Lone Traveler: Professor of Defense

Gary Seven sat within his office at Hogwarts completing the final grading of the first term for official records.

One thing that was obvious to him was that any organization required far too much official parchmentwork/paperwork for it to be entirely healthy. But, laws and traditions required such things and he would complete them all.

He was looking forward to the Christmas celebrations which would take place in two days. Hogwarts always had the best food at Christmas and with only a minimum number of students on hand, it was quite cozy.

Besides, he was looking forward to the gift-giving.

As he completed the records for the fifth years, he was interrupted by the Headmaster's familiar. "Hello, Fawkes. How are you today?" Fawkes trilled a cheerful melody which caused Gary to smile. Fawkes always did have a sense of humor. "And why are you here today?"

With the Fawkes presented his leg, which had a letter attached. Gary rolled his eyes even as he said to his fellow phoenix, "Albus is getting lazy in his old age." Fawkes trilled in amusement.

Upon reading the letter, Gary sighed even as he reached for a quill. As he wrote his reply he commented to Fawkes, "Your companion just loves to get me involved just because I was the one to point it out. Now he's got me visiting the Queen with him next week. I don't think he's quite gotten that I'm only here for one year."

Fawkes trilled at Gary while he was sealing the letter. Gary shrugged. "Mostly a feeling, but I'm pretty good with those." Fawkes did the equivalent of a shrug and accepted the reply.

Soon, Gary was alone again with the parchmentwork.

It was Christmas morning and Gary made his way to the sitting room outside of his bedroom. As expected, the gifts from those who sent them were neatly piled near the door.

Curious, Gary retrieved the small pile and quickly started going through it. For the most part, it was small things that any academic could use: Quills, inks, a book here and there. Albus had sent a tin of tarts – including lemon and treacle. Gary was surprised that he remembered the conversation. Gary had sent back the socks that Albus had commented on in his own first year – he hoped the old man liked them.

Petunia and Lily had sent him a scarf which, according to the note, they had worked on together as thanks for everything he had helped them with. He smiled as he thought of the small pendants he had helped James and Peter make in the shape of a Lily and Petunia for the two girls respectively. It had been Peter's idea and, in a moment of brotherly consideration, he suggested to James that it was better than the gaudy gift he had planned.

He didn't get anything from the Marauders and he hadn't expected anything – they were teenage boys and he was a teacher.

He was surprised, however, to receive a gift from Eileen and Severus Snape in acknowledgment for what he had done for them: Severus had copies of his corrected books that were just being printed sent to him and Eileen had sent a set of personalized gloves with the initials GS – he quite liked them actually. Eileen had been warned that he was not into receiving extravagant gifts.

He had sent all his co-workers a gift certificate for Honeydukes – Magicals loved their sweets. He could have been more personal, but in this particular case he didn't want to call too much attention to himself. He would be gone by the next Christmas anyway.

Already he had plans to ensure the books that he acquired would be put into the local Hogwarts library with a copy at 1st Interdimensional Bank and Trust. If he was going to ever need to seen another universe with books, he wanted copies he could easily access to do so. He figured that within a few centuries of Universal travel he'd have the largest magical library in the multiverse.

After the Christmas party/dinner/gathering, Gary decided that he was bored. What to do? What to do? He got a grin. What use was being a God without a little divine interference? He concentrated, and thentraveled …

Gary inspected his phoenix body before carefully turning himself invisible. He then silently winged toward the Manor house he arrived in front of.

As expected, he found the local Tom Riddle meeting with various Death Eaters. Alighting onto a high perch in the room, Gary observed the meeting to see what plans the Dork side had for the Wizarding world.

He was happy to note that Riddle was not happy with the lack of success on finding targets for the lower-level death eaters to work on.

"And what of the wizard who is currently teaching Defense at Hogwarts … this Garrick Septimus?" the Dorky one was asking his minions. "Why have we not silenced this man already?"

"My Lord," one of the white-masked figures replied, "our efforts have been thwarted because, although he at times goes out alone or to places that are not secure, he has countered every effort made. It is as if he is prepared for each attack."

Riddle's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying that we have a spy amongst us?"

"No, My Lord!" the man answered quickly. "Most plans were made just moments before when there was a noted opportunity. Even these attacks were unsuccessful. I do not say he was already informed but that he is extremely prepared for any attack. We do not know his limits."

Riddle sat back. "Have we made any effort to recruit him?"

The man replied, "We considered it. However, according to the reports from all of those that are at Hogwarts who are part of our families, his beliefs are counter to everything we believe. He also has greatly interfered with recruiting students from the disaffected – he mitigates disaffection as he encounters it, making those who might have been ripe for recruitment less sympathetic to our positions."

With this, the Dark Lord was unhappy, which he emphasized with a Crucio. "Failure does not interest me. It is time to show these fools who is more powerful. What Wizengamot member is most opposed to our positions?"

A name which Gary had not heard of before was mentioned – likely because in other timelines they had already died out.

"Who is best positioned to take control of the Head of House?" When that was answered, Riddle gave a cruel smile. "I expect the man to be under control by New Year's Eve. He is to be instructed to ensure his family is present on New Years Eve; and then at 8:30 that evening he is to take down any ward which would prevent me from leading our brethren in sending a message. We will use this to inform the entire Wizarding world that 1976 shall be the year that Voldemort rises to ascension!"

The Death Eater bowed. "Now, we shall need to ensure the Aurors are distracted. What location will cause the most consternation to the Ministry?"

After a long moment, the Death Eater answered, "With the majority of shops being closed, Diagon Alley won't be particularly viable. But Hogsmeade would draw much attention."

Riddle considered that for a long moment. "Hogsmeade is too close to Hogwarts – while we are strong we are not quite ready for Dumbledore to take a more active role, which he would assuredly do if anything close to Hogwarts is attacked." Riddle paused once more. "The biggest gathering of Blood Traitors will be the Longbottom Ball. We will need a group of new recruits to attack the wards and, should they prove successful, kill a few guests before the Aurors have time to arrive. As soon as the Aurors show up, they are to portkey or apparate. Their celebrations begin at 8:00. 9:00 shall be the diversionary attack. 9:05 shall be the time I shall visit this recalcitrant Blood Traitor. Ensure our friend at the Ministry has the floo closed for maintenance on our target."

The Death Eater bowed again. "It will be as you say, Lord."

Gary waited until most Death Eaters had left and softly retreated from the area – no need to alert the idiots as to the lost element of surprise.

It was December 27 and Albus and Gary were on their way to Norfolk, where the Royal Family traditionally resided during the time between Christmas and February. The meeting was after Boxing day as it would not be unusual for the Royal family to not be seen on that day.

Gary and Albus were dressed in traditional suits which, if one didn't know better, looked as though they came directly from Saville Row. Gary found it amusing that the more recent suits were more traditional looking than those from the last 40 years or so. It hadn't been hard to convince Albus to let him take care of the transfigurations.

Harder for Albus to accept had been the transfiguration of his hair and beard to something that was more Muggle-friendly. As they walked toward the Apparition point, Albus would feel his beard and then look at Gary with some small resentment.

Gary just chuckled.

The two arrived at the location Gary had envisioned: An alley out of sight of anyone not immediately present. The two walked calmly out to find themselves on a street. Albus asked, "Where are we and why are we not at Sandringham House?"

Gary sighed. "You are entirely too Gryffindor sometimes, Albus. We are going to be dropped off by a taxi service I've arranged for. We do not want to arrive without explicit permission within the Royal estate – that would be bad. We are scheduled for a meeting at 11:00 – we got here at 9:15 so that we can pick up the car that is taking us."

Gary led Albus to a company that often provided local service for those who flew in to meet the Queen or Royal family members. As a result, they had several upscale cars which could be hired.

Soon, the two wizards were seated in the back of a 1950s vintage Silver Spirit Rolls Royce. Gary let Albus amuse himself with the various controls. The driver caught Gary's eyes in the rearview and each rolled their eyes at the childlike delight the old man was showing.

Soon, they arrived at the gates. One of the Royal Guardsman asked for identification – Albus and Gary passed their IDs through the window, and the driver showed his license which showed his prior approval to deliver guests to the Royal estate.

After verification and a quick security check to ensure they had no dangerous items, they were waved to continue on. Their driver knew where to drop them and where to wait for them to reappear – this was a duty he had performed numerous times before.

The two wizards were met by members of the Royal staff and, at nearly 11:00 on the nose, they were presented to the reigning Queen of Great Britain.

Once all of the formal greetings were taken care of, it became somewhat less formal.

"Headmaster Dumbledore. It has been quite a long time since one in your position has requested a Royal audience. We are curious as to why you have taken this step now," the Queen began.

"Your Majesty. How familiar are you with the current happenings in the magical portion of your Kingdom?" Albus asked the Queen.

"I am to understand that it operates as it normally does for the most part. The current Minister for Magic is one Eugenia Jenkins, according to our Prime Minister, the Honorable Harold Wilson."

Albus nodded. "And you are familiar with the treaties and agreements that established the Ministry for Magic under the current system?"

The Queen considered that. "Not having direct access to the Magical portions of our realm due to the Treaty of London of 1695, it has not been of major concern to us. Perhaps you can give a brief overview."

Albus nodded, "If it pleases Your Majesty, I would ask my companion, Mr. Garrick Septimus, current Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, to do this. He has more recently studied the matter and has a much richer view of the laws and precedences."

The Queen allowed it and Garrick took the Queen through the various laws and agreements that obtained between the various Crowns of Britain and how the current system was emplaced.

"And thus, as long as Rebellion and Sedition against the Crown is prevented by the Wizengamot and the Ministry for Magic within Magical Britain, these assume a virtual autonomous rule of all matters Magical within these lands – with one single exception."

The Queen was taken aback, as was her son, Prince Charles, who was asked to sit in as the young man (he was in his late 20s) would have to learn to deal with the magical realm when he eventually became King. He was the one who asked, "What exception, then, exists, as to the control of matters Magical?" The Queen nodded that she wanted this question answered.

Albus sighed. "The exception is actually Hogwarts. Unlike every other Magical institution, Hogwarts is autonomous from the rule of the Ministry under charter from the Crown of Scotland."

Curious, the Queen asked, "Would that not be more properly 'under the Crown of Great Britain'?"

Gary signaled he would answer and all present looked to him. "Actually – no. Perhaps I can explain by giving you the history of the School."

"Please do so," the Queen asked.

And so Gary went through the complete history of Hogwarts. Finally he finished with, "And so, the Earldom of Hogsmeade was established in the Year of Our Lord 971 by Writ of Cináed mac Maíl Choluim, or Kenneth II, Ri' Alban of Scotland whom is your Royal Ancestor as all Kings of Scotland have been since 1034 and all English Kings have been since 1603, with the agreement of the King of Wessex, from which the authority of the Kings of England descends according to the Treaty of York.

"At the inception of Hogwarts, all kingdoms within the British Isles agreed that the Earldom of Hogsmeade was separate from any Kingdom and that no wars between Crowns or different Noble factions could be continued during a student's education. The Earldom of Hogsmeade is specifically enjoined from promoting the power of any one Crown over any other.

"According to the Charter, the Earl of Hogsmeade, Lord Gryffindor, holds absolute authority as long as insurrection against any single Crown within the British Isles was not allowed within its walls. And, although the current legal Earl of Hogsmeade is unkown – although there are rumors that the Gryffindor Lordship is held by a certain family – the Headmasters have acted as regents of the lands since that time."

The Queen finally asked, "This is all quite interesting, but of what import is this to the reason for your visit?"

"Everything, Your Majesty," Gary replied. "There is currently, within the borders of Magical Britain, a criminal terrorist who styles himself Lord Voldemort. He has taken to attacking and murdering established families that disagree with his political beliefs. He has attacked your Majesties subjects within non-magical Britain that have children with magical ability. There has long been a belief within the upper levels of Magical society that those who have Pure magical blood are somehow superior to those who have non-magical roots. It harkens back to the Fascist ideology against the Jews that Hitler espoused. And if these radical elements have their way, those magicals from non-Magical families, families who should receive the protections of being British citizens, would be dealt with the same way that Hitler tried to deal with the Jews. It is, in simple words, a complete mess."

Gary sighed. "The Headmaster walks a fine line. While trying to ensure his students are safe, many who hold power within Magical Britain are sympathetic toward this criminal's beliefs even if they are repulsed by his methods. If he steps to hard on those students who come from families with these beliefs, there will be an outcry that he is turning Hogwarts into his personal fiefdom. Which is almost amusing in that, from a practical standpoint, Hogwarts IS his personal fiefdom – as long as Your Majesty allows. Hogwarts, to maintain the safety of its students, could really use the intercession of the Queen of Scotland – which, of course, is you."

The Queen considered that. "And what would you ask of us?"

Gary pulled out a document and passed it over. "We would ask for a Royal Proclamation similar to the one proposed here, modified as you see fit, of course, according to existing Law and Precedent."

The Queen accepted the document and looked it over thoughtfully. When she was done, she sat there thinking for a moment. "We are willing to provide such a document. First, however, we will require our Solicitor General Peter Archer to review the documents you have provided and to ensure that such a command is legal according to Law and Precedent. We shall also request our Prime Minister to attend us regarding this criminal that is operating within our borders. The Minister for Magic shall be consulted. To find that such a villain operates and has operated within our Kingdom is anathema to us and we shall ensure steps are taken. Return to us in two days time at 1:00 precisely."

The two wizards bowed to the Queen. Gary had one more request. "If it pleases Your Magesty, there is one bit of intelligence that I have not yet provided Mr. Dumbledore and which may effect what you might wish to do."

The Queen looked interested, as did the Headmaster. "Say on, Mr. Septimus."

"I have retained a memory from a source that wishes to remain anonymous as to the plans that this criminal has for his next attack on New Years Day. I planned on giving this information over to Professor Dumbledore here so that plans could be implemented to counter these attacks. But, perhaps, you might also be interested in inserting an observer into these circumstances which might give you a more accurate representation of what we are fighting."

The Queen was curious. "How can a memory give information?"

"Within your Magical realms, we have an ability to retrieve a memory from a person's mind and, by use of a device called a Pensieve, we can review that memory for details that might be missed or otherwise overlooked."

"We would be interested in seeing such in operation," the Queen said with some interest.

Albus tried to claim it was impossible, but Gary interrupted him. "While the Headmaster's Pensieve might not allow someone non-magical to see a memory, I can conjure one which will allow it. If I may receive permission?"

The Queen motioned him to do so, and all present watched him curiously. On a side table, Gary concentrated on conjuring a pensieve. Albus inspected it curiously. "This is not quite the same as my own. I find it almost impossible to believe that such a device can be created on the spot." The Headmaster's voice was actually full of some wonder.

The Queen asked curiously, "You would not be able to do as your Professor has done?"

Albus turned and said, "Your Majesty, I am recognized as perhaps the strongest Wizard in the world in many circles, and I am a Master of Transfiguration, which includes the art of Conjuring. I do not believe I would have the skill or power to do what Professor Septimus has just done."

Gary blushed a little. "I think you could – but you'd need to learn the spell and to learn the differences between your Pensieve and this one."

Gary retrieved the vial from where it was hidden in his briefcase. "It was disillusioned against discovery because it is best undisturbed unless you know what you are doing," he commented to the Queen and her son.

Carefully, Gary dropped the memory into the Pensieve and then hit the proper runes. The full memory of Voldemort's meeting was played back in full.

Albus looked at the Pensieve when it was finished playing and considered what he had just seen. "Remarkable," was his only comment.

The Queen actually objected to that. "Remarkable? What is remarkable? What we have just seen is better described as despicable!"

The Headmaster immediately realized his gaffe. "I apologize, Your Majesty. The magic to show a memory is not known to me, and I am – as I mentioned – one of the more knowledgeable wizards in the world on such matters. The activities of my former student, Mr. Tom Riddle, who now styles himself Lord Voldemort are despicable – you have no disagreement from me on that matter. But seeing new magic is quite rare for me – I am ninety four and have spent much of that time learning everything I could."

The Queen considered that and was somewhat mollified. "As someone who regularly experiences things formerly unknown on a regular basis, we can – perhaps – understand your interest. But what we are interested in is how to counter this creature in the short and long term. And that shall take more minds than we have available here."

Albus nodded. "Is there, perhaps, a place within this estate where I can arrange for transportation to for myself, Professor Septimus, the Minister for Magic, and the Director of Magical Law Enforcement to arrive for the meeting in two days time? It will facilitate what must be done. Or, perhaps, there is a fireplace I can connect to the Floo network on a temporary basis."

The Queen motioned to one of the Guards. "Please show Mr. Dumbledore a room in the basement where we can arrange for Magical visitors in two days time. A contingent of Royal Guardsman must be arranged to receive and inspect the arrivals and ensure no undesirable uses this."

Gary interrupted there. "If it pleases Your Majesty, I have recently assisted in upgrading and implementing wards on Hogwarts that have stood a thousand years. Can I inspect your basement to see if I can find any wards placed here and to either ensure they are updated or to install new protections to ensure there will be no hostile wizards that can attack this place? I would have to leave as scheduled and then return with a few tools to allow me to do this."

The Queen considered this. "You have our permission. How long will it take to return once you leave?"

Gary considered that. "We must leave via Car as we arrived that way and we don't need any questions for the average observer. I can, if I move directly to my office and then return to the location that your Guardsmen arrange, be back by 4:00. It will take several hours. If Your Majesty will allow, I would propose instead that I be allowed to bring a team of Goblin warders from Gringotts to work overnight to inspect and prepare for a much more permanent warding. Long term, it will be safer. There would need to be negotiations as to price with the team that comes and, should you also wish to have the same protections placed on other Royal residences (I would heartily suggest it) they will be available longer than I am as I am only in country until the end of the Hogwarts school year."

The Queen turned to the Headmaster. "Would you agree with your Professor's assessment?"

Albus considered that. "Yes. Should Your Majesty become involved with ensuring stability in Magical Britain, if only to protect the non-magical portions of your realm, there will be those who will object. It would be well-advised to ensure anyone who might be foolish enough to try to retaliate is prevented before they can cause the whole Statute of Secrecy to fall by doing something so monumentally stupid as to attack the rightful Royal family. And Gringotts is completely separate from the Ministry for Magic and can guarantee no hidden members of Riddle's followers are involved."

The Queen nodded. "Perhaps, Mr. Septimus, you and the Headmaster can stay for lunch and give us a primer on proper protocol in dealing with these Goblins who will come to do this work."

Gary nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty."