A.N Note: AO3 is my main area of posting. There you will find two more stories for the "Everyone Deserves a second chance" prologue that I posted here. Furthermore, AO3 posted chapters include more detailed AN and just general descriptions. I am trying to keep them parallel but AO3 just has a better formatting and uploading system. This is a small world building update. Helps you understand what is happening and the current actions of many individuals. Motivations are at the forefront for "others" chapter and give a clear idea of what is to come. Overall, I like the idea that there is a fog of war currently in the world both in the information that Harry's group knows and you the reader knows. I plan to keep it that way up for a while, but the best thing to know is that Tom is not sitting ideally as a baby. Let me know what you think. I know the word count is running from me at this point and the story is progressing slowly but hopefully you all agree that it's worth the world building.

August 19th Day after the attack at the World Cup

Minister Fudge was not having a great summer. Everything pointed to it falling apart because of one boy, Harry Potter. The most famous British wizard had somehow been at the center of a magical incident at the World Wizarding Dueling Championship and Fudge mishandled that tremendously. The Dark Mark had been cast and his nation was immediately terrified. He tried to downplay it at first by being receptive to the idea that their national hero had saved people. Yet, he had been told by Malfoy to bad mouth the fact that the boy was not coming back home. This had backfired when it was publicized that France was taking care of an injured boy-who-saved via their Head Auror's family.

Ever since then Magical Britain's relations with their closest magical government ally had been tense at best. Furthermore, having soured any story on the Boy-who-saved; the Daily prophet went back to what sold the most papers and that was writing about the Dark mark. In turn, in an effort to placate the nation and fix the issue with the French he had allowed himself to be strong armed into accepting ICW agents on the condition they were French. Bones had told him it was a necessity to keep the World Cup secured. He believed it was necessary so people stopped believing that the Dark lord was back.

Break Break Break

"Preposterous! The 3 death eaters who attacked must have been under the Imperius curse. Their brutal murders should be investigated, Bones! There is no way Lord Yaxley, Lord Crabbe, and Lord Macnair acted on their own free will."

Amelia Bones stared at Fudge and sighed. "Fudge. It's clear they attacked and it's also clear they did it willingly. Many witnesses surprisingly spoke up against them after their Masks were removed. They stated that the death eaters present had no issues casting spells and were talking amongst themselves. The witnesses also mentioned, in awe mind you, of the one who attacked Lord Crabbe. Mainly that the young man did not ask any questions and carried himself much like Lord Longbottom and Lord Potter did. That they looked to save people rather than wait as killing curses were being thrown around in the vendor area."

Fudge slapped his desk. "Who is he and why do we know nothing of him?"

Amelia sighed again and pulled out her notebook. "Eyewitness accounts point to a teen maybe around 16 to 17 or younger. Black hair. Fancy casual clothes. With a black-green wand holster. He spoke to the death eaters and his magic seemed to break the ground."

Amelia breathed in. Another possible obscurial and if modern British History was to go by another one that would more than likely disappear. She continued with some snark. "More worrisome than the death eaters mind you. Possible obscurial in Magical Britain, but no let's focus on these supposed upstanding wizards."

Amelia glared at Fudge who looked angry at being called out. Amelia went back to her notes "This possible obscurial quickly blasted a death eater away and then a few minutes later a battle ensued that saw the area covered in dust. After that we have nothing more as people used that moment to escape. The other two were killed in another area of the park grounds by some battle transfiguration. Spikes going through their bodies it seems. It appears Lord Goyle's wand and a portkey going to his manor were also located by the area. No information on his whereabouts currently."

Fudge at this point was losing it and decided to end the meeting. "Go! Leave me be. I will try to see what we do. Allow the French Head Auror to investigate as he pleases. Report anything out of the ordinary."

Amelia nodded as she got up and went to the door. Stopping, she glanced back. "I suggest not hosting anything for the three men. It's clear public opinion is not on their side."

As Amelia left another woman came in and sat down with an unnerving smile. Her pink outfit was harsh against the eyes. Fudge ignored the smile. "Umbridge. I think we need to meet with Harry Potter. At least to get some good publicity. My ratings are sinking and Lucius is nowhere to be found. I will reach out to young Harry, get me information on him."

Umbridge smiled. " Of course. He will be honored to be in your presence. It's surprising he hasn't come to us after his achievement in Magical Germany. Unfortunately he decided to stay and get healthy with creatures: awful people, the French and Veela."

Fudge chuckled, but honestly could care less what she thought. "Yes yes. Get me the information before the school year starts. I plan to meet with him before that. On to other matters. We need the Triwizard Tournament to be bigger now. We need spectacle and glory. Distract everyone from what's happened and allow them to unwind."

Fudge tried to think about how they could do it. "Find sponsors and give Bagman and Crouch all the money they need. Make sure the recognition comes to me."

Fudge quickly became more erratic with anger wondering if it would be enough. Over 10 years in office and now it was going to ruin. "I want the tasks to increase from 3 to their original 6. We will add a task right before the Yule holiday. The other two tasks we will slot into next year. Again no expense too much! Modify the other tasks!I don't care! I want people to bloody stop talking about the dark marks!"

Fudge slammed his desk in frustration and stood up and left. Umbridge smiled as she stood up to find Bagman. She spoke to herself. "Fudge is finally thinking. Good. The sheep of Magical Britain need to be led correctly. Like Roman times. 'Two things the people need. Bread and circuses."

Break break break (August 19th)

"You fool. You couldn't control them could you! What was your plan anyway? Kill some wizards and witches and then be done for the night? Did you not think?" Lucius ignored Narcissia as he attempted to heal the scars on his face. Narcissa had already fixed the broken nose.

Lucius responded with a slight grimace. "You know it was Bellatrix and Parkinson in charge of the recruits and men during our time with the Dark Lord. They wouldn't ever listen to me. Do not take me for an idiot Narcissa. You were the one that was kidnapped." Narcissa bristled at his comment and looked to tell him about the deal she made, but decided against it.

Narcissa looked at her husband. She had told Lord Black that Lucius was cunning, smart, and above all a manipulator, but he was someone who detested being caught on a backstep. Once on a backstep the man seemingly could never recover as his failure of not being a perfectionist got him stuck. The previous night was a backstep and one the man clearly was having a hard time recovering from. Currently, he only knew that Lord Crabbe had died and that Lord Parkison had lost his arm to someone who faced them down. He wasn't sure who but the description he gave her matched Harry's.

Narcissa had then learned that Harry, in the end, had killed three other death eaters based on what a distraught Lady Yaxley told her. Lord Goyle, Lord Macnair, and Lady Yaxley's own husband Lord Yaxley.

Narcissa knew Lucius would lose it once he realized it. "You will do well to remember who runs this household within these walls, Lucius. Although I was kidnapped and was able to get released afterwards something is coming and you best make sure this family is prepared to weather it outside of our home." Lucius turned to her with anger.

Narcissa slapped him. "Do not question what I do, nor question what I know. I do what I need to do to save this House and believe me my goal is to keep you and my son alive."

Lucius knew two things about Narcissa. One was that she loved him and two she would do anything to save him and Draco. "Fine. Keep your secrets. I will do my duty and you tell me what needs to be done on my part. I do not care about this House or anything. Just get us out alive with our son."

Narcissa quickly kissed the man and slapped him again as she pulled away. "You will do well to stay away from conflict from now on. Send everyone else out before you go." Narcissa turned away and knew she had to plan. First Draco needed to be reeled in. Second the rainy fund needed to be increased and lastly she needed to host more parties much to her hatred.

Break break break (August 21)

Sybil, although not as powerful as Alexandra, was always told by Queenie that her mouth was as powerful as Alexandra's wand. In turn, it was no surprise she was chosen to reach and speak to the families that funded Grindelwalds rise. Although she had no problems working with Grindelwald, she was quickly learning how deep loyalty and charisma could take you in the European wizarding world. An observation she had as she appeared in Germany

Sybil was meeting with Lord Essen the 5th of Germany at his manor in Berlin. Currently the Head of the German magical Federal Police, BPOL, he was the Lord of one of the most powerful Families of magical German. "Hello Sybil. It's great to finally have a face to the letters."

Sybil nodded understanding the man even with his thick accent. " Thank you for meeting with me, Lord Essen, regardless of my standing."

Lord Magnus Essen the 5th was a tall white man with blonde hair and gray eyes. He dressed with simply designed robes, but was a powerful figure. Standing at 6'6 with a wide body. Although he was a Lord in Germany the family extended further. A powerful presence in the magical Nordic confederation which was an alliance of the 5 magical Nordic nations: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Denmark. Pulling him to their side would mean a powerful ally in Middle and Northern Europe. More importantly his father had been instrumental in Grindelwalds plan in Europe. Helping him establish his base of operations and being an original bankroller. Only stopping at the behest of Grindelwald.

Lord Essen spoke up. "Please Sybil. I am not like the other Lords and Ladies who only meet based on names. Although one hidden name did grab my attention."

Sybil nodded and smiled. "I had hoped your family still kept the spell that allowed you to read the hidden messages."

Lord Essen smiled although it faltered. "I will be honest, Sybil. I only meet in honor of my father. My house and magical Germany as whole since then has been fiercely independent and neutral. Switzerland and the Nordic nations as well. As much as I am a loyalist at heart. I cannot march on-"

Sybil raised her hand. "Let me stop you, Lord Essen. Grindelwald does not plan to march on your beautiful continent once more. Something else is happening. I believe you already sensed it. You hinted at it in your letters."

Lord Essen was intrigued. He laid back in his chair. "Yes. My son. Emmerich has told me about being approached to join a worthy cause. A junior BPOL just out of Durmstrang, he decided to investigate to make a name for himself. He grew worried with what he saw and kept it within our House rather than report it to his colleagues. I originally believed it was you. Digging more he realized that they used ideas of blood purity for recruiting. Idiotic in this part of the world, but still a powerful tool."

Sybil chuckled and nodded. "Correct. You know Grindelwald. He never recruited in such an underhanded way of spreading information nor with such ideology. He used large rallies. Something is coming and we are preparing. We only seek to prepare and court alliances."

Lord Essen looked across. "We? Who are we? Grindelwald never shared a throne. So this is a collective front?"

Sybil nodded and looked in thought. "We are in a tentative partnership with the Pavlov family and Grindelwald is part of a hand this time around."

Lord Essen's eyes bugged out that Lord Pavlov had already been spoken to. Getting their tentative partnership was already impressive. Yet, hearing the last part he was even more surprised. "Who is above Grindelwald then?"

Sybil looked at the man. "Lord Potter-Black." Lord Essen was confused. Why the boy who lived? The Potter name meant a lot. He was further elevated by the two titles. Almost unheard of for anyone to carry two names, much less so young. He ran the numbers in his head of what he knew and summarized the boy was one of the richest and most powerful in Europe.

Sybil caught his confusion; she did not agree with Grindelwald in this route. Who knew if the Lord would actually join, but Grindelwald was certain.

Sybil would follow orders, Queenie told her too. "The British dark lord is returning. He has somehow cheated death. You are only told this at the behest of Grindelwald in respect of what you have done. You have heard whispers of Grindelwald being essentially free and helped him this past decade. Do not think he would not notice Luthwin being assigned as a guard and promoted so quickly. Your own cousin. Like you said. You are a loyalist at heart."

Sybil looked at what Grindelwald told her to say. "We do not call you to war to fight your European brothers. We call you to war to fight an evil that is coming to our doorstep and we seemingly will need everything we can get our hands on. Maybe we will not need help and maybe we will. What's certain is the dark lord is requesting your family once more, Lord Essen. Will you fight?"

Sybil waited as the Lord looked at her, a small smile grew across his face. "für das größere Wohl".

Sybil smiled. "For the greater Good."

Leaving the manor she was relieved. Most rich loyalist magical families were falling in line. The only ones she was having difficulty with were opportunistic families or families that she knew would hate being aligned with either the Potter name or the Black name. The Black Name could go only so far and the same could be said for the Potter name. They would hopefully sit on the sidelines or until someone showed their hand. A Cold War was forming, she felt. She apparated away. Grindelwald had requested she meet with him once done with Lord Essen.

Break break break August 21st

Dumbledore was in his office wondering if he made the right call regarding Harry once again. Doubts lingered in his mind. The way the boy acted in the meeting at the forefront of his mind. Fawkes was now a young bird that looked at him and thrilled. "I know I should stop worrying. I just fear I have taken a childhood away, but much like Arianna I fear my own negligence is more than anything the real issue."

Fawkes flew over to him and landed on his shoulder. Nuzzling its familiar and cawing.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I believe many would say you're my familiar but I am glad you think I am the best one. And yes. I agree. Harry has many around him who will temper the worst of him hopefully"

Dumbledore looked at the owl letter from the ICW again. They were asking counsel on what actions to take. He knew that the ICW was on Queenie's scent and the information he had provided helped Queenie avoid them, but now they looked to spy on Harry specifically. Sighing he passed along his acceptance that such an action was needed. He looked at the letter from Sheda as well to confirm that she agreed. She had agreed to allow ICW to spy on Harry as long as they also got the information. She also agreed to meet with him today.

Just as the thought came, he was alerted that someone was at his door. Allowing magic to unlock it Sheda walked in and sat in the chair Dumbledore had left out. "How can I help the Headmaster?"

Clearly the witch was angry and he sighed. "Professor Babbling, we are meeting in the capacity of people who care about Harry."

Sheda smirked. "Ohhhh really. Then why haven't you met with him? Hiding in your ivory tower instead."

Dumbledore took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. "I happen to agree. I will look to meet with him before school starts. I am surprised to not see him with you. I am busy as you know. The Triwizard Tournament has been allowed to expand. It will now have 3 more tasks, which Bagman and Crouch originally wanted, I am told."

Sheda was surprised to hear it. The tournament would surely now be more of spectacle, she then understood the letter that Harry had received from the minister requesting a meeting. He was trying to placate the nation with Harry and distract them with the tournament.

Harry was supposed to meet with the minister on the 26th. Paying no further attention to it she looked at the man in front of her."Harry has a date with Fleur. Special moment it seems, he may be asking her out I believe. So why are we meeting Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore stood up and waved his wand which opened a body sized cabinet revealing a pensive on a pedestal. His face showed some joy at the news. "Truly? Well I hope young love is able to flourish over the school year. I will not inquire any further for his privacy."

Dumbledore made his way to the pensive. "I plan to have you show me the memory of how Harry fought at the World Cup. If his magic is like how I suspect. I will then show you a memory and teach you how to deal with it. As much as I have faith in your robe and the people around him, including you, to take care of him; we can never be too safe. Especially here at Hogwarts and around others."

Sheda was surprised by the gesture and summoned her wand out. She pulled the memory from her mind and they went into the memory.

Dumbledore looked at the moments with Harry fighting by the tent area. Seeing similar actions from the magic as he saw with Credence, Dumbledore had theory.

Maybe the Obscurus as a beast was actually something that tainted one's magic. In many ways, one's magic fought against the Obscurus and the resulting instability and destruction was magic's response to the beast. The beast would continue to fight the host's magic until it could hijack it. It would then unleash the full potential of the hosts' damaged magical potential in a transformation.

It also reinforced, in Albus's opinion, that Credence was an exception. His magic was so powerful as a Dumbledore that it fought the beast for longer. In the end, his lineage was the reason he was able to live for so long, well past the age of 10. Grindelwald may have also made the connection due to Arianna. Who possibly could have lived for a time as well and likely could have lived longer.

Albus shared his findings with Sheda and paused the memory as Sheda returned to the tent area after dropping off Fleur. Sheda continued his train of thought. Finding no fault in the old man's words. "Fascinating. I would agree with you. The Obscurus is not the magic we see. It is only the black mass that grows and feeds off the hosts' magic. The black mass hopes that with time it can fully take over and unleash itself with the transformation. Clearly magic's reaction to it being damaged by a toxic entity is the resulting destruction and the instability of the hosts magic. In Harry's case the blood is acting like a support, stopping a full takeover by whatever Tom did, but it's so powerful it's affecting his magic as well. Increasing instability and damaging his magic. "

Dumbledore nodded and allowed the memory to continue. Dumbledore grimaced at Harry's screams and the magic's instability. Just then Sheda runs over and hugs him, the magic stops.

"You show great care in Harry, Professor Babbling. Any particular reason if you don't mind me asking?"

Sheda bristled and looked to rebuff Dumbledore when she heard Albus continue his comment. "I do care for him, much like I do all my students. I feel awful for what I did to him. Yet, I feel like an old man that tried to shield his grandchildren from the horrors of what they saw. I failed him in that regard. In looking to avoid the past I am seemingly re-treading it." Dumbledore crossed his arms and looked at the touching scene of Sheda holding onto Harry and telling him that he did it.

Sheda decided to humor the old man. "I never thought I would care for him so quickly. In 2-3 months. I guess."

Sheda was surprised how hard it was to communicate this issue. She pushed through. "I guess I always wanted children. Never found the right man, I was too bitter that Sirius had ignored my letters. Harry. Harry was and is different. I feel like fate pushed me towards him, made him open up more to me."

Sheda was quiet for a bit. She whispered the next part. "I've started dreaming of a world where I would have raised him if Sirius had not chased the rat. A world where I raised him from the very beginning that fateful night. With that dream I have given in. I gave in quickly and I gave in hard to the emotions I was having. I am young-"

Sheda stopped and calmed her breath. The emotions were running from her. "Maybe it is just me being naive. Maybe I am looking to heal what I experienced. People with trauma are different. I don't know. I feel stupid in my inability to explain how I grew to love someone so quickly. I just know that I do love him like he was my own."

Sheda let a tear go down."I truly do wonder what if? What if I did raise him? What if I was there from the start? He is learning so quickly from me. He is so open to it and yearns for it."

Sheda looked down at her wand holster. Lily's holster. She wondered what it would be like to meet Lily in the next adventure. She hoped that the women would be proud of the little she had done and maybe what she planned to do. "I sometimes feel guilty. Maybe I could have kept Sirius sane, maybe I could have been there from the very beginning by staying. I left after Lily told me she was going to hide. I didn't want to stay here; knowing Rookwood would be out there. Yet, in my continued running from my past, I lost sight of what could have been." Sheda finished as the memory stayed frozen on Harry's green eyes.

Dumbledore nodded, understanding the sentiment greatly and the constant contradictions

of life and love. "I relate to your feelings of 'What if' greatly. Many different paths my life could have had."

Sheda was surprised and not. It was clear in this moment the man was a shell of maybe something even greater. He continued much to her surprise. "Regarding the 'what if' of that night I can tell you not much could have changed in my mind. I didn't trust Sirius anymore by then. I requested Hagrid to collect baby Harry. I truly felt Sirius was becoming a problem within the order."

Dumbledore began to remember that night. "He was erratic after Lady Dorea's death. The one Black that continued to accept him. A surrogate mother possibly. Her death seemed to change him. He wanted revenge more and more and he argued he knew who was giving up the information. He suspected Peter before anyone else I believe, but he never made a coherent argument. Black madness I suppose clouded him."

Dumbledore replayed the memory hearing Harry's magic unholy scream as he blasted it in frustration as Sheda ran up to him and hugged him. "A lot could have changed that night. Too many things. Too many actions. I can promise you that even with your reassurance I probably would not have trusted you due to your history, yet in the end, I can trust you now. His magic stops with your presence. It fears you; whatever Voldemort did."

Sheda caught what he was saying and noticed it too as she replayed the memory. "Why?" Dumbledore then replayed when Harry arrived via Apparition and did battle transfiguration. Seeing the same thing as Harry seemingly calmed down and was refreshed.

Dumbledore looked at her. "Love. Possibly a mother's love, but love. I am unsure what Lily did that night. I believed that she used a ritual herself powered by love, a type of ancient magic."

Sheda was surprised, but could not find fault due to her own lack of a reason. Harry's magic responded to it. "Her love for her child negated his killing curse?"

Dumbledore shrugged much to her surprise. "I don't know. You can look into it, but I found it to be fruitless and considered it a wonder of magic. Maybe you will have luck with the connection you have."

Sheda shook her head and chuckled. "Is a wonder of magic something you don't know or have an answer for?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Possibly."

They left the pensive and Sheda saw the man wipe her memory out and insert a new one from a vial.

Sheda looked at the old man and realized that's what he was. An old man, not the 2nd coming of Merlin. She reached over and touched his arm. "Talk to Harry. Please. Be open with him. He will be forgiving as long as you're truthful."

Dumbledore looked down and to her surprise a tear fell. He wiped away the tears as he spoke. "I can only hope. The degree of my failures are more immense. Thank you for being there for him. Shall we see what I want to teach you?" Sheda nodded as they entered the pensive again.

Sheda looked around and recognized they were in Berlin. She saw a younger and much more handsome Dumbledore much to her amusement. The man surely could have wooed any woman or man, as she suspected, based on the sappy romance novels he read. "When did you stop dressing like that? I think we share the same wardrobe."

Dumbledore chuckled and nodded. "I aged greatly after my fight with Grindelwald. The stressors and failures of life became too great I fear. I had greater aspirations, Professor Babbling, and almost none of them became true. I hope to avoid this for young Harry. A world saved, but at what cost to himself and his own aspirations. Please make sure he continues to keep his personal goals in the coming dark times." Sheda nodded. It was clear Dumbledore was a man of many secrets.

Sheda studied younger Albus as a raindrop fell and he seemingly whispered to it. The raindrop flew through the window as if it was liquid. She then followed the rain drop and hit a young man in the face. She recognized the face from her times as a researcher in the MACUSA. "Credence." She breathed in shock. "He lived? How long did he live?"

Dumbledore smiled sadly. "He lived to see the war he helped start come to an end. Dying back home with his father. I hope happily and if not happy; at least content."

Sheda saw the emotion and asked. "Who was he in the end? Why doesn't the world know?"

To her surprise her question was answered as the two in the memory began to talk. "A Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore nodded, but at the same time found it amusing how much she asked questions. It reminded him of when she was a younger student before the innocence was broken. "I shall answer all your questions after." Dumbledore responded as the conversation ended. Sheda pointed to Fawkes with her mouth open and was surprised to hear it was Credence's familiar.

Sheda then saw Credence begin to use his magic. The ground under credence cracking and a towering eldritch tendril of destruction; almost exactly what happened with Harry's magic.

Harry's magic was more angry and unstable though. Thinking of the changes in his blood. Sheda remembered that Harry cut himself with the rune knife. The extra venom, she realized, had tipped the scales and caused everything to become more unstable. She was in awe of the rest of the scene as it played out.

Dumbledore in his prime was a man to not be trifled with. The way Dumbledore calmly deflected and destroyed the tendril that came at him as if nothing. She was surprised by Credence's use of residual apparition. A skill used by magic sensitive individuals to follow an individual through their apparition.

Just then Credence was defeated, the entire scene falling apart into a device in Dumbledore's hand. Was it all fake or was it? The destruction was too real. Either way, Credence had been treated as a student having a temper tantrum. It was no contest. Dumbledore as a prime adult wizard was something else, and Queenie kept saying Harry would be more.

She remembered his battle transfiguration at 14 no less. "Maybe he will be."

Dumbledore smiled, catching onto her comment. "Harry has done more just with his patronus than I did at his age. Theory is impressive and I did much in Hogwarts but it was not until my late teens where I fully developed magically. Furthermore, not until my 20s did I begin to develop even more. By the time you see me here I already felt I wanted to retire: a lot in my life had not gone the way I wanted. With the training and teachings that Harry will get from all of us. He will truly be greater. "

Dumbledore replayed the memory stopping at the beginning . "I enchanted the water droplet with a protean charm. I layered the magic repeating the protean charm a total of 7 times and as it passed through the mirror I anchored it to something I call a Deluminator." He pulled it out and handed it to Sheda.

The Deluminator was red with gold etchings, the etchings formed the House of Potter Crest. "Here is one I created for you. A Deluminator absorbs light from around it and controls it. The control comes from how you can manipulate the light it releases. Anchoring a protean charm to the Deluminator uses the light to make a form of pocket dimension within the device. In the case of this battle; as the water droplet passed through the mirror it captured what the mirror reflected and recreated the area around us."

Dumbledore pointed to the street in Berlin. "As the droplet hit credences face it charmed him to be in the dimension with me by force. He of course did not know that the droplet was charmed. I did the same thing to Grindelwald multiple times. A secret of mine."

Sheda was looking at the device in wonder. A feat of magic. No, not a feat of magic. A wondrous item of magic. She could not fathom how it worked. She didn't see any runes, which meant it was fueled purely by magic, yet for a wizard to create an item like this it meant layering magic and powering the item by force. Furthermore, it worked almost like an expansion enchantment for a tent or homes. The small confined space being enlarged. "How was this made?" Sheda asked.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I would prefer that people not have access to portable pocket dimensions. Please do not look to study it any further. If you don't give it to Harry once he is older; you can keep it. Furthermore if Harry calls you or you reach out to him you will be able to hear him and transport to him. Your love for him will allow you to travel via light to his location."

Sheda looked at the item and saw something inscribed on the side. 'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' "Ancient magic then. A charm based on love and enchanted further using Ancient magic. You found a source and made this with it? The charm is amplified and goes beyond normal magic. So the fight was semi fake. Nothing could happen to you?"

Dumbledore shook his head. Allowing the fight replay. "On your first point. Yes I found a source. A small one. The deluminator will only work at its full capacity so many times before the ancient magic fades. Mine was exhausted by the beginning of the war and no longer allows pocket dimensions. I decided to not make another until now. The source I found just barely had regrown enough. Take good care of the deluminator and only use it during the worst case scenarios." Sheda nodded. She would have to make sure to use it sparingly.

Dumbledore continued. "On your 2nd point unfortunately no. The magic and the obscurus Credence used was very real and truly destructive. The mirror world and pocket dimension within the device are very real. I would have been injured if I didn't fight. Alternatively you leave the real world in a puff of apparition."

Dumbeldore looked as the world collapsed. "Here you are able to talk privately and even fight without fear of hurting anyone. This is why I created this in the first place. When Arianna passed away I looked for an alternative so it would never happen again. " Dumbledore stopped and both left the pensive.

Sheda decided not to ask any questions on Credence or his last comment. "The spells you used on the Credence were simple banishment spells or something more?"

Dumbledore pulled his wand out. "It's a spell of my own creation. It combines the Deletrius and Bombarda. So it's explosive in what it eradicates. It's the main weakness of magic that uses items around it." He showed her the wand movements. Once done they gave their goodbyes and separated ways.

Dumbledore sat down and looked at Fawkes. "What shall we have for lunch Fawkes?" The bird cawed and fluttered its wings. Dumbledore sighed, grabbing his lemon drops. Unwrapped one and walked to the phoenix. "Everyone thinks I like these but I truly just want to get rid of them so you have none. You would eat nothing but these if it wasn't for my instance that you eat something else."

Fawkes cawed loudly and burst into flames leaving Dumbledore alone as he messaged his forehead. "Teenagers. Emotional in every species."

Break Break Break (August 22)

"So how are we looking, Sybil?" Grindelwald asked.

Sybil was standing outside of Grindelwalds cell as she responded. "Most of the richer families who were loyal pre 1935 have fallen in line. We are having difficulty with some other families, but most are waiting on the sidelines. Clearly these are the ones who fought for ideological reasons and opportunistic reasons rather than your leadership. I believe they will sit on the sidelines until the dark lord truly shows himself or until Lord Potter-Black shows the man as an actual threat."

Grindelwald nodded and figured as much. He didn't care about those families. He needed to guarantee money didn't flow into Voldemort's coffers. He needed to bleed the man dry before it even started. The richest and moderately rich needed to fall in line or be killed, the rest were just wands. "They are of no use; we will have to hope they are not intimidated. What of the Zabani family and Italy."

Sybil shifted on her feet. "They are rather problematic. Your name is still truly hated there and any mention of Queenie and Rosier will see you pushed back. Lord Potter-Black may need to bridge that gap if you truly think it's needed."

Grindelwald looked in thought at the mention of Rosier. "Italy I believe is of no consequence. Maybe if the war becomes truly problematic we may need wands. Queenie and Rosier culled most of their wealthy families. There is no worth anymore but Zalbani. What is your opinion of Rosier? I know you asked previously and I told you I was unsure. Shall we break her out? Do you think she will be an asset?"

Sybil had planned to ask him again. Queenie was insistent. "If we are to break her out it will be an expedition into Siberia. The ICW made an effort to keep you separated from her after you broke her out when the war started in 1939. I can ask around and Pavlov could look to help, but you and I know that it will be difficult. Her breakout will guarantee the ICW will increase security here. It will also tear apart whole nations in panic thinking you are returning."

Sybil looked down at the note she had made and wondered if it was even worth contemplating. Sybil continued. "As for her usefulness. We could use someone who will get their wands dirty. Furthermore, outside of Dumbledore, and you she would probably be the strongest magically, although Sheda does hide a lot I believe."

Sybil read some of her other notes made by Queenie. " Per Queenie. If the families who stay on the sidelines became problematic she could be the one to cull them or make an example."

Closing those notes Sybil went back to her own personal ones. "My only worry is that although she is French, her name is tied to Magical Britain somewhat. Furthermore, she became too cruel by the end, she didn't stop when you ordered the ceasefire. I believe she could become compromised and go to Voldemort instead if her bloodlust is not fulfilled."

Grindelwald nodded and looked frustrated. Sending anyone would be risky, the ICW would look into anyone, but he needed to contact her somehow. He needed to make sure she wasn't a threat "The Delacours. What of their daughter? She is of age now, no? Would she be willing to go? She has great cover with her father and there would be no questions immediately until it's too late. Take it up as curiosity."

Sybil nodded and saw merit but it would be risky. " I would agree. Alexandra or I would be dug into and with no public background; questions will be asked. Yet, I do not think it will be possible. Fleur seems to have cultivated a relationship with Harry. Furthermore, we would have needed Pavlov to help, their public hatred of Rosier would have allowed us to send Fleur in without any issues. Fleur would have been the best bet, but not anymore unless we can find someone with minimal ties to us that we can trust. A hard find currently. "

Grindelwald nodded in some frustration. Briefly he remembered Isabella and for some reason he began to wonder. Wonder if Fleur was something more to him. He shook his head and knew that it wasn't possible. Fleur had a grandfather, the timelines didn't match and the time he had with Isabella was brief. Yet, he felt a slight sense of something. Almost Deja vu. His eyes became foggy much to his surprise.

Grindelwald ignored the feelings and continued. "I see. Ahhh young love. Makes you do foolish things. I believe we shall only inquire about Rosier and leave her be. She is far enough from all of this that we will know if something happens. Whether she commits a breakout herself or Voldemort tries to collect her for his own needs."

Grindelwald started pacing around in his cell, the frustration still present. It was something that never showed in the man. He was supposed to be calm and collected, but Voldemort was truly playing one on him. It's like Voldemort figured that he would be searching for the dark creations, he smirked. "He had planned to face Dumbledore. Similar minds." Grindelwald whispered to himself.

Break break break

"What of the professor's research on Harry?" Grindelwald asked after some time.

Sybil was getting used to his lapses in speaking. Yet, some were still jarring. This one caught her guard and she didn't expect him to inquire. She quickly searched through her notes. "Uhhhh. It goes well. It seems Sheda speaks confidently on figuring out the issue. I believe Queenie and Dumbledore picked up on it. His blood."

Standing up from her chair she began to pace. "The blood is attempting to eject an object from him. The blood with the venom is damaging his magic and the phoenix tears are healing some of the damage. A dancing act between the two that is unbalanced with the venom doing more damage then the tears can heal. This results in instability and further explains everything that he has experienced."

Finishing her notes Sybil stopped in front of Grindelwald. "All that has led her to believe that it's a metaphysical manifestation. Dumbledore did throw out the idea that Voldemort may have attempted to control the prophecy by making a smaller version of himself. The common thread being that Voldemort very much has a presence in the boy."

Grindelwald listened and nodded his head, but stopped after a while. "They know something we don't. The blood theory makes perfect sense, almost too perfect. My own observations of your explanation points to the object being both physical and metaphysical I.e it moves somewhere else during calm situations. The robe weakens it. It's when it senses an opening does it release itself into the body and in turn the blood reacts. The robe as a result reacts to temper the worse effects of both the blood and whatever Voldemort did."

Sybil began to write his observations down as Grindelwald freely spoke. "The blood in turn is not always reacting. It's stable and calms down. Its effects to the magic are tangential, but not its focus. It's fighting something that has a truly physical presence."

Grindelwald got quiet and then began to wonder. He had never come across anything like this in his life before, but his current research pointed to ways of making souls physical. "I then think it's soul magic, but a physical manifestation of it. It needs to be able to hide to not get damaged by the venom and only one place would be seperate from the body. The soul. That is where it resides during times of calmness. It's soul magic I am fairly certain, but is both physical and metaphysical. A different version of what the items have, but in the same vain I believe. Go back and update everyone."

Sybil could not understand how the man's mind worked. A wealth of knowledge; Queenie mentioned the nightmares she still had from going into his mind. Sybil wouldn't question it and nodded as Grindelwald looked to ruminate on his thoughts by sitting on his bed.

Sybil made one last comment as she finished writing down their conversation. "Of note, Queenie made an off-hand comment regarding Fleur's Allure. It appears the Allure guarantees he does not need to have his robe as a precaution. If anything, during the Nurmengard Village study that we conducted, it appears it submitted his worst tendencies. So that would give validity to the idea of a physical presence." Grindelwald was surprised with the fact and stood up.

Looking through another book of bonded letters he began to read them and spoke up "Isabella predicted a soul could be submitted via the Allure of a true fairy. She wasn't sure if it was possible with a Veela, but for a time wanted me to obtain a book. I never asked about the book. Yet, she argued that the Veela could be a potent tool for me if I was able to discover the book. I ignored her once I figured that the best beast to use in my campaign to sway not only muggle kind, with its destructive force, but also wizarding kind, with its sad beauty, was the obscurial. Of course the vision of credence changed that as well."

Grindelwald began to wonder again about the witch and the what ifs. "She wrote to me one more time, before I cut funding, stating she had been able to locate a damaged copy, but no longer believed it could be useful to me. All research pointed to the allure only being able to focus on one individual. It was useless to me then. I let her be after that. It was during my discovery of Credence in America that I got that last letter."

Grindelwald handed the book to Sybil. "Give it to Fleur. See what she finds. I can tell she was curious about my connection to her grandmother. Maybe she can finish her grandmother's research." Sybil took the book and smiled.

Break break break (August 23)

Tonks had been reached out by Kinglsey in the office and was meeting him in Knockturn Alley to her surprise. She saw him standing in an offshoot walkway that was barely wide enough for the two. She had asked him to ask a question when they met regarding her name. "Tonks, what do you hate most about name?"

Tonks with a smile responded. "My first name."

Kingsley nodded. "I know you are a rebel Tonks. And I know you hate being behind a desk. I have an offer for you outside of work. Let's just say there are things happening which I think you picked up on."

Tonks nodded and was surprised. "An offer? Is there anything that could see me get in trouble?"

Kingsley nodded. "If you are caught it would be considered treason who you will be associated with. I can say one name. Dumbledore."

Tonks looked down, unsure really. Dumbledore was a powerful wizard, but she felt it wasn't worth it. "Anyone else?" Kingsley sighed. He knew that the Dumbledore name wouldn't sway her. Suddenly a disillusionment charm ended next to them. Alexandra appeared. Tonks pulled her wand out and Kingsley put her arm down. "Stop. She is with us. Although I am surprised she is here."

Alexandra smiled. "I was sent to review who Tonks was. Lord Potter-Black sends his greetings Lady Black."

Tonks was surprised by the name and also her title. "I.I.I am not a Black. My mom was kicked out."

Alexandra looked at her. "That's the offer. You come into our fold and your mom is reinstated. A metamorph is a powerful ally and Lord Potter-Black is rather fond of his family no matter who they are. He does not agree with Lord Arcturus actions and has the power to review them. So what will be your choice?"

Tonks could not believe it, but she decided to try to meet him. She remembered Harry from his 1st year. He was the only Potter, but how did he become Lord Black? She would have to talk to her mum. "Can I meet him first?"

Alexanrda nodded. "He will be coming to the ministry on the 26th, he is currently in France spending some time with his girlfriend. Can you offer to be his security detail when he comes back. I believe the department will be asked by Amelia Bones?"

Tonks nodded as Alexandra continued. "You can meet with him afterwards. Sorry Kingsley. Once Lord Potter-Black figured out Tonks was a former Black he wanted to meet her."

Kingsley nodded with an understanding look. "It is no issue. I know Tonks would not join only with the Dumbledore name." Alexandra smiled and apparated away. Tonks wanted to ask more questions, but knew she would not get any answers anymore. They decided to leave.

Break break break (August 24)

Susan was frustrated by her Aunt Amelia. She had been asked if she knew anything about Harry Potter and to much her own embarrassment she knew nothing. "Auntie. I don't know him. He is in a different House. I never looked to know him. I could never know him. He kept to himself constantly."

Amelia looked at her niece and sighed. "I truly can't believe that in 3 years you never cared to learn about your House's allied home. I have failed in raising you as Lady Bones."

Susan walked away from her Aunt in anger. "Why does it matter? It's not like he has reached out either."

Amelia followed her niece to her room with a stern look. "You know his House is greater than ours. Especially after the counsel his Grandfather gave to your father. You should be ashamed. When you go back you will introduce yourself and talk to him. I feel Fudge is going to make a play at him and being allied to his House we will need to know what he plans to do." Susan nodded in defeat as her Aunt left the room, she sat on her bed and was actually disappointed in herself.

Her aunt was right, she should have reached out. She looked at her wand holster. It was her fathers, but it had been a gift from Lord Charlus Potter to the new Lord Bones. The same holster her father used to defend their home. She would reach out, Lord Potter was to be respected; she would have to apologize.

Break break break (August 24)

Luna was having an interesting summer. Her magic was connected to fate so much more. Daily her vision would become cloudy. The future was becoming complicated. "Father, I am so excited to start school this year. So much uncertainty."

Xenophilius loved his daughter, but it was clear she was becoming like her mother and he worried. "Uncertainty is not that good honey. Maybe we should focus on positives. How about we go on one more expedition to find some Nifflers?"

Luna smiled and shook her head. "Harry will give me one this year."

Break Break Break (August 24)

Herminoe was seated in the burrow reading, but couldn't focus. The Weasley Household had been tense after the World Cup meeting.

Harry was different when they met at the World Cup, that was for sure. He was more confident, he carried the conversation, he knew what to say. She stopped herself. He could always do that. The difference was he was usually only able to do that when under high stress like during their adventures. "He is under high stress constantly or he has had to learn to utilize it . The Harry I knew may no longer exist." she whispered to herself.

Hermione heard him yell that he killed at least 3 death eaters the night of the World Cup. In review of the prophet it looked like it had been more. She could hear his pain and she cried that night for not being on his side. Ron looked numb and said nothing that night either.

Molly was also a problem. She had become a shell of her former motherly self when it came to talks about Harry. Almost as if Harry had either ripped her heart out by making her understand that she never knew him. It seemed all of them had ignored some points or truly he was growing into his own. Regardless it was clear that Molly was hurting and looked distraught anytime Harry was talked about.

Herminoe sighed as the Hogwarts owl showed up. It was her grades from the previous year, the rankings and supplies for next year. Looking at it she got 1st in potions, charms, and astronomy. She was 2nd to Greengrass in Ancient Runes and Artamancy. Harry had gotten 1st in DADA and Transfiguration and 3rd in Ancient runes and charms. She looked down, ignoring the rest of the list. "Maybe Greengrass was a better influence then I ever was. I could never get him to enjoy learning."

She remembered seeing the two in the library before final exams. She had tried walking up to them, but decided against it. Reverting to spying she understood what had made their friendship blossom so quickly.

Flashback

Herminoe was lurking between some bookshelves on a Saturday Afternoon. Harry was discussing a topic with Daphne and although it was clear they did not agree on the idea she saw Daphne played with the idea. "Potter. I get what you are saying, but you still have to learn the proper wand techniques and incantation. Magic may allow wandless magic and non verbal magic, but that is only after you properly learn the true feeling of the spell."

Herminoe saw Harry sigh and thought he would be rebuffed like he acted with her. "Alright let me explain it in a different way. Remeber you told me that African wizards and witches don't really use wands? Well that points to the idea that wand technique is not needed."

Daphne clearly realized his point and decided to go with it. "Yes, but they still need the incantation. You need to learn the incantation in order to get the full effect of a spell. It's what most academics say."

Harry chuckled. "And what did I say about academics?"

Daphne smiled and shook her head. "They are not telling us the full picture and you are a good example."

Harry then to Herminoe's surprise casted a silent stinging curse with not even a movement of his wand "Magic is more arcane. It's not a science. I swear it is. We have just tried to explain it away, Daphne. Magics limits are probably near infinite, but we put rails for wizards."

Daphne sighed seeing the spell have the same effect as verbally stated. "If that is the case, then why hide it? Why force the incantations? It's clear some spells have a different effect when verbally stated? You can't explain that away. "

Harry looked in thought. "Maybe we are meant to learn it overtime or learn the limits of one's magic?"

Daphne shrugged. "Possible. It could be to protect us as well? Maybe we are different? "

Harry chuckled. "We are definitely different, Daphne. It's Saturday and we have spent all day in the Library. It's almost dinner time. " Daphne chuckled as well.

Break break break (End of Flashback)

Herminoe in turn had learned that they had a mutual respect for how they taught and learned. She was always by the book. She always treated what was written before as gospel. She never thought to reevaluate and question what she read. Like a potions book. She followed the instructions and if something went wrong it was on her, not on the book. She had learned a lot from hearing Harry talk in such a way. It was nearing the end of the school year, but she had decided to try to take his philosophy going forward.

Magic wasn't a science much to her own horror anymore. It was truly beyond understanding and Wizards and witches had put guardrails. The problem was when did those rails get taken off, if they ever did? And how deep was she going to go. No, she needed to learn it with someone else. To control her own urges. She would ask Harry if she could join the study sessions he had with Daphne. Maybe a way back to some familiarity.

Break break break

Ron had gotten his Hogwarts owl. Seeing his grades he felt nothing in particular. "Average again." He sighed as he sat down on his bed. Glancing at the fact Harry for the first time had made it to the top of the rankings. Even making it to third in a class he never took before.

Ron knew the Burrow was having issues, but he couldn't be there for anyone. Not when he needed to be there for himself.

Ron now understood the night he mistreated Harry that he had jealousy issues. Mainly after Herminoe tore him a new one on the way he acted.

Ron hadn't realized it, but he was jealous of the fact she had a solo adventure with Harry. He was jealous that Harry didn't need to live in the shadow of siblings. He was even jealous that Harry didn't need to worry about achieving anything. He was great already. Harry was a proper Lord and not just any Lord, but Lord Potter. A mythical name to a degree.

Ron looked out the window. He had gone into that train cart as a nervous scared kid that first year. He was told to live up to his brothers before he left. A dragon wrangler, a curse breaker, one who was academically gifted, two inventors in his opinion, and then him. What was he to all that?

A wizard with glasses allowed him to sit with them that day. The wizard struck up a conversation and they quickly cracked some jokes. He was then revealed to be Harry Potter and although at first he was surprised with how much money the boy had he knew it was expected. He had been raised with proper house etiquette as a proper Weasley.

Although the family had fallen in 'hard times' they were not hard financially. The Weasley's never had money because of a Family order by Cedrella Weasley nee Black. She had locked their vaults ordering that two generations of Weasley's would sacrifice for the family down the line. A barely livable stipend would be given from the vault and every single item would be magically reviewed.

Cedrella married into the family knowing they were Blood traitors; but she did it because she loved his grandfather Septiumus. She had been in turn casted out of her House by Phiniues Black. In her anger she vowed to bring the Weasley's to a proper standing by centuries end. It had worked to a degree. They were not the richest, not even close, but the next generation would be able to live like the proper Lords and Ladys that Cedrella Black believed them to be. Her pride and joy of seeing the House that accepted her being allowed to rub shoulders with the ones that spit at them.

Ron realized he had failed her and his house. Harry did live in the shadows of individuals. Ones far greater than the ones he had. Harry's achievements were not his own. The achievements Harry did have; where all in desperation. Desperation to survive the first year, desperation to save Ginny, desperation to save his godfather. The rest of them? The boy who lived. A byproduct of the great sacrifice the Potter family had made. Ron had spit at the one House that never called them Blood traitors. A noble House. The Potter House.

Ron laid back. He was nothing in the grand scheme of things, but he did care for Harry. The summer had been a godsend being able to spend time with his brothers; mainly the oldest two. Charlie and Bill had been over and although he felt the smallest around the two, he knew they cared for him.

Break break break (Flashback)

Bill put down the newspaper after Ron made the joke of Harry being a Dragon in a tea shop. "Any particular reason you aren't with him? I came back because I thought you had been there as well. To my surprise Mom said you haven't been talking to anyone."

Ron's ears turned red. "I didn't want to."

Bill stopped him. "Come on. Let's get our brooms. Charlie is waiting."

Ron was surprised that Charlie came. "He is here?"

Bill nodded and smiled. "Asked him to come. Brother emergency I told him."

Ron's ears got red again as they walked outside. Walking up to his brother, Ron gave him a brief hug catching what he was holding.

Charlie spoke up as he handed Ron a broom. A keeper's broom. A brand new one. "Here. Take it as a gift from Bill and I."

Ron was staring at it. He loved it. "I can't take it. I am not even on the House team."

Charlie chuckled. "Well you may not get to use it next year also, but you best try too for 5th year."

Ron captured the sentiment that he knew something. "What do you mean?"

Charlie smiled. "Already said too much. Come on. Let's fly for a bit."

All three brothers began to fly around and played a basic game of hitting the quaffle around. As they stopped playing Bill started talking as they floated around. "So any particular reason you aren't with Harry. Pretty sure you followed him in death defying actions before."

Ron looked down. Looking at the brand new broom. "I kind of got into a fight with him. I let my jealousy get to my head."

Charlie got a smile and nodded. "I figured it would come around now. Why? Certain witch in your group?"

Ron started to stutter. Charlie chuckled. "Hormones get difficult as you grow, Ron. As much as I believe that platonic friends are a thing, I figured one of you would fall for Hermione. Maybe our little Ronniekins here already sees that between them."

Bill looked to be in thought. "I bet he does. And let me guess that is the crux of the issue? You wanted to date her? Are they dating?"

Ron shook his head. "Harry made it clear they weren't and so did Herminoe I kinda spit in both their faces. Saying that they were lying to me and that I was being left out. I even said Herminoe wanted to get her mittens on Harry." Ron started flying in a circle.

Bill and Charlie looked serious. Bill spoke up. "Ron, I understand having to live in our shadows, but you have to forge your path. Don't bother wondering how you look to all of us or how you look compared to us. You are our brother regardless of what you do. We will always love you and try to support you. It's what brothers do. I do want to tell you one thing."

Bill flew closer to Ron. "Jealousy is an emotion you will have to control. It is toxic and feeds on your feelings of inadequacy. I do think you should apologize, but you will have to understand that you may need to give them space if they ask for it."

Ron stopped his spinning and was silent for a bit. He was thinking and realized Bill was right, he nodded. "I know. I feel bad that Harry got hurt. The paper says he is recovering. He must feel so alone."

Bill smiled and chuckled. "Wellllll. The paper also said he was staying with a Veela family. So maybe it's not that bad."

Ron chuckled at the joke. "Harry Potter and the Mysterious of the Veela."

Charlie whistled. "I slept with one, truly mysterious what they are able to do. Couldn't stand for a few days properly."

Ron turned red at the knowledge. Yet, Bill caught on. "You aren't jealous of him for anything else are you?"

Ron shook his head. "I actually was more jealous of being left out and the idea of him not having to live in the shadows of anyone. I think I realize now those ideas are wrong. I thought I was logical, but it isn't. He is and will become Lord Potter. That's a shadow I wouldn't want to be under. I think you are right. I guess my jealousy just digs into everything and just makes everything worse. When I am not feeling it I am able to think better at least."

Bill smiled. He agreed with Ron, being the last in such an important family would be a hard thing to live up to. At least he figured. "Reach out to whoever you think first. I would say Hermione. Mate to mate, brother to brother, it can hold off. Is he going to the Quidditch World Cup?"

Ron nodded. His mum had asked Dumbledore about taking Harry to the World Cup, but apparently he was already going. Bill snapped his fingers, "Then talk to him then. Focus on that you cared for him. If you meet a Veela try remembering not to drool. Helps to stay focused when around them."

Break break break (end of flashback)

Ron had followed Bill's advice. Although he felt it could have gone better, he was thankful he could make up for what he did. He had truly let down Harry he felt. Maybe it was time to forge his own path. He looked at the list of supplies as he stood up. Dress robes? He then saw another owl come.

The letter said it was from Charlie. "The Twins told me what Mom was planning to give you for the Ball. After our talk I know you will need to feel confident that night; especially if you ask a certain witch. It's not the best,(better than mom would have made you) but I hope you like it." Ron opened the package and found some cotton dress robes in black with a slight red sheen. He looked at them closer and figured they had charms as well to fit him.

Putting the robes down Ron started to tear up. He always felt he was in the shadow of all his brothers.

Ron was, but he was focused on the wrong things that he had to live up to.

Break break break

Lord Dimitri Pavlov arrived via the side door to the full theater. He had made a good amount of enemies consolidating power in Magical Russia and every precaution was warranted in his mind. He sat down in the private box flanked by his guards. He smiled as he saw his only child and daughter, Natalia Pavlov, do her ballet routine with the rest of the company. She was elegant and fluid. Not one beat missed and each move was made with extreme precision. The most beautiful routine for his beautiful daughter.

Her mother had passed in childbirth, a worthy passing in the eyes of Russian Magical culture, second to a mother dying to protect their child. It signaled the birth of a powerful witch or wizard; someone so strong that their mother gave all their energy in fulfilling her duty.

Dimitri's last living uncle, Nicholas, had updated him on the issues out West. Never a man to care what happened in western Europe he was intrigued by his uncle's insistence to lend support. (Natalia begins her solo performance.) A step to finally be accepted as Magically European and included in the politics of the region. (Natalia excites the crowd) Magical Russia always played second to the magical nations of Western Europe. (Natalia begins the hardest part of her routine) Believed to be a tool at best or at worse foreigners bunched in with China, India and MACUSA. (Natalia seems to struggle just briefly, but recovers.) The Pavlov Family had worked for centuries to be respected and included at the European table. (Natalia had been insistent she could do her mothers star solo routine at age 14)

Victory was so close with Grindelwald's rise, but his own grandfather's dishonorable actions saw them wiped from the map once again. (Natalia lands a jump Dimitri knew she struggled with) They fell so far down the pole it took his father and uncles decades to rebuild their reputation just in Russia alone. Multiple assassination attempts and blood feuds had plagued the family, but his father and Uncles stayed loyal to each other and fought off each one. ( Natalia's feet seem to struggle but she maintains the performance) Finally they had regained honor and power with his own actions, yet now the possibility to fulfill his family's ancestral goals was now on the horizon. He rose to clap with everyone else as Natalia completed her solo performance. The Pavlov family would be respected as a European Power in his lifetime. He would make sure of it, no matter what he had to do or who he had to ally with.

Natalia looked at her father with pride. He had come. She looked at him and he nodded. She smiled and bowed her head. Her blond hair magically stayed in place. As she pulled her head up she imagined she was standing in Paris in front of a large cheering wizarding crowd in Paris with a green eyed wizard to her side. Her smile grew wider, as her gray eyes looked calculating at everyone in the theater.