Chapter 19

Neville Longbottom waited nervously in the foyer. Ares Black was with them. It was decided that Harry Potter being there would detract from Neville.

Personally, Neville would rather have his brother there. He would rather be invisible right now.

He was meeting with a friend of Professor Ricci's. The herbology teacher from Italy was in Britain for vacation, and was working on proving the healer's theory of children working with plants.

Neville had been put forward as a test case, and it had worked wonderfully.

They were being interviewed for Herbology Monthly, and a second article on how to foster second blooms of the English glowrose was going to also be published. With Neville getting full credit for the article, as he had done the work.

Suddenly, an uproar from the alley was heard. Shouting, screams. The smell of smoke entered the room.

Ares called for an elf. "Neville, get home, and stay there. Make sure that Hadrian and Lord Black are home safe!" He knew his wife and babies were already there.

Neville popped away, and Ares stridently entered the fray, wand ready.

Death Eaters!

A dozen black robe wearing, bone-white mask bearing wizards (and possibly witches) stalked down the alley, casting flame and bone-breaking hexes as though throwing treats in a parade.

'No Thanks, not today' Ares thought to himself. He used his mirror to call Amelia, and disillusioned himself to wait for the group to come closer. He had the perfect location to set up a cross-fire, and there was an auror, bang on time.

With precision that could only be achieved through long practice, the two wizards brought down the dozen without a single curse to themselves.

Shacklebolt smiled. He hadn't had this sort of teamwork since his Order of the Phoenix days and working with Sirius Black. Seeing Ares Black step out, and give him an aching familiar salute, he returned it.

Of course his cousin would share those tactics.

Most magicals have no common sense, after all if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck…

Or in this case, looks like a Grim, barks like a Grim, it is a Grim. Or Sirius Black.

But that man was dead, so no one looked for him.

The miscreants refused to answer questions on site, but they were in for a surprise. Death Eaters and the like had lost their pureblood protection.

Anyone caught, of any bloodright, would now be questioned with veritaserum if they were in a group of three or more, and caught doing property damage, or hexing others.

It was a new law, and about to get its first use. Pleas of having been under mind control potions or Imperius would have to be proven with the truth drug.

"If you ever need a job, Mr. Black." Kingsley offered.

"And never share my wife's bed again? No, I like being warm." Ares explained. "And hen-pecked."

"Four children? Yes, I would guess she would rather you not put yourself in danger. Thank you for your help today. I don't know where my team went."

"I would have Amelia investigate that quietly. It stinks worse than Knockturn at 3 am."

"Aye."

"Take care, Kings. I need to get back myself."

"Take care, Ares."

'He even calls me Kings. Sirius must have shared his memories with his family.'

-00-00-00-

"Four Flints, two Carrows, two Goyles, three Crabbes and Fenrir Greyback! And you took them by yourself?!"

"No ma'am. Ares Black assisted."

"That man! He told me, no wait. He implied that he would scout out the best places for aurors and leave it to us. Sneaky."

"I'm sure he'd be in Slytherin with his nephew if he had gone to Hogwarts. Trained by Sirius too. Must have studied his memories. The man is good. But he has young children to protect and provide for. Said no to the recruitment offer."

"I'm sure. Well, good job. Let's keep his name out of it if we can. I owe Lord Black more than I can say. He is really trying to turn his family around. And has been a good grandfather to my great-niece."

"The only outstanding Death Eaters that they could name are going to be in custody soon except for Professor Snape who was already tried and found not guilty. We can't put him on trial for the same crime." Kingsley whined.

"I'll share a secret if you promise it goes nowhere else?" At his mod, Amelia continued. "Professor Snape has helped bring down Voldemort. No, I mean it."

"I know ma'am. I worked with him before in the Order, it's just. Well, the man always puts me on edge. I wish we could have questioned him thoroughly at the time. I know that he is true to Dumbledore, well Dumbledore's memory now. I just don't trust him."

"That's because you're all Gryffindor. You clash." Amelia chided gently.

"What happened to the rest of the team?" Kingsley demanded.

"Bad portkey. They do wear out. Took them to the far end of Knockturn. By the time they got to your location, the fight was over." Amelia looked distinctly unhappy about it.

"Bad portkey?" Kinsgley looked suspicious.

"It's being quietly handled, Shack."

"Right. Bad portkey."

"Right."

-00-00-00-

Neville eventually got his interview, and his picture, along with pictures of his greenhouses made not just the plant magazine, but the Daily Prophet.

Daphne was pictured sitting formally next to Neville for the newspaper article. She was purposely posed in the background carefully picking roses for the picture for the herbology magazine.

Seeing her in those pictures made Neville realize that he really liked the girl he was betrothed to. It wasn't just rescuing her from Flint, or hurrying to sign because SOMEONE was showing an interest in him.

It was too bad that while Daphne was truly trying to make Hermione a friend, she was putting no effort into growing feelings for her betrothed. She had something potentially wonderful. Someone kind and thoughtful. But she couldn't see him at all.

What the friends hadn't noticed was Hadrian getting caught in the picture as he flew by on his new Firebolt, just released.

The same could not be true at the Weasley home.

Ron had to repeat the second year for failure. Fortunately, most of the books were the same as the ones that the twins used, so the family had two sets of books.

Ginny bitterly complained about having to use books that had prank ideas and potion notes in the margins.

Ron bitterly complained that his mother wouldn't allow them to use any of the orchard money yet. He considered his family to be poor, but never counted the blessings that the fruit trees were once again bearing fruit. That the Weasley family was able to harvest most of the crop on their own, and not have to pay for help.

That all of their old debts were finally being paid off. They were able to now get the discounts offered for prepaying school.

There was a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and food on the table.

Molly had recently invested in a milk cow, and two goats. They had always had chickens and pigs, and Mrs. Weasley smoked her own hams, bacon, and other pork products.

Now she would be able to make goat and milk cheeses, butter, and a variety of dairy products. All carefully preserved and used with love on their family table.

No, the two youngest could only complain about their lack. But the twins were slowly saving up their earnings. They were still working for Lord Black during the day Monday through Friday. A grimoire of their prank ideas grew each day, with Hadrian Potter no small contributor.

The Weasley family was prospering. Their sworn enemies, the Malfoys, were now defunct for the most part.

Most of the plenty they enjoyed was due to the Black Family.

All of the lack was blamed on the Black Family heir.

-00-00-00-

Sirius Black IV's silvery eyes locked onto Harry's. He wouldn't let go of the third year student's finger, and Harry needed the baby to do so in order to get on the train.

Both boys were nearly in tears at the seperation.

Harry loved Cassiopia, never forget that. But little Sirius Ares was a joy.

Harry had even snuck him out for a very slow, very careful fly while Persephone napped.

He wasn't sure of everything that she had threatened meant when she found out, and it was very good that the baby was fine, but he never tried it again. Well, yet.

Daphne and Tracey were laughing at something, and Neville handed over the bouquet of flowers he brought for Daphne. Harry and Hermione watched as she figured out the message. Hannah left in tears, with Susan following her.

"I would love to go with you to Hogsmeade" just as the doors opened. Neville was hoping that he could ask her to be his girlfriend.

Only in the wizarding world could a lady be asked to be a girlfriend after she was already engaged to be married to a boy. Hermione was definitely learning though, as she didn't huff, puff, or blow anything up in frustration over it.

Draco came in followed by Crabbe and Goyle.

"Oh look, Longbottoms got a girlfriend." Draco sneered.

Bipolar Malfoy was back, it appeared. And their summer had gone by so smoothly without seeing much of the lad, too.

"Lord Black made it clear that we were to try to get along as you and your mother are still part of House Black." Neville said. "Please, don't fight with us. Let's put aside our differences, become better acquainted.

Hadrian chimed in. "I won't fight you, or parry with you verbally. If you would like to sit with us, share our table, you will be welcome. If you have only come here because you are angry at a perceived slight, tell us your grievances. Air them, cousin, and let us make amends."

Malfoy was stumped. He was angry, sure. He was jealous. There, he admitted it! He was jealous of Hadrian, and now Longbottom was trying to steal his birthright.

"Well, I know that Grandfather neuters squibs. Has he taken care of you yet? Be careful Granger. I hear that mud, I mean muggleborn girls are easy. That they like..."

Harry's magic exploded! He hadn't meant to forget his gauntlets, he just hadn't needed them all summer.

Draco went flying, fortunately out of the door and not the now shattered windows. The Malfoy Heir stood, pulled his wand, spoiling for a fight he couldn't hope to win.

The noise from the train was horrendous, but Harry had the missing glass put to rights soon.

"Leave us be, Malfoy. You and your foul mouth aren't welcome here. Neville used multisyllable words. I'll use ones you can understand. Leave. Don't come back. Do you understand?"

"You're nothing Potter! You'll never be head of House Black, and if I get my way, you'll never be head of house anything! I'm already betrothed to Astoria. I'll take Hermione too once you are out of the way!"

"Did you take Dobby's crazy pills today?" Hermione asked. "Just leave, Draco."

Draco gave a hurt look to Hermione. There was nothing wrong with Dobby! He served all in the family well. Except for his father when he was lost. Couldn't find him, little prat. Neither he or his mother ever hit an elf either, so no one could accuse them of that! Draco liked the little guy, not that he would admit it.

"Draco, you are the son of the minister of magic. I'm sure that he's going to win the election on January first, and I would have heard of anyone running against him. You have your mother, who adores you. Isn't she going to be giving you a little sister soon? That's very exciting too." Hadrian tried to soothe.

"Only you care about siblings. I like being an only child, thank you very much. And it's just a girl. No one important." Draco spat, ignoring the motions for him to leave.

"I'll be sure to tell my sister you said that. Or you can tell her yourself when she joins us in Slytherin." Daphne added.

Draco paled. Astoria was somewhere on the train, and he hadn't greeted her yet!

Without a word, he fled with his two goons.

"Well, that was unpleasant. What was that about?" Daphne asked.

"Hormones, I think." Hermione mused. "He still has a crush on me."

"What?!" Both Neville and Harry looked surprised.

"You didn't know?" Daphne asked. "Only since first year. Why do you think he's so crazy? He's in love with a muggleborn. Forbidden fruit and all. His mother would never allow it!"

"Really? But Narcissa has been over with Hermione..."

She had left. Any time that Hermione was there, Narcissa wouldn't come over, or if she was already there, Narcissa would leave early. Harry hadn't noticed before.

"Oh." Harry looked at Hermione, hurt in his eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't notice. She was rude to you. It's my home, after all. You'll always be welcome there. You and Neville. You will never, ever be homeless or hungry, Hermione, no matter what! You'll have a home there. I care about you. Very much." 'And if Draco thinks that he can just force you to be part of his House, he'll find out just how newly improved the Potter dungeons are!' Harry added to himself.

"Oh Harry!" Hermione ran to him, and gave him a warm embrace. 'I love you too.' She thought to herself.

No one in the compartment noticed that their magic overlapped as they sat quite close to each other for a time, Harry's magic wrapping Hermione like a cloak, or like a warm embrace.

Neville turned to Harry and asked a question about Susan and Hannah's schedules. They hadn't been over much this summer. Hannah was very jealous of Daphne, and kept breaking down into tears. Neville had tried apologizing, but things were still tense there.

There was a knock on the door, and the Head Boy came in.

"Heir Potter-Black, you shouldn't be sitting so close to a witch like that. I can send someone down to be a chaperone." Percy waved a wand without permission, and Harry was annoyed that the boy was right.

Hadrian stood and went to the cold box. He got out beverages for everyone. Astoria Greengrass joined them, along with several other first year boys and girls that wanted Harry's attention if not his autograph. Percy left nodding his head in approval, and left to check on the next compartment.

Hermione stood close to him and joined in a low-volumed conversation.

"Harry? Why can't we sit next to each other like that? I liked it." Hermione asked in a whisper, nearly adding that she liked it too much. She and Hadrian had not been alone at Potter Manor now that she thought about it.

"Because I'm a mage. My magic wants to merge with yours. We're too young to be..." Harry blushed and stopped talking for a few moments.

"I'm 13 Hermione. Enough said?" He whispered again.

Hermione waited for the children to leave before sitting and looking to Neville and Daphne for advice. "You know, I don't know what age most magicals start having sex."

All three blushed hugely. It was so like Hermione to just say things like that.

"After marriage, my friend. That's how old." Neville squeaked out.

"What? But that's - but what if - my mother said..." Hermione sat down. "I think I need an updated etiquette book.

The others looked around, and decided that a snack would be a good idea. Snacks, another butterbeer. And books. Compare summer homework, even if that had been done. Anything!

It took awhile, but peace was restored. It was restored.

-00-00-00-

Delores Umbridge couldn't believe it. But the Minister of Magic had allowed her entry into family records that were normally kept hidden.

The man's father was a muggle!

Everyone thought that he had been a pureblood. He had stood up for pureblood rights after all.

Not that everyone appreciated his methods.

She carefully let some of the others know, and was surprised to find out that the secret was not so secret after all.

-00-00-00-

The capture of Fenrir Greyback never made the news. Since he was a criminal, known werewolf who actively targeted young children he had been tried in absentia years before with a kiss on sight order.

He never lived to see a cell.

The others, however, were pureblood all. They were tried together, their wands proof of the spells cast, the auror's memory and testimony sealed their fate.

Them all pleading not guilty by reason of Imperius was proved false with the first question under veritaserum, but it was too late to change their plea, too late to plead for mercy as their victims had, too late to receive anything but one thing.

Justice.

The Carrow twins admitted to wanting to kill 'mudbloods and parents' during the shopping days for school. They were sentenced to the kiss.

The Goyle men admitted to trying to burn down several businesses that were run by muggleborns. If they had only done property damage, it would have been a fine. But they were hoping to kill the shop owners. They also admitted to committing murder to please the 'Dark Lord' who would one day return and rescue them from prison. They were kissed as well.

The only one who didn't receive the kiss was Mrs. Goyle. She hadn't wanted to go, hadn't wanted to be there, and was truly under the imperius.

As the only survivor, she would be the guardian of Mr. and Mrs. Crabbe's son as well.

Before sentences were carried out, near lethal doses of veritaserum was used on all 10 Death Eaters. Lists of every death eater known to them. Lists of nearly every sympathiser in the Ministry.

The ones missed went deeper into hiding in plain sight.

Amelia quietly cleaned house. People were given a choice of facing justice or accepting an oath and being exiled from the country.

By Yule, the only living two marked death eaters were Severus Snape, and Igor Karkaroff. Severus Snape gladly took a magical oath that he would never support a dark lord, and would in fact do everything in his power to bring him down.

Igor Karkaroff swore an oath that he would never willingly return to Britain ever. If he did so, he would lose his magic.

The ministry purred along, slowly starting to accept muggleborns into low level positions.

Just because there were no more death eaters didn't mean that there weren't a bunch of blood purists still working there. It was a work in progress.

One that Harry was very proud of, and knew that his grandfather had led for nearly a decade.

They were expecting trouble eventually, but for now, the muggleborn invasion was well underway

-00-00-00-

Harry, Hermione, Daphne, Susan and Justin all took runes. Harry's friendship with Justin was slowly growing. The chocolate frog gift from awhile back had been the start.

Harry took it as an apology, and quickly accepted him back into the group. Hadrian didn't add him immediately to the room near the library, but gladly sat next to him in class. And welcomed him at the public study sessions.

Hermione took the beginning enchanting class. Harry had taught her all the spells. She was working on focusing her magic. Professor Ricci smiled at the girl, gave her points, and ignored the pureblood glares. At least these were because of jealousy and not because of her birth.

Draco apologized to Harry in private, and tried to ask Hermione to Hogsmeade. She declined nicely, saying that she had decided to wait until she was older to date one-on-one, but would be happy to talk to him as part of a larger group. So Draco and Astoria also joined their study group.

It was a happy and busy time. Other than Hannah glaring at Daphne, and Daphne glaring at Hermione and Draco trying to hold Hermione's hand. Other than that, it was good.

Oh, and that one awkward time when Ernie tried to hold Dean's hand. That made everyone a little uncomfortable. Dean made sure to walk with Hannah on his arm for awhile after that.

Yule was a happy time for Neville and Hadrian. Shopping for and with their friends, being with family. Diagon Alley was so full of life! Neville remembered a time when more than half the shops were closed. Now, there was only one or two vacancies down the entire way. The smells of roasting chestnuts filled the air.

The group shared the creamy treats as they walked down the lane. Carolers were dotted here and there, small children running around, filling the air with their ringing laughter. It was a scene that they had one day hoped to come to pass.

The only problems that came were when young muggleborns came with muggle parents. Parents who didn't at least wear robes, and try to fit in as squibs.

"You know, it's such a shame. Nice robes are so expensive. It's not that they are needed for more than an hour or so each time." Hermione opined. "My mother and Persephone are near the same size, and Mrs. Black gave my mum several nice robes that are now out of fashion. But nobody really cares. As long as it isn't muggle wear."

"We need cheaper robes?" Justin asked. "My mother would be able to afford them. But not everyone could."

"Or being able to rent them. Perhaps through the Leaky Cauldron?" Hermione suggested.

Harry stopped, and nearly kissed her lips. What a marvelous suggestion!

It took three days, three days to make Hermione's idea a reality.

Tom at the Leaky liked having muggles come in. He accepted both kinds of money. His partner Ned was always looking for a boost. They bought a few adult sized robes in various colors and sizes. Three sickles a day, 10 galleon or L50 deposit. The robe rental business was very discreet, and only muggles and muggleborns seemed to know about it.

By the end of Yule, Tom and Ned had their investment back, and were making silver, the crowds in Diagon were happier (after all muggles only wore muggle clothes) and verbal hostility had decreased enough to make the aurors report.

Which made the Minister of Magic's report.

-00-00-00-

The advertising in the quidditch magazines could no longer be ignored.

"Look, Neville, look!" Hadrian practically pasted the advert in his brother's face.

"Am I looking at the broom, the quaffle, or the hoop?" Neville asked, sincerely confused.

"Finals for the World Cup! Ares will be up for it. I think he was a beater in his day. Come on! I bet we could get a nice box - you know, the comfy chairs that lean back. Butterbeer on ice, those long crispy things you like..."

"I'm not going to say I want to go. But the gatherings usually have interesting booths..."

"And where there's a plant, there's a way." Hadrian misquoted.

Neville smiled at Hadrian's enthusiasm. "How come you don't play then?"

Harry lost his smile. He loved to fly, he lived to fly. He could likely play professionally now, but it would feel like cheating. If he was a seeker, it would be cheating.

He shook his head. "I can't Nev. I just can't."

"I get it. I never thought that Persephone would accept me as her child. But there she was, yelling out me when I forgot my gloves. I was so happy. I've never had someone scold me for not taking care of myself."

Harry smiled. He got it, he understood. His eyes went back to the advert for the final quidditch tickets. "You know Daphne and Hermione will come. All those people, languages, culture everywhere."

"Book stands." Neville added.

"What book stands?" Daphne and Hermione asked together as they joined up with the boys headed outside for a walk.

Harry and Neville just broke out laughing. Some things never changed.

-00-00-00-

Everything was changing! The world was going upside down.

Muggleborns owning shops! Muggleborns shopping, rubbing elbows with their betters!

It was disgusting! It needed to stop!

The goblins' report to the Ministry was a joke - profits up, the Gross National Product highest that it had ever been! Nonsense!

How could this much change be good for their society?

And what was going to be next? Muggles being welcomed to the theatre? Sitting for tea at Black Manor?

The Potter brat had to be stopped!

Some of the prophecy had been heard 'neither could live while the other survived'.

Whispers of horcruxes.

There had to be a ritual to bring him back - bring back a leader that would protect them! Bring back a leader that would fight for their rights!

Bring back a leader that would put the mudbloods in their place.

There had to be a way.

And if Potter died doing so, all the better.

-00-00-00-

Intermediate enchanting was great! Harry would do the assigned project, and then be able to use the rest of class time on his own.

Harry's Award for Special Services to the school was in the trophy room. He had earned it for the communication mirror he had given Headmistress McGonagall. He knew exactly where was put now as he had finally been caught in a prank, and given detention. And had to polish it without magic.

Repeatedly.

It was just a little prank!

Hermione had a cat familiar, and Harry had bought it several catnip mice. Harry had enchanted a few of them to skitter around the room, and gave them to his friend.

He then 'accidentally' let one fall in the transfiguration room. The one that Professor McGonagall taught her NEWT students.

Professor Harris, their transfiguration professor wasn't a cat animagus after all, so didn't need a mouse.

He never knew that the Headmistress of Hogwarts had pounced on the little mouse.

Repeatedly. Or had used her hind feed to kick it and knock more of the euphoric drugs into her fur.

Or that once the catnip had worn off, and she was able to transform back that she had spent an hour watching the mouse. It had an incredibly realistic movement that made her want to transform back to a cat and chase it again.

And kick it once or twice.

He didn't know that once she had captured the mouse, intending to show it to her friend Professor Flitwick, that she couldn't resist letting it go and chasing it on the way.

Harry just knew that she was mad. And Professor Snape had assigned him detention with evil glee.

What was weird was the 25 extra points that showed up for Slytherin accredited to him.

He didn't know that she awarded him that for his excellent enchantment either.

-00-00-00-

It was Valentine's Day, and his stalker was back. He tried to hire the twins to distract their sister, but blood was thicker and all.

Besides, they thought it was hysterical.

After a long day of cat and mouse, Harry tried again.

"Did I mention that I have a private box for all of the semi-final and finals of the World Cup." Harry bribed.

"What?" They said it together accidentally.

The twins put their heads together.

"All of the matches. And you can stay in my tent. You can join us at table. It won't cost you a knut, unless you shop in the stalls. I'll even give you a generous allowance. A galleon a day."

"Ten"

"Five"

"Sold! We're going to the World Cup!" The twins linked arms, and jigged around a bit.

"But you have to earn it!" Harry warned.

"On it, boss!" Fred said.

Ares should never have allowed the twins to come to EuroDisney and watch muggle tele.

Whatever they did worked. Harry walked around with Hermione, Neville with Daphne, and the couples just enjoyed a quiet day.

Without a certain red-headed girl proposing marriage.

-00-00-00-

The Headmistress ended the call. It hadn't taken the enchanting teacher long to figure out a way of starting a new mirror call without saying the old phrase.

He thought it highly amusing, and if she had been able to, would have assigned him detention for his chortles.

Now, the mirror started and ended quite nicely, quite professionally.

There was a store in Diagon Alley that was starting to sell some of Harry's inventions too. All run by beautiful muggleborn and half-blood witches.

Poppy had said that it had to be Arturus behind that, as Hadrian was just too young for such things. Minerva had snorted back a laugh, and thought about a moon-struck first year pining over a little red-headed girl. But she didn't voice her views on the matter.

She scowled at the newest problem on her desk.

The Triwizard Tournament. She glared at the empty frame. Dumbledore had better hide - what had the man been thinking.

Karkaoff had already said no. Twice. Minerva had said no. The only one pushing for it had been the minister.

Even the stalwart chatelaine of Beauxbatons had declined to participate. "We teach dancing, arts, magical poetry - lost arts that our world sorely needs! We will not endanger one, much less more than one in such a barbaric display. Remember, the last tournament was cancelled with over a hundred student specators killed when the cockatrix escaped."

What was the Minister up to with this?

Minerva turned to the small pile on her desk.

Without having to wear so many hats, she had a reasonable amount of work now. She even had time to play now and then. She patted her pocket. Yes, it was still there. Just as soon as she took care of these few things, she was going to play for a bit.

Worries of students in peril in front of her as she put quill to parchment and got to work. This event would not be happening on her watch!

She shuddered to think of the consequences had Albus been here and gotten his way.

-00-00-00-

The end of year open house was a huge success. Hadrian was disappointed that the babies couldn't come, as some of his intermediate year end projects were for them. Still, the new toys were a hit.

They were magical building blocks that Harry was able to use as part of his runes grade too. By activating the runes, the corral of unicorns began moving. But if they went outside the corral, they would stop. One of the reasons that one didn't enchant toys to move on their own was in case it got out to the muggle world.

The fact that the building blocks also formed a magical castle reminiscent of Hogwarts? Coincidence.

His family was proud of him. Ares beamed and suggested that it be added to the Boy-Who-Lived line of toys. Harry didn't know about that. He had made them for his sister Cassiopia.

Hermione had done really well in all of her classes. At first, she wanted to take everything, but the Headmistress put her foot down and said no. Despite the former Leader of the Light showing up in his frame and trying to get her to get a time turner so she could take said classes.

It had taken a while for Hermione to believe Harry, but having Dumbledore try to manipulate her for some plot that he refused to talk about convinced her more than any testimonial from Hadrian. Dumbledore, even dead, was dangerous.

The train ride back home was so much fun! Summer plans were made, and the group would be getting together soon to talk about the World Cup, and make plans.

-00-00-00-

It was decided.

The night of the World Cup, an hour after the game ended.

Even if it had been a long game, which it usually wasn't at this level, an hour later would mean people had gone back to their tents to party. Security would be relaxed, as any perceived threats would be over.

So what if they didn't agree on everything? They agreed on three things. One, the boy was a serious threat. Taken out earlier rather than waiting was a good idea. Two, the changes to society had to stop. With their leader back, and Potter dead, this was guaranteed. Three, if the leader proved to be a problem, he could be taken care of. After all, if a baby could defeat a dark lord, a group of adults working together could remove a problem. Perhaps find a pureblood who would lead them.

The team was assembled, tasks assigned. The ritual prepared.

The needed grave was located and already ransacked.

The potion-master was already preparing the potion. Spy or not, he was the best, and he had sworn the potion he made would be to perfection. No one doubted him on that.

Shudder.

Imagine if someone like Pettigrew was brewing it? The leader would come out all wrong, perhaps monstrous for sure!

-00-00-00-