The Savage Life Keeperoliver Chapter 34

As they entered the suite of Doc's and their family, they saw a solemn look on all their faces. Lily was the first one to ask, "OK, what's going on here, why all the glum faces? You all look like you lost your best friend."

Doc looked up at Lily, and then the rest. "Sit down all of you, and we will explain what's going on."

Lily and James took up seats next to Sirius and Pat, Lily taking Sirius' hand, and James taking Pat's. Neither of them looking up to thank them, but both squeezing their hands for thanks.

"Well, let's start at the beginning. We had just returned from that problem we told you about in Africa. It took us a little longer than we though it would, the person behind left no trail for us to follow up on. We got a break, about two months ago, when we captured one of his chiefs, and thanks to Narcissa, and her potions, we got him to talk. It then took us another month to finally track him down, and capture him. We thought that he was the big guy in charge. When returned back here, we were just settling in, when I received a letter from the lady that was watching 3PO and Teema. It seemed they had received some disturbing news about me. It said I had been injured, and that I was at the Mercy Hospital in Queens. When she took the kids there, she was upset that the letters were false. She took the kids home, but, she was knocked unconscious as they left the hospital. The kids were taken. We checked the hospital security tapes for who it may have been that took them, but all it showed was three hooded individuals. One of them had hit Meg, the lady watching the kids, in the head, with the butt of his weapon. The other two grabbed the kids. They all ran out into the street, and from there, we lost sight of them."

James and Frank asked the same thing at the same time, "Have they sent any message trying to get something from you. Like a ransom, or information?"

Doc shook his head negatively. "Sirius and I went to check the entrance of the hospital they used, for any clues. But found nothing. I think it is someone from my past, that is trying to get some revenge. I fear for their lives."

"I don't think this is a case of revenge Doc." Every one looked up to see Angel getting up, and pacing.

"Have you had a vision, Angel?" Asked Lucius?

"Not exactly. More like a premonition. Can I see the tape, if you have a copy?"

Doc nodded his head, and turned the T.V. and the VCR on, and rewind the tape, and then played it. The group watched it for about an hour, replaying the abduction about five times, and coming up with nothing.

Angel sat in silence, thinking there was something missing, but, couldn't put her finger on it. They took a trip to the hospital, and split up, to check all the exits of the hospital, thinking that, on order for the abduction to take place, they all had to be watched, just in case. They didn't find anything, They went in to the security room, and asked to look at all the tapes for each exits five hours prior to the abduction. Still they found nothing. No people loitering around for any great length of time.

Angel still wasn't satisfied. What was she missing. Doc saw her determined look, and walked up to her. "Angel, what is it you are trying to figure out sweetheart? We checked all the tapes, and even had Sirius change into his animagus form to search for scents, but, came up with nothing. Who ever it was, covered his or her tracks completely."

"I don't doubt you Doc, or you either Sirius. It's just that I think we are missing something. Something obvious, and I can't put my finger on it."

Ron was by her side, and started to rub circles on her back, trying to get her to relax. She sighed at this attention, and felt her self starting to finally get over the pressure she had been feeling. It didn't stop her from thinking on what they were missing.

The next week was one that was filled with apprehension and sorrow. They had still heard nothing from the kidnappers. Surely if this had been a case of ransom of some sort they would have heard from them by now.

Angel asked Doc if she could speak to Meg, and try to get some information from her that might have been missed. Doc called her, and she said she would be there in about an hour.

When Meg arrived, she was seated and the rest of the group sat, watching Angel ask Meg her questions. "Hello Meg, my name is Angel. I was wondering if you might answer a few questions for me?"

Meg was an elderly woman, looking quite pale. She had a nervous look to her, but, said she would answer any questions to clear this up.

"Did anyone know you were watching Doc's children?"

"Just the people in this room. I am a professional babysitter, and watch quite a few children for different families. It was a common practice for my neighbors to see as many as twelve children at any given time."

"Do you see a lot of strangers in your neighborhood?"

"A few, not many. Our neighborhood watch group is pretty close, with me being a member. I asked if anyone saw any strangers prior to the abduction, but, no one said they saw anything out of the ordinary."

"Had you been anywhere with the kids outside of your neighborhood prior to the abduction?"

"A couple of times. Once to the supermarket for groceries, and once to the drugstore, to fill my prescriptions."

"And you didn't see anything that might cast suspicion on what happened later?"

Meg thought on this for a bit. "Well, at the drugstore, there was a middle age couple that said they wished more children were as polite and well mannered as mine were. I told them that they weren't mine, that I was just watching them for a friend. That's all I can think of."

"They didn't ask any more questions, or talk any further?"

"No, about that time, I was called up, as my prescription had been filled. Since they were by the counter, they moved out of my way, and said good bye to the children and myself."

"Have you seen these people again, Meg? Think hard now. It is important that you remember this." Angel asked?

"I don't think I have. They were quite distinctive. The gentleman walked with a distinct limp, and she was quite a looker. I saw quite a few male heads turn as she walked past them, even some female heads."

Doc saw where Angel was going with this, and had a question of his own to ask. "Meg, had you been getting any phone calls that you couldn't figure out why you got it?"

"Funny you should ask that Clark. About two days before the incident, I got a call. They were conducting a survey, and asked a lot of questions, including how many were in my household. When I asked them what the survey was about, they said it was for a health care reform that was being up for approval, and they needed facts in order to submit it. Sort of like a census. I didn't see any harm in it, so I answered their questions. They never asked for names, or personal questions."

"Did you answer their question on how many were in your household, and if you did, how many did you say?"

"I told them one,Clark. That's how many there are. I didn't say anything to them about my being a babysitter."

"Thank you Meg. Angel, do you have any other questions?"

"I don't Doc, does anyone else?"

Hermione did. "Meg, did the kids ever go outside and play with other kids?"

"Every day. There is a playground in our block. Plus I have a pool out back that they enjoyed. Their like fish those two. They got along great with the other kids in the neighborhood, except 3PO's size sort of put them on edge at got over it though, when they found out he was a very well mannered and caring boy."

"When they were outside, were they ever out of your sight?"

"When they were at the park, but the house around the park, are a part of the watch, so it was always under scrutiny."

"Did 3PO or Teema ever ask you questions that might have given you some concern?"

Meg had to stop and think once again. "None that caused me any concern, but, one I didn't quite understand. They asked me if I thought they were different.I asked them in what way? They just said that some of the other kids that thought them different in a weird sense. They were not being mean or anything, they just thought it as a bit odd."

"Thank you Meg. Any one else have any questions?"

There were no more questions, and Doc thanked Meg for answering their questions, and she left.

"OK Angel, or anybody, Did you find anything that could lead us to who or where they might be?" Doc threw out to his friends.

Angel asked, "Did anyone find some of Meg's answers interesting?"

Ron answered, "Quite a few if you ask me. It seems she was being pumped for information. I think some of the kids in her neighborhood, might have a piece of information that could lead us some where. I wonder if anyone has thought to ask them if they had seen anyone suspicious in the neighborhood, or talked to any one?"

Angel looked over to her boyfriend, and reached over and kissed him. "Ron, I knew there was some reason why I love you."

Ron blushed, "Blimey, about time you found a reason. I was beginning to wonder myself."

"Doc, I think we need to pay a visit to this playground, and start asking some questions. However, I don't think you or Harry need to be there."

Harry looked offended, "Why not?"

"Harry, they felt a little off, at the size of 3PO. How do you think they will feel about you or Doc?"

"OK, I see your point. Doesn't mean I'm happy about it though." Ginny kissed his cheek.

"They just don't know what a teddy bear you are. I still love you."

"Thanks Gin. That made me feel better. I love you too."

Angel made a team up comprising of Her, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Tracy, and Daphne. She also took Klinger, after he turned into a dog. Doc took them to the neighborhood where Meg lived, and dropped them off about two blocks from the playground.

They were gone about an hour and a half, then returned. Angel was smiling, and Draco and Neville were blushing. The other girls were giggling.

They got into Doc's vehicle. "What's so funny?" Ginny asked?

Daphne laughed out, "Three girls hit on Draco and Neville. They gave them their phone numbers and address, as well as their Bra size."

After a few minutes of laughter, Angel made her report. "I believe we may have a very good lead as to who got the kids. It seems that the couple from the drugstore had been in the neighborhood, asking the kids there questions, when 3PO, or Teema weren't around. I'm not sure, but, I think we may be dealing with a witch and a wizard."

Doc went blank, with this announcement. If that were the case, then they may never find them. "So what do we do now?" He asked?

"We go to Meg's, and find out the number that was used to conduct that survey." Angel replied.

They went to Meg's and asked if she still had the number in her memory on the phone. She said her phone didn't have that option, but, that she wrote it down, to call back and find out what the final verdict was.

By using that number, they traced the call back from a residence in Manhattan.

A team was comprised of Harry, Ginny, Lily, James, Sirius and Lucius, to investigate the residence. They used Doc's connection with the police to tell them of the situation, and what was planned. The Police Chief planned a back up, just in case, and the raid was planned for that evening.

Ginny asked Angel if she could borrow Klinger, and she handed him to Ginny. He wrapped himself around her neck and went to sleep.

They then had Doc drop them off, a block away from the target area, and proceeded on foot. The house in question was a huge mansion, that was surrounded on all sides by a ten foot tall stone wall covered in ivy. Harry and Ginny made sure there were no witnesses, and changed into their Phoenix forms, and with Ginny carrying Klinger, they flew over the wall, and entered the grounds, after checking for spells that might set off an alarm. they found two, and disabled them.

After landing, and changing back, they approached the house. Using their powers, they discovered there were more than ten magical signatures in the building, including 3PO, and Teema. Ginny left Klinger with Harry, and changed back into her Phoenix form, and got the rest of the team, plus Frank, Alice, Tonks, Remus, and Draco. That should even the score.

They grabbed her tail, and she flew them to the spot where she left Harry. He was still there watching what was going on in the house.

"They are keeping 3PO and Teema tied up in the basement. I think they may have some other children down there as well. I think I should change, and flash down, to protect them, in case one of the kidnappers breaks free, and tries to cover up their trail, and do away with the evidence."

"Good Idea Harry, Just signal me when you are in place." Ginny answered. Harry kept Klinger with him, just in case.

When Harry left, he used his Phoenix link to tell Ginny he was in place. She told James, and he sent out four teams to cover all four corners of the house. Lucius and Draco on one, Remus and Tonks on another, Frank and Alice on another Sirius and Ginny on the last. James and Lily were to enter the house, and start the operation. James looked to the corners he could see and signaled them he was ready. They looked to the other two couples, and then back to James to give the all clear. James then blasted the door off it's hinges, and went in sending stunners at the surprised group. between him and Lily, they had stunned five of the group, and they watched as the last five broke off in different directions. Three had tried to leave the house in different manners, including Apparation, but, them charms in place stopped this means. The floo network had been shut down as well. As they tried to escape out the rear of the house, they were stunned by the two teams in the back of the house. However they did get some spells in. Lucius had been hit with a cutting curse, and Alice had been hit in the leg with a bludgeoning curse. One went to the cellar, like Harry predicted, and burst into the room, where he got hit with the Expelliarmus. His wand went forward, as he was thrown backwards. Harry placed the kidnappers wand in his holster, and placed a sticking charm on his wand, so as not to lose it. He freed the kids being held. There were three besides 3PO, and Teema. Harry led them upstairs, while he levitated his prisoner and brought him up. The ten prisoners were all tired up, and the police were brought in, but, did not take them. They were told that these people were wanted by the government, and that special agents were on there way to collect them.

Harry saw the injured Alice and Lucius. Lucius had a severe cut across his chest, but Lily took temporary care of it. Alice's left leg was broken, but, once again, Lily was able to mend it, to where she could use it till she saw a mediwitch. The raid had been a complete success, and Doc caught 3PO and Teema in a hug, not wanting to let go.

They finally made it back to Doc's home, and they all settled in for refreshments, and a talk. Harry saw Doc cry for the second time ever. This time it was because he was relieved. He took his kids to bed, and stayed there till they were asleep. The other three kids they found were on the missing children list, and were taken to there homes. The reward offered had been refused by the team, but, they promised they would visit with them to see how the kids were doing.

Just before Christmas, Doc made an announcement to every one. "Friends, after campaigning for justice for over 60 years, I have decided to retire. I was hoping the four of us were still welcomed in your home. I have sold this apartment, and hope to be out of here by the first of the year. If you will accept us, we would be back by January 23."

Harry stood up and called out, "Dobby, Kreacher."

Pop

Pop

"Harry Potter had called Dobby sir?"

"Master Harry called for kreacher?"

"Yes guys, Doc wishes to move back to England with us, and I would like to know if you could help him?"

"Yes sir, Dobby will help Doc Savage."

"Kreacher Will be helping Master Doc as well. As will all of the other members of the elf squad." Kreacher snapped his fingers, and twenty four other elves popped in. In one hour, the flat was completely empty, and stored in a warehouse owned by Hidalgo Enterprises. Doc's company. The elves returned, and then took the wizards and popped them all back to Potter Manor. They were thanked by every one, and were ready to leave, when Hermione stopped them. "Doc, I think these helpers deserve to spend Christmas here with us. They were with us all the way, and I think it should be continued. Lily, James. I don't wish to speak out of place."

Lily looked at the young lady, "Hermione, you don't speak out of place, and you are right, they do deserve to be here with us. Please, every body make them selves at home."

The elves did this, by preparing a feast for every one, and then sat down and joined them in their meal.

They stayed with the Savages for the rest of the Hols, and went back to Hogwarts Three days before the kids.

Finally, every one was back to Hogwarts, ready to finish their final year of school.

Albus was there to great his friends, and welcoming back his Savages. He was looking forward to this half year, like no other.