Chapter 25 – A Cocktail Named Conspiracy...

Submitted: 20 May 2012

There wasn't a cabinet or drawer left untouched when Harry had finished. He'd looked in his room. He'd searched the library on the second landing. Even the small Potions Lab they'd tucked into a corner of the kitchen in the basement had been checked just in case. Nowhere was the Felix Felicis potion to be found that he'd bought from Slughorn his last year at Hogwarts.

'It must be somewhere,' Harry thought to himself. He began to consider whether he could have Slughorn whip up another batch on such short notice. 'Of course,' he reminded himself, 'Slughorn's in Paris for the month of January to celebrate the new millennium.' January marked 'A New Magical Age' and delegates for many of the magical governments around the world had decided to meet to decide all manner of topics for the coming years. Such minutia as where the next few Quidditch World Cups would be held and changes to the international minimum cauldron thickness standards were being hotly debated, he imagined.

Potion or no potion, Harry decided he wasn't waiting another night to enter the home of Sylvester Stallworth. This was not a strike mission – it was an evening of reconnaissance. He'd tried to figure out what went on inside that home for months now but because those that visited the place took magical vows of secrecy he couldn't beg, bribe or coerce the information out of anyone. Those he spoke to were incorruptible...which was unique for his line of work. Seldom did those he investigate show such restraint.

So, the night before, while lying awake next to Eliza he'd decided it would be a brilliant idea to have a little luck on his side. That's when he thought of using the Felix Felicis came to him. And now, he was tossing his own home hoping to find the crystal vial that held it. Granted it had worked so much better when convincing Slughorn to offer an unaltered memory than it did when he'd used it to influence the results of the hearings for his house elves. The trial...

...had been when he'd used the potion. He'd wasted hours looking for a potion he'd already used. How did that slip his mind? "Pomfrey must be right about those concussions," Harry complained to himself.

Non-plussed, Harry packed a small meal and a few snacks along with other necessities that might be required if he were forced to sit under his cloak for hours watching inside the home. Most important, he brought a portkey in case he needed to leave in a hurry. A small silver ring covered in runes, it fit well on the ring finger of his right hand. Two turns around the finger and it would transport him to his own home.

Arriving just after dusk, Harry decided that Mr. Stallworth's manor was busier than he last remembered it. The people that walked in seemed so innocent, Harry thought to himself, but he wasn't fooled. The young wizard was sure that the blokes that had accosted Hannah had used Polyjuice Potion and his gut told him that the potion had come from here. Finding a nearby shadow, Harry threw the cloak over himself and actually stepped on the grounds for the first time.

Once he reached the front door he waited for the right moment. Time and again the door was opened by a couple or a witch or a wizard. In each instance the door would shut quickly behind with a slam. It didn't take Harry long to realise that he would get caught by the door if he followed behind an able bodied couple. He saw his chance when an old bloke and his wife slowly ambled up to the monstrosity of oak that served as Harry's new nemesis. He'd time it perfectly.

Following quietly and carefully close behind, he shuffled his feet under the cloak with small steps. He'd been tempted to place a hand on the wife's shoulder to keep proper time but thought better of it. The door opened. He followed. His feet shuffled. Thump!

The door had closed immediately behind them. It was as if it were a turnstile rather than an actual door. He studied it more closely now. Made of firm oak and carved with ornate images of snakes of all kinds. Carved in old English print was the phrase, 'Only the Cunning Shall Pass.' He wondered if there was some sign he must provide in order to enter.

A group could be heard from behind. Two blokes were going on about the new Firebolt while the witches prattled on about the new Chaser for the Tornadoes. Harry could never figure out why witches were so interested in Quidditch stars bums when they were always stationed firmly on the latest brooms during matches.

One of the blokes opened the door wide for his party to enter, Harry flicked his wand from under his cloak and a flash he'd fashioned to imitate a bright firefly distracted the party with a 'pop.'

"What was that?" asked one in the party.

Harry didn't bother to wait for the answer seeing as he already knew what it was. He darted in front of the generous bloke who'd opened the giant door for him and he slipped in. Behind him he heard the door close with a 'slam!' and he sniggered as he heard the bloke curse from behind it.

On his side of the door, he was faced by a young wizard behind a counter who stared through him worried that no-one had passed. Harry had to spin to dodge the anxious guardian as he whisked around the counter and made to secure the door shut until he figured out just what was the matter with the security controls imposed on entry. It didn't seem prudent to linger so Harry rushed through the foyer holding tightly to the underside of his cloak.

He passed under the archway that separated the Foyer from the Sitting Room to find a pleasant room meant for entertaining. The Sitting Room had been arranged with columns and screens so that it was broken into several small discreet spaces while still retaining it's overall grand feel. The candles that served to light the spaces were aided by a humongous chandelier of fine crystal that gave a soft romantic flicker to the entire chamber. Tables were interspersed amongst the spaces and the sitting room reminded Harry of a fine restaurant or club that a couple might visit for a romantic evening with drinks.

What was not here was a room full of evil nay-doers bent on the destruction of the sane world of magic.

Even so, he knew that the owner of this home was the single largest producer of Polyjuice Potion in all of England. Harry wanted to know what Mr. Stallworth was doing with all of this potion. Was he selling it? Was he using it to help rogue Pure Bloods perform 'initiations?' Harry'd checked...Sylvestor Stallworth was a Pure Blood old moneyed Slytherin who'd attended Hogwarts only a few years before the Marauders and had shared a dorm with his mate Lucius Malfoy. Mr. Stallworth was a Potions Master who'd worked for the Department of Mysteries until the fall of Voldemort when he'd chosen to resign rather than answer questions about his feelings for Voldemort or the Death Eaters.

Harry's eyes darted around for a safe low traffic spot to park himself. Despite what one would think, going unnoticed under an invisibility cloak was much more difficult than it seemed. It was easy enough in an empty corridor of the castle but this place was a madhouse. All the seats were filled in the more private sections and the walkways were full to the gills of those getting from here to there and those waiting in herds with drinks hoping for a seat to open up. Harry finally found himself a spot near a decorative vase but even then he had to keep an eye on a bloke who lingered around the area and would occasionally pass dangerously close-by.

The pub, as Harry now thought of it, was obviously an A-List establishment. Despite several regular witches and wizards, there were a number of celebrities as well. It made sense, most celebrities would want to go some place where they could be outside of the reach of the general fan. Otherwise they'd be mauled. There must have been some sort of policy against bothering the celebrities though because, besides whomever they were speaking to, they were practically ignored.

Harry counted off Quidditch stars, a few musicians, and even a few actors. There were very few cinema or tellie productions attempted in the wizard world but the wizard theatre had a very strong following. Moving pictures just never caught on with the magical community but some of the productions at a wizard theatre would marvel even the the most demanding audience.

He began to gain new respect for some of the more well known celebrities. He'd always thought that the famous gravitated to attractive witches and wizards when they dated outside their group. But Ike Gold, Beater for the Tutshill Tornados, was sitting with a rather haggish witch in a corner and chatting her up over a Firewhiskey and Butterbeer. The same could be said for Esmelda Finch, the Goal Keeper for Pride of Portree. The bloke she was with was much older with a bulbous nose and half an eyebrow missing.

When he recognised Hazel, he wanted to step out from under his cloak. He hadn't seen her in months – not since his birthday. It was probably for the best he couldn't say hello...she had eyes for no-one except this older wizard that could have been her grandfather.

Harry took time from people watching to return to what he'd come here for. He began to pay less attention to the occupants and more on the chamber itself. While the room indeed had the feel of an upmarket romantic restaurant there was little food served. Mostly, wizards and witches were ordering drinks from two bars. One was in the corner directly across and to the left from the entrance. Mostly, those that purchased drinks at this bar would sit back down with their partners or wait for a table.

In another corner, across from the entrance and to the right, was another bar. Unlike the first bar, their was only one barkeep stationed here. An older gentleman with a serious expression, once his patrons had received their drinks, they would meet their partners at a door between the two bars and they'd retire to whatever lied beyond.

This new door seemed very interesting to Harry. Everyone here was pleasant. What could be going on back there? Maybe private meetings? This would be the ultimate cover for any illicit activity. The facility had excellent safeties to control of those that came and went...him not withstanding. That door held the key he was sure. "Ha Ha..." he laughed to himself. That door held the key... Ruddy puns.

Puns were the furthest thing from Harry's mind when he caught Ginny peeking out of the very same door he'd just been contemplating. All thoughts of Polyjuice Potions and conspiracies were forgotten and all he could think about was why and how she could possibly be here. Now? He knew she'd be furious if she saw him but he felt the insatiable need to see her up close – to hear her voice. He wanted so much to kiss her lips...to touch her skin...to bury himself in her hair. He decided to go find her and if the moment felt right he'd at least say hello.

Harry barely avoided a wizard as he rushed for the door and he didn't get by as cleanly as he'd have liked. He dodged and got around but the wizard obviously knew something was up. The bloke stopped in his tracks and looked all around him. Finally, satisfied, he put his arm around his girlfriend, "Funniest feeling. Felt like a piece of silk passed over my hand."

No other obstacles came between him and the door. He waited a few seconds for it to open again but finally grew impatient and desperation overtook caution. He opened the door while under the cloak, hoping no-one would notice. He slipped through as large a crack as he'd dare and then closed the door quickly behind him.

What he found on the other side was a long dimly lit hall with no less than ten doors on each side. As he made his way carefully down the hall he noticed the first door he came to was numbered "29." Harry took advantage of the dim light to pull off his cloak and he fixed his mussed up hair in a mirror next to the door. It was no use, the unruly locks were no more manageable tonight than the afternoon Uncle Dursley had last tried to cut them.

"Harry!" it was Ginny's voice. "I didn't expect to see you again! You seemed so angry! Were you looking for me or did you pick up someone else? I imagine you'd be rather popular here..."

He lit up, "No! I saw you pop out the door for just a second. I wanted to see you so badly. I haven't been able to get you off of my mind. I don't know why you'd think I was angry with you. It was entirely my fault." Harry tumbled over his words. He couldn't get the words out fast enough.

Ginny ran to his arms, "You don't have to say that," she admonished him as she placed a finger over his lips. "It was both of our faults. I had this fantasy of my own going on my head and between the two of us I just don't think it worked out. I'd love to try again. If you would that is."

Harry choked on his own breath. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He kissed her soundly on the lips with passion he forgot he had. Snogging him furiously, she pulled him toward her room. As they reached the door she door swung open and pulled him through it, "I've only got ten minutes at most before I have to change and get back but what do you say we make this time together count? It'll be some time before I'm able to see you again."

He didn't know what to say. Harry'd always told himself that he'd wait but he felt like Ginny had always been the one. There was also another consideration, "Ginny, I started seeing this witch from the Aurors offices a few months ago. I don't think it would be appropriate if we were to do that."

"Oh...you remembered to say something...you are doing so much better this time. I know about her already but do describe her to me." She began to kiss him on the neck between attempts to pull his robes over his shoulders.

Harry stopped kissing and looked at her strangely, "I don't know if I should do that. I can't lie. I didn't think I'd ever be able to date again but I've really taken a fancy to her. I know I shouldn't be saying this but I feel you should know. I love you so much but I don't know if this is right. I really do fancy her. It's all confusing." he expected Ginny to groan frustrated.

Instead she seemed to grow more anxious. She tugged harder on his robes, "Tell me about her. Describe her to me. Is she beautiful?" Ginny made a second try and this time she got his robes over his shoulders. She threw the robes to the side and kissed him hard full on the lips.

He realised she was finding this oddly attractive and he decided to play along. Interspersed between gropes and kisses he panted out a few words at a time, "She's quite stunning. She has these brilliant blue eyes. She's a little taller than me. And smart too." She pulled off her own robes as he spoke and pushed him onto the nearby bed hard. Now they were just down to his shorts and her knickers.

"Do you want her as much as me?" Ginny asked with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She didn't bother to wait for an answer as she straddled him and began kissing him on the neck.

"What sort of question is that? Blimey Ginny!" Harry found himself upset. He couldn't make himself continue to play along.

Ginny looked him square in the eye, "Just tell me! Have you ever wanted her as much as me? Have you wanted to shag her?"

Harry felt this was dangerous ground but he figured honesty was the best course. Reluctantly he gave in, "Yes, I've wanted to. There are nights...she makes me happy, Ginny. And she's older and she's got this way about her. She's all...I...I can't explain it."

"Brilliant answer. I think you've earned yourself another shot. We'll need to make it quick though. I want our first time to be special. I want you to be able to see everything. And I want to be able to look into those gorgeous green eyes."

Harry knew he couldn't tell her no. Not now. Not this time. He couldn't lose her again. Principles be damned, this was the witch he loved. He'd do whatever she asked.

While she kissed his chest her arms found the clasp to her top. She began to shift her weight to take off her bottoms. He'd never her seen her like this. This was beyond those nights in the Burrow. Her eyes blazed with a fierceness and a dogged determination that he'd never seen in Ginny before. It became hard to breathe. Now, with nothing between them but his pants, he couldn't help but drink her in. Ginny was a vision. With a devilish grin she looked right back at him, "Is it what you expected?"

"And then some," he choked out.

"Well we only have minutes more. If we are going to do this we need to do it now. Keep talking to me. Tell me about this witch you've been seeing. I want to know everything about her." She began to tug at his shorts.

This caused Harry to jump. He wanted to make her happy but he felt it was wrong to be doing this while describing the one person that had been faithful to him through all the good and the bad. He returned to stalling, "Why don't we get married first? We could do it now. Just the two of us. Besides, why do you keep asking me about Eliza?"

"Look, I know I said I wanted you to play up the whole waiting bit but can we call that off now? As it is you're doing a bang up job acting like him. You snog just like him. The whole bit with the smouldering eyes and the way you run your hands up my back makes me quiver but we don't have time for all this role play. I seriously need to change in about three minutes. I'd say in six it won't matter anyway." He looked at her dumbfounded. She yelled at him, "Just do it! Now!"

Harry was confused. He couldn't wrap his head around what she was saying. She reached for his shorts again and he pushed her off out of instinct. And then it happened.

At first it was her eyes – almond brown was replaced by a deep midnight blue. Her figure became fuller and her bosom grew. Her hair became a shade more orange and less red. Her legs grew longer and parts of Ginny he had never seen before transformed into parts he now recognised. The familiar smile that Ginny had worn so easily was transformed, as well, but not by magic. It was replaced with a dark seething anger that was unrecognisable on Eliza's face.

"Bugger! You let it run out! You weren't supposed to see me like this!" Eliza screamed.

"What?" Harry was in a complete state of shock. He didn't know where he was, who he was with or if any of this was even real. "What is going on? Where am I? Where did Ginny go?"

"It wore off you Duffer!" Eliza shrieked. "It only lasts a bloody hour! I bloody well warned you! No! You had to go on and on blathering! You could have at least helped me with the clothes! Blimey! You're worse than the real Harry!"

"What?" Harry was still dazed. The room was swimming. Pillows were strewn everywhere. He now noticed all sorts of gadgets around the room that he hadn't had time for before. Scented candles had been the only source of light so he hadn't looked hard with so much attention on Ginny. There was a chest labelled 'restraints' and another labelled 'sensual.' The room seemed painted and decorated for 'special engagements.'

The witch before him paused to consider. She'd already covered herself...not nearly the exhibitionist now that she was in her own skin. She tilted her head slightly, "Who are you?"

"Harry."

"No. Really. I mean...after this whole catastrophe? There isn't enough Polyjuice in the world to make me want to crawl back in bed with you. Even if you were Harry himself you wouldn't be getting any tonight." Eliza had begun pulling her knickers closer to her, subtly, and she was dressing herself behind a now closely drawn sheet. Harry began to feel self conscious and he too began to grab his things and put them on. He put on his robe first and then carefully readjusted his shorts underneath.

He thought before he answered again. He thought and thought. Finally, "That is what all of the Polyjuice is for? You think I've taken Polyjuice? Eliza...I AM Harry. You don't believe me?" He thought some more, "Our first breakfast together was scrambled eggs and bacon. I thought it was odd that you ate your eggs and bacon stacked on top of a muffin with red plum jam."

Eliza's eyes widened. She covered her mouth. She looked down at herself and then at Harry. She'd finished dressing as they had spoken but by the look on her face she must have felt just as naked as before. She dashed for the door. Harry, still in shock, could only watch as the door slammed behind her. Then it hit him.

She'd been Ginny. She'd used Polyjuice to pretend to be Ginny. But why? And she'd been so willing to be with Harry. But she'd pretended to be Ginny. And she expected him to be...