All characters are property of JK Rowling and I do not make a profit from this story.

Beta: Roman's Sundial

Chapter Twenty-Four: Exposed

Harry Potter – Present Day

January 3, 2000

It was two days after Ginny had returned from meeting with Grindelwald, and Harry found himself standing off to the side of a raised platform in the Ministry of Magic's atrium, in his best dress robes. After careful consideration, Harry, along with the Minister of Magic, and the Order, decided that they needed to release the information about Grindelwald to the wizarding world before Grindelwald decided to act. It was the day before Grindelwald expected Ginny's return, and so, despite Harry feeling that not enough time was allotted, Kingsley was releasing a statement in just a few short minutes in front of the very crowded atrium. Reporters from newspapers all over Britain were present, along with radio hosts, and other sources of media from both the magical and muggle world, all awaiting the mysterious announcement that Kingsley was scheduled to present in a few minutes. The night before, Harry and Kingsley had informed the aurors of the situation and, along with the Order members, were in position for an attack.

"Mr. Potter," came Kingsley's voice from behind him. Harry turned around and saw the Minister of Magic approaching him with his arm stretched.

"Minister," said Harry, shaking his hand. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be, I suppose. It is never easy to inform the world of a threat, particularly one as big as this."

"Well, at least you are informing them before hand, unlike Fudge back when Voldemort returned."

"Very true," Kingsley chuckled.

"Any luck with Thicknesse?" Harry asked.

"I am afraid not; Aurors are out looking of course, but he fled. Probably in that house Ms. Weasley told us about."

"Well, keep the aurors on guard. As soon as the speech is delivered, have them move in. We may not be able to get through the fidelius charm, but it also forces Grindelwald to stay in there, and at least like that he can't be out terrorizing anybody."

"There is always the floo, however."

"It will be monitored, right?"

"Helen is at the floo office as we speak. Once my speech is delivered, she will brief them on what to do."

Harry nodded. "And the muggle Prime Minister?"

"Already aware. He has his police officials on the lookout for both Thicknesse and Grindelwald, but they know not to approach them. They are instructed to inform our office and we are to take it from there."

"Well, I guess that's everything, then," Harry sighed.

"There is no other option, Mr. Potter. He has forced our hand. Now, if you'll excuse me, it is time." Kingsley walked up to the podium and the awaiting crowd quieted immediately. He pointed his wand to his neck and muttered "Sonorus." Instantly, his voice became loud and projected across the loud room. "Good morning, wizards, witches, and muggles alike. First, I would like to wish you all a happy new year! May your year be prosperous and successful. As your Minister of Magic, it is my duty to inform you of anything of importance, and it is my responsibility to protect each and every one of you. With that said, it saddens me and angers me to declare that Gellert Grindelwald is no longer confined at Nurmengard prison." Kingsley did not allow the instant murmurs to take over the room, and instead continued to speak to the crowd. "For those unfamiliar with the man I speak of, Gellert Grindelwald had come to power in the early nineteen hundreds…" As Kingsley gave the brief history of Grindelwald's time in power, Harry turned his attention to Hermione and gave her a little nod. She in turn nodded back and headed towards the office of the Dobwig Association. It was her job now to send an owl to everyone ever tried by the Dobwig Association who had not been placed in Azkaban; they were to all come in and meet with them to ensure that they had no contact with Grindelwald or Thicknesse. Harry was not happy about this; he felt that if they had been let off in the past, they should not be bothered now. Bringing them in only shows that they were never cleared in the first place. Sighing, he turned his attention back to Kingsley; he put the thought of the upcoming meetings in the back of his mind and would deal with the matter later. "…Finally, in 1945 he was captured and placed in Nurmengard prison – until now."

"How did he escape?"

"Where is he now?"

"Who is in most danger?"

Questions were being thrown at Kingsley from several different people, but he merely continued on with his rehearsed speech. "The muggle authorities have been informed and breached on how to proceed. Our auror office as well as the well known Order of the Phoenix organisation are also in place and are prepared to handle the situation. We cannot provide many details as it will give our position to Grindelwald; however, we can assure you that we are prepared. Much more prepared than when the one who called himself Lord Voldemort came to power. In the meantime, we ask that you all stay alert and only travel to places that you need to. Use apparition and floo, and try to avoid being outdoors at night. Should you see anything suspicious, report it immediately but do not engage yourselves. We thank you very much for your time and your help, and will provide you with more information as soon as possible. Until then, stay vigiliant. Thank you. Quietus." Kingsley removed the amplifying charm and walked towards Harry.

"I guess that's that," Harry sighed.

"I don't like it either, but it had to be done."

Harry nodded. "Helen just sent me a message on my galleon; Grindelwald's hideout is now visibly enforced, and the floo is officially being watched."

"Perfect. Let us move this conversation to my office; I do not wish to answer any questions at the moment."

"I can't right now, Minister, I have a few things to do."

Kingsley nodded his understanding. "See you at tonight's Order meeting, then."

"See you." Harry took a lift up to the Harry Potter Association, where he found Hermione sitting at her desk.

"All done," she said, looking up at him. "Harry, you know this is going to cause an uproar."

"It wasn't my idea and I don't like it either. I plan on letting everyone go, however. Unless of course they present something that I should worry about. But I want to keep this as peaceful as possible."

"Draco is going to receive his owl any minute now, I should probably go and talk to him."

"Hermione, about Draco…"

Hermione sighed. "I know, Harry, the countercurse."

"He's the only one that can help us."

"Well, no, he's not; Crabbe is. But I need to get through Draco to get through Crabbe. I have a plan, but Harry, it's going to take a week or so."

"Well, we have waited this long, haven't we? Just do what you have to do, Hermione. I could really use Remus' advice right now."

Jessica Ferguson – Present Day

January 3, 2000

"Healer Martus, we weren't expecting you," said Jessica, from her daughter's bedside.

"Amelia's treatment is not completed, but she no longer needs to stay here. We can have her attend appointments here, but I must insist that the two of you find another place to go. As Amelia is now awake and stable, I need the room for other patients."

"No problem, just let me put our things together. When will her next appointment be?" Jessica asked, pleased that she would finally be able to go home.

"The appointments will be owled to you. I recommend you stay with a witch or wizard; it is the only way we can make contact."

"Well, can't you just contact Ron? I know he will inform me…"

"Ah, hello, Healer Martus!" An older lady walked into the room, greeted the Healer, then turned to Jessica. "And you must be Jessica. My name is Andromeda Tonks, I was sent here by the Weasleys to collect you."

"Collect me?"

"Yes Dear, you and your precious daughter. You will be staying with the Weasleys while she recovers."

Jessica's blood was boiling. "What is with people making decisions for me? My daughter and I are going home, to our house."

"Ms. Ferguson, I must insist that you stay with a wizarding family. Should anything happen to Amelia, they would know how to treat her properly, as well as apparate her back here. You have my word that Andromeda here is trustworthy, and she will take you both safely to the Weasley household."

Jessica frowned. "Fine, but only because it's for Amelia's safety. Once she is cleared, we are going home."

"I shall see you two at the next appointment," Healer Martus smiled, walking out of the room.

"Why isn't Ron picking us up?" Jessica asked Andromeda.

"He will explain once we get there," she told her.

"What is with the Wizarding world and secrets?" Jessica mumbled, angrily.

"I will apparate with Amelia first, then," said Andromeda, ignoring Jessica's question. "Then I shall come back, and you and I will travel the muggle way."

"What? No! Amelia stays with me!"

"Jessica, I am so sorry, but Amelia is not strong enough to make that trip and as I cannot apparate with you, this is our only option."

Jessica took a deep breath. "How long will you be?"

"About fifteen minutes at the most," she promised.

"Amelia, sweetheart, go with this nice lady," Jessica said, turning to her daughter. "She will take you to Ron, remember him? Mommy will be there soon." Doubtful that Amelia understood what Jessica was saying, seeing as though she was so young, Jessica handed her to Andromeda. She watched the pair of them leave and then she packed up their belongings from the room. She hesitated in the hallway as she walked out of the room. She had seen Nigel, here, in a magical hospital. Surely there was no way that he had been a wizard, so what was he doing here? He had run away when he saw her. Coward, she thought to herself. He ran away once, why was she surprised that he would do it again? But why was he here? Did he know a sick wizard or witch? Curiosity got the best of her, and she headed towards the staircase where she had encountered him. Before she could open the door, however, Andromeda appeared at her side.

"Ready to go?"

Jessica nodded. "Amelia is safe?"

It was Andromeda's turn to nod. "With Ron and Molly at the Burrow."

"The Burrow?"

"That's what they call their dwelling. Come along, now."

"Wait, can I ask you something first?"

"Of course you may!"

Jessica hesitated before speaking. "Is there like a guest book or something here that people use to sign in when visiting someone? I ask because…" She took a deep breath. "I ran into someone I know here, and I wanted to know how he was connected to the wizarding world. It's quite important, actually."

"I'm sorry, Dear, but there is no way of finding that out. What is his name though? I may know his family."

"Nigel."

"His family name, love."

"I don't know," she answered sadly.

"Well, then I am afraid I cannot help you. Come along now, Jessica, we have a long way to go before we get to the Burrow."

Hermione Granger – Present Day

January 3, 2000

"Draco, stop being like that and come out here!" She had been standing at the entrance to the Slytherin common room for what felt like hours, yet Draco refused to come out, nor would he send her a reply on her galleon. "It is not my fault, okay?" Finally, the entrance to the Slytherin common room slid open, and out walked Draco Malfoy.

"So who is responsible for trying to send my mother to Azkaban, then?" he asked, angrily.

"Nobody is trying to send your mother to Azkaban!" she said, for probably the sixth time. At least this time she was saying it to his face and not to a solid wall. "Grindelwald has escaped Nurmengard and the Ministry needs to investigate all angles, that's all!"

"But my mother has nothing to do with Grindelwald."

"I know that! Which is why when the hearing is conducted it will solely be to prove to the Wizengamot that those associated to Voldemort in the past are not associated to Grindelwald, past or present!"

"The Wizengamot is going to be present? Not even my father's hearing had the Wizengamot present."

"They are the ones calling for the re-trial." Draco looked panicked, but Hermione spoke before he could say anything. "This is better for your mother, Draco. Once they see that she is innocent, and they will see that, she will have their support and she won't have to worry about anything anymore. No more association to anything negative, not even Voldemort."

Draco was silent for awhile, obviously considering what she said. "Why didn't I get a letter?" he finally asked.

"Because I told them you're under my watchful eye at all times and cannot possibly be in contact with Grindelwald. I also reminded them that you have a review hearing coming up in a few months, anyway."

"That I guess will now be held by the Wizengamot?"

"Probably," Hermione answered honestly.

"Well, can you take me to the Manor, please? I would at least like to explain to my mother in person."

Hermione hesitated. "I don't know, I have an Order meeting soon, and with Grindelwald out there…" Draco did not say anything, but the look in his eyes was devastating to her. For the first time, she saw real pain and sadness there, and she suddenly started to appreciate just how horrible his situation truly was. "Okay, but it can only be a few minutes, okay? I have to get to an Order meeting."

Draco's face lit up. "Thank you, Hermione, truly!" The pair apparated outside of Malfoy Manor within a few minutes, and started heading to the front gate when Draco pulled Hermione back.

"Draco, what-"

"Shh! Look, towards the side of the manor. Someone is there," he whispered, shrinking lower into the bushes and motioning for her to do the same.

"Isn't it just your mother?"

Draco shook his head. "She's in her room, look," he said, pointing towards a window at the top of the manor. "We have to warn her, Hermione!"

"You need to leave. Draco, if you are caught near any trouble at all, you're going to Azkaban."

"I can't leave my mother in danger!" he said hurriedly.

"You need to leave! I'll protect her, you have my word!" Draco looked at her but did not speak. "Trust me, Draco! It's the only way I can save both of you!"

"I need to protect you, too. I can't leave you both alone!"

Hermione pulled out her galleon and sent a quick message to Harry. "Apparate to Harry's house, I just sent him a message to meet you there. Tell him what's going on and he will send help. Draco, look at me." Draco turned to her, with a terrified expression. "I am trusting you to go alone to Harry's house; if anyone sees you, we both go to Azkaban. In turn, trust me to save your mother."

Slowly, Draco finally nodded in agreement. "Okay," he said, barely audible. "But wait for the back up I am sending with Potter. As long as he is in your eye sight, you'll know that my mother is safe and you'll be safe too, in the shadows."

Hermione nodded. "We will be fine, just hurry and get to Harry's." She quickly hugged Draco goodbye, and turned to watch the intruder. Draco had not been gone for more than five minutes before the intruder disappeared to the back of the manor and out of Hermione's view. She quickly pulled out her galleon again and messaged Harry:

Draco will explain, but tell him to send his mum an owl telling her to stay in her room and that I am coming in through the front.

Knowing that Harry nor Draco would like what she just sent, she put the galleon away anyway, pulled out her wand, and as silently as possible, pushed the gate open to Malfoy Manor and slipped inside the property.

Neville Longbottom – The Past

July 2, 1997

Neville rolled over and admired the beautiful sleeping Jessica. He could not believe his luck! He, the clumsy, less than average, horrible at school, shy, awkward guy, was having sex with the most magnificent woman on the planet! Having never done it before, he had expected to have been nervous of course, but with Jessica, everything had been so easy. He wasn't sure what love felt like, but he was certain that it must feel like this. He laid his head back down beside her and sighed. He never wanted to leave this tent; he had never felt this happy about anything in his entire life. But that nagging feeling in his gut kept visiting, and it was getting stronger and stronger. He needed to get back to his grandmother. He needed to get back and help Harry. He needed to do whatever it was possible to help end Voldemort and his Death Eaters. But you're useless, you can't do anything, said another annoying voice in his head. As much truth as there was to that statement, Neville knew it did not matter. His parents did not hide in a tent when the war approached; no, they went and they fought. He was proud to be their son, and there was no way he would dishonor them by hiding out in a tent when the wizarding world needed him, regardless of what help, or lack of, that he could provide. Fighting back the tears, he dressed quietly and prepared to leave. When he was ready to go, he turned to the sleeping Jessica one last time, and very gently, laid a small kiss upon her forehead. The kiss had awoken her.

"Hey," she said smiling, as she stirred awake. "Where are you going?"

"Going to get us something to eat," he lied, trying not to look at her in fear that he would give in to the need of staying. "Go back to sleep."

"Okay," she said, rolling over. "But you know, when you come back, you're taking those clothes off again." She closed her eyes, but had a huge grin on her face, clearly thinking about her intimate moments with Neville. She doesn't know your name, she thinks you're Nigel, you need to leave! Neville exited the tent and took some food out of his bag that he had been saving and laid it by the entrance of the tent. She had expected him to get food, and there was no way she was going to leave and not at least give her that. Finally, after much deliberation, Neville did the hardest thing he ever had to do – walked away from the woman that he was pretty certain he was in love with.

Author's Notes: Not much to say about this chapter except that now the wizarding world knows that Grindelwald is back and with that, you can expect a war!

The next chapter focuses on the intruder at Malfoy Manor, followed by a flashback of Lily Potter!

Thanks for reading!