A/N) So here is the next chapter. There is a bit of a time skip in this chapter. Mainly because I wanted Harry at a certain age.

Twisting Time

Chapter 41

Sunday 23rd August 1992

In the months following the destruction of the diadem Horcrux everything went quiet on the Voldemort front however the plans the Marauders and Dumbledore had decided upon had been put into action.

The first thing James had done was to discuss with his wife the tracking spell she had been working on which was nearing completion and final testing. Before it could be relegated out into the magical community it would have to be passed by a committee which was set up to discuss the invention of new spells. Quite a few of Lily's spells had already been put forth in front of the committee, each passing easily. The problem with the new tracking spell was that it was far more unethical since it would only be useful when used without consent. Using magic upon another individual broke Wizarding law.

The spell was still in discussion with the committee and had not been regulated for use yet which proved problematic to what they wanted to do with the Death Eaters that remained within Azkaban prison. In the end, Dumbledore entered the prison himself after mastering the spell Lily had created and placed it, non-verbally upon the Lestranges' whilst they slept in their dirty cells. Dumbledore had explained allowing Lily to take the risk to go to Azkaban could result in her imprisonment if it was discovered what she had done. He had also pointed out that going in with the Invisibility Cloak wouldn't hide her from the Dementors either.

So, Dumbledore had volunteered and placed the spell upon the Lestrange's himself. If it was discovered in the meantime what they had done, at least Dumbledore would be the one to take the fall for it and the punishment that came with it for using an unsanctioned spell on witches and wizards. The last thing James had wanted was his wife being issued with a criminal record. Though Dumbledore was a valuable asset to their cause, they hoped his misdeed would only be discovered long after Voldemort's defeat; therefore he would be able to remain by their side in the upcoming fight they were facing.

Despite Voldemort's long silence since threatening to kill James, all Sirius could do was prepare himself for the inevitable battle ahead. They had the trackers in place and all they needed to do was prepare Harry, for Sirius was certain, despite the boy's young age, he would be there at the final battle.

James and Lily disliked the idea of their twelve year old son facing a powerful enemy but they had to ensure his safety and that he was able to protect himself.

In the months since Leanne's death, Sirius had focused on exploring his bond with Harry. They had met every so often to experiment, realising how deeply they were linked and how they could help one another. It was also due to the existence of the bond that ensured Harry's involvement in the final battle. He was Sirius' booster, the one person he could draw strength and magic from if he needed it. As Sirius had demonstrated back in the graveyard when Voldemort had been resurrected, he had been able to project a shield over Harry, protecting him. Harry could do the same for Sirius.

In reality they could protect one another at the same time, meaning Sirius could be a lot more effective in a duel. He would have another layer of protection which Voldemort would lack, thereby heightening his chances of winning and surviving.

Throughout the summer, Harry had been training with his parents and Sirius. Neither of them wanted Harry to be a part of it but they could all see why he needed to be. Sirius disliked the thought of his godson being involved at such a young age. But Voldemort had returned earlier than he had assumed he would have done, thereby ensuring Harry hadn't reached his full magical potential yet. They were teaching Harry spells he would acquire to defend himself and a few attacking spells that were not too strenuous for a twelve year old to learn.

He needed to have some defences if Harry was to survive.

The Daily Prophet

Monday 24th August 1992

MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN

The Ministry of Magic has confirmed that late last night there was a mass break-out from Azkaban prison. An unidentified figure was seen prowling the hallways of the prison before releasing certain prisoners – all of whom had been incarcerated with life sentences. It is unknown as to why the Dementors were unable to prevent a break-out.

Among the freed prisoners were some of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named most loyal supporters: Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange who were imprisoned in Azkaban prison in 1981, convicted of numerous crimes against the Wizarding community.

The Ministry of Magic has issued the –

Sirius glanced at James as his friend lowered the paper, his hazel eyes dark.

"So… he's finally made his move," noted James. He leaned back on the chair he sat on, placing the paper on the table next to him.

"Yeah. We knew at some point he was going to break the prison open," shrugged Sirius. "It means we can put in place the final part of our plans."

James nodded slowly. "Yeah…"

"I know you hate the fact Harry is involved…"

"Damn right I am!" shouted James. "This wasn't supposed to happen, Sirius, and you know it! Wasn't this whole thing about you coming back supposed to stop Harry fighting at all? For god's sake he is only twelve! He is just a child! He should be with his friends instead of having to learn to defend himself!"

"I didn't ask to be bonded to Harry. It just happened. It was out of my control," stated Sirius bluntly. "It's been done for a reason. We just have to get on with it."

James gritted his teeth. "I really hope you kill that bastard before he does anything to my son."

"I will. I will protect Harry just as he can protect me. James, I promise you. I won't let anything happen to Harry. I would die before anyone could get to him." Sirius held up his hand. "Wizard's Oath."

James sighed, bowing his head. "Just don't die either."

Sirius smirked. "If it means saving Harry, I will. Or for you, Lily, Remus and Jack. I would rather sacrifice my own life than live in another world without any of you."

"And you believe it will be easier for us if you die?" snapped James.

"No… but you would survive whereas I went nuts," grinned Sirius.

"Only because of the circumstances." James pointed out. He fell silent and picked up the paper again, continuing to read the article. He glanced over the top of it. "They didn't release Pettigrew? That's a surprise."

Sirius shook his head. "It's not really. Pettigrew betrayed Voldemort by falling for the trick I pulled. And Pettigrew is no longer of sound mind. He's a shadow. No use to anyone. Those that Voldemort freed are still of sound mind."

"I don't think Bellatrix Lestrange is of sound mind," said James, folding his arms across his chest.

"She was already insane before she went to Azkaban. Exposure to Dementors have made her worse." Sirius wasn't looking forward to facing her. He was certain he would have to. "I suppose now they have escaped we should talk with Dumbledore. He should be able to track them to Voldemort's location…"

James paled. "We'd be going after him now?"

Sirius laughed. "No. Not yet. Dumbledore did say before it would be best to wait so as not to raise any suspicion. Plus Harry isn't ready yet. Not until you and Lily believe he is."

Running a hand down his face, James spoke through the gaps of his fingers. "That's the thing, Padfoot. Lily and I will not be able to accept when Harry is ready. We know we cannot hold this off for much longer but…"

"You want to keep Harry safe for as long as possible," intoned Sirius. He understood, he really did. "I know what you mean, Prongs. If I could wrap him in cotton wool then I would."

"We all would," sighed James quietly.

He rested a hand on James' shoulder. "It won't be yet, Prongs, but we will be going after Voldemort. It is just a matter of time."

Wednesday 25th August 1992

Sirius sat outside the office designated to Amelia Bones. Dumbledore had told him to leave her out of this but Sirius had decided someone in the Ministry had to know the truth. He trusted Amelia Bones. She had protected him for years by keeping his address away from public view. It didn't feel right to exclude her from the fact Voldemort was alive. Especially since the Ministry couldn't place the identity of the prison-breaker, despite numerous attempts. He hadn't made an appointment to see her. Instead he had visited on the off-chance that she would be free to see him and she was, albeit only an hour later when she had a free appointment.

None of his friends knew he was coming. It wasn't that he didn't want them to know, it was rather he felt they would have insisted on accompanying him and Sirius hadn't wanted that. Plus he wanted to keep this meeting away from Dumbledore's ears for the time being. If the Headmaster knew he was here… Well, Sirius figured the Headmaster would be here right now and dragging him out of the Ministry by the ear. He amused himself with the mental image that had been conjured to his mind with that thought.

The door to Amelia's office opened and he heard a voice calling him through.

Rising from his seat Sirius stepped into the office. It was quite a big office, filled with cabinets. Each one was filed with mission reports from the Aurors as well as intelligence whereabouts on any known fugitives. The wall behind the desk was lined with personal photos of Amelia's family. He recognised one of his students, Susan Bones, amongst the photos.

Amelia was sitting at her desk watching him through the monocle she wore. She looked quite serious and her hair was closely cropped with flecks of grey within it. "Mr Black. How may I help you today?"

"Can I ask if this office is protected before we start? I do not want anyone to overhear what I am saying…"

Amelia raised an eyebrow looking at him quizzically. It was rare when one made that type of request when meeting with her. "I can assure you that my office is highly protected. I am not in the habit of using silencing charms. If anyone was to attack me I would need people to overhear me."

"I know. But the last thing I desire is what I'm saying to leak out. It could cause… ramifications…" Sirius paused. "I can assure you I am the real Sirius Black."

"Then if you are the real Sirius Black where is your current place of residence?" Amelia was testing him.

She was right to do so, especially after Sirius' request. She needed to be sure Sirius hadn't been copied in an attempt to lull her into a false sense of security. Asking him his current address would prove his identity as Amelia Bones was the only Ministry official to know where he lived.

"23 Bulmershe Road, Reading."

Amelia smiled. A rare thing for her. "Very well. You may cast a silencing charm."

Sirius raised his wand and did so. "Thank you. What I have to say needs to be kept secret. I know the Ministry would be obligated to tell the public about this but I don't think Minister Fudge would believe me." Sirius had been annoyed when Cornelius Fudge had been elected Minister of Magic, an event he had been powerless to prevent. Guessing what her next question would be, Sirius provided her with an answer. "I trust you because I know you can keep secrets and I believe it is in my best interests to have a high-ranking member of the Ministry on my side."

She stared at him for a short while. "What do you wish to inform me about?"

Sirius sighed, his shoulders slumping. He always hated this part. "Voldemort's back. Got a full body again. I faced him not that long ago." He waited for the inevitable explosion he was sure was going to follow. Amelia, however, disappointed him.

"I see." She shuffled some papers on her desk.

"He was the wizard that also killed Leanne… my girlfriend…" Sirius' voice lowered a bit. It still hurt. "He's been back for a few months now. Since April. And he's been targeting me and the people I love. I don't know when he will make his move and publicly appear but he's waiting for something. I don't know what but I do not wish for the Ministry to not be prepared."

"So why cannot I announce his return?" asked Amelia cautiously.

"Fudge," stated Sirius. "He won't believe it without proof."

"And you know this how?"

Sirius swallowed. "I just do." He couldn't tell her why he knew Fudge wouldn't believe it. "Just trust me on this. If we tell Fudge, he will obstruct our attempts to fight Voldemort. He's in the pocket of one of his loyal Death Eaters as well… though he believes Lucius Malfoy is a reformed man."

"You are accusing a good man of wrongful activity, Sirius," the Head of Magical Law Enforcement said.

"I know but it's the truth. Malfoy has been laying low for a while, hasn't he? Don't you find that a bit unusual?" queried Sirius. They knew Lucius Malfoy had returned home but was now rarely seen around the Ministry. Before Voldemort's return he had been a constant fixture.

Amelia frowned. "You do have a point. Lucius used to be a constant presence here." She leaned forward. "But if Voldemort has returned than he was the one who broke Azkaban open?"

Sirius nodded, swiping a bit of hair out of his eyes. "Yes. He's started to make his move. It won't be long before he makes a public statement. Though it may be after he's killed me which I can assure you I am trying to prevent." He wasn't sure he would be successful at it but the main point was that by facing the Dark Lord, Sirius was preventing a worse future for Harry.

"What I do not understand is why you have come to me now."

"Because the Ministry needs to prepare itself, especially if this turns into outright war. The Aurors need to be prepared. And I do not want people to lose their lives needlessly due to lack of preparation on the Ministry's part."

And that, Sirius knew, was something Amelia Bones would be able to understand.

It surprised both Dumbledore and Sirius that Voldemort didn't make his move for a long while. They knew he was currently abroad though a few of his loyal supporters remained in Wizarding Britain. Sirius had worked with Amelia Bones to ensure the Aurors were prepared for Voldemort's return, managing to keep it quiet as to why the Auror's training routine had changed. No one questioned it.

Harry continued his training lessons when he could with his parents during term as well, advancing ahead into third year spells by the time the end of 1992 drew to a close. Despite only being in second year he was showing a lot of aptitude for defensive magic, a skill Sirius knew Harry had been quite excellent at in his other life. It didn't surprise him he still had that gift. The longer Harry was able to train before Voldemort struck would enable Harry's ability to grow and his chances of surviving to rise. That was what mattered.

Dumbledore had also called the Order of the Phoenix together so at least some members of the Wizarding World were not completely in the dark over Voldemort's return. It also helped a few of the new recruits were Aurors who were proving useful in passing along information on any dark activities that they came across.

It wasn't until after Easter 1993 that Voldemort finally decided to make his move.

Saturday 17th April 1993

They were hidden away, sequestered in the dark mountains of the Alps. He was finally ready to initiate the final stage of his plan, to ensure the defeat of Sirius Black. Black had been getting in his way for far too long. He now had allies, both British wizards and witches and European ones, all of whom had the desire to restore the Wizarding World back to what it had once been before Muggles had been allowed to integrate with them all.

Though he had successfully retrieved his Death Eaters from prison a few months ago, Voldemort knew he couldn't afford to be predictable. He had decided to wait. He had needed more followers before he could make his presence known again. Leaving Wizarding Britain for a while had just been the first step. He had full intentions of taking control everywhere but Britain had been his first goal in mind, however having followers from throughout Europe would also enable him to reach out his control far easier once he had placed Britain underneath his boot.

He wanted to make a noise, make it known he was back and was adamant to destroy the Wizarding World. But patience was a necessity in this case. It had been a tedious few months, hiding in the shadows but now he was ready to face his enemy.

Voldemort turned to face a black-haired woman with heavy lidded eyes. She was his most devoted follower and the one who he knew would not fail him. She would always strive to please him. He had summoned her to receive a mission and she knelt before him, head bowed, muttering words of loyalty to him and her desire to please him.

"Bella… I have a mission for you."

So proud to serve him, she was. The dark tresses of her hair fell about her shoulders. She was eager to serve her lord. It was what she lived for, what she had been born to do. What she had been trained to do her whole life.

"You will meet us at Location X. But first I wish for you to acquire Potter."

Bellatrix raised her head, her eyes sparkling in madness. "Which one, my Lord?"

"The boy."

To be continued...

Please let me know what you think!

So it begins... the final stage of the story. The final battle is getting closer. I originally wanted Harry to be fourteen during the final battle but since events have moved faster than I intended, I've had to get Harry ready quicker. So he is currently coming to the end of his second year when I really wanted him to be in his fourth year but I cannot delay Voldemort striking out much more than this. Hopefully what I have planned still works...

I haven't been able to write anything this week since I have been ill, despite being on some booked holiday time from work, so there may be a slight delay in posting the next chapter as I want to have a back-log. Hopefully now that I am better I will be able to achieve that.

Until next time,

the-writer1988