Aftermath of the Great War

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Hey everyone, this is my first piece of Fan Fiction so go easy on me...lol :D

This story will be known as Aftermath of the Great War and basically deals with what happens after Lord Voldemorts fall and the repercussions of the event. There will be a few cameos from characters existing in the Harry Potter series plus numerous creations from yours truly. I hope you enjoy.

Aftermath of the Great War

Chapter 1

It was hundred and thirty-five years since the infamous War of the World had ended but the stories had been passed from generation to generation. The children of the day still marvelled at the great Albus Dumbledore, who single-handedly protected the old Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in its darkest hour or the deeds of the young Harry Potter - the boy who lived - as he managed to unite the world in its battle against the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort. Everyone - young and old - marvelled at the wizarding world as it was once labelled. Magic however had virtually died out starting from the moment Harry united the wizarding and muggle worlds in battle and with the death of Lord Voldemort they ceased to exist as separate entities.

Over the following decades magic became rarer, today magical ability remains in only a few, the dangerous as they are known. Lord Voldemort?s downfall sent the remaining dark wizards into secret hiding and the remaining wizarding folk - believing that the dark side had be eradicated for good - lowered there guards and began conversing openly with muggles for the first time in over a hundred thousand years. Over the decades following, magical folk accepted the muggle lifestyle and magic was used far less until it became an ability that few knew. Magic was essentially extinct. Flying cars had replaced the likes of broomsticks and small head sets allowed instant messaging to anyone, anywhere at anytime, owls were quickly replaced and the magical world soon lost its identity.

The extinction of magic was further compounded by the destruction of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry only a few months before Lord Voldemort's downfall. The joining of wizards and muggles as a joint force had many positives, however the muggles were eager to rid the world of this terrorist as he became referred to and immediately employed the use of weapons of mass destruction. What followed would become know as World War 3 or the War of the World. Almost all existing civilisation was eradicated and all existing wizarding settlements such as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were completely destroyed. Hogwarts was destroyed in what was to become the last large scale battle. Only a month earlier Albus Dumbledore had single handily battled some thirty death-eaters and several hundred giants at the schools gate, he lost his life in the battle but in return Lord Voldemort had lost many of his best men. He sacrificed himself for the good of the school when he performed a complex curse which acted like a mini nuclear bomb which wiped out everything within a two-hundred foot radius. Unfortunately, one last battle was staged and this time there was no Dumbledore to protect the school. Hogwarts went down in a ball of flames, a mix of several powerful curses and some over ambitious muggle fighter pilots doing the trick.

The final personal attack was left to young Harry Potter, a powerful young wizard who had finally grown into the shoes he was destined to fill. His destiny was to unite all aspects of the world against an individual threat. Taking the will or wizards, muggles, giants, elves and werewolves into battle he defeated the mighty Lord Voldemort and ushered in a new dawn of unity and freedom for all. Times changed, people changed and the events that now seemed remarkable and unrealistic to the citizens of the present.

The absence of a place of education meant that many wizards took it upon themselves to teach their young, only on a few rare occasions did this prove successful and even amongst the dangerous ones - few as they were - it was clear they were far weaker than their forefathers.

Harry Potter had disappeared from society, still very much alive but afraid and disappointed with the actions taken by his fellow wizarding brothers. He knew too well that evil would never disappear but it would simmer under the surface until the time is right to strike. He knew perfectly well that the world simply was no longer equipped to fight such a threat and yet there was nothing he could do. Rebuilding Hogwarts was not an option because no one was interested and in many parts of society wizardry just remained a fantasy of the past. So Harry disillusioned with society decided to live as far away from society as possible, living in a small cave in a mountain outside London. With him he took many books and other essentials, determined to keep his powers no matter how impossible it seemed to be.

Hundreds of miles away in a small village separated from all others by a large, almost impenetrable forest stood a young man, who was perhaps four or five years of age sitting on his fathers knee listening to these stories with a look of awe upon his face.

"One day dad, I'm gonna do amazing things like that young 'Arry Potter," said the small boy.

"Don't be silly Crono, those things didn't really happen, they've been greatly exaggerated. Wizards don't really exist, son; they are merely fairy tales and myths but they're good stories all the same. The dangerous ones are nothing more than fools, I'll tell ya one last time magic does not and has never existed! Now mate, I think it's time for bed."

Young Crono got up and hurried off to bed, wondering whether what his dad had said was true, was magic really just a myth? Did the great Harry Potter really exist? And finally before he closed his eyes, he decided that some day, some how he would find out for himself.

Many years passed and the young boy grew to become a young man. Crono's dreams still remained intact but ironically he had trained for several years to become a part of a government-founded security branch centred around the eradication of the dangerous in what the government termed was a desire to protect against the destruction of our way of life, this security branch was known as The Aurors. These aurors had little resemblance to their revered forefathers and were little more than an expertly trained tactical espionage team. They would infiltrate areas of potential danger and destroy all that got in its way. If they were killed all evidence of their existence was denied.

Crono was still only seventeen but he was among the elite within his branch, strong, athletic and proficient with all kinds of weaponry he was an auror feared by a majority of the small dangerous community. Today he sat in a small circular room, next to five other young men dressed in black. They were waiting for a briefing from the head of their department, a wise old man who had been with the organisation for some fifty years. The young men sat and talked - waiting patiently - about the latest news, apparently there had been several sightings of a young family crossing the border on what looked like a flying carpet as well as rumblings that something dangerous was happening in the mountains. It was things like this that the aurors dealt with everyday, the merciless killing of innocent people, whose only crimes were the desire to deal in what had become the ancient custom of magic and its principles. The Government portrayed all aspects of the [i]dangerous[i] as a threat, while the young family crossing the borders were merely travelling they would no doubt be shown to be smugglers, dealing in undesirables and killed on site. It was sad but that was the way the world existed, openly in harmony and yet below the surface there was simmering indifferences, a realisation by the dangerous that they faced certain extinction unless someone rose to the challenge and confronted the Government.

Suddenly the knob turned and the group of young men sprang upwards for attention. In walked a very old man, clutching a weathered walking stick.

"Attention!!!" yelled the old man. Everyone in the room suddenly stood perfectly still; there was no sign of fidgeting.

"Today gentlemen, I send you on a very dangerous mission. You'll be infiltrating the home of a very dangerous wizard. You'll move at night, in shadow and if you are caught or destroyed all evidence of your existence will be denied. Do I make myself clear?"

"YES, SIR!!!"

"Ok, this man's home is located towards the top of Mount Kangeree, do not be surprised if there is beasts guarding the mountains roots. This man is not one likely to take chances; he is powerful and would know that we would like to destroy him as soon as possible. You are dismissed."

"Thank you, Goyle sir!!!" chanted the men as they ran down the corridor to finalise their arrangement and get ready for the mission ahead.

They headed into a room where they got their equipment ready for the mission, each aurors bag contained numerous weapons, a heat and cold resistant suit, as well as a torch, food and matches. They travelled fairly light so that they could infiltrate quickly and silently.

Three days later the six young men found themselves heading for the forest surrounding Mount Kangeree. There was a silence amongst the group, as if they all knew that something terrible was watching and waiting for their arrival. They crept slowly through the scrubs, almost noiselessly. A light wind made the leaves of the trees rustle and made Crono and the others a little jumpy. It truly did feel like someone or something was watching them and waiting to make an entrance. Crono led the others through a clearing and they began to head downhill, gathering speed they hurried to the next group of trees, fearing the openness of the clearing. Tree after tree they passed, some large some not so; but soon enough they found themselves at the foot of Mount Kangeree. Looking straight up, it looked like it was at least a few miles high and the climb would most likely take a few days or more if they experienced problems.

The group sat down for a bite to eat, and enjoyed a heavenly meal of chocolate and English muffins with jam. Throughout the meal though they kept quite, listening intently for any disturbances but none aroused. Dawn was rising and it was decided that they should lay low until dusk, aurors never attempted to infiltrate an enemy base in daylight, except in the gravest of circumstances. The settled down under a particularly close knit group of trees and took it in terms to keep watch. The afternoon continued peacefully and there was no sign of action on any fronts.

Crono laid back and happily slept the morning away, he wasn?t required to keep watch until much later and was taking this as an opportunity to catch up on a bit of sleep that he had missed lately. Crono was conflicted on several levels, for one he loved his job and he was very good at it. He loved the idea of protecting the peace and making a difference and being a somebody as opposed to a nobody. He loved the looks he got in the street, little boys on the street getting shy as he walked by, excitingly whispering to their parents. And yet on an entirely different level he despised himself for the missions he routinely completed. He still had dreams of becoming a great wizard and he knew he had the rare ability but he'd kept it secret for years fearing his fate if he was found out. As a boy he would often sit in his room and make object fly around but these experiments usually ended up with the destruction of his bedroom and so were seldom undertaken. Whilst his dreams remained true he knew as the years wore on and the more successful missions he completed the chances of them being fulfilled became remote. He was actively destroying his dreams and he knew it.

Slowly he descended into a deep sleep, all his worries slipping happily away. He found himself standing there dressed in what looked like wizards robes. All around him it was dark and damp; there was the sound of running water in the distance. Standing in front of him was another man dressed in wizarding robes, he was very old and his robes ragged and ripped. His hair was grey and extremely messy and whilst he was old he portrayed great strength. Everything around them was blurry, unrecognisable and yet Crono felt as if he recognised where he was or would soon. Suddenly a sharp cold voice came from the darkness, shadowy shapes filled the room but Crono couldn’t see their faces.

“We will kill you!!!” shouted a large man, who stood in front of about eleven others. The sound of gunfire echoed loudly throughout the room and Crono woke up with a start.

“Hey mate, what’s the matter? Did ya have a bad dream?” asked one of the other members of the tactical team.

“Ahh…yeah…I think so, I cannot really remember to be honest,” replied Crono, he was actually quite shocked although truthful in his statement that he couldn’t remember the dream.

“Well are you sure you’re ok?” the young man queried.

“Yeah, I’m sure I’ll be fine Jeff,” said Crono, getting slowly to his feet and having a look about. It was now the middle of the afternoon and dusk wouldn’t occur for another three or perhaps four hours.

“Well look it’s your turn to keep a watch, I wouldn’t be too worried though nothings happened all day,” said Jeff as he laid down in his sleeping bad and slowly dosed off.

Crono decided to go for a walk, his mind was pretty muddled as he tried to remember even the slightest detail of his dream, wondering why it had shaken his so. Half an hour later the best he could remember was loud gunfire and he decided it would be best if he completely forgot that the dream occurred and got his mind back on the job ahead.

The afternoon wore on as Crono settled himself beneath a large tree which gave him a perfect view of the surroundings and would enable him ample opportunity to warn the others if need be. Crono was almost about to doze off when the wind picked up, it wasn’t blowing hard but the shift had been subtle and yet noticeable. The leaves once again sounded as if they were whispering to each other, perhaps they were telling their enemies Crono thought. It made him feel uneasy, he got up and went for a small walk up a slight slope and looked into a clearance ahead. Nothing appeared to be happening and reassured Crono headed back to camp.

A sudden shriek and loud noise came from Crono’s left, before he had time to turn or get his weapon out he’d been struck and found himself tumbling helplessly down the slope, unable to stop and with his livelihood seemingly out of his control.

Coming to a stop at the base of the hill Crono looked up to find three snarling, hungry dragons eying him with an interest usually reserved for their next meal. Getting to his feet, he pulled a lightweight weapon from his backpack, a laser rifle designed to penetrate hard surfaces. He pulled it on the three dragons each approaching quickly and purposely. Loading the weapon Crono unleashed a desperate spray of laser fire, determined to penetrate and defeat the approaching monsters. But as if by magic the laser fires merely reflected off the dragons hind, shooting off in various directions. With the knowledge that he faced almost certain death he decided the only thing to do was to call for help.

“HELP!!! HELP!!!” Crono screamed, “I NEED BACKUP!!! NOW!!! Jeff, Mike, Kane, Matt and Rooster!!!! Hurry, I need your help.”

All this screaming occurred whilst Crono backed himself up into a tightly knit group of trees and thus giving him no room for escape, his only hope rested with his mates who for all his knowledge could still be sleeping peacefully back at camp. The dragons stood only some thirty feet away, baring down, almost daring Crono to try and escape, toying him life a cat will do with a mouse, having their fun before the needlessly finish him off.

Stuck in a position of no hope Crono unleashed further weaponry, a small rocket launcher which fired small but very potent rockets at a frightening speed being the weapon of choice. Shot after shot ringed from his gun and time after time he made contact with the dragons, they inched forever nearer and yet they still toyed with him, waiting for the right time. Again his weaponry had little affect the best he did was knock the smallest one from its feet and all that achieved was to make him angrier.

The three dragons had finally reached him and Crono unable to physically escape had conceded defeat. Drained both mentally and physically from the battle he slumped to the ground, waiting for the inevitable moment when he would hear the sound of teeth ripping flesh. Suddenly however he noticed a change, the dragons had become distracted and they slowly turned before heading some ten feet in the other direction, they stopped and sniffed the area, a clear look of wonderment was on their faces. What was distracting them Crono wondered, should he make a run for it? There was a slight chance he could be successful. At that moment he decided to make a go of it, pulling his tired body from the ground he stumbled before dropping his backpack and reaching top speed. The dragons didn’t even notice him go, they were completely wrapped up in the own dealings. Tree after tree went by in a blur, Crono didn’t know where he was or where he was going and he didn’t care.

He reached the foot of the mountain that the team had planned to scale later that day; Crono launched himself up the side, climbing quickly. He was still a little worried about the dragons that he had left behind, wondering whether they would follow once they realised their dinner had deserted them. The slopes of the mountain weren’t very big and Crono was able to climb at a good pace. He constantly looked over the side to see if he could see the campsite of his team but there was no suck luck.

After a couple of hours Crono slumped to the ground exhausted. He was amazed that he had climbed for so long. A pink hazy sky had emerged where the sun had existed previously and soon it would be dark. Crono decided – even though his body wanted to refuse – to go on and once again began climbing up the seemingly endless slopes of the mountain, towards an enemy he didn’t know and a foe he wasn’t equipped to handle.

The night darkened and soon it was practically pitch black, Crono had a small torch in his pocket which was his only form of light and the climb slowed down considerably. The mountains slopes were getting steep and the ground he walked over wasn’t as stable as what had come before. Crono thought about stopping and wondered whether his team would be following or whether the dragons could have caught up with them. However something was making him continue, common sense was telling Crono to stop and rest because the ground was unstable but something else was spurring him on. The hours continued on and so did Crono, his battle against the mountain and the darkness seemed like it would never be over and from the looks of things he was only half way up. To make matters worse he didn’t really know what area of the mountain this enemy inhabited, in the darkness it wouldn’t have been surprising if he’d passed it already. As before though he felt himself being forced to go on against his will, his body was screaming for mercy but he continued. Crono’s eyes were rolling around in his head, all he desired was sleep and yet he wouldn’t, couldn’t stop until he reached what he was looking for. What that was though he didn’t know.

Chapter 2

Running through several mountain dwelling trees Crono tripped over a rout that stuck out at a sever angle and tumbled to the ground, hitting his head against a large rock. Finally he had stopped, black dots blurred his vision and he struggled to get to his feet. Once up though he crashed to the ground in a heap, it was like suddenly every scratch and every bruise had suddenly caught up with him. Lying there everything quickly dissolved into darkness and there he lay in the open on the edge of a mountain hundreds of metres up.

He woke up at what would have been several hours later, it was still pitch black and there was a rough wind rustling in the background. He found himself under a ridge, inside a cave that was blocking him from the elements. Stiff and sore he got himself to his feet, his balance had returned and he made his way slowly to the opening of the cave. He struggled to make light of anything that was out there, the night was dark, the moon behind the clouds and the wind made it hard to keep your eyes open. But unmistakably he saw five little lights manoeuvring around below amongst the bushes located amongst the rocks on the mountain face.

“You might want to back away from the edge son, you never no what might be lurking in these mountains”

Crono jumped surprised to hear a voice and spun around. He made a grab for his knife which he had located on his belt but realised it had disappeared. Searching and grabbing for anything that might work as a weapon he found a large stone. Picking it up he threw it into the darkness where the voice originated. The stone was thrown hard but merely a second after it left Crono’s hand it froze, spun in mid air before shooting back at Crono and dancing around his head before falling harmlessly to the floor.

“You will not be needing a weapon and if you did it would do you no good,” came the mysterious voice once again, still in the dark but clearly closer than before.

“Who or what are you? SHOW YOURSELF NOW!!!” bellowed Crono, who had previously stood speechless at the amazing dancing stone.

“I’m neither a friend or a foe, neither good or bad and helpful if you ask,” replied the voice, this time sounding like it was just out of view but Crono still couldn’t see a body to which the voice could relate.

“Who…who are you?” Crono started “I demand to see you NOW!”

“All in time young man; as to answer your other question, you know perfectly well who I am. I’m the one who plagues your dreams, the one you wish to emulate and the one you dreamt about one a short while ago”

The wind had changed direction and now was coming through the cave door, it sent chills down Crono’s spine as he stood there waiting and anticipating what could happen next. Who was this person he asked himself? And how did he know about his dream? This mans desire to remain hidden was frustrating him but he still stood perplexed at the actions of the dancing stone and wondering what he was going to be up against.

Suddenly and unexpectedly the voice came into the light. A skinny, old man dressed in wizards robes stood before him, his robes tattered and worn, his grey hair messy and long.

“YOU? You’re the one who was in my dream last night,” said Crono.

“Well I did tell you that didn’t I?”

“But how did you know,” asked Crono.

“A magician never reveals his secrets,” replied the old man with a slight smile that lasted all the way to his eyes and made him look thirty years younger. In fact it almost seems like he hadn’t smiled for thirty years nor done much else. The cave was damp and dirty, unorganised and smelly. The wind continued to rustle, it’s speed picking up and blowing the dust from the floor all over the old man. He suddenly made a move towards Crono, lifting what looked to be long stick, similar in look to a traditional wizards wand Crono thought. Crono flinched, backing up; he was unarmed and felt naked and helpless, especially against a man who seemed so much more powerful. The man mumbled a few words and red light sprung from his large stick rocketing towards Crono but missing his hair by a good half inch before shooting towards the cave entrance and creating what looked to be a barrier, shimmering in the moonlight. The wind died down and the dust settled.

“Now it’s time for bed, young man. You’ve had rather a long day,” said the old man, turning his back on Crono and walking back into the shadows.

“Stay here with you? Why? I want to get out of here!” replied Crono.

“It’s far safer here; you’d be killed within minutes if I let you go. You’re in no condition for a journey tonight. Also your weapons are on my bench but don’t bother trying to attack me with them or you’ll get a rather nasty surprise. Goodnight.”

With that the voice of the old man trailed off and Crono was once again left to his own devices. With no real choice he sat down on the bed that had been created for him, looking at the transparent, shimmering red barrier surrounding the cave entrance and wondering just what he’d got himself into.

Pulling back the sheets Crono got into bed, sinking deep within the mattress before pulling the sheets snugly up to his chin. He lay on his back staring straight up to the ceiling, barely blinking. Thoughts were rushing through his mind at a constant rate, barely giving him enough time to think it through before a new one arrived. He was deeply troubled. ‘What exactly was happening?’ seemed to be the gist of many of his thoughts. So much had happened that day, in only a few short hours it would be daylight again. He wondered where the others were, remembering that he had seem them climbing the mountain only minutes before. Would they continue through until morning or stop and rest, giving in to the wild wind that made every step as dangerous as the last. How long these thoughts ran through his head Crono never knew, it wasn’t long before they blended themselves in with his dreams and instead of worrying about the present he was off fighting dragons in great castles.

“Wake up, you lazy young man” came a voice close by. The minutes wore on but again came the voice “Wake up, right now. We’ve got no time to muck about.”

Crono opened his eyes slowly, blinking several times in order to focus his eyes. It was now daylight, the sun shone through the cave entrance even though the magical red barrier still existed.

The cave was silence except for some muffled footsteps trailing off into the distance and it was clear that the wind, which had played havoc only the night before had died down. Pulling his sheets back he slowly got to his feet, it took him some ten minutes to get dressed and then he headed off towards the heart of the cave, not knowing where he was going but interested nevertheless in what secrets the cave kept.

The corridors of the cave were thin and would have struggled to fit two people of reasonable size and with every corner he turned the ceiling appeared to fall until eventually Crono had to duck in order to make his progress. The journey was a long one and a struggle as well, walking hunched over was not the easiest thing to do especially when your body was still very stiff and sore from the night before. It wasn’t long before Crono pulled out his torch, it was the only piece of his inventory that he still had. The rest had been taken by the old man. Guided by only his narrow beam of light Crono made his way through the remaining corridors before finally finding an opening. Walking though he discovered that he was in a large room, at least a hundred feet from side to side, with floating candles providing a sufficient light source.

“Ahh – I see you have arrived,” said the old man, walking from a little stone which floated above a small blue flame, in his hand was a plate filled with various types of meat.

“Come on sit down – what are you waiting for?” asked the man.
Crono tentatively walked over to where the man sat, pulled out a large wooden seat and sat down. It was surprisingly comfortable, as if there was an invisible cushion sitting beneath him.

“So, how did you sleep? I hope the wind wasn’t too loud for you”

“I um…slept just fine, the wind wasn’t a problem,” replied Crono, eying the large juicy sausages on the table. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the man looking at him. Crono quickly looked away.

“Hurry up boy! We’ve got things to see and things to do, things to learn and things to re-learn; and we do not have all day,” said the old man, suddenly a smile came over his face. “Trust me; there is nothing wrong with them. You are no threat to me, so why would I harm you?”

That was reassurance for Crono and he picked up two large sausages and began to nibble at them. He was starving having not eaten since for well over twelve hours. Half an hour and five sausages later Crono was finished, getting up his plate flew out of his hands and travelled some twenty feet before falling neatly in the sink.

“Who are you?” asked Crono turning to the old man with a look of wonderment on his face.

“I’m a wizard as the traditionalists might say but according to the people of the day I’m a member of the “dangerous” but what I am is really entirely up to you.”

“I mean what is your name, where do you come from. Things like that. The only thing I know about you is that I was hired to kill you,” replied Crono.

“As they say, never send a muggle to do a wizards job,” grinned the old man, staring straight at Crono as if he was testing him, trying to work him out and determining what to do with him.

“Muggle?”

“Never mind. I’m a wizard that goes by the name of Harry, I’ve lived up here for many years watching the likes of yourself go about your daily work, killing people I consider my friends. I’ve watched as those deaths have tormented you and filled your dreams with horrifying nightmares. I’m aware of your desires and I know of your powers Crono. I know that you hide them, ashamed that you are different, wary that if you are discovered you face certain death,” said Harry, not blinking and not moving, still looking like he was searching Crono for something but Crono didn’t know what. Crono felt like he was under a spotlight, he was unsure of how to stand, where to look and most importantly what to say. Crono finally gathered his composure and mumbled.

“You’re Harry Potter aren’t you?”

“I did wonder when you would guess and I found it a fun little game teasing you but alas you know and now I must explain myself,” replied Harry, “Now come and sit down on the sofa”

“Um – what sofa?” as Crono said that Harry waved his hand and the outlines of a large sofa appears, in a matter of seconds it went from looking ghostly to being solid; slowly it floated to the ground. Harry sat down on the left of the sofa and with another wave of his hand a foot stool materialised at his feet. Crono sat next to him waiting with baited breath about what would come.

“You may not be aware but there are terrible problems in the world you populate. It has to do with what the common man refers to as the “dangerous” but who I’ll refer to from this point on as wizards. In the last century or so magic as it was once known died out, essentially it has ceased to exist – except for a few. These few hold our only hope but a majority of them are sided with your government. They work directly with your Prime Minister; in fact they are within his inner circle scheming and plotting the eventual eradication of wizards.”

“Why is that though? Do the “dangerous” – I mean wizards pose a threat?” asked Crono.

“Of course they don’t; my kind as a whole have never posed a threat. Although there has naturally been some who have pushed that train of thought. You may have heard of an infamous wizard known by the name Lord Voldemort?” said Harry without pause; it was plain that he planned to get through this briefing as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

“Of course, myths of your existence are the most famous. Your defeat of the wizard Lord Voldemort or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as the myths usually refer are legendary.”

“It’s excellent to see a young man with a keen eye on his history. Now I shall continue. The aftermath of my defeat of Lord Voldemort had repercussions that failed to rear its ugly head until years later. As I understand it and let it be known I know not the full story; a group of wizards plotted the demise of the world as many of us knew it. They proposed a world in which they had complete control and domination of the masses. A world where the oppressed masses would fear the very leader who they love and a world in which this leader has no potential enemies.” Harry finished this long speech with a long but silent sign. Crono was left speechless; hundreds of thoughts were forming in his head. Harry looked at Crono silently but intently, Crono once again felt like he was being studied, as if Harry was trying to find something that he desperately needed.

Suddenly, without warning Crono blurted out “What does this have to do with me though?”

“You Crono are the key. You represent what is perhaps the last realistic hope wizards have to set things right. To create equality and to free the masses but overall just set things right,” said Harry.

“But how – why me? I’m just a kid, I’m no greater than the next person. I’m scared of dragons, I’ll run when I’m outnumbered and I tremble before you,” replied Crono. He was getting a little frustrated at Harry, for the life of him he couldn’t understand why a young man like himself could be the last great hope. Harry however quickly realised this.

“I see you doubt yourself which is ironic because you don’t even know yourself. You’ve no knowledge of your potential and little knowledge of your abilities. Why are you so quick to doubt yourself?”

“How can I be the last great hope when people like you exist? You seem practically invincible and yet you want me to believe that I’m the only one who can free the masses from injustice and oppression? To be quite frank I have trouble believing a thing you’ve said,” said Crono. He got up and headed to the entrance where he had entered earlier.

“Wait Crono! I wish it was so but alas I’m in no position or condition to undertake such an adventure. Hope rested in me would be hope wasted, hope rested in you is hope maximised.” Harry too stood up and walked towards Crono who had stopped and turned around when Harry spoke. “Crono, can you really tell me that you don’t wish to realise your potential? That you wouldn’t want to know why you could fly items around your room as a child? Would you like to live in a world in which you can be proud of who you are without worry clouding your existence? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then I suggest you knock on the three silver tiles on the wall – “ Harry pointed at three tiles about five feet in the air about ten feet away “ – I’ll be in there studying. I leave you now.” A small ‘pop’ occurred and Crono was left alone in the large room.

Crono stood and looked where Harry had been for a few seconds. There was no easy answer to this question Crono thought, on one hand he could turn away and go back to his world as he knew it, his friends and his life. There wouldn’t be any conspiracies, no corrupt politicians; just him leading his simple life. On the other hand was what appeared to be some crackpot old fool who thought he could teach him magic tricks. It sounded ridiculous Crono thought, Harry even thinks I’m meant to be some kind of saviour to his people, which just cannot be right.

However, no matter how much Crono doubted the legitimacy of Harry’s story he just couldn’t bring himself to think that he made it up. There just had to be some truth in it. With his decision made up Crono bent his head and walked slowly towards the three silver tiles on the wall. The walk was a mere ten feet but it felt like it lasted for an eternity, it was almost like he was in the spotlight thousands of people watching his every movement and now it was the final play; as if his decision determined a thousand people destinies. It was a strange feeling for Crono to have, as an Auror he lived a life of secrecy; to a certain degree he didn’t even exist. Relying on others was a given but now he was on his own. No one was there to help form his decision and as such it was a daunting task.

As Crono reached the three silver tiles he drew a deep breath; so deep in fact it made him feel sick. A shaking hand reached from his side upwards; reaching towards the tiles. A shaking fist headed towards the tiles, making a noise which echoed at a volume which was at least a hundred times louder than Crono had expected. The echoes blasted from wall to wall around the room shaking the very foundations of the cave; a low rumble could be heard from much further than the caves walls.

Ears burning Crono knocked on the next two tiles, each one causing a mighty rumble equal to the last. As the noise from the third tile died the wall suddenly dissolved and about a hundred bricks tumbled to the ground, leaving a door way just large enough for Crono to squeeze through. Breathing in Crono preceded through the doorway. The room that he had walked into though was completely black. Crono could only see some two feet in front of him. Arms reaching out in front he stumbled into the room before stopping dead.

“Hey Harry are you there? I wouldn’t mind a bit of light thanks!” yelled Crono.

A sharp voice hissed from the overpowering darkness, “Lumos” the voice uttered. A ray of light appeared from nowhere, illuminating the elderly face that Crono had expected to find. The light danced around Harry’s face, showing up each and every wrinkle and crack in their full glory.

“It’s nice to see you’ve come, Crono. I wasn’t sure whether I would speak to you again.”

“Well Sir, I um – don’t really understand what part I could play but I’m willing never-the-less,” replied Crono.

“Excellent, willing is all I need for our willingness is all we have,” said Harry. He turned and out of his ragged robe he pulled a small instrument, very much like a small silver cigarette lighter. Harry lifted it above his head and clicked it; a beam of light launched itself across the room into a small light bulb sitting well above Crono’s head. Harry clicked it four more times, each click coinciding with a beam of light. When he was done he placed the small silver instrument into his tattered robes. The room was now as bright as it had been dark only a few minutes earlier.
Crono was busy rubbing his eyes as they had yet to adjust to the change in light. Harry however looked cheerful and stood silently, waiting patiently for Crono to provide his with his attention. When it finally came, Harry smiled and placed his hand upon Crono’s shoulder.

“Come with me,” Harry said, as he lead Crono across the room to a large black desk, filled three feet high with paper; large draws protruded from both sides and cabinets which were at least seven foot tall towered above both of them. Other than the desk and cabinets and the entrance way – which Crono had realised was repairing itself – there lay nothing in the room. Harry noticed Crono surveying the room.

“This is my study, its specially sealed shut. I’m the only person who can apparate into here – in fact I’m the only person who can apparate into this entire cave – the only other way to get into this room is through the three silver tiles but nobody would notice them unless I directed them and if a muggle knocked on them they would find themselves unconscious due to the noise. You see Crono in this room sits some of the most important developments of our time, documents explaining just about everything that has occurred over the past hundred and thirty years,” said

“Um – Sir, what’s apparating?” stuttered Crono, the realisation that he was completely over his head was suddenly sinking in. He hardly had any knowledge of the wizarding world and his only experience in it was as a little boy making items fly around his room. That however almost seemed like a different world as he stood before Harry’s giant desk, piled high with papers.

Harry looked at him kindly and a large smile spread across his face, “Apparating my dear Crono is the art of appearing in a place – any place – of your choosing instantaneously. It’s basically a way in which wizards manage to move from place to place quickly and efficiently. At least it’s far better than the solar train.” Harry laughed at his little joke but Crono looked a little uneasy. Suddenly he remembered something rather important that he couldn’t believe that he overlooked.

“What happened to the members of my unit, Harry? When do you think they will arrive?”

“Oh your friends, I’m sure they’ll arrive at some stage Crono. I’ve kept them rather busy however,” replied Harry and his eyes sparkled in the light. He was clearly happy with the way things were progressing.

“What do you mean ‘busy’?” asked Crono, an extremely nervous look appearing on his face. He was becoming increasingly aware of Harry’s exceptional powers and wondered exactly what he would conjure up to keep the others busy.

“Don’t look too grave Crono,” started Harry, once again he was looking at Crono, his eyes sparkling brightly. “I’ve done nothing that would put them in any serious danger, just something that will slow them down considerably.”

Towards the bottom of the mountain, five gallant young men were battling hordes of monsters. After each defeat came another round of monsters, each round tougher than the last. Currently they were fighting three large Hungarian Horntails; each one was as large as a double story house, working in conjunction with a particularly nasty gang of goblins who hid in trees and bombarded their enemies with rocks and tree branches from above. Crono’s unit had barely moved a distance of twenty metres since Crono had discovered Harry.

“But how do you plan to slow them down,” asked Crono, a clear look of fright still lingering on his face.

“All I’m done is set a continuous array of magical beasts to appear to stop them from advancing, nothing to worry about really; just a few dragons and what not”

“Nothing to worry about!!! Are you mad? I almost got killed by numerous dragons only yesterday. Harry they are my friends, you can’t let any harm come to them,” a shocked and worried Crono replied.

“Stop worrying Crono, no harm will come to them because the spell I performed doesn’t enable it. Your ‘friends’ will find that they will win every battle, but they will also find that they will be unable to advance up the mountain because of the battles. I should also warn you Crono that these men are no longer your friends, at least they won’t be when they see you standing by my side,” said Harry.

“They wouldn’t attack me surely and I’m quite sure that they won’t attack you once they understand.”

“Crono, they won’t understand. They are merely muggles and as muggles you’ll find that they are unable to understand our kind and therefore not only will they attempt to kill me but attempt to kill you. This is why we must be quick and maximise our time and energies. The time is nigh.”

Finally Harry pulled a draw from his desk and showed Crono the contents.

“Choose one of these and your training shall commence.”

Chapter 3

Crono was left staring at what looked to be at least thirty-five finely crafted but weathered sticks. Each of them looked like it hadn’t been used; a heavy cover of dust overwhelmed them. Harry blew softly and the dust disappeared, flying in all direction but a majority seemingly up Crono’s nostrils. Quickly he had to raise his hand to his nose to stop a mighty sneeze but he failed miserably.

“ARRCHOO!!!”

“Bless you, my dear Crono,” laughed Harry, watching Crono vigorously wipe his nose. When Crono had finished Harry turned back to the draw.

“Crono, it is time you finally chose your magic wand.”

“My um – magic wand?” asked Crono, a little dumbfounded, he started rubbing his nose again but this time there was no reason.

“Yes Crono, how did you plan to perform magic? The use of a wand is the easiest and most logical way. You won’t get too far without one and if you lose it you can forget about survival.”

“But most of the time you don’t seem to use one?” asked Crono.

“Well that’s an easy question and I'll give you an easy answer, when you’re as old as I am you become increasingly competent in magic that doesn’t require a wand but at your age – and I was very much the same – it’s far too difficult to control your magic without the use of a wand. I remember quite clearly blowing up my aunt without using my wand when I got overly angry. Magic without a wand is something you don’t really want to deal with,” replied Harry, once again he turned back to the draw becoming increasingly impatient, “Now choose!”

Crono wasn’t going to be told twice, closing his eyes he reluctantly threw his hand into the drawer, fiddling around with numerous wands before picking up a rather large black one, at least a foot and a half long and rather flimsy.

“Ah – you’ve chosen an eighteen inch, oak wand, rather flimsy with two hairs from the back of two very fine Unicorns. A good choice I should think. Now if you’d like give it a little wave.”

“Um – like this?” With that Crono waved the wand, almost like he was swinging an axe, Harry had to move a foot back in order to stop his nose from being taken off. As Crono swung the wand a whistling noise began, initially sounding like it came from a badly tuned radio it suddenly emerged much louder and Crono’s wand began vibrating uncontrollably.

“WHAT THE HELL’S GOING ON?” yelled Crono; a distinct look of fear had overcome his otherwise friendly features.

“This shouldn’t be happening that’s all I know,” replied Harry, with that he knocked the wand from Crono’s hand. It vibrated across the floor for a few seconds, the whistling noise still coming loud and clear. Suddenly they was a loud bang – like a bomb exploding – and the wand was little more than a few burnt ashes on the floor.

“Well I’m guessing that one wasn’t the right wand for you,” joked Harry, he had already headed back over to the drawer; readying himself for Crono’s second choice. Crono however hadn’t headed back with him; instead he made a path towards where he had entered. He pressed against the wall, trying desperately to find the opening but it proved no good. After several minutes Crono slumped to the floor, his back firmly against the wall. Harry had stood and watched Crono’s desperation but didn’t interfere.

“Did you have fun? I hope you didn’t think you could guess the way out of here, how very naïve.”

“I’m going!” replied Crono. His face was now bright red, almost the shade of a tomato with anger, his eyes were narrow.

“You’re not going anywhere and you know it. You realise in your heart of hearts that you are the only chance and turning your back on that responsibility affectively means killing millions of innocent citizens. Can you live with that Crono?” As Harry said this his face too reddened in anger but with great control he managed to pull his hands away from his wand which his right hand had been itching to use.

“I can try!” hardened Crono, still reddening; he was cracking his knuckles by his side. It was almost as if he was readying himself for battle.

“Don’t lie to me boy, it would be a silly thing to do.”

As Harry said that Crono jumped up and rushed towards Harry. Harry however, was far too quick, grabbing his wand and mumbling a few choice words under his breath he stopped Crono in his tracks and lifted him a foot in the air; leaving him completely helpless.

“HEY! Let me down now, you stupid old man!”

“You’ll get down when you calm down and see sense.”

“See sense? Your bloody wand almost killed me!” said Crono, hanging motionless in midair; his body looked like it was being hung by invisible strings.

“It did nothing of the sort; it was simply a matter of the wand not being compatible with you. It is hardly something to destroy a budding friendship over,” replied Harry, “Now I’m going to let you down and I trust that you will no longer try to harm me, I figure you should have learned your lesson by now.” As he said that Harry motioned his left hand to the grown and Crono body mirrored it, floating gently to the ground.

“Now I think it’s time you chose another, I promise you that there will not be any more cases of vibrating wands, after all it was a first case for me as well and as I’ve become accustomed to saying chose quickly, we don’t have a lot of time for training”

Crono marched towards the drawer; quickly and quietly pulling another wand out. Without thinking he gave it a quick wave; however the feeling it gave him was different than before.

Rushing cold wind seemed to stream from somewhere that Crono couldn’t see, it blowed his hair into his face and made his eyes water. The strength of the wind pulled Crono’s weight backwards and he stumbled a few feet before crashing to the floor. In the process he dropped his wand and suddenly everything was still. Crono pulled himself off the ground but didn’t pick up the wand. Harry looked at it and pulled out his own wand.

“Accio,” he said pointing his wand at Crono’s. It flew from its lying place straight into Harry’s outstretched hand. He walked over and opened Crono’s hand before placing the wand into it.

“This is yours I believe,” he said with a smile, “I suggest you guard it with your life; from now on this small, sleek stick will be the difference between life and death; success and failure; and freedom and oppression. I trust you use it wisely.”

Crono looked at his wand. It was beautifully crafted; nice and long and rather shiny. It was hard to believe Crono thought that this ‘stick’ would be the difference between life and death. It was equally hard to believe that wand would allow him to perform amazing tricks that bewilder the mind and bewitch the senses. He found it difficult to accept that from now on he would have no need for the various guns and other weapons that had seemingly become an extension of his being recently. Harry however, seemed to read his mind.

“Now Crono, although your wand is the only weapon you’ll ever truly need I believe you should if possible keep all your standard weapons on you at all times; if only for your safety.”

Harry closed the drawer firmly; looked at Crono and said “Training shall begin now.” Harry pushed a few papers away and picked up a large dusty book. With a deep breath he blew the dust off the book revealing the tattered books title, “Standard Book of Spells.”

“This Crono will be what teaches you the very basics of what we – wizards – do, however we don’t have a lot of time so we will need to rush and therefore I must ask that you practice whenever you can when I’m not teaching you. It is imperative that you become competent in these arts quickly because I fear I won’t be around long enough to see you through.”

Crono stood and looked directly at the large, tattered book that Harry held within his hands and marvelled at the idea that he was to know everything that was contained with it. This however did seem a little bit of a stretch to Crono but he was willing to give it a try.

Try he did, over the next month Crono worked at his skills like a man possessed, often he’d only sleep for a handful of hours, sometimes he’d forget to sleep and finally it was Harry who had to take him to the side and tell him to take it easy.

“But I just want to learn everything before our time runs out,” started Crono.

“Crono that is impossible, it won’t be long before our time is up, I’ve seen it and at that stage you certainly will not know everything, in fact I do not know everything so you are fighting a losing battle there. However in terms of being skilled and competent you are already there, you’ve managed to surprise me with your ability to pick up what I have taught you and I’m very impressed with the skills you have shown me. In a short time I will tell you what your mission shall be.”

With that Crono bowed towards Harry and retired to his bed, deep in though. He didn’t fall asleep immediately he sat there perfectly his summoning ability by making small and sometimes larger rocks fly towards him. He decided to stop however when one missed its mark and collided with the ceiling, creating a leak that he quickly had to fix.

Slowly falling off to sleep Crono’s worries evaporated and all he was left with was a nice hazy feeling, first he was running around the forest, chasing after somebody, although he couldn’t be sure who. Then he appeared before two huge wooden doors, the sound of heavy violent rain bursting his eardrums; he approached the doors carefully and pushed them open. Suddenly a violent array of yellow light blinded him and Crono found himself awoken with a start as he came crashing off his bed onto the hard rocky floor.

He slowly lifted himself off the ground with the help of his bed, the sheets which had once been neat and tidy had found themselves lying on the floor. Suddenly with a pop Harry appeared with a worried expression upon his face.

“Crono, what’s the matter? I heard you fall from my room and got here as fast as I could.”

“Oh I had a bad dream, it’s not worth worrying about,” replied Crono as images of bright yellow light swum through his head. “I’ll be fine.”

“Ok, well if that is all there is to it I suggest you get back to bed and have a good nights sleep,” said Harry and with a few mumbled words and a flick of his wand Crono’s bed made itself and looked as neat as it had before Crono had gone to sleep. Suddenly a quiet popping sound occurred and Crono found that once again he was on his own and left to his own devices.

Crono didn’t go to bed though as Harry suggested. This new dream had disturbed him somewhat and this wasn’t the first time, although it was the first time that he had found himself falling to the ground. These nightmares had been tormenting him since he began his magical training, every night he’d find himself chasing something through a forest and then find himself travelling down a corridor approaching a pair of huge wooden doors. Only this time he had reached the doors, each dream though finished with a bright yellow streaming light and then he woke up.

He sat there for quite a while, seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours. He didn’t know how long but it was certainly a long time. Initially he just sat on the edge of his bed taking slow deep breaths, attempting to calm himself. It wasn’t long though before the “Standard Book of Spells” came out and the room was filled with bright lights of every different colour as spells, some easy, some much harder were performed. In the shadows outside of Crono’s view stood an out man, quietly satisfied with what he saw.

Crono worked on his skills until the Sun rose over the forest below, as light streamed in his training halted as he realised that he was being watched. Harry stood silently in what had been dark shadows only minutes before.

“I’m impressed young Crono, you are moving alone quite well and I can’t say I remember a being of magical ability picking up the arts as swiftly as you have. With that I think it’s time we moved to more difficult and advanced spells.”

As he finished a small popping noise occurred and Harry disappeared. Crono stood patiently and suddenly Harry returned with a large book, dusty but clearly of a purple colour, orange text was prevalent through the heavy dust, although what it said he didn’t know. Harry gave the book a heavy shake and then blew the dust off the edges, The previously hidden orange text came into view, “An Advanced Book of Spells by Hermione Granger.”

“This book Crono will finish off your training, after you have finish this the only advances in your abilities will be from practice and battle in the field. Now when you’re read we’ll get stuck into it.”

Crono left the room to wash his face and his hands, he was pretty sweaty and before he returned to Harry he decided to grab himself a drink of water. Soon enough he was back with Harry, wand at the ready as he successfully forced two flies to collide head-on.

“Well done Crono, I’m surprised that you successfully managed to navigate and control the two varying velocities of the flies, I thought you may have needed a few sessions to have correct control on that one. I think we’ll move on to the Body Stretch Hex, which is used as a form of torture but has no lasting effects. Now Crono hold your wand like this,” Harry moved Crono’s arm into a suitable position that would be satisfactory for the spell to work. It wasn’t long before Harry had commenced informing Crono about all aspects of the spell, when and where it should be used, it’s effectiveness in various circumstances and how and why you block it. Soon enough Crono was ready to perform it himself. Harry let out a rather large furry spider and let is crawl along the floor towards Crono.

With a few choice words Crono performed the hex and a stream of green light hit the spider head on, suddenly as if frozen the spider stretched out it’s eight long legs and second by second the spider appeared to grow in size until Crono pulled his attention and his wand away. The spider instantly returned to normal and scuttled away unharmed.

“Well done Crono!” beamed an impressed Harry.

Crono’s training continued for the next month and a half and then one day Harry came to Crono to inform him that his study was complete.

“Crono, you have studied everything that you can possibly learn from a textbook, the only advances you’ll make now is through hard work and consistent practice. In time you’ll become powerful, strong and truly a force to be reckoned with. At this stage in time you stand before me as a student of magic who is ready to go into the real world.”

“Does this mean that soon I’ll be asked to go and complete my destiny?” asked Crono, this question had been troubling him for some time as he completed his study. With every spell that he learn he knew he was coming closer to the end of the road; the point of no return and Crono wasn’t sure he wished to tread down the road. Even now – after he’d come so far – he had trouble believing that he was the last remaining hope. He looked at Harry, the mighty wizard was old and let looked strong as ever, a true pillar of strength if ever there was one and Crono had to wonder why Harry wouldn’t help him finish his job.

“Now Crono this is the most important part. You’re destiny is to free our kind. That itself is clear, how you go about that is entirely up to you, I’ve left you with the ability to improvise as you see fit. However ultimately you must confront and rid society of our Prime Minister. When that is complete your role in all of this done and you may choose whether you wish to return to a simple muggle lifestyle or take a punt on our alternate world. Basically what we have to do is pull our Prime Minister into a false sense of security, when that is achieve the time is right for you to make your move. The road will be clear and unguarded and available to be taken. However to cause this false sense of security I have to be neutralised.”

“WHAT! NO! You can’t die!” interrupted Crono, a look of surprise clearly illuminating itself over his youthful face.

“No Crono I only need to be a position where I pose no threat to our government. As long as I am deemed a threat by our nations leader security remains at full force. To them I am the only one who can possibly take them down, if only they knew the truth. Your journey can last no longer than one year if you wish to be successful in my eyes, longer than that and it will be too long; a failed effort and a wasted journey.”

“Well I shall try,” replied Crono, he remained perplexed as to what the task ahead meant and yet he remained willing. Crono now considered himself to be a wizard and a proud one at that. Over the past couple of months the relationship between Harry and Crono had taken on father-son proportions. Both had become rather fond of each other and whilst he remained largely in the dark about future events he couldn’t help but feel worried that things would never be the same again. The tone of Harry’s voice worried him, why the time limit Crono asked himself, isn’t there enough pressure as it is without making time a foe as well? Finally – several days later – even though he dreaded the answer Crono asked why there was a time limit.

“Harry,” Crono began as he walked towards the grand old wizard who had his nose deep within a book, clearly it was something of great interest and most likely of great importance as well. Harry turned his head and saw Crono marching towards him, his face instantly went from a worried forlorn look into a bright and jovial one.

“Dear Crono, how can I help you?”

“I was wondering why there is a time limit on my journey and why after a year it will be too late?” replied Crono.

“Ah – I was waiting for that question and I’m surprised that it took you so long to ask. Sit down Crono and I’ll tell you everything.”

Out of mid-air Harry conjured a large and comfy looking sofa; slowly it fell to the floor. The two of them walked over and sat down; Harry placed his left leg upon his right and turned to Crono, who sat their eagerly in anticipation.

“Crono the reason why there is a time limit is because I will surrender myself and go peacefully with the enemy. This I know is a risk, I wouldn’t be surprised if they attempted to kill me on site but I’ve pondered the repercussions for several years and I realise that it’s truly the only way we can be successful in our goals. Although I suspect you’ll disagree you’ll find in time that it is the only way we may achieve our goals. The strength of a whole is far stronger than the sum of its parts Crono; as such I must put the interests of the wizarding world before my individual interests. I hope you understand Crono, I have thought this over for a long time and feel this is the best way to go about things.”

As he finished this long speech he lowered his left leg and took a deep breath before focusing his attentions back on Crono. Crono wasn’t entirely sure what to say as he attempted to gather his thoughts. Finally after a short deliberation he spoke.

“I understand and I trust that you would not jump to any early conclusions. If this is as you said the best decision then it is indeed the best decision and I will not argue the point. You do your job and I’ll do mine and as a whole we’ll succeed in our goals. However I still fail to understand why there is a time limit. What will happen after one year and why then will it be too late?” Harry deliberately thought over the question in his head for a few seconds before answering.

“Do you remember what the authorities do to any wizard that capture but don’t kill?” asked Harry, in a thoughtful fashion. Suddenly as if lightning has struck an expression of amazement formed on Crono’s youthful but worried face.

“No way! You’re not going to allow them to place you within the Uginator?”

“Crono, I’ve already told you it’s the only way, I will allow the authorities to make clasp the Uginator around my neck and effectively turn me into a muggle,” Harry replied.

“That still doesn’t explain why you have the time limit,”

“I thought you would have worked this out before now, Crono an average muggle lives to be eighty years of age, if they are lucky the may live to be a hundred. I am one-hundred and sixty-six years old, far older than any muggle and ancient even within wizarding circles. The Uginator doesn’t just rid me of my magical powers it turns me into a muggle and as such I’m bound by traditional muggle rules and one of them is that they age far more rapidly that wizarding folk. In terms of being a muggle I should be long dead, nature will inturn attempt to correct this anomaly. My body as I appear today is probably equal to that of a sixty year old muggle, when the Uginator is placed around my neck I will begin to age rapidly. I’ve worked out the various calculations and after about one year I shall leave this world, unless you are successful in your efforts.”

“Don’t worry I shall be,” replied Crono, who was almost disturbed by his own convictions as he steeled himself towards the final push. Soon the day would be here, when it would happen he had no idea but he was sure it was almost upon him and when it happened he’d be ready.

“I think I’ll retire to my quarters Harry,” said Crono as he gave a slight bow towards Harry which was returned. “I have issues I need to think over and spells I need to practice.”

“I understand Crono; in fact I have to do similar things myself. Enjoy yourself and don’t stress over these events too much.”

With that Crono turned away from Harry and slowly walked away down several twisty corridors until he reached his bed which stood unmade and in need of a serious clean. Crono stood and looked around for a little bit, he was amazed at how far he had come in such a short time; only months earlier he had been a childish mercenary who obliged to orders without question, essentially he had no will of his own. Now though he stood upright, proud of whom he was and who he had become. It was a great feeling Crono thought as he secretly smiled to himself.

He wondered over to the entry of the cave that he had fatefully stumbled into that dark and windy night. The sky was clear and the rustling of the trees could be heard far below. The sun beat down but the heat wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the perfect day to lay back and do nothing Crono thought but unfortunately there was no time for such luxuries.

Suddenly, Crono looked up towards the skyline and squinted as he attempted to see what was moving across the horizon. What it was Crono still couldn’t decide but he felt that it was worth mentioning to Harry. Crono turned and ran down the twisty corridors towards where Crono had last seen Harry.

Chapter 4

Through the corridors Crono ran, corner after corner he pasted until he appeared in the grand room that he had left Harry in. Harry however was no where to be seen.

“HARRY! WHERE ARE YOU?” Crono bellowed, as he did so small rocks and dust crumbled and feel to the floor.

“HARRY, I NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU NOW!” Crono bellowed once again and yet again small, rather insignificant specks of gravel fell to the stone floor. Suddenly Harry appeared beside him with a small, high pitched popping sound. He looked slightly wind-swept; it was almost as if he had been interrupted.

“What is it Crono?” Harry asked in a kind but stern tone, “I was about to take a shower, your shouting caught me in my underwear.”

Harry’s response almost brought a smile to Crono’s face but the situation at hand seemed far too important for such actions.

“Harry, I saw something flying towards us on the horizon, I’m afraid it could be a flying transport.”

“Really Crono? I failed to predict this; it’s an interesting development indeed. I’m guessing they have finally come and as such your journey shall begin. Crono how far away was this flying thing?”

“It was right on the horizon, taking a wild guess I would say it was perhaps a kilometre or a kilometre and a half give or take a bit,” replied Crono anxiously.

“Ok, I’d say we have roughly fifteen minutes before they find their way into this cave. When this occurs I shall surrender and go with them, you shall be left here to finish your training before setting off but first I have to think of a way in which to ensure that you are not forced to surrender when I am. Give me a minute.”

“Ok,” replied Crono, he gripped his wand tightly. Harry hadn’t mentioned anything but Crono wondered whether the events that would occur would be as simple as Harry thought. Would there be a battle? Crono wondered and would he be able to fight government mercenaries when the time comes? Such questions clouded his mind and in turn his judgement. He continued to stand silently watching Harry as he paced back and forth thinking hard. What was running through his head Crono wondered and did he even have a plan to allow Crono to escape?

Suddenly as if a bright light had erupted within his head Harry stood straight up. He turned to face Crono, with a look to say “it’s time.”

“Crono, we go to the cave opening. I need to see what is happening.” With that Harry disapparated to the cave opening, whilst Crono was forced to run down the long twisty corridors yet again. Finally after a few minutes Crono reached the cave opening, he clearly saw Harry standing just outside the cave looking carefully into the sky. As he approached the door slowly he realised that the flying thing that he had seen before was only a few hundred metres away and now he could clearly recognise what was flying towards the cave – a great big government mercenary ship. It was at least a hundred metres long; steam flew from the air ducts that were spaced evenly across its side. Small round windows were spaced several metres above the air ducts and Crono could just make out the outlines of several soldiers.

Suddenly Harry turned back to Crono and walked quickly towards him. Harry grabbed Crono by his grubby shirt and literally pulled him from his view point and back into the relative darkness of the cave.

“Listen carefully Crono, I cannot and will not repeat this. When they touch down and invade the cave you’re not to say a thing. Leave the talking exclusively to me, that’s an order. If things don’t go as I planned then we can practically write our own death notices.”

Harry lifted his wand from his robes and pointed it directly at Crono, with a deep voice his words echoed throughout the cave, “elspeedo patriumos.” A burst of yellow concentrated light hit Crono in the chest; stumbled back a few steps before regaining his balance and finally standing upright once again. Harry hadn’t bothered with the aftermath of his spell though; he had already turned the wand on himself and performed the same spell on himself. He stumbled back only a step or two before regaining his balance and walking directly over to where Crono still stood.

“What did you just do?” asked Crono, this was a spell in which he had yet to encounter.

“This spell will speed you up, make your body react far more quickly than it would usually. I suspect that this spell will come in useful for the confrontation ahead.”

“Ok, but how? Do you intend on running?” Crono asked but Harry didn’t reply, he had walked towards the entrance of the cave yet again. He stood there watching closely; the flying ship was perhaps less than a hundred metres ago and closing fast although Harry wasn’t at all certain. Suddenly as the ship pulled closer the wind picked up but Harry stood his ground as the wind blew his robes and his long silver hair in all directions. It became clear to Crono that Harry now meant business and he wondered whether the mercenaries were equipped to handle this, he highly doubted they were.

With eyes like a hawk Harry stood and watched; he never even blinked as he focused intensely on the incoming arrival of enemies. The ship was beginning to slow down as it reached it’s destination but the harrowing winds refused to die down and were now almost pulling Harry back from the entrance but he still stood his ground.

The great government mercenary ship disappeared from view as it looked for a place on the mountain in which to make a landing. The winds eased to become a pleasant breeze. As all this happened Harry turned once again and walked back into the cave.

“Crono, they will arrive in about two hours and there looks to be about eleven or twelve of them, I wasn’t quite sure. I suggest you rest up a little.” With that Harry walked off, his head a little lowered. Crono wondered what was going on through his head and dearly hoped that he had factored in every contingency. He decided it was probably best if he went and lay down on his bed; the day had been a stressful one so far and the rest would do him the world of good.

Crono lay on his bed for the best part of thirty minutes; he had occupied himself by watching his hand move through the air. Everything appeared to move in slow motion Crono thought as once again he watched his hand slice through the air like a knife through hot bread. It was a strange sight to behold as the air around his moving arm reacted like the ocean, little waves flowing off his arm as it moved before settling themselves and becoming normal once again. It wasn’t long though before he had slipped off into a deep sleep and the lovely feeling of sweet dreams flooded into his mind.

Unfortunately – as was the norm these days – his dreams were not as sweet as they should have been. Crono found himself in a huge circular field, large buildings surrounding him in every direction; rain was pouring down harder and faster than he’d ever experienced. Suddenly to his left a huge oak double door was blasted open but Crono couldn’t make it out. Bright yellow light flooded his vision and he felt himself falling and falling, until suddenly he stopped. Opening his eyes Crono found himself face down on the stone floor; distinctively he could hear a savage storm outside, rain and lighting belting down on the small cave in the mountain top.

Standing up Crono was unsure how long he had been asleep for, the vicious storm made it impossible for him to work out how many hours had passed. Crono noticed a small stream of rain water flooding into the cave, it sounded a lot like water running directly from a tap as it ran quickly across the stone floor.

Standing in front of him was Harry, his robes tattered and ripped. He looked ready and whilst he looked as old as Crono had ever noticed he was protruding an air of great strength. Harry wasn’t moving just staring straight at the cave entry. Crono felt the time was upon him; the day of reckoning was within reach and what would happen he didn’t know but whatever it was he was sure things would never be the same again.

Suddenly, the sounds of footsteps were heard, even above the loud and uncompromising rainfall. Crono could clearly recognise the sound of the eleven or twelve young men splashing into and out of puddles. He figured they could only be metres away. The time had come. A sharp cold voice came from the darkness, shadowy shapes filled the room but Crono couldn’t see their faces.

“We will kill you!!!” shouted a large man, who stood in front of about eleven others. Harry however stood remarkably still, not the least bit concerned with the threats delivered towards him. He gave Crono a small look of reassurance.

“Fight me if you dare! We are wizards and we shall not fall!” shouted Harry, in a voice that raised the hairs on Crono neck. The twelve men were clearly affected and several of them took a step back before regaining their composure.

“So be it – wizard!” replied the large man who had spoken earlier. The sound of gunfire rocked the cave; round after round of ammo was emptied in a matter of seconds. Crono through himself towards Harry, diving desperately whilst attempting to move him out of the way. Harry noticing Crono’s desperate plight turned ever so slightly, directed his wand at Crono’s shoulders and muttered “Stupefy” and a blinding flash of red light launched itself towards Crono. It struck him on the left shoulder and Crono felt himself thrown back against the wall. He remained conscious however, which Crono believed must have been Harry’s plan for Harry never missed a spell. Crono was however, rather shaky and groggy, he didn’t get to his feet but he was facing Harry and the twelve mercenaries and could see all that was happening.

Crono suddenly realised why Harry had performed the speed spell earlier. Thousands of bullets were moving towards Harry but instead of moving at their normal velocity they were cruising through the air at little more than snails pace. Had Harry predicted that the mercenaries wouldn’t attempt to take him alive or had he just assumed that human unpredictability made it essential that he cover every possible contingency? Crono wasn’t so sure but he lay speechless at the genius of Harry’s plan; if the mercenaries couldn’t shoot him they were left without a chance.

Situations between wizards and aurors had traditionally been played on the aurors terms. Crono had seen that situation played out many times before. Most wizards in the current times did not have the knowledge or power to over power a well-trained auror. Harry however, was an exception; he was seemingly so powerful that no form of muggle weaponry could take him out. This situation was most definitely being played on Harry’s terms; his actions would determine what would happen and how it would happen. The twelve government mercenaries would just have to stand and pray that they would survive the encounter.

Harry stood silently as the bullets moved towards him, the twelve mercenaries hadn’t moved. To them the actions that had seemed like minutes to Crono had occurred in a split second. Abruptly, Harry waved his wand and hundreds of bullets fell innocently to the cave floor. Crono could see the faces of the mercenaries change suddenly as they finally realised what had happened. Their confidence clearly changed and if Crono wasn’t mistaken each one of them took several steps back. A couple seemed to be looking for the exit. However, Harry wasn’t going to allow any of them to escape; now was the time to put his plan into effect and nothing or nobody would stop it.

Harry muttered a few words and a bright red light came from his wand and headed towards the cave entrance – creating a powerful barrier like it did the first night Crono spent in the cave. The mercenaries stopped as quickly as they begun and slowly turned around. A look of fear was seen quite clearly now and mumbled amongst each other; probably attempting to formulate another plan. Harry however, had already determined their fate.

“Boys – did you really think that bullets would be successful? Are you that misguided? Do your superiors really treat you with such contempt? I am no ordinary wizard gentlemen, I’m the single reason that people like you exist. Given my time over that would not be the case and as such that is the reason we stand before each other today. I can assure you that I have every intention to rectify my mistakes.”

Nobody responded to this outburst from Harry. Even Crono wasn’t sure how to react; he’d never seen Harry look so angry. It seemed to Crono at least that something was eating away at Harry, as if he had a point to prove. Crono suspected this had to do with Harry’s actions, which set the world on the course it finds itself on today. Harry demeanour changed from clearly angry to one that was at ease and he raised his wand high above his head. The mercenaries backed away ever so slightly.

"Obliviate! Obliviate! Obliviate! Obliviate!”

Twelve individual times he shouted the memory charm and the words echoed eerily throughout the cave, shaking its foundations. The looks of the mercenaries contorted from fear to confusion. The large one, who seemed to be the leader, took a step towards Harry.

“Hello old man, this is an ordinary looking place you’ve got here. I don’t know where I live but it must be better than this dump” Harry looked at him and a smile formed upon his face.

“Just head back and talk to the rest of the group and I’ll talk to you in a minute,” Harry replied to the large man. He turned around to the other eleven mercenaries who were standing there and talking amongst themselves. Harry turned to Crono.

“I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“I don’t think so although I feel a little sick,” replied Crono. Harry slowly lifted Crono to his feet. Crono was fairly shaky and his head was spinning but he leant against the wall and forced himself to listen to what Harry had to say.

“I’m going to restructure their memories and they are going to take me back to their base. You will be left here alone. I suggest you look amongst my records after I’m gone and the final thing I will tell you is ‘Promesory’ – they’ll know what to do.”

Crono tried to reply but Harry had already turned and headed back to the mercenaries. Promesory? What did that mean? Was it a spell? How come Harry didn’t give him any more information?

Harry was now standing in front of the mercenaries, who were still busy chatting amongst themselves. He seemed deep in thought; Crono stood and remained silent, partly because he was still trying to work out exactly what Harry had meant just before and partly because he was attempting to work out exactly what Harry would do.

"Gentlemen," Harry said. However no one took any notice of him. He moved a step forward and placed his hand on one of the mercenary's shoulders.

"Gentlemen, may I have your attention?" As Harry said this the twelve young men turned and faced him. Suddenly they were quiet.

"Gentlemen I have placed you under a memory charm, now I shall restore your memories as I deem fit.?"There was some quiet muttering from the group, it didn't appear like they had any idea what was happening.

"All twelve of you are government mercenaries, you have been sent on a mission to take me back securely to your base. There is no other wizard here; no matter what you're eyes tell you there is no wizard in this cave other than me. You are instructed not to fight, I must be taken back to your base alive, if anyone decides to kill me you must defend my wellbeing with your life. Nobody shall overrule these instructions." As Harry finished this speech he gave a slight flick of his wand. The confused faces of the mercenaries suddenly contorted and Crono could tell they now knew exactly what was going on.

"Drop the wand and we will not hurt you!!!" screamed several mercenaries at the same time, raising their weapons as they spoke. Harry instantly released it and his wand hit the cave's stone floor with a thud.

"Rod, I'll keep my gun on him whilst you kick his wand a way," said one of the larger mercenaries. Another one of them - clearly Rodney - crept towards Harry, his eyes never wavering from the mighty wizards face. Harry however merely stood and smiled at the clearly scared muggle. Rod slowly kicked Harry's wand away and returned back to the rest of his unit.

"It's the end of the road Potter," said the mercenary who had given the orders to Rod.

"So it is," replied Harry, "It's been fun."

"Get him!" At least ten mercenaries swarmed on Harry, Crono lurched forwards but quickly stopped as he remembered this was what Harry wanted, the events that were occurring were going exactly to plan, even if Crono wasn't particularly fond of the plan Harry had. The mercenaries now held Harry in place but Harry wasn't pushing the issue. He stood perfectly still; surprisingly content if the looks of the mercenaries were of any indication.

The mercenary known as Rod reached into his bag and pulled out a small circular instrument. The moment it appeared Crono knew exactly what it was. The instrument was brought towards Harry and ever so slightly the content and confident demeanour changed. Crono thought he noticed a look of intense fear on Harry's face, Crono knew why and he wasn't surprised. Harry might have planned this all alone but regardless it never meant he was ready for the consequences of his plans. How could he be? A wizard for over one hundred and sixty years would instantly be turned into a muggle, rapid aging would ensue. A time limit of approximately one year would commence and Crono would be required to confront dangers he didn't know.

Time appeared to slow down as the Uginator approached Harry. Crono's mind urged him to do something. He knew he could stop this; Harry had fooled the mercenaries into thinking he did not exist. He could defeat them with ease. But should he? The question was contemplated many times over the seconds that the event took place but in the end Crono knew what had to be done. He had no choice; this is the way things were meant to be. Harry wanted this, even though it was to explain why.

Crono was awaken from his deep thoughts by a hissed scream. He looked straight at Harry who had fallen to the ground. A deep and menacing grimace formed across his face but this time it wasn't the frightening look that Crono had become accustomed to but one of great weakness and despair. All of Harry's strength had been drained in an instant. Some hundred and sixty years of magical training lost in a moment. The moment the Uginator had been placed around Harry's neck the powerful barrier around the cave entrance was dissolved.

The mercenaries however, didn't wish to waste and time and lifted Harry to his feet. After a short stumble, Harry was dragged out of the cave and down the mountain to where the mercenary's ship must have laid. Crono finally moved after what seemed an eternity watching. He tried to walk but found that his body was seemingly still weak from Harry's curse. Promptly he apparated to the opening of the cave, where he could see the mercenaries disappearing from view.

Moments later the sound of giant engines forced Crono to block his ears with his hands. A heavy wind knocked Crono off his feet. The mercenary ship rocketed away. Crono wasn't sure but he thought he saw Harry looking out of one of the prisoner windows located towards the back and then it suddenly hit him Harry was gone, it was up to him and only him.

Chapter 5:

After being knocked off his feet Crono sat and attempted to take everything in. So much had happened in such a short time; from realising he was a wizard to appreciating that the future of a once great civilisation rested firmly on his shoulders. He marvelled at what he learnt during this time and the bond he had generated with the great Harry Potter and wondered where his destiny would take him and at the same time quietly questioning whether this hadn't simply been one big mistake.

Crono suddenly jumped to his feet, the dampness of the stone floor had begun to soak his pants and now they were clinging desperately to his hairy legs. The cave was now completely empty and an eerie soundlessness felt like it was swamping him. Crono was amazed at how much he was missing the old man's company. He missed everything from the way Harry drove him hard in his education to his ever so subtle form of humour. Crono watched as a couple of rats scuttled across the floor and for no particular reason at all proceeded to stun one of them. As soon as he had done that he revived the poor rat and let it scamper away unharmed.

Crono remembered what Harry had told him before he left something about looking at his records and something about the word promesory - whatever that meant. Crono proceeded to walk down the long, damp and quiet corridors towards the areas which had become accustomed to whilst in Harry's care. Large circular rooms with tables and chairs and finally the room which was Harry's study; a strange room, which was very dark and contained Harry's desk which was littered with books and papers. Crono played with the three silver tiles and suddenly found himself back in Harry's study - the room in which he had chosen his wand so long ago.

"Lumos!" Crono whispered and a small but powerful light erupted from the end of his wand, which he was holding by his side. He peered over Harry's desk at all the papers. Harry had said some time ago that this desk contained a majority of the most important wizarding discoveries of the past one hundred and thirty years. Crono carefully shifted through the many items on Harry's desk, careful not to damage any of the invaluable objects. Several interesting reports and books caught his eye. One report referred to the perfect cauldron thickness and a large red and yellow book with a title Avada Kedavra: Failing to Overcome the Curse. Whilst interesting Crono couldn't help feeling that this isn't what Harry wanted him to discover and so he continued his search.

Some further searching revealed a book the size of a small notebook titled ?The Perfect Spell for any Situation?, looking inside it Crono noticed it had only one page in it and that page had nothing on it. Even though it looked worthless Crono couldn't help but think he might have use for it sometime in the future. Desperately searching through paper after paper looking for something - anything - that could be what Harry had referred to.

He picked up a large leather clad book, with a metal spine and ran his hands through the pages. Without warning a small piece of paper floated to the ground; it looked like it had been plucked out of a book and the paper had a yellowish and worn look about it. Just before the piece of paper hit the stone floor Crono plucked it out of mid-air and brought it up to viewing height, where he noticed several lines of small printed words, which read:

A sworn adversary who becomes an ally,
A treacherous path one must take,
An epoch, a moment, an instance in time,
When improbable sources are brought together,
For a cause known by few but desired by many,
Unbearable sacrifices for what remains true,
Death and deceit for those involved in despotism,
Brought together by one, moved forward by many,
His providence folklore to those in the know,
A fate that is finalised when ---

Crono read these words slowly trying to take them all in, to him they sounded a lot like a prophecy but the end of it wasn't there. Why wasn't the whole prophecy included? Surely it would help him on his way. He checked and double-checked the back of the piece of paper just in case the end appeared on the back but he had no such luck. A good fifteen minutes he spent desperately searching for the ending to a most puzzling turn of events. Eventually with papers skewed all over the table he gave up on his search and then a big smile formed over Crono's young face. Engraved into the desk, with what must have been one very sharp knife were the words:

It does not do well to know more of one's future than can be helped

He should've known, shaking his head he decided it was probably time to leave Harry's office; he pocketed the piece of paper containing the prophecy and turned to leave. He realised he still had no idea what "promesory" was and hadn't seen anything that was likely to help in on Harry's desk. Wondering just what "promesory" was he turned and decided to leave. Before he'd even managed two steps a yellow letter came flying from a strange box hanging from the roof that Crono hadn't noticed before. The epistle flew straight into Crono's face and stuck itself desperately to his eyebrows. With a ever so slight grimace he ripped it off and with the help of a small knife he kept in his back pocket he tared it open to reveal the contents within. Slipping his knife back into his back pocket, Crono opened the small letter and read:

Dear Crono,
If you receive this letter I'm assuming you've got no idea what "Promesory" is. Which isn't all the surprising because I gave you no hints to what it was and didn't leave you anything that would help. Nevertheless, I figured I should inform you that "Promesory" is a magic spell, what it does I'll leave to you to find out but I suggest when you decide to use it that you are in a large field, the result can be messy otherwise. There is a decent field a couple of kilometres away from the foundation of the mountain. I've charmed this letter to lead the way.
Good luck with everything, I'm sure you'll do just fine.
your mate Harry

With a quick grin and a shake of the head he squashed the letter into his pockets, which were now getting rather full and finally inaugurated his exit from Harry's office. Down the long hallways he went until he reached the room near the cave opening where he had taken refuge for the past few months. With a tricky little charm he fashioned a blockade analogous to the one Harry had created the very night they met.

With the harsh and biting wind blocked from its standard itinerary Crono settled down on his bed. As he lay there in silence he noted how truly quiet the cave was, almost unnerving in fact and he resolved to exit the cave early the next day and find the large field Harry had mentioned in his letter. With these deliberations running through his head he slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning was a bright and sunny one. Sun streamed thought the clear red barrier protecting the cave entrance, making rainbow coloured shadows on the cave floor. The wet floor and several of the puddles had dried up and for the first time in a while Crono thought that it?d be a nice day. With a slightly burdensome heart Crono pulled himself out of bed to face the troubles that life would bring without Harry there to help. Looking around the cave, Crono could feel himself getting caught up with all the many memorable events that had occurred whilst he lived in this cave. It was this more than anything that fixed his resolve to leave the cave and sort out the large field that Harry has written of. The cave was depressing and disheartening and Crono felt he'd be better off leaving - even if it was only for a short while.

After a short cold shower, which was merely a hole in the ground where the bewitched ceiling allowed for a water to flow from it - but it seemed that the bewitchment was in need of updating as there was no longer any warm water - Crono got dressed in his cleanest pair of pants and a worn through jumper and some socks which had seen much better days. In his pockets he kept his trusty pocket knife and a small handgun - Harry had stored all his muggle weapons away when Crono had arrived but he had regained access to them a short while ago. He kept his wand pointing upright in one of his jumper pockets. Once upon a time he'd kept it in his pants but Harry had warned him in no uncertain terms the alarming possibility of blasting off one's buttocks, it wasn't something Crono was willing to risk.

Finally, Crono packed himself a sleeping bag and change of clothes, plus a couple of sandwiches which were almost stale. He shrunk his back pack with a clever little charm he knew and placed it safely in his pocket. With a final look around the cave Crono dissolved the barrier protecting the cave's opening from entry and proceeded out into the sunlight. His body was suddenly enriched by the warm sun and Crono began his descent down the mountain.

The last time he'd seen the mountain had been where he was climbing it in a storm many months ago; he was surprised to see the undergrowth was now proving a problem to his trip as time and time again he found he had to stop and blast the shrubs and bushes out of the way. The sun was beating down as Crono had expected and it was hampering his eyesight. About an hour into his trip he stopped for a drink break. He conjured a small seat and poured half a glass of water into a noticeably grimy glass. The water was cool and refreshing and he took this break to look out to the horizon. Prior to the horizon Crono could see a giant battling a dragon over what appeared to be a lifeless cow's cadaver. It was the first time Crono could remember seeing a dragon being beaten as the giant - who was at least twenty-five feet tall - swung a hefty tree into the dragon's midsection.

It was strange to think that he'd essentially left the real world months ago but on his return, nothing appeared to have changed, the forest was still beautiful, animals still battled over the most trivial of things. Unfortunately Crono didn't realise how truly erroneous he was. Far away things were on the move, the tide had shifted and people didn't know where to turn, hope had been lost and the government was in a particularly assertive and tyrannical mood. The mercenaries - with Harry - had finally returned to their base and his arrival was hailed with a vindictive pleasure. The moment Harry had appeared under their control the word had spread, it was no longer safe for wizards and witches alike. The government was finally demonstrating it's true colours - colours that wizards had been aware of for years but muggles had been oblivious to. Spies on every corner, men in shadows ready to impose their wills on anyone out of line. What had once been a tranquil livelihood for muggles had turned into the ultimate despotic state.

For the moment however, Crono was blissfully unaware of the outside world, which if he'd given enough thought to he would have realised that it should?ve changed markedly the moment Harry was brought in. With that he stood and packed away his drink and with a wave of his wand his seat disappeared. Only a few steps after commencing his trip he stopped and shook his head. How asinine he'd been, why was he walking down the mountain when he could simply apparate? With a grin he stepped to the edge of his trail and looked down below. If his eyes didn't deceive him there was a small watering hole directly beneath him, with some desiccated land which should be simple enough to disparate to.

He stood still and held his wand out, focusing his mind on the dry terrain beneath him. As his thoughts focused the environment surrounding him dissolved around him. Colours combined and for a split second he couldn't see a thing, as quickly as it begun though it had stopped and Crono found himself directly beneath where he once was, standing about five feet from the dried up water hole. Surreal was the best word Crono could use to describe apparating, the focus, dissolving and recreation of environments. It only too a second at the most to occur but it was a bizarre thing to undergo at the very least.

Devoid of hesitation Crono continued on his expedition and headed in the direction he thought the open field would be in. After about a half hour he reached into his pants and pulled out the letter, which immediately jumped out of his hands and floated along in front of him in the direction he had been walking. Onwards he progressed for a couple of hours at least, only stopping to sneak by a large spider that was rummaging for food. It finally seemed like the letter had ceased its merciless trek and Crono hastened to catch up to it. The letter lingered for a couple of seconds before bursting into blue flames and shredding into a hundred pieces.

"So this is it? Nice one Harry," he said slowly. Crono was standing in a clearing which to his estimations would have been about three by four feet. Not exactly Crono's interpretation of an open field. Crono supposed that Harry was just being humorous but he was at a lost to explain what was so significant about this lot of land, it appeared to be no clearer than a hundred others he'd passed along the way. He did however notice four evenly spread trees on the small field's perimeter; each was at right angles to the one parallel.

With a nervous left hand he pulled out his wand, which shone in the dazzling sunlight. A sense of wonderment filled his head as he wondered what would happen when he said the magic words; he truly had no idea what was going to happen. Closing his eyes slowly and with a quick flick of his wand he cast the spell.

"Promesory!" he hissed, opening his eyes he saw bright gold light fire out of his outstretched wand. As he looked around the light - which by this stage had stopped coming out of his wand - had formed a large cube around his body, each of the four trees on the perimeter of the exceptionally small field were joined by the bright light. It towered metres above him and Crono stood in awe and amazement at the beautiful sight, it was the most wonderful and mesmerising thing he'd ever seen. He cube of light danced around in a circle and Crono felt his wand pulling his hand up above his head - it was impossible to resist, the power of the force much greater than anything he'd previously known. With his hand outstretched above his head another beam of light - this time silver - fired straight up into the air. In the process Crono was knocked off his feet, by the time he picked himself up though, the dazzling lights had subsided and Crono was left in the cramped field, all alone; seemingly nothing had happened.

Then without warning Crono heard an almighty crack and someone tripped over his feet, tumbling head over heels. This crack was followed by a series of cracking sound, which sounded to Crono like someone had been cooking popcorn but realising that every crack lead to the appearance of a new person he became slightly worried as the field was so small but to his amazement as the bodies piled around him the field grew until it was at least three hundred feet squared. When the final crack occurred and one individual appeared in a tree Crono realised that there was at least a hundred men and women sprawled out in what had once been a very tiny field. Crono could see the individuals getting ungainly to their feet.

"So, what the hell's going on here?"

"What's going on?"

"Who called?"

"Harry! What happened to him?"

It was pandemonium as the hundred or so witches and wizards attempted to get to their feet.

"You stepped on my head Henrietta!"

"You're very lucky I didn't step there George."

The dazzling sunlight made it difficult to make out what people looked like but Crono tried his best. After about a minute the hundred or so individuals were standing in a huge field, Crono thought it ironic that only a couple of minutes ago he was standing alone in a field barely large enough to comfortably fit him. Slowly he walked through the crowds, witches were muttering quietly amongst themselves and some of the wizards were laughing heartily. Crono supposed that they were waiting for someone to take charge and he naturally assumed it was meant to be him but suddenly he found himself mute and nervous. Unable to think of anything worthwhile to say he waited in hope for someone else to take charge. Suddenly a large balding wizard shouted from amidst a larger group.

"Who called us and why are we here? And how come Harry is locked away?" Crono tentatively stepped towards the wizard, although no one noticed his movements at first. Suddenly people took notice and stepped out his way as the diminutive figure made his way toward the wizard who had spoken. Arriving before his Crono was startled at the shear size of the man, he stood at least seven feet tall, with a weathered greying goatee. His head was completely bald and Crono estimated he was probably fifty years old give or take a few years. At the best of times Crono was not a tall individual - he was about five foot eight - but standing next to this leviathan of a man he felt like he was no larger than a small child.

Tentatively Crono said "I was the one who called you."

"You? And who are you?"

"My name is Crono."

"And why did you call us?" growled the man as he stared down aggressively at Crono.

"I have been in contact with Harry for sometime, he taught me exclusively over a couple of month's period."

"So it is your fault that he is caught and you want our help to save him? HOO...you're on your own kid."

"That wasn't what I said, it was Harry's idea to be captured and taken away."

"That's ridiculous, you're lying to us kid!"

"No - no I'm not -" and Crono attempted to explain the full unbelievable tale to those watching, with consistent and unnecessary interruption from the aggressive looking wizard with a goatee. The rest of the crowd stood noiselessly, barely a whisper was to be heard. When he finally finished, the crowd - quiet for so long - began muttering amongst themselves. Crono couldn't hear much of it but what he heard sounded promising.

"I can't believe Harry sacrificed himself for the rest of us."

"Just when you think he can't surprise us again he finds a way."

"Knowing him for so many years, I'm not surprised by his actions."

Of course there were individuals who had negative reactions to the news, like the massive wizard who had vigorously questioned Crono earlier. Crono found out his name was Turippa and Crono heard him say "I suppose he expects us to risk our lives to save him? He always was a fool. Well I for one will do no such thing." It had been coming for some time but suddenly Crono just snapped, he wasn't going to stand there and let this stupid individual speak of Harry in such a way.

"If it wasn't for Harry the likes of you would now be dead!"

"And with an attitude like yours you soon will be!" growled Turippa in reply. Crono stepped forward and did what was perhaps the dumbest thing he'd ever done; he shoved Turippa in the chest. He barely took a step back from the shove and instantly picked Crono up by the scruff of his shirt and dangled him a foot from the ground.

"Listen you little upstart, Harry might think the sun shines out of your arse but around here things are done my way. Understand?" He didn't wait for an answer and dropped Crono back to the ground. With a stumble and a quick glance behind Crono hurried away. Looking around he observed that either the other witches and wizards hadn't noticed or were too scared to make a stand.

Chapter 6:

It didn't take a genius to work out that things were not going to plan. He knew little of this Turippa character but enough to know he was feared by the other wizards. Was this a problem Harry had not foreseen? Crono suspected it probably wasn't and perhaps it was an obstacle that he had to pass. Either way the prospect didn't excite him. Without warning there was a noise that sounded like someone clearing their throat and Crono saw quite clearly that Turippa was getting ready to speak.

"It is apparent that what this kid has told us is in fact a horde of deliberate lies. I highly doubt that Harry has been caught and even more so that he trained our little boy scout to take down our Government; but it is now getting quite late and cold and travelling may not be safe so I say we set up a few anti-muggle perimeters and build a few tents and stay the night." With that he turned back around and inaugurated a conversation with a few unruly looking young men.

Crono though, was unwilling to leave it at that. He was now standing fifty yards from the position where he gave his initial speech.

"Can I have your attention?" There was a few mutterings and a majority of the crowd turned and faced him, Turippa turned and if looks could kill Crono would have been.

"Harry, sacrificed himself for the good of his fellow wizards, he is being held captive by the Government as I told you and as the newspapers are reporting. If we don't save him and take the battle to the Government. We risk extinction from life as we know it. Do you not want to live life with the knowledge that you are safe? Do you not want to take back what is rightfully yours? The right to live. Are you not sick of taking orders from individuals who have no idea what they are talking about?" With that he gave a small nod towards Turippa, who had turned a slight shade of purple, "I for one want my right to live back!" There was some heavy muttering and some scattered applause when Crono finished. Turippa however stepped in.

"Were you not once an Auror?" he began.

"Yes, I was trained as an Auror but how did you know that?"

"Ten months ago you came after me, you invaded my house and you and your comrades killed my wife. I however was able to escape with my life and I swore if it was the last thing I'd do that I'd kill the *******s who took my whole world away!"

"I apologise in regards to that incident but the *******s you desire to kill are not the Aurors who do their jobs but the individuals that give the orders. I am after them too, we occupy the same side!" replied Crono.

"I'd watch my back lad, you're no friend of mine," seethed Turippa.

"Nor do I have any desire to be," said Crono, as he turned his back and marched out of the crowd, which had swarmed forward as the conversation had become heated. Pulling out his wand and with a quick wave a small yellow tent appeared, it would take a good half hour to get it set up but he realised that he needed time to settle down. Things certainly weren't going to plan but in hindsight how could they when he once hunted the very people he wanted to trust him. How many would side with him? Would they be willing to follow the decisions of a man they thought might turn on them at any time? Perhaps they wouldn't wait and kill him off in his sleep. Crono was filled with troubling thoughts and things didn't look like getting any better. As he finished putting his tent up the crowd begun to separate and Crono could see them performing anti-muggle incantations over every square inch of land. Some of them were already setting up their tents and Crono saw Turippa set his up on the opposite side of the field to Crono.

It didn't take him long to notice but his tent was pretty much on its own. He heard several disgruntled wizards walk by and exclaim that they 'didn't trust the new kid but he seems to be trusted by Harry so we'll bear with him.' Crono could only hope that this opinion was held by the others. At least this way he would still have co-operation regardless of how malcontent it was. It was at best soothing to know that people may have believed his word over the dreadful Turippa.

It wasn’t long before Crono was ready to hit the sack. The tent which he had constructed was particularly impressive with three bedrooms, large family room, double shower and a brilliant rosewood fireplace. It was far more comfortable than Harry’s cave but at the moment he’d rather be in the damp and squalid cave with Harry than in a warm tent in a large field without him. Lying there silently – on his back with the doona pulled high – he couldn’t help thinking about the days events most noticeably Turippa. As much as he hated the man he couldn’t help but see his position, Crono’s team had killed his wife. It was with these thoughts that he went to sleep.

He was standing outside a small house; smoke was billowing from the chimney top. Crono could see men around him, whispering – orders were being sent. Crono held his weapon tightly, a powerful heat-seeking semi-automatic.

“On the count of three we break down the door,” whispered a man to his left, Crono couldn’t see his face because it was covered by a dark mask. All the men were in black from top to bottom, in the dark of the night they couldn’t be seen. Crono then heard himself speak but his voice was of a higher pitch, younger than he was now used to.

“Are you sure John? The door gives them the most time to escape. Perhaps a window would be better?”

“All the windows are shut tight and it would take us too long to enter through them. If we use the door we can all enter the house in a matter of seconds, this whole ordeal would be over in a matter of seconds,” replied a man who must have been John.

“I can see them through the front window, the two of them are sitting on the ground looking at what appears to be a plasma television – I haven’t seen one of them since I was a young child,” said a man matter of factly, he was standing a good six feet in front of Crono and was peaking through the front window.

“Ok, we attack through the front door when I say go. Speed is the key, to our benefit this house has what Goyle referred to as ‘anti-apparation’ perimeters. I’m not sure what they are but they supposedly give us the edge.” When John had finished whispering the group bunched together at the front door, moving quietly. They were reading themselves for the final push; this man was infamous for killing ten men five years ago in a previous attack on him. Crono and his team were cautious – as they always were – and they knew this attack was particularly important.

“On the count of three –“came the order, “One, two, THREE!” It was pandemonium as the troops kicked down the door and charged through the doorway. There first targets were sources of light, the darker they could make the surroundings the better. Rampant bullet fire and suddenly they were in complete darkness except for a few lights in the next room. Crono could hear shouting and more gun fire from behind him as he moved forward; it would only be a matter of seconds before they came face to face with the enemy.

“Get out of here! I’ll try and hold them off whilst you make a run for it. Get yourself to the forest and wait for me, if I don’t arrive in ten minutes get yourself into town. Understand?”

Whether she understood or not Crono never knew, the moment the man had drawn breath Crono and his fellow mercenaries stormed into the room. Gun fire ensured there on in. Crono never got to fire a bullet but he witnessed at least twenty bullets rip through the body of the woman, who was had been standing infront of her husband. The entire event occurred in only a matter of seconds but the realisation of events would take an eternity. Bullet after bullet ruptured mercifully through bare flesh, the first few of which resulted in a cry of pain, those thereafter not a sound to be heard. With a crash the body hit the ground – already long dead – amongst litres of dark burgundy blood. Kneeling in shadow over the raw comatose and lifeless body was her husband.

Weapons were held high and pointed directly at his heart, it was part of the honour of the Auror’s guild that they gave the widowed a short time to grieve before finishing the job, this man’s time would come soon. With a slight shift of his head he stared directly at his wives killers. Little did Crono know the ideas forming in his head for if he did he would’ve reacted far quicker. With his hands moving quickly to his pants he pulled out a long thin stream of wood and with a rapid muttering of words Crono could not understand and streams of intense red and purple light sprung forth from the flimsy piece of wood hitting several of the mercenaries in the chest. Without a sound the targeted men fell to the ground unconscious, down to only eight men gunfire suddenly illuminated the scene once more. With a quick side roll the man dodged the gunfire and fired off a few more rounds of red and purple light before uttering some words that Crono was able to catch.

“AVADA KEDAVRA!!!” Powerful green heated enjoy came from the tip of the piece of wood. Crono moved just in time and it missed him by millimetres. The light struck a man directly behind him, there was a rushing sound, a seizing of muscles and the formerly healthy individual was sprawled out on the floor dead. Two more streams of green light came from the man, who remained crouched in the corner, dodging constant rounds of gunfire. One of the streams hit another member of Crono’s team and like before he crumbled to the ground dead, the other stream hit an already dead body.

Crono realised that he was now the only one left; he had one round of bullets left and a reckless maniac crouched ten feet behind him. He knew what he had to do and he steeled his nerves to do so. The piece of wood was the key, destroy it and you win; fail and you’re dead. Crono rolled out from behind the couch where he’d been hidden in battle at the same time that the man stepped out into the open from the hallway which had protected him. Once again green light launched itself out of the piece of wood but this time it was inaccurate and it the wall. What followed was like a mini explosion, the room crumbled around them; walls collapsed and Crono took cover under a large and solid looking oak table. Rubble fell all around him and it was with great difficulty that he found his way out. He couldn’t see the enemy and everything around him was hazy and gloomy. Straining desperately to see anything he noticed sudden movement along the ground. The man was scrambling toward his weapon; as quick as lightning Crono holstered his weapon and shot three bullets directly at the piece of wood. It shattered into a hundred pieces and the man stood resigning to defeat; hands raised. Crono suddenly noticed the sheer size of the man; he was a massive towering figure. Gaunt eyes and a determined face greeted him and Crono hesitated, he didn’t know why, he couldn’t explain why but he did and then Crono’s subconscious realised what he was looking at; Turippa and the brutal and unnecessary slaying of his wife.

Crono didn’t wake up with a jolt, although his heart was thumping at a startling rate; he simply opened his eyes and sat up. His surrounding were completely dark and it took him a moment or two to comprehend where he was. He sat there on his bed in his tent for a few minutes before standing up. All he knew was that he needed to take a long walk, where he didn’t know.

Walking out into the open night, there was a cool breeze and a full moon, which lit up the contiguous forest beautifully. There was now tents everywhere throughout the open field, and there was almost a complete silence – a few chirping birds were the only noise to be heard. Walking silently between the tents he could hear the odd snore and rustling of a sheet or two. Unconcerned he continued to walk, not truly paying any attention to what was going on around him, he was far to concerned with his dream and the memory of what had happened. Throughout his two years as a affiliate of the aurors he’d executed a great amount of people but none of them had survived and no one could distinguished who he was or what he had done. Turippa’s existence complicated things; Crono didn’t like him but could he really blame his attitude?

The two had stood toe to toe, looked into each others eyes and at the time that was it; in the heat of battle they were merely enemies, separated only by their wills to win but then he had disappeared into the night and Crono hadn’t hunted him like his instincts insisted he should. It was the first time he had faltered in battle and was perhaps the turning point of his whole career in that agency. From that moment on he lost direction and espousal amongst his colleagues, when you come back from a assignment with eleven bodies in your ships freezer questions are asked and generally it does little for your reputation and in the world that he lived in today reputation meant everything. Harry’s reputation meant everyone was secure whilst he remained as a shining example of all that was good and sound in the old world; his capture would leave the world a shadow of what it was – although Crono had yet to realise this – and Crono’s very reputation could very well make or break the mission that stood towering over him.

Without paying to much attention he’d walked out of the field where all the tents lay. The forest surrounding him was dense and the light from the full moon couldn’t find its way through. Little more than a hundred metres ahead thought there was light and the unmistakable sound of human voices speaking far too loud and jovial for this hour of the morning. Crono crept forward, trying to make as little noise as possible although it wouldn’t have mattered if he’d been running for the people were talking so loudly they would never had heard his approach. He came to be merely ten feet from the small clearing and hid behind a large oak tree, which could conceal his entire body. Peaking out from the left hand side of the massive trunk Crono could see three individuals chatting.

“So he wasn’t happy? What’s he going to do?” asked a slender man with dark hair and white shirt who had his back turned to Crono.

“He just said he’d strike when the time was right and make an example of him,” replied a large dark skinned fellow who pants were ripped. He was staring straight at Crono, although there was no way he could see him, his face was completely mangled and his voice was strange and arduous as if every word took a lot of effort. “If he’d allow I’d do it myself, a few years ago I had a run in with his lot.”

“Really?” replied the first man Crono had heard talking.

“Of course I did, you don’t think I always looked like this do you?” said the second man angrily, as he finished he threw a stray punch, which missed by a good ten centimetres the man’s he was talking to head.

“Come on mate you’ve had enough to drink,” said the third man wisely, he’d got to his feet and was trying to lift his friend up who had tumbled onto the ground, “There you go, get to your feet.” With the help of the other guy they got the clearly intoxicated man to his feet, he swayed apprehensively but appeared to gain his balance.

“I’m gonna get that kid I am, me and him we’ll get him and beat him because it’s his fault things are as they are and it’s our fault we let it get that way.” It was at that moment that the three men came walking towards Crono as they headed back to the camp site. Crono quickly but silently dived to his left as the men slowly walked past him.

A week or two passed without anything happening. Crono was on alert and had barely slept a moment during this time. Tired and increasingly paranoid he spent his days working out, honing his magical powers – along with the other witches and wizards. This was how the lot of them used their time, getting ready for the final push that would involve setting things right in the world once more. Although he’d stopped paying that much attention Crono had to admit for every talented wizard there were five who were no more than mediocre, that said they could’ve clearly improved for Crono was becoming so self-indulgent that he moved in little more than a daze from dust to dawn.

This sunny afternoon Crono was trading blows with an elderly witch. Spell after spell he ducked, side-stepped and blocked without too much difficulty and found himself telling the woman to ‘hold your wand firm and slightly tilted to block a stunning spell’ and ‘you need to side-step that spell and retaliate with the body binding spell’. A sudden loss of concentration however, lead to a stunning spell beating his defences and he was thrown back unconscious onto the grassy knoll behind him. The darkness and bleakness was revitalizing and for a precious few moments Crono was in a state where he had no worries, no problems and life was as good as could be. Then suddenly and rather stupidly his eyes opened and the bright sunlight made his eyes wept. The elderly woman helped him to his feet and then materialised a large wooden log on which they could sit for a few minutes.

“Take a seat and have a breather. What’s the matter? You don’t usually have any problems blocking my spells,” said the woman kindly.

“Just got a few things on my mind that’s all, nothing to be worried about. If you’re ready we’ll begin practicing again.”

“No, no I think that’s all for the day. Why don’t we have a little chat? I’ve been practicing with you for three days and we haven’t so much spoken a word to each other.”

“I haven’t really been in the mood, plus nearly everyone thinks I’m nuts,” replied Crono angrily.

“I don’t,” said the woman thoughtfully, “I believe everything you’ve said.”

“You do? But why?”

“Let’s just say that I’m well informed, I know the right people and have the right connections.” She smiled at Crono and he felt a sudden burst of affection towards her. Standing up and motioning that she was about to leave she said, “My names Ms. Granger, if you need someone to talk to don’t be afraid to see me.” And on that note she turned and walked back to her tent, located some 40 yards from Crono’s.

That night was just like every other one these days, sleepless but quiet. Crono probably got an hours sleep, slightly more than the night before but hardly enough to face the world in the state he would need to if he was going to succeed in the task ahead. Getting to his feet, he performed a trickly little charm that allowed him to take a shower, clothed himself and readied himself for another day in which he would practice spells with another witch or wizard or on the other hand be fighting for his very life.

At least a month had passed since Crono had brought together all the witches and wizards of Great Britain and still nobody had come to get him. Crono was beginning to think that he’d just imaged it although common sense told him otherwise. Of course what was said might only have been said because the man was drunk but still Crono wasn’t willing to take chances.
It was now early morning and if he wasn’t mistaken there were the sounds of owl’s wings outside. The group had secretly been getting the newspaper delivered in order to keep up with what was happening in the outside world, it had come in quite handy even though one suspects that many of the articles were not being completely truthful. At that moment a tawny coloured blasted through Crono’s tent and landed playfully by his side, after paying the owl it flew off and Crono was forced to fix the little doorway which the owl had almost destroyed. Flipping open the paper Crono was startled to find the front-page headline which read:

Secret Society Readying to Overthrow the Government

The Nightly Telegraph can exclusively reveal today that there is a secret organisation brewing somewhere in the forests outside of the city of London. The Government have announced that a public gathering will be held to discuss what to do about these foul terrorists who endanger everything that society has worked towards for the best part of the last hundred. It is believed however that their motivation could be to rescue Harry Potter, a member of the Governments MOST WANTED list for the best part of fifty years and believed to be the leader of this rogue unit.

In a press release a high ranking Government official told people ‘Do not panic, we will fight these no-gooders with full force and drive them back to hell where they belong. You can rest assured that we will not stop until this group is disbanded and eradicated!” This announcement was greeted with enthusiasm by the community who were up in arms about rumours of war and fighting within the city walls.

In other Government happenings they were quick to deny rumours that the previously referred to Harry Potter had killed seventeen guards after they accidently removed his ‘Uginator’ – a device used to control criminals whilst imprisoned – when moving him to a different holding spot.
- Youdle Von Knottingham, reporting from the Governments Offices.

Crono flicked through the rest of the paper and found nothing of great interest although the Government was claiming to have increased individuals wages by 40%, which had been greeted by very favourable responses by the people. Unfortunately they hadn’t noticed that taxes had increased by 30% and inflation by 15% which actually made them worse off than before. Seconds later Crono heard what he’d predicted would have happened, screams came from around the camp site. Crono thought they were insane, if the Government was looking for them why would you help them by screaming as loud as you could? Crono got to his feet and wandered out of his tent into the open, it was a sunny but cold morning and people were running around in all directions. He noticed Turippa emerge from his large tent and knew what would come next. Turippa’s booming voice stopped everyone in their tracks – including Crono.

“I trust that everyone has read the newspaper?” he asked, there was a general nodding motion throughout the crowd, which had gathered closer together since he started speaking.

“I don’t need to remind you that there is really only one way that the Government could’ve found out about our operations and that’s through a spy! I don’t need to remind you that one member of our associates is a former Government Auror, trained to kill us all one by one.”

There was tumult at these comments and not in partiality of Crono as he had hoped. It was however understandable given the Crono was the one outsider amongst the wizards, who had been battling for their lives for years and the news that there was someone connected to the outside struck fear throughout them like little else could. Crono himself was particularly fearful and as he looked around the group he couldn’t help but speculate who it could be. Crono expected what would come next but didn’t prepare for the occurrence. Wizards typically dealt with their problems through duelling and Crono felt certain that this is what would follow.

“I’ve had my doubts as to the reliability of our young warrior since we first met; his allegiance appears split between what he was born and what he became. I say we rid ourselves of this problem right now!”

This was met with an alarming amount of approval and before Crono had even placed his hands within his robes Turippa – advancing quickly – had whipped out his wand and sent a stunner directly at him. Crono quickly ducked out of the way and found his wand. Standing up again, he found himself ten yards away from Turippa with the rest of the crowd standing around and watching attentively. What became noticeable to Crono during these moments was that everyone was clearly scared of Turippa, nobody had ever questioned his authority and it seemed that only one individual – the old lady that he’d been sparring with earlier – was willing to this time, although she was being held back by two individuals.

“I’m now going to do what I should’ve done years ago!” growled Turippa, hand clenched tightly around his wand. Crono however was not going to take things lying down and sent a stunner at his foe, forcing him to move out of the way. This seemingly started the battle for no longer was their any pleasantries. Crono and Turippa ran, jumped, ducked and blocked as they sent a flurry of spells at each other, the two of them were quite evenly matched although Crono had noticed from the very beginning that Turippa’s spells appeared to have more force.

Crono jumped and rolled behind a tree to dodge a spell which he’d never seen before, the purple light hit the grass and it erupted into frames. There were a number of little spot fires around the battle area as a result of spells that had missed their target.

“Stop hiding behind the tree you’ll only extend the pain longer.” There was laughing at this comment from several of what were probably Turippa’s friends. Crono hadn’t any intention of hiding; it wasn’t the way he fought but he had to work out someway to give himself an advantage in his fight. Suddenly a plan formed in his brain as branches kept falling around him from the spells Turippa was sending at the tree.

He dived to his left, leaving the protection of the tree behind him. Turippa hadn’t reacted quickly enough as he had just fired another spell at the tree, which hit it so hard the tree swayed and then cracked throughout the middle before crashing to the ground. Taking the window of opportunity Crono lifted his wand high.

“ACCIO WAND!”

Crono saw Turippa’s wand slip from his grasp and float through the air, he noticed Turippa’s fear at what had happened and he felt a feeling of happiness that he hadn’t experienced for a long time. He’d won, he’d defeated the giant oaf and finally things would be right again. Turippa’s wand landed gently in Crono’s fingertips and an unambiguous grin formed on his face. Turippa’s demeanour had changed unmistakably; gone was the confidence and swagger that typically defined him. He was now looking around for help although Crono felt certain none would come, that was not the way duels were fought.

“S-so what are you going to do to me now?” he asked timidly.

“Part of me says I should banish you for your stupidity, the other half recognises that in battle the more soldiers we have the more likely we’ll be victorious.”

“It’s a shame for you that I don’t have that other half,” he replied a slightly twisted grin forming on his face. From behind him Crono heard movement but before he could turn around he heard the words “Petrificus Totalus!” The spell hit him in the centre of the back and immediately his muscles began to tense up until he was as stiff as a board, he watched desperately as the two wands he had held tumbled to the grass below and anxiously tried to cry out for help but his jaw wouldn’t move. Everyone was just watching, not moving; this wasn’t the way it was meant to happen. Duels were one on one, no unfair play involved. Now he was forced to stand still and wait for what was to come unless someone came from nowhere to save him.

Turippa suddenly got to his feet and his giant body towered over the diminutive Crono. He could hear several of what he assumed were Turippa’s partners laughing behind him. Had this always been planned? Was this how they’d planned to get him all along? And was it them that had traded information to the government to essentially frame him? Crono wasn’t to know for sure but what he did know was that he was now in deep trouble. Turippa squatted down so that they met at eyelevel.

“Good night,” he whispered and with that he raised his right fist, connecting the follow through with Crono’s left cheek. With a silent scream of pain, Crono’s body feel to the ground with a thud, where he lay unconscious.

Chapter 7:

“He did a good job didn’t he; lucky you stopped him in time. Goodness knows what could’ve happened.”

“Keep the noise down darling, and just continue to dab the wounds with the towel; you might want to use some ice too.”

“Ok, is he going to be alright though? He looks terrible.”

“He’ll be fine, a little sore and sorry for himself but ok.”

As if through a badly tuned radio Harry could hear two women speaking, one he knew quite well and another that he’d never heard before. He wasn’t sure where he was but he was content to lay there in silence for the moment and listen carefully to what was happening. He could hear movement and shuffling around him, he felt certain that there were only two people with him – at least that was all he could hear. He felt the smooth and comforting feel of hands running across his face and then a towel being placed a little above his left eye but suddenly the feeling of tranquillity was lost as a sensational feeling of pain erupted across his eye, for the first time since he’d regained consciousness he felt the full affect of the bruising that he must have received earlier, although the details remains slightly sketchy.

Crono lurched forward, flailing his arms wildly in front of him. One body was thrown to the floor amidst the following commotion and Crono somehow managed to fall of the bed that had been supporting him.

“Bloody hell!” Crono exclaimed as he attempted to regain his footing, his hands were placed perilously over the left hand side of his face, which from first impression was heavily bruised and beaten.

“Oh dear Crono, what happened? Aylie, what did you do?” came a voice that had just entered the room, it was a voice that Crono knew quite well, the voice of the elderly Ms. Granger.

“I didn’t do anything, I was just doing as you said and he went completely nuts,” replied a younger voice that Crono assumed was the girl named Aylie.

“Alright Crono, just take a seat,” said Ms. Granger as she helped Crono back onto the bed, “Now just remove your hands from your eyes so I can see how everything is. Good boy.” Crono removed his hands slowly; his face was still stinging and was far from helped by the recent events.

“Now can you open your eyes?” Crono – with a great deal of effort – managed to open his eyes ever so slightly, the effort caused a great deal of pain but Crono managed to keep them open long enough for Ms. Granger to have a look at him.

“At least it’s not as bad as it was yesterday, the bruising is coming along nicely,” she said. Crono’s eyesight was extremely indistinct but he was able to get some idea of where he was. The room he was in seemed to be some sort of tent, probably Ms. Grangers, Crono imagined. He was sitting on top of a bed with white sheets and sitting opposite to him – just behind Ms. Granger – was what seemed to be a younger girl, with long brown hair, although Crono couldn’t be certain. None of this however was particularly important to Crono at the present time as the pain in his cheek stung throughout his entire face.

“Take a bite of this,” said Ms. Granger and handed something into his outstretched hand.

“What is it?” replied Crono in a voice most unlike his own, it sounded damaged and subconsciously taken back by what was happening.

“Just some chocolate dear; it’ll make you feel better,” she said with an affectionate smile that went from her mouth all the way to the wrinkles on her forehead. With that Crono took a bite of the chocolate and immediately his body felt warm and for the first time since he regained consciousness he felt at peace.

“Now you should really have a little sleep and when you are feeling well again, I have some very important things to tell you. I’ll leave Aylie here to look after you and please try not to hit her again.”

Several hours later Crono awoke, he was fare more composed and relaxed now than he was before and he lay there quietly with his eyes closed for a few moments. Like before he could hear the voices of two individuals – this time speaking in whispers – as they went about their business. Slowly he pulled himself into a sitting position and looked around the room. Looking around he recognised that no-one had noticed that he was now awake. His eyesight was significantly better and he could now make out his surroundings without any problems. He was correct in his previous conclusion that he was inside a tent. It appeared quite luxurious with dimensions that surely couldn’t represent its exterior. At this point the elderly Ms Granger came into the room with a couple of cups and what looked like hot chocolate.

“I see that you’re up. How was the sleep?”

“It was good, I feel heaps better,” Crono replied happily. They both drank his hot chocolate in silence and when they had finished he had finished he placed his cup down on the tray and gave Ms Granger a deep and searching look.

“Before I went to sleep you said you had some very important things to tell me,” he asked tentatively. With deliberation she took her time answering as if she was willing herself to proceed but wary in how to do so.

“I will but not now, it’s far to dangerous for the information to get into the wrong hands and considering that it’s clear we have a traitor in the midst we need to careful in our proceedings.” All of this seemed to take her a great effort and Crono got the distinct feeling that she’d prefer to be doing anything but explaining whatever she thought was important for him to know.

“Then can you at least tell me how I got here?”

“Of course; I’m not sure if you remember but Turippa performed a body-binding spell on you and then whilst you couldn’t move he punched you -” she began.

“How could I forget that?” Crono replied angrily, the memory – although cloudy – remained at the very forefront of his mind.

“As I was saying, he punched you and you lost consciousness. After that he continued his physical assault until I used a levitation charm to fly you out of danger before blasting Turippa into a tree.”

“And he allowed you to get away with this?” asked Crono dumbfounded.

“Of course.”

“But how?”

“Let’s just say he owes me, he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for me. Although he hates you he won’t harm you whilst you are in connection with me, which is the case now,” she replied. Crono tried to take all of this in. He assumed that Ms Granger had somehow saved Turippa’s life at some stage creating a magical bond that bounded the two together. The most troubling part was why she would save him and this was a question he had to ask.

“Ms Granger -” he began.

“Call me Hermione dear,” she replied.

“Um … Hermione, why did you save him?” She looked at him for a second and then stood up and began tidying the dresser in the corner.

“For all his faults Turippa was and remains an excellent wizard. You and he share more in common that you’re probably aware. You were both trained by Harry for one. I suspect that some of his hatred comes from jealousy as well. He doesn’t know why Harry trusted you with such an important assignment when there were more qualified wizards – such as himself – to do the role.”

“Harry trained him? Why’s he such a git then? Why didn’t Harry teach him some manners or something?”

“Alas that’s something I am unable to tell you right now but let’s just say that Harry wasn’t feeling particularly well when Turippa came under his tutelage.” This made little to no sense to Crono at the present, although he suspected that he would find out soon enough when Hermione decided it was time.

The rest of the day was fairly peaceful even though he spent most of it talking to the young lady Aylie who turned out to be Hermione’s great, great, great, great, great, great grand-daughter. She was a real chatterbox and informed him in on just about everything but what he wished to know.

“Grandma became my guardian after my parents died after a government attack; she’s looked after me since I was ten.” Aylie looked to be slightly younger than he was – probably two years – and at times it was evident in what she said. Hermione had spoken to Crono before leaving for what she termed ‘personal reasons’ and asked him whether he would spar with her until what she said would be the ‘final fight’. Crono was surprised to hear that all her family bar Hermione had died but he didn’t push the point, the only member of his family that still existed was his father and he hadn’t talked to him for several years now. His father hadn’t been keen on him joining the Aurors all those years ago and he couldn’t even imagine his response to what he was doing now.

The two of them were just sitting in the tent talking – well at least Aylie was talking, Crono spent much of time listening or providing short one or two word responses. He was however jolted back to reality when she told him that Hermione was really worried about him.

“W-why do you say that?” he asked nonchalantly, but his eyes gave away his concern.

“She thinks that Harry has provided too large a problem for you to tackle, reckons you’re talented but too young to do what he thinks you can. I really don’t know what to think, you fought well against that big guy but you’re really not much older than I am,” she replied, “That said I’ve got no idea of what you’re meant to do so I really can’t say anything, your task could be to carry a bucket of water up a hill for all I know.” Crono laughed at this, it was difficult not too. Aylie was unlike the other wizards that he’d met. So far everyone he’d conversed with had been much older than he and far more knowledgeable of the wizarding ways. Aylie was very much different in that it was clear that Hermione was particularly protective of her and hadn’t allowed her to know everything that was going on even though she was her guardian.

“Well I don’t know much more than you do to be honest,” replied Crono, as he fidgeted around in his left pocket and grasped his hands upon the prophecy that he’d found on Harry’s desk. The words swam around inside his mind, ‘A sworn adversary who becomes an ally,’ – that was probably himself, ‘A treacherous path one must take,’ – that didn’t require any explanation although what this treacherous path was however was anyone’s guess. The rest of the prophecy didn’t really make a lot of sense and he was interrupted anyway by Aylie.

“I’m sure that whatever you have to do you’ll do well, you’re a much greater wizard than I am and Grandma says that you haven’t been a wizard for very long,’ she said. Crono flushed, he wasn’t used to getting compliments for anything other than killing the people he was now meant to lead and he certainly wasn’t used to receiving compliments from young girls.

“It’s been less that a year, although it feels like an eternity and apparently I have only a short time to realise whatever potential I have and make the difference that he said I would,” replied Crono. He suddenly became quiet, speaking of Harry always pained him somewhat but thinking of what he was meant to do and therefore the time limit that hung over Harry’s very existence made him particularly miserable.

“You miss him don’t you?” Aylie said, breaking a silence which had stretched to several uncomfortable minutes. Hermione however saved him from having to answer by suddenly marching into the tent, it was then that Crono realised that it was nightfall – he’d been conversing with Aylie for several hours now.

“Crono I’ll give you ten minutes to get ready. I’m taking you to a secure location where we can talk,” Hermione said briskly, Crono didn’t answer, not because he didn’t want to but because Aylie cut him off.

“Do I get to come too?” she asked hopefully.

“Sorry but this is between Crono and myself, whether he chooses to tell you though is up to him,” as she said this she quickly moved a solid silver bowl from the eyesight of Aylie who was desperately trying to find out what it was.

Crono hurried off into the other room and got himself ready, whilst doing so he stepped in front of the mirror and quickly turned away – the look of his injuries were still too much to bear although admittedly they’d improved significantly. Grabbing his wand he came back out into the main room where Hermione was already waiting for him. Aylie was still desperately debating why she should be allowed to go.

“But he’s only a little older than me! It’s unfair that he gets to know everything and I get kept in the dark,” she complained.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know what Crono is about to be told and as I said he can choose to tell you if he wants to when we get back,” Hermione replied. Crono didn’t really like that Hermione had said this, he imagined when he got back Aylie would constantly ask him to tell her what had happened and he imagined that it would get on his nerves very quickly.

So if you’ve got nothing else to complain about -” Hermione began before adding very quickly because Aylie motioned to object, “We’ll be off. Are you right Crono?” Crono nodded and Hermione lead him out of the tent into the night air, which was rather calm but foreboding as he had no idea what Hermione would tell him.

There was a buzz around the place that night; people were up and about talking in front of fires and making a huge amount of noise. Crono wondered whether they were being careless of the threats that existed but then remembered that the enemy were muggles and they had used several muggle repelling charms to protect the location from external visitations.

The two of them walked in silence for about twenty minutes and the noise from the campsite became fainter and fainter. The hardest part of the trip was getting out of the campsite as Hermione was adamant that they were not followed by anyone. After much dodging and weaving the two of them made their way into the forest and on their way to wherever Hermione was leading them. Crono noticed that Hermione was carrying a rather thin book and the silver bowl that she’d hidden from Aylie earlier, he had no idea about what they were.

The two of them suddenly reached a point in the forest that Hermione deemed adequate. She pulled out her wand and waved it several times through the air, a hundred or so candles lit up and gave the forest around him a slightly orange glow. With the newfound light Crono realised that the area Hermione had chosen was slightly more open than the surrounding forest.

“I think this should do, it’s nice and secluded and I’ve bewitched the area so if someone approaches we’ll be notified so we can hide,” she said. Crono figured this protection was satisfactory and sat down on one of the two circular rocks that Hermione had obviously set up before hand.

Hermione soon sat down and placed the book and the silver bowl upon a small table which she’d conjured beforehand. She appeared to become slightly flustered as she looked into his eyes as if she knew she had to do something but wasn’t sure whether she could will herself to do so.

“W-well -” she began, “I suppose I should start from the beginning.”

“That’d probably be best,” Crono replied, he was understandably excited and yet terrified at what he would find out. The display of nervousness on Hermione’s behalf did little to settle this. Hermione then cleared her throat and Crono’s thoughts settled.

“I must ask – before I begin – that you keep interruptions to a minimum whilst I speak. This tale is long and complex and you need to know everything so you can adequately deal with what lies before you,” she said, Crono gave her a quick nod and a murmur that sounded something like ‘Sure’ and then Hermione began.

“Four thousand years ago there were two muggle explorers. The two of them were the very best of friends and were renowned amongst the kings of the age. It is said that during their least known venture they came upon a magnificent lagoon of what appeared to be stunningly silver water. It amazed the men, who as legend has it said it was the most beautiful thing they’d ever seen. The lagoon was roughly the size of an average sized Quidditch pitch and the silver liquid spouted and sprinkled liquid at regular intervals. The two muggles found that they were unable to plot it’s location on a map because it was unplotable. They did not understand why this was so and it confused them greatly.

Inside the cavern which housed the magnificent lagoon was this very book that I have with me today. It is essentially the wizarding bible, everything that is of importance is held here within this book. It’s an invaluable treasure to every one of us.” Hermione stopped for a few moments and fumbled around in her robes for what ended up being a rather long piece of scroll.

“Inside the book it had written -” she began; Crono wondered why she didn’t read from the book. “This is the pool of the Wizarding Gods who were disseminated by their muggle equivalents at the turn of measurable time. Before our imprisonment we left just one memory of our existence, this here cavern and all which is supported within it. It was an act of foresight which was lacking in regards to all else. With the creation of measurable time and therefore man - as they walk the earth today – we failed in our mission to place the power of Wizards upon the world we no longer occupied. Muggles – as we referred to all those who had no usage of the power which made us notable – took over and at least until the moment this book is read no wizard shall have what is rightfully theirs – existence.

Over time we conquered our imprisonment and aimed to rectify our initial lack of forethought. Alas we no longer held the power we once did and could not manipulate the world as we once chose to. We were forced to lower our goals and work towards existence before rule. This pool of the Wizarding Gods plays this very role. Recognising that anyone who reads this will be of initial muggle origin we made certain barriers to ensure that internal struggles would be kept to a minimum.

We created the rule of two and all those related by blood to those two – that is the first two individuals who read this will occupy power unknown by those who don’t, all those related to the said two will have this power as well. Those people will be the only people who can read this and thus the ability to read this will be a sign of said power. The chosen two may invoke the power of the pool by wading through it and thus infusing the power of the Wizarding Gods through their veins. They then will – if they choose to – be able to allow fifty other individuals the chance to do the same, although in doing so they will not have the power which the chosen two and all blood relatives – born thereafter – possess. Anyone who goes into the pool after the allowable fifty-two individuals will not receive the power given to the others.”

Crono was ever-so-slightly dumbfounded by what he’d just heard and couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Hermione was looking at him curiously but hadn’t spoken since folding up the paper. The candles which had lit up the area so brilliantly before had slowly melted and the effect was no longer as impressive.

“What the hell does this mean?” asked Crono, trying to do so calmly but coming across anything but.

“What I read out was the creation of witches and wizards. Everything that has happened to the wizarding world has occurred from the moment that two curious muggles found themselves exploring magical land. I don’t expect you to understand it all, I don’t myself but I suspect in time you will understand more than I can,” said Hermione.

“Who were the two muggle explorers?” asked Crono the instant that Hermione had finished speaking.

“It’s good to see you are on the ball, it’s the most important question of course. One was a young man known as Petrius Potter,” she said before adding quickly “And yes he’s a relation to Harry.”

“And who was the other?” he asked quickly.

“I do not like to speak of the family name but Harry said I must, his name was Malucius Malfoy.”

“And what is the power that they – and their relatives – have that you and I do not?” he asked.

“Their relatives born after they became wizards Crono,” she replied, her formally nervous demeanour gone now that she’d started speaking.

“Well you know what I mean,” said Crono, who now didn’t care for the formalities and just wanted to consume as much knowledge as possible.

“Of course I do, I’ll now continue with the story. Petrius Potter and Malucius Malfoy – from this point on I’ll refer to him only as ‘the traitor’ – read the book and realised what they had found. It was only a matter of time before the bathed in the glorious lagoon and the consumed the magical power that existed within it. The book told them that they would have a week to allow fifty individuals to consume the magical power of the lagoon as well. A couple of days later and they arrived with all their friends included within the group was everyone of what was to become the most notable of pure-blood families – the Weasley’s, the Crouch’s, the Black’s, the Slytherin’s, the Gryffindor’s and the rest,” she stopped for a second to allow Crono to consume all the information. None of the names made any sense to him as he’d never heard any of them mentioned in conversation. Noticing that Crono appeared ready Hermione continued.

“It’s worth noting that members of only three of the original pure-blood families are still in existence. There was however a catch, the Wizarding Gods were adamant that no muggles ever came across the cavern so when everyone left the location an unbreakable memory charm was placed upon each and everyone of them. Nobody wandered into the cavern – that we know of – for another three thousand, nine hundred years,” she said before stopping again, this time to conjure some more candles to lighten where they were sitting.

“What happened? Who was it?” Crono asked almost in spite of himself.

“Oh Crono, Harry said you were brighter than this, he thought you’d figure things out quickly,” she laughed. Crono smiled back but it was clear that he thought very little of Hermione’s little joke.

“Harry and myself stumbled upon the cavern almost a century ago to the day. Harry had decided to go on another exhibition to find some rare plants that could be used to create a new counter potion to treat mental illness. I agreed because I enjoyed hunting through the forests and mountains and because I owed a favour to a man by the name of Neville Longbottom who had saved my life a few years earlier on a similar exhibition.

Harry and I were hunting amongst an immensely overgrown area and Harry found what looked to be a cave door engraved into the ground. After an hour or so of sending every spell imaginable at the door Harry realised that there was some ancient writing born along the inside of the circular shaped door. He somehow managed to translate it – I was never able to understand how he did it – and we made our way cautiously inside and came face to face with the lagoon that started it all.”

“But if the Wizarding Gods performed a memory charm on you when you left how do you remember what happened?” Crono asked.

“Harry had brought with him numerous dark indicators; it was those that made him so interested in the cave door in the first place. These indicators told him exactly what would happen when he left so with a well used summoning charm he had what he needed to remember everything regardless of the spell that the cavern used.”

“So what happened then?” asked Crono who by now was totally engrossed in the story that Hermione told.

“I don’t intend to tell you any more -” she said slowly.

“What? Why? But you’ve got to!” Crono cried, his temper rising quickly.

“- I intend to show you.”

Chapter 8:

“Show me?” replied Crono confused but Hermione hadn’t appeared to have heard for he lent to her left and picked up the small silver bowl that she had brought along with her.

“This is a pensieve -” she began and noticing Crono’s confusion continued, “A pensieve can store people’s memories of events that have happened in the past so that you cannot be manipulated by the constant failings of the human mind.” Crono had no idea what she was on about but interested to see what this little and seemingly insignificant device could do. He noticed that Hermione had opened the lid on the device and there was a small pool of silvery liquid swirling around inside.

“Just dip your finger into the liquid and you’ll be shown what happened when Harry and I came across the cavern a hundred years ago,” she said.

Crono did so albeit with slight trepidation. The moment his fingers touched the liquid he felt an almighty lurch and his body was spinning straight down into the strange liquid below. His vision was blurred but that came to pass as he stumbled onto a hard rocky floor and managed to get himself back to his feet.

Looking around he found himself within a giant cavern, the same one that was described by Hermione only minutes earlier. The lagoon was huge and easily the size of the Quidditch Pitch he’d read about in a book. Crono walked over and stood next to it and peered over the edge. The lagoon was surrounded by a strange green wall about four feet high but was made out of a substance that Crono hadn’t seen before. He noticed that although the wall was only four feet high the actual depth of the pool seemed far larger, the silvery substance within the walls – not unlike the liquid that appeared in the pensieve – was swirling and if he wasn’t mistaken there looked to be living faces swirling amongst it too.

Suddenly his concentration was broken by voices. He turned and saw two individuals near by who must have been there previously but he hadn’t noticed them. Moving closely he realised they were quite young – probably about thirty or so. One of them was male and had a crop of messy hair, he wasn’t a tall man but had a slightly intimidating presence. The other was a young lady; she was quite beautiful with her flowing brown hair which was in tiny ringlets. At this point though he suddenly realised who he was looking at – Hermione and Harry. With a shake of his head he moved forward to talk to them.

“Hey Harry, hey Hermione. It’s Crono, I must say your hairstyles are much more impressive now!” he said in euphoria but he received no reply, not even an inclination that they had heard him. He tried again but received no response. If it was a memory though he thought then maybe he could only watch it and not interact with what happened. Satisfied with that conclusion he positioned himself closely to the two individuals that he admired so much so that he could fully see what was going on.

“Accio pensieve,” Harry muttered with his wand held out. The two of them stood silently for a moment as if waiting for something to occur. Not surprisingly seconds later a rush of wind burst through the cavern doorway and in Harry’s hand was the same pensieve that Hermione had pulled out earlier.

“Someday I’m going to invent some kind of cushioning charm so that it doesn’t hurt so much when you summon heavy items,” said Harry with a smile as he shook and rubbed his left hand.

“Well I’ll certainly be happy the day you do,” laughed Hermione before adding, “Do you have any idea what this place is?”

“To be honest I’ve got absolutely no idea but be careful, my dark detectors are going crazy,” Harry replied. Crono noticed a longish silver instrument bouncing around in his robes.

“I’ve had enough of this,” Harry said irritably and turned the instrument off, “Grab my hand, and get your wand out!” Hermione followed closely wand held out.

“Lumos,” she whispered and a small beam of like came from the end of her wand which lit the room up enough so they could fully see their surroundings.

“Good thinking,” replied Harry, his wand was held high also and he seemed almost paranoid about his surroundings as his head darted from side to side. The two of them walked slowly from the cavern entry to the side of the four foot high lagoon walls.

“What the hell is this?” asked Hermione.

“I was hoping you’d tell me,” Harry replied, “Thought you might’ve read of this in a book or something.” Hermione didn’t reply to this but it was clear she’d never seen or heard of anything like this in her life as she stared blankly at the silver liquid that swirled and bubbled. Crono moved closer so that he was standing directly next to Harry. He stared at this younger version of the wizard he admired so much and noticed how much more human he appeared both in appearance and in what he’d said. He didn’t appear to have all the answers or to be any wiser than his partner Hermione.

“Err…you see the faces too don’t you Hermione?” Harry asked slowly as if he had experience seeing things that no one else had before.

“Yeah I see them too, I wonder what they mean?” The two of them stared silently at the faces that swirled around in the liquid. There were thousands of them at least, none of which Crono recognised. Hermione suddenly broke the silence.

“Harry! I can see your face!” she shouted as her voice echoed off the walls. Small amounts of dust fell from the ceiling.

“What? Where?” replied Harry.

“Look just over there above the bald man wearing the silly purple hat,” she exclaimed, “And if you look a little to your left there’s Ron and I’m slightly below him!”

Crono looked to where Hermione and now Harry were looking and sure enough Harry and Hermione’s face bobbing up and down amongst the other faces which shone eerily back at them.

“What does this mean?” asked Hermione slowly.

“I’m not completely sure but if I’m not mistaken the pool seems to show every living witch and wizard in the world,” Harry replied wondrously.

Crono peered over and stood amazed at what he’d heard. Harry thought they were all wizards but there were thousands of them; only a century later there were merely a hundred. He was amazed at how much had changed over such a short period of time.

Some sixty yards to his left Crono noticed a small plinth on which stood the book that Hermione had read from earlier. He didn’t bother going over to it because he figured that like the rest of this memory he’d be unable to interact with it. Both Harry and Hermione were staring in wonder at the faces that swirled around amongst the silvery liquid, Crono wished he could talk to them and help.

Crono saw Harry dip his hand into the liquid and lift some of it up in his cupped hands, ever so slowly it sieved through his enclosed fingers and down to the surface below where it was absorbed by the rest of the liquid without any indication of a splash or murmur.

“Harry! What do you think you are doing?” shouted Hermione as she watched the liquid fall from Harry’s fingers.

“I just wanted to see what it feels like,” replied Harry, with a smirk. Hermione still seemed displeased at Harry.

“But it could’ve been dangerous. You don’t even know what it is,” she said indignantly, it was at this point that Crono realised for the first time that Hermione genuinely seemed to care for Harry, possibly in a more than friendly way. It seemed to Crono that if Harry was in danger Hermione would do anything to ensure his safety.

“Well, I don’t think it is, in fact it feel quite nice. A lot like silk I’d say, although I’m not entirely sure,” said Harry and with his hands he persuaded Hermione to dip her hands in too. She acquiesced albeit reluctantly and did as Harry motioned.

“I don’t feel anything, it seems like little more than attempting to pick up hair,” Hermione said confused, “Are you sure it feels like silk?”

“Yes,” Harry said and once again he plunged his fingers in the liquid. The two of them talked for several minutes about why they were feeling different things but neither came to any conclusion. With that the two of them wandered about the cavern for a little longer, Crono was longing for them to notice the dais with the book held high but neither did.

As the two walked around Crono did too, keeping close to the two of them. The walls of the cavern were covered in some sort of bush that attempted to attack Harry when he rubbed his hands across the branches and the floor was heavily cracked, Hermione almost fell through one tile but Harry grabbed onto her as if everything that mattered hung on his ability to hold on. Crono wondered what was below but the other two didn’t seem to care.

“This is the weirdest place I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed Hermione suddenly as she and Harry continued to merely walk around the lagoon’s barriers in an anti-clockwise direction. Harry didn’t reply though, his body had become rigid and he appeared to be straining his eyes into the distance.

“Hermione, can you see what that is up on the dais?” he asked.

“I can’t quite make it out but it looks to be a book of some sort,” she replied.

“Just as I thought,” said Harry as he burst into a run towards the dais.

“Harry! Wait up!” squealed Hermione as she chased after him, perhaps more tentatively than Harry had. Crono trailed a few feet behind Hermione. Harry scrambled on top of the dais and stood directly facing the book which was on top of what was approximately a three foot stand. Hermione finally caught him up and climbed up to be next to him. Crono also decided to get on top of the dais and with difficulty he did so, the dais was clearly not made to house three people.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with you Harry! Don’t you remember what happened to me? You could’ve been killed,” said Hermione angrily but that soon contorted to intrigue.
Harry slowly moved one of his dark detectors – a small silver gadget that whirled around in circles after he dropped it on the book. Harry seemed bored by it all and Crono got the distinct impression that he was only doing this to avoid Hermione having a go at him.

“Is it safe?”

“There doesn’t appear to be a problem,” Harry murmured in reply. He opened the book and scanned the opening page before reading in wonder exactly what Hermione had read to Crono a little earlier. Crono peered over the top and tried to read the words upside down. When he finished he handed the book to Hermione and told her to read it aloud.

“I don’t understand any of it; the book is just filled with unreadable symbols,” she said confused.

“From what I can guess it seems that this book details the wizarding worlds rise to prominence and the fact that I can read the book and you cannot suggests that one of my ancestors was at least one of the first two wizards.”

“If that’s the case then it said you have powers that other wizards won’t have. Do you think it’s related to your defeat of Voldemort?” Hermione asked.

“I really don’t know,” replied Harry distractedly, he had decided to push on and read a few more sections of the book.

“Hmm -” he began before continuing, “It says here that if you can read this book and are thus the ancestors of the book then you can manipulate the power of the lagoon at will.”

“Well that’s great but what does that mean?”

“It means that I may be all-powerful, as would anyone related to me or the other person who became the first wizards.”

“WHAT?” squealed Hermione in astonishment.

“It seems that if I wanted to – and if I knew how to – I could use all of the magic that everyone uses all by myself. It says here that this pool is magic in it’s most basic form; every person who uses magic is shown there and the people related to the first wizards can manipulate the powers of the pool at will – that is to say that I could manipulate it so that every single bit of magic in existence flowed through me and nobody else.”

Harry appeared to ponder this for a moment, as did Crono. Hermione appeared to be taken back by all of this and opened her mouth several times but didn’t speak. Harry finally broke the silence.

“This news could be dangerous,” he said.

“But we cannot simply allow ourselves to forget it,” Hermione replied.

“I know,” said Harry with a sigh.

Harry slowly moved his hands over the book and closed his eyes before muttering, “I say we take it,” and before Hermione could reply he shut the book and picked it up. Pulling out his wand he said something under his breath and the book shrunk until it could easily fit into his pocket.

The moment Harry dropped the book into his pocket the ground begun to shake, Hermione fell backwards off the dais and rolled several times before coming to a stop. Harry had squatted low, obviously waiting for something to happen.

“Hermione, get to your feet and get your wand out. I’m expecting trouble,” he yelled. Hermione did as she was told but Crono was amazed she’d even heard him – the noise was deafening. Crono instinctively pulled out his own wand even though he subconsciously knew that he was in no danger, perhaps he’d just become accustomed to taking orders from Harry.

The two of them inched ever so slowly towards the entrance way which was some fifty yards away, they couldn’t move any faster because the floor was cracking and fissuring apart with every step they took. Suddenly Hermione’s attention was diverted by something that was happening behind her. Harry pulled at her arm but after she refused to budge he turned to see what the matter was.

What was facing them was the dais but it was no longer like it was before. It had split in two and was now spinning in circles surrounded by golden light. Seconds later before their very eyes the two pieces of the dais had transfigured themselves into two giants – both at least twenty feet high.

“Giants,” shrieked Hermione as her hand tightened around her wand.

“And here I was thinking that we might be lucky enough not to meet some monsters on this exhibition,” replied Harry, before whispering to Hermione, “Let’s split up to make it more difficult for them.”

The two of them ran in opposing directions, each firing spells at the giants as they did but it seemingly had little effect. Harry transfigured a rock into a grenade and threw it at one of the giants; the blast didn’t kill it but managed to knock it from its feet. Harry lifted his wand high and robes sprung from it which tied up the giant’s feet. He wasn’t able to tie up its arms but the giant didn’t seem smart enough to untie itself so Harry left it and ran off to help Hermione.

Hermione had managed to get herself into a little bit of trouble and found herself dodging and weaving as the giant rained down attacks without mercy in her area. Harry was sprinting towards her sending spell after spell towards the giant. Harry managed to perform a complex shield charm on Hermione just as the giant finally made contact with her. The shield just managed to protect her and she was able to get to her feet and away from the giant.

The two of them continued to fight the last giant, Harry tried the trick he’d done with the other giant but almost got himself blown up in the process. The other giant was hopping and falling down on the other side of the room and appeared no closer to escaping the ropes.

Crono’s attention was diverted suddenly when he noticed a quick movement from his left. As he swung around abruptly he noted a small leg moving through a man made hole amongst the rocks that had fallen after Harry had removed the book. Crono looked back at Harry and Hermione and it seemed clear to him that they were too preoccupied with the giant to notice that there had been someone else in the cavern with them.

He ran at fall speed towards where he’d seen the person disappear but by the time he’d got there all he could see was a small hole in the wall big enough to fit a human body. Sunlight flooded in although Harry and Hermione would never have noticed it because of the rocks and debris that had hid the person in the first place.

Crono poked his head through the hole and peered outside, there was little more than a few trees and a cliff edge. Who ever it was that had been there had long since disappeared. With a little trepidation he headed back to Harry and Hermione who had seemingly overcome the giant by pushing it up against the edge of the wall with two impenetrable rocks that one of them had conjured.

With one giant struggling against the wall and the other constantly standing up and then tripping over again Harry and Hermione had collapsed panting to the floor.

“The first thing I’m going to do after getting out of here is take a shower and have a sleep. I’m buggered,” exclaimed Harry, as he lay on his back staring at the ceiling.

“But we still have to find the plant that’ll finally treat Neville’s parents,” replied Hermione.

“Well I guess I’ll be having a shower after we find that then,” said Harry laughing. He picked himself and went to his bag that had lain forgotten. Unzipping it he pulled out his pensieve and placed his wand at the top of his skull. After several minutes he came back over to Hermione and helped her to her feet.

“Well that’s done, I’ve stored the memory although to be honest I’d rather not remember the giant throwing me fifteen feet across the room,” said Harry.

The two of them walked slowly towards where they had entered; both walking more gingerly than they had earlier.

“As interesting as this place might be I really don’t want to have to come here again,” said Hermione with a sigh as the two of them looked back at the room, which was now essentially in ruin with half the roof collapsed, floor tiling destroyed and the whole in the wall that Hermione and Harry seemed not to have noticed.

Turning they walked through the walk way, as they did a blinding flash occurred and both Hermione and Harry appeared dazed for a moment before walking off happily. Clearly the memory charm had worked and the last thing Crono heard as the two of them wondered off was Harry asking whether Hermione knew how he’d hurt his ribs.
The elderly version of Hermione suddenly appeared and placed her hand on his shoulder.

“That’ll be enough,” she whispered and before Crono knew what was happening he was spinning – this time upwards – and then suddenly he found himself laid out upon the grass.

“How was that?” Hermione asked him with a smile.

“Interesting, did you see who the person was that was in there as well?”

“What are you talking about?” she replied quizzically.

“There was a person who I saw disappearing through a hole in the wall whilst Harry and yourself were fighting the second giant.

“Are you sure?” she asked slowly to which Crono nodded immediately, “This is very troubling.”

A few minutes later of silence and Hermione packed up and walked back to the camp site. Whilst they were walking she told him that she’d look over what he said he’d seen to confirm it and tell him what she’d found in the morning.

“Good night Crono and sweet dreams.”

Chapter 9:

Crono had disjointed dreams that night … first of all he was with Hermione in the forest … then he was in the pensieve and giants were attacking … Harry had slowed down time as bullets came towards him … Crono was a small boy being teased for being diminutive for his age … Crono was being inducted into the Aurors by someone whose face he couldn’t quite make out …

Crono woke with a start and tumbled from his bed with the smallest of shouts, splashing around in his sheets he got to his feet where he got an even bigger shock when he came face to face with Aylie who had been sitting in a chair a mere four feet from his bed.

“Aylie! What are you doing here? You scared me almost half to death.”

“Sorry,” she said in the brightest and happiest voice she could seemingly muster.

“How long have you been err … staring at me?” Crono asked still half asleep and rather creeped out by Aylie’s sudden appearance.

“Only a few minutes, sorry if I scared you. I only came because Grandma was so quiet and consumed by what I guess was what you and her talked about tonight, so I waited until she went to sleep and thought I’d come and see you to see if you were alright.”

After pulling on a pair of pants rather quickly and awkwardly Crono decided that he and Aylie might go for a walk. It was early morning and it would only be an hour or so before the sun rose for another glorious day.

As the walked quietly around the tents they could hear murmurs coming from within. Crono was fascinated by the other wizards because for the most part he’d spoken very little to them. Most of this had to do with Turippa, who was already up and was staring at him from a tent a hundred yards in front of him. Turippa didn’t make any facial expressions to show his dislike and Crono suspected that Hermione may have demanded that he leave him alone for the time being. He wasn’t however willing to risk it and steered Aylie in the opposite direction at the next available opportunity.

The two of them sat down by a lake that was about a hundred metres east of where they’d been staying. Crono kept his wand held tightly by his side incase they were attacked by a wild animal or worse Turippa or one of his mates. Crono suspected that although dexterous Aylie wasn’t that great at defending herself. Aylie gossiped away about everything and anything – most of which had to do with the magic that Hermione had taught her so she wouldn’t be harmed by the many dark wizards that were biding their time until it was time to strike.

“Oh yes Grandma taught me all sorts of spells to protect myself. My Grandma’s great at defence against the dark arts. She always tells me that she was the best of her year but I wonder sometimes if she’s just bragging a little,” said Aylie as she threw a stone which skidded three times after it hit the water surface of the lake. Crono couldn’t imagine that Hermione would be bragging, he imagined that she’d be understandably proud if she’d done well at school but she wouldn’t brag at her achievements. Remarkably Crono could see that Hermione would’ve been a better student than Harry, whilst Harry was undeniably more powerful now it was clear to him that he hadn’t always taken his magic so seriously.

“But she did teach me occlumency when I was very little …” Aylie stopped suddenly as if she knew she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone this but had got carried away and quickly added, “… but I’m not that great at defensive spells.”

Aylie seemed to sigh as if this worried her greatly. Crono supposed that she was just timorous about the battle that would no doubt arrive whether they wanted it to or not. He couldn’t blame her either, every time he looked at a fellow witch or wizard he felt ever so slightly unwell at the idea that these people’s lives could be drawing to a end.

Trying to put these thoughts to the back of his mind he picked a small stone and threw it at the lakes surface before making it dance around using his wand. Aylie clapped with delight as he made it do figure eights around her ankles and Crono wondered why life couldn’t be as simple as the moment projected.

About an hour later the two of them walked back to the edge of the clearing when Aylie turned and stopped Crono in his tracks.

“I’ve got things to do, I’ll speak to you later,” she said and as she did she stood as tall as she could and kissed Crono on the cheek. Crono went bright red but Aylie didn’t seem to notice as she ran off in the other direction. Crono stood in the shadows for a few moments hoping that his face wouldn’t look so flushed when he went back to his tent.

Finally he decided to make a run for it and ducked and weaved his way through the tents, determined not to talk to anyone. Eventually he made his way back to his tent, unzipped it and went inside.

“Hello Crono,” said a voice sitting in the shadows. Crono turned suddenly without zipping the tent back up.

“Hermione, what are you doing here?” asked Crono rather stupidly for he knew why she would be here.

“I’ve come to tell you what I found out. Where have you been all morning and where’s Aylie?”

“Oh we went down to the lake for a little bit and then she ran off,” Crono said truthfully.

“Do you know where?”

“No, she didn’t say.”

Crono felt bad that he hadn’t asked where she was going but Hermione appeared to think little of it. A sudden gush of wind reminded him to zip the tent up and after he did so he sat down on his bed a few feet away from Hermione.

“I had trouble sleeping last night so I decided to go into my pensieve, after a few hours of investigation it seems you were right – there was someone else there that day that I was unaware of,” said Hermione as if deliberating over every point, “I suspect however that Harry discovered this long ago but didn’t tell me.”

Crono couldn’t make heads or tails of this. Hermione and Harry seemed so close that it seemed unlikely that he’d keep anything from her.

“It’s all so clear, your purpose, his purpose, your foe. Everything finally makes sense and Harry knew from the start, everything has happened as it had because Harry wanted it to happen that way but I don’t understand why he didn’t tell me.”

Crono felt awkward hearing this, one part of him wanted to hug Hermione and tell her that it was nothing personal but the other part wanted to know about his real purpose. For all that he’d seen and been told he still didn’t know why he was the one that was to lead the revolution.

Hermione continued to speak as if she was only semi-aware of Crono’s existence, “But it all makes sense, every little bit but none of us knew. We’d been fighting an enemy that we didn’t know, someone shielded from the public and spoken for by a puppet translating his needs and wants. No wonder Harry couldn’t just finish the battle alone. No wonder he needed a third person and no wonder you were the youngest Auror but persuaded not to use magic.”

Crono’s mind started spinning and he remember when he was fourteen and his father swearing adamantly that magic did not exist and that Crono was not a wizard and if he kept up with this he’d end up dead. The only wise thing his father said was that he’d end up dead, the likelihood was rising by the day.

“Ron.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Who’s Ron?” replied Crono, he was getting ever so slightly impatient now with Hermione who appeared to be saying so much but saying so very little. Hermione appeared to move uneasily for a moment.

“Ron was Harry’s best friend and my husband,” said Hermione slowly.

“So why’s he of importance?”

“Well it all comes back to the person who was in the cave with Harry and I all those years ago.”

“And who was it?” asked Crono’s who’s impatience has made way for his curiosity.

“I-I-It was M-Malfoy,” she replied, tears swelling in her eyes, “He saw everything, he knew everything and now he rules everything. He’s the Minister of our country, he’s behind the obliteration of our kind and he’s who you’ve got to fight.”

Crono gulped on the large amount of saliva that had built up in his throat. He finally knew who was behind everything and to his amazement it seemed that Hermione had only just learnt this as well. He didn’t really know anything about this Malfoy other than one of his ancestors was best friends with one of Harry’s ancestors and they discovered Harry. It then dawned on Crono that Malfoy might be every bit as powerful as Harry. As he was about to mention his fears however Hermione continued shakily.

“I don’t know the exact details but I’m assuming he’s controlling the muggle Prime Minister through the imperius curse and using him to order attacks upon wizards everywhere. This has lasted for over fifty years.”
Crono waved his wand and conjured several tissues which he gave Hermione to wipe her eyes.

“But what does this have to do with Ron?” he asked tentatively.

“Ron and Malfoy hated each other – despised would probably be a more appropriate word. Malfoy had everything Ron desired, fame, fortune and status – and no matter how much Harry and I tried to tell him that those things weren’t important Ron wouldn’t listen -” Crono listened ever so carefully but couldn’t quite work out why this was of importance then – “M-Malfoy killed him – I never got to say goodbye – and then disappeared. I wanted to go after him but Harry stopped me. I never saw Malfoy again but – but…”

Hermione appeared to finally be overcome with emotion and she burst into tears. Crono noticed that she’d picked up her wand and seconds later he was lying on the ground with his hands protecting his head. Hermione had erupted into a rage.

“I’ll get him, I’ll get that *******,” she screamed and balls of light flew from her wand – destroying furniture and lights – “I’ll get him!” Hermione then cried some sort of spell and the entire tent – which had practically been destroyed anyway – was ripped out of the ground and shot halfway across the campsite to the surprise of about ten people who were warming themselves by a warm morning fire.

Crono looked up to find Hermione towering over him in a temper that he’d never thought possible from her. She was blasting things out of her way as she tried to move through the small amount of destruction that she’d wrought. Crono rolled out so that he was behind her and got to his feet, he knew the most dangerous spot for anyone right now was on the ground where something might fall on them.

“Hermione! Stop!” he said in a raised voice, although he was trying to sound as calm as he could.

“No!” she barked back, without even looking at him.

“Don’t you understand, this is exactly why Harry never told you. I know it wasn’t right but he had to do it, you’re too emotionally involved,” said Crono walking tentatively towards Hermione, with his wand raised just in case she accidentally turned on him.

“Why wasn’t he emotionally involved? Why didn’t he seek revenge on him? Ron was his best friend!” she replied but her voice had changed, it was almost as if the resolve that had momentarily carried her to places she need not be had disappeared.

“Hermione, I need you, Harry needs you; I can’t do this without you.”

Hermione lowered her wand and breathing heavily she slumped down into her arm chair, which had several broken legs. Cleverly Crono managed to conjure two replacement legs so that it didn’t topple over. Progressing towards her, he finally observed that people were watching them and he waved them away as he sat down next to her.

The next week was a bit of a blur for Crono. Hermione stayed in a bad mood for most of it and Crono made sure that he was with her in case she broke down again. When he wasn’t carefully watching her he was training with Aylie as they went through a variety of different charms and curses, as well as their counter curses.

Crono was very surprised but Aylie was really quite good, she had quick reflexes and moved well and managed to dodge around many of the minor jinxes Crono hit her with. It was seven days since Hermione had broken down and Aylie and Crono were having a five minute break from there last session. Crono was desperately trying to live down being bit by a Jelly Legs Jinx and then a Giggling one but Aylie wouldn’t let him.

“It was so funny when you fell to the ground and you were trying to get your wand but you kept kicking it away,” she told him for what seemed like the seventh time.

“You know perfectly well I was just doing it for your amusement. Anyway I beat you the previous six times,” replied Crono, trying to sound mean but failing miserably.

Later that afternoon after the two of them had showered and consumed lunch came the news that one of the Kennedy’s – which were a wizarding family that Crono didn’t really know that well – had somehow attained a copy of the city newspaper. There was always interest whenever someone obtained a copy of the newspaper because it was really their only source of information on the outside world and more importantly the enemy.

Over the course of the day the rumours spread throughout the camp site – the government had called for anyone with armaments experience to be on call to fight in the war against the wizards. Whilst no one was really surprised by the action that was being taken they couldn’t work out how they knew the information. The newspaper had also named the date of the invasion. In short it could only mean that there was definitely a traitor in the ranks.

After hearing the rumours Crono headed straight to Hermione’s tent. He found her making herself a coffee and asked her straight out whether the information was true.

“Is this really the date that we were to attack?” he asked bluntly. Hermione looked back at him and this wasn’t the normal friendly look she gave him but one that portrayed a great disappointment in herself.

“Yes it’s true; we were to attack in one month’s time.”

“Why the hell wasn’t I told?” Crono snapped back.

“I didn’t want to alarm you. Your training with Aylie and I was going so well that I didn’t want to jeopardise it. Look I’m sorry but I made the choice that I thought best suited your needs.”

“Why don’t I get to choose what decisions best suit my needs?”

“We – that is to say the elected Wizarding Council – decided that you needed to be kept calm and that it was of the most importance that you concentrate fully on sharpening your skills.”

“So basically I’m expected to confront a Dark Lord who I’ve never set eyes on before and free out people from this oppressive lifestyle but I’m not expected to be able to concentrate on more than one thing at once. I was the youngest Auror in history; I’ve been in tonnes of battles where I had to keep calm with bullets flying by. What’s happened now is worse that what could’ve happened if you’d told me from the very beginning. When did you intend to tell me? The day of the invasion? Perhaps you wouldn’t tell me until guys were taking shots at me or until that Malfoy guys about to kill me.”

“Crono - please! It wasn’t my intention – I didn’t want to keep you in the dark but-but it was a group decision,” she replied.

“It was his decision …” began Crono and Hermione instantly nodded, “… it was Turippa’s decision.”
Hermione sighed.

“Yes, he and his – lets call them associates – have control of most of the Wizarding Council. I can’t believe how silly I was – of course they wouldn’t want you to know, it’d make it harder for you to lead the group and then that task would most probably have fallen to Turippa. He hated you from the moment he saw you for what you did to his wife years ago and well this was the best way for him to get you back. I can’t believe I didn’t see it – I’ve had so much on my mind – Ron – Harry – Malfoy – I guess I just wasn’t thinking straight. I’m sorry Crono; I’ve failed my oath to Harry that I’d lead you to the point of no return as best I could.”

Crono’s heart beat began to slow down and immediately he started to recognise the situation for what it was – just an honest mistake on her behalf. Suddenly his focus moved from the present to the future, in the long run the invasion but for the time being he needed to have a one on one chat with his dear friend Turippa.

“I’m sorry Hermione but I’ve got to go and have a talk with Turippa, we’ve got a few issues to sort out.”

“Wait Crono! You’ll get your opportunity; I heard rumours that he intends to interview each and every one of us in order to find out who the traitor is.”

Chapter 10:

Several hours passed, little of which Crono would remember in the following days. He was frustrated with the way things were being managed behind the scenes. Everything was going badly and the looming battle appeared to have already been won.

Crono waited patiently for the inevitable call to come. Turippa had been going though the campsite in alphabetical order. He’d make the call for someone to come and then one of his mates would come and drag you in. Aylie had come back half an hour ago looking rather bored; she’d said that it wasn’t that bad but Crono had a sneaking suspicion that this would not be the case for him.

Word came around a little while after that Turippa had asked to see Crono. He didn’t wait for one of his minders to come and get him. Crono strode out of his tent towards Turippa’s; not particularly bothering himself with the somewhat timorous looks and wishes of good luck that followed.

Unzipping his tent he walked in slowly where he found Turippa sitting behind a makeshift desk which was clearly far too small for him. The air suddenly became dense and opaque; the tension between the two was almost unbearable.

“Take a seat,” said Turippa without looking at him. Crono hesitated for a second before pulling out the chair and sitting. The desk whilst far too small for a man of Turippa’s build was nearly of perfect size for Crono. Turippa moved a few notes around the table, clearly building himself up for the first question.

“I know it’s you!” he suddenly barked but Crono was no longer in the mood to be intimidated for he knew perfectly well that in an even battle he’d defeated him last time and with his wand held tightly in his right hand he felt suddenly more courageous than he’d ever felt before.

“No you don’t!” Crono barked back, “If you knew you wouldn’t have bothered interviewing any other people. Why would you waste your precious time?”

Turippa sat stunned for a moment before seemingly shaking it off.

“Do you think you are clever?” he said thoughtfully. Crono thought for a moment, he knew instinctively that he was playing with fire but there was a part of him that really wanted to make him angry.

“Not really, at least not around you, there would be no need.”

It happened before he could react, lengths of rope stretched around the chair pinning him virtually helplessly. He still had his wand just in case but for the time being he thought he’d just wait and see what would happen.

Moments later and Crono grasped in pain, an ache in his head like nothing he’d ever experienced had come from nowhere. Slowly the pain moved around his head and only after several minutes did it subside.

“Seems I was wrong,” Turippa said slowly, he waved his hands and the ropes released Crono.

“What the hell did you just do?” Crono demanded, he figured it’d been some form of magic.

“I did what I had too, unfortunately it’s not an area of expertise,” he lamented before adding “You may go.”

“Just before I go, why do you wish me to fail?”

“Look, I’m really not in the mood to assuage your concerns,” he replied and waved his hands at the door, “And on your way out tell Richard that I want to talk to Chloe Richards.”

However, Crono didn’t turn to go he stood defiantly.

“I’m sick of these petty arguments, I know we’ve had our indifferences and I know we can’t change that but we’re here together, we’ve got a common goal, we have no choice but to fight together.”

“I know,” he conceded.

“Then why do you wish me to fail?”

“Me and you are similar, both in our dedications to what we do as in our dedication to those we admire and love but we were brought here by different causes taught by different masters –”

“We were both taught by Harry, Mrs Granger told me so!”

“– shut up, the Harry you were taught by and the Harry I were taught by are as different as it’s possible for one person to be.”

“How so?”

“Go ask your friend for the answers, I don’t have all day,” he spat angrily. Crono glared longingly at him before asking the question that had been burdening him since the rumours had spread.

“We will go off to battle soon won’t we?”
Turippa looked up from his almost stupor state and ran his hand across his chin.

“Sooner than you can imagine.”

“How soon?”

“Soon!”

“I asked you a bloody question!”

The two of them looked like they were about to come to blows yet again as the cups upon Turippa’s table began to shake ominously but sanity prevailed.

“We’ll be heading off on the night of the next full moon, we’ll be travelling mostly by night and you’ll have – against my wishes – full control of our troops,” Turippa said.

“That soon? But that’s next Tuesday.”

Crono left Turippa’s tent minutes later and ushered the next individual in for questioning. He headed across the field towards Hermione’s tent, not noticing the curious glares as he walked by. Already his mind was preoccupied with the upcoming battle, plans and tactics and everything in between.

“Hermione, I want to know about Harry,” he said loudly as he entered her tent but received no reply.

“Hermione!” But again there was no answer. Crono quickly checked every nuance of her roomy tent but could find no sign of either Hermione or Aylie. Slumping down in a heap on the sofa he picked up one of Aylie’s teen magazines, “Celebrity Diets: What Spells are the Celebs Using?”. Although intriguing Crono became bored with the magazine and began pottering around the encampment.

“What’s this?” he murmured to himself quietly. On the bench lay the same silver dish that he’d ventured into the night in the forest when Hermione told him everything. The liquid within was swirling and had clearly been utilized not long before he arrived.

Pulling towards the dish Crono could barely make out a small cave and a cloaked individual bowing before another. Crono pulled nearer and nearer until the very tip of his nose drew level with that of the liquid.

A knock on the door startled Crono and he tipped his head forward. With a lurch he fell straight into the liquid, moments later he found himself splattered on the cave floor he’d been staring at from afar. Crono pulled himself up and brushed the debris from his clothes. Infront of him stood two individuals, one wearing a glorious red cloak and the other in a dusty fuchsia coloured one.

“You’ve got to stop this,” cried the voice of the individual closest to Crono.

“Oh but you don’t understand – the power – it’s all empowering. I’m like a god amongst insects, there is nothing I cannot do and nothing I shall fear.”

“But it’s destroying you, it’s corrupting your very soul, your nature. It’ll kill us all.”
“I know!”

“Then stop it – please – stop it now, you can’t keep doing this.”

“You seem to be forgetting something – I don’t care.”

The man standing a good thirty feet from Crono moved his hand into his cloak and pulled a familiarly thin piece of wood. The young woman staggered backwards.

“Please … NO! Harry! NO!”

The woman tripped over the hem of her cloak and fell helplessly to the ground. Her wand which had sat peacefully in her cloak pocket lay a foot or two away but she didn’t even venture to pick it up. Piercingly cold words whispered from the man’s almost closed mouth.

“Crucio!”

The woman began twitching in a most horrible fashion, shrieks of pain echoed around the enclosed space and made Crono feel physically ill. This kept up for several minutes until the middle aged woman lost consciousness.

“Hermione, don’t tell me you’ve stopped having fun? Oh dear, torturing you isn’t half as fun when you don’t scream,” and with that he pulled his wand across his body and the spell was lifted. The man Crono now recognised with horror as Harry slumped in a chair he’d conjured and waited patiently for Hermione to awake.

“So – are we ready to go again?” he asked in a deceptively pleasant voice as Hermione began to stir back into consciousness.

“Harry –”

“Hermione, why are you here?”

“I’m here to save you,” replied Hermione far more defiantly that her physicality might’ve suggested possible.

“And may I ask who’s going to save you?” Harry chuckled, “You always were the same, always trying to save me from getting into trouble as if I couldn’t handle things myself but at the end of the day Hermione you were wrong, so very, very wrong.”

“But Harry it’s not too late – please Harry – I’m not here to fight you. Look I don’t even have my wand –”

“As if it would matter if you did. Here’s the deal Hermione, give me one reason why I shouldn’t just destroy you and the incompetent wizards you’ve got outside as backup right now?” Harry turned towards Hermione and pointed his wand directly at her heart. Crono stood silently with anticipation, even though he knew neither would die what was occurring in front of him was still enthralling.

“Because – because I love you,” croaked Hermione insolently getting to her feet.

“NO! CRUCIO!”

Screaming followed, this time longer than before. Crono covered his ears and the high pitched screaming generally began to terrify him. He desperately wished that there was something he could do and the frightening realisation that the way Harry was acting now was the way Draco would probably act during the inevitable battle rocked Crono to his core.

Harry pulled away his wand and the screaming was replaced with heavy breathing. Hermione pulled herself to her feet with the help of the stone wall and stood unsteadily for a period before coming forward again.

“I l-l-love you!”

Crono didn’t even hear the spell but purple light issued forth from Harry’s wand and hit Hermione in the chest. She was thrown backwards, though the cave opening and out of sight.

Harry sighed and turned away into the darkness which existed within the cave. He lent silently over a large wooden table with papers of assumed importance scattered upon it. He turned and jumped up on to the table so that he was now sitting and facing the cave entrance where Crono hoped that Hermione would appear any minute or that she had some sense and got out of there.

Crono waited patiently seemingly not breathing. He felt a great desire to run out of the cave entrance but at the same time was terrified at what he might find. Time passed ever so slowly and the waiting amplified the dread in his heart. When his expectations were at their lowest a tiny, weakened body stumbled through the entrance.

Hermione was bleeding profoundly and her cloak was ripped in several places with her blood soaking the cloak around those points. She looked to be near the point of collapse but in contrast Harry jumped off his table and looked ready to go another twelve rounds. Crono wasn’t sure what was going to happen but he truly wondered how come Harry hadn’t just killed her.

“Harry –”

“Yeah. I know. You love me. Good for you Hermione. You know you really should love someone more deserving. I would’ve thought that you of all people with your whole ‘girl empowerment’ thing might actually decide to get away from a guy who’s doing this to you. Guess you’re not as smart as we all thought,”

Hermione pulled herself up to full height and the two of them stood just ten feet apart. She was holding her side to stem the bleeding and every few moments there were barely noticeable sobs escaping her lips.

“Harry … please … we have greater battles to fight, bigger wars to win,” said Hermione as if she was merely desperately hanging on.

“And why would I wish to have a part of it? I’ve fought many times and won just as often and yet I find that they still keep coming, they never stop fighting and they’ll continue to do so after I’m well and gone. Fighting back just temporarily stopping the inevitable – I’d rather just help things along so fewer in the future experience the pain that I’ve had to endure,”

“But Harry, you enjoy fighting, you enjoy coming to the rescue and defeating evil. I know you do, I’ve fought by your side and now I stand at your peril willing to fight once more. I know that evil and those who support it’s cause will never truly be defeated but I wish to fight so that my loved ones live safer than I do today –”

“Yet it’s your loved ones who wish to destroy it themselves … you should really consider choosing your loved ones more wisely I suspect,” finished Harry, raising his wand in increasing anger.