Title: Pt2: Cockups upon Cockups

Filius Flitwick arrived quickly back to the scene outside to see Harry Potter claim the Headmaster's wand as his own. His eyes widened as he heard and saw what happened. His brethren at Gringotts would have to be notified.

The man who had appeared and had thrown the entire afternoon into confusion spoke again. "I think before we get to the rest, the judges on hand need to give the points to the champions so that the students can go back inside." There were nods all around at that. "Who will speak for Hogwarts?"

He watched as his fellow Head sighed. Minerva McGonagall spoke. "As Deputy it falls to me."

The visitor shook his head. "I'm sorry – I disagree." The other Headmasters and officials looked at him. "While trying to appear fair to all houses instead of seeming to favor your own, in circumstances such as these you actually have a tendency to treat Gryffindors more harshly than non-Gryffindors – a prime reason very few go to you when they are having troubles. I do not think that you, as Gryffindor Head of House, can be counted as being unbiased."

"How can you say that?" Minerva asked indignantly.

"Harry's first year. Out after curfew. Fifty points each against your own House members – first years with their first offense – and twenty against the Slytherin also caught who was also though to be lying to you. How is that fair? Even Snape, who despises Harry Potter, would have hesitated in assigning that much of a penalty." The Visitor was adamant.

Minerva looked ready to argue but the absolute truth of that example caused her to be unable to argue against it. Even Snape was taken aback by this. He remembered the points changing but didn't hear all the details other than Draco's involvement. He remembered being quite amused by it though.

Pamona Sprout nodded in agreement. "Then who?"

"Professor Flitwick – he has no particular bias for or against anyone and his Ravenclaws are not involved.

Everyone looked to the short wizard who nodded in agreement. "I believe I can be unbiased in this case."

The officials and the other Heads of House nodded.

Ludo Bagman spoke. "Well then, Diggory first."

Madam Maxime said, "He finished outside the time limit but was first back. His charm was perfectly cast. I say give him the full ten."

Karkaroff had nothing against Diggory. "He was late. Nine."

Bagman said, "I think he deserves the full ten, but he was late. Nine."

Weasley said, "As he was the first one back, everyone else should be compared to him. Ten."

Flitwick sighed as he considered. "I have to agree with Headmaster Karkaroff and Mr. Bagman. Nine."

Bagman nodded. "Forty seven points then?"

The other judges nodded.

Flitwick said, "His partial transfiguration was excellent, except we saw Mr. Potter having to provide a knife so that his hostage's fingers were not damaged. And he was seven minutes past the deadline. A seven."

Karkaroff was about to give his student full marks but a sudden twinge of disapproval was felt inside of his head – he was startled to find the cat in his arms (still just a Patronus no matter how solid) had stopped purring as was watching him. He winced internally. "I think I must forgive the knife – he might have found a better solution without the outside help. Eight." He felt the sudden approval inside of his mind – the cat had started purring again.

Karkaroff was coming to learn what everyone who interacted with Aphrael learned: She had opinions and it did not pay to disagree with her. He was just starting to suspect that Aphrael might hold a tighter rein on him than Voldmort ever did. At that thought, the Patronus in his arms looked smug. He decided that a Goddess of pure love was far preferable to a Dark lord if he had to answer to anyone and so didn't let it upset him – too much.

Maxime added her score, "Seven. I see no way for him to have solved that matter. But I was impressed with the transfiguration."

Weasley said, "I have to agree with Headmaster Karkaroff. With the help, we don't know really. Eight."

"And I agree that he deserves an Eight as well. So that makes Forty by my count."

Maxime said, "Now the two special cases. We can start with my own champion. She was interfered with the entire time. She should receive full marks as we do not know how she would have fared."

Flitwick disagreed. "While I agree she should receive a higher score, I do not see her having beaten Mr. Diggory. Possibly she might have done better than Mr. Krum. I give her an eight."

Karakaroff sighed. How not to upset Aphrael? But he truly believed – "I think Victor was more prepared. She did not appear to be ready for Grindlylows – while I believe the others were ready for. Her bubble-headed charm was excellent though and the fact that she did as well as she did even as a Veela underwater deserves some recognition. Without the interference I would have scored it a four as she did not make it even halfway. With other factors … seven." He could feel Aphrael's approval at his attempt to be truly fair.

The other judges were shocked – Igor Karkaroff was suddenly the fairest judge present.

Weasley just said, "I have to call it a six."

Ludo said, "I agree with Headmaster Karkoroff. Seven. Which gives her thirty-eight."

Flitwick looked to the last Champion, who stood nervously waiting with the others. "Why did he stay around do you think?" he asked his fellow judges.

Maxime answered, "The clue said 'after an hour it is gone' – he assumed it would be permanent. Lucky for my Champion and her sister. He could have easily returned first with his use of Gillyweed. I have to give him full points: Ten."

Flitwick nodded. "I have to agree. Ten."

Weasley agreed. "Ten."

Bagman quickly agreed. "Ten."

Karkaroff looked at the smaller champion and realized he had done him a disservice. His score in the first task was partly because he didn't believe the boy hadn't gotten himself in. With today's revelations … "Ten. And three as bonus – without his character, this day would have turned into a true tragedy, regardless of the arrival of the Traveler. I would have to give him at least as much as Ms. Delacour for exigent circumstances – circumstances that demanded much more than the task required."

The other judges considered that. "Is it legal?" Madam Maxime asked.

Flitwick shrugged and looked to Bagman and Percy. Bagman said, "I know of no rule particularly against it if we all agree."

Weasley asked, "Does anyone disagree?"

There were no disagreements. "So I have it as a full fifty plus three as bonus points due to extenuating circumstances." There were nods all around. Ludo turned and, casting the Sonorous spell, gave the points that had been decided upon. Harry was shocked to find himself comfortably in first place.

The whole group, with the unconscious Dumbledore being floated in the middle of them, quickly returned to Hogwarts to discuss matters.

Igor was disappointed when both Patronii disappeared. He still felt that small connection though.

Soon, the Ministry Officials, Aurors, visiting Headmasters and Prisoners were within the anteway off the Great Hall and it was sealed off from outside use.

The Professors and Champions would eat with the other students and then either return (Heads of House) or be available (Champions).

Dumbledore was allowed to eat with several wands on him (after Harry Traveler had ensured that he had no hidden wand or other device). Harry knew that, at the moment, Dumbledore would play along until there was no out. He would then call Fawkes – Harry had a plan for that.

Dumbledore was not happy that the spells holding him were renewed. He didn't get a chance to protest because Harry casually stunned him again – he didn't need the idiot spouting his crap when his input wasn't asked for nor required.

Harry grinned to himself – so many stunning spells over such a short time would give the old fart a massive headache but was otherwise not dangerous. Unless they hit the heart repeatedly and Harry avoided that.

After lunch was over, the students were dismissed (except the Champions and Harry's friends who he requested be allowed to stay). Everyone moved out into the main Hall.

By this time, Monsieur Delacour's wife had retrieved her mother using International Floo. While she could pass as an attractive woman in her thirties, this was the Veela Matriarch of all Veela in France. She went by the name Lady Hyacinth.

Hyacinth meant 'Beloved of Apollo'; the Veela had long claimed Apollo as their patron throughout history. Her daughter's name, Apolline, also reflected this. Fleur was a reflection of her Grandmother's name also applying to the flower named hyacinth.

If Monsieur Delacour had been outraged, Lady Hyacinth was murderously cold and calm as she demanded answers for her granddaughters' being placed in such dire circumstance.

Dumbledore had been revived to allow him to answer to the Lady. She did not accept his platitudes and demanded he be tried for his utterly ignoring a long-agreed to treaty. Amelia had no choice but to acquiesce.

Harry thought he would put one more damper on Dumbledore's day. "Before you take him away, I want him to see one more thing." He turned and motioned for Harry to come forward. "Harry? Do you like having your scar?"

Harry's disgust was immediately obvious. "No. I would do anything to get rid of it."

Ron was actually surprised by this somewhat – he knew Harry acted that way, but he still thought – deep down – that Harry liked some of the attention. Ron did have the emotional depth of a sugar spoon at this point – the small one used in formal tea services. It would take work to get him to teaspoon levels. Luckily for him, he didn't voice his surprise – the Traveler only caught it because of his natural legilemency.

Hermione was nodding to Harry's reply. She knew Harry much better.

Harry turned. "Madam Pomfrey? Do you mind if we borrow one bed from your infirmary for a moment?"

The Healer was taken aback. "That's fine. I will go and get it ready."

"Not necessary." He said to Harry, "Call Dobby."

Grinning, Harry did so. "Dobby!"

A pop sounded and the room was shown an image of the utter devotion this elf had. "Master Harry Potter Sir calls Dobby! Dobby is most happy! What can Dobby do for the Great Harry Potter?" Severus Snape ground his teeth in the background – this was why he despised the boy.

Speaking gently, Harry asked, "Can you bring one of the beds from the Infirmary here? Madam Pomfrey has allowed us to borrow one."

Dobby nodded repeatedly. "Dobby do!" He then popped out. Very quickly he returned with a full bed. After demanding he be called if needed again, Dobby popped out.

Harry (the local one) was both amused and exasperated. Dealing with Dobby was work sometimes.

"Okay. Lay down." Harry did so. The Traveler grinned at the Headmaster. "Watch this." He pulled his version of the Elder wand and cast the Finite spell at Harry's forehead.

Nothing happened.

"What in Merlin's name?" the Traveler said. He started casting several spells on Harry and, suddenly, his face turned white. The rest of the room suddenly became very scared as the visitor turned to the Headmaster. The look of utter loathing was definitely off-putting.

"Madam Pomfrey. Please check the scar on Harry's head and tell me whose magical signature is present." Madam Pomfrey did so and looked confused. "There are three. One is Dark magic which I am not familiar with but looks similar to residue from the War when He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named attacked. The second is Harry's – completely natural. The last is the Headmaster's."

"Can you tell me exactly why you found it necessary to bind the soul shard that Voldemort left in Harry's scar to his magical core? Because in hundreds of worlds, I have gotten rid of it quite easily. It was NOT a real horcrux," gasps from those who knew what the Traveler spoke of, "Voldemort never sealed it as he would have needed to do to make it one. YOU have made it infinitely more dangerous to take out. WHY?"

Albus looked completely terrified. He had never expected anyone to catch this. He had long planned to ensure the boy died, sacrificing himself for the Greater Good. He called out, "FAWKES!"

The Traveler immediately changed to his own Phoenix form. When Fawkes flamed in he cried out, "STOP!"

In the language of the phoenix, Fawkes only said, "I must. Master calls to me." To Harry, it was as though he was speaking to an Imperius victim.

Harry knew instantly what he had to do. He immediately flashed to Fawkes and concentrated on purifying him using the hottest flames he could muster, while sounding a battle cry. The room was transfixed. The two birds dropped down and suddenly Fawkes began burning. Soon, just a pile of ash was left and the Traveler pushed it aside to find the small chick. The chick nuzzled the larger bird in thanks and fell asleep.

Harry returned to his normal form – and suddenly everyone recognized exactly who was standing in front of them. The glamour he had been wearing had cancelled itself when he changed. There were gasps all around.

Harry turned to the Headmaster but spoke to Madam Bones. "Take him away or I will kill him where he sits. He is guilty of violating the Atlantis Accords. He is guilty of dabbling with the blackest Magical arts in History – banned since the time of Herpo the Foul! And he used Dark magic to bind a phoenix! THERE IS NO REDEEMING THIS BLACK SOUL!" The fact that Harry Traveler was glowing with magic as he spoke utterly both terrified those present and convinced them that he was speaking the absolute truth. Madam Bones quickly had three Aurors grab the Headmaster and get him out of there.

She wanted to make sure he at least survived to have a trial and at the rate things were progressing, that was no longer as certain as she had first assumed.

Severus Snape, who recognized the visitor as an older version of Harry Potter, was suddenly having difficulty in keeping his bowels from letting loose. A dunderhead he could sneer at; an attention-seeking gloryhound he could despise; a figure of pure magic? He had no desire to do anything at all to upset this man – regardless of who he was. Severus Snape was a survivalist above all.

In that instant, he knew that Voldemort and Dumbledore would very soon no longer be of any concern whatsoever. He would be cooperating fully – he didn't think running would do him any good.

Harry looked around. "Igor. Take care of Fawkes the phoenix. I have just freed him from a terrible binding. I know your Goddess – she would not choose one who was unfaithful to an assigned duty or their word. Will you keep watch and ensure his safety?"

Igor nodded. "I will do so and ensure as far as I am able he is not ensnared again."

He turned to Harry. "Don't worry. By the end of the day, we'll have that scar taken care of." Harry nodded glumly but he could see the brooding.

He really had been an angsty bastard when he was younger.

"The rest should decide on what to do from here. You might want to call the Board of Governors … or wait until the situation is more clear. They might provide unneeded distraction."

Minerva McGonagall answered, "We shall work out details."

Harry concentrated and traveled …

… and found himself outside a ramshackle shack. He would have to ensure he used the minimal magic necessary to do this job but, luckily, Riddle Manor was quite a distance away and this shack was hidden.

Having been through the shack and its defenses in other worlds, Harry made quick work of them. He left the most obvious so that if Voldemort checked, there would be no apparent difference. It wouldn't have worked had he not been a Parseltongue.

Soon, he had retrieved the box and once again traveled …

… and the sword of Gryffindor hung right where Dumbledore displayed it to demonstrate his own power. He only had to call it and it disappeared from the case and reappeared in his hand.

Harry paused for a moment and considered what he should do. He could retrieve all the items right now … even Gringotts was not outside his reach … and get rid of all the bits and bobs or he could just concentrate on Harry and ensure sufficient plans were in place for him to move on.

Decisions, decisions … a combination of both. He would write down the details and ensure Madam Bones had them. He would then take care of the scar … and see what happened.

He accioed a piece of parchment and quill and quickly wrote out the locations of all Horcruxes to the best of his knowledge and, ensuring he had everything he traveled …

… and found himself back where he had started.

He looked around and the staff, visitors, champions, and Ministry personnel were still there. "Okay. I need to destroy a dark artifact. Let's do this outside or go to the seventh floor – there's a room that will work."

After some discussion, to the Seventh Floor they went. Crouch Junior was still being dragged along as Amelia had not had time to question him yet. The Traveler was soon pacing in front of the painting of the dancing trolls. When the door appeared, he grinned. "Welcome to the Room of Requirement."

Everyone entered to see a strange sight. On one side was a stone area, surrounded by protective spells. The other side had an infirmary bed. Fawkes was placed on a large ashtray – something Igor had been thinking of actually (a place where the small phoenix could sit comfortably).

Also, behind a locked glass, was Ravenclaw's Diadem. Filius Flitwick had to be physically restrained and told exactly what putting it on would do. He was quite outraged, as were the other staff.

The Traveler put the box down and moved everyone back. "Okay. This is another item with a piece of Voldemort's soul." He used his magic to open the box and everyone could see the ring. Before anything else could happen, the Traveler quickly hit the band as hard as he could … and the ring started oozing black smoke. The audience was horrified to see the face of Voldemort appear and then disperse. The scream was also quite unpleasant.

Harry passed the parchment to Madam Bones. "The list of the remaining parts of Voldemort's soul and where they are."

Her eyes were wide as she quickly read the list. They became even wider. "You also list …"

Harry nodded. "His current location, along with his loyal follower, Peter Pettigrew."

She was confused. "Pettigrew was killed by Black. Everyone knows this."

The Traveler groaned as Harry started protesting. "We saw Pettigrew last year but Fudge wouldn't listen to us. Sirius is my Godfather – he never even had a trial!"

Everyone was now looking at Madam Bones, even the visitors from France and Karkaroff. She looked gobsmacked. "No trial?"

Harry shook his head. "He would have turned himself in if Fudge hadn't ordered him kissed without even talking to him."

She sat heavily in one of the chairs. "Damn. This is a Merlin-Damned mess!"

The Traveler said, "Well, just imagine what would happen if all of these things were taken care of before Fudge and Umbridge returned from their … 'Conference'."

Amelia suddenly had a hungry smile. "Do you think we can have everyone ready for trial in two days?"

There seemed to be no disagreement from those in the room. The Traveler thought it was quite possible.

"Okay. We have to take care of the scar now. But first." The Traveler scanned the stone and ring and saw it was clean if cracked. He picked it up. "Harry. Take this." He did so, hesitantly. "And repeat this:" The Traveler gave another list. Harry looked dubious, but did as he was asked.

"As the Last of the Peverell Blood, I, Harry James Potter, claim the Resurrection Stone of Cadmeus Peverell as my own!" He then took his Invisilbility Cloak and put it around his shoulders. He took the Wand up. And he was wearing the ring. Taking a deep breath, he said, "As the Last of the Peverell Blood, I hereby confirm that I have reunited the heirlooms of the Peverell Brothers and take responsibility for whatever doing so requires."

Suddenly, on one side of the room, an archway formed. It was covered by a cloth hanging from the top. And those who recognized it were terrified. Especually when a figure stepped out.

It moved until Harry was facing it sex feet away. "Who claims to be Master of Death? Who has gathered my Hallows?"

The local Harry spoke up,. "Well, … I gathered the three items, but I don't rightly think I can claim Mastery over Death."

The figure looked at him. "You hold the three items. You can command me! Or use my ring there – call back the shade of a loved one."

Harry was taken aback and asked curiously, "I could do that? Would it hurt them?"

"What does it matter? You are Master. So what if there is some discomfort? Just twist the ring and call those who went before and they will appear!"

Harry shook his head. "No. It isn't right. As much as I miss them, I shouldn't be calling them back just to chat – it's not my place."

The figure looked at the teenager. "Then perhaps you shall order me to give you everlasting life. Outlive all your enemies – enjoy watching them all to their graves, defeated by a foe they cannot fight."

Harry shook his head. "No. That isn't right either. When it's my time to die, I should die. Dying isn't the same as defeat usually – it's normal. I'm not going to upend the natural order for some weird idea of living forever."

"Then what would you have of me, Master?" the figure asked.

Harry shrugged. "Well, honestly, you can have the items back if you want them. I'd like the cloak cause it was my dad's, but maybe you're supposed to get it back. The only thing I'd ask is that you take the parts of Tom that he left here … he's supposed to be one of yours already and he cheated."

"Pieces?"

Harry nodded and pointed to his scar. "I'm told I have a piece of Tom Riddle in my scar here. My Headmaster tried to make it stick to me but this guy," he pointed to the traveler, "said he'll help get rid of it. Maybe cause it's, well, part of a dead man, maybe you can take it easier? And take the part that's left in that crown thingy over there?"

"With all the power of Death, you only ask me to take the things back that belong to me already? And nothing else?"

Harry shrugged. "It's not my power to have."

The figure looked at the boy and laughed. Loud and long. "You are chosen well! He who has left my list guided you to being Death's Master – but he knows that such is a lie. I am well pleased by you. I will do as you ask"

The Traveler chuckled. "Don't let him fool you, even I will eventually fall to Death. It might be a while – but nothing is eternal. Nor should it be."

Death nodded. "Do you know where the other parts of this soul are?"

The Traveler nodded. "I planned on sending them on to you over the next few days. There's a snake holding a part, a Cup holding another part, a Locket, and finally the last piece of consciousness is attached to the last part. That currently is in a made-up body."

Death nodded. "Hold the items, Master, until the last of these pieces are gathered. Call me then. I shall come and reclaim them … and the wand and stone. You may keep the cloak as a gift." Death raised its arm and two pieces of soul not attached properly flew from Harry's forehead and the Diadem. "We shall meet anon."

Death retreated back into the veil and the room removed it from view.

The Traveler looked at the others. "Okay. Not exactly what I was expecting. I've never actually met Death before."

Those looking at him were shocked – they thought he had planned this.

Amelia said, "Early tomorrow, I will come back with a team of Aurors and help retrieve the rest. We will have the trials the day after." She turned to the Local Harry. "Inform your Godfather, if you can, that I will ensure he gets a fair trial if he shows up."

The Traveler nodded. Harry said, "I'll send him an owl. He'll answer it for me."

Harry was asked to return by himself afterward by Madam Maxime. He nodded, confused but agreeable.

The Ministry personnel and Karkaroff agreed to keep this to themselves until it got resolved and then left. Karkaroff was going to pray to Aphrael for the first time – he though it prudent that he get to know his new Goddess.

The Heads of House also retreated after promising their cooperation. Snape was uncharacteristically quiet and non-confrontational.

The Traveler looked curiously at the remaining people: All from the French delegation.

Lady Hyacinth looked at the Traveler. "You and your counterpart shall enjoy our reward for your part in saving the members of my family. Fleur shall thank the young one … personally … when he returns after sending off his message. I shall take care of your reward." The beautiful figure before him was definitely not the image of an innocent lass: This was the Matriarch of the French Veela – and she was Sex and Lust personified at that moment. Harry had a good idea of what was coming even as Appoline and her husband, with Maxime, left the room and the room changed to a configuration with two bedrooms. Fleur waited in one for the boy-who-lived.

Lady Hyacinth took the Traveler into the other.

A/N: There will be one more chapter. It went places that I mostly planned. Except that last bit. I'm a pervert – what can I say? Also, I had a choice between Death appearing and Igor helping under Aphrael's guidance in his mind – I picked Death. The other would have required Harry almost die.