Chapter Six – Janie's Got a Gun

"Grandpa, ever since I came to live here I've had a question that pops up in my mind every once in a while but I've never asked it before. I just thought of it again. I keep thinking I can make sense of it on my own but I guess I just better ask."

"What is it Harry?"

"I was wondering why my parents didn't just stay here at Potter Place where it's safer? Why did they go to Godric's Hollow when they went into hiding?"

"First of all Harry, never hesitate to ask me for anything. Your question is certainly understandable. Of course you would want to know that. Potter Place is extremely safe as you have discovered. However, the answer is quite simple. Your parents wanted a place of their own."

Harry looked at Henry with a question on his face.

"Elizabeth and I were still alive when James married Lily. We lived here so James took over the Godric's Hollow house. It's natural for a new couple to not want to live with the parents, no matter how big the place is. So they moved to Godric's Hollow and made that their home."

"But why didn't they come back here to hide from Voldemort?"

"They wanted to stay in their own home and they thought the Fidelius would be the perfect protection against Voldemort. Normally, it would be but you know what happened with Peter. Potter Place doesn't use the Fidelius and doesn't really need it. It would also be difficult to cast it on such a large place. It would take someone like you or Simon and more than one Fidelius Charm to cover the whole place."

"Peter, it always comes back to him."

"Yes, and he would have caused problems even if James and Lily stayed here. Peter was thought to be one of their trusted friends. It's likely he would have found a way to get Voldemort here as well. Once here he could just blast down walls to get in. Voldemort is powerful enough to do that."

"I suppose so. Thanks Grandpa."

"You're welcome Harry."

Harry returned to work with Mattie. He was going over some Potter business with her in the study and they were getting input from his grandfather's portrait on some older items around the time he was alive. Suddenly Kacey popped in looking very worried.

"Harry, something is wrong with Dan and Emma. I'm not sure what but they're very scared right now. Since I've been their elf every time they visit I've been able to know when they need help. They need help right now Harry. Can you help them? I'm so worried about them."

"Calm down, Kacey. Can you locate them for me and take us there?"

"Yes Harry, I can take you straight to them."

"Alright. Very good. We're going to them invisible. Got it?"

"Yes, Harry."

"When we get there stay out of the way and keep yourself safe. If I tell you to I want you to grab Dan and Emma and bring them here to safety. Understand?"

"Yes, Harry. I will do what you say."

"Let's go Kacey."

Harry held Kacey's hand and with the other he turned himself invisible. He next felt a pull as Kacey took him to Dan and Emma's office.

oOo

Earlier…

Dan and Emma Granger went to their office like they normally do most every day of the week, prepared to take care of a few customers in the afternoon and general business tasks that morning. Only their assistant Janie Graham would be with them in the morning while their other workers would be joining them later before the customers started arriving.

They had been there a little less than an hour when they were interrupted by some unexpected visitors. The visitors were all wearing black robes and white masks. They all appeared with pops right in the lobby of the office. There were five of them and they headed straight back to the offices and examining rooms when they found no one in the lobby.

They found Dan and Emma in their office working and immediately began what they came for. They were actually there to kill the Grangers but being Death Eaters they of course wanted to torture and humiliate them first. When they came in Dan immediately stood recognizing a threat.

"There you are!" exclaimed one of the Death Eaters gleefully.

"Guess what we're here for?" cackled Bellatrix Lestrange while taking off her mask.

"Nothing good I'm sure," answered Dan. "NOW GET OUT OF MY OFFICE!"

"Temper, temper, Dr. Granger," replied Bellatrix. "Lacero!"

She hit Dan with a low level cutting spell but he just looked at her like nothing happened. Two of the other Death Eaters cast stunners at him as well but he never even flinched. Realizing that it was the necklace Harry had given him for Christmas last year Dan went into action and attacked the Death Eaters. He ended up punching two of them before they ganged up on him, beating and kicking him until he was unconscious. Emma was screaming for them to stop.

"Crucio!"

Bellatrix hit Emma with the torture curse and watched as her victim squirmed around in agony. She stopped after a few seconds.

"Wake him up. I want him to watch what I do to his wife," Bellatrix demanded.

A Death Eater doused Dan with water from his wand to wake him up while Bellatrix went back to torturing Emma.

Janie Graham was back in the file room at the back of the offices looking for some records when she heard the commotion. Janie had a 9mm handgun in her purse. She wasn't the best shot in the world and had never shot anyone before but she carried it because she was attacked once in her own neighborhood. It was a very frightening experience. Her neighborhood wasn't the best any more but she grew up there and was reluctant to move.

She was glad when she went to work for the Grangers. It allowed her to leave her declining neighborhood during the day and work in a rather upscale business district. She had worked hard during her schooling and was rewarded with the job she had assisting the two dentists.

Janie's desk was on the way from where she was in the file room so she picked up her gun from her purse and eased around until she came up on her bosses' shared office. She could hear Emma screaming. Janie jumped so she was standing in the doorway to their office pointing her pistol at the intruders.

"Stop or I'll shoot!" she threatened them.

Bellatrix was in the way of the other Death Eaters since she was closest to the door. She was actually between the other Death Eaters and Janie. They could not cast a spell on Janie without hitting Bellatrix. When Bellatrix didn't stop torturing Emma, Janie fired her weapon and struck Bellatrix who immediately fell to the floor.

Janie was in shock that she actually shot someone. Before she could react she saw two red lights coming toward her. When they hit her she dropped suddenly and was out.

Harry and Kacey arrived right at the point when Janie fired her weapon. Next, Harry saw Janie get hit with two stunners and was knocked out.

Harry summoned the young woman, caught her, and then put her inside the examining room he was standing next to.

"Kacey, make sure she's okay," whispered Harry, "and stay in here with her but stay invisible."

"Okay Harry," Kacey whispered back.

Harry came out of the room to see two Death Eaters come out of the office looking to see who summoned the woman but Harry was still invisible. Harry went back into the room and removed his invisibility spell then stepped out so they could see him.

"Looking for me?" asked Harry.

"Potter," one of them snarled.

Both of them started to cast spells but Harry whipped out his wand and stunned both of them in a fraction of a second. He followed up by summoning their wands and casting Incarcerous to tie them up. He stuck the wands in his pocket and began walking down the hall to the downed Death Eaters and the office they came out of. He was dreading what he might see. He reached out with his magic and discovered three more magical people in the office – all dark. Suddenly one disappeared so Harry immediately put up anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards.

When he arrived at the office doorway he found two Death Eaters standing over Dan with their wands drawn. When they saw Harry appear in the doorway they immediately went on the offensive but Harry was too quick for them and hit both with stunners that dropped them immediately. He followed up with summoning their wands and tying them up. He put their wands with the others in his pocket.

Harry rushed in and checked Emma and Dan quickly, hoping they were still alive. He checked with his magic to find out what was wrong with them. Emma had been tortured so he sent a general healing spell over her entire body. He found that Dan had some broken ribs, cuts, and abrasions on his head and other parts of his body. Harry sent his healing magic and healed Dan completely. They both got up and ran to each other, hugging tightly. Emma was crying.

Harry looked around the office and saw blood on the floor but no one was in that spot. He assumed that was the Death Eater the young woman had shot before she was stunned. Evidently that Death Eater didn't die so they used a portkey to escape.

Harry sent his patronus to Kingsley so they could get some aurors here. He then removed the anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards.

"Dan, Emma? Your employee was stunned. I pulled her away from the fight and put her in another room out of the way. Kacey is watching over her right now. I'm going to go there and wake her up. I'll send Kacey over here."

"Her name is Janie, Harry," said Dan.

"Poor Janie," added Emma.

"She'll be fine. I'll fix her right up," Harry assured them.

Before Harry left he made sure the four Death Eaters were still out. He walked down to the examining room and sent Kacey to Dan and Emma. He knew she would fuss over them while he took care of Janie.

Harry unbuttoned a couple of buttons on Janie's shirt and touched her chest with one of his hands. He sent his magic looking for any damage he needed to fix. He was relieved to find out she was fine other than being hit with two stunners. Harry opened her eyelids and Obliviated her of any magic she saw. He saw that the witch Janie shot was Bellatrix Lestrange. He changed her memory so she saw Bellatrix using a Taser on Emma instead of a wand and the other Death Eaters using a type of gun that emitted a red laser light that caused her to pass out. After he was done Harry cast Enervate to wake her up.

Janie's eyes fluttered open.

"What happened?" she asked.

"You were knocked out, Janie. Are you feeling alright now?"

"Yes, I think so. Oh no! Dan and Emma! They were hurting them!" she cried.

"They're alright now Janie. You go ahead and take your time and then join us in their office when you're ready. I'm going to go back and check on them again."

"Thank you… uh… uh, what is your name?"

"Harry. My name is Harry Potter and I'm a very good friend of the Grangers. Their daughter Hermione and I are best friends."

"Thank you Harry. I'll be down there shortly after I get my wits about me."

"Take your time. This has been a big shock."

Harry went back to Dan and Emma's office. When he got there he told them that Janie was doing alright and she would join them momentarily. He told Kacey to go ahead and return home since he'd Obliviated Janie already and she hadn't seen Kacey yet. He promised Kacey he would bring Dan and Emma with him when he returned.

"Yes, Harry." Kacey left with a small pop.

Dan and Emma got up and both hugged Harry.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Harry!" gushed Emma.

"We would have been goners for sure had you not shown up," added Dan. "Kacey explained that she could feel we needed help so alerted you."

"She is one great elf, Harry" Emma praised.

"She cares a great deal for you two. It's good that she takes care of you every time you come visit. That helped establish the connection between her and the both of you. She was in quite a state worried about you when she found me."

"We owe her big time," replied Emma.

Just then Janie came into the office avoiding the two men tied up in the hall after she picked up her gun where she dropped it and placed it in her pocket. She ran over to Dan and Emma embracing them both in a hug.

"I was so worried about you two," she cried.

"Are you alright Janie?" asked Dan.

"Yes, I'm fine now. I'm just glad you're both okay."

Just then they heard some voices in the front.

"Harry?"

"That's Kingsley. I'll get him and the ones he brought with him to help clean up this mess and take the prisoners."

"Thank you Harry," said Emma.

Harry handed over the wands he had in his pocket to Kingsley while bringing him back to Dan and Emma's office. Kingsley needed to take all their statements while the other aurors took the ones Harry tied up to the Ministry holding cells via portkey. Harry introduced Janie to Kingsley.

"Janie those men who attacked you guys were terrorists so I called in a special division to take care of them. This is Kingsley Shacklebolt and he'll take your statements."

"Let me get everyone's names first and then I'll get your statements. I know you two from Harry's Christmas Party. Dan and Emma are you two alright?"

"Yes, we're okay now, Kingsley. Harry showed up and saved us," answered Emma.

"Dr. Dan Granger. Dr. Emma Granger. Got it. And you are?" asked Kingsley.

"Janie Graham, dental assistant to the doctors."

"Nice to meet you Miss Graham. I wish it had been under better circumstances. Let's get started, shall we?"

Kingsley took all their statements and noted that Janie didn't see any magic as Harry had warned him already that he had Obliviated her. Janie described the torture curse like the woman was using a Taser on Emma instead of a wand. She noted that she had shot the woman but the woman was not here now so she must not have hit her anywhere vital. She admitted she was not that good of a shot yet.

Kingsley talked to Harry again afterwards and found out that the woman was Bellatrix Lestrange. She obviously was the leader of this group taxed with killing the Grangers. The captured Death Eaters were fairly new recruits. They must have thought these Muggles would be an easy target so only sent Bellatrix to show them how it's done. When she was shot she must have activated her portkey to escape. Harry told him that he put up wards right after that and was able to take down the other two in the office before they could escape as well. He pointed Kingsley to the blood on the floor where Bellatrix had been. He then cleaned up the blood using Tergeo.

Dan and Emma instructed Janie to cancel all their appointments for the next two weeks and to notify the other dentists they sometimes work with to let them know that they might be sending patients their way during this time. She was also to contact the other employees so they would know not to come in. Afterwards Janie was to go home and stay there until they contacted her.

Kingsley told them that a couple of aurors would stick around for a while to make sure all repairs were done and be assured that no other Muggles saw anything. They would definitely be there long enough for Janie to finish and make sure she got away safely. He encouraged them to go home with Harry and relax for a bit. He would get together with Harry in the next few days so they could come up with a plan so they could return to their practice. He recommended they not go home yet in case Death Eaters were sent there as well.

"Dan, Emma? I need you to get whatever you want to take with you. Gather it up because we need to leave soon. I'm taking you to Potter Place with me."

"Harry, we can't intrude on you like that," replied Emma.

"Nonsense. Come on, Kacey's waiting on you."

Emma went up to Harry and kissed him on the cheek then hugged him.

"Thank you Harry."

"After I get you guys home I'll pop over and pick up Hermione at The Burrow and bring her back. I'm sure she'll want to see you after all this."

Harry had them touch his watch and he took them to Potter Place. Kacey and Mattie were waiting and met them as soon as they exited the Receiving Room. Dan and Emma gave Kacey a big hug and thanked her again for her help. She was embarrassed at all the praise but would do anything for the Grangers.

"Kacey, take care of the Grangers as I know you will. Take them to their usual room and get them some fresh clothes to wear. Let them get cleaned up and I'll be right back with Hermione. Make yourselves at home Dan and Emma. You'll be here for a while where it's safe. We can discuss your home and office situation when I return with Hermione."

"I'll have Leru prepare you some fresh tea so it will be ready for you after you freshen up," informed Mattie.

"Thank you, Mattie. I'll return shortly," said Harry stepping into the Leaving Room.

"Hello Carolyn, is everything going well for you?"

"Yes, thank you Harry. I trust you are doing well?"

"I am and if you'll excuse me, I have to run."

"Bye Harry."

Harry apparated over to the edge of the wards at the Burrow and walked up to the house. He knocked on the door. Molly opened the door and greeted Harry.

"Harry! What a pleasant surprise. You don't need to knock. You can come right on in." She then grabbed him in a big motherly hug.

"Hello Mrs. Weasley. It's good to see you again." Harry hugged her back.

They walked into the kitchen.

"What can I do for you Harry? Do you want something to eat or drink?"

"No ma'am, I'm fine. Hermione's parents are at my house right now and I thought I would bring her over to see them."

"Harry what are you doing here?" asked Hermione as she, Ron, and Ginny entered the kitchen together.

"I have come to fetch you, Hermione. There was a problem at your parent's office this morning so I brought them to Potter Place where they would be safe."

"Are they okay? What happened?" she asked worriedly.

"They're fine now. They were attacked by some Death Eaters. Your mum was tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange," Hermione gasped, "who was leading the group and your dad was beat up pretty badly by the other four that were with her but I was able to heal them both completely after I took out the Death Eaters. When I arrived Janie actually shot Bellatrix with her pistol to stop her from torturing your mum further. She must have only wounded her because Bellatrix managed to get away by portkey." Harry then finished the rest of the story for them.

"That must have been awful for them Harry," said Ginny.

"How did you know they needed your help?" asked Ron.

"Kacey."

"Kacey?" asked Hermione.

"Yes, since Kacey always takes care of Dan and Emma when they visit she's developed the ability to know when they need help. She felt their need and brought it to my attention. She is fawning over them right now and not letting them out of her sight would be my guess."

Hermione smiled at that.

"I just had a different idea," announced Harry. "Instead of just Hermione, can all of you come over to my house right now?"

They were all nodding their heads.

"I would like to take Hermione, Ron, and Ginny with me over to Hermione's house after Hermione sees her parents. I want to make sure everything is good there and put up some wards to prevent any attacks. I'll need to do that to their office as well but will need to think about the best way to do it so it doesn't cause problems with customers. Perhaps I can chat with Bill and Kingsley about that."

"Sure Harry," replied Ron.

"Maybe Hermione can grab some clothes and things for herself and her parents while we are there? Mrs. Weasley, could you keep the Grangers company while we check on their house?"

"Certainly Harry but you guys be careful. Don't you think we should call one or two of the Order to go with you?"

"We can handle it ourselves Mrs. Weasley but I'm not opposed if they want to join us."

All of them took the floo from The Burrow to Potter Place and were greeted by Andrew. They found Dan and Emma in the lounge with Mattie having some tea with scones that Leru had prepared. Hermione ran up to her parents who both stood up to greet her. She grabbed them both and hugged them.

"I'm so relieved you're both alright. Harry told us what happened," said Hermione.

"Harry and Kacey saved us," replied Emma.

"Kacey?" called Hermione.

Kacey appeared next to Dan and Emma when she called. She was already there but invisible. Hermione knelt down to her level and enveloped the elf in a hug.

"Thank you so much for saving my parents and Janie, Kacey. I could never make up for what you did for me today. You are one special elf."

Kacey turned red with embarrassment and slowly disappeared again.

"Mattie can you tell Leru we need more tea and scones? I brought a few people with me."

"Certainly Harry. I'll be right back."

Two minutes later Mattie appeared with enough tea and scones for everyone, even Ron.

Everyone visited for a while until it was lunch time. Leru prepared a delicious lunch for everyone which they all enjoyed. Then after lunch Harry and his friends left via portkey and landed in Hermione's living room. The place was an absolute mess. The Death Eaters had broken nearly everything.

"Oh no," cried Hermione.

"Everyone stand still," commanded Harry.

They all stopped. Harry reached out with his magic and felt for any extra magic users. He found none. He then searched for any magical traps. He found a real nasty one and removed it. Harry raised his wand.

"Reparo!" Harry put a lot of his magic behind it.

Pieces started flying around everywhere and going back together. The whole house changed before their eyes into what it was before with everything whole again and in the right place. Harry's friends were just staring at him in awe.

"That should do it," Harry stated.

Knock! Knock!

Harry pointed his wand at the door and made it so they could see thru it. Outside the door stood Remus and Tonks. Hermione went over and let them in while Harry cancelled the spell.

"Thankfully they didn't do any damage to the house," said Tonks after she had entered.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny just started looking at each other with smiles forming on their faces. They suddenly started laughing.

"What's so funny?" asked Remus.

"The place was in shambles when we arrived but Harry just repaired it all with one spell," replied Ginny.

"Ah, yes, I have seen his handiwork before," said Remus.

"Hermione, why don't you, Ginny, and Tonks check out the upstairs. Grab whatever you need to take with you while you're at it. Remus and Ron can check out the downstairs and outside while I setup some wards to keep our nasty friends out."

"Sounds good," everyone replied then dispersed.

When they all completed their tasks and Harry had the house warded they went back to Potter Place. Remus and Tonks went back to Grimmauld Place. Molly announced that she had some work to do at home and dinner to prepare before Arthur arrived home. Harry asked if Ron and Ginny could stay for a while longer. He had something he wanted to discuss with them. Molly said that would be fine.

Harry explained to the Grangers what he did to their house and that in a day or two he would be able to get together with Simon, Kingsley and Bill to come up with a way to protect their office without hindering business. He told them he needed to discuss some items with his friends but they should enjoy themselves while they were here. Kacey would take care of anything they might need.

oOo

Unknown location…

Bellatrix had appeared before Voldemort bleeding from the gunshot wound Janie had caused. She had landed on the floor before him in a heap clutching her side. Voldemort had Wormtail remove her from his presence after he looked into her mind and pulled out what happened. He heard one of his Death Eaters that went into the hall say "Potter" just before Bellatrix hurriedly activated her portkey. He told Wormtail to call Severus to give Bellatrix some aid. He wanted her alive so he could punish her properly for her failure.

When one of the new recruits came in to ask a question Voldemort acted on impulse and tortured him relentlessly. He cast the Cruciatus curse over and over until the man was bleeding and had loss all control of his bodily functions. The young man was about to die from the torture alone but Voldemort cast the killing curse on him anyway. He wanted the satisfaction of killing him on his own terms. He then yelled for Wormtail to come and clean up the mess.

oOo

Harry had floo called Neville and Luna to ask them to join the meeting. Luckily they were able to come right over. Harry took them to the Training Room and laid out what he wanted to discuss with the five of them.

"Okay, thanks everyone for meeting with me on such short notice. I suppose you are wondering what this is all about."

They all nodded their heads.

"It's time we step up our game."

"What do you mean, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"I mean I need you guys working on your self-defense and magical abilities like never before. You need to be up to speed so we can take out some Death Eaters."

"Are you saying we're going to actively seek out Death Eaters to attack?" asked Neville.

"Exactly! I'm ready now but I need you guys ready as well. I could use your help but you're not going with me if you're not ready. Understand?"

They all nodded their heads again.

"It's not that you guys have very far to go to get ready. It's more a mental thing. You can practice all you want and learn all you can but if you can't put it into action when it counts then it will do you no good."

They all looked at him with questions on their faces.

"Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm trying to be truthful here. If there was ever a time for laying it out on the line, this is it. Facing Death Eaters is a risky business. I will not risk your life if you're not ready."

"What brought this on?" asked Ron.

"To tell you the truth I've been thinking about this for quite a while. But today, after Dan and Emma were attacked, I realized it was time to quit stalling. Voldemort is on the offensive. He's adding new recruits all the time. He's sending them out on missions to give them some experience. He usually sends them with a veteran to show them the ropes. He did that today when he sent Bellatrix with four recruits. Bellatrix was not expecting Janie with her gun or Kacey knowing they were in trouble and alerting me."

"Do you really think we can do this?" asked Ginny.

"I do if you guys are willing to put in the work and step it up a notch. Today Bellatrix was severely wounded and four Death Eaters were taken into custody. If I had thought to put up anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards sooner I would have captured her as well. We can do this. We just need more training and proper planning."

"I'm in," replied Ron.

"I'm in," replied Neville.

"We're all in," replied Luna. "We're a team. The six of us are a team. We proved that in the Department of Mysteries. We'll do this together."

Hermione and Ginny were nodding in agreement.

"Great!" replied Harry. "Let your folks know that you'll be coming over here practically every day for the rest of the summer. I'll put together a schedule for us. We have a lot of training to do. Starting tomorrow afternoon, I want you guys all here by 2:00. Grandpa and Simon are going to teach all of you how to apparate."

"Excellent, Harry!" exclaimed Hermione. "I won't have to have you come get me every time. I can just pop over on my own!"

"Yes, Hermione, but just so you know, it has never been a burden for me to do that for my sister."

"Thank you brother," Hermione said patting Harry on the arm.

oOo

A week later…

"Alright everyone take a break and listen up. I have some things I want to share with you. Grab some of that water Mattie brought in and have a seat on the floor." Harry sat down on the floor and waited for his friends to join him.

He let them get seated and hydrate themselves for a minute before he began. They had all been working hard and the sweat was dripping off of them. Harry conjured some white fluffy towels and threw one to each of them. They all smiled in thanks as they caught the towels in one hand while taking more swigs of the water in the other hand.

"I very much appreciate the hard work all of you have put into your training. It really shows and you have come a long way. By the way, have any of you come up with a name for your animagus form yet?"

"Harpo," said Ginny. "My form is a Harpy Eagle so I thought that might fit."

"Cody," said Neville. "But it is spelle even though it comes from Kodiak Grizzly."

"Leo," said Ron. "Taken from the zodiac sign which is a lion."

"Tabitha," said Hermione. "I just like the name."

"Lolita," said Luna. "I love that name."

"Very nice everyone," replied Harry. "We will have to remember each other's new names. I like them all. Now, it's time to work on individual strengths."

They all looked over at him with a curious expression.

"Here's what I want you to do. Hermione, Ron, and Neville your animagus forms are powerful and can be very deadly. They can be used to get you out of bad situations. Even if your wand is taken you can transform and do a lot of damage. Make sure you work in your animagus forms practicing ways to use them effectively. Make sure you can change in a split second and immediately attack. You guys need to work on this like you have been working this whole week. This is important. It's your biggest strength so learn to use it."

The three nodded in agreement.

"Luna, your unicorn is extremely fast. I want you to tap into that speed and see if you can use it to speed yourself up. I believe you can. Your combat skills have improved exponentially. If you can use the speed without transforming you will be a threat to anyone attacking you. If not, you can transform into Lolita and use the speed as the unicorn to deal damage or escape. Work on this as hard as you can. This will be a tremendous strength to have. I have an idea of how to tap into that speed if you need any help."

Luna smiled at Harry and nodded.

"That leaves you Ginny."

"What exactly do you have planned for me?"

Harry smiled at her. Ginny raised her eyebrows in expectation.

"Ginny, I've noticed when I worked with you guys on how to use weapons that you seemed to have an aptitude with swords. I'm going to let you borrow one of my katana swords so you can start practicing with it. I'll help you at first but it will be up to you to continually improve your skill. After some time with it I'll work with you to build your own katana blade. We'll get the necessary materials and form it using magic. You can cast your own spells on it to keep it sharp and unbreakable, along with any other spells you think it might need."

"Do you really think I can be that good with a sword so that it's my strength?"

"Yes, I do. I have watched you closely when you handled the weapons. You were by far more comfortable with the swords and had a natural flow to your movements with it. We haven't specifically worked with katana blades but I believe that will be the perfect one for you to use."

"When can I see it?"

"Follow me everyone," said Harry standing.

Harry left out of the Training Room and led them to the Weapons Room which was just down the hall. When they arrived he stopped at the door before opening it.

"Would one of you open the door for me please?"

They all looked at him strangely but Ron stepped up.

"Sure." Ron tried the door but it appeared to be locked. "It's locked."

"Are you sure? Hermione, will you do the honors?" asked Harry.

Hermione pulled out her wand and said "Alohomora."

Ron tried it again and but it was still locked.

"Here, allow me," said Harry.

Harry turned the knob and opened the door but then he closed it again.

"Try it now," said Harry.

Ron tried it again but it was locked.

"What the heck?" asked Ron.

"Sorry everyone but I could not resist teaching this lesson on blood wards. This room is protected by a blood ward of the strongest nature. Only a Potter can open this door. It will appear locked to all of you because none of you are Potters. You will see why it's warded when you enter."

Harry led them into the room where they all stopped and stood amazed at all the weapons, armor, and antiques. Some of the oldest weapons were behind heavy glass. Some of the swords dated back to the 1100's which was during the Koto time period in Japan. Some others were dated in the 1600's which represented the Shinto time period.

"Wow Harry! This is incredible," said Neville reverently.

"This is Potter history guys. This is the reason you must make your own sword. Even though there are so many, I cannot in good conscious give away or sell any of these. The ones behind the heavy glass are priceless. The ones not in cases are the ones you can choose from Ginny. I need you to find a good one that feels right in your hand because you'll base the one you build off of it. You can still make changes to the one you'll make but the one you pick in here will be your model to start with."

"Oh Harry, what if I accidentally break it while using it?"

"You won't break it. They're charmed not to break or lose their sharpness and I'm going to cast another on it with my full power to update the charm so it will never be able to break."

"They're all so beautiful, Harry."

"I also want you to pick out a wakizashi blade to go with the katana. These are shorter swords used as companion blades. Most of the katana swords will have a matching one next to it. You need to get used to using both. Also the katanas usually come with a kogatana or umabari which is a small knife that has its own sheath in the saya of the koshirae, which is the scabbard."

"How do you know all of that?" asked Ron.

"Well, Ron, when I discovered this room I just had to read up on all of it. Anything that is part of my Potter heritage is of great interest to me."

Ginny finally found a katana and matching wakizashi sword that she felt comfortable with before they left the room. Harry took the swords and strengthened the charms using his full power. He figured they could use it and he knew with his full power they would be fully protected.

After their training session ended and Harry cleaned up he talked with Simon about the ward issue he was facing with the Granger's dental office and how to ward it so they were protected but have it not hinder business. Simon suggested that the ward be based on the dark mark such that anyone wanting to enter their office building wearing one would not be allowed.

"It would be even better if they couldn't find the place either. That's a more complicated ward but it would make it more difficult for them. You could add something like a strong Confundus Charm that hits them so they forget there's a ward blocking them and a strong compulsion charm on top of that driving them further away from the area."

"Okay, those are good ideas," replied Harry.

"You might also put up an alarm that goes off if the ward is taken down," Simon added.

"Excellent ideas Simon. Thanks very much. I'm going to discuss these with Kingsley and Bill. I'll see if they have any other suggestions and we'll go from there."

The next day Harry met with Kingsley and Bill about it. Harry told them of Simon's suggestions which they liked. Bill recommended some nasty curses he had come across in some of the tombs in Egypt but Kingsley had to reign them in on some of those since there was a slight chance an innocent could get hurt.

In the end, they decided to go with what Simon suggested but with a slight twist. They liked setting the ward to trigger off the dark mark even though someone without the mark could get through. It would be a rare occasion for someone whom Voldemort sends to not have the mark. Harry was going to make sure that the Granger's were provided with portkeys as well so they could escape and he planned to speak with Dan and Emma about learning some self-defense. Hermione could even teach them.

Kingsley took Harry and Bill down to the holding cells where they still had a few of the Death Eaters locked up. They studied the dark mark closely on all the prisoners and found that it used a protean charm. Each mark was tied together with the same identifier. Harry realized that the way he was able to detect a dark user was due to that identifier. They had what they needed so they made a ward stone, applied all the runes required, and cast the appropriate spells on it. Bill was impressed with how much Harry knew about runes and wards.

They tested it using the captured Death Eaters and it worked perfectly. They next duplicated the stone so they could place both in separate places protecting not only the Granger's office but the entire building.

After they had the ward stones in place and hidden, Harry informed Dan, Emma, and Hermione what they had done and how they worked. He provided Dan and Emma with portkeys that would bring them to Potter Place but he told them he would likely have to recharge them after each use since they didn't have their own magic to power them. He also encouraged them to call Kasey if they needed help or if the portkeys didn't work. She could always get them to Potter Place and notify Harry as well of the problem.

They thanked Harry and had Kasey take them straight to their office since they left their car in the building's garage. Harry had informed Kasey to stay with them for a while to make sure they were going to be okay. Kasey readily accepted. She returned to Potter Place when she was confident of their safety and that they would call her if they needed anything.

oOo

The following Monday Harry met Kingsley at 7:00 AM at the Ministry of Magic. They had scheduled this time so Harry could work with the aurors and train them every week day morning for two hours over the next two weeks. Kingsley had already spoken a while back with the Unspeakable Saul Croker about copying the abilities of the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts so that the auror training room could have active dummies to train with. He liked the ability of the dummies to have different levels of fighting ability. Saul Croker knew just the Unspeakable for the job and put him right on it.

They now had that working for them for the past month. It was not quite as versatile as the Room of Requirement but certainly good enough for their needs. Harry was planning on putting it to good use in his class.

While walking with Kingsley through the Ministry atrium toward the elevators in route to Auror headquarters, Harry spotted Minister Fudge coming in to work. Unfortunately Fudge spotted him as well and made a big to do when they met at the elevators.

"Harry, what a pleasant surprise!"

"Good morning, Cornelius." Harry responded a bit uninterested.

"Harry my dear boy, I am the Minister of Magic and should be addressed as Minister Fudge."

"My apologies, Minister. From the way you addressed me I thought we were being informal. I will be happy to address you formally as Minister Fudge if you will address me formally as Lord Potter."

There were several people gathering around them hearing the exchange.

"Now, Harry there is no need – "

"I'm sorry Cornelius but I do not have the time to converse with you this morning. My schedule is rather tight," said Harry as he stepped onto an elevator next to Kingsley blocking the door for anyone else to get on. "Please catch the next one as we need to get started immediately. Thank you."

Fudge just stood there dumbfounded with his guards around him as the elevator doors closed.

"But I'm the Minister of Magic…," he mumbled.

Inside the elevator on the way to Auror Headquarters Harry started hearing a low rumble from Kingsley who in his deep voice was chuckling.

"Harry, your handling of Fudge was hilarious. He didn't know what hit him."

"Fudge is just a pompous windbag. Does he really think after what he tried to do to me and Dumbledore that all is forgiven now? Did I miss the heartfelt apology he offered? I simply don't recall one."

Kingsley chuckled some more.

When the two of them arrived at the training room there were about a dozen aurors waiting on them.

"Good morning everyone," Harry offered.

"Good morning," a few of them replied back.

Kingsley stepped up and got their attention.

"Good morning aurors. As you know I've been building up this day for quite some time and it finally has arrived. Most of you have been exposed to the self-defense techniques I've been teaching for a few years. Those who still attend my seminars may have noticed a change in some of my techniques over the past several months. That is due to the instruction I've received from this young man, Harry Potter, who has joined us today." Kingsley indicated toward Harry who just smiled and nodded toward the aurors.

"Harry teaches a technique called Isshinryu Karate. I joined his class at Hogwarts after Auror Tonks informed me about it. She had already started attending his class and I noticed a vast improvement in her self-defense technique after only a short time. When I started taking Harry's class I soon discovered how valuable this technique was."

"Then after a few months Harry introduced something new to the class and when I saw it I knew right away that this was something all aurors needed to learn. Harry's technique is flawless and he's definitely a much better teacher than I am. That is why I've asked him to come and share this technique with you. I promise you will not be disappointed. Harry, the floor is yours."

Harry walked over to where Kingsley was standing but before he could speak an older auror asked a question.

"Kingsley, are you trying to tell us that this young kid has a fighting technique that will benefit us aurors?"

"Exactly," said Kingsley as he continued to find a spot to watch Harry.

"This I've got to see," said another auror.

"Thank you Kingsley. Are there many in here who doubt what I'm about to show you simply because I'm young?"

Most of them nodded their heads.

"Fair enough," said Harry. "I was going to explain it a little bit before letting you see the demo but since I have a bunch of doubters why don't I demo it first then you can question me about it afterwards? Once we establish the direction for the class and everyone understands the direction, we can start working on your technique."

"Let's see what you can do," said one of the other aurors.

"I want everyone to stand over here out of the way. I'm going to put up some protection in front of you but remember to stay alert and protect yourselves at all times just in case a spell goes wild."

They all nodded as Harry cast a protection spell in front of them and then moved out to the center of the room.

Harry asked the room for training dummies at experienced Death Eater level. He asked for ten of them. All the aurors, except for Kingsley, thought he was nuts but waited to see what he was going to do.

"Ready," said Harry.

Ten Death Eater dummies appeared all around Harry in various places in the room. Harry took note of their positions before he leaped high into the air and kicked two dummies using both of his feet in a scissors pattern. Before he landed he stunned the two of them plus a third one that was close by. He landed in a roll as three spells flew over and behind him. He then leaped over another spell while hitting a fourth dummy with a cutting curse that took the dummy's head off. Coming back up on his feet he spun around and kicked a fifth dummy with a spinning back kick and continued spinning hitting the sixth dummy with a spinning back fist. He stunned both of those dummies and immediately put up a shield as three spells gonged off of it.

Harry saw that two dummies were close together so he took off toward another dummy as he sent a bludgeoning spell at the two blasting them into the air. He followed up with two stunners so fast that they looked like they were cast at the same time. He did this while in a complete run. He hit both dummies (seven & eight) while they were still in the air from his blast. With that completed he found himself near the ninth dummy that he ran toward. He saw the other remaining dummy (number ten) casting a spell at him so he grabbed the one he was near by the head and broke its neck. He then swung the dummy so it was hit with the oncoming spell. Casting dummy nine aside Harry ran toward the tenth dummy. The dummy cast another spell but Harry dodged it and leaped flying into the dummy with his right leg stretched out before him. Harry's heal caught the dummy on the chin and it flew back from the blow about five feet. Harry landed and stunned the last dummy just in case. He quickly tied up all the stunned ones in about two seconds.

Harry walked back over to the aurors and removed his protection spell.

"Any questions?" he asked.

The aurors were just looking at him with looks of amazement on their faces.

"Incredible, Harry," said Kingsley. "I know I've seen you do it before and you've been teaching me to do it as well but it never ceases to amaze me whenever I see you do that. Absolutely outstanding."

The aurors were still speechless trying to get their heads around it.

"Give them a minute Harry. Since they were doubtful it was likely a big shock to their systems," Kingsley said with a smile.

Pretty soon the questions started flying. They were curious as to where he learned that and quite surprised he was able to take down ten Death Eaters in a matter of seconds. The conversation continued from there with Harry explaining the Isshinryu Karate System further and how working on both his karate and magic it occurred to him to try combining the two. Harry found all their doubts had vanished.

They continued the discussion for the rest of the two hours with Harry occasionally showing them some moves and explaining fast casting. He spent some time seeing where the Aurors were in self-defense, what level they were at, sparring with them some, etc. Harry also explained what they would be starting with the next morning and his plans over the next two weeks hoping to get them grounded in the technique so they could continue to improve from there.

Harry explained that it really didn't matter what level you were in self-defense as long as you knew some self-defense then you could combine that with your magical fighting skill. It was a given that most Death Eaters would not be expecting it. Even if they were you could still thwart them if your skill is good enough. It just takes steady practice and staying in good physical condition so you can move quickly and not grow tired he explained.

Harry also went over the importance of keeping all this a secret for as long as they could. There was no need for the Death Eaters to know in advance what they were capable of doing. He then emphasized the importance of them keeping his abilities secret and not letting the public know that he was the one who taught them this technique. He knew that it would eventually get out anyway but they all agreed to not talk about it outside the lessons. If anyone asks they would say it was another one of Kingsley's self-defense seminars.

Just before they wrapped up the session three aurors came into the room. They were the three guarding Fudge in the atrium earlier that morning in front of the elevators.

"Harry Potter," one of them said, "the minister would like to see you in his office right away."

Everyone stopped talking when they were interrupted. Harry turned from his conversation with the aurors in his class and faced the three auror body guards.

"Tell Cornelius I said no thank you. I'm way too busy for a visit these days."

"That is Minister Fudge to you boy. Show some respect." said the second body guard.

"I believe I've had this conversation with the so-called minister already. I do not care to repeat myself. You can go now and give him my message," replied Harry calmly turning back around to his class.

"Why you little git," said the third guard. Harry turned back around to face them. "You are coming with us whether you want to or not. The minister wants to talk to you."

"I'm afraid you're mistaken" Harry replied calmly again.

"We'll see about that," he said while going for his wand. His companions, taking his cue, went for theirs as well.

Harry whipped his wand out from his arm holster in a blur and stunned all three of the guards in about half a second. Their wands had not even come level when Harry's stunners struck them down. Harry followed that up by summoning their wands and handing them to Kingsley. It only took half a second for him to do that as well.

"I believe it's time for me to go," Harry informed them. "Please be punctual tomorrow morning as we need to get started right away at seven. I have a lot I need to show you."

All the aurors just nodded with respect.

After walking a few steps toward the door, Harry turned back around.

"Oh, by the way, feel free to enervate them after I'm gone. It would not do for me to have to repeat myself… again." With that Harry exited the room.