JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

Note: All conversations in France are in French unless specified. I may start with Bonjour or oui, but that is the true limit of my knowledge of the most beautiful language on earth. Sorry.

I am identifying anything in parcel tongue with §"Italic script"§

The Prequel for Casting Shadows is the Dance of Death, currently in process.

—CS—

The Home of Dan and Emma Granger

Emma Granger looked over at her daughter and realized how special she was. She was brilliant, caring, generous, and had turned into a beautiful young lady. The only area she just never figured out was how to deal with boys. Now that she was as beautiful on the outside as she has always been on the inside, that made things complicated.

Emma looked back at the TV in time to catch the famous line:

"…Louis, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship…"

Hermione loved 'Casablanca'. She could watch it every day and still love it. She knew all the lines and all the players. Hearing "As time goes by…" is frequently enough to make her tear up. Being home with her mum made this a very special week. She told Ron she needed to go over banking and accounting and all the muggle things that made him glaze over. she knew he was no longer listening thirty seconds in. As planned. She just wanted to get away for a week.

She needed to be near her mother this week. To talk things out. Her mother always helped her sort out her emotions. First, Ron hinted that he was going to propose. Then, Harry and Ginny split up. Hermione hated being confused, but when it came to matters of the heart, she could only turn to her mum.

Emma turned off the TV. "That was fun, dear. I have really missed spending time with you. More popcorn?"

Smiling, Hermione realized she had eaten two bowls of it already. "I'd rather have another glass of wine. Care for a refill Mum?" Hermione picked out a new bottle. Popping the top, she was now committed to staying up and talking.

"Absolutely dear." She caught herself staring at her daughter. "You are SO beautiful. I have 'Gone with the Wind' if you want to make this a double feature."

"No, I think I'd rather talk. We've talked about my dead end job, you and dad, selling the practice, becoming volunteers for dental services in third world countries, but not Harry." Taking a sip of wine for courage, "I just don't know what to do here. Things with Ron are good, but we are so different. We have so very little in common."

"Hermione, you have been with him a while now. What made you care about him in the first place, and dos it still hold true?" Ron was Hermione's first real boyfriend. Emma knew her daughter had carried a torch for Harry for years, but it never seemed to happen. It just seemed odd that Hermione ended up with Ron, who was a bit of a slacker.

"He makes me laugh. When we are just joking around, I feel care free. Like I don't have a problem in the world. But that only lasts until it's time to be serious. He hates reading, he procrastinates everything, he's a bit of a slob, and his Mum drives me crazy. She's sweet, but so loud and overbearing."

"Well, care free is not something I would expect from you, Hermie. That kind of sounds nice. I can tell you really care for him." Considering her daughter, she decided to go the introvert/extrovert route, "After you are together, do you feel charged up or run down? And how does Harry make you feel?"

"Harry makes me feel like the smartest person in the room. Like I am important and respected. Like he needs me more than anyone else alive. He makes a lot of people feel that way. I truly love him. But I love Ron, too." Another sip or wine, "I feel energized after being with Ron. Often quite Annoyed, but energized. And before you ask, I felt the same after being with Harry. But with Harry it is different."

"How so?"

"Harry's problems are HUGE. They tend to eclipse the world with their enormity. It's never something small, like finding your keys. Ron's problems involve reading an Auror manual without falling asleep. With Harry, it's always huge, like 'How do I save hundreds of lives in Spain from some horrible dark wizard on the rampage?' kind of a different perspective."

At this, Emma stared at her daughter in shock. "Good Lord! Are you telling me there is another Voldemort?" This scared Emma beyond what Hermione expected. Emma was now more favorably inclined toward Ron, that for was certain.

"Deep breaths Mum… It's ok. No, Voldemort was one of the worst. But yes, there are other evil wizards like him. Witches too, ever heard of Baba Yaga?" Once her mum calmed down, Hermione continued, "They rise up and people like Harry put them down. Usually the local law enforcement is enough, but in times of upheaval, these dark lords and ladies rise up and try to take over. Sometimes they even succeed. Especially in third world countries."

"So, Harry is part of some kind of magical international police force?" settling back on the sofa, "Would you really want to be married to someone who does that?" Seeing her daughter grit her teeth, "NO, do NOT look at me like that! I know it is important work, but my god… no wonder Ginny broke things off. Hermione, that was hell for you when it was here in Britain. Could you really be with someone who does that ALL the time?"

"I honestly don't know Mum. And you are right, Ginny struggled with it. Night and day. Worrying. Wondering how he got some new scar. Always having to struggle with the BIG picture." Wrinkling her brow, she made a connection. "Maybe that's the difference between Harry and Ron, scope. Harry is a big picture guy and Ron is a day to day guy." To keep things in line, Hermione added, "But keep in mind, Ron is doing the same thing as an Auror, just on a local level. Smaller scope."

"There is nothing wrong with day to day Hermione. Beats the hell out of chasing monsters for a living. And do you see Ron chasing Dark Lords, or just wizarding criminals. If I remember what you told me correctly, the Aurors did not know how to deal with Voldemort because they so rarely had anything like that."

Taking a different path, Emma added, "Ron laughs all the time. I'm sure he can be serious…. But when I see him with you, it's all laughs and fun. And Chess!" That got a chuckle. Ron LOVED chess. "I don't remember you ever being like that with Harry. At least, not the few times we saw you guys together."

"No, we have fun too, Mum. Harry can be a lot of fun, he just needs someone to remind him from time to time." Her mother had a point. Ron kept her in a fun mood, but she would have to do the same with Harry. It came naturally with Ginny, but Hermione had to make the effort.

"Hermione, are you attracted to Harry? I mean, I know you are mentally. He is brilliant in many ways. But what about Physically? That matters too."

"Arrrrggg. Not something I want to talk to my mum about." Pausing a moment. "Yeah. He is thin, but really fit. Like a track and field athlete. He works out all the time. I've had a few thoughts about him. Maybe more than a few…" She looks at her mum and laughs. "And he smells amazing. It's part of his magic. I call it 'winter fresh'. But there is also oak and juniper." Thinking about it a bit, "And a very subtle note of roses. I think it goes back to the accident he had years ago. That was horrible. But it sure smells good on him now."

Shaking her head, Hermione added, "Harry is like a male icon, women chase after him. Except the ones that like 'big hulky men'. But even they think he's adorable. The fact that he is rich, famous, and titled doesn't hurt. Add in that he has no idea…" Thinking about the fact that dating Harry meant dealing with 'groupies' Hermione added, "Ginny actually used to get into fights over him. She could be scary when she wanted to be."

"How would she take it knowing you were pining after her ex?" Emma teased her, but she was only half teasing.

"Well, Mum, I'm not a Gryffindor because I back down easy. And he did love me first."

"When was this Hermione? I'm sorry, but I always thought it was unrequited on his side…"

"No, he was just shy. He came clean in his fourth year, said he had loved me since our first year together. But I got cold feet. I was scared, so I turned him down. It was awful. Boys don't know what we go through when we crush someone we care about. And I regretted it so much… but Ginny moved in before I could fix things." Pausing for more wine, "Now, she is voluntarily out of the picture and I don't know what to do. It has been almost seven years, he may not even feel the same way."

"Seven years? All that time with Ginny? That's a long time to be together. Harry doesn't seem like the rebound kind of guy. At least, not from what you have told me. If you do go after him, give him a little time. He needs to come to terms with it all. Seven years… That's kind of a cliché, you know. The 'Seven Year itch' and all. Sounds like Ginny wants to be a little wild and independent. I hope she knows what she's doing…"

"Mum – worry about me, not Ginny. She made her bed, she can lie in it. Damn fool." Hermione suspected Ginny would regret her decision, but not before causing her true best friend anguish. And yes, she realized, Harry is her absolute true best friend. Always. "I guess I'm 'Rick' and I have to decide if Harry is 'Ilsa' or 'Louis'. See Mum, it all goes back to Casablanca!" At that they toasted their classes and had a hearty laugh.

Emma sighed. Only her daughter would see THAT parallel. She decided not to point out that Ilsa got on a plane with someone else. Her daughter would make the right choice. Emma felt guilty for hoping she would choose the safer boy. But she couldn't help but note how Harry loved her when she was awkward, Ron waited until she blossomed. Time would tell.

"I meant what I said, Hermie. Don't be the rebound girl. Give him time."

"I have to decide what to do about Ron, I think he wants to take the next step. I'm just not ready."

"Tell him before he takes that step. You are smart enough to let him know. If you are not ready… Well, Ginny had the same decision and did what she thought was right." Letting that sink in, she added, "At least she did not leave him hanging on."

-CS-

Blue Sky Pub

11:25 PM

Paris

Harry met up with Colin at the Blue Sky pub. It was basically a British themed pub in Paris. A little taste of home. The girls had no interest in exploring an underground cemetery, so Harry let them roam about in a nearby park. Hopefully no one would be missing their dogs or cats in the morning. He had charmed them to look like a water hose when they sat still, but he knew she would be hunting.

Colin perked up when he came in, "Harry! Over here!" True to Colin, he was waving both hands. Harry told him how he would be dressed, but he used a glamour to change his hair to light brown and his features ever so slightly. Apparently, a little too slightly. Colin recognized him immediately.

"Hey Colin, can I buy you a drink?" Harry pulled up a chair to the table and asked Colin to switch with him. He wanted his back to the wall and his eye on the door. Colin cheerfully switched seats. Harry liked this place. A bit 'touristy', but still nice. And he was a tourist…

"How about a whiskey sour?" Colin was growing up. Harry ordered a Whiskey sour for Colin and he had a double Glenlivet 18. He instinctively checked the drinks for potions or toxins. It was scary how good he was at being paranoid. Mad Eye was always so obvious with it, Harry had it down to an art. He had Mme. Pompadour to thank for that. He also put up a sound distorter so they could talk privately.

"So, Harry. I still can't believe we ran into each other in Paris. The hair threw me for a minute, but I knew it was you. You always scan the room with your eyes. You remind me of what those American gun fighters must have been like. What is new with you?" Colin still lit up like a Christmas tree whenever he was around friends. After the war, his enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but it appears that most had returned.

"I am out 'building my brand', Mr. Creevey. Love has been unkind, so I am out living the single life." At that they both laughed. "Hey, life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Paris is pretty cool and I needed to get away. What abut you?"

"I'm here on assignment. The editor at the Daily Prophet said I needed to bring back better pictures if I want a full time gig. I thought the opening of that restaurant would be nice. I hoped to get a press pass to a Beauxbaton event, but that fell through. I hear there is a charity auction as well, but no idea how to get a pass. So, I'm capturing France. Maybe a nice wizarding tour guide." Colin still talks a mile a minute. Always smiling.

"Not the Beauxbaton Garden event? I can help with that. The auction too. I think."

"Harry, are you actually attending those? It's pretty exclusive… What am I saying, you're Harry Potter! I would love to attend, but I don't want to abuse our friendship. I'd pay you, but I'm a bit behind on my rent… How about I also act as your personal photographer. You choose the photos you want me to submit of course, and keep any you like."

Always about the photography, Harry really missed Colin. After being photographed in unflattering or biased ways, he appreciated a photographer who only wanted people to look their best. Rare.

"Colin, we're old friends. I'd love the pictures. Maybe you can also take a few of the Delacour's. Actually, I'd love to pay you for some Baby pictures of Victoire and Teddy. Andromeda, Bill and Fleur, too. You can never have too many pictures of family. Sorry about the whole engagement thing."

"It's all right, Harry. If you do get engaged again, I'd love to do the engagement pictures. Not your fault it… Well, I guess… you know. Sorry about that." Harry had asked Colin to take engagement photos and had to cancel due to the breakup. Colin was apparently a little tight on cash these days, but Harry knew these photos at Beauxbaton Gardens would help tremendously. As would the private photos.

Looking over at his friend he was reminded a bit of Remus Lupin. Colin needed a new set of clothes. Harry suspected his appearance had something to do with not getting a press pass. His French was poor too.

"Hey, if you are going to be my private photographer, why not contact my social manager. She can set you up. Do you remember Daphne Greengrass?"

"Harry, she was in Slytherin house." Colin was visibly shocked now. "Are you really hanging out with snakes? She was scary. Did you know her nickname was 'the ice queen'?"

"She's OK. Her family was neutral, so I imagine it was hard to be a neutral Slytherin. Relax, she'll be in town next week and we can work it all out. Are you staying in Paris?"

"I'm at a muggle motel. Nothing fancy." Harry caught the little eye shift. Colin was likely in a cheap dive.

"Hey, if you don't mind my snake familiar, you can crash on my sofa. The place is pretty posh. You'll need clothes for the events and my house elf can help. She's amazing." Another eye shift, he has no money. "I'll gladly forward you the cash for the pictures. I really want them before the kids get any older."

"Deal, Harry." Collin reached out and shook Harry's hand. "You really are the best."

Harry looked at his watch, "Let's get going or we'll miss the tour."

They arrived with two minutes to spare.

-CS-

Catacombs Tour

11:58 PM

Paris

The tour group was small. Only seven people total. Two wizards, two witches, Colin and Harry plus a tour guide. There was some confusion about Colin, apparently the party was set at six people. Harry agreed to pay for Colin, but he had to drop his glamour and use his celebrity status to convince the others. Once they knew who he was, they could not be nicer.

The two couples were recent Beauxbaton graduates and they remembered hearing about him from the tournament. He had to go through all the normal questions. "Did you really kill a dragon at 14?" "Why did they make you compete?" "Did you know the Delacours when you saved their youngest daughter?" "They say you fought a sphinx" and so on. Nothing about the grave yard, thank goodness.

They settled down and walked through the tour. Apparently, the tours end at 8PM for muggles. There is too much latent magic in the catacombs. There are over 200 miles of catacombs and over six million human remains. Apparently, underground Paris is like swiss cheese with all the caverns and the catacombs are just one part of that. The largest part. Most of the catacombs have been hidden away from muggles, but this tour is magic only. They went past the touristy spots, but continued on until they were in areas muggles were repelled from.

In one large antechamber there was a sacrificial stone. Around the walls were skulls and bones all neatly arranged and stacked. Harry could sense the corruption of the room. Thankfully, it was old and faded. According to the guide, centuries ago, the nobility would apparently perform death magic to keep their power.

Harry immediately picked up on three things about this room.

There were spirits present. Angry spirits that were in no way friendly. They were bound to this room and had no way of leaving. Some were children. All were healthy when they were killed.

The Sacrificial stone was stained in the blood of the dead. It also was the tether that held them to this location. He could make out a few runic symbols, but nothing amazing. The Aristocrats that used this room were amateurs. Weak men pretending to be more than they were.

The dead were powering 'something' even in death. Corruption. Maybe not all were amateurs…

Harry shifted his vision and saw a multitude of spirits. All with gaping holes where their hearts should be. He summoned his Orbiting spy to warn him of any potential attacks. These were the spirits of victims, but they were angry. What was feeding off them? He made a mental note of the location and followed the rest of the tour.

There were a few other sights in the catacombs that seemed impressive, but Harry was still focused on the sacrifice room. He'd come back after the tour and take care of that. Two hours after the initial descent, they were back up in the land of the living. They all said their good byes and departed. Apparently, there was another tour in an hour. That did not give Harry much time.

"Hey Colin, I need you to do me a big favor. Can you go back to the Blue Sky Pub and wait for me? If anyone asks, I ran back to my room. Here's enough money to order us both fish and chips. I should be there in 30 minutes."

"Yeah, sure Harry. Everything OK?"

"No, but it will be. I just have a quick job to do. Remember, mums the word." And Harry pulled out his wand and disillusioned himself. Retracing his steps, he was back in the chamber.

Once there, he examined the stone carefully. It was about three by five feet and it looked like there were once anchors on the floor near the corners. Likely to tie people down. Brutal. He could sense the tether of the rock. There was a very powerful malignant spirit attached to it, but nothing he couldn't handle. The old spirits of the victims had come out to watch him. Harry drew up a circle and reached out mentally. He knew he would have to be fast.

"My name is Peverell, I want to release you from your prison so you can all move on." Harry waited for a response. Eventually, a small girl walked forward. she wore a simple dress. Pretty. Harry always struggled with ages. Ten, maybe? A gruesome hole where her heart should be.

"Why are we here? Why can't we move on? Did you do this to us?"

"I don't know why you are here or who did this, but I want to help." Then looking around he asked, "Can any of you tell me the specifics around the way you died?" He hated asking, but he needed to know.

A scene was played in his head. It was dark and the room was lit by lanterns. There were a number of men and women all in noble regalia. All wearing masks. Hmmm, common theme for wannabe dark wizards. A terrified woman was dragged out and strapped to the stone. The leader came over, he removed his mask and began slowly carving out her heart. Over the woman's screams, the other masked nobles were chanting 'Usurpateur'.

That is a name Harry thought he recognized, Usurper. Likely 'Bone Crown the Usurper'. Last seen in the French Aristocracy. One of the defining elements of the French Revolution was ending his atrocities. Of course, the atrocities that followed were even greater. Harry knew enough about the Reign of Terror to suspect it was diabolically inspired. Well, time to get down to business. First Harry cast a silencing sphere around the room. No noise would escape the antechamber but sound inside the room would still be audible, allowing him to hear enough to avoid being surprised. Harry then shifted his vision to more owl-like so he could see better in near darkness. It also helped him process what he was seeing faster. Useful in a fight. Very useful.

Raising the elder wand, Harry first raised a shield around himself, then he formed an Astral Spear pumping it up with as much power as he could summon. An astral spear is an ancient spell that was perfect for these situations. It would affect both the physical and the Astral. It could be cast quickly, or it could be charged up if given enough time. Spell casting is like weaving, some spells required more power, so you would weave more astral threads to it. Wands made it fast and easy. He would normally need only one thread to power it. For this, he would go much more slowly and really charge it up. He tied nearly a dozen threads to the spear before completing the spell. He then used the Elder wand like an atlatl and hurled the glowing bolt at the sacrifice stone. What he launched from the elder wand was more like a ballista bolt than a spear. It impacted like a missile. The stone split open in the center both physically and astrally. The spirit tethers were released, freeing the victims from the stone and allowing them to move on.

Harry's shield deflected the shrapnel from the stone. He immediately began forming another overpowered 'Astral Spear'. He figured he could connect about five or six 'threads' before the guardian spirit showed up. Not quite as powerful as the one he destroyed the stone with, but two to three times more powerful than a standard 'quick cast' astral spear.

The spirits in the room began cheering and circling the room. Some were even chanting Harry's name 'Pe-ve-rell, Pe-ve-rell, Pe-ve-rell…' Then a dark form began to rise from the broken stone.

This is what Harry was waiting for. Just as the form gained physical form, Harry hit it with the charged up astral spear, followed by a steady stream of spirit darts. They were similar to piercing charms and the elder wand seemed very attuned to them. The spirit began to waver, but still finished forming. It looked like a nobleman, but the eyes were hollow and black. It vaguely resembled the leader in the sacrificial death ceremony images the other spirits had shared with Harry. When it opened its mouth, a long black tongue shot out toward Harry. It was barbed and wicked looking. It was headed straight for Harry's heart.

Harry quickly pivoted his left shoulder backward and leaned to the right, causing the tongue to narrowly miss. That was FAST. As his left shoulder went back, his right pivoted forward and instincts kicked in. a flick of the right hand and the elder wand sent a 'Diffindo' cutting charm at the tongue near the mouth, severing it completely. As the tongue fell, it dissolved into blackened mist. Undeterred, the creature charged forward, only to collide with Harry's hastily raised shield. Harry noted that it collided with the force of a small car, causing the shield to 'wobble', but it held. Harry's shields were pretty tough. Bouncing backward off of the shield, the monstrosity was slightly off balance just long enough for Harry to fire off a 'Bombarda' with the elder wand. It struck the foul creature at center mass and the spirit exploded into a foul mist.

He regretted using the 'Diffindo' and 'Bombarda', in case any scans were made of the room. For unsanctioned missions, Harry preferring spells that were harder to identify due to their age. Made it more difficult to track the spells to him. Unfortunately, the guardian spirit needed to be brought down fast. Modern spells were often quicker and very good at reflexive wand work. The element of surprise helped, but Harry suspected the spirit had not awakened in over a hundred years. It was sluggish when it formed and had allowed Harry to hit it with that overpowered astral spear. That was half the battle right there. If only it was always so easy.

Quickly checking the area, Harry confirmed that it was gone. Permanently. Using his phoenix wand, Harry repaired the stone physically, but not magically. It was now just a simple rock, but it would appear the same to the tours. His first spear made a real mess of the room. He had to repair lots of little damage points. The victim spirits were now free and circling. They were cheering for him. The little girl that approached him earlier stopped and smiled at him. She no longer had a hole in her chest. She whispered her name to him, 'Catherine', and disappeared. A half dozen or so followed her example and shared their names as well. Harry bowed his head to each and wished them happiness in their next life.

Harry then dropped the silencing ward and waited. He did not have time to leave and avoid the next tour, so he would just hide and wait them out. Soon he heard footsteps approaching. He found the darkest corner and cast a 'shadow meld' spell followed by a 'disillusionment' charm for good measure. He waited for the tour to pass. As they walked through, they all remarked on the chill. Not wishing to be cold, they hurried through.

Still disillusioned, Harry made his way back and to the Blue Sky Pub. He had his Orbiting spy circling to make sure he was not being followed. As much as he hated it, he would have to contact the DMA. But first, another round with Colin. Hopefully his fish and chips were still warm.

—CS—

Harry's Rented Apartment

Paris

3:30 AM

The Pub did not sell fish and chips, so they had a fancy salad. Harry noted that Colin looked ravenously hungry. First, they collected Harry's familiar. The girls seemed a bit annoyed with Colin's bubbling personality, but they politely ignored him. They had eaten and wanted to sleep. Harry didn't ask what they ate, but judging the lump in her torso, it was bigger than a rabbit. Checking the wards, Harry carefully entered with his familiar. A few quick spells and a check of the roses confirmed that all was safe.

"Pipsey? Are you awake?" Harry knew House Elves only sleep for a very few hours a week, but he thought it polite to ask.

Pipsey appeared and looked at Colin. "Master Harry brought a friend?"

"Yes, Pipsey. Colin is an old friend from school and needed a place to stay. I didn't want him to stay in an unsafe place, so I offered to let him stay here. I think the couch folds out. Would it be too much trouble…?"

"Poor little Colin. Pipsey will make up the sofa for you. Master Harry is the kindest wizard in Britain. Always looking out for his friends." And Pipsey went to work.

Harry imagined what Kreacher would have said. HA!

Before Harry went to bed, he sent a letter via his banishing box to Dominique. She could have brunch with them at noon while Harry was de-briefed. He provided the apartment information (he was sure she already knew it) and a very brief overview. Ideally she could help identify the spirit that he destroyed. It might have been the original Noble leading the ceremony. That would be about right for a Horror. Lock your willing servant up for all eternity just so you can feed on their pain.

One last thing Harry thought after he lay down, "Hey Colin, don't be alarmed, but I have a ghost in the apartment. He kind of runs security for me at night." No answer, well, not everyone is as light a sleeper as Harry.

—CS—

Harry's Rented Apartment

11:30AM

Paris

Colin ate early, then went to pick out new clothes with Harry's advance. Harry warned him not to cut corners, the venues he would be shooting at had discerning dress expectations. Colin nodded, thanked Harry, and went to the magical sector in Paris.

Dominique Aris arrived right on time. Along with her was Mme. Bellamy. They both seemed to be uncomfortable, but after their last meeting, that was understandable.

Harry invited them in, but did not kiss any hands. "Mme. Bellamy, Ms. Aris. 'Two for one' I see." Harry noted with some satisfaction that Dominique flinched a bit when he referred to her as 'Ms. Aris'. Leading them to the dining table, Harry introduced Pipsey and noted that his familiar was climbing into the chair beside him. He pulled the chairs out for both of his guests, then sat down. Whether they deserve it or not, manners matter.

"We have eggs or omelets any way you like them, bacon, toast, and fruit. We also have my favorite blend of Earl Grey or coffee if you prefer. If you would like something heavier, Pipsey will gladly accommodate." To this Pipsey eagerly nodded her head.

The Mme. Bellamy had toast and coffee. Dominique had Fruit and Earl Grey. Harry had a loaded omelet with a side of bacon, toast and fruit with his tea. Pipsey told Dominique she was too thin and scolded her for not eating enough. Still annoyed about yesterday, Harry let her scold the young woman without deflection.

Mme. Bellamy started, "I understand you had a busy night. I appreciate you taking time out of your weekend to brief us." Harry noted that she was making a very real effort. Likely she was annoyed Harry went on an unsanctioned mission.

"Yes. How to begin…" And he told the story. He left out no detail. He used his glamour in lieu of a pensieve, but the overall story was very complete. He did this frequently with Padma and Saul.

"What I am most interested in, is this man." And Harry showed the image of the leader in the rituals as well as the spirit he fought. Continuing his observations, "He was an aristocratic looking man. Clean shaven and powerful in appearance. Arrogant. Sadistic. The spirit I fought was a twisted mockery of life, warped and corrupt beyond what could be considered human. But, when you put the two side by side, the resemblance was undeniable." Looking with fresh eyes, it had to be the same individual. "The way the spirits had cheered was so enthusiastic… Vengeance. No, not that. Well, not entirely. More like, Justice. It must be the same person."

Mme. Bellamy considered the image. "He looks very similar to a Dark Wizard we had in France back in the 18th century. His excesses and extravagance was very well known. If he is who I believe him to be, he was one of the Dukes of the French Magical Aristocracy. If you think Britain is biased and prejudiced, let me tell you, France was many times worse. The wizards and witches not born of aristocratic families were very poorly treated."

Continuing, she added, "The French aristocracy and the Magical Aristocracy lived in parallel. The French Magical Aristocracy had slowly gained control over the French Muggle Aristocracy. They treated France like a playground. When stirrings of a revolution began, the Magical Aristocracy became quite nervous. They did not want the party to end. The aristocratic wizarding families made up about five to seven percent of the Wizarding population of France. They were greatly outnumbered. So, they took steps to keep power. Those steps involved Ritualistic Murder. Death Magic. "

"This man you are showing is similar in appearance to be one of the five wizards charged with solidifying the Aristocracy's power. Both Magical and Mundane. He likely contacted nether beings to reinforce the rule of the day. This, Usurper, was almost certainly one of those beings. But they all have a price. And it was all for naught." Mme. Bellamy paused for a moment and took a bit of her toast.

Continuing the education lesson, "Robespierre led the commoners in the revolutions that overran the aristocracy, magical and mundane. Then, it was discovered that he was also a Dark Wizard. These dark wizards and witches were having their little power struggles and the citizens of France were caught in the middle. The Nether-beings, whatever they are, were gaining power from the conflict. The bloodshed was unbelievable. Horrific. "

"Then our own 'Champions of the Light' rose up and ended Robespierre and the followers of the Horrors that were feeding off of the conflict. You probably know the leaders' of the light by their names, Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel."

Harry did a double take. He knew his parents were friends with the Flamels. He also remembered the fiasco with their stone in his first year. Recovering, he nodded for Mme Bellamy to continue.

We believe there is more going on in the catacombs once more. We want you to scout out three regions and see what is happening. Possibly more, given what you found last night."

Harry had been listening intently, but had to ask, "Why me? Why do you think you need me to do this?"

Dominique spoke up for the first time, "Harry, you sensed something in a part of the catacombs that has been traveled through hundreds of times. Something no one else picked up on. You have a gift for sniffing out corruption. Quite frankly, we need you and you may be the only person able to do this. Even the Flamels don't have the same grasp of death magic that you do. We fear there may be a new Grindlewald or Robespierre or Voldemort rising, but we don't know how to prevent it."

Harry respected the directness. "What tipped you off? How do you know something is happening?"

"We found a number of decapitated bodies. All from wizarding families that have some political sway. Entire families murdered with none spared. Nicholas seemed to think it resembled the early part of the Reign of Terror in 1793. He suggested we call you."

Bracing herself for the next part, Saul Croaker had warned her that Harry hated prophesies. "Also, his wife is a bit of a seer and had a vision." At this Harry just put his head in his hand. Not Again!

Mme Bellamy actually looked concerned for him. She continued. "We only know a part of it, she will have to tell you the rest. 'The Master of Death will End the killings' that's the part she shared. There is more to it, of course. Perenelle must have considered it too personal to share. She is good that way. She was very close to your mother. Your colleagues at the British Department of Mysteries clued us in that you are the actual Master of Death."

"I see. I want to hear the whole prophesy before I go scouting around. I'll write Mrs. Flamel today." Pausing and thinking a bit, Harry shared one concern, "There are over two hundred miles of catacombs, and this could take a while. We can start with the areas you have already identified, but Dark lords are very mobile. Handled poorly, this will become a game of cat and mouse until we catch the source. The longer it takes, the stronger the mouse will become." Harry noted that he could see his breath. Theirs too.

Pipsey came and refilled their cups with hot tea and coffee. She knew the drill when Harry's magic flared up. "Thank you, Pipsey. Here, let me help you…" Harry put a warming charm on Pipsey.

After considering all said, Harry asked on more thing, "Will I have immunity to do what must be done? Official Immunity, not a wish and a promise?" Dominique and Mme Bellamy looked at each other. Harry took that as an undecided answer, so he clarified, "This is where you say 'YES' if you want me to do more than take a look around. Dumbledore played footsie with Voldemort when he should have stomped him out. When he COULD have stomped him out. Look where it got him."

Mme. Bellamy shook her head, "But what if a person of importance is involved? How would we explain this? You are asking us to authorize you to kill without jurisdiction or oversight of any kind."

"I don't just go around killing people Mme. Bellamy. Would you like me to tell you why Dumbledore didn't put down Voldemort when he had the chance? Because the families of the deatheaters were respected. He was afraid it would draw sympathy for the cause. That it would create political rivals." Sitting back and finishing his tea, Harry added, "Once a Horror marks a person, they are forever changed. If accepted willingly, they are lost. Forever. There really is only one release you can give them. It is a MERCY." Harry didn't mention that if you kill the Horror, the mark disappears. But the willing bearers all change.

Mme. Bellamy flinched at that. She understood what he was saying, but it was obvious she did not have the authority. "We will consider what you have said. I feel certain I can get you limited immunity, but not carte blanche to do as you see fit."

"Well, make up your mind fast. I'll be here another two weeks or so, then I leave." Staring at them both for a minute, he had a sudden thought, "Why haven't I read about this in any of your papers? The killings? Have you been hiding this?" The looks on their faces spoke volumes.

Shaking his head Harry could only say, "Do the right thing ladies. Your problems are just beginning. If you were able to bury and hide mass murders, you have likely been infiltrated. For every body you find, there are a dozen or more you will never find. Hell, they still find new grave sites in Britain from Voldemort's first rise. You likely are not stopping a Dark Lord before he rises, France very well may ALREADY HAVE ONE."

On that note, Harry noted they seemed to pale a bit, "Every day, he or she will grow in power. Both political and in followers. He will target your law enforcement and DMA. Look for newer recruits. Less than five years in. Ms. Aris may even know a few. Ones that seem too ingratiating. Too… odd. Funny hours. Unusual looks. A loss of artistic ability is quite common. Start spying on your own people. And for the love of GOD – get some decent wards on your homes. Gringotts is good. If you want, you can hire my firm. Bill Weasley is the best in the business. At least in Europe. Don't wait until your friends start disappearing."

That got their attention. "Now, I have property to see in Yvoire. Send an owl when you make up your mind. Be VERY careful who you trust." Harry opened all his perception and looked them both over. They were clean. As far as he could tell, anyway.

"Mr. Potter, did you know your eyes were glowing?" Clearly Mme Bellamy was disturbed at being scanned. Too bad.

"Well, as near as I can tell, neither of you have been marked. But that just means you are not in an inner circle." For the first time, Harry thought he understood why Albus formed the 'Order of the Phoenix'. You never know who you can trust.

Mme Bellamy ended the meeting with, "Give us till Thursday. We'll have an answer for you by then. We'll bring the mission file."

Harry saw them out. He took a minute to check for any magical or mundane listening devices, but found nothing. No duplicity here. He needed to get in fighting form fast. He'd find room at his new home to practice.

Sitting down at his desk, he wrote a short note to Padma – France may be 'compromised'. All signs point toward a Hidden Power. Next he wrote a letter to the Flamels asking if they could meet. He placed the letters in his Banishing Box and started to pack up for his trip.

He was ready to start reviewing the data from Malta, but it looks like that will have to wait. This holiday was not really what he expected. At least he was staying busy.

Until Next time.

-CS-

Next stop, Yvoire.

Then Gringotts, Where Harry finds out something shocking

The Goblins love watching Harry get pissed, they are so rarely disappointed.

I originally planned for Robespierre to be a Horror stalker, fighting the dark forces. Rooting out the evil wizards of the French Aristocracy. Then I read about the Reign of Terror. There is no way that was the act of a good person. Horrific. I almost wish I could un-read about it.