Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Chapter 10

The Rescue

Harry and Evan returned to Grimmauld Place to find the place buzzing with activity. They were immediately besieged by people from all directions; everyone talking at once, trying to be the first to congratulate them and tell them the news. They looked at each other with identical puzzled expressions, not understanding a word that was being said.

Finally George set off a couple of their latest inventions...the Big Bang! Indoor fireworks that were actually small sparkles which looked like stars along the ceiling, but gave a huge BANG! It seemed to have achieved the desired effect. Everyone was instantly startled into silence as they tried to figure out what had happened.

Having experienced Fred and George for many years, Harry figured out what happened straight away. With a smile, he said, "Thanks George."

"Any time mate!"

Harry finally spotted Remus and walked over to him. "Now... what the hell is going on here?"

"Harry, I don't know what you did or said at that summit, but I've never seen anything like this. Hermione's office has been deluged with special messengers from Ministry offices all over the world."

With a confused look, Harry asked, "What do special messengers for Hermione have to do with all this?"

"The messages are all for you Harry! Nobody outside the Order knows about this place, and as you know, nobody can apparate into Hogwarts. By process of elimination, the messengers have gone to the British Ministry of Magic. Hermione sent her assistant here with a box full of messages. We are still trying to translate many of them, but they all say pretty much the same thing. They are offers of auror's and transportation specialists for the rescue!"

Ron and Hermione entered the room with the last of the messages. "I'm afraid we couldn't do much with these" Hermione said. "I'm not even sure where to start to try to translate them."

"Put them in the box with the rest." Harry passed his hand over the box and said, "Pass them around and let's see if the rest say the same thing."

After affirming the notes all said basically the same thing, they decided to accept the offers. The problem was how to contact all the Ministers and assemble everyone in the short amount of time left before the start of the mission.

They agreed that twenty of those present would immediately apparate to ten countries each and personally deliver the instructions . The rest were needed to make new portkeys which would take the hostages straight to the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

Instructions were written on the back side of the notes sent to Harry, then collected and returned to the box. Harry again passed his hand over the collection which translated the instructions back to the original language in which they were sent. Each note had the country's name written in English and were separated into groups of ten.

The messengers each took ten notes and were off. Most of the others set off to make the new portkeys. Harry, Remus, Mad-Eye, Evan, and Minerva retreated to a small office to discuss the final details.

"Are you alright Harry?" Remus asked.

Harry had a far away look and did not seem to be paying attention to the meeting. Forced back to reality by the question, he said, "Not really. So much is happening so fast, I fear we may be overlooking too many possibilities. It is further complicated with the lives of all those children on the line."

He stood up and started his usual pacing. "We've got an international group who don't all even speak the same language, not to mention they've never worked together before. I won't be able to communicate with anyone once we start or the protection charms will fall back into place and kill or injure who knows how many. I don't even know how long I'll be able to sustain the power it will take to counteract all those charms..."

Speaking very sternly, Minerva cut him off. "STOP IT HARRY!"

Everyone froze and looked at her. Her lips thinned almost into oblivion, her face set in stone. "If you start thinking like that and doubting every detail, you are endangering not only the mission, but the fighters and even the children. I know how you think. I also know how you are once situations are in motion. Of course there are questions and doubts, especially in an undertaking of this magnitude. It's also the first time you will be using all those extraordinary powers of yours to such a degree."

"But..." Harry tried to interject.

"No buts'. You start thinking positively right this minute or you doom this mission before it even starts." Her stare bored through him like nothing he could remember feeling before.

Evan spoke up, "She's right you know. You can't do it all yourself and you can't guarantee success or even the safety of all those involved. You use those magnificent powers to the best of your ability and leave the rest to all of us."

Remus added, "Go back to your days of Quidditch. You had to concentrate on finding and grabbing the snitch, allowing your teammates to take care of everything else. Granted there is more at stake than a few points and a House Cup, but the concept is the same. You should know that all your past experiences can be used in the present and future situations. That is one of the reasons we have memories!"

Harry leaned back in the chair he had dropped into during the lectures, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and studied the faces of his friends. He knew they were right...he had to calm down and concentrate on the matter at hand.

Finally, he said, "Thank you...you are all correct. Sometimes I get carried away with the details for everyone's safety and loose the perspective of the big picture. Feel free to kick my arse anytime I need it! Shall we get back to the plans?"

Remus and Mad-Eye were to stay at headquarters monitoring not only what was happening with the mission, but the muggle communications as well. Further, they would have to be available to deal with Ministries around the world as things progressed.

Minerva was to wait in the Great Hall at Hogwarts to receive the hostages. Madame Pomfrey and her staff would be on hand in the hall to determine if any medical assistance would be required.

To this end, Harry cast a language charm on the small group so they would be able to properly communicate with everyone with ease. The spell would only last until the mission was complete, and then it would simply fade away.

Minerva, Remus, and Mad-Eye left to organize their particular areas. Harry and Evan continued working on details of the plans for the mission. Harry had made Evan his 'general' in the mission and wanted to make sure they were on the same page in as much detail as possible.

Harry was struck with another idea. "Evan please find Antonia and bring her back here with you. While you're at it, please bring back some tea for all of us."

"You got it."

"And please close the door on you way out and give me about fifteen minutes."

Evan nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Harry had decided he needed to find a private inner peace and assurance. Still sitting in the chair, he closed the drapes so that it was fairly dark in the room. His eyes welling up with water and a single tear slowly making its way down the side of his face, he stared into the dim light of the room, focusing on nothing in particular.

Very quietly, he said, "Mum...dad? If you are still watching over me, I need as much help as you can give me. I don't care how many people tell me, or how many times I hear the reasons...I will never understand. Why me? What is so special about me? It gets too overwhelming at times and I'm never sure I'm making the correct decisions."

He heard soft voices and was suddenly consumed with a comforting warmth and inner peace.

"Harry, we have always been and will always be with you. We don't have the answer as to why you... but we can tell you that we are more proud of you than you can ever imagine. Although we have not been in your life physically, that has never stopped us from giving you all the love and support we possibly could. Search your heart. You will always find it whenever you need it."

With his eyes still full of water, the world was almost as unfocused as if he were not wearing his glasses. He noticed two points of soft light floating on the other side of the room. He didn't have to ask...he just knew.

With a quiet knock on the door, the lights were gone.

"Harry?"

"Just a minute." He said, quickly wiping his eyes and opening the drapes again. "Come on in."

Antonia held the door open while Evan walked in with a pewter tray containing a large pot of tea, three cups and a plate of biscuits. He set in on the table and sat in the chair across from Harry, leaving the chair next to Harry open for Antonia.

She sat down and poured the tea. "I like the use of pewter around here." She said. "It's so much less stuffy than silver."

"Well, it's best not to have silver around Remus. The potion you make for him each month does wonders to keep him calm during the full moon, but there are everyday considerations I also try to keep in mind."

"Anyway, I wanted to talk to the two of you about tonight. Antonia, I'm going to need you by my side for the entire duration of the mission. You will have to be my communication with Evan. Also understand that though I may seem to be ignoring you, I'll be doing anything but that."

"I understand...I think," she said. Had it been anybody else, she would have pressed on for more details. But she was in love with Harry and trusted him completely.

"You will shortly. I am going to put a communication charm on the two of you making it possible for you to communicate using only your thoughts. I believe the muggles call it telepathy. Of course, they never dreamed of anything quite like this!"

They looked at him with obvious questions running through their heads.

He smiled at the expressions on their faces and said, "It's really quite simple. You will be able to keep in contact with Antonia, who in turn will tell me what your questions and observations are. I will give her instructions or answers to your questions and she will relay them back to you. It will be easier for me to concentrate on what I need to do than having to expend extra energy speaking or contacting your mind directly." He drank some of his tea while finding a bit of amusement in their confusion.

"How long will this last?"

"Until I remove it...which will be as soon as we return to the castle, if not before." Harry stood up and placed a hand on each of their heads. Not needing to say anything out loud, he just thought the incantation. An aqua light radiated from his hands and surrounded each of their heads, and was absorbed therein.

Evan looked at Harry, who had returned to his chair, and simply said, "Whoa!"

Harry explained that it wouldn't work to try to communicate at the present time. The last measure wouldn't kick in until they were in Iceland.

"That's about it for now. Evan, if you don't mind, I'd like some private time with Antonia."

"Sure, you know where to find me. Don't be too long, dinner will be ready soon." He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Taking Antonia's hand, Harry stood up and led her over to the couch. He sat toward the end with his head propped against a pillow. She lay down with her head on his chest. With a small wave of his hand, the drapes closed again. They lay there in silence, Harry slowly stroking her hair. Just being alone with each other was all they needed at the moment.

An hour later they joined the others in the kitchen for dinner. Tensions were high with what was about to happen. There had never been anything like this attempted before. So many wizards from all over the world who had never even met each other, much less worked together. Everyone was thinking the same thing, but nobody had the nerve to voice the concern out loud. Could Harry really pull this off? Was he just grasping at straws and hoping for the best? Just how much power does he really have?

Gradually everyone's doubts started to fade when they started thinking about what Harry had accomplished since the time he was fifteen months old. He had always done the seemingly impossible and always put the safety of others before himself.

Hermione was at Hogwarts with the other Ministers waiting for the return of their children. Ron had insisted on joining the group going to Iceland. He made it clear that where his sons were involved, so was he. As much as Molly wanted to be at Hogwarts to see her grandchildren return, she opted to stay at Grimmauld Place with Remus and Mad-Eye.

The army was going to meet thirty miles east of the complex at eleven. At ten thirty Harry decided it was time to leave in order to get there before anyone else arrived. Those at headquarters followed his lead and apparated to the designated area.

*******

The crystal clear night offered thousands of stars, but with no moon, it was a very dark night.

As they waited for the others to arrive, Harry enabled the sky shield projection. He then added a vertical shield around the country which would repel any planes or other Muggle airborne devices from getting close to the country.

Precisely at eleven o' clock, Aurors and transportation specialists from all over the world started appearing in the designated area. In less than fifteen minutes there were several hundred wizards and witches standing before him. All dressed in black muggle clothing from head to toe in order to blend in to the darkness of the night.

Harry stood on a large rock formation in order to be seen by all. As he had done at the summit, he raised his arms and a red haze radiated over those assembled. As he lowered his arms the haze was absorbed by all those who didn't speak English.

Ron had been sticking close to Harry since their arrival at the field. He turned and said, "I know I just saw this yesterday, but it's absolutely amazing!"

Harry looked at him gravely and said, "You ain't seen nothing yet!" He then turned to those assembled. "In case you are wondering what that was all about...it's a spell that allows all of you to speak and understand English. It will last for the duration of this mission and will simply disappear when we are finished."

"You have all been informed what we are going to do and that it won't be easy. I will be on the hill on the west side of the complex holding off all the protection charms and spells. Any questions or observations should be directed to my assistant Evan Steele. The transportation experts are to get in the dormitory as quickly as possible and get the children to Hogwarts as soon as possible. All those in charge of transportation, please raise your hands in order to receive the portkeys which will take you to Hogwarts."

Hands were raised throughout the crowd. Harry opened the box at his feet, grabbed a handful of 'tickets', and tossed them into the air. They floated smoothly to each hand raised. He repeated this two more times until all the 'tickets' were gone.

Harry hesitated before revealing this bit of information. "Since we don't know exactly what to expect from this lot, except extreme violence and desperation, the ban on the use of the unforgivable curses has been lifted for this mission only!"

There were whispers of shock, but all agreed that it was necessary in the present situation.

Harry glanced at his watch and noticed it was now eleven forty five. He called Antonia and Evan over to him. He put a finger on their foreheads and said, "Complete." The communication charm was now complete. "Try sending a message back and forth without saying a word...just think it."

A minute later, the two of them started giggling. Harry just shook his head. "Apparently it works just fine. Further, it really wasn't intended for those kind of jokes."

The two of them froze and stared at him.

He smiled and said, "You two didn't think I was going to give you the ability to leave me out did you?"

He turned to Ron and said, "When you find the boys, be sure to take Aunt Petunia with you."

"Right."

Facing the crowd, Harry said, "I'm going to the hill now. Start the rescue exactly at midnight. Thank you one and all. Good luck."

He took one last look at the hostages only hope, held Antonia's hand, and disappeared.

*******

They situated themselves on the hill overlooking the old military camp. He went over last minute instructions with Antonia. He explained to her that no matter what, she was not to touch him and how to relay messages to and from Evan. He checked on the anti-Muggle shields one last time and found them holding well.

At eleven fifty five he took the now familiar position. Standing straight, arms slightly out from his sides with palms facing the camp. Antonia, standing a few feet away, watched as the man she loved closed his eyes and started drawing power from the very depths of his being.

Very slowly, tiny dark blue spheres of light started to radiate and swirl around Harry's body. A few seconds later, they were joined by dark maroon spheres. The spheres then surrounded the camp at ground level and appeared to be absorbing the protections like tiny sponges. In fact, that was exactly what was happening. Each sphere would absorb its' limit and then shoot off into space. The constant flow of spheres from Harry, to the camp and out to space continued at an even pace. Gradually, the protection shields rose farther and farther above the ground.

Watching in awe, Antonia couldn't help but thinking that under different circumstances, and with brighter colors, this would make a magnificent show.

By midnight, an area twenty five feet above the ground had been cleared for the rescue teams arrival. Harry had to continue the process, lest allowing the shields to fall... trapping, injuring, or killing some of the rescue team. The team had started to appear exactly at midnight and immediately went about the mission as planned.

Antonia noticed that this was putting a great strain on Harry. His face was rigid and she could see the veins on the side of his head, neck and in his hands bulging. She communicated with Evan on Harry's condition. He replied that they were moving as fast as possible, but they had been detected by Benedicts' goons.

Antonia looked down on the camp and gasped. Her eyes appeared as large as saucers. She turned toward Harry and observed that he was now shaking and didn't know how much longer he could keep this up. She desperately wanted to help him, but remembered his warning about not touching him. She looked back at the camp and watched as lights of all colors shot out of wands in every direction. People scattered as chaos broke out, some falling to the ground in mid-stride.

Out of the darkness above, Antonia saw four wispy figures floating toward her and Harry. She was frozen where she stood and unable to utter the slightest sound. She had no choice but to watch helplessly as three of the figures took up positions around Harry. One on each side, the third behind him. The three figures were subtle shades of red, yellow, and blue. There was a soft ivory stream of light from each of them flowing into Harry. He seemed to be regenerated by this light. He kept up what he was doing, but the strain she had been watching had disappeared. The fourth figure, in a subtle shade of green, floated above them as if waiting for something.

The transportation experts had made it into the barracks and started to transport the children to Hogwarts. Ron ran through the barracks frantically looking for the triplets. Finally, he spotted them holding onto Petunia, shaking with fear, in the far corner. He dashed toward then as fast as he could.

As he reached them, he noticed the boys fear instantly turned to terror. Petunia screamed, "RON, BEHIND YOU!" Wand at the ready, he turned to see Draco Malfoy running up to him, wand drawn.

The two men stood frozen, staring at each other, hate oozing out of every pore of their bodies.

Finally, Draco said, "Just what the hell were you planning to do with the brats and the muggle?"

Having trouble maintaining control, Ron slowly and deliberately said, "Those 'brats' are my sons and that's no muggle. She is a witch!"

Draco rolled his eyes and sneered. "Just what the world needs, another Mudblood related to St. Potter. Just where is old scar head anyway? I can't imagine all this happening without his meddling."

Ron roared, "SHUT IT, YOU POMPUS SLIMEBALL!"

Draco smiled and asked, "Just what do you plan to do about it?"

Ron's face had turned ten shades of red darker than his hair. He took a deep breath and said, "Crucio!" Instantly a bright red light shot out of his wand hitting Draco straight in the chest.

Draco fell to the floor in excruciating pain and was begging Ron to stop. Petunia grabbed the boys and turned their heads into her body.

Ron stood there watching Draco rolling on the floor. The years of his abuse toward so many, especially Harry and Hermione, flashed before his eyes.

Petunia could take no more and yelled, "RON, STOP IT!"

Brought back to his senses, Ron raised his wand to stop the curse. He stood there watching Draco covered in sweat and still in pain. He knelt down and quietly said, "Don't ever even think about looking at my wife or children again." He paused, never moving his eyes off the old ferret. "You know, I should do everyone a favor and just kill you. Unfortunately, you're just not worth the trouble. You do need a reminder though. I've listened to you harass Harry about his scar since we were eleven years old. I think it's about time you knew what it feels like."

Fear spread over Draco's sweaty face as he saw the look in Ron's eyes. Petunia kept the boys faces buried against her.

Draco managed to get a hold of his wand, but was slow and shaky. Before he could even aim, he heard... "Expelliarmus!" The wand flew out of his hand and into the corner behind Petunia and the boys.

"You just don't know when to quit," Ron said. He pointed his wand at Draco's face and said, "Scarfacio." A blood red light shot out of Ron's wand tracing a serpentine shape on Draco's face that started on the outside corner of his left eye and ended at the corner of his mouth.

Draco screamed in pain as he stared at Ron in disbelief and fear.

Ron put his wand away and said coldly, "Now old scar head can simply refer to you as old scar face. And remember...stay away from my family. If you ever approach them again, this will seem like a picnic."

Ron looked around the room and discovered everyone else had made it out safely. He turned to Petunia and the boys and said, "Let's get out of here before your mother falls over from worry." He held out the 'ticket' for everyone to hold on to. Ron and the boys were holding the card and waited while Petunia took one last look at Draco. Once her fingers touched the card, they vanished.

Outside, the battle raged on. Wizards from both sides lay injured or dead. Bellatrix came around a corner and tried to attack Evan. Before she got one word out, Neville ran out of one of the buildings. Bellatrix had just enough time to realize who he was as he aimed and yelled, "AVADA KEDARVA!" A stream of green light shot out from Neville's wand hitting her right between the eyes. Without a sound, she fell backward to the ground, eyes open but completely lifeless.

Evan turned and said, "Thanks Neville. I didn't think you had it in you to do that."

Neville was breathing hard and still staring at her lifeless body. "She was about to do that to you, and I couldn't let that happen. Besides, after what that bitch did to my parents almost forty years ago, she deserved it."

They heard footsteps heading their way and Evan ducked behind an old jeep that was close by. He tried to get Neville to join him, but Neville just stood staring at Bellatrix. The footsteps grew louder until Lucius Malfoy was standing across from him. He looked down at Bellatrix and then at Neville.

"Longbottom...don't tell me you did this?"

Neville looked him straight in the eye and said, "You're damn right I did! After what she put my parents through. And what I had to endure throughout my life because of what she did, until they finally died..." he paused to catch his breath. "It is far better than what she actually deserved."

Lucius, speaking in a remarkably calm voice said, "The Dark Prince is not going to be happy about this. That was his mother. His father was lost to him before he was old enough to even remember him."

Neville went ballistic at these words. "Are you serious? That bitch you call his mother not only made my family's life a living hell, but dozens of other families as well. How many people did she kill or drive insane? And that bastard you call his father killed Harry's parents and grandparents, not to mention dozens of others. Then he had you and the rest of his assholes off killing and torturing hundreds of others. They instilled fear into the entire wizarding world. Now 'his evilness' wants to take over the entire world! And you have the nerve to tell me he's not going to be happy that his mum's dead!"

Staying completely calm and detached, Lucius raised an eyebrow while Neville rambled on. "Death would be too easy for you Longbottom. No, I think you should carry on the family tradition." He raised his wand and said, "Crucio!" A red light shot out of his wand hitting Neville, who dropped to the ground screaming in pain.

Wand at the ready, Evan jumped out from behind the jeep and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" Lucius' wand flew out of his hand and he barely had time to see Evan before he continued. "AVADA KEDAVRA!" Lucius was hit square in the chest and fell to the ground...dead.

Evan ran over to Neville, helped him to sit up, and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, thanks to you."

"Guess that makes us even."

Neville sat there still shaking and trying to catch his breath. Both of them took a minute to watch the fighting going on around the camp. Lights of every color were flying out of wands, words were being shouted, and in general, chaos reigned. Suddenly, they heard a horrendous sound and searched to see what it was. Their mouths dropped at the sight that appeared before their eyes!

Harry was still standing there, keeping the protections away from the camp with the assistance of the three sharing their power with him. He couldn't figure out why Salazar wasn't adding his power along with the other three. His suspicions were starting to grow and causing him some stress.

He heard the horrendous sound and gasped at what he saw. About twenty dementors flew out of one of the buildings at the rear of the camp. Harry almost fell over at this sight. He thought he had rid the world of those vile creatures. "Leave it to Benedict to find a way to resurrect them," he thought.

He was stuck. If he tried to help his army it would mean possibly causing them harm because the protective charms and spells would be back in place. If he continued holding off the charms, they stood the chance of experiencing a fate worse than death. His mind was racing as to what to do next.

Salazar told him not to fret. A bolt of silver light shot out of the vaguely green figure. The bolt of light was similar to lightening, except it didn't flash away in a split second. It raced through the night on a jagged course that impaled each Dementor...one by one. The last of the Dementors had been destroyed.

Benedict was in shock at the destruction of the Dementors. He called his followers to retreat. In a matter of minutes, the camp had been deserted by all except Harry and his international group of rescuers.

The Four communicated to Harry that they would now destroy the remnants of the protection charms and he could cease his efforts. The spheres of light stopped radiating from Harry and his legs quickly gave out as he collapsed on the ground where he had been standing.

Antonia knelt down to offer assistance, but he held out his hand to stop her. She noticed an intense expression on his face...as if he were in a conversation in another place. And, indeed he was.

"Thank you for all your help," Harry said. "I don't think I could have kept it up much longer if you hadn't arrived when you did."

"You would have managed," Godric replied. "It would have done extreme harm to you both physically and magically though. Your work in this world is far from over."

"Salazar, I must apologize to you for doubting you earlier. I..."

He was cut off when Salazar said, "Think nothing of it. I can't fault you under the circumstances. Hopefully, you can put those doubts behind you now."

Gradually, small spheres of white light flowed from The Four into Harry. They were replenishing the magical powers Harry had used during the battle. They would have built back up anyway, only at a much slower rate. Physically he would simply have to rest like anyone else. Once finished, The Four faded away without any further communication.

Antonia watched the wispy figures fade away. She put her hand on the side of Harry's face and turned it in her direction. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah...just a bit tired."

"Who, or what, were those lights? It was quite a sight to watch. I got the impression that as each color brightened they were communicating with you. Then, when you communicated with them, the white aura around you would brighten. It was fascinating to watch. What were those lights that flowed from...them...to you?"

Harry leaned over and softly kissed her lips. "So many questions...we'll discuss it later. I think it best if we join the others and clean this place up before the Muggles are able to penetrate the weakening barriers." Slowly, they stood up and walked down the hill into the camp, arms around each other.

First order of business was to find and send the injured to Hogwarts for medical attention. The more distressing task followed. Identifying the dead and sending the bodies to the make-shift morgue that Hagrid had set up outside the castle.

Although even one life is hard to loose, the number of coalition deaths was surprisingly, and thankfully, small.

The vast majority of the dead were Benedict's followers. Knowing that Benedict would not return to claim his dead, they started to cremate the bodies and disintegrate the ashes. Harry's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates at the site of Bellatrix and Lucius.

There was no question as to what to do with Bellatrix. She was cremated and disintegrated. After much consideration and soul searching, Harry decided the same fate for Lucius. This was no time to take the slightest risk with such evilness and hate. After all, Benedict had already tried to bring his father back. After extensive research, it was determined that you needed most of the original body to do what had been attempted. Hair, fingernail clippings, and the like just wouldn't work.

While the cleanup continued, Harry went to the deserted prison where Dudley had been held. Dudley was no where to be found, but there was a note addressed to Harry left in his cell.

Harry sat on the poor excuse for a bed and read the note.

Harry,

Benedict is furious at what happened here tonight...especially about his mother's death. He has taken your cousin with him. I don't know what he has planned, but be assured, it can not be good.

I will try to meet with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, I suggest great caution!

Severus

Harry, whose elbows were resting on his knees, dropped his head into his hands and shook it at the same time.

"Are you Harry Potter?"

Harry looked up and then around the room, but saw no one. Whoever it was couldn't be using an invisibility cloak as Harry would be able to see through it.

"I asked you a question. Are you Harry Potter? I know you can understand me or you would not be looking around for whoever asked the question."

Finally Harry looked down and saw a snake slithering out from under the bed. She continued out to the middle of the room so he could see her better.

"Yes, I'm Harry Potter. What can I do for you?"

"I have information about your cousin that might be of great interest to you."

"I suppose you want something in return for this information..."

"Only a small favor."

"What might this small favor be?"

"Only that you bring the field mice back to this place. They all ran away once the humans got here, and I'm getting very hungry."

"Consider it done." Harry closed his eyes for a moment. A single mouse cautiously wandered through the doorway, and along the far wall. The snake looked up at Harry. He nodded and said, "I'll wait."

It took only a few minutes for the snake to eat the first meal she had had in quite some time. She turned back to Harry and said, "Thank you. I feel better already."

"No problem. The mice will be around as they were before. Now, you said you had some information?"

"Your cousin is no longer the Muggle you have known all your life. He has been altered."

Harry's brow furrowed. "Exactly what do you mean by...altered?"

"It seems Dudley has some weak, undeveloped magical abilities. Something he didn't even know about. He also harbors a deep hatred toward you and would like nothing better than to have some payback for living in fear of you. Further, he's not happy that his mother is now living in your house and developing her own abilities."

Harry sighed, "Go on."

"Well, Benedict struck a deal with him. Dudley is joining Benedict and his followers, and in exchange is somehow being infused with magic. They said something about an old magic that would make him powerful against you because of your blood relationship. They started the procedure a few days ago and are going to continue the transformation in Romania. They are furious about everything that happened here tonight."

A chill ran down Harry's spine. "Thanks for the information. You shall not be hungry again."

Antonia and Evan froze at the sight of the snake as they entered the doorway.

"She won't bother you. We just finished a very informative and frightening conversation. Is everything finished in the camp?"

Evan, still eyeing the snake, nodded. "All that's left is for you to remove the anti-Muggle screens."

As the three of them started to leave the cell, the snake hissed, "Good luck."

Harry hissed back, "Thanksssssssss."

Antonia and Evan stopped in their tracks and stared at him.

"What? You both know I'm a parselmouth."

"Knowing it and hearing it are two different things," Evan replied.

Harry just shook his head. "Well, we've got bigger things to worry about. Let's get out of here."

"Oh, before I forget." Harry put a hand on each of their heads and the aqua light appeared to surge from the two of them back into Harry.

Once outside, Harry pulled the last 'ticket' out of his pocket. With a large wave of his arm the screens were removed and Iceland returned to it's normal condition. He held the 'ticket' out and the others took hold. A moment later they found themselves in the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

The hall was full of people and organized chaos. Soundproof charms had been placed around the hall to keep from disturbing the sleeping students.

Aunt Petunia, who had been talking with the Weasley's, spotted Harry and made her way over to him at the speed of light. She threw her arms around him in a hug that made it hard for him to breath. Surprising him she gave him a very affectionate kiss on the cheek.

"I was getting so worried about you," she said. "It took you so long to get here, I was starting to fear the worst."

Still a bit overwhelmed by her greeting, he said, "I'm fine. Had a bit of a mess to clean up before we could return. Are you alright?"

"Just tired, otherwise I'm fine," she said with a weak smile.

"I was very proud and impressed by the way you cared for all the children and managed to keep them calm during the entire ordeal."

"How did you...?"

Harry cut her off. "We'll discuss that later...along with a few other things."

The triplets had made their way over and almost knocked Harry over when they all hugged him at once. Not far behind were Ron and Hermione.

Hermione hugged him and gave him a kiss. With tears in her eyes, she said, "I don't know how to thank you Harry. I was so worried about the boys I could hardly think. I was doing everything I had to do all week almost in robotic fashion..."

"I did very little," Harry said. "Ron and all the others did the majority of the work."

Petunia gave Ron a very stern look. "I think it best if you had a private talk with Harry. Don't you?"

Harry and Hermione looked at the two of them trying to figure out what was not being said.

Ron took in a deep breath and let it back out. "Right." He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and led him to a far, empty corner of the hall.

"What are you two on about?" Harry asked.

Ron launched into the story of all that happened in the barracks. He finally got around to the details of the encounter with Draco.

At one point Harry interrupted, "You did WHAT?"

Completely flustered at this point, Ron started to pace back and forth in front of Harry. "I don't know what came over me. After everything he said, the fact that he would have cursed or killed me if I hadn't cursed him first to slow him down. I just couldn't bring myself to kill him. Then, when he referred to you as 'scar-head' again...I just...well...reacted with the first thought that came to mind. He now has a scar of his own. The only problem is that it can't be hidden by his hair and it's considerably larger than yours. I'm sorry, it just happened in the heat of the moment!"

Aware that Aunt Petunia and Hermione were watching them from across the room, Harry turned his back to them. Speaking quietly, "Actually, I think it's funny as hell. It's about time he got something for that pompous attitude he's always had."

"Yeah...well, I suppose I still shouldn't have done it."

"I think you and your family should spend the night at the Hillside. We'll go to the Burrow early in the morning, check it out and put guardian charms around it for security. There is more to the story. We'll talk about that later."

They returned to Hermione and the others who had been joined by Molly.

"Aunt Petunia, please take Molly, Ron and the boys to my office and floo to the Hillside. They are all spending the night with us for security reasons. Hermione has to stay awhile and attend to some Ministry business." He looked around the hall. "Obviously, I still have a few things to take care of myself."

Once the little group headed for his office, Harry walked up to the high table.

In a loud voice, Harry said, "May I have your attention please!"

Conversations stopped and everyone turned toward Harry and started a round of applause.

Harry held up his arms, "Please don't. I am happy we were able to rescue your children and return them to their families. Sadly, this also came with the price of injury to some, and the ultimate price to others. While we were fortunate that our fatalities were low...the loss of even one life is a sacrifice no one should have to make in this day and age."

"I would ask the Ministers to accompany Hermione Weasley to the make-shift morgue Professor Hagrid has set up on the grounds. Please identify your fallen and leave instructions on where you would like the bodies sent. We will take care of all transportation tomorrow."

"All the wounded are in our school hospital under the care of Madame Pomfrey and her extremely capable staff. I have been informed that only two cases are serious enough to be transported to St. Mungo's hospital for critical care and arrangements have already been made for their transportation."

"After all those details have been attended to, I suggest you then take your children home. Further, I suggest extra precautions for the security of your families until we can deal with whatever Benedict is going to try next."

Most of the ministers stopped to personally thank Harry again for the safe return of their children before following Hermione down to the morgue.

Minerva walked over to Harry and asked, "What in the world went on out there?"

"I'll fill you in tomorrow after I take the Weasleys home and get security set up at the Burrow. Also, if you would be so kind, please arrange for all the staff that are involved with the Order to meet in my office after dinner."

"Of course Harry. I think you need to get home and get some sleep."

"I will, but I have to wait for Hermione. Would you tell her to come to my office once she is finished with the other Ministers? Oh, would you also contact Remus and Mad-Eye at headquarters. Tell them we were successful and that I'll stop by and brief them tomorrow?"

"Of course. Good night."

Harry found Antonia and asked, "How are you doing?"

"I'm alright, just tired. I'm not used to that kind of...'excitement'."

"Yeah...well, I've been dealing with one version or another of that kind of 'excitement' since my first year in this school. And, unfortunately, it's not over yet."

"Don't you ever get tired of it?"

Harry let out a half hearted chuckle and sighed at the same time. "You have no idea. I have been angry about it, frustrated by it and wondered why hundreds of times. I've even threatened to walk away from it all together and find a deserted island to live on! When it comes down to it...I have accepted it as my lot in life...my purpose for being. All things said and done...I guess I'd rather be doing something to help other people than anything else. As long as I've been given all these powers, I think it best to put them to a good and proper use. I hope that makes sense to you."

"Yes, it makes a lot of sense. I suppose that's one of the reasons I love you so much." She looked around the room, smiled and stepped closer to him, and softly said, "If all these people weren't around, I'd show you just how much!"

"Can you hold that thought until Saturday? Barring the end of the world, we'll spend the entire day together...alone. I promise!"

"Seeing how things happen around here...my money is on the end of the world," she said with raised eyebrows.

Harry shook his head, rolled his eyes, and said, "I've got to have a quick word with the gallery before Hermione gets to my office. I'll see you tomorrow." He squeezed her hand, gave her a wink, and headed up to his office.

Harry entered his office and slammed the door closed behind him. "Wake up you lot...I only have a few minutes before Hermione gets here."

That certainly got the attention of the gallery in a hurry as no one had ever been so presumptuous before. The reactions ranged from the ever calm Dumbledore and his small interested smile and twinkling eyes, to those of almost anger, tempered with a certain amount of curiosity as to the explanation for this behavior.

Harry started pacing. "Sorry, but I've got to make this fast and will give you all the details later. We were successful in the rescue. Unfortunately we did loose a few good people during the mission. Benedict lost a great many, including Bellatrix and Lucius Malfoy. Draco now has a scar for life. Needless to say, Benedict is furious."

"This is the part I need you to remember, research, or whatever you do, to supply me with an answer."

He relayed the details of the story the snake had told him. As he talked, he noticed looks of both concern and confusion by many members of the gallery. "Now, I need to know if it is actually possible for Dudley to receive such powers. And, if so, does our blood relationship present him with any advantage or protection over me similar to the way it protected me from Voldemort for almost half my life? I don't like the possibilities I come up with."

Hermione knocked on the door which ended the short meeting.

"So, how did it go with the other Ministers?

"They are all extremely grateful for the return of their children. Naturally, there is sorrow by those who lost people during the mission. They are all still firmly behind you as they understand what is at stake."

Hermione exited the fireplace at the Hillside closely followed by Harry. Molly immediately handed each of them a snifter of brandy.

"Thought you might appreciate this," she said.

The five of them sat down and discussed the events of the past two days. Ron and Harry gave details of the mission. Petunia filled them in on the week in captivity.

Finally, Petunia said, "I think it's time we all get some sleep. The boys are in the third bedroom, and I thought Ron and Hermione would take the second. Molly can sleep in the second bedroom in my house."

"Works for me," Harry said. "I have a couple more things to discuss with Ron and Hermione before we retire for the night. I will say good night to the two of you though."

The two women said their good nights and started down the hall.

Harry stood up and called, "Aunt Petunia!"

She stopped and turned toward him.

"I thought you might need this," Harry said pulling the locket out of his pocket and placing it in her hand.

"Oh, you found it! Thank you. Why do I get the distinct feeling there is something you're not telling me?"

Harry looked into her eyes and said, "Later."

She studied his face for a moment, but knew better than to try to press the matter any further at present.

Once Petunia and Molly were in the other house, Harry told Ron and Hermione about the conversation with the snake.

With a grave expression, Hermione asked, "Can they actually do that?"

"I don't know. The snake told me they had already started the procedure. The gallery is conferring on the subject as we speak. Hopefully, they will have answers tomorrow."

"Are you going to tell Petunia?" Ron asked.

"If it is deemed to be true, I don't think I have any choice. Dudley is her son and she will find out sooner or later. Either way, I feel she has a right to know. One thing is certain though...it's not going to be easy."

Harry finished his brandy, stood up, and said, "I've got to get some sleep. The Four regenerated my magic, but as far as my physical self...I'm exhausted. You know where your bedroom is. Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

Lying there in the comfort of his bed and the quietness of his room, Harry quietly spoke into the darkness. "Mum...dad, thanks. I love you." The two points of soft light again appeared, but only long enough for Harry to catch a quick, blurry glimpse.

Needing a restful sleep, Harry closed his mind to all thoughts about the mission, Benedict, Dudley, kidnappings, murders, or even to thoughts about what the gallery would tell him later that day.

One thought did surface, filling him with warmth and satisfaction. Once again, Harry drifted off to thoughts of Antonia.

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