Ah, Chapter 7. Enjoy it. This chapter is now beta-ed. The amaztacular Sushi Monster was kind enough to do so. Golf claps, everyone.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Some of it is JKR's. Harry waking up was inspired by Bungle in the Jungle by jbern. I know I mentioned it a few chapters ago, but go read that story. It's probably my favorite at the moment. Wish the sequel was updated quicker (hint). Not that jbern is reading my story...sigh.

That was kind of a long, rambling disclaimer, huh? On with the story.


Not Ready Yet

Harry slowly woke up and opened his left eye. Then he closed it. There was someone in his room.

"Harry?" The someone spoke. He did not respond other than to pull his quilt over his head to block out the painful sunlight.

"Harry, are you awake?" The someone did not seem to understand his desire for sleep. Rolling over onto his stomach, Harry hoped that his actions would send the message. They didn't.

"Come on, Harry. Get up. It's time for lunch."

With an attempt at speech that came out a moan, Harry turned his head toward the someone who would not give him any peace. He immediately regretted it.

"What?" All he could make out was a blurry outline.

A chuckle caused Harry's head to throb painfully. "It's time to get up."

Harry clenched his eyes shut, again. "Where'r my glasses?"

"Er... I don't know. Accio glasses," said the someone.

A soft rustling reached Harry's ears, though it seemed much louder than he remembered any rustle ever being.

"Ah, here they are." Sounds of movement indicated the someone was advancing toward his bed. At the moment, Harry didn't care if it was Tom Riddle himself bringing him his glasses, he just wanted the throbbing in his head to stop. He was forcibly rolled onto his back as something cold touched his face. If he'd had enough energy, Harry might have reacted.

"Open your eyes, Harry. We need to go downstairs. Sirius is waiting for us."

The name sounded familiar. Or maybe it was just that he was in serious pain. He was having trouble focusing. Harry opened his eyes for an instant and then shut them tightly with a groan. The someone grabbed his hand and forced his fingers to wrap around something smooth and cool. Maybe glass?

"Here, swallow this. It will make you feel much better."

"Whaisit?"

"Hangover potion. Remind me not to let you get into the firewhiskey until your liver has had a bit more time to develop. Along with the rest of your body."

Another groan followed the mention of firewhiskey, and Harry tried to roll back over. The room didn't seem to spin as much when he laid on his stomach. Something stopped him.

"Watch out there. Don't spill that, it's the only dose we have in the manor. You don't want to feel like this all day, do you?"

With help from the someone he suddenly recognized as Remus, Harry forced himself into a sitting position and swallowed the potion, which immediately attempted to escape his throat and share his bed with him. He squelched the urge and gulped several times before taking a deep breath. Almost immediately, he felt a little better, though still miserable, and opened his eyes a bit to peer at his tormentor.

"Remus. Where am I?"

"In your bed."

"How did I get here?"

"Sirius and I carried you."

"What happened?"

"You were drunk."

"And?"

"And started ranting to Sirius about the Horcruxes, Griffindor's sword, Sirius being sick, and I believe your dislike of goblins. I might have confused that last part with your dislike of specific goblins. I'm not all that positive what you were trying to say, really."

Harry closed his eyes and flopped back into bed, pulling a pillow over his face. "I see. So, you told him?"

"I thought it would be wise."

"You're probably right. How'd he take it?"

"I didn't tell him everything, just the salient points. He took it better than expected, but he wants to know more, obviously...which is why he's waiting down in the kitchen for you."

"Why does my mouth taste like hippogriff shit?"

"I would think that would be fairly obvious."

"I was sick?"

"Yes. All over Sirius, in fact."

This caused Harry to brighten. "Really? Well, at least something good came out of it." Remus laughed while Harry slowly stood. "I think I'm going to wash up before I do anything else. Will you tell Sirius I'll be down in a little while?"

"I can do that. Are you going to be able to handle yourself, or should I tell Sarey to come help?"

"No, I'm fine. See you in a few minutes."


When the door to her office finally closed, Amelia sighed with relief. She'd just finished her fifth meeting of the day, and she hadn't even been at the Ministry an hour. Life as the Minster of Magic was both more hectic and less interesting than heading the DMLE. The ability to reshape the magical government into an efficient organization was satisfying, but the monotony was threatening to bore her to tears. Amelia Bones was not one for crying, though. She simply shut her eyes and took a deep breath, calming herself before calling for her assistant.

"Ms. Alton, what's next?"

Her assistant, a young witch fresh from Hogwarts who had been recommended by Albus, bounced into the office.

"Headmaster Dumbledore is here to see you, with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin."

Amelia remembered seeing Albus' name on her schedule, but had been unaware that he would be bringing anyone else. With a guess that she knew what the visit was concerning, based on the wizards accompanying him, she rose from behind her desk and welcomed the three as they were ushered in.

"Minister Bones, thank you for consenting to this meeting. Mr. Black desired the chance to thank you for his release."

"Of course, Albus." She nodded to the other two men. "Remus, Mr. Black, a pleasure to see you again."

They nodded in response. "You as well, Minister," they said in unison.

Albus pulled his wand from his robes and quietly spoke a complicated incantation. A moment later, the wand was out of sight and the four sat across from each other.

"We may speak freely." Albus turned to Sirius. "The silencing charm will ensure we are not overheard."

The Minister sat with her hands folded, looking on expectantly at the three men in front of her. Her gaze quickly slid to Sirius Black. He looked considerably better than he had during the trial several weeks earlier. His hair was shorter, cut just above his shoulders. The eyes which had been sunken and glassy now shone brightly. He could still stand to gain a little weight, she thought, but overall his health seemed to have improved dramatically.

"Mr. Black," she began. "I assume that you wished to discuss the events of the past month?"

"I did, Minister."

"Please, call me Amelia. We are working together for more than just the betterment of this poor excuse for a Ministry."

"Only if you'll call me Sirius. I think we'll know each other too well to observe formalities, soon enough." He glanced around the office. It appeared to match the temperament of the woman in front of him. A simple wood desk without clutter sat in front of him. Some portraits on the walls added a bit of color to the otherwise empty room that reminded him somewhat of Hogwarts. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it wouldn't be described by anyone as welcoming. Definitely all business, he thought. He refocused quickly when her response came.

"Indeed, Sirius." She looked at the other two wizards. "Albus, I received your Patronus stating you had obtained the Horcrux. What is the status of the ring?"

A pleased expression appeared on Albus' face. "It has been destroyed. Harry and William were able to contain some rather nasty traps that were protecting it. Prior to gaining entrance to the house, William and I were able to neutralize several other defensive spells that had lain dormant since Riddle placed the ring there."

Remus spoke. "Bill's knowledge of protective wards and curse-breaking is very impressive, Amelia. We were hoping you could offer him some temporary assignments working for the Ministry. To help out his family, you understand."

"Is this an idea from Harry?"

"Yep," said Sirius. "Said it would be less suspicious if the Ministry hired him than a 'private' employer. He wants to be responsible for Bill's salary, too. I think he was hoping to make it quite substantial."

"When is he due to go back to work? The goblins will not be pleased if we steal away one of their most promising young curse-breakers." Amelia was spending much of her time in negotiations with the goblins. Attempting to convince a race, mistreated for millennia, that the Ministry was sincere about a permanent peace was one of the most frustrating tasks of her new position.

Albus answered her. "William will be returning to Egypt in two days. He expressed a desire to remain there for a short time before being recalled to England."

"Harry wants him to stay with Gringotts, though," said Sirius, quickly. "He doesn't want him to leave the goblins, just split his time."

Remus continued the thought. "We think that having someone inside Gringotts would be wise. Similar to the way Bill, in Harry's universe, did during the second war. The fact that Huffelpuff's cup is still in the Lestrange vault also gives us incentive to have someone there."

Amelia frowned. "You understand that the Ministry has no say at Gringotts?"

"Absolutely," said Remus. "Harry believes that we should bring someone else into our trust. A goblin, actually."

"Interesting," she was surprised at this. Amelia had no personal animosity toward goblins. She knew that Harry was a huge proponent of enforcing equal rights for all magical beings, but was still caught off guard at the idea of trusting a goblin with something so important.

Sirius was still unconvinced. Harry, Remus and Bill only had time to brief him with an abbreviated version of Harry's life in the other universe the previous day. "I told him he was crazy, but he didn't listen. He's just like his father."

Remus sighed, the familiar argument coming up in the office of the Minister of Magic was not welcome. "Sirius, the goblins are as mistrustful of humans as we are of them, and with good reason. I think Harry and Bill know more about the situation than you do."

"If none of them trust us, why would they believe Harry? He looks like a ten year old kid, and they'll just think someone is putting him up to it."

"That may be, Sirius," interjected Albus. "But the fact remains that William has been working with goblins for over a year. Harry, in his own universe, interacted with them many times, more often than I have, in truth. He helped negotiate several treaties that, thanks to a knowledgeable Minister who respected them," he glanced at Amelia, "were maintained for longer than any past agreements."

"I still don't understand why Shacklebolt picked him for the treaty talks..." Sirius grumbled.

"They chose Harry because he was respected by Director Ragnok," Remus responded to the pout, quietly. Albus and Amelia ignored the two Marauders and began to plan out a way to return Bill to England permanently, without causing suspicion.

Sirius shook his head. "Why would the leader of the goblins respect someone who destroyed half of Gringotts?" With no penseive at Potter Manor, it had been impossible to review much more than their strategy to defeat Riddle and what had happened during Harry's school years.

"Harry will explain it later, Padfood. I promise. We need the goblins, and you know it."

Sirius grunted and they turned back to Albus and Amelia.


"I don't know, Bill. I don't think I'm ready for that, yet."

Bill looked down at his friend. Harry had shown him several memories of his future, alternate universe family and their lives together. The sight of George, despondent and inconsolable for so long, had truly brought home to the oldest Weasley child the cost of the war that might be still to come. It scared him. True, the Weasleys had been less affected than many other wizarding families, but that brought no comfort. He wanted to be closer, able to visit with his parents at any time and to see off his brothers and sister at King's Cross each term. Bill thought the twins' store was a brilliant idea, and had been thinking of surreptitious ways to assist them in their chosen trade.

"Come on, Harry. You know you miss them."

Harry sighed. "Of course I miss them. You all were family. I just don't know if I will be able to...stay in character, you know?"

"That's all you're worried about?" said Bill.

"No, not at all. I'm worried about a lot of things. I'm worried about seeing Ginny again, and having to remember not to kiss her. I'm worried about seeing Fred and gawking at him."

"You didn't seem to have any trouble with seeing Remus or Albus."

Harry groaned and sat down where he stood, plopping onto the ground next to the Quidditch pitch at Potter Manor. They had just finished flying for a bit, when Bill had brought up the idea of meeting the Weasleys. Harry knew he would have to see them, eventually, but had been putting it off for as long as possible.

"I know it looked like I was fine when you 'met' me at Hogwarts, but that was different."

"How?"

"I knew I was going to tell you the truth. Do you think I wasn't screaming for joy inside? I literally had to hold myself back from assaulting Remus. You all know the truth about me, so I don't have to act like a kid around you. How am I supposed to pull that off at the Burrow?"

"Aren't you going to be acting like a kid at Hogwarts next year?"

"Yeah."

"Then it couldn't hurt to practice."

Harry sighed again. He knew Bill was right. Acting like a ten year old was going to take practice, but at least the excuse that he had been living in the wizarding world for several years would take care of one of his problems. He wouldn't have to act like a Muggle-born.

"But your family?"

Bill grinned at him. "Well, hopefully you won't have any desire to kiss my nine year old sister. Fred and George will be at Lee Jordan's by the time you get to the Burrow, and I'll do my best to distract the others if you do mess up."

"It would be good to see them..." Harry trailed off, lost in thought. Half formed plans of how to improve the lives of his adopted family began to coalesce in his mind.

He snapped out of his daydream and noticed Bill had sat next to him on the short, manicured grass. "Have you thought about my offer?" Harry asked.

"I have. Tell me again why you think it's a good idea."

A few pieces of grass met their demise as Harry stalled for a moment. "Honestly?"

"Honestly."

"I know you want to live in England." Harry began. "You always told me how, even though you enjoyed your years in Egypt, you missed your family. I know they missed you. Your mum was beside herself every time your name was mentioned."

"That can't be the only reason."

"Bill..." Harry hesitated. Trying to explain that by staying in England, Bill would be keeping his family safer was difficult. He decided to tell the whole truth and hope his friend took it with the spirit in which it was meant. "Let's go inside, and I'll explain on the way. I'm hungry."

They both rose and slowly headed back to the manor. The pitch wasn't all that far away, but at a lazy pace, the walk could be dragged out.

"I don't think you've been able to believe me on some things. Specifically, things related to you."

"Harry, you told me that I became one of the most skilled curse-breakers in Europe. That didn't happen until I was thirty, or so. Don't you think that requires a longer amount of time...you know, breaking curses?"

Harry giggled, then caught himself and cursed. "I hate sounding like a little kid. It's infuriating, sometimes."

They walked in silence for a minute before Bill spoke. "Is it weird, still?"

"Is what weird?" Harry asked. "Being a child?"

"Well, that...and being here. In the past. Your past." He shook his head. "I just never really thought about what I'd do if I had a chance to do it all over again. It seems bizarre that you're handling it so well."

Harry started to respond. "I'm not really han-"

"That's not what I meant to say," interrupted Bill, shaking his head. "I mean, you seemed to know what to do as soon as you woke up in that house. Me? I would have sat there, scared and confused. You and Dumbledore put this plan together, and for some reason picked me to help out."

"I told you why, Bill. You're a damn fine wizard, and one of my best mates."

The redhead sighed. "The future me is. I'm not saying we aren't mates, but I really don't know you that well, still. You know things about me that no one else does, including myself. I'm just worried that if you slip up and don't realize that, especially around other people, things could spiral out of control."

"You're right." Harry didn't speak for a moment as he contemplated what to say. "I do understand that you don't know me all that well. Really, I do. But, I also know that I can trust you with my life, and that's why we picked you. I would have happily had Albus bring in Ron and Hermione. And Ginny. But-"

"They're just kids. Real kids, not time traveling, universe switching facsimiles."

Harry snorted. "Right, exactly." He stopped walking for a moment and looked down. Bill paused when he realized he was strolling along by himself and turned around. Their eyes met. "Bill, I trust you. I know you doubt yourself, but so does everyone, some of the time. Albus doubts himself constantly, and so do I. We know you're a great wizard, and you'll only get stronger. Plus, I couldn't leave all the Weasleys out of the planning. That'd be just as wrong as not telling Remus or Sirius. You are my family, no matter how well you know me."

A tinge of red crept onto Bill's face and he stared at the ground for a moment before responding. "Tell me more about the job."

"Right. Well, you'd be 'officially' working for the Ministry. Amelia said she would be able to arrange everything we need."

"What department?"

"Er...not a specific department, per se. You'd be on 'special assignment' working directly for the Office of the Minister."

Bill smirked. "That sounds awfully murky. What exactly will I be doing?"

"Well," Harry responded. "I wouldn't imagine that you'd be doing all that much. At least, not for the Ministry, itself. Albus and I decided it might be a good idea for your family to have a little more income. Amelia is planning to create a new Ministry department specifically related to Wizard-Muggle relations, and your father is at the top of the list to be the head. If he accepts, between you and Arthur, the Weasley family will never need worry about running out of Galleons. Something similar happened in...my future, but we decided the opportunity to begin elevating people known to be against that blood-purity crap was too good to pass up. A new Minister so overwhelmingly approved by the Wizengamot has immense power, and Amelia is very efficient at wielding it."

"Harry," Bill looked a bit frustrated. "My family doesn't accept charity. We'll have enough to-"

"Merlin, Bill! This isn't about charity. Your father is a brilliant, if somewhat unconventional, wizard. The only reason he has been held back for so long is due to the prejudices of the pureblood elite." Harry growled the last word. The lack of respect shown to the Weasleys in this universe, and his old one, grated heavily on his patience. At the somewhat humorous situation of a ten year old growling in anger, Bill started to laugh. The sound relieved Harry of his tension and he sheepishly grinned up at his friend.

As the two approached the manor, Bill once again asked what he would be doing in his new job.

"Are you interested in some training?" asked Harry.

"From who?"

"Albus and me. Remus and Sirius would be there as well. Remus hasn't done much magic in the past nine years or so, and Sirius..."

"Right," Bill understood that Azkaban was not very conducive to learning anything, except how to suffer.

"We'd also like you to try to maintain your association with Gringotts, if possible. That brings up something else I'd like to know about."

"Oh?" he glanced at Harry curiously.

"How much do you trust Rockspear?"


Remus and Sirius wandered through Diagon Alley slowly. Sirius was gawking at everything as if he were an eleven year old Muggle-born making his first foray into the magical world. The meeting with Amelia had lasted just over an hour, and Sirius had been hungry. Remus saw it as a good sign that his friend was, slowly but surely, returning to normal. His appetite had been stunted in the weeks after his release from Azkaban, his stomach shrunken due to the minuscule portions served at the prison. They'd satisfied his hunger at the Leaky Cauldron, where the surprised Sirius received well wishes and unsolicited apologies from most of the other customers.

"Did you see that blond, Moony?"

"Yes, Sirius."

"She was truly sorry about how much I suffered in that hellhole, don't you think?"

"Yes, Sirius."

The ex-convict turned around, as if to head back toward the pub they had just vacated. Remus grabbed him by the shoulder, smiling hugely.

"Sirius, she was a lovely young witch. I'm sure you'll be seeing her, and others like her, again, but don't you think it's time we finally got you a wand?"

Sirius' face lit up. He'd become accustomed to being without a wand for so many years, until he had finally been comfortable and healthy enough to wander the grounds at Potter Manor. That feeling of normality didn't last very long as Remus began taunting him about his lack of ability to cast any spells and threatening to jinx and hex him using several nefarious charms.

The two Marauders swiftly marched toward Ollivander's and entered the small, dusty shop. Mr. Ollivander was, as usual, no where to be found. Remus moved over to the small waiting area that consisted of a single chair and a copy of the Daily Prophet. He looked at the date. December 12th, 1988. Shaking his head at the nineteen month old paper, he glanced around for Sirius, spotting his friend poking at some of the wands stored in the first row of shelves. Quietly, he rose, silently stalked up behind Sirius and, without warning, smacked him with the paper on top of the head.

"AH!" Sirius jumped and spun around, eyes wide. When he regained his composure, he gave Remus a sour look. "Was that really necessary?"

"You shouldn't be snooping around like that."

A ghostly voice from behind caused them both to jump. "It's quite alright, Mr. Lupin. The wand does choose the wizard. Mr. Black would not have found what he was looking for on that shelf, in any case."

Remus and Sirius glanced at each other almost imperceptibly before the withered old man began to speak again.

"You wish to purchase a new wand."

Sirius nodded in reply, but said nothing. Ollivander continued. "Your old wand was destroyed. Pity. It was a good wand, quite effective for charms. Oak and dragon heart string, ten and a half inches. One of my more unique combinations."

"I didn't really have much say in the matter," he lamented.

"No doubt. No doubt." The wandmaker, who was disturbing Sirius with his unblinking eyes, began muttering to himself as he turned his back to them and wandered off. After several minutes went by without the old wizard reappearing, Sirius turned to Remus.

"Any idea what's going on?"

The werewolf shook his head. "No idea, Padfoot. No ide-"

"Here it is! A most wonderful combination of wood and core." The reentrance of the wandmaker once again startled them both.

Sirius put his hand to his chest and sighed melodramatically. "Merlin, you're going to kill me! And just out of Azkaban, too... The injustice of it all..."

After Remus quieted him, Mr. Ollivander handed him the new wand. Smiling as he held it, Sirius barked out a laugh as the wand trembled in his hand for a moment before spilling out a shower of red and gold sparks.

"Excellent!" Mr. Ollivander exclaimed. "I crafted that wand specifically for you, Mr. Black, as soon as I knew you had been freed. Birch with a core of Aethonon tail hair. Eleven inches. It should be quite effective."

Both of them stared at the wandmaker in shock. They'd never known the man to make custom wands for a wizard without one having been ordered. It was certainly odd.

"Excuse me," said Sirius. "How did you know...I mean, why..."

"You will have tasks, Mr. Black. No one can say what they will be, but Mr. Potter will require as much assistance as you and the others can provide. Great challenges await you all. You must be strong, together. That will be seven Galleons."

Speechless, Remus pulled out a pouch of coins and handed over the necessary payment. Sirius settled for staring open mouthed, his new wand hanging limply in his hand.

A few minutes later the two of them were walking to Gringotts and had yet to speak. When they reached the entrance to the goblin bank, Sirius stopped and turned to Remus.

"What the hell just happened?" he whispered.

"I don't understand it, either." Remus answered in the same low voice.

"Did any of you talk to him about it?"

"Not that I know of. Ollivander's always been a bit off, though."

"He knows! Moony, this is crazy. How could he know if we've all taken an Unbreakable Vow? Did Harry or Dumbledore tell him?"

"I honestly don't know. I suppose they could have when Harry got his wand..."

Resolving to discuss it with Harry when they returned to Potter Manor, the two entered the bank to sort out the Black family account, which had laid dormant since the death of Sirius' mother.


"He said what?" asked Harry.

"Great challenges await us all," answered Remus.

The five of them sat in the sunroom. Sirius was thankful that it had been aired out, and that Sarey was a much more efficient house elf than the worthless Kreacher inhabiting Grimmauld Place. It was still mid-afternoon and the sun was beaming down onto him through one of the skylights.

"He said something similar when I accompanied Harry to purchase his own wand," said Albus, who had arrived after being informed of the wandmaker's curious prediction.

"Do you think he knows?" asked Bill.

Harry shook his head. "There's no way he could know. Albus was the only person who knew anything before the vow, and he assures me that he told no one."

"That is correct," confirmed Albus. "I have spoken to no one, other than the four of you here and Amelia, of Harry's situation. Mr. Ollivander has often mystified me in the past with his knowledge of events he has no connection to. He is truly a puzzling man. All my attempts at legilimency have been unsuccessful, as well as unremarked upon."

"You tried legilimency on him?" asked Remus.

"Indeed. Several of his comments during the war made me quite suspicious, but none of his actions have led me to think he ever took a side. He is, perhaps, truly neutral in the fight between light and dark. It may be the most advantageous position to have, as a wandmaker."

"Do you think he's a seer?" said Harry. He was leaning forward with concern. Divination and prophecies had not been kind to him in the past, and the thought that this new universe could be adversely affected by his appearance left a small knot in his stomach.

"I do not know. It is frustrating, I must admit. All conversations with the man result in riddles and questions. I have tried several times in the past to determine what he knows, without success."

Harry grinned smugly to himself at Albus complaining about someone speaking in riddles and questions.

"It's not like it matters, right?" Sirius spoke up for the first time and all eyes were on him. He blinked and cleared his throat as they waited for him to elaborate. "I mean, 'challenges await you.' Of course challenges await us. I just got out of Azkaban, Harry just got his first wand, and Remus has reentered the magical world for the first time since forever. I don't think it's that bizarre that the man is aware of these things happening."

"How did he know which wand would be mine, though?" interjected Harry. "He didn't even bother testing me for one. He said I knew the wand that seeks me, and then handed me the same one I used in my universe. He knew that I knew it. That isn't a coincidence."

Silence fell over the five of them as they contemplated the behavior of Mr. Ollivander.

"Well," Bill finally stated. "There's nothing we can do about it, is there? If he knows something, he knows. If Albus couldn't get any information from him using legilimency, or questioning him, I don't see what else we can do. If he's really neutral, he won't run off and tell any Death Eaters, and I don't see him volunteering the information to anyone else."

"I would have to agree, William." Albus pulled a small bag of hard chocolate candies out of his robes and offered them around. After everyone but Remus declined, he took one himself and put them away. "Now, on to other business. I spoke with Nicolas and Perenelle. They both agreed that the chance to destroy Riddle once and for all is of crucial importance and have agreed to let me protect the Philosopher's Stone inside of Hogwarts."

The others sat up a bit straighter at this news. The school term began in only a few days and this would be the last chance for Albus to meet with them without attracting attention to himself, unless there was an emergency.

"Is that going to give Quirrell enough time to join up with Riddle?" asked Harry.

Remus looked at him. "Didn't you say he was already in Britain?"

"I think he is. I don't know for sure."

"We will have to assume that he is," said Albus. "It is my belief that Riddle has been with Professor Quirrell since he returned from his sabbatical in July of last year."

"Have you already moved the stone?" asked Harry.

"It is hidden in the chamber beneath the third floor corridor, protected by the Mirror of Esired. That was a fantastic idea, Harry. I must thank you again."

"It was your idea in the first place. I just...reminded you of it before it could occur to you."

Sirius asked the question that had yet to be brought up. "So, if Riddle shows up at Hogwarts wearing his lovely new turban, how exactly do you plan to capture him? Isn't he a spirit, or something along those lines?"

"I will do my very best to capture the shadow of Riddle without harming Professor Quirrell. I have several ideas, but no definitive measure that I consider foolproof."

"It's not like a Horcrux, Sirius," added Bill. "No one has any experience dealing with something like this. We're just going to have to trust Albus to do what he thinks will work."

Harry huffed. "Albus, why do you insist on protecting Quirrell? He might as well be a Death Eater."

"I do not believe that to be the case."

"You can't be willingly possessed! I understand you think you can save him, but this is far more important than one man's life."

The other three younger men were nodding their heads in agreement. Albus' eyes lost a bit of their usual brightness and he sighed. "Harry, it saddens me to say you may be correct, though not all wizards are as strong willed as you. If there is a way to protect Professor Quirrell without compromising our goal, I will endeavor to do so. If there is not, I will not hesitate to use whatever force I deem necessary. I will not, however, end a man's life simply for the greater good. Will that suffice?"

At the mention of the term, Harry blanched. Acknowledging his friend with a tightlipped nod of acceptance, the others looked on in confusion at what had transpired between their two leaders.

"That sounds fine, Albus. I apologize."

"Quite alright, Harry. Please do not trouble yourself."

"Right."

Sirius threw himself back in his seat on the couch and moaned. "I spend nine years in Azkaban and get out, just to throw myself into a new war against a stuttering professor, led by a ten year old. Merlin! I need a vacation."

The others chuckled softly. Albus popped another candy into his mouth before speaking. "Sirius, perhaps after we retrieve the locket from your family's home, you can travel for a bit."

"That's a great idea," said Harry. "It's not like we'll have anything to do in England for a while. It's going to take Amelia months to gain traction with the goblins."

"What about the Diary?" asked Remus.

"Too many members of the Wizengamot still respect the Malfoy family name to begin searching their home," responded Albus. "We may need to wait until Lucius is removed from the body before taking any action against him."

"That settles it," Harry slapped his hand down on the table. "Where do you want to go?"

"Actually," said Albus. "I think it would be wise to begin your journeys in Egypt, if William would agree to accompany you."

"Right," Bill agreed. "Rockspear. I think we'll probably need a few days to convince him. You can go wherever you want afterwards, though."

Remus smiled. "I've always wanted to see the pyramids."

"Bill's leaving the day after tomorrow. Can we get the locket by then?" asked Sirius.

"Why not?" Harry answered. "We can go tomorrow, if you're up for it."

"I'm fine with destroying the Horcrux. I don't think I really want to see my mother's portrait, though. She was crazy enough before she died, I can't imagine what six years stuck in a house with only a deranged elf for company has turned her into."

Harry grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Don't worry. One of the best things about being from the future is that I know some tricks no one has thought of here in the good ol' present."

Bill glanced at Remus and Sirius, who were sharing a look. "That sounds...interesting."

The other two seemed to communicate without speech for a moment before Sirius spoke to Harry. "Okay, but if you destroy the portrait you have to take care of Kreacher, too."


A/N - I know this was dialogue heavy...but it is also my shortest chapter, so work with me here. I wanted to do a bit of character development and...well, I was feeling talkative.

Let me know if it was at least fairly interesting. Reviews are a great way to share your thoughts, so be thoughtful...it's the kind thing to do.

So, for reals, I will probably not be updating until 2 weeks at the earliest. I will be working about 50-60 hours a week for the next 2...weeks. Then I have a week off, so if things go according to plan, I will probably bang out 2 or 3 chapters during the week off (fingers crossed).