Part I: Emptying the nest.

The Peverell House Magic was tied to the practice of a magical pilgrimage. The Peverell Heir would undertake a journey to a far-off magical place to learn about the culture and the associated practices of a foreign place. This allowed the past Peverells to have a wider perspective of magic – Magic needed innovation, and ideas sometimes needed to come from somewhere else. Following this, an artefact would be created with the new knowledge that had been discovered. When something of value was obtained, the first major magical maturity would occur, as the House Magic would pass the necessary judgment.

Upon building their greatest achievement on their sixteenth birthday, the House Magic would once again judge the Peverell Heir. The second magical maturity would occur, and the person would introduce themselves to the world and continue to gain experience. Finally, The Peverell Lord would build four additional artefacts in his later years. On the final and seventh main artefact, the magic would judge if the person was worthy of being a "Master Artificer". The Peverell Lord would pick a new title and representation for themselves, that was aligned with the cultural standards of the time. Invictus, during the last time he had observed the tradition, had picked the Chimera. At that time, the title Master Artificer was an acceptable title for his specialisation, on the basis that there were masters for any number of other Magical disciplines.

Harry's case was a bit different. Of the seven steps he was required to take, he had already taken three steps as Caelian Artificer Lord Peverell. And yet he had not been rewarded with any magical maturities. While certain abilities had manifested, the feverish feeling of the body reworking itself had never arrived. Priya had reasoned that his magical maturity would probably hit him like a truck as it had been delayed. She even went as far as to suggest that the Peverell magic and the Potter magic were still integrating into each other. Also in question were the massive repairs that had been made to Harry's body, which was experimental magic. In any case, Invictus had certain intuitions about the Peverell Magic. And he felt that now was the time. He also believed that the two successive maturities would occur back to back, to compensate for Harry's rough start.

The portrait was adamant that Harry should go to India with Priya. Better for Harry to deal with the pilgrimage, right now. That way, the preparation for the war could be unhindered. His success would allow him to grow into his power. Any additional artefacts for the majority maturity of Harry's magic did not require him to go on pilgrimage, in any case. Rather, he would receive refinements.

Priya wanted to resume her dance instruction, with a combination of sightseeing and questing for old magical lore. A short discussion with the French Minister of Magic allowed her to get clearance for the trip. Whatever new research was captured, was to be disseminated through the French healer system. Camilla was quite happy – as far as she was concerned, her friend deserved a holiday. The other healers were managing well with her custom spells, as the revised Medi-bracelet and some other small medical devices filtered into the I.C.U. The decision was finalised, as discussions occurred at Peverell Manor. Hermione was going her own way, as she and Remus would start their trek in Norway.

"Maybe this is a good thing. But I am concerned that we might be away for a long while. I am worried about the businesses?" Harry insisted.

"Let Daphne manage it. She has a good analytical mind. She can work with her father. You had such humble beginnings too, remember?" Invictus responded.

"I…...yes that makes sense. People need their independence to grow. Remus has to make the trek independently according to the scroll. Hermione is going to wing it. I know she can manage her trip to Norway, but she should not have to travel alone." Harry remarked.

"Let Ronald go with her. Yes, I am egging them on, but I think the lad will learn much about himself. He already is Hermione's best friend, so that makes him appropriate." Invictus reasoned.

"Sirius wants to see India too, and Priya told him that Kerala is a pretty green place. I think he will find healing there. Lord Patil gave us a nice magical hotel to stay in. We have all been working too hard, honestly." Harry replied.

"Indeed grandson. Then it is settled. No more three day and one week holidays. You are worried about the public, and about having enough stocked products to meet their demand? They can wait. They don't know who you are in any case," Invictus insisted, as Hermione joined the conversation. She had just walked into the workshop and had missed the previous exchanges.

"Looks like certain things are lining up. I was doing research on the Druids, from your mother's notes and what we found in the Longbottom archives. There is the isle of Anglesey which was called Ynys Môn. It was one of the best druid schools for many centuries. I want to believe that even though the school is not there, they left magical artefacts. Cassie's notes helped with the location yesterday evening, I am sure of it. For Neville to tap his true capability with the plants, he should go there according to the Longbottom grimoire," Hermione explained.

"Looks like the nest is emptying this holiday. I mean he could do it whenever he wanted, but better for everyone to get their things sorted during this holiday. The World Cup is going to require a lot of preparation, as we will have to prepare enough products and other things too. Luna can go with him. Looks like our snakes will have to hold down the fort?" Harry wondered.

"We can push the combat training when the group leave Hogwarts for good at the end of year four. No combat practice for the hols is not much of an issue. Even though they won't be getting in the holiday revision, Daphne will continue to stay sharp, as she has some personal projects she would like to do." Hermione remarked.

"Alright, I will call a meeting and we will pack everything down, and only manufacture existing products. Fred and George can keep an eye on those things. Percy has his projects to do. Ginny and Astoria can play around in the shop." Harry replied, as he dialled for everyone in the group, and invited them to a small informal dinner.


Part II: Bellatrix Lestrange

As the Peverell cohorts planned their road trips, Amelia and Rufus were now on a caravel ship. In the cargo hold were the remaining Azkaban Death Eaters which included the charming Bellatrix Lestrange and ten others. Most of them had become quite lucid, as the absence of the Dementors had improved their winning personalities. Fudge had insisted that transportation by boat was necessary. He did not want any traceable portkeys or paper trail. Amelia had protested – she wanted them portkeyed directly to Ministry containment, but Fudge loved to act in an official capacity.

Even if he was wrong, he was the Minister of Magic, after all.

Amelia took the pistol off her holster and handed Moody the weapon. He took a couple of shots with the weapon into the water. He liked the settings – BYE BYE mode was clearly his favourite. As he experimented, the Head English Auror left the main deck.

Moody was surprised when Amelia related the Storm Lord's letter, on the journey to Azkaban. Moody had personally debated going after Lucius, but he figured that the Storm Lord had grizzly plans for the silver-haired peacock. Moody honestly preferred for Lucius to be decapitated. So, better to leave him. The spectacle would be entertaining, after all. Amelia Bones was now patrolling on the lower decks of the ship, and she was confronted by Bellatrix who was leaning into the bars, as she tried to goad Amelia.

"My my Amelia. You know I haven't had a man in a long time. No differently from yourself. I do wish the Azkaban visitor had time to play with me…he seems strong. He did break the wall, we all heard the building crack that day. I do miss the Dark Lord….he was such a charming man. Think I could get a romp with your mystery man?" she jeered, with her sarcastic voice coming through her half-rotten teeth. Rodulphus Lestrange's face took on a look of fury, but he said nothing in the other cell.

"Oh, you poor woman! Much had changed. The mystery man isn't a Dark Lord. Maybe you didn't hear the conversations that day, too clearly!" Amelia responded, with her Hufflepuff branded sarcasm.

"Lies my darling Amelia. No goody good two shoes is that powerful. Impossible!" Bellatrix replied, as her hazy memory did not help her.

"A goody-good two shoes? He is far more violent than you and Voldemort put together. He was not there to rescue any criminals. He rescued your innocent cousin. Why do you think he isn't here on the boat? I hope the Dementors didn't suck your brains out, too? Not that you have a soul to get sucked out, to start with…" Amelia joked.

Suddenly all the other men were listening, closely. Amelia continued to deliver the news:

"Sirius Black was exonerated in any case. Pettigrew gave Voldemort the Potters' location. But you probably knew that. So the motive for breaking your cousin out is quite justified if somebody knew he was innocent," Amelia answered.

Bellatrix smiled, like a childish girl.

"Oh, not so bad eh. You might have some skill, then. You are brave to take the Dark Lord's name in his mouth. I will ask him to kill you first, when he returns," Bellatrix replied in a girlish tone of voice - the wild bird nest of a woman often believed that the threat of Voldemort's return from the dead was enough to scare anyone. Strangely Amelia had not resisted the idea. She seemed to accept that he would be back, and Bellatrix found this strange. What had changed? Bellatrix observed Amelia as she responded.

"I do not doubt he will be back. He loves very dark magic. However, a new wizard and witch have emerged. And they are so powerful, that nobody can challenge them. They killed thirty of Lord Voldemort's followers in Diagon Alley. Your associates decided to celebrate the death of Harry Potter, who passed away from a heart condition. They were dismembered, and Diagon Alley was painted red, in blood. I have it on good information that the Storm Lord and Rune Priestess have killed almost four hundred morons in under two years. That body count is almost higher than most other Death Eaters. And all of them were criminals"

"Awww…..wee ylittle Potter-wotter finally died? How delightful, Melia! The Dark Lord's magic finally killed him! Such..wonderful news. You are lying - the Dark Lord had some of the most powerful followers. The Dark Lord will return. And when he returns, he will burn your new heroes to the ground! And I will be there to see it!

There is only one Lord. He is the Dark Lord." Bellatrix continued.

"I know things you do not. You will be severely outmatched. And I will keep my secrets for now. But I think Azkaban has addled your brain. See, the Storm Lord killed Dementors that day, which is why you can even have a conversation with me. Do you honestly think we took them away for your comfort?" Amelia asked.

Now Bellatrix began to have a faint recollection of the loud Muggle music. There were many times when she had fits of madness, that were the result of her indulgence in dark magic. And yet, there was an unearthly scream that came from outside, somewhere buried in her recollections.

"I looked at the memory. He literally told Dementors to fuck off, before he made them screech and suffer before Sirius Black was removed. I can't imagine your cousin likes you much. And the new Lord Aurelian Black is not someone to trespass against. The four remaining Dementors at the Ministry are afraid of Storm Lord and the Rune Priestess. They have whispered that they refuse to cross him." Amelia replied, with a small smile on her face, as she attempted to scare Bellatrix.

It certainly worked.

Bellatrix became quiet. She knew that there was no Aurelian _ _ _ _ _ but it was Sirius _ _ _ _ _ who was pretending to fool them. Bellatrix knew that the _ _ _ _ _ House Magic had been set against her. She could not even speak or think of the word, in her mind. Rodolphus who understood the implications was already thinking about a crafty workaround.

"Perhaps I will give my darling Neville a visit. I am sure he is a handsome young man!" Bellatrix leered, as she tried misdirection tactics.

"Oh, maybe you should. He and his friend almost beat Draco to death, last year. Then, he held the sword of Godric Gryffindor on Lucius' neck while he told him to sod off. He might be more talented than many of Lord Voldemort's followers, and he has time to grow. I hope the Dark Lord arrives after the boy is finished with his education. He might be the next Dumbledore, honestly. I think his hatred for you propels him, and I understand him better than you think." Amelia responded.

"Oh, I could use a romp with him then! He is growing up nicely. Too bad his parents can't see how wonderful he has become! Ha! HA! HA!" Bellatrix cackled.

Amelia smiled, as she suspected that Alice and Frank had been cured. Augusta seemed too happy after the recent visit to Molly's kitchen. If there was a healer who could fix that type of damage, it was Master Healer Priya Singh – the Hufflepuff who could fix anyone. A woman who had worked so hard, that she had invented more than one hundred spells in a decade. Developing that many spells without blowing herself up, was a giant achievement. She could have fielded a vote in the Wizengamot, based on possessing an Order of Merlin First Class, but Amelia understood why the woman had left.

Amelia suspected that Master Healer Singh had approached the Storm Lord and the Rune Priestess to assist with Frank and Alice Longbottom. There was something about the stretchers and other artefacts that she saw that day two years ago. They all seemed to look the same, which indicated that they had a common designer. Even her body armour which was under her clothes had the same type of chamfered edges. And why did the Medi-Bracelet illusions look similar to the inside of his helmet, from the pensieve recollections of the Storm Lord fighting the Dark Lord, merely a couple of months ago?

Amelia began to suspect that there was no Artificing Guild.

Her skills as a detective were instrumental in this inference. No, the Storm Lord and the Rune Priestess had designed everything. They owned the entire English Market. One of her colleagues had insisted that Rivendell was a fictional place in the Lord of the Rings Muggle movie. Something about the Guild's name and the vibe of the recent letter from the Storm Lord hinted that this was just a game. As she headed to the top deck of the boat she spoke with the 'ministry malcontent' himself.

"Are you taking the job?" Amelia asked as Moody returned her weapon.

"To teach Defense against the Dark Arts? Yes. Albus convinced me." Moody replied.

"Good. We will keep in contact. As I said Lord Voldemort will return. I am giving you employment and a special operations salary, off the books. Albus does not know that you are in the loop. Feign ignorance, and prioritise offensive magic. You will help me coordinate with Dumbledore, as much as I don't like him." Amelia replied.

"Will there be anything left for us? I do like how those two operate! That gun is a thing of beauty. Can I get one?" Moody joked as the ship neared the shore.

"No. because you will only use the kill setting and leave large holes everywhere." Amelia replied solemnly.

"It does make you wonder Amelia. If he is continuing to advance his designs as you say, and the Dark Lord returns, they might not do well at all?" Alastor suggested. Amelia, who understood the economic power of the pair, wondered about the possibility. Also, they could not be classed as criminals - they were working for the I.C.W now, and their rank superseded hers in the case of magical terrorism.

Special Tactics & Recon. Even the new name sounded ominous.

Of course, this was another one of Harry's jokes – he liked the idea of 'them' being named after the Mass Effect Spectres. He was all about the Commander Shepard vibe. He even told Hermione one evening, "Know why I love you, Hermione? You are my Garrus!"

Hermione immediately asked, "Who is your Miranda Lawson?" with a smirk, and Harry giggled. Hermione was hinting that a certain snake was not too far off, and Daphne's cheeks had become pink that evening.

Amelia Bones said nothing as the Aurors got ready to transport the Death Eaters via a flying carriage, to the Ministry building. The boat would arrive on the shore soon.


Peter Pettigrew was aware that the group were wearing manacles and collars that were attached to their skin, with a sticking charm. While it was barbaric, it would ensure that any attempt to apparate would tear their necks out – all of the chains and manacles had Anti-apparition enchantments on them. Peter was sitting on a nearby box, and he slowly assumed his form. Bellatrix could see the shadows as he materialised.

"Knock knock….who is there? Squeak, Squeak!" Bellatrix giggled, as the other Death Eaters perked up and began to examine the new person.

"A humble servant of the Dark Lord. I…have a plan to get all of you out. I have wands for all of us. Stole them!" Peter squeaked, as the ratty looking man came into view, after his transformation.

"Ah…Peter. How lovely to see you! You do know we were just talking about you!" Bellatrix replied as Pettigrew cancelled the sticking charms on the manacles and opened the doors of the jail cells.

"Mi'lady." Peter Pettigrew replied as he bowed. The rest of the Death Eaters assembled around Bellatrix.

"At least you have your manners! Pyrites, can you undo the anti-apparition wards?" Bellatrix asked.

"Yes I can. How long until the next patrol?" the man asked.

"Five minutes. We need to work quickly. And no, we should not engage the Aurors. We want to all escape," Rodolphus replied.

"Keep watch, and be a good husband. I will help Pyrites. It isn't my wand, but it will do. The rest of you, stand in front and guard us. Gah, I can feel the mudblood's magic in it. Anyway….shall we?" Bellatrix exclaimed as she and Pyrites busied themselves to crack the consecutive fifty numbers that were the master password for the ward.


Moody as he walked towards the back of the top deck, was surprised with his sneakoscope rattled off an alert. He silenced his walking stick, which was a custom magical staff that Ollivander had designed for him. He took out his wand, disillusioned himself and sneaked into the prisoner hold. As soon as he saw the face of Peter Pettigrew, amongst the other crowd of Death Eaters he did not hesitate.

"Stupefy!" Moody thundered before he cast a sonorous.

"Loose Prisoners. Pettigrew is breaking them out!" Moody yelled at the top of his voice. He then followed the announcement with a momentary blinding flash of light, from the staff. Amelia and Rufus were running down to the lower deck, and the Death Eaters had shielded Moody's successive spells. Amelia and Rufus had arrived and were behind Moody.

This was where things took a turn for Bellatrix.

Amelia and Rufus had taken out their pistols and set the weapons to stun. Then Amelia and Rufus began to put down three hundred rounds per minute of spellfire. Pettigrew understood that Bellatrix had not heard about the pistols, so he grabbed the woman and tugged her backwards, as soon as he saw the glinting steel. Bellatrix had to watch as the eight other Death Eaters were put down in less than five seconds. They could not sustain their shields and they all collapsed. As soon as the wards were dispelled, Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Pyrites and Peter Pettigrew apparated to an old industrial site that the Dark Lord had used for his final address before he was killed by Harry Potter.

"Dammit! This is a fucking disaster. What are we going to do now? Where did Pettigrew come from?" Amelia roared, as she wiped her face.

"I triple checked the charms beforehand? I don't understand either!" Rufus explained as he scratched his chin.

"Pettigrew has to be an unregistered animagus! So he hitched a ride or was on the ship before we arrived. With such an ability, he could spy for the Dark Lord easily." Moody replied as the other two Aurors scratched their heads.

"Wasn't Peter Pettigrew friends with Sirius Black? Perhaps Lord Black might know what type of Animagus he is?" Amelia further suggested.

"Now to deal with that nincompoop Fudge – I told him that we needed as much manpower as necessary if we were not getting a direct portkey. It is always something with that jackass!" Rufus complained.

"Amelia, we should have used the kill setting!" Moody suggested.

"We would have sunk the ship. The killing spell on the pistols can burn through metal?" Amelia asked.

"Oh….right. Well, we might as well deal with Fudge. Three of them got away, along with Pettigrew. So he is alive, after all." Moody replied as the group secured the stunned prisoners.

"Now I have to consider if Sirius Black and Remus Lupin would want to kill him. What a wonderful day for us. The rumours are that both of them, are very upset." Amelia replied, in a resigned manner.


When Fudge received the report much later, he insisted that having "Pettigrew and Bellatrix out in the open was no issue." Amelia had stilled her face during the meeting, and the three Aurors discussed Fudge's unusual behaviour after the meeting. Amelia's veins were throbbing on her temple, and Rufus poured a drink for her, in Amelia's office.

"I understand his game. He is hoping the Storm Lord will kill them. There is no official news release slated for the public, but I am sure the rumours are already circulating. Fudge can't ever shut his mouth. And their pictures are on the Muggle television and papers. Muggleborns will know!" Rufus explained as he gulped his drink down.

"Muggle authorities are beginning to use advanced technology to identify people's faces. Bellatrix has been away for a decade. So when she pops her head out, we will get a call from the muggle police office. And if Bellatrix decides to buy a data slate, well that is it." Amelia countered.

"What does the data slate have to do with anything?" Moody asked.

"There is no Artificing Guild. The Storm Bringers are the owners of the brooms, the data slates, the guns? They own everything. Next time we are out, closely examine all the products. All the edges of the devices are cut the same way and they all use the same material. I can tell.

Now about the pistols - The French guns can be tracked, after all. Criminals in France are afraid of taking the guns, as it usually causes an entire team of Aurors to arrive. The gun can turn itself off in the hands of an unauthorised user. When Luis Delacour shows up with his team, they usually run as if a dragon is going to eat them.

Now if those two designed everything, and they have a vendetta and know about Lord Voldemort's return, why wouldn't they spy through every single product they have created." Amelia explained.

"So they fight with intelligence. That is why you insist that we leave the data slates in the cupboard, two rooms down. But if they have access to all that information…wait…

Oh Hecate, he has been playing us all along. Almost everyone in Magical England has a data slate. He has access to Ministry information. Amelia, should we not tell the Minister and ban the devices?" Rufus suggested.

"Now why would my Susan give up her video chatting? Susan even found a support group for the orphans of the last war. And a lot of the children of people we know, run the thing. She has been coping much better. And no books? Buying whatever you want? People would NEVER give up convenience. We are trapped." Amelia complained.

Moody seemed to approve of the methodology, with a grin. Rufus wiped his face with his hand. That was a heavy revelation to consider.

"From the letter, he plans to purge them. All of them. There is a possibility that there will be no war. Only a slaughter. And I am not sure if we can stop it. I have seen how he fights. He can shrug off the killing curse and most magic cannot affect him"

"Shrug off the killing curse?" Moody asked.

"Yes, this armour that you were given….it blocks the killing curse reliably. It can even redirect the killing curse if it touches your skin. Kingsley had an incident recently, where he jumped in front of a curse to save someone in an international operation. And to think he probably gave us what he calls basic armour. I can't even understand how he can build such things." Amelia replied.

"Merlin's ass, who are these people?" Rufus asked.


Later that night, Tracey and Daphne were surprised at the sudden change in plans. Now Padma, Parvati and Lord Patil were present at Peverell Manor and Harry explained his plans for the new people, during the small dinner.

"Anyway mum, Sirius and I are heading off to India with Lord Patil. He already has many buildings that we can use, and I can flash the galleons to have our favourite French contractors to build what is necessary, under concealment. Then we are transporting the machines in the second and third wings, straight to India. Fred and George, you can hop across and manage things for me? Charlie can also help himself." Harry asked.

"Anything for our favourite Warlord! And if we come across jokes and pranking material? We will obtain them for personal use." Fred replied.

"We trust that the other twins will help these two redhead twins with the snacks?" George suggested, and Parvati and Padma nodded, excitedly.

"What about us?" Tracey asked as she looked across at Daphne.

"You can help Percy with the lore, as I know you have a talent with magical history. Penny has the most daunting job – she must balance our budget. That is a thing now. Daphne will work on whatever projects she thinks are important. She will be on her own." Hermione suggested as she looked over her checklist. Ginny secretly passed a piece of paper to Daphne and on it, was a diagram. Now the blond haired girl was laughing. She placed it in her pocket, and she gave the redhead a nod and a smile.

"Could you not technically travel home if you wanted to?" Ophelia asked.

"Correct. But I want it to feel like I took a holiday, that was longer than one week. Remus is going to Norway to see if he can find a cure for his Lycanthropy. Hermione, is Ronald going with you?" Harry asked.

"Sure. Daffodil will fly by herself and Ronald and I will follow on jetpacks. And yes, I am glad I have company." Hermione replied. Neville and the rest were disappointed when Ronald had the calmest look on his face. Of course, everybody was interested in seeing what would happen.

"Luna, you sure you okay with flying?" Harry asked.

"Not as good as Daffy, but I am going to fly in a straight line. I might use the jump drive too. Thanks for the modification. We will be fine. Hover and jump. Neville knows how to run the reactor." Luna explained.

"I hope your tip will be successful. Priya, are you excited about continuing to advance your skills? I understand you got admission to the best dance academy in India?" Ophelia asked.

"I am excited. I am going to see the important Mandirs. I also want to see some of the forts, too. We have an entire case of power crystals. Lord Patil found a little holiday resort in Kerala, and we will stay there." Priya replied.

"Please stay in contact, if you can. We will miss all of you?" Cyrus explained as his wife, Reginald and Amy nodded.

"We will keep in touch unless the situation is extenuating," Harry replied. The group eventually disappeared, and Tracey looked at her friend Daphne. Suddenly, the apprentice arithmancer seemed sad. Ophelia and the rest noticed, and they said nothing.


"Trace, what are we going to do?" Daphne asked after the snakes were transported to Davis Manor.

"Take some time to study, and hit the obstacle course. And work on our projects of course. I might decide to write some new songs, by myself. Let me guess, you are going to miss Harry?"

"Yes?" Daphne replied.

"Oh you poor thing, you are totally smitten. How about if you eat properly and train? Prepare yourself. He must come back to a gorgeous looking woman. You can do a lot in two months. And yes, optimise his Raven while he is away. Do you want to be Lady Potter? Put his spaceships in order!" Tracey suggested before both of them burst out into peals of laughter.

Daphne hugged the mop-haired girl and whispered, "Ginny gave me a diagram of a person sized project, that he would love. Ginny insists that if I build this, I will have Harry in the bag." Daphne replied.

"She and Astoria are getting married, aren't they?" Tracey laughed.

"Mother suspected so, but said nothing. Father joked that the Death Eaters did such a good job that they changed her sexual preferences. He hopes Draco will figure it out, soon enough. The magical word isn't too big on same-sex relationships, but we don't care really." Daphne responded.

'Yes, I know that all too well. I just want to see the two of them dancing. All the perverted boys in Hogwarts are going to summon a spit tsunami. Oh, I wanna see them stare! But what did Ginny suggest that you could build?" Tracey giggled. Daphne unfolded the piece of paper, and Tracey understood enough of the memes to get the joke.

"Oh, build this and you have him. But can you manage?" Tracey asked.

"I merely want to build the control systems on a scale model. And then, Harry and Hermione can plug in my module and do their own thing with it. Kreacher and Snaggletooth usually supervise things, and I have all their manufacturing magic in stored modules. I could ask Timilf for help, but I will look at Harry's projects and borrow the pieces. So yes, your advice is perfect and you are the best friend I can ask for!" Daphne laughed.

"Right back at you Daffy. You always told me I would be in the band of my dreams, and it came through. So this romance is going to happen to you, I promise!" Tracey replied before she messaged Antoc and Clara and explained the situation.

Having the entire band disappear, was not something that they liked. However, Antoc was impressed when Tracey explained that Neville was going to look for old Druid magic, and Ronald was accompanying a friend to find a hidden dragon nest.

"Hey Antoc, we can probably experiment. I don't mind trying out the guitar and singing. Just for fun." Clara suggested, over the three-way call.

"Hey, why not? Tracey is still available." Antoc replied, as Tracey butted in and they made alternate plans.

Meanwhile, at Weasley Manor, Ronald had a late night call with his Quidditch coach, and he promised to continue with his routine. The man was not initially pleased, but Ronald insisted that he needed a break. Atticus and Violet were also concerned, but Charlie had explained that it was a family matter that was being sorted out. The coach decided that he would work with the other people on the team, and push Ronald very hard when he returned.

"All right I am letting you off. If you come back and your fitness is dropped, you are off the team for good. Enjoy your holiday Ronald." the coach replied. Ronald knew the man well enough to understand that while the threat was certainly there, there was the characteristic smile that was on the left corner of his lips.


Bellatrix had arrived at an abandoned industrial power plant with Pettigrew, Pyrites and her husband. She found herself shocked. The Death Eaters had always been feared duellists, and her former compatriots were no pushovers. Never had she seen powerful magic like that. The spells that were being cast, were far faster than the Dark Lord. And it was continuous. What had happened while she was away? Now they were panting from the escape attempt, and Bellatrix resumed her unpredictable, crazed behaviour. She grabbed Pettigrew and placed the wand at his neck.

"You filthy rat! What was that! ANSWER ME!" Bellatrix bellowed.

"Guns! Magical guns! I swear, I didn't know! Forgive me, milady!" Pettigrew squealed.

"Guns? What are guns? Are guns muggle weapons?" Bellatrix asked, with mock sweetness in her voice.

Pettigrew nodded, uneasily.

"The Dark Lord was right! We are becoming more muggle as time goes by! He always said that the corruption would spread. Now it is in the Ministry? We will have to kill all of them." Bellatrix replied thoughtfully. She then put away the stolen wand, before she sat down on a piece of pipe and beckoned to the rest.

"So, Amelia was crafty. She did have something up her sleeve. Hmm…fascinating. Tell me everything you know?" Bellatrix asked as she cast wards to repel 'filthy muggles' and offer basic protection.

Pettigrew explained his residence with the blood traitor Weasley family. He was hiding, because he was assumed dead after Sirius Black had confronted him. And for a while, the Wizarding World had continued to remain mostly unchanging. The Dark Lord's old supporters had become even more powerful, as they ruled the Wizengamot and owned the majority of the wealth. Pettigrew was even brave enough to suggest that the Dark Lord had almost achieved what he had promised if you could excuse the presence of the Mudbloods.

Then the Storm Lord and the Storm Priestess arrived.

Lord Malfoy and his associates had been put down like harmless children. Draco had been choked publicly. And worse, they had a vendetta. They were purebloods who were connected to old magical disciplines that were unheard of - the Storm Lord was an Artificer, and the Storm-Priestess was a Rune Priestess. He then explained how Skeeter had guessed that the Artificer's lineage might have taught Ollivander wand-making. They predated every other Noble house in England.

That made Bellatrix frown.

Then, the world went silent again. But it was clear that there was a new type of power in town. 'They' had disappeared until Sirius Black was broken out of prison, by the Storm Lord. Pettigrew explained that he was not aware of this news until he overheard the information within the Ministry of Magic buildings.

The public knew nothing about the attack on Azkaban, that had killed the Dementors. Bellatrix considered that Amelia had not lied to her, as a good little Hufflepuff. Then, Harry Potter had died from a muggle heart condition, and the Death Eaters had gone out to celebrate. Bellatrix was surprised to hear that thirty Death Eaters had been killed, and all of it had happened in under twenty minutes. Enough blood had been left to completely stain the whole of Diagon Alley red. Bellatrix was impressed, and she bit her finger out of excitement. Suddenly Crabbe, Goyle, Warrington, Flint and even Cassius were dead, among many others. Lucius had attempted to amend the law to go after the Storm Bringers but nobody knew anything about their identity. Even their faces had never been seen. And then, when Lucius could almost amend the law, Lord Aurelian _ _ _ _ _ showed up and sent a retainer to repossess everything that was owed to House _ _ _ _ _.

"Do not say the title. The House magic has been set against me. I cannot remember anything!" she warned, and Pettigrew nodded.

The rest were surprised, but Rodolphus saw an opportunity to get revenge on Bellatrix. His relationship was a love-hate one, and he knew that Bellatrix had offered her body to the Dark Lord. He always wondered when the Dark Lord might use the womb of his wife, as a breeding chamber for his plans. He scratched his head and calculated a possible solution for his conundrum. Meanwhile, the ratty looking man then explained that Sirius Black had been exonerated, and now there would be a public manhunt for all of them.

If the Storm Lord caught them, he would use his terrible weapons to kill them on the spot. He did not duel, and he was not interested in discussions from the rumours.

An English Artificing Guild arrived – according to the rumours, the Storm Bringers were renegades from the Guild. The Guild had introduced products that changed magical society. Snakebite Luxuries and Viper Vanities had replaced books with data slates, and they had any number of fantastic brooms and other items. They were even broadcasting Quidditch, and you could watch matches from home. The Guild was looking to kill the renegades. Bellatrix like any stupid Slytherin was comforted by the name and misinformation when she heard "snake" and "pureblood."

The rat looking man also mentioned that apparently, the Weasleys had stepped into wealth, before he had scampered away. They ran a kitchen, and their son Ronald along with Luna Lovegood was friends with Neville Longbottom. They were the most powerful wizards at Hogwarts. The Longbottom boy had forced Severus Snape out of his teaching position, and the rumours were that every time Draco tried to harass him, Neville punished him severely.

They were according to the rumours, prodigies at magic.

Pettigrew explained that the Weasley boy generally kept a privacy ward on his rat cage, as he disliked when he squeaked at night. He had not managed to hear anything of value until he arrived at Hogwarts. Then, he spent most of his time in the Gryffindor dorms. However, he would usually run off into Hogsmeade and transform to eat a meal or listen to rumours. Pettigrew explained that society had changed and somebody was hunting the Death Eaters down. There had been whispers of the Artificer and the Priestess appearing at Hogwarts, but he was not sure. The only reason why he knew of the finer details of how the mystery magicals operated, was from the conversations he had heard in Amelia's office. He was not aware of how Amelia had acquired the new weapons, as they were not being used by all Aurors. That suggested that the Storm Lord had provided his artefacts, personally.

He had escaped two years ago during Yule, and he had been looking for their Master ever since. He did not dare to thread into Hogwarts because he knew that Sirius and Remus were looking to kill him.

Pettigrew was now done with his report.

"This was very informative. It matters not. The Dark Lord reigns supreme. I will approach Cissy and see what she can do for us. Where is my wand, worm?" Bellatrix asked.

"I have it at a safe place. I took it out of Ministry storage. It is in a cave in Hogsmeade. I will bring it to you, milady." Pettigrew responded.

"Excellent then, get busy. Time to go to Gringotts and get some of my possessions." Bellatrix replied.

Little did she know, she was not dealing with the same group of the Goblins – they were tired of Death Eater nonsense. The Dark Lord had killed a Goblin family during the last war and he had threatened their commerce. Bellatrix Lestrange and any of the escaped Death Eaters were walking into a trap, when they entered Gringotts.

They were not a neutral party, anymore.


Part III: Preparations

It was now the beginning of July. Everyone had already been away for a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, things continued to roll along for Magical England. Fudge had initially hushed the breakout. Then, Amelia had threatened to make the announcement herself at the Wizengamot, and Fudge had buckled. Eventually, the scandalous news was the new talk of the town.

While Neville was somewhat upset, Harry had explained that when the demon arrived, you had to look it in the eye. He explained his experience when he first heard Voldemort's voice two years ago. He promised Neville that as soon as Bellatrix arrived at Malfoy Manor, or was detected otherwise, alerts would be sent out. Daphne messaged Harry on the evening of the Ministry of Magic announcement and explained that she would handle everything. She would look out for Pettigrew and Bellatrix while she taught herself Runes and Advanced Arithmancy.

"Thanks a bunch. The factory business is demanding. Can you check some of the runes when you have time?" Harry asked, with genuine appreciation in his voice.

"Sure!" the blond haired girl replied.

"Honestly woman, what would I do without you?" Harry asked.

"You would manage. But you would not be able to take the holiday. And I am happy to help with that?" Daphne teased. Harry smiled, and Sirius secretly passed a galleon to Priya when the boy was not watching, at the hotel in Kerala.

Lord Black had disappeared from the Wizengamot. Andromeda had represented him during his absence. This caused a lot of vexation - Andromeda was considered a disgrace by the blood supremacist types, but she was also the woman who could pressure the other side through her law firm. Andromeda and Lorna had received a lot of practice at dismantling evidence, as Findlay and Tonks acted like a legal caravan. They were registered throughout every country in the I.C.W and they travelled to clients with transporters. The successive legal triumphs had become international whispers.

Lorna Findlay became the mudblood Slytherin who had escaped, and many of the old Death Eaters wanted the pair, flat-out dead. However, all Lorna's information had been scrubbed – something that she had done with a set of systematic bribes and well-timed Imperios and Obliviates. After the kidnapping, Lorna did not care jack shit about what was ethical. Even the Hogwarts records were gone. The old addresses were active for her and Priya but now they functioned as empty houses. Smartphones had been replaced by data slates and the pair were only reachable via e-mail. Even mundane police departments would have a hard time, locating them.

Andromeda, who people assumed was mild, channelled the infamous Black energy as she held the vial of Skaði in her hand, that day in the Wizengamot.

"While Lord Black is not here, suffice to say, Undersecretary, your bill will have to be scrapped. While the cure to Lycanthropy has not been found, this new potion when drunk will suppress the change for three months at a time. And by that I mean, no transformation to a wolf. You stay human," Andromeda explained sweetly.

There was a sudden silence that descended on the Wizengamot as Andromeda continued:

"And it is very cheap to produce. The downside is that we may not know the long-term effects. And medical checkups will be necessary. But…if we look at what we are offering as a short-term solution, we should not hesitate. I do think the Wizengamot should discuss how these people who suffer from Lycanthropy can be re-integrated into society?" Andromeda explained as the rest looked on at the purple bottle in her hand.

The muttering began.

"This is great news! Who was responsible for conceiving this cure? What is the name of it?" Lord McMillian asked.

"It is called Skaði, Lord McMillian. Head Overseer Gris Albanoz, Master Potioneer Antônio Paulo, Master Potioneer Otto Adelheid of the I.C.W Potioneering Guild along with Master Healer Priya Singh were primarily involved in its creation. Assistance came from one other person, who acted on behalf of the Aritificing Guild. She is a potioneering apprentice.

House Black sank about three million galleons into the research costs, and that is how I am involved in this matter. We will not baulk from the duty of fixing society when you consider our initial positions and history." Andromeda replied, with a smile on her face and everyone looked at her, utterly surprised. The hidden threat was there – House Black could spend three million galleons for a side project, easily. Cyrus and Reginald laughed, as the other neutrals watched on, amusedly.

Dolores Umbridge was flabbergasted, as the group broke for recess. When the session resumed, Augusta went on a rampage when they doubted the veracity of the claim. Lucius Malfoy demanded that verification should not be provided by Andromeda, who was not a potions expert.

The next day, Gris Albanoz personally wrote an article on behalf of the French Potioneering Guild for the National French Newspaper, the Prophet and the Quibbler. Lucius found himself swimming in at least six thousand foreign howlers. Many French citizens were angry that he, a known disgrace would question their competence. French newspapers highlighted that they had nabbed one of England's best healers, as her countrymen continued her question her skills. Lucius and his entire family had to hide behind the wards as the letters came continuously, and Draco now hated anything that was French. The footage from their house was recorded and circulated silently among Harry's group by Invictus. Everyone laughed as Lucius got tired of flinging curses.

The random shouting of overlapping French from the howlers sounded like a garbled voice of doom.

On the grapevine, all that people knew was that Lord Black was away. Rumours had come forth – some whispers suggested that he was sick. The Guild became quiet, but nobody asked any questions. The public wondered if they were working on new items. Perhaps they could wait, as during the school year was when the craze usually began.

Sirius in his Wizengamot had been touring Kerala. He ate the food, saw the places and tried to pick up the many languages. However, he had no problem getting around. Many people spoke English. Priya often danced for hours at a time at the dance academy, before she transported across the many states in India. As she hopped across the various locations, she ate the food, talked to the people and went shopping to her heart's content. India had its loose network of magicals, and she visited both magical and standard mundane tourist destinations. When she was finished, she came to the hotel and consulted her father about the Sanskrit scrolls. She could not read the language, but Ved was competent enough.

"It says to take the pathway between the mountains. But I think these stairs are elsewhere. It is forbidden to climb Mount Kailash. No human may trespass unless you are free of sin." Ved explained to his daughter.

"I will take the three day tour and expand my mind out with the magic. I might find something, somewhere else?" Priya wondered.

"That might be better." Ved suggested before he bade his daughter good night.

"You know if you are looking for magic, ask Harry to accompany you. He can use those winning eyes? He can even use some of those drones." Sirius joked.

"I don't think we should bring any contraptions. Usually, great knowledge demands great tests. Even Harry with his abilities will be tested. I was surprised you visited the local Kalari today?"

"As you know, they practice Kalaripayattu there. I am interested in learning to use the whip sword. The Urumi? I like it very much." Sirius explained.

"It takes many years to master the weapon. It was always a weapon that surprised enemies regularly. You will not become a master, but you might surprise those Death Munchers, back home. Oh, that thing would terrify them!" Priya beamed.

"Enough for me, love. That will do. The man agreed to teach me, but he told me that the training would be challenging. I will be tested. That seems like a regular expression around these parts. That seems to be a common theme in your religion, too?" Sirius asked.

"You will see, for yourself. Good luck, honey." Priya replied as she drank her chai tea.

Harry had transported entire wings of equipment to India. Very soon the factory was set up, and Harry was now using plastic trash as his manufacturing material. The modified equipment stripped the plastic trash into powder and removed the contaminants. Then the entire broom body was flash forged, as a small amount of graphene powder provided the synthetic wand core and strengthening. The new broom was even cheaper, at forty galleons. The operation expanded quickly as the local magicals learned to use the tools. The payout was readjusted and it included Lord Patil, as he was managing the enterprise, which was built on his property.

Harry was surprised when his mother asked if he could accompany her on a religious pilgrimage, as she needed to borrow his lovely green eyes. He naturally agreed while he ate something with the Weasley twins, the Patil twins, and the two snakes. They had skipped across to India, and Parvati and Padma were giving them a tour. The twins knew only about Magical India, but Amba knew the best non-magical spots.

Amba, Molly and Augusta were regular international travellers and they went wherever they fancied. Ophelia and Amy had arrived later that day to expand their souvenir collection, and Reginald and Cyrus were visiting the various forts and temples. Cyrus was speaking to the locals, and taking notes. Reginald loved architecture, and Chittorgarh Fort was an experience for him, as he snapped pictures with his data slate.

"Where are we going next?" Cyrus asked.

"Parthenon of course. Here, change out your crystal. I want to see what is the big deal about the Gryo thing Tracey was talking about. I have a pin for a magical food joint, and we have some euros." Reginald responded.

Both men changed their crystals and continued hopping across the world.