Building a Better Burrow

Narcissa followed her husband to meet with his master. She had a report to deliver.

Lucius dropped to his knees and Narcissa followed. "Report, Lucius."

"My Lord. My wife, as you required, has cozied up to her Blood Traitor sister and cousin. She reported to me a conversation she overheard which I feel is important in the current circumstance."

Voldemort's face took on an intensity as he looked at the woman. "You will open your mind to me! Legilimens!"

Narcissa was carefully prepared by her Paterfamilias to hide everything that needed to be hidden behind a wall protected by the vows she spoke. The conversation that Narcissa remembered was not hidden.

Narcissa and Andy were drinking tea, discussing their children. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Andy disappeared from sight. Narcissa listened carefully. "Hey, Andy. Whatcha doing?" The voice was that of Sirius.

"I have a visitor. What do you need?"

"Who is it?"

There was a pause and a whisper which Narcissa barely caught. ".. priv …rath … say."

Sirius' voice also dropped to a whisper. "I … slip … Dumbledore. It will get … Fidelius … James and Lily …." Narcissa assumed she could hear more of Sirius because he was facing the room while Andy was facing away.

Andromeda whispered back but accidentally raised her voice too far. "Now is not the best time!" Her voice dropped. "…ed and Nymphadora are … back … are here!"

Sirius whispered again. By this time, Narcissa had quietly crept closer and so heard more of what Sirius said. "Well, I have to disappear for … weeks. I'm … decoy, pretending to be … I won't be able to …"

Andy's voice rose slightly once more "Well, what should I do?"

Sirius paused. "Hide it … underwear drawer. Who'll … Just don't leave it out!" Sirius voice rose on the last bit. Narcissa quietly moved back to her previous position and quietly lifted her cup.

Soon, she heard the door close and Andy walked back into the kitchen. "Sorry."

"Who was that?"

Andy hesitated. "It was Sirius, passing a message from a friend. He wouldn't understand me allowing you to visit so I didn't tell him you were here."

Narcissa nodded. "That's okay. He knows that Lord Black has ordered me to be neutral. It would have been fine."

Andy grinned. "Don't you love Black politics?"

Voldemort's face became gleeful and then he said to Lucius, "I require a service. You will employ your marriage vows to ensure your wife complies."

"Yes, My Lord."

"You are to order her to retrieve the slip of parchment or paper that she overheard being discussed. If she is successful, your family will sit atop the order I shall create. If she should fail, you AND your wife and son will suffer the consequences."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Go!"

When the Malfoys had left, the Dark Lord called another servant in from the other door. "Yes, My Lord."

"Present your arm!" The Death Eater did so and Voldemort called to Severus Snape.

Severus had wormed his way into Dumbledore's confidence, claiming remorse over his childhood friend being threatened.

It was a wonderful ploy and Voldemort had reward him when it was reported by promoting him to the Inner Circle. Severus now played Double Agent but Voldemort was certain he knew exactly where the man's loyalties lay.

Voldemort never knew that in this case he was catastrophically wrong.

Soon Severus Snape arrived and prostrated himself. "Severus. You are becoming closes to Dumbledore?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"I have found that he is the secret keeper for the location of the Potters. You shall use all of your Slytherin guile to ensure that you obtain a slip form him which states the secret. He has a tendency, apparently, to write out the secret on such slips."

"Yes, My Lord. Is there any inconsequential intelligence I can provide which will explain why I approached him?"

Voldemort considered this. There was a safe house which was no longer used because the people who had used it were captured by the Ministry. "There is a safe house for my followers at back of the Crabbe estate. Spare wands and some galleons have been hidden beneath the floor of the Nursery. I am consolidating resources and I am planning on having several Death Eaters retrieve this … on Samhain."

"Thank you, My Lord. I shall begin immediately."

Voldemort waved Severus off. The beauty was that if Narcissa failed he would have cause to ensure Lucius was never elevated enough to threaten him. Severus he owned completely – his abusive muggle father was taken care of personally by himself. The muggle was punished for killing Severus' pureblood mother.

It was 29 October. Lucius had reported that Narcissa had failed. The slip was not found, but she continued to try. He had given a deadline for the next day.

Suddenly, his spy appeared and prostrated himself.

"Speak."

"My Lord. I have succeeded." Severus placed a small slip in front of his chair.

Voldemort took his wand and accioed the slip. He read the words: "The Potters have been given sanctuary within 10 Griffin Lane, Godric's Hallow."

Voldemort stamped down the glee he was feeling. He had to be certain. "Show me! Legilimens!"

Severus knocked on the door to the Headmasters office. "Come in, Severus!"

How did he always know?

Severus moved into the office and sat in one of the chairs. "I have a report."

"Very good, Severus. Lemon Drop?" Dumbledore presented a dish but Severus shook his head. His disdain was not visible but was easily recognizable.

"So, tell me."

"The Dark Lord is feeling the pinch. He will be sending out parties to retrieve cached supplies on Samhain, when most will be celebrating. Even the Aurors should be lulled that night."

"Interesting. What else?"

"I know of one location where those sent can be ambushed. The home's residents have been captured with their son being placed with more distant kin. It is empty. The DMLE should already have access and so it will not seem so unlikely that they might get lucky in inspecting such a property."

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed. "Excellent. What home?"

"A small house behind the Crabbe Manse. The cache is located beneath the floor of the Nursery."

Dumbledore nodded. "We shall ensure it is emptied before setting up a plausible capture scenario. Well done."

They were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Dumbledore waved his wand and a door to the side opened. "Wait there."

Severus moved to the door and closed it - but then listened in.

"Come!" Dumbledore's voice came through. A pause. "Mrs. Tonks! A pleasant surprise!"

"Hello, Headmaster. I have come to return this slip. My family has all read it. We shall be visiting with them on Sunday."

"Not on Halloween?"

The woman's voice took on an amused tone. "Nymphadora is looking forward to guising and collecting candy. Harry is too young. So, no, it will be Sunday."

"I see." Dumbledore's voice was also amused. "I quite understand the love of candy. Lemon drop?"

"No, thank you." There was definitely a chuckle hidden in the reply. "Anyway, I wanted to ensure this was returned. Sirius told me to hide it in my daughter's underwear drawer but I learned long ago to avoid his suggestions."

Albus chuckled. "Very well. Thank you for returning it."

"Headmaster." There was a pause and he heard the exit close. The door hiding Severus opened.

"Come back in and finish the report."

"Of course." Severus moved once again to sit down. "As I reported, the Dark Lord is consolidating resources. If one such cache is located in an imprisoned follower's home, perhaps there are others. It is a worthwhile opportunity to deny him."

Dumbledore sat back. "Yes. What other locations are plausible?"

Before Severus could answer, a Patronus appeared in the office. "Headmaster!" The voice of the Deputy Headmistress was strident. "I need assistance outside the Library. It's almost a full riot between my cubs and Horace's snakes!"

Dumbledore stood up and said, "Wait here!" He moved to the phoenix perched to the side of the office. "Fawkes, take me to the Library!"

The bird and the man both disappeared. The portraits were soon also empty as they had all moved to see the ruckus.

Severus looked around. "Accio Secret!" Nothing happened. "Accio Slip!" Suddenly, a small slip flew out from the slightly ajar cabinet behind the Headmasters desk and to Severus' hand. Another flew from within a book on the desk. He read both and saw that both were what his master asked for! He returned the slip to the book, as this was the one most likely to be missed.

He quickly took his wand and wrapped the other slip around it and placed this in his holster. The holster had an anti-summoning charm. Severus then sat back and strengthened his occlumency barriers. To all appearances he was calmly waiting for the Headmaster.

About ten minutes later, the portraits began to fill again. And shortly thereafter the Headmaster also returned, through the door this time. The phoenix moved from his shoulder to its perch.

"There are times I long for the days where you attended. The rivalry is getting worse."

"I find that hard to believe." Severus' tone was almost acidic.

The Headmaster sighed. "Well, no matter. Now, as we were discussing …"

It was obvious that there was no more that was relevant. Voldemort now allowed his glee to come through. "Excellently done!" He stood. "Samhain will see the prophesized threat destroyed. Once this is accomplished, you shall be raised above all others as my closest advisor!"

"You honor me, My Lord."

"Present your arm! We must plan distractions for Samhain." Voldemort used Snape's Dark Mark to call all of his other followers. Plans would be made.

After the meeting with the other version of Harry Potter, Dumbledore had been somewhat reserved as he was obviously wrestling with what he had been told. However, he had come out of his funk as Arcturus, Sirius, James, and he had begun the planning needed to place Voldemort here on a particular night.

Gary had suggested an approach which played towards the man's vanity and sense of superiority. Voldemort wanted to claim supremacy of all magic and using Samhain would draw him – as long as the final resolution was close enough to Halloween. None could see the Dark Lord waiting months to take advantage of stolen intelligence.

Gary also told them that this was the date that marked Voldemort's temporary defeat in his own world.

After making this suggestion and the rough planning being accomplished, the man had disappeared in the blue light which marked him as truly the focal point of the Lone Traveler legends. Molly was somewhat sad that he was called away. James and Lily also had wanted to speak more with him.

The Order members were used to create rumours and false paths. Although many members could fight, the Order mainly dealt with information and planning.

Albus would be the Secret Keeper. Gary had mentioned the slips that he used as something he had learned from his own Dumbledore. Gary had mentioned to the rest that Albus did have a spy within the Death Eaters and they should use him.

Albus was shocked as no one had been told of Severus' defection.

Arcturus had explained Narcissa's role and limitations. Her tentative inclusion was discussed and the Black family would only agree as long as she and her son were not unduly threatened.

As far as they were concerned, Lucius could be manipulated and put in harm's way as much as necessary. There was no love for the man with the Blacks – at least not anymore.

So, Lily and James were now in the cottage presenting an image of domestic tranquility. They each had an emergency portkey for The Reboubt.

Hidden within the room were Bellatrix, Regulus, Sirius, Remus, and Dorcas Meadowes. These were considered the most qualified to face Voldemort directly.

James and Lily were admonished that they were to leave AT ONCE as soon as they made a show of retreating toward "Harry." Harry was actually at the Burrow. Molly had insisted.

Albus, Walburga, Andromeda, the Prewitt brothers, and Arcturus were hidden outside. As soon as they heard James "ordering Lily to Retreat," they would raise the anti-apparition wards. It was assumed that Voldemort would not have a portkey keyed into the wards.

In that first rough planning session, some of the Order members had questioned the planning on the basis of the unpredictable nature of Voldemort. Gary had snorted and laid out the persona of Voldemort in detail, citing several examples from his own world and this one.

Albus had verified that everything being said was consistent with Tom Riddle's personality.

James and Lily Potter were trying to appear normal. They were located within the cottage which Dumbledore was willing to sacrifice to achieve their goal.

Lily had just moved upstairs to "check on Harry" when the front door was violently opened. James turned and yelled, "Get Harry out!"

Voldemort laughed. "Your pitiful defenses …"

Suddenly, James dropped behind the couch and, unseen by Voldemort, he portkeyed away. James' yell had caused Lily to portkey immediately as well.

Just as Voldemort's attention was fixated on the cowardly Gryffindor who hid rather than face him, five different spells hit Voldemort from the side, back, and above.

Albus had protested when Arcturus had suggested this. "It just isn't right that anyone be attacked in such a way!"

Arcturus was cold as he said, "Family Magics have deemed him a threat against Magic! There is no honorable path that is worth giving him a chance to escape. This is not a duel! It is WAR!"

Before Albus could reply Bellatrix interjected, "I know my former Master. If given any chance he can escape or dominate. Death Eaters know that any warning gives opportunity to retreat or enact plans. In the past I would have enjoyed taunting him as he was destroyed – but now I know there is no value in it. No warning is the only chance we have."

Alastor Moody had immediately supported them. "Albus, you know the traditions and you know that Voldemort violates them in every case. Why follow rules when the other side won't?"

As a result, the five hidden in the room would cast as soon as James was out of sight. Sirius and Remus were prone on the floor next to the door and below the windows. Dorcas and Regulus were standing next to the windows. Bellatrix, acting on the suggestion of the Paterfamilias, was on a platform above the door magicked to stick in place.

They all were disillusioned.

As soon as James dropped, all cast non-verbally.

Three reductos (Remus, Sirius, Dorcas), one standard cutting curse (Bellatrix), and one dark cutting curse (Regulus) hit the Dark Lord. He dropped immediately.

All five cast again. They were taking no chances.

Bella's curse actually caused the man's head to separate from the body.

Sirius called out, "Clear!"

The attacking group all cancelled their disillusionments. Sirius and Remus moved to help Bellatrix down even as those on anti-apparition detail moved in. Albus saw the broken body on the floor and sighed. "It is a shame that so much raw talent was wasted."

Arcturus said, "Yes. But it was and now we have to move on." He turned to Sirius. "Take it, Grandson."

Sirius nodded. Arcturus portkeyed immediately to his home. In the Black family, visibility was tantamount to painting oneself red. Arcturus was too old to become visibly involved.

The Order meeting, planning, and this final warding were far more than he had wanted to involve himself with. If Family Magic wasn't involved, he wouldn't have thought about doing such things.

Even as word spread and celebration took hold of magical Britain, Sirius led his family, the Order, and a number of Aurors to capture the remaining Death Eaters.

Bellatrix caused quite a stir when she portkeyed into the Ministry Atrium with her brother-in-law, Lucius Malfoy. He was wrapped in chains, bleeding from a number of cuts, and his sleeve was torn off. The faded Dark Mark was plainly visible.

The number of marked followers remaining was much smaller than expected. Bellatrix and Regulus Black's defection and their work with the DMLE in secret was named as a prime reason why the Death Eaters were in the poor condition they were found to be in. Severus Snape was pardoned but there was a furor when Dumbledore tried to hire him as a Professor. He ended up running an apothecary.

Lucius, under veritaserum, had been uncovered as a prime lynchpin in Voldemort's organization. Under the laws enacted which had negated pureblood privilege for marked Death Eaters, he could not prevent everything he knew from being used to weed out unmarked supporters and spies.

Narcissa had been on hand when he had been sentenced to be kissed. She had no tears for her late husband. Narcissa and Draco moved in with Walburga. Sirius' childhood home had been cleansed and had been returned to the stately home it originally was supposed to be when it was built so many years before.

The Department of Mysteries had a grand time tearing apart the former Malfoy Manor for dark artifacts. The Malfoy fortune was put in trust for Draco. Even after penalties and fines it was considerable.

Bellatrix was now well known as the one who cut off Voldemort's head. Although there was some hesitancy from those that had known her, most wizards and witches celebrated the woman.

Barty Crouch Junior was found to be an unmarked supporter. He had volunteered to be marked but Voldemort had put that on hold pending his latest focus being resolved.

The DMLE had some help in identifying Death Eaters. James Potter had negotiated and a Dark Mark ward with wired magical LED indicators was placed just outside of Gringotts. Gringotts could not and would not divulge secrets but if the Ministry used a plot outside of the bank for some purpose? They had no control of that.

It was perhaps skirting the treaties by not correcting those that assumed the new arch was a part of Gringotts. But goblins followed the letter of every contract. And the contract specified 180 days after the defeat of Voldemort the small plot would be returned to Gringotts and tied back to their wards.

They made a profit on the lease and the decorative feature they didn't have to pay for received many complements.