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Through the Veil and Back Again	By : SpeedyTomato Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 77508 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter (though someone could gift me a few of the men in it and I wouldn't complain) and make no money off of this.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Chapter 43

Beta'd by the amazing Tenchi, who I couldn't work without anymore. Thanks, Tenchi!

With help from Lynn who works with me when it comes to flow, continuity and other issues.

Just a reminder of what's on my profile; reviews complaining or whinging about the lack 'o sex in stories will get deleted. If you want a smut-filled romp, you need to find another story to read.

“Severus, I need help, desperately.” Albus sighed, leaning back in his chair with a tired groan. Well, honestly, he was tired! It was the day following the meeting at Grimmauld Place with those there and it just kept getting worse. Half the Order was screaming at him. Petunia and Sirius were still demanding answers. The Board was making it clear they were 'highly concerned' over what happened and demanding answers. There were even mutterings of the DMLE looking into some areas. He needed none of those. On top of all that mess, Rita ran another article. And she had taken him to the cleaners over almost everything going on and plenty of other bits from the past. Including his relationship with Gellart. No, this was not good, at all. He thought he had a plan to get some of what was going south back on track. Until this morning, that was. It went in the loo with more that was being tossed at him.
Harry and Dudley, both, had the papers signed for homeschooling. Harry was still barred from the castle by order of the Board. And it didn't look like there was anything he could manage to get it rescinded. He also received a copy of the paperwork from Sirius, completely filled out, that just needed Harry's signature on it for him to drop out. No, Sirius wasn't playing and was right irate. He also wasn't sure what he could do to make him see sense. The whole mess was so massive that he didn't know where to start and was mildly panicked over it. Harry needed to come first in it, but he didn't know how to get them there, a first. All those plans for all those years were gone. In a matter of days, they had ended up negated.
“There is nothing you can do, Albus,” Severus snorted dryly, taking a seat, folding his arms over his chest and leaning back, ankles crossed. This was one they all still weren't sure what to do with and he was supposed to play it by ear and judge from there. All he had to keep in mind was the plan they had come up with and buy time, nothing more. He thought he could manage at least the last part.
“I do admit this is a quagmire that is hard to get a handle on, but there has to be a way. We need Harry in this castle, Severus, badly. You know this. And I don't know how to manage it.” Albus sighed, having expected that response. If he laid it out with Severus, he might get a couple hints he could use then capitalize on them.
After blowing out a breath and thinking it over, Severus tried to decide what to do. In a moment, he said, “I say give it a couple days to see what you can manage with the Board. It will do no good to even attempt to get them moving in that direction if we can't get Mr. Potter in this castle. With how they worded that order, he can't even come in as a guest. As for Black and Petunia? Send them an owl telling them you are trying to put this mess to rights and work on the Board to ensure Mr. Potter's OWLS aren't revoked. It might be seen as a peace offering.”
“While they told me they didn't want my fingerprints in it, I think I should,” Albus nodded, planning to tend to those quickly. “It can only be seen as a goodwill gesture.”
“Once you have those, then go talk to them again. Between the two of us we might be able to find a way to get them into the castle, even if they aren't here as students. We just need time to come up with something, Albus.” Then, glaring at him, he snarled, “You have dropped a dung heap on all of us and sent everyone involved scrambling to deal with all you've done. And I'm not sure how much of the damage can be undone. Each day that paper spouts worse and it's helping nothing. Tell me that there aren't more of your machinations that are going to end up tossed out for the whole world to see! What's gone on is bad enough. Skeeter has uncovered a nightmare that is only giving the Dark Lord an advantage he doesn't need!”
“This I know,” Albus admitted, rubbing his eyes tiredly then smoothing down his beard. Mentally, he added checking with his sources to see what else Rita might have found in her digging. There was plenty there he still didn't want to come out. And as bad as this mess was making everyone look, he wasn't sure that some who helped that night so long ago wouldn't start singing to make sure their acts were covered as well.
“You also need to talk to Order members. I'm not one most talk to about matters, but even I'm hearing plenty are not only irate but questioning what's going on. That damnable prophecy out there for all to read helped nothing,” he snarled, hoping that threw another spanner into the mess. While no one, other than those living in Grimmauld Place talked to him about matters, he heard enough from them as they had been bombarded with people since the day before, to know that plenty were rethinking. Good. Let the old goat's attentions stay divided. It could only help.
“Yes, I need to take that on as well,” Albus sighed, shaking his head. “Let me see what I can manage today to at least get this moving the right way. Then I'll work on Sirius. I need some bits in place before I go over there. Time—no, I don't like letting him stew as he's likely to just end up more irate.”
“Livid is a better term,” Severus snorted. “That is probably a monumental understatement as well. Petunia isn't likely to calm either with time. Those two together will just make it worse.”
“A true assessment,” Albus agreed. “Let me see what I can do. If I have to, I can talk to a couple others and see if they can make him see this our way. Minerva comes to mind.”
“And she's just as irate as the rest,” Severus told him plainly. “I encountered her before coming up here. Her brogue is so thick it's hard to decipher what she's saying. And your name kept being mentioned.” And that was the truth. Minerva was hot and it was Albus she was furious with.
“I'll talk to her,” Albus assured him, though not looking forward to being on the sharp edge of her tongue over this mess.
“You'd better. We need her, Albus, badly. If she goes, so will plenty of the others in the Order.” Severus told him, loving to pour salt on wounds after all he had been through with the old man.
“Let me see what I can manage.” Albus assured him. Minerva was perfect for going to the Board about the OWLS and Sirius wouldn't snarl much. It just meant he would end up on the end of a blistering barrage from her. He could handle such bits, no problem.
“Are you hearing anything from Tom about what he might be planning? We know this is only helping his plans.” This was a change of topic, but he needed kept abreast.
“Not much, but some,” Severus said, tossing out some minor clues that could relate in many ways. Let him fret, it could only help.

Because of the sheer number of people that had been in and out all morning, Harry was hiding out in their room for a while. It wasn't that they were causing problems with his 'gifts', more like there were just so many that he needed a break for a time.
After sitting up on the edge of the bed with a soft groan, he checked the time. It was almost time for lunch. Good. He was hungry. Sirius had told him before he came up they were going to try to get rid of everyone as fast as they could, but couldn’t guarantee if they would be able to manage because it was such a huge mess. He wondered about finding out who was around because he wasn't sure if he wanted to toss himself right back in the middle yet. It was hard to keep track of what they should and shouldn't say about what was going on. Those bits were best left to the adults.
Just as he was pondering sending an elf to see who was around, the door opened. Relieved to see Sirius and Lucius, he nodded. This way he could decide what to do and find out just what was happening.
As he listened to the two talking, after they said hi, then shut and warded the door, that feeling happened again. Sir Hiss wrapped around him, reassuring him like he had the last time, then he focused on a spot on the carpet, eyes locked there as it came.

“The time has come,

One direction wants to play it on.

The plan begins to form to press forward.

He won't give up until he has no play left.

The time is now.

The protector must be chosen.”
As before, Sirius and Lucius were pulled in with Lucius transcribing it and Sirius saying it aloud.
When Harry finished and slumped on the bed, shaking, Sirius sat down beside him, trembling himself. Eyes wide, he looked at the stunned Lucius, who was staring at what was written. “Any clue what the hell that meant?” He asked in an uneven voice as he rubbed Harry's back. A glance at Harry told him that his godson was fine, just looking tired, with Sir Hiss assuring him that he was all right.
Lucius took a seat himself, trembling slightly as well, while he read over what was there, trying to make sense of it. This one, though, didn't seem as muddled or murky as the last one. In fact, he thought the meaning was clear. He didn't think that it had to do with their world at all, but them, personally, and might be a warning.
After reading it a few more times, he summoned an elf and sent a copy off to the Dark Lord. Then he looked at Sirius and Harry before saying, “Let's see what he says, but I think this means we need out, now. And we need to do something to stop this mess as fast as we can.”
“Bollocks,” Sirius moaned, head going back, eyes sliding shut as he tried to think. That castle—it wasn't ready. They also didn't have other bits in place. Most they could make arrangements for, but that castle being ready they couldn't manage in a short time. “Let me think,” he groaned, scrubbing his hands through his hair.
A glance at Harry showed the youngest of them looked like he was about to fall asleep. Since this happened with the last one, Lucius wasn't overly worried. However, he and Sirius needed to stay awake. He was feeling a tad tired himself and sure Sirius was as well.
After thinking it over, he suggested, “Let's get Remus up here then get one of the elves to bring Severus straight into this room. Between the four of us we might be able to come up with something. The rest need to take on handling those coming in.”
“We'll do that,” Sirius said, relieved as he had been coming up blank about how to handle what was just imparted. Moreover, he somehow doubted that they were going to have a lot of time to work out a plan.

Tom didn't wait for Severus' backside to more than touch the chair before he launched in. “What do all of you have? I'll give all the support I can if you have a plan.” He had been made aware of the newest prophecy and agreed with Lucius' translation. Which meant they probably had very little time. He also knew those in the house and Severus were desperate to come up with a plan to get them out as fast they could manage. He didn't know anything beyond those bits, though.
“We have something and it's going to take some damned fast work. Your help is needed as well.” Severus sighed, looking more than slightly stressed out.
Hands clasped on his desk, leaning forward and looking intent, Tom asked, “What have you come up with and I'll aid it all I can.”
“They summoned the head elf from the castle. It's not done, obviously. However, the elves have the living areas everyone will need in shape. The kitchen is up and functional with deliveries set up. Lucius is having them get on finishing everything they can when it comes to the living areas they need now, done tonight. He was assured they can manage. It won't be perfect, but the basics will be in place and they'll be safe. The wards are in place, the biggest of the concerns. What we thought of was something you had mentioned; go after Moody. And do it tonight. That will send a mad scramble, as we well know. If you can organize it, the elves can get everything moved and nothing will appear off to those converging on Grimmauld Place for answers to this mess. Once the attack happens, the elves will finish the rest and they will relocate while everyone else is gone.”
“Black came up with the idea of leaving a copy of the papers they initially received from the bank for Albus with a note. He said he can make sure that it's hung in the front hall for all to see and that when Albus touches them, it will activate a Howler over it that screams what they all know. Once it activates and the papers are in Albus' hands, the wards will throw everyone out. He thinks that should work and almost dissolve the Order as no one that is coming into that house is happy with all they are hearing.” Severus explained, trying to remember everything they had come up with. As there was so much and it was important, it was imperative he did.
“I can easily set up the attack,” Tom told him with a determined nod, already having the basic plan for such a mission in mind. “We just need it to be late.”
“They are also asking that you use some of your connections with the Prophet to make a delivery while the attack is going on,” Severus pressed on. Before the Dark Lord could ask, he explained, “Lucius thinks, and Black agrees, it's a good idea to deliver a copy of the papers they are leaving with Albus to Skeeter as well. Let her run with it. It's going to take down not only Albus, but others and that the knowledge being out can only help what we're trying.”
After thinking over that part, Tom gave a huge grin and nod. “I'll tend to it personally, actually. Just before the attack. That should give her all the time in the world she needs to find any extra information or get with sources.” Standing quickly, he said, “Let me call in those I want for this mission. You go back with the elf and tell them I'm on the case. Once I have as much in place as I can, I'll let you know then we can hammer out the rest. Tell them to get everything tended to they require. Let Lupin decide accordingly how to deal with his end.”
While this was going to end up tricky as hell, Tom was sure he could pull it off. It was just going to take some fast footwork, nothing more, and delicate steps in some areas. The clock was now ticking and he didn't have much time to pull it off.

Everyone seated around the kitchen table at Grimmauld Place was nervous and uptight. The plan was starting to play out. Elves had moved everything they could so far, except what was in plain sight of anyone that would come in. What was left wouldn't take long. So, they were just waiting for the attack. Sirius had the spells set up for the papers and the wards, and with the help of Kreacher, they would lock down just as they needed them to when the time came. It wasn't foolproof by any means, but they thought they could make it work.
As of now, a shade after nine at night, they still had a couple of Order members in the house; Kingsley and Dung. Not unexpected as the two were trying to sort through what they kept hearing about so much. On the upside, it mean everyone would know they were in the house before the attack happened. Remus decided that he wasn't going to tag along to help. What he came up with was he would contact everyone he could before joining then just never show up.
Of course, they knew it was almost time for the attack. Alastor tended to retire early most nights and the Dark Lord wanted to make sure he was in bed to kick it off so they had as much time as they could manage to get the last minute bits done. Now they had to wait without going mental. There was no chance for second guessing or changing plans. They had to work with just what they had set up and hope like hell it went according to plan.
Sirius sipped his beer, talking quietly to Kingsley about the bit with the Board. While he was trying to make it look normal, he was plenty uptight. This was a bigger risk than anything they had pulled so far. The possibility of getting caught and everything exposed was there. Though they might have an out if it did, they didn't want to deal with the fallout.
Just as Kingsley gave a tired sigh and shake of his head over all he heard, looking upset, the front door banged open with a crash. Startled, he jumped slightly, heart hammering faster. It was time. Seeing Snape sweep in, pale, he asked, standing, “What's going on?” And the countdown was now on.
“Get everyone you can over to Moody's. His home is being attacked by Death Eaters from what his Patronus to Albus said.” Looking at Dung and Kingsley, who stood, he barked, “Move, both of you! Lupin, you and Black take on contacting as many Order members as you can. I'm headed to get all the Weasleys I can get my hands on.” Not waiting to hear them more than sputter, he thundered, “Get on it, now!”
“We're going,” Kingsley said, brandishing his wand and heading for the front door on a dead run, Dung right on the tails of his robes.
When the door slammed shut, Severus muttered, “You have half an hour, tops. Make it good.” Then he, too, swept out and headed where he had promised, hoping like hell those in the house had the time they needed. This was the only play in the book and they had to make it look good.
Once Snape swept out, Sirius looked around then grinned, “Let's do it. It's time to get the fuck out of this house and toss every spanner we have left into the works. A half an hour. So, double check everything and we're gone.” Hearing everyone agree then seeing them take off to tend to what they agreed on ahead of time, with Remus sending his Patronus as fast as he could, he clapped Harry on the shoulder then guided him out to take care of their end.
It was time!

A shade after ten, when they were finally sure that all the Death Eaters that had appeared had scattered to the winds and after dealing with the DMLE, what there was of them, Albus led those that had been on the mission into Grimmauld Place. No, he didn't like this or what it could mean at all. Tom was planning something and he didn't have a clue what it might be. Which meant they needed to figure it out. And fast.
After letting himself into the front hall, he stopped cold. Something was off though he didn't know what. It was as though the wards felt different for some reason. Stepping in further, he frowned. Everyone was crowded in behind him, but it felt like they couldn't go any further, confined to just the front hall. Shaking his head, he wasn't sure what to make of it. Then he noticed a letter addressed to him in Sirius’ handwriting hanging at the end of the hall, his name shining brightly in letters that seemed to glitter.
Not sure what to make of this, he reached out and took hold of it. As he did, it seemed to more than double in size and weight. What in Merlin's name could this be? He didn't have a clue. Then he didn't have a chance to ponder it when a Howler appeared where the letter had hung and started to shout at him in Sirius' voice.
“Albus, you can go to hell,” Sirius' voice shouted, making him cringe slightly and draw back. As he heard the mumblings behind him, Sirius continued to shout. “Know what is in that envelope, Albus? All the stunts you pulled the night James and Lily died. It went beyond just the custody, didn't it? You screwed over an orphan boy that had just lost his parents then manipulated him, making damned sure it all went your way because of a stupid invalid prophecy! It's all there, Albus, all the orders you pushed through the Wizengamot that night. How you made sure they took the house in Godric's Hollow away, how you had custody, all of it.”
All color draining out of his face, Albus looked at the Howler, not sure what to do. Lifting his wand, he thought to vanish it so it couldn't spew anymore, but Arthur Weasley's hand stopped him. Oh Merlin, no! They should never have been able to figure it out, ever!
“We're done, Albus!” Sirius continued to shout. “All of us. We're not going to allow it to go on. So, fuck you and your damned manipulations. We're gone. Harry will be safe from you from now on. Fight your own damned war!” Then the Howler vanished.
Eyes wide, trembling, Albus wasn't sure what to say. However, he also didn't have a chance to think it over. As the Howler shredded the wards seemed to groan and clank, the kind of sound you heard from old machinery when it started up after it was unused for so long. Looking around, not sure what was happening, he then found himself thrown back out of the house along with everyone behind him.
Landing in the park, he stood on shaky legs and glanced at Grimmauld Place. He saw it for a few seconds before the house vanished, sliding into the space between the two flats beside it, as though it wasn't there.
Oh Merlin, this was about as bad as it could get and he didn't know what to do.

Harry felt Lucius' hand on one of his shoulders and Sirius' on the other as he walked through the front door of the castle then he grinned. They were home, finally. And safe. While Dumbledore might try to pull whatever still, the fact was they were out and safe.
Finally.
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Through the Veil and Back Again