AN: Wow 4 years since I last wrote a fan fic . This little plot bunny has hopped right up and thumped me between the eyes. I hope you enjoy. It may not be totally compliant with my other fics or the latest revelation by NOR. It most certainly is not compliant with that cursed play….don't get me started.
Christmas day, 2026
Louis Weasley, auror trainee, was freezing his bullocks off as he waited and watched. The royal family would soon emerge from morning services. St. Mary Magdalene was, normally, a pretty little place for royal watching. Not today though, it was tipping buckets of icy cold rain.
The few who had, earlier, braved the deluge, were treated to a much smaller family group arriving. Prince Charles, Prince regent, Princes William and Harry had led the greatly reduced family group. Even the outdoor loving Prince regent had taken a car.
Her Majesty, her daughter, daughters-in-law, grand and great grand children were, wisely, tucked, dry and warm indoors at the estate.
Louis' partner and trainer, Peterson, was lead royal liaison for this year of celebration. Queen Elizabeth II was turning 100 in April. Events were planned from her birthday through the end of the year.
Louis, as Peterson's partner, had been witness to the complex interaction between the magical and muggle law enforcement groups.
He had, frankly, been awed the first time he met Prince Harry, who was one of the creative force behind the year of celebration. Uncle Ron, scrap that, Auror Wesley, OM, deputy head of the Aurors, training, had been at that meeting as well. It was educational to watch the two men, both tempered by war, quickly set to establishing where security weakness were and how best to use the MOM's resources.
Louis knew, from muggle studies, that a select few of the Royal family were aware of the magical world. Her Majesty, Prince Charles and Prince William, as the present and future monarchs knew, of course. Prince Andrew, who was a veteran pilot, and Prince Harry knew, due to their involvement with security and planning. The Princess Royal, who Ron describes as scary, Uncle Harry as formidable, was in the loop also.
Louis mentally shook himself, Peterson and Uncle Ron would be less than happy at his inattention. Rumbles had surfaced, among the Aurors less than spotless clients, that someone was planning a nasty Christmas gift to the nation. Word was that gift was aimed at the Royal family.
The estate's wards had already been tested last evening as the large family set down to tea. They had held. Teddy Lupin, auror and his father in law, Bill Weasley personally always set the wards around Her Majesty's residences. Louis doubted there was a witch or wizard alive that could breach their work.
But this was the vulnerable spot, everyone knew it. That was why 5 of the greater Weasley men were missing Christmas brunch at Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron's house. At least Uncles Harry and Ron were dry inside the church. Louis, Scorpius and Teddy had the thankless tasks outside.
He could see Scorpius, in the crowd, searching faces. He was doing the same, plus watching for the doors to open. Ah, action, here came the cars, the service must be just about over. Louis put his head on a swivel.
The family emerged, Prince Charles stopping, just inside the door, to shake hands with the Dean. After he, Prince Andrew and Prince William had entered their car, the majority of the rest of the family hurried to the cars waiting for them.
Prince Harry, though, veered toward a little girl in the crowd holding a soggy bunch of flowers. It happened quickly, but yet to Louis it seemed like it was in slow motion. Just as Prince Harry bent down to reach for the posey, it began to glow softly. Louis launched himself and managed to grab the other man's arm just as the familiar sensation of being pulled by a portkey swam around him.
Louis, Prince Harry and the little girl landed in a heap. Louis rolled, springing to his feet, wand in hand. Part of his mind registered respect as he watched the graceful and fluid motion of the Prince as he also rolled, managing to scoop the now unconscious child to him.
"Luminos!" Louis' wand lit the dark, dank interior of what appeared to be a small, dimly lit, doorless rock room. He quickly scanned the area. There appeared to be no discernable magic, other than his own.
His first instinct was to begin blasting at the walls, but training and logic, took over and he began a careful assessment. His first duty was to see to the safety and wellbeing of His Highness.