Oct 20
When the
Roses Bloom
Again - Where
it all Began
(Part One) Late January 1972
Living life as she had these past months made Eleanor feel
like she had returned to those years of discontent during the
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/
1940s and Grindelwald's uprising.
Times had been different then.
She had been much younger and more vibrant, and excited to
see what the future would bring.
A part of her had always hoped she would find someone like
Harry Evans, a man of mystery that would keep her
intrigued, but she had never let her desires make her bitter.
Harry and even the woman he had chosen had come to be
among those Eleanor considered her greatest friends, and
though her own marriage had ultimately failed, she had still
been gifted three wonderful children.
Perhaps she was merely destined to be alone?
She had always been too much of a free-spirit, never able to
shift the need of adventure, and that was partly why she
found herself in Britain, still chasing thrills, and once more
helping her friend.
Eleanor had begun her latest journey at Malfoy Manor, but it
became quickly evident that Tom Riddle was not hiding
here, nor had he been with Lords Rosier or Nott.
Each of the stately homes had taken weeks to search
thoroughly before she had moved on to her next suspect,
eventually arriving at Lestrange Manor.
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/
Immediately, she sensed something different about this place,
different but somewhat familiar also.
It was the magic of the protections here.
The older, powerful magic the pureblood families of Britain
relied on to keep their properties safe was still prevalent but
encapsulating them in a newer layer was magic not too unlike
Harry's.
Riddle was a parselmouth, and Eleanor had no doubt that
was what she was feeling.
She had tentatively ventured into the home a number of days
ago and had slowly but surely made her way towards where
the presence was strongest.
Sequestered in an isolated corner of the house, hidden
behind a bookshelf of all places, she found where Tom
Riddle was hiding, his lodgings as lavish as could be.
With almost serpent-like red eyes and pale, waxy skin,
Eleanor had never seen such a man, nor had she felt so
uneasy.
She had watched him closely, the comings and goings of
others who came to visit him, and there was no denying the
man was quite unhinged.
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/
Often, he would talk to himself, speak his thoughts aloud as
though he was conversing with another, and took no small
amount of joy in torturing his followers who brought him
unwelcome news.
They feared him, and rightly so.
There was no denying that he was a powerful wizard, but it
was the insanity that plagued him that made him truly
frightening.
How had he come to be so?
Eleanor knew not, but as more than a few dozen cloaked,
and masked men entered the room, she was pulled from her
thoughts.
They assembled around a large table that Riddle had
conjured, and the man leered at them before shaking his
head.
"I find myself…disappointed," he began in little more than a
whisper. "Before me sits more than a millennium of magical
knowledge, descendants of great men and women who
shaped this country, and it seems to me that the era of the
purebloods could soon come to an end."
"My Lord?" one of the masked figures 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/
"I came here to lead you, to remind those beneath us of the
might that we wield, but it appears that only my heart is truly
in the cause, that it is only me that cares about the legacies of
our forefathers. Is this the truth or am I mistaken?"
"You are mistaken, my lord," one of the men said harshly,
eliciting murmurs of agreements from the others.
"Then why is it we are failing?" Voldemort questioned. "Why
is it that when we are faced by those beneath us, we balk and
cower from them?"
"We do not cower, my lord. We are following your orders!"
Voldemort nodded as a smirk tugged at his lips.
"And you have done so admirably," he praised, "but now it is
time to truly show them the enemy they face. No longer will
we flee, not when we have no reason to. Why flee when we
can send them scurrying like the vermin they are?"
"How?"
"By taking their richest prize from them," Voldemort
declared. "We take away their base of power, and we seize
control where it truly matters. The skirmishes in the street
were nothing but a warning. Our true goal is to take the
Ministry."
"The Ministry?"
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/
Voldemort nodded; the smile he gave truly unnerving.
"We take the Ministry, we take the country," he pointed out.
"That will not be easy, my lord," one of the men replied.
"No, but it is necessary," Voldemort countered. "We will
move on the Ministry in a week. Abraxus, I would like for
the Minister to be there. Her capture will be paramount to
our success."
"Yes, my lord," Malfoy complied with a nod.
"What of Evans?"
"Before Evans can respond, the Ministry will be ours,"
Voldemort declared gleefully. "When our new order
commences, Evans will be the hunted enemy of the entirety
of Britain. He and all that carry his name will be wiped from
the face of the earth."
If Eleanor were not in her spider form, she would have rolled
her eyes at the man for his foolish belief that Harry would be
killed so easily.
Riddle truly was delusional, but she had finally gotten what
she had been searching for.
Riddle would be at the Ministry to take it, and it would be
the perfect opportunity for Harry to exact the vengeance he
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 desired for almost five decades.
With that in mind, she began scurrying out of the room to
inform her friend of her discovery.
Had she not been here, Riddle would have quite possibly
been successful in his coup, but with around a week to plan,
Eleanor had no doubt that Harry would find a way to turn
the situation to his advantage.
(Break)
Jasmine tapped the top of the table she was seated at
impatiently with a finger as she watched her sisters scratching
away, filling out some paperwork for the Head of the
Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures.
She had arrived an hour ago and was refusing to leave until
they accompanied her to visit their father, and both knew
that she was stubborn enough to wait all night if necessary.
Many would assume she had inherited that trait from her
father who was known for it, but Jasmine knew better.
Minerva Evans was much more stubborn, and she had
certainly followed in her mother's footsteps.
"Will you stop with the tapping!" Iris snapped irritably.
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/
Jasmine merely smiled sweetly at her sister as she continued.
Even in their later twenties, the twins were almost impossible
to tell apart, and only someone who had grown up with them
could do so.
When they had been younger, they had tried many times
tricking their parents, and occasionally managed it with their
mother.
Their father on the other hand could not be fooled.
Harry Evans could be blindfolded and know which one of his
twins he was speaking with.
"Alright, we're coming!" Dahlia huffed as she rolled up she of
parchment and tapped it with her wand, sealing it with the
official Ministry stamp.
Jasmine found it quite ironic that both women were very
official in their ways, doing their job to the letter of the
description.
If only their boss knew of the plethora of illegal creatures
they kept at their house…
The thought brought a smirk to her lips.
Jasmine had always been more similar to her mother, but the
twins had a mischievous streak, just like the man that 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/
sired them.
Oh, they attempted to conceal it beneath a veneer of
respectability, but the Evans twins were not innocent, not by
a long shot.
Jasmine had travelled extensively with them for a number of
years and was in on most of their secrets because of it.
Still, that didn't mean she would let anything pass if it was
important, and this was one of those.
Ever since the revelation that their father was a time traveller,
they had not discussed it with him.
Jasmine knew that just about everyone else had, but not the
twins.
For reasons unbeknownst to her, they had not broached the
subject, and as much as he wouldn't admit it, she knew their
father was hurt by their seemingly dismissive attitude towards
it.
It was a secret he had carried for most of his life, after all,
something that had shaped him into the man he was.
Jasmine had discussed it with him, and though his story had
been an awful one to hear, she felt that she now understood
his rather odd ways, his protectiveness, and that ruthlessness
he possessed.
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/
All had become a necessity for Harry Evans.
"Why do we need to talk about it?" Iris sighed. "Don't you
think Dad has spoken about it enough by now?"
"Not with you two," Jasmine pointed out. "Please, you know
how much it will mean to him."
Iris's irritated expression softened as she and her sister
nodded simultaneously.
"We can't keep avoiding it," Dahlia murmured.
"No," Iris agreed.
"Why have you been avoiding it?" Jasmine pressed.
Both women deflated.
"It's not going to be a happy story, is it?" Dahlia replied sadly.
"I know Dad is, well, he's Dad, but…"
"Hearing everything he went through, I don't know if I can
do that. You saw his face when he came back from the
basement on Christmas Day. He was broken. I don't want to
see him like that."
Jasmine nodded her understanding.
"I thought the same until I heard it," she admitted. "He's
such a sweet man, and knowing what he went through is
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/
heart-breaking, but you should still hear it. You'll understand
him better."
The twins shared a look before nodding.
"Alright," they agreed simultaneously. "We will hear what he
has to say."
Jasmine beamed at her sisters as she stood.
"Come on then, he'll still be at the school," she urged.
"What, you thought that I was just going to leave? I want to
see him too."
"Daddy's girl," Iris mocked.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow at the woman.
"If I remember correctly, you two used to follow him around
like lost puppies."
"He's our dad!" Dahlia defended.
Iris nodded firmly and Jasmine snorted.
"Then speak to him," she said pointedly. "He deserves that,
doesn't he?"
"We've already said we'll come," Dahlia grumbled. "Lead the
way, Jazzykins."
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/
Jasmine's nostrils flared at the hated moniker the twins had
given her when she was still a baby but did not rise to the
bait.
With a shake of her head, she threw some floo powder in the
fireplace and waited for the flames to turn the familiar
emerald colour.
"Hogwarts, Defence Against the Dark Arts. Family Ties," she
finished with a hiss before stepping through.
Her father had set up the rather genius means of getting into
the school should they need to, a method reserved for the
Evans siblings, all of whom had inherited his talent.
The man himself was seated behind his desk, marking work
from the students, a frown creasing his brow.
However, when he spotted his daughter, his countenance
brightened considerably, and he crossed the room to greet
her.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, wrapping his arms
around her.
Jasmine melted into the embrace, never failing to feel like the
same little girl that sat on his knee as he read her stories as a
child.
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/
She may have been closer to her mother, but it was her father
who had always made her feel safe.
"You have a couple of other visitors coming," she informed
the man who frowned confusedly, his eyes positively
twinkling as the twins arrived only a moment later.
"Hello Dad," Iris almost whispered, nudging Jasmine aside to
take her place.
Dahlia joined her and Jasmine could only look on and revel
in the sheer joy of her father being visited by three of his
daughters.
"What brings you two here?" he asked. "Have you gotten
yourself in trouble again?" he chuckled.
"Dad, you know we would never do anything to get in
trouble," Dahlia pouted.
Iris nodded, but their father wasn't falling for the innocent
act.
He never had, and he wouldn't start now.
"Fine," Iris huffed. "We wanted you to tell us about what
happened before you came here, if it isn't too much trouble?"
Their father nodded, and the twins held hands as they looked
at him expectantly, something they always did when they
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/
were either nervous or upset.
Jasmine listened as raptly whilst her father spoke as she had
the first time she heard it, and despite knowing what was
coming, she felt a lump form in her throat.
"What happened to them, everyone you knew?" Iris asked
emotionally.
Their father shrugged.
"I don't know," he answered honestly. "Hermione could well
have died from the curse she was hit with, but here, she hasn't
even been born yet."
"Won't it be strange to see them again?" Dahlia questioned
thoughtfully. "If you stay here, you'll see them, won't you?
Their father chuckled.
"I will be an old man by then," he pointed out. "Maybe I
won't be here, you never know what life will throw at you.
That's the one thing I have learned above anything else."
"Don't say that!" Dahlia said angrily. "You're not allowed to
go anywhere."
"You promised us you will always protect us, you can't go
back on that," Iris added.
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/
Their father held up a hand to placate them.
"I'm not going anywhere," he assured them. "No matter
what, you will always have my protection, all of you."
Both Iris and Dahlia hugged him tightly once more, and
Jasmine joined them knowing she had made the right choice
in bringing them here.
She had no doubt that they loved their father deeply, so
much so that they couldn't even face seeing him pain, and not
realising he was already hurting.
For two very bright witches, they could be idiots at times, but
that was why they had Jasmine.
She may be the youngest of the bunch, but the others
listened to her.
Jasmine never really gave them much choice in the matter, a
thought that amused her to no end, though she felt none as
Eleanor Summerbee burst from the fireplace.
Her expression was a mix of glee and concern, and if
something had the latter effect on the woman, Jasmine knew
she brought grave news.
"I've found him," she declared.
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/
"Where?" her father demanded. His demeanour having
shifted immediately.
"He's at Lestrange Manor."
Her father's nostrils flared as he began walking to the door
but was held back by his long-time friend.
"You don't need to go to him, Harry. He's going to attempt to
take the Ministry in a week's time."
The man frowned as he paused.
"Tell me everything," he instructed, and Jasmine shared a
look of worry with her sisters.
None of them had been born before the last war had finished,
but none were foolish enough to believe anything other than
the fact that their father was once more planning on fighting;
to the death if necessary.
(Break)
Albus had always known that Tom was arrogant but placing
the cup that had been created by Helga Hufflepuff in the
home of his muggle family was downright sickening, and
egotistical, an utter insult to those that had perished due to
his actions.
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 protections around the Riddle family home were much
more extensive than the ones in the cave where he had found
the locket, but once more, Tom had overestimated his
abilities, or underestimated every other person that may have
happened upon his Horcrux.
Albus couldn't be certain which, but it mattered not.
He had secured another one of the man's abominations.
Singularly, the Horcruxes were powerful items, alluring to
those of a weaker mind or disposition, but Albus would not
be compromised by the magic.
Possessing two of the items, however, was challenging.
He had no urge to allow them to take hold of him, but they
made him feel unclean, the taint of the vile creations
seemingly seeping into his very being.
They would need to be destroyed, and soon.
Placing the two items in separate boxes and sealing them
with a wave of his wand, he leaned back in his chair and
rubbed his eyes tiredly.
The Horcruxes were draining, choosing to feed off the
ambient magic around them.
"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/
"Everard, what can I do for you?"
"Barnabus has informed me that there is a student on the
seventh floor," the portrait replied. "You asked for him to
keep an eye on the hidden room."
Albus nodded as he stood.
The revelation of the hidden room had been quite the
surprise to the headmaster when Helena had shown him it.
Albus had believed that the room full of chamber pots he had
discovered many years prior had been little more than a
dream, but he knew better now.
"Who is the student?" he asked.
"Mr Lestrange of Slytherin."
With a nod of thanks, Albus hurried from the room and
headed towards the seventh floor.
He had expected that Tom, having made use of the room for
several years during his time at Hogwarts, may attempt to
place one of his Horcruxes there.
There was no safer place than Hogwarts, after all.
As he ascended the steps to the seventh floor, Albus cast a
disillusionment charm over himself and entered the corridor
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/
to find it empty.
Rudolphus must have accessed the room before he could
arrive.
With a gentle sigh, Albus waited, startling when a door
began to form in the wall of the corridor only a few moments
later.
Peering out into the hallway cautiously, Rudolphus exited the
Room of Requirement, only to yelp as Albus appeared in
front of him.
"It would be unwise to reach for your wand," the headmaster
warned, his already pointed at the boy. "Now, you will
retrieve what you just placed in there and bring it to me."
Rudolphus leered.
"No, I don't think I will," he replied defiantly.
"Do not be a fool, Mr Lestrange. I am giving you the
opportunity to not make this any worse for yourself," Albus
explained patiently. "Do you even know what it was you were
tasked with placing within a school full of children?"
Rudolphus shrugged.
"I was just doing as I was instructed. The Dark Lord does
not need to explain himself to me."
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/
Albus shook his head.
"The item that you brought into the school is exceptionally
dangerous, and if you were to be caught with it would see you
spend the rest of your days in Azkaban."
Rudolphus snorted.
"I won't be going to Azkaban," he said confidently, "and you
don't have the guts to hurt me. You're a coward,
Dumbledore."
Foolishly, the boy reached for his wand, only to be blasted off
his feet by the much faster and more powerful headmaster.
Rudolphus skidded down the corridor, and before he could
even begin gaining his footing, found himself bound in thick
ropes, bereft of his wand.
"You should have given it to me when you had the chance,"
Albus sighed as he approached the boy, pausing as Harry
appeared in gout of golden fire.
It was a remarkable entrance, and Rudolphus paled
noticeably at the arrival.
"I should have known you would be monitoring the corridor,"
Albus chuckled amusedly.
Harry 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/
"I would have been here sooner, but something rather
important has come up," he explained. "So, Tom chose you to
bring it for him, did he? Well, now you will give it to me."
"I will not!" Rudolphus spat.
Harry leaned over the boy and glared at him.
"Professor Dumbledore may have been kind enough to leave
your limbs intact, Lestrange, but I am not him," he
whispered dangerously. "You will either show me where it is,
or I will begin sending pieces of you to your father in the
post. Do I make myself clear?"
"You wouldn't dare," Lestrange bit back uneasily.
"We will see about that," Harry replied as he drew his wand.
"I think I'll take a few fingers first."
"NO!" Rudolphus pleaded as Harry levelled his wand at him.
"Please, no."
Harry hummed thoughtfully.
"So, you will fetch it for me?"
Reluctantly, Lestrange nodded, and Harry dragged him to
his feet.
"Open the room," he instructed after removing the bindings.
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/
Rudolphus did so, and Harry prodded him forwards, urging
him to lead the way.
The room where Albus found himself was unfamiliar, but it
appeared Harry had been here before as he showed no sign of
surprise at all of the discarded items within.
Almost fearfully, Rudolphus led them through the labyrinth
of stacked furniture and came to a stop as he reached a large
cabinet after a few minutes.
"It's in there," he said sulkily.
With a wave of his wand, Harry opened the door, and resting
upon an old velvet cushion was the lost diadem of Rowena
Ravenclaw.
The wave of magic that rolled over them made Albus
shudder.
The diadem was undoubtedly a Horcrux and would have to
be destroyed, along with Hufflepuff 's cup and Slytherin's
locket.
Carefully, Harry levitated the jewelled tiara out of the cabinet
and placed it in a bag before pocketing it.
"Come on," he instructed, prodding Lestrange with his
wand.
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 trio left the room in silence, and Albus led the way to his
office, wondering just what to do with his student.
He had never had to expel anyone before, and though it was
not a thought he was relishing, he could see no other choice.
"What's going to happen to me?" Lestrange asked as they
entered.
The young man was nervous now, the seriousness of what
he'd done finally settling in.
Not that he was remorseful.
He was merely regretting that he had been caught.
"Well," Albus sighed. "In light of the nature of the matter,
the danger posed to other students, and willingly being in
possession of a highly illegal artefact, I believe I have no
other alternative but…"
"Wait, Albus," Harry broke in.
The headmaster frowned as the man gestured for him to step
aside for a private conversation.
"We cannot let him be released nor can we hand him over to
the Ministry," Harry whispered urgently. "Crouch's son is
either one of them or is on his way to joining. We can't risk
this getting out, especially with what I learned today."
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/
"What did you learn?"
"He's going to attempt to take the Ministry within the
week," Harry explained.
Albus swallowed deeply, his heart sinking into his stomach.
"Are you certain?"
Harry nodded gravely.
"He's staying with the Lestranges, and Summerbee has been
watching."
Albus released a deep breath.
"What will we do?"
"I already have a plan in action," Harry informed him. "Let
me handle Lestrange, just worry about the Horcruxes."
"I have three of them," Albus revealed, leaving Harry taken
aback.
"You have?"
Albus nodded.
"Locket, cup, and diadem," he reeled off. "I will explain how
and where I found them when it is more convenient."
"Bloody hell, not bad, Albus," Harry praised.
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 did mention how important it was, but what about the
last one we know of?"
"Leave that to me," Harry murmured. "I think Crouch would
be better served making use of the attempted raid on the
Ministry to carry one out of his own."
Albus frowned confusedly, but Harry had discussed all he
wished to and once more turned his attention back to the
waiting Rudolphus.
"By rights, I should hand you over to the Ministry where you
would rot in Azkaban for what you have done, but what
happens next depends on how helpful you are to me."
"What do you mean?" Lestrange queried.
"Was anyone else given an item?"
Rudolphus swallowed deeply before nodding.
"Lucius," he sighed. "He was called to see the Dark Lord the
same time I was. He came out with a book, but he didn't
bring it here."
Harry held up a hand to silence the seventh year.
"You are lucky that you did not lie to me," he cut in. "For
that, I will do you the favour of not going to Azkaban today."
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/
Rudolphus breathed a sigh of relief.
"But you cannot remain here, and you will not be allowed to
go free," Harry continued.
"Where will I go?"
Harry did not answer immediately but withdrew a coin and
began tapping it with his wand.
"Evans, where are you sending me?" Rudolphus pressed a
moment later when Harry still didn't answer.
"Somewhere fitting," Harry responded. "You'll be spared the
Dementors, but you may wish you were with them. You
picked the wrong side, Lestrange, but don't worry, you'll be
back in England soon enough."
"Who did you send for, Harry?" Albus questioned
concernedly.
"You'll see," Harry responded, his eyes not leaving the teen.
The experience would either show Rudolphus the error of his
ways, or it would break him.
To Harry, either outcome would be satisfactory.
"Ah, here he comes now."
A knock on the door sounded.
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/
"Come in," Albus called.
The man that entered was one who Harry was very familiar
with, one he considered to be among his closest friends.
"Harry!" the Russian greeted him enthusiastically, pulling
him into a tight embrace. "You sent for me?"
Harry smiled warmly.
Petr was almost the double of his father, the elder of the two
enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
"I need you to take this young man into your custody for a
week or so," Harry explained.
"No problem," Petr replied immediately, shooting a glance at
Lestrange. "What kind of custody?" he added quietly.
"I think some work in the mines would do him some good,"
Harry mused aloud. "No magic, of course."
Petr grinned as he nodded.
"Consider it done."
"Thanks, Petr," Harry replied gratefully. "Lestrange, you will
be going with Minister Sokolov. I would urge you to
cooperate with him. The Russians are not known for their
kindness."
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/
"We are not," Petr agreed loudly. "Is this to do with the
bastard?"
Harry merely nodded in reply.
"I have three-thousand strong men ready for you to
command if you need them," Petr declared. "Say the word,
and we will do to them what we did to Grindelwald."
Harry chuckled as he shook his head.
"I appreciate the offer, old friend, but I think we can manage
this one."
Petr hummed unhappily.
"Then you will at least accept my help," he said firmly. "We
go to war together, Evans. You would insist on being there
for me if I was in your position."
"Fine," Harry agreed, eliciting a grin from the Russian.
"Ah, it has been too long since I had a good fight. I look
forward to you sending for me," he added, as he took
Rudolphus under the armpit and pulled him to his feet.
"Where are you taking me?" Lestrange asked, panicking.
"Tovarisch, you are coming to Russia. I hope you like the
cold."
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 an unnerving laugh, Petr led the protesting Lestrange
from the office, offering Harry and Albus a nod before he
closed the door.
"Well, I suppose it solves our problems," the latter sighed.
"Lord Lestrange will be furious."
"Lestrange will either be dead, or in Azkaban," Harry
pointed out, and Albus could not disagree on the matter.
"The Ministry?" he asked.
"Within the week," Harry reiterated.
Albus could only shake his head.
"How will you prevent it?"
Harry smiled in response.
"Well, we will need to have people within, ready to fight, but
we do not want Tom to flee," he explained. "I have an idea
for both."
Albus's eyebrows almost disappeared into his headline.
He knew that Harry was a very clever and resourceful man,
but there was one pertinent question that was bothering him.
"How will you hide so many in the Ministry?"
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 know a place," Harry answered cryptically. "Now, let's deal
with these Horcruxes, shall we? Your office is much worse
with them here."
(Break)
His father had come here during his own time of need to
drink whiskey and ponder whatever problems were plaguing
his mind. William Potter, however, had never faced anything
like this.
The man had suspected that Harry was related to them much
closer than any would believe, but not even the wiser, former
Lord Potter could have comprehended just who Harry Evans
was.
Harry Potter.
The man was named for Charlus's own son and was
somehow James's son.
It was something Charlus was struggling to get his head
around, but he was trying.
Harry had been nothing short of a brother to him from the
moment he came into his life.
From the very beginning, it was as though he belonged, that
he was a kindred spirit who Charlus gravitated towards, and
now he understood why.
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/
They shared kin, blood, and magic.
The Lord Potter released a deep sigh before draining his
glass.
He didn't hate Harry, nor did he hold it against him for
keeping who he was a secret, it was just so hard to come to
terms with.
In the month since had had learned it, much to his shame, he
had not visited his friend.
The guilt was there, but somehow, Charlus managed to drink
it down night after night as he pondered the horrific life
Harry had lived before he came here.
He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the study,
and Dorea entered, as hopeful as ever but concerned.
"Charlus, you have a visitor," she explained.
She stepped aside and Harry entered, and the guilt Charlus
had been feeling surged within him once more.
Harry was his friend, and it felt as though Charlus had
merely turned his back on him when all he had ever done was
be there for his family.
'Harry's family too,' he reminded himself.
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'm sorry," Charlus slurred as he attempted to stand only to
stagger and for Harry to catch him before he could fall.
"What are you apologising for, you prat?" Harry snorted as
he helped him back into his chair. "I didn't expect everything
to just be okay."
"But it is okay, isn't it?" Charlus asked. "We're still friends,
aren't we?"
"We are," Harry confirmed, "and that's why I'm here. I
wouldn't be bothering you if it wasn't important, but there's
no one I trust more than you."
"What do you need?" Charlus questioned, Harry's
demeanour helping to sober him.
Harry released a deep sigh.
"He's going to attempt to take the Ministry in a couple of
days. It wouldn't feel right fighting without you by my side."
"I'll be there," Charlus assured him immediately. "Anytime,
anyplace, you know that."
Harry nodded gratefully.
"Then you'd best sober up. Us old bastards will need to be at
our best."
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/
Charlus chuckled at Harry's retreating form, though he
frowned curiously as Dorea stopped him.
The woman placed a hand on his chest and gave him a wry
smile.
"As much as you look like him," she said, nodding towards
Charlus. "there's a lot of the Blacks in you too."
She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, looking at him
imploringly.
"Look out for each other," she whispered.
Harry nodded.
"We always do."
Charlus smiled as Harry took his leave of the study and
stood, much more steadily this time.
"I think I need some coffee, and a shower," he declared.
Dorea merely rolled her eyes at him, but she smiled too.
Already, Charlus felt better, but now was not the time to
relish in the happiness.
There was a war to be fought, and once more, he would stand
proudly with his brothers until the very end.
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/
(Break)
There was a tension in the air, a feeling of finality amongst
the Death Eaters that were to remain by the Dark Lord's
side. The man himself, however, didn't seem to sense it, or if
he did, his demeanour was giving nothing away.
"Abraxus is with the Minister, my lord," Rosier informed
Voldemort, his voice wavering only slightly.
Voldemort nodded as he seized the man by the arm and
pressed his forefinger into the Dark Mark that adorned it.
Rosier hissed in pain, and Voldemort revelled in his
discomfort as he sent his instructions to his waiting inner
circle
Every conceivable way into the Ministry of Magic was
covered and would be flooded by his men in only a matter of
moments.
When they were inside, there would be no removing them,
not until the Minister personally surrendered to him.
Of course, she would die.
He could not allow any questions to be raised about his rule.
"Is it time, my lord?" Avery questioned eagerly.
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, we are to wait for the signal."
The plan was for his followers to deal with the reduced auror
force quickly, secure any heads of departments that were here
at this late hour, and for Abraxus to take the Minister into
his custody.
It was a perfect plan, and with the additional hundred or so
men he had laying in wait to enter with him, their victory
was all but assured.
"Ah, that would be the signal," Voldemort declared as the
Dark Mark was shot into the sky.
It was a glorious sight to see it hanging above the Ministry so
prominently, and with a smirk tugging at his lips, Lord
Voldemort gestured for his men to follow him into the
building posing as a public bathroom.
Leading the way as all powerful men did, he flushed himself
and found himself passing through one of the many fireplaces
a moment later where he was greeted by an even more
welcome sight.
Lining the walls were his Death Eaters, and on her knees in
front of the famous golden fountain was Minister Jenkins
with Abraxus looming over her, his wand jabbed into the
back of her neck and a fistful of hair in his other hand.
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/
"Excellent work, Abraxus," the Dark Lord praised, his eyes
fixed firmly on the woman. "You know who I am. Of course,
you do. Everyone knows who I am by now."
Jenkins said nothing, but her eyes were filled with fear, an
emotion that only elicited excitement within Lord
Voldemort.
"The Ministry is mine," he said gleefully. "You have lost,
Minister. Abraxus, take the Minister back to her office. She
will face my judgement soon enough."
Abraxus bowed, and the Dark Lord turned to look at his
assembled followers.
Stepping forward, he held his arms out.
"This night will be remembered as our victory, as the night
we refused to be cowed, where we proved once and for all
that we are the superior witches and wizards."
Those that had accompanied him into the building cheered
their approval as he turned his attention towards the
fountain.
It stood as a symbol of peace, equality, cooperation, and
prosperity between all things magical, a symbol that was built
on a lie.
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 was no equality, only those that had allowed the
illusion of such frivolous things.
"Abraxus, I told you to take the Minister back to her office,"
the Dark Lord huffed irritably, only to be taken aback as
something was rolled in his direction.
His eyes widened at the sight of the severed head of Abraxus
Malfoy, the eyes and tongue having been torn out.
When Voldemort looked up, it was to see the man he
believed to be his most ardent follower remove his mask, and
he found himself staring into a pair of emerald eyes that were
ablaze with fury.
"Evans," he whispered in disbelief as he took several steps
back.
The Dark Lord could only look on as the Death Eaters
lining the walls changed their robes from black to white, and
their masks from white to black.
They were surrounded.
"Our portkeys, they don't work!" one of the Death Eaters
despaired.
The Dark Lord attempted to apparate away, to no avail, and
found himself facing a most undesirable predicament.
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 (7)
so, the end begins been waiting for this stand-off for ages
now
How?
How had Evans discovered his plan?
The answer to the many questions he had would have to
wait.
Evans was here for one reason only, and as the man slid his
wand into his hand, the Dark Lord followed suit.
"Kill them!" Evans commanded coldly.
Newest First
Preview Post Comment…
Ryan 5 hours 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/
What a cliffhanger!!! you bloody coffee swilling backhanded
baron!!!! Brilliant as always
Ahhhhh cliffie!!!! Good riddance to Abraxus Malfoy
Fantastic, awesome, and incredibly entertaining chapter with
one hell of a cliffhanger. Thanks for another really great read.
Excelente capítulo y sin 3 días
gah damn, thats the best chapter we've had in a while, and a
great cliffhanger. lucky we only gotta wait 2 days
Dabbtrabb 8 hours ago · 0 Likes
Isles 8 hours ago · 0 Likes
AvidReader2425 8 hours ago · 0 Likes
Gabriel Juárez 9 hours ago · 0 Likes
Akash Ramanathan 9 hours 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/
Author/Site Owner: Lee : TheBlack'sResurgence
Email: (For all enquiries)
When the Roses Bloom
Again - The Burden I
Carry
Bwhahahahaha! can't wait for next chapter! Been waiting for
this fight for weeks. Awesome story!
Bhelliom 9 hours 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 /Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
https//library/when-the-roses-bloom-again-the-burden-i-carry
https//cart
https//
https//library
https//leemccusker
https//patron-portal
https//shop
https//team
https//contact
https//Lee_McCuskerTBR
https/
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/
