A/N: This story is the fourth in the Hogs Head Prophecy Saga, and picks up
several years after the end of The Time Between and a few months after the
events of the Scrolls of Amor Epilogue.
Chapter One: A Deathbed Promise
Being one of the most influential Aurors in Britain has its advances, Harry reflected as he walked through the main office of the Auror Headquarters to the rooms shared by his own elite team. But the incessant requests for opinions from every self-important toady in this place isn't one, nor is the endless politicking of the Ministry's higher ranks. He nodded to a couple of senior Auror he knew as he passed through and then opened another door at the far end of the office.
When he entered the team room a few minutes later, he was immediately approached by Aaron Eisbergen - whose cream and white robes and gold-rimmed Training Division badge marked as a third-year cadet - he was carried a small stack of parchment in one hand. "What's up, Aaron?" Harry asked.
The cadet held out the stack of papers and waited for Harry to take them before replying. "They're the reports you asked for on the findings of the judicial inquiry into the BIQL Bribery Scandal."
Harry nodded. The inquiry that had followed the criminal investigation had only been completed within the last few days, and the findings hadn't been made public yet. He wanted to know before everyone else did because the case had been handled the way it had on his recommendation so any backlash could very easily hit him.
Most of the team were already assembled: Romulus, Tony Chong and Belinda White were already sitting at the large central table, and Harry joined them, placing the parchment stack in front of him. Cadet Eisbergen moved around to the other side of the table and sat down at the communications desk to take notes.
The clock over the door into Harry's private office had just reached nine o'clock when the three remaining members of the team came in through the door - Bennie Pantolov and Bilius Masters were old friends, but Inspector Tracy Farrell was new, she was filling in for Harry's friend and deputy Blaise Zabini, who was taking some personal leave to be with her sick father, Zacharias Zabini, the current Minister of Magic.
"What's on the sheet for today?" Harry asked, looking around the table, then focused on Romulus.
"Debra and I are due in front of the Wizengamot at ten thirty to give evidence in the Pucey case," Romulus replied. "You've got a meeting with Kingsley and the other unit leaders in about half-an-hour and Bilius has his weapons requalifying tests this afternoon."
"That leaves you, Tony, Belinda and Aaron 'minding the store', Tracy." Harry pointed out. "Can you manage?"
The tall brunette woman nodded. "Of course, Lieutenant."
"Go to your meeting, Boss." Chong told him. "We'll be fine."
"I'm sure you will be, but I'll be just down the hall, so if anything major kicks off..."
"We'll contact you." Chong confirmed.
Harry nodded and got up, "Well, it sounds like we've got a busy day ahead. So lets get to it."
The others nodded, and scrambled to get together what they needed for the day's assignments.
-----
After his meeting Harry headed down to Level Ten to visit a couple of old friends. It took him a while to find the Room of Beings, but fortunately one of the two people he was looking for was there.
"Hi Padma."
The pretty Indian woman turned round in her chair and smiled at Harry. "Hi Harry, how are you?"
"I'm fine," Harry told her. "And you?"
"I'm fine," Padma told him. "So are Seamus, Parvati and the kids."
"That's good. How old is Eion now?"
"He had his tenth birthday two weeks ago, he'll be going to Hogwarts in September."
"That's good. Jessie, Hawk and Max are going in September too, and Gill, Ron and Hermione's eldest too. I think Mike Weatherton, one of the 'Potter Children' is due to attend as well."
"That's good to know." Padma said.
"How's that research project I asked to look at going?"
"It's not I'm afraid," Padma admitted. "Parvati and I are stumped for the moment and other things have come up so we haven't had much time to look into it I'm afraid. We'll get to it as soon as we can."
"Please do, the Dark Wraiths are a menace. I'm almost glad they've stepped up their attacks though. It makes responding to them a lot easier. But we need that tracking spell."
"I know Harry, and you'll get it." Padma assured him. "These things take time though."
"It's just frustrating, Padma," Harry sighed. "I'd best get back to the office. I'll see you soon."
"Bye Harry," said Padma and turned back to her work.
----
Harry left the Department of Mysteries and headed back to the second floor. When he came into his corner of Auror HQ he passed Masters heading the other way. "Good luck."
"Don't need it, Boss. But thanks anyway."
Shaking his head, Harry walked into the their room. Neither Romulus or Ling had had returned yet, in fact the office was almost empty with only Belinda White sitting at the meeting room table, and Tony Chong manning the comms station. Cadet Eisbergen was arranging some files over in the corner
"Where are Tracy and Bennie?" Harry asked, slipping into the empty chair at the head of the table.
"We had a call through from Dispatch about ten minutes ago. A possible sighting of a nest of Wraiths was reported in Perthshire. They rounded up a STU squad and are going to take a look, Inspector Farrell didn't think you should be disturbed."
"I see." Harry said. "Any word?"
"Not so far."
"How long till they're in position?" "They should be making a move any time now, Boss."
"Okay, I want a word with them."
"Sure thing." Chong said, and tapped a key on the radio. "NSTF Control to Inspector Septum. Do you read? Over."
The radio was silent for a moment, then it crackled. "This is Septum. Go ahead."
"The boss is back and would like a word, over."
"Understood."
"Septum, this is Scar. What is your situation? Over."
"Still conducting recon, sir. Not of us are Animagi so it a bit trickier than usual."
"We're standing by here," Harry assured her. "Keep us informed of developments."
"Message received, Septum out."
The radio said silent for next half-hour, then Farrell called in again to confirm they had located their target and again five minutes later that fifteen wraiths had been destroyed and two wizards who had been with them were being brought in for questioning.
Neither interview generated any new information, so it was with a slightly heavier heart than he'd had that morning that Harry headed out at six pm, walking out to the lift and then Flooing from the Atrium back home.
----
Two days later, a call from one of the Healers at St Mungo's came through on Floo just as Harry was about to leave. He frowned and looked around the office. "Romie, we're needed at St Mungo's. Get your coat."
Romulus sensed that now was not the time for questions so he grabbed his overcoat from the chair back on which it was draped, and followed Harry out of the office at a run.
Once they reached the Atrium, Harry signalled to Romulus to Apparate. Romulus nodded and they disappeared with a loud pop.
----
When they entered the reception area at St Mungo's at few minutes later, Harry ignored the welcome-witch and headed down the rarely used High Security corridor. As it had been when Harry had last visited, the door to the High Security Ward itself was guarded – although this time by four wizards in blue-and-silver with the shoulder badge of the Executive Protection Service, all armed with automatic rifles as well as the usual wands.
"Identification?" asked the most senior of the four Hit Wizards - an athletic black-haired man in his early thirties with the insignia of an Inspector.
Harry and Romulus both took out their badges. "Lieutenant Harry James Potter and Inspector Romulus Moon, NSTF." Harry told him. "We're here at the family's invitation."
"Everything seems in order." The inspector admitted. He turned to one of his subordinates. "Let them through."
The woman nodded and cast the unlocking charm on the door and held it open. Harry and Romulus walked inside and the door closed behind them.
Other than the patient, there were four people in the room: two healers – Healer-in-Charge Michael Barrett and Junior Healer Apolla Cadeus – plus Anita Bones, who was dressed in her mediwitch robes, and Blaise. Romulus went over to Blaise and put an arm around her, trying his best to comfort her. Harry drifted over to Anita's side. "What's happening?"
"According to Blaise, Mr Zabini's condition deteriorated this afternoon. She called us about an hour ago and Lilith and I rushed him over here. The healers have been worked on him ever since." Anita told him. "Now you're here I'm going to find Lilith and return to headquarters. I'll see you around, Harry."
"Bye Anita." Harry said, and turned back to watch what was happening. After a few minutes Romulus persuaded Blaise to take a break, as he lead her out of the room Blaise looked back at Harry. Harry nodded indicating that he would stay.
After about twenty minutes, things appeared to calm down and Healer Barrett came over to Harry. "What's the verdict?"
"And you are?"
"Harry Potter." Harry said a little unnecessarily. "I'm the daughter's boss and a close friend of the family. He's also a fourth cousin."
"Very well. Then I think I can say this much," Barrett told him. "His condition is stable for now, but it is only a matter of time."
"How long does he have before the venifica necrosis kills him?" Harry asked.
"Hard to say, Mr Potter." Barrett admitted. "Not long. Perhaps days, maybe weeks, but... it is unlikely that he will live more than month."
"I'll tell Blaise." Harry told him. "And we should notify the WAS too. They'll need to start the nomination process."
"Not my business, Lieutenant. I'm only concerned with the patient."
"I know that. I'll head off now. Keep us informed."
"I will." Barrett promised.
----
Barrett's prediction turned out to be pretty close. Harry was in a strategy meeting with his team about two-and-a-half weeks later when Healer Cadeus contacted them by Floo, asking Harry and Romulus to come to St Mungo's immediately. Harry turned the meeting over to Inspector Farrell and they hurried out and reached the High Security Ward in record time. Blaise was already there, but only a nurse was there with her. When they approached Mr Zabini's beside, the old man beckoned them closer. "Romulus, could you take my daughter outside for a moment? I have something I want to ask Harry."
"Of course sir," Romulus and took Blaise by the shoulder, she tried to protest but a look from her father silenced her.
Once they were out of the room, Mr Zabini gestured for Harry to take the seat beside his bed, which Harry did.
"I will be brief, Harry. As I do not have much time."
"Okay sir."
"You have been a good friend to my daughter these past few years, and I know she looked to you and young Romulus for comfort when my Zima died. I hope you will be there for her again."
"Of course we will."
"I know. I just needed to say it." Harry nodded. "And another thing. You know as well as I, and better than most that there are still conservative elements within our government that would seek to use my death to undo all the good work that I have accomplished since I took office. Now don't get me wrong Adolphus and Ian are both great at their jobs, and Hestia is the best Head of Law Enforcement I could have hoped for but... none of them have the fire, the public support that is needed to avert a backwards move..."
Harry had an awful feeling he knew where this was going. "Sir, I..."
"Let me finish, Harry." Mr Zabini insisted. "As you may have guessed, I intend that you should replace me as Minister, and I have lodged a statement with the Wizengamot to that effect. Now, I am leaving it up to you... but, think on this. Everyone I have talked to... and that includes the Secretaries and the Department Heads, all pledged support for your appointment."
Harry thought for a moment before answering. "I will have to discuss it with my family. But if they are in favour and it is the will of the people that I succeed you... then I would be honoured to do so, sir."
"Thank you, Harry. Now, could you ask my daughter and Romulus to come back in? And remember what I said."
"I will, sir."
He crossed to the door and opened it. His two friends came back in and Blaise took the seat at her father's bedside, and Harry and Romulus moved to stand on either side of her.
They stood there for what seemed like an age to Harry, silently offering their support, and then Mr Zabini's breathing – which had been getting slower and slower for a while suddenly stopped. It was completely silent for a second or two, then the silence was broken by a shrill alarm. Blaise sobbed and turned back towards Romulus, who again wrapped his arms around her. Harry leaned over and brushed the man's eyes shut. Goodbye, Zacharias, son of Zebulon, father of my friend. May your place in Fatalis' halls be an honoured one. Rest in peace.
A/N 2: Sorry this chapter's a little on the short side but I thought this would be a good place to stop. The next one should be up shortly though as I'm off on holiday 'til Monday. Anyway let me know what you think of it.
Chapter One: A Deathbed Promise
Being one of the most influential Aurors in Britain has its advances, Harry reflected as he walked through the main office of the Auror Headquarters to the rooms shared by his own elite team. But the incessant requests for opinions from every self-important toady in this place isn't one, nor is the endless politicking of the Ministry's higher ranks. He nodded to a couple of senior Auror he knew as he passed through and then opened another door at the far end of the office.
When he entered the team room a few minutes later, he was immediately approached by Aaron Eisbergen - whose cream and white robes and gold-rimmed Training Division badge marked as a third-year cadet - he was carried a small stack of parchment in one hand. "What's up, Aaron?" Harry asked.
The cadet held out the stack of papers and waited for Harry to take them before replying. "They're the reports you asked for on the findings of the judicial inquiry into the BIQL Bribery Scandal."
Harry nodded. The inquiry that had followed the criminal investigation had only been completed within the last few days, and the findings hadn't been made public yet. He wanted to know before everyone else did because the case had been handled the way it had on his recommendation so any backlash could very easily hit him.
Most of the team were already assembled: Romulus, Tony Chong and Belinda White were already sitting at the large central table, and Harry joined them, placing the parchment stack in front of him. Cadet Eisbergen moved around to the other side of the table and sat down at the communications desk to take notes.
The clock over the door into Harry's private office had just reached nine o'clock when the three remaining members of the team came in through the door - Bennie Pantolov and Bilius Masters were old friends, but Inspector Tracy Farrell was new, she was filling in for Harry's friend and deputy Blaise Zabini, who was taking some personal leave to be with her sick father, Zacharias Zabini, the current Minister of Magic.
"What's on the sheet for today?" Harry asked, looking around the table, then focused on Romulus.
"Debra and I are due in front of the Wizengamot at ten thirty to give evidence in the Pucey case," Romulus replied. "You've got a meeting with Kingsley and the other unit leaders in about half-an-hour and Bilius has his weapons requalifying tests this afternoon."
"That leaves you, Tony, Belinda and Aaron 'minding the store', Tracy." Harry pointed out. "Can you manage?"
The tall brunette woman nodded. "Of course, Lieutenant."
"Go to your meeting, Boss." Chong told him. "We'll be fine."
"I'm sure you will be, but I'll be just down the hall, so if anything major kicks off..."
"We'll contact you." Chong confirmed.
Harry nodded and got up, "Well, it sounds like we've got a busy day ahead. So lets get to it."
The others nodded, and scrambled to get together what they needed for the day's assignments.
-----
After his meeting Harry headed down to Level Ten to visit a couple of old friends. It took him a while to find the Room of Beings, but fortunately one of the two people he was looking for was there.
"Hi Padma."
The pretty Indian woman turned round in her chair and smiled at Harry. "Hi Harry, how are you?"
"I'm fine," Harry told her. "And you?"
"I'm fine," Padma told him. "So are Seamus, Parvati and the kids."
"That's good. How old is Eion now?"
"He had his tenth birthday two weeks ago, he'll be going to Hogwarts in September."
"That's good. Jessie, Hawk and Max are going in September too, and Gill, Ron and Hermione's eldest too. I think Mike Weatherton, one of the 'Potter Children' is due to attend as well."
"That's good to know." Padma said.
"How's that research project I asked to look at going?"
"It's not I'm afraid," Padma admitted. "Parvati and I are stumped for the moment and other things have come up so we haven't had much time to look into it I'm afraid. We'll get to it as soon as we can."
"Please do, the Dark Wraiths are a menace. I'm almost glad they've stepped up their attacks though. It makes responding to them a lot easier. But we need that tracking spell."
"I know Harry, and you'll get it." Padma assured him. "These things take time though."
"It's just frustrating, Padma," Harry sighed. "I'd best get back to the office. I'll see you soon."
"Bye Harry," said Padma and turned back to her work.
----
Harry left the Department of Mysteries and headed back to the second floor. When he came into his corner of Auror HQ he passed Masters heading the other way. "Good luck."
"Don't need it, Boss. But thanks anyway."
Shaking his head, Harry walked into the their room. Neither Romulus or Ling had had returned yet, in fact the office was almost empty with only Belinda White sitting at the meeting room table, and Tony Chong manning the comms station. Cadet Eisbergen was arranging some files over in the corner
"Where are Tracy and Bennie?" Harry asked, slipping into the empty chair at the head of the table.
"We had a call through from Dispatch about ten minutes ago. A possible sighting of a nest of Wraiths was reported in Perthshire. They rounded up a STU squad and are going to take a look, Inspector Farrell didn't think you should be disturbed."
"I see." Harry said. "Any word?"
"Not so far."
"How long till they're in position?" "They should be making a move any time now, Boss."
"Okay, I want a word with them."
"Sure thing." Chong said, and tapped a key on the radio. "NSTF Control to Inspector Septum. Do you read? Over."
The radio was silent for a moment, then it crackled. "This is Septum. Go ahead."
"The boss is back and would like a word, over."
"Understood."
"Septum, this is Scar. What is your situation? Over."
"Still conducting recon, sir. Not of us are Animagi so it a bit trickier than usual."
"We're standing by here," Harry assured her. "Keep us informed of developments."
"Message received, Septum out."
The radio said silent for next half-hour, then Farrell called in again to confirm they had located their target and again five minutes later that fifteen wraiths had been destroyed and two wizards who had been with them were being brought in for questioning.
Neither interview generated any new information, so it was with a slightly heavier heart than he'd had that morning that Harry headed out at six pm, walking out to the lift and then Flooing from the Atrium back home.
----
Two days later, a call from one of the Healers at St Mungo's came through on Floo just as Harry was about to leave. He frowned and looked around the office. "Romie, we're needed at St Mungo's. Get your coat."
Romulus sensed that now was not the time for questions so he grabbed his overcoat from the chair back on which it was draped, and followed Harry out of the office at a run.
Once they reached the Atrium, Harry signalled to Romulus to Apparate. Romulus nodded and they disappeared with a loud pop.
----
When they entered the reception area at St Mungo's at few minutes later, Harry ignored the welcome-witch and headed down the rarely used High Security corridor. As it had been when Harry had last visited, the door to the High Security Ward itself was guarded – although this time by four wizards in blue-and-silver with the shoulder badge of the Executive Protection Service, all armed with automatic rifles as well as the usual wands.
"Identification?" asked the most senior of the four Hit Wizards - an athletic black-haired man in his early thirties with the insignia of an Inspector.
Harry and Romulus both took out their badges. "Lieutenant Harry James Potter and Inspector Romulus Moon, NSTF." Harry told him. "We're here at the family's invitation."
"Everything seems in order." The inspector admitted. He turned to one of his subordinates. "Let them through."
The woman nodded and cast the unlocking charm on the door and held it open. Harry and Romulus walked inside and the door closed behind them.
Other than the patient, there were four people in the room: two healers – Healer-in-Charge Michael Barrett and Junior Healer Apolla Cadeus – plus Anita Bones, who was dressed in her mediwitch robes, and Blaise. Romulus went over to Blaise and put an arm around her, trying his best to comfort her. Harry drifted over to Anita's side. "What's happening?"
"According to Blaise, Mr Zabini's condition deteriorated this afternoon. She called us about an hour ago and Lilith and I rushed him over here. The healers have been worked on him ever since." Anita told him. "Now you're here I'm going to find Lilith and return to headquarters. I'll see you around, Harry."
"Bye Anita." Harry said, and turned back to watch what was happening. After a few minutes Romulus persuaded Blaise to take a break, as he lead her out of the room Blaise looked back at Harry. Harry nodded indicating that he would stay.
After about twenty minutes, things appeared to calm down and Healer Barrett came over to Harry. "What's the verdict?"
"And you are?"
"Harry Potter." Harry said a little unnecessarily. "I'm the daughter's boss and a close friend of the family. He's also a fourth cousin."
"Very well. Then I think I can say this much," Barrett told him. "His condition is stable for now, but it is only a matter of time."
"How long does he have before the venifica necrosis kills him?" Harry asked.
"Hard to say, Mr Potter." Barrett admitted. "Not long. Perhaps days, maybe weeks, but... it is unlikely that he will live more than month."
"I'll tell Blaise." Harry told him. "And we should notify the WAS too. They'll need to start the nomination process."
"Not my business, Lieutenant. I'm only concerned with the patient."
"I know that. I'll head off now. Keep us informed."
"I will." Barrett promised.
----
Barrett's prediction turned out to be pretty close. Harry was in a strategy meeting with his team about two-and-a-half weeks later when Healer Cadeus contacted them by Floo, asking Harry and Romulus to come to St Mungo's immediately. Harry turned the meeting over to Inspector Farrell and they hurried out and reached the High Security Ward in record time. Blaise was already there, but only a nurse was there with her. When they approached Mr Zabini's beside, the old man beckoned them closer. "Romulus, could you take my daughter outside for a moment? I have something I want to ask Harry."
"Of course sir," Romulus and took Blaise by the shoulder, she tried to protest but a look from her father silenced her.
Once they were out of the room, Mr Zabini gestured for Harry to take the seat beside his bed, which Harry did.
"I will be brief, Harry. As I do not have much time."
"Okay sir."
"You have been a good friend to my daughter these past few years, and I know she looked to you and young Romulus for comfort when my Zima died. I hope you will be there for her again."
"Of course we will."
"I know. I just needed to say it." Harry nodded. "And another thing. You know as well as I, and better than most that there are still conservative elements within our government that would seek to use my death to undo all the good work that I have accomplished since I took office. Now don't get me wrong Adolphus and Ian are both great at their jobs, and Hestia is the best Head of Law Enforcement I could have hoped for but... none of them have the fire, the public support that is needed to avert a backwards move..."
Harry had an awful feeling he knew where this was going. "Sir, I..."
"Let me finish, Harry." Mr Zabini insisted. "As you may have guessed, I intend that you should replace me as Minister, and I have lodged a statement with the Wizengamot to that effect. Now, I am leaving it up to you... but, think on this. Everyone I have talked to... and that includes the Secretaries and the Department Heads, all pledged support for your appointment."
Harry thought for a moment before answering. "I will have to discuss it with my family. But if they are in favour and it is the will of the people that I succeed you... then I would be honoured to do so, sir."
"Thank you, Harry. Now, could you ask my daughter and Romulus to come back in? And remember what I said."
"I will, sir."
He crossed to the door and opened it. His two friends came back in and Blaise took the seat at her father's bedside, and Harry and Romulus moved to stand on either side of her.
They stood there for what seemed like an age to Harry, silently offering their support, and then Mr Zabini's breathing – which had been getting slower and slower for a while suddenly stopped. It was completely silent for a second or two, then the silence was broken by a shrill alarm. Blaise sobbed and turned back towards Romulus, who again wrapped his arms around her. Harry leaned over and brushed the man's eyes shut. Goodbye, Zacharias, son of Zebulon, father of my friend. May your place in Fatalis' halls be an honoured one. Rest in peace.
A/N 2: Sorry this chapter's a little on the short side but I thought this would be a good place to stop. The next one should be up shortly though as I'm off on holiday 'til Monday. Anyway let me know what you think of it.