter for the past six hours. This operation was an extraction, interrogation, and elimination event. After a further near month of planning with both Lazarus and Perenelle, it was decided that it was best to be thorough. He would lie in wait until the Battle of Hogwarts had begun before entering the home to get his daughter out.

Henry would capture the only other occupant of the residence, question her under Verataserum to gain knowledge of whom knew of his daughter's residency within her walls, and who had visited her home since his daughter had been placed within her custody.

Henry was not alone in this endeavor. Lazarus took the junior role in this operation despite being a much more senior operative, and he brought two of his fellow Unspeakables with him whom he only referred to as Thing #1 and Thing #2.

After arriving this morning, Henry, Lazarus #1 and #2 quickly went to work surveying the circumference of the property and laying ward stones every ten feet until they ended at their starting point.

During that six hours the house had two visitors, Thorfinn Rowle and Bellatrix Lestrange. Despite Lazarus's obvious history with the latter, he remained professional at all times, and the former only stayed for a few moments earlier in the morning. He had a few words with Euphemia before exiting the home, walking to the outside of the property before disapparating.

That, of course, confirmed one very important thing. While the house did in fact have wards, it was completely lacking in a working floo connection. Whether or not that was by design or being disabled remained to be seen later.

As soon as the clock struck 12:00 PM, Henry placed the last of the warding stones, and then Lazarus and his team went into action.

"Mum, lock it down. Icarus, Lazarus, Thing #1, and Thing #2 are on site and the only authorized magic users!" Lazarus said clearly.

"Understood, and good luck, dear." Said a disembodied voice.

The remainder of the operation went off without issue. Euphemia Rowle was present, however when she attempted to curse anyone her wand was basically useless and produced no magic. The look of incredulity as she incanted 'Avada Kedavra' was priceless.

They found Delphini locked securely in her bedroom, none the worse for wear. However, she was due for a nappy change. Henry wrinkled his nose at the smelly one year old, only to laugh as she mirrored his expression and giggled back to him before mirroring his hair and eye color.

"Winky!" Henry called, and with a familiar pop the little elf was standing before him excitedly.

"Winky is here, Master Black, sir!" Winky says, bouncing excitedly as the day she has been longing for has finally come to pass.

"Would you please take the young mistress to our home to either her room, and introduce her to young Master Teddy?" Henry asks the little elf, and upon receiving an enthusiastic nod, he continues.
"Excellent! I will be there shortly."

The interrogation goes much easier than originally anticipated. The Unspeakables manage to get a short list of names that are frequent visitors to the residence or those for whom Euphemia Rowle is closely associated with and have informed those acquaintances of her house guest.

Midway through the interrogation, however, Henry receives a patronus message from Cassi.

"Henry, I'm heading after Bella, now. Check your pocket, love." Cassi's voice quickly says.

He does as instructed, and finds a folded letter.

My dearest Henry,

By the time you read this, I will have already begun the mission that I set out for myself. I intend to take Nymphadora's place at the Battle of Hogwarts. This was always the reason that I had decided to come with you, and while I do this please know that I also do this holding onto you in my heart hoping that in do such will strengthen my resolve.

Also, I feel compelled to try freeing Bella from that accursed necklace. Wish me luck.

Love Always,

Cassi

As Henry read the words within the letter he felt his hope of a future with the her crumble before him. He had to leave. He had to make his way to the Battle. He had to save her by any means necessary. He tried to disapparate but felt the wards surrounding the house holding firm. He started to rush towards the door.

"Icarus, wait!" Lazarus said urgently.

"She's gone to die, Lazarus. I have to stop her, save her!" Henry said angrily before rushing out of the door.

"Fuck! Mum! Icarus has gone rogue! Extend perimeter magic access denied!" Lazarus yells aloud before turning to Thing #1 and Thing #2. "You've got location one. Secure it. Heading to location two, now!"

Lazarus rushed out the front door to see Henry at the prior disapparation point attempting without any luck. He runs towards him at full speed before he can figure out that his exit has been blocked.

"Stop Henry. Wait, and calm down for a moment! I'm not going to allow you to go this alone!" Lazarus shouts as best he can, but he's winded, as well.

"I HAVE TO GO NOW!" Henry screams, tears of frustration freely flowing down his cheeks, now.

"No, Henry. No you don't." Lazarus says, pulling his wand.

Henry sees the wand pointing at him, and quite literally sees a wand nearly identical to his own. His freezing up is all the leeway that Lazarus needs.

"Stupefy." He whispers, and Henry falls silently to the ground.

Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Infirmary 2, May 1998 3:00 PM

Cassi had spent most of the last month deep within the department of mysteries, and thankful to her younger self, able to train herself enough comfortably using Polyjuice potion and fresh samples of hairs from Nymphadora. The Unspeakables had pushed her further than she had gone previously so that she'd be ready for this.

She wove her way through the battle, now searching for her target. Whenever a Death Eater came across her path she dispatched painful and quick final judgement against enemy combatants without mercy. She parried every spell that wasn't an Unforgivable towards other enemy combatants. When Unforgivables found themselves coming her way she'd summon his or her fallen comrades into the path of the spell

"Has my ickle halfblood niece come to play and die like her mongrel half-breed husband just did?" Bellatrix cackled loudly, and began rapidly throwing Black family curses towards her one after the other.

Cassi had her game face on, sheer determination, recognizing the spells as soon as they were cast, and batting them away with ease before returning her own equally dark Black family magic back towards her sister.

"You dare use the Black family magic on me?" Bellatrix screamed, quickly losing her composure and all reason before resorting to the family incantation of "Avada Kedavra!"

It was as if time slowed down to a crawl for Cassi in that moment, quickly she conjured a large slab of think granite. She only of seconds before the impact, however. She reached into the sheath along her side, retrieved the knife that she had carried with her since Bellatrix, Narcissa and herself had been gifted them as children, and readied herself for the spell impact.

Once the spell came in contact with stone, Cassi quickly banished the debris towards her sister. Through that debris she caught sight of Bellatrix, took aim, and let slip the knife towards her target. She struck her target, as intended. There was a look of confusion on Bellatrix's face. She reached for her neck where the blade had glanced by and her hand came back with only the merest tinge of red before looking down and seeing a familiar crow skull necklace lying on the ground before her.

Looking back at her opponent, now, she only had a moment to glance at her slowly morphing awaiting face as it changed from her niece to a much older version of her younger sister. Before she could do or say anything, however, her sister was struck from behind by the familiar purple spell coming from the raised wand of Antonin Dolohov causing her to come crashing forward into her.

She did her best to catch her flying sister, but the momentum from the spell cause the two to him the ground. The edges of her vision were edged in darkness, and there was a ringing in her ears. When she was finally able to focus she locked onto the very pained filled eyes of her sister.

"I'm cold, Belly." She said as innocently as she would have when they had both been little girls, "I want go home, now." Looking down at her older sister, her eyes losing focus, and her labored breathing ceased, and her perception of the world around her faded to black.

Andromeda Cassiopeia Tonks(née Black) succumb to the curse atop her sister and died in her daughter's stead.

A/N: Harry Potter is not mine, but I'll mold some sand in Jo's sandbox. I felt this was a good stopping point.