Greetings fellow readers and writers! This is my newest Harry Potter fic, and I hope you like it. I know it's been a while since I've done one of these, but having seen Movie 6, best one yet IMHO, I felt inspired to get back to work on this particular line of imagination. This one shall be a break from my earlier Harry Potter stories. Instead, I'm making this one a direct sequel to 'Deathly Hallows.' At the end of the book, J.K. Rowling, (long may she reign,) left us with a 19-year gap between when Harry defeated Voldemort and the epilog. Since J.K. has stated that she is finished with the series, (or so I've heard) it is up to us, the fans, to fill that gap. This is my attempt to tell part of what happens to Harry and his fellow witches and wizards during those 19 years.
This fic does contain elements of the hit movies 'Hellboy,' and 'Scanners,' which I am using without permission, so don't sue me, please, I'm only trying to tell a story. What I am using are elements from my last two HP fics, 'First Assignment' and 'Equivalent Exchange,' making them back-story for this fic.
Now, I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters from the series. What I do own are my original characters, some of which you already know. I'm revamping them for my new idea. And so, without any further delay, please enjoy…
Harry Potter and The Harmony Project
By AndrewK9000
Chapter 1: Invitation
The time: October, 2002. Six months after 'Equivalent Exchange Rewrite.'
The Place: London, England
It turned out to be a false alarm. The day when Harry learned that Ginny was pregnant was one of the most dangerous and happiest that he had in a long time; dangerous because Harry had to face a murdering Homunculus, and happy because he learned he was going to be a father.
But then an owl post arrived the next day from St. Mungos, explaining that Ginny's test results were mixed up with someone else's; she was not pregnant. Naturally, the young couple were highly disappointed, but at the same time, Harry and Ginny were somewhat relived. Deep down, they knew that they just weren't ready to have a child yet. So Harry and Ginny were content to try again later when they were sure that they were truely ready.
The one really upset by the turn of events was Ron; he really was looking forward to being an uncle, despite already being one since Bill and Fleur had their daughter, Victoire, and being one of several Godfathers to young Teddy Lupin, with Harry being the official one.
When word of the mix-up came, Ron was outraged at what he thought was an irresponsible act of mismanagement. He wanted to sue St. Mungos for every knut they had. It took Arthur and Molly several hours to calm their son down, explaining that such a simple mistake could never be taken to court. Of course, Hermione helped calm Ron down as well, saying that it would be better for him, in more ways than one, if he were to let this go. Being the loving, albeit stubborn husband, Ron relented, on the outside that is.
Besides, St. Mungos had already offered a decent sized compensation along with their apology to Harry and Ginny, which they excepted. The last thing Harry and Ginny wanted was a drawn out legal battle. So, Ron backed down, but he would grumble about the incident for many years to come whenever someone mentioned St. Mungos.
All in all, life went on for Harry Potter. He'd get up in the morning, kiss Ginny goodbye as she went to her job teaching Quidditch at a wizarding youth center, Apparate to London and arrive at The Ministry of Magic, meet Ron and Hermione at the Auror Office, work their way through the seemingly never ending piles of paperwork, (the only part of being an Auror that Harry disliked) go home, have dinner with Ginny and go to bed.
Every now and then Harry, Ron and Hermione would be assigned to a case that was more challenging. One time they helped track down and catch a rouge Death Eater who had eluded capture. By this time nearly every one of Voldemort's followers, the ones who weren't under the Imperious Curse that is, had been either captured or killed. Other than that, things have been pretty quiet.
Yes, the months since Harry, Ron and Hermione helped The Elric Brothers return to their world have been quiet and without much trouble, which is just how Harry liked it. Spring gave way to Summer, which gave way to Autumn, and Harry was looking forward to things staying quiet and trouble free, or, at least as trouble free as being one of the most famous wizards ever can be.
But little did Harry know that as Halloween approached, events would soon unfold that would turn his view of the world upside-down and inside out.
On the morning of October 29th, Harry was going through the usual pile of paperwork on his desk at the Auror Office, when he received an Owl Post from The American Magic Administration.
"American wizards," Ron said, "Wonder what they're like?"
"About as different as American muggles are from their British counterparts," Hermione said, "When the colonies were founded, witches and wizards crossed the ocean with their muggle neighbors. Then when America declared independence, a new wizarding government was founded about the same time, The American Magic Administration."
"I've heard that muggles in The United Stares are more tolerant of magic," Harry said, "Especially with the rise in popularity in Wicca. Some American wizards and witches can practice magic with less strict rules of secrecy, while the muggles see only an alternate religion."
"You know what I head," Ron said, "I head that Quidditch isn't very popular in America. I mean, how can they call themselves civilized witches and wizards if they don't like Quidditch?"
"There are other magical sports, Ron," Hermione said curtly, "Other than Quidditch." Despite being madly in love with each other, Ron and Hermione still quarreled every now and then.
"Hermione," Ron said, "I love you with all my heart, but I'm afraid you'll never understand the true spirit of Quidditch."
Harry silently agreed with his best friend and brother-in-law; Hermione just didn't get Quidditch, never had and probably never will.
"Well just don't sit there, mate," Ron said, "What's it say?"
Harry nearly forgot about the letter from the American Magic Administration. He opened the letter; at the top of the sheet of parchment was what Hermione identified as the seal of the American Magic Administration, an eagle holding a wand in each claw against the background of thirteen stars over thirteen stripes, representing one of the original American Flags. The letter read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
On behalf of myself and the other wizards and witches in The American Magic Administration, you are cordially invited to attend a grand event this Halloween in Washington D.C.
A new era in muggle/wizard relations is about to begin, and we at the AMA would be honored if you and your family were here to witness its inception.
Further details shall be made available upon your arrival in Washington. We await your reply.
Much regards,
Phillip Rothheimer
Director General of Magic
American Magic Administration
"'Director General of Magic,'" Harry said, "Is that like a Minister of Magic?"
"Something like that," Hermione said, "They serve elected terms of six years, somewhat like the muggle president."
"Didn't that letter say something about family?" Ron asked. Just then two more Owl Post letters arrived for Ron and Hermione, both carrying similar invitations from America.
Almost at the same time, Harry got a 'crystal call' from Ginny. Recent advances in communication magic had created something similar to muggle cellular technology. Harry was one of the first to take advantage of this new magic, he bought himself and Ginny a matching pair of green colored 'cell-crystals'.
"What's up, beautiful?" Harry asked as he answered the crystal-phone, for the 'caller ID' said it was Ginny on the other end.
"You're what's up, handsome," Ginny said on the other end, "Anyway, hate to interrupt you at work, but I just received this post from America, inviting me to some Halloween party in Washington D.C."
"Hermione, Ron and I just received the same invite," Harry said.
"Well?" Ginny asked.
"Well what?" Harry asked back.
"Are we going to this party or not?" Ginny asked in a slightly annoyed tone, "It's rude to not tell the host of a party whether or not you're coming."
"Of course we're going!" Ron said loud enough for Ginny to hear him on the other end, "I've always wanted to know how American wizards celebrate Halloween."
"Since when have you wondered that?" Hermione asked.
"We are definitely going," Harry said, "Just as soon as we get permission from Knight." The new Hear Auror, Douglas Knight, was as tough as Aurors come, but was somewhat fair. Harry knew that if he, Ron and Hermione asked in the right way, Knight would grant them an extended leave of absence from their Auror duties.
"Excellent," Ginny said, "I'll have things packed before you get home."
"The party isn't for another two days," Harry said.
"Then we'll have plenty of time to see the sights," Ginny said, "See you tonight, darling."
"See you soon," Harry said, "Love you lots."
"Love you lots," Ginny said. With that the connection ended.
"We better get packed as well," Ron said.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Hermione asked, "We still have to get permission from Knight."
"Leave that to me," Harry said, "It'll be as easy as tracking down a Homunculus."
"We all know how that turned out," Ron said.
Harry wasn't worried about getting the OK from Douglas Knight, which he did of course. He really was looking forward to spending Halloween in America. Things had been a little too quiet lately, even by Harry's standards.
The next day Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny took an afternoon Portkey to Washington D.C. (they had to leave in the afternoon because Washington is five hours behind London.)
They were met by a witch and wizard, both in their mid twenties. The wizard was of medium height, had short brown hair and brown eyes. He wore green and blue robes. The witch was short, about 5'4", with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes and wore glasses. Her robes were colored tan. With these two were four wizards in black robes cut like business suits and wore black sunglasses.
"Harry Potter?" the witch asked.
"That's me," Harry answered.
Before anything else could be said, the four wizards in black each began passing some sort of metal rod along Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"Um," a confused Ron said, "What's this about?"
"Sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Weasley," the wizard in blue and green robes said, "Even us wizards are still a little paranoid after 9/11. You can't be too careful."
"They're clean," one of the black suited wizards said.
"Well of course," Ron said, "I had a shower before we left."
"Now that that's out of the way," the witch said, "Welcome to The United States of America. I'm Samantha Getty."
"And I'm Chris Hunter," the wizard said, "We've been assigned to be your liaisons during your stay in America. If there's anything you need, just ask us."
"You two are Aurors," Hermione said, "Right?"
"We're partners," Chris Hunter said, "We just got certified as Aurors this summer; you four are our second assignment."
"What was your first?" Ginny asked.
"I'm afraid we're not at liberty to discuss that," Samantha Getty said in a tone that hinted that this was something she had practiced a lot. This struck Harry as a bit strange, but then, he was in another country. The best thing he could do was to expect strange and exciting things this Halloween.
"Anyway," Chris Hunter said, "We've a lot to do and not much time to do it. Great things are about to happen, and you have the honor of being there to see history in the making." She then motioned to the four black-suited wizards, "Goon Squad! Be so kind as to take care of our guests luggage."
The black-suits promptly gathered up Harry's, Ron's, Hermione's and Ginny's luggage and carried the baggage to what was quite possibly the most unusual looking car Harry had ever seen. The vehicle was painted black, with Stars and Stripes embalms on the doors.
"What is that thing?" Ron asked as he eyed the unusual looking car.
"The muggles call it a PT Cruiser," Chris Hunter said, "I know, it's ugly as hell, but the higher-ups like it. Shall we?"
Hermione knew a little about muggle cars, saying that the PT Cruiser was very popular among muggle consumers, its odd shape only part of its popularity. The inside of the vehicle was magically expanded to fit multiple passengers. Harry and Ginny sat on the leather seats in the back on the left-hand side, while Ron and Hermione sat in the middle. Chris and Samantha were on the right-hand side, while the four black-suits occupied the front seats.
"You Yankees sure know how to build things," Ginny said as the car started up and headed towards downtown Washington.
"We do what we can," Samantha Getty said, "Despite recent troubles."
"I've got to say, Mr. Potter," Chris Hunter said, "It's a real honor to have you and your family visit our great nation, especially with the upcoming celebration."
"Well we're happy to be here," Harry said, "Even though we really don't know what sort of celebration we've been invited to."
"Let me guess," Ron said, "You're not allowed to talk about that either, right?"
"Oh we can talk about it," Samantha Getty said, "But it would ruin the surprise. All will be revealed once we reach AMA headquarters."
"Where is the headquarters for the American Magic Administration?" Hermione asked.
"Near the Smithsonian Institute," Chris Hunter said, "I must say, Mr. Potter…"
"Call me Harry."
"Well, Harry," Chris Hunter said, "I must say, it's a real honor to finally meet you in the flesh. I mean, you're the one; you're the guy who destroyed 'you know who.'"
"For crying out loud, Chris," Samantha Getty said, "This isn't the 90's any more, it's okay to say Voldemort."
"I know," said Chris Hunter, "It's just that, well…"
"You don't have to say his name if you don't want to," said Harry, "I'll understand." Even today, there are still wizards in Great Brittan who are still scared to say Voldemort's name out loud.
"I'm fine, Harry," said Chris Hunter, "Even we Yankees were scared of V-Voldemort."
"I just realized something," said Ron, "Just where was the rest of the wizarding world while we were jumping all over England, hiding from the Death Eaters and trying to find and destroy the Horcruxes?"
"Let's just say that the rest of the wizarding world had troubles of its own," said Samantha Getty, "But now's not the time to talk of stuff like that. We're here."
The PT Cruiser had parked in front of an ordinary looking office building a block away from the world famous Smithsonian Institute.
"Were to now?" Ginny asked as they got out of the car.
"This way," said Chris Hunter, "We've upgraded the anti-muggle repellent charms ,as well as various security measures since 9/11."
They went around to a back alley and stopped at an ordinary looking fire door. Chris took out his wand and tapped the door three times. A green crystal the size of a Galeon appeared in the middle of the door. A female voice spoke from the crystal: "Identification please."
"Hunter, Chris J. 594-8363."
"Getty, Samantha R. 619-1102."
"Passwords please," said the voice.
"My country 'tis of thee," said Chris Hunter.
"Four score and seven years ago," said Samantha Getty. She then nudged Chris in the ribs as if reminding him of something.
"Oh," said Chris, "And four guests."
"Please step forward for identification and guest registration badges," said the voice.
"That's for you," Chris said to Harry.
"Oh," said Harry. He, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood forward. The voice asked for their names, then the green crystal then shone a light on them that rose and fell like a scanner. Within ten seconds four pieces of plastic-like material popped out of a slot beneath the crystal, each was a hexagon-shaped badge with their picture on it.
"I don't look like that," Ron said defensively, "well, it is me, but I wasn't ready. I want to do it again."
"Sorry," said Samantha, "Only one guest badge per visit."
"These will allow you access to the main office and departments," said Chris, "As well as some areas that require higher security clearance, but you can't go there without prior permission, and one of us has to be with you at all times.
"I don't understand the need for such security precautions," said Hermione as she, Harry, Ron and Ginny attacked the badges to their clothes, "I mean, I know that the events of September 11th were a great tragedy, but still…"
"'A great tragedy,'" said Samantha, her voice betraying a hint of anger, "Now there's an understatement."
"What's her problem?" Ron asked as the six of them entered the building. At first glance it looked to be like a lobby of an ordinary office building.
"Samantha's uncle worked in the World Trade Center in New York," said Chris, "He was among those who got clear of the towers before they collapsed. But that's only the tip of the iceberg."
"If you must know what's grinding my gears," said Samantha as they neared an elevator, her voice now heavy with regret, "is that my best friend, who happens to be a muggle, she joined the Army on September 12th, and is currently fighting in Afghanistan."
"I feel for you," said Hermione as they entered the elevator, "I have a cousin who works for the U.N. He's also in the Middle East, but he's on a humanitarian mission."
"War sucks," said Ginny.
"Tell me about it," said Chris as he pressed a gold button that was concealed by magic to prevent muggles from seeing it, causing the elevator to descend, "If that idiot in the White House has his way, we'll be declaring war on Iraq before too long. If you think things are terrible in Afghanistan, wait till we have another 'Operation Desert Storm.'"
"If your president is doing such a terrible job," said Harry, "Why did you vote for him in the first place?"
"I didn't vote for him," said Chris in a exasperated tone, "I voted for the other guy, with him we all knew where we stood."
"I'm sure that 9/11 would have happened anyway despite who won the 2000 election," said Hermione.
"On that I'm with you," said Samantha. Just then the elevator stopped, "we're here."
"Welcome to the American Magic Administration," said Chris as the elevator doors opened. It was similar to the main lobby of the Ministry of Magic, but the walls were adorned with various American flags and symbols. Also there were a wide variety of patriotic slogans such as; 'Land of the Free, Because of the Brave,' and 'United we Stand.'
In the middle of the crowded lobby, crowded with hundreds of wizards and witches going about the business of keeping the magical communities of the USA running smoothly, was a crystal sculpture of the twin towers. Flashing above the sculpture was the words in red, white and blue; 'In Remembrance of those lives lost. Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten.'
"Very patriotic," remarked Harry.
"You see?" Samantha said to Chris, "I told you they'd like it, but you said they wouldn't."
"Whatever," said Chris, "we're wasting time, Mr. Rothheimer is waiting for us."
Chris and Samantha then showed Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny to an ornate office near the middle of the upper level of the complex. Seated at a large oak desk was the American Director General of Magic.
Phillip Rothheimer was tall with graying brown hair, the only sign of his 60+ years. Other than that he looked no older than 35. He had dark brown eyes and wore a blue and green suit.
"Mr. Potter," said Rothheimer as he extended his hand, "It's an honor and a privilege to finally meet you, you and your family."
"The honor is mine," said Harry as he shook Rothheimer's hand, "It's no everyday that a wizard like me gets to meet the leader of the wizarding 'free-world'."
"Oh I'm not all that important," said Rothheimer, "I just happened to be lucky that nearly 90% of voting witches and wizards in America think I am."
"Nearly 90% of the popular vote?" Hermione asked, "That's rare among politicians."
"How did you manage that?" Ron asked.
"Like I said," remarked Rothheimer, "Luck, plus the fact that, unlike my predecessor, I know how to get the job done."
"What made your precedes so rotten that you won by a landslide?" Ginny asked.
"Now there's a story," said Rothheimer, "It started in the early 90's. I was in a minor administration position at the time, but I could see that the wizarding government of this country was full of corruption and incompetence. Many of us were screaming for reforms, but those fatcats already in office just kept buying votes.
"Then Voldemort came back and started another war. I was among those who demanded that we did something. Being 'the land of the free,' America has one of the larges populations of wizards and witches in the world. We could have easily sent help to fight Voldemort and the Death Eaters, but the idiots in charge wouldn't lift a finger.
"The final straw fell when Schrimgeour was killed. Once again our 'fearless' leaders just sat on their fat asses wile the rest of the world began falling apart. The administration leaders were impeached on charges of gross incompetence and removed from office. With a temporary, but more competent administration in place, with myself advancing several levels, we were just about ready to send help, when it happened."
"And what was it?" Ron asked.
"There was an outbreak," said Rothheimer, "a plague that affected only wizards and witches. It didn't take us long to realize that Voldemort was responsible, but the damage was done. Thousands died all over the world before a vaccine could be created. We believed that Voldemort already had a vaccine, no doubt he used it already on his Death Eaters, probably to make sure it worked, as well as a cure. The theory is that he would wait for the rest of the world to succumb to chaos while he and his followers would secure their base in Great Brittan. Once Voldemort was firmly in power, he would hold the rest of the wizarding world hostage, demanding everyone's surrender in exchange for both the cure and the vaccine.
"Fortunately we developed a vaccine ourselves, as well as a cure for those already infected. We hoped that we'd still have enough time to pull ourselves together to fight back against the enemy, but by then Voldemort was dead for good, we hoped."
"Oh he's dead alright," said Harry, "I can attest to that."
"Of course," said Rothheimer, "anyway, I happened to be at the right place and the right time with the right words to say. It didn't take long for those grieving to realize that their lost ones would want them to move on towards a brighter future. One thing lead to another, and here I am, in charge of one of the largest wizarding governments in the world.
"Wow," said Ginny.
"I had no idea there was such a plague on the lose," said Hermione, "I don't suppose that the outbreak was limited to America, was it?"
"I'm afraid not," said Rothheimer, "At least seven other countries were afflicted; Russia, China, Japan, as well as large areas of Africa, South America and the Middle East. It's like Voldemort wanted the rest of the world to suffer in chaos while he secured his powerbase in Great Brittan."
"That was his style alright," said Harry gravely. Even though Voldemort was long dead, his evil still held no bounds.
"Let's not talk about sad things that happened a long time ago," said Rothheimer. Harry sensed that Rothheimer was intentionally changing the subject, and for once, Harry agreed. "It's almost Halloween, and this year's celebration is going to be extra special."
"How so?" Ginny asked.
"This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the grand event you mentioned in the invitation," said Harry.
"It does," said Rothheimer, "But I'm not saying anything until tomorrow night so as not to spoil the surprise. But trust me, you'll find this most enjoyable."
The end of chapter 1. Next chapter, Harry and the others find out what the big surprise is all about. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!