13
Defense
The next couple of weeks passed in a blur for the trio. They now had 40 to 50 Aurors and Detectives from Scotland Yard under their command. They had been assigned offices in Scotland Yard instead of the Aurors corps. The three of them had spent little time following up on the lead Hermione had generated during Grey Backs interrogation. They were trying to figure out the best way to defend the Muggles from attacks from the Order of the Dragon.
The first thing Hermione had suggested was to assign Auror's to the Prime Ministers and the Royal family's security detail. Several more Aurors were assigned to Pairlment's security detail as well. The other Aurors under their command were searching for any lead they could find on who might be members of the Order of the Dragon
Harry, Ron and Hermione were spending there time going over upcoming events trying to determine which one of them would be the most likely target for the Order of the Dragon.
Late one afternoon after they had spent another long day of going through potential targets Ron threw down some papers he was looking at in frustration and asked,
"Just what exactly is American Football?"
Harry and Hermione looked away from what they were doing, both worried that Ron was about to have one of his famous tantrums. To their relief he looked more tired than anything. They also noticed the paper that Ron had been looking at. It was article on an upcoming game of "American Football" to be played at Wembley stadium.
Hermione picked the paper up and began reading it. It said the game would be between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts. What caught Hermiones's attention was the paper also stated they expected a crowd of 10 to 15,000 people to watch the game. The event was also going to be on both British and American TV and since this was a rematch of a recent superbowl, whatever that was, it was expected to be watched by almost a million people both in America and Britain. Hermione handed the article to Harry.
The three of them looked at each other for a minute. Ron was the first to speak.
"You don't think they would…"
"I do" Hermione interrupted Ron "If they attacked here it would certainly get the attention of the Prime Minister and the rest of the world."
Harry nodded in agreement. They now knew where the Order of Dragon was going to strike next. They had only a week to plan what they were going to do about it.
****
The only thing that Harry Potter could compare Wembley Stadium to was the arena where the Quidditch World cup was held. The stadium could easily sit 40 to 50,000 thousand muggles. In addition the stadium was an open air stadium like that of the world cup, however it would not have the benefit of the many protections that had been cast on the Quidditch world cup.
Harry stared down at the field. They might have had some chance to cast protective spells around the stadium had they more time. It had taken the ministry almost six months to build and set up the anti muggle charms and cast them. Harry knew casting the kind of defensive spells needed to protect the stadium would take just as long if not longer. They only had a week.
Harry heard Hermione sigh in frustration. "This is not going to be easy." She said to Mr. Davies. "We just do not have the time to cast the protective spells needed to keep the Order of the Dragon from just apparating into the crowd."
Davies nodded in agreement. "I understand Ms. Granger. Even we muggles would need several months to plan security for such a large event. Luckily we have security already set up against Terrorist attacks. We just need to augment that detail to defend against wizards."
Harry nodded as he spoke. "We have 50 Aurors under my command." He looked at Podmore "How many more can you give me?"
"I can get you another 10 to 15 plus myself and Kingsley."
Harry nodded. "I can count on eight more from the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's army with your permission."
Podmore agreed. "Then we need to get back to the office and start planning security." He saw Davies uncomfortable look as Ron took his shoulder. Davies did not like apparating.
****
"We are not going to be able to cast any Anti Apparition spells in the time we have"
Hermione sighed as she glared at Davies. They had been trying to devise some type of defensive plan for the last two hours. Davies had just suggested for the third time they cast the same defensive spells they had on No. 10 Downing Street and Parliament. He just did not seem to understand how long it would take to cast those spells on a place as large as Wembley stadium.
Hermione continued to glare at Davies as she asked.
"Mr. Davies. For now assume you are not going to have any magical help. How would you approach this?"
Hermione saw the sudden angry look in Davies eyes and quickly continued
"We are going to have to approach this like you would without magic. We will then augment whatever you do with Aurors and wizards that can fight the Order with magic."
She looked at everyone in the room. "We are not going to be able to stop them from trying to attack the stadium. We can however make it costly for them to do so".
Davies looked at Hermione finally understanding where she was going. "Normally we would…" Davies began to explain how he would use his security forces.
After a couple of more hours they had a basic security plan in place. It was not perfect but they hoped it would be enough to keep those attending the game safe. Over the next couple of days they worked on perfecting their plan. For the Muggle police they had George cast Shield charms on the bullet proof vests the muggle police would be wearing. The Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix that were helping were taught how to use muggle radio so they could communicate with the Muggle Police and each other without drawing attention to themselves.
They also decided to have the Wizards dressed as Muggle Police officers as well. This way they would blend in with the Muggles hopefully not be spotted by the Order of the Dragon. Hermione had suggested that they also have healers from St Mungo's on stand by to treat any magical injuries that might cast on the Muggles at the game.
She worked with both the Muggle Drs and Healers from St Mungo's to co ordinate the trauma related response to any attack. Harry Hoped nothing would happen at the Football game and they were wasting thier time with all the preparations. Harry Knew that was not likely, this event was too good for the Order of the Dragon to pass up.
Harry sighed as he shut off the light to his office and joined Ron and Hermione for the trip home to Grimwauld Place. They all would need a good nights rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.