Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
When there was finally about a thirty minute period in which there were no explosions it was decided that someone needed to try and speak to Harry to find out if it was safe or not.
Ginny got picked as she was the person Harry was least likely to kill.
Ginny knocked on the door cautiously. She could see black charring around the frame which didn't bode well.
The door swung open about an inch before the hinges gave out and the door fell forward landing with a resounding thud. Inside the room wasn't a very pretty picture either. There wasn't an inch of un-scorched wall space and yet not one painting had been damaged or even touched. Not one of the subjects was anywhere to be seen though. Ginny figured they were hiding somewhere in the castle. The walls leading outside the castle were completely missing and it was very clear that they had been blasted away. There wasn't even a sign that there ever was any furniture in the room. There was a metal blob that conformed perfectly to a bit of the stone masonry where Fawkes' stand once stood. The tower that held the telescope was simply not there any more.
Ginny could see glowing green eyes watching her as she entered the room that she knew belonged to Harry. He was still charged up and quite angry but at least he was under control of himself. His back was resting against the only wall still standing that didn't appear as though if you blew on it, it would fall over.
"Harry love," said Ginny cautiously, "Feeling better."
"A little," said Harry.
"Butterball fled the castle and Rita is already preparing the stories for the morning edition of the Prophet," said Ginny in an attempt to cheer him up, "She even got a really good picture of Butterball too."
Harry smirked a bit signaling to Ginny that her attempts were working. Also, the fact that the green glow in Harry's eyes were beginning to fade back to their normal brightness.
"So, I guess not everything went as planned then," suggested Ginny tentatively.
"No, not exactly," answered Harry with a bit of the green glow returning.
"Feel like talking about it yet?" asked Ginny.
"No," said Harry.
"Run out of things to destroy then?" asked Ginny with a smile.
"Yes," pouted Harry relaxing a bit around his favorite person.
"I'll make a deal with you," said Ginny, "come downstairs and let's talk about what happened and we can go to the room of destruction in Potter Place tomorrow afternoon."
Harry grinned a bit at that idea, "Promise?"
"Promise," said Ginny as she finally reached her Harry and wrapped him in a hug to which he readily responded.
"Okay, let's go down and talk to them," said Harry as he stood still embracing Ginny, "We'll have to use Minnie's office though. This one has just about had it."
Ginny snickered as she walked out along side of Harry.
Harry descended the stairs to be greeted by Dumbledore and the other he trusted with his secret as well as two Aurors, Rita Skeeter and her photographer.
"Hello Harry," said Dumbledore with a smile, "I must say, you'll have to teach me whatever spell you used on Butterball."
This cause Harry to laugh heartily, "That was a good bit of magic wasn't it?"
"Just out of curiosity, how long will he stay that way?" asked Rita with her usual devious grin.
"Until I release it," said Harry, "Common sense told all of you not to go up there. What made him think that he was above it?"
"You may wish to release him soon or he could cause a lot of trouble for you," said Dumbledore.
"I think not," said Harry as he looked to Rita.
"Both of the stories are prepared and the evidence is properly compiled thanks to a few anonymous tips," said Rita with a few winks at Harry.
"Excellent," said Harry, "Then he'll be out of office by the end of the day tomorrow. You did send the evidence to Kingsley Shacklebolt yes?"
"Of course Harry," said Rita, "Have I ever let you down?"
Harry smiled, "Indeed not."
"As long as you keep me in the know Harry you will never have to worry about the press working against you. You trained this boy well Albus. He knew well enough to use the press to his favor rather than shun the press and earn its scorn," said Rita boastfully.
"I do what I can but I've found that Harry is somewhat of a natural political animal," said Dumbledore.
Harry turned his attention to the two Aurors, "You two, ready to become famous?"
The pair looked confused.
Harry took the black bundle that he was still carrying, "This is Peter Pettigrew's head, if you go to the cemetery in Little Hangleton you find the body that this head belongs to along with the bodies of twenty other Death Eaters. And the thing that will make your careers is that you'll find all the evidence you need to prove that Voldemort was resurrected this evening."
The Aurors were stunned.
"Move along," said Harry ushering the two men to hurry off to make their careers.
"Harry, would you mind very much if I tag along?" asked Rita, "I think a few pictures might assist the story."
"Not at all Rita," said Harry, "All the best."
Rita nodded and hurried after the Aurors along with her photographer.
Harry turned his attention back to those he trusted, "Minnie, would you mind if we used your office?"
Albus was about to asked about his but was silenced by a slight shake of Ginny's head.
Minerva escorted them through a few hallways until they ended up in Minerva's smaller yet comfortable office.
Harry and Ginny sat together while the teachers got comfortable. Soon Harry went into his story with as much prudent information as was necessary. He didn't feel the need to share every gory detail.
Afterwards Dumbledore finally commented, "We have a few problems then to deal with. First now that Tom has used your blood he will no doubt be much stronger once he does recover."
"Non-issue," said Harry, "I made sure to pull all of my magic out of the blood that was used so that he wouldn't gain anything from it."
"I see then, that only leaves us to deal with the fact that Voldemort will be seeking a wand and how we go about explaining this to your parents. Oh and let's not forget the little issue of my office."
"Sorry about that but you always said that if I ever need to just destroy something that your office door was always open to me," defended Harry.
"I did?" asked Dumbledore.
"You did," said Ginny with grin.
"What was I thinking?" asked Dumbledore.
"You told me at the time that you had too many possessions as it was," explained Harry.
"Well, I guess I can't argue with that," said Albus with a light chuckle.
"As far as the wand problem goes it may be wise to try and assign some manner of guard for Mr. Olivander. There is one other issue, Nagini was not in that Graveyard tonight. She was there the first time but for whatever reason she was absent tonight."
"Perhaps you should have a word with your other friend," said Dumbledore suggestively.
"I think I will," said Harry, "She may know something we don't."
"If Voldemort is hurt now and his inner circle is gone then he will be desperate," said Snape already forming a plan, "If he contacts me I might be able to bring you right to him to finish him off."
"That's if he trusts you," said Harry, "You've also to consider that he has no way to call on you with all of his servant dead or in prison. You did stop Karkarov yes?"
"Yes, he's tied up in my office," said Snape unhappily, "You owe me for that by the way."
"I know," said Harry, "I'm going to owe you even more because I need you to resume your role as a spy for the Order."
Snape sighed, "Damn."
"Sorry," said Harry.
"What did you need Karkarov for anyway?" asked Sirius who along with Remus joined them halfway through Harry's story of the night's events.
"I need to remove the Dark Mark and then send him into hiding," said Harry, "it's either that or I just let Voldemort find him and kill him."
"I say let him die but that's just me," said Snape callously.
"Normally I'd agree," said Harry, "But we need to prevent that. Karkarov has a bit of information that would aide Voldemort to completing one of his ceremonies that will make my life hell."
"I see your point," said Snape, "Why not just kill him now then?"
Albus glared at him.
"I hate to agree with Snivillus but he's got a point," said Sirius.
"Karkarov for all intensive purposes is innocent," said Harry with distaste, "We can't just kill him."
"Fine," said Snape and Sirius together.
"We're in uncharted territory from here on out," said Harry, "We can't afford to make any mistakes."
"Harry, we going to have to remove the Death Eaters from Azkaban," said Ginny solemnly.
"What does she mean by remove?" asked Remus not liking the tone Ginny used.
"She means kill," said Harry simply, "And she's right. One of the first attacks of the second war Voldemort freed all of his Death Eaters from Azkaban."
"I don't like where this is going Harry," said Dumbledore.
"Neither do I but better dead than out in the open killing innocent people," said Harry sadly.
"How do you recommend we do that exactly?" asked Snape.
"We don't," said Harry, "The new Minister of Magic does."
"Harry, you're taking an awful big gamble with removing Minister Fudge," said Dumbledore.
"He'll be in jail before tomorrow ends," said Harry brushing the question off, "Who do you have in a descent position to take the leadership that would be able to operate as puppet for our cause?"
"I would say my father but he doesn't have the backbone to kill all those people," said Ginny honestly earning her a few odd looks from the people around her, "What? I love the man to death but I can't lie about it. He really doesn't have the backbone for it."
"I would say use Alastor but he's a bit too paranoid for it," said Minerva, "especially after what happened to him this year."
"Well, we need someone and we need them fast," said Harry.
"What we need is a Malfoy," said Snape.
"He's dead along with his wife so that won't work plus he's a Death Eater," said Harry.
"I got it," said Ginny excitedly, "Crouch Sr."
"What?" asked Harry.
"Barty Crouch Sr. After what his son did to him he'd be the perfect puppet politician. We've already got massive dirt on him that no one knows about but us. He's already politically aligned and if Harry were to support him in front of the Wizengamot I think he'd win in a landslide. He wouldn't give a second thought to the killing of those Death Eaters," explained Ginny.
"Ginny love, you're brilliant," said Harry giving her a quick kiss, "We'll completely undercut Voldemort."
"Well, it would seem that everything is prepared except for what you will be telling your parents," said Albus.
Harry cringed at that thought. He'd purposely been avoiding that topic. "I have no idea."
"Poppy has them all sedated at the moment," said Ginny, "I don't like suggesting something like this but it might be best to alter their memories, my family included."
"We can't do that," said Harry, "It will be all over the papers and they will find out anyway."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"I might just have to tell them the truth," said Harry calmly with a deep sigh.
"Either way, it is no longer safe for you to stay with the Granger's nor safe for either the Grangers to stay where they are or the Weasley's. We will have to relocate everyone to a more secure location.
"Back to Potter Place," said Ginny excitedly, "We're going home love."
"It is definitely a bit more secure than Grimmauld Place," said Harry, "And there is more than enough room to house the entire 'Order' and then some."
"Harry, if you do tell your family the truth I would leave out the bit about you being a Time Mage," suggested Albus, "They may not react well to that. I would also advise being discreet when you inform them of some of the details of tonight."
"Of course sir," said Harry as he and Ginny decided to leave the meeting behind for Dumbledore to start preparations.
Harry meanwhile wanted to get himself cleaned up a bit and catch a little sleep before he met with his and Ginny's parents.
The next morning having put on some fresh, clean robes Harry and Ginny made for the hospital wing to face the music.
On approach to the hospital wing Harry and Ginny could hear several hysterical people and Albus, Minerva, and Poppy trying to calm them all down. When Harry entered he could see Sirius and Remus sitting quietly to the side knowing how futile it was to try and calm them at the moment.
Sirius waved a good morning to Harry catching the attention of the other occupants.
Jane, Molly, and Hermione all rushed forward to check Harry over and give him fierce hugs followed by a lot of shrill yelling and screaming all of which he listened to tentatively until the women finally calmed down.
"Now that you've gotten that off your chest are you ready to listen?" asked Harry calmly.
The women were half tempted to start again but a sharp look from the men told them otherwise.
"Last night I fought Voldemort and several of his servants," began Harry. "I started to win and Voldemort fled leaving me with just his Death Eaters. I killed them all last night. You will hear as much in the newspapers. Now mum before you go off the deep end it was kill or be killed. I was fighting for my life, it's as simple as that."
Harry could see that the men accept despite the fact that Henry was a bit weary.
"I'm sorry to say that a war is just beginning and I'm at the center of it all," said Harry, "I understand if you feel that having me in your family is too great a danger and you don't want to risk it any longer. However, that does not change the fact that I will do whatever it takes to protect all of you from danger. As such, this afternoon some wizards will be packing all of your clothing and person effects and moving them to a secure location. This afternoon you will all be traveling by portkey to the same secure location. To protect you all, you will all remain there until this war has comes to an end."
The group assembled before him were all stunned by how calm and collected Harry was in explaining everything.
Harry was truly worried about how his adoptive family would react. He could understand if they wanted to get away from him but he knew deep down that if they did it would hurt him more than anything the Dursley's had ever inflicted on him in his life.
Harry looked expectantly to Jane to see how she'd react. Harry could see in her eyes that she was scared but what she was scared of he couldn't quite pinpoint without invading her mind and he would never do that to her.
Harry fears were washed away the moment she gave Harry a fierce hug and began to cry.
"My little boy," she cried as she hugged him tighter.
That right there gave Harry the relief he deeply sought the first time this event occurred in his life. Harry was only too happy to return her hug with equal fervor.
Eventually Harry was able to make his rounds with his friends and family while Jane grilled Dumbledore about allowing Harry into such dangerous situation.
"Are you okay with this dad?" asked Harry.
"I don't know yet. It's kind of a lot to take in you know," said Henry, "I've taken almost everything that you and Hermione have thrown at us in stride so far and I'll do my best to take this on as well."
"Thanks dad," said Harry giving him a manly hug.
Next down the line were Ron and Hermione.
"You just can't catch a break can you mate?" asked Ron shaking Harry's hand and giving he a one armed hug.
"No, I really can't," said Harry.
Hermione was oddly quiet which made Harry a bit nervous. "You okay 'Mione?"
Hermione glanced at Harry then looked toward one of the closed off beds signaling that she wanted to talk to him.
Harry followed her to an empty area and pulled the curtains behind him. Hermione put up a few silencing charms around them letting Harry know that whatever she wanted to talk about was serious.
"What is it Hermione?"
"You knew," said Hermione simply, "I don't know how but you knew all along that last night would happen."
"I don't know what you mean Hermione," said Harry feigning stupidity.
"Don't you play dumb with me Harry Potter," said Hermione hotly, "I've known you too long. You knew last night was going to happen. In fact you've known everything that was going to happen every year starting with the Philosopher's Stone, then the Chamber of Secrets and now this. I bet you even knew that letter from your parents was waiting for you in your family vault that got Sirius freed. It's all a bit too convenient."
Hermione had Harry dead to rights and now he was stuck. Thankfully Ginny came to his rescue.
"You're right he does Hermione," said Ginny as she entered and replaced the silencing charms with some additional higher level charms that even Hermione didn't know.
"You've noticed too then," said Hermione obviously not noticing the charms Ginny used wandlessly.
"What do you think Mr. Potter? Should we tell her everything?" asked Ginny.
"Well Mrs. Potter, if we tell her we'll have to tell Ron as well," said Harry.
"What are you two on about now?" asked Hermione. She was feeling more than a little confused, "Why are you calling Ginny 'Mrs. Potter'? When did you two get married?"
"In about five years or so," said Ginny, "or at least we did the first time around."
"Huh?" asked Hermione.
"Hermione, quickly tell me everything you know about Time Mages?"
"Thought to be legend, they were believed to have the ability to manipulate time. They could slow or speed up time around them effortlessly. They were rumored to have the ability to even rewind time a few minutes to correct a single mistake."
"Sometimes I forget just how smart she can be," said Ginny, "But, what is the least known fact of a Time Mage is that there are some rituals that will allow a Time Mage to go back more than just a few minutes depending on how powerful the Mage in question is."
"So what, like days?" asked Hermione without thinking things through.
"How about twenty some years?" asked Harry expecting her to put it all together.
"But . . ." began Hermione but she stopped as her eyes widen and she fainted backwards.
"Such a drama queen," said Ginny before she doused Hermione with a jet of water from her wand.
"Hey sis, feeling better after your little nap?" asked Harry as he helped her off the ground.
"Harry, it just can't be," said Hermione as she recovered.
"And why can't it?" asked Harry.
"But Time Mages are only legend," protested Hermione.
"And how often is legend based on some truth or part truth or in this case complete truth?" asked Harry seriously.
"Does anyone else know about this?" asked Hermione.
"Albus, Minnie, Sevie, Flitwick, Sirius, Remus, and of course Ginny, but Ginny only found out a few months ago," said Harry ticking off each name on his fingers.
"How can you be so calm about all of this?" asked Hermione turning to Ginny.
"Because Harry managed to pull me back through time with him," said Ginny, "Believe, I would have thought he was crazy as well a few months ago."
"What do you mean?" asked the ever curious Hermione.
"The bond between Ginny and I called her back to me a few months ago when we completed the bond," said Harry.
"But Harry . . . that would have unleashed a massive wave of magic felt for miles around. It wouldn't have gone unnoticed."
"It didn't but you don't remember," said Harry as he released the memory block.
"What was that?" asked Hermione as a light suddenly came across her face, "I remember now. I can't believe you'd alter my memory."
"It was necessary at the time," said Ginny calmly, "We knew you'd figure it out eventually but until then certain things needed to take place and none of you could know."
"So why tell me now and not just alter my memory again?" asked Hermione scathingly.
"Because, this timeline has reached a breaking point in which I will no longer know what to expect," explained Harry trying to plead for forgiveness in his own way.
Hermione seemed torn, "Promise me you'll never do anything like that to me again."
"I promise Mione," said Harry, "I didn't want to do that to you in the first place."
"So will you help protect Harry's secret?" asked Ginny concernedly.
"You'll explain all of this to Ron too?" asked Hermione.
"I wouldn't expect you to ever keep a secret from Ron," said Harry, "We'll tell him tonight after everyone gets settled in to Potter Place."
"Fine, but I expect you to tell me everything about the other future," said Hermione. Harry and Ginny both chuckled lightly at Hermione's never ending quest for knowledge.
"Yes Mrs. Weasley," said Ginny and Harry together. Hermione was about to yell at the pair for that comment until she picked up on the underlying meaning.
That afternoon Harry and Ginny arrived first to Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, Ginny, we're not scheduled to depart for another hour," said Dumbledore as he greeted them. It was obvious to the couple that Dumbledore was mourning the state of his office.
"I came to make the portkey," said Harry, "Unless you know how to find Potter Place?"
"No, I do not," said Dumbledore, "I hadn't thought of that. I was a bit preoccupied with my office."
"Sorry about that," said Harry sheepishly, "think of it this way. Now you can get all those new gadgets you've been dreaming about getting for the last few years. I'll even foot the bill."
Dumbledore's eyes seemed to light up at that prospect, "Very well then, I find your terms to be more than acceptable."
"Good, now about that port key," said Harry rubbing his hands together, "would you mind conjuring a length of rope?"
"Certainly," said Dumbledore giving a flick of his wand.
Harry held his wand over the rope and with a quick stabbing motion he said, "Portus." The rope glowed blue for a moment.
"Can I ask, why is it you didn't conjure the rope yourself?"
"As good as Harry is with all kinds of magic he has yet to grasp the concept of permanent conjuration," explained Ginny, "It still astounds me to this day."
"It's not like I really need to," said Harry, "I usually only conjure things as a shield for the damn killing curse and few others."
"I think we'll have to sit down and work on that then," said a female voice from behind him that he recognized instantly.
"Thanks Minnie but you'll give up eventually just like you did last time," said Harry with a slight sigh.
"I've never given up before and I don't intend to start now," she protested strongly.
"We'll worry about that later," interrupted Ginny as she heard the others heading up the stairs.
"And your certain that you've packed up all everything?" question Jane as she climbed the stairs.
"Yes Jane, I'm certain that I've packed everything," said Remus sounding quite exasperated.
"That reminds," began Sirius, "What kind of mum are you that you have such an abundance of that kind of under . . ." Sirius stopped short though as the sound of someone elbowing him.
"That would have been Remus," said Ginny with a mild blush. Both her and Harry knew exactly where that statement was going.
"You asked those two to pack their things?" asked Harry to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore at least had the decency to blush.
"Harry, I hope you don't mind much but I'm going to have to kill your godfather," said Jane.
"With comments like that I couldn't possibly blame you, but would you mind waiting until after we win this war. We just might need him," said Harry sarcastically.
"Good to know I'm needed," said Sirius proudly.
"Yeah, someone needs to carry the luggage," said Ginny sharply earning her a bit of outrage from Sirius.
"Well said Gin-Gin," said Fred proudly.
"It's good to see that our little sister is following in our illustrious footsteps," said George happily.
"I think you two have it backwards, you're still trying to catch up to her," said Harry with a grin. That resulted in both of the twin's jaws to drop in surprise.
"There still far behind you and I Harry," added Hermione as she came up from behind the pair.
"Face, without us you two are nothing," added Ron cockily.
"Yeah, well . . . ." Fred tried to rebut but came up empty.
"I think we need to learn to shut up," said George solemnly.
"Too right you should," said Mrs. Weasley, "And you four should try for a bit of humility."
That caused all six to swallow nervously.
"Where's Arthur?" asked Albus.
"He'll be along shortly, he just popped home to pack," explained Molly.
"What about Bill and Charlie?" asked Harry.
"They are fine where they are. We'll need their help building up foreign allies," said Dumbledore confidently.
"Right then sorry I'm late," came a winded voice from behind.
"You're right on time," said Albus greeting the man, "Now everyone take hold of this rope. Harry if you would say the magic words."
Harry smiled, "Once and Always a Potter." The familiar tug behind the navel propelled them all through time and space into the one place Harry could truly call home.