Oct 13
When the
Roses Bloom
Again - Closing
the Net The smouldering remains of the morning edition of The Daily
Prophet had been cast aside in Lord Voldemort's rage, the
headlines only corroborating what his Death Eaters had
reported to him the previous evening.
Men in white cloaks and black masks, not dissimilar to the garb
of his own followers, had disrupted their attack in large
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
numbers.
The most concerning part of all of it, however, wasn't the
numbers but the symbol they had aligned under.
The Serpent.
The Dark Lord had spent most of his school years seeing that
symbol, hearing of the bravery and brilliance of The Serpent
who had turned out to be none other than Harry Evans, the
man who had stolen his family magic, who had attempted to
kill the boy Voldemort had been.
Evans was behind this group, but what angered the Dark Lord
most was that he was undoubtedly being mocked.
The robes, the symbol, all of it.
"They hide like cowards," Voldemort snorted. "They dare not
show their faces because they know that we will come for
them."
"Don't we hide our face for the same reason, my lord?" Goyle
questioned.
For an unusually dim-witted man, the question was rather apt,
but the Dark Lord shook his head as he smiled.
"No, we hide who we are to instil fear," he explained, the same
way he would to a child. "We conceal our identities so none
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
know who their enemies might be. Imagine not knowing if your
own neighbour, your brother, or even your father counts
themselves among us."
The assembled Death Eaters nodded.
"What about Crabbe?" Abraxus Malfoy enquired.
Voldemort hummed.
"What would you suggest?" he asked the cunning man.
"We could attempt to have him released," Abraxus mused
aloud. "Perhaps we can ensure on a healer assessment. I could
arrange for him to be quite out of his mind before his trial."
Voldemort nodded thoughtfully.
"Will it work?"
"Indeed, my lord," Malfoy replied with a bow. "If his sanity is
brought into question, any testimony he gives will be
dismissed."
"Then I will leave it up to your discretion, Abraxus," Voldemort
decided as he took a seat, sweeping the ash that had been the
newspaper to the ground. "I would see Amycus in a similar
state."
Abraxus nodded.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"How is recruitment going?" Voldemort pressed.
"Going well, my lord," Walden Macnair answered quietly. "In
the past month, we have added another two hundred men and
women to the cause. They are ready and waiting for you to call
upon them."
"Then I shall do so. We will need them," Voldemort returned.
"Is something bothering you, Walden?"
Macnair released a deep breath.
"Evans," he sighed.
Voldemort narrowed his eyes at the man.
"Not Harry, but Jack, his son."
"What about him?"
Walden looked towards Rosier and Avery before speaking once
more.
"Jack is our friend, my lord," he answered. "He was at Hogwarts
with us, a Slytherin…"
"Who has chosen to fight against us!" the Dark Lord snapped.
"Our friends are the ones who stand with us, Walden, not those
that oppose us."
Walden nodded reluctantly.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Of course, my lord," he said with a bow.
"Now, I would urge you all to be careful. With Evans and his
group active, we must tread carefully."
"We are going to lay low?" Avery asked almost hopefully.
Voldemort shook his head.
"No, we will become more active, but in smaller groups," he
explained. "We will strike and retreat before Evans and his
companions can react. Wizarding Britain will soon see that any
resistance is futile and more will fall behind us."
The Death Eaters murmured amongst themselves, nodding
approvingly.
"Rest my friends," the Dark Lord urge. "Our work is only just
beginning. Soon, they will realise that we cannot be defeated,
that we are the superior wizards."
The men cheered and Voldemort smirked to himself
victoriously.
He had expected there to be more complaining, more questions,
but neither had come.
The Death Eaters were in this just as deeply as he was now, and
they couldn't continue to question or doubt him, not if they
wished to experience the success they sought.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Under Lord Voldemort, they would be successful, of that he
had no doubt.
(Break)
It was inevitable that a meeting of the Wizengamot would be
called after Harry and the other veteran's escapades the night
before, but he had not expected it to come so soon.
Usually, the Ministry dithered on such matters, but Jenkins was
seemingly keen to discuss what had occurred.
Entering the chamber, Harry was treated to the sight of the two
largest groups arguing and hurling insults at one another.
Rolling his eyes at an amused yet concerned Lord Greengrass
who rarely took sides, he made his way to his own seat and
waited for the proceedings to begin.
Jenkins crashed her gavel against the podium several times
before the posturing lords and ladies fell silent, and she offered
both sides a stern glare before speaking.
"I do not know what this country is coming to, but I will not
have what is happening devolve into a civil war either in here or
on the streets of Britain," she began firmly. "This afternoon, I
will be meeting with the Prime Minister to explain why twenty-
eight muggles were murdered in Bristol, and our own
Department of Magical Law Enforcement now have six people
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
in custody to deal with, a dead auror, and four more dead who
were found dressed in black cloaks and masks."
The Minister was red in the face by the time she finished
speaking and breathing heavily.
Her job was not an enviable one at the best of times, but now, it
was downright awful, though Harry found it difficult to
sympathise with the woman.
Had she taken a strong stance from the start, the incident the
night before may not have happened.
He snorted at the thought.
It would have happened regardless.
Voldemort and his followers needed to be dealt with quickly
and with the same level of violence they exhibited.
"Baron Evans, could you kindly explain the appearance of your
mark after the group of vigilantes arrived?"
Harry nodded as he stood.
"I must admit, I was surprised to see it," he answered. "I have
not used the mark in almost three decades."
"LIES!" Lestrange roared.
Harry sobered when he heard the man's tone.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"I would keep your mouth shut if I were you, Lestrange, or I
may well just see that my symbol finds its way hanging over
your house."
Lestrange purpled with rage but was placated by Abraxus
Malfoy who whispered something in his ear.
"I do not take kindly to accusations without evidence," Harry
continued, his gaze not leaving Lestranges. "Any idiot could
have worked out how to create it. As for me, I was in bed when
my son informed me that he had been ambushed by a shower of
bastards whilst he was carrying out his duty as an auror. Now, I
understand that his job is quite risky at times, but an attempt to
murder him in cold blood is something I cannot let slide. I can
assure you that I will be personally looking into the matter, and
when I find those responsible, I will ensure they never raise a
wand to anyone else again."
"Baron Evans," Minister Jenkins warned.
Harry slammed his hand on the table in front of him as he
turned his gaze on the woman.
"This is now a family matter, Minister," he bit back. "As a
Baron, I have the same right as any other in this room to deal
with it as I see fit. Besides, I'm sure Mr Crouch and the rest of
the department will be too busy to give it their full attention."
"Quite right," Crouch murmured.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Jenkins and many others were staring at Harry worriedly.
The thought of him coming for them was rather unsettling,
exactly the effect he wished to have on Voldemort's supporters.
After a moment, Jenkins cleared her throat.
"So, you weren't there?" she asked.
Harry offered the woman a polite smile as he shook his head.
"I attended the scene after the incident, something Mr Crouch
can attest to. I arrived wearing my pyjamas. They were blue
with some rather nice stars and moons embroidery. I believe my
wife bought them for Christmas."
Many of the lords chuckled at the description and Jenkins
sighed irritably.
"Is this true, Barty?"
"It is," Crouch confirmed. "The pyjamas were blue."
"Not the pyjamas," Jenkins huffed, and Harry was certain he
saw Crouch's moustache twitch in amusement. "Did Baron
Evans arrive after the incident?"
"He did," Crouch answered with certainty. "He was rather
displeased by the incident and made some rather colourful
promises."
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Promises?"
Crouch nodded as he consulted his notes.
"He said that when he found out who was responsible for the
attempt on his son, he would boil them within their own skin
and feed the soup to a pack of Thestrals. He was quite upset."
Harry nodded his agreement with the statement as Jenkins
shook her head in frustration.
"I do not wish for there to be any more incidents like the one
we saw last night," she declared.
"And do you have a suggestion to prevent them, Minister?"
Charlus broke in. "These groups have both proven they are
willing to kill, and the aurors are unable to intervene similarly.
Is it not too dangerous to expect them to?"
"It is," Crouch agreed. "Unfortunately, Minister, we are quite
powerless to stop them with the level of violence they have
exhibited. I am not willing to risk the lives of my men and
women when they are unable to defend themselves aptly."
"So, we just allow these skirmishes to continue?"
Crouch released a deep sigh.
"I do not believe we have any other choice unless either side can
be negotiated with," he answered. "At this time, it is not
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
possible. We do not have any means to contact who is leading
either of the groups. We do have prisoners in custody that I will
be interviewing personally. Depending on our findings, I would
hope to have them on trial within the week."
Jenkins nodded, though she was clearly displeased by how the
meeting was being concluded.
A diplomatic approach, even with a warning, was going to
achieve nothing here, and as the lords and ladies were dismissed
all within the room knew the fighting would continue in
earnest.
It wouldn't stop until Voldemort was dead, something that
Harry would rather see to sooner than later.
The Dark Lord would need to be lured out, forced to leave the
safety of the shadows he so loved to lurk within.
(Break)
"What's going on?" Jack asked as a frustrated Reg left the
interview room.
He had been chosen to assist Crouch with interviewing the
prisoners, but after only a few moments of commencing them, a
squad of healers had arrived.
"Someone got to them," Reg sighed. "They are incoherent, and
their memories have been wiped. We will get nothing from any
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
of them."
"Voldemort," Jack muttered irritably.
Reg nodded as he took a seat.
"He wasn't taking any chances," he murmured. "Your father
won't like this."
Jack hummed his agreement.
His father would be displeased, and just when Jack thought that
the Ministry had something they could work with, it had been
snatched away from them.
"What did the healers say?"
"Not much," Reg replied with a shake of his head. "Only that
Carrow was found in a similar state."
"Isn't he being guarded?"
"The guard conveniently nodded off," Reg snorted. "I don't like
it. The whole thing stinks of corruption. I mean, we have no
idea who is following him. Anyone in this office could be on his
side."
"They could," Jack observed. "We need to be careful, Reg."
"Not me," the man declared as he stood and removed a roll of
parchment from within his robes. "I'm not taking any chances. I
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
was supposed to retire ten years ago. I'd rather fight this head
on, with men that I trust."
"You're leaving?" Jack asked sadly.
Reg nodded and offered him a smile.
"I'm too old for the job now. I've been fighting for more than
three decades. I'll keep fighting him, but on my own terms."
Jack grabbed the man's forearm as he turned away.
"You were with my dad," he whispered.
"I will neither confirm nor deny it," Reg replied with a wink.
"Just know that I may not be here anymore, but I will be there
when I'm needed, just as I was during the Grindelwald years."
Jack released a sigh as he pulled the man into a hug.
Reg didn't need to confirm it, he wouldn't be anywhere but by
his father's side.
"So will I," he assured him before he headed towards the
fireplace and flooed to his parent's home.
Both would have finished for the day by now, and as he thought
he would, he found them sitting at the kitchen table with Rosa.
"Jack!" his mother greeted him happily, standing to wrap her
arms around him. "What's wrong?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Jack's gaze was fixed on his father who returned it curiously.
"I want in," he said simply. "Whatever this group is that is
fighting him, I want to be a part of it."
"You're in," his father answered without hesitation.
Jack was taken aback but accepted the coin his father pressed
into his hand.
"Just like that?"
His father nodded.
"I would be a hypocrite if I tried to keep you out of the
fighting," he explained. "By the time I was your age, I'd fought
on the continent and killed Grindelwald. This way, you fall
under my command, but I will say this only once. You will do as
I say as though you were one of the others. Understood?"
Jack nodded as he turned towards his mother.
The woman was not happy about his decision, but she made no
attempt to dissuade him from it.
He was very much his father's son, and Jack would not sit idly
by whilst those he cared about fought against something that
threatened them all.
"So, what happens now?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
His father looked at him seriously for a moment before
answering.
"Now, you must be initiated," he informed him. "You must first
learn the secret handshake."
"Secret handshake?"
"We will get to that in a minute," his father said dismissively. "I
need you to get me a slice of that treacle tart. It's quite
important for the initiation," he added, pointing to the cooling
dessert on the windowsill.
Jack frowned in confusion, but did as he was bid, cutting his
father a generous portion, and handing it to the man who
nodded satisfactorily before taking a bite.
"Good," he declared.
"What was the point in that?" Jack asked.
"I wanted some treacle tart," his father answered with a grin.
Jack rolled his eyes at the man whilst his mother and sister
laughed.
"What about the secret handshake?"
At his question, his father lost his composure and joined in with
the others.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Bloody hell, this isn't the scouts," he huffed amusedly. "There
is no handshake. I just wanted some tart."
Jack shook his head irritably.
He should have expected something like this.
"Oh, my poor boy," his mother simpered, cupping his cheek.
"Come on, have some dinner with us."
Jack took a seat, aiming a kick at his older sister who continued
to mock him.
"Mum, tell him!" Rosa complained.
"You're a grown woman, Rosa, deal with your own problems,"
Minerva replied as she added some food to a plate for Jack who
stuck his tongue out at his sister.
"Ow!" he grumbled as Rosa's foot collided with his shin.
"That's what you get."
Jack cursed under his breath.
Really, he should be grateful that the others weren't here. He
wouldn't get any respite if they were.
Happily, he tucked into the meal before explaining what had
happened to the prisoners to his father who did not seem to be
surprised.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"I should have expected it," he muttered. "Not that it really
matters. We'll get more of them soon enough."
Jack nodded knowing that he had done the right thing.
As much as he loved being an auror, he didn't like feeling
helpless, especially when faced with such a prevalent threat.
Were it not for his father's actions the previous evening, he
would likely have been killed, and Jack didn't plan on dying
whilst on duty, not when he had yet to experience the better
things life had to offer.
Shooting a glance between his parents, he knew what it was he
wanted.
He'd dedicated his life to being an auror, and neglected other
things, but he realised in this moment that he wanted more.
He wanted what his parents had, to find someone to share his
life with, to finally settle and have a family of his own.
(Break)
Albus had not truly been surprised that an offensive against
Tom had been mounted, but the speed of which it came had
caught him off guard. Since the attack in Bristol, he had been
mulling the situation over, and though none had spoken such
words, it was clear to him that Britain now found itself
embroiled in a civil war.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
The headmaster had always known that Harry would seek Tom
out but given the circumstances and the nature of the boy's
departure from the castle almost three decades ago, the former
had been unsuccessful thus far.
Still, with Tom back in Britain, that confrontation was
inevitable.
Albus deflated at the thought.
Harry had warned him and Armando when he'd arrived of what
would come, but Albus had been so caught up in what Gellert
was doing that he had not given his words much thought.
Now, what Harry had spoken of was playing out in front of his
eyes, and Albus feared it would only worsen.
Since the incident at the Quidditch stadium, he had been
making discreet enquiries, reaching out to those he knew that
he could rely on to begin bringing about Tom's downfall, but it
seemed that Harry was unwilling to adopt such tactics.
As ever, Harry was proving to be as, if not more, ruthless than
the enemy he faced, yet Albus still wished to discuss it with the
man.
He couldn't see himself confronting Tom, not that Harry would
allow it, but he wished to be of assistance, especially since Harry
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
had shouldered the burden of the previous war, something
Albus would always be grateful of.
"Come in," he called when the expected knock sounded at the
door.
"You wanted to see me, Albus?" Harry questioned.
"I did," the headmaster confirmed. "Please, take a seat."
Harry did so, and Albus eyed the man closely.
He had long had his suspicions of the magic of the ritual
Nicholas had conducted close to four decades ago.
Harry appeared to have barely aged ten years since he had first
met him as a boy.
Quite the curious feat indeed.
"I wished to discuss this with you," Albus explained, sliding the
edition of The Daily Prophet towards him that depicted the
symbol of The Serpent over the city of Bristol.
"You want to know if I am behind it."
Albus chuckled as he shook his head.
"I do not think we need to waste time debating that. I vividly
remember one of the very first conversations we had when you
arrived. I am not making accusations, Harry, but I am not
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
foolish or naïve enough to believe anyone else behind it. I am
not the Ministry."
Harry snorted.
"Fine, I am behind it," he admitted unashamedly.
Albus leaned forward in his chair and rested his chin on his
steepled fingers.
"It is not my place to deter you from what action you see fit.
You have proven to be quite the master of warfare, after all.
What I wish to do is offer my assistance. I have been speaking
with people I trust and am putting a group together in aide of
seeing an end to Tom's efforts."
"An order of sorts?" Harry asked, a fond smile tugging at his
lips.
Albus frowned thoughtfully.
"I suppose that would be an apt description."
Harry chuckled amusedly.
"The Order of the Phoenix."
"Excuse me?" Albus probed confusedly.
"It was the name of the order you put together where I came
from," Harry explained. "Sorry, Albus, but they were not so
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
effective."
"I see," Albus murmured unhappily.
"Not at the fighting side of things at least," Harry continued. "I
can see that you want to help, and I appreciate it, but you
should stay away from the fighting. Most of the order members
were killed for intervening, and I do not wish for that to happen
again. I have fighting men, but I could use your assistance with
something else, something equally as important."
"Of course," Albus offered with a bow. "I will help in any way I
can."
"Horcruxes. I need you to find out all you can about them. Tom
has created at least three so far, but I wouldn't put it past him to
create more. Find out what you can, and where he may have
hidden them."
"Three?" Albus asked worriedly.
Harry nodded.
"The first I believe is a diary he would have had when he was
here. I destroyed it when I was twelve, but I didn't know what it
was at the time."
"Destroyed it?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"With a basilisk fang," Harry explained. "It is one of the few
substances that can do so."
"Indeed," Albus agreed. "The two others?"
"The murder of Hepzibah Smith. She had two important
artefacts belonging to the founders that I have no doubt Tom
stole when he framed Hokey for the murder."
"Hufflepuff 's cup," Albus murmured. "It was known to be in
the Smith family."
"And a locket that belonged to Salazar Slytherin that she
purchased from Borgin and Burke's," Harry elaborated. "Mr
Burke came into possession of it via Tom's mother."
"And he would have wanted it back," Albus added thoughtfully.
"I would suggest that it is a distinct possibility that Tom would
have sought out other items belonging to the founders."
"There are others?" Harry asked.
Albus nodded.
"None of which have been seen for hundreds of years, some not
since the founders themselves were alive."
"What items?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Well, we have the Sorting Hat, of course," Albus explained. "It
belonged to Gryffindor. Tom would not have been able to
corrupt that."
"No, he wouldn't have," Harry agreed as he eyed the unmoving
hat.
"There is Gryffindor's sword," Albus continued. "It is said to
have been created by the goblins and gifted to him. It has never
been found, however, and most believe it never truly exists."
"It exists," Harry countered with a knowing grin. "It came into
my possession when I needed it most. It is safe from Tom, I am
certain of that."
"Truly, you found it?" Albus asked, surprised by the revelation.
"The sword found its way to me," Harry explained cryptically.
"I will say no more on the matter."
Albus nodded his understanding as he pondered any other
items he knew of.
"There was a ring that belonged to Salazar Slytherin. It is quite
possible Tom obtained it from the Gaunt family," he said
worriedly.
Harry shook his head as he removed a chain wrapped around
his neck.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"I got to it before him."
Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully as he eyed the ring,
wondering why Harry had seen fit to take it.
Before he could get a good look at it, however, it has hidden
within the man's robes once more.
"Ravenclaw's diadem," Albus remembered, "but that too has not
been seen since Rowena herself roamed the castle. I don't
suppose you can account for its whereabouts?"
Harry shook his head, a deep frown marring his features.
"What is a diadem?"
"A tiara," Albus explained.
"Like the one the statue wears in the Ravenclaw common
room?"
Albus nodded.
"I wouldn't put it past him to look for it, but where would you
even begin finding something lost for almost a thousand years?"
Harry mused aloud.
Albus hummed.
"I do not know," he murmured. "The Grey Lady may have
some knowledge. She is Rowena's daughter, after all."
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Her daughter?" Harry asked, evidently not having known that.
"It is not so common knowledge," Albus explained, "but
wouldn't be so difficult to discover."
"Who would know it?"
"Most of the more seasoned professors," Albus answered, and
Harry released a deep breath.
"Slughorn."
"Horace?"
"You and Minerva have both mentioned that he and Tom were
close. Where else would he go to get information? Horace may
have just mentioned something like that in passing."
"That is quite concerning," Albus sighed. "I will talk with him
and see what he knows."
"You should," Harry agreed as he stood. "Anything you can
discover about the horcruxes will be most useful, Albus. If you
focus on that, I will focus on Tom."
The headmaster nodded, already planning on where he could
begin to gather any relevant information about Tom.
Horace would be the best place to start and attempting to trace
his movements when he fled from Britain, though that would
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
be a difficult task.
Perhaps he should seek out Mrs Cole from the orphanage?
She did know him well enough when he was a boy.
"I will look into it as a priority," he assured Harry.
The man nodded gratefully.
"Then let us hope we are both successful in our endeavours
sooner rather than later."
Albus stood and offered the man his hand.
It was accepted immediately with a firm group, and Albus
chuckled as he shook his head.
"For a man past fifty, Harry, I must say, you are looking very
well indeed."
"Surprising with how stressful my life has been," the man
snorted.
Albus nodded as he hummed, getting a closer look at him in
the light.
"Barely a wrinkle," he commented. "Have you considered that
the ritual Nicholas completed has had an unintended, long-
term effect?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"No," Harry murmured. "I've not thought about it."
"I think you will find that it has," Albus mused aloud. "Both he
and Perenelle used their own blood which contained…"
"The elixir of life," Harry whispered. "What does it mean?"
"I cannot be certain, my boy, but I think that you are perhaps
aging considerably slower than is natural. Even for a wizard,
you are retaining your youth remarkably well, as is Minerva
come to think of it."
"How?"
Albus pondered the question before nodding.
"I suppose that the elixir has become a part of you, something
you have passed on to your children, likely in a more diluted
way."
"What does that have to do with Minerva?"
"She carried your children, Harry, five of them in all. That
magic could have easily spread to her during her pregnancy.
Alchemy is usually a very precise branch, but there are factors
that, if not accounted for, can have quite the profound outcome.
The act of becoming pregnant is something of a ritual in itself. I
would hazard a guess that the effects of the ritual you
underwent, passed on to Minerva."
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Harry frowned for several moments whilst he absorbed Albus's
deduction.
"Bloody Nicholas," he huffed. "The bastard definitely got the
last laugh, didn't he?"
"He always did," Albus sighed. "Whether or not he knew this
was a possibility is something that will remain a mystery to us."
"But it is likely, isn't it?" harry asked pointedly.
"I would certainly say it is," Albus agreed. "Nicholas was the
most brilliant man I knew, and he would have considered the
possibility it would affect your lifespan. I do not think, however,
that he would have looked beyond that, and that Minerva, and
whatever effect is has had on your children, was not something
that crossed his mind."
Harry could only shake his head.
"I bet he's laughing his arse off right now."
"Oh, this would be the ultimate source of amusement for him,"
Albus returned, unable to hide his grin despite Harry scowling
irritably.
(Break)
Lily hadn't enjoyed her flying lessons thus far. It had been one
of the skills she had been looking forward to learning, but it had
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
proven to be much more difficult than she could have imagined.
There were those among the class like James Potter and Sirius
Black who were already brilliant at it, but not Lily. She wasn't
terrible, and there were those that couldn't even get the broom
off the ground without injuring themselves, but she was far
from being the best.
Maybe Miss Evans would be able to help her?
"Okay, class, this is my first-time teaching anyone to fly, so why
don't we begin by you showing me what you can do, and I will
offer some pointers?"
Lily tentatively called her broom into her hand before mounting
it.
She took off shakily, and flew a few feet above the ground, not
daring to go as high as James Potter, let alone attempt any of
the dangerous tricks he did.
Ignoring the snickers of the Slytherin students, Lily continued,
slowly becoming used to the odd sensation of flying.
"You need to be confident, Lily," Rosa called encouragingly. "If
your broom senses fear, it will not react well to you. Calm
yourself, and it will come much easier."
Lily nodded and released a deep breath.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Calm," she whispered to herself.
After a few more minutes of manoeuvring the broom around,
she finally felt as though she had more control over it.
"Good," Rosa praised. "When you're ready, go a little higher."
Once more, Lily nodded and braced herself before urging the
broom upwards and levelling it up when she was almost ten feet
from the ground.
"There, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Rosa asked from next to
her. "Now, gently lean the nose forward and take it back down."
Lily followed the instructions and breathed a sigh of relief as
she touched down where Rosa joined her.
"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Lily shook her head.
"I'm just not a natural flyer."
"Not everyone is," Rosa pointed out, "but you can be
competent. It's different for me, and for James. I was flying
before I could walk, and he was taught by my father too."
"Is Professor Evans a good flyer?"
Rosa snorted amusedly.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"If there wasn't a war he had to fight, he could have played
Quidditch for England."
"Really?"
Rosa nodded.
"My father is an excellent flyer and would be better than me if
he focused on it."
"Is he good at everything?" Lily asked with a frown.
Rosa giggled amusedly.
"Oh, he's terrible at potions," she informed her. "Slughorn takes
a lot of pleasure telling people that."
"I like potions," Lily declared. "I find it relaxing."
"I can't say that I was much better at it than my dad," Rosa
sighed. "I did well enough, but we can't be good at everything. I
did hear that you have impressed Professor Flitwick."
"Charms is my favourite," Lily replied, blushing slightly.
"It takes a skilled witch or wizard to master them. My father
taught it here years ago, before Professor Flitwick came along."
"He must be good at them?"
Rosa nodded.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"He was able to cast a patronus at the age of thirteen, and he's
invented dozens of them. He's a brilliant man. I didn't realise
just how brilliant until I was older."
"Do you think he'd teach me some?"
"I'm sure he'd love to," Rosa replied with a smile.
Lily returned the gesture as Rosa checked her watch.
"Bugger, alright, that's it for today," she announced. "Please
return your brooms and head to your next lessons."
Most of the boys groaned, but Lily, despite spending time with
the woman she was coming to like very much, was glad for it.
She placed her broom with the others and turned to catch up
with Marlene but was faced by a worried looking Severus as she
did so.
"What's wrong, Sev?"
"She's Evans daughter," the boy whispered. "You must have
heard what he has done."
"What he's done?"
Severus sighed as he took her by the hand.
"You read about the first war, didn't you?"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Lily nodded.
"Professor Evans defeated Grindelwald, and saved hundreds, if
not thousands of lives."
Severus nodded.
"He also killed hundreds, if not thousands of people," he
pointed out.
"Bad people," Lily countered.
Severus shook his head frustratedly.
"He's dangerous, Lily. You have seen the news recently; Evans is
the one leading the men in the white cloaks."
"Good!" Lily said firmly. "Those ones in the black cloaks want
me and other people like me dead."
"That's not true," Severus denied. "They just want to make sure
that pureblood traditions aren't ignored."
"By attacking innocent people? If you believe that, Sev, then
you are stupid."
Severus appeared to be hurt by her words, and Lily felt a stab of
guilt.
She didn't want to hurt his feelings.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Lucius thinks it will only get worse with Evans sticking his
nose in."
Lily nodded.
"It will, but at least someone is sticking up for me," Lily replied,
turning away from her friend.
Severus grabbed her by the wrist to stop her.
"Oi, what do you think you're doing, Snivellus? Let go of her!"
James demanded as he drew his wand.
Lily rolled her eyes at the boy, and Severus's lip curled in
distaste as removed his own.
"There will be no fighting!" Rosa said firmly as she stepped
between the two boys. "James, you know better than that. My
father would be furious if he saw you acting this way."
James had the decency to look abashed and placed his wand
back up his sleeve.
"If I see or hear of any more incidents like this, I will take a leaf
out of my father's book and have you all scrubbing toilets for a
week. Do I make myself clear?"
The boys nodded grumpily and withered under Rosa's glare.
"Good, now get to your next lesson!"
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Lily followed the others back towards the castle.
"Bloody hell, she's scary," Peter commented.
"You've got no idea mate," James replied. "She might be
teaching us to fly, but she's vicious with her wand. Harry made
sure she can look after herself, but it's Jack you've got to watch."
"Jack?" Remus asked.
James nodded.
"Her younger brother," he explained. "He's an auror, but he's
bloody scary. He showed me some of the spells Harry taught
him once. I wouldn't want them fired at me. Harry was really
angry when he found out."
"Are all the Evans mental?" Petr asked worriedly.
"They can all look after themselves, but it's definitely Harry you
don't want to get on the wrong side of. I saw him duelling my
father and Lord Black once. He wiped the floor with them."
"He did kill Grindelwald," Sirius pointed out.
Lily frowned at the thought.
Professor Evans was just so nice, and she couldn't imagine him
killing anyone, even if she had heard the stories about him.
"What's it like having him as a godfather?" she asked.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
James smiled brightly at the question.
"Harry is the best," he said simply. "He taught me to fly, and he
always comes to visit when I'm at home."
Lily nodded her understanding.
Professor Evans did seem like a doting man, and though
Severus didn't seem to like him much, Lily did.
Despite what anyone else said, she knew that he was a kind
man, and not the monster Severus or the other Slytherins made
him out to be.
(Break)
Albus had pondered how best to broach the topic of Tom
Riddle with Horace, something the man would undoubtedly
become defensive about. Horace was a sensitive man and did
not react rationally if he felt his back was against the wall.
Still, this was of the utmost importance, and the potions master
may just hold the key to Tom being defeated.
Bracing himself, Albus knocked on the office door.
It opened a moment later, and Horace was seemingly taken
aback by his presence.
"Albus, what can I do for you?" the man asked jovially enough.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"There are things we must discuss in private, Horace," Albus
replied. "May I come in?"
"That serious is it?" Slughorn questioned nervously, stepping
aside to allow Albus into the room.
"I'm afraid so," the headmaster confirmed. "I will not insult
your intelligence with small talk. I am here to discuss Tom
Riddle."
Horace paled at the mention of the former student.
"Riddle?" he whispered, looking around the room as though the
Dark Lord himself would appear.
Albus nodded severely.
"I need to know if he ever asked you about horcruxes?"
Slughorn somehow paled even more, his eyes bulging in shock.
"Whyever would he do that?" he sputtered.
"Because you were his confidant in the castle, Horace," Albus
pointed out. "It would be you he came to for advice or
information."
Slughorn swallowed deeply as he shook his head.
"I d-don't remember. It was almost three decades ago, Albus."
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"Horace," Albus pressed. "If anyone were to ask you about
them, you would not forget. Let us not waste time on this
foolishness. I am not here to sully your reputation, nor will this
conversation see you in any trouble. I merely need the truth of
the matter."
Horace's lip began to tremble, and he wiped a layer of
perspiration that had formed from his brow.
It was quite the feat that he managed to pour himself a drink
with how nervous he had become, but after draining a glass of
mead, he nodded reluctantly.
"He asked me about them, among many other things," he said
in just above a whisper. "Albus, I didn't think he actually
would…"
The headmaster held up a hand to silence the man.
"What did he wish to know?"
Horace sagged defeatedly.
"He asked about how many of them someone could make," he
explained. "I told him that I didn't know, that making just one
was an awful idea let alone seven."
"Seven?" Dumbledore pressed urgently.
Horace nodded.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
"You do not think he would have done it?"
Albus tugged at his beard thoughtfully.
"I believe he intends to," he murmured. "The ritual to do so is
exceedingly dangerous and taxing. Had he made seven of them
already, he would not be so calculating. Horcruxes do not
simply take a fragment of a soul when created, they remove a
part of what makes that person who they are. I believe he has
made more than one, but not seven. Not yet, at least."
"Dear me," Horace muttered. "Can he be defeated?"
A slight smile tugged at Albus's lips as he nodded.
"Of course," he replied with a bow.
"Evans?"
"Who else?"
Horace released a deep breath.
"The boy played me like a fool, Albus," he sighed. "I tried to see
the best in him, I really did."
"I know, old friend," Albus comforted. "Some people just
cannot be helped, Horace."
With that, Albus walked back towards the door, pausing as he
reached it.
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Comments (10)
"Did you happen to mention that the Grey Lady is Rowena's
daughter to Tom?"
There was a pause whilst Horace seemed to ponder the
question.
"I believe I did," he answered. "He asked many questions about
the castle, and I told him all I could."
Albus had already suspected as much.
Tom's knowledge of the school became so in depth that he was
able to navigate the halls without being detected.
He would need to ensure that the castle was secure enough to
keep him out.
That would be a discussion to have with Harry.
Now, however, there was another conversation to be had, this
one with a ghost that too had likely been manipulated by the
budding Dark Lord.
Newest First
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Nice chapter. Nice POV on the beginnings of the James/Snape
feud. Harry hazing Jack was a nice touch.
Great follow-up and pay-off chapter with new moments for
characters.
Please write the next chapter already. Thank you very much. I
really appreciated it and liked it a lot. I am sorry if I am being
rude or annoying you with my reviews, I don't mean to be rude
or annoy you with my reviews; I just really enjoy your story a
lot.
Justin Justin Justin...
Do we have to read your comment every single week asking for
Preview Post Comment…
Steve Moss A week ago · 1 Like
Village Mystic A week ago · 0 Likes
Justin A week ago · 0 Likes
George A week ago · 1 Like
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
the next chapter?
Don't you realize that there is a set schedule, as people tell you
EVERY SINGLE WEEK?
Sunday and Thursday there is a new chapter, that's it.
If you would like to pay some money, you can be a and
pay to read the rest of the story.
You do not need to comment on every single chapter asking for
more chapters. Please do not. It is very annoying. Please do not
do it while apologizing for being annoying. That is even more
annoying.
Bro hes already written the story. It has a set release schedule. It
is a great story, where I am always desiring the next chapter but
you gotta have patience.
Another amazing chapter! I love Rosa and Lily's ongoing
friendship. I can't wait to see where next chapter leads us.
Thank you very much for another excellent and very
entertaining chapter, excited for the next one. I'm also
Sean A week ago · 0 Likes
Ty A week ago · 0 Likes
AvidReader2425 A week ago · 0 Likes
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
When the Roses Bloom Again - The Burden I Carry
When the Roses Bloom
Again - Familiar Faces
exceedingly curious about the lifespan of Harry Potter and
Minerva now lol.
Thanks for the chapter! :D :)
4 more to go.
Great chapter! Can't wait for the next!
Hitmen101 A week ago · 0 Likes
Shubh A week ago · 0 Likes
Erick A week ago · 0 Likes
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e a
t
0
https//library/when-the-roses-bloom-again-the-burden-i-carry
https//library/when-the-roses-bloom-again-familiar-faces
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
Author/Site Owner: Lee : TheBlack'sResurgence
Email: (For all enquiries)
Home Library
Commissions
Patron Portal Shop
Team Contact
T h e
B a r o n '
s
R e t r e /Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
