"Professor McGonagall?" Hermione said, with a pleased look.
"Please, call me Minerva, I haven't taught in years, since the school was closed. I was fortunate to be watching the old headquarters when your godfather happened by. I hoped to find you."
"He explained everything?" Harry asked.
"No, I was approached by another old and dear friend that told me an unfathomable story. I never would have thought it was true, except he has never lied to Albus or me before. When Rubeus told me he had seen another Harry Potter, I had to consult another old friend who also concurred to your presence."
"We encountered Hagrid when we first arrived, that was some time ago. Who else knows we're here?" Hermione asked.
"You had a pleasant chat with him one afternoon, or actually his portrait. I have another in my home and he appeared one day telling me a similar story."
A gleam in Hermione's eye of enlightenment slightly confused Harry. "In that room at Hogwarts when you came for me and you asked if I was talking to strangers, I was having a chat with Albus' portrait."
"So it is true, I only half believed it, I came here on pure faith," Professor McGonagall added. "Sirius here told me that same tale and brought me here.
Sirius had walked away, to an isolated corner and the dog disappeared as he changed back to his human form. He walked to the three and joined the conversations.
"Mr. Potter, you must have heard what's to happen in the morning. Your counterpart is planning…"
She stopped as the doors burst opened; a young woman walked in and spotted the four in conversation and froze in her spot. Instinctively, Professor McGonagall had her wand pointed directly at the newcomer.
"Professor, wait she's a friend. Caterina, over here," Hermione said to Professor McGonagall as she waved Caterina over.
Without another word she nearly ran to her companions, "That bastard is planning an execution, at 10:00 am, but I do not know where," she rushed out in a near panic. It was painfully obvious she was terrified.
"Catty, take deep breaths," Hermione commanded. "This is an old and dear friend, Professor Minerva McGonagall. Professor McGonagall, this is Caterina Basile, we found her a short while ago while we were in Europe. Her brother was nearly murdered by him," Hermione said in way of a brief introduction.
"We still have Fred and George unaccounted for." Harry said. "Now Professor, tell us what you know."
"He has announced there will be a public trial in the courtrooms of the Ministry at 9:30 and a planned execution at 10:00. It would appear the trial is a formality to justify her murder."
Harry nodded, "Thank you, that's the best news possible, it means she is still alive."
The doors opened again, this time several wands were produced, as three figures entered the room. Three men, arm-in-arm, who appeared to be quite drunk. Harry recognized the two taller men at once; the middle was shorter and quite stockily built.
One glance at the group sitting to the side and the faux inebriation ceased. The three quickly closed the distance; the shorter man remained a step back.
"Fred, George," Hermione called out first, then recognized the newcomer. "Charlie?" she asked.
He stood and stared at her and shook his head in disbelief. "I hardly believed these two, and Percy. Still can't believe that git got married and never told any of us."
Harry stood and walked straight to Charlie, and sporting a wide grin threw his arms around the man. "Good to have you here. God it's good to see you."
Charlie stood still, not responding to the greeting, and waited for Harry to release him. "So you are here from another world?" he finally asked.
"No, a different reality, we can talk about this later," Harry said as he led the three to the makeshift war council.
"So we now number eight, if we position ourselves correctly, we may just have Hermione and escape."
"Nine, I believe Rubeus will be there to help," Professor McGonagall added.
"I would suggest we all try and get some rest," Hermione recommended.
"Where the bloody hell are we going to get some rest around here? There's nowhere to sleep," George complained.
Harry sat in thought. "I have the perfect place. Charlie do you have any Muggle currency? We'll need to hire a car."
"I have around a hundred quid," Charlie replied.
"That's great, if this works, I'll repay it a thousand fold," Harry said as he took the cash from Charlie and hurried for the exit.
"He must have a bloody brilliant idea to run off in a hurry," Sirius commented. Harry was gone only a few minutes and returned with a trademark grin.
"Let's go, all of us, I have a couple cars waiting."
The small mob stood and left in small groups to the exit, following Harry. He led them to a pair of waiting taxies, each large enough to take half of the group. "Come on then, it's quite late and we don't want to keep our hosts waiting."
Once inside and settled, the two cars left the station. The drive to the new destination lasted nearly a half hour.
"Darling, it's nearly 10:00, would they still be up?"
Harry knew the schedule kept, "No, they'd be long since in bed. But I think this would be a pleasant enough surprise to get them out of bed." His grin at the anticipated pleasure he faced brought a frown on her brow.
"I thought we were done with them," she whispered.
"So did I, but this is still my house," he replied as the cars pulled into the short drive of Number 4 Privet Drive.
Sirius and Professor McGonagall quietly exited the car parked in the drive with Harry and Hermione. The three Weasley brothers and Caterina climbed from the second car in the street. Harry paid both drivers and they all watched the cars drive away.
Harry took the initiative and approached the door of the house he spent most of his youth, abused and ignored. It was eerily different, lights were still on in the lounge, and voices could be heard through the door. He raised his hand to knock, but Hermione stayed the blow on the door.
"Suppose they are not here anymore?"
"Then we'll apologize and move on, Mrs. Figg's house is a few blocks away, I know she'll help," He said as he rapped on the door loudly.
A moment later his aunt opened the door.
"Harry?" she said startled, the blood drained from her face and Harry thought she would faint. She managed to maintain her composure by using the door for support.
"Yes, may we come in?" he asked politely.
Aunt Petunia looked at him and then to the woman at his side, and finally to the group behind them. "Y-You're back?"
"Yes, for the night. You remember Hermione? I believe she was here for the summer when we were in school."
"Good evening Mrs. Dursley," she said politely and extended a hand.
Aunt Petunia stepped back, unwilling to take Hermione's hand and opened the door. Harry took this as an invitation, and walked inside with Hermione. The others followed.
"Petunia! Who's at the bloody door at this hour?" Harry's uncle bellowed from the lounge.
Harry let a smirk crack on his face, and Hermione pulled him close, "You're enjoying this a bit too much, try to not torment them too much, ok?"
He nodded as they entered the lounge coming face to face with Uncle Vernon. Dudley sat on the sofa with an equally attractive woman sitting at his side; the sheer weight strained the frame of the furniture. Harry kept his wife at his side as they greeted his estranged family.
"Vernon, how very nice to see you again," Hermione started, trying to relieve the stress of the moment.
"P-P-Potter, you're back?"
"For the night, we were out on the town and needed a place for the night, I hope we aren't an inconvenience," Harry replied.
Dudley finally stood, but still sheet white from the knowledge of who his cousin is. "H-Harry, h-how have y-y-you been?" he managed to stammer.
"First, let me say I'm not excited to impose on you either. But with events as they are, we were forced here. No one is to know we are here, do you understand?" Harry ordered, assuming the air of authority.
"Y-y-you promised to leave us in peace," his aunt managed to say.
"You know who I am, and the things that have happened since I left this 'house'. Stay to yourselves and we will all get along amicably."
"Harry, they are family, we can't be rude. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, I know this seems strange, and if you are aware of our lives, then you must know the seriousness of the times. We have a dear friend in mortal danger and we need to spend the night here before we can help her," Hermione began to explain.
"So, y-y-you came here?" Uncle Vernon asked.
"Only for the night, and I'm sorry if we interrupted your party," he said as he looked at the tray of hors d'oeuvre on the table. "I trust you all remember Hermione, but I don't expect you've met any of my friends, although I believe you should remember Professor McGonagall. These three are the Weasley's, Sirius is my godfather, I thing you may remember the discussions about him. And this is a new friend, Caterina Basile."
Each of the group nodded except Caterina, she was unaware of the family history, and she approached Aunt Petunia in a warm greeting. "I am pleased to meet the family of my friends, thank you for your hospitality," she said as she extended a hand.
Petunia stood and stared. "You're one of them, a freak," she finally hissed at Caterina.
"Caterina, it's ok, we never got on together in the past." Harry admitted as he ignored the insult and turned to his cousin. "Dudley? I see you have a friend as well."
Dudley stood and tried to build his courage, as the woman next to him stood to face the new group, "Hello, since he's too tongue tied, I may have to introduce myself. My name is Marjorie Dursley, Dudley 's never mentioned a cousin before."
"H-H-Harry," he finally managed to find a voice, "This is my wife, Marjorie."
Hermione beamed at the news, "So you finally found a match? Let me offer our congratulations. Darling, we must remember to send them a gift," she said holding Harry's arm.
"Oh, right, I don't expect any of you to know this, but Hermione and I have been married ten years now."
Marjorie turned to Dudley and whacked his arm, "you had a cousin that you didn't even know was married? And you neglected to invite them to our wedding? What else have you been hiding from me?" she asked. It was evident who was truly in charge.
"Not to be rude, Marjorie, but we never got on together in the past, so it's not surprising you've not been told about Harry, now if you'll excuse us, it's late and I need some rest. Darling I'll be in your old room, please see to the others." Hermione kissed the tip of his nose and turned up the stairs following the others, and directed them to their temporary quarters for the night.
"I'll be up directly." He turned to his companions and scratched his head. "I guess the four of you can share the spare room," he said pointing to the three Weasley's and Sirius, and then turned back to his cousin. "Are you still living here or have you moved on? Oh foolish me, of course you still live here. I hope you don't mind letting my friends use your room?"
Marjorie came nose to nose with Harry, now starting to turn her temper on him for imposing her from her room. "I most certainly do mind. How dare you force us out?"
"Marjorie, dear, please let him use your room, we'll explain later," Petunia pleaded.
"Splendid, Professor and Caterina, you can share the front room, I'm certain you'll find it comfortable. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see to my wife."
"Not so fast, what makes you think after all this time you can just waltz in and take over?" Vernon ranted, having found some courage.
Harry turned to his uncle, and now that the others had left the room, his manners turned cold. "Uncle Vernon, I'll discuss this tomorrow, be thankful we're only here for one night. And if you value your lives, you'll mention this to no one," he said poking his uncle in the shoulder, "not even that annoying sister of yours, Marge." He left his relatives standing in near shock as he made his way up the stairs.
He heard muffled but loud discussions and smirked at the mischief caused that night.
Once in his old room, he found Hermione sitting at his desk rummaging through a stack of papers, several boards in the floor were missing.
"Remember when we came back after we left school? You never had that talk with Uncle Vernon and we never recovered these." She pointed to a pile of parchment he used to document his dreams that fateful summer.
"So we never came back here," he said.
"No, further proof the end of the battle with Voldemort was where this world deviated from ours."
Harry sat on the small bed, and she left the desk to be at his side. "Darling? None of this was our doing. But tomorrow we have a chance to help Hermione Granger."
"I intend to deal with him too, this must stop," he said staring into nothing.
"I know. Come to bed, we need some rest," she said as she wrapped an arm around him and they curled together in the small bed.
The family of four that lived in the house had huddled together most of the night in the lounge until sleep began to claim the younger two. They shared detailed explanations of the mysteries of these people with Marjorie, but with an obvious slant against Harry and his companions. Vernon and Petunia retired to their room only a few hours before dawn.
Hermione was first to wake as dawn broke through the still of the night, having an urgent need for the toilet. Her pregnancy was still causing nausea in the morning. Having to leave the small bed also woke Harry. He dressed quietly and lay in his bed to wait for her to return.
"Sorry, Harry, this isn't the most attractive part of having a family, is it?" she apologized. He stood to hold her, knowing she always felt weak-kneed in the morning.
"Maybe not the most attractive, but it is the most reassuring. It is a reminder nothing has changed and the baby is still healthy," he said as he gave her tummy a slight pat and a smile.
"Feel well enough for some breakfast?" he added as she pulled a jumper over her head.
"Um-hmm. I think so." She replied as they left the tiny room.
None of the others were up yet; Dudley and Marjorie were still asleep on the sofa. And since Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were not there, there was some hope for a peaceful cup of tea before having to do battle with the world.
They carefully slipped into the kitchen and closed the door to have their moment of peace. Harry turned on the stove for the water while Hermione prepared several slices of toast.
"Have you worked out a plan yet Harry?"
"Aside from storming the gates? No," he admitted. "I'm not Ron; we really could use him now."
"We know the following; the trial is at 9:30 with the planned execution at 10:00. We also can assume this is an elaborate trap for us, or he would have killed Hermione by now," she said listing the known facts.
"We also know the trial is to be held in the courtrooms, and the execution should be in the Chamber of Death. You don't suppose he'll just toss her through the Veil?"
"No, that would be too easy," she replied after a moment's thought.
"I think he would like to see her, and us, suffer."
"Then the best chance for success would be when she's moved from the courtroom to the Death Chamber. There's little room for a lot of people, so the chances are there would only be a couple guards."
"Seems reasonable, Sirius and I will enter the Ministry while the rest of you wait for us to effect her escape."
"No, Harry we have to work together, or have you forgotten the last time? We, you and I, were apart and we both were captured too easily. We have to work as a team."
"Hermione, we can't risk losing this baby. I won't risk losing you to save anyone, not even her," he said.
"This is not your decision alone. Nor is it mine. We both know we have to be together. Every time we faced Voldemort, we were together. The one time we were apart turned disastrous for us, you thought I was dead and I thought I lost you too."
The door creaked open, as a stocky redheaded man who resembled a tree-trunk lumbered into the kitchen. "Morning," he yawned as he picked up a cup and filled it with tea.
"Good morning Charlie, we were discussing our options," Hermione answered back.
"Fred and George filled me in on most of the details, Percy tried to explain what was going on, but he didn't seem to have a firm grasp of the events," he said as he pulled out a chair from the table and sat. "I half believed him when he babbled about a saviour getting ready to free the wizarding world."
"I wouldn't say 'saviours', we just want to return to our reality. And if we have to set things right here before we can leave, then so be it," Harry replied.
"I heard your plan for this rescue effort, I might have something that can help." He took a deep sip of the steaming beverage, "I have a couple sets of dragon hide Armour, it's not much, but it may give you that slight edge."
"I want Hermione to have a set," he said before another word was said. "And I want you to use the cloak, or you stay behind, is that agreeable?"
"Yes, the three of us should be able to get her free," Hermione agreed.
"What about the others? How can we get them inside?"
"Caterina, Charlie and the professor shouldn't have any problems; no one knows they're with us. Hagrid should be inside as well. Fred and George could wait outside if we need help."
The door opened again, Caterina and Professor McGonagall passed through. The planning for the rescue was again questioned, with the basic strategy related.
"Dio, that is your plan? We will surely all die."
"What other ideas do you have?" Harry asked the newest member of the resurrected Order of the Phoenix.
"Sì, in my school, in Dangerous Magic Defences, they taught a spell, we call it circolo di potere or you might call it 'Orbis Virium'."
"The Circle of Power? But that requires a pentagram with five," Professor McGonagall added.
"Sì, cinque, five of us. We are more then five, it would be enough."
"Catty, 'Orbis Virium' is a powerful spell, and for it to be used properly, requires timing and practice," Hermione said shaking her head.
"Sì, practice; but only for those unfamiliar with the other partners. You and the others have known each other for a long time. It should not be a hardship. And, I have, how to say, fatto in tre, come la trinità?" - "made it with three, like a trinity"
"Trinity? Really?" Hermione asked.
"Sì. It did not have the same strength, or durata, but it was possible."
"We won't need it to last long, just enough to get him stopped," Harry said. Hermione raised an eyebrow, as if he understood Catty's last comment.
The added activity in the kitchen and additional traffic through the hall roused the sleeping couple in the living room; the new discussion with raised voices was heard in the kitchen.
"Looks like your cousin is finally up," Charlie commented, stopping further discussions.
"Poor sod, I feel sorry for him, he didn't marry as well as I did," Harry said as he reached for Hermione's hand to change the subject.
"Yes, look at the wretched witch you got stuck with," she teased.
Charlie watched this display and hurrumphed a few times before excusing himself to wake the rest of the group.
Hermione turned serious as soon as they were alone, "I'm really scared, what if he's a better tactician than us? We could be walking right into his trap."
"I know. It's a risk I wish you wouldn't take."
"I have to be there with you, it's the only way. You two are equals and you need me there to help tip the scales. Besides, I'll be in dragon hide and under the cloak."
"The cloak will fool the guards, they will be easy to by-pass. But if you encounter him, I'm certain he'll know you're there."
"I'm a big girl, you don't have to worry."
The door opened to see an irate Marjorie burst into the room. "I have no idea why they are so terrified of you two, or who the hell you think you are to burst in here and throw us out of our own rooms."
"Good morning, Marjorie. How nice to see you this morning," Harry replied amid smirks from Hermione.
"Don't you patronize me, I want an explanation, or I'm having the authorities toss you lot out."
"That would be a neat trick; we need to be leaving soon anyway. And as I'm certain my 'family' hasn't informed you of the details, let me fill in some of the blanks." Harry started, his anger kept at bay only by Hermione's touch.
"It's quite obvious who's in control here," she cut back seeing the physical exchange. "And the authorities would be interested to know you threatened our lives. '…If you value your lives, you'll mention this to no one…' Was that meant to scare us, because it has no affect on me."
"Harry and I are a team, I know him better than anyone else. I know when he's about to lose his temper, and trust me, you won't enjoy the ramifications. And since you have been kept in the dark about us, let me make this simple. Harry is the legitimate owner of this building and has every right to this property. As for any threats…"
"They are not threats, but warnings. My uncle is well versed in the activities regarding our companions and us. If I were you, and had half a brain, I would forget you ever saw any of us."
"So, you're criminals, common thieves?"
Sirius had been listening and took that moment to interrupt. "He's an officer in her majesty's service. A high-ranking member of MI5, I trust you've heard of them. We all are members of his team or under his protection."
"Spies? You expect me to believe you are spies? What a fairy tale, next you'll say you're tracking werewolves and vampires."
"Not today, but a close friend is afflicted with lycanthropy," Sirius replied seriously.
"Marjorie, I told you to avoid them," Uncle Vernon said trying to isolate his daughter-in-law.
"Ahh, uncle, glad you can join us. You should have briefed her better, I'm certain you are aware of the dangers present these days?"
"Um, well, yes, I've heard. But still this is my home…"
"That I own, but of course you are unaware of that clause in the estate. No matter, after today it may not matter a bit. We need your car and Dudley 's too."
"No," Marjorie insisted, "I intended to spend the day shopping and I must have the car."
"Here, take the keys, and the keys to Dudley 's car are on the hook by the door. Marjorie, let them have the car, please listen to us for once," Uncle Vernon pleaded.
"Good man," Harry praised. "They should be back later today, and if anything happens, I'll make certain they are repaired straight away. Now, if you don't mind we have an execution to stop."
"I'll gather our things if you want to brief the others on the plan, darling."
"Right, Sirius, let's round up the others."
"Charlie's handled that, he had a spot of trouble with those two sods," Sirius said.
"Tell the twins they're driving." He said tossing the keys to Sirius. Hermione left with Sirius leaving Harry alone with his uncle and Marjorie.
Harry waited a moment, before giving his uncle a final warning. "Uncle, Marjorie, your safety may not seem in jeopardy, but rest assured you all are in more danger today they ever before. Do not be mistaken, the dangers of the past with Lord Voldemort pale in comparison to what we face today."
"Rubbish, so far you've offered no proof of who or what you are, or this 'lord what ever his name is'," Marjorie said discounting all his warnings.
"Marjorie, you are the perfect match for Dudley, I hope you two have a long life together, Uncle Vernon, you and Aunt Petunia of all people should know the truth or at least believe this is no prank. I more than likely shall never return, so if I were to leave this life, this house and all it contains is yours. I have already established who will receive the rest of my estate. Good-bye," he said as he turned from the table and left with the others.
Outside, George sat in the driver's spot in the first car, leaving the passenger's seat in front for Harry. Hermione and Caterina sat in the rear seat. Fred was in charge of the second car, with Charlie and Sirius as his passengers.
They left Surrey and Privet Drive behind and rapidly approached the traffic of London.
"Harry, mate, please remind me why we chose to use a Muggle car?"
"Because this way we wouldn't be traced. We could get lost in traffic and they can't follow us."
"Bloody hell, look at that! It's a red light!"
"Where's the invisibility switch?"
"There isn't any invisibility switch, you twat."
"Then how do you expect me to fly this bloody piece of junk?"
"I expect you to drive it, not fly it."
"Bloody hell, George, maybe we'll be safer as his prisoners than as your passengers again."
"You know, love? I think my boggart has just changed."
"Mine changed the first time he drove on the wrong side," Caterina said.
"Cat, darling, this is England ; we drive on the other side than in Europe. "
"Yes, I KNOW that, but he doesn't!"
"Isn't that the police approaching?"
"No.... LOOK OUT - THAT IS A TRUCK!"
"Why are they all going the wrong direction?" George muttered.
"You haven't got it yet, mate? You're going the wrong direction!"
"Ave o Maria piena di grazia il Signore è con te..."
"What in hell are you blabbing?"
"Isn't that obvious? I'm PRAYING!"
"Here we are, at the Ministry safe and sound."
"Harry, when did you start going grey?"
"About ten minutes ago."
"But we were only in the car for five minutes."
"I know."
"Grazie per averci salvati dalle forze del Male!" - "thank you for saving us from the forces of Evil"
"Cat, we haven't faced him yet," Hermione said quietly.
"No, I meant his driving!"