Chapter 4 A Little Help and a Bit of Payback

Only a month passed and with Mundungus as his source of information, Hydrus learned that there were still Muggle-borns, and poorer Half-bloods, begging in Diagon Alley. It seemed that the homeless shelter folded under the Pure-Bloods' demands. So the young immortal looked over his holdings and found three houses that were empty. He had Kreacher go and see if they were habitable. They were, so he visited them and set up the same magical electronics he had at Grimmauld Place; lights, outlets, and kitchen appliances (he had new rune arrays that worked better than Frostwell's for bigger items). He made sure they were furnished— nothing fancy, since this would be more of a halfway house and not a permanent residence. He stocked the pantries.

Hydrus then sent off letters to the contacts he had in foreign countries, like Fleur and Viktor, letting them know that he had homeless wizards and witches that needed help; he made sure to include what had and hadn't been done by the British Magical Government. He also sent a very polite business letter to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, saying that there were repressed wizards that desired a new start.

He was going to do his best to get everyone who stood up for him out of the control of this country's Magical Ministry. Not like they had improved all that much, even with Kingsley in charge. New laws and such had to go through the Wizengamot, and those old bastards will never change their ways. Even with Death Eaters in Azkaban, the 'wise old men' were still stubborn corruptible bigots, who wanted to cling to tradition.

When that was complete he hired Fletcher to hand out notes to the homeless with enough non-magical money for bus or train fare. These missives said:

If you want shot of these ignorant people, come to one of the addresses listed below, directions are on the maps in the bus and train stations. Use the money for the ride. If one house is full go to the next on the list. You will have to share rooms to fit everyone. Please work together. Food and a place to rest are included. Destroy this note when you have it memorized, so that the Pure-bloods can't stop you. Be here within the next week, and I'll help you in any way I can.

Harry Potter

23 Lilyputten Way or 6 Starlight Road or 85 Contrary Street.

The week flew by with many letters and talks. The Prime Minister was very helpful, since he held a grudge against the British branch of the Magical Government for the way they waved off the deaths of the non-magicals as unimportant. Any help that had been offered the last two magical civil wars was ignored as useless. Needless to say Millicent Bagnold, Cornelius Fudge and Rufus Scrimgeour had made very bad impressions on the former PMs, who left records of their dealing with them. Pius Thicknesse never communicated with Muggles.

The current PM conceded that Kingsley tried to make an effort, but no matter how kind he was, you could tell he still felt Muggles should stay separate from wizards. So given the past dealings with his office, Blair made sure he knew that there were many charities that could help the Muggle-born get the education they needed to succeed in the non-magical world. He couldn't do anything about their magic, but he could help get started in a new life.

Fleur and Viktor had pleaded their case to their Ministries and France agreed that they could take a few dozen people who wanted to continue living in the magical world. The Bulgarians were reluctant, but since it was something that would hurt Britain's Magical Ministry, they decided to take a few of the homeless. This was a relief to him, since there were bound to be those who didn't want to live as non-magicals.

The ICW was also contacted and some open-minded countries were willing to open their doors to England's magical homeless. Their representatives would be coming a few days later to see who was left that required help. There were many countries that didn't want the beggars to come to them, fearing they would not be useful and would sponge off their governments.

Representatives from all three governments agreed to come to the houses Hydrus set up to talk to the people. He had used the Harry Potter name in his correspondence, but informed them that since he was in hiding Hydrus Black would be his spokesperson. On the day mentioned in the note, the new Black and the three men met on the lawn of the house on Lilyputten Way.

It was a big house, not overly large, but big enough that a few small families could bunk down for a while without mishap. They could see the people milling around through the windows and some were in the back yard.

Hydrus turned and put up wards to keep anyone not present from noticing what was going on. He then cast a Sonorus charm and called to the house, "Hello, in the house. Please come and listen to what we have to say. We have propositions to help you to start over. Meet us in the front yard; bring something to sit on if you must." He uncast the spell and conjured chairs for the four of them.

Slowly, but surely, the wary people made their way to the area. Some were dragging chairs, others were carrying blankets. They formed a half circle and settled to see what was being presented. Not many had their hopes up, as the Ministry had promised to help, but what little they did was soon taken away.

A medium height, portly man, with balding black hair, dressed in a casual suit, stood and addressed them in a very businesslike tone. "My name is Mr. Roberts, I am here with a proposal for those who want to stay in England and live as non-magical people. We have talked to Mr. Potter and he has agreed that anyone who takes us up on our offer can use this house, and the other homes, as a temporary refuge. We will educate you to your A-levels, since you are mostly adults you will have to enroll in a further education college. We will pay for this, if you vow to get a job and make yourself a useful part of society. If this is something you want to do see me after everyone else has given their offers." He gave a short bow and returned to his seat.

The next speaker was a tall man, with a face like granite, dressed in what appeared to be a military uniform, he stood at attention and addressed the crowd, "I am Mr. Kobay and I represent the Bulgarian Magical Ministry. Our offer is simple, work for our government for a few years to establish yourselves and we will supply your wands and a wardrobe. You will be paid the standard pay rate." Then he gave a curt nod and sat. He glared at the audience, like he was daring them to come forward, making the younger wizard cautious of the man's intentions.

The next presenter was a short pale man, with longish blond hair. Unlike the other two, he was a cheery man, with a smile that never seemed to leave his face. His clothes were a little flamboyant. He stood and bowed to the whispering crowd and spoke, "My name is Monsieur Leveille, my Minister ez so very un'appy with what ez 'appening to you. 'E wants to welcome anyone who would like to get away from Britain to France. We will make sure you 'ave work, a place to stay, and food. We will 'elp any way we can to make you feel at 'ome in our beautiful country. If you agree, zen like the other gentlemen, please see me when ze speeches are over." He gave a jaunty wave and settled back in his chair. There were the whispering turned to excitement after he sat, causing the man to beam.

The former Potter stood and gave his prepared statement. "I'm Hydrus, I represent Harry Potter. He would like to welcome you to his home and apologize that he could not be here. It was he that contacted the others to make sure you get the help you needed. You are free to choose any of these offers or none at all. There will be more people coming in the next few days for those who will be left behind. As gracious as the gentlemen behind me are, there are only a dozen spots in each country, barring non-magical England, so others have agreed to give you sanctuary—if you make yourselves useful. This house will be used for those staying here; anyone not going non-magical must go elsewhere. It is not that Mr. Potter doesn't care, but contrary to popular belief, he is not made of money. The ones choosing to stay will have to supply their own resources and eventually find their own house or flat. This is all he can offer. Thank you for your time." He turned and joined the others.

When it was obvious that the speeches were over, the listeners started breaking off into five groups and went to the person they wanted to talk to, or those that chose to wait for the others countries went back to the house. Only two sturdy men approached the Bulgarian, which seemed to please the man. Hydrus could only hope they were treated fairly, and weren't giving up one repressed country for another. The teen listened in for a few minutes and heard they were Half-bloods, which made him feel better. Bulgaria was more lenient for Half-bloods than Muggle-born. One small contingent wanted him to thank Harry Potter for everything, before they too went their way.

The four men made the same speeches to the other houses. After plans were made to get whoever was taking the offers, the three other men left and a weary Hydrus made his way home, thankful that the ICW didn't need him around when they made their proposals.

As good as it made him feel to help those that stood by him; there was an alternate reason for him doing this. Without the Muggle-borns, and a good part of the Half-bloods, Magical Britain would be without new blood. Inbreeding would be more predominant than it already was. It would take years for them to learn their mistakes, but since this was only phase one of his revenge, he was happy with his start.

Now he needed to warn the others that he was going to make the sheep pay and they might want to pull out. He wrote a quick note to Neville, Luna, Hermione and a few others that suffered under Voldemort's reign. Each note was different, like the one to Hermione was vague and unsigned. It said:

Miss Granger it has come to my attention that you want better rights for magical creatures. While you have good intentions, I can tell you now that your home country will never allow it. You would do better to take your ideas to the International Confederation of Wizards. There you will be heard and can start you plans in a more adaptable country.

The notes to Neville and Luna were more straightforward. They stated that Harry Potter was going to get his revenge on the goblins and it might be best if they pulled all of their valuables out of Gringotts. It also suggested that Britain might not be a good place to live in a few years, and they should let their friends know. The one to Neville suggested that maybe he could find a cure for his parents, if he asked abroad.

The only family he couldn't help was the Weasleys. He knew that they would never leave, no matter how bad England got. They would stay and fight whatever was to come. However, Hydrus also understood that this loving family would not suffer too much, and they would take in anyone they could help. Like Ginny's boyfriend, Dean Thomas, or Hermione, if she chose to stay. This family would not die out.

Unknown to Hydrus his notes started a cascade of people emptying their vaults, because if their new boy hero, Neville Longbottom, said Gringotts was untrustworthy, then it must be true— stupid sheep. Some went to the Muggle-raised that were still around and got a basic understanding of non-magical banking. Well, those that were smart did. More and more people took this route and soon the goblins were in a panic. Some families fled Britain. The bigoted Pure-Bloods were happy to see this; they actually invited those of like minds to come to England, boasting that even though Voldemort was dead his quest for a Pure-blood society lived on.

It was a conversation with Mundungus, which brought it to Hydrus' attention. "'ydrus," the dumpy man said after he returned from an errand, "do ya know what's 'appenin' in Diagon Alley?"

The dark-haired young man looked at the petty thief in confusion. "No, is there something going on?" Since he hadn't been to Diagon Alley in weeks, he had no idea what the latest rumor was. He did wonder why George hadn't said anything; maybe the redhead didn't know either.

"Well, there seems ter be a bi' ov bad news. Gringotts might be closing; da goblins say i' is da work ov 'arry Potter," Fletcher said carefully, not wanting the young wizard to be angry at him for bringing that bit of gossip. To his surprise the young wizard broke out in a fit of laughter.

Several minutes passed before the teen got himself under control. "Oh, Merlin, I needed that," he wheezed. "Serves those bastards right. Any idea why they're blaming me?"

"Summat abaaaht vengeance," Mundungus answered.

A malicious smile crossed Hydrus' face. "Well, I didn't think it would happen so fast, but good." He rubbed his hands together in satisfaction. Now he could implement his next plan.

"Right, well, I'm off. If yew need me, let me know." And with that Fletcher hurried away from the house, not spilling the rest of the gossip he knew.

The former Potter let the thief go and decided he needed to visit the Alley and see how bad the damage was. The next morning, using his Invisibility Cloak, he made his way to the Leaky Cauldron. Even with his new look he didn't want anyone to see him, because he had plans. He crept behind a few patrons and listened to them talk. Fletcher had been right, the gossip was that even though no one had seen hide or hair of Harry Potter in months, it was all his fault, which was true, but they couldn't prove it.

He picked up a copy of the Prophet and pulled it under his Cloak. The headline was thus:

The Boy-Who-Lived-To-Be-The-Next-Dark-Lord out to ruin Magical Britain

By Rita Skeeter

The article that followed was the same as the gossip. Harry Potter was seeking revenge on the goblins and at the same time was taking away money from society by causing good people to flee, so they must be scared of his wrath. It indicated that Harry used a dark curse on the public to make them fear the goblins, after that were suggestions that no one should empty their vaults. Hydrus read the paper and scoffed, not once did it give any proof only quotes from the angry goblins. He smiled when he realized that this was truly helping his plans. It would cause more people to panic and leave.

He thanked Merlin that he recast the Fidelius Charm with Kreacher as the Secret Keeper. Now only Ron, Hermione, Dung and George could visit him.

Discretely putting the paper back on the table he found it, Hydrus made his way into the Alley. A satisfied smirk played at his lips when he saw that there were no beggars. More shops were open and repaired, though there were fewer shoppers. Judging by their robes, the young man concluded they were the richer people of society. Good, he thought, let's see how they like this. He then summoned the Resurrection Stone and whispered, "Anyone who died in the last two wars in Britain, come and take your vengeance. Anyone who feels the need to defend Harry Potter, come if you want."

Hundreds of spirits flooded the Alley. Echoing calls of revenge and accusations were heard throughout. The people who had been shopping froze at the sight, causing him to smirk. Let's see them try and banish those vengeful spirits— not bloody likely. It's good to be the Master of Death, he thought as he watched the shades descend.

Those ghosts that saw Harry Potter as their savior started yelling at the gossipers, chasing them through the cobblestone street. Reminding them about all the times Harry Potter saved their arses. Many converged on the Daily Prophet's building. The Master of Death had to hold back his laughter when a much frazzled Rita Skeeter ran from the building screaming for help, being pursued by no less than a dozen spirits.

Other spirits that were killed by Death Eaters, vowed they would haunt their murderers for years to come, many of them spirited away to find soon to be victims.

The Muggle-borns that died in the camps drifted to the Ministry and Azkaban.

Chuckling quietly to himself, the young immortal made his way to WWW, to check up on George. He was concerned that with so many people fleeing the area that the shop would have a drop in business. He removed his Cloak in the alley next to the store and made his way inside. Tapping the occupied redhead on the shoulder, he jerked his head toward the back room. George nodded and held up a finger, suggesting that he would join him in a minute. He nodded his understanding and went to the indicated room. He looked around and noted the new trinkets and smiled at his friend's innovations. He leaned against the workbench when he heard the door open and cast the Muffliato Charm.

"Harry," George said as he closed the door, "what brings you here today? I thought we were going to meet up tomorrow." He then joined his younger friend at the counter.

"Hello, George. Well, I wanted to see if you knew anything about the rumors going around. Do you know anyone who emptied their vaults? And if you do, did they tell you why?" Hydrus asked with a small smile.

George, being the quick man he was, turned to face his friend with an accusing glare. "You did something, didn't you? Don't deny it, I know you did, if what people are saying is true, you started this whole thing," he said, jabbing his finger in the other man's chest. "Not that I'm upset about what's happening, but you could've invited me."

"Trust me when I say, it was something that escalated without me knowing." The younger man held up his hands defensively. "All I did was warn a few people that they might not be able to trust the goblins, and they might want to move elsewhere." He shrugged, rubbing the sore spot.

"So you didn't mean for this to happen?"

"Oh, I meant for it to happen, I just didn't think it would be this soon." The dark-haired teen smirked in satisfaction.

"Still, you should have told me, I could've helped."

"How is business?" Hydrus asked, changing the subject.

A wicked grin spread across George's face. "Oh, we are making a good profit. Those joy buzzers are a hot seller, and the calculators are flying off the shelf. Those idiots don't get that what they're buying is based off Muggle technology. They just think that I'm a genius, which I am, but that's beside the point." He puffed his chest out in mock pride.

"That you are, my friend," he said sincerely, clapping the older man on the back. "I'm glad to hear you're not losing customers, with so many people leaving."

"The Pure-bloods have more money anyway, plus, now I can jack up the prices," the redhead shrugged, though he did miss some of the people that had left, like Katie Bell and his other former teammates. "By the way, Kingsley came to see me. Wanted to know if I knew where you were. Thank Merlin, I couldn't tell him anything," he informed his friend.

"Any idea why he wants to find me?" the green-eyed teen asked, thinking of quite a few things the Ministry would want him for.

"He didn't say, just that he wanted to talk to you," George answered. He was concerned about Harry, what with the talks of him being a Dark Lord, even if there was no proof of any wrong doing. The redhead was glad the younger man did the adoption ritual, now he would be harder to find.

"Look, George, come by my house later tonight. There are a few things I want to tell you," Hydrus requested.

"Alright, Harry, I'll pop by after the store is closed."

"Thanks. Oh, by the way, you might want to take a gander at what's happening in the Alley. Before you ask, yes I did it and I'll tell you how tonight," the immortal suggested. Then he donned his Invisibility Cloak and left the store. He didn't want to explain this anywhere they could be overheard, and with the Minister trying to track him down, he wouldn't put it past him to put listening charms up at WWW. Even though the silencing charm worked well, he didn't want to chance it.

A vindictive smile was plastered to his face while he watched the ghosts take their revenge. The street was emptier than it had been when he went into George's shop. It looked like the few that were left were either too scared to run, or hadn't been haunted and were simply watching those that were with thoughtful looks on their faces. It made Hydrus feel a little better that not all of the Pure-Bloods thought he had turned evil.

When he got to the house, he wrote another note to Neville, asking him to inform any neutral family, who didn't support the people persecuting Harry or just didn't care about gossip, to get their gold out of Gringotts and look to moving. The more people he got to leave this backwards society the better for his plans. He had Kreacher deliver it, knowing that his friend would not recognize the house elf as his.

He then went to the kitchen to make a light supper of fish and salad along with a hearty dessert of chocolate cake, for him and George. When he was done he put it under a stasis charm and settled down with a fantasy book to wait for his business partner.

It was seven-thirty when George popped in.

"Come on, I've made supper," was the younger man's greeting as he put his book down, stood and waved the redhead to the kitchen.

"Thanks, it seems like forever since I've eaten," George replied and followed his friend.

The two talked of business over the meal and through dessert. When they were done, Hydrus levitated the dishes into the sink and guided his friend into the study.

The study was orderly and comfortable. The furniture was old, but in good shape, magic was wonderful. There was a sofa and three chairs that surrounded a large antique coffee table. An unlit fireplace was along one wall, not a Floo. Pictures of the ocean adorn parts of the walls, the new Black had had Kreacher take down all the portraits of the Blacks and put them in the attic. He'd put them back up when he left. A medium sized desk was on the opposite wall from the fireplace with scattered pieces of used parchments on its surface. There were three bookcases taking up the rest of the wall space, with some books and a few trinkets. All in all, it was a cozy room and it looked completely different then when the Order was occupying the house.

George took a seat in one of the old-fashioned chairs. "So, what did you want to tell me, Harry?"

"First off, I don't go by Harry Potter anymore. I've taken up the name, Hydrus Black. You might do better calling me by my new first name in public, it'll get less attention," he said nervously as he sat on the sofa.

"Hydrus? The water snake? Suits you," George said smiling, causing the young wizard to relax a little. He should have known George would take this in stride. "However, if you're gonna pass yourself off as a Black you better think of a middle name," he added.

"Yeah, I thought it was fitting. I'll see if I can find something that works with Hydrus, something meaningful." he shrugged and then straightened. "I want to explain what happened in the Alley today. Did you see the ghosts?"

George nodded and said, "I saw, can't figure out how you did that though. Saw lots of people trying to banish them, but nothing worked."

The dark-haired teen summoned the Resurrection Stone and showed it to the redhead. "Dumbledore left this to me in his will. It's the same stone that Beedle the Bard wrote about in the Tale of the Three Brothers," he explained. "I did a bit more research and found a way to bring vengeful ghost back."

"The Deathly Hallows," whispered George as he looked hungrily at the stone.

"George," Hydrus said loudly, snapping the redhead's attention back to him. "Look, I can call Fred's spirit for a short while. Only if you promise to never ask me again. He doesn't have any unfinished business, since the Death Eater that fired the spell is dead, so the time he's here will be painful for him."

"I solemnly swear that I will never ask to see my twin after this," George immediately said, he would promise anything just to see his brother once more.

"I'm going to keep the stone. I'll ask Fred to join us and then go to the other side of the room, so you can have a few moments alone. But, remember it's only for a minute, so get what you need to say done quickly." When George nodded, the Master of Death called for Fred and moved away after the deceased twin's ghost appeared.

"Gred," George said sadly as he took in his twin's appearance. Fred looked just like he did when he died. There was what appeared to be blood all over his torso and his clothes were in bad shape. It caused the living twin despair to see his brother that way.

"Forge," his twin replied, a bright smile on his translucent face. "I came to tell you how proud I am. You've made our dream a reality and didn't let my death hold you back long."

"I miss you, Fred. Are you happy where you are?" the live twin asked hopefully.

"Yeah, and I don't want to see you there anytime soon, okay? Live your life, find a girl, prank the world and be free," the spirit said joyfully. "Don't let anyone hold you back, you hear?" Fred demanded. Then a look of pain ghosted across his face.

The immortal joined them. "I miss you too, Fred. I'll make sure this one keeps in trouble," he promised. "It's time for you to go back now." He glanced between the two and stepped back again so they could say their goodbyes.

"You keep up what you're doing, Forge," Fred said forcefully. "No moping about and letting our dream fail. You continue to prank those asshats."

"I will, Gred, I promise," George said, wishing he could touch his brother. But, before he could attempt it, Fred was gone. Tears of sadness and wistfulness streaked their way down the redhead's face. He firmed his jaw and steeled himself to do as his brother demanded.

Hydrus put his hand on the grieving man's shoulder; tears marred his face as well. "Alright, George? Sorry, stupid question," he said as he guided the other man to sit.

"No, it's not stupid. Thank you…, Hydrus, for giving me my goodbyes. I think it'll help in the long run." The two sat in comfortable silence, until George broke it by asking, "Have you used that stone for yourself?"

"No," he confessed. "With all I've done, I'm too scared to." Even with Death's assurances to him that his parents would be happy to see him, he was still suffering from survivor's guilt. His counselor said he was working his way through his issues, but he couldn't shake the fact that his parents and Sirius died for him. It was something everyone told him, so to his way of thinking, had he not been around they would've survived. The dreams he still had about never being able to cross the river didn't help.

"You should," George said breaking him from his thoughts. "It might help."

"I'll think about it," he conceded.

"So, how come the ghosts in the Alley get to stay longer?"

"They have unfinished business. Well, except the ones that were defending me, those spirits had their say and left. The ones that were killed because of their blood status can stay as long as they want."

"I guess, I can understand that, I wouldn't want Fred to be a vengeful spirit," George said thoughtfully and then shrugged. "So, any more surprises?"

"A few," was the answer as the younger man brought out his list and handed it to his friend.

The redhead took the list and read it over. He then looked at Hydrus and stated, "You're planning to go back in time."

"Yeah."

"Are you taking anyone with you? Ron, Hermione or anyone?"

"No."

"Why?" the confused man asked.

"Because anyone else would cause a paradox, unless they can be adopted into another family. Besides, I've done all I can to get them out of the country or make their way in the non-magical world. Well except for your family, but I reckon that the Weasleys will survive anything, being as stubborn as you lot are," the young immortal explained. "You can try to get your mum and dad to move, but I doubt they will. They'll want to stay and help others."

"You're probably right, though Hermione would be helpful, think about it a bit more, yeah," George said with a shrug. "If you had shown me this list an hour ago I'd've begged to go with you, now…" he trailed off, then cleared his throat and looked over the plans. "Well, after the recent events, I'd say you're getting a good start on these."

"Yeah," Hydrus said with a beaming smile. "So, do you want to help?"

"Yeah, let me hire another worker for the shop and clear out the back room and I'll join you here," George said distractedly, as his own ideas formed. The two troublemakers put their heads together and refined Hydrus' ideas. They talked into the night, until George left stating he had things to do in the morning.

It was a content Hydrus who went to bed that night. His studies were coming along nicely, it was as if a great pressure had been taken off his mind, and now he was learning things at a faster rate. Oh, he wasn't super-smart, just… smarter. He was also happy with the things that happened in the Alley today. He only hoped that very few innocents got caught in the backlash, but he couldn't plan for everyone.