UPDATED: Something Wicked This Way Comes CH. 3

[Anime Monster]

Disclaimer: If I own Harry Potter this would be written instead of OotP.

Summary: Not everything is as it appears and when Harry meets Luna Lovegood he realizes just how true the old adage is.

Pairings: Harry/Luna, Ron/Hermione, Viktor/Hermione, Neville/Ginny, and some surprises (mostly, if not all, het.).

Warnings: THIS IS AU. Certain things are very different as you will find out. While reading this please empty your brain of previous happenings in OotP and HBP as this story will split completely from the canon.

Rating: PG-13 (may be moved to ABOVE TEEN if romance gets out of hand).

Something Wicked This Way Comes
Chapter 1: At First Glance

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"Modern cars - they all look like electric shavers."
--Sin City
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In the very last carriage they met Neville Longbottom, Harry's fellow fifth-year Gryffindor, his round face shining with the effort of pulling his trunk along and maintaining a one-handed grip on his struggling toad, Trevor.

"Hi, Harry," he panted. "Hi, Ginny....Everywhere's full....I can't find a seat....."

"What are you talking about? said Ginny, who had squeezed past Neville to peer into the compartment behind him. "There's room in this one, there's only Loony Lovegood in here--"

Neville mumbled something about not wanting to disturb anyone.

"Don't be silly," said Ginny, laughing, "she's all right."

She slid the door open and pulled her trunk inside it. Harry and Neville followed.

"Hi, Luna," said Ginny. "Is it okay if we take these seats?"

If anyone had told Harry Potter that that day on the Hogwart's Express was going to be the deciding factor in the war he would have laughed, he probably would still laugh to this day, but the fact was true. As Luna looked up, looked Harry and Neville up and down, and nodded a shift took place.

Harry had taken to studying his new acquaintance. His first impression had been an extremely dotty girl with a dream like quality that had been accented with her wand behind her ears, radish earrings, butterbeer cap necklace, and upside down The Quibbler in her hands, but Harry wasn't alive today because he was extremely lucky, he knew how to read people.

Pushing aside his first impressions he took to studying her. Her robes bore the Ravenclaw crest prominently on her lapel and the pages of her magazine was never turned. Her eyes appeared to be scanning it, but the almost imperceivable angle of her head and the magazine made it obvious, to Harry, at least, that she wasn't reading at all, but studying him.

'What secrets is she hiding,' Harry thought to himself reading from a new Defense book he had gotten from Grimmwauld Place when they went through the Library. There had been a lot of interesting books. Everything from household charms ("Never used," Sirius had told Harry.) to the darkest of dark arts ("Used to often," Sirius had said, picking up a dark arts book after the cleaning book.). Harry had seen the knowledge there and had "borrowed" the books in his trunk from Sirius's toss-out piles.

It was during this studying that something took place. Something important that when combined with the faithful meeting changed the face of the wizarding world in a domino effect. That something happened in a little town in Surrey called Little Whinging...

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Next Chapter: What happened in Little Whinging? What exactly did it change? Well I'll answer these questions next chapter.

[fearlessdranzer]

Ah so this is a Luna Lovegood centric fic? That would be intersting not enough people write about her. She has got to be one of the most unique and well thought up characters ever written down.

[Anime Monster]

It's sorta Luna-centric, but not really. Luna is a major factor though and there is a lot about her in this. And I agree on what you think of Luna. She's one of my favorite characters (favorite female character) in the books.

[Anime Monster]

Warning: A bit of subtle crossover in this chapter, for those who recognize it.

Chapter 2: Domino Effect
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"I'm thinking about the Domino Effect. Now if Vietnam falls, does that mean China's next."
--Dirty Dancing
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Edward Lovegood was owner/editor of The Quibbler, the wizarding world's Weekly World News filled with stories with little or no evidence to support them like this month's "Corruption in the Quidditch League: How the Tornados are taking control," "Secrets of the Ancient Runes revealed," "Sirius Black: Villain or victim?" and stories of yet to be discovered magical creatures.

His daughter, Luna, loved the stories and would often be seen trying to convince people they were real. Edward always thought this was a psychological mechanism developed after her mother, Riza Lovegood, passed away. However, he did not discourage this behavior, especially when the silly stories The Quibbler publish took heat off of the truth about Edward and his late wife. Both had a secret that Luna had found out earlier that summer.

Flashback

Edward had been sitting in the dining room eating breakfast with his daughter mid July when he felt the burning sensation in his arm. Gasping he said, "Darling, I have to go."

Looking up the young Ravenclaw gasped and said, "You're a...Death Eater?! Was mom?"

"Yes, to both," he said, "I'll explain when I get back."

"Okay, I won't say anything till then."

And she hadn't. Now Edward was heading for his office to apparate to his master from the offices of The Quibbler. He was already turning into Voldemort's press official being the closest one to a news official. He was even thinking of starting another newspaper under a pseudonym to publish the views of the "dark side."

Shutting the door to his office, he locked it with a complicated locking charm. He blacked out the windows, changed quickly, and disapperated quickly.

Edward reappeared in a stock Muggle suburban street with his Lord in front of him a few feet away with inner circle members already making their way into their spots. Walking forward he got into his spot after the customary bow and kissing the hems of his lord's robes.

Soon everyone was in their spots, a few spots still empty, when Voldemort spoke in his hiss voice, "My loyal death eaters, we stand on the street intersecting the one where one of our hated nemesis calls home. Harry Potter's Muggle relations live at Number 4 Private Drive. You will spread out along the street and get rid of the Muggles however you will leave Number 4 alone. Lovegood, Malfoy, you will be with me and will gather the Muggles in Number 4."

"Yes, my lord," they all chorused as they all bowed out of the circle spreading out toward the Muggle inhabitants of Private Drive.

Meanwhile on Magnolia Crescent an old squib named Arabella Figg knew nothing wrong was happening just down the street.

Voldemort, followed by Edward Lovegood and Lucius Malfoy entered the residence at Number 4. On an unspoken agreement Malfoy began looking on the ground floor while Lovegood took the first, their lord heading towards the parlor.

Lovegood walked up the steps and opened the door to the first room. It was small with a rickety bed and broken toys pushed into piles. He knew this small, dirty, and horrible room was Harry's but served another purpose of being home to all the broken toys.

He shut the door and headed to the next room. This room was much larger, but had only half of the broken stuff of the other, the rest being beaten up Muggle toys. Sitting at one of these Muggle contraptions was a beached whale, at least that was what it looked like.

He subdued the Muggle with a Full-Body Bind and took him downstairs to where Malfoy had the other two Muggles.

Ending the curse they waited for further instructions.

"Well if isn't Harry Potter's loving family," his voice was mocking, yet you could tell he truly believed that the family loved their nephew or in Dudley's case, cousin.

"We have nothing to do with that freak," Vernon shouted spitting on the Dark Lord's shoes. This earned him a Crucio from the three wizards. Malfoy and Lovegood were very loyal, no one spit on their lord shoes and got away unscathed.

"So you are saying that you have no love for Mr. Potter?" Voldemort asked.

"He's a freak just like my sister. Perfect Lily, I gave her son what she should have gotten and he still ended up a freak," Petunia said, disgusted. "A freak dies by a freak, so fitting." She was also Crucioed by three wands.

"If you are looking for the freak, he isn't here, he's at that freak school of his learning that freakish stuff, so leave good respectable people like us alone," Vernon shouted, regaining his voice and moving to take care of Petunia.

"Enough," Voldemort said, "the only freaks in this room are you three Muggles. Muggles are true freaks, after all."

With that he killed all three Muggles and turned to his two followers. "Spread out and find proof of any abuse, neglect, or cruelty to Potter."

"My lord," Lovegood said, "I have reason to believe he stays in the smallest bedroom on the first floor. All the things are broken and the bed looks to collapse. There were a couple of owl pelts in the trash can."

"I already found proof that he wasn't staying their forever," Malfoy said. "There is a bed in the cupboard under the stairs and a picture of Lily."

"Lovegood, publish these findings in your paper. Malfoy, start lobbing for an abuse/neglect case and try to get custody of the boy. Circumvent the Weasleys and the other families that try."

"Yes, my lord," they replied, taking that as the sign to leave. They apparated to their respective places to start their orders.

End Chapter

Next Chapter: The Daily Prophet's article, Harry's reaction, and the inquiry at the Ministry.

[Anime Monster]

Chapter 3: Inquary at the Ministry
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"The welfare of the people is the ultimate law. (Salus Populi Suprema Est Lex)."
--Cicero
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Harry Potter woke up on September the second feeling like he had gotten the best night sleep he ever got. While changing into his school robes he whistled. While brushing his hair he hummed. While taking care of his morning absolutions he sang. He was feeling good and when Ron asked him if he got laid, he shook his head and said, "I think it's a good day."

"Glad you think so, mate," Ron said, grogily.

Harry skipped down the steps with Ron and Hermione tagging behind. "Wow, Harry, good dreams?"

"No dreams, that's what's great," he said smiling happily. They entered the Great Hall and everyone looked up, they never seen The-Boy-Who-Lived happier. Some thought like Ron, while others thought like Hermione, and still others, like Luna Lovegood, thought the opposite.

Harry piled breakfast onto his plate as the post owls came in. Gasps from around the hall made Harry look up, his fork in his mouth. Swallowing and removing his spoon he asked Hermione, "May I see that?" gestering to The Daily Prophet.

She shakingly handed it to him. And he unfolded opening his mouth:

"Ministry Lies?

"Yesterday afternoon at 3 PM aurors from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement apparated to the Muggle street named Privet Drive where it is rumored Harry Potter's loving family lived. The scene they found was a scene of carnage only ever surpassed by a few giant attacks during He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's attacks in 1979 when his compaign was going strong.

"All the muggles were masacred in their homes and the Dark Mark was found flying over head. But nowhere was the destruction worst than in the childhood and summer home of Harry Potter. The muggles were in the living room with signs of torture before death. the signs are that they were killed by You-Know-Who himself.

"This brings up the question as to whether the Ministry has been lying to their citizens all along or if the boy has gone the same way as You-Know-Who. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, commented by saying, 'This attack was like the Quidditch World. A bunch of his followers got drunk and reminded us, yet again, that they were still out there. I tell you Lord--Thingy, is not back, as some senile old men would like you to think.'

"Here at the Prophet many reporters are raising eyebrows at this. While it is possible that 'Lord Thing' is not back, this attack is too perfect to not be a direct punch to our savior Harry Potter.

"This reporter was unable to reach Harry Potter as he is currently at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...For more information please turn to page 16."

Harry looked up at his friends, at the horror stricken looks on their faces, and said, "I told you it would be a good day."

They looked at him in shock, "But, Harry," Hermione said, "they're your relatives."

"Yeah, mate, they're your aunt, uncle, and cousin," Ron chimed in.

"They were no true family of mine. No one's family treats them the way they treated me," Harry said. "Now will you pass the syrup."

Neville, shocked by his friend's reaction, passed the syrup.

"Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, "if this news is too much for you, you may have the day off from classes." She was about to leave when Harry shouted after her.

"Hey, Professor, I'm okay, may I have my schedule."

A shocked look crossed her face as she handed him the parchment.

Meanwhile at the Ministry

Lucius Malfoy was an imposing and very powerful man. He had a lot of connections at the ministry of magic, and Minister Fudge in his back pocket. With quick strides he came to Madame Bones' office. He didn't much like Bones'. She was a staunch supporter of the light, but she was fair and followed laws to the letter. He knew she would take the information he gave her and draw a full case for Potter.

The name rolled in his mind. He didn't understand what his lord had in mind, but wasn't about to break his word. Coming to a stop he by passed the secretary, knocked, and entered.

Madame Bones sat at a desk writing on a piece of parchment a memo which took off soon after. Looking up she caught sight of Lucius standing there. Her monocle fell out as her eyes widened. Quickly fumbling it and placing it back in she turned to Lucius, "Please, sit down, Mr. Malfoy."

"Thank you, Madame Bones," he said, striding over to a chair and sitting.

"I didn't here you come in," she said.

"You were busy," he said, waving it off, he needed her comfortable, he knew, to manipulate her. "But, I didn't come to chat about the weather, which looks nice, so I assume maintance is not on strike? Anyways, I came to start an inquiry into the treatment of magical children living with muggles."

"Not your usual concern, Mr. Malfoy, if the rumors are any indication," she said getting serious. "Why and what proof do you have for this inquiry?"

"I am worried about our magical brothers and sisters in the muggle world. History has proven two things, one that muggles can be cruel to magical people and two that it often repeats itself. I'm worried because recently a rumor came to me that one, Harry Potter," he heard the gasps and mentally smiled, "was abused by his muggle relations. If this is true, than is it too much to hazard a guess that more are in danger and that Mr. Potter might still be in danger from the wizard who was foolish enough to leave him in such conditions."

"Who is your source?"

"My old friend Mr. Lovegood said he heard it from his daughter who supposedly heard it from Miss Ginny Weasley who heard it from her brother who said that he had been caged in his room after the owl about the use of magic outside of school came before his second year."

"If this is true," she said, "then we must act soon, the boy will have a custody case October first and we must not let someone as dangerous as Albus Dumbledore choose for him." She gave him a serious look, "Mr. Malfoy, I beg of you, please warn the boy that his headmaster may put his life in danger again."

"Consider it done," he said standing up. "Good day, madame," he said tilting his head to her before sweeping out of the office.

In her office Madame Amelia Bones got to work. While she wasn't one to trust Lucius Malfoy, she was intrusted as head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, with the sole duty to uphold the law, and if that met trusting Lucius Malfoy, a suspected Death Eater, than she would.

End Chapter

Next Chapter: Luna Lovegood, The Quibbler's article, and Harry Malfoy?

[Meluivan Indil]

This is a very different concept, and an interesting take on the wizarding world. I just wonder exactly what old Voldie has up his sleeve.

M.

[Anime Monster]

I'll have the next chapter out as soon as I stop being lazy and write it. *cough* I really should do my RL stuff, but I just want to read fan fiction all day...to bad that's not my job.