Second Strike

17th of July, 2000.

Cauldrons stood in a line. Fumes and vapours were contained within each of the experiments. Thick blue sludge rose in large bubbles before the bubbles popped. A ladle was lowered into a soft blue potion that seemed to shift between green and purple with the light. It was time to test this one. Draco had found some people willing to try. He would be monitoring them with a Dwemer healer throughout the process. Hopefully, it would work.

The second potion wasn't done yet. Something was missing and he still wasn't sure what. He would have to dump it out and try again. The last potion was something St Mungo's had asked for. It was simple enough to do so he had set it up. In a few days, he could bottle it and send it over. Draco lifted the worthless potion off the heat and vanished it before cleaning the cauldron. He still hadn't quite figured out how to use the dragon scales in potions, but he knew several properties they had. He was sure he could use them when making the vaccine he should also be trying to make. Before he could make the cure he wasn't sure he could manage though.

The sun was shining on the garden outside. Draco headed for the potion's ingredients that Neville had planted. He knelt and picked a few things while looking around.

Charlie and Harry were sitting by the lake with the children playing in the sand. They looked carefree and relaxed. Looking at the Potters no one could think there was anything wrong in the world.

All of them knew better.

22nd of July, 2000.

Fish moved around freely. The water was calm and dark. A single person was swimming further and further down until light spread over the lake floor. The selkie village had grown since the last time Harry had been down there. He didn't mind at all. If they needed more room he would even consider expanding the wards if they could.

"More marks added to the ones you already had," the Matriarch said. "They suit you."

Harry bowed his head in her direction. He kept swimming. Young selkies swam up to him curiously. They pointed at his body and babbled with each other. He settled down and let them explore while being very strict when they tried something that hurt or was inappropriate. He stayed for hours with them. He wanted them to know things about humans. He didn't want them to fear him or his family. He hoped their parents made it clear to them that not all humans were to be trusted. He didn't want anyone to get hurt because he was nice.

Harry kicked off from the rocky lakebed eventually and swam back up. He pulled himself up on the surface and walked back towards the house.

"What happened to you?" Draco asked as he looked up from the book he was reading.

Harry turned towards him confused.

"You look like someone has been trying their knives on you," Draco said. He placed the book down and walked up to Harry. He placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and healed him. "I get that your pain receptors are fucked, but there is blood everywhere. You might want to clean up before Keyara sees you."

"Will do," Harry said. "Thank you, Draco."

"Whatever," Draco said as he walked back to his book. He sat back down and opened it back up. He guessed Harry would have noticed he was hurt when it started hurting.

3rd of August, 2000.

Loud voices floated into a small café from outside.

"What is happening out there?"

Someone screamed.

Dudley rose slowly and walked up to the window. He could see people in black cloaks casting spells all around them. The street looked like a crater. Cars lay strewn about and several of them were on fire. He swallowed thickly. Were those Death Eaters? He hoped Harry had gotten held up and wouldn't show. Knowing his cousin it was more likely that he would get involved. He moved back as the window shattered. Tea and coffee were spilt on the tablecloths and floor behind him.

Another explosion went off nearby. Dudley stumbled back. He heard someone call out and people in red robes appeared. They fought the ones in black cloaks. He tumbled backwards over a table as another thing exploded. People looked over at him confused. Could they not hear or see what was going on? He was glad no one could see his face past the hood he was wearing. He got back up and looked outside as someone moving ran past the window. Was that Harry?

Dudley rushed over to the door and headed outside. He looked around at the chaos. The cop in him wanted to help even if he was still in training. What was he supposed to do? He ran forward and ducked down behind a car. He could see a little girl clutching a plush animal and crying. She shook every time there was a loud noise. He looked around. He had to make it over there.

Harry weaved between beams of light quickly as he got closer to a Death Eater they disappeared in a cloud of smoke. He didn't stop running. Glancing behind him he saw Dudley peeking out behind a car. He sent off a shield in that direction before zoning in on the nearest Death Eater.

Dudley saw the shield appear. He started running and slid down next to the girl. He pulled her up in his arms. A spell whizzed past him and exploded against the wall. He shielded the little girl from the debris. He ran for the nearest alleyway and ducked down behind a large trash can. "Sssshhhh," he hushed softly as he looked down at the girl in his arms. "It will be alright."

She nodded slowly. "Bad wizard," she said.

"Yeah I know," Dudley said. "But there are good wizards out there too." He smiled down at her. "My cousin is out there. He is trying to stop the bad ones."

"Okay," the girl said. "My sister goes to Hogwarts."

"So did my cousin," Dudley said.

"Do you think mom is okay?" she asked.

"I don't know," Dudley said with a sigh. He tried to look at what was going on. Where had Harry gone?

A mad cackle ripped through the chaos. Bellatrix destroyed another car. She watched the little muggles scurry away from her. They had made sure no one could escape them, but she could tell the silly Aurors had added shields of their own when they arrived. Oh, she would tear them down and find the rest of these filthy little muggles. She loved this. Their Lord had finally let them go out and have some fun. She would teach them all what it meant to go against them. She giggled maniacally.

Harry reached another Death Eater. He downed the man and sent him over to the ministry before diving in between some benches. He donned his Raiden glamour and teleported.

Mad-eye's eye moved around quickly. Harry had switched to Raiden with no one the wiser. He pointed his wand at a Death Eater and sent off a slew of nasty spells. He moved to the side as a green beam headed his way.

"Dance with me Mad-eye!"

"Bellatrix," Moody grunted. He moved closer to her while throwing spells. His shields caught the worst of the things she threw. He moved and another unforgivable passed him. An explosion went off next to him, sending him off balance. He looked up just in time to see his end come sailing straight at him.

"No, Moody!" Dora screamed.

Raiden ran up next to Dora.

"We killed Mad-eye. How will you see now," Bellatrix said in a sing-song voice.

"You bitch," Dora shouted. She rushed forward and started casting spells at Bella.

"Oh, it looks like Andy's little urchin has some teeth," Bella taunted as she returned fire.

Raiden was pushing two Death Eaters back. He stunned one of them and the other disappeared. He walked up to the fallen Death Eater and vanished his mask. "Well, well Theo," he said softly. He raised a shield as someone fired a spell at him. He returned fire quickly. Spells flew quickly. Mid-fire Raiden fished out a portkey and activated it before dropping it on Theodore's body. If he was right Theodore wouldn't mind being kidnapped. He moved back into the fight until the remaining Death Eaters had been taken down or disappeared.

Dora looked over at Raiden with tears in her eyes. The clean-up crew moved around them. The Obliviators would have a lot to do. The street was ruined and many buildings had been destroyed. Bodies lay everywhere.

Raiden looked around. He had to do something. This couldn't continue.

"They killed Moody," Dora said. She turned to Raiden. "They killed Moody, Ray."

"I know," Raiden said. He walked up next to his uncle's body. He sighed. He could have prevented this. It would possibly have killed other people… He wasn't sure what the right thing to do was. It had always been a blurred line. "I'm sorry uncle dearest," he said softly.

"Excuse me, we need to process his body, sir."

Raiden moved to the side so the healers could work.

"We better report back," Dora said. She still had tears in her eyes and she looked like she had lost all hope as she looked up at Raiden.

"Yeah," Raiden said.

"You over there. Identify yourself!"

Raiden looked over at the Auror and saw Dudley walking out with a girl in his arms.

"Damn," Dora said. She recognised the guy. He definitely knew about magic already. Hadn't Harry said something about them being brothers or some such? She started walking towards the Auror. It would be bad if he tried to obliviate this guy. "Hey Dudley!" she called.

Dudley turned towards Dora. "I found this little girl behind one of the cars," he said. "She was out with her mother. Her sister attends Hogwarts and her father did too."

"And you are?" the other Auror said.

"Dudley Dursley," Dudley said. He fished his wallet out of his pocket and showed the man the card that Harry had handed him.

"What is this?"

Dora sighed. "It is a goblin-certified citizen card for someone who does not carry a wand," she said. "We really should make them standard. It would make a lot of things easier than checking wands and the records." She turned to Raiden. "How do we find her mother?" she asked.

"Give me a moment," Raiden said.

"What is your name, little one?" Dora asked.

"Melody," the girls said shyly.

"Do you have a last name?" Dora asked. "I'm Dora Tonks."

"Warden," Melody said.

Dora smiled at the girl as Raiden started walking down towards a nearby building. It lay beyond the shield that the Aurors had raised. If the mother was non-magical that shield would affect her. "Can you tell me your father's name?" she asked.

"Paul," Melody said.

"Paul Warden," Dora said. "Don't worry we'll get you back home sweetie." She breathed out in relief as Raiden walked out of the building he had entered with a woman by his side. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the destruction. Healers brought dead witches and wizards out but the dead non-magical people were left lying. Raiden did his best to shield her from the worst of it. She caught sight of her daughter and hurried her steps. "Oh, Melody," she said. "Thank god you are okay."

Dudley handed over the girl to her mother. "Thank you, Mr Dudley," Melody said.

"Anytime, little one," Dudley said.

"I'd like to take your statement, Mr Dursley," Dora said. She wasn't feeling great, but she couldn't just skip out on her job. Dudley followed her as she walked away from the other two. They worked through the standard questions quickly enough.

"Well I guess that is all," Dora said.

"Did you see Harry?" Dudley asked.

"Not today?" Dora said.

"I was supposed to meet him and I thought I saw him earlier," Dudley said. "But he isn't here now."

"The public really shouldn't get involved in this," Dora said.

"Yeah, I guess," Dudley said. He hoped his brother was alright. "Can I head home now?" he asked. He would just have to hope Harry would send him a message or give him a call or something. He didn't like it.

"It might be good if you help with the non-magical authorities," Dora said. "We have to let them in soon."

"Sure," Dudley said.

Raiden walked up to them. "I'm going to report back to Amelia," he said.

Dora nodded. "Go ahead," she said. "At least I don't have to give her the bad news."

Raiden nodded slowly. "Yeah, well… someone has to do it," he said. He disapparated. The Ministry was busy. No one knew what had just happened and to most, it wouldn't matter. Losing Moody was rough. He felt numb as he walked through the halls past stressed workers who were trying to get to some meeting on time and laughing coworkers talking about the latest gossip. He stepped off on the DMLE floor and started walking towards Amelia's office. He offered a stiff smile to Amelia's assistant.

"What can I do for you?" Stacy asked.

"Will you let Madam Bones know that Raiden Moody is here to see her? I have information about a Death Eater attack that took place less than twenty minutes ago," Raiden said.

Stacy looked alarmed as she knocked on Amelia's door and stepped inside. She was gone for less than ten seconds before returning. "She will see you now," she said.

Raiden nodded slowly. He walked into the office and looked Amelia straight in the eye. He gave his report stiffly. How many had died? How bad was the destruction? "Alastor Moody was killed by Bellatrix," he said distantly.

"I see," Amelia said. "How are you feeling?"

Raiden rubbed his face. "Like I could have avoided this," he said.

"That isn't your call," Amelia said. "I know you have plans in motion, but I sign off on those plans. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," Raiden said.

Amelia met his eyes. "It is time to do something though," she said. "Do we have the information we need?"

"I grabbed one of the Death Eaters from today's attack," Raiden said. "His name is Theodore Nott. If I am correct he didn't join the cause willingly. I will provide a full report. I hope that a fresh Mark will provide me with the information I need."

"You have a week," Amelia said. "Then we have to set some kind of plan in motion."

"I'll need to work with someone," Raiden said. "Now that Alastor is dead I need a new contact."

"I will pick someone," Amelia said. "You better get home and start working on the Mark."

"Will do," Raiden said. "Dora should be back as soon as she had dealt with the non-magical side.

"I will make sure to have time for her," Amelia said. "And Raiden… see a mind-healer."

"Yes, ma'am," he said before heading out.

Amelia sighed. They had lost good people and caught a few Death Eaters. If Raiden could get them the information they needed, it was time to deal with this mess.

…

Harry showed up in the hallway of Ennerdale. "Winky?" he called.

"Death Eater be in blue guest room," Winky said. "He be hurt badly, but Winky not let anyone in or out. Master should go right away."

"Has he woken up?" Harry asked.

"Not yet," Winky said.

Harry nodded. He picked out his glamour earrings for Kato and put them in. "Please let Charlie know I'm back home but busy. I'll fill him in later," he said. He headed over to the guest rooms and paused for a moment. He still hadn't decided just how he was going to play this. He pushed the door open and walked inside. He sat down on the side of the bed and started taking Theodore's robes off so he could see just how badly hurt the man was. He cast several scans and noted down the results. He paused as he felt the remains of his own magic. In a hidden inner pocket of Theodore's robes, he found the mangled form of the dwemer spider Theodore had won years prior. He placed it to the side. The core was still whole so the body could be restored. He might as well have that done. The results of his scans spoke of years of abuse mostly dealt out with darker spells. The signature was familiar. He had cared for another patient with the same type of damage not too long ago.

A soft golden glow spread over Theodore's body. Open wounds were healed and old damage was repaired. Kato couldn't fix everything, and he could tell he would need potions. He would need Draco's help. He rose and headed for the door.

The lab was well-lit. The grey floor and white walls worked to give it a clean professional look. Draco was pouring over a cauldron. It wasn't turning out the way he wanted. He looked up at Kato as he entered. "I need your help," Kato said.

"Might as well," Draco said. He vanished the potion. "This one is garbage anyway."

"I need you to do a scan and figure out what potions might help in the healing process," Kato said.

"Who is hurt?" Draco asked.

"An old classmate of ours," Kato said calmly. "He walked a darker path in life than we did." He pushed the door open and walked into the room where Theodore rested. "He won't be able to recognise either of us for now."

Draco walked up to his old dorm mate. He looked like crap. He ran his own scans and looked the vitals over. "I'll be back with a few things," he said.

Kato moved forward and sat down next to Theodore. He cut the robes open so he could get at the Dark Mark. he placed a notebook down on his knee and started working his way over the Mark. he didn't look up when Draco came walking inside. Potions were fed into Theodore. Draco left again.

The sun was setting when Kato rose from the bed. He sealed the guest rooms and headed downstairs. He was working through the mark. Hours passed by. He sat with Keyara in his lap for a while, but he didn't look up from his notes. He pulled out his notes for both Lucius and Severus' Marks. He compared them slowly as he looked at the conclusions he had already come to.

It was dark when Kato finally stood up and looked at all of the marks. He drew out the rune circles in the air and moved them. Some lay on top of others. A smirk spread over his face. He had figured it out. It was right there. Once settled he couldn't tell which circles were over others, but Theodore's mark was fresh enough that he could separate the circles much more easily. He knew what to separate out and move. Now he just needed to make sure Lucius didn't kill him the next time he approached. He checked the time and grimaced. He hadn't been a very good husband now had he? He took his glamour off and headed into the bedroom. Charlie was sleeping soundly while clutching one of Harry's pillows to his chest.

Harry sighed softly. He got out of his robes and put them in a hamper. He sat down on the bed and tried to take the pillow from Charlie. He was met with grumbling. He laughed quietly. "Oh, well here I thought I was better than a pillow," he said. He pulled his covers up and laid down. His eyes fluttered closed and he drifted off.

4th of August, 2000.

Keyara ran into her parents' bedroom the next morning and climbed up on the bed. She scurried up and sat down on Harry's chest. "Rye wakey up," she said loudly. "Arlie need to go so Rye must wakey."

Harry groaned and rolled over, capturing Keyara in his covers and hugging her. "Noisy," he grumbled.

"It's your own fault for staying up so late last night," Charlie said as he walked in and leaned against the doorframe. "I need to talk to the goblins about some things. Then I would like to know what is going on and why the guest rooms are sealed off."

Harry nodded. "Got caught up," he said. "I was supposed to talk to you yesterday."

"Well, I don't have time now," Charlie said. "You better take care of Keyara." He left the room and headed out in a huff.

Harry sighed. He should have talked to Charlie. "Well…" he looked down at Keyara, "how about we get ready and head outside.

"Going out!" Keyara exclaimed happily. She loved playing outside.

In the guest room, Theo woke up slowly. His head hurt. He sat up and rubbed his face. What happened? They had gone to attack some muggle area. The Aurors had shown up. A guy with blond hair and deep blue eyes attacked him and knocked him out. He looked around. He clearly wasn't in a holding cell. He stood up slowly and stumbled. His robes had been ripped apart by someone. The pain he had lived with for years seemed to have subdued. Had they healed him? He walked out of the room. Something felt familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it. He opened the other doors up. Two more bedrooms and a sizable bathroom. He really would like to clean up, but he didn't want to walk around naked afterwards. He heard a rustle and looked back into the room he had woken up in. Clothes lay on the bed.

Someone was looking out for him.

Theodore contemplated whether he should or shouldn't change clothes for just a few seconds before heading into the bathroom. He felt so much better after the bath. He walked up to the last door. He tried to open it. Nothing happened. He was locked up then. The books in the small bookshelf were all fiction. He guessed he could read one just to have something to do. His wand was gone. He froze and ran back to his discarded robes. They were gone. His spider. He sighed. He had lost the spider. It hadn't done him much good ever since it took a particularly dark curse thrown his way. He had still carried it around. The soft hum of the magic it still emitted had been calming. He stared out the window. He wouldn't see anything but green grass and blue sky.

Outside, Harry was sitting next to his daughter. They were building sand castles. Keyara was happily slapping wet sand on her father's hands. "Fix," she said hopefully.

"Yeah, but please don't put the sand on the back of my hands," Harry said. He stabilised the tower he was building with magic. There was no way he'd be able to make this without magic. The wards pinged and he rose slowly. "Charlie is home," he said.

Keyara looked up. She smiled as she saw Charlie and ran straight up to him. He caught her and lifted her up on his hip. He passed by Harry without saying anything and sat down next to the castle. "Have you been building?" he asked Keyara.

"Rye and Ara been buildin'," Keyara said. "Castle is nice."

"It is a very nice castle," Charlie said.

Harry folded his arms over his chest. If he was the type to get upset, he would be. Charlie was being silly. "So, I brought a Death Eater here… Theodore Nott to be more precise. He was hurt quite badly and the signature matches the person who hurt Chelsea," he said. "Amelia Bones is well aware that I have him. She is expecting a full report. I also figured out how to deal with the Dark Mark. I'm sorry I got caught up and didn't tell you what was going on." There wasn't much else he could say. The silence between them was uncomfortable as Charlie kept playing and interacting with Keyara.

Harry didn't leave though. He was determined that they resolve this now. He smiled as Keyara threw herself at him and hugged him.

"K'yara!"

Leoline came running over from his house. He sat down next to his friend and they started digging a moat.

Remus walked more leisurely than his son. He took one look at Charlie and then he looked over at Harry. "You two go talk now," he said.

Harry rose and headed inside. He guessed Charlie would join him eventually. He sat down in an armchair and moved into a meditative stance. His eyes closed.

Charlie didn't go after his husband. He was irritated and scared and he didn't want to take that frustration out on Harry. He knew he wasn't reasonable. He didn't want to read about potential Death Eater attacks that his other half might have been involved in from the Daily Prophet.

"He can take it," Remus said. "Knowing Harry the silence is worse."

Charlie sighed. "Yeah, I guess," he said. Maybe Remus was right. Harry would defend himself. He got up and walked inside. He stopped in front of Harry. He reached out and apparated them upstairs. He didn't want an audience. He let go of Harry and turned around. "You could have taken five minutes and just told me what was going on," he said.

"I could have," Harry said. "I'm sorry I didn't. I should have." He watched Charlie pace back and forth.

"Newspaper today said there was a Death Eater attack with dozens of dead. They didn't have any names yet, but people died. Dudley was in one of the pictures. You were going to meet him yesterday."

"I was," Harry said. "When I arrived the street looked like a crater and the Aurors had just engaged the Death Eaters. I helped them."

"You could have died," Charlie shouted.

"There is a war going on," Harry said calmly. "People are dying. We have managed to avoid several attacks so far. The public doesn't know how many attacks the Midnight Brigade have stopped before they happened."

"That isn't your responsibility," Charlie said angrily.

"It is though," Harry said. "I have the ability, power and opportunity to deal with Voldemort so I will deal with him. You already knew that."

"How the fuck can you be so bloody calm?" Charlie asked. He turned around and pushed Harry back on the bed roughly.

Harry sighed. "I fought the Wolf Queen. I fought in a war where people died all around me. I have battled countless dragons. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I know how to work around them," he said. He felt the bed sink as Charlie climbed in. He looked down as Charlie settled over his waist. He reached out and pulled himself up. "I need to do this," he said. He yelped as he was pushed back. Charlie loomed over him.

"I don't want to be fighting. You scared me and I reacted badly," Charlie said. His anger was fading. He hadn't been mad at Harry, to begin with. He was more irritated at himself for not asking Harry what was going on.

"Then don't fight me," Harry said. "I am sorry I didn't talk to you yesterday." He let out a groan as Charlie laid down on top of him. He moved so he could wrap his arms around his husband, but Charlie grabbed him and pressed him down.

"No going anywhere," Charlie said. He tightened his hold on Harry's wrists. He could feel Harry relaxing. He smirked. "Krinahkro fen aam Yolfronin," he said huskily. "Yolfronin fen nahkip Krinahkro rii." He could feel a shiver going through Harry. "Bolog fah hin in. Ahmik Yolfronin, aar!"

Harry moaned at the power being used. He was sure Charlie didn't realise he was actually utilising Thu'um, not just talking dirty. Charlie let go of him and moved off before pulling him along.

"Ahmik Du Smoliin," Charlie growled.

Harry felt the Thu'um wash over him. He could have fought it, but he didn't see a reason to. He let the power take hold of him.

Harry and Charlie didn't come back down until hours later. Keyara and Leoline were still playing in the sand under Remus' watchful gaze. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at them. "I recommended talking," he said. "I hope you did that."

"This fool decided to mess around with Thu'um," Harry said calmly. "It's a good thing no Thu'um is permanent considering the words he used." He smirked as Charlie's ears turned bright red. "He almost had a panic attack, poor thing, but we talked so we're cool."

"Do I dare ask what he said?" Remus asked.

"Probably shouldn't," Harry said. "It really doesn't need repeating." He smiled as Charlie wrapped his arms around him. "That's what you think," Charlie murmured in his ear sending shivers down his spine.

"There is an Order meeting tonight," Remus said. "Still not interested in going?" he asked.

Harry shook his head. "Not really," he said. "I'll probably look over some things so I can fix Severus' mark in a few."

Remus nodded slowly. "I guess that is for the better," he said. He shook his head and sighed as Charlie helped Harry down on the ground before sitting down behind him. At least they were on speaking terms again. Even if their methods were a little unconventional and maybe not the best. He needed to get ready soon. He didn't look forward to this meeting. The Ministry had been tight on information, and he hadn't seen Dora since the attack. He knew she was alive, but that was about it. He called Leoline over so his son would know he was leaving for a bit.

Harry waited for a bit after Remus had left. "Ray needs to join this one," he said calmly.

"Okay," Charlie said. "You sure that you are alright?" he asked.

Harry chuckled. "I'm fine, love," he said. "I told you I could have stopped the whole thing if I wanted to. Don't say things you don't mean. Your words have power now."

"Will have to remember that," Charlie said. He smirked. "Both so I can be more careful and you know… we can always have some fun with it."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Get your head out of the gutter, Inyol," he said.

"Now off with you," Charlie said. "Uth!"

Harry chuckled as he headed back to the house. He disappeared into their bedroom and switched clothes so he could head off as Raiden. Grimmauld Place didn't look much better than the last time Raiden was there. The house simply didn't want to get clean. He sat down by the table next to Sirius. People filed in slowly. Ron walked in with Dora.

Raiden couldn't say he was surprised.

Albus called the meeting to order. "I know the most recent attack is on our minds," he said. "The Ministry is tight-lipped. We still don't know who was lost." He looked at Dora and Kingsley.

"Can't say anything," Dora said. She shrugged. They had taken an oath she couldn't break.

"I can though," Raiden said. He sighed. "Uncle Alastor lost his life in the battle. Bellatrix killed him. As for anyone else, I don't know names."

Albus sighed. "Alastor will be missed," he said. "These are grave news. Unfortunately, we are no closer to dealing with Voldemort."

"We know he is staying in Malfoy Manor," Dora said. "But there is nothing we can do about it."

"I'm sorry to say that knowing where he is isn't the end of it," Albus said. "Simply killing him won't be enough."

"Then what do we need to do?" Remus asked.

Albus looked at the people around him. He hadn't been able to find a single Horcrux. He had been looking for years, but he couldn't find one. He was convinced that Voldemort wouldn't truly be gone until his Horcruxes had been destroyed. Someone had been a step ahead of him the entire time though. He couldn't be sure it wasn't Voldemort. "I believe that Voldemort created objects that he sealed parts of his soul to in an attempt to stay alive even if someone killed him. I have been in contact with one of these objects so far; a diary that made its way into Hogwarts several years ago. It was destroyed, but I am certain it wasn't the only one. I had hoped Harry would join us. I have shown him much that leads to these objects."

"I asked him if he would come but he declined," Remus said.

"Please try again," Albus said. "He is instrumental to our cause."

"I can always try," Remus said. He doubted it would matter soon anyway. Now that Harry knew how to fix the dark marks something was bound to be done about the Dark Lord.

Raiden sat passively. If he had wanted help from the Order he would have spoken now, but he didn't. The few members he wanted to bring along were part of the Auror crops and would join him through there. The rest of them weren't trained for what was to come. He wasn't throwing them into the mix. It wouldn't be right.

"So do we know any future plans?"Albus asked Severus.

"Nothing concrete," Severus said. "The wards around Hogsmeade have been strengthened and they don't quite know how they work. So they are unlikely to attack there. The only thing I know for sure is that any attack that is planned gets called off if Healer Kato Peverell is present. The Dark Lord really wants to get his hands on Peverell."

"Is there a reason for that?" Arthur asked.

Severus shook his head slowly as he answered, "Peverell is powerful and has a lot of contacts including the local goblin clan. Maybe the Dark Lord believes that he could control the goblins through Peverell?"

"Not going to happen," Bill said. "The goblins respect Peverell; they don't follow his command."

"It is also possible that he would want to create a curse similar to Werewolves and it is possible Peverell could do that," Severus said. "I have heard rumours but the Dark Lord hasn't said anything directly."

"Are we entirely certain Peverell can be trusted?" Arthur asked. "If he can create such dangerous things and the Dark Lord is trying to win him over… what if he manages?"

"Peverell can be trusted not to want to hurt people," Sirius said. "He is a healer before anything else." He wished he could just say that Kato was Harry. People wouldn't be so suspicious, but he couldn't for Harry's sake. If he blew Harry's cover now he would ruin everything that Harry had worked for.

"Kato isn't likely to join either side," Raiden said. "We had the same Master for a time and Kato is incredibly proud. He wouldn't kneel to anyone."

Remus nodded. "I have full faith in Kato," he said.

"Me too," Bill said. "We have been over this before. Kato is a good person."

"I just want to be sure," Arthur said. "It is a lot of faith to put in a person with so much pressure on them."

"I believe we have reached the end of this line of questioning," Albus said before people could start arguing. "I will contact some of you to give you more information about the objects we need to find. Until then I bid you goodnight and safe travels."

Raiden rose from his chair and headed out with the rest of the group. He apparated back to Ennerdale and changed back before teleporting to his study. He had a rather tricky letter to write to one Lucius Malfoy. Chances were the Lord wouldn't even want to speak to him considering how New Year's Eve turned out.