Who Will Fill a Coward's Grace
Chapter 14 – Tell it like it is
As Prongs faded away, Emma saw the look of awe on Arthur's face and decided she simply had to speak out. "No, so not happening. When this is all over, these two hope to build a life together. How is that going to work when the government keep coming to Harry with their problems? Harry's not some super weapon to be thrown at whatever the latest Ministry of Magic dilemma happens to be. These two are already training almost every day to tackle your Dark Lord mess, they don't need anything else being heaped upon them too."
Seeing the anger pouring off Emma, Sirius tried to reassure the worried mother. "Emma, they just want to examine Harry's patronus, that's all."
This cut no ice with the still raging mother. "Yes, that's how it will start. What happens when they say 'Harry, only you can solve this predicament. If you don't, many innocent people could die!' We all know what an outstanding young man Harry is. Does anyone here think that kind of pressure won't eventually be brought to bear?"
Trying to point out the severity of the problem, Arthur told them what he had learned about the dementors from the Ministry. This was the wrong thing to do though as Emma was now on the rampage.
"What a load of tosh! Everything can be killed, even ghosts can be exorcised. My people are experts at finding new and inventive ways to kill things, have you considered using any of their methods of destruction? What about drowning? Setting fire to? Shooting? Gassing? Oh, of course, you can't try any of them - because of the dementors' hive mind. Instead you want to place Harry right in their sights. These deadly creatures that you just told us the Ministry barely have control of, and have no method of killing. As if he doesn't have enough to contend with, or is there a prophecy for this too?"
Taking a deep breath, Emma brought herself back under control before speaking directly to the young wizard in question. "Harry, while getting rid of these horrors would be without doubt a good thing, I just don't see it as your responsibility to take care of this problem. All I ask is that you take a step back and think about this before giving an answer. Do that and I will support whatever decision you reach."
Nodding, Harry reached for Hermione's hand as they went for a private talk.
It took a moment for Sirius to reboot his brain. When he did, there was only one thing he could do. "Emma, I'm sorry. After my time in Azkaban I hate those bloody things with a passion. That hatred was blinding me to the other possibilities, and my responsibilities here. Thank you for standing up for our family."
A slight smile from Emma told Sirius he was forgiven, it was then her turn to make an apology of her own. "Arthur, I'm sorry if I came on a bit strong there. I know you think the world of those two too. Everyone also seems to hate these dementors, colouring their attitudes here."
"Emma, I'm used to Molly shouting at me. While you're certainly a formidable woman, you;re not a witch and don't have a wand. There's no need for an apology. You're right, I never thought this through. I'm actually delighted Harry now has a family looking out for him. You keep right on pointing out where we're getting it wrong. I wonder if you could tell me more about these muggle methods you mentioned for possibly dealing with the dementors."
As Winky popped in with some refreshments, all the tension left the room as Arthur began asking question after question - while taking notes. It was a good ten minutes later before Harry and Hermione returned. Both kissed Emma on the cheek before sitting and giving their decision.
"Mr Weasley, I'm not saying no - just not now. The dementors have been a problem for centuries, that problem's not going anywhere. Voldemort has to be our main focus. We can't allow ourselves to be sidetracked, no matter how noble or just the cause might be."
A smiling Hermione then lightened the mood. "When you are made Minister of Magic, then we can look at this again. You we trust, there are plenty of others at the Ministry we don't."
This also put a smile back on Arthur's face. "I can't argue with any of that. I don't see how the Minister could fault you wanting to concentrate your efforts onto defeating Voldemort either. You keep talking things over with your family, Harry. They won't steer you wrong."
-oOoOo-
After following Miss Granger's advice and talking with the Hogwarts elves, Albus found himself standing on the seventh floor in a corridor that was only remarkable by its utter blandness. A tapestry that he'd probably never looked twice at confirmed Albus was in the right place. He walked up and down three times, thinking about the room of hidden things the elves had mentioned. A door appearing where before only stone had existed was unusual enough to surprise the headmaster. Opening the door however blew Albus away.
Centuries worth of junk appeared to be piled haphazardly in a room that was, to say the least, cavernous. Seeing such a diversity of items, with a total number that would be measured in thousands, led Albus to believe this was the place where Tom would hide whatever he'd made into a horcrux.
With no idea of what that object could be, every single item would have to be carefully examined and then tested. Rather than despair at the amount of mind-numbingly repetitive and boring work facing him, Albus was ecstatic. Here was his road back into Harry's good graces.
Seeing how much the Order had achieved by working together though had also affected Albus. Instead of trying to search the entire room himself, he intended to draft Severus and Minerva into helping him.
There was the distinct possibility that Tom might have placed some traps to protect his precious item, that also needed to be taken into consideration. Since some of the stuff in here looked as if it could be dangerous all on its own, Albus thought it would certainly be prudent to have some back-up present.
Spotting an antique 'Moontrimmer' broom, Albus cast a few charms on it and detected no dark magic. He decided this would be the perfect gift to get Minerva up here. Mentioning there were ancient tomes on just about every subject would certainly pique Severus' interest. Unless they got lucky, Albus could see it taking days, if not weeks, to systematically search this room.
He left for lunch, the antique broom tucked under his arm, knowing his colleagues would be sitting down to eat too. Albus also knew what he would be doing this afternoon, and this evening as well.
-oOoOo-
While the clock hand crept around to the time when her brothers' training would be finished, Ginny's excitement mounted at a much faster rate. Her birthday was tomorrow, and her mum was throwing a party, but today was going to be a special treat for Ginny. She was meeting up with the rest of their group before going shopping in muggle London. As if that wasn't enough, they were all going to a restaurant tonight too. It was five minutes to two when a smiling Molly couldn't take her youngest's constant fidgeting anymore.
"Okay, Ginny, you can go now. Just remember, best behaviour - and remind your brothers I told them the same."
Ginny practically leaped out her seat, pausing only long enough to hug her mother goodbye before flooing to Grimmauld.
She was greeted at her destination by Emma, though the sound of footsteps thundering down the stairs soon saw Harry and Ron joining her.
"The elves have prepared some snacks for lunch, hence why these two were almost breaking their necks to get down here." Emma's remarks had Ginny giggling, before she added a partial explanation for Ron's haste.
"In our house it's always advisable to get to the food before Fred or George have a chance to slip something into it."
The twins in question arrived, without the haste or noise of their younger brother, greeting their sister with denials.
"Hey, we resent that remark."
George of course backed his twin up. "Yes, just because you get to the food first doesn't mean we can't tamper with it after arriving."
Harry's comment of 'only if you want to deal with Hermione' had both of them shrieking in mock terror.
"You wouldn't dare…"
"Hermione is worse than our mum…"
Probably knows more curses too…"
"And don't you forget it." Hermione's loud voice from behind them saw both twins flinch, causing much laughter amongst the rest of the very close group as she and Susan joined them in grabbing a bit of lunch too. The two girls had dragged Ginny to the table with them, though she was far too excited to eat anything.
Susan offered a quick explanation of their appetites. "We only get to work with Moody once a week now. The problem with that is he then tried to cram a week's worth of work into that one lesson. He worked us hard all morning. I just hope Aunt Amelia doesn't try to do the same. We'll only see her once a week now too."
A nodding Hermione confirmed what Susan just said, before adding a bit of her own. "We couldn't mention getting away early to meet with you, he would have just kept us longer. We barely had time for a shower after the lesson. This will be a quick lunch too, it's eating into our shopping time."
Sirius and Remus then joined the group. They too would be accompanying the friends on their shopping trip. They weren't expecting any trouble from Death Eaters but didn't want to leave Emma with responsibility for these seven.
"Well if it isn't the 'almost' birthday girl. Remember, today's shopping is on us. A way of saying 'Happy Birthday' and also 'sorry you couldn't join the rest of them for training' - though don't tell your mum that last part." Fred almost choked after hearing Sirius say that. George had also burst into laughter, he just wasn't eating anything at the time. Sirius then turned his attention to Susan.
Theatrically bowing, Sirius then began to speak in a very bad impression of a high class voice. "Miss Bones, I believe your birthday falls while you will be away at Hogwarts, and before we see you again at Christmas. Today's shopping trip is for you too. Miss Granger, please do not think we could ever forgot about you. We will of course celebrate your birthday come September, and I'm sure your wonderful betrothed will buy you anything that takes your fancy today."
It was a laughing and high-spirited bunch who spilled out of Grimmauld just before the ordered taxis arrived to ferry them away.
Ginny was having a ball, and it wasn't because she was being bought new stuff. Her father's promotion had removed most of their financial worries so the Weasleys would be attending Hogwarts this year with new robes and books. No, it was the company that was making Ginny's day. That three of her brothers were part of that company just emphasised the changes that had hit her family this year.
The twins having a serious side was a whole revelation in itself. They really enjoyed their training but it was the two afternoons a week, spent working with Sirius and Remus, that appeared to see Fred and George turn the corner. After seeing their O.W.L. results, mum had threatened to stop their training altogether. Watching as her brothers tag-teamed their mother to explain this was their future career they were working toward, a career that didn't need O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. scores, was something to behold. Molly was eventually forced to concede she couldn't envisage either George or Fred working in the Ministry of Magic, so perhaps running their own business was the best option for them.
That her twin brothers could convert their mother from her entrenched position of 'over my dead body' to grudging acceptance of their career choice convinced Ginny any business they started would have astonishing success. The twins were not only brilliant pranksters, they were born salesmen too.
The changes in Ron were pretty dramatic as well. From the moment Susan caught his eye, Ron had tried to model his behaviour on how Harry treated Hermione. That this tactic appeared to have caught Susan's attention was all the encouragement Ron needed to continually try and improve his attitude and manners.
While her own crush on Harry would probably never totally disappear, he did rather dramatically save her life after all, Ginny had to admit Hermione was a perfect fit for him. Watching as the two of them always made sure they were there for the other was the sweetest thing. That people inside Hogwarts had been watching them do this for a few years before they became a couple meant that this outcome didn't really surprise anyone.
While she would certainly have loved to train with them too, Ginny had known that pushing the situation could have seen her mum withdrawing the privilege for the boys too. Knowing this, the entire group went out of their way to make Ginny welcome any time she was with them. She'd only recently returned from what was easily the best holiday of her life and was now spending a wonderful day shopping with her friends.
Noticing the young girl's contemplative mood, Emma enquired if Ginny was all right. She was answered by a wide and genuine smile.
"Emma, I am so far beyond 'all right' that I'm finding it hard to believe I'm here. I can't thank you enough for organising this. I never realised shopping in muggle London could be so different from Diagon Alley."
Putting her arm comfortingly around the young redhead, Emma lead Ginny to a different department. "How about we pick a gift for your mum and dad?"
"Oh dad would love anything we bought him from a muggle store…"
-oOoOo-
Amelia was waiting for them at the restaurant, having spent the day looking over the new auror recruits. Now, watching as Susan entered with a very happy group of friends, Amelia reminded herself to thank her niece for talking her out of running away from Britain. Hearing Mad-eye's latest ploy against the Death Eaters almost had Amelia wetting herself with laughter.
Only her promise not to reveal his tactics, Mad-eye wanted to do that himself at the next order meeting, would stop her from blurting that story out here tonight. She would have to limit her wine intake to a couple of glasses at dinner however, or all bets would be off. That was going to be quite a hard thing to do since, for the first time in many years, Amelia actually felt like they has something worth celebrating. Considering how dark things had gotten just before Hogwarts had broken up for the summer holidays, what they were currently experiencing was a quite unbelievable turnaround. Looking at the group pouring into the restaurant, Amelia knew without any question of doubt who had initiated that turnaround.
She felt privileged to consider the young wizard who turned everything on its head a friend - Susan certainly counted both Harry and Hermione as good friends. He was such an unassuming lad, with an almost desperate need to fit in. When the chips were down though, a core of iron was revealed that marked Harry Potter as an exceptional individual. His betrothal to Hermione had, if anything, just magnified those traits.
He strived to show everyone they were just a normal couple, not realising his continuing actions against Voldemort blew any hint of normality away like autumn leaves in a storm. Amelia had no doubt Hermione would be at his side, ready to face whatever comes their way. They could all see that, which easily explained Emma's almost clinging attachment to both of them. She had just lost her husband, with a possibility of losing her daughter and her betrothed too a real possibility. Amelia admired the woman so much. That was one hell of a hand to have been dealt - whether a muggle or a witch.
Sitting in an Italian restaurant was a new experience for all of the Weasleys. Sirius ordered platters of starters so they could all get a taste of what they liked. The way the food was disappearing ended any worries about main course choices, everything was delicious.
A great evening was had by all, topped off when the waiters appeared with a birthday cake, singing 'Happy Birthday' to a blushing Ginny.
-oOoOo-
After gathering all their shopping bags, along with some birthday cake for her mum and dad, Ginny said goodnight to everyone at least twice before flooing home from Grimmauld. Her three brothers soon followed before the Bones girls bade the residents of Grimmauld goodnight too.
As had somewhat become their custom, Emma joined Sirius and Remus for a nightcap. Most nights this was only hot chocolate but tonight the wine bottle came out. This behaviour had evolved from trying to give Harry and Hermione some alone time, but all three adults now looked forward to it.
Harry currently had Hermione in his arms, their lips locked together, so he wasn't complaining either. Living in the same house meant he and Hermione spent most of their time together but 'alone time' was relatively scarce. This was their time, and both appreciated the trust they were being shown. Sitting smooching on the couch was as far as their relationship had progressed, both though were very happy with that.
Now snuggling, Hermione gave a little giggle. "I never thought I would see Ron being so restrained around piles of delicious food. He really has got it bad for Susan."
Breathing through Hermione's hair, Harry understood the talking was to save either of them getting too carried away. When kissing Hermione, his iron will that stood up to Voldemort melted quicker than ice on a hot summer's day. Focusing his thoughts on today, he gave a little laugh too. "I thought Ginny's eyes were going to pop out her head on at least half a dozen different occasions today."
Harry's serious side was never too far away though. "I know we'll miss them when they return to Hogwarts but that is why we train, Hermione. That is why we'll fight, for the rights for all of us to have days like today. Just being with you and our friends made today special, that is a right worth fighting for."
A knock at the open door saw Emma enter, and had both of them blushing. Not because they were sitting wrapped in each other's arms, more the subject of discussion. It was an unspoken rule between the couple that they didn't talk about the war in Emma's hearing.
She, of course, had realised this. "I think it's adorable that you both go to such lengths to protect me but it's actually my job to protect you. I agree that today was marvellous, and well worth fighting for. I know why you both train so hard. I could never say I liked it, but I do understand the reasoning behind it. I just need to say how proud I am of both of you. You have taken on responsibilities that the adults were running away from. Just by doing so, you're changing so many lives - including everyone who was with us in that restaurant."
Emma then kissed both of them on the cheek before heading off to bed.
Kissing Hermione once more, a smiling Harry then whispered to her. "It's easy to see where you take your strength from. Emma is an incredible woman..."
A final goodnight kiss saw them part, they both understood Hermione would need to go and spend some time talking with her mum.
Watching her leave, Harry was thinking that days like today might have to be increased in frequency from September. When it was only the five of them, they would need to get out the house more often before becoming annoyed with only their own company. Hermione had set up a movie night next week at the new house, and also an afternoon of swimming. These would stop when all their friends returned to Hogwarts. Knowing they had training tomorrow, followed by Ginny's party at the Burrow, Harry headed off to bed too.
-oOoOo-
It was a very cautious George Goyle who gingerly made his way through the Ministry of Magic. It was no secret that people who carried the same mark that he did on his arm had been meeting fatal accidents, one of those accidents happening in this very building. George wouldn't have been within a mile of the Ministry, but for the piece of parchment in his pocket. He was summoned to appear before Special Investigator, Alastor Moody, and the official Ministry of Magic document made it clear there would be severe consequences should he choose to ignore said summons.
Knocking on the office door, George was gruffly asked to enter and then offered a seat when he did. Moody sat behind a battered old desk. With only a filing cabinet and one other chair in the small office, it could hardly be considered plush. The old auror appeared to read George's mind.
"Don't let these surroundings lull you into thinking I don't have the authority to carry out the threats laid out on your summons. Fudge wanted this problem solved and immediately signed off on some very useful powers for the 'Special investigator' who would lead the project. I'm not sure if he agrees with all of those wide-ranging powers but he signed it anyway. Then again, I don't think our current Minister of Magic ever reads anything he signs. A pretty handy thing to know that."
If George thought hearing that was the bad news, he had no idea things were about to become so much worse.
"First of all I would like to assure you there are no recording devices in this office. The wards surrounding the door you walked in tell me you don't have anything like that on you either. This little chat is more about getting to know one another, and will be strictly off the record."
Removing his ever present flask, Moody took a few sips. He very deliberately let the Death Eater sweat a little longer before revealing exactly why he had been summoned here.
"In the course of my investigation it was hard to miss what linked all these people who had so recently died. Like you, they were all Death Eaters..."
George was on his feet, about to protest his innocence. Those words died in his throat though as his sudden movement saw a wand appear in Moody's hand. That wand appeared so fast, George never even saw Moody draw it.
The Special Investigator never raised his voice. His words didn't need shouting, they held a special power all of their own. The power of instantly recognisable truth. "You were about to claim you're not a Death Eater. While we both know that's nothing but lies, I will admit it would be difficult to get you into court and convicted. Here's the thing though, Georgie boy. The people arranging these accidents don't give a fuck about courts - or your pretence at innocence."
Standing now too, Moody kept his wand on his victim. His voice stayed just as steady as that wand, and was just as deadly.
"These people have probably watched the same memory I was privileged enough to see. The memory of loyal Death Eaters returning to their master's side in that graveyard. Your mask didn't protect your identity, not when Voldemort actually named you."
Though his eyes never left the wand pointed at him, George could feel the sweat running down his back. Hearing that was the same as having a death sentence passed on him. It was now only a matter of whether he was going to meet Death here in this office, or sometime in the near future. One thing was certain, going for his wand would definitely see that sentence carried out here and right now. He couldn't miss that the old battle-scarred auror was practically begging for an opportunity to curse him. George didn't move a muscle.
"I watched that memory as a gang of thugs, led by a real sick bastard, couldn't get the better of a fourteen year old schoolboy. Even when he was injured and had been tortured, Potter was too much for your master to handle. That same schoolboy later came back and attacked Voldemort, putting him out of the fight. So much for your fabled Dark Lord being all powerful. How many times is it now that Potter has kicked his arse?"
Watching this Death Eater squirm may be considered fun but it was now time to end the charade and tell it like it is.
"Lessons have been learned, Georgie. This isn't the eighties anymore, and there is no Malfoy to spread his gold around this time to get you out of trouble. There's another debt of gratitude we owe Potter for. It would seem to me that the people arranging these accidents don't want Voldemort to have any troops left alive to flock to him, should he ever recover. I brought you in here today to ensure you understood that."
Moody wasn't sure whether this Death Eater was going to piss himself or pass out. He applied the final twist of the knife. "The auror in me thinks it's now the Death Eaters' turn to sweat with fear, instead of their innocent victims. I'm pleased to see this is something you've already started doing, since you never know the minute when it will be your turn to die. Now, get to fuck out of my office - and take the stench of death with you."
Not sure if this was some kind of trick, George slowly backed out of the office. He wanted to run screaming from the building but held his composure. The lifts were out though, there was no way he was going anywhere near them. The unaccustomed exercise of taking the stairs had George panting by the time he reached the Atrium, and the floos. This had also given him a few moments to formulate a plan. George was a simple wizard, it was a simple plan.
If he made it home, George Goyle was going to gather his family and get the fuck out of the country. The flames turning green in the public floo was the most beautiful sight George had ever seen. The Goyles would be packed and out of Britain before nightfall.
Back in his office, Moody had another sip from his flask. It really irked him that some of these murdering bastards could go free but he was enough of a realist to see the bigger picture. There was only so many accidents they could cover up. The important thing here was to put people out of the fight. He was as certain as he could be that the Goyles would effectively be choosing banishment from Britain. That would do - for now.
Being well aware Voldemort would sooner or later return, Moody saw his main task as to deny the so-called Dark Lord his shock troops. While today's tactics would work on some, there were others that only a permanent solution would do. McNair's demise, when it happened, should see the last of the doubters fleeing for their lives.
-oOoOo-
Emma thought this was too much. It was bad enough Harry and Hermione weren't returning to Hogwarts. Being in Diagon Alley while their friends shopped for school supplies must be very painful for the pair.
Spotting her mother's troubled look, Hermione moved to her side. "Mum, we're fine. Harry and I needed dragon hide vests, and it didn't make sense to miss two days of training by us coming to Diagon Alley at a different time. You know why we need these vests, mum."
This actually put a smile on Emma's face, which was exactly why Hermione had mentioned it. During their last practice, Remus had clipped a stumbling Hermione with a spell. Her cry of pain had momentarily frozen both him and Sirius, but not their other opponent. Harry had blasted both of them before rushing to Hermione's side. It was only after he calmed down a touch Harry realised neither Remus nor Sirius were getting up. Hearing Hermione's cry saw Harry overpowering his spells, desperate to end the duel and get to her side. Moony had been flung against a wall while all Sirius' hastily erected shield managed to do was break his arm before the power of Harry's spell ensured he was sent tumbling too.
Despite Harry's repeated apologies, both were adamant he'd done nothing wrong. In fact, both were delighted and could hardly wait to tell Amelia and Moody. Hermione had her cracked ribs repaired, Moony had a touch of concussion while Sirius needed a bone knitting charm and a headache potion too. It was then decided to buy body armour for the four of them. This would be worn during their training, and of course any battles they fought too.
Sitting having a much needed nightcap later that evening, both Remus and Sirius confessed to Emma that, should there be another battle, they couldn't in all conscience hold Hermione or Harry back from taking part. Harry, already a powerful wizard, had stepped into a level well above Sirius and Remus since that shard of Voldemort had been removed from his forehead.
Emma was so proud of them, but the parent's need to protect their children from harm would never go away.
She squeezed Hermione's arm in thanks at her concern before spotting Harry being attacked by some girls. "I think you might need to get back to your betrothed."
Hermione just laughed. "Those are his quidditch teammates, mum. They've been hugging Harry since we were in first year, usually right after he caught the snitch to win their match. Those three are fiercely loyal to Harry. They're probably as upset as you are that we're not returning to Hogwarts. Harry is easily the best seeker in the castle."
Dragging her mother over to meet the girls, Emma then got to witness all three of them warmly and honestly congratulating Hermione on her betrothal. Alicia's comment of 'about bloody time' was quickly followed by Katie's quip of 'maybe he won't be so moody now. That boy needs to lighten up'.
It was easy to spot who their genuine friends were, amongst all those who wanted to talk with the Boy-Who-Lived, and Emma now understood the comments Remus had made while on holiday. Their friends treated them as just that, friends. The rest of the wizarding world all had an opinion on Harry Potter, an opinion that a few lines in a newspaper could apparently change.
Emma saw a blond woman make her way unerringly toward Harry, the photographer following in the path she cut through the crowd shouted press to the dentist. Knowing the entire Alley was flooded with Pheonix Force officers, and that Sirius was right by Harry's side, Emma moved a few steps closer to see how this played out.
The reporter, as reporters were wont to do the planet over, interrupted Harry's conversation with a boy called Neville to ask her questions.
"Harry, could I ask your opinion on today's front page story? Is the Ministry of Magic safe? Two pure-blood wizards have now died there. Should the Minister or Head of the D.M.L.E. be doing more?"
Feeling Hermione's hand slip back into his, Harry turned to face the reporter. "Hi Rita, how nice to see you again. I have to say I was enjoying a summer not being bugged by the press."
After reminding Rita the couple held something over her, Harry only answered when her quick quill quotes pen found its way back into her bag. "The last time I saw the pureblood on the front of today's Prophet, he, and a bunch of his friends, had just answered Voldemort's call. He kissed the hem of the Dark Lord's robes, before trying to kill me in a graveyard. Why wasn't that on your front page?"
Rita's quill was scratching furiously as she tried to take notes while thinking about her next question. "McNair's axe turned into sand, as did the chains holding the dangerous creature he was about to execute. The wizard died a horrible death. Have you no compassion, Harry?"
"Where Death Eaters are concerned, no. The Ministry won't prosecute these people so it would appear a vigilante group have taken up the challenge. The Ministry did nothing while the Death Eaters were terrorising people the length and breadth of the country. Why should they do anything now that another group have come along and are terrorising only these terrorists?"
"Where will it end though?"
"Rita, this could all be ended tomorrow." This caught the reporter on the hop, she had no idea what Harry was talking about. He spelled it out for her.
"If any suspected Death Eater is worried about being targeted by these vigilantes, they should approach Arthur Weasley. I'm sure our Head of the D.M.L.E. could arrange questioning under truth serum, thus clearing any possibility of their guilt. I'm also sure your paper would cover it, immediately removing these individuals from this vigilante group's notice."
While their friends were giggling at that suggestion, Rita seemed appalled. "Do you think forcing wizards into that position is fair?" The reporter thought she'd asked her last question. The intensity of Harry's stare almost gave her a heart attack.
"Do you think it's fair that these people turn up wearing their masks and murder people in their own homes? Taking those masks off doesn't make them respectable citizens again. I have personally witnessed what these animals can do. Cedric Diggory and Dan Granger were both murdered right in front of me, there really is only one solution to that. My parents gave their lives trying to protect me yet, even after Voldemort was banished, very few Death Eaters were ever charged over their crimes. We saw them reappear to disrupt last year's Quidditch World Cup Final, again nothing was done. I saw and named the Death Eaters who attended Voldemort at his rebirth, I wasn't believed."
Stopping for a moment to allow Rita's writing to catch up, Harry noticed they'd now drawn quite the crowd. He continued with his rant, though his voice was calm throughout. "Voldemort will be coming after me again. The fact that someone is taking out his Death Eaters before he can use them in that attack is never going to be condemned by me. Providing the people being targeted are bona fide Death Eaters, I applaud the efforts of this group."
That cheering erupted from those all around them at Harry's words stopped Rita asking any more questions. She knew Harry's comments would be front page news tomorrow. Hell, his appearance in Diagon Alley was already front page news. His quotes were an unbelievable bonus and would add a sense of legitimacy to this group's actions among the wizards and witches of Britain.
She pushed for a picture and Harry actually agreed, providing all his friends could be in it too. For a picture of Harry in Diagon Alley, Rita would have agreed to a lot more than that. Noticing those hovering around to protect Harry, should he need it, Rita played it straight down the middle.
The Prophet would have a picture of over a dozen Hogwarts students on its front page tomorrow, just in time for those same students to be boarding the Hogwarts Express. The real story though was that the two teens in the centre of the picture wouldn't be on the train. It was an open secret they were training like mad, all in the hope they would be ready for Voldemort when he turned up. The young betrothed couple carried the hopes of most of the country for that battle too.
-oOoOo-
Peter kept a vigil at his master's bedside. The truth of the matter was Peter had nowhere else to go. With the truth about the Potters and Sirius Black now known, as well as his rat form no longer being a secret, Peter doubted if he would be able to even sneak out of the country. The massive snake that was sleeping on the bed beside her master suddenly lifted her head and hissed.
It was only then Peter noticed his master's eyes were finally open. The Dark Lord then answered his familiar using the same language."
§Where are we, my pet?§
§In the old house, Master. Only the rat man is here. The rest have stopped coming, all except for the greasy one. You have been lying here a moon.§
Without lifting his head, the Dark Lord switched to English. "Wormtail, what is today's date?"
Seeing his master laying there, still unmoving, Peter got ready to offer him some water or pain relief potion. He answered the question first though. "Today is the thirty first of August, Master. Can I get you anything?"
"My wand."
As his servant placed the wand in his fingers, the Dark Lord knew for certain he was in serious trouble. His Magic normally sang to him, eager to do his bidding. Today it felt like a cough or splutter. "What happened, Wormtail? Who dared to attack me?"
"What do you remember, Master?"
Taking a moment, his master still couldn't answer Peter. "My memories are all jumbled up. Who has done this to me?"
Even being the only other person in the building, Peter still managed to push the blame elsewhere. "The Prophet reported it was Potter. He, with the help of the goblins, completed a ritual to reclaim his blood. You were leaking blood from everywhere, Master. Severus had to use a lot of blood replenishing potion to save your life."
That explained why his Magic was so low. It may grow in time, but time was the one commodity he didn't have. In his present condition, the useless Wormtail could best him in a fight. That was simply unacceptable. Drastic measures would need to be taken.
"I have a task for you, Wormtail. You'll need to take Nagini with you, only she will be able to get you past the traps I set. Whatever you do, don't open the small box she will lead you to."
With a bow of acceptance, Peter listened intently to his master's instructions.