Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.

Chapter 13: Revenge Never Goes According To Plan

"Well, that was certainly an interesting lesson." Helga remarked to Salazar as they made their way quickly and carefully back to Phoenix's Nest.

He grunted, looking extremely disgruntled.

She sighed, "Look Salazar, I know that you are upset at being painted a villain, believe me, I am too! But sulking about it won't help. You need to be focussed on helping Harry, and you won't be able to do that if you are moping over something you can't control."

He looked at her in silence before sighing, "You are right Helga, as usual. It just really angers me that our enemies won!"

"What do you mean?" She asked, consternation written over her face.

He looked incredulous, "If 'we' had won, then I would not be portrayed as I am! Face it Helga, we lost, and we are seeing the effects of losing now!"

"Salazar, there are many other explanations to the change in the wizarding world, than just that one. Now I do not understand why your name has been degraded so badly, but I refuse to let Laxathan win!"

Salazar shrugged, "Well, if we never get to go home, then I suppose we will have our answer."

They had arrived back at Phoenix's Nest and climbed through the portrait hole. Rowena and Godric were already there, lazing happily on the sofas with cups of steaming drinks in their hands.

Helga immediately looked interested, "What is that you have there?"

Godric sniffed the cup, a look of delight on his face, "It is something called hot chocolate, and I swear I have never tasted something so delicious! So sweet and mouth watering, it warms your entire body!"

Rowena nodded, "yes you must try some! Salazar especially looks like he needs some comfort food."

Godric immediately focussed on his friend, "Well? What happened then? You were following Harry obviously?"

Salazar nodded, "yes, he had is Defence class, and there is more to the teacher than meets the eye I think. She is a very impressive young woman, and an incredible dueller."

Rowena looked confused so Helga clarified, "She duelled each of the students separately to gauge how well they can fight. What made it a bit more interesting was that she made them fight in a room that was modelled on their worst memory."

Godric raised his eyebrows, "Oh? How many froze up in terror or pain?"

Helga shook her head sadly, "Very few, which makes me think most of them have shut off their feelings. This generation have seen so much and been through so much pain and distress that they are simply immune to it."

Rowena nodded, "Let's just hope that once this Voldemort is dealt with, things will return to normal. So how did Harry go?"

"Brilliant!" Salazar grinned, "His chosen memory was enough that even the teacher had frozen. It was where his godfather died I think. Anyway, instead of dwelling on the past, he simply exploded into action. He very nearly took her out to! He then proceeded to use his brains rather than sheer power, which shocked me since I expected a very Gryffindor approach."

Godric looked outraged, but Helga held up her hands, "no, it is true Godric, it was very impressive that someone of only 17 could be in surroundings that would cause him nothing but pain, and still be able think that clearly. He used his parstletounge skills to great effect, though I have no idea what he said to them, and he very nearly beat the teacher."

Rowena pursed her lips, "But he didn't beat her did he? Nearly beating Voldemort isn't going to win the war you know."

Salazar turned incredulous eyes onto her, "he is completely untrained Rowena! And the teacher would be considered a master magical dueller by our standards. Frankly, I was astonished that he did as well as he did! A few of the students could block her and only a couple could manage to return spells. Harry was the only one who nearly beat her!"

Rowena shook her head, "I am not saying that it isn't impressive, only that we have a lot to do if we are going to get him ready to face Voldemort. Especially on the off chance that we may not be there! After all, from what he has said, Voldemort is more than a master dueller, more like the grand master!"

Godric looked slightly confused, "What do you mean if we are not there? What – are you planning on going somewhere?"

"No! At least not by choice. But let's remember where we have come from. We don't even know exactly what forces acted so that we could come to be here. They may send us home before the war is finished, and Harry may have to fight Voldemort on his own. All I am saying is that we should be prepared for every eventuality, and that includes preparing Harry against a foe with far more experience than he has had."

After a moment Salazar nodded, "That is a very intelligent assessment Rowena, not that we expected anything less of you. Still, the fact that Harry could duel so well without any true training, tells me that he should be pretty easy to instruct. He was also extremely aware of his surroundings, even after the duel. I am certain that he heard my cry of anger, and that was with Helga's hand around my mouth."

"How do you know that?" Godric asked, curious.

"He smiled in amusement just after I had, well, shouted, and then looked around the room and winked. Don't tell me that is normal behaviour!" Salazar replied.

Rowena looked impressed, "Mmm, perhaps this boy can be taught how to fight. Awareness is something that cannot be taught, it must be instinctual. If Harry has that, then he may be talented after all!"

"We know that he is talented Rowena, how could he not be and still be alive after everything he has been through?" Godric responded.

Helga leaned back, "Now all that has to be decided is what we are going to teach him, and who is going to teach what."

The others nodded.

Salazar looked at Godric and Rowena, "So what did you two do while we were watching Harry?"

Godric shrugged, "Just exploring the castle, seeing what has changed in 1000 years. And I must say, not a whole lot has."

Rowena nodded, "Yes, it is incredible that the witches and wizards of this age are living in similar standards to how we do. Though their bathing methods are to die for! Hot baths with incredible perfumes that just pour from things called taps. Still, considering what Harry has told us about muggles and their progression, it makes me think that the magical community is stupid or something!"

Salazar laughed, "My dear Rowena, to you, everyone is dumb!"

She grinned, "Are you including yourself in that assessment Salazar?"

He snorted, "I have never professed to be intelligent, just crafty and manipulative with no qualms about cheating."

The others laughed deeply. Once they had calmed down, Helga asked, "Ok, aside from Helga thinking that all magical individuals need some brains, what else happened? Any of the major corridors change? Anything we need to know about?"

Godric shook his head, "No, most of the old tunnels out of the school have caved in, but some are still around, including the one behind the one-eyed witch."

"And what about the school herself? Have you managed to re-establish contact?" Salazar asked.

Godric and Rowena shook their heads, "No, we can influence her, but she is not letting us read her anymore."

Helga sighed, "Look, she is already bonded to the Headmistress. We didn't design her to be bonded to two different authorities at any one time. Still, it would be nice to have our own warning system if anything goes wrong. Plus I feel lonely without her continual stream of knowledge."

Salazar frowned, "Well, we will have to make do for now, but I suggest we continue to try and re-establish our bond with her. Rowena? Do you think you will be able to come up with a way?"

She shrugged, "Sure, if I am given enough time to assassinate the current Headmistress. It is the easiest option if you are that serious about it."

For a second, Godric looked thrown by the seriousness of her voice and face. However, when Salazar started laughing he joined in, "Oh my dear Rowena, you truly had me going there for a moment."

She grinned, "That isn't exactly hard to do Godric. I will be seriously proud if I can manage to get Salazar to bite one day."

The snake founder raised an eyebrow, "The day I become gullible is the day you all must kill me."

Helga snorted, "Salazar, the day you become gullible is the day I fly to the moon."

Rowena laughed, "Helga, according to Harry, muggles have been able to go to the moon for over 50 years."

Helga shrugged, "maybe, but I am not a muggle now am I?"

"Anyway, Rowena, you haven't yet sensibly answered my question." Salazar said, staring at the black haired witch.

Rowena sighed, "Theoretically, yes, I will be able to do it, but it will take time, and I cannot guarantee that we shall all have contact. I cannot give you any more of a definite answer at this time."

Godric nodded, "Well, that will have to do then, anyway, we probably should figure out what we are going to teach Harry since he will be coming back this evening probably with eager eyes."

Salazar snorted, "Oh joy, even 1000 years in the future I can't run away from being a teacher."

Helga smiled at him, "But would you really want to Salazar?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Is that a trick question?"

"Harry you were brilliant! Your thinking, I just couldn't believe it. I would never have thought of using snakes as your spies, and that ring of fire! Just fantastic!" Hermione had been talking like that for quite a while and Harry was starting to get sick of it. She had stopped during Transfiguration, but as soon as the class was let out and they were making their way down to the dungeons for Potions, she started back up again.

"Thank you Hermione, but you really don't need to keep going on about it. I wasn't the only one who did well. Of all the people I was the most impressed with Ron, because he actually used his greatest fear against the enemy!" Harry grinned at the red haired boy, whose face was the same colour as the sun.

Immediately she turned to Ron, "He is absolutely right Ron! I was so impressed with that as well." She continued to rave over his duel as well.

Ron glared over at Harry and mouthed, "thank you." Harry merely grinned and waved merrily at him.

"So how did you think I did?" Hermione asked, breaking through their silent banter.

The question was more directed to Ron, who looked thrown for a second. However, he quickly focussed on his girlfriend and gave a smile, "Oh, brilliant as always Herm, how could you not be?"

She beamed, "Thank you! But seriously, what could I have improved on?"

Harry sighed and turned to her, "You really want to know?" she nodded so he shrugged, "Ok, well, I thought that you spent far too much time analysing instead of acting. In a real fight you do that and you will end up dead. Also, while you were using non-verbal spells very well, you hold your body a certain way depending on the spell used, which means you are quite predictable. You need to work on your fitness so that your speed increases, and …"

"Okay mate, I think she gets the idea!" Ron burst in, looking slightly panicky, afraid that she would get annoyed.

Hermione's face was a mixture of amusement, bemusement and disappointment. "You really mean all that Harry?"

He nodded, "Sorry Herm, but you did ask me for my honest opinion."

She hesitated for a moment before smiling, "So I did. Well you know what this means?"

Ron groaned, "I don't know, but I bet it involves lots of extra work." He shot Harry a filthy look who simply laughed back at him.

Hermione however was shaking her head and bouncing on the balls of her feet, "No! Harry, you need to start the DA back up again! After all, we learnt so much during those lessons, and our fitness obviously increased."

Harry raised his eyebrows but said nothing, merely continuing walking down the corridor.

"Harry? What do you think?" Hermione persisted, obviously not willing to let her idea go.

Shrugging he replied, "Firstly, I honestly don't know if I will have time. Let's be honest, we are pretty full on this year, not to mention our little side quest that we have to do. Not only that, but I am not sure if many people will want to be close to me, especially now that Dumbledore is dead. They probably figure that the further they are from the war, the safer they are. And you know what? They are right!"

She frowned, "But what if there are people who want to train? Who want you to teach them? Will you at least consider it? After all, you did do a fantastic job back in fifth year."

He raised an eyebrow, "We were in a slightly different situation you know. I have no doubt that Tonks will be teaching us all how to fight with great proficiency. I reckon that within a month you will find that your stamina will already have improved."

Hermione, obviously still determined to resurrect the DA said, "Well then it would be a good idea to have the DA as a practical practice group! After all, there are sure to be people who won't get everything on the first go. The DA would give them the perfect opportunity to learn their work."

Harry raised his eyebrows, "So why do they need me then? They can do all that already, they do not need a person breathing over their shoulder."

Hermione exhaled in exasperation, but before she could say anything Ron butted in, "Alright Herm, I think Harry gets the idea, don't keep bugging him. If you do, he is less likely to agree. Just leave it, he said he would think about it."

Hermione opened her mouth before closing it and shrugged, "As long as he does, then that is fine."

Harry grinned, "I promise to think about it, I do not promise that I will agree with you though. Anyway, we had better get a move on, I don't particularly want to be late for Potions. Slughorn may not be a greasy traitor, but he isn't the funnest teacher to be around."

Hermione suddenly clicked her fingers, "Harry, why do you not ask him for help on our search? After all, he already knows about them, so it isn't like we are letting him on a big secret or something."

Harry raised incredulous eyebrows at her, "Are you kidding? He practically broke down the last time the subject was raised. He would either throw me bodily from his office or else start crying and sobbing if I asked for help. No, I will only be asking him for help if I have no other option."

She sighed, "Well, it was just a thought. After all, he would have access to resources that we do not."

Harry smiled at her, "It is a good idea Hermione, but not one that I am going to explore at this time. Still, keep coming up with them, you may find one that I actually like!"

She laughed, "Hasn't really happened yet!"

They were just approaching the dungeons when a very flustered Ginny rushed out, nearly bowling over Harry. He steadied them, looking into her red face, "Gin? What's up? You are going to be late for whatever your next class is."

She nodded hastily, "Yeah I know, I was talking to Professor Slughorn after class, and time got away from me. See you all at lunch!" with that she ducked out of his embrace and hurtled up the stairs.

Ron chuckled, "I pity the next person she runs into, she probably won't even stop!"

Harry nodded, grinning before saying, "I wonder what it was that she was talking to him about? After all, it can't be for help, her potion making ability is quite good."

Hermione shrugged, "perhaps she wants an assignment for extra credit."

Ron rolled his eyes, "No love, that's what you do. Ginny prefers free time."

Hermione huffed slightly, but was a little pink from the 'love' comment. "Well come on, if we don't get down to his classroom, we're going to be late!"

Unable to argue with that particular statement, the boys followed her into the classroom, and were surprised to see that they were one of the last people to arrive. Slughorn had just started to give his welcome speech, and beamed at the three as they quietly took their seats.

Within a few minutes Harry had switched off, focussed more on the four people that were at this moment sitting and discussing him. He made up his mind to go and see them during lunch, and spent the rest of the lesson altering his attention between the potion he was brewing and devising a way to get away from his friends during lunch.

"So we are in agreement then?" Godric asked.

The other three founders nodded, Helga replying, "Yes, that plan works well, though I fear what we will be turning Harry into with all the training."

Slytherin stared at her seriously, "We are preparing him for a war he should never have had to fight. But it is necessary, and grieving about it will not help him."

Rowena sighed, "The really sad thing is that Harry will not complain, he will only be grateful for the help. He has suffered so much, yet he still has such a sweet soul. His innocence was obviously burned out of him so early, that he doesn't even realise that he is missing a part of himself."

Godric nodded, "Aye, you noticed that too then? Having never been a child, he doesn't even know what he has been deprived of. Even at Hogwarts he has been forced to deal with more than anyone else."

Salazar stared into the fire, "While he will not hear a word against his mentor, I put most of his suffering as a direct result of the mistakes made by that man. I understand his decisions and how he came to make them, but the arrogance he displayed in deciding Harry's future was foolish, and Harry had paid the price ever since."

Helga shook her head, "I think you judge him to harshly Salazar. I feel that most of the blame for the deprivation of Harry's childhood rests firmly in the hands of his abusive relatives. They could, should have treated him as a second son as Dumbledore wished then he would have been a happy, healthy child."

Salazar nodded, "You are right my friend, and the fact that Harry saved their son's soul and still they abused him was just deplorable." He sighed, "I still blame Dumbledore and his Order for some of Harry's suffering though."

"Don't we all." Godric said.

Slytherin suddenly looked up, an absolutely evil grin plastered over his face. Helga immediately sat back in her seat, "Uh-oh" she muttered, "That is never a good look when on your face Salazar. Do I want to hear what you have to say?"

He nodded, "Of course you do! Don't you trust me?"

Rowena snorted, "Trust you? Salazar, I wouldn't trust you if my life depended on it!"

Godric raised his eyebrows, "Um, Rowena? You have trusted him when your life depended on it, and you came out fine."

She glared at him, "I do not count coming out bald in a duel with a warlock as fine!"

Helga giggled, "I must say, you certainly did turn heads with your knew hairstyle. I thought your mother was going to drop dead of shame."

Rowena, struggling to retain her dignity merely turned to Salazar, "If I were you, I would stop smirking at me and tell us what you have in mind!"

The other two turned expectantly to the snake founder, obviously curious as to his idea. "We can't do anything to McGonagall's Order, yet, as that would aid Voldemort in his war, but at some point she will have to answer for her crimes against Harry. However, we can exact revenge against his relatives, and it will not impact on our plans!"

Rowena frowned, "Harry said that he didn't want their deaths on his conscience. We have to respect his wishes Salazar."

The snake founder rolled his eyes, "I wasn't suggesting we kill them Rowena. Besides, even if we did he would never know. No, I am suggesting that we have some fun with them. They won't be permanently harmed, but they will understand that mistreating a child is one of the worst crimes imaginable and that the culprits will be found and punished."

Godric looked thoughtful, "it certainly has possibility, especially they are continually reminded of their crime for the rest of their lives. But how would we keep Harry from finding out? He may not take lightly to the fact that we took revenge for him. I mean, he may be all righteous right now, but in time he may wish to 'deal' with them himself."

Helga shook her head, "I cannot see that happening, purely because Harry has done his best to push them out of his mind completely."

Salazar looked at them, "So? Are you all in?"

Godric nodded enthusiastically and Helga grinned, "Time to show those muggles what it means to mess with Harry Potter!"

Rowena frowned, "Are you suggesting we go now?"

Salazar raised an eyebrow, "You have somewhere else you need to be?"

She sighed in exasperation, "I just do not like leaving at the drop of a hat! You do not even know where to go, let alone how to actually get there."

Godric grinned at Salazar, "Well, it sounds like she is in at any rate."

Salazar nodded before drawling, "My dear Rowena, what kind of Slytherin would I be if I couldn't plan such a simple thing as this revenge?" not even waiting for her to reply he called out loudly, "Dobby! Winky!"

Immediately there were two cracks and the two little elves bowed simultaneously, Dobby saying, "What can we do for you sirs and ma-ams?"

"Dobby, I need you to transport the four of us to where Harry's relatives live, preferably all at once. Winky, I need you to watch Harry, and if he looks like he is coming here then I need you to head him off, tell him that we are busy and will talk to him tomorrow. If that doesn't convince him then simply say that we have left to do some scouting around the area to see if Voldemort had placed informative wards around the school." Slytherin ordered.

The two elves bowed, Winky asking, "Does sir want Winky to stay with Harry once Winky has passed on the message?"

Helga butted in, "Yes, and make sure he doesn't leave the castle, the last thing we need is him trying to follow us and getting into trouble."

Winky bowed again, before disappearing with a crack. Dobby looked questioningly at the four founders who gave each other affirmation before Slytherin nodded at him. The small elf waved his hands around, as if to encompass the four adults, and immediately they disappeared with a loud bang.

Outside the door, Harry was standing with his jaw hanging open, completely shocked by what he had heard. His mind working furiously, he ran through his options before deciding to follow them. Plunging his hand into his pocket he pulled out his folded invisibility cloak and whirled it over himself before calling softly, "Fawkes!" Down the corridor he spied Winky obviously looking for him.

The phoenix appeared and looked around, confused, "Harry? Where are you? I know you called, but even I cannot see you when you are under that cloak!"
He grinned and opened the cloak slightly so that the bird could see his face. Immeditaly the bird hovered in front of his face, "what did you want? And why are you not at lunch? Surely you must be hungry!"
Harry thought back at him 'no I am not actually hungry at the moment. I need you to transport me to the Dursley's place."

The phoenix was so startled that he actually stopped flapping and dropped to the ground, landing slightly awkwardly, "Why on earth would you wish to go back there?"

'The founders have gone there to take revenge against them. I do not know what they intend to do, but I wish to be there in case things get out of hand.'

Fawkes nodded in understanding, "And you have the cloak to stay invisible. I do not like it, but I will take you." He then flapped up and landed on Harry's invisible shoulder, flashing the two of them quickly to the last place Harry wished to go. Number 4 Private Drive, Little Whinging.

Harry shook his head to clear the nauseousness that always occurred when flashed by Fawkes. He stared at the house which he lived in for most his life and his resolve failed. Uncle Vernon's face swam before his eyes and he found himself shaking.

Fawkes, obviously sensing his fear squeezed gently with his claws, "You do not have to do this Harry. They cannot and will not hurt you ever again, but I understand that the pain has already been caused, and that the pain will never go away. No one would think less of you if you simply wish to leave."

Harry shook his head, "What kind of hero would I be if I ran away from memories? No, I need to face them, to-to get over the nightmares that still haunt me."

He felt the phoenix sigh, "Very well Harry, but I will not leave you this time. You will need me, especially if you will not let the founders see you."

Harry nodded in gratefulness before proceeding up the pathway and into the open house. As soon as he crossed the threshold of the door he was met with a wall of noise.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING IN MY HOUSE? YOU COME HERE, YOU FREAKS AND THREATEN US? HOW DARE YOU!" Vernon's voice was bellowing.

Harry winced, and had to force his feet to continue moving forward. He guessed that the founders had only just arrived and he slipped into the lounge room where he saw a somewhat comical sight. At least he would have found it comical if it was anyone other than his wretched relatives.

It was obvious that Dudley was not home, as there was room to move within the lounge room. Petunia was backed into a corner with her hands over her mouth while Vernon stood in front of her waving a knife at the glaring Godric.

Harry moved into the room, still invisible with Fawkes hiding with him under the cloak. He congratulated himself on entering undetected, and cautiously turned his back to a wall and faced the 6 adults.

Helga stood forward and put a calming hand on Godric's arm, causing him to back off. She then turned to the Dursley's who were staring at her in a mixture of disgust and fear. Her eyes were glittering with anger but her voice was still soft and gentle, "There is no need to be so livid Mr Dursley, we merely wish to ask you a couple of questions. You answer them truthfully and you may as yet come out of this unscarred. You lie, and, well let's just say you will not like the results."

Petunia whimpered before whispering, "A-are y-you with him?"

Salazar snorted, "Him? As in Voldemort? The only thing I would like to do with him is bang his head into the ground and then bury him 6 feet under. But that is comparatively merciful to what I want to do to you!"

Vernon started to gulp like a fish, obviously torn between yelling some more and pleading for mercy. Petunia however relaxed slightly, "Then who are you? I have never seen you lot before either with the old nutter or with any of my freak sister's friends!"

Rowena gasped, "Freak sister? Is that what you call a woman who was so selfless as to lay down her life for her son? If you were half the woman she was then…" she trailed off, her voice shaking in anger.

Harry was struggling to hold his silence, his body was shaking so much in anger that Fawkes was having to grip on tightly to stop himself tumbling off. However, Petunia wasn't finished, "What else do you think I should call her? she was a freak of nature! All that unnaturalness that you lot call….magic." she seemed to shudder at the word. "If that was all then perhaps I could have lived with her. But she married such filth! That Potter, he led her wrong, and then she fell pregnant like a common whore and hey presto, a second generation filthy brat was born! Again, I could have dealt with that by simply pretending she didn't exist, but no, she had to go and get herself killed and we got landed with that same brat!"

Harry couldn't see past the tears that were running down his face, but he could feel the gentle rub of Fawkes feathers and he rubbed his head against Harry's. There was a slight growl, though Harry couldn't tell who it came from.

Helga spoke again, her voice shaking and her eyes glowing in anger, "Well, that certainly answers one of our questions. Though I cannot see how you can call her a whore when you fell pregnant before she did! Now for the other…did you abuse your nephew? Think carefully on your answer, you may only get a single shot at it." Harry saw that she was raising her wand and pointing it at the two cowering people.

Vernon started to stutter, "y-you w-w-won't h-hurt-t us! Y-you a-are suppos-sed t-to b-be the g-g-good g-guys!"

Godric raised his eyebrows, fingering his wand, "Says who? We said we weren't with Voldemort, but we never said we were good."

Salazar continued, "However, since you did ask who we were, I suppose we can tell you. We are relatives of Harry's on his father's side. Hence why we are quite curious as to how you answer Lady Hufflepuff's question."

Vernon went pale, "L-lady?"

She gave him an evil smile, "Please do not tell me you didn't know that your dear nephew is an Earl my good sir. Or that he is the richest wizard on the planet."

Harry winced as Petunia gasped, "No! He couldn't be! Rif-raf like that could never be part of the nobility!"

Rowena sniffed, "He most certainly is! We did not know of his existence until yesterday. You can imagine our surprise at the story that he spun for us. Particularly regarding his 'family.'"

Vernon started to splutter, "Well! You cannot just believe a spoilt brat who is always big noting himself."

Helga raised her wand again, her voice laced with venom, "Then do you deny that you abused him? Particularly this last summer?"

Vernon flinched at the word abused, but puffed himself up, "I admit or deny nothing! I am not afraid of you, I know my rights! You harm me and I will have you pulled up on charges, and no amount of unnaturalness will hide you!" Growing more confident in himself he took a step towards Helga, "I bet this is all just a ruse from that attention seeking brat! I bet you are just some common whore he has dragged off the street to threaten us. Well let me tell you something missy, I do not intend to be bullied around be a bunch of freaks and sluts!"

Petunia grasped his arm, trying to pull him back from the four founders. However he wasn't finished, "That boy got what was coming to him! Being dumped on our doorstep like he was, we thought that perhaps we could beat the freakishness out of him, but it never worked. He was just a piece of dirt, a stone in our boots and no matter what we did we could never get rid of him! But I can and will get rid of you!" he lunged towards Helga who was so stunned at his brazen attack, she didn't even try and stop him.

He whirled her around with a speed that shocked Harry and the others and placed his knife to her neck. Salazar and Godric both had their wands and swords out; Godric particularly looked like he was going to kill Vernon.

He growled, "You would threaten a Lady? You are either more of a brute than I gave you credit for, or far more stupid than I imagined."

Vernon blustered, "You lot get out now! You are no longer in any position to threaten me or my wife! Get out now and I won't hurt her!"

Helga snorted, causing the overweight man to peer down onto her head, "My good sir you have three options. You either let me go now and your death will be quick, you continue to threaten me and your death will be slow. You harm me and you will wish you had never been born. Your wife and your child will be made to suffer before your eyes, you will see such things that you will try to gouge your own eyes out, but there will be no mercy. It is your choice!"

The chill in her voice made Harry shudder, and he realised that she was deadly serious. For a split second he pondered how many people back in their own time had succumbed to the terror that she described.

Vernon meanwhile, had turned white and was shaking, obviously realising that he was no longer controlling the situation and that no matter what he did, he would lose.

Fawkes spoke in Harry's head for the first time since he had arrived, "If you are going to do anything Harry, it must be now!"
Harry nodded, pulled out his wand and threw the cloak of himself exclaiming, "No one is going to be killing anyone as long as I am here!"

Salazar, Godric, Rowena, Helga, Vernon and Petunia all stared in gobsmacked disbelief at the young man who had just appeared before them. Regaining their composure, Godric and Salazar immediately went back to pointing their wands at Vernon who likewise pressed the knife harder into Helga's throat.

Harry ignored them and walked up to his aunt, "You hate me, this I know, but I still do not understand how that hate could cause you to become a child abuser. However, it no longer matters; I will bear the scars that you caused for the rest of my life, but I know that they will fade over time. I know though, that you will live with the knowledge of what you did for the rest of your life, and the day you realise the pain that you caused will be the day that my revenge comes to a close."

Harry turned to his Uncle whose hand was shaking and to Helga who was looking at him with sympathetic eyes, "Uncle, you let her go now, and I swear that you will not be harmed. However, you continue to threaten her and I cannot be responsible for the actions of her friends. It is your choice."

He stood back and watched his Uncle ponder his situation. Petunia put her hand on his arm and he lowered the knife, allowing Helga to pull away and face him. She narrowed her eyes, "Wise decision Dursley. Know that if it wasn't for Harry's promise I would tear you apart right now!"

He snarled, "I am not afraid of you!"

Salazar drawled, "Yes, you are, and that alone proves you are not a complete fool." He turned back to Harry, "Well boy, I am impressed that you managed to get into the house without us noticing. That cl…"

"SHHHH!" Godric suddenly burst out, whirling around to face the window waving his wand in a complicated pattern causing the door to slam shut and shimmer a gold colour for a moment.

Salazar, Rowena and Helga went into automatic soldier mode, and Harry was, in a word, awed. Their simple movements belied the complex spells that were being cast around the house. Not knowing what was going on he turned to his relatives, "If I were you I would get upstairs!" Vernon looked like he wanted to argue, but Petunia simply grabbed his hand and dragged him after her up the stairs.

Turning back to the founders he asked, "What is it?"

Helga didn't face him as she said, "several people have breached the wards that we set up. None of them were wearing invisibility cloaks and all are registering strong magical abilities."

Suddenly Salazar disappeared quickly followed by Godric and Rowena. Helga finally turned to him, "quickly, get under your cloak and get Fawkes to take you back to Hogwarts! We will follow as soon as we can." She then disillusioned herself before Harry could reply.

"Harry? Are you going to put your cloak back on?" Fawkes asked, agitation evident in his voice.

He nodded, 'yes, but do not take me back to Hogwarts! There are Death Eaters here, I am sure of it, and I will not leave the founders to face them alone. They are powerful I know, but they have never faced them before.'

"Harry, they have faced Dark Wizards before, you do not need to be here!" Fawkes pressed, gripping his talons into his shoulder.

"No! I am staying!" Harry burst out. He felt the phoenix's grudging acceptance and then the bird lifted off his shoulder and out from under the cloak.

CRASH!

The door to the house was blown in, shaking the foundations and causing Petunia who was upstairs to scream.

Harry didn't even get a chance to count how many Death Eaters there were when they started to fire spells.