Demeter Greengrass made her way to meet her mysterious admirer in Diagon Alley. The forty five year old woman was dressed to the nines in the finest robes which showcased her body. Ever since her husband had been killed ten years ago, she had raised her two daughters alone. Phillip Greengrass had been smothered in his sleep by a Lethifold, a nasty monster that resembled a cloak.
Yet, Demeter was a woman, who had needs that must be filled. She satisfied those needs with much younger men. They were legal, but barely. Many of them were young enough to be her son. Yet, those young wizards between the ages of seventeen and twenty one satisfied her. Wizards were in their prime at that point, but they burned out rather quickly after that, unless they were remarkable wizards. At least that's what she figured.
Demeter was disappointed when she heard from Narcissa Malfoy that Harry Potter had gotten married. Despite her loose standards, she had a strict moral code and one of her stipulations was never seduce a married man. It was a shame, she had been keeping a countdown going on to the point Harry Potter reached the age of consent. But that was in the past, there were other fish in the sea, even if none of those fish did banish a dark lord at the age of one.
Recently she inherited a great deal of money from her brother, Archibald Zabini and she also received a massive fortune that Sophia Zabini had acquired from her previous husbands. Naturally her nephew Blaise being killed allowed her to become next in line for the windfall of gold. Her already massive wealth of gold had become even greater. Despite the fact the goblins upped the transference fees.
Then the Ministry of Magic got their hand out, but she was still a rather wealthy woman. She could buy a few countries with the gold she had, but it was a matter of finding someone to run them.
Right now, she was late for a very important date. Demeter opened the door at Club Sinclair, deep in the seedy underbelly of Knockturn Alley. Here, she was meeting her mysterious admirer. She hoped he was young and ripe; she enjoyed breaking new wizards in.
"Hello, I'm looking for a mysterious gentleman in white robes," said Demeter as she looked around, for her suitor, and her eyes traveled to the burly bouncer.
"Are you Demeter Greengrass?" asked the bouncer.
"Yes," said Demeter as she looked at the bouncer.
"Back room, third door on the right," said the bouncer.
"How old are you handsome?" asked Demeter as she eyed him like a piece of meat.
"Twenty five," said the bouncer, and Demeter just sighed.
"Too old," she said dismissively, as she moved her way to the back of the club and opened the door. "I'm here, are you ready to ring in the New Year?"
The doors and windows slammed shut, as Demeter Greengrass turned around. She saw a figure dressed in black and white, with white face paint, sunglasses, and a bandana. The figure swooped onto her, and disarmed her.
"Who are you?" asked Demeter as she stammered, but she found the blood inside her body begin to boil.
"No one can hear your screams but me," said the killer, as Demeter Greengrass collapsed on the floor, blood pouring from her mouth.
The young man was allowed out of the closet. He was paled, trembled and twitched.
"You don't know where she's been," said the killer, as she disappeared, leaving the young man standing over a dead body, shell shocked.
The guards entered the back of the bar, and saw the shell shocked young man standing over the dead body. Immediately, they assumed the worst.
"Alright, the Ministry's going to be here," said one of the guards. "You're going to have some explaining to do for killing a pureblood heiress."
Another victim was claimed by the sadistic killer of purebloods, on New Year's Eve. An innocent young man was dragged off for questioning, and the Ministry would seize the perfect opportunity to maintain the illusion that they were doing something useful by putting him away in Azkaban for a long time. Especially when they found out he had a fair bit of gold to his name.
Outside on an ice skating rink, Kara and Harry were having fun, despite their less than graceful efforts in this endeavor. Despite the fact they were both rather graceful on their feet or in the air, put a pair of ice skates in the equation, and they tended to stumble and bumble.
The two skated in an out of control manner, before the couple crashed hard on the ice. They held onto each other, as they fell down hard. Thankfully they were both durable, as otherwise it would have hurt them badly.
They laughed at their own misfortune, as Kara grabbed Harry, to try and pull him up. The two scrambled to their feet, and made it to a park bench just off to the side of the ice skating rink. They took off their skates, and put their snow boots back on.
At that point, a pop signified a new arrival. Mister Mxyzptlk appeared, and hovered over them. He cleared his throat, but was ignored. He waved his hand, and pots and pans appeared. He began to bang on them with a spoon, but he still received no attention from the couple.
Mxy gritted his teeth, as he conjured an air horn and blew on it, but the two just sat on the bench, enjoying hot chocolate they had brought with them. The fifth dimension imp was once again ignored.
"Look Harry, I think we scratched something in the ice!" yelled Kara speaking up after a couple of minutes and pointing. She squinted to look at it, and Harry did as well. "I can't quite figure out what it says."
Mxy was growing rather impatient at this moment. After the little scheme the Potters pulled on him during his last visit, he wanted some payback. Especially given he spent all of that time sleeping on the couch because his little fun had ruined his wife's credit score.
He conjured a radio and played loud music at full volume, but he still got no response. Mxy lost his patience at this point.
"Hey, you goofs, I'm right here!" yelled Mxyzptlk.
"Be quiet Mxy, we'll play with you in a minute," said Harry as he waved his hand. "Yeah, Kara, I think we did scratch something in the ice. It kind of looks rather faint…can't really read it."
"Yeah, I don't think I can do anything else, or pay attention to anything else until I figure out what it says, "said Kara, as she kept a straight face. "How about you, Harry?"
"Same here, babe," said Harry as he looked at the message. "Let's see, I can't quite make it…"
"OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, YOU ILLETERATE BOOBS!"
Mxy flew over, and put on a pair of reading glasses, as he looked the ice.
"Okay, you dorks, I'll tell you what it says and then we can get down to business," said Mxy as he read the word scratched in the ice. "It says Kltpzyxm!"
He realized what just happened, as Kara and Harry waved at him. His jaw dropped, before he spoke. "Ah, crap."
Mxy was sucked back into the Fifth Dimension once again. The two spent a moment laughing out how they fooled the little terror for a third time, before they exchanged a triumphant kiss.
"So, are you ready to head in?" asked Harry, after the kiss broke.
"Yeah, we had fun trying to ice skate," said Kara as she would cherish the memories. "So how about some lunch, and then we'll do something special?"
"That'd be nice," said Harry. "Let's go fly to Venice for lunch. You know, as in Venice, Italy."
Kara looked at him, caught off guard, but nodded. She grabbed her bag, and Harry grabbed his, as they both jumped into the air without a second thought.
The weather was not too bad, a bit windy, but they were bundled up and had good control. Now that Harry did not have his little anchor in him, his flight powers increased to what they should have always been.
"The International Confederation of Wizards recognizes Albus Dumbledore."
Albus Dumbledore stood before the council of some of the top magical communities in Europe. While magical users existed elsewhere in the world, few countries outside of Europe had a separate magical government.
"This inquiry is to deal with Albus Dumbledore's inaction regarding the terrorist known as Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters," said one of the men in a rough accent. "Never has there been a bigger disgrace than what has occurred over the past fifty years under your care, Dumbledore. There have been dark wizards in other nations, but there has never been a Lord Voldemort.
"I can assure you if this happened in France, this Dark Lord would have been hunted down with the full extent of the Ministry."
"Likewise in Italy."
"Spain would not allow such a monster to come to power either."
"Bulgaria is insulted that a magical nation allowed such a monster to remain unchecked."
Other representatives assured that Voldemort would not happen. The translation spells within the chamber would allow everyone to understand the language they spoke. Dumbledore waited, as he saw Umbridge and Scrimgeour sit, unblinking.
"Lord Voldemort is a unique circumstance," offered Dumbledore in a calm voice. "I have come to the realization that only one has the power to defeat him, and that's Harry Potter."
There were gasps, and looks of disgust from many of the delegates.
"You have determined that a dangerous dark wizard could only be defeated by a minor," said one of the representatives. "We have often called into question the very nature of the Boy-Who-Lived legend, and many of us believe the legend to be a hoax. The events of that Halloween Night were only decided to be valid on your word, and your Ministry went along with your story. Given Voldemort returned and continued his reign of terror, we feel he was imprisoned for all that time, and someone broke him out. The Ministry enabled and likely funded him as a way to keep their Muggle government enslaved."
"That's a lie!" yelled Umbridge, jumping up to her feet, but a jolt of magical energy forced her back down onto her chair.
"Silence Madam Umbridge, you are in contempt of this court," said a harsh voice.
"We order Wizarding Britain to be sanctioned, and outlawed as a member of the International Magical Community," said a man with thick glasses. "All nations who are part of this council will now cease doing trade with the magical people of Britain, and all products manufactured by British magical manufactures will be considered to be illegal contraband. Until their Ministry submits documented proof that they did not conspire with Death Eaters or employ them at any time, to undermine the Muggle Government. The Muggle Prime Minister will be briefed in this matter, and all communication to him from your illegal government will cease. This will be enforced and those who break this agreement will be punished."
Dumbledore's eyes widened.
"All in favor," said the man, and everyone on the conderation raised their hands to show their support.
"Listen, you'd be condemning thousands of innocents to suffer," protested Dumbledore.
"That is your doing, Dumbledore," said the voice. "You have remained in power for too long. It is the order of this council that you step down, and you will be held for a psychological evaluation, based on your obsessive actions regarding that of Harry Potter."
'There was a prophecy!" yelled Dumbledore, hoping they would understand. "It said Harry was the only one that could defeat Voldemort…"
"Restrain him!"
Several heavily armored men dropped down, holding their wands, as Dumbledore stepped back.
"None of you will understand what must be done," said Dumbledore, as he managed to block the spells. Dumbledore rushed up the stairs, as several witches and wizards were on his tail. The wizened old man had been chased up the stairs by several wizards. His heart rate sped up, and he felt a headache, but his determination remained strong.
Dumbledore flicked his wand and transfigured the steps to a slide. He summoned a briefcase, and tried to turn it into a Portkey, but it was blasted out of his hand.
Albus Dumbledore dropped to his knees, and breathed heavily. He struggled to breath, his right arm numb, the feeling having left his fingers.
Age had caught up with him. Albus Dumbledore tried to get up to flee, but he was surrounded. He reached into his robe, and activated a messenger stone. He slipped an uncorked bottle into his mouth, and swallowed the contents.
"What happened?" demanded one of the men, as Dumbledore's body was on the floor, devoid of life."
One of them grabbed the corked bottle, and analyzed the contents.
"The Draught of the Living Dead," concluded the Healer, as he held the bottle. "Modified, it froze Dumbledore's body in stasis, a step away from death."
"I'm more worried about that stone he used," said one of the court representatives. "Get Dumbledore's body out of here, and lock it up, secure it."
Dumbledore was carried off to a secure location.
Dolores Umbridge meanwhile pocketed a cracked ring Dumbledore dropped, and slipped out in the confusion. Scrimgeour and Fudge would likely burn for this, but given she was just a humble Ministry employee she could worm her way out of this one.
Umbridge was confident she could not be touched, no matter what.
Over the skies, Harry and Kara flew over Venice, Italy. It had been a short flight, but they enjoyed seeing the city as they soared in the sky.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked Kara.
"Yeah, it is," said Harry, as the two flew to enjoy the sights.
Harry was so glad he could fly on his own, and had someone he could enjoy the art of flying with. The two touched down in the city, and walked over the sidewalk. They walked hand in hand, enjoying the sights and each other's company.
"This was a great idea," said Kara, as they sat down with each other. They would think about getting something to eat in a little bit, but right now, they would have some time with each other.
Harry took a moment to cast a translation spell, where he could understand what was being said, and people could understand what he was saying.. He offered the same for Kara.
"Okay, that will make it much easier to order food," said Harry. "Translation spells."
"Magic can do anything," said Kara. "I noticed you ditched the wand…"
"Hey without the Horcrux, it's just as easy as breathing," said Harry. "Of course, this is about the most advanced spell I know right now, but always room for improvement."
"Getting a bit cold," said Kara as she blew mist in the air.
"Well I guess we just have to keep each other warm, until we find a place to eat," said Harry with a wink, and Kara scooted closer to Harry, curling up on his lap.
They exchanged a kiss. Harry felt he could hold his wonderful wife like this forever, but the screams of people caught his attention. The kiss broke prematurely, as the super powered couple listened for the source.
"Shut up, we have a bomb! And if the government of this city doesn't pay up, we're going to blow everyone to Kingdom Come!"
Kara and Harry exchanged looks, before they moved off. Now was the perfect time to try on their new costumes and test their capabilities in a more practical manner.
Several hostages were lined up, with guns pointed at them. There were at least a few dozen hostages, as several gunmen surrounded them in a circle, and pointed their weapons.
"Stay on your knees!" yelled one of the gunmen, as several others stood in the shadows watching.
In the blink of an eye, one of the gunmen found himself strung outside down by his feet, dangling. The others moved over, and four fell to the ground stunned in one fell swoop.
A figure flew in, and pulled all of the weapons from their hands. Then the hostages were sprinted out, and to safety. The terrorists looked confused, as they tried to piece together what happened.
One of them reached for a dropped gun, but a jet of heat vision connected with it, melting the metal.
Several ropes shot out of midair, and two flying figures wrapped them up swiftly and carefully.
"Bombs about ready to go off in sixty seconds," said Kara as she dropped down to look at it.
"Well, that's about thirty more seconds than we need to disable it," said Harry.
Kara nodded as she pried open the panel.
"Okay, blue, red, green, yellow, in that order," said Harry, as he scanned it with a diagnostic spell. Kara cut the wires with her heat vision and the bomb was disabled.
Outside an assembled crowd waited, as the police arrived. The terrorists were thrown out on the ground. The assembled crowd clapped.
"Just who are you two?"
"I'm Supergirl!" yelled Kara as she waved at them. "And this is my husband, Arcane."
Harry nodded, as he waved to the crowd, who cheered at their timely rescue.
"We were both enjoying your fair city, and this country," said Harry as he looked at everyone, with a smile. "And we couldn't help by overhear people being put in danger. No need to thank us."
"Yeah it's just an average day for us." said Kara, as they held each other, and waved at the assembled crowd. Several flashes went off.
Everyone showered praise on the timely actions of Supergirl and Arcane. Not one innocent person was killed or even scratched.
"It's nice to be appreciated for something I remember doing," said Harry in undertone to Kara.
"Yeah, and the day is saved," said Kara, as they waved at everyone, before the crowd moved watching them fly off to get changed.
"Plus, everyone gets to go home to their families," said Harry, as they moved and got changed, before they moved off to lunch, to enjoy some authentic Italian food.
The face of Severus Snape contorted with disgust, as he received a message. As he suspected, when Dumbledore went to the International Confederation of Wizards, they called every single action of his under question.
Dumbledore had put himself in an enchanted sleep to avoid suffering for his actions. Naturally Snape had the capabilities to wake him up, but he wondered if that would be the smart thing to do.
The Hogwarts Board of Governors had been foaming at the mouth, even if they had been de-fanged thanks to the decrees that Dumbledore neglected to invalidate upon his return. McGonagall was not too happy about what she had to field from that lot.
Snape walked to the Hog's Head with a purpose. Naturally, given Dumbledore likely was held by the International Confederation of Wizards now, he would need to inform Aberforth Dumbledore of what occurred. Given the strained history Snape had with the man, he assumed that conversation would just be a delight.
Yet, Snape was used to doing things he did not enjoy. The Potions Master knocked on the door, but he looked down to see Aberforth Dumbledore down on the floor in a pool of his own blood.
Snape saw another one of those accursed messenger stones, and he tapped it.
"Happy New York Albus, well it should be by the time you receive this," said the Hogwarts Killer. "Do you think I've proven my point? Why the senseless brutality you may ask? Why so much spilled blood you ask? Why my brother you might ask? When is Potter coming back to save my wrinkled old arse again, you may ask?"
There was a pause, as Snape looked at the image of the Hogwarts killer.
"Questions, so many questions, but yet no answers," continued the Hogwarts Killer. "The problem is, the Wizarding World has worked itself into a rut for centuries. Generation after generation, the same has happened. With each attempted dark uprising, there was a shining moment of hope. Then, that hope was dashed when the same old families took more of the power. It leaves the purebloods with everything, and the rest with nothing but empty promises and lies. So many lies, if lies were power, the purebloods would be gods."
Snape tried look for anything that could lead him to the Hogwarts Killer, but yet he was running around in circles.
"Those who fail to learn from history are often doomed to repeat it until they are snuffed out into extinction," continued the Hogwarts Killer. "You have not done your homework, and you have not figured out the interconnected thread of what I'm doing. Twelve more murders will take place before the big bell strikes midnight to signify January Second. Would you like to know more? Just follow the dates, that's the only information you get from me. Ta-ta, for now, Albus."
The rune stone vanished and Snape was left with more unanswered questions.
Snape walked out of the pub, and his next stop was a trip to Malfoy Manor. He stood inside of the impressive mansion, with peacocks on the front lawn and everything.
"Severus Snape, wanting to see Lucius Malfoy," said Snape and after a moment, he was buzzed in.
The greasy haired teacher moved in, and Lucius sat in his drawing room, dressed in a red robe and sipping a martini. Snape thought all he needed was a fluffy white cat to stroke, and it would have completed the picture.
"Hello, Severus," said Lucius in a swift voice. "I trust you bring me news."
"Yes, one might say it," said Snape as he sat across from Lucius. "I must inquire if you have heard the rumors about the serial killer currently attacking the old families."
"Yes, I heard, and another victim has been claimed today," said Lucius. "Demeter Greengrass, she was attacked by a young man in the back room of Club Sinclair today."
Snape heard about Club Sinclair. It was a seedy establishment deep inside Knockturn Alley, yet many Purebloods frequented it. There were many Muggleborn employees that found work, in exchange for performing favors for the rich clients, but that was strictly under the table.
"The Ministry wishes to be seen doing something in these trying times," said Snape, breaking the silence. Lucius stiffly nodded.
"I find myself rather concerned as a parent of a pureblood child that such a killer is allowed to run amuck in Hogwarts," said Lucius, without any humor in his voice. "Such a thing would not have stood if I was on the Board of Governors. Yet, putting that deplorable woman Umbridge in power may have created a perfect opportunity for a killer to be allowed to have free range over the children of the old families. Do you have any theory of the killer?"
"The youngest Weasley," said Snape without question.
"Potentially," said Lucius nodding. "I do find myself rather curious about the mysterious disappearance of Luna Lovegood."
"She doesn't seem like the type to kill," said Snape.
"You may discover cases where bullied students one day snap and go on a killing rampage in the Muggle World," said Lucius with a calm voice. "I do think that the mistreatment by some form Miss Lovegood has caused her to become a killer. I do have one final theory about who the killer might be."
Snape was all ears.
"Dumbledore," said Lucius simply. "This entire Hogwarts killer mess was concocted as an elaborate ruse to tempt Potter to return. Yet, it appears Potter may not return. The Dark Lord appears to have lost all interest in the matter, as he spends his time in continued research over his flying man. Yaxley has assured me of this, and naturally he is the favored son of the Dark Lord these days."
Snape could sense the disdain. He continued to exchange rumors with Lucius, but Narcissa Malfoy appeared at that moment.
"Hello Severus, "said Narcissa. "I could not help, but overhear your discussion on the killer of purebloods. Demeter's death devastated me. After all, we were friends."
"Of course," said Snape, as Lucius just nodded.
"I do think it may be my sister who could be behind the attacks," said Narcissa. "Bellatrix may have been driven off of the deep end further, by her latest failures and her mind cracked."
"Too subtle for Bella," said Snape dismissively. "Now I must return to Hogwarts before I am missed. I do trust you two will remain on your guard, and inform me of any further news."
The Malfoys both nodded, as Snape walked off at that moment. The fact Lucius seemed shaken really told Snape all he need to know.
The Dark Lord had not called upon him in several weeks, but Snape shrugged that off. He was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
After sitting down and having lunch together in Venice, Harry and Kara returned home. The weather was getting a bit frigid out there, but they made it home.
"Nothing beats actual genuine Italian food," commented Kara.
"Yeah, I think I might ate a bit too much of it," said Harry, as they collapsed on the couch in their living room. "So it's New Year's Eve."
"Yeah, another year gone by," agreed Kara, as they sat down and decided to see what was on television, and if there was anything good.
"Back to work on Wednesday for everyone, and we should be able to get the bank up and running," said Harry, but then at that moment, he had found a letter had been delivered to him while he was out.
Harry and Kara,
So Supergirl and Arcane saved the day in Venice. You're all over the news. I'm staying with Diana at the embassy they have set up (well it's more like a converted apartment, but it's the thought that counts), but we're heading back to the Island for a while in January. Hope you two have a nice evening together.
That's not all that happened though. Tonks stopped by; she received a message from her spy in the Ministry that the International Confederation of Wizards and Dumbledore had a little scuffle. Dumbledore dosed himself with Draught of the Living Dead to avoid justice. Right now Britain has been closed off from the rest of the magical community. It's do or die time for them, I think. Of course, many people checked out months ago, they saw the writing on the wall.
Goblins likely will rebel, but if that bank is ready those who get their money out in time will have another option.
Hope you are well,
Hermione.
Harry and Kara concluded the letter, as it burst into flames once again.
"Why do I have a feeling this isn't over?" asked Kara.
"Oh, I think Voldemort was just the beginning," said Harry. "Of course a government without any funding is not going to sustain itself for any length of time. The Ministry will hang on to the bitter end, at least a small fraction of the purebloods will."
Harry sighed at that moment, but they slid closer to each other on the couch.
"I couldn't fix that world if I wanted to," summarized Harry, as Kara grabbed his hand, squeezing it. "I wonder how many will get what I'm trying to do."
"As many as are worth saving Harry," replied Kara as she leaned over and gave Harry a kiss. Harry returned it. They wrapped their arms around each other, and enjoyed the activity for a bit, but broke it up.
"I have something special planned for us tonight, I think you're going to like it," said Harry, as Kara just looked at him, smiling and wondering what Harry had in mind. "It's not for a few hours, but we can just hang out for a while."
"Sounds like a plan to me," agreed Kara, as she curled up on Harry's lap, next to the fire. The happy couple watched television to pass the time.
Neville Longbottom arrived in Diagon Alley in disguise. He was looking for a place called Club Sinclair, where it was rumored that Death Eaters hung out, and did business with each other. Word was that Bellatrix Lestrange stopped by to look for new recruits for Lord Voldemort.
There was also a disturbing trade of illegal potions and other activities going on behind closed doors, but Neville's sole focus remained on Bellatrix Lestrange.
His parents lingered at the moment, stable, but closer to death than ever. Bellatrix had to pay, no matter the risk.
Immediately, he felt a pair of hands pull him away, and shove a Portkey into his hand. Neville looked up, and he found himself in a flat in Manchester. He stood face to face with Percy Weasley.
"So, you're going to take me to the Ministry?" asked Neville, as he held his wand ready for a fight.
"Neville, I know you're going after Bellatrix Lestrange," said Percy in a calm voice. "I sympathize with you…really I do. But…she's a killer, a sadistic monster. We believe she killed when she was a teenager, and got worse as she got older."
"All the more reason to put her down and keep her down," said Neville as his scarred face was determined. "I heard about Penelope Clearwater, what would you do if you came face to face with the Death Eaters who killed her? Or the person who killed your father? We both know that wasn't an accident."
Percy remained silent. He knew the answer, but he was trying to make sure Neville did not get himself killed.
"You can't save me from myself, Percy," said Neville as he looked the older man in the eye. "I don't know why you broke away from your family. That's not my business. In the Department of Mysteries, I saw what Harry was capable of. But I knew that if he stayed in this world, he would be brought down with it. I get the feeling Harry's purpose is far greater than our little closed off community."
Nevile just sighed, and spoke to Percy in a soft voice. "I'm going to kill Bellatrix, and also take care of You-Know-Who if I can manage it. If I die, then I die fighting proud like a Gryffindor."
"Neville, I can put you in touch with Harry, just let him talk to you," said Percy.
"I'll consider it, but this is something I have to do," said Neville, not really considering it. "My grandmother told me I needed to man up, and take control of my life. By taking care of Bellatrix, and making sure no more people suffer from her sadistic whims, I'm honoring her memory. Have a Happy New Year, Percy. Hopefully it's not your last."
Without another word, Neville slipped off into the night. Percy just hoped he would not get burned by his own obsessions.