Chapter 67

Harry could hardly wait to start their trip to the continent. The stress of nearly losing James, killing Crouch Jr, and the fight with Snape, had left him emotionally drained. The downward spiral of his emotional state felt imminent and he was glad to be taking a step away from it all, even knowing that this road led to an encounter with Grindelwald.

The day before Harry left for the continent with his family, James had made it out of Saints Mungos. He was grateful the teen seemed physically okay, even if the defeat on his expression lowered Harry's spirits further. The loss to his childhood rival had clearly stung James, but Harry had a hard time feeling pity for his birth father.

Snape had goaded him into a fight, and then James allowed himself to be dragged into a possible fight that could've cost him, and the other Marauders their lives. Harry had sworn he would give James a better pep talk upon his return, but he felt it appropriate to let him stew on what could've happened had he not shown up when he did. The time traveler could only hope that James would not take the defeat too hard, and stay focused on his training in Harry's absence. The Marauders clearly couldn't afford anymore rest days if they couldn't even handle the likes of Snape before Voldemort sank his fangs into him.

It had weighed heavily on Harry's mind that he had allowed Snape to live. Already he had proven himself capable of killing his fellow wizard. James undoubtedly would have died without Harry's interference and there was a real chance the Marauders would've followed as well. Snape was no slouch with his wand, even if he was no match for Harry, but the youngest Potter couldn't help but feel the debt he owed his former Potions Professor in the future was paid. If the two ever crossed wands again, Harry would not hesitate.

There was a small part of Harry's instinct that flared warningly as he prepared to leave the continent. He hoped James would not do anything stupid in his absence. Charlus had encouraged James to rest up at Potter Manor until their return, but Harry was uncertain the stubborn teen would listen. If he remained at Potter Manor Harry was confident the wards of their ancestral home would protect him, but if he decided to depart…well it was best not to think about that for now.

Harry did swear to every god above that he would kill any of his friends that put a toe out of line while they were on their short vacation to Europe, and most of them seemed cowed by his threat. Five days was all he was asking for, and if he had to come back sooner, there would be hell to pay.

The only loose end Elaina and Harry felt guilty about leaving behind was Andromeda. When they had spoken with the girl she looked sleep-deprived, and incredibly stressed. It seems that Ted nearly had a heart attack when he told her, and had tried to convince the girl to run away with him. Harry assured her that Arcturus would find her on any corner of the Earth she hid on, and it was best to face the music. Harry promised the worst the man would do is cast her from the family, beyond that, Harry and Elaina would protect her. Harry didn't relish the thought of the conversation he would have to have with his godfather in this world or his parents, but perhaps something could be done to change the future of his friend Nymphadora.

The first days of their trip they had spent in Paris, where they spent some time with Alexandra Dupont, Dorea's former maid of honor. The Veela had been ecstatic to receive the Potters and their ward taking them to more tourist sights the teens had never seen before, and of course, taking another visit to the Palais of Champions. After months of preparing Elaina for the dueling circuit, he felt more confident that day watching the girl's eyes gleam with anticipation and he knew she was going to rise to compete in this arena one day.

That day Harry learned that Alexandra was the dueling professor Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, something that he could not believe the woman had left out in their introduction. Elaina had now replaced Harry in the best friend department, as she fawned over the Veela, and jabbered nonstop about dueling. This only made Charlus and Dorea look on in amusement as Harry pretended to be offended, but the trip had been off to a great start.

Of course, other than dueling and tourist sights, they also spent an entire day shopping around the French magical district, and this led to a rather exciting day of drinking wine up and down Montmartre. Harry had never been much of a wine drinker, but when the French Veela insisted on a day of merriment with no obligations, plans, or objectives, they could hardly refuse. Alexandra had insisted that while the Italians may have had some of the finest wines in the world, the French could beat them in every category. Harry could admit when drinking with someone like Alexandra, he could appreciate the finer points of drinking with a connoisseur who could match wine profiles to his taste pallet. In simple terms, by the end of the day Harry, and his family were quite drunk.

By the time the day had turned to night, Harry and Charlus had switched over to Firewhiskey in attempts to stave off hangovers, but the women were adamant about staying on wine. Elaina had been sporting pink cheeks for the last few hours, and was slurring her speech much to the amusement of Dorea and Alexandra. Harry could hardly say he was doing better by the time they left their final winery for the day and only held hope he didn't do anything embarrassing.

Embarrassment, however seemed inevitable however as he began stumbling down Montmartre with his family in preparation to return home for the evening. It was late for a weekday night, and still, many witches and wizards were walking amiably through the street. Many seemed to match the levels of inebriation as Harry's party, while others seemed to be just taking in the sights. Regardless of what the people around the Wizarding area of France were doing, it was peaceful. There was no feeling of a looming threat, no fear of being attacked in the open. It was a relieving feeling to feel safe. The Auror presence wasn't large, and still, the people seemed at peace.

An arm around Harry's shoulder brought him out of his thoughts as Charlus pulled him in close, "What a day."

"I can't believe any of us are still standing." Harry joked.

"You are spending a day with war vets Harry. For years our only peace in the trenches was a bit of alcohol. We ate smart, hydrated well, and paced it perfectly." Charlus chimed proudly, "You should rest easy tonight. We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful day."

Smiling, Harry nodded, "It was pretty perfect."

It was hard to deny that simple fact. Listening to stories from the years following the war from Alexandra had been fascinating. To hear how in love his parents were was always soothing to his soul, and he was grateful to learn more about his family after a lifetime of knowing nothing. The trip down memory lane reminded him of what he wanted when his own war was over and as he glanced at a giggling Dorea and Alexandra, who had Elaina red in the face he grinned as the girl sputtered at whatever they were discussing.

Charlus patted Harry on the shoulder roughly with a grin, "Poor Elaina looks like she is getting the business from your mother, much to her amusement. I don't need to give you the talk, do I?"

It was Harry's turn to be red and sputter now, "Completely unnecessary."

"Because you are already active, or because you have already had it?" Charlus teased as he separated from his son, laughing to himself.

Harry felt the heat in his face increase, "We did not drink enough for this."

"We can always have more at the Manor and discuss it as a family if you like?" Charlus said with a grin that threatened to split his face.

"I will apparate blindly to the other side of the world if you even think about it." Harry threatened, causing the man to roar with laughter.

"We just want you two to be careful. Your mother asked me to mention it to you. With everything going on back at home an unexpected child would complicate things." Charlus warned more seriously, though the smile was still present.

"I understand." Harry said dryly, feeling much more sober now.

"I know the look, Harry." Charlus said warmly, "I know you love the girl. Merlin, we love the girl. Despite everything, she is a member of our family. If you two were to get married and have children one day, that would be a day worth celebrating."

Harry's heart seemed to return to normal at his father's kind words. It was true. From the time Elaina had met Harry's parents she was like a moth to the flame, and they accepted her with open arms. The family had not even twitched when they discovered her heritage. Elaina just had a way with members of his family. Even Arcturus offering to take the girl in had been a display of affection Harry would not have expected.

Charlus let out a breath before slowing his step, letting the girls put a little further distance from them as the man talked lower, "I just want you to know, Harry. Nothing we learn this weekend will change our opinion of Elaina. Her welcome into our family will be no less than it is now. I know she is worried, even though she won't admit it to Dorea, but there is no reason to be. She earned her place among us several times over. Nothing can change that."

"Thanks, Dad." Harry said feeling a lump in his throat begin to form.

Charlus patted the boy on the back and resumed normal pace to catch up with the party. When they reunited with the group it was time to take the portkey home. Elaina offered him a questioning look, but he merely took her hand and offered her a slight smile. Today had been perfect, and he only hoped he was given many more with the people around him.

.o.

Paris and Zurich, the vacation part of their trip, came and went faster than Harry wanted. The first day in Zurich was spent riding the high of the good vibes from Paris, but by the last day of their vacation Harry could tell the nerves Elaina had been attempting to suppress were in full force. Day four the family could tell the girl was lost in thought and when they arrived in Austria she was practically pale with anticipation and nerves.

The Austrian Ministry was nothing special in comparison to the German, French, and even British governments. It was a large dome-like structure with offices as far as the eye could see once entering the lobby. The only notable thing about the Ministry was the old man who had been waiting for them at the reception desk, a large smile on his face, whistling a soft tune.

Albus Dumbledore awaited the Potter family with his arms folded behind his back in his usual peculiar purple robes. The receptionist behind the desk looked awed and continuously glanced at the man as if he were an illusion that would disappear if they blinked. Upon their arrival, the older man turned to face the group with a grim smile on his countenance.

Harry felt Elaina clench the hand she was holding and he gently tried to squeeze it back reassuringly. It didn't seem to work. When they approached the Supreme Mugwump, he offered them a tired tone, "I have spoken with Minister Weber, and he is proving to be more difficult than I first expected. He initially decided to rescind his offer, when he heard how young our guest list was, but I have managed to convince him to allow us entry. I am afraid Lady Potter you will be asked to remain here at the Ministry while the rest of us apparate to Nurmengard."

Dorea grunted with a displeased expression, "I was there when our forces stormed Nurmengard, I had no desire to ever see the place again. I had hoped to remain outside the prison though, in case I was needed."

"I am afraid this is impossible." Dumbledore said apologetically, "I am afraid the four visitors are a concrete stipulation."

"I won't leave my wife here, Dumbledore. It would not be safe." Charlus countered firmly.

Harry wasn't sure what his father meant by this, but watched the tennis match playout between his parents and the Supreme Mugwump with morbid interest. Dorea however put a hand on Charlus's forearm, "It's okay, my love. I will depart the Ministry when you all do. I will enter the Wizarding District of Vienna in disguise. No one will even know I am here."

Dumbledore offered the woman a bow of his head while Charlus looked like he wanted to call the whole thing off for a moment. After the feeling passed the man took a deep breath and glared at the man suspiciously, "What did we have to do to convince the Minister to allow the visit to go forward?"

"Nothing you will have to deal with, Lord Potter." Dumbledore countered easily, "Just a few political favors I have cashed in, and promise to assist on a bill I would have supported regardless of the favor. Minor politics, I assure you."

Stiffly Charlus nodded in acceptance, "So it just be the four of us?"

"And a small contingent of Hit-Wizards. I am afraid they were non-negotiable as well." Dumbledore said with a hint of amusement.

Harry could only imagine why the Supreme Mugwump was amused. It would take an army to stop Charlus and Dumbledore. A few Hit-wizards, regardless of how talented they may be, were likely to make a difference. Aside from Voldemort, there wasn't a person alive that could stand toe to toe with the pair, and the Dark Lord only managed it in a moment of rage and desperation. A feat Harry was not sure could be replicated.

Charlus sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose as if he didn't like something the older man had said. It was likely however the normal amount of disdain Charlus usually held for the wizened man, "When will we be ready?"

"We just have to make our way to the Auror Office. There we will meet the Hit-Wizard squad leader, and he will go over our rules while at Nurmengard. In the interest of simplicity, I suggest we comply with whatever is suggested." Dumbledore offered.

"As long as it is within reason." Charlus said his eyes flitting around the room as if he expected to be attacked.

Dumbledore gave the man a nearly imperceptible nod, and turned to face Elaina, "I believe you to be an intelligent young woman, Miss Essex, but I do feel it necessary to stress that you offer no indication of the reason for our visit today to anyone in the Hit-wizard contingent. Word of mouth travels fast in Europe, and I fear there is little Lord Potter or I could do to stop it, if the truth were to be revealed."

Elaina looked nervous at the possibility, but said nothing, merely nodding her head in acceptance. Dumbledore looked grave as he took a deep breath, "Very well, I do believe that is all. If you follow me, I can guide us to the Auror office."

Charlus motioned with his hand to lead the way without further words, and Dumbledore began strolling towards a hallway that was at the edge of Harry's sight. Elaina's hand slipped into Harry's as the group traversed the Austrian Ministry of Magic, and the youngest Potter noted that Charlus appeared incredibly tense for the first time. Harry knew this would be difficult for the man he called father in this world, but something seemed off Grindelwald had been his greatest enemy in life, and now he was taking his adopted son, and his girlfriend, two barely-of-age members of the Wizarding World to stand before him. Every instinct in the man's magic must be begging him not to do it, but Harry knew that Charlus wanted to do right by Elaina. This was likely a much harder decision than Harry gave it credit, and he felt a swell of gratitude towards the man. Elaina seemed to read Harry's line of thought, and squeezed his hands, her eyes remaining on Charlus and Dorea.

The walk to the Auror Office wasn't a long one. Harry also realized that the Austrian Ministry was quite Spartan in nature. There were no grand architectural wonders or anything that made people think the Austrians held a sense of national pride. The whole complex was just long hallways with stone floors, and the dome-like shape of the building was rather plain. Harry frowned at the observation. From what he knew of the magical community of Austria, which admittedly, wasn't very much, he knew they were not poor by any means. What was the deal with this Ministry?

It wasn't long before Harry also observed that everywhere they went, whispers followed. In every hallway they crossed, wide eyes met their path. Looks of fear flitted across the faces of many men and women, and they all seemed to be directed at Charlus and Dorea. A bad feeling suddenly settled in Harry's stomach as Dumbledore directed them into an office that, according to the sign, would lead them into the Auror office.

When they entered the office it was through a door with frosted glass that would not allow you to see in through the outside. As the group of five entered the office though the area was empty, even the receptionist's desk was unmanned. As the group spilled in Harry could the adults were not pleased to see the room empty. It was the middle of the day, and there was no reason Harry could comprehend that the area would be deserted.

Uneasy magic seemed to reverberate off Charlus as he glared at Dumbledore, "How much do you trust this Minister Weber? Did you mention that I was coming?"

"He is a colleague of mine." Dumbledore answered evasively, his eyes flitting to a door that would undoubtedly lead further into the Auror Offices, "I believe they are attempting to remind us that we do not belong here. Nothing more."

Charlus scoffed and hissed in a quiet voice, "Merlin Dumbledore. I burnt this Ministry down the last time I was here, and you thought all these last-minute changes were inconspicuous?"

Harry's stomach dropped at the revelation. This was not a story that had been mentioned to the time-traveler in all the recollections of the war. Elaina and Harry exchanged nervous glances, and both seemed to be prepared to draw their wands if a squad of Hit-wizards burst through the door across the room wanting to fight.

Dumbledore however did not appear ruffled at all, "Charlus, please. I am Supreme Mugwump. They have no legal jurisdiction over you any longer. This is likely just a display meant to intimidate you. The Austrian government is strong now, and would probably like to show you that they would not be taken so easily a second time."

It made sense to Harry now why the building did not appear so historical. It seems the man he called father had torched the place only thirty years ago. The place was likely at one point a shining magical beacon like all the other Ministries, but fire, especially cursed fire, had a way of ruining things beyond normal means of repair.

Before Charlus could come back at Dumbledore with what was undoubtedly going to be a rude retort, the glass door on the opposite side of the room opened and revealed a dark-haired woman in dark robes. The woman had an even expression on her plain face, and her pale skin made Harry think she didn't spend a lot of time in the sun. The woman spoke in a thick accent, her English barely comprehensible, "Herr Dumbledore, Kapitan Fritz is ready for you."

Dumbledore looked at Charlus as if he expected the man to attempt to flee. Charlus for his part looked more rigid than Harry had ever seen him. The man seemed to be fighting every instinct he had to flee, but one glance at Elaina and Harry seemed to steel his resolve as he nodded firmly.

As the group made their way towards the next room, Harry bumped his father in the elbow with his own, "Of all the stories you could have told us, you decided to skip out on this one?"

Charlus didn't show any signs of recognition that he heard Harry's accusation, but he answered him before they crossed into the next room, "It was not my proudest moment."

As they walked into the next room, eleven men were in perfect two-by-five formation with their leader at the front of the pack with his arms crossed behind his back. This man had slick back brown hair, with a dark brown mustache some men would be envious of. His uniform was closer to muggle in nature than Harry would have guessed. The button-up tunic went all the way to the man's neck, and he cut an impressive figure with the size of his arms bulging in the uniform. The man appeared younger than Charlus but not by much.

As they entered, Harry realized all of the Hit-Wizards behind the lead man were staring straight ahead with zero emotion on each of their faces. Everything about the group screamed kill squad, but Harry's only indication that his family was nervous was the squeezing of his hand that Elaina held.

The lead Auror gave Charlus what could only be described as a cruel smile as he opened his arms widely, palms towards the ceiling, "Herr Metzger, welcome back to Austria."

Dumbledore seemed to still at the term Charlus was addressed by, but his father showed no sign of recognition. Instead, Charlus offered a slight bow of his head, "I thank you for the welcome Kapitan. I am sure you and your team will do your best to keep us safe as we traverse through the prison."

The man's sinister smile seemed to fall off his face as he took on a more serious countenance, "As safe as one can be in Teufelshöhle."

Dorea seemed to become restless at the hostile presence and glanced from Dumbledore to Charlus several times, before releasing the breath she was holding. Charlus for his part didn't say another word as Dumbledore stepped to the front to address the Hit-wizards, "We thank each of you for your time. We wish to waste no more of it, and begin our journey as soon as possible."

The lead Auror, Fritz, scowled at this, "Of course. There is merely the matter of surrendering your wands."

"Something we will do at the prison. Not beforehand." Dumbledore countered benignly.

"I am afraid the Minister's instructions were quite clear, Supreme Mugwump." Fritz opposed his smirk returning.

"I am afraid I will have to pull rank in this situation. My associates, nor myself, will leave our wands at such a distance away. You will have to be content with accepting our wands at the prison. That is an order, Kapitan Fritz." Dumbledore said calmly with a hint of amusement in his voice.

The Hit-wizards behind Fritz shuffled slightly at the Supreme Mugwump's command. Fritz for his part was openly scowling at this directive, "This is already highly irregular, Dumbledore."

"Insulting a Lord of my country, and ignoring my presence is also highly irregular, but I won't raise a fuss if you won't." Dumbledore countered happily.

The man was frowning as if he were searching for a loophole, "The Minister will have to be informed."

"By all means." Dumbledore invited, "However this should not hold up our business. We could enter the prison with 10 Hit-wizards including yourself with no issues Kapitan Fritz. I assure you that myself and Lord Potter would be more than capable of assisting you with any problems we may encounter on our journey."

"All my men stay." Fritz seethed out through his teeth.

"Then we should be on our way." Dumbledore answered cheerily.

The lead Hit-wizard looked like he wanted to do nothing more than give the order to execute Harry's entire group, but this Hit-wizard was no fool. They would stand no chance against the party present, and soon they would have all involved disarmed if they just went forward with Dumbledore's offer to begin.

"Fine." The man said through gritted teeth, "The Lady stays here, however. She was not on the guest list."

Dumbledore glanced towards Charlus who merely gave his wife a look. Dorea stared at the man for a moment before nodding in confirmation as if Charlus had given her orders, and disapparated on the spot.

Fritz stared at Charlus for a moment before shaking his head, and called out an order in German, making one of his subordinates step out of line and hand the man a long rope. The lead Hit-wizard tossed the rope to Charlus, and stated, "This will take you to the base of the prison where you will hand over your wands, and go through Security. Any further irregularities and the visit will be terminated immediately. The magic inside Teufelshöhle is cruel and powerful, it would not be wise to test it."

Charlus looked like he wanted to make a smart remark, but Dumbledore beat him to it, "We will cause you no trouble, Kapitan Fritz."

The man sneered at Dumbledore before barking out another order, and the formation of Hit-Wizards disappeared in a twirl showing the clear signs of a portkey activation, leaving just Harry's party behind. As Charlus stared at the rope he seemed to contemplate his next words before saying, "This won't end well."

"We knew the cost of returning here, Charlus. Let's just help this young lady find her closure." Dumbledore consoled carefully.

"No." Elaina said, causing everyone to look at her, but she stared directly at Charlus, "If you think this isn't right. If you think something bad is going to happen, I trust you, Charlus. I won't risk our lives, our future, for a pipe dream. Answers aren't worth that."

Charlus held the eyes of Elaina for a long moment and Harry thought the whole thing was going to get called off, but Charlus shook his head, "No. We have to do this. You have a right to know. We just have to be ready…for anything."

Elaina stepped forward and embraced Charlus tightly, whispering her thanks, before separating from him, and taking Harry's hand once again. Charlus held the rope out for everyone to grab on, and after one final moment of hesitation, the group was off.

(A/N) Off to Nurmengard we go! Join me on Discord and read through Chapter 86 for free. Just find "The Hunters Lounge" or add me on Discord OrionB15. You can also read through the end of the story for just 1$ on Pat(reon).