August 9th (9 days before the Quidditch World Cup final)

Sebastian was undecided on the path he was on. There was so much uncertainty on becoming the France minister of magic, but also so much uncertainty in the life he was giving his family. He felt blind and the detective in him told him so much more was happening.

Fleur was oddly quiet and if anything it was clear she was putting herself in grave danger. A fact he couldn't change with her 17th birthday coming soon. Yet, he knew Fleur understood much more than he did. Sebastian just hoped he wasn't risking more than he was willing to give in order to follow his dream.

By the time, Fleur had left with Harry the campaign funds had been made available by the bank from Lord Potter-Black. Deciding to capitalize on his hero status, the recovered Boy Who Saved happily being seen at the Quidditch World Cup, and the overall sympathy for his family Sebastian knew he would get overwhelming support announcing his candidacy.

Yet as he began to write his speech he was surprised when a family head showed up to his front gate that he didn't suspect. A fact that made him further wonder what he was getting involved too. "Mach. It's okay. You can let us talk."

Sebastian ordered the Auror on guard duty to leave them be. Sebastian looked at the Wizard and all but snarled.

"Lord Malfoy. I didn't think your family cared to be seen in this part of the world anymore. Having migrated to Britain fully, What? 200 years ago now with your tail between your legs?"

The Malfoy's are a rich House with connections but they are paid connections. A house that had paid itself to the top and betrayed its own nation for further wealth and prestige. A once respected House in Magical France the House established a branch in Magical Britain over 1000 years ago. Slowly but surely that branch of House grew to prominence.

Its defining moment was the razing and looting of the Black manor in the 1300s. Executed with the help of a muggle French Invasion it saw the British branch of the House gain wealth to rival the mainline branch. Yet, its defining moment for the French was over 200 years ago when the House was offered the opportunity to elevate itself to an Ancient House in Magical Britain. The only thing it needed to do was help destabilize both the French muggle empire and the French magical Kingdom at the time. The reign of terror began and with the cutting of a check, an empire was given for a title. The Malfoy name in turn was hated here probably more than it was hated abroad.

A fact that did not pass Lucius when he came to France. " . I did not know such a man of high character would resort to such words. Will you not let me in to have a conversation?" Lucius started with a clenched jaw. He knew he wouldn't be allowed in. He hated having to come to France but it was clear that something was up and everything pointed to the boy who lived and the Delacours.

Lucius needed to know who casted the dark mark in the valley. Too many people were asking him to donate to a cause and he needed to figure out who and what it was. "I was wondering what a lowly house was doing with my nation's star idol. My minister of magic sent me, as a known upstanding citizen, to review if there is any foul play."

Sebastian knew all too well the minister of magical Britain was bought. "If you truly cared you would know he is already at the Quidditch World Cup. You would also know that no one in Magical France is beholden to you. You are hated here more than anywhere else."

Lucius held his tongue and decided to play at the man's wallet; he knew he needed money for a minister run. Maybe having two ministers in his pocket would see him change France's opinion on him. He was sick of being treated in such a way here. "I have heard reports that the ICW is investigating the Boy who lived. I will pay handsomely to know what you know."

To Lucius' surprise the man smirked. "No gold you have will be worth the ridicule my family would receive. Leave my grounds."

Lucius sneered. "I know you require funds for your ministry run. Tell me what you know and I can guarantee you get all the money you need."

Sebastian, much to Lucius' horror, began laughing. "I do not need your money. I will win the ministry position and guarantee your kind has no power in my country ever again."

Shutting the gate Lucius could tell the wards had also been reinforced and he cursed. How dare a lowly French house of no regard talk to him in such a way. Especially one married to a filthy creature. Something was up: how did Sebastian have the money? The French Lestrange branch had told him he was gonna be pushed out of his head Auror position. "Stupid Lestranges. Useless in both nations."

Lucius apparated away deciding to shelve the issue. He was going to meet with some of the old members this coming week anyway. They had decided to convene and relax after a tense month of researching who needed funding. A relative nobody asking from the bottom up could wait. It was clear whoever needed funding didn't know who the betters of the world were.

Sebastian had stayed nearby listening in on Lucius as he whispered to himself "Lestranges." Was the only thing he could really make out as useful information, before the man was gone.

August 10th (8 days before the Quidditch World Cup final)

Queenie was confused. Albania was a shell of its former self. Once an area that was heavily populated with the scum of Europe, it was now a barren wasteland. It seemed something truly horrific had occurred for it all to virtually disappear overnight. Her spy a male in his 50s, had died via sucide. Although he did leave clues that he had been followed and that he feared being captured. He decided to take his CMI issued muggle poison and used a corrosive magical potion to render any magical revival.

The muggle poison was a requirement for individuals to be under Queenie's command. It guaranteed that they took their own lives. Many Wizards and witches could not fathom using muggle methods. Yet, what had the man found was her question.

As Queenie made her way to the main magical community filled with brothels, cursed shops, she could tell there was some weariness of seeing a witch with expensive robes such as hers. She was meeting with a contact at the tavern. The abdicated lord of House Pavlov. Lord Nickolas Pavlov. An older man at this point, he had been the youngest of the Pavlov brothers who killed their father. He never expected to receive the lordship much less use it. As a result he gave it to his oldest Nephew when he believed the man was ready to lead over 17 years ago.

"Lord Pavlov. Thank you for meeting with me. It seems we are aligned in goals this time around. It's been awhile. Age isn't being kind to us anymore I feel." The older man chuckled as Queenie sat down in the private room.

Nickolas had graying hair, but his white hair with his dark Brown eyes fit him well. Especially with his white goatee he looked like a man that held power in his younger years. "One could say the same, but your looks are still as glorious as I remember for those 5 years. Always stringing me along; the little boy I was at the time. I was surprised to get a message from you after so long. I believe it was the 64 when I last heard of you.''

Queenie smiled and nodded her head. "You were not a little boy and maybe in a different life things would have been different. I was committed to my cause and the person I had fallen in love with. I hear it was the same for you at some point. You fel in love with a leading family lady from magical china?"

Nickolas Pavlov smiled remembering the times he had. "Yes. Unfortunately she has passed on. I hope to join her soon. So I believe you did not call this meeting to discuss our past? Vida Rosier is still in prison and Grindelwald as well."

Queenie turned serious at the mention of the women. "Correct. I lost a spy in this region. He committed sucide using my muggle method so I believe it was true. I know the Pavlov family keeps a watch on the area. Maybe to close a watch based on what I have heard."

Nickolas looked at her with questioning eyes. "Yes. The family uses the region as a smuggling channel from the Arabic magical caliphates. The area has become frightened and unruly recently. My nephew sent me earlier in the summer to review a magical disturbance. One of the darkest kinds it seems, a foul being, is walking the earth. I believe the ICW has also looked hence the alertness of the community here. Too many eyes on their way of life has made them scared. Some have begun to take their unsavory businesses elsewhere, mainly Romania. Another factor is the killings and recruiting. Someone is working to building a network. Money is being moved and my nephew hates it being moved from our banks."

Queenie looked worried. "International recruiting? Are you certain?"

Nicholas also felt the worry. Anyone able to sway the darker Eastern European magicals with fear was a worry. "The Pavlov family believes it is Grindelwald. A lot of rumors."

Queenie knew trust had to be shared with Nickolas. "It is not. We have avoided this area. We only come in to explore and research. We are looking into the Dark Lord of magical Britain."

Nickolas looked in thought unsure how to absorb the information. "So Grindelwald is back in some way and you returned to him? Why the Dark Lord of Magical Britain? He was killed by a baby no less."

Queenie sighed. She was unsure of how much to tell the man. Their own kinship went so far and the Pavlov family was known for their loyalty to its family and its causes foremost. Honor was the only way to keep them in line in the past. Even that had fallen to the wayside with the newest lord following a different path. Shadowy even. "I cannot say. Grindelwald is working with the boy who lived. That is as much as I can tell you."

Nicholas understood then. "Virtue, nobility, and might in the Potter name. That is the only reassurance I need. It's not Grindelwald then we should be worried about. I will pass that on to my Nephew then."

Queenie looked at the man. "A tentative partnership then?"

Nickolas would agree that a tentative partnership had been made. Anything more would require the young man to meet with his nephew. "We shall look to introduce Lord Potter to Lord Pavlov. Hopefully we can reach an agreement. Let me know when. I will pull the bank records and send them to you. The money is being moved between multiple smaller questionable families in magical Europe. It has not touched the major families in Europe but it's getting close. It seems some are being blackmailed and others are folding due to fear. The common connection is whispers of a rat. A rat in your home is a bad omen and it seems the blackmail follows afterwards."

Queenie already had an idea. Peter. Voldemort was rebuilding, but internationally? He had to have been keeping himself updated. Something was up. "Any timeline? When did it start?"

Nickolas stood up and got ready to leave. "About early June, coinciding with the magical disturbance in the area."

Queenie now wondered maybe Voldemort had caught on to something? Maybe Grindelwald's vision was coming to pass. A Voldemort in his anger of losing to a baby would walk on magical Europe? It was the only thing that made sense. Unless there was something they missed. Maybe a mole? She would need to review every spy they had. "Thank you Nickolas. I will update you with any other information that we believe is important to Magical Russia."

Nicholas smiled and bowed to kiss her hand. "I will be waiting."

Break break break

Queenie left and was overall troubled. This was going faster than expected. Voldemort had to have known something. She would need to message Grindelwald. The loyalist would need to be fully brought back. They also needed to recruit new blood and give protection to families so they didn't fold into Voldemort immediately. She just hoped it wasn't too late.

She walked out of the town to a waiting Sybil. "Sybil. I need you to contact old families. It's time Harry revived Grindelwald's old forces and families. We have partnered with Pavlov temporarily. We need more. Start with Germany and Switzerland; use Luthwin. Something is up and we are on a back step. Ask Grindelwald about Rosier." Sybil nodded and apparated away.

Queenie stood there at the outskirts of the town. Too much information was missing. She had the feeling that someone knew something about Voldemort planning in Europe. Harry. Harry had a letter from Arcturus. Maybe it could shed some light. She also knew she was missing something here, but what?

Pulling out her letters from the spy as she re-read them. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then a sentence. "Pregnant women found dead in horrific conditions." The date on the letter was one week before the magical disturbance. 7 days to be exact. "Horrific."

The spy had only mentioned it once; she decided to run with it. 7 was a powerful number magically and there was not much more to go by and a gut feeling made her feel it was important. A pregnant woman dying was one thing but to die horrifically meant something else was at play. She headed back into town as the night continued on.

Break break break

August 10th (8 Days before the Quidditch World Cup Final)

Dumbledore was torn. He had been avoiding Harry out of fear and overall guilt. He knew he had made a mistake in trusting Gellert. Yet, at the same time Grindelwald had been successful or rather Queenie had been. It wasn't an obscurial, it was Tom or as Harry had put it 'it's always Voldemort.' Grindelwald had made a point to emphasize that in his letter to him.

Dumbledore breathed in with some frustration. He was now even more confused at what Tom had done. Corrupting a baby was not something he believed Tom wanted to do. Maybe it was? Maybe he decided to control the prophecy? Make Harry a version of himself?

He shook thoughts out of his head. Grindelwald had told him to not focus on Harry. Professor Babbling had been designated to figure out a solution. The clever Professor had been able to hide the issue right under his nose and although he was curious. He understood he probably would have never been able to get more evidence than what he had before going to Grindelwald.

The robe Professor Babbling made for Harry was truly a magical work of runes. The fact it had foreign magical runes all but guaranteed no one in Europe would be able to understand them. No, he would leave it to her. If someone could figure out a reverse ritual it would be Professor Babbling. Her namesake would guarantee it. Furthermore, the trust and love she had for Harry was also a good sign. "Yes. trying to come in between them would see Harry pushed away further. Fawkes, is there anything that can be done for Harry?"

Fawkes trilled. Dumbledore nodded with affirmation. "I understand. He is building himself many trusting individuals. It's a good sign. Do you still agree with me that love is still the power he knows not?"

Fawkes sang. "Hmmmm. Familial love specifically you think? Each and every one of them may come to love him in some way it would seem."

Fawkes sang again. "The Potter Family in all but name? Where do we fit in that?"

Fawkes squaked and fluttered its wings. "Yes yes. I know Harry will always think of you as family, but do you think there is a place for me after all this."

Fawkes sang sadly. "I suspected as much. I will need to regain his trust. You won't help will you?" Fawkes trilled and burst into flames. A little phoenix now stood in the ashes.

Dumbledore grumbled. "A simple 'no' would have been fine. No need to just ignore me and go into a re-birth phase." He sighed. A wayward wonder if Credence had these issues with Fawkes. He chuckled but his eyes grew heavy at the thought of his Nephew.

Dumbledore had been in Paris planning the tournament when the Attack happened. He was about to go to Numengard but had been stopped by a loyalist within the ICW. Clearly Grindelwald knew he would act.

Images of having to fight Harry like he fought Credence came into his mind. Although they had not destroyed anything in Berlin because of his clever enchantment of a water droplet with his Deluminator.

Harry would not have that. He would be able to destroy everything in the Valley. Dumbledore could only fathom how many people would die.

His worry of a high death toll came true but for other reasons. 4 hours later after the attack, to his surprise, Queenie wanted to meet him at the cemetery where she had chosen to side with Grindelwald.

Flashback (Enchantment of Valley day- night time)

"So Dumbledore. Here we are. After so many years. We are back."

Dumbledore looked at Queenie as they stood in the ruins of the circle where Grindelwalds custom Fiendfyre spell picked and chose individuals. "Queenie. I would not believe you would go back to him."

Queenie glared at Dumbledore and with venom responded "Did you really think MACUSA would allow us to live peacefully?! I was forced to become a director. I was forced to continue the same work I did for Grindelwald. Work in the shadows."

Dumbledore looked down sadly. "I had hoped they would ignore and prepare for war."

Queenie looked at him in anger and all but screeched. "ALBUS! I worked with him for 5 years! I brought Magical China to its knees almost single handedly! I tortured people and families all across Europe! I helped kill half of the Italian mafia magical families with Rosier! I used love potions on a no-maj and still married him afterwards?! Did you really think that I would be given peace?!"

Queenie controlled herself and stopped yelling. Her emotions got the best of her at seeing the man who promised her a way out when she was so young. She continued. "You are more of a fool then I thought. My younger self really thought you could change all that. You manipulate everyone around you and people pay. I paid."

Queenie fully collected herself and stopped. "I did what needed to be done. I got that stupid law repealed and I was at least able to live a good life with Jacob."

Dumbledore smiled slightly "Onto the next adventure did he go?"

Queenie tried not to give the man anything but she knew he cared for everyone he knew. "Yes. 10 years ago. He went peacefully around our kids and grandkids. All of them live in New York and went to Ilvermorny with Tina's children. I never was the mom or grandma I could have been. Always working. They don't even know my real name. I know they have resentment. They never fully knew what I did. Jacob being the only one. Maybe on my deathbed I will tell them that I am a wanted criminal. Major parts of the magical world want me dead and I am working for a clandestine department in the MACUSA."

Dumbledore nodded sadly, a new guilt forming. Another one to add to many in his long life. "I do not think you came looking for me after so long to tell me this."

Queenie glared at the man. "No. You are right. I was brought back into the fold by Grindelwald. He showed his hand a month ago. I was sent to spy on Hogwarts and report on what I saw."

Dumbledore looked at the broken ceiling. "You were the report that was arriving that day I visited him."

Queenie smirked looking up as well. "Sheda did an admirable job hiding everything from you. Thank goodness, since it forced you to go to Grindelwald."

Queenie began to pace looking at Dumbledore . "Knowing you, you probably would have thought he would be a lost cause. Maybe raise him to die at the hands of Voldemort."

Dumbledore sighed looking back down. "I would have looked for any solution possible. The same that I did for Credence and should have done for Arianna."

Queenie looked at the burn markings in the cemetery. She wanted to doubt him and hate him even, but she relented. "Possible. You have changed quite a lot since those times."

Dumbledore did agree with the statement. He wasn't fully sure what he would have done if left alone to deal with Harry. It's why he was so fearful. "So is Harry an obscurial?"

Queenie pulled a memory vial out and handed it to Albus. "No. Thankfully, it seems Voldemort has a hand in it. Harry stated he saw Voldemort and that he took control of the hallucination curse I casted on him."

Dumbledore sighed in relief and pocketed the vial. Queenie continued. "The death toll will be high to get this information. I believe north of 2000 people died. Harry was able to avoid capture one night. ICW agents have been on my tail since coming to Europe. That night, they followed me and I had to incapacitate 6 of them as Harry's magic had an episode. They saw what was happening to him so I had to strip their minds clean. Harry also attempted to use their incapacitated bodies in his escape."

Dumbledore looked worried but Queenie waved it off. "It's no issue. He was Bold, but I talked to Sheda about it. She reprimanded him. The ICW now knows I am acting or at least have strong suspicions. Argentina was already a misstep by some of our agents that I had to clean up. Stupid young wizard got himself corrupted by a dark object. He almost killed the entire team and civilians."

Queenie began mumbling about careless youth with too many ambitions. "We decided to test the obscurus theory and have him meet with Grindelwald in one swoop. One of my lieutenants was in charge of the plan to distract and attack the village. The stress of the attack would theoretically bring out the obscurus in defense. In the end, we used Lethifolds for the attack."

Dumbledore rubbed his temple as he took off his glasses. It was too much information to process, much less comprehend. "Harry's patronus and the fact that the Lethifolds had been there earlier?"

Queenie grimaced with a nod. "100 of them at first, 99 of them now. They ate well."

Dumbledore looked gloomily at the ground, but then a small smile came. "Harry killed one?"

Queenie was surprised Dumbledore would assume Harry. "Yes. With a knife. I believe it has Basilisk venom."

Dumbledore put on his glasses. "He must have gone back to the chamber. Good thing I asked the elves to clean the entryway."

Queenie then recounted the rest of the story. Once she was done Dumbledore stood in front of her motionless with his hands behind his back. "I believe there is much I have to make up for. Gerrelt and I paid a high price for the information. Let's make sure we use it well. Thank you Queenie. I assume you will go back to Harry."

Queenie nodded and looked at him. "One last thing. Harry is in a coma. It seems that he used too much magic in charming the valley. Although I will admit, I don't think it's the full picture. He did something and I believe the veela, Fleur, and Sheda know what truly happened."

Dumbledore began to wonder, but decided to leave it be. He wouldn't dig, too many uncertainties and unknowns. It was best to plan once the dust settled. "Let Harry have his secrets. He will hopefully wake up soon and if he sees it fit, he can tell us. Too many of us have our own secrets and he should be allowed to have his if he wishes."

Queenie looked slightly shocked. "My. my. my Dumbledore. You have changed. Maybe an old fool can learn new tricks."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Life is an experience of continuous learning, Queenie. I am sorry for my negligence in what occurred to you."

Queenie looked at Albus and realized she saw him as an equal now. A lifetime of growing old and questionable decisions made her realize that his apology was a genuine one. "Most of it was me, Albus and as much as I hate it—-"

Queenie breathed in with frustration. Knowing she shouldn't hide from what she did so long ago."I chose my life in this very spot. The moment I crossed the fire to join Grindelwald was the moment I set myself on this path."

Queenie looked around at the ruins and with her dreamy voice responded. "I was still able to weave gold out of the hard life I chose. I had kids, grandkids and saw them grow up with no worries in life. Our magical world could be so much better, but we are held back. Held back by so many things. It's why I decided to help Harry. He could lead Europe out and maybe be an example for everyone else. Yet, when I looked into his life and spied on him—-"

Queenie looked back at Dumbledore. "Don't say sorry to me Albus. I was an adult when I made my choices and am now an old witch. Harry is only just coming into his own and that young teen is who you have to say sorry to. You failed him in more ways than I can count. "

Dumbledore nodded sadly. "An issue that I am realizing more and more every single day. Until another time then Queenie. I will attempt to visit."

Break break break.(end of flashback)

Dumbledor tried to visit Harry after what happened at Nurmengard but was grilled by a clearly distressed Babbling and Sirius. As a result, he decided to leave them be.

Dumbldore decided to reconnect with former order members and look to rebuild the order. It was now clear Tom would return and he needed to know what was happening in Magical Britain. What he had learned from some old contacts was not great.

He looked at the letter from Kingsley again. 'Dumbledore. Some lessor families have begun to whisper of something coming from the mainland. Every ministry meeting has individuals caring less and less. Something is happening and people are afraid. I concur that the order should be reinstated to prepare for whatever is coming.'

"Has Tom finally returned?" Dumbledore spoke to himself.

Break Break Break (Location:Black Forest

ate: August 11th 7 days before the Quidditch cup world final)

"Peter!" A childish voice startled Peter Pettegrew awake. The rat-like wizard quickly made his way over to the sitting abomination by the fireplace.

The voice came from an unholy infant that was currently seated on a log while overlooking a fire. Its ability to walk on its own and communicate was a horror of magic, but its grotesque figure was only worsened by its constant bleeding. "Bath me in the unicorn blood again. This form cannot handle my powerful soul. In time, it will fail me fully and we must plan for that eventual failure. What of Barty?"

Peter quickly made his way back to his potion bag to retrieve the blood vials. He wondered about Barty and his luck that the wizard had freed himself.

Barty crouch Jr. had rejoined the dark lord

following the magical disturbance caused by Voldemort's new form. The magical disturbance had briefly allowed Voldemort to connect with his followers via the dark mark.

Barty, in turn, was able to free himself from his father's influence just enough when the connection briefly granted him mental clarity to escape. Once he escaped his father, Barty used the lingering connection of the Mark to join Peter and the dark lord in Albania. Once there he helped plan for what would be the Dark Lord's glorious return.

Peter whimpered as he grabbed a vial of unicorn blood and made his way back over to the baby Dark Lord. "M. M. My dark lord. Barty has reported that he has successfully impersonated Moody and captured the man alive. He reassures that Dumbledore is not aware of the switch and that no one came to defend Moody. He also reports that everyone is afraid in magical Britain. There are too many false alarms happening across the country regarding Death Eaters to accurately review every report."

Peter opened the vial of blood and began to pour the blood over the baby's head. He then tried to hide his disgust as he began to massage the blood into the babies body.

The unholy infant looked up at Peter. "My Dark Mark being used in Germany has proven to be useful to us. It is good that it still instills fear."

Baby Voldemort began to wonder what to do and who used his dark mark.

Baby Voldemort knew he could not do much and with only two inner circle members it limited his reach. "If only more followers were as useful as Barty and even you, Peter. What of the international families? Who will join our cause?"

Peter looked worried that the information would not be satisfactory and responded. "Recruitment has virtually stopped. There is only so much that blackmail can do to influence individuals to our side. Other potential recruits have ignored or only lend financial support. The financial support is spreading but whispers continue on what is being supported. I believe once they see your magnificence return they will fall in line and lend their wands."

Baby Voldemort sighed in anger. He hated that Barty had left. Barty had been much more effective at being threatening then Peter was.

His current grotesque form allotted too much fear.

A fact proven true when a low level family in Ukraine decided to kill themselves rather than support him after he revealed himself to them. Their deaths resulted in their small fortune being left in the hands of the Pavlov family. A family he did not want to cross wands with. "Warn the families that support us financially to not speak of who I am or what is being supported. Tell them to stop reaching out to other families and to relax. We do not want to show our hand. We have enough for now. There are already too many rumors about the Dark Mark's usage."

Baby Voldemort growled, he hated having to start almost from nothing. "Do we know who DARE use my mark? Regardless of what Barty was able to do. I want to know. What of the families that have joined? Have they been of any use?"

Peter stuttered again. "I will pass along the word M. lord, but No. We do not know who used the Dark mark. I still believe it was some families affiliated with us from Magical Britain having too much fun. Barty does not agree with me. He argues the sun being blocked shows it was planned beforehand."

Baby Voldemort sneered at the idiocy of the rat. "I agree with Barty, Peter. See the clues you ignoramus rat. A twilight on that scale is hard to execute for mere fun. This was no fun and if it was? Well they will pay for using my name in such a way. Although, I must say, 2,000 killed. I will give them credit for that. It is a tragedy on a scale not seen before." Peter began to have a stuttering attack and Voldemort looked away before his anger led him to kill the fool.

Voldemort gave credit to whoever had committed the act but in the end Harry Potter had saved the Valley. The young teen had enchanted an entire valley to do so.

It was a feat of magic that Voldemort knew he could do at his current age but certainly not in his teens. The prophecy began to ring in his head and he wondered, maybe there was more to it?

The Potter family was an oddity and this only further pointed to it. He glanced at his baby arm very briefly remembering the 1st fight with the family. The first of 3 encounters that would see him almost lose to the family. A fact that angered him greatly, but one he could not blame anyone for.

It was a bitter truth that he was inadequately prepared each time he faced them. Each fight was a bitter defeat to his ego, but at least each resulted in a part of the Potter family being dead. Yet, since then he had been handed his 1st true defeat.

The young Harry had not defeated him, but rather his mother's lingering protection. In some ways, even after death the Potter family guaranteed torment. The blasted mother's protection through Ancient magic had truly been underestimated. Voldemort had ignored Rookwood's research as being useless. He would need to free the man if his plans didn't go well. No more hasty choices made in anger was his new ideology.

Peter continued speaking finally after recovering from his speech attack. Ohhh Voldemort loathed the rat. "The families that have joined and lended their wands have been spying at my behest. I had them spying on a few ICW agents that fortunately have been tracking H. and his group. It seems a Hogwarts professor and a classmate are with him; they saw them in the Paris ministry. I have not heard any word since, but I believe H. will be at the Quidditch World Cup. The Weasley boy loved sport."

Baby Voldemort nodded, feeling the unicorn blood rejuvenate him. He hated the rat but Peter had his uses. Peter had learned a lot under Yaxley after Hogwarts and it seemed that skill lingered in the 13 years since. Maybe he could permanently be in charge of his spying arm. Maybe death wouldn't be an option for him… yet. "Good job Peter, your ability to betray and spy on the Potter family has no bounds. Warn the individuals that we are currently communicating with to not touch the boy nor attack the World Cup final. I fear by then this body will truly start to fight me. We must lay low and allow Barty to work on his stupid plan. Let us begin moving to the French border."

Peter grimaced seeing 'it' stand up from the log and begin walking with proper posture. Its naked body shouldn't have been able to support its weight in such a way. The blood dripped onto the ground as it walked deeper into the forest as Nagini slithered next to it. It was truly an abomination.

Break break break

August 13th (5 Days before the Quidditch World Cup Final)

Sebastian felt anxious. He had been working on his announcement for his campaign since his brief meeting with Lucius.

Sebastian had reconvened his campaign team and had his sights set on winning in a landslide. The vote would be in December and he was sure he could win. The funding would go far and his campaign promise, to investigate corruption once in office, would carry him even farther. He knew that the first House investigated would be the French Lestranges, but he also planned to fully change the government once and for all.

Ever since Sebastian's meeting with Lucius a part of him wondered if he was doing something wrong. Using foreign money to win? An action not too dissimilar to what toppled the French empire of the 18th century.

Sebastian then wondered what he told his daughters and what Harry had told him. 'Lead for your daughters. Maybe then House Potter would see itself living in France.' He would do it. It didn't matter where the money came from, it's what he did with it that mattered. He would win no matter what. Virtue was more important than tactics.

The noble Lords and Ladies of magical France had used underhanded tactics to crush popular tax bills and popular social reform. They only offered themselves tax breaks and subsidies to enrich themselves.

Once in position Sebastian would investigate and change it all. He would strip the power from the ones who controlled everything. He would rip apart the power structure to the point that houses had only prestige in name. They would have no real power in the government outside of what the people wanted. France would be the first and the blueprint. A true French magical Republic.

He finished his announcement speech as his passion and dream took hold once more. The Haute bourgeoisie would bleed once more but by the actions of its people not foreign influence.

August 15th (3 Days before the Quidditch World Cup final)

Ophelia was sitting in her living room reading when the Flo came to life and Lord Silvan walked in looking angrily at Ophelia. She paid him no attention as she continued reading. "Ophelia what is Daphne doing with Lord Potter at the Quidditch World Cup. Why was I not told of her relationship with the Boy?"

Ophelia hummed as she stood up, her book falling to the ground on purpose. Her tight fitting robes highlighted her curvy body. The black hair in a tight ponytail brought attention to her long neck. Her wide hips became pronounced as she bent down to pick up the book she dropped.

Ophelia caught Silvan's wandering eyes and smirked; he still couldn't resist. She turned to face him "I do recall you said that you would never care what we did. So please tell me why it matters now?"

Silvan sneered and summoned the ward book of the manor. It came flying from upstairs and flew into his hand a tad harder than expected. A fact that did not escape the two of them.

Ophelia's eyes widened just slightly and a cruel smile overtook her. "My my. Is it already here for you?" She walked up to Silvan who looked furious as he stared at her. She stood on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. "Such a shame. That the curse took my husband first. I would have loved to be on his arm as you died."

Ophelia pulled away laughing seeing the joke of a man leer at her breasts. She went back to the sofa tossing the book she was reading and sat down. She crossed her legs as she looked back at him.

Silvan tore his eyes from her and read the ward book. "He was here?! You let him stay here!?"

Ophelia smiled. "Yes, he was a fine gentleman. Unfortunately he doesn't see Daphne as more than a friend. I would write a contract for them if he did."

Silvan started pacing. "I was invited by some unsavory families to a gathering. I turned them down, but to my surprise they got mad and asked why I was allowing a member of my House to talk to Lord Potter. Imagine my surprise when I confirmed it. Ophelia there is a—" The man stopped as he looked down.

Ophelia stared at him as Silvan looked at her bare feet. She knew the man had a foot fetish. A thing many Witches in their world didn't act on, but she knew the man's every weakness.

Ophelia hated Silvan with every fiber of her being and she loved tormenting him. The man couldn't get enough of the torment ever since her husband died. She thought he would have killed her by now or even kicked her out of the House. She never expected that the man liked being demeaned and was fueled by his sexual desires. It was easy to manipulate the man as a result, but she never acted on anything. A fact that only made it worse because to her horror the man liked being kept frustrated.

Her husband was a proper man in her eyes. While all this proved that Silvan was less of a man then anyone would ever imagine. "Yes? I was invited to the gathering as well. I shall be there as a proper secondary lady of my House."

Silvan clearly got frustrated and marched up to her. "You whore. Is this how you respect my brother's memory? Prancing around trying to seduce his brother."

Ophelia moved her toes around catching Silvan glances. She smiled as she stood up again. "You are not even half the man he was. You could never do anything to me, much less pleasure me like he did. You always wanted me, but never acted when I first met you or even after he passed. I honor him on my own, but I make sure I honor my Father in Law by reminding his eldest son how much of a disappointment he is. How many muggle women have you been fucking recently?"

Ophelia walked away from him, but saw the bulge in his pants and scoffed. "You truly are pathetic. I bet your wife doesn't even know what it takes to get you to really get off. Simple words, no?"

Ophelia sat down in a chair and began to put on a pair of heels. Silvan recovered enough to walk back up to her. "I have been forced to donate money to a cause. I was manipulated by a family in the Netherlands after being caught with a muggle born witch who played into some fantasies."

Ophelia finished puttin on her 6.5 inch heels. A tad too tall for actual daily use, but this wasn't for daily use. She stood up as Silvan took a small step back. "Fantasies?" She smirked as she now looked down at him slightly. "What kind of fantasies would cause you to donate money?"

Silvan sighed into a sneer. "You know what kind of fantasies. You're half of them."

Ophelia laughed cruelly into his face. "Me? Pathetic. So you donated money. You are a fool if you are helping a dark lord come to power." She began to walk to the kitchen effortlessly all the while swaying her hips.

Silvan followed behind her. "Ophelia. Please. They requested information about Lord Potter. I need to provide it or else."

Silvan desperately followed behind Ophelia trying not to focus on her behind. "Tell Daphne to spy on him. We will be rewarded greatly I believe. Truthfully, I have a feeling it's our dark lord."

Ophelia turned around and slapped Silvan. Silvan, in shock, clutched his cheek while Ophelia glared at the man. "I will never force my daughter to do anything. She isn't like you or your own daughter. She has a spine and goals and the Dark Lord, are you mad?"

Silvan looked at her in the eyes. Ophelia though was disgusted she still saw desire in his eyes. He looked down seeing her disgusted expression. "Yes. Rumors and the Dark Mark point that it may be him coming back. People say ITS coming to Magical Britain but things have gotten quite recently. I don't know what IT is but people are afraid. Please Ophelia. Help me. I will leave my wife and you can join me in the main manor. You can do anything you want to me, and I will make Daphne the primary Heir."

Ophelia was surprised but she hid it. Silvan was terrified. He was not just being pathetic. He was truly terrified. She expected to be thrown out of the House after so many years of tormenting the wizard. Yet, She was now being offered a seat in the main Greengrass manor all the while the world around them began to fall like dominoes pieces.

Ophelia then remembered Harry's patronus. He knew something and had passed the information along. Maybe a network of individuals? It made sense he would react to any knowledge especially if he had seen the Dark mark used. In that case throwing her lot with Lord Potter was still the safest bet.

The fool of Silvan had written their death certificates. He had possibly tied them to the Dark lord who would not take 'no' from Daphne lightly. He would kill them all until Daphne bent the knee which she would never do.

Ophelia walked up to Silvan who tripped and fell on his butt, while she towered over him. She put her right heel on his crotch and he flinched as she bent down. "You have doomed this House. It will end under your watch. All because you couldn't keep your fantasies in check you weak willed man."

Ophelia glared at him and sneered. "You act on Daphne andI will make sure you are killed. My daughter is the most important thing to me. And she will never stand for what you want. Get out of my manor."

Silvan stared at her with terrified eyes as the realization she wouldn't help at all came over him. He flinched again as she dug her heel in. Ophelia wanted to curse him but held her wand as her anger began to run from her. "By the way, that is the closest I am ever getting to your disgusting joke of manhood. Get out!" Silvan quickly got up and Flo away.

Ophelia stood there for a second before she screamed in anger. Pulling her wand out she sent a blasting curse at the grand window in the living room destroying it and leaving a gaping hole in the manor. She then collapsed in place crying. "Cygnus. If you were only here. I can't. I can't do it. Your brother is such a fucking IDIOT and a spineless man!" She yelled with more frustration and then she began to calm down.

The angry tears subsided and she looked at the hole with contempt. She casted a repair charm and the hole began to repair itself. Collecting herself she went to the Flo and headed to the Bank. Upgraded wards where needed and she needed to bleed Silvan dry. The idiot will lose everything. The Greengrass house as it stood now will cease to exist if it was the last thing she did. The question being did she want to humiliate it further or kill Silvan outright. A cruel smile on her face as she thought of the possibilities.

August 17th (One day before the quidditch World Cup final)

Alexandra was picking up on so much chatter in the dark corners of the British Magical world. If anything it was becoming difficult to discern what was true and what wasn't. And to think people thought spying was an easy task.

Alexandra also quickly realized that her conventional approach to spying was not going to work in Magical Britain. Following individuals around was simple in MACUSA but the lord and ladies hierarchy and power structure of magical Britain made it rather difficult.

She had been given access to some funds, but even with the money it was hard to fit into the social system. For example, the usage of expensive robes called too much attention in the insular nation that looked down on foreigners.

Alexandra was also not a fan of the femme fatale route. Her own respect and talent with her wand made her a tad too proud to use her looks. In turn, she decided to go down the route of brutal mind invasion, control and mental games.

A strategy that allowed her to follow Harry's information into the deepest corners of the social hairacy of magical Britain. It was lower level Ladies who had been exposed to whispers; Ladies of no regard to international dealings.

Yet, one high ranking individual seemingly found themselves tied into all of this.

Lord Greengrass was the highest ranking Lord to be strong armed into "donating to a cause as it was whispered. The whispers then all seemingly stopped. Every whisper just stopping was not natural in Alexandra's opinion. They had been commanded.

Her target in turn was Lord Greengrass. Daphne's Uncle if she remembered correctly. She was able to follow the man in the knockturn alley as he left the brothel. A pick up in clientele showed that the rich had calmed down a bit in the recent week. Maybe the calm down was an order as well?

Alexandra bumped into him just as he was about to use a portkey. "Sorry my bad."

Silvan was about to comment on her stupidity and her lack of respect; he then felt a wand on his crotch. "You yell or pull your wand. I cut it off. Give me your wand."

Silvan gulped and handed her his wand as she pushed him deeper into a darker part of the alley where most people would disappear. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Alexandra smiled under her cloak. "You donated to a cause, why? Any contacts?"

Silvan paled. Someone else knew. But who? And to use methods like this? "I know nothing. I was blackmailed. It is common, it appears. I was caught in a compromising position with a muggleborn witch in the red light district of magical Holland. The owners of the brothel allow poly juice potions on their girls. They captured photos and are associated with the criminal families of the area. I know nothing more."

Alexandra looked at the man in disgust.

PolyJuice brothels were banned in almost every country in the magical world. It was considered a sick practice and frowned upon by even the most questionable families.

Any individual who participated in the acts, either by willingly drinking the potion or indulging in someone who had, where considered individuals with no morals or control of there urges.

Although not studied enough, there where emerging theories that individuals could get magically addicted to the sexual acts committed when PolyJuice was involved. A curse in the same vain as liquid luck. In this case the sexual acts corrupted the individual as they progressively became less and less able to control urges. At first it would be potential lovers but overtime it would become forbidden acts and individuals; such as family.

The man in front of Alexandra clearly could not control his wants. She would need to clean her wand after this. "Have you been told to do anything? Or are they only requesting money?" Silvan was trying to figure out an escape route but leaving his wand would be even more problematic. He was stressed and he felt his magic flare as a response. The pain that followed was worse than usual.

Alexandra noticed his magic flare and moved her wand to his neck. "What are you doing? I have your wand. I know you can't do wandless magic."

Silvan gulped "Family secret. Nothing for you to worry about. It's harmless to you."

Alexandra was confused. Silvan talked through the pain ignoring her confusion. "They requested that my niece give up information on her new friend. Lord Potter."

Alexandra smiled internally. Finally some worthwhile information. "Have you given any?"

Silvan looked at her and thought maybe he could overpower her physically. He was much taller than her. She was probably 5'6 at best to his 6'2 height. He was surprised when he heard legilimency.

Alexandra felt the man tighten his muscles and knew he was gonna act. Deciding to invade his mind and find what she needed she acted quickly. The spell worked as intended but she was surprised to find weak defenses. She quickly overpowered him and dived into his mind. A part of her wanted to throw up at what she saw. It seemed the man visited the poly juice brothel to fulfill his sick fantasies of being with his sister in law in a demeaning way.

Alexandra avoided the sexual acts and dug through Silvan's mind. Looking through his memories she found the one the man spoke off. The dark family had thrown Silvan in front of a man in a dark cloak.

The man under the cloak was well spoken and his accent was clearly British. "It seems we all have sick fantasies?" The man stopped as if something was caught in his mouth. "Don't we? Sister in law is not a new one for people like you, but to be demeaned in such a way. Now that is new."

The cloaked man stopped again. "To be told you are nothing to your younger brother is humiliating. Yet, you even requested that another man fuck the mudblood is a sight I don't think many in Magical Britain will let pass. I of course can let this slide for a monthly donation to a worthy cause."

Silvan then begged and agreed to a 5,000 galleon a month donation. The man in the cloak laughed. "Just know this is the beginning. We are trying to limit how much gold is moved currently, but be prepared to offer more."

Alexandra then looked for any memories associated with the cloaked individual. She found it when Silvan received a letter two days ago. It was not addressed and asked for his niece to provide any information of value to the Dark lord. The fool had responded last night stating that a family member had acted out of line and that he could not obtain information. The idiot was now waiting.

Curious again Alexandra looked for interaction with the family member and found it. Ophelia Greengrass, she had to admit was a beautiful witch. She watched the interaction with some admiration and respect. Although she could not do the Femme Fatale part, women who were not blessed with her wand skills needed to use any tool they had. It was clear Ophelia knew she had the man by the balls. As there conversation ended she noticed Ophelia's eyes realize the comment on the dark lord. "Smart lady." She mumbled.

Ophelia was in danger though and it was only time before the idiot acted. She would communicate it with Harry, possibly more information could be extracted from the man before he truly became compromised. The man had destroyed his family. It would be a miracle if his wife and daughter survived. About to leave the man's mind she saw a memory and it grabbed her interest. It was a meeting with Lucius Malfoy where the man questioned his niece's relation to Lord Potter. After being invited to a party, a party that Lord Greengrass denied. It was to take place tomorrow right before the final.

She backed out and quickly deleted any interaction and implanted new memories of him being drunk and passing out in a corner. Leaving him there she made her way to escape before she bumped into a short man. He had a terrible mustache but his eyes were glazed over she thought. As she tried to steady the man another man quickly came by her. He had one magical eye and a magical staff to her surprise. Not many in Europe used them besides ceremonial purposes. "Sorry. Man cant hold his alcohol. Let's go."

The man grumbled. The other man began talking. "Why yes. My son did get 12 Owls outstanding. How did you know? Yes, we are very proud of him."

Alexandra quickly continued walking. The man was clearly suffering from a imperius curse. She would need to review anyone missing, but first she had a party to crash. She apparated away before anything else happened.