Chapter 5 – Planning

Harry and Hermione had finally managed to get Jason to sleep for the night after a few hours. Apparently, toddlers took the events of Dementors in a completely different way than kids, teens and adults, since he just wanted to hold onto his parents and cuddle. They didn't mind of course, he was their son after all. Luna had made herself at home in the living/kitchen area, sipping on a cup of cocoa. Both of them had to take another look at her. She was a good stone heavier than their Luna had been. Her hair was dipped dyed at the ends with tints of blue and she was wearing clothing that would have had Hermione spanked by her father if she attempted to wear at sixteen.

"Don't ask." Luna noticed the looks she was getting. "This place is like the complete opposite of our world. This Luna was not a nice girl." She frowned at herself for a moment. "Neither was the guy I woke up beside." She pulled her feet up on his couch. "How are you two holding up?"

Hermione snorted. "I've taken over the body of a girl who didn't have to fight to be accepted. So, for some reason, that added up to someone who was a complete doormat to people. Especially the walking cock here," She gestured to Harry with her thumb. "Honestly Harry, have you shagged everyone we've ever known? Tonks, Susan, Cho, Ginny and many more. I don't know why she took you back."

Harry agreed with her immensely. He didn't really understand it either. "You think I liked who I used to be here?! All he needed was blonde hair and a tub of gel and I would have been this world's Malfoy!" He plopped down beside Luna. "And you forgot Luna. I slept with her before I finished sixth year."

Luna thought for a moment. "Oh yeah, we shagged in Flitwick's office." She answered in her usual dreamy demeanour. She finished her cocoa. "That was an interesting night. Though you were hardly her first. I swear, this girl could give Pansy Parkinson a run for her money when it comes to Slytherins entering her." She rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "So, we're in a world where most of us have everything we ever wanted, but we're pale shells of our true selves, Dumbledore is apparently ten times worse than Voldemort, Voldemort is basically Dumbledore and Harry's grandfather, you two have a baby, Harry's an Auror and there's no Statute of Secrecy. Have I left anything out?"

"This world has no Patronus spell." Harry placed his arm around her, opening his other arm for Hermione to take. "I'm teaching it to them, so I've had to pull a Lockhart and claim I made it." He frowned for a moment, relaxing once Hermione cuddled into his other side. "I've three siblings."

"I've got Mum back." Luna whispered. "But I'm such a bitch to her." She sighed sadly, hiding her face in his shirt. "What do we tell them…?"

"The truth." Harry replied. "These people are our allies, Luna. Our parents and loved ones. They deserve to know the truth." He closed his eyes, relaxing his head against the sofa. "As for the three of us, we should plan on what our next move is. We're dealing with a world where most of our normal practices aren't going to fly. You can't apparate unless you're in the Auror Corps or a soldier on the frontlines." He frowned. "As for the lack of a Statute of Secrecy, some muggles aren't fans of magicals. The likes of the Second Salemers, the Magical Abolishment League and the Knights of the Sun. On our side, we've got the likes of the Shadow Empire, the Knights of Walpurgis and the Order of the Phoenix, all petitioning for a new Statute of Secrecy in different ways."

"Knights of Walpurgis…the forerunners of the Death Eaters?" Hermione frowned. "Who runs them?"

"I don't know. Granddad thinks it could be an old school friend of his. Tiberius Lestrange." Harry sighed for a moment. "Granddad's someone we should confer with. Unlike our Dumbledore, he's open with his information and he'll listen." He checked the time. "He's back from Spain tomorrow." He couldn't help but smile at the idea of Hermione and his grandfather discussing different things.

Hermione frowned a little. She wasn't exactly looking forward to speaking with the man who had essentially tried to off every muggleborn and outspoken opponent of his. According to Harry though, this man was a lot like their Dumbledore, only with a foul mouth. Her own memories of the man were happy enough, and he was a firm but fair Headmaster, compared to the sometimes too lax Dumbledore they had dealt with over the years. "As long as he knows what to do."

"He will." Harry assured her. He stood for a moment, making his way towards the window. "I've a week off thanks to today, so we'll have enough time to plan something out with granddad. Hopefully…hopefully he'll know what our next move should be." He took a coin from his pocket, twirling it through his fingers as he watched the police go by. "Dumbledore's following the first law of destruction…he's chipping away at the right people at the right times, but without the restraint that other Dark Lords have used."

Luna hummed quietly to herself. "Not to mention whatever he did to Fawkes. Shadow phoenixes are never born naturally. Only the darkest of rituals can corrupt a phoenix like that."

"What can shadow phoenixes do that an ordinary phoenix can't?" Hermione asked.

Luna frowned. "A shadow phoenix can summon great and powerful magic to whomever controls them. Immortality, magical strength and the ability to melt into shadows are just some of the powers associated with the power of a shadow phoenix. According to our world's legends, only one phoenix had ever been corrupted, and its controller managed to sink Atlantis with that power…"

Harry gulped. "Like in '53…" He whispered softly. "Dumbledore's first major attack against the Allies. He tried to sink the French coasts for over three months. Over a million-people died in the attack. It was considered the first major use of the shadow phoenix in Dumbledore's possession. One that we don't know for sure is Fawkes."

Hermione paced around the room a little. "Careful what you wish for, eh?" She bitterly laughed. "We wanted life. I wanted to be with Harry and my parents, and now we're stuck in another war. One that's lasted since the '40s. What other magic is banned or limited?"

"The Unforgivables are classed an act of terrorism. Use of one is life imprisonment and the binding of one's magic." Harry answered softly. "Transfiguration and other things that can alter the world can only be used by someone with at least their N.E.W.T in the subject. Battle magic is only taught to Aurors now, and a lot of old school books are kept under wraps." He leaned against the window frame, turning to the two of them. "All in all, it's for the safety of both worlds. Ghosts are seen now as historical figures who are able to bridge gaps in history. Our dear old friend Nearly Headless Nick has actually become a great author. He has someone write down what he speaks and the profits go into repairing old buildings around the country."

Hermione smiled. "I must pick up some of his books. I haven't read a lot of books lately." She whispered sadly. She didn't really know what to do with this new life. Jason was a beautiful boy, and her memories were full of happiness and great times, but she didn't feel at home yet. Harry had warned her it took him weeks to come to terms with things, but she didn't know if she could. Luna was taking things rather well, though her personality was always soft and easy going, at least until she couldn't take life anymore.

Harry glanced over at them. "I think we should put a pin in things until tomorrow. Luna, call your folks and tell them you're with us. I'll personally bring you home tomorrow when we have a plan."

-ABL-

Hermione had been the first to wake up out of the three of them. She took a look around Harry's flat, examining the different items that littered the shelves and table. He seemed to be somewhat more educated than Harry had been in their world. He had a lot of the classics, as well as several modern books about the conflicts and the use of warfare tactics. It impressed her that someone so immature could have such tastes. He also had some picture albums from his school days and several other occasions. She picked up one of the books written by an author she'd never heard of, which seemed to be filled with the biography of the main players in the beginning of the war.

"It's a penname." Harry's voice broke through her thoughts. He leaned against the wall, wearing nothing but a pair of pyjama bottoms and his glasses. "It's one of Mum's books. She writes about the history of the war and the biographies of the leaders. Her book on Dumbledore was a best seller."

"Your mum's an author?" She closed the book, turning to him. He looked so carefree, so unlike the way he once looked. The scar on his chest was unusual enough for her to take a second glance at. He moved closer to her, and she found herself with a pair of lips on hers. "I was trying to read." She protested, though her arms wrapped around his neck. He had taken the best parts of both Harrys. The kindness and gentleness of her Harry, and the confidence and devil may care attitude of the other Harry. He was what her Harry should have been, daring and powerful, but with a great heart. Not afraid to claim her as his, but also caring enough to know who she was.

Harry chuckled. "I'll leave you to it then." He kissed her neck, heading to the kettle. "Tea?"

Hermione nodded. "Can I ask you something? What are your plans when all this is over?"

"Live my life. Retire from the Aurors and spend my life with you and J." Harry answered, plopping a teabag in the cup. He opened the pantry, grabbing a jar of coffee beans. "Probably get my N.E. . Find something else to do in life. Spell creation has become quite popular in the last few years. Once I actually manage to create something that isn't just a spell from our world."

Hermione shook her head. "And you're sure you'll be up for that? Spell creation takes a Mastery of Arithmancy after all."

Harry shrugged. "This guy's a lot smarter than I was." He admitted, adding milk and sugar to his coffee. Hermione usually took her tea with only milk, so he didn't really have to worry about upsetting her dentist parents. "If I had stayed in Hogwarts this year, I would have gotten at least seven O's in the tests, not to mention Arithmancy and Runes were this guy's speciality." He placed the cup on the table for her. "If he hadn't been so keen on fighting, I think he would've made a great teacher."

"But you agree with his decision, don't you?" Hermione couldn't help but smirk at that. "You always were one for fighting over using your head." She put her feet on the sofa, glancing through the book. "English Minister for Magic at the time, Charlus Ignotus Potter had been one of the first to vocally agree to the Dublin Treaty, which officially ended the Statute of Secrecy, replacing it with the Accords." She read aloud. "Your grandfather was the last Minister for Magic?"

"No. He was the last Minister who served a Prime Minister like role. Now the Minister for Magic sits in the Houses of Common. The current Minister is a man by the name of Remus Lupin." Harry grinned. "Ol' Moony's not doing too bad for himself. He still pops by every Friday for dinner." He finished his own coffee, opening the window. The whole road had been locked down since Piccadilly Circus and he didn't really know when it was going to be reopened. It was odd to have such peace and quiet in the usually noisy area.

Hermione smiled softly. "Dare I ask about Sirius?"

"He's, well he's Sirius." Harry picked up a coin, staring out the window. "He's living his life to the fullest. Helping out on the frontlines with aid and humanitarian missions. He's been away for nine months this time. Only got back a few weeks before my accident. Every time he leaves, he ends up leaving everyone on edge."

Hermione finished her tea, grabbing one of the books from the shelf with the same penname. "How many books has your mum written?"

"Fifteen on the war using her penname. Four under her own name which are mostly for helping muggle parents deal with magical children." Harry replied, sliding from the window ledge. He sat down beside her, kissing her neck once again. "You know, we have some time before we've to head to Granddad's." He licked his lips. "And I owe you so many apologies."

Hermione groaned. "Harry, stop thinking with your dick." She flicked his nose. "Wait until Luna's gone home so we can actually have some privacy. I'm not going to sleep with you when our friend is currently sleeping in the other room."

Harry gave her his best pout. "But I've missed you."

Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Harry, while you haven't been having sex with her, I'm sure Hermione kept you nice and sated." She reopened her book, resting her against the headrest.

"I wouldn't let her." Harry admitted. "This guy," He gestured to his own body. "He was a fucking prick to people, Mione. Slept with people to get back at other people and make himself feel better. He liked to think of himself as someone better than others." He sighed softly, running his hands through his hair. "I didn't want her to think I only wanted her body."

Hermione smiled softly. "You truly are the best parts of both, aren't you?" She stroked his cheek affectionately. "Caring, kind, confident. Everything you deserved to be in our world." She rested her head on his shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"

"You just did." He smirked slightly, kissing her forehead. "What is it?"

"Why didn't you pursue me?" She whispered softly.

Harry scoffed. "I had a stupid idea of what loyalty meant. I knew Ron was harbouring feelings for you. Merlin, I'd spend months listening to him moan out your name is his sleep." He chuckled weakly. "I thought that being a good friend meant not pursuing who I loved because I didn't want to hurt Ron's feelings. As for Ginny…as much as I hate to admit it…she made me feel…"

"Special." Hermione finished for him. "Like you were the most important person in the world to them." She smiled sadly, kissing him softly. "Like you did for me. And I latched onto Ron because I thought I could beat it into you that I loved you." She held onto him, stroking his hair. "Now, we've got everything I ever wanted." She shook her head. "Harry, I love you more than I can describe. But I'm telling you here and now," She pulled his face to hers. "If you ever do what he did to her, we're done."

Harry stared into her chocolate eyes. "I'd rather die than ever betray you, Mione." He kissed her deeply.

Hermione kissed him back. "No sex!" She reminded him.

"Ok." Harry gave an overdramatic sigh, kissing her forehead. "I'll get J ready for the day."

Hermione smiled. "I'll get his breakfast ready. And wake Luna up."

Harry shook his head. "No way am I going in there. Luna once told me in great detail that she liked to sleep in the nip."

"Honestly Harry, that's our Luna, not the old one from here." Hermione huffed.

"It was our Luna that told me that." Harry explained. "Something about being closer to nature."

Hermione shook her head. "Somehow, that makes sense when Luna says it…"

-ABL-

Thomas didn't really know why his grandson had appeared at his home with both the lovely Miss Granger and the rebellious Miss Lovegood, but he knew that there had to be a good reason. He invited them into the living room, shaking his head. "You couldn't give your grandmother and I a few days to get back into the swing of things, could you?" He sighed. "And I'm impressed by your little spell, but there's no way that my grandson created such a powerful spell."

Harry wanted to argue, but he knew it was pointless. "Well, that spell had a little side effect." He frowned. "Death saw his chance and decided to reclaim the cloak from me." He rested against the wall. "Granddad, meet Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood. From my world." He whispered.

Thomas' eyes widened at that. "Forgive my ignorance. How are you dealing with the change?" He asked softly, pouring tea for them. He smiled at the toddler. "And there's my first great-grandson!" He picked the boy into his arms, hugging him.

"We've all got our memories melded." Luna answered with her usual airiness. "And you're extremely different than the Riddle from our world. You have a nose for one. Not to mention your aura is clean." She sat down with her cup of tea, sipping it. "Hmm, lemon."

Harry kept his position at the wall. "We need to plan, granddad." He smiled at the cooing of his son. "I don't want to spend my life fighting, so I think we need to start working on what we're going to do about Dumbledore." He crossed his arms. "And what we can do about his little empire too."

Thomas sighed. "Back to fighting the world, are we?" He asked with a tired smile. It seemed that no matter which reality there was, Harry was going to have to be the fighter in the family. He shook his head for a moment. "Fine, but we're not planning this in my home. I'm not letting this be the war centre." He kissed his wife's cheek.

"And you're going to need a lot of help." Viola replied. "I'll make some sandwiches and have everyone go to the summer house." She shook her head. "Damn kids can't just let their nana relax for a day."

Hermione chuckled. "I'll help you, Mrs Riddle." She walked into the kitchen with her, grabbing the bread and butter. "How was your holiday?"

"Same as usual. Spent some time on the beaches and then Tommy and I spent the rest of time with some of our other friends. Spain is probably one of the only places where I feel safe, besides here of course." Viola frowned. "Damn. Harry, go to the shop and pick up some meat, cheese and salad!" She tossed her purse to him as he walked in. "And take my car. I don't want you on that death machine of yours!"

"Yes nana." Harry took the keys from the bowl.

Hermione smiled. "He's never had a grandmother figure before." She commented lightly. "We had Professor McGonagall, but she was like the strict aunt you hate spending time with." She buttered the bread, listening to the sounds of her son laughing with his great-grandfather.

"Minnie is someone you have to know for a long time to get along with." Viola agreed, sitting down to help the girl. "So, are you and my grandson doing ok? I know it must be hard to have those other memories."

Hermione nodded. "It's hard to accept, but it wasn't my Harry that did those things." She whispered. "My Harry was this kind soul. The kind of soul who pushed me into someone else's arms so he could keep me safe. He put everyone else first, but like this Hermione, he was a bit of a doormat at times." She sighed. "Harry let himself get manipulated a lot. His emotions ran high, so he was reckless. But now, he's like the perfect mix of the Harry you remember and the one that I remember." She loved hearing Jason laughing in the other room. "And we have everything we ever wanted. We've a family that we love. My parents can see me use magic. And we've a baby boy who I absolutely adore."

Viola smiled. "That's proper love then." She patted the girl on the hand, finishing her tea. "And that spell that he used…what was it?"

"The Patronus." Hermione smiled brightly. "It's probably the best proof of how powerful your grandson is, Mrs Riddle. The Patronus in our world can repel Dementors through pure happiness. For while they feed on the anguish of people, they do so by first eating whatever happy memories they have. Harry literally overfed them to the point that they exploded. It's not exactly an easy thing to do, nor did come easy to him." She explained. "In our world, adults your age have problems casting it. Harry," Her smile only grew brighter. "He mastered it at the age of thirteen."

Viola chuckled. "I never needed to know how powerful he was. James and Lily always had a powerful baby on their hands. Harry is probably one of my stronger magical grandchildren. His tenacity and stubbornness drove him to be the best he could be, and that's what makes me worry. Even if your Harry has managed to calm both of them into a mature adult…that tenacity is going to get him injured time and time again. He's so like his grandfather in that regard. Thomas has injured himself more times than I'd like to remember in his vendetta against Dumbledore."

Hermione frowned. "Vendetta? That sounds personal…"

Viola nodded. "Thomas was actually Dumbledore's prized pupil when Dumbledore taught at Hogwarts. He was a master manipulator back then too. He had everyone convinced that he opposed Grindelwald and fought for the Light. He had a brother and a sister. Thomas was close to Abeforth and Ariana Dumbledore. He spent most of his time with them at the Hog's Head Inn when it was open in Hogsmeade. When Dumbledore revealed his true colours, the first thing that he did was kill his family and flee the country." She closed her eyes. "As the pub engulfed in flames, Thomas ran in to try and find his friends. They were already dead. So, in that burning building, while he was close to death himself, Thomas vowed that he would avenge his friends and began his vendetta against Dumbledore."

Hermione held her hand to her mouth as she listened to the tale. So much of it had been similar to her own world, but she still couldn't believe that Dumbledore could have been so heartless as to kill his ill sister and his brother. "Harry's got his own vendetta I suppose, but his is against Death. Death has tricked and manipulated him several times."

Viola frowned. "I told Thomas not to mess with those kind of Old Magicks. Too dangerous to anger the Old Gods and their ways." She shook her head for a moment, pouring more tea as she vaguely heard her husband discussing some theory with Miss Lovegood. "Thomas is a proud man, one that I love with my heart…but I fear that he and Harry are down a path that they can't really sustain." She smiled at the girl. "Now, let's call the cavalry in."

-ABL-

The trip to the summer house took a couple of hours, so the decision was made to include everyone who had to be included. Hermione's parents had been the first to be called, followed by Luna's parents, Harry's parents, aunts, siblings and cousins. Harry had his grandfather on the back of his bike since his grandmother had forbade anyone else to go on the trip with him. The two of them sped ahead as they reached the large summer house. He packed the bike in the garage, glancing around at the old house.

He tossed his helmet on one of the sofas, taking his wand out. With a quick wave of the magical item the sofas were pushed right against the walls. He transfigured an oak table and several chairs. He stuck a map of Europe on the wall, highlighting parts of the map that were under Dumbledore's control. He poured himself a cup of coffee as people started to fill the room. Hermione smiled weakly at him, holding onto Jason as her parents walked into the room. Luna looked even more nervous than her, with her hands literally shaking as she hugged her mother.

"Thanks for coming." He began softly, holding onto Jason for emotional support. "As many of you may know, it's been a hectic few weeks for me, but I'd like to explain a lot of things to you all. To start off with," He began explaining the deal between his grandfather and Death, as well as his own predicament when he was in what was basically Purgatory. He then gestured to Hermione and Luna, explaining that the three of them now held their memories from both worlds. It was a shocking revelation for the Grangers, while the Lovegoods seemed to take it a lot better. He took a deep once he finished his explanation, gesturing to the board behind him. "This, is going to be the War Room for a very ambitious project. One that will hopefully end the threat from Dumbledore once and for all." He gulped to himself. "Research. Planning. Destroying the people supporting him. We've a lot of hard work ahead of us and not a lot of time to do so."

James frowned. "Son, it'll take more than a few families to take down Dumbledore."

"I know that, Dad." Harry sighed. "But, if we pool resources and work with certain individuals, we may be able to find some way to seriously cripple Dumbledore's operation until there's nothing left of Dumbledore but a pile of fucking ashes."

Thomas shook his head. "You're being too ambitious." He slapped him over the head. "This isn't taking down some Dark Lord who can hide in the shadows. We're talking about the head of at least five governments, with a full ARMY of wizards and witches under his control. Not to mention endless amounts of Dark Creatures and Ferals. We'd need more than a bloody campaign to defeat him, we'll need to politically destroy him too."

"I know!" Harry repeated his earlier words tersely. "But, we've also got the ability to ensure we can't be caught. I know things. Things about the Dumbledore of my world. I know how to get under his skin. How to make him force his hand." He placed Jason in his mother's arms, pointing to a small section of Germany. "Gellert Grindelwald's grave. Dumbledore turned it into a town in the man's honour. We're going to take the towns that surrounds it and start insurrections in every single one of them." He glanced at them all.

"It's suicide!" James argued. "The town of Grindelwald is so highly fortified that bloody NATO couldn't breach it!" He crossed his arms. "You should start smaller. Hit the French seaside for now. There's already small insurrections going on with the Veela and the French Resistance."

Harry frowned. "They're too small. We'd be useless to them." He squared up to his father. "This isn't about Peter, dad. This is about making the man angry." He said softly. "I know Peter was your friend. And I know you miss him, but we're making a mistake if we help out France right now."

James stared into his eyes. "If we do this, all that's going to come of it is death and destruction."

Harry clenched his jaw. "Then I'll do it alone."

Thomas sighed, hitting the two of them with a stinging hex. "Hit the German countryside. Make your way towards Grindelwald slowly." He placed several pins in the map. "These are predominantly muggle towns. We'll have an easier time rallying them to help us." He chuckled weakly. "We'll still need help from the Aurors and the Frontline though."

Harry stroked his chin. "What if we got the 132nd airborne?" He asked curiously. "They're masters of quick in and out jobs."

"They're currently in Bulgaria." Sirius replied, moving a different coloured pin to another part of the map. "But the 144th is available at the moment. They may not be as fast as their brothers, but they can still make a difference."

Harry nodded. "Ok, contact the Allies." He turned to his grandfather. "Tell them the plan. We'll also need the 105th if they can spare them. We're going to start with the smaller muggle villages until such a time as we can storm the outer walls of Grindelwald."

Thomas nodded. "I'll get some of the old group together as well. The Knights of Walpurgis are still operational, but I can have the Dragon Brotherhood assembled by tomorrow. That'd be another fifty bodies, easily."

Harry smiled. "Good." He turned to his mother, Hermione, Mrs. Lovegood, Nana Viola and his aunts. "You're going to be coordinating from here. And before I hear any complaints…we need healers here. If we take you with us, we'll all be that focused on keeping you safe that it'll just hinder our senses." He saw Hermione's glare. "I love you all too much to risk any of you."

"And we don't want our children to grow up fatherless." Hermione bit back. "So, you had better get your arse back to us in one piece, Harry." She kept the glare on her face. "We'll manage the operation easily from here. Right, Mrs. Potter?"

Lily smiled. "Sure. Between you, me, and Mum, we'll have all the men on their toes." She winked mischievously. "But, I do think you should at least take Petunia with you. She's got contacts with people all over Europe."

Harry nodded, glancing at his aunt. "Be ready for 0600. We leave then."

Hermione snorted. "Aye Captain." She rolled her eyes. "As for you, handsome." She cooed at her son, placing him in Lily's arms. "Nana Potter's looking after you tonight so Daddy and I can have a much-needed talk."

"Am I going to like this talk?" Harry grinned.

"No." Hermione smirked, grabbing him by the ear. "But I will."

"Give him hell." Lily laughed, holding her grandson. "Say bye Daddy." She cooed.

"Ow!" Harry winced, watching his family laugh at him.