The Hall of Mysteries was eerily silent. It was the middle of the day, and there should have been someone around. But that day, no one watched the door crack open and a figure slip out. The protection wards signaling an intruder had not been corrected to watch for those assumed to be dead. The lone man donned a cloak and vanished from view in a practiced move. The lift doors opened silently and closed with no visible occupant.
"Where did those two vanish to this time?" Sirius said as he paced in front of the fireplace, his formal dress robes flowed behind him as he walked.
"You know them; they may well have found some quiet spot for a private rendezvous," Luna said. She carefully hung her robe in the hall cupboard.
"Not with their daughter in this state. They would never leave them if they knew. No, something's happened, and they took off to deal with it alone, again," Ron said, shaking his head in disapproval.
"Do you suspect they know about Draco?" Luna asked softly. Ginny remained in the kitchen, nursing a cup of tea alone.
Ron shook his head in reply. "No, we never got the chance to tell them, although they must know about Dobby. Someone tried to help the little blighter. If they knew, they would have been at Draco's funeral today."
"I suppose," Sirius said, contemplating the recent events.
"Has anyone checked on her since we returned?" Luna asked.
The silence from the others confirmed her concern for the girl. Caterina stood and turned to the stairs. "I shall see to her. She is still my charge while her parents are away."
The others watched her suspiciously. Draco's accusations and her confessions had damaged her reputation and trustworthiness. Caternia made it to the first landing only to be surprised to see Annie walking down the stairs, supported by Jerry.
"I want my Mum and Dad. Where are they?" she demanded. The weakness in her voice left little doubt that she was far from able to find them on her own.
"We really don't know. They weren't at the…"
"Service," Luna finished for Ron.
"Right, service. We haven't seen them for three days," Ron added.
Annie looked at Jerry puzzled, "Three? You said two."
"You've been asleep here for two. Dad brought you home a day after we all returned home," Jerry said.
"I simply took you to St. Mungo's for an examination. You were in a bad way," Ron said in a tone to end that conversation.
"I see. Am I free to go, or am I under house arrest in your care, Senior Auror Weasley?" she asked in a spiteful tone.
"No, there's no pending action to warrant it, but everyone is confined to the house and immediate grounds. No wandering off flying for a while," Ron added.
"Your father was quite strict about that," Sirius added. "They were more concerned for you and your brother's safety than comfort."
Annie let out a deep sigh, and Jerry felt her body lean into him for support. His arm around her waist held her steady while he guided her to a waiting chair near the fireplace. Even in June, the warm glow was comforting.
"Stay here, Sweetie. I'll fetch you something warm to drink," Jerry said, ignoring the smirks from several adults about his attentiveness to the girl.
She settled in the chair and let her shoulders sag; being unconscious for three days was tiring. "Has there been any word?" she asked to no one in particular.
"Ben received an owl yesterday. The bloody bird refused to give the note to anyone but him. The little bugger refused to give a clue who sent it," Ron answered.
Annie leaned forward and called across the room to the kitchen, "Jerry, can you fetch my brother right away?"
"Of course, let me finish this first. You need to eat something," he called back.
Sirius shook his head. "She's got 'im wrapped round her finger already. That bloke's in for a rough one."
Jerry was quick in his work bringing Annie a sandwich and cup of warm tea, and he spent a moment reheating his aunt's tea. He largely ignored the comments and glares from the adults; they were not of concern to him. "Stay here. I'll fetch Ben," he said softly to her before turning and bolting up the stairs.
Annie sat quietly and nibbled at her lunch. She was hungry, but she felt as if she were on display. In only a few moments, the sound of two boys running down the stairs rattled the house. It was a sound familiar to Ron and Ginny, having grown up in that house.
"Annie, you're better," Ben exclaimed. His left arm remained bandaged, more to hide the scar than for the wound.
"Ben," she called out and tried to stand.
"Sit! You're still not well," Luna commanded.
Annie sat without an argument. "I understand you received an owl. Who sent it?" she asked.
He looked at the others in the room, "Can I have a moment with my sister, alone?" he asked the adults.
"If it involves your parents, we all need to hear," Ron commanded.
Ben looked at Annie for guidance, and she nodded that it was ok for them to know. Ben pulled the letter from his pocket and carefully unfolded it, keeping it hidden from view.
"It says Mum and Dad missed an appointment, and this bloke insists we meet him as soon as you're able. He said it was of the utmost urgency," Ben said, handing the letter to Annie.
Jerry picked up the envelope. " It says, 'To Anna Lily Potter or Benjamin Albus Potter.' Who writes in weird green ink?" Jerry said.
"Green ink? Emerald green?" Ron asked.
"Right, it's a bit faded, but it's emerald green," Jerry confirmed.
"Annie let's have the letter," Ron insisted.
"No, it's only for one of us," she replied, holding the sheet close to her chest.
"At least tell us, was it sent from Albus Dumbledore?" Luna asked.
"No, it's not," Annie said. "But this bloke asks for confidentiality, so I don't expect we can tell you much. He says we need to meet him in Diagon Alley the Saturday after I read this note; he seemed quite explicit in that detail. Uncle Ron, that's tomorrow. I'll be better by then, is there any way we can go?"
Ron stood there for a moment and nodded. "But I insist Luna and Sirius accompany us, or I'll have other Aurors standing by. Can you at least tell us who sent the note?"
She stood with renewed energy and threw her arms around Jerry's neck. "I want Jerry to come, too, and Ben of course. His name is Abraham Kristiansen, and he said he'll find us," she replied.
"Can Arty join us? She'll be bored to tears here alone," Ben asked.
Reluctantly, Ron nodded his head in defeat. "Tomorrow then, did this Kristiansen bloke give a time?"
"No - just sometime Saturday," Annie replied.
"Then we'll leave first thing in the morning." Ron turned to Luna, "Dear, I think a day in Diagon Alley might help Ginny. Why not bring her along and spend the day shopping."
"Splendid idea. We'll spend the morning in the shops and all meet later for lunch at the Cauldron. She needs to report to the Ministry. Those owls asking for her top return have piled up. I'll pop into her office and make an appearance, and that should suffice until she's up to resuming her duties," Luna answered.
"I've some arrangements to prepare; can you have a chat with Ginny and convince her to go?" Ron asked. After a quick peck on the cheek, he left for his study and a bit of privacy.
The rest of the younger occupants disbursed to various areas of the home to anticipate the coming events. Annie remained dependant on Jerry's support. The young couple found an isolated corner and cuddled. Annie's eyes heavy with fatigue.
"Annie, can I talk to you?" a voice asked.
Annie's eyes managed to open, and she nodded, but she refused to speak.
"Annie, I'm sorry. I blamed you for my father disappearing. After what's happened, I know it has to do with your family, but not you. I should have been a better friend," Arty began.
"Arty," Annie choked out. "I can't accept any apology from you. We both were to blame. I should have been honest with you. Your father wanted me to find a way to protect you and your mum, but I couldn't tell you."
Arty froze at that news. "He talked to you?" she asked.
Annie nodded, "On my birthday, he made me promise to find a way to get you two away safely. He was quite distraught."
Arty stared at her old friend and thought. "Is that why you almost missed the party?"
Annie nodded again. "I had too many things on my mind. If it wasn't for Jerry, things could have been worse."
Arty nodded her reply. Her throat began to tighten as she tried to hold back her tears. "When something happened at the station, I thought… I thought…"
"What? Please, that still seems like a dream," Annie said.
Arty looked from Annie to Jerry. His look of determination made Arty pursue a different path. "It will come to you, I'm certain. Let's not dwell on it. Look I hate that we've been at odds, and we both said hurtful things. Can we put it all behind us?"
Annie nodded, and the two girls fell together in a long-needed hug. Jerry gave Annie a peck on the head, stood, and let the two girls reunite.
The following morning the four youths were invigorated by the thought of going to the Wizard's portion of London . And for Annie and Ben, the chance to reunite with their parents was incentive enough. Jerry's devotion to Annie became more obvious that morning, when he accompanied her to the breakfast table.
"Sit, I'll fetch you a plate," he said softly to her.
"Jerry, I'm capable of doing for myself. You can't keep on like this," she said.
"Annie, you're important to me. I want you to know how much."
"You like havin' a snoggin' partner?" Ben chirped.
"Sod off," Annie said as she threw a slice of toast at him. Her aim was off, and the toast skipped off his chair to the floor.
"It appears that someone's in good spirits today," Luna commented. "I hope one of you will clean that up before we leave."
Jerry replied with a well-placed pat of butter, hitting his mother on the cheek. Luna slipped her wand into her hand, unseen by her son. A quick flick of her wrist sent his breakfast plate into his face. The grins and laughter began to infect the others as the remains of breakfast flew through the air, random bits hitting random friends around the table.
"What the bloody hell is going on in…" Ron began. He was stopped from completing his thought by a face full of porridge.
"You're on your own, Love. They've revolted," Luna said as she ducked to the side, avoiding another barrage from the table.
Ron backed away, trying to avoid the bombardments, but he slipped on the piece of toast that began the melee. His falling weight was partially blocked by his sister, who had been drawn to the disturbance by the noise from the kitchen.
Annie ducked to the far side of the table and she and Jerry fired another assault on the growing ranks of adults. She laughed as hard as any of the others, giving as well as she got. Ben and Arty sided together, and the three-way conflict left the kitchen and portions of the lounge covered in bits of food.
The advanced experience Ron, Luna, and Ginny had proved to be formidable, as Ron directed the two witches to flank the other combatants, and at a prearranged signal, buckets of water appeared over the younger family members' heads and drenched them. The adult children stood from their positions, each still laughing.
"We'd best clean this place up before Mum gets home," Ginny said, still laughing.
Her comment sobered Ron and Luna, leaving the children jovial but oblivious to Ginny's remark. Before any remarks were made, Luna tapped her forehead with her wand and uttered " Tergeo," cleansing her clothes in a wink.
"Come on, who's ready for Diagon Alley? Leave this for Catty. It'll be our surprise for her," Luna said with a wicked grin.
"She's right kids. You'd best clean up, and we'll pop off to Diagon Alley," Ron said still smiling.
Ginny put her arm around Ron's shoulder and leaned up. "Thanks big brother. I love you for being there," she said softly and gave him a warm hug.
One by one, the group used either Tergeo or Scourgify to wipe off the muck that was intended to be breakfast and congregated around the fireplace. And one by one they stepped into the fireplace and each vanished with a brilliant green flash.
The fireplace inside the flat above Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes at number 93 had been properly abandoned as living quarters; its sole use was for family rendezvous for excursions into Diagon Ally. The success of the jokester business allowed for more comfortable accommodations for the owners. Each had a larger flat on the outskirts of Hogsmeade.
"Gather round and brush off the soot. I need to check on security before we can leave," Ron insisted.
"Security?" Annie asked. I thought we'd have a free go to the shops?"
"With in reason, yes. I'm still responsible for you both, and I bloody well don't want to explain to your mum should anything happen. Your dad I can handle," he said with a grin and stepped to the back room.
"Here, dears," Luna said handing Annie and Ben each a scroll of parchment. Your father left this draught for Gringotts should you need anything."
Annie unrolled her sheet and smiled. "It's nice being wealthy. Dad left instructions for up to one thousand Galleons per month."
"Yes, but it also says we have to keep a detailed record of what we buy and why," Ben said reading his further.
"So, I think our first stop should be to draw funds from the bank. I've only a few Knuts," Annie announced.
Arty looked at her mother, and with a nod from Ginny, also grinned. "Brilliant idea. Mum, can we stop at Madam Malkin's for some new outfits for the summer?"
"I think we all could use a day of shopping. Your father wanted us to be happy. I know that now. And there's so much about him I've never told you. Annie, you may find some of it equally interesting," Ginny said.
"Right," Ron announced, "The day's set. I've plenty of security watching, so we shouldn't worry. Shall we, or do you all wish to stay here all day?"
The crowd sprang to their feet. The day's mischievous beginning looked to only be the opening act of a full day's activities.
The stop at the Wizarding Bank was brief. Annie and Ben each withdrew a few hundred Galleons for the day's shopping. Ginny made certain Arty had enough for a frivolous day's shopping to try and forget the past week's pain. She gave her nephew an equal amount when he promised to hide it from his father.
"So, Annie, where to first?" Jerry asked.
"You kids have some fun, Arty. I'm taking your mum off for a bit. See you all at lunch at the Cauldron. Say half-past twelve?" Luna said as she pushed Ginny along. Neither woman waited for a reply before they vanished into the crowd.
"Florean Fortescue's. breakfast wasn't as filling as I would have liked, she grinned, as the four teenagers left the adults for the ice cream parlor.
Annie began to relax and sighed deeply, ignorant of the hooded man approaching. He leaned on a gnarled wooden staff as he walked.
"Oh, pardon me. I never saw you coming," she said after running into the man.
"I have waited your arrival, follow me now, you must. Your brother too shall join us. Concerns him to this does," the strange man said in a low husky voice.
"I beg your pardon?" Jerry said as he pulled Annie aside. The minor confrontation drew the attention of people surrounding the teens.
"Annie," Jerry said quietly to her. "Look, those are members of Dad's squad."
The hooded man looked up to Jerry and stared at him. "Then join us you must. I sense your conviction to accompany Miss Potter regardless of the consequence. Your help she will require to survive," the strange man said.
Annie looked puzzled and glanced at Ben. Her brother reached into his pocket and pulled the letter, sparking the original reason for the trip. She looked at Ron and whispered hoarsely, "It's ok, Uncle. This must be Abraham Kristensen."
"Yes, Abraham my name is, but please call me Gnome, as all my friends do. I have a place we can talk without interruption. Follow me, please," he said and turned to Knockturn Alley.
Jerry grabbed Annie by the arm. "You can't go there. Do you have any idea what's down there?"
"I really don't care. He has a message from Mum and Dad, and I intend to find out where they are," she replied, tugging her arm free.
Jerry stood for a moment and shook his head before following her. Ben quickly followed, still holding Arty's hand. The four disappeared in Knockturn Alley before Ron had a chance to stop them.
"Follow me quickly you must," Gnome said. He turned into the solid wall across from Borgin and Burkes. The wall shimmered as they passed through. "Solid the wall will be once the last has passed. Come I have a table waiting," Gnome said to urge them forward. Inside the chamber, a table with six chairs waited. One chair was occupied.
In the corner, a lone figure remained in the shadows and waited.
"Annie," Jerry shouted, "It's some kind of trap." He pulled his wand and pushed Annie behind him.
"Please, Mr. Weasley, put your wand down," a familiar voice from the table commanded.
"Professor McGonagall?" Annie asked, leaving Jerry's protection.
"Yes, when Abraham told me your parents failed to meet with him, he took the intuitive to contact me. I sent his letter to you at his request. You can trust him. I have known of him for many years," Professor McGonagall said, easing the quickly built tension.
"Yes, sit you must, all sit. In danger you all are," the man said. He removed his hood to reveal his face and leaned his staff on his chair. His skin was pale green, and thin wisps of grey hair from his head made his large ears stand out that much more. He was shorter than most men, barley as tall as Ben.
"Danger? From who?" Ben asked.
"A dark wizard, more powerful then the one your parents faced has been recently discovered here in London . Your parents may be unaware of him and his intensions. I have been asked here by Abraham to convince you to help us warn your parents of this development," Professor McGonagall said.
"Then you know where they are? They left without say a word," Annie said.
"Unfortunately, they had tried to meet you at the station before they planned to meet Abraham, but something happened that caused them to change their plan," Professor McGonagall replied.
"Dark wizard I have know, but not met. Tracked him in the past, but elusive he has been. All I can tell you is he has been present through all recorded history. Time travel I have long suspected, but this too is unclear. Many times i n the past I falsely assumed him to be dead," Gnome added.
"Time travel? That's absurd. No one can travel in time. It's impossible," Ben said.
"I assure you it is not. Your mother had, with the Ministry's permission, used a time turner in her third year to augment her studies. With Professor Dumbledore's assistance, she and your father used that time turner to free an innocent man," Professor McGonagall answered.
"Let's say, for argument's sake this is true," Jerry said, "Why the covert activities? Why not just go to the Ministry? My father should be able to help."
"Fifty years ago, a great man created a group called the Order of the Phoenix in answer to Tom Riddle's rise to become Lord Voldemort," Professor McGonagall started.
"Tom?" Annie muttered under her breath.
Professor McGonagall looked at her with a questioning stare. "Have you heard of him before? Your father was explicitly clear about avoiding that topic with you and your brother. Tom Riddle murdered both your father and mother's parents and tried to murder your father when he was but a babe. Your father was ultimately forced to kill him to prevent more from dying," Professor McGonagall said.
"No, correct this is not. Destroy his body your father did, but kill him he did not. Tom Riddle's soul did not die that day. Hidden the truth had been, but discovered by Albus it was. He took matters into his hands to inform your parents, but he died before all the artifacts were recovered," Gnome interjected. McGonagall questioned that remark with a glance.
"Albus Dumbledore? I was told he was killed when I was born, and a centaur named Firenze told me he has been my protector," Annie said.
"Albus discovered a secret that cost his life, and in his loss his soul transformed into a shield of protection over you. You are that precious spark he felt he must protect," Gnome said. "But more I cannot tell you or others may wrench that from your mind. No, I cannot tell you all; however, rest assured your parents know."
"Why not just tell the Ministry? My dad can help, he's a Senior Auror," Jerry said.
"The Ministry is powerless, and it's quite possible that high-ranking members may be working with this dark wizard. So, we must work on the fringe of legality," Professor McGonagall answered.
A pause filled the room with a roaring silence; it was finally broken with the Gryffindor confidence and courage. "Tell us what we must do," Annie insisted.
"I believe they returned to a forgotten place while pursuing another. There are few in this world that know this secret. You must seek out one who has traveled there before your parents and returned with them, and have him lead you to them. Seek your Grandfather's oldest and dearest friend," Gnome said.
"Who? Please stop talking in riddles and just tell us," Arty finally said.
"Riddles are meant to confuse, to succeed you must be clever. If you were told explicitly, others could gain that knowledge and use it against you," Gnome replied. "I wish I could lead you, but I cannot. Passage for me would certainly end tragically. More I can do on this side to keep you all safe, now it is time to leave."
"Please follow our associate. He is aware of your plight. Abraham and I must remain for a bit," Professor McGonagall said as she stood.
An unseen figure stepped from the shadow and motioned the four teens to follow him. They retraced back to the stone wall and he touched his wand to a series of points, allowing the wall to open. Without a word he motioned them to pass through.
The darkness of Knockturn Ally concealed their initial passage, and they were again unseen until they left the dark alley.
"Where the bloody hell have your four been?" they heard Ron shout. The Auror approached with his wand drawn pointed at the man leading them.
"Put that thing away, Weasley, before you hurt someone," the stranger ordered. He dropped his hood to reveal his scared features.
"Lupin?" the Auror exclaimed. "Where the bloody hell did you pop in from?"
"There's no time for pleasantries. We have to hurry. We're being watched," the werewolf said.
"Of course we're being watched. I have my people stationed around us," Ron replied, refusing to lower his wand.
"Not them, you idiot. There's someone else here. But I haven't been able to spot him. Sirius, talk some sense into him," Lupin insisted.
"Remus? What is this?" Sirius asked, not countering Ron's authority.
"It's Order business, we've re-banded. Harry called several of us together shortly after Annie's birthday. Ron, you were kept out because you're too close to the ministry. There's a spy in your office. Harry wouldn't risk the exposure," Remus explained.
"I don't buy it. He would have told someone. I am his supervisor," Ron said.
"How dense are you? Can we at least find a more secluded spot, possibly King's Cross?" Remus said sarcastically.
With a grunt of approval, Ron motioned the group back to his brothers' shop. Without a word, they all climbed the stairs to the flat above the shop.
Once the door shut, Ron stood toe to toe with his former professor. "Explain yourself. We're quite secure here."
"That day Harry was dressed down by Chief Robards, the day Annie was born, when Harry was bumped down from his Senior Auror rank…" Lupin began.
"Yes, I remember that day, what of it?" Ron interrupted.
The four teens listened intently; every word spoken was new information that had been kept from them.
"Hermione was unofficially given the task to help solve the mystery of Dumbledore's murder. Yes, I know officially you were in charge, but Chief Robards was instructed by the Minister himself to keep this confidential. It seems Dumbledore was on to something huge," Lupin said.
"So all along I've been played the fool, while Harry and Hermione undermine my investigations?" Ron asked.
"No, you missed the point. Dumbledore's murder was the tip of the iceberg. Someone's come through before Harry and Hermione returned. That someone has been ransacking our world for certain artefacts. That someone almost murdered young Ben twice. And that someone murdered Draco Malfoy," Remus replied.
Arty gasped at the reminder of her father's death. Ben, too, appeared dazed at the reality he had been involved in this play.
"Sir, you mean to say the man that put this on my arm murdered Arty's father?" Ben asked.
"Yes, we believe so. No one's used the Dark Mark in years, and this means someone has found a way to resurrect Tom Riddle from the grave," Remus said.
"Boy, let me see that arm," Sirius insisted, grabbing Ben by the arm. He pulled the sleeve from his wrist and stared at the mark.
"See, the mark is there clear as day," Ron said.
"Yes, I see it. And that's the problem. The mark fads until Voldemort called for his disciples. This is perfectly visible. No, this was a different message," Sirius said, pointing to the writhing snake on Ben's arm.
"Sir, I saw the same tattoo on Professor Malfoy on my birthday. It was moving too," Annie said.
"Draco's mark was real enough, but this one is fake," Sirius said. "Look here under the skull. The image is faint but obvious."
"It's a bird," Annie said, this being the first time she's seen it clearly.
"No, your mum noticed it first. It's a Phoenix. This was a warning or message for the Order," Sirius said.
Dumbfounded at the revelation, Ben sat staring into empty space. "Who could be trying to warn us?" Annie asked.
"I believe Draco delivered that answer. He said his father and Snape were behind Dumbledore's death. If I were to guess, I would say this may have been planted by Snape. He was working for Dumbledore in the war," Sirius said.
"I know what Draco claimed, but they were both killed twenty-five years ago," Ron said. "If they died then, how could they rise from the dead?"
"Have you not learned? Where did Harry and Hermione vanish too, fifteen years ago? Where was I trapped as well?" Sirius asked.
"The veil?" Remus answered.
"Yes, I believe they spotted either Snape of Malfoy at the station. Remember Dobby was found dead in a waiting room. Knowing my godson, I'm certain he took off after them, and they returned to wherever they came from beyond the veil. That is were we will find them," Sirius said.
"Then we must find a way into the Ministry and to the Hall of Mysteries. That is the only hope of finding Harry or Hermione," Remus said.
The teens sat and listened. "This is madness," Jerry finally said. "Everyone knows the veil is the gateway to death."
"Not exactly," Ron said. "I was there when Harry, Hermione, and Sirius returned. And they were very much alive."
"Will entry into the Hall of Mysteries find my husband's killer?" an angry voice from the hallway asked.
"Ginny, how long have you been here?" Ron asked and quickly went to intercept her.
"Long enough to realize Draco's death might not have been meaningless, if he was able to lead us to this conclusion. I can get you into the Hall, if that is truly what you intend to do," Ginny replied.
"I intend to find them, but I will need some help. Sirius, Remus, are you willing to help?" Ron asked.
Sirius sighed heavily and shook his head. "I never thought I would intentionally return there. But I do know the conditions where I was trapped. Harry told me they ended in three different worlds, each different due to a minor change in their history. Yes, I'll go."
"Aye, the marauders will be together again," Remus said.
"Then it's set. We'll all go, with Ginny giving the kids here a tour. After all, their parents have a rich history in that chamber. The three of us will go, and Ginny will take charge of the children and return to the Burrow," Ron stated as he planned the upcoming events.
"There's no way to know how long we will be trapped. I suggest we each secure a rucksack of supplies before we head out," Sirius added.
"Fred and George always kept a couple bags ready for an unannounced escape some where. They will have to do," Ron said as he began to search the rooms. A few minutes later the trio had procured the meager supplies they scrounged from the flat, not wanting to leave for fear of tipping their hand.
"Then, I would say we're set. The fireplace will get us to the main atrium and from there to the lifts. I'll stop at my office for a few items that may come in handy. I believe it's time to go," Ron said, concluding the expeditionary planning.