"Ron, wake up, you've slept though the entire flight," Harry said, nudging his old friend.
"Huh? We're there?" Ron asked, while rubbing his eyes.
"We'll be landing in a moment, you need to fasten your seat belt," Harry instructed.
"Bloody hell, that's one big island. And quite crowded," Ron said while looking out the small window.
"This is Miami, we have to pass through their customs and then transfer to a smaller plane to get to the island. Their airport is too small for a craft this large," Harry replied.
"Why not just use our brooms, I still remember how to fly," Ron retorted.
"In daylight? You know that's forbidden," Harry said.
"Then let's simply Apparate there and be done with it." Ron sighed.
"Do you know where he is at this moment? Do you know the area you want to Apparate to? No, that's not reasonable," Harry replied.
The altitude of the plane shifted in preparation for landing, Harry smirked when he noticed Ron's grip on the seat's arm. The screech of the tires announced the end of this portion of the journey.
"Bloody hell, that was some jolt," Ron exclaimed.
"The girls will meet us at the gate, then we have to claim our bags before we can pass customs, it's the Muggle laws we have to follow," Harry said to his friend and motioned for him to stand. They were near the back of the plane, and waited for the front rows to clear out. Hermione Potter looked back to Harry and smiled before she and Hermione Weasley left the plane together.
"I've forgotten how wonderful traveling was, it's been years since I've been on a plane," Hermione Weasley said.
"Yes, Harry and I have spent a fair bit of time traveling since we've been married, it has been one adventure after another," Hermione Potter reflected.
"There are the boys, the baggage claims should be to the left of the gate," Hermione Weasley said. Harry and Ron finally came through the gate to rejoin their spouses. There was no one behind them, being the last to leave the plane.
"We have half an hour until the connecting flight leaves," Hermione Potter said, and examined her ticket. She glanced at the signs pointing to the other gates in the concourse, and pointed to the left. "Just down a bit."
Gate 42 was a brief walk through the sparse crowd in the early morning hours. A collection of vacation bound travelers waited in the rows of seats near the podium where a flight attendant stood shuffling papers.
"Pardon me, but has the flight to St Thomas left yet?" Harry asked politely.
"No sir, we will be calling to board in a few moments, have you received your seat assignment?" she asked.
"We have requested four seats together, is that possible?" Hermione Potter asked.
"May I see your tickets?" the attendant asked and examined the documents. "There are only a few people scheduled for this flight. I can put you on the same row, on either side of the aisle, would that be satisfactory?" the attendant asked.
"Brilliant! How long before we can board the plane?" Harry asked.
"Only a few minutes, do you have any other luggage?" the attendant asked pointing to their rucksacks.
"No, that is about all we brought," Hermione Potter replied.
The attendant stamped the ticket vouchers and handed them back to Harry. "Have a good time in the British Virgin Islands; we hope your stay with us is pleasant," the attendant replied.
The wait was short as they were soon called to board the aircraft. The remainder of the journey remained relatively calm, owning to the many hours spent in Muggle aircraft.
The main island of Tortola came to view from the tiny windows. Silver ripples shimmered on the crystal blue water from the rising sun.
The tropical breeze blew into the group as they walked down the stairs from the plane to the tarmac. Smells of paradise caught the Weasley's off guard. It had been a lifetime since Hermione visited, but a new experience for Ron.
"This way," Harry urged, the other passengers arrived at the customs gate ahead of the small band.
The customs line moved along quickly for those originating from the United Kingdom, Ron Weasley passed through first. Hermione Weasley followed and carefully watched her husband as he was questioned to his business. The remaining members passed into the island without as much as a raised eyebrow.
With rucksacks in hand, the four left the small airport and hailed a local taxi. "The Governor's Office, and be quick about it," Hermione Potter ordered the driver. The others looked startled at her order, but held their questions until Hermione Weasley tapped the screen between them and the driver with her wand.
"We can talk freely, he can't hear a word," she said.
"Why the Governor's Office?" Ron demanded.
"Simple, the Ministry maintains an office at all British Embassies and territorial Governor's Offices to assist us in case of issues with our presence. We still are British citizens," Hermione Potter said.
"Right; to the Governor's Office. It's possible we can gain some information on his where-abouts from the Muggle authorities," Harry agreed.
Hermione Potter looked at him carefully then removed her wand from her pocket and pointed it directly at Harry. A silvery band briefly circled Harry's face, before he could respond, his hair lightened and lengthened, his face sprouted a short-cropped beard.
Hermione reached around to the back of Harry's head and pulled his longer hair into a tight pony tail. "Now, darling, there's one more detail," she said as she removed a tiny vial from her pack. She carefully dabbed the contents from her finger to his forehead, until the scar vanished.
"That's interesting, his scar vanished, is it a vanishing balm?" Hermione Weasley asked.
"It's a concealer," Hermione Potter replied, "not that I'm that vain, but there are moments a girl needs to hide the wear of time."
A light tap on the divider and a wave from the driver hurried the disguise. Without another word the four exited the taxi, Hermione Potter paid the fair and they approached the main door.
"Good morning," a security guard said with a cheerful smile. "How do you like our fine island?"
"It's lovely, thank you. We need to find…" Hermione Weasley began.
"Excuse me, but we have confidential dealings with the security secretary," Harry interrupted. He opened a leather wallet and displayed a bronze badge. The guard saluted and opened the door for them to enter.
A moment later Ron leaned over to Harry, "What the bloody hell was that?"
"My Auror's identification transforms to the highest local enforcement authority identification. I expect the guard has alerted our arrival. You all need to follow my lead, Hermione I believe this is your turn?"
"Right," she said as she came to his side. As predicted, several other guards met them in the foyer.
"Commander Potter?" a young uniformed guard addressed.
"Here, Lance Sergeant," Hermione Potter replied. "I'm Commander Potter here to see the adjutant to the head of Security."
"Very good, ma'am, please follow me," he said with a sharp salute.
They followed the Lance Sergeant through the corridors to a non-descript door down a side corridor. The Lance Sergeant knocked sharply, and waited.
"Come," a voice barked from behind the door.
"Sir, Lance Sergeant Hopkins escorting Commander Potter, and her team, Sir," he shouted in reply once he escorted the group inside. He turned about sharply and left them standing before an older looking soldier. The placard on his desk read Colonel Fox, Commandant British Garrison.
"Colonel, I am Commander Potter, this is Lieutenant-Commander Potter, my husband and second in command, and Ronald Weasley and his wife here to aid us in our search for a missing member of my reconnaissance team. He had been reported missing nearly twenty years ago, and we believe he's here. Mrs. Weasley has knowledge that may help find him. We need your cooperation and a certain level of latitude in our methods. Naturally no one can know we are here, as this is for National Security," Hermione explained in a decisively commanding tone.
"Please have a seat, Commander how can I be of service?"
"First off, our lost man has no idea of his importance or his true identity. He was placed here twenty years ago after his memory was altered after years of conditioning. His original mission was to act as a 'safety valve' during the crisis during those days. He has been lost in the Bureaucracy of the era and we just learned he may still be alive."
"A sleeper? Here on my island?" Colonel Fox growled.
"Not precisely. He served with distinction in Her Majesty's Service until the stress of his actions left him unable to cope with his actions. He was… retired and placed here for his service to the Crown," Harry stated.
"Apparently, my wife was part of the group that helped relocate him, and now we both have been enlisted to find him," Ron grumbled.
"First you claim he was 'lost' and now you say he was 'placed' here. You are losing my confidence and unless I hear an explanation to my satisfaction, the lot of you may have an extended stay as King William's guests," Fox said as he rose from behind his desk.
"Colonel, we are attached to the third Military Intelligence Battalion, of the Defence Intelligence Staff. This is my staff; we are searching for a member of our team. We have recent reports he has been spotted in these islands. I'm afraid that is all I am at liberty to reveal," Hermione said as she produced an envelope from her pocket. "If you need confirmation, this is my contact at the Ministry."
Fox took the envelope, removed the letter and took one look at the name fixed to the bottom, and the longer he stared, the larger his eyes grew. He quickly replaced the letter and handed it back.
"Please accept my deepest apologies and if there's anything you require, ask and it will be made available," he said quickly and scribbled a note of his own. "Hand this to my orderly , Lance Sergeant Hopkins, and he will see to your needs. Now if there's anything else, please notify me."
Hermione smiled and stood to shake his hand. Harry too grinned and shook the Colonel's hand as they left the office.
The Lance Sergeant had waited in the hall to escort them from the building, Hermione handed him the Colonel's note before he turned to lead them. A simple nod of understanding and he addressed the Commander.
"Ma'am, I expect you'll need transportation? The motor pool is this way," he said with a sharp salute.
"Wait, we'll need a boat, a fast one if it's available," Hermione Weasley said to the Commander.
"Sergeant?" she asked.
"Yes ma'am. There is a launch in the harbor; I'll make the arrangements to have it at your disposal." He reached into his tunic pocket and produced a small card. "Here is my contact information; do you have a mobile telephone?"
"Unfortunately, no," she answered.
"I'm afraid that was my fault, I managed to damage it before we left home," Harry added.
"I'll sign out a government issued unit from supply before we get to the motor pool - that should suffice for the moment," the sergeant offered as he led them from the hall to a stair well. In a few moments, he procured the telephone and keys for an automobile.
The four quickly found themselves inside the auto heading away from the Embassy. Hermione drove allowing Harry to turn and face the Weasleys in the rear seat, "Hermione, why a boat?" he asked.
"The last time I had any contact, he owned a house on one of the islands just north of this one. We should start there," she replied. "I arranged a trust fund from Gringotts for him so he would be able to live free of financial burdens."
"How did you manage that, and keep it from me?" Ron asked. The hurt in his voice at the deceptions grew as time passed.
"Ron, I've always been with you, you are my husband and he is my friend, but he has been alone. You hadn't seen him suffer. He refused to share that side of his life with anyone," Hermione said.
"To anyone but you, apparently," he sniped.
"It was his desire; he granted me 'Power of Attorney' over his finances. I had a nominal sum transferred to a Muggle account for him, and ensured adequate funds were always available," Hermione Weasley said.
"Then he has means, and he's not easily fooled," Hermione Potter said, drawing the topic away.
"Right, and if he's anything like me, he wouldn't venture far from his home," Harry added. "I believe we'll find him there or at least some clue to his present location."
"The harbor is to the left," Ron said, pointing to a sign.
"Good, with luck we'll find him soon and be able to bring him back," Harry said.
"To help you with the Horcruxes in your world," Ron added.
"Umm, right, the Horcruxes," Harry replied and glanced at his wife.
"We'd best find him," Hermione Weasley said, "He was on the ' Dog Islands' to the north."
"'Dog Islands'?" Harry asked.
"I felt it was fitting to honor Sirius," she said.
"Sirius? Oh, right, the Ministry battle in our fifth year," Harry said casually.
Ron raised an eyebrow at the lack of feeling shown, and shook his head. "Bloody liars," he muttered, and slipped his hand to his wand unnoticed by the others.
"Here, the government launch is there," Hermione Potter said, pointing to a wharf.
Hermione pulled the auto close to the launch, and the four quickly boarded the small craft. Harry paused to show his identification to the security guard before he too joined the others.
"Darling, do you remember what Jake taught you?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Mostly, his boat was much bigger, this can't be that difficult," he replied.
"Who's this 'Jake' fellow?" Ron asked.
"My cousin's husband, we spent the summer of our sixth year with them," Hermione replied.
The attendant helped free the lines that tied the launch to the wharf, while Harry started the engines. A mighty roar flooded Ron's final comment.
"Sixth year? That's over twenty-five years ago," he said, unheard by the others.
The launch pulled slowly from its berth to the mouth of the harbor. Harry pointed it to open water and they sped out of sight of anyone on land within minutes. Harry looked around for a moment, checked the compass, and slowed the engines.
"We need to be sure this is correct," he said. He turned to Hermione Weasley, "Are you certain he's in this direction?"
"Yes, I arranged a well appointed home for him on one of the larger islands," she said.
Hermione Potter also turned to her counterpart, "Do you have any of his possessions? We may be able to use that to point the proper direction," she said.
Hermione Weasley fell silent for a moment, lost in thought. She slowly pulled off her rucksack and dug inside for a moment before she released a deep sigh.
"Here, I was supposed to destroy it, but I couldn't bare the thought," she said as she handed Harry the wand he lost in his battle with Lord Voldemort.
Harry held it for a moment and he smiled. It was a sad smile given for a long lost friend. He handed it to his wife, "Take this, it's not mine. It belongs to him."
Hermione nodded, Ron crinkled his brow as Hermione held the wand flat in her palm. Ron noticed a scar across her palm when she tapped her wand to Harry's, "Point me," she said. It began to slowly spin, and pointed behind the boat.
"We just came from there," Ron exclaimed.
"No, we came from that direction; Your Harry isn't on the islands to the north, he must be on another one," Hermione said. "Harry, is there a map on this boat?"
He looked around the controls, and found a plastic tube. Inside he found a nautical chart of the islands. He laid the chart on the deck, and waved a hand over it to smooth it flat.
Hermione put the wand on the chart and tapped it once. It rolled from side to side, and spun once, stopping on a land mass south of the island they left.
"Where's St. John's Island?" Ron asked.
"We have to leave the British part of the islands; it's located a few miles South West of Tortola. It appears he's on the north side," Hermione Weasley said after studying the chart.
"No, the wand is moving, rolling to just off shore," Ron said pointing to the roving wand.
"I suggest we head over that direction and with luck we can narrow the search some," Harry said and turned the wheel to one side. The boat made a slow turn until the compass pointed south-west. "Hang on, we should be there shortly," he said as he gunned the engines to full throttle.
The roar of the twin engines precluded any conversation, and the group settled as best they could on the lightly padded seats. The seas were as calm as glass, offering a smooth ride. Hermione sat next to him, holding the chart to monitor their progress.
After a half hour she pointed to the left, "That must be ' Peter Island' and just past that is ' Norman Island. If we keep Tortola to our right, then St. John Island should be to our left," she yelled at Harry.
He nodded and they continued. The water-born trip seemed quite tedious but soon came to an end with the sighting of the larger island.
"We had best check his position, Darling. That cove should suffice for the moment," Hermione yelled at Harry.
He turned the wheel and slowed the engines; the boat fell off its plane, allowing the nose to drop into the water. Larger waves splashed from the bow as the swells lapped up the side. A short but bouncy trip into a cove protected from the seas was instructed by the charmed wand, still pointing to the chart. Other boats passed by, the occupants were oblivious to any unusual activities in the government launch.
"There, the chart is pointing to that cove to the left," Hermione said to Harry.
He maneuvered the launch past the vacationers to an isolated cove. From the distance it appeared deserted. Within a few minutes in the cove, a hidden vision of human handiwork appeared, a dock extended out from the beach, leading to a footpath up the hill. A house was now quite visible from the cove, but it seemed uninhabited.
"I suggest caution, he may be a bit surprised at our arrival," Harry warned. The dock seemed to be well used on one side, evident a boat was usually tied to that spot. Harry guided the launch to the other side, where it was tied off near smaller, lesser used craft.
"Yes, caution, he may have set wards to detect anyone trespassing," Hermione Potter replied, as he stepped off the launch and offered a hand to his wife. The Weasleys followed quickly.
"Not likely, or have you forgotten his memories of his abilities are gone. He thinks he's a normal person, living from his inheritance," Hermione Weasley corrected.
"Right," Ron said, pointing to the ground. "But he seems to have set Muggle detection devices. That is a sensor or possibly a camera for security. We were instructed to be careful and avoid them when I was on the Cannons."
Hermione Potter held a hand up stopping their progress from the dock, "Then maybe we should check for possible wards, he may have regained his memory."
She waved her wand in a reverse figure eight pattern, a fine mist engulfed them then spread up the walk way. Ridges of the mist were visible leaving little doubt.
"Bloody hell, he must have remembered," Ron muttered.
"Not likely, his 'signature' would be as strong as Harry's, but those traces are weaker. It means someone else is here," Hermione Potter corrected.
Harry turned to the launch, and with a wave of his hand, it vanished. An indentation in the water remained, but was not as noticeable from a distance. "Love, can you keep that spell around us? At least we can spot and avoid tripping any wards," Harry asked.
"Of course, but I expect someone may be watching him, these seem to be recently cast spells," she replied.
Three of them started forward, but Hermione Weasley froze in her tracks.
"He was supposed to be rid of this; no one was to find him. It was all he wanted," she mumbled.
"Yes, someone has discovered him; all we can do is try and determine their intentions," Hermione Potter answered to her double. "We need to learn what has happened, and the answers are up there." She pointed up the walkway and took the woman's hand. "The answer is up there, and there's only one way to find out, I understand what you're thinking," she whispered, gently pulling her forward.
"Step over the traces, don't disturb them," Harry cautioned as he watched the two identical women move as one.
Once at the top of the walkway, Harry examined the door, a simple touch of his hand on the knob faded the mist that surrounded the entrance. A simple Alohomora and the door swung open.
"The wards seem to be turned off by Harry's touch," Ron said.
"Of course they would, if this were his house. He is Harry Potter, just as we said," Hermione replied.
They cautiously entered the house, a single story ranch; the foyer opened to a large open lounge, nicely appointed furniture filled the space without crowding the room. The other end opened to a large glass wall, offering a panoramic view of the ocean.
Harry and Hermione quickly scanned the room for any signs of this being a wizard's home, none were spotted. Ron ventured alone to the back rooms. Hermione Weasley stayed near Harry and Hermione while looking through the kitchen.
"He's picked a beautiful spot, the view from here is breathtaking. This must be the top of a ridge, the dock is down the path from the front door," Hermione commented to Harry.
"I always did have good taste," he joked back.
"In here," Ron called out. "He's not alone, unless he's taken to wearing women's knickers."
The group found the room Ron had been searching. A woman occupied the room, frilly curtains and bed coverings adorned the window and bed. Nothing seemed unusual; except it was obvious, she stayed here alone. The master bedroom across the hall showed a stark opposite, this was Harry's room. His clothes adorned the furnishings, the mark of a man living alone.
"So, he must have a platonic flatmate, if they are keeping separate rooms. She obviously doesn't spend much time in here," Hermione Potter commented.
"And how did you draw that conclusion?" Ron inquired.
The two women looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "He's as thick as the Ron in our world, how have you managed all these years?" Hermione Potter asked.
"Ron," Harry interrupted, "you've been married as long as we have, and you can't figure that out? Would Hermione let you get away with leaving your room in this state?"
"I suggest we try and learn what we can about his doings since he moved here," Hermione Weasley said, changing the topic.
"Right. Have any of you noticed anything unusual?" Harry asked.
His wife grinned, and waited a moment for the others, "No photographs."
"Right, none at all, save the usual landscape photos, and some of what I assume is his boat," Harry said smiling.
"And there's no mirror in his room," Ron said looking about.
"Right, so we can deduce he would rather not see himself, and why would that be?" Hermione Potter asked as she looked at Harry.
Harry grinned, "He is afraid to remember. He knows there's a hole in his memory and knows it could be painful to remember. And since he's been told he's an orphan, we can also deduce he may be afraid he'll remember my, err, his parents in his face."
"Hermione, how deep was his memory wiped?" Hermione Potter asked.
Harry picked up a picture on the nightstand, a large sport fishing boat anchored in a cove. He could barely see the name on the hull 'Magical Times'. He noticed another oddity, a porcelain figure of a mouse in a red robe and wizard's hat.
"Curious," he muttered and continued to listen.
"Do you remember what happened to Professor Lockhart? They went deeper than that. He has no memory past his eleventh birthday to his twentieth. All he's been told is he had an accident and suffered a serious blow to his head," Hermione Weasley said.
"Which would explain his scar," Ron commented.
"Yes, he was observed for several days afterward and brought here. Ron, you were away with your team for a fortnight and that is when he and I discussed this plan. To my knowledge, I was the only one to know he was brought here."
Ron looked at her, and nodded, "You were upset when I returned home after that trip. You told me you had some disturbing dreams of the 'end'."
Before she could comment, Harry glanced out the window to the dock; a large boat had pulled up, the same boat in the photo he still held.
"Bugger it all, he's here," he said. He tossed the photo on the bed and the four hurried out of his bedroom, hoping to slip out of the house without being seen. Otherwise, questions would be raised that would be difficult to answer.
"Henry, leave the bloody fish in the cooler, we can clean them later, I need a shower," a woman's voice called out.
Ron and Hermione just managed to slip into a spare bedroom that had been converted to a library; Harry quickly pulled his aged invisibility cloak and draped it over Hermione. He raised a finger to his lips and grinned.
"Stay covered, keep your wand handy, just in case," he whispered and kissed her forehead.
"Luc, grab a shower then, I still have to wash down the 'Times', priorities you know," a familiar voice replied.
Harry and Hermione stayed in the master bedroom, and listened to footfalls approach the other room. The door to the woman's room creaked open and shut again.
"He's alone, now would be a good time to try and reason with him," Harry whispered.
A soft pop startled them when a woman's voice ordered out. "I don't know who you're talking to mate, but you'd best explain yourself."
Harry turned around; his disguise from the Government House still concealed his features. He stared directly into familiar protuberant silvery grey eyes. She still had her waist-length dirty-blonde hair and a quirky grin of confidence.
"Luna?" Harry said, "Luna Lovegood?"
Her eyes widened, "Lucy, Lucy Meadows, if you must know. And you my friend have managed to work your way into a dodgy spot."
Harry grinned, and shook his head, "Lucy is it now? And his name's 'Henry'? So he doesn't remember who he is? And spot on with that sneaky Apparition, caught me off guard and that's not an easy trick."
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"Lucy? Who are you talking to?" a voice called out.
"No one, Henry, I'm using your shower, if you don't mind," she called back. "And now, since you seem to have some knowledge of who I am, would you mind telling me who you are?" she whispered harshly.
"Right, I'll tend to the boat myself then," he called back from the outer room.
Harry reached into his pocket and revealed his bronze identification. Luna's eyes widened further, when she recognized the Auror badge.
"They sent an Auror? How did they know he's here?" she hissed quietly and lowered her wand.
"Luna, I know that's Harry Potter out there, and from what we know, he has no memory of whom and what he is, but we are here to get his help," Harry said softly.
"With or without your help," Hermione said as she dropped the cloak. Her wand remained defensively pointed at Luna. "Darling, take the cloak and fetch the others before he sees them. And do avoid him for the moment?"
"Hermione? Darling? What happened to Weasley?" she hissed.
"He'll be about in a minute, first we need to talk," Hermione said and lowered her wand.
Harry looked out the window to see himself walking on the well worn path to his boat. "If I remember Jake's obsession with cleaning his boat, this bloke's going to be a bit." He draped the cloak over his shoulders with a flourish and slipped out of the room.
Harry left his wife and Luna to deal with the Ron and the other Hermione, still in hiding in the spare room, listening to any sound they could. Harry opened the door to find Ron also in a defensive posture.
"Easy mate, 'Moine's talking to Luna, it appears she's the one living with Harry," Harry said. He noticed Hermione's face pale at the mention of Luna's name. "Here Hermione hide under the cloak, she's seen my wife and thinks she's you."
The three exited and slipped into the master bedroom where Hermione had barely started explaining.
"But that doesn't explain why you came after him, Luna. He was safe here," Hermione said.
"No, I found out he was discovered by two people. I know who the second was, and I think his first 'visitor' revealed his location. I came to convince him to leave the home where you left him after his memory had been altered. Now before I answer another question, why have you returned with an Auror?"
Harry re=entered with Ron, Hermione Weasley safely hidden under the cloak.
"Please be patient, he's not who you think, I'm not who you think I am. I'm here with my husband," Hermione began.
"Took me for a bloody shock too, so you've told Luna what's happened then?" Ron asked.
"Not yet, Harry, if you please," Hermione pointed her wand at Harry and his hair darkened and returned to its original length, his scar reappeared and his glasses returned to their original shape.
"Thanks, love. Although I was getting used to the new glasses," Harry said with a grin then turned to face Luna; his grin vanished as he continued. "The name's Harry Potter and that is my wife Hermione Potter. As you may have guessed, we're not from around here."
Luna's eyes widened even further, "No, I've been here with Harry for nearly ten years, and I can tell you he's much the same as before you brought him here, Hermione."
"No, she didn't bring him to you, or to these islands to 'retire'," Harry stated, pointing to his wife, "she did," and then pointing to Ron. The air next to Ron began to shimmer as the cloak fell to the floor.
"Luna, I brought him here, listen to them, this is a matter of extreme importance," Hermione Weasley said.
The group left the safety of the bedroom for the front lounge, with the expectation of watching for 'Henry's' return. Luna's double take deserved an explanation, and as quickly as they could, explained the circumstances that brought them together. The two identical Hermiones and additional Harry Potter that stood before her lent credibility to the story.
She shook her head, unable to comprehend the disclosure, "You offer no proof or validation to this claim of being from some other world," Luna contested, the expression on the others waned her to believing them. "You can't tell Harry, he won't understand," Luna pleaded.
"That's the problem we have, we need him. Without him and his powers we may not be able to accomplish what we must," Hermione Potter stated.
"Against V-V-Vol… He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?" Ron asked.
"Actually Tom Riddle is not the root cause, Albus Dumbledore stumbled on a clue that is quite disturbing. It shows that Riddle was little more than a puppet manipulated for 'his' entertainment, just as we were manipulated," Harry said.
Ron looked confused, "I thought you said you were here to find his Horcruxes."
"Actually Ron, you said that was our objective. Only the Harry from this world can help," Hermione Potter said.
Ron stood and walked to the window in the front door shaking his head, "So this is an elaborate hoax? Is any of this the truth?" Ron asked in disgust.
Hermione Potter pulled Harry aside, "We should have been truthful about our reasons."
"No, it's almost too far fetched to be believed, if I hadn't read it for myself, and encountered him too, I wouldn't have considered any of this myself," Harry replied.
Hermione Weasley stood between Ron and Luna, "What ever the reasons, I believe them and have to return to London with Harry, we must help them. I can't explain why, it's something I feel," Hermione said.
Ron looked out the window, and stared at Harry's reflection, brandishing a stout club.
"Who the bloody hell are you? Lucy? Who are these people and how did they get in here?" Henry ranted as he burst into his house. His first swing caught Ron by surprise, as he fell over; the club just missed his head.
"We can explain," Hermione Weasley started.
"I told you people I have no intention of selling this property, you can just build your resort somewhere else," he ranted and grabbed Ron by the collar.
"Harry, STOP!" Hermione Weasley screamed and grabbed Henry's arm.
"Get off me woman," he said and pushed her off, sending her to the floor.
"Harry, STOP," Luna screamed at Henry by mistake.
Henry raised his weapon again and focused his attention on Ron, since he was closest, just as Harry and Hermione turned to face him. Harry raised a hand and a faint red bolt shot from his hand knocking the club free from Henry's hand. The sudden jolt sent him reeling.
Harry and Hermione now stood in front of Ron and Hermione, face to face with Henry.
"Look, mate we're not here for this property. We're here for your help," Harry said, his hand still defensively pointed at Henry.
"Bloody leaches, GET OUT," he screamed, Henry suddenly found a wrench in his hand as he swung at Harry.
Harry reacted instinctively to the abrupt attack; a bright red bolt hit Henry in the chest and froze him to the spot. He was unable to move, but he could now clearly see the intruders, a spark of recognition fueled by sudden confusion softened his expression.
"I'm going to release you, only if you'll calm down. We have a lot to explain," Harry said as he lowered his hand.
"What…?" Henry started in shock.
"Please, we'll be more comfortable in the lounge," Hermione Potter said calmly.
"Lucy?" Henry asked bewildered. She nodded and he complied, and followed her into the lounge.
Harry and Hermione remained standing, while Ron and Hermione sat together. Henry sat in a large wing-back chair, obviously his personal retreat. Lucy took a chair next to him, and they waited for the inevitable.
"This is going to be difficult, and it may sound extraordinary, but…" Harry started.
"You're some long-lost twin I never knew I had, and those two birds are also twins. What's your ploy? You want to muscle in on my funds? My inheritance?" Henry demanded.
"You are not who you believe you are, you are one of us," Hermione Potter said.
"Look, mate, this seems a bit dodgy, but the fact is Ron and Hermione over there were you're best friends in school, and stood at your side in the worst of times," Harry said.
"And the woman you know as 'Lucy', her name is Luna Lovegood. She was a year below us, I mean you in school," Hermione added.
Henry shook his head, "No, I've never seen them before."
"Trust us," Harry said as he leaned close to Hemry. "You've lived this life so long you've truly forgotten. Your real name is Harry Potter, you are a wizard," Harry said.
"A wizard, you're all daft, there's no such thing except in children's tales," Henry replied.
Hermione now stood before him and stared at him, "No, you are one of the most powerful wizards that lived, but you chose to leave our life for this one. We need your help," she said and looked to Harry for a moment. He nodded allowing her to continue. "There was a war, one you helped win. But the stress was too much for you to bare."
"STOP! You can't do this to him," Luna shouted, "He won't be able to handle the stress."
Hermione Weasley stood and kneeled at his side. She finally allowed her emotions to flow, "Harry, they are telling the truth. You begged me to help you forget, and you left your fate in my hands. I knew you better then anyone else on this Earth. Luna helped clear your memory and left you believing you suffered from amnesia. The last you remember is an accident, and you struck your head. That's the way you wanted to live," she said. Her chest hitched from trying to stifle her sobs.
Hermione Potter came to her counterpart's side placing a hand on her shoulder. "Harry, I mean Henry, your real name is Harry," she corrected and paused; "the truth is she, Hermione, has been, and always will be in love with you, just as I am in love with my husband. She won't tell you this because it will hurt Ron."
Ron, his wifend Luna listened intently to the unintelligible sounds and were totally confused. Henry looked at their confusion but continued to listen to Hermione Potter's hisses.
"I don't understand, why tell me this in front of them?" he hissed back.
"Because, my friend, they can't understand us. You, just as I do, have the ability of a form of speech they can't understand," Harry hissed in reply.
"Bloody hell - the three of them are all Parselmouths," Ron exclaimed.
"Parselmouth?" Henry asked, "What the bloody hell are you going on about?"
"You and I are the same person, from different realities. We both have the same abilities and past. The difference is in our choices we made, they affected our lives," Harry said to his counterpart.
"'It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.' I remember reading that somewhere, so what?" Henry said.
"Albus told you that, in our second year after you saved his sister's life, Harry," Hermione said quietly.
Henry shook his head, refusing to believe this. "I never saved anyone, I was in an automobile crash when I was eleven, my parents were killed, and I received this," he said as he pointed to his forehead.
"No, you and I got that scar on the day our parents were murdered by Tom Riddle. We spent the next ten years…" Harry began.
"Living… with uncle Vernon, he locked me in a cupboard," Henry finished.
Hermione Potter kneeled next to her counterpart, and took Henry's hand. She continued in Parseltongue, "Harry, you are a great wizard, but you have forgotten that life. She tried to protect you not only from others but from yourself. It's what people do for those they love. We can help you remember, and you must remember if we are to succeed. What she hasn't told you, or her husband, will be a greater shock."
"You barge into my home with a far-fetched tale with no proof and now you claim there's more? What could you possibly say to top this story?" he replied in Parseltongue.
"Do you three mind speaking so we all can understand?" Ron asked angrily. Henry furrowed his brow at Ron's comment, but did not pursue that issue.
"Sorry, Ron but it was the best way to get his attention," Hermione Potter replied.
"Not that I believe any of this, but you've offered no proof," Henry replied.
"Maybe there is, I have something that belonged to you a long time ago," Hermione Potter replied and produced his wand from her pocket.
Harry took the wand and felt a surge of warmth rush through his fingers. He raised the wand above his head and swished it through the air. A stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like fireworks, reminiscent of earlier times.
"Ollivander," he muttered and smiled.
"I have no way to tell how long it will take to restore your memory, Harry, but it's terribly important," Hermione Potter said softly while he stared at his wand.
He looked to his double, "I suppose you have one like this?" he asked.
Harry shook his head, "I lost mine in the battle with Voldemort more than twenty-five years ago, it was the only way to trap him. Hermione trained me in wandless magic, and I've not used one since. With some instruction and practice I expect you would have the same ability."
Stunned and confused he looked to the only person he had trusted. "Lucy? You've lied to me all these years?" Harry asked bitterly.
She nodded, "It was for your protection, someone found you and I was afraid you could have been hurt." She said softly.
"You said you loved me, was that a lie, too?" he asked.
"Harry, I never said I loved you. You were the one that wanted me, as if you remembered me," she said.
"No, I distinctly remember that first night we were together, we made love on the beach by my old house, and you couldn't stop crying. Why do you still refuse to remember? Am I the only one with a blocked memory?" he asked.
Hermione Weasley stared at her husband through her tears, and turned to the man sitting before her. She took his hand, and let the tears openly flow. "Harry, I can explain."