Chapter 8 We Have a Problem

The next morning James went out and picked up copies of The Daily Prophet, The Quibbler and Witch Weekly. They all had similar headlines:

The Witch-Who-Vanquished He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

The Prophet went on about how she was a Muggle-born and how her family had been in hiding. It theorized that Mrs. Lily Potter née Evans used a cutting spell on the Dark Lord's neck, which was true, but they were hinting that it might not have been a household charm. It continued to say that the Ministry was sure that You-Know-Who was now gone, and they were going to award the Witch-Who-Vanquished the Order of Merlin: First Class.

The Quibbler was waxing poetic on the smartness of the Witch-Who-Vanquished and was more resourceful in its reporting. Xeno gave a full accounting of the battle and the wraith that appeared. He made sure that people understood this was not the end of You-Know-Who. There was even a picture of the phantom floating above Diagon Alley. It was too bad not many people took his publication seriously. Especially when he said that it was the Bumbling Humbringers that whispered in her ear what to do and misdirected her spell.

Witch Weekly was reporting that the Witch-Who-Vanquished was an example of just how strong women were. They were going on and on about how she was now the role model to younger witches.

Two out of three weren't bad articles, which was good odds.

Lily groaned at the new nickname. "That's almost as bad as the Boy-Who-Lived," she whinged, her head in her hands.

"I just hope it blows over," James said thoughtfully, rubbing her back in commiseration.

"I don't want to think about all this right now. I'm going to make breakfast." She got up and went into the kitchen to do just that.

Harry started to babble from his crib, so James just shook his head and went play with his son. The Potters enjoyed the meal and then the family retired to the living room. They were trying to get Harry to say some of the numbers on his board and giggled at his attempts. For awhile just relished at being a family.

Hydrus came about ten, with the papers tucked under his arm. When he saw that they already had them he just chuckled and put his away. He gave Lily a tight hug and asked her if she felt better. She nodded on his shoulder that she was, so he grinned.

"Oh, you already know what they're calling you," he teased with a smile as he took his seat.

"Oh, Merlin," she groaned, putting her head in her hands at that reminder.

"It is a good thing that the Fidelius will keep everyone from finding you, but you'll should add a redirect ward on the house, so you can reply to any post. Believe me, if you want them to stop worshiping you, then you need answer them," he answered, causing her to groan again. "Don't worry, I'll add them. I will send them to my house and check that they are not cursed, then send them here. Tippy will bring them when we're sure they are safe." He got up and placed the wards.

When he came back in, he called Tippy and told her what to expect. The little house elf agreed and popped away.

It was at that time Sirius and Remus showed, both bearing the newspapers. They saw James's copies and repeated Hydrus' actions, by chuckling and putting theirs away.

"So, Lily, how does it feel to be the Witch-Who-Vanquished?" Sirius asked with a huge smile.

Lily groaned again and once more buried her head in her hands.

"Sirius, did you send your letters?" Hydrus asked, hoping to take the focus off the hiding woman.

"Yeah, I'm calling a family meeting with all the elders, but not my mum or Grandfather. I'm hoping to go over some of my plans with them," the younger Black answered as he took his seat.

"Lily," Remus said gently. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he took his seat on the sofa.

"I'm much better this morning, thank you for asking," she said, raising her head up and giving a reassuring smile. It looked weak, but it was there.

Remus nodded thoughtfully. He was still confused, and worried. He knew that Lily was a good person and felt that she might be in some mental turmoil. He would be there to help her if she needed. While he was still on the fence about Hydrus, he trusted Lily.

"Well, now we can start implementing our plans," Hydrus stated, clapped his hands together in excitement, once again trying to divert attention to a new subject. "I want to get the newspaper up and running as well. I'm going to have to tell the Lovegoods where the Crumpled Horned-Snorkack is. I'm just not sure how. I mean, they don't know me so they might not listen," he added. Things weren't like the had been in the last timeline. He had had nothing done that would upset Pandora.

"Why don't you send them an anonymous letter like you did last time?" Sirius asked, with a quirk of an eyebrow. "You could say that you heard they were looking for… um the creature. That you had found it and didn't want the notoriety of publishing your findings."

"I might do that," Hydrus answered thoughtfully, giving Sirius a thankful look.

He still didn't have any idea what to do about the Room of Requirements or the cleansed horcruxes, barring the necklace, which he hoped to have soon. While in the last timeline, the security measures Albus put up were good, people didn't get to view the treasures often, since they were housed at Hogwarts. He was thinking about adding a museum to Diagon Alley, that way everyone could enjoy a piece of the past.

"Hydrus," Lily said tentatively, drawing the older man's attention, "exactly how much money do you have?" She held up her hands at his stoic face. It was like he didn't think that was a good question to ask. "I'm only asking so I know how much we can put in the mall and if you are going to still go into politics then you're going to need a lot of money to do both."

"Do you really want to know?" he asked, looking around at the curious faces. Everyone nodded, so he took a deep breath and replied. "I have the equivalent of over twenty billion Galleons."

Everyone was completely gobsmacked. That was a lot of money.

Hydrus was looking at all their awed faces. "Most of it is in gold bullion. I trade some for pound sterling and then exchange it through my attorney. That way there are no duplicate bills or coins in circulation." He tried to wave it off as no big deal. He failed.

Lily was awestruck and wondered how that much gold would bear on the market. She didn't even think there was that much money in circulation. A frown creased her face at those thoughts.

"That's more money than the Malfoys and the Potters put together," James said in wonder.

"It's more than the Blacks and the Malfoys and the Potters put together," Sirius scoffed. He didn't think anyone was richer than his family. To have that much gold was just mind-numbing.

"How is your money going to impact the economy?" Remus asked, echoing Lily's thoughts.

"Well, I don't plan on throwing it around, if that's your worry. I only plan on using a small chunk to start up everything. Then when the market is stronger add some more. Don't worry, I've done this before and it had only good results," Hydrus said a bit firmly.

"No, no, that is not what I meant," Remus said quickly, making placating gestures with his hands, not wanting to fight with him. "I was only concerned about the drop in the price of gold and how Gringotts will react."

"Oh, well, like I said, a bit at a time and there is little bearing," the immortal answered in a much calmer voice, ignoring the comment on the goblins. In that matter, he was far too jaded to have a polite debate. "I mostly have accounts set up with the Galleons I've acquired since I came to this timeline. My investments are doing well and there are some other projects that are panning out. So, I've used very little of my stash." He didn't even glance at Sirius, hoping the man would take the hint. "Most of my vaults are set aside for the betterment of the magical world."

"So, we will be using your 'gift' vault for our politics?" James asked, going over whom they could give 'gifts' to and who would need better persuasions and wondering if he could contribute to the account. Maybe Hydrus would help him in investing the Potter money. He glanced fondly at his wife and child. If the older man would help, then they wouldn't have to worry about money for generations to come. Not that he wanted to stop earning a living, and now that Voldemort was gone, he could work again, but it would be a relief to know he didn't have to.

"Yeah, that's kinda what I set it up for," Hydrus said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. They were all still looking at him in amazement.

"But you said that you needed income?" Sirius asked confused.

"I do, I can't just start using the gold I brought back to do things," Hydrus reiterated. "Which is why you guys are going to have to chip in on all our projects," he stated as he looked between Sirius and James.

"Why?" the younger Black asked still confused. If he had that much money he would never work again.

"If I'm seen doing everything, there'll be questions I can't answer. While Hallström's doesn't share its clients' business, they are not impenetrable. Though, they are damn closer to it than Gringotts," the older Black stated. He had made sure of that, so what had happened in his last timeline didn't happen again.

"Well, the Potters are pretty well off," James said vacantly, his mind still going over plans. "I thought we were very rich, until you dropped that bombshell." He smirked at the wealthier man.

"I thought the same of the Blacks," Sirius scoffed again. "Hey, now that the Dork Lord is vanquished, are we still going to be pulling our prank?" he cut a glance to Lily, who was giving him the stink eye.

"Maybe," Hydrus hedged, glaring at Padfoot for not taking the hint. "There are going to be more questions now that he is gone. All the disappearances up to this moment have been low-key. Only a few headlines, then it's dropped. I wonder if the Minister has anything to do with that." It was a wonder that Crouch hadn't been up in arms that his son was gone.

"More than likely," Lily agreed with a nod.

"Well, they'll have a field day now," the immortal predicted. "Lily, you need to contact your solicitor to accompany you when you go in for your report. I don't trust the Ministry. They might try and make you a scapegoat, since you're Muggle-born. So, I'll go with you with Mr. Jasper's partner, Mr. Fritz."

"Oh dear, I forgot, I'll owl him right now." And she got up to do just that.

The money issue was dropped, but not forgotten and the men spent the day relaxing and killing pixel enemies. Lily finished her letter and then settled for a family day by entertaining Harry. They kept the atmosphere relaxed and calm.

The weeks went by in a flurry of lawyers, the Ministry, the headlines and post. The full moon came, and Remus loved the potion, and the cellar was all that Hydrus said it would be. That did put him in a better frame of mind about the time traveler.

When they went in for their reports, both Hydrus and Lily were questioned about their affiliation with the Dark Lord, like they were some of his unmarked minions. The solicitors protested heatedly and said that there was no proof of that and if they didn't change their line of questioning then there would be a lawsuit. The matter was dropped, and Lily was handed the Order of Merlin: First Class without much ceremony.

On one hand, it pissed her off, that they had shuffled her aside because she was Muggle-born. On the other hand, she was glad there weren't many people around, the crowds were enough as it is.

While Lily was getting her reward, Hydrus snuck into the Improper Use of Magic Office and transfigured Umbridge, this time into a rock. He made it back just in time to see Lily getting ready to leave. He came up to her and gave her a sloppy grin, took her elbow and guided her to the Floo. She shook her head and let him take her home.

The next morning, The Prophet and The Quibbler both carried articles on the reward with pictures of Minister Bagnold handing it to her and shaking her hand, so Lily was somewhat appeased. Witch Weekly mostly talked about what she wore and what a great role model she was.

Lily spent most of her days signing a form letter that read:

Dear (Insert name here)

Thank you for your kind words. I feel I must inform you that I am not a powerful witch who rivals Dumbledore. I am a devoted housewife and mother, who was only protecting her child. Voldemort was taken down by a kitchen charm that most witches use daily. The only reason he fell was because I was hidden in an alley and he was fighting someone else. This is something we can all learn from. Even the simplest spell can be used to fight an enemy. Take heart in my story and protect your loved ones.

(If a gift or money was given) Your gift/donation was most appreciated, however, I would prefer you give to charity as I have few needs thanks to my wonderful husband. I hear there is an orphanage being built by the Black family and they would cherish your donations.

Thank you again

Lily Potter

It was simple and courteous, and Lily hoped it stopped all the worshiping. She wanted to be able to walk down Diagon Alley without having to fight off the well-wishers. Hydrus warned her that it might take a while, but the note was a good start.

Thanks to Tippy she didn't get many bad letters, those that she did get she ignored. There was no way she'd change the mind of those pureblood bigots. Gifts and donations were given to charity.

Hydrus, James and Sirius had filled out paperwork for the purchase of the buildings. They split the cost three ways and then later they would divide the profits the same. Remus took Hydrus up on his offer of a loan and started stocking his new bookstore. The four men were very busy.

Hydrus was right, the papers were reporting on all the people who disappeared. Crouch Sr. was offering a reward for the whereabouts of his son, still in denial that he was a Death Eater. Bagnold was also proposing recompenses for the missing purebloods. The immortal was decorating his garden with rocks and admiring his button collection.

Gringotts was at a standstill on the missing persons' accounts, because their magic told them that the Heads of the families weren't dead, so they couldn't turn the vaults over to the heirs and most pureblood wives had limited access. They too were asking for information on the missing men but didn't offer a reward.

The families like the Lestranges had their vaults completely frozen, as there were no heirs. The goblins were scrambling to try and find the next in line. If the owners of the vaults didn't show in ten years' time, then they could be turned over to second family line. Narcissa was the front runner, since she was Bellatrix's sister. Andromeda had declined anything to do with the vault. Though Sirius was making a good argument to claim it. Well, his grandfather was, as Head of Family.

Hydrus and Sirius took up their criminal activity again and gutted the empty houses. They ran into others who had gotten the same idea, but since Hydrus had the blast gun, he and Sirius succeeded where the others failed. They had to retreat and come back a few times, but they were never caught.

Almost a month flew by before Dumbledore finally caught up with James, since Lily was still hiding in the house, though she did get the Chocolate Frog book published, so she wasn't idle.

"Ah, James, my boy, I was wondering if I could have a word," the Headmaster said as he approached the four men, three of whom had just finished talking to their solicitors.

"Sure, Albus, what can I do for you?" James said, giving wary glances to the others, who stood stoically at his side. They would let him handle it and only jump in if asked a direct question.

"Good morning to all of you," Albus said with a big smile and then turned to James. "I was most disheartened when you did not come to the last Order meeting," that disappointed look crossed the old man's face.

"I was with Lily and didn't see the need in attending. The Dork Lord is gone for now, and there is little we, as a group, can do. All of his minions seemed to have vanished," James explained with a casual shrug. It was decided among the family to just not attend the last meeting, knowing what was going to happen. Well, Remus did and confirmed that the Order was dispersed.

"So, Remus told us. That was very kind of you to take Lily's feelings in account. You are a wonderful husband and father," the Headmaster praised, there was a gleeful twinkle in his eyes; like he was happy James put his family first. "Now, since Voldemort is indeed weakened, can you not speak his name?" came the gentle reprimand.

"Well, we don't really know if and when he might be back, so, no, I think I'll stick with the nicknames or Tom," the oldest Potter said, running a hand through his hair.

"I was wondering if you could impart your secret now that it is safe. I would like to discuss the future with you and your lovely wife. There are things that need to be told so you can prepare," Dumbledore said, stroking his beard and letting the name debate drop. He looked to Hydrus knowing he was the keeper.

The immortal simply kept a passive face. It was up to James.

"Well, like I said, we're not sure when Tom will be back, so we're keeping the wards up. If this is about the prophecy, I think that Lily's defeating the… man nullifies it," James said, a curious note in his voice.

"Alas, I think perhaps Lily's efforts only delayed the inevitable," was the temperate argument.

"Let me talk to Lily and see what she says."

"Of course, my boy, take all the time you need," Albus said jovially as he patted James on the shoulder. "I must be off, things to do," he said and walked away, happy with the results of the conversation, sure they would see his way once he told them the full prophecy.

Sirius, Hydrus and James shook their heads, Remus just looked thoughtful and they all continued to the buildings at the end of the Alley. There were five empty ones and three others that were still occupied, all of them standing three stories high. There was also plenty of space behind them, like a large alley that was used as a buffer for non-magical London. That and judicious use of expansion charms would make enough room.

The meeting that they just came from would see the ones still in use vacated in a week's time. They had made sure the shop owners would not suffer for the time they were closed and had enough money to relocate their flats, which were above the shops.

They were going over plans and making decisions on just how to build up this new shopping center. James wanted to make it blend with Diagon Alley, while Hydrus wanted something more modern. Sirius and Remus threw in suggestions every now and then, but for the most part let them argue. The two men decided to let Lily be the tiebreaker and they went to the Potters.

Lily had just put Harry down for a nap when they entered, still debating. They all took their seats and turned to the amused witch. "Lily, maybe you can settle a debate me and James are having," Hydrus said.

"Tell me," she said, looking at the stubborn faces.

"Well, James wants to make the mall blend in with the Alley. I want something more modern, like the malls in the non-magical world," the immortal said with a huff.

"Well, last time you kept your shops in time with the world, do you plan on doing the same or are you thinking of putting in more futuristic appliances, tellies and devices?" she asked, that would help her make a decision.

"I haven't decided, on one hand, more high-tech devices will make wizards feel better and boost morale. On the other hand, they haven't learned yet to keep themselves hidden, let alone new and different items. That and the purebloods will use advanced items as a reason to reform their platform. Also, if I keep it in time for now, there is room to grow. Then there's the fact that the book-readers are already on the market, so I don't know," he said, rubbing the back of his head. There were just too many variables.

It had taken quite a lot of arguing with everyone, but the conclusion was that Hydrus would get the patent for the book-readers, using his own rune array. They didn't want to wait until the other Frostwell invented them, but the time traveler made sure to write the other inventor and tell him to watch the non-magical world for great inventions, like the video arcades, which had made the other man a lot of money in the other timeline.

"All of those are good points. If you want my opinion keep it in time for now, but grow faster than the non-magical world, you might even want to dabble in that world to jumpstart their imagination," she said tapping her chin.

"Sounds reasonable," Hydrus agreed.

"As for the mall, I think a mixture of both, for example, slated walls and roof on the outside, but white interior with the better lighting on the inside." To her that sounded reasonable, and it would be better to appease the public. That way the shop owners that weren't in the mall, couldn't complain that the mall made the Alley tacky.

"That's what I tried to tell them, but they're stubborn," Sirius said exasperated, throwing his hands in the air.

"You're right, Padfoot, we should've listened to you. You are, after all, the third partner," James said sheepishly, while Hydrus smirked and Sirius huffed.

"Now that that is decided, Remus, how goes the store?" Hydrus asked, turning to the werewolf.

"It is open and doing good business. I am glad you decided to market the book-readers, they are making quite a profit on the magical side." He was pleased he had taken the time traveler up on his loan. He was settling in as a store owner rather well and couldn't wait for magicals to start writing non-fiction. From what Hydrus had showed him, those books were going to be wonderful. The Chocolate Frog book was already flying off the shelves and Lily was making a lot of money.

"Sirius, how goes the orphanage?" Hydrus asked, slightly changing the subject. He was content with his growing relationship with the werewolf. Though he knew they'd never see eye to eye on killing or what he had done with the Death Eaters.

"Up and running, we used the same methods you did in the last timeline and now have ten squib children off the streets," was the excited answer. "Aunt Callidora worked wonders with the children's department. We didn't even have to resort to bribing; she just plowed in and made him give up the names. We hired Ms. Cartwright, who was more than happy to have the job. Thanks to Lily's letters we're getting tons of donations." He beamed proudly at the Witch-Who-Vanquished.

"So, the family is pulling together?" Hydrus asked, still worried about the horcrux. If Sirius could get that all the worries about the Dork Lord would be over.

"Yup, it took a few meetings and some threats, but they are starting to get the picture. Uncle Cygnus was the first to come over, after I told him about Nymphadora." He all but bounced out of his chair; the praise he received from his grandfather got them closer to their goal in getting the horcrux. "Mummy dearest is right put out about the family's changes. She sent me a howler," Sirius grinned like a loon.

"Well, that's good," the older Black said with some confusion in his voice. Who would be happy about getting a howler?

"Hydrus, did you write the Lovegoods?" Lily asked, bringing everyone's attention to her.

"Yeah, I sent them a note telling them where the creature was, with the suggestion that their publication would do better in France." It had been a hard letter to write, he didn't want to come off as threatening, just give them the nudge they needed to have a good life.

"So, if they move you won't have to deal with Pandora?" she asked thoughtfully. From what she remembered; the woman wasn't all there. So, she might be a problem in the future.

"I might have slipped in some modifications to her spell crafting. She doesn't use runes, but I studied her stuff after she died and improved some of it," Hydrus confessed sheepishly. While he didn't give her the rune array he and George invented, there were things in that missive that would help Mrs. Lovegood further along her own creations and probably save her life. If they moved to France, then she could open her own businesses and he knew that that country loved the Quibbler.

"You're such a good man," Lily said proudly, making him blush with the praise, which to him was weird, since he was over ninety years old.

"Lily," James said, taking her attention away from the blushing man, "Dumbledore wants to visit and I, for the life of me, can't think of a reason to deny him. He said he has something important to tell us. It may be the entire prophecy, but we can go to the Department of Mysteries and hear it for ourselves. I told him I'd talk to you."

She sat and thought about that and couldn't think of any reason either. Any excuse they came up with would sound like they didn't trust the old goat and they didn't want to make an enemy of him. She sighed and shook her head. "I can't either. Hydrus?"

"It's your house, if you want Albus to have the secret, it's your decision. Like I've said in the past, he is not a bad man, just… wrong." He shrugged his shoulders; his opinion of Dumbledore was prejudiced. He was still upset with the man for leaving him with the Dursleys knowing that he would suffer, in addition to all the times he had to fight for his life at Hogwarts. However, when Harry, from the last timeline, didn't suffer from life-threatening situations, the immortal curbed his moody thoughts, slightly.

"Tell him we'll think about it, but if he wants, we can meet in non-magical London to discuss whatever it is he feels he needs to tell us," Lily compromised.

"Sure, I'll owl him later," James said.

That decided they turned their conversation back to the building of the mall and what shops they would be putting in, how much money each of them would contribute and what to do when the shopping center was erected.

Another week went by with little incidence, they did some paperwork, answered letters and now that all the shops were cleared, were building the mall. They hoped to have it up and running by Christmas. It was after that week they got some bad news.

It was Halloween morning and the Potters, Hydrus and Remus were enjoying a breakfast of sausage and pancakes, when a much-panicked Sirius came into the house.

"We have a problem," the dogman said frantically. He was pacing up and down the dining room, gripping his hair in frustration. His face was warped into mixture of guilt and fright.

"Whoa, Sirius, slow down and sit," Lily said, motioning to a chair. When he sat, she said, "Take a deep breath and tell us what's wrong."

Sirius did as ordered and started, shooting a guilty look at Hydrus, "Mum's gone."

"What!?" the immortal exploded, standing and knocking down his chair, making Harry cry. He took calming breaths and picked up the toddler, made shushing noises and rocked him. When he got Harry to stop crying, he sat and fired off important questions, "When did she go? Did she take everything with her? What about Kreacher?"

"I don't know, yes, and he's gone too," were the wary answers.

"Sirius, why are you feeling guilty?" Lily asked, laying a hand on his arm.

"I've been taunting her. Telling her what I'm going to do with her when I get to be the Head of House. If I had just left her alone, she wouldn't have done a runner," he confessed, hanging his head in shame.

"Dammit, Sirius," Hydrus spat and then ran a hand down his face. He needed to leave before he said anything hurtful. "I have to go for a while; hopefully, I'll be back in about an hour." He got up and left the house.

"Oh, Sirius," Lily said, still trying to console the distraught man.

"Padfoot, do you realize what you've done?" James asked as he too tried to remain calm. This was bad.

"Before we get all upset, how about we go to Grimmuald Place and make sure there is a reason to worry? For all we know, Kreacher may have left the necklace behind," Remus suggested. He knew it was a long shot, but tempers may cool while they were looking.

"I already looked once, but more eyes could be helpful," Sirius said, grabbing any hope.

"Okay," James conceded, though he too knew it was doubtful that the horcrux was still at the house.

"You guys go, I'll stay and tend to Harry," Lily said, picking up the toddler and heading up the stairs.

"Right, let's do this," Sirius said, squaring his shoulders and making his way to the Floo.

The three men went to the dark and dreary house. It was clean, but the draperies were all black or dark green, making the house a mass of shadows. The busts were creepy and hideous, twisted as if they were being tortured. The pictures sneered and taunted the men as they passed.

Sirius led them to the drawing room, where they knew the horcrux had been before, in the future, whatever. They searched the whole room and didn't find anything. Nothing was hidden in the walls; every trinket and Dark item was gone. They went to the kitchen and looked in Kreacher's sleeping area, but it was completely empty. The entire house was cleared out of anything that wasn't furniture, portraits or decorations.

The discouraged Marauders made it back to the Potters and sat in their seats.

"The house was gutted," James said to Lily.

She sighed and got a worried look on her face, glad they hadn't dropped the Fidelius. They were safe within the wards, but it would put a damper on her work when the shop was opened.

Hphphp

Meanwhile, Hydrus went home and meditated, he spent an hour trying to relax enough to come up with a plan. When he was calmer, he called the spirits haunting Tom to him.

"What has old Tom been doing?" he asked one of the mangled ghosts.

"The wraith resides in the woods of Albania. It fears us," the apparition answered, it's voice hauntingly cheerful.

"Has he tried to contact anyone?" the Master of Death inquired.

"No, it simply mourns its plight and talks of retaliation," was the airy answer.

Hydrus looked around at the group of vengeful ghosts. "If anyone tries to find him or he tries to get help, I need one of you to come and tell me immediately."

"As you bid," the spoke-ghost said, and they floated off to resume their punishment of Voldemort.

Hydrus called the spirits of anyone that might have been killed by Walburga, but none came. "Right, now to talk to the family," he said to himself as he went to the Floo.