A Promise Kept - Chapter 76 - Infiltration

Infiltration

He carefully read through the thick wad of parchment he’d been handed, ensuring that he did not miss a single detail. There could be no mistakes, and Harry would not allow Umbridge to get away with all she’d done because of something being overlooked or a technicality.

“Intimidation, extortion, bribery of Ministry officials. Bloody hell, the list goes on,” he murmured, frowning as read the charges being brought against the woman. “Do we have enough evidence to prove all of this?”

Amelia Bones nodded confidently.

“We do. It is an open and shut case if I ever saw one. An easy one for your first.”

“But it is up to the Wizengamot to find her guilty,” Harry pointed out.

“There is not a person in the known world who could explain her behaviour, nor cast any reasonable doubt on a single one of these charges.”

Harry hummed as he flipped to yet another page.

“Well, you’ve certainly been thorough,” he praised. “How long is she looking at?”

“That is down to your discretion, but with all of these she should never see the light of day again.”

It was a harsh sentence. Still, Dolores Umbridge’s crimes could not be ignored, and Harry wasn’t inclined to do her any favours. She was a prejudiced, bigoted sow, and he would throw the book at her as an example to others who might have similar ambitions.

“So, you’re finally ready to bring her to trial.”

Bones nodded reluctantly.

“It’s not as though delaying it will do her any favours, and I don’t like the idea of her living with any sense of hope that she will be freed.”

“Then add it to the schedule,” Harry instructed.

“I will do just that,” the Head of the Department of Mysteries assured him, gathering the parchment before taking her leave of the office.

“I’ll be glad to see the back of it all,” Arthur huffed.

Harry nodded his agreement.

“What about the other matter?”

“I’m looking into it, but it will take some time. I’m starting with those who worked closely with Umbridge, and with a bit of luck, it will lead to anyone else who was involved in her dealings.”

“You’ll flush them out, Arthur,” Harry declared, “and when it comes to the trial, I’d have you by my side.”

The redhead nodded as he stood.

“I wouldn’t miss it. It will make it all the work worthwhile seeing her escorted out of there. Anyway, I had best get on, oh, and I know you’re busy, but Molly has asked if you would join us for dinner one evening.”

Harry nodded appreciatively.

“I would love to.”

Arthur offered him a relieved smile.

“I will let her know,” he chuckled. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

He too left the office, and Harry was pleased to see that there was little else that required his attention.

With the war quiet, he’d been able to ensure that his busy work was caught up on, but that didn’t mean his nerves were any more settled.

No, he could not rid himself of the thoughts and knowledge that Riddle was out there somewhere and up to something that would undoubtedly bring an abrupt end to the peace.

If only Harry could do so on his terms.

Much to his chagrin, the Death Eaters had gone to ground, and though he knew the Dark Lord had holed himself up in the home that had belonged to his muggle family, he could not find the house itself, let alone a way in, which meant the waiting game would continue.

It was frustrating to say the least, but as per the prophecy, the two of them could not avoid one another forever.

No, soon enough, they would come face to face once more, and when they did, Harry wanted to be certain it would be for the last time.

(Break)

Her gaze came to rest on the ring now adorning her finger, and she shook her head.

She dared not look away from it for too long, just in case all of it proved to be an unattainable dream once more.

It wasn’t a gawdy band by any stretch, and it was modest enough that she would never have to take it off, even when tending to Bruce, but it was clearly quite an expensive piece.

Sabine had been truthful with Harry when he’d asked if she was happy. She was content with how things were, and though the two of them had continued to get closer and closer since she’d arrived in Britain, she’d not had any expectations of him.

Even when she’d found out she was pregnant, she had not even considered that she might find herself where she was now.

Not that she wasn’t grateful, or the contentedness she’d felt hadn’t become something of abject joy.

This, all of it, was more than she could’ve ever hoped for.

Still, she was struggling to believe that any of it was real, and as Harry’s mother entered the kitchen, the woman paused before a bright smile adorned her features.

“He did it then.”

Sabine nodded, unable to hide her own happiness.

“Did you know?”

Lily shook her head as she took a seat.

“No, but I am pleased for you both. Of course, I know that he adores you, and I expected this would happen, just not so soon.”

“I didn’t either,” Sabine admitted. “I wouldn’t have tried to force it, and, well, it’s not as though I had anything to complain about. He’s been amazing with everything since I got here.”

Lily nodded her understanding.

“I expect this has been quite an adjustment for you.”

“It has,” Sabine agreed. “I went from almost marrying someone I couldn’t stand, to finding out I was pregnant, to Harry coming along and, well, you know, doing what he always manages to do.”

“He does have a thing for saving people,” Lily sighed. “So, any thoughts on what kind of wedding you’d like?”

“Nothing extravagant. I’d rather it was just the two of us, and a few other people to share it with. I know people here will expect Harry to have an enormous celebration, but…”

“It is not what either of you want,” Lily broke in. “Well, I think you’re in luck. My son is not so good at caring about people’s expectations of him. If the two of you want a simple wedding, then there’s no reason you can’t.”

Sabine breathed a sigh of relief and noticed Lily playing with her own ring.

“What was your wedding like?”

The woman smiled at the memory.

“Short, simple, and everything I wanted it to be. Harry is similar to James in many ways, and different in others, but he would’ve approved of you.”

“Do you think so?”

Lily nodded.

“You make Harry happy. That is all he would’ve wanted.”

“This place is quite something,” Clara commented as Sabine led her through the house. “I didn’t realise the Potters were wealthy.”

She shrugged in response.

It wasn’t something she’d thought about until she’d arrived here.

Oh, she expected they had gold, as did most older, British families, but nothing like this. The house alone would’ve cost a considerable sum to have built.

“I have no idea how much gold he has. We’ve never spoken about it.”

Clara smiled.

“Because it doesn’t matter.”

“No, and besides, what Winthrop is going to pay him to play Quodpot is completely ridiculous.”

“But Harry will make it worth it. We’ve all seen him play.”

Sabine nodded as she led her friend into the parlour, and Clara chuckled amusedly.

“I just can’t believe you’re pregnant, and getting married to him. I knew you liked him. As much as you denied it, everyone could see it.”

“Maybe I didn’t like him at first.”

“You’re a terrible liar, and I am happy for you. Not many of us get to marry for love. You never explained how this all happened. I get the pregnancy…”

Sabine released a deep breath.

“It was very messy, threats were made, and according to Harry, he left with exactly what he wanted.”

“Your father?”

“Owes Harry more than he could ever repay, and Winthrop realised he did not want to pick a fight with him.”

Clara frowned.

“There has to be more to it than that.”

“A lot more, but the less you know, the better. Believe me, a lot of it is unbelievable.”

Clara nodded, and that was one of the things Sabine appreciated about her friend. She never pushed for more information when it was willingly given.

“I will get it out of you one day, Sabine Van Droombeeld. Wow, I suppose it will be Potter soon, and the baby. Have you thought of any names?”

“Not really, it’s been so busy getting the nursery ready and everything else. I should probably ask Harry about it.”

“You should,” Clara urged. “You don’t want to end up with a son named Clayborne, or something else like that.”

Sabine chuckled amusedly.

“I don’t know, I think Clayborne is quite cute in its own way.”

“You’re not talking about me again, are you?” Harry asked as he entered the room, evidently having heard the second part of her response. “You know, I was sitting at my desk and thought my ears were burning.”

Clara shot Sabine an appreciative look as she took in Harry’s appearance, and she waved her friend off, though not displeased by her approval.

“What do you think of Clayborne as a name for the baby?”

Harry frowned as he turned to face her.

“I think anyone naming their kid Clayborne needs their head looked at. I was thinking something more along the line of Engelbert or Humphrey.”

Sabine immediately felt horrified by the suggestions and breathed a sigh of relief as she caught sight of Harry grinning.

“I thought you were being serious then, you ass,” she huffed, “and if you make a joke about your godfather being Sirius…” she added warningly.

“Ah, pregnant women are so fun,” he replied fondly. “I don’t know, I’ve not thought about it much. I know if it is a boy that we will not be naming it Wendell, even if the git does want us to. Maybe a name will come to us when they’re born.”

“Well, I am certain the two of you will choose a nice name. Clara would be nice for a girl.”

“A girl,” Harry sighed. “I don’t know how I’d cope with two of you.”

“Oh, you’re one to talk,” Sabine scoffed. “Could you imagine the entire world, let alone one single house, having two of you in it? Any son of yours will likely be a reckless lunatic, just like you.”

“It’s worked out well enough for me, so far,” Harry retorted. “Besides, I don’t think I’ve done so badly for myself. I got you, didn’t I?”

“Oh, he is a charmer,” Clara commented.

“I’ll need to be when we visit her parents this evening. It’s bad enough that I got her pregnant, but putting a ring on her finger without asking, I’m sure they won’t appreciate it.”

“There’s that reckless nature again,” Sabine said gleefully. “Anyway, my parents will be relieved. Maybe not so much when we tell them we’re not having a big wedding”

“I couldn’t think of anything worse. If I had my way, we’d just disappear somewhere and do it quietly.”

“Why can’t we?”

“Because my mother would kick my arse, let alone anyone else who feel the need to be there. No, we will have to have a ceremony of sorts, just not as big as anyone will expect.”

Sabine nodded her agreement.

“Where?” she asked.

“Godric’s Hollow?”

“Where your parents got married.”

“I think most of my family have gotten married there for the last half a dozen centuries, maybe even longer.”

“Then that is where we will get married,” Sabine declared.

Harry offered her an appreciative smile.

“Well, hopefully, I can find that prat Riddle before that, and the baby comes along. I don’t want that idiot hanging over us. Anyway, we’ll have to head to your parent’s soon to break the news to them. First, I need to wash the filth of the Ministry away.”

He placed a kiss on her cheek and bade farewell to Clara before leaving the kitchen.

“I think lunatic is one of the best words to describe him,” the other woman decided. “I can’t think of anyone who would be hunting down a prolific Dark Lord.”

“He’s worried,” Sabine replied. “He’s not said as much, but he thinks if Voldemort finds out, he will come for the baby.”

“And I can only imagine what Harry would do if he did that.”

Sabine swallowed nervously at the thought.

“He’d burn down the entire country to find him,” she said knowingly. “There wouldn’t be anywhere Riddle could hide form him that he’d be safe.”

“You know, your husband-to-be is quite a terrifying man.”

“He is,” Sabine acknowledge, “but also the sweetest, kindest one I know.”

(Break)

He listened as the American spoke, and the Dark Lord realised he was a most unlikeable man, jealous, petty, and yet, proving to be quite the source of valuable information.

“She was to be my wife!” Winthrop seethed. “Instead, she got herself pregnant with Potter’s bastard child, and my father was too much of a coward to do what was right!”

He was pathetic.

Fawning after a woman who had no interest in him, one who had found a much better match for herself. Even so, envy was powerful weapon that could be exploited for his benefit.

Lord Voldemort just needed to figure out how he would do that.

“I understand your anger, Mr Winthrop,” he soothed. “Come, join me in a glass of wine, and we can discuss a suitable course of action to remedy the slight against you, and your family.”

A baby.

He could not deny that the revelation filled him with a sense of caution, and perhaps trepidation.

The last time he had encountered a Potter child, which he’d expected to be rid of with barely a muttered curse, he’d experienced the most painful and biggest setback of his life.

Nonetheless, he could not deny that he wanted the babe dead and would cut it from its’ mother’s stomach if and when the opportunity presented itself.

His hand twitched towards his wand in anticipation of such an eventuality, but he stilled it, undeniably wary of what may come from such an action.

No, what had happened between him and Harry Potter was never to be repeated. That unfortunate outcome had come courtesy of a prophecy that did not transcend to whatever offspring he produced.

Little else had come from the conversation with the lazy-eyed American, but the Winthrop family, through their imbecilic and spurned son could certainly prove to be a useful ally in the days and weeks to come.

The Dark Lord would find a use for them, but for now, his focus was where it needed to be.

For too long, he had been idle, pondering his next move, figuring out how he could regain an advantage over his enemies that they had thus far managed to nullify.

Between Potter, Black, and his own misinformed decisions, there appeared to be little hope. The Dark Lord, however, would forge some for himself, using what he had at his disposal.

“I do not like this, my lord,” Severus reiterated for the umpteenth time since their work had begun.

“You have made your thoughts clear enough, Severus,” he bit back irritably.

When the man had become a coward, he did not know, but he’d never seen Snape so reticent. Perhaps there was something of a moral objection to what they were doing, or maybe the war had finally taken its toll on him and his nerve could no longer handle it.

Still, he was a most useful, brilliant wizard to have around whilst the delicate work in repairing the collapsed tunnels was being undertaken. There were so few who were as versed in the Dark Arts, or as competent with the subtle intricacies of magic required to complete the work.

It wasn’t as though the Dark Lord had not considered the risks involved, and though they were indeed troubling, he was never one to leave such things to chance.

No, the risk, although plentiful, was being carefully calculated, and other measures would be put into place to ensure they were not disturbed whilst they were here, even if it would be longer than was desirable.

It wasn’t as though he needed even a small portion of his followers to be here, not when they could be used to create the perfect distraction elsewhere.

The thought brought a fond smile to his lips.

For too long, they had been silenced by the setbacks they’d endured, but with Bellatrix and Dolohov leading them, they could and would soon reintroduce themselves to the war in such a way only they knew how.

“Fear not, Severus,” he comforted. “Our efforts here will not be for nothing. Now, would you prefer to work from Honeydukes, or here at the Shrieking Shack?”

Both would be fraught with danger.

Black had indeed had the foresight to ensure neither were readily available, and the Dark Lord did not doubt that they would come across some most unpleasant surprises as they went about their work of clearing the tunnels.

Severus shuddered at the question.

“Honeydukes,” he decided quickly. “I’ll tackle the one at Honeydukes.”

“Then we shall begin tomorrow evening, when everything else is ready, and Severus, do not get caught.”

The sallow-skinned man nodded his understanding.

He wouldn’t.

Were it Bellatrix he’d tasked with assisting him, the Dark Lord would be concerned that she could not exercise the required patience. She lacked such, even more so since he’d liberated her from her imprisonment.

Oh, she had recovered remarkably well, but there was no denying the effects of her time among the dementors continued to linger, and inevitably always would.

Nonetheless, as ever, she would prove to be a most useful asset in what she did best whilst the Dark Lord paved the way towards a most monumental victory.

(Break)

He watched as Sabine’s mother gushed at the sight of the ring adorning her finger and was torn between admiring it and her ever-swelling bump. Oddly, even her father didn’t seem to be put-out that his permission had not been sought.

He even clapped Harry smartly on the shoulder and offered him a nod of approval.

He’d expected to be met with some form of resistance, or perhaps even petulance, but maybe Mr Van Droombeeld was just relieved that all appeared to be working out better than he could’ve hoped for.

The situation could certainly have taken another path entirely if the magic of the contract had reacted unfavourably.

“She looks happy,” her father commented, his expression thoughtful, almost saddened.

Harry nodded his agreement, and the man cleared his throat.

“We really did not get off to the best start, did we?” he sighed. “I do not regret coming to the assistance of my sons, any parent would do the same, and you’ll see that for yourself soon enough, but I conducted myself poorly. I knew both could be a little brash and allowed the name they carried to fuel their arrogance, but that is no excuse for me flying off the handle as I did. You were well within your rights to defend yourself, even if they were somewhat right with their intentions.”

“Not at the time,” Harry returned, “but, I am not someone to be dismissive when someone proud is willing to admit they were wrong. Things haven’t exactly been conventional.”

Sabine’s father smiled.

“She is my only daughter, Harry, and I fear I failed her so many times. That doesn’t mean she does not mean the entire world to me, as do all of my children, but I got just about everything wrong with her. I remember the first time she was placed in my arms, I felt the need to protect her from the ills of the world. I think we can both agree I could’ve done a better job, and now, that responsibility falls to you. I only ask that you be a better man than I was.”

Harry was taken aback by his words, but they seemed to be sincere, and he could only imagine himself being in a similar position were he to have a daughter.

He nodded.

“I will protect her with my life.”

Sabine’s father visibly relaxed and offered his hand.

“You’re a good man, Harry Potter. You’ve more than proven that, and I hope that we can start over. I would like to be a part of Sabine’s life, and the baby’s.”

Harry accepted the proffered limb.

“There is no reason for us to be at odds,” he agreed, “and it’s not as though the baby has another grandfather.”

“Then I have quite the pair of boots to fill,” Augustine declared. “Come, let us have a drink. We won’t get a word in with those two for a while. Marcus is already waiting in my study.”

“Then let’s not keep him any longer.”

“Where are you going?” Sabine asked as the two of them headed towards the door.

“I was just going to show Harry something.”

She quirked an eyebrow at the pair of them before nodding, and Augustine gestured for Harry to follow.

“You do know they’re only going to drink in his study,” her mother sighed.

“Oh, I know, but I’d rather that than any more unpleasantness. There’s been enough.”

That was the last he heard from the kitchen, and the two of them continued on their way, briefly pausing in front of one of many doors on the lowest floor of the house.

“For what it is worth, Harry, I couldn’t be happier for both of you that things worked out the way they have.”

“Well, if anything, we should raise a glass to Abraham Potter.”

Augustine nodded, a grin tugging at his lips as he pushed the door open to his study.

“Who would’ve thought that the actions of a man several centuries ago would bear such fruit?” he chuckled.

Harry had been wondering that two and never would’ve even considered that the man Adrian Grave had mentioned in passing his first night at Ilvermorny would have such an impact on his life.

(Break)

It wasn’t often she found herself delving into the past.

When she had left Britain, she had done so with so few possessions to her name; some clothes, some books, and the trunk she’d used at Hogwarts along with her engagement and wedding rings.

Even now, she had so little that was truly her own with her most valuable being the many years of research she had conducted in Charms and Potions, but there was something else Lily had been looking into, though had not been able to bring herself to delve into such things so readily.

Of everything that had befallen her son, only a few questions had truly plagued her all this time.

The first was just how Harry had managed to survive what had been deemed to be the impossible, and even more troubling, how had Voldemort?

She understood that her wiling sacrifice was the cause of Harry being spared. According to Albus, it was old magic, something enacted by her love for her son.

That, however, did not account for what had happened to Riddle.

Every possible scenario she had considered resulted in the man’s death, especially given that his body was completely destroyed by the backlash.

Him living was nothing short of a magical impossibility, unless she had missed something.

Lily suspected she had, and though she had pondered it for more hours than she could count, she’d come no closer to reaching a conclusion that would explain such an anomaly.

No, she was indeed missing some vital information, and although she had revisited her vast notes and musings over the years, she had reached no conclusion.

What if he somehow survived again?

The very thought filled her with dread, and without a man like Albus to discuss the matter with, she was at a loss to explain it.

Still, she had never given up, and there was one place she had yet to seek her answers. Sirius too must have thought about it, and he had a vast library of obscure and dark magic at his disposal.

Surely there must be something within the many volumes belonging to the Blacks that could explain it. After all, she would not be convinced that it was mere coincidence that had seen the Dark Lord survive that night.

No, there was more to it, and before Harry was to face Riddle once more, she was more determined than ever to uncover what it was that had haunted her all these years.

Harry’s life could well depend on it, if he hadn’t figured it out for himself.

That thought gave her pause.

Had he done so?

If he had, he’d not mentioned his findings to any, and Lily needed to be certain he remained in the dark before continuing her own efforts to uncover the truth, whatever that may be.

(Break)

To Harry,

I could not be more pleased to hear the news of your impending fatherhood, and I know that Charlus would be so pleased for you, and to know the Potter line will continue.

When you’ve finished that terrible war you find yourself in, do pay us a visit. Nancy sends her love and congratulations.

I expect to hear of your victory soon enough,

Reg

Although he did not get to see the man as often as he would like, he and Reg remained in touch, regularly exchanging letters, just as much as he did with the rest of his friends.

Still, he could not help but lament on just how much things had changed since he’d left America, but he’d realised that although life went on, that didn’t mean all of what had once been was lost to him.

His friendships remained, as did the other relationships he’d built with Fontaine, Professor Clarke, and even Croaker, who also wrote to him often enough, asking after him, and urging him to remain safe.

Of course, he could not offer many reassurances in response. Although the war had become unnervingly quiet in recent weeks, Harry could still feel the weight of it bearing down on him, even more so with each passing day.

He wasn’t certain whether it was the silence that as taking its toll on him, or if every instinct was telling him that Riddle would strike soon, that in the shadows, the man was no longer plotting as much as he was making his next move.

It was troubling that he was thus far blind to it, and try as he might, he could not quite predict what the man would do next. Undoubtedly, it would be something quite drastic.

He found himself in an unfavourable, rather desperate position having lost the advantage of having the Minister of Magic in his pocket, the dispelling of the large group formed with the eventual purpose of enforcing the Muggleborn Registration Act, which had thankfully been stopped in its tracks, and the loss of several of his most competent followers.

Nonetheless, that did not make Riddle himself any less dangerous. If anything, perhaps more so given his situation.

Harry did not know what was to come, despite his best efforts to uncover whatever plot was afoot, but what he was certain of was that it would come swiftly and without preamble.

“Is something wrong?”

Sabine’s voice startled him, but he offered her a reassuring smile as he gestured for her to join him.

“Nothing more than usual,” he replied.

“Being Minister, or him?”

“Him, mostly. I’m complete stumped on what he might be up to, and it is becoming more unsettling.”

“Maybe he fell in a volcano.”

Harry chuckled.

“Life would never be so kind to me.”

“It gave you me, and the baby.”

“That’s true,” Harry conceded.

The two of them finding themselves where they were now had certainly been against the odds.

“I just can’t shake the feeling that I am either missing something, or he is up to something I don’t know about. I…”

He broke off as an alert sounded from the pendant he wore, and as he removed it from within his shirt, he hurriedly tapped it with his wand.

“Bones?” he called.

“Potter, we’re receiving reports of multiple attacks up and down the country. So far, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, and Middlesborough have been hit…and Leeds. I’m dispatching Aurors as we speak.”

“Bloody hell,” Harry cursed. “Keep me updated as best you can. I’ll head to Birmingham first.”

“Will do.”

The communication ended, and Harry summoned his robes, shaking his head.

“I told you,” he sighed, placing a kiss on Sabine’s lips. “I expect it will be a busy night.”

She nodded worriedly, and Harry squeezed her hand comfortingly as he sent off a plethora of patronus charms to alert those who needed to be.

“I’ll be back,” he promised, tapping the doorframe with his wand as he took his leave of the room.

That would ensure not even a fly could get onto the property without him knowing about it.

Of course, none knew of the location of the home, but given what had befallen his family once before, Harry was taking no risks. He had spared no effort in the protections surrounding it, and he would be damned if anything were to happen to Sabine and the baby.

The thought alone filled him with an unquenchable rage, and as he apparated away to confront whatever awaited him in the Midlands, that very thought was at the forefront of his mind.

(Break)

She skipped merrily down the Liverpool street, blasting away another shop frontage, grinning at the devastation she was being allowed to wreak.

It had been too long since she’d been let loose and had spent week after week holed up in the muggle home belonging to the Dark Lord. It was nice enough for the most part, but Bellatrix had not waited in prison for the better part of fifteen years only to be kept locked away elsewhere. No, she wanted to see the Dark Lord’s vision come to life, to see him where he rightfully belonged, and that was leading Britain into a new age, no matter what it took.

She laughed once more as she set fire to one of the cars parked on the pavement, sticking her tongue out provocatively as the heat of the flames warmed her in the cool, autumn night.

This was what she lived for, and even as the Aurors began flooding into the street, Bellatrix merely cackled, unleashing a barrage of spells towards them before apparating away.

If she weren’t under strict instructions to do so, she would gladly humour the Aurors, to present them with the opportunity of bringing her in, but that would only be to their detriment.

No, Bellatrix would not defy the Dark Lord, not when he had so graciously unleashed her upon their enemies.

Only a moment later, she arrived in Huddersfield, which would, if all went well, be just another stop of several before she had achieved what she’s set out to do; cause chaos, destroy anything in her path, and then move onto the next target.

Dozens upon dozens of the Dark Lord’s followers were doing the same, and Britain now undoubtedly found itself in turmoil.

Th very thought brought a grin to her lips.

Whatever her master was doing, she had not been made privy to, but he’d assured them that their own efforts were pivotal in ensuring his own were successful, and Bellatrix was looking forward to seeing just what that was when he summoned them.

(Break)

“What the fuck is going on?” Harry questioned one of the Aurors he came upon.

The man shook his head irritably.

“They’re not sticking around, Minister,” he answered. “They’re appearing for a few seconds, causing some damage, and vanishing again.”

He was frustrated, and Harry understood.

“Then secure the area as best you can,” he instructed. “Keep them out if you have to.”

The Auror nodded and hurried off to do so, passing on the instruction to his colleagues.

Just what was Riddle playing at?

Evidently, he had no intention of drawing the Aurors into a fight to thin their number. It seemed as though he was only making a nuisance of himself, but to what end?

“Sirius!” he called, spotting his godfather as he appeared.

“What is going on?” the man demanded to know. “The Death Eaters are just being a pain in the arse.”

Harry could only shake his head in response, though he would not consider what they were doing to be a pain in the arse. The Obliviators and Magical Catastrophes department would certainly be busy putting this right, especially if several other cities were left in a similar state.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like it. This is…”

“What he used to do during the first war,” Sirius huffed. “They’d attack and be long gone before we could respond.”

“That’s not exactly what he’s doing, is it,” Harry pointed out. “They keep coming back.”

Sirius hummed as a deep frown creased his brow.

“Maybe they simply cannot afford to keep losing followers. How many of his inner circle have you killed?”

“Most of them.”

“So, he will be reluctant to lose anymore..”

“Unless he has a good enough reason to risk it,” Harry returned. “No, something isn’t right, Sirius. I can feel it now and have been feeling it for days.”

“The problem we have is, Harry, we cannot possibly know what he is up to until it is too late.”

He huffed irritable as he nodded his agreement.

“Then we had best be ready for whatever that may be. Think! What could he be doing all of this for? He hasn’t been seen anywhere, Bones would’ve told me.”

“Then he is doing something else.”

“Somewhere else, but where?”

(Break)

His nostrils flared as he continued to tackle the last of the magic hindering his entrance into the school. The tonnes of debris had not been so problematic to shift, but the layers of magic woven into it had been cleverly done, making it much more complex a task than the Dark Lord had expected.

Nonetheless, he had never encountered a conundrum he couldn’t best, and this was no different.

Although he would sooner tear through it and be on his way, only a fool would do so.

Some of the curses imbued into others were lethal in nature and could even prove to be fatal to any not meticulous enough to nullify them.

That would not be the Dark Lord, however, and as he managed to weave his way through the magic and reach a thick slab of stone, he grinned triumphantly, tapping it with the tip of his wand.

“Dissendium,” he murmured, his grin widening as it slid away, granting him entrance into Hogwarts, place he had not set foot in in several decades.

Casting a disillusionment charm over himself, he began his search for the one person who could make his venture here difficult, and he hoped that Minerva McGonagall was in a cooperative mood.

It would be a shame to kill such a gifted witch who’d served the magical community for so many years, but he would if it proved to be necessary.

Now that he was within the walls of Hogwarts, the Dark Lord had no intention of leaving them, not when everything he needed to win the war was finally at his fingertips.

The very thought brought an anticipatory grin to his lips, and as he spotted a pair of Hufflepuff prefects patrolling ahead of him, an idea of how to announce his arrival began to form.