Author's Note: Thank you to all those who reviewed so far, or have added it to story alert. It's really appreciated, and certainly gives me motivation to finish and upload chapters faster.

II. The Empire of the Dead

Harry

I returned to my rooms deep underground London, in the Department of Mysteries. The rooms weren't particularly fancy, but they served a purpose. They kept me hidden.

I sprawled out on my bed, and flicked on the wireless.

"...and now we return for the evening Ministry Report. Minister Shacklebolt made headlines today when he disclosed to the Wizengamot that there were still credible threats to Wizarding Britain. When grilled for details, both the Minister, and Deputy Minister Weasley gave answers, that to this reporter, didn't really answer anything. Also on the table was the issue of the war trials - with growing numbers each day clamouring for justice do be brought about, the Ministry is again under great pressure. The Minister, clearly stressed, stated that those suspected of being Death Eaters could rot in Azkaban for all he cared, but he did reiterate that proper justice would be served in time, and that ensuring the safety and security, as well as putting in place measures to aid recovery, was more important at this time…"

Leaving the wireless droning in the background, I got up again at the sound of a bell. That would be Kingsley. He'd want to debrief me on the mission.

"X told me it went well."

"Yeah, it was...quick."

He nodded. "I know you don't like-"

I cut him off. "Yeah, I don't. But we all have to do our part, right?"

He sat down.

"I miss her," I blurted out.

A pitying expression crossed his face.

"You and Ginny Weasley were very close. It's killing Arthur that he has to lie to her."

"I know how he feels," I said bitterly.

"It won't be forever, Harry. She'll understand, in time."

"Ha, you're not the one who has to tell her. Have you met Ginny?"

Kingsley smirked again.

"Why can't we hold the trials?" I asked, changing the subject. I didn't want to talk about her anymore.

"Recovery efforts…"

"No, the real reason."

He grinned. "Well, for one, we want you to testify...and you'll be doing a lot of testifying."

I made a face.

Kingsley let out a rich laugh. "Ah, the joys of being a war hero...at least you don't have to do paperwork."

"So until this is over, you'll delay all the trials?"

"Yes. And what I say to the press is true too - we are trying to bring about reforms. Arthur's just finished setting up the Reform Bureau, and your friend Granger may be put it charge."

"Hermione? Really?"

"The girl is frighteningly intelligent, and she's new blood - old thinking won't help us. We need new ideas."

Listening to his words, I was reminded why Kingsley commanded such respect, and why he was made Minister.

Ginny

It was about a week after Ron and Hermione's visit to Hogwarts. I trudged down to breakfast, still moody.

The usual bustling atmosphere in the Great Hall had disappeared. A small shiver went down my back. It reminded me of Snape's reign over the school.

The cause for the hushed words and murmurs was written all over the front page of the Daily Prophet.

RESURGENT DEATH EATERS VOW TO CONTINUE YOU-KNOW-WHO'S LEGACY.

I quickly scanned through the words.

Claim that Voldemort will be reborn in the blood of The Chosen One … and that a third Reign of Terror will begin…To hit us whilst we're struggling to recover… Ministry say Aurors are looking into the threats…we must remain strong in the face of horror… is this why Harry Potter has disappeared? Is he afraid?

I flicked over the page.

HARRY POTTER, WHEREVER YOU ARE, WE NEED YOU.

Reward offered for reputable and recorded sightings of Harry Potter. See below for terms and conditions.

I closed the paper in disgust. They wouldn't find him. He had an invisibility cloak that could hide him from Death itself.

Defence Against the Dark Arts was my first subject of the day. It was being taught by an Auror - 'Professor' Wright.

"Today, we're going to discuss this morning's news," she said, gesturing to the projected image of the Prophet's front page.

"I understand that many of you will be shaken up by the threats, and I was asked by both Professor McGonagall and Minister Shacklebolt to assure you that Hogwarts will be safe. You are also welcome to talk to Madam Pomfrey if you wish."

"What about our families?" a Hufflepuff student asked.

"We cannot guarantee the safety of every single person in Britain. This is a reality of Magical Law Enforcement. Believe me, no one hates hearing this more than the Aurors."

"Do you think you'll find Harry?" another said.

"We hope to."

This was useless. I didn't have anything against her teaching, hell, anything was better than the Carrows, but her politically evasive, and probably scripted answers didn't help. Especially since they reminded me of Umbridge.

The lesson went on, with 'revision' of Advanced Shield Charms that we'd all mastered with the D.A. last year.

Harry

I'd made a habit of flicking through the Prophet each morning, but I didn't expect to see that particular headline.

HARRY POTTER, WHEREVER YOU ARE, WE NEED YOU.

Sometimes, the Daily Prophet just needed to learn when to shut up.

We knew, of course, about the Death Eaters.

Voldemort couldn't be brought back - that was an impossibility. The one advantage of the Horcruxes was that they insured that.

The problem was, we didn't know where they were. Up to now, they'd been as quiet as the grave.

But if they were going 'public' - so to speak, then I knew that it was only a matter of time.

Ginny

Hermione was back, and looking stressed. Small wonder - she was taking her NEWTS away from Hogwarts, whilst helping the Ministry do Merlin-knows-what. Ron wasn't with her - he was looking after Weasley's Wizard Wheezes whilst George was in St Mungo's.

George hadn't taken Fred's death well. In fact, it'd damn near driven him crazy with grief, to the point where we were forced to take him to St Mungo's. To the closed ward with Neville's parents. It'd nearly killed my parents to do it, but it was the only way of guaranteeing his safety.

He hadn't even been able to set foot in the Burrow without collapsing into sobs, and the mere sight of his and Fred's old room had sent him into hysterics.

At his worse, the Healers had nearly overdosed him on Cheering Charms before he'd stopped screaming.

It almost felt like we'd lost both of them.

I walked over to her, and she gave me a quick hug.

"Ginny, your Mum was wondering if you could come home on Saturday. It was sort of a last-minute thing, so she asked me to ask you."

"Yeah, why?"

"Everyone's going to St Mungo's, and she wants you to be there."

Her eyes were compassionate, and once again the thought crossed my mind that Ron might be the luckiest wizard alive.

I flashed a quick smile. "Tell her I'll be there for breakfast."

I Flooed home to The Burrow the next day. Angelina was there, and so was Hermione, laughing at a joke of Ron's. Dad was already at the Ministry, but Mum, bustling past with a plate full of bacon, assured me he'd meet us at the hospital.

I talked with Angelina about Quidditch to pass the time, and after breakfast, we piled into a Ministry car (a Rolls Royce, Dad had mentioned proudly) for the trip to London.

I guess there were some advantages of being the family of the Deputy Minister for Magic.

The trip to London flashed by, and soon we reached Purge and Dowse, Ltd - the department store in which St Mungo's was concealed, and went inside. Mum spoke briefly to the receptionist, and we made our way up to level four. To the closed ward.

Harry

"Harry?" Y strode into my rooms, not bothering to knock.

"Yeah?"

"Pack your bags. We're leaving."

"Where to?"

"France."

"When are we going?"

"Ten minutes ago. Hurry!"

As I packed, Y explained to me that we'd gotten a lead that Kingsley had deemed top priority. At best, we'd find Death Eaters hiding in France.

I finished packing, and Y and I made our way to X's office. X was there with Arthur.

"Good luck," said Arthur, before handing X a Portkey. "Quickly, it'll go any second now."

I felt the now familiar tug, and the last thing I saw before everything blurred around me was Arthur's greying hair and the worried lines on his weathered face.

We landed on a hill, and then Apparated (I Side-Alonged with Y) into the city itself.

"Welcome to Paris, Harry."

Paris was beautiful.

I said so, and Y grinned. "Wait until you see Wizarding Paris. Diagon Alley is all right, but rue Magique, well, it's something else."

"We're not going to rue Magique, gentlemen," said X, sourly.

"X isn't a fan of rue Magique...or rather it's inhabitants," Y explained slyly.

"Shut it, Y."

"The girl seemed perfectly friendly to me. Who would've thought that a day later, she'd be trying to-"

"I said shut it."

"Where are we going then?" I asked.

"Down. To l'empire de la mort. The Empire of the Dead."

"Those are the catacombs, right?"

"Yeah."

The mission was simple. Five Death Eaters in hiding, all here in Paris. It wouldn't be easy, and I didn't know Paris - which was why this was a three-man mission. The catacombs underneath the city were also the perfect refuge.

Fortunately, my companions had both been to Paris before...

"Go to the Louvre, and Vanish the security glass around the Mona Lisa. Most entertaining afternoon a wizard can have," Y smirked as we walked.

X shot him a look that spoke volumes. "Of all the Unspeakables in the Ministry to join this, Kingsley chose you."

"Just because a bloke likes to have a laugh before he goes about knocking off Death Eaters in the sewers of Paris, doesn't mean he's not professional about it."

We rounded a corner and took off down a side street. Embedded in the ground was a large manhole. X cast Shielding and Muggle Repelling Charms whilst Y levitated the manhole cover off. Surprisingly, it didn't stink.

"This part isn't connected to any sewer, and it's a popular entrance for wizards, so it's well maintained."

"Well then, in we go." X lowered himself down, and Y and I followed.

Lumos.

The tunnel was larger than I had expected, and walking was quite easy. We went along for about twenty minutes before coming into a natural cavern. Skeletal remnants were packed tightly into the walls, the empty eye sockets of skulls grimly staring at me, silently accusing me of violating their resting place.

"Adorable," said Y in a hushed tone.

A trickle of water ran across the floor. We moved on past the bones, into a space with roughly hewn walls that seemed to compress in on me.

Instinctively, I shuddered. This was not a place for the living.

We'd been walking, and sometimes crawling through the underground for about an hour, when we came across the first sign of magical presence.

"Feel that?" asked X. "It's a ward. Pretty crude defensively, but spelled to let the caster know if it's broken."

"It'll be easier to key us into the ward," said Y.

X nodded, and muttering, waved his wand, and tapped me, Y and then himself. A purple haze glowed briefly around us, then disappeared.

"Right, we should be good. Y, you do the best Revealing Charms, take a look."

Y cast the spell, then put a finger to his lips. He then held up three fingers and pointed to his left.

Quiet. Three people. To the left.

We split in a pincer movement, X going to the left, Y and myself centre and right respectively.

Suddenly, a man in a dirty grey robe appeared from the darkness, and flung a curse at X.

I watched as X competently shielded against the curse, then flicked his wand twice, muttering under his breath.

The first flick cut his opponent's wand arm clean off, and the second slit his throat. The attacker didn't even have time to scream.

The other two attackers had caught up now, and Y and I each turned to face one. My opponent raised his wand…

Expelliarmus! His wand clattered to the ground, and he turned to run, only to be stopped by my Full Body-Bind curse.I reached to turn him over but stopped as a thin jet on green light hit the man.

I looked up to see Y still pointing his wand at the body, his face expressionless.

"We don't have time to see if they're pretty, Harry. Come on."

Y knew how to crack a joke, and smile, but just like the more serious X, he certainly knew how to kill. The decapitated head of his own opponent was proof of that.

We moved deeper into the catacombs.

An hour later, we'd found nothing. We were soaked, smelt like the sewers, and covered in grime and limestone dust.

"Sorry to disappoint, gentlemen, but we won't be winning Teen Witch's Wizard of the Year in a hurry," Y quipped.

X just sighed and kept on going.

"Arrêtez-vous!"

X stopped, his wand out.

"We're English!" he shouted into the darkness.

A group of men came out from the pitch black tunnels and into the light.

One, who appeared to be the leader, looked at me.

"C'est vrai," he said, a hint of wonder in his voice. "'arry Potter. Come, 'e wants to see you."

X simply nodded, and gestured for us to accompany the group.

We gathered in single file, and Y leaned close to me. "They've seen the Death Eaters," he muttered.

We walked for another 15 minutes, before coming into an open space, lit with hundreds of lamps.

A large wooden door opened, and we walked into a vast room, similar to the Great Hall at Hogwarts. At least two hundred people stood or sat in small clusters around the Hall.

A man in light blue robes lounged on a seat, idly picking from a bowl of grapes. He looked up at our entrance with sharp eyes, and his mouth twisted into the semblance of a smirk.

"My, my, my...what do we 'ave 'ere?"

Ginny

Seeing George in his bed was shocking. His eyes were wild, and his hair was matted and tangled. His wand arm was strapped by a leather cuff to the bed. Mum ran to him.

"Oh, George!"

His voice was low and hoarse.

"Mum...is everyone here?"

"Yes, look, Ginny's here too."

He looked over Mum's shoulder to see me.

"Heya, sis."

"Hey, how're you?"

He gestured to the strap on his wrist.

"Been...better."

"We're here for you, George."

"Yeah…"

I couldn't do it. I couldn't talk to him like this, trying to pretend that he was okay. He wasn't. And it was so very evident in every little detail, from the expression in his gaunt eyes, to the worn look on his sunken cheeks, and the false sincerity in his voice. All the sorrow I'd felt since the end of the war swelled up through me, and I couldn't take it. Not looking back, I ran from the room.

Harry

It was the Parisian. The man who ran the magical catacombs. Dangerous. Unpredictable. French.

Y had warned we might come across him in the catacombs. He was the de facto leader of those in the magical community who lived underground. And of course, proud owner of the most original name in all of Paris, Y had joked.

"'arry Potter," he said in slow, drawling English. "It es a pleasure to meet you."

I remained silent.

"Ah, do not be scared, Meester Potter. I am your most 'umble servant, and I must welcome you to l'empire of zee Dead."

I nodded in greeting, noticing that X had cast a silent Revealing Charm through the vicinity.

"But of course, your exploits are legendary! I 'ave 'eard of 'ow you faced Voldemort. Most impressive!"

"Thank you. It wasn't easy."

"But of course."

X interrupted bluntly.

"The two Death Eaters you've got. We want them."

The Parisian glared at him.

"Non. I will not give zem t' you. 'ere, all are under my protection."

"They're war criminals."

"Zhey 'ave committed no crime to me." His eyes flashed. "You Breetish, thinking that you can jus' walk in, an' take!"

"Well, that was essentially the plan," Y quipped.

"You will need another plan. Here, I ask no questions. Ef a witch or a wizard wants my ah, sanctuary, I give et."

"Even to Death Eaters?"

"I will not go back on my word. Besides, you are not zee Breetish Ministry. I see no authoritie 'ere."

"Papa?"

I turned my head to see a slender girl, no older than fifteen, enter the room. She reminded me very much of Gabrielle Delacour.

"Pas maintenant, Marie," the Parisian waved her off.

Before anyone could even think to stop him, Y crossed the room and grabbed the girl, Marie, pointing his wand underneath her chin. Her eyes widened in fear. All over the room, wands came out, pointed at us.

"DON'T MOVE!" Y yelled.

The Parisian rose from his seat, enraged.

"YOU GO TOO FAR!" He drew out his wand.

"I think we might want to ah, renegotiate," said X, speaking quickly, his wand aimed back. "You could have a thousand wands pointed at us, but it won't stop him from taking your daughter with us. The man who currently has your daughter at wandpoint is an Unspeakable."

A murmur of voices rose around the room.

"So, you are zee 'nglish Ministry then?" asked the Parisian, his eyes narrowed into slits.

"No. We don't exist to them. But we are real, very much so," he said, his voice threatening. "The Death Eaters, for the life of your innocent daughter. That is my deal."

"Papa!" Marie screamed.

I suddenly felt sick.

"So be et," he spat, looking disgusted. He nodded to a henchman, who barked orders in rapid French to a group, who turned and left.

"My daughter?" he appealed to X.

"Once I have the Death Eaters."

In a couple of tense minutes later, the Death Eaters were dragged unceremoniously into the room. One spat at X.

"Medrevitch. You wouldn't know where your brother is, would you?" Oh, and Doherty, too," X greeted them, before looking at Marie, who was still held by Y in a vice grip. "Close your eyes, girl."

"Do as 'e says, ma chérie," her father said.

X turned back to address the Death Eaters. "For your crimes in the war, and your association and loyalty to Tom Riddle, known also as Lord Voldemort, you are summarily sentenced to die."

All eyes were on X. The room was quiet as the grave.

"Avada Kedavra!"

The brilliant green light flashed twice, and both Death Eaters toppled to the ground.

"Et es done. Let 'er go!" demanded the Parisian.

"Promise us safe passage," said Y.

"Oui. Promised."

Y released her, and she ran to her father. He held her tightly before glaring at us with baleful eyes.

"Now leave 'ere! You are welcome no more!"

X nodded. We went to go, with wands still pointed at us from all directions.

"An' what es your part in all of this, Meester Potter?" the Parisian questioned as I walked away.

I didn't look back to answer him. I honestly didn't know.

Ginny

Ron and Hermione found me in the Visitor's Hall. I was sitting on a couch, curled into a ball, with tear streaks stained down my face.

"Ginny?"

"Who's with him now?" I said numbly.

"Angelina. Mum's gone for tea," said Ron.

"Look, Ginny…," Hermione began.

"Just leave me alone, Hermione! I don't want to hear it!" I burst out.

"You can't sit around moping forever! You have to go on, live your life, regardless of whether he's there or not! Ever since June...it's December, Ginny. I don't think I've heard you laugh properly in eight months!

"You don't know, Hermione! You don't know!"

"My parents are still in Australia," she replied cooly. "I know."

Ron cut in.

"You're...I guess you're at a crossroads, sis. Way I see it, you can either end up like George, doped up in the closed ward, or deal with it, properly. 'Mione and me, we lost him too, remember."

"It's not the same! He and I are-" I stood angrily

"Are what, Ginny? Harry, whether he's here or not, he's still my best mate! I've got faith in him, that he'll return. Hell, I don't know when, but I know 'e will!"

He said it with such conviction, such heart, that my retort died on my tongue. I sat back down on the couch with tears in my eyes.

"I...I'm sorry." The tears were rolling down my cheeks and I made no effort to wipe them away. "I miss him, so much."

Ron's arms were around me in an instant, his voice soothing, followed by Hermione's as she put her arms around me too.

"We'll find him, Ginny. The Ministry obviously can't do it, but we can. We know him. We'll bring him back to you," Hermione said.

"Yeah?" I looked up at her, my eyes watery and my voice shaky.

"Yeah. I'll start asking questions. There are a lot of people who owe me favours. And of course, I'll have to visit the library…"

"Sounds like a proper plan," added Ron, grinning.

"It is, Ron. It is," Hermione assured, the determination clear in her voice.

And on the closed ward, surrounded by fear, hurt, and the wounded, but also my family and friends, I finally smiled.

After Flooing back to Hogwarts from St Mungos, I made my way back to my dormitory. My bed seemed very appealing right now. I pulled on an old shirt with 'Harry' on the nametag, and fell back onto my pillow. But I couldn't find a way to slip away into blissful sleep.

I sat up, and grabbed a quill and some parchment from my bedside cabinet, and began to write:

Dear Harry,

My world's kind of crazy right now and there's nothing more I want than for you to put your arm around me and tell me it's going to be alright.

I'd give anything - except maybe the England Quidditch captaincy - to have you with me, at this very moment.

I need you, Harry. And I need for you understand that.

I don't know why you had to leave everyone. I don't know why you had to leave me. But it's okay now, you don't have to explain anything, just come back and kiss me.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

Ginny

P.S. If you ever want to kiss me again, Potter, you'd better have one hell of an explanation.

And then, just like that, I was okay. I still missed him, I still needed him, but for now, I could live my life without him being there.

Hermione's proposed plan to find him gave me new courage, a new resolve.

It gave me back myself.

A/N: So, a sudden trip to Paris! The Empire of the Dead actually does exist – it's been around for centuries. I visited Paris a few years ago, and went and saw it, and I thought it'd make an excellent setting for this story.

Some quick translations, it'll save you having to Google them if you're wondering:

rue Magique means essentially, 'Magic Street' in French, in case anyone is unsure. Original, I know.

Pas maintenant – not now

ma chérie – dear one

"Arrêtez-vous!" - Stop! (sort of)

C'est vrai – It is true

Non. Oui. - No. Yes.

Hope you enjoyed! Please review :)