Terms used: Anirage is another name for Wizardkind, Aniragi is the adjective, also the language, and an Aniragia is a Wizarding area such as Diagon Alley.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world belong to J. K. Rowling.

Chapter 12:

They were aboard the aeroplane and Harry inspected his brand new passport. A magical forgery he assumed, though it looked perfectly genuine as far as he could tell. Mick sat beside him, and said, "There's the standard charm. Whenever used, the one inspecting it will know automatically that everything's in order, and that he should only be helpful."

Harry pocketed it, hoping he'd be allowed to keep it. Their flight was First Class, and they'd been treated like VIPs. There had been no search, and so no-one was asked to explain why they should be carrying wands. On the seat behind them sat Kingsley and Stewart, both of them large enough that an economy seat would have left them thoroughly uncomfortable.

Harry asked Mick, "Do you know what we're supposed to be doing?"

"Not yet. My instructions are only to keep you company. I'll be sharing your bedroom."

There was little to do that afternoon. They were installed in a Muggle hotel, and introduced to Hans Gauleiter, who was to act as interpreter. Hans told them that he was at their disposal, but nothing would be happening that day. Harry said, "We can go out, I hope. Have a walk around, look at the shops?"

Hans shook his head, "I have strict instructions that Harry Potter is not to be seen abroad. I'm sorry, Harry, but your face is too well-known."

Harry was surprised, "Even here?"

"When it became clear who was responsible for the rash of crimes against Muggles and Muggle-born, your story was publicised. There have been several photographs of you in the newspapers this past week."

"After we see if he's at this place, though, I can go out, can't I? Muggle places, perhaps?"

"I see no reason why not, but of course, it's up to Herr Graf. He is our Head Auror."

"Why do you think it is Voldemort?"

"It is him. When they make a raid, they wear the black cloaks and masks of Death Eaters. Three times, when they have struck, they have left the Dark Mark hovering over the place."

"And what have they actually done?"

"Nineteen murders last count, and several instances of sustained torture, though the victims were left alive in return for large amounts of money."

Harry asked curiously, "Is that Voldemort's style, Mick? To kill for money?"

"Don't you know?"

"I'm not an expert on Voldemort. I'm just the mug he used to try and kill now and then."

"I don't remember reports of him demanding money."

Hans said, "He is now. We know he's here, and that's why you cannot go out."

"Afterwards, then. I don't want to return and not even see the country! And Hans, Herr Graf said I could be paid. Could you ask if I could have it in cash, English and German Muggle currency, and as soon as possible?"

Hans was surprised, "It would normally be paid into your account. Isn't that satisfactory?"

"I don't have free access to my account. Right now, I can't buy myself even an ice-cream!"

Hans looked doubtfully at Mick, who said, "I don't see why not, if it can be managed."

"I'll see what can be arranged."

Harry paced restlessly around the room once he'd left. Mick leaned against the wall, hoping he'd be obedient. Harry sighed and started pulling out his Arithmancy books. On a sudden thought, he asked, "Are you any good at Arithmancy?"

"I did it at school. Didn't like it much."

"Do you understand the Oswinj Principle?"

"I'm afraid not."

An hour later, Harry was engrossed in his work and Mick sprawled in a chair, watching TV. Harry looked up and said, "No reason why you should be confined as well, is there? You could go out."

"I'm on duty. I'm to stay with you."

Harry regarded him, frowning slightly, and finally asked, "Kingsley and Stewart. What are they supposed to be doing?"

"Keeping you safe. They're outside the door."

Harry grinned ruefully, "Keeping me safe or making sure I'm available when required?"

"Both, I suppose."

"I wonder if one of them might be able to explain Oswinj to me."

Not long later, Kingsley Shacklebolt was conveying an understanding of Oswinj far more clearly than Professor Landen ever had, at least to Harry. Harry was grateful and worked through the remaining problems quickly. He sat back finally, and said, "You're handy to have around."

Kingsley asked, "Not worried about tomorrow?"

"If it is tomorrow. I'm not worried because I think he's dead. And just incidentally, Kingsley..."

He paused, and Kingsley asked, "Yes?"

Harry's gaze turned hard and cold, "If you stun me in order to safely apparate or for any other reason, my cooperation ceases!"

Kingsley was taken aback by the sudden fierceness, but recovered and said peaceably, "Herr Graf has made it clear that your participation must be entirely voluntary."

"Good." Harry closed his textbooks, stretched and asked, "Do we at least go someplace for dinner?"

"I don't imagine that will be risky. Only that no wizard should know that you're here."

**xx**

While Mick, Hans and Harry ate at one of the hotel restaurants, Albrecht Graf conferred with Vance McKenzie and Kingsley Shacklebolt. McKenzie had also made the trip, but separately. Graf asked, "Is he fear? He's not grown - just… boy."

McKenzie looked at Kingsley, who replied, "On the contrary. He's perfectly calm and doing his homework."

"Homework!"

"He doesn't believe that the Dark Lord is really here, you see. He says he thinks he's dead."

"He thinks he's dead?"

"Maybe wishful thinking, but it should not be ruled out. There were rumours of a connection - that Harry sometimes saw what Voldemort saw."

Graf said, "I see - like a Bond. But if he is here - will he fight?"

"I believe so. He presents an easy-going front, usually polite, even respectful, but behind that... Well, I think he could be a formidable fighter."

McKenzie nodded, "I agree."

**xx**

Harry was refused when he suggested they could find a cinema and see a film, but even television was something he seldom saw, with the result that he was still up and watching a movie when there was a knock on the door. Albrecht Graf entered, with Hans, McKenzie, Kingsley and Stewart.

Hans translated for Graf - "It's tomorrow at dawn. They're planning to raid the home of Werner Fuchs, who's refused to pay them off. Their excuse is that he's notoriously careless about showing magic to Muggles. Voldemort himself is to be there, and they'll be attacking with a force of twenty-five Death Eaters. Their intention is to leave ruins and Fuchs dead with obvious signs of torture. They want to make people fear, you see. Fuchs is still there, though his wife and children have been removed for safety."

Mick asked, "The defence?"

"A dozen Aurors inside the warded area, plus as many as available to take them from behind and prevent attack. There's to be no resistance until the attackers have penetrated the outer defences, then trap them inside. The idea is to leave none to escape."

"Harry?"

"Stays close to myself and Hans until Voldemort appears. Then, what we'll do is protect Harry from all others, and he faces Voldemort."

Graf asked directly, "Is OK, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "I agree. But I want to point out that Voldemort is just a man. It's frankly silly to think that I'm the only one who can defeat him."

Graf looked at Hans, who quickly translated. Graf returned, again through Hans, "It's accredited Prophecy. We would not have gone to this much trouble otherwise."

There was another knock at the door, and when it was opened, a woman entered with a large bag in her hand, and a cloak over an arm. She spoke English, "Combat clothing for Harry, as requested." She looked around at the grouping of men, singled out the youth, and smiled at him. "They gave me your measurements."

Harry accepted the bag and pulled out the garments. Close-fitting trousers and jumper, lined with something. The woman explained, "Thin slices of treated dragon hide. They won't protect against a direct hit, but are some protection against the burns of deflected spells. Our Aurors always wear them when they know they're going into action. Three varieties of wand holster, as I don't know what you favour."

Harry commented, "I've never had a proper holster, just wand pockets in my clothes."

He held up some 'long johns,' very thin, and grinned. The woman laughed, "I'm told it will be cold waiting. The undergarments will keep you warm and will not hinder movement. There is a cloak as well, but only until you go into action."

Harry caressed the fur-lined cloak. It was very good quality. Hans said, "Kill the man for us and you can keep it."

"It's illegal to kill people."

Hans repeated his words to Graf, who said, "In most circumstances, but not the Lord Voldemort. If you battle any other Death Eaters, use the Beundiya Stun to take them down."

"The Beundiya Stun?"

Mick said, "You've practised it. The BDF Stun, we call it. I've heard you boys refer to it as the 12 hour KO."

Graf asked, watching Harry intently, "All right, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "All right, Herr Graf."

Only when all the others left, did Harry again look at the clothing. Mick said, in a matter-of-fact tone, "Tomorrow at dawn."

Harry said slowly, "I'm really going into a fight. I'm quite sure that Voldemort is dead, but I'm still to go into battle."

"You do have the right to refuse."

Harry grinned ruefully, "Dumbledore would not agree that I had the right to refuse."

Mick didn't answer, just watching him. Harry shrugged, "I wonder if they let me keep the cloak if I bring down the one they think is Voldemort."

Mick asked probingly, "Why are you so sure it's not him?"

"We'll see tomorrow, I guess. If my head starts hurting, it really is him after all." He glanced back at the TV, and said, "I guess I never will see how it turns out."

**xx**

Monday, 14th Feb. It was very early, before dawn. Hannah had tossed and turned all night, but finally slept deeply. Harry had slept peacefully, to Mick's surprise, but grumbled when he was shaken awake. Mick repeated, "Wake up. You have a half hour and we go."

Harry showered and dressed, then looked at the holsters. Mick commented, "A few of us have wrist holsters, but they take practise. I'd recommend the thigh holster, as it's more what you're used to." Harry nodded and Mick came and helped him strap it on.

Harry looked in the mirror. The grey close-fitting outfit with brown markings, and the odd sheen of the light scales. Mick's garments were similar, but there was no armouring of any description on his outfit. He was in black, a badge in rusty red. The badge of a British Auror, but much more subdued in colouring than the usual bright red. They each had a wand holster strapped to their thigh. He remarked, "Not very discreet."

"You won't be seeing any Muggles today."

A brief knock, and Hans came in with Kingsley and Stewart, who were dressed the same as Mick. Hans was in grey, with brown trim, and a brown badge, the battle garb of German Aurors. They held cloaks over their arms. Hans checked they were ready, and held out a rope. "Portkey to inside the mansion. Herr Graf is already there and our Aurors in position."

Mick said, "Cloak, Harry?" Harry picked up his cloak and grasped the rope next to Mick.

He stumbled and fell on arrival, but was hissed to quiet, and Hans whispered, "The place is almost certainly under surveillance by the enemy. No loud noise."

Harry nodded, not saying anything, but wondering whether they were going to get breakfast. He was still growing fast, and felt it when he missed meals. A portly man, probably in his forties, fussed around the new arrivals, but he, too, was wearing clothing that would not impede action. His wand was not visible, but Harry had a feeling that this man, too, was prepared to fight. Hans murmured, "Werner Fuchs. It is his place."

Fuchs was staring at Harry, and suddenly nodded and held out his hand for him to shake. Harry did so, and Graf grunted something in German that was not translated. Hans said, "Put a Cloaking Spell on yourself and we go very quietly to a particular shed, where there's good view all around. Then we wait." A Cloaking Spell, commonly known as a 'Don't Notice Me' Charm. It was not invisibility, and didn't work if a person knew or suspected someone was there.

Harry did as he was told, and the group assembled inside the shed. From inside, the walls appeared clear, not impeding the view at all. Herr Graf, two young German Aurors, Hans, and the four British, including Harry.

After an hour, the novelty had worn off and Harry sat with his back to the wall, and tried not to think about how hungry he was. Mick sat next to him and asked, in a low voice, "All right?"

"Just hungry. If Voldemort was close, I would know."

"Can you really feel if he's close?"

"I haven't felt his presence for a long time, he hasn't tried to kill me lately, and there's no reward for my death any more. I think he's dead and this is probably just a gang of ordinary crooks taking advantage of the fear he used to inspire."

Hans said, "Please do not talk. They may come any time." Harry leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He should have brought a book.

The sun became brighter in the sky and Herr Graf conferred with McKenzie. Maybe it was time to assume there had been a change of mind or that Voldemort had been warned. Mick tapped McKenzie on the shoulder and pointed at Harry. Harry was on his feet, wand out, tapping against his thigh. He was staring through one of the walls, then looked around and toward Graf. At that moment, one of the watching Aurors said quietly, "I see something."

A second, "So do I."

Graf said, "Pieter, warn the others. Do nothing until I give the word."

Mick asked, "Harry?"

"There are a lot of them. He's not among them."

McKenzie said, "You can't be sure and you did give the undertaking."

Harry nodded, "I did." He pointed, "There was one just move behind that long shed."

"The stables." At that moment, there was a high pitched whinney as a horse was disturbed. Harry was surprised - he hadn't thought that wizards might like to ride horses.

There were more horse calls, and then a flicker of fire at the corner of the stables. Fuchs emerged from the house, wand out and yelling furiously about his horses. Graf called for immediate action to protect him and the battle commenced with Fuchs going down, though probably only stunned, and two Aurors dousing the flames of the stables, another freeing the horses which galloped around frantically, spreading confusion. Graf stood calm, assessing the situation and issuing orders. McKenzie was beside him. Kingsley, Mick and Stewart were ready to defend their position. Harry waited, Hans beside him.

After a time, the run and hide battle devolved into two opposing forces, the enemy trapped against a stone wall. There was a call, "It's him. We need the boy."

Harry looked to Graf, "It's not him. I'd know."

Graf grunted, "Come!" and headed out the door.

Harry followed, wand at the ready. This was battle, and while he thought he was a peace-lover, there was something within him that had been itching to get involved from the moment he felt their approach.

Mick stayed at his side, and Kingsley and Stewart fanned out a little, behind him. The Boy Who Lived must not be killed by a stray spell. There was a sudden call in guttural German, and two of the enemy ran toward them, firing spells. Harry went into a fighter's crouch and shielded. Neither was Voldemort, but they were attacking him and those who were with him. He took one down and Hans called, "The other one, Harry. That is Voldemort. That is their leader." A tall, slender man, wearing a black cloak and a Mask.

Harry's defenders took a step back, leaving him on his own. Harry called, "I guess you'd best face me, Mister. They think you're a better man than you are." The man shot a spell at him and then tried to run, but turned back by the numbers. He turned again to face the lone boy who appeared to stand between him and freedom. Avada Kedavra a second time, but Harry stepped aside and before the man could recover and try again, he used the Beundiya Stun, then a shield against a volley of spells from behind a shed. Mick had the bit between his teeth and ran to flank the group of enemy. Harry followed him, backing him and defending him against attack. It was Mick who took down that group, while German Aurors roamed, seeking out fugitives.

Quiet at last, and Mick grinned at Harry, "You might get breakfast now."

Graf was still looking around, alert, directing the clean up operation. He then turned to Harry and Hans translated his words, "Well done, but it appears you were right. This man does not answer the description of the feared Dark Lord."

McKenzie said, "I suggest you check their left forearms. See if any bear the mark of the original Voldemort."

Only one did, and it was very faded. McKenzie studied it for a long time and then looked at Harry. Could the feared dark lord be dead? Harry also looked at it, and offered, "My forehead scar's also fading. Maybe you should start searching for hidden places where his body might be lying."

McKenzie asked suspiciously, "You haven't already faced him, have you? Maybe in the summer?"

"The last time I saw his face is when he attacked Hogwarts, September before last."

"But only you can kill him."

"I've never believed that. He was always just a man. Maybe one of his followers finally got fed up, or maybe he just died."

McKenzie grunted, and said grudgingly, "Well done, by the way. You fought well."

Graf was a lot more generous, shaking the hand of the boy, and beaming, Hans beside him, translating his congratulations. It may not have been Voldemort, but the group had been causing real problems and now it was at an end. Harry said innocently, "Maybe I should stay a few days, just in case. Maybe he's in a hideout and one of these will tell you where. Maybe it doesn't matter if word gets out I'm here, because then he'll come to try and kill me."

Hans quickly translated, and Graf smiled and returned, "And maybe you could see the sights of Munich. Maybe you will find him hiding at the zoo!"

Harry grinned, "Among the chimpanzees? I'd love to go to the zoo."

Graf smiled, "We will need you for a few days yet. Enjoy yourself and I will call you when needed."

Wednesday at breakfast, and Hannah laughed at the post card picture of an Orang Utan looking mournful. The words: 'Couldn't find him at the zoo. Guess I'd best come home soon. Say hello to everyone for me. Harry.'

**xx**

Dumbledore studied the picture of Harry on the front page of the Daily Prophet. He seemed to be at some sort of a fun fair, and was laughing, apparently unaware of the camera on him. There was the short news item relayed from German sources, that Harry Potter had been in some sort of a battle, had acquitted himself well, but that You Know Who was still on the loose.

At the Slytherin table, Draco said, "Well, Venetia. It looks like you didn't miss your opportunity after all. He'll be back."

"They could be using him as bait. He's protected here, and there, he's quite exposed. He might not come back."

Vayden remarked, "Our duelling classes would probably have ended if he had dealt with the Dark Lord."

"Mick said every one of us would qualify for a NEWT in the subject, even without any further tuition."

Dumbledore looked grimly at the news item, and considered how best to get Harry back and as obedient as possible. It looked to him like they'd been spoiling the boy. Making him conceited and unmanageable, probably. He'd put a stop on his money, for a start. No money was almost as good as prison bars.

The German newspaper had several photographs of Harry - in a roller coaster, swimming at a heated pool in the hotel, and with one of the female Aurors. They'd taken the boy to their hearts, and given him more than his due share of credit for putting an end to the crime wave they'd been experiencing.

**xx**

Zondra Vardrier's family was worried. They did not want their daughter to choose the one who was far too likely to be killed by Voldemort. Her grandmother admitted, "I met the young man who later became Lord Voldemort. He was called Tom Riddle then. I'd never felt such raw power, but he resisted me. I was shattered, even quite ill for a time. No man is supposed to be able to reject a Yusdu!"

Pieter said, "If he was strong enough for that, then a youth hasn't a chance against him."

Greta said, "It's very lucky she's in Sweden. And anyway, she might not want him."

Her mother suggested, "Why don't you ask Gunther to check him over? He's unmated, and will know straightaway whether Zondra is likely to want him." Once mated, the Yusdu lost most of their ability to sense a person's qualities.

The conversation was verbal. If it had been just Greta and Pieter, they would not have bothered with words. A Bijn Yusdu pair didn't need words. That the young Tom had even wanted to resist Yusdu was incredible to Pieter Holler, who very well remembered when Greta had chosen him. He'd never looked back and had long forgotten the ambitions he'd had as a young man. What could be better than being Bijn Yusdu with a dozen children? He was proud of every one of his children. Zondra was Yusdu, and took no part in public life. People were uncomfortable about Yusdu, no matter their sheer magnificence. Pieter and Greta's other children were all grown and several in influential positions. It was a simple matter to find out where Harry Potter was staying, and even that his keepers were taking him to the main Munich Aniragia the following day.

Gunther's brother reported to him that the one he'd chosen to be his Bijn had a boyfriend and was assumed to be sexually active. Gunther smiled in satisfaction. A high sex drive was one of the qualities Yusdu looked for. He wouldn't go near her himself until it was time. There was no point making her nervous. She'd be happy afterwards, of course. He'd never heard of a Bijn regretting being chosen.

He agreed easily to his aunt's request to inspect the boy that Zondra might fancy. Prophecies spoke of him, that he had the power to defeat the Dark Lord. Other prophecies spoke of 'The Child of Light,' though usually in such ambiguous terms as to be useless. He was safe enough himself. He was not actually mated, but he had Chosen, and anyway, it was a boy not a girl. Homosexual relationships did not occur in Bijn Yusdu.

**xx**

Harry was thrilled with the wand-holster he'd just bought, made to be worn on the wrist. Hans demonstrated the wrist flick that would put it in his hand very quickly, and said that it was standard issue for German Aurors. "It takes practice of course, or it just shoots out onto the floor, which is either embarrassing or fatal, depending on the circumstances." It had taken all of the money paid to him for what Graf stated generously was a week's work, presumably including checking the photographs of the prisoners to try and identify them, as he hadn't been asked to do anything else.

He walked between Hans and Mick. Kingsley walked behind, alert for an attack. Both Fudge and Dumbledore were positive that Voldemort was still out there somewhere, marshalling his forces for another attempt to rule Britain. They expected that Harry was in danger, and Dumbledore had sometimes wondered if Harry would defeat Dumbledore by deflecting back a Death Curse, as he had done when he was just a small child. (He'd told Harry it was because of his mother's love.) Stewart and McKenzie, on the other hand, had returned home. It was not thought likely that Harry would run away now.

Everywhere they went in the Aniragia, people were pointing. The English boy hero, small and cute and harmless looking, with his shock of black hair and wearing Muggle clothing, including his favourite leather jacket, now a little tight on him. Harry was beginning to be uncomfortable and suggested that they have a wander around a Muggle area instead.

The Bijn Yusdu clan had representatives throughout German society. It was an extensive clan, wealthy and influential. Not all were known as Vardrier, as the non-Yusdu children took their father's name, as was customary in ordinary families. Only the Yusdu were always called Vardrier. It was unwise to be discourteous to such a powerful clan, and consequently, Hans was cordial when Gunther hailed him. He made the introductions, Gunther Vardrier, Auror Mick Larkin, Harry Potter.

Harry was polite, but Gunther became very still, staring at him. Harry took a sudden step backward. Gunther advanced and Harry stopped moving. Mick looked at Hans, puzzled. Hans took a sudden step forward and put a hand to Gunther's shoulder, trying to be firm. "He's just a boy, Gunther. Leave him alone." Kingsley suddenly swore and drew his wand. Gunther made an abrupt hand gesture and a shield surrounded himself and Harry, and pushed the others back.

Hans knew what was happening, and Kingsley, but Mick was totally confused. Hans called urgently, "You've Chosen, Gunther! You told us so. You don't want the boy!"

Gunther wanted the boy. Thin, wiry, fit. Highly intelligent and with a strength of will. But it was the power that drew him. He'd never felt anything like it! Gunther was consumed by his want. He'd forgotten any other considerations. Harry stared back at the golden man, as filled with lust as Gunther was himself. He had no thought of escape or fight.

Kingsley started systematically trying to break the shield but was unable to do so. Yusdu were extremely powerful when it came to times like this, when they chose a mate. Hans yelled, "He can't give you children, Gunther. You need children for the clan and this is a boy! He can't give you children."

Gunther groaned. What was he doing? He wrenched his gaze from the green eyes that tore a hole in him and took a deep breath. He looked briefly back at the youth and touched his cheek, "I'm sorry." He dropped the shield, whirled and strode away. Harry swayed and would have fallen except that Kingsley grabbed him and led him to a convenient garden seat. Harry started trembling violently. Kingsley sat next to him, and waited. Harry dropped his head forward between his knees, trying not to faint. After a while, he asked quietly, "That was Yusdu?"

"Gunther Vardrier. The Vardriers are Yusdu."

Harry complained feebly, "I'm not a girl!"

"I would never have expected him to go for a boy."

"I had no defences. I didn't even think of defending myself." There was a flash of light as someone took a photo, and Harry looked up resentfully. He hadn't noticed the earlier photos being taken as he stared, hypnotised, at the golden wizard. There were people still watching, as well. Yusdu only showed their full power in that particular context, taking a mate. None of them had seen it before.

Mick asked quietly, "Are you ready to leave now, Harry?"

Harry shook his head, reddening. His physical excitement still hadn't subsided, and he was quite sure it would be obvious to everyone if he stood up.

Kingsley glanced at his lap and said casually, "No hurry. We could go swimming when we get back to the hotel if you like."

Harry asked, "What made him change his mind?"

Hans said, "I pointed out that you couldn't give him children for the clan. Bijn Yusdu like children."

Harry asked uneasily, "Are there others like that around?"

"Only one unmated one, and she's out of the country."

"A woman." Harry gave a rueful half-smile, "I guess at least I'd get to be on top if it was a woman." But then he shuddered again, feeling ill. He knew exactly what would have been happening by now if the big man hadn't changed his mind. And he wouldn't have raised a finger to stop it. That's what sent shivers through him more than anything. That he'd had not the slightest thought of resistance.

He stood up. He couldn't stay here all day, and the crowd was beginning to swell. Probably they would be too polite to look just there, and anyway, it probably wasn't as obvious as he was imagining. He had a feeling it might be a while before he felt normal again.

**xx**

Gunther Vardrier raised himself from his convenience and touched her face. "I'm sorry, Katinka. I was far too rough." Katinka continued to cry and it was no wonder. He'd been almost berserk with his desire, had torn her clothing, and now there was blood. He'd never made a woman bleed before. He was very remorseful and kissed her. She pulled away from him, fearful. He said kindly, "I'll free you, now, Katinka. And I will put money in your account for what you've done for me. You won't see me again."

Katinka's sobs began to subside. It was over. She'd been mad for him, but now it was over.

Gunther said sadly, "I am sorry I hurt you, little one."

Gunther was a man of his word. Without delay, he arranged a large amount of money to go into Katinka's account, the equivalent of a year's salary. The young woman who worked in the bank was slightly built, with an elfin face, and no wedding ring. She paused briefly in her work, but refrained from pressing her hand to where it hurt. But then the unpleasant sensation was gone and she forgot it. Gunther had chosen a replacement for Katinka.

**xx**

Harry was subdued that evening. The pleasure had gone from the trip. Graf wanted him to go with him to check what was supposed to be the abandoned headquarters of the real Voldemort, and that was for the following day, but then he was ready to go home. There were no Bijn Yusdu at home.

Herr Graf and Dachier Kuhnast joined them for dinner. There was some polite chitchat - Kuhnast told him it had been a pleasure to have him visit, and Graf said that it showed how one could misinterpret Prophecy... That his presence had not been necessary, and then added kindly, "You did take down two by yourself, of course, and Auror Larkin, another three."

Mick said casually, "I took down four and Harry backed me."

Graf confirmed, "Four."

Mick said, "We nearly lost Harry to a Yusdu."

Kuhnast replied, "I heard. It never occurred to me he was at risk. Not only has Gunther already chosen the one who's to be his mate, but also the partner of a Yusdu is always physically perfect, large, tall, muscular. They choose the best in all respects. Harry's slight build - well, it would be very unusual for one such as him to be chosen."

Harry made an effort, "I have very much enjoyed myself here. I have to thank you for giving me a good time."

Kuhnast smiled at the boy, "It was our pleasure. And I'm told that you're to keep the battle clothing. The outfit was made for you."

Harry smiled, "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Dachier."

"A warrior needs good battle clothing."

Two tall, handsome men came to their table and greeted the gathering. The Dachier returned their greeting, and then introduced Johann Wolff and Pieter Holler to the English. Johann said in reasonable English, "We came to make Gunther's apologies to you, Harry. He is my son, Pieter's nephew. He thought it best that he did not come himself."

Kingsley said stiffly, "It is unforgivable, to try and take a boy like that."

"Gunther explains that he never intended any such thing. He said he lost control."

Harry asked, "Don't Yusdu die if their partner dies?"

The men looked at each other, and Pieter said, "I would not want to live if Greta died. But Bijn Yusdu are healthy and long-lived. It is not a concern."

"It would have been if Gunther had taken me. It was something explained to me years ago, that I have to kill Lord Voldemort or be killed by him. But it's only recently I've come to realise that when he dies, I will also die. We're Bonded, you see. Not like a loving Bond, but powerful. When one of us dies, the other also will die. It is the way it is. If I am taken by Yusdu, that man or woman will not live long."

Johann asked, "How close a Bond? Can you know what he is thinking?"

"When he is close, I can, and often in my dreams. He likes to kill, and each time, it hurts me. He likes to torture, and that nearly kills me. There are times when I see through his eyes. It is a Magical Bond. He is my brother, just that things happened to him that changed him."

Johann bowed briefly to Harry, and Pieter followed his example, "It was a pleasure to meet you. It is unlikely you will ever be frightened by Yusdu again."

Pieter said softly, "You would not have regretted it, you know, Harry. It is a great happiness to be loved by Yusdu."

Only when they'd left, did Harry say, "Actually, to be loved by male Yusdu sounds to me like it might be bloody painful!"

Hans said, "Zondra is stunningly beautiful. She's been looking for a mate, including inspecting the Aurors. I was hoping, but she didn't even notice me. It's a lucky man gets chosen by someone like that."

"What if you don't want to be chosen? What if you were already married?"

The Dachier said firmly, "The Vardriers respect marriages. They will not take a Bonded man or woman."

"I heard that the Yusdu dominates."

"Maybe you didn't know. I am a son of Bijn Yusdu. There was no question of dominance between my parents. They were very happy, depended on each other, and were wonderful parents."

Kingsley asked, "You're related to Gunther and Zondra then?"

"Gunther is Zondra's cousin, my second cousin. I was very surprised to hear of his behaviour today."

Kingsley joined Mick and Harry in their room that evening, and Kingsley asked, "What you said about a Bond with Voldemort. How much is true?"

Harry yawned, but replied, "Not much. I was hoping it might prevent a recurrence."

"So there's not a Bond?"

"There was a connection, but I haven't felt his presence for months. It's why I think he's dead."

Mick said, "That Gunther! Hard to imagine that it would be an equal loving partnership between Gunther and his chosen partner."

Kingsley nodded, "The Dachier is likely to be favourably biased toward them. And after all, every single Bijn Yusdu couple live in this one area. If the partners were truly free, you'd think that some would prefer to live away, maybe not give up their old jobs."

***chapter end***