Chapter 12:

I said to Luna, "It goes against what Dumbledore believes in."

Luna serenely answered, "We are Ravenclaws, we'll use logic to convince him."

I laughed and said, "The Gyrffindor way would be do this ourselves, and out research Tom Riddle and outfight about 20 Death Eaters. The Slytherin way would be to blackmail him or fool him. The Hufflepuff way would be to appeal to his loyalty."

Luna replied, "We need Dumbledore. He's one of the best researchers, and he knows who the other ones are that can be called on. He's one of the best fighters. We just have to convince him. We'll also need Snape, and probably only he can convince Snape."

At Dumbledore's office, I said, "I understand your belief in giving people second chances, and the plan we are going to present to you will rely on that of Professor Snape. However, we will show you why we cannot extend the same benevolence to those who will willingly answer a call by Voldemort."

I had learned something from Lockhart's lesson on presentations, so I was telling him what I was going to tell him.

Luna continued, "In short we are going to cause all Death Eaters to believe that Voldemort is calling for their presence, and then kill all those who answer the call. We are going to use Harry Potter's pareselmouth abilities, all of our research abilities, and any books in the Chamber of Secrets, to learn how the Dark Mark works. Then we are going to call them, just as you saw in the memories of the canon June 1995 at the end of the TriWizard contest."

I continued, "Only then will we deal with the last horcrux, since when Harry Potter is free of it, he might lose his parselmouth ability to talk to snakes, which we think will be needed. Then to make sure, you can send some strike teams to Albania to see if there are any more sightings of activity that could involve Voldemort, any of his remaining followers, or of his snake Nagini."

"Failure to eliminate the inner circle of Death Eaters, will leave them an organization still capable of taking over even without their leader, or at the least preventing any reforms."

Dumbledore reflected on that and said, "Some of their heirs are in your year. Do you not think that their thoughts and actions would tend towards revenge, and their votes and influence to follow?"

I quickly answered, "Yes, you have identified precisely the problem. The solution is an American muggle military doctrine called Shock and Awe. We will overwhelm psychologically all opposition, with overwhelming attacks all at once. This would include removing Fudge and Umbridge, fixing the Daily Prophet, reforming the heirs of the houses that are going to lose their heads."

Luna added, "The advance of the Internet, and the arrival of aliens are going to happen soon. We Earthers need to be ready to think logically and together."

I added, "You might need to assume political power. Harry Potter will need to be seen as being central to defeating Voldemort, and then make political statements."

Luna said, "Consider the various likely scenarios of Britain and Earth as a whole, in let us say 30 years, based on what we do this year."

We had a lot of back and forth debate. Dumbledore agreed that referring them to trial would be ineffective, but came up with an alternative to outright killing them. They would each be captured and given a choice of a binding magical oath or a violent confrontation. The confrontation would be one at a time, and not seen by the others, and would be only against Dumbledore, so no-one else would be guilty of killing them, and it would be a fair duel in each case.

There was a lot of research to be done in how to co-opt the dark mark to call them to the same cemetery location that occurred in canon.

A parallel research program was on how to capture them, and for this the Weasley twins were brought in due to their creativity and their complete trustworthiness. They were Order of Phoenix members a few years later, in canon. There was also the factor that they knew the password for the Marauder's map without having any way to learn that. There was probably a Parseltounge spell to summon the Death Eaters, which was cast silently in canon. They'd probably be a big help.

Mad-eye Moody was part of that design group, to try to find any flaws in the plan.

Fred and George Weasley presented to me, Luna, Mad-eye, Dumbledore, and Harry Potter, "In case they can see the destination before arriving, we will obscure it with fog. We'll wait 20 seconds after the first arrival to block apparition and port keys, but sooner if there is any sign of escape.

The fog will become a slow knock-out gas. At the same time the ground will be charmed also to stupefy, and darts from every direction, including the ground that will freeze them, not otherwise injure. We have some ideas to deal with quick use of bubble-head and shield defenses.

After they are secured, each go to a room, with two doors, one labeled, "Binding oath to change sides", the other "Duel to the death". The oath door has a printed the complete oath they will need to speak, so that they can read it before deciding which door to go through.

The doors will only become visible, and they will be revived, when it is their turn."

Dumbledore said, "That is a very good beginning, which we will all try to perfect. You will all need to know the time expectations of the research projects. I am hopeful that we can complete them during the upcoming summer. In particular, we will create within Hogwarts a magic shielded laboratory, where we will experiment on Professor Snape's mark. There will be another such mark needed to learn how we can summon one to the other. For that purpose, Alistor Mad-eye Moody will lead a raid to capture Barty Crouch Junior. I would urge you, Mad-Eye, to not underestimate Barty Jr. A seer has reported that in a possible future, he captured you and kept you in your trunk, while continually taking polyjuice potion to appear as you for several months. We also will need to make sure that Barty Crouch Senior does not have the chance to reveal that Jr. is missing. While, eventually, Barty Jr., will face the same choices as the other Death Eaters, Barty Sr. is not one of them and is guilty of less severe crimes.

Since Mr George Weasley and Mr Fred Weasley will be needed, I will arrange with their parents for them to have a summer job doing research for the order. I would like the help of Mr. William Weasley, and will need to see if that can be arranged. My understanding is that he has some vacation available during the summer from his employment as a curse breaker at Gringotts."

The rest of the spring term went by quietly on the surface. The plans for D-Day kept getting changed. The date itself depended upon completion of research. New additions included getting evidence to cause a no confidence vote of Minister Fudge. An alliance of votes were being assembled to vote in Amelia Bones as Minister if for some reason Fudge were to be no longer minister.

Another set of plans, would be a full magical interrogation of each captured Death Eater. Lucius Malfoy, in particular would be used to get ahold of the diary horcrux that he was in possession of.

Another area being explored was how Sirius Black could indirectly purchase a controlling interest in the Daily Prophet and the Wizarding Wireless Network. He not only had the huge wealth of the Black family, but he, as regent and guardian of Harry Potter, could direct the investments of the Potter family assets.

Some of the staff and older students observed that the younger two years were doing far better academically than usual, and had almost no fighting or hostile pranking. It wasn't just the Advanced Study Group. The Slytherins, it turned out, had their own study group, and were fairly advanced in dueling. They also had a remarkable level of discipline. There was nothing anyone could do, that would cause them to insult or to fight when not attacked.

The Advanced Study group added more 3rd and 4th year students. Fighting practice was getting more intensive with each student learning to fight as part of a team, to fight one on one, and to fight one against many.

One training session resembled the canon Quidditch cup in 1994, where a group of Death Eaters attacked.

Harry Potter said, "You all just attended a Quidditch game and are heading back to your tents or floo stations, or an outdoor food and drink area."

Everyone had their wands securely in their holsters, so they were all ready to instantly defend themselves.

When the Death Eaters started attacking, the Advanced Study Group members starting using cover to defend themselves, and when they found each other, formed groups using combined shields and attacks.

Harry Potter said, when the simulation ended, "Very good progress. Some of you retreated when your position was not tenable, all with good spell work to cover your retreat. When you had the opportunity to attack, you did so safely. None of you were hit by the unforgivables sent your way. I'm going to show you a simulation of what this scene would have looked like without any training."

This time, Harry Potter was sitting in the stands, with his wand in his back pocket, which someone pickpocketed from him. When the Death Eaters attacked, thousands were running away panicking from 16 Death Eaters who were destroying tents and firing spells at fans running away. The group laughed and didn't think that scene was possible.

Before this, we agreed to let Harry Potter know about my knowledge. All who knew about the secret, myself, Luna Lovegood, Padma and Parvati Patil, met with Harry Potter in Albus Dumbledore's office.

To start with, Harry got the pensieve memories that I originally gave to Dumbledore, arranged in good summary. Parts of the canon from books were seen in the context of me reading the books. The author's name was blocked if it ever appeared.

At one point, Harry laughed and asked Luna, "So that's why you said I'll fight sea creatures?"

Luna replied, "I saw you fighting grindylows in the future, but I do not know the context."

I saw that Harry Potter was getting upset as he saw how much information was withheld by Dumbledore and he had to go on a wild Horcrux hunt without knowing much. Dumbledore was uncomfortable but looked serene. I learned some of his tells.

I said, "Yes, Albus Dumbledore liked to have complex plans that he kept to himself, but he isn't doing that anymore. He is still enormously able to help any of our plans, due to his power as a wizard, and political positions. He has also seen how his short-sightedness caused his own death in what I call the canon history. Rather than be upset with him for his actions in that history, or even in the past of our history, it would be more productive to work together, while still making sure that everyone is working together well."

Harry replied, "I can work with that."

Dumbledore replied, "As can I. I will endeavor to both consult in future planning, as well as to keep you informed. I perhaps, foolishly, thought to keep you protected from information as a child. I also deeply apologize for not checking on your childhood upbringing."

Parvati asked me, "Can you tell us about our futures, and even things like who we should date?"

I answered, "Sure. We are not limiting this knowledge to the fight against Voldemort, and there are only two areas that might cause any temporal or other issues. I will never reveal anything specific about my own background before being in this timeline, or about the author of the books that described it.

In terms of who not to date, I'd have to say Harry Potter." We all laughed, and then I continued, "He took you to a Yule Ball in your 4th year, but mostly ignored you there while he kept track of Cho Chang who he liked better.

At that same Yule Ball, Padma went with Ron Weasley, who similarly ignored you while keeping track of Hermione Granger. Beyond that I do not know who either of you ended up with.

In your 6th year as the second wizarding war was underway, you convinced your parents not to move both of you to India, and both took part in fight against Voldemort.

As for you, Harry Potter, there has been a lot of discussion by your fans about this subject. Yes, you are just as famous in my original world as in this one. Many agree that Hermione is your best match. Many fans were so upset that you ended up with Ginny Weasley, and Hermione ended up with Ron Weasley, that they accused Molly Weasley of potioning both you and Hermione. While there isn't direct evidence, she was known to have brewed love potions when she was younger, and seemed very much in favor of both marriages."

At the end of the meeting, Harry Potter said, "I was a real idiot then, wasn't I. Getting my wand pickpocketed at the TriWizard tournament. I'm going to have to make a defence exercize about this."

As the spring term ended, we worked out a schedule to floo to Sirius's house which is under a fidelius charm that makes it unreachable to any not shown the secret address. Those who need to, would floo to Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts from there. The research into using the dark mark to summon the others will be in a carefully shielded laboratory, in Hogwarts, that would prevent the magic from reaching any of the other dark mark holders until we were ready for D-Day.

The train ride was uneventful, although we were all on alert, especially in and near the station. Moody and some other order members, that can actually fight, did some discrete overwatch in both the magic and non-magic parts of the station.

When we were back home, my parents sat down for tea with me. My father, seemed a little amused and said, "I have to say, we were a little surprised to see you in the Daily Prophet."

I retorted, "But I wasn't mentioned by name in the Quibbler."

My father replied, "No. We do have a subscription and read it from cover to cover."

I, somewhat seriously started, "I have some secrecy agreements, so I cannot tell you certain things."

My father said, "But I assume you can talk about what is publicly known. I actually do approve. You and Luna seem to be in an alliance with the families Potter, Black, Weasley, Abbot, Longbottom, and Patil, with the cooperation of Headmaster Dumbledore. I can read between the lines of what your study group actually means. We will be facing powerful enemies, but are also part of a powerful alliance. If you want to discuss formal house alliances with me, please do so. Also, if there is a time for us to go into hiding, please find a way to let us know."

I said, "Any such alliances, which I would not be disposed to disclose further at this time, would be with individuals, not houses, at this time. The dangers are there, perhaps physical, which would suggest an upgrading of wards and readiness for personal defense. More immediately, are political attacks, as exemplified by the Daily Prophet article."

My mother said, "Be ready Tuesday evening for our visit to the Lovegood's house for dinner. Xenophilius emphasized the lack of need for formal attire."

We arrived by floo. I was surprised that it wasn't called "The Rookery". I guess that was a non-canon fan theory.

My father presented some bottles of fruit wine, explaining "It is an honour Mr. Lovegood. It has become a hobby of mine, and the continuation of Picard wineries, to create wine from local fruits, I would be honoured if you could offer your opinion of them."

Xenophilius replied, "Please call me Xenophilius. And I think I have the perfect cheese course with which we can sample these wines." He then looked me over and said, "A pleasure to meet you Tom Picard. So you are the young man Luna is smitten with?"

I replied, "And who is completely smitten with Luna."

Xenophilius nodded and said, "Indeed. We will talk more formally about this, if your parents are agreeable, at our next meeting."

After a some smalltalk, Xenophilius said, "Please sit down. We have a salad course, all from our garden, to start with."

He then continued, "Luna has explained being under secrecy agreements, which I assume you are part of, as well, so I will understand when you cannot answer some questions."

I replied, "I thank you for your understanding."

Xernophilius asked, "I am very intrigued by your advanced study group. Is it a way to turn you into super students, are were you selected because you already were super students?"

I answered, "A little of both. I suppose I could ask my parents to say their observations, since I cannot say more."

My mother said, "A little before starting Hogwarts, Tom suddenly became more mature. And, while he was always a good student, he studied very intensively, and effectively, the summer before starting."

Xenophilius replied, "Indeed. In Luna's case, her extreme increase in maturity and ability, happened sometime between arriving at Hogwarts and winter holidays."

Luna went up to her father and asked, "Could I show Tom around the gardens for a few minutes?" Xenophilius understood that we needed to talk and said "Of course."

We walked hand in hand to the gardens, set privacy shields and Luna started, "My father seemed to guess that I am mentally older than my age. I cannot tell him that I spent years studying with Surak."

I answered, "Next meeting with Dumbledore, let us see if there is a way to get our parents read into our largest secret."

When we came back to the table, I said, "You have guessed some things. We would like to be able to tell you more, and will look into being able to do so. If we will be able to, it will involve some fairly thorough magical contracts. Xenophilius, would you be willing to learn things that you will not be able to publish, although you would have first right to publish if the information became public?"

Xenophilius replied, "I suspect that Luna has already secured for me the first publishing rights." They both smiled at each other. "While I am an investigator at heart, I will not publish what I figure out about family, which I already consider everyone here to be."

My parents and I all said, "As do we."

Xenophilius continued, "I agree to await being part of the secret and to ask Luna before publishing certain articles until then. I am willing to join this secret. I trust that Luna would not have joined us to the Rotfang conspiracy, or any such that I would not approve of."

My father said, "We too would like to join this secret, so we can better be able to help our son and intended daughter in law."

Xenophilius asked, "Is there anything you can tell me about what sort of advanced topics you have been learning?"

I answered, "Luna and I have created some new spells." We could see the start of a shocked reaction on Xenophilius's face, and I quickly added, "But safely. We only design. Testing is done by qualified masters."

He answered, "I am very relieved to hear that, and also incredibly impressed that in your years you can accomplish that. I would ask, that assuming that might be a career you choose, and that someday you become masters, that you thoroughly consult other masters before doing any spell testing. It is an extraordinary ability that Luna has inherited from her mother, but an extremely dangerous activity."

Both Luna and I said, "We will."

Xenophilius said, "I know more than you perhaps do about your opponents. I don't have enough to publish, and indeed I would not publish unless Luna approves, but I have worked out that Slytherin has its own advanced study group, headed by Professor Snape, and organized by Lucius Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy has been hiring some of the best tutors. From his selection of tutors, he seems to be creating an organization that will include top class fighters, potion masters, ward builders, ward breakers. He has also hired tutors in business and finance."