Author's Note: Here is Chapter 3. It will be the first to be Omega-read before being posted. Anyway, I hope you like the third chapter. Don't forget to review. And again thanx to Gaia30, without whom there would be no plot.
Harry retreated to one of the far corners of the room. He was glad to see Hermione. He was glad that she was still alive. It had been so long since he'd seen her, he'd almost forgotten what she looked like. But there she was, beautiful in a different way than she had been during their time at school. A mysterious aura surrounded her.
And her voice. He'd never ever forget her voice, sweet and reassuring as it reached his ears. Frantic with worry whenever he was in trouble -- and that had been more often than he wanted to admit. Harry had wanted to say so many things to her, but he'd never found the proper time to say them.
One person was still missing from those assembled at Hogwarts. Harry wasn't sure how long it would take Ron to arrive. Harry had sent his owl, Hedwig, to Colin, and she had yet to return. Then again, she was getting old -- old for an owl, that is.
There was a knock at the door. Percy rose to open it. The heavy door swung open to reveal a man Harry's age. Brilliant red hair lay unkempt across his brow, the defining characteristic of the Weasley family. Percy had the same hair, as did the only Weasley daughter, Ginny. Ron was also lanky, but he'd grown into himself over the years. Taller than Harry by about four inches, Ron took every opportunity to tease Harry. He'd playfully ask, "How's the weather down there?", and Harry would respond by teasing him about his relationship with Hermione. A friendship like that between Harry and Ron was not easily found.
Harry looked over to Hermione, curious as to how she would react. Hermione was absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair around her index finger, attempting to appear nonchalant. Harry saw through this act, to the sheer nervousness she was trying to hide.
Hermione trembled with anxiety. What am I going to say to him? What is he going to say? Oh, honestly, it's like we're back at school! I'm a grown woman, and he's... well, we've both changed. It's been too long. I missed him so much. Her thoughts bounced about in her head. She couldn't stop them running wild long enough to speak. Why didn't Harry tell me that Ron would be here? I look so... bland. And my hair... Oh well, it's too late now. I hear the natural look is in this season, anyway.
Ron walked toward Hermione. Halfway there, he abruptly turned and headed toward Harry. Harry stood, and Ron gave him a salute that turned into a handshake. Then that turned into a hug.
"Damn Harry, it's good to see you! How long has it been?" Ron asked.
"Too long," Harry replied, with a grin on his face that could light up half of Las Vegas. Harry stood back to get a better look at his best friend. "How've you been?" he asked.
"Okay, I guess. Hagrid's defnitely gone mad, though. Sent me on another damned mission. To the Isle of Drear, with the Quintapeds." Ron shook his head. "Harry, I'm telling you, never trust anything with more than four legs. Even four is pushing it."
Hermione stood back, watching them talk.
He's still angry with me. Can't say I blame him, though. I wanted so much to talk to him, to be with him. But the WIA Code of Conduct strictly forbids it. Rule 24a: All records of birth, marriage, and education shall be destroyed upon entry into the ranks of the Wizarding Intelligence Agency. Rule 24b: Under no circumstances shall any WIA agent contact anyone not approved by the Wizarding Intelligence Agency. Guess old flames fall under "not approved".
Percy found me, though. How? It must be important; no one is supposed to know I exist. My parents think I'm teaching in Surrey. Hogwarts Headmasters do have a way of finding things, though.
Percy's voice snapped Hermione out of her trance. Ron was still not making eye contact with her.
"Anything between the two of you," Percy motioned to Ron and Hermione, "has got to stop. I need you both to stay level-headed and ready to work. I have called all of you here to speak about Mr. Neville Longbottom. I believe he graduated from the same class as you all. It has come to my attention that Mr. Longbottom was found dead not long ago."
Hermione's face fell. She had never been especially close to Neville while in school, but he was still a friend, a fellow Gryffindor. They had all gone their separate ways after graduation. Hermione had been commissioned into the WIA, and of course, had not heard from him since.
Completely losing her head, Hermione slumped in her chair and began to cry. Ron looked at her, surprised, and rose to comfort her. He crossed the room and sat beside her, gently stroking her shoulder.
Percy raised an eyebrow, but did not comment. "It is of the opinion of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that Mr. Longbottom's cause of death was suicide. I do not believe them. Considering the facts, I believe he was murdered." Hermione lifted her head, and gasped at Percy's grave expression. Harry remained emotionless.
"Percy, as much as we appreciated Neville, he did have... problems," Ron replied, still trying to calm Hermione.
"Yes, Ron. Mr. Longbottom was a vampire. But the 'evil' vampire is just a stereotype. Like a certain werewolf." Harry looked tersely toward Ron and Hermione. "In fact, Mr. Longbottom was working for the Ministry of Magic, as a spy ambassador to the British Coven of Vampires. He was making considerable headway. Unfortunately, a counter-spy within the Ministry exposed him to Lord Voldemort and the Coven."
Harry and Ron were bewildered at this revelation. Neville had seemed fine. The Great Vampire War had driven many "good" vampires to insanity, but not Neville. He'd joined the Ministry in their work to keep any future conflict at bay.
Percy turned to Ron. "I believe Mr. Longbottom was killed by Lord Voldemort, or at the very least, a Death Eater."
Ron's face went white, contrasting sharply with his crimson hair. The bastard! First , his personal vendetta against Harry, then Dad... and now Neville. It's never going to end.
"I'll kill him if it's the last thing I do. That... that thing. He has to die." Ron stared at Harry.
Paler still, fists clenched, Harry responded, "Not if I get to him first. He's gotten away too many times. I'm so tired of his crap. When will it be over?"
***
Arthur Weasley had run for the office of Minister of Magic three years after Ron graduated, well into the Great Vampire War. Arthur had "big plans" for the Ministry, plans that would end the war and stop Voldemort's rise to power.
He was killed before the election.
His brutally scarred body was found at Ministry Headquarters in London. There were fang marks all over his wrists and neck, and he seemed to have been drained of blood. Blame was placed on the Vampire Hordes, due to overwhelming evidence.
The Great Vampire War continued for two more years. Then, both vampire and human populations severely depleted, the Vampire Hordes disappeared.
Lord Voldemort took this turn of events to his advantage. The wizarding world, still recovering from the war, could not fight the power of the Dark Lord.
And for the second time in wizard history, Voldemort reigned supreme.
Nobody knew who was aligned with Voldemort until it was too late. The Ministry's efforts to hide Voldemort from the Muggle world failed. The Muggle media reported an "unstoppable warlord taking over the world."
World War III had finally come.
But they puzzled over the origin of this world power. What nation was responsible for this mysterious warlord? Voldemort used guerrilla warfare and terrorist tactics to mask his true identity.
His first target was the United States, knowing their vengeful nature. They would attack whomever was responsible, and had the gift (or curse) of the nuclear warhead. And attack they did -- blindly, and with no knowledge of the wizard world, home to their much-sought enemy.
Voldemort turned the world on itself. His Death Eaters spread rumors, pinning the blame on the Middle East, Russia, and Germany. Nuclear missiles ravaged the globe. Densely populated cities became little more than cannon fodder. The wizards were powerless to stop him. Millions died, both wizard and Muggle. The surviving Muggles were enslaved.
Wizards everywhere, most notably Fred and George Weasley, hid humans and honest wizards in their large, enchanted homes. The Weasley twins, hearing of Voldemort's plans to attack Diagon Alley, led a mass evacuation. Hundreds of wizards relocated to Hogsmeade, the only all-wizard village in the world, conveniently located near Hogwarts. Under the guise of a joke shop (Weasley's Wizard Wheezes), Fred and George coordinated with Ministry to expand and fortify the Hogsmeade border. Their effort proved successful, as Voldemort had not yet moved to strike the bustling city.
***
Percy left the trio alone in the room. "The feast will begin soon. You may stay here until after the Sorting, if you wish."
Hogwarts had changed radically in such a short time. Hagrid was no longer working as Care of Magical Creatures Professor; he and Madame Maxime had moved to Edinburgh after their wedding. Several other teachers had retired to help in the fight against Lord Voldemort. The staff now consisted of young adults, not experienced enough to serve in the War, who had opted to teach instead.
Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore had been killed by Voldemort, defending the students and the school. But Headmaster Dumbledore had gotten the last laugh. As his limp, lifeless body fell to the ground, Voldemort, the Death Eaters, and his monsters had vanished -- flung miles away by an ancient life-charm. Dumbledore's very spirit fused itself with the school grounds, making it impossible for any truly evil being or beast to enter.
Harry looked to his two closest friends. It had been so long since they'd been together. "We have to alert the old gang," Harry said. His words echoed those of his mentor, so many years ago. It had been as appropriate then as it was now. "Gather any crew members you can spare and bring them to Hogsmeade."
"Harry," Ron replied, "don't order me around. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. But that's a good idea. I have just the right Aurors in mind."
The door to the side chamber opened. Two exhausted men in black robes fell inside.
"Did we miss our cue?" quipped Seamus. He and Dean wore identically exhausted grins.
"You... but I told you stay and watch the new recruits! What are you doing here?" Ron sputtered.
"We did," replied Dean. "We watched them arrive. We watched them not splinch themselves. And we watched them go into the dormitories. Then we followed you. Simple enough, don't you think?"
Harry opened his mouth to object, but a voice from outside interrupted him.
"Excuse me, boys? You're blocking the doorway, and I can feel the students staring at me, so I'd really like to get through." Ginny Weasley made her way into the room. She was positively radiant. She, too, had changed post-Hogwarts. She turned to Harry, and smiled.
Harry felt the fluttering of a million tiny snitches in his stomach as his jaw dropped. Merlin, is that Ginny? ...Wow.
Harry retreated to one of the far corners of the room. He was glad to see Hermione. He was glad that she was still alive. It had been so long since he'd seen her, he'd almost forgotten what she looked like. But there she was, beautiful in a different way than she had been during their time at school. A mysterious aura surrounded her.
And her voice. He'd never ever forget her voice, sweet and reassuring as it reached his ears. Frantic with worry whenever he was in trouble -- and that had been more often than he wanted to admit. Harry had wanted to say so many things to her, but he'd never found the proper time to say them.
One person was still missing from those assembled at Hogwarts. Harry wasn't sure how long it would take Ron to arrive. Harry had sent his owl, Hedwig, to Colin, and she had yet to return. Then again, she was getting old -- old for an owl, that is.
There was a knock at the door. Percy rose to open it. The heavy door swung open to reveal a man Harry's age. Brilliant red hair lay unkempt across his brow, the defining characteristic of the Weasley family. Percy had the same hair, as did the only Weasley daughter, Ginny. Ron was also lanky, but he'd grown into himself over the years. Taller than Harry by about four inches, Ron took every opportunity to tease Harry. He'd playfully ask, "How's the weather down there?", and Harry would respond by teasing him about his relationship with Hermione. A friendship like that between Harry and Ron was not easily found.
Harry looked over to Hermione, curious as to how she would react. Hermione was absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair around her index finger, attempting to appear nonchalant. Harry saw through this act, to the sheer nervousness she was trying to hide.
Hermione trembled with anxiety. What am I going to say to him? What is he going to say? Oh, honestly, it's like we're back at school! I'm a grown woman, and he's... well, we've both changed. It's been too long. I missed him so much. Her thoughts bounced about in her head. She couldn't stop them running wild long enough to speak. Why didn't Harry tell me that Ron would be here? I look so... bland. And my hair... Oh well, it's too late now. I hear the natural look is in this season, anyway.
Ron walked toward Hermione. Halfway there, he abruptly turned and headed toward Harry. Harry stood, and Ron gave him a salute that turned into a handshake. Then that turned into a hug.
"Damn Harry, it's good to see you! How long has it been?" Ron asked.
"Too long," Harry replied, with a grin on his face that could light up half of Las Vegas. Harry stood back to get a better look at his best friend. "How've you been?" he asked.
"Okay, I guess. Hagrid's defnitely gone mad, though. Sent me on another damned mission. To the Isle of Drear, with the Quintapeds." Ron shook his head. "Harry, I'm telling you, never trust anything with more than four legs. Even four is pushing it."
Hermione stood back, watching them talk.
He's still angry with me. Can't say I blame him, though. I wanted so much to talk to him, to be with him. But the WIA Code of Conduct strictly forbids it. Rule 24a: All records of birth, marriage, and education shall be destroyed upon entry into the ranks of the Wizarding Intelligence Agency. Rule 24b: Under no circumstances shall any WIA agent contact anyone not approved by the Wizarding Intelligence Agency. Guess old flames fall under "not approved".
Percy found me, though. How? It must be important; no one is supposed to know I exist. My parents think I'm teaching in Surrey. Hogwarts Headmasters do have a way of finding things, though.
Percy's voice snapped Hermione out of her trance. Ron was still not making eye contact with her.
"Anything between the two of you," Percy motioned to Ron and Hermione, "has got to stop. I need you both to stay level-headed and ready to work. I have called all of you here to speak about Mr. Neville Longbottom. I believe he graduated from the same class as you all. It has come to my attention that Mr. Longbottom was found dead not long ago."
Hermione's face fell. She had never been especially close to Neville while in school, but he was still a friend, a fellow Gryffindor. They had all gone their separate ways after graduation. Hermione had been commissioned into the WIA, and of course, had not heard from him since.
Completely losing her head, Hermione slumped in her chair and began to cry. Ron looked at her, surprised, and rose to comfort her. He crossed the room and sat beside her, gently stroking her shoulder.
Percy raised an eyebrow, but did not comment. "It is of the opinion of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that Mr. Longbottom's cause of death was suicide. I do not believe them. Considering the facts, I believe he was murdered." Hermione lifted her head, and gasped at Percy's grave expression. Harry remained emotionless.
"Percy, as much as we appreciated Neville, he did have... problems," Ron replied, still trying to calm Hermione.
"Yes, Ron. Mr. Longbottom was a vampire. But the 'evil' vampire is just a stereotype. Like a certain werewolf." Harry looked tersely toward Ron and Hermione. "In fact, Mr. Longbottom was working for the Ministry of Magic, as a spy ambassador to the British Coven of Vampires. He was making considerable headway. Unfortunately, a counter-spy within the Ministry exposed him to Lord Voldemort and the Coven."
Harry and Ron were bewildered at this revelation. Neville had seemed fine. The Great Vampire War had driven many "good" vampires to insanity, but not Neville. He'd joined the Ministry in their work to keep any future conflict at bay.
Percy turned to Ron. "I believe Mr. Longbottom was killed by Lord Voldemort, or at the very least, a Death Eater."
Ron's face went white, contrasting sharply with his crimson hair. The bastard! First , his personal vendetta against Harry, then Dad... and now Neville. It's never going to end.
"I'll kill him if it's the last thing I do. That... that thing. He has to die." Ron stared at Harry.
Paler still, fists clenched, Harry responded, "Not if I get to him first. He's gotten away too many times. I'm so tired of his crap. When will it be over?"
***
Arthur Weasley had run for the office of Minister of Magic three years after Ron graduated, well into the Great Vampire War. Arthur had "big plans" for the Ministry, plans that would end the war and stop Voldemort's rise to power.
He was killed before the election.
His brutally scarred body was found at Ministry Headquarters in London. There were fang marks all over his wrists and neck, and he seemed to have been drained of blood. Blame was placed on the Vampire Hordes, due to overwhelming evidence.
The Great Vampire War continued for two more years. Then, both vampire and human populations severely depleted, the Vampire Hordes disappeared.
Lord Voldemort took this turn of events to his advantage. The wizarding world, still recovering from the war, could not fight the power of the Dark Lord.
And for the second time in wizard history, Voldemort reigned supreme.
Nobody knew who was aligned with Voldemort until it was too late. The Ministry's efforts to hide Voldemort from the Muggle world failed. The Muggle media reported an "unstoppable warlord taking over the world."
World War III had finally come.
But they puzzled over the origin of this world power. What nation was responsible for this mysterious warlord? Voldemort used guerrilla warfare and terrorist tactics to mask his true identity.
His first target was the United States, knowing their vengeful nature. They would attack whomever was responsible, and had the gift (or curse) of the nuclear warhead. And attack they did -- blindly, and with no knowledge of the wizard world, home to their much-sought enemy.
Voldemort turned the world on itself. His Death Eaters spread rumors, pinning the blame on the Middle East, Russia, and Germany. Nuclear missiles ravaged the globe. Densely populated cities became little more than cannon fodder. The wizards were powerless to stop him. Millions died, both wizard and Muggle. The surviving Muggles were enslaved.
Wizards everywhere, most notably Fred and George Weasley, hid humans and honest wizards in their large, enchanted homes. The Weasley twins, hearing of Voldemort's plans to attack Diagon Alley, led a mass evacuation. Hundreds of wizards relocated to Hogsmeade, the only all-wizard village in the world, conveniently located near Hogwarts. Under the guise of a joke shop (Weasley's Wizard Wheezes), Fred and George coordinated with Ministry to expand and fortify the Hogsmeade border. Their effort proved successful, as Voldemort had not yet moved to strike the bustling city.
***
Percy left the trio alone in the room. "The feast will begin soon. You may stay here until after the Sorting, if you wish."
Hogwarts had changed radically in such a short time. Hagrid was no longer working as Care of Magical Creatures Professor; he and Madame Maxime had moved to Edinburgh after their wedding. Several other teachers had retired to help in the fight against Lord Voldemort. The staff now consisted of young adults, not experienced enough to serve in the War, who had opted to teach instead.
Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore had been killed by Voldemort, defending the students and the school. But Headmaster Dumbledore had gotten the last laugh. As his limp, lifeless body fell to the ground, Voldemort, the Death Eaters, and his monsters had vanished -- flung miles away by an ancient life-charm. Dumbledore's very spirit fused itself with the school grounds, making it impossible for any truly evil being or beast to enter.
Harry looked to his two closest friends. It had been so long since they'd been together. "We have to alert the old gang," Harry said. His words echoed those of his mentor, so many years ago. It had been as appropriate then as it was now. "Gather any crew members you can spare and bring them to Hogsmeade."
"Harry," Ron replied, "don't order me around. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. But that's a good idea. I have just the right Aurors in mind."
The door to the side chamber opened. Two exhausted men in black robes fell inside.
"Did we miss our cue?" quipped Seamus. He and Dean wore identically exhausted grins.
"You... but I told you stay and watch the new recruits! What are you doing here?" Ron sputtered.
"We did," replied Dean. "We watched them arrive. We watched them not splinch themselves. And we watched them go into the dormitories. Then we followed you. Simple enough, don't you think?"
Harry opened his mouth to object, but a voice from outside interrupted him.
"Excuse me, boys? You're blocking the doorway, and I can feel the students staring at me, so I'd really like to get through." Ginny Weasley made her way into the room. She was positively radiant. She, too, had changed post-Hogwarts. She turned to Harry, and smiled.
Harry felt the fluttering of a million tiny snitches in his stomach as his jaw dropped. Merlin, is that Ginny? ...Wow.