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.

Note, spells verbalized will be in Bold and in Quotations. Spells cast silently will not be Bold and will be between apostrophes.

"Protego!" = Vocalized

'Protego!' = Silent

—CS—

Tristesse et Désespoir*

Paris, France

French Ministry Hangout

9PM August 10, 2001

Dominique Aris brought the Padma, Ron, and Tracey to this small pub named Tristesse et Désespoir.* It is very popular with the ministry, pub after Susan Bones had been sent to St. Genevieve's. Ron was finishing up another pint. Tracey relaxing with her own drink while taking in the entire pub. Padma seemed irritated that she had her back to the crowd. Dominique noted how both young Aurors found a corner table and put themselves against the wall. One was scared on the outside. Both were scarred much worse on the inside. The DoM agent was more polished, but seemed nearly as wary.

Dominique took out a small disk and placed it on the table. She traced two circles on the disc and sat back. Noticing the unusual looks from her guests, she explained. "Standard privacy disc. Looks like a muggle compact disc, but enchanted to provide privacy. You circle once for tight radius, twice for moderate radius, and three times for the maximum radius, about ten feet. More than that, and it starts to fail."

Tracey Davis showed zero reaction. Ron Weasley became suspicious. Padma Patil, aka Charon, seemed most interested in the device and how it worked. Dominique decided that Davis was the more wary of the two Aurors as she was hiding all feelings. Occlumency. The DoM agent, Padma Patil, just seemed tired. She would give nothing away.

Dominique relaxed in her chair and addressed her guests. "I wanted to get your take on the interview with your friend. And before you ask, this is all off the record. My boss appears to be massively infatuated with Harry Potter. Or in her case, with his skill and knowledge." She added the last bit when Weasley snickered.

Ron Weasley chuckled again and said, "Get in line." Padma smiled and Tracey just rolled her eyes. Or 'eye' in her case.

Dominique took it all in. Yes, these three knew each other. Very comfortable, but not overly close. They were like old combat veterans who watched each other's backs, but knew very little about each other's personal life. Of the three, Patil would be the toughest nut to crack, but Davis might give her a run for her money. Weasley would wear his heart on his shoulder, but would clam up if he decided not to trust you…

Patil opened with, "it seemed open and shut to me. Harry did what he does best and when the criminals used lethal force, so did he." Dominique noted that she seemed very open and forthcoming. Nope. She was hiding her real thoughts. That was rehearsed.

Dominique pressed a bit more, "How do you think he knew who was a criminal and who wasn't? In the end, it seemed like it was just chaos."

Weasley set his drink down. "Agent Aris, have you ever been in a full scale, 'fight for your life', battle?" After a brief pause, Dominique realized it was an actual inquiry, not a rhetorical question.

"No. Only training exercises." Honesty would her more than evasiveness.

Ron nodded, no judgement. "It's crazy and confusing. You become hyper-focused on what is in front of you, but constantly distracted by everything around you. You don't think, your instincts take over and you just react. Likely, Harry was returning fire."

Tracey added, "No way Potter attacked any group first. They had to have fired off something at him. The penseive memory backs that up." Dominique noted that both Weasley and Patil call him Harry. Davis called him Potter. File that away.

"Honestly, though. How did he manage to fight under those wards? I never would have thought that was even possible." Dominique was still 'fishing' for information.

Padma took this one, "Harry is extremely knowledgeable with curses and wards. Some have referred to him as a prodigy in the field. He's able to create full body 'mystic armor' that gives him a degree of continuous protection. He also wields a tremendous amount of raw power… All of these factors kept him alive. Based on what I saw, he was lucky the wards fell when they did." The two Aurors nodded in agreement. Harry took a horrible chance and was lucky to be alive. Dominique remembered her first meeting with Harry and how he had discussed her wards. He knew what he was doing.

Davis then changed the subject, "So, what happened to Bones?"

Patil groaned, "That was awful. I'd say it was a stomach bug, but Lady Black was called in."

Ron was genuinely upset now, "Did you see her eyes? They were bleeding. Thank Merlin Lady Black was so close by. I hope she didn't pick up some curse at the site. We were there for hours."

Dominique shook her head, "Not a chance. Your brother was way too thorough. Whatever hit her was internal. We would have detected a curse or a charm in the debriefing room. Is there a chance she was cursed or potioned in London? Some kind of delayed effect?"

Ron just shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? It sure seemed sudden."

Davis reluctantly added her thoughts, "for a second, at first, I thought it might be Potter. But he was as shocked and surprised as the rest of us. He also seemed genuinely concerned." Seeing the sour looks from Ron and Padma, she added, "What? She was about to ask something serious. She never got it out. She looked guilty too, like she was throwing a friend under the bus. But Potter can't hide his feelings. He had no idea." Dominique suspected that last point was directed toward her.

Ron didn't like the sound of that. Tracey must have picked up on something. She was right about Harry, too. Whenever they used to play chess, you could always tell when he had made an important move by the look of delight or intensity on his face. There was far more to playing chess than reading the board. You had to read your opponent as well.

Dominique had one more question, "So, what's the deal with Williamson? I notice he seems more intent on working with the department heads. Do you guys work directly with him in your jobs?"

Dominique noticed the mood got a bit cooler. More wary.

Padma shrugged, "I don't work for him. I think he's a coward." She then shrugged and sipped her wine.

The table grew silent. Too silent. Tensions rose.

Padma laughed, "Wow. I always heard Tracey was the 'inappropriate' Auror and Ron was the 'headstrong' one." Padma then looked directly at Dominique. "Before the last Battle against Voldemort, the Wizarding Wireless Network sent out a call for help. Anyone willing and able to fight was asked to come to Hogwarts. We had dozens of volunteers show up. But not many of the old Aurors. About four came, but only Kingsley survived. The others used the battle as a way to get to the continent." Making sure Dominique understood her, she added, "They ran."

Dominique figured now was a good time to ask questions. Questions she would normally be too polite to ask. Questions many others had wondered about. "Why would Voldemort allow the call for help? Couldn't he have… stopped it? It's not that hard to jam a signal like that…"

Ron finally burst, "Because he wanted us all in one place. Like fishing in a barrel. He never dreamed we would win. No one did. When my family showed up, I almost cried. They came knowing there would be no prisoners. Then, Harry cut loose at that first battle, radiating so much power… I can't even begin to describe it."

Tracey spoke up, "I can. It was like we had hope. A chance. And he was so powerful. So terrible. You guys here in France only see Mr. Potter. 'I have to do the right thing'. 'I walk around forgiving everyone'. 'Let's all get along…'" Tracey leaned forward toward Dominique. "But let me tell you, the person that ripped apart those giants and slaughtered so many death eaters… well, you have yet to meet that Harry Potter."

Dominique raised her eyebrows, huffed and replied with, "I think I have seen his handiwork." That cut the tension and the group chuckled a bit. "So, why did so many people who could have helped run?"

Ron spoke up at that, "They put their families first. Williamson wasn't just sneaking out, he was sneaking his family and friends out. Muggleborn wizards and witches that were in danger. Had we lost the battle at Hogwarts, they would have been praised as heroes. Voldemort had blocked the borders, but with so many of his followers at Hogwarts, there was a mass run on the channel. Hundreds of refugees crossed over. But, we won. Voldemort was killed and his followers became the 'fish in the barrel'. Not many survived, most of us were definitely not taking prisoners. Now, there is… resentment. Toward those who didn't answer the call for help."

Dominique very gently pointed out what she felt was painfully obvious. "France had already accepted that the war was over and we were preparing for an attack on our shores. The ICW was in a state of emergency… Can you blame them? For trying to save the lives of innocents and family? Loved ones?"

Padma spoke before Ron could, "We all lost loved ones. Many of us had family members die. Friends… I think what bothers most of us was that the Aurors who ran were supposed to be the first line of defense, but they… weren't. Most of us don't blame them for going into hiding when the ministry fell. But when it was time to stand and deliver, they acted like civilians." Ron visibly wanted to say more, but Tracey caught his eye and shook her head. Dominique noted the exchange.

"So, why were they given their old jobs back?" Dominique was curious. No one in the French ministry had heard any of this.

Padma took a deep breath. When it was obvious she was the only one willing to talk, she answered as delicately as she could. "Kingsley needed Aurors. The ones that changed sides after the ministry fell were either slaughtered in the last battle or sent to Azkaban. Those who didn't change sides and didn't go into hiding were killed when the ministry fell. So, compromises were made. Ron and Tracey just recently graduated from being Junior Aurors in training… Susan too. After the last battle, Kingsley was the only Auror left." Thinking about it, she added, "And a few of the old guard pointed out that they suspected the whole wizarding wireless 'call to arms' was a trick. At least one of them said he didn't have a wireless to hear the call."

Ron snorted and Tracey kicked him.

Dominique did not know when to quit. "What about the Department of Mysteries? Were they able to aid or assist?" She wondered what she would have done. Whether her friends and coworkers would have been brave enough to risk their own safety?

Padma just smiled. "That's classified." She knew they had done far more than anyone knew. Well, most of them. A few toed the line. But that was before her time.

Dominique had never intended to ask so many questions, but her guests seemed willing to talk. "So, why is Harry Potter friends with the Malfoy family? Weren't they big supporters of Voldemort? When he was injured, Harry refused to let anyone treat him except Draco Malfoy. Lady Black couldn't get here in time and he needed to be looked at. We almost called in Aurors to restrain him…"

Ron made a horrified sound. Tracey broke her stone face and just looked in horror. Padma was the only one not gasping and looking like the sun changed colors.

Padma shook her head and said, "That would have been bad. He was concussed and not thinking clearly, but still amazingly powerful. He probably would have leveled your hospital." Pausing to consider the scenario, she added, "Fortunately, Draco is honor bound to help Harry. Draco and his mother both went to Harry and Lady Black to escape Lucius Malfoy and the other Deatheaters. Beyond that, it's private."

Padma had stayed with Harry and defended his wands. It was almost a huge incident, but she refused to comply with the French Aurors. Only a Patronus message from Mme. Bellamy calmed the Hospital administration. Well, that and Monsieur Delacour. Padma wondered if Harry had any clue how many influential friends he has. Those witches he saved were from amazingly well connected French families. Some were actually related to British nobility, but not ones Harry associates with. Rosier, Moreau, LeStrange, Beaufort, and Kama. Padma wondered how Harry would feel knowing he was supported by elite French pureblood families.

Dominique knew that was the end of her little 'inquisition'. She had learned a lot. These young witches and wizards were the real force in Britain. The ones who were forged in the fires of battle. Within ten years, there would be a changing of the guard and Britain would be run by the bold and the courageous.

Ron then decided to ask a few questions of his own, "OK, we've been answering questions since we got here, I have a few of my own. Tell us about France and how they had viewed our war. Why they didn't send Aurors, and what the normal people all thought."

Dominique had expected this, "Initially, France viewed it as a small terrorist group and so did the ICW. They were shocked at what they had heard, but believed Dumbledore had it in hand. The British ministry also didn't want foreign Aurors involved and never asked for aid. Until it was too late. Once Dumbledore was killed, we had to take stock in our own ability to battle a dark lord. It was not a positive assessment."

She sipped her wine and continued, "To the average French citizen, it was just a series of internal skirmishes. Then the ministry fell and it seemed to become horrific. The rumors and stories from those who escaped after the take-over was horrifying. The French people were scared and the government began preparing for Voldemort to expand. The ICW woke up and began looking for ways to contain the threat. We truly expected another Grindelwald.

Ron pressed further, "What was heard during the occupation? What did the average French Wizard or Witch know?"

Dominique held very little back. "The Borders had become near impassable, but refugees found ways. We did work to establish an underground movement to get muggleborn witches and wizards out of the country, but it was a challenge." She then leaned in and shared a bit more, "There were stories of rebels and freedom fighters, but there was no way to reach them or give aid. Ironically, your friend Harry was now labeled a terrorist by the new government. Stories reached us of his escapades and he is viewed as something of a savior by those he assisted. Those he helped escape. In France, he is looked upon like a mythical figure. Many believe he could never have done what they are saying he accomplished… But there are so many eye witnesses."

Dominique noticed her guests had grown silent. "Then, in one day, everything seemed to change. Harry Potter and his freedom fighters won a huge battle and the war ended. All of you who fought in that last battle are looked upon as heroes. The ICW got involved in helping relocate the displaced citizens. But, Britain refused to allow the ICW any say in their trials and sentencing. Your minister has been genial, but has kept other countries out of Magical Britain."

Tracey then added her thoughts, "Hey, we're still a sovereign state. We fought our own war and no one is coming in and telling us how to act after the fact. I heard about the opportunists from around the globe, pressing for entry. All offering to help. But most of them had goals and objectives of their own. No thanks."

Padma added, "Absolutely right. Opportunists and scavengers, looking to profit after the hard work is over. I don't know how Kingsley kept them all out."

Dominique realized that they may not really know. "He threatened them. I imagine this is why he accepted all those old Aurors back. He needed to show internal strength and structure. Many of these 'Opportunists' had dealings with Voldemort and his followers. They were trying to salvage their investments and hide their crimes. A few were trying to shield their deatheater friends. But they all had one thing in common." She paused for the dramatic effect. Ron and Tracey were waiting, Padma already figured it out. "They were afraid of Harry Potter."

Ron and Tracey just looked at her. Padma had apparently heard this before and was unaffected.

Dominique found she was enjoying this. Sharing. "Really, if you had been dealing with Deatheaters and you had heard the stories…"

They all knew Harry's 'no-stunner' policy toward Deatheaters. For Ron and Tracey, it made perfect sense. Padma had a question though, "So, what did you think when you first met Harry? This 'fearsome' and 'powerful' mage. The 'Boy-Who-Won'. The 'Next Merlin'. Were you surprised?"

Dominique knew she was with Harry's friends. They had shared and been honest, so she would too. "I thought he was an abused child. I thought he was sad and a bit lonely. I was shocked to find out no one ever got him therapy with a mind healer." Looking at the expressions on the faces of her guests, she knew her comments had really hit home.

She continued, "He clings to those he sees as family like a life line. He is always looking for attackers. When we had dinner, he constantly checked our food for potions and poisons. Not just when the food arrived, but between every bite. He never stopped scanning the room. It was second nature. Then he admitted to having 'astral spies' circling us. When a powerful Witch seemed to notice him, he suddenly felt threatened and apparated us back to my flat. He punched right through my wards. One moment we were talking, the next… he was ready for combat and I was terrified. I never did find out who the witch was or why she was watching him. She did nothing threatening, she was just eating her dinner. Frankly, I imagine lots of Witches watch him."

Dead silence. Dominique noted that they looked upset. Ashamed even. File that away.

The conversation then turned to simple things like Quidditch and whether or not the Yanks will ever produce a world class team. But the evening had really hit the point of no return. None of them were in a happy or carefree mode. When they decided to call it a night, Padma finally asked the last question Dominique expected to hear, "So, who did you have at the auction to 'buy' Harry?"

Dominique suddenly realized that, in the fury of events, everyone at the DMA forgot about the auction.

"The scouting mission was cancelled in favor of examining the Lavoisier Manor." Suddenly, all three of her guests were staring at her. "We had assumed Harry was going to be recovering for at least a week. Seeing him at the Ministry had been a shock. No one imagined he would look so well. Then, Auror Bones got sick… No, we never cancelled. Oh, lord. Harry is going to be pissed." Domonique realized she was now babbling.

Davis started laughing. Padma looked furious. Ron looked both amused and shocked. Yes, they knew Harry Potter. Even she knew him well enough to know how much this going to upset the young man. Dominique went to the bartender and asked if he had heard anything about the auction. Hopefully Harry been auctioned off to a sweet old lady. The news the bartender gave made her step backward. According to the bartender, Harry Potter raised a record breaking amount of money, but was auctioned off to Chasseuse Coquin, the infamous 'Man-Eater' of Paris.

Dominique Aris needed another drink.

—CS—

Five Senses Gardens

Yvoire, France

2AM, August 11, 2001

After a wild spinning sensation, the carriage portkey that was carrying Harry came to a halt. It took him a moment to re-orient himself and take in his surroundings. The carriage was now in Yvoire, France, at the entrance to the Five Senses Gardens. The Driver that triggered the portkey was not brought along. Neither were the horses. It had apparently been transported without its wheels or the driver platform.

Harry's heart was beating fast and furious, his adrenalin spiking the moment he realized this was a trap. The driver had been the woman that he spotted during the L'Savoureux restaurant opening. The one who seemed to wield a great deal of power and appeared to be quite adept at using the astral plane. She was undoubtedly a Nethermancer, and a powerful one at that! He was always so careful, yet she had managed to 'snag' him effortlessly. Like she knew where he would be and when he would be alone. She also heard him singing...

Calming down, Harry noted there were lights and music coming from the gardens. He tentatively stepped out of the carriage and realized that it had arrived perfectly aligned with the entranceway. There was a sign outside the gardens declaring a private party was in progress. Harry approached the sign and read further. The party was in honor of 'Lord Harry Peverell, MoD'. The hosts were Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel.

Harry simply stated, "You have got to be kidding me." Reviewing his options, he could easily apparate straight to his home, which was heavily warded. He could apparate to the Delacour Manor, also heavily warded. Or, he could pull a Sirius Black move, and just walk right into this party to see what was going on. Sirius' plan was not the smart one.

Harry couldn't shake the thought that he would have been at their mercy if they had wanted to harm him. Here he was, fully armed, fully conscious, and standing in a location free of wards or any restraints. Maybe… he'd take a peek. But first, he'd take a different kind of peek. Opening his senses, he picked up on a few minor wards. There were plenty of muggle repulsion runes. Looking further and shifting his vision to pick up astral signatures, Harry noted quite a few plant elementals guarding the entranceway. Yep, private party. Very Private.

Harry scanned himself to see if there were any charms or potions administered during the portkey. Nope, clean and clear. Looking himself over, he noticed that he was a bit rumpled. Between dodging Chasseuse Coquin and all the nights' activities, he looked like he could use a strong coffee and get his suit pressed. Hmmm.

"Pipsey?" Harry said this and sparked a bit of magic into the name.

His lovable house elf appeared. "Master Harry! We's waiting for you to return. Yous was with a Bad, Bad woman!" Pipsey was just shaking her head in a disapproving manner.

"Well, I'm Ok now. I dropped her off. Say, I'm about to go to a party, do you think you can help straighten my clothes a bit?" Harry knew this is what house elves lived for.

Pipsey smiled broadly and went to work. Within sixty seconds, Harry looked neat and tidy. His dress robes were immaculate and not a wrinkle in sight. Shoes polished to a nice satin sheen. Dress tie straightened. Apparently he had a few tiny stains from dinner, but they were minor and she got them out easily enough. Harry suspected Chasseuse Coquin had caused them. Thank goodness she relented before the evening ended.

Harry lifted Pipsey into the carriage so she would be at eye level. "Ok, Pipsey, Do I look presentable?" Harry knew she still saw him as an infant, but she knew how to keep him honest.

The tiny elf nodded and smiled. "Have fun, Master Harry! Pipsey will let Lady Black know you are at a different party. When will yous be back?"

"I should be back by dawn. Sooner if I don't like the party. Wish me luck!" Harry kissed Pipsey on the fore head and proceeded into the garden.

—CS—

Paris, France

St. Genevieve Hospital

Friday, August 10, 2001

11 PM

Susan Bones had come to terms with her situation. There had been no choice, really. She would support Harry Potter, and pray he never goes Dark. She did need to understand the alliance better to ensure she did not suffer another attack, but she knew it was unlikely it would happen again. Her body and mind tried to warn her off multiple times, but she assumed Harry had somehow hexed her.

She would ask to return to London. She could use the sickness as an excuse. Ron and Tracey could stay here and wrap things up. She felt guilty bailing Ron, but he brought Tracey along, so… She could watch his back. Maybe a trainee could even be assigned. Once Susan completely understood the terms of the alliance and the penalties that had apparently been invoked, she could safely interact with Harry. But not until then. She was the last of the Bones core family, she couldn't chance it.

Thinking about the continuation of her family made her wonder if she was in the right line of work. She loved it, but it was dangerous. On top of that, she had no heir. There were maybe a dozen or so cousins. It might be time to bring them in closer. If she liked any of them, possibly a marriage could be arranged. Whoever she married had to adopt the Bones name, so it helped if they were already called Bones… Marriage and children. Alliances and work obligations. When did she grow up? Maybe that was the problem, she hadn't.

Susan decided to treat this as a wake-up call. Time to stop acting like a self-centered child and be a person her Aunt and parents would have been proud of. First, she'd get her estate in order. Take steps to strengthen the family, small though it may now be. Then she would reach out to Harry and offer a formal Rapprochement. Full honesty and let the chips fall where they may. Susan had every intention of making Wizarding Britain a better place, but it would start with making herself a better person.

—CS—

Five Senses Gardens

Yvoire, France

2:15 AM, August 11, 2001

As Harry slowly walked down the pathway, he saw a few individuals talking and laughing. As he extended his senses, he realized how much ambient power was in the air. There were some high powered individuals here. If they started throwing around spells, there'd be a major 'EM' pulse generated. Probably fry all the electronics in a half mile radius. As Harry cautiously approached the nearest group, he noticed Nicolas Flamel raising a hand to greet him.

Harry raised his hand as well without even thinking. Should he be angry? Probably. But they were also throwing a party for him. This was just all so confusing. Nicolas had invited him over after the auction, was this what he meant? What exactly had the man said…? Harry finally decided to just go with it.

Walking up Harry greeted his 'host', "Mr. Flamel, it's good to see you. I wasn't sure what to expect."

The man was smiling. "Please, I've already told you to call me Nicolas. I was beginning to wonder when you would get here. Aina said you were having difficulty with your date. Even I've heard of Chasseuse Coquin." Seeing Harry flinch, he hastily added with a small chuckle, "Well, you're here now, and that's what matters."

A very attractive woman approached them as they talked.

"Harry, this is my wife, Perenelle. And this is Harry Potter, also known as Peverell and Black." Tilting his head, he half-jokingly asked Harry, "Any other names I should introduce you by?"

"Believe it or not, Slytherin! But Harry is fine and Potter is what I have been my whole life. It's nice to meet you Mme. Flamel."

She gave Harry a little hug and a kiss on the cheek. "It is Perenelle, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Your eyes… so like your mother's. We have so much to discuss, but for tonight, let's introduce you around. They are all eager to meet you." Harry noticed more guests had walked over. They all seemed happy and outgoing.

Suddenly, Harry remembered Oak Heart's message. 'Embrace your current family and your ancient family. I sense they are close. They are eager to meet you. Tell them you are my acorn and they are tasked with nurturing you into becoming a seedling worthy of your legacy.'

"Can I ask a question that may seem a bit odd?" Seeing both of his hosts waiting, he proceeded, "Are we related? I mean, distantly?"

His two hosts exchanged a look, Nicolas responded with a very calm and somewhat subdued tone, "Why do you ask that, Harry?"

Strange answer. Very telling, also. "I bonded with an Elemental a few years ago and he mentioned seeking out my ancient family. Well, I call him a 'he'. But 'he' might be a 'she'. If you know what I mean."

Perenelle gave a mirthful laugh. "Oui, I do know what you mean. I am a bit of an Elementalist myself." She then looked him in the eyes and asked a question that seemed to hold a lot of weight, "If it's not too personal, can you share with us the name of the Elemental?"

Harry considered this. There was really nothing they could do even if they had the name. His 'Grandfather Oak Heart' would be safe.

Harry calmly said "His name is Oak Heart." They both seemed to be visibly stunned. Gasps and whispers were occurring all around him. Knowing the condition the elemental was in when he bonded with Harry, they might draw the wrong conclusion.

He tried to reassure them, "You may have heard of him, but he's OK. Or she. He's not damaged now and he constantly gives me guidance and advice. When he's not sleeping… It's a long story, but we healed each other. So, anything negative you may have heard is not really accurate anymore."

There was a silence. Others around them had grown silent, too. They began to form a circle. Around him.

"I can show you his tree sometime if you'd like." This was getting very awkward, very fast. If he showed them the tree, he'd have the wards dialed up to eleven. Growing more cautious, he thought, maybe he wouldn't show them anything. Maybe he should look for a way out.

No one was now talking. They were surrounding him. Not normal. Some of their eyes started glowing... just like his did when he was scanning someones pattern... Or charging up for a battle.

Shifting his own vision, he saw how powerful these individuals were. These were mages. A dozen or more mages, all in one site. Harry's adrenalin started to kick in. He was totally surrounded. By a dozen or more mages in Dumbledore's power level. All looked to be gazing at him. Intently. Harry remembered a science fiction show Dudley once liked to watch on television every Saturday morning. A phrase rang through his mind. 'Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!'

No anti apparition wards. He'd practiced the move a thousand times. In less than a tenth of a second, he could flick his wand from his sleeve and disapparate to his house. There, he could pump up the wards. Shite! He had told them about his tree… Well, if they want his tree, they'd have to go through him to get it.

Harry slowly shifted into a defensive position. He chose the 'Water Defense' basic stance. Safe and reliable. Works better than the 'Earth Defense' when you are surrounded. He looked all around himself. His heart started beating double time. Harry noticed the other guests began slowly closing in. Tightening the circle. They didn't seem hostile, but they were definitely focused on him. Was this how people felt when his eyes glowed?

No more standing around. After a half a second, Harry made up his mind. He thought, 'Fuck it. This is just too weird. I don't owe any of these people anything'. With that thought, Harry discretely straightened his left arm in preparation of a quick departure.

Then, Perenelle Flamel stepped forward and held out her hand, palm up. "Please don't leave, Harry. Hearing you have met Oak Heart comes as a surprise, but it just reaffirms that we are family. Take my hand. We've waited a very long time to meet you. Please, you are safe here." Her hand was still out.

Harry looked at the woman. Ok, they could have attacked him half a dozen times by now. "I've had a long day... maybe this isn't the best time..."

Perenelle smiled. "You can leave whenever you wish, but if you are up to it, stay a little longer. We are, after all, family."

Harry slowly reached out and took her hand. His left hand was still ready to act on a moments notice, but he really wanted to know what they had to say.

—CS—

Thanks. A little shorter than normal, but I covered what I wanted.

Feedback is appreciated.

* Tristesse et Désespoir = 'Gloom and Despair', a popular pub with the French Magical Community.

NOTES:

Harry now knows that other mages exist. He said something that shocked them and they acted in a way that made Harry nervous. I originally wrote this scene a different way, then I realized that Harry was already borderline paranoid around people he doesn't know. I'll pick up the 'meeting of the mages' in the next chapter. I want to really consider everything, so it will take a bit of thought. Basically, Harry will find out there are other very large fish in the sea and where he fits into the picture. Also, why they acted so oddly when he mentioned Oak Heart.

Susan has vowed to grow up and straighten out. Hopefully we can wrap that little angst filled chapter of Harry's life up. I do regret going there now, the angst it put into the prequel alone was not worth it. Still, it may have potential as a leverage point in the future if Harry needs extra support.

It may have been a bit one-sided, but now I've detailed a bit of what the Aurors in hiding were doing and why they didn't help. All were valid reasons. Especially the argument that they either did not have a wireless radio or they thought it was a trap. The trap is the best answer, but the survivors may not be so inclined to just accept that at face value. The fact is, the old guard failed. This was never really addressed in canon to my knowledge. I have always felt like the DoM was performing rituals and subtle tricks to undermine Voldemort. Maybe weakening border wards and allowing refugees to escape. Who knows.

Dominique Aris is a Profiler. I tried not to write her as a 'bad' person, just an introvert that observes lots of details and files them away to consider later. She is also very curious and loves solving riddles and answering questions. She's not manipulative like a Dumbledore, but she needs her observations to help her in her interactions. She is a person that has always been a bit of an intellectual outsider and doesn't know how not to be. I hope I wrote her convincingly.

The whole scene at the Tristesse et Désespoir is setting the stage for a group of young movers and shakers. I originally had Luna included, but it just didn't fit. Maybe I can work her in one way or another, but not in this intense environment. i like having a group of background support players I can pull out as needed.

State of my stories:

1. Casting Shadows is a world building story with action thrown in. I'll be focusing on the World Building a bit more in future chapters. I also am at a point where I see a 'pairing' form. There was really only one choice once the pieces fell into place. Daphne. I went ahead and updated the story description. We'll see how it goes. This is, and will remain, the primary story. International hero. My only real question is, do I end it when he leaves France and have separate stories (Casting Shadows 2) as Harry travels or just keep building chapters on this Story...

2. The prequel to Casting Shadows, the Dance of Death, is very close to the point where it diverges completely from canon and Harry prepares for war. The prequel is more of a combat story, not a world builder. Harry will transition from being an angsty and beaten down teen to being a rebellious young combat wizard. I'll pair Harry up with Ginny as per canon, but there will be key differences. Ginny's development will differ a bit from the books. As will Ron's development. And the relationship will end in Casting Shadows (as you all know).

3. Also, I have started a third story, Chimera Rising, that will differ significantly from my primary stories. Harry will have a different mentor than Bill and it will reflect in his beliefs and how he deals with others. Far less angst and more of a Dark Grey take on Harry. No insanely powered characters either. But, it will be a slow build as the other two stories take priority. I originally considered making it a pre-prequel. But it was actually my original idea before I went with an Earthdawn influenced theme.