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Hogwarts is one of the largest magical settlements in England, originally founded in 990 A.D. Located in the Scottish Highlands, in accordance with the Statute of Secrecy, it is situated on the shores of the Great Lake and surrounded on three sides by the Forbidden Forest. At the heart of the city is Hogwarts Castle, home to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While originally only for the education of young witches and wizards, Hogwarts has expanded to include post-graduate studies and a sizeable research faculty...

Excerpt from Hogwarts; a History, by Bathilda Bagshot.

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Harry opened his eyes to find himself lying on the cobbles in a dingy alley, his head pounding with a dull ache that he recognised as the after effect of a stunning spell. With a groan, he pushed himself up, looking around to see his wand lying nearby.

'Lumos,' he said, snatching up his wand, light erupting from the tip. The glow revealed a body lying against the alley wall, his eyes staring blankly at nothing. Gritting his teeth, he struggled to his feet and knelt down next to the body, feeling at the neck for a pulse.

He's dead...

'Hey! What's going on there?'

Hearing the shout, Harry looked round to see two members of the Hogwarts Constabulary at the end of the alley, recognisable by their brown cloaks and tall hats.

'That's him,' one of them barked, drawing his wand and advancing towards him. 'Don't move,' he barked, just as Harry disapparated...

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Harry reappeared in another alley, leaning against the wall as a wave of dizziness swept over him.

What the hell is going on...?

With an effort, he pushed himself away from the wall, pocketing his wand as he stepped out of the alley, pulling up the hood of his cloak. This late at night, the street was mostly deserted, with only a few people around. Above the buildings, he could see the dark shape of Hogwarts Castle.

Come on. Just a few minutes walk. You can make it...

Gritting his teeth, he set off, for once regretting that it was impossible to Apparate into the Castle. Then, he stopped as he saw a poster stuck on the wall, his eyes widening as he recognised his own face.

What the hell...Most Wanted...Considered Dangerous...if seen, inform Hogwarts Constabulary...

Looking around quickly, Harry ripped down the poster and shoved it under his cloak, just as two members of the Constabulary emerged from a side street ahead ahead of him. Forcing himself to relax, he kept walking, resisting the urge to pull his hood further down as they came closer. The Constables passed him and he released the breath that he had been holding.

'Excuse me, sir?'

Damn...

'Yes?' Harry said, turning towards them.

'Lower your hood,' one of the Constables said and Harry hesitated for a second, before pushing it back.

'That's him,' the other Constable said, drawing his wand and levelling it at him. 'Don't...'

'Expelliarmus!' Harry yelled, his own wand flashing out, sending the Constable's clattering away. He swung towards the other one, only to feel his own wand go flying out of his hand.

'Don't move,' the second Constable said as his partner reclaimed his wand.

'Put your hands...' he began, just as there was a crack and a hooded-man appeared. His face was in shadow, but he thought that caught a glimpse of ginger hair.

Ron...?

'Auror Office,' he said, pulling out his badge and showing it to the Constables. 'I'll take it from here...'

'With respect, sir,' one of the Constables began, 'we need to take him to the Station...'

'He's a dangerous man, Constable,' Ron said. 'I've got orders to take him to the Auror Office. I'll take responsibility...'

'Ro...,' Harry began and he turned towards him.

'Shut up,' the man snapped, grabbing him by the shoulder as he pulled a folded scrap of crumpled parchment out of his pocket. His pressed it to the back of Harry's hand and he felt a jolt in his stomach, like he was being pulled upwards...

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Harry reappeared in the middle of a dingy, dusty room with the curtains drawn and a single candle burning on a dresser in the corner. The man stepped back, pushing back his hood to reveal his ginger hair and freckled face.

'Ron? What the hell are you doing?'

'Rescuing you,' he said. 'What does it look like...?'

'You could have fooled me...'

'I had to make it look good in front of those flatfoots, didn't I...?' He said and Harry stepped back, forcing himself to relax

'Yeah...sorry...thanks...'

'Don't mention it, mate...'

'Where are we...?'

'An old Auror safehouse. It hasn't been used in years, but Hermione's put a few extra protective charms up to be safe...'

'Hermione...?'

'Yeah. The others are downstairs. Come on...'

Harry followed him out of the room and down the stairs to where four people were seated around a crude wooden table. Nearest to him was Hermione, a curly-haired brunette with her head buried in a book. Next to her was Ginny, Ron's sister, with the same red hair and freckles. Opposite them was Neville, a stocky man with black hair and Luna, a blonde young woman who was reading a magazine upside down.

'Harry!' Hermione said, looking up from her book as she heard their footsteps, launching herself at him and wrapping him in a hug.

'Hey, Hermione,' Harry said.

'Let him breathe, Hermione,' Ron said and she broke the hug, glaring at Ron.

'We heard what happened,' she said. 'We were worried sick. But, they can just issue an order for your arrest without evidence. According to Ministry Statute...'

'Alright, alright,' Ron said. 'Give him a minute. C'mon, sit down, mate...'

'Here, Harry,' Ginny said, handing him a cup of coffee as he sat down.

'Thanks, Ginny,' he said, glancing over at the others. 'Hi, Neville...Luna...'

'What happened, Harry?' Neville asked as Luna put down her magazine, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

'I'm...not sure,' Harry said. 'All I know is that I was in an alley with a dead body. After that, I was a bit too busy to ask questions...'

'Do you remember what you were doing there...?' Hermione asked and Harry shook his head.

'No...'

'Or...why you went there...?'

'...no...'

'This isn't an interrogation, Hermione...'

'I know that, Ron,' Hermione said, giving him an arch look. 'Harry, I think you've been obliviated...'

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any reviews, comments or constructive criticisms are very welcome.