Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or any of the money making forms of it.

A/N: Sorry it has taken me a little bit longer than normal. I had hit a tad of a block, but it's good now.

Questions Concerning:

Salandra and Harry: Harry is not her master because the bite she gave him was not of the bonding sort. It was an attack, yes, an attack with a purpose and a good one, but still an attack. Hope that answers your question.

The green magic from Harry: You'll see :P

Remus and Lupin: I don't know why, but I just seemed stuck on using 'Lupin', even when Sirius was talking. I've worked on it though, and this shouldn't be an issue anymore. Thanks for pointing it out.

Harry's eyes: I was asked to show what they look like now. Check out my profile to see. It's my avatar.


- - - Book 3 — Part 3: Called

Remus reentered the room with hot chocolate for everyone, melting chunks of chocolate floating in each.

"Albus is dealing with the Ministry, trying to figure out what happened, but he told me he will come as soon as he can. Poppy will be arriving soon, she's getting a few things that may help Harry," Remus said.

True to his word, Poppy arrived a moment later, immediately dashing up the stairs, having been told where they would be in the house.

Pomfrey entered Harry's room, Draco and Vince on one side of the bed, while Sirius and Remus were on the other. Pomfrey went straight to work, giving Remus an approving look when she noticed the hot chocolate.

"You may wish to wait for Albus downstairs," she said to them all. They got the hint and left the room, leaving Harry with her as well as Teddy.

O o O o O

Grimmauld Place - Living Room

Harry was now sleeping. Draco, Vince, Sirius, and Remus were waiting for Dumbledore with Pomfrey. Pomfrey didn't know what the green pulse was exactly, but she did know the magical residue (on Harry and Teddy) had a hint of chaotic; however, the majority of it was a mystery to her because it was almost as if it was no longer present. At all. Lupin had asked how she knew she wasn't detecting all of the magic.

She looked up and said, "Because it was blocking my detection spell, and only powerful magic, or a lot of it, can do that."

They didn't know what to think about that, and Teddy didn't have any information to enlighten them, only saying he had helped focus the magic against the 'scary soul sucking ghouls.'

Finally, Dumbledore came through the fireplace.

"Where's Sev?" Draco immediately asked.

"He's speaking with the Aurors. They're interviewing the people who had been in the shop with you, Vincent and Harry," Dumbledore answered. "He should be here shortly."

Sirius' eyes narrowed. Dumbledore noticed.

"Sirius, I have no doubt Severus is berating himself this very moment. I do not feel it would be productive to add to his personal punishment. Please remember that he was not the only guardian to leave their charge there. If memory serves me, I recall only one parent being present in a room with twenty three children," Dumbledore said calmly.

"Albus, what's going on in Diagon Alley? What are they going to do now that they know the dementors have turned?" Remus asked, seeing that Sirius was preoccupied.

Dumbledore's eyes became wary at the last question.

"Apparently, the Ministry had received intel that at least one of the escaped convicts was in Diagon Alley. From this, they allowed the Dementors to make an in-the-air-sweep of the area and had given them the authority to go down if they suspected Bellatrix or one of the others to be truly in the alley," Dumbledore said.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Sirius shouted, standing up, previous anger towards Snape clearly forgotten.

"I'm afraid I'm not."

Sirius began pacing, mumbling curses and methods to kill certain stupid politicians. Remus was just as angry, just not as vocal. Draco and Vince were in shock.

"So, they're going to what? Say, 'Sorry everybody for the overexcited dementors!'?" Sirius snapped.

"Cornelius is going to give an 'utmost sincere apology' and explain what had happened and that the Ministry had only hoped to catch the criminals," Dumbledore said before giving a sigh. "He is falling into Voldemort's hands and doesn't even know it…. The truly sad thing is that Cornelius believes he is helping, but is not. He isn't seeing the entire picture."

Just then, the fireplace went green, Snape stepping out into the room.

O o O o O

Unknown Location

Voldemort stepped into the clearing, his Death Eaters already assembled before him, more eager to please and follow their master than ever before.

Voldemort appeared to be twenty-five. His eyes were like a serpent's, but other than that, he appeared human, save for the cold and evil aura that seemed to pulse from his entire frame.

It had been rough at first, completing the ceremony and such to form a body, but they had done it. His sixteen year old self, coupled with his spirit that had been cast out of his body by Harry and reenergized by the magic from Susan Bones and Lockhart, caused his appearance to be far younger than what most would expect from a dark lord.

They had been gathering new members and organizing finances and making plans, one of which they had just carried out. Crouch Jr. had supplied an anonymous tip to the Ministry and suggested to allow the Dementors to do a 'fly over', thus causing the mess in Diagon Alley.

Voldemort was pleased with the resulting chaos, undermining the public's trust in Fudge and the Ministry, but was angry when he had been told of what had stopped the 'search'.

"Potter…" he hissed.

"Yes, master. His accidental magic…" Crouch Jr. said.

Voldemort's eyes narrowed.

"He shouldn't even be alive after what happened in the Chamber," he said angrily. "The old fool must have done something, but no matter. Soon none of that will be of consequence."

Voldemort paced before them, radiating power and authority.

"We will get Potter and strike down all who stand with him, but first, let us show the Wizarding World of our power."

He grinned, the Death Eaters about quickly following suit.

O o O o O

Grimmauld Place

Snape quickly informed them he had given his statement to the aurors, and then continued by giving them all a summary of what he had seen. Sirius was silent the entire time.

Dumbledore got up from his seat, giving one last glance (stern look) at Sirius.

"I wish to check on Harry before I leave," Dumbledore said.

Sirius nodded, Poppy getting up and following Dumbledore up to Harry's room as Sirius, Snape, Remus, Draco, and Vince stayed behind.

There was an awkward silence until Snape finally met Sirius' eyes.

"Black… if—" Snape began.

"Save your breath, Snape. I know there was no way you or anyone else could have known. Hundreds of parents leave their children there for hours everyday, and it's not like you didn't leave your own godson there, so just shush," Sirius interrupted, not wanting to even get into it. It would only prove to make him angrier.

Snape kept his face expressionless, but gave a slight nod. "Very well."

Remus blinked, Draco and Vince looked confused, while Snape and Sirius kept their faces blank, no longer looking at each other.

And that was that.

O o O o O

Harry's Room

Teddy was patrolling from the foot of the bed, his little fuzzy feet squishing into the mattress a little.

Harry sighed, feeling the little guy moving around just below his feet.

Suddenly, Teddy leapt off the bed, running to the door just as someone knocked.

"Who goes there?!" Teddy asked, standing as tall as his little stuffed form would let him while gazing suspiciously at the door.

"Madam Pomfrey and the Headmaster," Pomfrey answered, slowly opening the door, knowing from her brief introduction to the teddybear earlier that he had a surprising amount of power.

"Oh… ok, I guess you two can come in," he said.

He turned back around and scrambled back onto the bed before facing them again.

"Ah, young Teddy. I trust you are well?" Dumbledore asked, closing the door behind him.

Teddy nodded vigorously, his eyes staring at Dumbledore's now moderately large white beard. He noticed it was longer than the last time he had seen it.

"Is your stuffing leaking?" Teddy suddenly blurted out, actually sounding and looking quite concerned.

Dumbledore fought against laughing outright, causing his beard to twitch, which led to Teddy becoming further alarmed.

Teddy gasped, causing Pomfrey to fail in containing her giggles.

Teddy whipped his face around, if possible, his eyes growing wider.

"This man's stuffing is falling out and you're… you're laughing!?" Teddy shouted.

Dumbledore and Harry couldn't prevent their laughter any longer either, though Harry's was a little weak from fatigue.

"What is wrong with you people?!" Teddy asked, paws on his hips and standing at Harry's feet.

"T-Teddy," Harry started in between giggles, "That's not stuffing, it's just a beard. You know, hair?"

"You mean… like fur?" Teddy asked, now confused.

"Yeah."

"He's not leaking?"

"No."

"You sure?" he asked, looking up at Dumbledore hesitantly.

"Yup," Harry answered, Dumbledore giving a slight tug on his beard as proof.

Now that they were no longer laughing, though still amused, Pomfrey spoke up.

"Why don't I get a book for you to borrow, let you learn about what our stuffing really looks like so in the future you will… not jump to conclusions," she said.

"Not that I don't appreciate the concern you showed me," Dumbledore put in.

"So… you're not leaking?" Teddy asked, still not completely sure.

"No, I'm not," Dumbledore said, eyes sparkling.

"Oh. Well, that's a relief."

Crisis averted, Dumbledore took a seat at the side of the bed, his attention now on Harry.

"How are you, Harry? Better?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yeah, the chocolate helped a bit," Harry said.

Dumbledore nodded.

"What happened though? What is the Ministry doing now?" Harry asked.

"They will be making an apology. Apparently their intel was incorrect and they admit now that they may have given the dementors too long of a leash," Dumbledore said, actually sounding a little exasperated. "They still think the dementors are in their control, however, and will not even acknowledge the possibility of Voldemort having a hand in anything concerning them."

Pomfrey was silent, actually surprised Dumbledore was being this honest with Harry, but then, after the past two years, she supposed the Headmaster-student relationship was turning more into one of a grandfather and grandson.

"What… what are they saying about me? I know Professor Snape got us out quickly, but they must have learned…" Harry said, not sure he really wanted to know, but asking anyways.

"They're saying it was your accidental magic reacting with a number of things in the shop," he said. "It's the only thing they could think of to explain it, since Cornelius has actually sworn to me to keep you chaotic magic a secret," Dumbledore said.

"He's keeping it a secret?" Harry asked, shocked.

"He was very thankful that you had given him that message from his grandfather, and I made it quite clear that the only reason Madam Bones' niece is alive was because of you. Madam Bones also probably had something to do with Cornelius making that vow, but he has made it no matter the reason."

"That's good," Harry said, relieved.

"Yes it is," Dumbledore agreed. "Well, if you are sure you're alright, I will leave you and Teddy to rest. I have some work to do. I'm afraid with this recent attack, despite what the Ministry insists on calling it, certain people will be acting soon."

Harry nodded, understanding the implied meaning.

Voldemort and his followers would no doubt use this recent chaos as a distraction for something else.

O o O o O

After the 'unfortunate incident' in Diagon Alley, things continued moving quickly for the Custosae and the Wizarding World as a whole. The hunt for the escaped convicts continued, though they had yet to show themselves, which only made them all uneasy, knowing something big had to be coming.

Harry and the others were happy that their coins had worked, getting a number of the Amici in the Alley moments after the dementors had entered the shops. Surprisingly, no one questioned the prompt appearance of so many capable witches and wizards, and Snape and the others were sure no one cared why or how they had arrived, just that they had.

Harry and the others sent another Custosae letter to Dumbledore, letting him know they were pleased with how the 'incident' was handled, and that more allies were sure to join the Amici soon. Mage had hinted at speaking with him soon, but due to everything, he was uncertain an opportunity would arrive any time soon. Dumbledore understood, and replied saying that he was content, at the moment, with just exchanging letters.

Life for the Custosae continued, Fred and George in particular making plans for the following year. Neville, in his recent letter, said he had Parseltongue down as well as his chameleon ability, Revlis being an excellent teacher (though Augusta was still watchful of the serpent). Greg had settled in well with the Longbottoms, and Augusta seemed to have accepted him into her and Neville's lives. She had suggested even making the arrangement permanent, and Greg had privately admitted to Neville that he wouldn't mind changing his last name to Goyle-Longbottom, or even just Longbottom.

Ginny and Hermione continued perfecting the security business, which sky rocketed after the dementor incident. They now had shops scattered all throughout Diagon Alley, and it even branched into Knockturn Alley, if one could believe it (Moody had investigated/interrogated the owners of those shops, and they had actually checked out, though there were only two).

The Ministry remained clueless of the Custosae, though their existence was on file and legal (thanks again to Amelia Bones, Augusta Longbottom, and Kingsley Shacklebolt).

Harry recovered quickly, and with Teddy, the last few weeks of summer were looking up, especially when Dumbledore had given him the okay to use his wand again. Sirius and Lupin supervised a few spells Harry cast, just in case, and both approved that it was indeed ok for him to have a wand again.

However, it was not all perfect. Dumbledore warned that Harry must make sure he was calm before casting anything, and that he should expect a few more flares of chaotic magic. He admitted that Harry's chaotic magic would probably never settle completely, but that with time, as was already evident, he could control it and siphon it off in a safe way, which was why Teddy would be accompanying him to Hogwarts and everywhere else from now on, or at least until another solution was found, (though for the moment Harry didn't want Teddy to be anywhere else, and Teddy was determined to stay by Harry's side-er…foot).

Life with Sirius and Remus continued to be interesting, and Harry continued his studies into wards and other magics he didn't yet know. Remus was quick to help him look into certain things, and Sirius tried his best not to appear mortified with all of the books in Harry's room.

Madam Pomfrey had delivered the anatomy book to Teddy, who devoured it within days, amazed that 'human stuffing' was so 'red and pink'. Harry shook his head at Teddy's wonder, amused with how excited he was with learning everything.

Hagrid had written, saying that the Centaurs were actually interested with having relations with the Custosae as a whole. He was unsure a treaty or an alliance would be agreed upon, but it was better than nothing. Harry and the others heartily agreed and sent a letter to Hagrid to give to the centaurs.

Funds were coming in occasionally from a few of the protected shops, Griphook sending Harry and Hermione the account's numbers. They were certain to have no problems purchasing needed equipment or warding supplies anytime soon.

Dumbledore and the other professors were now preparing for the next school year. Dumbledore had upped the school's wards, and had also written to the Custosae about possibly having Amici patrol certain borders and entrances, though at the moment it was too soon to commit anyone.

Mage replied, saying it might not be a bad idea, and that Hermit would be willing to organize it.

It was now mid-August. Dumbledore was in his office, organizing the list of first years that would be coming September first. He always liked to memorize their names and try to recall any magical family members of theirs. He was nearly done when his fireplace flared.

"Ah, Cornelius, how are you?" Dumbledore asked, seeing the man's face in the fire.

"Good, good, Albus. May I and a few others come in? We have something we need to discuss with you," he said.

Dumbledore was pleased with the progress Fudge had made in his people skills. He was no longer as arrogant or ignorant as before and was a better Minister overall (thanks to his grandfather's words), though his decisions about the dementors and stubbornness were still bothersome.

"Certainly," Dumbledore said, allowing him to enter while wondering what it was this time.

"Tea? Lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked as he motioned the Minister and the two others to sit down after he conjured the needed chairs.

"Just tea, thank you," Fudge said, the others politely shook their heads.

Dumbledore poured some for himself and the Minister before sitting down.

"Well now, Cornelius, what is this about?" he asked politely, glancing respectfully to the two on either side of Fudge.

Governor Barty Crouch Junior and Madam Dolores Umbridge.

"Well, a few things have come up, worries and concerns, you understand," Fudge began.

"About…?" Dumbledore asked, wanting to know exactly what Fudge was talking about.

"The governors and a number of people in the Ministry are concerned for the safety of the children and inhabitants of Hogwarts… due to recent events…"

"That is understandable. With the escaped convicts who have yet to be caught, Death Eaters clearly among the population, and the return of Voldemort, I would be troubled if our government's leaders were not concerned," Dumbledore said simply, while inwardly questioning such concerns coming from the two beside Fudge.

"Yes…" Fudge said, a little uneasily. "Well, as you can imagine, I am under extreme pressure to ensure Hogwart's children are safe, which I will of course attempt to do by any means necessary."

"As will I, since it is my first and most important responsibility, personally and professionally," Dumbledore stated seriously, not sure he liked where this was going.

"The Ministry would like to ensure the safety of Hogwarts," Crouch Jr. said, speaking for the first time.

Dumbledore just turned his eyes to Fudge, waiting for him to continue.

"The governors and a number of members in the Wizengamot have already discussed this. We feel it would be best to place a number of the Guardians of Azkaban around the perimeter of the grounds and at its entrances," Fudge said.

Dumbledore slowly sat up straighter in his chair, the twinkle in his eyes suddenly growing cold.

What the bloody polka-dotted socks are they thinking at the Ministry?! And they call -me- daft?! Using dementors as guards to a SCHOOL, with -children-?! Dumbledore internally shouted. No. Not even if Merlin himself told me to would I allow this.

"It is to ensure the safety of the students, including Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Albus. The guards will not be permitted on the grounds, I assure you. They will solely be there to prevent anyone wishing harm to your students from entering," Fudge said, knowing he was treading on thin ice, but not knowing Dumbledore was noticing the tense he was using, as well as the lack of the term, 'dementor'.

"You speak as if I am going to agree to such a ludicrous idea," Dumbledore said, his voice laced with a steady power.

I need to be firm in this. Let them have no uncertainty in what I think of this, Dumbledore decided.

"Hem, hem," the porky woman interrupted with a 'pleasant' revolting voice. "Pardon me, Professor, but… it sounded as if, as if you were insinuating that our suggestion was not an acceptable course of action to protect the students of Hogwarts and that you are about to stand against a decision of the Ministry."

"Insinuating? No Madam, I was merely stating frankly that it is a horrendous plan of action that would likely end in something less than pleasant, and that I will not allow such a plan to be carried out, no matter my position and humble authority in the Wizarding World," Dumbledore stated calmly. "I am amazed, Cornelius, that you would even consider such an idea, especially after what had happened in Diagon Alley. After my own in depth investigation and gathering of personal testimonies, two men had nearly been kissed without authorization from the Ministry and without reason."

Dumbledore noticed Fudge seemed to be surprised with that last bit of news, though Umbridge and Barty weren't.

Hm, this does not bode well, Dumbledore thought.

"I had heard no such reports," Fudge said.

"Correct, because there were none," Umbridge said, but Fudge did not look too sure.

"Cornelius, I personally went to Diagon Alley, moments after the 'incident', and know two men had been mere seconds from becoming soulless. I do not know how or why you had not been notified, but can you not see why I do not wish and will not allow such beings near my students?" Dumbledore asked, ignoring the fact Umbridge was fuming.

Barty, however, was wise enough to stay silent and calm.

"The governors have insisted," Fudge began, though it was clear he was beginning to lean towards Dumbledore's feelings on the matter, so Umbridge soon took over.

"Yes, Cornelius is right, the governors have already decided. So, it is our job, as well as yours, to carry this out and adjust what is needed to ensure the protection of Hogwarts. I do not understand what problem you are seeing in this, Professor, but I am beginning to question your loyalty to both the Ministry and the Wizarding World if you are unable to accept the only course of action to take," Umbridge said, getting up from her chair, as if to assume some kind of authority.

Dumbledore fought from raising an eyebrow, his magic now rumbling within him.

This is -enough-.

Slowly rising from his chair, steam still rising from the teacup on the desk in front of him, Dumbledore stood up, towering over Umbridge. It took a great deal to make Dumbledore mad, and even more to make him furious, but Umbridge had succeeded in doing both.

Fudge and Barty quickly stood as well, both actually wanting nothing less than to take back their dementor suggestion. Umbridge, however, was having no such thoughts.

"The only course of action I will be taking is preventing mistakes from being made and doing everything in my power as Headmaster, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and as a responsible and honorable wizard to do what is right; which, in this moment, is to inform you not a single dementor will be allowed anywhere near the grounds and that should I see one, the Wizarding World will know of it, as will that unfortunate Guard of Azkaban. Make no mistake, I will ensure my students are safe. Safe from Death Eaters, safe from Voldemort, and yes, even safe from dementors whose presence, I have no doubt, would do more harm than good in protecting my school.

"Madam Umbridge, I believe that it is your loyalty that should be questioned. You did not even hear my concerns about the dementors, only wished to apply your own beliefs on the matter with no regard to the consequences, legal ramifications, not to mention moral ones," Dumbledore stated.

"I see what you are doing," she hissed, her fake pleasant voice having gone up in smoke. "You are trying to undermine the authority of the Ministry! See here, Cornelius; proof!" she said, pointing an accusing finger at Dumbledore's face, his beard now just under a foot long.

Dumbledore now rose an eyebrow.

"I assure you, Madam, I have no wish or desire to undermine the Ministry's authority. Cornelius can attest to that. If I did, I dare say I would have accepted the position of Minister long ago, and I need not remind you I have been offered it more times than I care to remember. So, Madam Umbridge, I think the current concern lies more in why you seem so adamant in placing such dangerous beings around a school when it is clear they have no problems pushing the bounds of their given instructions. Not only that, but need I remind you children are extremely sensitive to such cruel magics, and it stands to reason that the incident in Diagon Alley with one of my students would become a common event with many more of my students if they were exposed to them, even minutely, during the term."

Dumbledore paused, focusing his attention onto Fudge once more.

"Remember respect and honor, Cornelius? Do you remember your heritage? You are the Minister; do what is right, not necessarily what is expected," Dumbledore said. "I am the Headmaster, and will do what I know is right, which I know is not always what is predictable."

Umbridge was fuming. Barty was visibly annoyed, but knew he couldn't do anything without raising suspicion, like Umbridge was.

Dumbledore turned his eyes to Umbridge.

"Is there something else you wish to say, or are we done?" Dumbledore asked, all of them still standing.

"Hmph," she huffed.

"Yes, I believe we are," Fudge said, giving a nod to the others to leave ahead of him.

They did it without question, Fudge moving towards the fireplace soon after.

Grabbing a handful of floo, Fudge turned towards Dumbledore, looking more serious and stronger than Dumbledore had ever seen him.

"I remember, Albus, and I won't forget. I will speak to the Governors and the others concerning Hogwart's security. Good evening," he said.

And with that, Fudge disappeared in flames of green, leaving behind a slightly more hopeful Headmaster, though still slightly unnerved about certain Ministry personnel.

O o O o O

It happened a mere four days before the first of September at noon. The members of the Amici and the Custosae felt their coins warm up, alerting them to an attack on a protected location.

Diagon Alley.

Looking at the coin, Stephanie Somac, the American Auror staying in London for Kingsley, as well as the Custosae, saw over half a dozen store fronts of Diagon Alley flash on the face of the coin.

Not knowing what she would be coming to, she immediately apparated there, her wand already out and ready.

She appeared on the street, darkly robed figures in bone-like masks were everywhere, shooting spells and firing curses, but she was not alone in this fight.

Kingsley Shacklebolt, Severus Snape, Joseph D. Moy, Forshaw Craw, Alastor Moody, Sirius Black, and Bill Weasley were already fighting back.

She could see the wards to the stores flickering in front of the doorways, and bodies, both innocent and not, laying throughout the alley, stunned or cursed.

She heard screams and shouts, people within the shops watching on in horror as a battle raged outside, the protective wards of the shops having activated the moment a Death Eater had tried to forcibly enter, intent on harm.

She didn't wait for an invitation to join in the fight, stepping beside Snape before they both fought back two Death Eaters. Snape's true loyalties had been revealed the previous summer. Snape would never be a spy again.

They were making headway, overpowering the few dozen Death Eaters, but that soon changed as an ominous presence approached.

"Ah… Severus…" a voice hissed, making all freeze in the Alley. "You had once been one of my most favored. You shall pay for your betrayal."

Snape turned slightly, an impending doom rising within him.

They saw him, Voldemort, standing in the middle of the street, dark robes over him, even darker than his followers'. He looked strong and fit, a young man of twenty five, but his eyes were slit-like, his voice a hush of destruction. In his right hand was his wand, yew with a phoenix feather as its core.

"You all will die today. You and all of your little friends," Vodemort hissed, slashing his wand out in front of him, a wave of puce yellow roaring forth.

Snape acted on impulse, slamming into Stephanie to move her away as he waved his wand in front of himself, hoping it would be enough to deflect it away from the Amici behind him, even if it meant getting hit himself.

His body was thrust backward, his form landing hard on the stone street, his head bouncing once before coming to rest, his eyes closed.

The curse ricocheted away to hit mercilessly into one of the buildings to Snape's right.

Everyone was about to move back into action, but a loud CRACK called their attention away.

"You shouldn't have come here, Tom," a voice declared from behind Voldemort.

Voldemort actually faltered, quickly turning around to face the only man he had ever truly feared.

"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort immediately shouted in rage.

Dumbledore dodged it, quickly throwing things beside him towards the Dark Lord and transfiguring them into large and heavy things. With that, everyone began fighting again.

Spells bounced off of shields, curses struck skin, penetrating flesh and bone. Walls of stores collapsed, some catching on fire as those within escaped through fireplaces or apparated away.

Stephanie ran back into the street, ducking rays of colors and bolts of death, managing to make it to Snape.

He was pale and having a hard time breathing. Grabbing a hold of his robes, she pulled him away from the fighting, especially since Voldemort and Dumbledore were fighting each other just yards away from them.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Dumbledore with a long whip of fire and Voldemort deflecting it with a sickly black one of his own.

Before long, it was clear Voldemort's followers were losing.

Pausing in his spells, Voldemort sneered at Dumbledore.

"This was but a taste of what is coming. Do not think you have won here," he stated.

CRACK.

With that, the rest of the Death Eaters still up apparated away, some grabbing hold of their fallen brethren.

Dumbledore hurried forward, banishing his whip and kneeling across from Stephanie and beside Snape.

"Portus," he muttered, pulling a lemon drop from his pocket and handing it to Stephanie. "Take him to Poppy," he stated.

She nodded, activating the port key, and vanishing from the street with Snape. Immediately afterwards, the Aurors showed up, confused but thankful able witches and wizards had defended the alley, and surprised to find Albus Dumbledore among them.

O o O o O

Diagon Alley Saved by the Custosae de Lux!

Spokesman and representative of the respectable security company, Custosae de Lux, Sirius Black, spoke to Madam Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, after the attack yesterday. Afterwards, he made a statement to the press, announcing the existence of the company he represents, detailing the goals and aims of the professional establishment and stating, "We are here to protect those who cannot defend themselves from those who wish them harm. We are here to defeat those who think they can prey on the weak, and whether they be Death Eaters, burglars, or Dark Lords including He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself, we will take them on and take them down." (Note Mr. Black said you-know-who's name).

"We are so thankful for their security; yesterday would have been much worse if they had not shown up," owner of a shop in Diagon Alley said.

"They are a legal business and provide a clearly honorable and vital service," another said when asked what they thought of the organization called the Custosae.

The article continued, Harry pleased with how the public had responded, but worried about those who had gotten hurt from this attack, particularly Snape. Sirius had told him he was still in the Infirmary, but that he was slowly getting better. Dumbledore had told Remus that Severus had deflected the curse for the most part, but was suffering from magical fatigue and the portion of the curse that had managed to still get to him.

The Custosae had all been updated on the situation, as well as the Amici. Everyone was now always ready to leave and fight at a moment's notice, known employees of the Custosae being Sirius Black, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Severus Snape, Joseph D. Moy, Forshaw Craw, Alastor Moody, and Bill Weasley. Dumbledore's appearance wasn't linked to the Custosae, and Stephanie was not reported to be a member either, since the public had not known she had shown up.

Harry and Teddy were alone in their room (Teddy declaring whatever room Harry claimed was his too). Harry was trying to decide what he should do now, and more importantly, what Mage should do.

He sat down on the bed, his wand in his hand. It was very late, and he knew Sirius and Lupin were asleep.

"What are you doing, Harry?" Teddy asked, seeing that the small mirror was resting in front of Harry.

"Wondering if I should contact Dumbledore or not," Harry admitted.

"I think you should," Teddy said.

"I'll have to put glamours on myself and stuff. Can I do that safely?"

"Yeah. I'm here with you, aren't I?" Teddy asked.

Harry smiled, nodding.

"Do you think he's still up? I don't want to wake him up or something," Harry said.

"I don't think he'd care."

"Okay…"

Harry hesitantly cast privacy spells and other protections about the room out of habit. His spells were all successful. He then turned the wand on himself and began casting glamours, forcing himself to remain calm with Teddy's help, his little paw on his knee.

Harry looked into the mirror, finding his reflection just as it should be, the face staring back at him the one of Mage.

He now looked like a man with a very finely trimmed goatee and mustache with dark brown hair and a few streaks of gray. His eyes were very light blue, almost silver. He had also cast the spell Hermione had found, making his voice the appropriate pitch.

"How's that?" Harry asked, his voice quite different.

Teddy nodded.

"Hmm, I can't really let him see my room…" Harry noted, even though there was only one lamp on, and the room was rather dim.

"Cast a disillusionment charm on the wall, it will blur it out," Teddy suggested.

Harry did as he was told, happy to see that it had worked. Though it was obvious the background had been spelled, it prevented anyone from figuring out what the background really was. Harry decided Dumbledore would assume Mage was in a house he didn't want him to identify, which was correct….

"Ready?" Teddy asked, knowing he would have to be quiet and out of sight while Harry spoke with 'Long Beard'.

"Yeah," he said, taking a calming breath. "Okay… Long Beard."

Harry waited with baited breath, staring into the mirror, waiting for the link to activate. After several long moments of nothing, and beginning to think Dumbledore wouldn't be answering, the mirror came into focus.

"Mage?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes betraying a little worry.

Behind him, Harry could make out a backboard of a fancy bed and an interesting wallpaper pattern of little wrestling griffin cubs.

"Long Beard, I'm sorry if I have alarmed you," Harry said, ignoring the background now.

"It is no problem," Dumbledore said, sitting up in his bed now.

"I have not had the opportunity to contact you of late, but had the chance just now. I have heard what had happened to Dark Knight. How is he?"

Dumbledore seemed touched at Mage's concern, taking a moment to reply.

"The curse had done some damage to his organs, but Relentless (Pomfrey) has repaired them," Dumbledore said. "He is resting now and should be well enough by September first."

Madam Pomfrey had been inducted into the Amici before the summer and had gotten the fitting codename, 'Relentless'. She seemed quite fond of that name.

"That's good. I'm glad he will be alright," Harry said, truly relieved. Hearing it from Dumbledore himself was definitely helpful.

"I'm glad to see that I am not the only one who worries about that boy," Dumbledore said quietly.

Harry looked up at that, but said nothing concerning it.

"I just wanted to personally contact you, since it has been a while," Harry said, sort of changing topics.

"If I may ask, what have you been busy with?" Dumbledore asked. "I can tell by your voice that you seem tired, at the very least. Anything you need from me?"

Harry blinked, wondering what else Dumbledore might notice if he could hear through a glamour and hear his exhaustion.

"I was… injured during the summer, before I sent you that letter concerning the horcruxes…" Harry answered evasively.

"What happened?" Dumbledore asked.

If Harry didn't know any better, he would have said a child had asked the question from the eager/concerned tone he had heard.

"I underestimated the horcrux before I destroyed it, but I'm okay now. I had some good Healers," Harry said.

"Of that I have no doubt. They got Mr. Potter the potion he needed in time," Dumbledore said, though concern was still evident in his old blue eyes.

Harry nodded, hiding his nervousness well.

"Well, Long Beard, I guess I should say good night, since it is most likely well past our bedtimes," Harry said.

"Ah yes, three o'clock is too late for me now at my age. Oh, I miss the days I could go until five," Dumbledore joked… mostly.

Mage smiled. "Good night, Long Beard, and cool fire whip."

Dumbledore actually beamed. "Yes, I am quite proud of that spell. Good night, Mage. We are a formation of defenders."

And with that, two leaders of light soon hit their pillows and went to sleep, knowing that in two days, a new term at Hogwarts would begin.


Next part: Salandra's Master