CHAPTER 12
01 September 1992 - Tom's Study - 8:04AM
"So you'll be gone for the remainder of the year?"
"Yes," responded Tom. "And through the spring of next year with a brief break during the Yule season." His lips thinned in annoyance. "For some reason that completely escapes me, my employer decided that a work conference in Shamballa would be the best use of our time, amidst the veritable mountain of projects we have to cover." His face crinkled in irritation whilst Severus and Lily snorted, causing Harry to start laughing. The four Slytherins were having a quick pow-wow before their respective departures to Hogwarts and Shamballa.
"What exactly does a work conference for Unspeakables even entail?" asked Harry curiously.
"The same as with any other with well over a hundred combined participants from other Department of Mysteries…or whatever their equivalent that is. Several meetings, team-building exercises (Severus snorted), and multiple hours-long presentations from the foremost 'experts' of their fields." He took a quick sip of his lemon hyssop tea, eyes closed in savor. "Which somehow, also includes me." Tom rolled his eyes whilst the remaining occupants snickered at his exasperation, though none truly knew exactly what his role entailed in the Department of Mysteries. What they also didn't know was that Tom was lying through his teeth.
The real reason he'd been dispatched to Shamballa involved the Dark Lord Li-Tsien Chang and his campaign of terror across magical China (and parts of Laos and Cambodia) in his pursuit to claim the mantle of the Fifth Dragon Emperor and command the elemental forces of the Sì Xiàng. A powerful mage well-versed in battle transfiguration and offensive ritual magicks, he'd performed dark blood rituals to summon Fucanglong (the ancient dragon god of the Underworld) and Huanglong (the animagic vessel of the ancient Yellow Emperor), exploiting their supernatural strength and powers to decimate scores of wizarding and muggle communities.
Li-Tsien had also created ritually enhanced Swooping Evils, a breed of magical encephalophages that had killed and devoured scores of magicals and muggles alike. The Chinese, Laotian, and Cambodian Aurors had succeeded in corralling the survivors who'd been exposed to the memory-erasing venom of the creatures, all three hundred of whom were now kept in magically induced comas in a high security hospital ward in Shamballa. The venom was so potent that it'd erased every single memory the victims possessed, completely wiping their minds blank. The mind experts of Shamballa had been stumped, and had requested help from the British Mind Division to provide some much needed assistance. In addition to himself (Number 18), Number 9, Number 27, and Number 45 had been dispatched. The Mind Division of L'Inconnu (the French Unspeakables) would also be there for support.
"I assume Libra will be manning the fort?" asked Lily cheekily. Tom smiled before responding:
"Yes, she'll be House Gaunt's Proxy in my absence for any Wizengamot-related needs, and as Lady Gaunt and the Gaunt Solicitor, she has the full power of the house behind her for any issues that would require it." He took a small sip of his tea. "Nobby here can provide any additional help Libra can't (the man mock-saluted them from his portrait) and you all have access to my study should you require it. Mab is readily available to assist you as needed. As you already know, I won't be accessible by our usual means." Lily and Severus nodded, well aware that the power of Shamballa's ancient wards made it impossible for them to think-speak as they normally would. It was an unfortunate impediment that Tom was ardently working to overcome.
"If you truly need me, please reach out to Saul Croaker at the Department of Mysteries, and he'll make sure to get us in contact." Everyone nodded in agreement..
"Looking forward to your Second Year?" Tom asked Harry after a few moments of comfortable silence.
"Definitely. I've got the Lair now, well…access to the Lair, still working to actually get to the Throne." Harry frowned as Tom chuckled.
"I have full confidence in your abilities, you'll be fine. Have you figured out a means to bypass Prefects' Row? I assume not all its occupants are aware of the Lair…unless you plan to include them in on it." Harry winced at Tom's question, an inquiry that had plagued him for some time. Miranda Bonnevie was out of the question, her relation to the Selwyns notwithstanding. She was definitely of the bigoted sort, lacking lall of the subtlety in her barbs as a Firstie Draco Malfoy. Penelope Padgett was definitely more tolerable, though he wasn't completely aware of her agenda to add her to his burgeoning Inner Circle. Not having 'Prefect Protection' meant he was more vulnerable to unwanted attention, and neither he nor his Slytherin friends could sustain a disillusionment charm long enough to make it to the entrance.
"Honestly…I don't know," replied Harry bashfully. "I'm open to any suggestions?"
"I'll take care of it darling." Harry's head whipped around to his mother's, curious at the mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Sirius will see you off on the Express this morning, to give me more time to do what I need to do. Come by my quarters after the Sorting Feast, and I'll have…what I need to have ready for you." She laughed when Harry launched himself at her, declaring her "the best mum ever". Once that bit of excitement was over, the four engaged in spirited conversation pertaining to all manner of subjects, Dark Lord and otherwise. Some time later, they bid their goodbyes.
Platform 9 ¾ - 10:10AM
Sirius squeezed Harry tight, causing the boy to choke and chortle in kind as he hugged him back. A lot like Lily post-Grindylow attack, his godfather had become a bit of a worrywart, not really wanting to let his godson out of his sight. The birthday fiasco had shaken him up, and Lord Black was still upset with James for not catching the security oversight that had almost gotten his godson and his brother killed.
"I'll be fine Sirius, honest! Mum will be there, and best believe she's going to be watching me like a hawk for the rest of the year. I'll be lucky if she doesn't move into the dorms with me." His godfather barked out a laugh, not disagreeing.
"Good point there." He scratched the back of his neck, before leveling an intense gaze in Harry's direction. "I just…worry. Some death muncher is using his or her house elf to try to kill you, and more than likely kill Jim too, thanks to the whole 'Boy-Who-Lived' rubbish." He paused and took a deep breath, placing a warm hand on Harry's shoulder. "You're practically my son (Harry's heart warmed), I can't help but worry about your safety. The Dark Lord is somehow not dead, and he's made it clear that he intends on coming after you, even when you're supposed to be in the safest magical institution in Wizarding Britain." Sirius snorted disdainfully, still angry at Dumbledore for allowing a possessed Quirrell to kidnap and almost murder a group of Firsties. While he hadn't hurtled hexes in the old man's face like Lily had, he made sure to verbally let the man know his displeasure.
"I'll be fine mate, promise. Mum would have Dumbledore's head before she lets anything happen to me, and I don't think Professor Lockhart is secretly hiding the Dark Lord inside him. Would mess up his coif." Harry's sneer caused Sirius to snicker, before the two erupted into giggles. Sirius hugged Harry again, before leading Harry into the Express and helping him get settled into his chosen compartment. Bidding him another hug-filled goodbye, his godfather left soon after.
Soon, more students filtered in. Hermione was the first, thanking Harry for helping her with her trunk. The two talked at length about Hermione's experience with Madam Milburga's etiquette school, basking in the glow of her chatter. They were soon joined by Neville, Theo, and Blaise, the conversation shifting to Theo's remaining time at Malfoy Manor. Hermione had been very skeptical regarding Draco's so-called new lease on life, but she wasn't opposed to seeing for herself. The topic of Dobby and Mowgli came up, leading to Harry to resharing the Grindylow attack story to a horrified Hermione, who oscillated between scolding her best friend and hugging him fiercely, much to the amusement of the boys. The Gryffindor made him swear that if he ever found himself in such a situation, he'd find some way of letting her know. Harry had sworn that he would, wizard's honor.
Eurus and Luna soon entered the compartment, quickly introducing themselves to Harry's friends before immersing themselves in a copy of a Quibbler, curiously reading the publication upside down. Ginny soon joined, once more thanking Harry for the invitation he'd extended whilst they were on the Platform. At 11AM sharp, the train began its journey to Hogwarts.
Almost fifteen minutes later, their compartment door banged open to reveal Lavender Brown, interrupting Neville's recounting of his exciting summer vacation in Brazil.
"Hi guys. Sorry to intrude, but have any of you seen Jim?" she asked in a frustrated tone. "Because if he's avoiding me, I'll just have to make his life miserable." Her attempt at levity did nothing to assuage her tightly worried expression.
"Um…no? Have you checked any of the other compartments?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, I've checked all the other compartments used by Gryffindors," Lavender responded. "He's not there, and neither is Ron Weasley."
"Ron's missing?" asked Ginny sharply.
"Yes, that's what I've been saying," responded Lavender in a huff. "Neither of them are on the train, and no one has a clue where they are!"
"Jim had to use the loo, complaining about his stomach hurting. His own fault for gorging himself during breakfast like he did. Ron chose to stay with him, but he promised the two of them would make it on the train on time! Ugh, mum and dad are going to kill him!"
"Everyone calm down," said Harry. While he was amused at the thought of Brother Dearest and his lackey missing the train, he did have enough sense to grow concerned at the newest development. The events of the summer confirmed that brothers were being pursued by some Death Eater's house elf, and Jim (and Ron) could very well be in serious danger.
"Calm down?!" Lavender exclaimed. Not bothering to respond, Harry reached into his travel cloak and pulled out one of Hermione's talking parchments, writing a quick message to its linked counterpart in Severus' possession.
"Yes, calm down." Harry smiled charmingly. "I've let Professor Snape know about the incident, he will get the message. Jim and Ron will be just fine." Unbidden, a chill ran through Lavender and Ginny at the thought of the Slytherin Head of House's reaction at the news of two wayward Gryffindor lions.
Exactly Eighteen Minutes Earlier…
Jim made his exit from the public bathroom, sighing in relief. They, along with the rest of the Weasley brood, had arrived somewhat early, approximately half an hour ago. Jim had been struck with an unexpected bout of gastric distress, citing the need to go to the bathroom. 'Shouldn't have eaten all those double chocolate chip pancakes.' He could hardly be blamed for enjoying Mrs. Weasley's delicious cooking. Ron, not wanting to leave his best friend to his own devices, had let his parents know that he and Jim would be by the minute they finished.
"Feeling better mate?" asked Ron, laughing when Jim nodded earnestly.
"Yeah, much better. Need to slow down on the pancakes next time!" Laughing, the two grabbed their luggage carts and jogged their way over to Platform 9, ignoring the overly curious glances of the muggles in their vicinity. Neither wizard noticed that there was an uncommonly greater number of them today than otherwise, in much closer vicinity than normal. Slowing down when they approached Platform 9, the two picked up their pace to run directly through, with Jim leading.
BAM! CRASH!
"OWWWW!" "BLOODY HELL!"
With matching pained groans Jim and Ron landed in a heap at the base of the barrier, their luggage carts sent scattering. Some moments later, the two wizards slowly made their way up, gathering their luggage back into their carts. With trepidation, Ron approached the barrier and put his hand up to tentatively knock it. It was very solid. Alarmed, Jim made his way over and repeated the action, doing so all over the expanse of the wall. It was completely solid.
"Okay, that's ... weird." Ron looked around worriedly. "You reckon there's anyone from the Ministry around? You know, in case the wall goes solid?"
"No," said Jim. "Because there's never been a problem with this wall in all the time that Platform 9¾ has existed." Ron grimaced as Jim suddenly looked around the Muggle-filled concourse with a nervous look on his face. He looked at the clock, groaning out loud.
"Oh no, it's past 11! The train is gone! Gosh mum and dad are going to kill me!" exclaimed Ron, unwittingly echoing Ginny's sentiments.
"We need to get out of here," Jim said quietly but urgently. The various surrounding muggles were drawing…closer to the pair. Ron's eyes grew in alarm.
"Um…mate…what in Merlin's name is going on?" Ron's frantic whisper sounded in his ear.
"I don't know," Jim replied. His wand fell into palm with a sharp snickt, glad he'd thought to purchase a holster in Diagon Alley. There were fourteen of them in number, and to his growing horror, their expressions grew increasingly…wrathful behind blood-red eyes as they slowly cornered the young wizards. By his side, Jim heard Ron whimper.
"What's the matter with them?!" Ron whispered urgently. He had his wand in a death grip in his pants pocket.
"...Dunno Ron," replied Jim nervously, heart thumping nervously. This was bad, this was very very bad. "Looks like they've been…possessed."
"It's Jim Potter," said a muggle man, dressed in a full business suit. His eyes glowed red in unearthly rage as he drew closer to the pair.
"And his little friend," sneered another, a man no younger than sixty.
"A Weasley!" hissed a burly teenage boy.
"The-Boy-Who-Lived," rasped another, eyes aglow in unnatural wrath as she also drew closer.
"Or perhaps…BORN-TO-DIE!" With unholy strength, an elderly woman swiped a surprisingly hefty hand at Jim's face, connecting with a mighty thwack! Jim's head spun, losing his footing and almost dropping his wand, staggering away from a screaming Ron. Shaking off his horror, Ron removed his wand and fired a spell at the muggle who'd attacked his best friend.
"DEPULSO!" The Banishing Charm sent the woman flying away, stirring the other muggles into a fury.
Bedlam erupted.
Shaking off the pain and dizziness, Jim's hard-wrought training kicked in, successfully parrying a physical attack away from the burly teenaged boy who'd followed in the old woman's wake. Surprisingly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, Jim parried several punches and kicks, before getting lucky and landing a punch directly in the boy's solar plexus that knocked him out cold. He didn't have time to rest. Another horde of four enraged muggles descended upon him.
"FLIPENDO!" Two were sent reeling, crashing heavily against the columns, knocked out cold. The other two weren't so easily deterred, bum-rushing him to the ground and using their unnatural strength to pin down his arms and legs. One managed to kick away his wand, pinning his hand down. Two more possessed muggles descended upon him, helping their comrades to restrain him. "AAAAH! GET OFF ME!"
"JIM! I'M COMING!" With renewed Gryffindor vigor to help his best friend, Ron viciously kicked the muggle businessman in the groin, forcing the yowling muggle to release his legs. Twisting his body, Ron kicked the middle-aged policeman holding his wand arm, sending him reeling. "DEPULSO!" The other muggle holding his other arm was sent reeling, finally freeing Ron's body. Not wasting a second, he ran towards his still screaming best friend.
"EVERTE STATUM!" The muggle holding down Jim's left leg flew back several feet, landing near the edge to the train platform.
"DEPU-" The old woman Ron had previously Banished from Jim had recovered, knocking the young Weasley over the head, hard. Ron dropped like a sack, completely unconscious. With a vicious sneer she stomped down on wand hand, breaking his wrist and snapping his wand.
"NO! RON!" Jim's screams fell on deaf ears, as three more muggles bum-rushed him. Five were soon set upon him, beating him in earnest.
POW! A punch to the face knocked his glasses askew, causing a large bruise to form on his right cheek.
CRACK! A vicious kick broke two ribs, an anguished scream wrought from his lips.
BAM! A kick to the side of the head, and Jim was knocked out cold, head lolling to the side. Satisfied, the nine remaining muggles surrounded the bodies of the downed wizards and hauled them into the air, like offerings to the gods of olde. Chanting in an indecipherable guttural language, the possessed crowd drew closer to the platform's edge, growing more fevered at the sound of an approaching train.
The train grew closer. About thirty feet away, both Jim and Ron were tossed onto the tracks to be mashed into bits of marrow and sinew.
Or they would have, if a powerful unseen force hadn't frozen them in midair, stopping them and the train in their mutual tracks. Another concussive wave, and every single muggle dropped unconscious.
A small shimmer in the air revealed the form of Dobby the house elf, chartreuse eyes glimmering in focused anger. 'This is Mowgli's doing,' he thought furiously, resisting the urge to hiss. The little shit had laid his elaborate trap and disappeared (Dobby had checked), no doubt believing that he'd be victorious. This was the second attempt he'd made on the Potter Twins' lives, and if he hadn't been present…Dobby shuddered at the horrific possibility. He'd promised Master Lucius he would only observe…but observation wasn't enough in either case. The Potter Twins couldn't be allowed to die.
The Malfoy elf surveyed the damage, mentally cataloging what he would need to do to fix it. Mowgli's magic upon the unfortunate muggles was powerful, drawing from the Shades of True Hate in the Dark Wild. No other elf than the one who'd used such magic would be able to reverse it. But Lar Dobby was the Reigning Eight Centuries Champion of the Interdimensional Servitude & Skullduggery Games.
Linking his wrists together, Dobby's fingers made a series of occultish hand gestures, much like the Ancient Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj. A golden sieve formed, slowly drawing out the poisonous magic from its victims. With a double snap, the sieve absorbed and dispelled the dark magic. Another snap, and it disappeared. A powerful memory removal spell wiped the muggles minds' clean of the incident. 'The Unspeakables can take care of the rest.' With a pulling motion, Jim Potter and Ron Weasley were pulled out of the frozen train's path onto the platform. Dobby tutted as he cataloged the extent of their injuries. The healing potions he kept on his person levitated out of his robe's pocket, uncorking themselves and pouring down their magically opened throats. The worst of their injuries healed, though the redhead's wrist remained broken. While Dobby could've healed that, elven healing magic could be detected in a magical. Too much of a security risk. Two Sleeping Draughts followed, keeping the two wizards unconscious.
Establishing an undetectable mind link, Dobby quickly reviewed their memories of the attack. Finished, Dobby wiped all traces of his psychic presence. Finding their abandoned wands, the Malfoy elf frowned at the damage done to Ron Weasley's wand. 'He cannot be without his protection.' Thinking quickly, Dobby cast a Temporal Reversal Moment Orb over the broken pieces of the fourteen-inch willow and unicorn tail hair wand. Slowly, the pieces of the wand reattached and repaired itself, before slowly rising to settle against Ron's person. Jim's wand soon followed.
Satisfied, Dobby continued the rest of his tasks. Three sharp snaps repaired and efficiently packed their luggage, which slowly levitated to land next to the sleeping boy wizards.
A sweep of interlocked fingers removed any and all traces of his elven magic and presence, completely spotless. Focusing on the young Weasley, the Malfoy elf wiggled his left hand fingers, pleased as a glowing golden line formed between the boy and Ford Anglia car from his memories. Casting a final charm to remove his traces of his presence and his magic. Extending the obscuring magic of the all-hiding eye of his trusty Umgubular Slashkilter, he then levitated the wizards and their luggage out of the train station, following the golden line to its destination.
Wasting no time, Dobby secured the boys into the Ford Anglia seats, making sure to fasten their seatbelts. Quickly loading their luggage, he was once more thankful that the Notice-Me-Not Charm cast over the vehicle was in full effect. Satisfied, the elf hopped on top of the car to better navigate. The car suddenly became airborne, startling him. The Anglia flew for a few moments, before Dobby - quickly scanning the car's features - was able to activate its invisibility measures, before auto-setting its course to Hogwarts.
After almost three hours of relatively safe airborne flight, Dobby detected the presence of four airborne male wizards steadily approaching, one of them with a similar biomagical signature to the Potter boy. 'Must be his father then.' With a gentle wiggle of his right hand fingers, he slowly roused the young wizards from their sleep. Once more, he cast a powerful spell to remove all traces of his presence and his magic. With an inaudible pop, Dobby disappeared.
AN 1: I decided to let Ron possess his second canon wand as opposed to having the first then the second. Fitting for his character development, and in this universe, Unspeakable Weasley would have enough funds to ensure that all his children could purchase their own wands that choose them.
AN 2: I love my Dobby, nice to see him have his moment.