The new face of evil - 8 years out

Prologue: Eight years after Harry, Ron and Hermione graduated Hogwarts.

The past eight years have seen many changes in the wizarding world and especially in Harry Potter's life. Ron Weasley has now been married to Parvati for the past seven years and has two beautiful children. Ruth Ann (6), and Brian (4). Harry had been named godfather to both of the children and loved nothing more than spending time with them. Ron was the starting seeker for Puddlemere United after substituting as starting keeper when an injury forced the starter to miss the last three games of the season a few years ago. Ron also still ran the Weasley Wizard Whizzes store in Hogsmeade.

Fred Weasley was now married to Angelina and had a little girl, Elizabeth (3). George was a confirmed bachelor and regularly dated different women. The twins ran the main WWW store and had turned into very successful businessmen.

Ginny Weasley had spent her first year out of school trying to start her own fashion design company that Harry invested in. She had recruited the help of Cho Chang for the business side and Katie Bailey came in to provide contacts and take photographs. Her company GW Designs was taking off very well specializing in high-end gowns and wedding dresses. Harry had been able to talk his one-time girlfriend and Chaser on the French National Quidditch team Kristi Belig to do some modeling and advertising for the company and soon after, Ginny had quite a choice of models to choose from.

Hermione Granger was another story. She lived as Harry's roommate until she finished at the university, graduating with honors. Then she accepted a research doctor position with the Stonham Institute in Venice Italy. Harry had introduced her to Dr. Stonham during her first year at the university. The week she left for this position things had clearly changed between the two best friends. Harry didn't even attend Hermione's going away party and from that point on, never mentioned her name to his friends. Even without this, his friends knew something had changed. The boyish exuberance in his face was gone and was usually replaced by the look of someone who has been exposed to much more than any twenty year old boy should. None of their friends knew exactly what happened for almost a year, until Ginny traveled to Venice and finally got the story out of Hermione. Ginny had told the rest of their friends and they all immediately treated Hermione differently. They had all become even extra protective of Harry once they knew the story as well. They only saw Hermione on holidays, and not even all of them. Hermione didn't keep in contact that much even with Ginny, whom was closer to Hermione than anyone else at this point. When Hermione was around, Harry was polite but made every effort to not be around her and not to talk to her.

Now for Harry, things were going great until the incident with Hermione. The French National team was on a streak of 2 undefeated seasons and their third European Cup championship. Harry quit Quidditch after the next undefeated season, a year after Hermione left. It came as a complete shock to the entire Quidditch community and especially to all of his friends. In fact, only his godfather Sirius Black had known what to expect. Harry stayed completely out of the public eye for most of a year after the announcement. He and Sirius had formed two companies, a security company called Marauders Inc and a foundation to help magical children afford a good education and health care called the Lilly and James Foundation.

After a year, Harry came back out in public thanks mainly to Ginny Weasley and the witches she was meeting through her design agency. Ginny had introduced Harry to some nice beautiful witches and slowly Harry became comfortable being out with a witch again. In fact, within a year, Harry was back to enjoying dating even though the constant hounding by the press hadn't relented at all, and in fact had seemed to increase.

Marauders Inc had really been a cover for some witches and wizards to fight against the new dark magic threat. This threat wasn't from a single madman, but from many smaller groups that posed their own set of problems. The large scale public threat didn't seem the same, but these small groups were beginning to become better organized. Marauders Inc worked with Ministries in various countries and would work to infiltrate and expose these dark wizarding groups. They stayed out of the spotlight and allowed the individual Ministry Law Enforcement to take all the credit for the arrests. Harry, Sirius, Remus, Severus Snape and a few other wizards who fought against Voldemort were helping out. Harry had some very good investments and made enough to support both companies in the beginning. In fact, Lilly & James took in more in contributions than they needed most years. Marauders Inc also made money by doing specialized security services for large corporations and by being awarded assets when they shut down illegal operations. The company could design and implement security systems as well as provide private security when needed. None of his friends knew anything about the real purpose of Marauders Inc., though they had their suspicions.

The story of the incident between and Hermione was finally told to their friends by Ginny. Harry had been happy that Hermione got a position at her dream company, but things took a turn for the worse before she actually left. Hermione had accompanied Harry to the celebration when the French Team won the European Quidditch Cup for the third straight year.

The celebration lasted well into the night so just like each year; Harry got a two bedroom suite at a hotel in Paris. Hermione had been planning on her actions for some time now and was just waiting for the right situation. She was going to leave the next weekend for Venice and wanted to do something before she left. She had never been with a boy before, even though she was now twenty years old. She almost made a huge mistake and slept with a boy she dated her first year at the university, but found out this boy had started seeing her at Draco Malfoy's suggestion so he could get Hermione to help with a spell that Draco wanted. Hermione had only really kissed a few boys/men before, including Ron, the student at the university and Harry. Harry's had been by far the most passionate, and the two friends had been able to deal with the kiss just fine. Something had always been in the way of them pursuing anything further. Tonight Hermione wanted something more. If she was going away, she wanted to make sure her first time was really with someone, she wanted it to be the person she admired more than any other in the world. Harry was kind, gentle, honest and caring. Basically everything she would ever want. The problem was she knew that for the next few years she would be focusing all of her energy on her career.

Harry had learned to hold his alcohol over the years of celebrating and was in fine shape when the couple got to the hotel. They each went to their own bedroom but Hermione had soon called Harry into hers. As had happened a few times before, Hermione and Harry had kissed. These were all very passionate kisses and had always ended at this. This time was different. Hermione pulled Harry's head back to her when he broke the first kiss. After Harry was pulling away again, Hermione said, "Please stay Harry. I really want this."

Harry had been confused. He knew that he had always wanted something like this to happen since he had such deep feelings for Hermione but had always been scared to start something that may risk their friendship. Their lovemaking that night had been extremely passionate and had lasted the entire night. Harry had been with four women before this, all older and two of them much more experienced. Hermione had heard Cho telling her friends about how good Harry was but she had no idea. With Hermione, Harry put everything he had into pleasing her. Hermione had nothing to compare it to but she had never expected it to be as good as it was.

After waking up in the morning, Harry had made love to her again before they both showered. While they were eating breakfast, Hermione broke the news to Harry that she didn't want him to come to Venice with her. She said she would be working too much and wouldn't be able to spend any time with him. Harry had pleaded and said he didn't care but Hermione insisted. She had basically told him that she wanted to do this on her own without him around to lean on. Harry took this revelation really hard. Not because she wanted to go to Venice on her own, but because she had just pulled him into her bed and asked him to make love to her last night. There is no way he would have done that if he knew she was leaving him the next day. Harry's reaction really did shock Hermione. She had never considered that Harry would react this way; she thought he would be upset about not going to Venice, but not about them making love. That was the last she saw of Harry for two years.

Chapter 1.

March, eight years after leaving Hogwarts...

In Venice, Hermione looked at the calendar again. Today was one of her best friend's birthday. Well she still thought of him as a best friend. He had been very cool to her for some time now but the fact was she didn't have many friends at all and he was still one of her best. Hermione hadn't been back to see her old friends in almost a year. Every year that went by caused her to miss them more and more. She didn't think it was supposed to be this way. Her career was going great and she was working for her dream company and yet she felt emptier than she ever had. Admitting she had been wrong about this job was next to impossible for her but at least she wanted to see her friends again. Seeing most of them was usually fine. They didn't treat her like they used to but they were still nice and she knew they cared. Her other old best friend however tried his best to never be around her. Oh, when he was around he was nice enough but she could tell it was forced and that he wanted to escape as quickly as possible. Hermione hadn't anticipated his reaction to her leaving the way she did and didn't know how she could ever put it right.

It was a cool end of March afternoon in Hogsmeade. Ron and Parvati now lived in a large house at the end of town with a huge yard. Ron's birthday party had been going on for over an hour, and even though it was Ron's party, the children were having the best time. Most of the adults were sitting around the tables having a drink, talking but Harry was rolling around in the grass with the kids. By far, Harry was their favorite 'uncle' even though he technically wasn't one. Harry rarely came to big family functions without something for the kids and was the first one they came to hug when many people came in.

Harry was playing in the grass with Ruth and Brian when he felt something. Leaning down to the kids he said, "Your aunt Hermione just came in. You should go say hi." The kids took off running inside. Harry continued playing with Liz when Ron asked where the other kids went running to. "I told them someone just came in that they may want to greet," Harry informed his friend.

Ron got up to go inside and when he reached the door, he turned around and gave a very strange look to Harry. Harry asked Angelina if it was ok if he took Liz for a quick fly, and she agreed of course. Angelina was nervous when Harry took Liz on her first ride when the little girl just turned one but quickly realized that Liz would be safe anywhere with Harry. Angelina wouldn't even let Fred take Liz for a ride yet but let Harry take her at any time.

Harry gave a hug and a kiss on the cheek to his date today. He had been dating Steffi for a month now. Steffi was a model and Ginny had introduced them at a party. The two hit it off pretty well from the start. Steffi was strong, confident, smart and gorgeous. She didn't let Harry get away with much and always challenged him.

After the kiss, Harry summoned his broom and the other adults heard Liz squeal with delight as Harry rose up with her very quickly. Liz loved to fly with Harry. She always had a big smile on her face and often, Fred would ask Harry to fly with her when she was being especially cranky. Harry loved this also but had another reason for wanting to fly right now. He didn't want to be around during the greeting of the newest arrival.

Ruth and Brian walked up to Hermione soon after she appeared. Brian stayed close to his sister but Ruth said, "Hi Aunt Hermione. Uncle Harry told us to come say hi to you." Hermione gave a confused look. She had often caught bits and pieces of comments people would say about things Harry does or could do but she never asked specifics.

"Well I'm glad he did. How are you both?" Hermione said hugging the kids. Just then Ron poked his head in.

"I didn't know you'd be here," Ron said giving her a quick hug.

"I didn't want to miss your birthday. Besides, I wanted to see everyone," Hermione said.

"You know that he knew you had arrived. Kind of scary," Ron said.

"That's what Ruth told me," Hermione replied shrugging her shoulders.

The two old friends talked a bit before Ron led her outside to see her other friends. Ginny was the first one up and greeted her warmly. "Hermione. I'm glad you came; we didn't expect to see you. You don't look like you came by floo?"

"I shouldn't need an excuse to come see my friends but it always seems to work out that way. I apparated down the street and walked," Hermione responded and then greeted everyone else. "I can't believe how much Ruth and Brian have grown since I saw them last." Hermione paused and said, "Fred, where's little Liz?"

"In her favorite place in the world, on a broom with Harry," Fred said and then pointed high into the sky.

Hermione's eyes got huge. "Angelina! You and Fred let her go up on a broom?" Hermione asked shocked.

"Well only with Harry of course," Angelina replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "No one else, not even Fred has a chance of getting her away from me for something like that," she said and everyone laughed at Fred.

Once Hermione got over the shock of seeing the little girl so high in the air, Ginny introduce her to Steffi. Steffi was very polite and greeted Hermione warmly. Ginny had told Steffi all about Hermione just in case something like this ever happened. Ginny knew Harry didn't talk much about past girlfriends so Steffi wouldn't have found out from him.

They were sitting around talking when Harry finally landed. Ruth and Brian came running over yelling. "Uncle Harry, take us flying." The two kids tackled Harry as soon as he was completely off his broom and Liz came back to her mother looking very wind blown but extremely happy.

Steffi had come over and whispered something to Harry. He told the kids he would have to rest a bit and then they started hitting him in fun. When the couple got back to the table, Harry pulled Steffi to the far end near Fred before the couple sat down.

Harry was talking to Fred when he heard, "Hi Harry." Harry turned to see Hermione looking at him. He also noticed most of the other guests were watching his reaction as well.

"Hermione. It's good you made Ron's party," Harry answered without emotion.

"Ruth and Brian said you told them to come and greet me in the house. How did you know I was here?" Hermione asked.

"They would have greeted you without me telling them to. They're great kids," Harry replied glancing at the children.

"True, but how did you know I was here?" she asked again.

"Lucky guess," was all Harry said before turning back to Fred.

After eating and after Harry wore the kids out by playing with them some more, Angelina announced they needed to get Liz home. Harry whispered to Steffi and then the couple announced they needed to leave as well. "If I don't get my fully nights sleep, Steffi will threaten to leave me for that male model she was on the cover with," Harry joked.

Fred and Angelina traveled by floo powder due to the fact that Ron had anti-Apparation charms on his house since he was a Quidditch star now. They said goodbye to everyone and Hermione noticed how warmly Ginny hugged Steffi goodbye. When Harry was about to leave Hermione said, "Bye Harry, nice to meet you Steffi."

Harry only responded with "Hermione," before he took Steffi's hand and apparated away.

"He really hates me doesn't he?" Hermione asked her friends.

"You know that I honestly don't know Hermione. You know how he is, won't talk about stuff like that with anyone," Ron said giving Hermione a regretful look.

"He hasn't seemed to get any better around me in all these years," Hermione responded feeling really bad.

"Its not like you've been around very much, so it's not like he's had much chance," Ron replied.

"I've been busy Ron," Hermione said with some anger.

Ron held up his hands. "I didn't say you weren't, I was just stating a fact."

"He's right Hermione. We know you've been busy and we're proud of you but it's true you can't expect Harry to ever get any better when he only sees you for a couple days a couple times a year," Ginny added.

Hermione stayed with Ginny that night and they both went back to Ron's the next morning for breakfast before Hermione was set to return home. The four of them were sitting out back talking after breakfast when Hermione gave a slight scream. Harry had just appeared next to their table.

"Harry! Don't anti-Apparation barriers mean anything to you?" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry turned to Parvati and asked calmly, "Parvati. Do you mind me popping into your backyard?"

"Of course not Harry. We don't care if you pop straight to the kitchen; you know that."

Harry turned back to Hermione. "Then no Hermione; anti-Apparation barriers don't mean anything to me," Harry said and then was assaulted with, "Uncle Harry. Are you ready to go?" Ruth had come running up to him.

"Ron. What time are you forcing me to bring her back to you today?" Harry said picking the little girl up.

"Around three should be fine," Ron replied and then Harry and Ruth popped away.

"Do you really think its safe having her go through the barriers with him?" Hermione asked.

Ginny looked at her friend sadly and said, "Hermione. Do you think for a second that Harry would do anything that could hurt his goddaughter? If so, you've been away far too long."

Harry and Ruth spent the day walking around the zoo and eating ice cream. Harry arrived back at Ron's right before three and instantly Ruth started telling her parents about their day. Ron looked at Harry and asked, "Think you'll ever work things out with her?"

"Doubt it. See no reason to really. I can deal with the couple of times a year I run into her. And, the kids keep me happy enough even when she is around," Harry replied.

Hermione had cried the entire day after she got back home. She thought back to how things had been only four years earlier. She had been as happy as she could ever remember and now was one of the lowest points. Hermione still didn't fully understand why her actions caused Harry to get so angry but obviously they had. She knew Harry had never mentioned it to any of her friends so she knew that they heard the real story from Ginny. Hermione could remember back to two mistakes that she wished she could have back. One when she chose going to a school orientation instead of a Ministry function with Harry which caused him to start dating Kristi for real and the second was the night she convinced him to make love to her. She didn't regret that they had made love; she just regretted what it did to their friendship. Hermione decided to make a real effort to repair all of her friendships, and decided to take a few days off next month and go back to spend time with them.

Harry and Sirius were working on breaking a terrorist ring that was getting access to extremely dangerous potions and using them to form terrorist weapons that were being used on both wizards and muggles. The two were spending a great deal of time tracking people down all around the world. Harry had been in the Amazon jungle for over two weeks now trying to find a native Indian settlement that supposedly had information about why the potions were so dangerous and potentially an antidote.

Hermione got back to London and looked up Ginny. Ginny was glad to see her and agreed with Hermione's idea to spend more time around her old friends. Hermione was somewhat resentful that it had been Ginny who set Harry up with his current girlfriend but Ginny made it clear that she would always do what she thought was best for Harry at this point. If there was one thing Harry brought out in his friends, it was loyalty. They knew he would do anything for them and in return, they always tried to do what was best for him. Ginny invited Hermione to a family meal that they were having Saturday. Ginny wasn't sure if Harry would be there since he had been gone for a couple weeks now and no one knew where he was.

"Does he disappear often like this?" Hermione asked.

"Oh yes. He's been gone for almost a month before but he almost always makes it back to family meals. He doesn't talk about what he does to anyone. I think dad must know because they talk privately quite a lot. Of course dad won't say anything," Ginny said.

Hermione spent her days off watching Ron play Quidditch, and going to work with Ginny. She had been really concerned about coming back but it had already lifted her spirits by spending time with Ginny and seeing how happy all of her old friends were. Hermione was also impressed with how well Ginny's design company was going and at how professional Ginny had become.

The day of the Weasley family meal was stressful for Hermione. She knew that Mrs. Weasley especially blamed her for the change in Harry. Molly was always polite of course but it was really obvious to Hermione how she felt. Everyone had been at the house for a couple hours and were outside enjoying the day. The adult boys were playing Quidditch and the girls were just talking and watching the kids with Mr. & Mrs. Weasley when Harry appeared near them. He looked very tan, like he had spent the past few weeks on a beach someplace except that he didn't look relaxed or rested at all. Instantly he was mobbed by the kids yelling, "Uncle Harry. Did you bring us something?"

Harry held out his empty arms and got a sad look on his face. "I've been really busy and there weren't any shops around."

The kids got a sad look and Ruth said, "That's ok Uncle Harry we're glad you came."

"Well in that case, maybe you'll accept these," Harry said and suddenly three carved wooden flutes appeared in his hand. "These are Muggle instruments, you play them like this." Harry took one of them and played a nice little melody and then handed the flutes to the kids.

Mrs. Weasley was the first one to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you could make it Harry, we didn't know if you would or not."

"I try my best Mrs. Weasley. I haven't had a home cooked meal in a while now," Harry said.

Mr. Weasley was there next and said something quietly before the two moved off a bit. Harry did something with his hand and a fog seemed to surround the two men and no sound came out. A minute later, the fog cleared and the others heard Mr. Weasley say, "I'm glad you at least came for the meal."

He was greeting everyone and then said, "Hermione. Not like you to be back so soon."

"I just wanted to spend more time with Ginny. Looks like you've been lying around on a beach someplace," Hermione said.

Harry gave a short laugh. "Not likely. Try the middle of the Amazon Jungle."

Everyone looked at him and Mr. Weasley said, "Harry!"

"Sir. It's a big jungle and enough people have seen me there already. I don't think you all knowing what isn't being hid very well anyway will really matter," Harry replied staying very calm and reserved.

Mr. Weasley looked down regretfully and said, "I suppose you're right."

"It doesn't look like you're getting enough rest," Ginny added.

"Hey, you try sleeping with monkeys throwing things at you all night," Harry replied in a half-joke.

"I have. Remember I grew up with Fred and George," Ginny joked and drew immediate responses from the twins.

Harry took Liz for a quick fly on the broom before everyone sat down to eat. Mrs. Weasley was nice enough to put Harry at the opposite end of the table from Hermione. The talk with the family was nice and enjoyable. Hermione was amazed at how no one questioned Harry about what he has been doing, and it was eating her up because she really wanted to know.

Harry got up right behind Mrs. Weasley to help her get things back to the kitchen. Hermione looked at Ginny who nodded back. Mrs. Weasley was just coming back outside when Hermione went in. Mrs. Weasley gave her a strange look but didn't say anything. Harry knew she was there instantly. "Is there something you want Hermione?" Harry asked without turning around.

This kind of stunned her since she was just getting ready say something. "Can we talk?"

Harry turned around right where he was and said, "Ok, talk."

Hermione was struck by just how emotionless Harry was to her. Being near him used to fill her with such warmth and courage and now there's nothing. Before she could say anything Ruth came in and threw her arms around Harry's leg. Harry knelt down and said, "Is it ok if I go talk to Aunt Hermione for a couple minutes?" Harry smiled at the little girl and then Hermione felt the warmth again. She knew that was what Ruth was feeling as well and one of the reasons the little girl liked being around Harry so much.

Ruth looked at Hermione and turned back to Harry and said, "Ok, but be careful." Harry kissed the top of her head and promised he would. Ruth left and with her went any of the warmth.