Time of Change

Chapter 9: The House of Ares, part 1-The Call

Parseltongue

Thought sending

# Language translation

Harry awoke as he felt a warm sensation against his chest. From inside his cloak he pulled a galleon. On its golden surface was the word 'Moony'. Harry looked around with a great big grin on his face. He touched his wand to the coin and spoke the incantation.

"Recobrar portus." A loud blast of sparks caught the attention of the others. "We're about to have visitors." Minutes later Remus and Tonks slammed into the hardwood floor in a great heap.

"Jeez that was the longest and roughest ride ever." Tonks yelped as she tried again to pull herself up after once more falling to the floor.

"It doesn't have to be pretty it just has to work." Lee said as he and Alicia attempted to enlarge the room. Katie and Lavender were busy levitating furniture around the room. The others were either adding rooms or wards to the building as Chauncy walked around looking in awe as the walls moved further and further away. Luna had finished healing his leg. It still pained him but he was steadier on his feet than before.

Remus rushed forward to embrace Harry but came face to face with a pair of wands. The Creevey brothers stopped his advance by sliding silently between the two. Their intent was obvious 'prove who you are or die'. Remus pulled up short and Tonks felt a wand point dig into her spine.

"What do you want to know?" He asked making sure to keep his hands visible.

"What kind of the animal kept Sirius company while he was on the run and what is its name?"

"A hippogriff named Buckbeak." The wands were lowered and the one covering Tonks was removed from her back. "How come you didn't ask Tonks anything?"

Harry smiled and turned to Hermione. "Because metamorphmagus hair cannot be used in any form of transfiguration potions. They counteract each other."

Tonks blinked in surprise. "I never knew that."

"Not many people do because it is such a rare ability. No one has had the opportunity to find out in several hundred years."

Remus looked Harry over real good. He noted that he had grown substantially since he last saw him at Grimmauld Place. His hair was tied back into a queue resembling a serpent's tail leaving his scar quite visible. The shadow of a beard graced his jaw line giving him a roguish world-weary look. The boy he remembered was now a man but what kind of man was he now.

"The Ministry has been in an uproar ever since you left Hogwarts." Harry grinned at the flustered lycanthrope and Remus shot him a glare back. "This is serious Harry. According to Dumbledore the charges drafted against you and the others are legitimate. Voldemort, the Ministry, and the Order are all out looking for you right now." Remus said as he handed Harry a copy of the Daily Prophet.

Harry skimmed over it quickly before replying. "It seems like business as usual to me Moony. Voldemort's always after me. The Ministry is easily dealt with. They have no jurisdiction to operate in certain areas as for the Order Dumbledore's just afraid because his weapon isn't under control."

"Harry he's just…"

"He's just 'trying to protect me and has my best interests at heart.' Was that what you were going to say? Let me ask you a few questions. Did Dumbledore ever tell mom and dad why Voldemort was after them? Has he told the Order the contents of the prophecy? I can save you the trouble and sum it up in a word, no. Well he told me. When you might ask. Was it the first time I asked after the incident with Quirrell? No. Or possibly after I almost died in the Chamber of Secrets? I don't think so. Could it have been after the Tri-wizard Tournament when I was used as a potion ingredient? No on all counts, he told me of all times right after Sirius died. He waits five years to drop the bomb that it is prophesied that it is my duty to save the wizarding world and that Voldemort has only one equal, me. Five wasted years in which I could have been training. If Dumbledore truly thinks of me as a weapon he sure as hell blunted his blade before battle."

Remus was shocked. He knew that Harry would be a great wizard but the full scope of it was staggering. "Harry no one expects you do it all by yourself."

"Don't they, Moony? I've been up and down from that pedestal so many times ever since I entered the wizarding world. But just for the sake of argument let's say I live up to the expectations of Fate and the masses and destroy Voldemort, what then? Will I go off and live a normal life? At Privet Drive I wasn't considered normal for a Muggle at Hogwarts I wasn't normal for a wizard. I've accepted the fact that I'll never be normal. There are always dark wizards and there will be another dark lord who will want to make a name by taking me on. Am I supposed to have a family in between battles with wannabe-dark lords? I won't do it."

"You can't let evil dictate your life Harry. Your parents and Sirius would want you to live your life."

"You misunderstand me Tonks. I meant I won't continue to fight like that; just dealing with the symptoms. I will treat the disease and cut out the cancer."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"If the Ministry had been stronger and wasn't corrupted by pureblood prejudices then Voldemort wouldn't be much of a threat, right. We will deal with Voldemort and the Ministry even if we have to bring down the whole wizarding world to do it."

"That still doesn't answer my question."

"It's quite simple. If Voldemort can become such a threat by gathering people to his cause then we should be able to follow suit. There are a lot of beings that have been hurt and trampled on by the Death Eaters and the Ministry. I know of many that might stand with us with some proper convincing such as: House-elfs, the Goblins, the Werewolves, Vampires, and those in exile. So now the only question that remains is are you with us?"

"I have always been with you Harry. Right or wrong I'm with you." Remus said as he shook the young man's hand and pulled him into a hug. "We're going to need supplies and equipment. But that's not a problem, a lot of the things we need you already possess."

Firenze looked up through the canopy of trees towards the enchanted ceiling. The universe opened up to him as he breathed in the smell of burning sage and felt the warmth of the fire. 'The pull of Mars is strong. It burns bright in the night sky. Mars sits ready for battle. I must speak with others on this.' He looked over to his companion who sits rigid the fire light reflected in the great lenses of her glasses.

Three weeks later Diagon Alley was shocked by the presence of three newcomers as with a rustle of cloth as a man and two women appeared moving with an arrogance and confidence that only the aristocratic possess. The man leading the group had foregone the long robes, preferred by so many British purebloods, in favor of a long black frock coat giving him the appearance of a medieval priest. His long straight black hair fell well passed his shoulders framing his face like the hood of a cobra. He was fair-skinned and a goatee that ended in a sharp point. His eyes were completely concealed behind a pair of dark mirror lens glasses. His two companions could have easily passed for twins if not for their difference in hair and skin tone. One had long ice white hair and the other blood red tresses, which stood out in stark contrast against the vibrant navy half-cloaks they wore wrapped around their black corsets. They eyes were similarly concealed as the gentleman's were.

The passersby only hazarded a quick glance. Each person who saw them later would say there was something almost predatory about these people. They could have apparated near their destination but their short walk would serve to intimidate any that thought to give the trio a second glance. If anyone had been able to pierce the enchantments and analyze their body language they would have noticed the nervousness on the man's face as he gave a sigh and a gentle prayer, 'I hope this spell works.'

As they entered Gringotts they were met by an attendant a low-level clerk who would usher them to someone of greater importance. They did not deem to speak with the attendant. He bowed several times before leading them into a private room. Several comfortable chairs and a desk appeared. On closer inspection of the large room what was once considered to be designs were actually runes. The room was covered from floor to ceiling with them. An ancient looking goblin entered the room moments later. One of the ladies regarded the runes with interest.

# After observing your rune work I assume we are free to speak venerable elder? # The redhead asked. The goblin was surprised at being addressed in his native language of Gobbledygook.

# You are milady. #

# Please call me Persephone. # The aged goblin noted the fact that she did not introduce her companions and continued.

# I am Olvenook and it is not every day that I hear my language spoken from human lips. #

# The gift of the tongue has been greatly taken for granted in this day and age. Not many wish to push cultural barriers. My companions and I are not such people. #

# It is an honor to meet such cultured individuals. Not many of the magi-blood deems to speak with such respect to those of non-magi origin. What may I do for you? #

The gentleman tilted his head in acceptance of the compliment bestowed upon them as he answered the goblin's question. # I wish to transfer my funds to a more secure account. I do not trust the current government during these...uh-troubling times. Their current position on certain issues makes my livelihood too vulnerable especially if the administration stays true to form. This is why I am speaking with you venerable one, as you are the final say in matters of finance. If my requests are met we may be able to aid each other in this tumultuous climate, as I would be very grateful. #

# I assure you that your accounts are quite safe here at Gringotts but I will be more than happy to fulfill your request. # The dark haired gentleman handed the goblin two pieces of parchment and a key. The goblin read over the papers then gave the man a quizzical and suspicious look before speaking. # Sir I am sorry but these belong to Mr. Potter. # The elder halted in his speech as for the briefest of moments something flashed on the man's forehead. # I understand. # 'It is the Potter heir. He defies the government and is in a position to help my people but will he. Hmm…this must be played carefully or I will arouse his anger.'

# I would like the entirety of the vaults 256, 662, and 800 (I don't know the actual vault numbers) moved to a vault of adequate size that could accommodate my funds. #

# Venerable elder I do not wish to offend but I must ask. Where do your loyalties lie? # The white haired lady said speaking for the first time since she entered the room. The goblin was taken aback by this question as something similar had been on his mind earlier.

# They lie as always with the Goblin Council of Elders and the Goblin people. #

# I am glad. If you had said otherwise then I'd have had to think that purses of False Gold tainted the elder's hands and that the luster of his silver was tarnished. #

# Never. # He said with conviction.

# Then I ask you to speak with the Council of Elders. Ask them, 'what fortunes they seek from the wind?' Send word to me afterwards and we shall speak at greater length. #

# What name do you wish the new vault to be under? #

# I would like it under the name Lord Christopher Ares but if any shall inquire as to my financial status then 'The House of Ares' will do. # The red head raised an eyebrow at the man's answer.

Several minutes later Olvenook handed, the newly named, Lord Ares his key and two silver rings # Here you are milord. # As he held them the signet rings fused, the crest changed to that of a flaming sword piercing a star with two wands crossing its path. Along the edge of the ring in Latin were the words 'by sword and wand we rule'. # Just press your ring to the bill of whatever purchases you wish to make and they will be sent here for payment. #

Ares looked toward the ladies and they nodded in answer. They had a long day ahead of them and a great number of purchases to make. On their first stop they acquired several trunks with expanded compartments and shrinking charms attached. From store to store they went. At each one they'd stop to fill a trunk then shrink it again. They continued in this manner until they made their way to Ollivander's. It took several minutes to convince Ollivander of his identity and another forty-five minutes for Ares to find a secondary wand. In the end they left the store with a 13-inch black ash wand with shadowcat hair core.

With wand in hand the next step was to enter the depths of Nocturne Alley. The enchantments placed on them gave off an otherworldly glow. As they passed the denizens of dark alley shied away. It didn't take long for them to reach Borgin & Burkes. In Ares' mind this and Flourish and Blotts were by far the easiest stops of the day. In both cases he had expressed interest in updating his library and money was no object. They ended up coming away with every Dark Arts book Mr. Borgin had in stock. When they finally arrived back at Gringotts, near exhaustion, Griphook took them on a winding cart ride to the new vault. They removed tons of old spell books, documents, magical artifacts (dark and light), a cache of weapons and filled the remaining trunk with gold and jewels before returning to the surface. They'd have to take a day off just to recover from their excursion in Diagon Alley.

Do you think we got enough Harry? The gentle presence of Luna fluttered against his mind like butterfly kisses.

We got almost everything on the list Hermione and Remus gave us. It should be enough for now. From the look on Tonks' face I think we might have gotten too much. With their business concluded they made it back to the apparation point.

As soon as they appeared back at the DA hideout (they had yet to come up with a better name), Remus and Hermione started in on them. They had both been worried that something would go wrong. They noted that Tonks had a strange look on her face.

They each emptied their pockets and reversed the shrinking charm on the trunks. "We were able to get everything you wanted and we needed. Neville grabbed the plants, herbs, and potion ingredients while Cho, Pavarti, and Padma removed the potions' equipment. Remus began levitating the books to the shelves in the new library. Dean, Ernie, Lee, and Ron placed the weapons in the training room.

Harry waved his hand in front of his face removing the glamour causing the warrior runes to reappear. # Luna could you come here. I'm going to need your help. # Everyone turned around at the strange sounds coming out of Harry's mouth. Harry began to smile at the looks of bewilderment on the others' faces.

"Harry what's going on? I don't remember you speaking gobbledygook before you left." Hermione said giving him her best McGonnagel impression. She narrowed her eyes at the silence that greeted her question. The others had also stopped to look on.

"I think you all need to gather round cause I'm only going to tell this once. I performed a ritual that I recently found in one of the tomes that we took…uh borrowed from Hogwarts. On top of that, I cast an ancient language spell, on Tonks, Luna, and myself, that Rowena gave me." There were shouts of concern at his confession the most vocal was Hermione's.

"How could you do something so irresponsible? Rituals are very very dangerous and Luna how could you let him do this." Hermione screamed her hair escaping from the ties on the side of her head.

"Hermione, it was his choice and he's okay. Besides it was a light ritual." Luna said trying to draw some of Hermione's ire away from her boyfriend.

"What is the purpose of the ritual and what languages does the spell allow you to speak?"

"It's called the Idioma charm."

"According to Rowena this spell was ancient even in her time, it allows an individual to understand, speak, and read any language they come in contact with. No one in this time has ever heard of it. As for the ritual it is a light based as Luna said, it enhances the memory to the point that you can instantly memorized about 80 of everything you see or read. I figured it would come in extremely handy with the plans we're making. It should really help with all the books we bought today considering a lot of them aren't in English. This spell coupled with the ritual will allow us to commit to memory a whole shi…" Hermione glared daggers at Harry. "…bunch of spells. Everyone must decide whether they want to participate in the ritual but for now I will cast the Idioma charm on each of you so that you can begin studying some of the spell books we brought back with us. Due to the charm, I had a long talk with Olvenook at Gringotts today. He is going to talk to the Council of Elders for us."

Everyone cheered at their first major step until Luna quieted the group down. "There are a lot of other things we need to take care of now and several groups we need to make contact with."

"Idioma universus." Luna assisted Harry in placing the charm on everyone in the room including Chauncy.

"Remus we need to step up our training. Chauncy has already agreed to help train us in hand-to-hand combat. I would like you to assist by alternating between magical and Muggle hand-to-hand. We may have the knowledge and power but we still lack experience. It is up to us to continue our magical training."

"I'll do what I can Harry." He said before he went back to organizing the library.

Tonks stepped up to him after everyone had gone back to their assignments. "What is with this Lord Ares and House of Ares business?"

"Almost every time that I've run into Firenze and the other centaurs they have spouted off about how bright Mars is and how war is coming. In mythology Mars is the Roman god of war and Ares is the Greek god of war. Don't worry it doesn't mean anything and now that I have a new name, a legitimate face I can move about without drawing the wrong kind of attention. Sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight."

Sage mixed with the scent of raspberry tea as Trelawney joined the centaur once again. Beneath the canopy of trees and stars they muddled over the threads of past and future in their own ways. They both watched as a star fell between the Firenze vision of Mars. 'It appears that Mars is ready for battle. He draws his sword and calls others to aid.'

Trelawney drops her cup and begins to speak. 'The sword is drawn and battle is joined. Mars will walk the Earth. Alliances will forge beneath his banner. The fist of oppression will cause a triangle of competing interests. And herald in the War of Three.' She shook her head as she finished speaking. "I'm sorry Firenze I spilt my tea I guess I must have dosed off there for a moment."

Bill apparated into back garden of the Burrow. With all of the negative emotions he was experiencing it was a wonder he didn't splinch himself. The family could no longer apparate or floo into the house proper since the story broke on the DA. The Weasleys' floo connection had been cut right after an over eager reporter flooed into Burrow one morning during breakfast. The disregard for privacy hadn't ended there. The Ministry's law enforcement division had been staking out their home for quite some time. Bill could almost feel the eyes of the invisible watchers burning into his back. It was beginning to wear on nerves of the household.

Bill entered the house with a sad purpose. He had to once again tell his parents that there was no news of their missing family. What greeted him was not the sad affair he had expected. His parents were sitting at the kitchen table looking through the contents of a strange package. Joyous tears fell from his mother's eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked as he moved to join them. Arthur looked to Bill and handed a photograph. The first thing he noticed was that the people didn't move the second was the people in it. The frozen expressions of Ron and Ginny smiled back at them. There was a letter attached in his brother and sister's barely legible scrawl that read:

Mom and Dad,

Don't worry we're all right. By now you've probably heard what happened to us during the raid. I would like to tell you that the story in the Daily Prophet is totally wrong but the truth as I've heard it is that most of it is true. I know you'll disagree with what I'm about to but you must know. We're at war and things are going to get real bad. The children you knew are gone. For you it's been a few months since we last saw each other but for us it has been almost four years. We have gained three major obstacles since our return, Fudge, Voldemort, and Dumbledore. Mom, Ron is right. Fudge wants to hex us on sight. At best we'll get hexed at worst thrown in Azkaban without trial. Voldemort will either want to kill us or use us neither one is very fun thought. Well Dumbledore will just be in the way. He will hinder us by telling half-truths and trying to protect us but in the end he'll turn us over to the Ministry. Before you faint from worry Mom we do have a plan. I can't tell you what it is though in case the enchantments on this letter are broken.

I need you to do something for us. Tear the bottom off this letter off write a letter to Charlie on one half and one to Fred and George on the other. Tell Fred and George that they should take time off and visit Charlie. Then tell Charlie to expect some extra company. It's very important that they visit Charlie soon. We both love you very much and we will all try to get out to see you as soon as we can.

Love,

Ron and Ginny

Bill's eyes misted up as he finished the letter. He wanted to protest scream and curse some sense into his siblings and their friends but there was nothing he could do about it. Even if they were right in front of him he still wouldn't have been able to come up with a good argument to deter them.

'Oh bugger!'

TBC…