Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands

Year 9: Day 74 - 298 AC

The woman nodded, confirming Harry's guess, "Nothing gets past you." She joked.

Harry narrowed his eyes, "What are you doing here?" His wand still pointing at her.

"I've been here a long time..." she said, "Even with the Elixir I don't think I have much time left."

"Then speak quickly," Daphne commanded forcefully, her wand also leveled at Hermione.

Hermione sighed, "The Veil... it's a transportation device. It connects this world to our own through some sort of ancient magic. It draws ambient magic in from the world and uses it to connect to other veils."

"There are more?" Daphne asked, intrigued now.

"Hundreds... Each with a different planet..." Hermione responded, looking to where the veil used to be, "I see you have moved it."

"What are you talking about? Planets?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked off into space, "Yes... Hundreds to visit and explore. I have been to a few Harry... But I came from Britain to wait for you."

"How did you get so... old?" Daphne asked the ancient woman.

"A mishap with the Veil. I was transported around 8300 years into the past to a period called the Long Night. I froze myself to meet you. That's not important, but you see in a few years, you go back to Britain through the Veil... I had spent the previous decade researching the Veil to discover how we could return."

"Aren't you changing the course of the future now that you have told us this?" Daphne asked once again.

"I have created a new timeline separate from my past timeline. You are not the same people as my timeline's people."

"Wait, you helped me return to Britain?" Harry asked, finally lowering his wand.

"Of course, we are best friends." The old woman said, smiling.

"Not this time around." Daphne said under her breath.

Hermione looked surprised at the blonde woman, "Really? This timeline must be quite different..." she slowly reached into her bag that was still hanging from her shoulder even after thousands of years, pulling out a journal, "I have compiled all my research into this journal, use it wisely."

Harry took the offered book, "Thank you, Hermione. For this..." as he looked into her eyes, he could see the light of life leaving her. He sighed as he took out another vial from his pocket. This one, a deeper blue than the Elixir, was a special concoction made for only the most loyal of Harry's friends. He took the vial and put it to her lips, slowly allowing the liquid to fall into her mouth and down her throat.

It only took a moment for the 'potion' to begin its magic. Harry and Daphne both watched as Hermione's hair lost its grey shade and turned back into the bushy brown. Her skin, wrinkled and worn, pulled tighter and filled with life. Her muscle strength returned. Ever so slowly, Hermione returned to her former self as Harry had known her.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open and met Harry's, "I'm not dead?"

"Hermione, you supported me for 8 thousand years, whether that was me or an alternate version of me, I believe you deserve better than to die in some cave." Harry said, smirking.

"What did you do?" She asked.

"A better Elixir of Life. Returns you to the prime of your life."

"Thank you, Harry!" She said as she jumped up and hugged him, all of her youthful exuberance returning.

"So, now you two can work together and find out about what is happening at home." He replied, nodding at the journal.

"You still plan return to Britain?" Daphne asked.

"Of course, if only to rob them blind and exact some revenge!" Harry said, looking at Hermione from the corner of his eye.

"That's better than what you did in my timeline. You just sent a bomb through and blew up the ministry." She retorted.

"Nice." Daphne hit his arm, "That seems like something you would do!"

Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands

Year 9: Day 81 - 298 AC

In his study at Harrenhal, Harry listened to the reports of his Wizarding officers and advisors.

Susan began the meeting, delivering some good news and reporting that muggle peasant crimes had decreased, and muggle soldier loyalty increased ever since the establishment of the Auror Corps. In addition, King Robert had taken a turn and would not survive much longer. According to the spies in the castle, Renly seemed to be gathering support, with the assistance of Lord Stark, for his bid at the throne. That was to be expected in Harry's opinion. Lord Stark would always support the legal heir to the throne, no matter what.

Neville shared updates on the progress of the western Riverlands and the construction of the second bridge over the Trident. However, with war possible soon, he suggested that they slow down the construction efforts, a recommendation that Harry agreed with.

Astoria reported that Hogwarts continued to succeed and now incorporated an elementary school to ensure children received a strong educational background before beginning their magical education. The school boasted around 150 students and they had even begun construction of several smaller schools in Harrenhal and Harrentown proper.

Daphne brought up the invaluable role of Hermione's journal in understanding the Veil, with most of the work already completed they expected to be able to reverse the connection within a few days. Harry said that he wanted to go through the device once the connection was ready.

Speaking of Hermione, she had been cautiously accepted by the group, mainly due to her distinct differences from their version of her. Remarkably, she had accepted Harry's lifestyle and his relationship with Astoria, something she had not done in this timeline.

Among the other magicals who spoke, they each discussed their respective areas of responsibilities. Harry had been gradually replacing muggle leaders in the Riverlands with magical counterparts, in order to better control the city and Riverlands while not having to hide his true magical nature. It proved to be more effective in controlling the population.

It was an eventful meeting in Harry's opinion, as most of his council meetings seem like a waste of time with little to approve or even less to actually do. Harry had grown tired of strategy sessions discussing the bid for the Throne or hypotheticals of alliances. It was all tiresome.

Lady Luna Lovegood, First Captain of the Auror Corps

Year 9: Day 82

In the dimly lit Lord Hand's chambers, Luna listened intently to the meeting that was taking place between Lord Stark and Lord Baratheon. She had been waiting for a meeting like this for a few hours, partially paying attention while also casting a copying charm on every price of paper Lord Stark read and storing those papers in her bag. Truly, it was just pure dumb luck that they had actually begun this meeting while she was hidden by a disillusionment charm in the room. She could have been asleep or something when this meeting took place, but luckily there she was.

"Lord Stark, we can't let Joffrey become King! We all know the truth about him and his siblings even though my stupid brother refuses to accept it. We must act quickly to ensure I am crowned King when my brother dies!" Renly said, beginning the meeting.

Eddard nodded, agreeing, "You're right, Renly. Robert is foolish not to see how his children look nothing like him, but that doesn't matter. Due to his wounds, I doubt he will last much longer."

"What plan do you have in mind, Ned?" Renly asked, using Lord Stark's nickname which appeared to annoy the older Lord.

"We can't rely on the small council; they are likely loyal to the Lannisters or corrupt themselves. Pycelle is a Lannister rat, I smelled him when I saw him groveling to Tywin when the Lannisters sacked the city after the rebellion. The master of ships might support us, but he has no one to lend us. Thus, we must act quickly to gain the upper hand in King's Landing after Robert passes. Janos Slynt is a fool as Lord Commander of the Watch but could easily be bought off. Our guards, with the support of the Watch, could seize the Red Keep." Eddard continued, "However, Tywin Lannister will not wait around while we arrest his daughter and end his grandson's claim. We can be sure to see Lannisters march on us the moment he gets word."

"Would the Riverlands stop them? Lord Peverell has no love for the Lannisters." Renly asked.

Eddard sighed, "Lord Peverell has no love for us or the Lannisters, but I doubt he would get involved if it didn't directly benefit him. Sadly, we have nothing to offer him..."

Renly frowned, "I can get some Stormlander banners here to help us, perhaps a large enough force to resist a siege? The issue would be that the main army wouldn't arrive until after the arrests at the earliest and even then, their movements would be easily spotted."

"Your banners could bolster our numbers, at least in the short term," Eddard said, a bit of apprehension in his voice.

"What of Dorne?"

"What of it?"

"They have deep hatred for the Lannisters after they killed Princess Elia and her children. Perhaps they would want revenge?" He asked.

"You forget it was your brother that caused that war. They are more likely to support a cow for King than you... Unless..." Eddard said as he smirked, "Unless you married Arianne Martell..."

Luna raised an eyebrow as she listened to the conversation take an unexpected turn. The idea of Renly marrying the Martell bitch to gain their support was surprising and had not been thought of when the Riverlanders had talked about Renly's possible actions.

Renly's expression seemed to contemplate the idea, "Marrying her would be a good idea, gaining us the additional banners, but would they agree? As you said, my brother caused the rebellion."

"They want revenge, Renly. Revenge is a powerful motivator."

"I would not be opposed to it... But what of the Tyrells? Surely, they would support us? I have a great friendship with Loras." Renly asked.

"The Tyrells have thrown their lot in with the Peverells. They will not move until the Riverlords do."

"I believe that you are discounting my friendship more than necessary, Loras could convince his father to support my bid." Renly said as he thought of his friend, smirking.

"Loras Tyrell is a third son." Eddard said bluntly, "You are a third son. You should know that you would have had not sway over your father and neither will Loras. Even then, we both know that Olenna is the real Lord of the Reach…"

Renly leaned back in his chair, huffing in annoyance, "So, we have some reinforcements from the Stormlands and the possibility of Dorne's support through a marriage. Great... What about the Vale? If we could sway Lord Arryn, that would allow us to pressure Tywin from the North."

Eddard sighed, "The Vale is... complicated... The new Lord Arryn is young, and I don't have the same relationship with him as I did with his uncle. It also appears the Lord Peverell is friends with the young man through his steward. I doubt we will see much support from them."

Renly sneered, "Lord Peverell this, Lord Peverell that. Perhaps Lord Peverell should just be King himself. He has the connections for it!" He raged, angry at their predicament.

Eddard raised a hand to calm the boy... Yes, boy was the correct word for him, a spoiled boy, Luna thought to herself... "Lord Peverell is an obstacle and a powerful Lord, but he has shown me no indication he has higher aspirations. Seizing the throne? Easier said than done. But, if Peverell does have aspirations, then we must plan to act even faster, giving him no time."

"Then what?" Renly asked, still annoyed, "What does the great Lord Stark believe we should do?"

Eddard sighed once again, looking down at the papers in front of him, "If we can't secure support from the Vale, the Riverlands, or the Tyrells, and if they take up arms against us, perhaps we can find support among the smaller houses, or even the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea."

Renly rolled his eyes at the aging Lord, "Of course, 'King Renly Baratheon, installed by foreigners and small folk'. That commands respect from the Great Houses." he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Eddard raised his voice ever so slightly, "Sarcasm will not help you to become King, boy. We need to consider all solutions to gain the banners needed to fight this war. If it comes to seeking aid from the Free Cities, so be it. You would have the support of House Stark and House Martell at the least."

Renly clenched his fists, "And what of the pride of House Baratheon, Stark? Should we throw that away as well? I am the rightful King. I deserve the throne and if any Lord doesn't support me, then I will ensure that his disloyalty is punished when I am King!"

"Your claim to the Seven Kingdom isn't in question. But do you see anyone else in this room supporting you? No, I am the only Lord here! And if you threaten punishment for disloyalty, we will surely not gain any more."

"Fear can be a powerful motivator, Stark. We need all the support we can get, and if some Lords won't stand with us willingly, then they must be made to."

Eddard shook his head, "By who, who is going to make them? My army? Marching across this continent? The Martells? Fighting through the Reach? No, Renly. Fear can only be used when you have the means to follow through. We need allies who believe in you and stand with us willingly. The Seven Kingdoms will not thrive under another ruler who relies solely on fear. That was why we rebelled against the Mad King!"

Renly scoffed, "We need to be strong, and sometimes strength means making tough decisions."

Eddard's voice remained steady, "Strength means making the right decisions, not just tough ones. We must be strategic and gain the support of those who see the potential in you, not those who cower in fear." Lord Stark sighed, "Perhaps you model yourself after Lord Peverell? I have heard that Lords do not speak out against him for fear of his 'Auror Corps'. Disappearances of peasants who disagree with his policies?"

Renly's eyes narrowed, "Auror Corps? Disappearances? What do you mean?"

Eddard's face remained stoic, but Luna could sense a hint of caution in his response, "There have been rumors... Lord Peverell is known for his methods, and some have claimed that he employs an elite group of enforcers to maintain order in his lands. As for the disappearances, well... there have been whispers, but nothing concrete."

"Perhaps we could learn something from him. At least then we wouldn't have to worry about getting the support of the Lords..." Renly said, irritated.

Eddard nodded slowly, "We must be careful when considering using terror to enforce our will, it will compromise our honor and principles."

Renly's expression darkened, "Principles, Stark? What principles have you upheld? You serve my brother, a drunkard, you fathered a bastard in the war and allowed Lord Peverell to do right by that boy more than you ever did and now you speak of principles? For the Seven, you were going to allow that boy to go to the Wall when Lord Peverell had him become Lord of Dragonstone!"

Eddard's face flashed with anger, "You know nothing of my choices and the burden I carried, Renly! My path has been riddled with tough decisions and sacrifices. My duty was to the realm. My family has always been my priority, but that doesn't mean I abandon my responsibilities. I took the oath to be Hand of the King, and I will fulfill it to the best of my abilities."

Renly shook his head, "Your abilities? It seems Lord Peverell's abilities outshine yours. He understands power, and he wields it. Perhaps he should be the one leading instead of you, the aging Lord who hesitates at every turn."

Eddard's jaw tensed, "Lord Peverell is a powerful lord, and I acknowledge his accomplishments, but ruling the Seven Kingdoms requires more than wielding power with an iron fist."

"And yet, here we are, struggling to gather support for a rightful claim while Lord Peverell's influence grows. The people respect him, fear him, and he gets things done. Maybe we need a ruler who can inspire fear and respect?"

Eddard was slightly surprised, "Would you say Lord Tywin would make a good ruler? You just described him. Rule by fear. Put hundreds of people to the sword during the Reyne-Tarbeck Rebellion?"

Renly's voice softened, he truly had not thought of it that way, "Perhaps you are correct, Stark." He pushed against the lord's desk to stand, "I apologize for my outburst. You have given me a lot to consider."

"You remind me of my son, Renly. Even a bit of Jon." Eddard's tone softened as well, and he offered Renly a small nod. "It's understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed in times like these."

Renly sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Thank you for your counsel, Lord Stark."

And with the end of the conversation, Luna smirked and apparated to Harrenhal to report her findings.

She appeared in Harry's study and the young Lord seemingly asleep in his chair. However, with her arrival and small popping noise, he jumped awake with his wand in his hand, "Who's there?"

Luna smirked at his antics, "It's just me, Harry. I have interesting news..."

Harry sighed in relief as he sat back down, "Do tell."

Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands

Year 9: Day 84 - 298 AC

It was dark, practically midnight, as Harry stood before the Veil of Death in Harry's Hallow. He had never believed that he would return to Britain but here he was about to step through the portal home. He had thought about inviting some of his friends to accompany him, perhaps Neville and Hermione, but in the end, he had decided to go it alone. More dramatic that way, you know, Dark Lord returns and all that.

The magical town was deserted, with everyone snug in their beds, as Harry began the process of activating the Veil's connection to Britain with the magical iPad thing. One by one, the constellations on the device lit up as he pressed them, aligning with the corresponding symbols on the Veil. Suddenly, the once dark portal shimmered with a faint light, signaling the connection had been established.

Harry hesitated for a moment; his mind filled with memories of before... Voldemort... Betrayal... "No time like the present..." Harry said, stepping closer to the Veil.

As Harry stepped through the shimmering veil, he felt a sudden rush of magic surrounding him. It was an eerie sensation, as if time and space were folding around him. It only took a moment before he was deposited onto the other side. There Harry found himself in the room he easily recognized.

Harry looked around, slightly confused, "This is the Ministry, but it's nothing like I remember. There were rocks around and the Veil was on the top. But now the Veil is on the floor and this reminds me of a queue line at an amusement park..." he thought, as another dark thought shot through his mind yet he pushed it away, no need to think on the real reason. He looked around the room and spotted the exit, so he started walking towards it.

As he made his way out of the queue and neared the door, he heard the same door hinges creak. He instantly disillusioned himself, hiding from whoever was about to enter.

Surprisingly, it was only a small group of house elves with their cleaning supplies. Unlucky for Harry though, it appeared that they were looking directly at him, seemingly ignoring his charm.

One of the house elves, a small, elderly-looking creature, bowed slightly in their direction. "Greetings, sir. Winky is seeing you. Are you lost?"

His disguise foiled, the former dark lord dropped his charms and stood up to his regular height. When he finally revealed himself, one of the elves dropped his bucket in apparent shock, shouting and running towards Harry, "The Great Harry Potter has returned!"

"Dobby?" Harry asked incredulously, "What are you doing here?"

"Dobby knew Lord Harry Potter would return! Dobby wanted to be useful! All the house elves want to serve the great Harry Potter, so we work for the Ministry, keeping an eye on those who sent you away!" Dobby said with excitement.

"ALL the house elves?" he asked, his voice deep with curiosity.

"Of course! The house elves will always support Lord Harry who gave us respect and jobs during his reign over Britain." He said with his voice lowered and he seemed to look around carefully before whispering, "Dobby has been stealing items Lord Harry might want from the betrayers, along with other elves. We have been very loyal."

Harry smirked, "Good work Dobby." He looked to the other elves, "Good work to all my elven friends. Perhaps you would wish to go with me to my new home? Once we steal all the wealth of the evil wizards in Britain?"

"Dobby and the elves are honored to serve Lord Harry Potter once again," Dobby replied, with the other elves nodding in agreement, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Good... good," Harry smiled as he hugged the small creature, "Gather all the house elves who want to serve and meet at the old Potter Manor. You know the place?"

Dobby steeled his eyes, "Of course, Lord Harry sir. Dobby will follow your command!" Suddenly, the group popped away, leaving the surprised man.

"Loyal to the last," Harry muttered to himself, chuckling at the creatures as he continued his walk to the exit. Luckily, the door should lead to the elevators so Harry could get out of the ministry fast. However, before he left, he stuck a small runic device to the top of wall just inside the door. It was a 'Ward Tunneler', named that due to how it creates a ten square foot hole in the wards that allows anyone to apparate into it. It had been an invention that made raiding warded location much easier when Harry ruled Britain.

After the device was placed, Harry quietly slipped through the door and into a dimly lit corridor leading to the Ministry's elevators. He walked quietly, avoiding disturbing any ministry workers. As he neared the elevators, a voice called out, "Excuse me, do you have a pass to be here?" Great, a fucking Karen... Harry slightly quickened his pace, causing the woman to call out again.

"Excuse me!" the voice called out again and Harry reluctantly turned to see a witch with a surprised expression approaching him.

"Oh, hello!" Harry greeted the witch with a smile, doing his best to seem normal.

The witch seemed a bit puzzled, "Do you have a pass?" She couldn't be much older than 20, not likely to recognize Harry immediately. Plus, Harry didn't look like a deformed idiot with no nose like Voldemort had when he returned...

"Of course. I didn't bring it with me though since I am only here for a minute. I needed to pick up some items I left behind for the Director of the DMLE." Harry said, starting up the ruse.

"You really should keep your security pass with you at all times even if you are only down here for a few minutes." The woman replied, looking annoyed while also seeming angry.

Harry hid his distain from the woman and shrugged, "It is what it is. Would you like me to go get it?"

The woman laughed, definitely sarcastically, "Well, I guess it doesn't matter now, but in the future, please keep it with you."

The elevator luckily arrived, allowing Harry to motion that this was his ride, "Alright, will do. Thanks." He entered the elevator and selected the main atrium floor. As the elevator doors attempted to close, the woman stuck her hand in.

"What was your name again?" She asked.

Harry gently pushed her arm out of the way of the closing doors, "Vernon Dudley." The doors finally closed, and he shot backward and up towards the atrium.

The elevator doors opened after a very quick ascent and he stepped out into an almost dead atrium, "Where is everyone?" Harry whispered to no one, "It's not a weekend..." Cautiously he made his way through the empty atrium of the Ministry of Magic, his footsteps echoing throughout the cavernous hall.

As he strolled through, taking in the sights and remembering the past, Harry saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He stopped and to his surprise, a man had sat up from behind a greeter counter. It was an older man, probably would remember him but Harry wanted to sow a bit of chaos...

As Harry approached the man, he looked up from the newspaper he was reading and raised an eyebrow, "Hello there sir. How may I help you?" It didn't seem like he had made the connection yet but held a lot of suspicion in his eyes.

Harry put on his most foreigner look and approached. Harry asked, "Parlez-vous francais?"

The man rolled his eyes, "Bloody frogs... Of course not, this is England!" He said, enunciating every word.

Harry smiled, faking not understanding, as he went into another round of French, "Cela fait dix ans que je ne suis pas venu en Angleterre. Est-ce que quelque chose a changé depuis mon départ? Ronald Weasley a-t-il réussi à échouer au poste de directeur du DMLE?"

The man perked up at the mention of 'Ronald Weasley', The man's expression changed, and he nodded, "Ah, Ronald Weasley! Yes, he works here. He's part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. You can find him on Level 4, in the Auror Office. Just take the elevator on your left, and it'll take you there."

"Merci," Harry replied with a nod, feigning appreciation for the information. Truly, he wasn't trying to find out where Ron was, merely making fun by asking if Ron had failed his way to becoming Director of the DMLE yet. But maybe it was some time to enact some revenge... He slowly turned around, making his way towards the elevator.

Ronald Weasley, Senior Auror - Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Ron was suddenly awakened from his mid-afternoon nap as his office door exploded inward, showering him with splinters. He fumbled for his wand for a moment before he felt the cold wood of a wand at his neck.

"No sudden moves weasel. Don't want you to end up like your father, do you?" A voice asked from behind, one he faintly recognized, "You said that once to me..."

Then suddenly, like a ton of bricks, Ron recognized the voice. His heart began pounding as he turned to see Harry Potter standing behind him.

"Harry..." Ron managed to whisper, "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"You didn't mean to? That's your excuse? You seemed to mean it when you betrayed us to the rebels! Spilled our secrets like a sieve, causing the deaths of countless!" Harry angrily said, his wand glowing green, "You lied when you said you supported our cause. I thought maybe we had reconciled, but in the end, you were just a cowardly spy sent to destroy me."

"Harry, please," he pleaded, "I never wanted to betray you, I swear. They forced me into it, threatened my family. I had no choice."

Harry's face twisted with anger, "No choice? I seem to remember you stabbing Astoria in the abdomen to escape our headquarters. Sadly, my unborn son did not survive that encounter..."

Ron's eyes widened in shock, "Harry, I... I didn't know. I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered.

Harry's anger seemed to intensify, "You didn't know? We invited you to the baby shower Ron! You knew and you still tried to kill her!"

"I'm so sorry, Harry. I never wanted anyone to get hurt. I thought I could protect my family by doing what they wanted."

"Sometimes, the right choice is the harder choice... You decided the right choice was to betray me and now you have to live with that choice." Harry took a step back and raised his wand at him, "Avada Ked..." Suddenly, a red clad man burst into the room, cutting off Harry and shooting a stunning spell at the former Dark Lord.

Harry hastily cast a protego shield, protecting himself from the curse as Ron scrambled away, retrieving his wand from the floor. Ron watched as Harry shot back at the Auror who saved him with reckless abandon, destroying his office in the process.

At that point, Ron wisely decided to leave and quickly. He dove out his destroyed office door and into the corridor, narrowly avoiding a vibrant green curse that he knew all too well that nearly hit him. Death had missed him, best not tempt Death again.

He stood and sprinted down the hallway, attempting to make it to the secure panic room at the end of the hall. He knew the doors there could stop anyone, even an enraged Harry. As he ran, he heard shouts from behind him as the walls began exploding beside him. He thought for a second about the unknown Auror who had saved his life now lying dead on the ground in his office since the most powerful dark lord in British history was once again chasing him.

Another explosion rocked him, catapulting him across the corridor and slamming him into the opposite wall. Ron's heart continued to pound in his chest as he struggled to catch his breath, pain shooting through his body from the impact with the wall. He groaned in pain while hearing the growing noise of footsteps behind him. He pushed himself to his feet as two more Aurors ran past him towards the battle.

Several more killing curses flew past him as he heard an explosion, followed by a scream from behind. He knew those two other Aurors were dead... But he knew he had to keep going. He kept limping forward, half running, as the door neared.

As he approached the door, he noticed that the security measures were already active, likely due to the explosion in his office. He fumbled in his pocket, praying that he still had his Auror badge with the necessary clearance.

With shaky hands, Ron pressed the badge against the door, holding his breath until the door glowed blue and clicked open, allowing him entry. He quickly slipped inside, slamming it shut behind him.

As he breathed heavily against the inside of the door, the door itself began to shake with explosions. Every few seconds the door would shake as another of Harry's spells impacted. Surely the door would hold... Right? Another spell impacted the door...

Harry Potter, Dark Lord of Wizarding Britain

Harry swore as another overpowered spell impacted the door, causing the enchantments to once again shimmer. He didn't have all day. Ron needed to be captured and killed, not hiding in behind an overly sturdy door. As the door continued to withstand each of his spells, Harry's frustration grew.

Suddenly, Harry took a deep breath as he readied the most powerful spell he knew. Taken from an ancient battle magic tome, the 'Castle Cracker' as Harry called it would be his last hope in opening the door. If that spell couldn't open the door, nothing would.

With a deep breath, Harry focused his magic and channeled it into his wand. He felt the ancient magic surge within him. The air crackled around him as he aimed his wand at the door.

"Murus castrum!" Harry shouted, unleashing the full force of the ancient spell at the door and its surrounding walls. A beam of intense, pulsating energy shot from his wand, hitting the door with a thunderous impact that shook the entire building.

The enchantments on the door struggled to withstand the onslaught of magic. The door glowed with a blinding light as cracks began to spread across its surface. Harry poured every ounce of magical strength he had into the spell. The door trembled as the beam of magic continuously buffeted against it.

With a deafening roar, the door finally shattered into pieces, and Harry rushed through the entrance to find Ron. The room inside was filled with debris, evidence of the destruction of the enchanted door.

Ron stood in the center of the room, his eyes wide with surprise and fear as raised his wand, ready to defend himself. Harry thought about addressing him, before he just shot a stunning spell at him which dropped him to the floor.

"Weak." Harry said, looking at the defeated form in front of him. He gave the stunned man a quick kick to his abdomen and transfigured him into a newt. He also took a jar that he found as he looked around the room, charmed it unbreakable, and put Ron in it. It was a precautionary measure to ensure he couldn't escape or cause any more harm during their journeys around Britain.

Harry's prey captured; he ran from the room back towards the elevators. Hopping over debris, dodging obstacles of his own making, as well as stepping over the occasional dead body, he reached the elevators without incident. Harry quickly pressed the call button and waited.

It was a moment later when their elevator arrived and as he was about to step into it, another arrived as well. However, in contrast to the first elevator, the second was filled with Aurors. Harry quickly entered the first one and closed the doors, selecting the main atrium. Sadly, before they were shooting off towards their destination, Harry made eye contact through the door bars with the new head of the DMLE, Dean Thomas, who whispered in fear, "He's back. Potter is back."

Harry smirked at Dean as the elevator shot down, back towards the main atrium. He had ended the lives of eleven Aurors. Unavoidable in Harry's opinion. He truly detested spilling magical blood, but they had chosen the wrong side.

As the elevator doors opened, he was greeted with the same empty space as before. However, this time, Harry didn't wait around. He immediately sprinted towards the public floos, determined to leave the Ministry before more Aurors arrived. The news of his return had undoubtedly spread like wildfire and couldn't risk getting caught in the chaos that was sure to follow.

Without hesitation, he stepped into the floos and activated the floo network, and he called out his destination: "Potter Manor!"

Green flames engulfed him and whisked him away to the ancient Potter home. Upon arrival, he stumbled out of the fireplace, panting and covered in soot. He stood there for a moment to catch his breath as he took in the sight of his family's ancient manor. The majestic chandeliers illuminated the room while the portraits of Potter family members long passed adorned the walls.

"Welcome back, Master Harry," a portrait of an elderly wizard said.

"Thanks John," Harry replied, acknowledging the portrait with a slight bow, "Have the house elves arrived yet?"

"Indeed, Master Harry. They have been corralled into the banquet hall." 'John' said, motioning toward a gigantic door to their right.

As he made his way toward the banquet hall, Harry was greeted by the house elves, who were busy setting up a table with a feast fit for royalty. The elves bowed respectfully to Harry, who thanked them for their hard work and assured them that they would eat with him.

After a brief moment to freshen up, he sat down at the table, surrounded by the hundreds of house elves that had answered the call.

"My friends," Harry said, standing at the head of the enormous table, "You answered the call when I was a boy, and you answered the call upon my return!" High pitched cheers erupted from the elves, "There are many things to do, but I want to thank each of you for your loyalty. Many would have forsaken someone who disappeared nearly a decade ago, but you come when called. I want you to find all my followers who are still of this world and inform them of my return. Do so after dinner and I will explain everything to all my followers on Earth."

The house elves erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause. Their tiny fists pumped the air, and they chanted in unison, "Master Harry, Master Harry!"

Harry sat and whispered, "All too easy," as he pressed the tip of his wand into his deathly hallows mark and informed his followers that he had indeed returned.