Chapter 11
No Title
Author's Note: This chapter starts about an hour-and-a-half before the previous chapter ended.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," a voice said, "I would like to inform you that we will be landing in JFK Airport in New York City in about thirty minutes. As your pilot, I would like to thank you for using British Airways, and I hope that you plan on using it again. Have a wonderful day."
Harry blinked open his eyes and looked around. He was sitting in one of the middle rows of the Second Class portion of the airplane. This was his first ride, and he felt a bit optimistic about it. He didn't like the taking off part, and falling asleep was his only option to forget about being in the sky. Flying on a plane was nothing like flying on a broomstick. He had complete control when he was on a broomstick.
The sound of the pilot's voice had woken him up. For a moment, he had forgotten why he was on an airplane to the United States . Then it had come to him. He was here because the Minister of Magic had requested that he went. He wasn't alone either. Somewhere on the plane were two Aurors and Harry had the feeling that they were watching him. Not because they didn't trust him, but because it was for his protection.
The protection wasn't just because Harry was the one who brought Voldemort to his downfall. No, there were other reasons. Apparently, the rumor that Harry had longed to become an Auror wasn't out of Kingsley Shacklebolt's hearing range. Harry had the impression that this was supposed to be some kind of training mission. Kingsley Shacklebolt knew full-well, because Mrs. Weasley had told him over and over before Harry had returned to the Burrow after his visit to the Dursleys, that Harry was planning on finishing his education at Hogwarts. Harry knew this because of Kingsley's careful attitude during the meeting with him. Harry remembered this meeting like it was on the back of his hand…
Harry followed Kingsley into the kitchen at the Burrow. Behind him, he heard Ginny's voice echoing from the living room.
"Mum, what is this about?" she said.
Harry didn't hear Mrs. Weasley's answer because Kingsley had drowned it out.
"Harry, do you want to sit down?" he said in his deep booming voice.
Harry turned and looked at Kingsley. He was sitting at the kitchen table.
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
Harry walked over to the table and took a seat in one of the chairs.
"Am I in trouble, sir?" he asked.
"No, Harry, of course not," Kingsley said. "And do please call me Kingsley. You have known me for a couple of years. I think you have that right."
"Okay," Harry said.
"Before you arrived, I had a nice conversation with Molly," Kingsley said, "She says that you want to go back to Hogwarts this year?"
"Um… yeah, I was thinking about it," Harry said. "Is that what this is about?"
"No," Kingsley said, raising a hand, "No, of course not. Well… it does help. You see… I know that you want to become an Auror."
"Uh-huh," said, Harry, who had no idea where this was going.
"Of course, I can see that it could be the reason you want to finish your education," Kingsley said, "You do need to have good results on the N.E.W.Ts for the Ministry to even consider you becoming an Auror. But I may have a way for the Auror Office to put you into higher consideration. I used to be an Auror. I think you know that."
"Yes," Harry said.
"Well then," Kingsley said, "Let me get to the point. I believe you have heard that Augustus Rookwood was being questioned at the Ministry."
"Yeah," Harry said, "How is that going?"
Harry face turned deep red. He just realized that he asked a pretty straight-forward question to the Minister of Magic.
"Er… if I may ask, of course?" he added, quickly.
Kingsley just smiled.
"It is going fairly well, actually," he said. "We were able to find out some good information. I believe you know that Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy are in Azkaban right now. It has been in the Daily Prophet."
"Yes, I have heard about that," Harry said.
"Their son, Draco, is currently residing in the United States ," Kingsley said.
"I have heard about that as well," Harry said.
Harry wished that Kingsley would come out with whatever he wanted to say, because as of now, he was very confused.
"We believe that the Death Eaters are hatching a plan," Kingsley said. "They want to enlarge their numbers and try to avenge the death of Voldemort."
"I am not surprised," Harry said, truthfully.
"Yes," Kingsley said, "Well, they believe that Lucius is a fine start to this plan."
"But Lucius and Narcissa went to the Ministry," Harry said, "They pled a bargain, didn't they? That is why they are only serving one year in Azkaban?"
"Yes," Kingsley said.
"So the Death Eaters must know that Lucius would probably not go back to them," Harry said, "After what nearly happened to Draco?"
"Ah, that is where their plan comes into effect," Kingsley said, "You see, the Death Eaters want to kidnap Draco. Then, they will use Draco has a bargaining chip for Lucius."
"But I don't understand," Harry said, "Are you saying that they want to break Lucius out?"
"That is the eventual plan," Kingsley said.
"So why don't you secure Azkaban more tightly?" Harry asked.
"We believe," Kingsley said, "that the plan starts with Draco… not Lucius. If Draco is not kidnapped, then it will slow down the plan to get Lucius. So we are more focused on Draco."
Kingsley stood up and looked out the window.
"According to sources," he said, "Draco Malfoy is working in the wizarding sports bar called 'The Pitch' in New York City . Coincidentally, he also lives in a room above the place. It is sort of like the Leaky Cauldron. Bar and motel kind-of thing."
"I understand," Harry said.
"We believe that Draco went to America ," Kingsley said, "to get away from the Death Eaters, and the Ministry of Magic. We think that he knows someone is after him, but he has no idea who it would be. The Ministry is not after him. But…"
"But because his parents are now in Azkaban," Harry said, "It is not impossible that he thinks like that."
"Correct," Kingsley said. "Now for the part where you come in. Tomorrow, I am sending two Aurors to go to New York City . The problem is this: Draco will probably recognize someone like them. He will panic. He will run. This could put him in more danger. We don't know if Death Eaters will be there. Draco could run into them."
"That would be bad," Harry said.
"Yes, it would," Kingsley said. "That is why we need you to find Draco."
Harry sighed. He knew it was going to come to this.
"Sir," he said, "Are you familiar with the past history of Draco and I?"
"Yes," Kingsley said. "I mean… I believe so."
"Then you would know that it might be a bad thing if I show up in his place of work and residence," Harry said. "He might panic."
"You saved his life at the battle of Hogwarts, did you not?" Kingsley asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, "After he tried to kill me."
Kingsley turned and looked at Harry. This was the first time in minutes that he had looked at him.
"Maybe this wasn't a good idea," Kingsley said. "I thought that… but no."
"I will do it," Harry said, quickly.
At that moment, he didn't know why he said it. Was it because this might make Kingsley and the Ministry see that Harry had what it took to become an Auror? He didn't know.
Kingsley stood there and looked at Harry.
"Are you sure?" Kingsley asked. "I mean… your past history with Draco could compromise the mission."
"Or it could be the thing that makes it work," Harry said.
"Yes," Kingsley agreed, "It could. So you will do it?"
"Yes," Harry said.
"Good," Kingsley said, "Then I want you to come with me. We will go to the Ministry. We have to work out the last of the details, then you and the two Aurors will be on a flight to New York City ."
"We are leaving already?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Kingsley said, "If that is not a problem."
Harry sighed. He was hoping to see what was in the shoebox his Aunt had given him. But that would wait. He knew that he needed to do this.
"No, sir," Harry said, "Not a problem at all."
"Then we must leave," Kingsley said.
Harry followed Kingsley out of the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny looked at both, hoping to get an answer.
"Harry and I must go to the Ministry," Kingsley said, "Harry will not be back tonight."
Harry tried to ignore the looks on Mrs. Weasley and Ginny's faces, but he couldn't. He looked into Ginny's eyes. It was almost as if they were trying to bore into Harry's mind to get some information.
"I will be back in a couple of days," Harry said to both Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, "If Hermione and Ron come back, explain to them why I am not here. Just say I had something to do. See you later."
"Be safe," Mrs. Weasley said, before embracing Harry in a hug.
"I will," Harry said.
He turned to Ginny.
"Goodbye," she said.
"Bye," Harry said.
He then followed Kingsley out of the Burrow.
Flashback ends…
His thoughts went from Ginny to the shoebox. The shoebox was now probably up in Harry's bedroom at the Burrow. Ginny probably knew to put it there. Harry thought about what was inside. Something from his mother, no doubt. But it would be a couple days until he could find out what was inside.
His thoughts then went to the current mission he was on. Finding Draco and bringing him back to London . At the Ministry, Kingsley informed Harry that Draco would be going to a safe-house. Harry was to explain this to Draco. It was supposed to be the one thing that would make Draco trust Harry. But would that be enough? Harry hoped beyond hope that Draco would put the past behind him. For his sake, for Harry's, as well as the wizarding world.
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Thirty minutes later, the plane arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport . It took twenty more minutes for Harry to get out of the airport. Harry nearly had a problem with security, but the Aurors that accompanied Harry fixed everything.
"Quick thinking back there," Harry said, when he and the two Aurors walked out of the airport.
"Nothing the Confundus charm couldn't fix," one of the Aurors, Glenn, said with a wink.
Meanwhile, the other Auror alerted a taxi and one came right away. Harry and the two Aurors piled into the taxi.
"2300 Block of Main St reet please," the Auror said to the taxi driver.
"It will take about twenty-five minutes depending on traffic," the taxi driver said.
"No problem," the Auror said.
The taxi started down the road.
"Muffliato," the other Auror muttering, pointing his wand at the driver.
"Good work, Al," Glenn said.
"We need to discuss our plans with Po tter," Al said, "Don't want the Muggle to hear."
"Er… plans?" Harry asked.
"Just some final plans before we get there," Al said, "We know that the Malfoy boy will be working at The Pitch. Minister Shacklebolt has ordered that only you can go in. We will keep watch outside, and will only come in if we are needed. Do you know what to do?"
"Convince Draco to come back to London ," Harry said, "Yeah."
"Good," Al said, "Do it however you can. Don't cause alarm, though. The bar will probably have security, and if they sense trouble, they will do something. America n Wizards don't have much respect for us British Aurors."
"I don't know what the fuss is all about, anyway," Glenn said. "But that is not the point."
"No," Al said.
"And what if we run into trouble?" Harry asked, "What if there are Death Eaters?"
"We will take care of them," Al said, "I don't know what you are worried about, though, Potter. You should be able to take down Death Eaters. After all, you were the one who took down –"
"Al, don't do that," Glenn said, "The boy has already been through enough without having to have all this publicity and thanks."
"I was just saying," Al said.
"We know what you were saying," Glenn said, "So don't say it."
"I understand everything," Harry said, "And I thank you for coming."
"Don't mention it," Glenn said.
Al lifted the Muffliato Charm.
"Oi!" he said to the taxi driver, "Can you speed it up a little? We don't got all day." He chuckled and looked back at Glenn and Harry. "The nerve of some of these guys."
Glenn just rolled his eyes.
"What?!" Al said.
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Twenty minutes later, the taxi arrived at the spot. Al gave the taxi driver the English money, and followed Harry and Glenn out of the car.
"There it is," Glenn said to Harry, "The Pitch."
Harry looked across the street. The Pitch looked a little like the Leaky Cauldron. It was pretty dingy and dirty on the outside. The muggles didn't seen it: their eye-sight went from the clothing store on one side, to the sports store on the other side.
"We will be over here," Glenn said, "You go ahead. If there is any trouble, we will be in there before you can say Auror!"
"Thanks," Harry said.
Harry thought much wasn't going to happen right away, but he was wrong. The second he arrived on the other side of the street, he heard a very familiar voice from inside the bar.
"What in the hell are you doing here?" the voice said.
It was Draco's voice. For a moment, Harry thought Draco had seen him. Then, he heard another voice.
"We have come to bring you home, Draco," the voice said. "Your daddy will be most pleased to see you."
Harry knew this voice. It was Mulciber, one of the Death Eaters.
"You got the wrong person, sir," an unfamiliar voice said, "This isn't the boy you are looking for. His name is Hugh."
"Get out, Skinner!" Draco said, "You don't know what they can do."
"You better listen to him, Skinner," Mulciber said, "I don't think you want this bar destroyed, do you?"
"This is your last warning, scum," Skinner said, "Get out of my bar."
"No," Mulciber said, "This is your last warning."
Harry knew something was about to happen. He attempted to open the door quietly, but it was no use. Mulciber and the other Death Eater, who Harry recognized as Rowle, heard it. Rowle turned around.
"Well, well, well," Rowle said, "Look who we got here, Mulciber. I thought you would be under greater protection, Potter. Not out in the open like this."
"Potter?" Draco asked, "What are you doing here?"
"What the hell is going on here?" Skinner said.
"Skinner, I thought I told you to go," Draco said.
"No," Skinner said, "This is my bar. I am not going –"
"Avada Kedavra!" Mulciber roared.
The spell hit Skinner, who fell to the ground. He was dead.
"No!" Draco yelled.
"Stupefy!" Harry yelled, unleashing his wand and pointing it at Mulciber.
The spell hit Mulciber, who fell to the floor, stunned.
"Expelliarmus!" Rowle said.
Harry's wand left his hand, and flew toward Rowle.
"Well, well," Rowle said, "Look at this. I got your wand, Potter."
"Reducto!" someone said from outside.
The door blasted apart. This distracted Rowle. Harry dove toward Rowle and tackled him. Harry tried to get his wand back, but it was just out of reach.
"Not this time, Potter!" Rowle said, grabbing onto Harry's leg.
"Stupefy!" Draco said.
The spell just missed Rowle and Harry, but hit a table, which came crashing down on Rowle. More tables fell apart, burying Rowle in rubble. Harry had just gotten his leg away from the falling tables. He picked up his wand and stood up quickly. Al and Glenn, the Aurors, ran through the doorway.
"What happened?!" Al said.
"D-Death Eaters," Harry sputtered, the dust choking him, "Careful, they aren't dead. Just down."
"Where is Malfoy?" Glenn asked.
"O-over here," Draco said, coughing.
Harry looked up. Draco was behind the bar, getting to his feet.
"What is going on?" he said.
"We're here to take you back to London ," Glenn said, "You need protection."
"Rubbish," Draco said, "I came here to get away from all that!"
"Well, they found you, Draco," Harry said. "It is better if you come with us. The Ministry is not targeting you. They want to help you."
"Skinner!" Draco said, "They killed him. Why?"
"You have to come with us," Glenn said.
"Fine," Draco said, "Let me get my things."
"Here, I will go with you," Al said.
Suddenly, the table debris moved and Rowle stood up. His wand was out.
"Avada Kedavra!" he said, quickly.
The spell hit Al, who fell to the floor, dead. Glenn tried to curse Rowle, but Rowle ran out the door, cackling.
"I will go after him!" Harry said, running toward the door.
"No," Glenn said, "He's gone."
Harry stopped in his tracks, and looked at Glenn.
"Are you sure?" he said.
"Yes," Glenn said, "We don't need to cause alarm in the streets. Besides… he probably Apparated by now. Make sure the other Death Eater doesn't move. Bind him."
"All right," Harry said.
Glenn went over to Al and looked at him. Harry knew Glenn was saying his good-byes.
"Did he have any family?" Harry asked.
"Hmm?" Glenn muttered, looking up. "Oh… no."
Harry binded Mulciber's body using a curse.
"Good," Glenn said, "Now, go with Malfoy and see to it that he gets his things together. We will be apparating back to London in a few minutes. I must contact the United States Ministry of Magic before we go."
"Draco, come with me," Harry said.
Draco agreed, though reluctantly. As he followed Harry, up the stairs, Draco muttered words that Harry couldn't hear.
"Look, Draco," Harry said, "I don't care what you say. We are going."
"I was fine by myself, thanks," Draco said.
"You would have been dead if I didn't come in," Harry said.
"I could have handled it myself," Draco said, "Now Skinner is dead."
"An Auror is also dead, you know!" Harry said.
"What does the Ministry want me for?" Draco asked.
"The Death Eaters were going to use you, Draco," Harry said, "They were going to break your father out of Azkaban, and use you to get him back into their ranks."
"My father bargained with the Ministry," Draco said.
"I know that," Harry said.
"So why would he go back to the Death Eaters?" Draco asked.
"Would he go back if he thought you would die if he refused?" Harry asked.
"I doubt it," Draco said.
"Yeah, well, I think your father cares for you more than you know," Harry said, "More than you deserve as well."
"Don't talk like that, Potter," Draco said, "Never! Leave my father out of this."
"All right," Harry said. He didn't feel like arguing right now.
Draco hurried up the stairs and over to his room. He unlocked the door.
"Stay out here," Draco said.
Draco went into the room, but Harry remained at the door, watching him.
"What is the Minister planning anyway?" Draco asked. "And while we are on the subject, what do you have to do with this?"
"The latter is none of your business, Malfoy" Harry said, "The Minister is planning on putting you in a safe-house until the Death Eaters are caught."
"I don't trust the Ministry," Draco said.
"You will have to trust them enough," Harry said. "Hurry up. We got to go."
"Yeah, yeah," Draco grumbled.
Draco walked out of the room with a pack full of his things. Harry followed him back down the stairs. Glenn was standing there waiting for them.
"There you are," he said, "The US Ministry of Magic is on their way. They are not happy. But they will clean this up. I will have to report back to Shacklebolt. He is not going to be pleased. All right, let's go. Malfoy, you are going with me. Side-Along Apparation."
"I got my license, thank you very much!" Draco grumbled.
"I am doing it for other reasons," Glen said, "Come on. Harry, take Mulciber. He is stunned and binded, so he should be no bother."
"All right," Harry said.
Glen muttered a curse and Draco's things disappeared.
"Don't worry," Glenn said to Draco, who looked as if he was going to yell, "You will be re-united with your things in a sec. Harry, we are going back to the Auror Headquarters. We can apparate there."
Harry nodded. He took hold of Mulciber, and Apparated back to London and the Ministry of Magic.
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Chapter is done! Hope you liked it. Bit of action here and there.