A

A/N Guess what things are going to get a little Dark at this point. AS the story opens Amy still doesn't know what the key to vault 2358 goes to. Expect a visit from a certain Character of JK Rowlings (the owner of the Harry Potter world WB is just leasing it) in this chapter who hasn't appeared yet this series. Also I want to thank Arime Setta for her valuable service beta reading this chapter. If there was a medal for beta reading Arime Setta would have earned it without question.

Chapter 11 The Rise of Hecate

December 29th 2009 Williams Manor Epsom Surrey.

"Master Cyrus, you seem awfully nervous today," Richard said.

"I'm just worried about Hannah, she is hoping to arrive on Thursday for the night. Whether Amy will be with her I haven't been informed," Cyrus said. "To really make things worse I have a meeting with the Head of the Wizarding Education Office at their Ministry that day."

Right then the doorbell rang.

"Give me a minute," Richard said.

"Hello there I'm Hecadia Te, my friends usually call me Heca. Is the Master and Mistress of the house in?" the Woman with a slender stick of wood hanging from her dark colored robes asked.

"Master Cyrus is in the library while Mistress Beverly I believe is feeding at this time. Would you care for me to escort you to the library?" Richard asked.

"Yes I would," Heca Te said. "Does your employer have any kids?"

"Yes he has five kids. The oldest is attending a boarding school up north somewhere. Really exclusive, the next two are in local schools and the youngest were born just over a week ago.

Richard then lead her into the library.
"Master Cyrus there is a Ms Te to see you," Richard said.

"Show her in Richard," Cyrus said.

"Master Cyrus Williams Ms Hecadia Te," Richard said. "I will get the missus for your."

"So what brings you by Ms. Te?" Cyrus wondered.

"This Mr. Williams?" Heca Te said. "Avada Kedavra."

A Flash of green light and Mr. Williams fell dead. Just then Mrs. Williams walked in.

"Hello there Ms. Te. Richard our butler said you wanted to see us," Beverly said. She looked down and saw her husband on the floor. She screamed and began to shake. The sight she saw made her blood run cold.

"Yes how about trying this on for size," Heca Te said. "Avada Kedavra."

Another flash of green light felled Mrs. Williams. Her body fell next to her husband, The expressions on their faces gave no clue to what had happen. They just looked scared and confused. Hecate looked down, glad she gave a satisfied smile, a truly wicked smile.

"Be warned Muggles For few shall last beyond the All Mighty Hecate," The Witch called out before disapparating. Richard walked in right then just as she disappeared. He barely heard what she said.

"I brought some tea in case you are interested," Richard began to say as he walked into the room. When he suddenly looked down and saw his employers and friends on the floor. and no sign of the secret guest. He then dropped the tea set, spilling tea everywhere. He ran to his room scared and angry that he had let his friends die. He quickly picked up the phone and made an important call.

"Prime Ministers Residence."

"This is Richard the Williams's butler. Is Mr. Harris in?" Richard said.

"Hold on sir," the voice said.

"This is Prime Minister Harris," a voice said.

"Mr. Harris this is Richard Cyrus Williams Butler. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harris look to have been attacked by something," Richard said.

"OK I'm on my way. Touch nothing until I arrive," the Prime Minister said.

"Yes sir," Richard said.

An hour later a dark black limo pulled up. The tall blond haired Prime Minister stepped out of the back seat with a Dark haired man next to him.

"Richard, where are the bodies?" the dark haired man asked. "I'm James Crownwell the head of the Security Service."

"They are in the library," Richard said. "This way."

Richard then showed the two men to the library. His eyes were a red color as if he had been crying. "Careful of the tea I lost my grip and dropped it when I saw how they were," Richard said.

"Mr. Harris, I hate to say it but you better call the Coroner. They're both dead," Mr. Crownwell said.

Richard showed the Prime Minister to the butler's quarters. The first call the Prime Minister made was not to the coroner.

"This is the Prime Minister get me a location on Albus Dumbledore," the Prime Minister said.

~~

A Few hours later Ginny Potter was cooking dinner in the Potter residence on Merlin Avenue in Hogsmeade when there was a knock on the door. She walked over and saw a very familiar male with long silver Hair and an equally long silver beard. Of course his long crooked nose and half moon glasses also helped give away his identity.

"Professor Dumbledore, to what do owe the honor of your presence in our fine house?" Ginny asked.

"IS Harry around something has come up?" Dumbledore said.

Just then Amy, along with Hannah and Emily walked in.

"Hello Professor Dumbledore," Amy said.

"Hello Amy. I wish it was otherwise but I'm not here on a social visit," Dumbledore said. "Good day to you as well Hannah, Emily."

Harry walked in right then. Dobby was behind him.

"Why Master Dumbledore this is a surprise," Dobby said.

"I agree," Harry said. "What brings you here?"

"Is there somewhere we can talk in private?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sure we can talk in my office. My office here that is not at the school," Harry said.

Harry then lead the former Hogwarts Headmaster to a basement office.

"What brings you by?" Harry wondered.

"There was an attack on a muggle family a few hours ago. You familiar with Cyrus Williams at all. He was a member of the Muggle Parliament from Surrey?" Dumbledore asked.

"A little bit mainly from talking with His daughter Hannah," Harry said. "Why is something wrong?" Harry asked worried.

"Yes, both Cyrus Williams and his wife Beverly died in the attack. We have a suspect thankfully which doesn't make things easier," Dumbledore said.

"How were they attacked?" Harry wondered. He was shocked that someone would attack the couple.

"It looks as if the evil sorceress Hecate took them out using the killing curse," Dumbledore said. "The Butler Richard and their kids Heidi, Gerald and two infants survived. How is unexplainable."

"Hannah was supposed to go home on Thursday to spend New Years with her family. How did you learn of all this so quickly?" Harry wondered. A sad looked covered his face. He began to realize and let everything sink in.

"The Prime Minister himself called me in," Dumbledore said.

"Hold on a second," Harry said as he walked to the door Dobby happened to be right outside the door. "Dobby, could you have Hannah come in here alone."

"Sure Harry Potter," Dobby said.

Hannah came to the door a minute later.

"Something wrong Professor?" Hannah wondered as she walked in. She saw their faces and began to worry.

"I'm afraid but I have some bad news. Professor Dumbledore is the former Headmaster at Hogwarts," Harry said.

"I'm sort of acquainted with him," Hannah said. "He is a friend of my parents."

"Hannah, earlier today an evil sorceress named Hecate murdered your parents. Your brother and sisters look to have survived along with the family butler," Dumbledore said.

"How were they murdered?" Hannah asked quietly letting it sink in. tears began to form and she sniffled slightly. "Also Why would they end up murdered."

"They were murdered with a curse so powerful that to use it is an automatic life sentence in the Wizarding Prison Azkaban. It's a curse known as the killing curse," Dumbledore said. "As for why I don't know."

"Hannah, very few people survive the killing curse. I should know an evil wizard named Voldemort tried to use it on me when I was a year old. I survived the curse and ended up with my scar as a result," Harry said.

"Why did my parents have to be one of the unlucky ones?" Hannah screamed. "All they did as far as the magical world goes is give birth to me." She broke down crying and fell to the floor. sadness flooded her.

"I wish I could answer your question but unfortunately until we catch the person who killed them we won't have an answer to your question," Dumbledore pointed out.

"Well you better catch the person then and make them pay dearly," Hannah snapped.

"They will but Dark Wizards and Witches of that level are very hard to catch. The murderer is probably long gone by now. Hannah you weren't really alive during the Days When Voldemort was a threat. In the end it was pure luck that he was finally defeated. This was after we lost Cornelius Fudge the current minister's predecessor," Dumbledore said.

"IF my parents had been from this world they could have just blocked it," Hannah choked out among the now flowing tears. "But no they had to be muggles."

"Hannah, the Killing Curse is such that it can't easily be blocked. That's why so few survive against it."

"Hannah, Harry here is the only known survivor of the curse that's how bad the curse is," Dumbledore said.

Amy meanwhile was in the kitchen twirling her wand in her left hand while she looked at the key she had put on a necklace that Marcus Flint the Slytherin Keeper had given her for Christmas. The necklace was of quarter inch wide gold loop with a small ornament of a lion and serpent together. All Amy knew about the key was that it went to a vault numbered 2358 in Diagon Alley.

"Amy, I can believe you haven't gone to Diagon Alley to figure out what that key goes to?" Emily said.

"Emily, what ever this key goes to won't disappear if I don't get there before the New Year. Hannah is going home for Easter in April and I might go with her and I can work on the puzzle then," Amy said. "Mom, what did Dumbledore want to talk to dad about?"

"I had no idea he was even coming so I can't answer that," Ginny said as Hannah all teary eyed walked back into the kitchen.

"Mrs. Potter I'm going to lie down after I owl Richard that I'm coming home tomorrow instead of on Thursday," Hannah said.

"You ok you look like you've been crying," Ginny said.

"I'll manage for now," Hannah said.

"Well something is certainly bugging her," Emily said as Hannah left the room. Harry walked in a couple minutes later and grabbed a jug of Pumpkin Juice and a couple of the better goblets.

"Ginny, At least Amy and I and possibly you will be accompanying Hannah home tomorrow," Harry said.

"Why?" Ginny wondered.

"Official Hogwarts Business," Harry said. "Amy, are your Dress Robes clean?"

"I think I have a clean set," Amy said. "If not I can probably get by with normal school robes."

"I think dress robes would be a better choice," Harry said.

"Dad, when Hannah came in here she almost looked like she had been crying," Amy said.

"With good reason Amy," Harry said. "Dumbledore came by to let Hannah know that her parents are dead," Harry said.

"Oh," Amy said. "That's why she was crying."

"Yes it is," Harry said.

"Any idea what happened?" Amy asked.

"Dark magic was involved," Harry said.

"The kind of stuff you are teaching us how to defend against," Amy said.

"Very good Amy," Harry said. "I spoke for a couple minutes with Remus and moon phases dependant he will cover my classes for a little bit if needed."

"I guess when you are like Remus the moon can be real important," Amy said.

"Why is that?" Emily wondered.

"Remus Lupin an old friend of my dad's is a werewolf," Harry said.

"I see," Emily said. "Should I return to Hogwarts, Go with you, or Floo Powder to the Leaky Cauldron and meet up with my mom and simply spend time with my dad as I get a chance."

"It's up to you," Harry said.

The next morning Emily headed back to school so she could let the other girls know about Hannah's parents while the Potters Floo Powdered directly to Hannah's. Richard was in Hannah's room when they arrived.

"Miss Hannah, it is a tragedy," Richard said. "I got the owl you sent me."

"That it is Richard," Hannah said.

"Sir, I'm Professor Potter I'm Hannah's head of house at school," Harry said. "This is my wife Ginny and I believe you know our daughter."

"Yes I have had occasion to meet your daughter hello Amy," Richard said.

"Hello Richard sir," Amy said.

Heidi was walking by right then.

"Hannah, you're here," Heidi said.

"Well I sort of had to come under the circumstances. If things had been different I wouldn't have arrived until tomorrow," Hannah said. "Where are the twins?"

"In the nursery. Richard has had a challenge since mom and dad died," Heidi said. "It was weird first The Prime Minister and the Head of the Security Service arrived then this strange guy in Robes with silver hair."

"The Silver haired guy was from my world," Hannah said. "He used to be the headmaster at my school. In fact he came to the Potters to tell me what happened. That's why I'm here now with the Potters."

"When did he stop being the headmaster?" Heidi wondered.

"He stepped down end of last June. The Assistant Headmistress under him became Headmistress and I was hired to be the assistant headmaster I addition to my other duties," Harry explained.

"What other duties?" Heidi wondered.

"For one thing I'm the head of Hannah's house also I teach a class on defense against the very thing that killed your parents," Harry explained after he stooped down to Heidi's level. Hannah and Amy then went toward the nursery with Ginny and Richard following.

"What provisions are being made for the service?" Ginny wondered.

"I believe it is being handled out of the Prime Ministers office. Mr. Williams was extremely powerful and highly influential. Some people were speculating that he would end up as Prime Minister someday," Richard said.

They soon arrived in the nursery where the twins were on hand. The two cradles were marked as to which baby was which. Hannah underwent a detection spell and concentrated really hard.

"What is Miss Hannah doing?" Richard wondered somewhat silently

"Hannah is capable of using detection spells to identify users of magic. When we where here last month she detected four users in the room we were in but there were only three in the room. We suspected that one of the twins might be a witch or had it been male a wizard," Amy explained.

Hannah walked over right then.

"Melanie definitely appears to be a witch. Melissa has the appearance of being a Muggle," Hannah said.

Later that day the Prime Minister stopped in.

"Hello Mr. Prime Minister," Hannah said wearing a black dress instead of her school robes.

"Hannah, It pains me to think about how personal the loss of your parents is to you compared to the rest of Britain. My office is doing its best being the holidays to make some sort of arrangements for your parents funeral," The Prime Minister said.

"I thank you Mr. Prime Minister. I was going to come home tomorrow as it is. Believe me these aren't the circumstances I would have chosen," Hannah said. "By the way this is Mrs. Ginny Potter. She is a member of my world."

"If I was in your shoes I wouldn't want my parents funeral to be the reason I was coming home either," The Prime Minister said.

"I'm sure some kind of arrangements for my brother, sisters and I will be made," Hannah said.

"Hannah, in part because of Melanie's abilities if your parents hadn't made other arrangements Harry and I might see if we can arrange custody of the twins ourselves," Ginny said.

"What abilities does Melanie look to have?" the Prime Minister wondered.

"According to a detection Spell that Hannah used Melanie like Hannah is a witch," Ginny said.

"I see. How though if you took both twins in would you explain to Melanie's twin why she doesn't have magical abilities?" the Prime Minister wondered.

"Sometimes a person is born into a wizarding family who lacks the ability to use magic. We would explain it away that way," Ginny said.

"My friend probably had some kind of arrangements made but you never know," The Prime Minister said.

"I suppose that the whole thing will be extremely complicated," Ginny said.

"It usually is when it comes to Minor Children left behind. Sometimes circumstances are such that the parents wishes can't be granted," the Prime Minister pointed out.

"That's the truth," Ginny said.

Heidi was on the porch with her jacket on when owls started showing up. She collected the owls and carried them in.

"Hannah, several owls arrived. Probably from your wizarding pals," Heidi said.

"Most of them yes but this one is addressed to Amy," Hannah said. Hannah then picked up the First one which had the Hogwarts Seal on it.

Miss Williams

Your housemate Emily passed on to me the word of your parents death. Please accept the condolences of the Staff at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You are excused from classes for how ever long you require.

Sincerely

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress.

Hannah saw the fact that the next one had a different feel to it then normal parchment.

Hannah

Word has reached me of your loss. I know what it's like believe me. After all I lost my parents when I was eight. If Amy's uncle hadn't adopted me I would probably be in a Muggle orphanage when I wasn't in school. If you are wondering why my letter doesn't feel like it's on parchment it's real simple the Wizarding Community down here uses papyrus instead of paper or parchment.

Samuel

PS My dad also sends his condolences.

Hannah

Moony told me about your loss. Unfortunately it looks like the moon will be full during that time so he can't cover for Professor Potter at first. Hopefully I'll be able to do just as good a job as Moony until he can cover for Professor Potter. Try to keep your chin up and know that Things will most likely work out in the end.

Sirius

Richard walked in right then.

"What are you reading?" he wondered.

"Just some owls from people I know. The Headmistress sent one; one of Amy's cousins sent me one. An old friend of Amy's dad sent one. Amy even had one and I think I know who that one is from. I have several other owls but I haven't read them yet"

"She does seem a little young for a boyfriend. But then you are as well," Richard commented.

"That aspect of her life is all confusing," Hannah said. "Richard, what will happen to us now. I admit I can easily just live in the wizarding world but Heidi and Gerald would be lost in the wizarding world."

"Your parents never discussed the possibility that they would die while you all were still young. They may not have even considered it. My best advice for you Miss Hannah is soon as you as you feel you are ready is to return to school and wait and see what happens."

"Richard, I was looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad again even if it was just overnight. I was especially looking forward to the Easter Holidays so I could really spend time with them along with the twins. Now I don't even know where I will be this summer let along for Easter," Hannah started to cry right then. Richard gave her some space. HE then walked into the kitchen where Harry was sitting drinking some hot chocolate.

"They are really taking it rough. Especially Hannah," Richard said.

"I'm sure. Best we can do is give her time," Harry said. "Ginny has attempted to bring up our taking the twins ourselves. It probably would be the best if we did. Amy is our only child. She deserves a little sibling."

"Professor, you do realize that it will be next week before Prime Minister Harris can have everything figured out as far as funeral arrangements go. Won't you and your wife have to return to work?" Richard wondered.

"I arranged coverage for my classes as for my duties both as Assistant Headmaster and as a head of house I believe the best place for me under the circumstances is here representing Hogwarts," Harry said. "My wife writes textbooks so she can easily if needed work from here."

"How many houses are there?" Richard wondered.

"There are four houses. Gryffindor which is my house, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin," Harry said.

"Professor, I think it was good of you and your wife to help out during this trying time," Richard said.

That night at dinner.

"Professor, your buddy Sirius will be handling your classes at first since some guy named Moony can't," Hannah said.

"Moony is Remus Lupin's Nickname. I don't think I can even picture Padfoot teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry said.

The next day Hannah went through a lot of her things trying to decide what to take with her and what to do something with. Amy was walking the grounds with Heidi trying to keep the younger girl company when She saw a familiar face arrive.

"Marcus, why are you here?" Amy wondered.

"I figured you probably wouldn't be returning to school right away. I see you have the necklace on," Marcus said.

"Yeah it's a pretty nice necklace," Amy said. "Besides it gives me a place to hang this one key."

"Vault 2358 Diagon Alley," Marcus said. "Have you visited the vault yet?"

"No I'm not even sure where in Diagon Alley the vault is," Amy said.

"I have a theory where it is," Marcus said.

"You do," Amy said.

"Yes the only place I know of with vaults is Gringotts," Marcus said.

"You could be and probably are right," Amy said. "IF I do have a vault then so long as I have money in my vault I can probably arrange for the money to be taken out of the vault and transferred to the vendor," Amy said.

"That is one thing that they use vaults for. Besides it provides a nice repository for money," Marcus said.

Hannah kept to herself over the weekend. Tuesday Morning she stood off to one side in Westminster Abbey as the Anglican Archbishop of London presided over her parents funeral. AS she looked around she saw Melanie Holmes, Debbie Felts, McGonagall along with Lynda Malfoy and the Dursleys. Amy, Harry, Ginny, Marcus, Emily, and as many Weasleys as were available stayed with her during the funeral. She found it nice that there was a good sized Hogwarts crowd on hand when Harry had figured on being the main representative from the school. At the cemetery She hid on one side. Wednesday she woke up about 8am.

"Hannah, if you are ready to go we have to meet the rest of the Hogwarts Contingent at King's Cross Station at 11," Amy said. "I spoke briefly with Melanie and Debbie. McGonagall canceled classes until tomorrow so we won't even miss class time."

"She didn't have to do that just for me," Hannah said.

"I think Dumbledore arranged it. Julie and the others wanted to come as well but McGonagall didn't want the funeral to be full of students which is why only McGonagall, Melanie, and Debbie came along with Emily," Amy said.

"Well I suppose we should be going then. I'll manage somehow. You want to help me with Edgar's cage?"

"My dad took care of that already," Amy said.

At 1030 they went through the barrier to Kings Cross Station to board the train. Because of the small number of people there was only two passenger cars on the train. Hannah went into a compartment and closed herself off.

Amy was in a different compartment when Marcus walked in.

"How is Hannah doing?" he asked.

"I think given time she will be back to herself. My dad cut back on her duties a little for now. I think he feels guilty that his decision for Hannah to stay with me over break prevented her from spending what time she could with her parents," Amy said.

"Well it was stupid that she had to be at the Burrow instead of her house. Where will she spend her holidays?" Marcus wondered.

"That still hasn't been determined. Her brother Gerald and her sister Heidi are going to remain at the manor with the Butler at least for now and my mom took the twins back to Hogsmeade with her via Portkey. My parents are working through a London based law firm to formally adopt the twins," Amy said.

"You would think that their parents would have made some kind of arrangements in case it happened," Marcus said.

"I know but no one knows where the paperwork might be. AS it is the Chancellor of the Exchequer (A/N for my fellow American writers and readers the Chancellor of the Exchequer is a cabinet level position equivalent to our Secretary of the Treasury) according to the Prime Minister is going to divide up a lot of the parents assets among the older children. Hannah will get a pretty good sized chunk of it.

Marcus took the time to make use of the fact that they were in a Private compartment and plant a real thick wet kiss on Amy's lips when the door to the Compartment opened.

"Three points from Slytherin," Melanie commented.

"Something up Melanie?" Amy wondered as she slowly pushed Marcus aside so as not to injure him.

"I wanted to see if anyone wanted anything. There is no service staff due to the shortened train so we have to fend for ourselves," Melanie explained.

"I think we are in good shape Melanie," Marcus said.

Before they knew it they were back at Hogwarts Marcus and Emily rode in a carriage with Amy and Hannah. Julie and the others were waiting in the dormitory when the girls got up there.

"Well even under the circumstances it is good to be back," Hannah said as a black shaggy dog rubbed up against her legs.

"I'm sure given time you will manage Hannah," Erica said and Carleen agreed with her.