Carfax Abbey, Near London, 12/19/1993, 22:12
Harry strolled through the open wrought iron gates that led up to the derelict manor house idly wondering why the vampires remained in this house when the location was far from secret. Harry didn't have very long to think on the matter before a tall blonde woman crossed the lawn making a beeline for him.
"Lord Peverell, I was hoping to see you soon," Daciana beamed.
"I have thought about your offer and I have decided to agree to your terms," Harry said, deciding to get straight to the point.
"I hoped that you would," Daciana said, a wide smile playing on her lips.
"It will take me some time to finalize the arrangements but I am hoping to be ready to leave in the next few days," Harry continued.
"We can be ready to leave at a moment's notice," Daciana assured him.
"Good, I'll send word when everything is ready to go," Harry promised.
"Merula will be staying behind, after you get us to Mexico she will help you get into the dark lord's hideout," Daciana promised.
"Why isn't she going with you?" Harry asked, a bit surprised at this news.
"She wishes to see the war to an end," Daciana answered giving him a cute shrug as if to say she wasn't concerned.
"Very well," Harry said, a bit taken aback at this news.
"I will inform the others. Thank you for helping us, Lord Peverell," Daciana said before she turned on her heel and walked back to the manor, leaving Harry standing there in the driveway.
Harry was still feeling apprehensive about what he'd agreed to but knew that it was his best bet to get inside Voldemort's headquarters, which was crucial in destroying him once and for all. Harry knew that Nagini would be behind the safety of his wards so he would have to go in there and take care of her before he could move against Voldemort.
U.S/Mexican Border, 12/21/1993, 19:25
Harry slowly eased the U-Haul rental truck through the checkpoint and began to pick up speed as he drove down the road leading into Mexico. Harry waited until he could no longer see the checkpoint in his side view mirrors before he pulled off of the side of the road and put the truck into park.
Hopping out of the truck, Harry groaned as he stretched out his tired muscles after a very long drive.
After arriving via the C-141 cargo plane that he had chartered to transport ten tons of special topsoil and a collection of exotic bats to Houston. Harry had been forced to call in a couple of favours in the American ministry to help smooth their passage otherwise it would have taken months to get his flight approved.
He had arrived in the wee hours yesterday morning and had been forced to use quite a few confundus charms in order to get on the road by sunrise.
Transporting the dirt meant he had to travel the muggle way and twelve hours of driving was no picnic, to say the least.
Walking around to the back of the truck, Harry opened the latch and raised the roll-up door, hearing a metallic squealing noise as the door slid upward. Harry was unsurprised to find a group of teenage girls standing around the back of the truck looking at him expectantly.
"We're in Mexico?" Daciana asked as she stepped gracefully onto the ground.
"We are, I just crossed the border a couple of miles back," Harry assured her.
"Then this is where we part ways," Daciana said looking pleased.
"Good luck to you all," Harry said as he offered Daciana the keys to the truck.
"You as well, Lord Peverell," Daciana smiled, offering him her hand.
Harry shook her hand noting how cold her skin felt against his own before he stepped away as the other vampires transformed into bats and took to the sky leaving just Harry and Daciana standing by the back of the truck.
"I take it you lot are getting restless as well?" Harry chuckled.
"Yes, the limitations of a vampire can be quite taxing sometimes. The native soil in particular can be quite irksome and limits how we can travel," Daciana admitted as she climbed into the driver's seat and shut the door.
"Just out of curiosity, what is the name of this bar you're going to?" Harry asked as she turned the engine over.
"La Tetilla del Diablo, it's open from dusk until dawn. You should stop by for a drink sometime," Daciana teased.
"Not a chance," Harry snorted.
"Just figured I would offer. Farewell, Reaper," Daciana smirked before she pulled the U-Haul away and began accelerating down the road
Harry watched as her taillights disappeared into the distance before he turned on the spot preparing to apparate, only for nothing to happen.
'Pop'
'Pop'
'Pop'
'Pop'
'Pop'
'Pop'
Harry drew his wand as six people dressed in green robes appeared around him with their own wands drawn.
"Senor Harry Peverell, drop your wand," a tall man ordered.
"What is this about?" Harry asked as he evaluated his options.
"By order of the Ministry of Mexico, you are under arrest," a tall woman with long dark hair said answered in slightly accented English before stepping forward and holding out her hand out expectantly.
"On what charges?" Harry asked as the female auror took his wand and began to pat him down for weapons while the other five aurors kept their wands trained on him.
"Illegally importing dark beings into Mexico without proper documentation. There is also an outstanding warrant for your arrest in Peru," the woman said before she fastened a set of shackles onto his wrists
"I am Chief Auror Gonzales and I will be transporting you to the ministry, Senor Peverell," the woman said as she took a firm grip on his forearm
"I don't seem to have much choice in the matter," Harry muttered.
"No you do not," Auror Gonzales said before twisting on the spot pulling Harry into the suffocating feeling of apparition.
As Harry was apparated away to the Mexican ministry, he couldn't help but wonder how much trouble he had gotten himself into.
Holding Cell, Ministry of Mexico, 2/22/1993, 11:36
Harry sat on his cot staring at the ceiling of his cell as he tried to figure a way out of the mess he was in. After arriving at the ministry he had been strip searched and given a set of plain white robes. His magical signature had been documented and then he had been marched to this tiny cell where he was currently sitting on his cot.
Harry knew he was in deep shit and it would only get worse if the Mexican ministry decided to extradite him to Peru. The charges against him were fairly serious and could lead to a short stint in Isla De la Miseria Prison if the ministry pressed the matter.
Harry was pulled from these unpleasant thoughts as a door in the hallway outside of his cell was thrown open with a loud 'BANG.'
Harry looked into the hallway through the wrought iron bars of his cell door and tried to see out into the dark corridor.
Harry was taken by surprise when a familiar figure came to a stop in front of his cell and gave him a look of amusement.
"I never thought that I would see you like this?" Jennifer said by way of greeting.
"I can't say that I expected to be here either," Harry admitted.
"You certainly know how to make an entrance," Jennifer said before tapping the cell door with her wand so it clicked open.
"I don't know if you're allowed to do that," Harry said as she stepped into his cell and took a seat beside him on his cot.
"I paid your fines," Jennifer shrugged.
"How much were they?" Harry asked warily.
"Seven thousand galleons," Jennifer said as she set his folded clothes and his wand on the cot.
"why are you bailing me out?" Harry asked as he picked up his wand.
Harry quickly performed a switching spell over himself so that his clothes appeared on his body in a flash of blue light a millisecond before his inmate robes were folded on the bed in their place.
"I figured I owed you that for making me the second richest person in my family," Jennifer said as she stood up and offered him her hand.
"I figured you would be out for my head after the basilisk debacle," Harry said as he accepted her offered hand.
"Oh my uncle wants your head on a platter," Jennifer chuckled.
"But you don't?" Harry asked.
"No. Because of the basilisk, my quota has tripled to make up for the losses," Jennifer beamed.
"Well, I only did it to get my clearance reinstated on the reserve," Harry confessed.
"I figured as much," Jennifer said as she opened a heavy steel door that led him into a waiting room.
It took quite a while to navigate his way through the maze-like ministry building before the two of them stepped out onto a crowded sidewalk.
"Welcome to Mexico," Jennifer beamed.
"Yeah, I got my welcome last night," Hary said as the began walking.
"Well I took the liberty of acquiring you a portkey that leaves at one o'clock sharp," Jennifer said as she led him towards a restaurant.
"Thanks but what's the rush?" Harry asked.
"The aurors here sent a letter letting the Peruvians know you're in Mexico. You need to be out of Mexico before they get that letter or even I won't be able to get you out of a trip to Peru," Jennifer explained as she held open the door and the smell of delicious food washed over them both.
A half-hour later, the two of them stepped out of the restaurant having enjoyed a nice lunch. The sound of the city around them was quite loud as they walked down the sidewalk towards a tall building that looked to have been abandoned if the broken windows were anything to go by.
"I want to thank you for all of your help today," Harry said as they stepped into the building confirming that it was indeed abandoned.
"Think nothing of it, I'm just glad that I could be of help," Jennifer said before offering him an empty collection vial.
"You were more help than you realize," Harry admitted as he accepted the vial.
"If you want to pay me back, you can invite me along the next time you go to the reserve," Jennifer said only half-jokingly.
"Consider it done," Harry said at once.
"Take care of yourself, I know things are getting pretty scary in the U.K," Jennifer said as she consulted her wristwatch.
"I'm hoping to put an end to that madness soon," Harry admitted as the clock struck one o'clock.
"I hope so, good luck Harry," Jennifer whispered before placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
Harry was caught off guard by this but before he could comment, he felt a powerful jerk behind his navel as he was sucked into a familiar blue swirling vortex.
This being an international portkey meant that the spinning motion lasted much longer than normal as he was transported back across the Atlantic. By the time the portkey deposited him at the British ministry arrival point, Harry was feeling incredibly nauseous.
As Harry tried to calm his rilling stomach, he couldn't help but be grateful that his former apprentice had swooped in to save him today though he was still a bit confused about the kiss and what it had meant.
Carfax Abbey, Near London, 12/23/1993, 21:47
Harry stepped into the derelict manor and was surprised to see Merula waiting for him dressed in an elegant ballgown smiling from ear to ear.
"Professor Peverell, come to oversee my detention? I've been a very bad girl," Merula asked as she swept forward.
"You never got detention as far as I remember, Miss Snyde," Harry pointed out disregarding the innuendo.
"I know, a true Slytherin doesn't get caught. Were you successful in transporting the coven?" Merula asked.
"Yes, I got them across the Rio Grande and they travelled the rest of the trip on their own," Harry said as he followed Merula into a stately-looking drawing room.
"Excellent, I have the information you need to get inside the dark lord's headquarters," Merula beamed.
"How is that possible?" Harry asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
"Dolohov was his secret keeper. When he died, everyone that knew the secret became a secret keeper in turn, which includes me," Merula smirked.
"Oh," Harry said remembering something similar happening to Grimmauld Place in his timeline.
"The headquarters of Lord Voldemort can be found at Riddle Manor on Cheshire Lane in Little Hangleton," Merula said in a sing-song voice.
"Excellent", Harry said as his memory of Riddle Manor came back to him almost as soon as he processed what she had just said.
"So now what are you going to do, Professor?" Merula asked with undisguised interest.
"I'm not sure yet," Harry admitted.
"If you need any help, I would gladly offer my services," Merula said giving him a very serious look.
"I'll bear that in mind," Harry promised though he wasn't sure what to make of the offer.
"Good, I could be a lot of help to you," Merula said sounding quite eager.
Harry was reluctant to involve her but knew that there was some truth in her words and she could be a boon to him if he decided to attack Riddle Manor. Not only did she have first-hand knowledge of the layout of Riddle Manor, having lived there for years but she could move much more stealthily than a human ever could. His main reservation was her history with Voldemort making him leary to trust her with such an important mission but from what he could tell, she had no love for Tom any longer.
"I will keep that in mind, are you going to be staying here?" Harry asked, hoping to change the subject.
"No, I will be staying at a friend"s home after tonight," Merula answered.
"Then how can I contact you?" Harry asked.
"Owls addressed to Countess Merula Snyde will always find me," Merula said with a look of amusement.
"Countess?" Harry asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"The ministry can track you by the same magic an owl uses to find its recipient. I had my name changed before I became a vampire," Merula shrugged.
"And you chose the name countess?" Harry chuckled.
"I did though now I think that I may have jinxed myself," Merula sighed.
"I've always thought that fate had a sense of humour," Harry admitted as he turned to leave the room.
As Harry made his way through the manor, his mind whirred with the possibilities having Voldemort's address gave him. He knew he was getting close to finishing this for good but he had to be patient.
I'm almost there,' Harry thought to himself as he turned on the spot to apparate home and fill Bella in and get her thoughts on the matter.
Riddle Manor, Little Hangleron, 12/23/1993, 23:46
Voldemort stood over the quivering form of Marcus Flint who had just delivered the most upsetting of news. Young Markus had been tasked with returning to the castle to retrieve the diadem of Ravenclaw but Flint had returned empty-handed. Voldemort had to assume that his anchor had been discovered which was most unwelcome news, especially after learning that his ring and locket had also been discovered.
"Markus, you have failed me," Voldemort said after lifting the curse.
"M-my lord, I am s-sory," Markus stammered as he struggled to push himself from the floor.
"Avada kedavra!" Voldemort hissed, directing his wand at the downed seventh-year.
Voldemort felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched the green light engulf the boy before the life left Flint's eyes as he slumped to the floor.
He had a decision to make and he was undecided about his next course of action. There was the opportunity to deal his enemies a serious blow but he was starting to wonder if attacking Peverell was a wise move when he was this vulnerable. If what he suspected were true then Nagini was his only remaining anchor.
§Dinner, Nagini§, Voldemort hissed as he glanced over at his familiar.
Voldemort watched as the serpent slithered over to the corpse of Markus Flint and wondered how best to protect his only remaining horcrux.
It was obvious that he would have to find a permanent way to ensure her safety and he would look into more solid protections but for now, he would have to confine her to the manor grounds and set one of his servants to watch over her.
Voldemort was pulled from his thoughts as John Dawlish entered the drawing room looking very pleased with himself.
"John, to what do I owe this... surprise?" Voldemort asked ignoring the sickening sound of Nagini as she began to slowly swallow Markus head first.
"I just received word that Harry Peverell was arrested in Mexico for bringing eleven dark creatures illegally into the country, my lord," Dawlish answered, deliberately looking away from Nagini.
"What sort of dark creatures?" Voldemort questioned, his curiosity peaked despite his earlier irritation.
"According to my contact, they were the Romanian vampires, my lord," Dawlish replied.
"So The coven has left Britain," Voldemort mused.
"They have. They were sighted in Mexico yesterday evening and they have already claimed asylum with the Magical Ministry of Mexico," Dawlish elaborated.
"I suppose we should count this as a blessing that they won't be a problem for me any longer. What happened to Peverell?" Voldemort asked.
"His fines were paid and he took a portkey to the British ministry of magic before the Peruvians could take him into custody, my lord," Dawlish answered, watching his master for his reaction.
"I see," Voldemort muttered as he watched Nagini slither very slowly towards her basket, her mid-section bulging out significantly from her recent meal.
"I have also learned that the Peverells will be hosting a New Year's Eve party, my lord," Dawlish added unable to hide his elation at being able to deliver this information.
Voldemort perked up at his words, as he thought of the possibilities that this news offered. A large function necessitated the need for the owner of the property to bring his wards down, meaning that Peverell would be vulnerable on the night of the party.
"I do believe that Lord Peverell has just given me a most thoughtful birthday present," Voldemort chuckled.
"My lord?" Dawlish questioned.
"Don't worry yourself about it, John. You have done very well to bring this to me," Voldemort waved him off.
"I live to serve you, my lord," Dawlish exclaimed, seeming to soak up the praise.
"Find out when the party will begin and try and get yourself a place on Lady Black's protection detail for the evening," Voldemort instructed.
"I already have been assigned to her team, my lord. That is how I learned about the party," Dawlish admitted.
"Very well. You have a week to learn the location of Peverell Manor and report back to me," Voldemort said sounding very pleased.
"According to my sources, the Peverells have taken over the old LeStrange property. Bellatrix inherited it after her husband was killed, my lord," Dawlish explained looking far too pleased with himself for Voldemort's liking.
"As much as it infuriates me to know that Peverell has stolen Rodolphus' birthright, this is very convenient," Voldemort said, more to himself than Dawlish.
"It is, my lord," Dawlish agreed in a grating sycophantic tone.
"I think that will be all, John," Voldemort said in no mood to listen to Dawlish acting like a yesman.
"Of course, my lord," Dawlish bowed before he hastened to leave the room.
Riddle Manor, Little Hangleron, 12/23/1993, 23:46
Voldemort sat there long after Dawlish had left pondering the best way to attack Peverell Manor though he already had a plan in mind. He began to formulate a strategy and he intended to use an asset that the wider wizarding world should be unaware of. He also made plans to send some of his servants to get those assets in place for the night of the party though he wasn't sure if a week was enough time to get them all there or not.
The longer he thought on the attack the more certain he became that he would finally eradicate an enemy that had been a thorn in his side for years. If things went to plan that night, then the Peverell family would be wiped out completely.
"And then I can focus my efforts on Dumbledore and Harry Potter," Voldemort muttered to the quiet room as he took a fortifying sip of his brandy.
Tonks Residence, Reading, 12/23/1993, 23:58
Tonks was woken by the sound of her doorbell ringing and realized that she must have fallen asleep in front of the telly.
Getting up from where she was laying back in her dad's old recliner, Tonks stumbled to the front door drawing her wand as she turned the deadbolt.
Tonks was brought up short when she saw Merula Snyde standing on her front porch smirking at her.
"Snyde, what on earth are you doing here?" Tonks demanded.
"I need a place to stay, aren't you going to invite me in?" Merula asked looking expectant.
"Why would I let you stay here?" Tonks exclaimed.
"Because I'm helping your uncle get into Riddle Manor," Merula said matter-of-factly.
"You're making that up," Tonks snorted but gestured for her to come in anyway.
"I am not," Merula assured her before she plopped down on the couch.
"Why are you here though? Did Daciana kick you out?" Tonks asked as she retook her seat.
"The rest of the coven went to Mexico a few days ago," Merula shrugged as she stared at the television in confusion.
"Then why did you stay?" Tonks asked.
"To help your uncle get into Riddle Manor, that was the deal," Merula repeated.
"And you thought you would crash here?" Tonls asked.
"I was hoping to but I also need a small favour," Merula admitted giving Tonks a hopeful look.
"What?" Tonks asked warily.
"I was hoping you could go back to the manor and bring my coffin and dirt here," Merula said, giving her a winning smile.
"What do I get out of this?" Tonks asked, not feeling keen on going to that creepy manor to bring a coffin back to her parent's home.
"I will keep you informed about the attack on Riddle Manor," Merula offered.
"Why would he involve you?" Tonks asked.
"Because I offered to help him and I have a score to settle with the dark lord," Merula explained.
"Fine but if you go, I want in as well," Tonks countered.
"Deal," Merula agreed.
"Where is your coffin," Tonks asked as she stood up.
"By the front door of the manor along with a container full of dirt," Merula answered as she slipped off her shoes and picked up the remote.
"Alright but you had better not get dirt in any room you stay in," Tonks warned as she stepped into her battered combat boots and flicked her wand to do up the laces.
"Do you have a basement?" Merula asked looking hopeful.
"We have a manky old cellar but it's disgusting down there," Tonks shrugged.
"Perfect, that's where I'll sleep," Merula beamed.
"If you're sure," Tonks shrugged.
"Damp and manky sounds perfect," Merula assured her before she changed the channel to some soap opera.
"Alright, I'll be back in a few," Tonks said and got an affirmative nod from the vampire who seemed to be engrossed in the program.
Tonks stepped out of the house wondering what could have possibly gone wrong in her life to where she was roommates with Merula Bloody Snyde.
Still, the prospect of being part of the attack on Voldemort's headquarters was worth having to put up with a houseguest, even one as irritating as Merula.
Tonks stepped past her wardline, idly wondering how it was that Merula entered her wards, to begin with.
Pushing that thought from her mind, Tonks turned on the spot and apparated to Carfax Abbey to go retrieve Snyde's coffin and dirt.
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, 12/24/1993, 17:05
Harry stepped out of the floo in the Malfoy Manor arrival room and noted the group of powerfully built men standing sentinel on either side of the door leading into the main hallway. There was no doubt in his mind that these were bodyguards and Harry couldn't help but notice they were both palming their wands.
"Name?" the man on the right grunted.
"Harry Peverell," Harry answered as Carina stepped out of the fireplace followed a second later by Ignotus.
"And these two are your twins?" the other man asked as he consulted a clipboard.
"Yes, this is Carina and Ignotus Peverell," Harry agreed as Bellatrix stepped out of the fireplace dressed in a flowing green ballgown.
Tonight Andromeda was staying at the manor with Hardwin as the threat of an attack tonight had necessitated them to find a sitter. Truthfully Harry wished he could leave the twins with her but Carina had her heart set on attending the ball tonight.
"I see my sister took your advice and hired a protection detail," Bellatrix said as she took in the two men.
"And you are the Lady Peverell?" The man with the clipboard asked.
"I am, I presume that you are Marco?" Bellatrix questioned.
"Yes ma'am," Marco answered.
"You may proceed to the ballroom," the other man instructed.
Nodding his thanks, Harry led his family into the hallway noting two more men standing on either side of the door leading outside. Harry couldn't help but feel pleased that Narcissa had taken his warning seriously and hired protection for the evening. He would still be keeping his eyes open but this did help ease his worries a lot.
"Daddy, who were those men?" Carina asked as they began making their way down the hall.
"They were bodyguards, Princess," Harry said giving his wife a meaningful look.
"Like the aurors that protect the minister?" Iggy asked sounding awed.
"Sort of but they would be a bit... rougher than aurors if anyone attacks your aunt," Harry answered.
Before the kids could ask anything else, they came to the doorway leading into the ballroom which was also flanked by two brutish-looking bodyguards.
As they stepped into the ballroom, Harry noticed that the room was decorated in gleaming icicles much like the year before. Luminous faeries flew across the vaulted ceiling casting the guests in multicoloured lights. Harry didn't have much time to take in the decor before they were joined by Barcissa dressed in a floor-length white ballgown.
"Sister, it is so good to see you," Narcissa beamed as she came to stand in front of them.
"You as well, I see you hired the old Black family enforcers," Bella smirked.
"It never hurts to be too careful," Narcissa shrugged.
"No, it does not," Harry agreed as he spotted Sirius and Amelia in conversation with the Greengrasses.
"I heard that you had a very close call in Mexico?" Narcissa inquired.
"It was close than I would have liked. By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous this evening," Harry complimented, earning him a pleased smile from his sister-in-law.
"Thank you, Harry, you look quite dashing yourself," Narcissa smiled.
"Mummy, can we go get some punch?" Carina asked as she eyed the beverage table with interest.
"I would gladly escort them to get a drink," Narcissa offered.
"If you're sure, those two are nothing but trouble," Harry warned.
"Oh I am sure they will be on their best behaviour," Narcissa assured him.
"They had better be," Bellatrix said, giving the twins a pointed look.
"We will be," the twins said in unison.
"Come along children, if we hurry I can introduce you to the minister's granddaughter," Narcissa said before leading the twins across the room.
"She seems to be in good spirits," Harry mused.
"I think she is hoping somebody does try something on her tonight," Bella admitted.
"I am not as eager for that," Harry said as he swiped a glass of wine from a floating tray and offered it to Bella.
"Nor am I," Bella agreed.
"If someone does attack tonight, they are in for a rough go of it," Harry pointed out.
"Never mind that you have other things to worry about," Bella smirked.
"Like what?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Like you flirting with Bella's little sister," Bella said giving him a look of amusement.
"Surely you're not jealous after all these years," Harry teased.
"Of course not, I just don't want you getting Cissa's hopes up," Bella said before taking a sip of her wine.
Before Harry could comment, a bell sounded through the room signalling that dinner was about to be served.
"Come along, I am starving," Bellatrix said as she hooked her arm through Harry's.
"Follow me, my lady," Harry said in an overly pompous voice as he guides her toward the grand dining room with the other guests.
Ahead of them, Harry could see Narcissa leading the twins into the dining room. All around him and Bellatrix, he could hear the other guests chatting amongst themselves. Harry led Bella to where the kids were seated across from Sirius and Amelia and pulled a chair out for her.
As soon as he had her settled, Harry took his own seat and gave Sirius a wide grin.
"Peverell, I hears you had an interesting trip to Mexico," Sirius beamed.
"How does everybody know about that already?" Harry sighed.
"Auror Gonzales filed a report with my office," Amelia said, shooting Sirius a look of exasperation.
"The minister was thrilled when he learned you removed the Romanian vampires from British soil, you may get an order of Merlin for that," Sirius joked.
"Most of them, there are still four of them here, according to Daciana," Harry corrected.
"Regardless, the minister was very pleased when he heard the news," Amelia said as platters of food appeared on the table.
"Oh Cissa put those sausages I love on the menu," Bella exclaimed.
"Cissa loves them too," Sirius sniggered.
As Harry tucked into his dinner he couldn't help but wonder if anyone would be stupid enough to attack Cissa tonight, though knowing the talent Voldemort recruited, he knew that it was a very good possibility that someone was that stupid.