Chapter 25
AN: Thank you so much for the support, I really hope you like this chapter.
At Mie's words everyone turns to look at her, all looking various amounts of surprise as they know that for Mie to know what Regulus is talking about then it must be bad.
"What do you mean you know this?" Moody asks, clearly wanting all the information.
"I once asked Remus… future Remus," Mie adds, looking at the teenage version of the person she is talking about. "About when he joined the Order," Mie reveals, remembering that it was a conversation they had before fifth year, after she was at Grimmauld place but before Harry was. "He told me that during his seventh year on Easter Monday there was a double attack," Mie explains, trying to remember every detail Remus told her as she knows that they will need all the information they can get. "Death Eaters simultaneously attacked Hogsmeade and the Muggles leaving Church in Godric's Hollow," Mie explains. "Remus, and he told me his friends, so I assume that means everyone who stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays, were in Hogsmeade and they, you, helped fight back," Mie explains. "There was a fleet of Aurors, half the ministry, and that meant there was no loss of life in Hogsmede," Mie explains, and because of her specific words everyone is concerned about what she is about to say. "In contrast, Godric's Hollow was a massacre," Mie explains, pain in her voice, as she remembers Remus's face when he told her, it's something she will never forget. "A few days after it was leaked to the Daily Prophet that the ministry was warned about both attacks, and they only sent Aurors to Hogsmeade," Mie explains, and various looks of horror appear on people's faces.
"Why…" Lily starts to ask, but then a look of complete horror appears on her face as she comes to a realisation. "The ministry didn't send help because the attack on Godric's Hollow was focused on Muggles," Lily says, a look of complete horror on her face.
"That was exactly what happened," Mie confirms. "According to Remus, while the Ministry weren't in Godric's Hollow the Order was," Mie explains, and the members of the Order in the room are glad about that. "You did what you could, but you were significantly outnumbered," Mie says, looking between her father, uncle, Minerva, and Moody, all of whom are glad about that. "That was the first time, ever, that even speculation about the Order Existing was in the Daily Prophet," Mie explains. "The way the ministry acted led to not just Remus, but a lot of the seventh years to go to Dad and ask to join the Order," Mie explains to everyone, and they realise that that fits with what they learn when Future Moody showed Harry the picture of the Order.
"His plan backfired," Regulus says, and everyone turns to look at him. "Voldemort does plan on giving the ministry warning," Regulus reveals, as he was told that. "Because he knows the Minster will act exactly like he did in your timeline," Regulus says, looking at Mie. "The Hogsmeade attack will be focused on Wizardkind where the Godric Hollow attack is focused on Muggles, unfortunately it's not hard to predict how the ministry will react, who they will feel it is necessary to protect," Regulus says with a frown. "Voldemort plans to use this attack to show how weak the ministry is, how incapable of protecting people they are so he can gain more followers," Regulus explains. "But it sounds like he does the opposite, and he causes more people to want to fight against him," Regulus comments, wondering if it was him who warned Dumbledore in the other timeline, though it's a question he will never get an answer to.
"Sounds like it," Mie realises. "We need a plan," Mie says, looking at her father, and feeling concerned as ever since his visit with Gellert he hasn't been himself, so she is worried about him needing to lead a battle.
"Yes, we do," Albus says, focusing on what he needs to do rather than Gellert who has been who he has been constantly thinking about since he left Austria. "Regulus, Annemie, let's discuss all the details you know," Albus says, and using the information Mie and Regulus know they start to work out their plan for how they are going to handle what they know is coming.
After about an hour of planning with the others Mie and Albus are returning to their quarters. While Mie considered joining all her friends in the unused classroom, they have claimed she couldn't ignore the feeling that her father needed her, so she went with him back to their quarters rather than with her friends.
"Do you think we will be able to convince the Minister to send Aurors to both Hogsmeade and Godric's Hollow?" Mie asks her father, even though she suspects she knows the answer she wants to know her father's opinion, as they walk into their quarters.
"I would like to believe that Harold can be convinced to see sense, but I am unsure," Albus admits, as he sits down at the table. "I will talk to the Minster, and we'll go from there," Albus explains, Mie nods, and sits down across from him as Albus pulls over parchment and a quill to start to make notes of things so he can work out his thoughts.
"Dad, are you okay?" Mie asks concerned as Albus stops what he is doing and looks at his daughter, and he realises something he needs to do.
"Annemie, I owe you an apology, for the way I was the other night," Albus explains, feeling bad that Annemie saw him like that.
"Dad, no, that's not what I'm asking," Mie tells her father. "You have nothing to apologise for, I just wanted to make sure you were okay," Mie explains to her father. "Are you?" She asks in a gentle voice.
"I… I don't know the answer to that," Albus admits.
"Did I make a mistake convincing you to go see Grindelwald?" Mie asks her father, feeling that now that he is sober, she will get a clear, honest, answer about whether it was a good idea or not.
"No, Annemie, you were right, it was something I had to do," Albus tells his daughter. "I am going to visit with Gellert again," Albus informs Mie.
"Um, Dad, do you think that's a good idea?" Mie asks hesitantly, as from what she saw the other night she really doesn't think it is. "According to Uncle Ab you drunk half a bottle of whiskey in less than ten minutes," Mie tells her father. "If that's how you reacted after visiting with him once do you really think it's good for you to visit with him again?" Mie asks concerned. "I ask for no other reason other than I'm worried about you, Dad," Mie tells her father, not sure if she is crossing a line but feeling the need to share her concerns given the circumstances.
"I know, I appreciate that, but I need to keep visiting Gellert," Albus tells his daughter, who gives him an interested look. "I drunk that whiskey not because of anything Gellert said or did, but because I left him, because I have to leave him there, and I cannot be with him all the time," Albus explains, pain in his voice and as she really hates that Mie reaches out and takes her father's hand. "I told Gellert where you're from and what we're trying to do," Albus tells Mie, who has to quickly stop herself before she says how much of a bad idea she thinks that is, knowing that that will just hurt her father which she refuses to do. "He apologised for what he did, said that he knows that he was wrong to do what he did, vowed to do whatever he could to help prevent your future," Albus explains to Mie's shock.
"He did?" Mie asks, and Albus nods. "And you trust him?" Mie asks, being pretty sure that her father has a huge blindspot when it comes to Grindelwald, but still asking the question.
"I've been lied to by Gellert before," Albus admits, trying not to think about those painful times. "I know when he's being sincere and every second we spent together four days ago he was being sincere," Albus explains.
"Okay, I trust your judgement," Mie tells her father with a nod and that honestly means everything to him. "The blood adoption effected Grindelwald, and the two of you had a blood oath once," Mie says, having so many questions about that, but she still isn't sure it's the best time to ask all of them. "Do you think there are other effects that we haven't discovered yet?" Mie asks her father.
"I'm not sure," Albus admits. "I did not even consider this could happen," Albus tells his daughter. "I would have warned if I had," Albus assures Mie.
"I know," Mie assures him. "I've been doing some research," Mie reveals and Albus isn't at all surprised by that. "From what I've found there has been nothing like this before," Mie admits.
"I believe this is the first time something like this has happened," Albus tells his daughter. "Gellert and I created the blood oath when we were seventeen, and eventually the troth, the physical representation, was destroyed," Albus reveals, not wanting to get into that story right now. "But I continued to feel…. Him," Albus admits. "Gellert thinks that because we've been so apart of each other for so long that our magic recognized it, and that's why he was affected when I adopted you, but his abilities are why he can sense our emotions," Albus explains to his daughter, and Mie looks curious about that.
"What do you think?" Mie asks her father.
"I think he's correct," Albus admits. "There is so much about blood magic that we don't know, that we cannot know," Albus admits. "Gellert's theory makes sense, but I'm sorry I don't have more of a concreate answer for you," Albus tells his daughter.
"Dad, it's okay," Mie assures him. "I know most people, yourself included, expect you to know everything but I don't," Mie tells her father. "You don't have to apologize to me for anything related to this," Mie tells her father, who nods. "Do you know when you're going to see Gellert again?" Mie asks her father, switching to the name her father's been using as she just thinks it's the better choice.
"No," Albus answers. "I want to go as soon as possible, but I cannot forget my responsibilities," Albus tells his daughter.
"I get it," Mie says as she's been feeling that, the struggle between how much she wants to see Regulus but the reality that they both have missions to do, and the two of them drift into silence.
The following morning Albus would very much like to be on his way to Austria, but rather he is in the office of the Minister of Magic trying to get him to see sense.
"See sense Harold!" Albus exclaims, trying to keep his voice calm, despite the annoyance and anger he is feeling.
"I am seeing sense! I am focusing on protecting my people!" Minchum responds.
"And what about the people of Godric's Hollow? They need protection too," Albus argues.
"My job isn't to protect Muggles," Minchum informs Albus, as just as what happened in the timeline Mie is from the ministry has been warned of the attacks, and the motivations behind both attacks.
"That is a fundamental misunderstanding of your role, and it is that misunderstanding that Voldemort is counting on," Albus tells Minchum, who flinches at the use of Voldemort's name.
"I do not need you to tell me what my job is Dumbledore," Minchum says, standing up. "I have a meeting, you can show yourself out," Minchum says before leaving, leaving Albus to feel very frustrated and very much wishing that he could get the minster to see sense.
Three days have passed since Albus attempted to get the Minster to see sense, something which he has continued to do, but he has unfortunately been unsuccessful. While attempting to convince the Minster to act Albus has also been preparing the Order, reaching out to other for help, and due to what Mie knows and reveals he can't help but feel like he is leading them to their slaughter.
It is the easter Monday and from the timeline they know from both Regulus and Mie there is ninety minutes before the simultaneous attacks on Hogsmeade and the Muggle Populations of Godric Hallow is due to occur. Having once again failed to convince the Ministry to change how he is going to respond to the attack Albus is walking into his quarters where Mie, dressed not in robes but in muggles clothes and prepared for battle, is pacing back and forth, the second she hears the door open Mie turns to look at her father and from the second she sees him Mie knows what has occurred.
"He didn't change his mind," Mie says, it being a statement and not a question.
"He didn't change his mind," Albus confirms.
"We're not going to be able to save everyone are we?" Mie asks, pain in her voice.
"We will do our best," Albus tells Mie.
"I can't believe him, we're not asking for all the aurors, just a few more would…." Mie says, then she looks like she is getting ideas, like pieces are falling into place for her.
"Annemie? What is it?" Albus asks his daughter, noticing the look on her face.
"Are Minerva and Moody still meeting you in your office?" Mie asks her father.
"Yes," Albus confirms.
"Don't leave until I get back," Mie tells her father, then before he can ask any questions Mie goes running out of their quarters, causing Albus to watch her go with a confused look on his face, as he can't see the connections Mie has made.
After leaving the quarters she shares with her father Mie goes running, as fast as she can, having only one destination in mind, not giving herself the chance to overthink what she is planning. Due to how fast she ran it doesn't take Mie much time to get to the empty classroom on the seventh floor.
As she tries to catch her breath Mie looks around the room and she sees Sirius, Remus, James, Lily, Alice, Frank, Severus, Amelia, Edger, Isaac, Marlene, Mary, Dorcus, and Emmaline.
"Mie? What's going on?" Marlene asks concerned.
"In about ninety minutes Death Eaters are going to attack both Hogsmeade and the Muggle Population of Godric's Hollow," Mie explains, speaking fast. "The ministry knows, but the minster is only sending Aurors to Hogsmeade," Mie reveals. "Dad are some people are going to Godric's Hollow, I'm going to, to fight back," Mie explain. "There's not many of us, we're going to be outnumbered," Mie explains.
"Mie, what are you here to ask?" Amelia asks, having a suspicion but needing to hear Mie say it, and Mie sighs, not sure if this is a good idea, but not giving herself the opportunity to overthink it more.
"I'm here to ask for help," Mie admits. "And I know that I'm asking for a lot so if you don't want to come, it's okay, I won't hold it against you," Mie tells her friends. "It will be dangerous, and we're going to be outnumbered, but I'm still asking because the people of Godric's Hollow deserve protection and they're not going to get it from the ministry," Mie explains, looking around.
"Mie you don't have justify it, or even convince us, I'm in," Sirius tells Mie, as he doesn't even need to think about it.
"Same," Marlene says, and the others and the room nod in agreement.
"Thank you," Mie says, sounding grateful. "We should go meet Dad, Professor McGonagall and Moody in Dad's office," Mie tells the others, and they nod.
Unlike her trip to the seventh-floor empty classroom Mie doesn't run, but she does walk fast with her friends behind her. Once they get to the gargoyle Mie quietly says the password so they can all walk in.
Walking into the main office a few moments later Mie and her seventh-year friends find Albus, Minerva, and Moody waiting.
"Annemie, what is this?" Albus asks, seeing all the seventh years and while he suspects he knows exactly what is going on he doesn't know what to think.
"We need help, Dad, everyone here is willing to help," Mie explains, knowing that if one of them gets hurt or dies she will never forgive herself, but she also knows it is the best chance they have.
"I cannot allow that, it will be incredibly dangerous," Albus says, looking between the students as he wants to protect them.
"Professor, I understand that you want to protect us, but we want to protect the people in Godric's Hollow," Lily tells Albus.
"We're all over seventeen," Marlene says, being pretty sure that that will be an argument. "Mie's told us that we're going to be outnumbered, we know what we're facing," Marlene explains.
"If we can help save lives, protect people, then that's what we want to do," James says.
"We know what we're doing, and we want to do it," Severus tells Albus.
"Albus, we need the help," Moody tells his friend, and while Albus doesn't think this is a good idea, he doesn't want to put his students in danger, he also knows they need the help.
"Are you all sure? As Annemie said it will be dangerous, we will be outnumbered," Albus says, looking between the students.
"We're sure," Remus says, and the others nod, it being clear that they are all willing to fight, to protect people.
"We will be travelling via portkey in a few minutes," Albus tells everyone, and after seeing their nods Albus starts to get everything ready, and within a few minutes they are leaving Hogwarts castle via portkey.
In his many years he has been a prisoner within Nurmengard Castle Gellert has gotten used to time having no meaning, and he has struggled with ways to distract himself. While he doesn't have many things in his cell one thing that Gellert does have is his copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard which he has had with him since shortly after he was arrested; there being no doubt in his mind about who made sure he had not just that book but his personal copy of the book.
As he reads the story that he long ago memorised Gellert feels something that makes him stop. Closing his eyes to focus on what he is feeling Gellert feels fury, fear, an incredibly strong desire to protect, followed by incredible physical pain and incredible terror.
Feeling the serges of emotions Gellert opens his eyes and feels like he cannot breathe, and he has to reach out and grab hold of the desk for support. Trying to make sense of what he is feeling Gellert comes to a horrible realisation, he realises that either Albus or Albus's daughter have been hurt, and whoever's not hurt saw the other get hurt and is terrified that they aren't going to survive.