In the Crosshairs

by Dragon Voldemort

WIP Death Eaters strike BACK! Order becomes a terrorist organization. Can Harry and his friends survive the viscious onslaught of slander, frameups, death, and destruction? Can they even hope to fight it? Post-GoF 6&7yr RHr, Rated R for LSNVD.

37. (old) Summer Term

WARNING: This is old material that I will be revising. I'm leaving it up for those wishing to read on.

[A/N: 15 Sep 2018, splitting the chapter (this one was at 93k)]

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Chapter A-8a: Summer Term, I

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Buckland glared at Harry.

"So it is!" Buckland said, "Get his wand Finnigan, snap it once and for all."

Finnigan reached into Harry's pocket, Harry pushed back against the wand, knocking it from Finnigan's hand. Harry reached, pulled Finnigan in front of him, brought his wand forth, and pointed it at Finnigan's neck. With a flick, an indigo curse shot forth, straight for the globe, encasing it in an mesh web for a split second; the globe shattered and disintegrated.

"Millions of galleons-" Buckland sneered.

"Don't make a move," Harry warned, pushed his wand a bit firmer against Finnigan's neck.

"Kill me," Finnigan said, "I don't care-"

Harry dragged Finnigan back out of the room, the doors closed. With a flick, the doors welded themselves shut.

"It's not going to hold," Finnigan said, "It's only a matter of time-"

"For long enough," Harry said.

Harry marched Finnigan in a run, back through the corridors, back to the lifts.

"You're a fucking murderer already!" Finnigan snarled.

"What can you say about the EM?" Harry said, "I've witnessed them murdering dozens of people tonight! Don't come crawling to me when Voldemort makes himself known. Don't come crawling to me apologizing. You've known full well what you've been doing-it's conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Bye Death Eater!"

Harry gave Finnigan a hard jab in the stomach, hit him on the back, Finnigan collapsed to the floor of the lift. Harry ran past the security guard into the middle of the Atrium and disapparated. He apparated behind a McDonald's in Tighina, Moldova. Harry walked around the building, spotted a black jacket being worn by a red head in the bushes. Harry walked for the red head, stopped when a wand was aimed at him. Brown eyes locked onto green.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed, "How?"

"I think it's over," Harry said, "Girls-Kiev first."

Ron gripped Harry's hand, they disapparated. Harry and Ron apparated in Kiev, Ukraine.

"A couple more times to shake," Harry muttered.

They apparated to Istanbul, then to Prague, then to Bucharest, then to the lane by the stony trees leading toward the village of caretakers for the reservation.

"I take it you made it," Ron said.

"Yep," Harry said, "They had some radar type of device, it tracked our Portkeys in flight. They had your destination to within several blocks each time."

"Spooky," Ron said, "No wonder. Hopefully you did something."

"Destroyed it," Harry said, "EM's stirring now."

"Crabbe? Goyle?" Ron asked.

"Left them in Hogsmeade," Harry said, "Snape was nearby so that was convenient."

Ron laughed. Ron knocked on the door to Charlie's cottage, Hermione peeked out. She opened the door. Ron looked over at Hermione with only a book obscuring her crotch, he licked his lips.

"Harry, Ron," Hermione said, "Enjoy your walk? Interesting jackets."

"Wanted to be inconspicuous," Harry said, entering.

"Harry Potter wearing an EM jacket?" Hermione said, "Contradiction in terms."

"Perhaps," Ron said.

Ron and Harry hung the jackets up next to their dragon hide; both stowed their black stones, Harry stowed the outback hat back into the jacket.

"Realize," Hermione said, "You two have really been out late, it's past midnight."

"Gia?" Harry asked.

"Upstairs sleeping," Hermione said, "Like Charlie and Adam are."

"Adam's spending the night?" Ron asked.

"He lives here too," Hermione said.

"So I was right," Ron said.

"Let Charlie explain it in the morning," Hermione said.

Tuesday, Harry woke, saw only Ron still slept, nobody else was in the loft. Harry crept to the edge, laid on the floor, and stuck his head through the opening. He saw Gia and Hermione sitting on the sofa.

"Anybody else down there?" Harry called out.

"Besides us?" Hermione said, "No-Charlie and Adam left for work for the rest of the morning."

Harry went to the other side with the ladder, but plunged downward and rolled out of the fall. He stood up. Hermione eyed him then ran the tip of a rolled up Daily Prophet across his front.

"Just a walk-sure." Hermione gave the paper a shove.

"Nice," Gia said.

Harry went over the bathroom as Ron came down.

"Where all did you go on your walk last night?" Hermione asked.

"Why?" Ron said, "Just around and about."

"How many countries?" Hermione asked.

"Implying something?" Ron bent over the back of the sofa, looked down into her eyes.

"The results of your walk are in the Daily Prophet." Hermione shoved the paper backward against his chest. Ron grabbed the paper, moved around the end of the sofa and sat beside Hermione.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, June 3, 1997

Potter Vandalizes Ministry, Takes Hostage

Last night the Dark Lord Harry Potter illegally broke into the Ministry of Magic, caused millions of galleons in damages, and took a hostage; all these actions clearly demonstrate the badly needed and delayed execution. Potter gained unauthorized entry all the way into the Auror Headquarters, destroyed fragile Law Enforcement instruments beyond repair and damaged doors. Upon being confronted by several people, Potter took hostage Seamus Finnigan, a sixth year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Potter used the innocent life as a bargaining chip to secure his escape, his flight from capture and justice. Finnigan was later found beaten in a Ministry lift and is recovering at St. Mungo's from his injuries. Initial estimates are that Potter caused nearly six million galleons in damages to the property of the Ministry of Magic. Upon learning about the intrusion, Minister Fallerschain stated, "A full investigation will be conducted into how Potter managed to gain unauthorized entry to the Ministry so that it cannot be repeated. All available measures will be employed to seek justice and compensation for the damages inflicted, however, the possible reliefs will be mitigated by the safe harbor provision that Albus Dumbledore is currently invoking to shield Potter from all responsibility of his actions."

Potter's International Mayhem

In the past day, Potter has carried on his international rampage of murders and destruction. Scores of muggles and people have been killed in Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Croatia, Canada, South Korea, Ghana, Ethiopia, Iraq, and many other countries by the antics of Potter - Potter is directly or indirectly responsible for each and every one of the deaths. Minister of Magic Victor Fallerschain has sworn cooperation with each country, but stipulates that his authority is limited in the matter.

Wizengamot Convicts Potter

Acting on the recommendations of the Potter Taskforce, the Wizengamot has approved the convictions of Harry Potter on a number of different charges. Harry Potter has been convicted in hundreds murders ranging from of Cedric Diggory two years ago to the five committed two days ago in Azerbaijan including: Molly Weasley (June 1996), Lucius Malfoy (June 1996), Rolanda Hooch (June 1996), Sibyll Trelawney (June 1996), Petunia Dursley (August 1996), Vernon Dursley (August 1996), Linda Granger (December 1996), Charles Granger (December 1996), Justin Finch-Fletchley (January 1997), Daedalus Diggle (January 1997), Natalie Macdonald (March 1997), and Padma Patil (April 1997), with these names chosen for having a known relationship with Potter. Additionally, Potter is formally implicated in thousands of disappearances over the past two years. Potter's sidekicks Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Gia Prescott have been convicted as accomplices in the matter.

In addition, the Wizengamot has approved the following measures: stripping of all Order of Merlins earned fraudulently in the past, removal of medals for special services in the prior years, overturning of all house cups and Quidditch cups from Gryffindor House for reasons of cheating on the part of Potter, attempted murder during Potter's second year for the numerous people petrified in some dark ritual, and convictions for underage wizardry during the summer of Potter's second and third years.

Upon contacting for a comment, the Minister of Magic Victor Fallerschain said, "I support any and all measures to hold Harry Potter accountable for his actions."

Harry looked over, adjusted his tie. "So, up to no good am I?"

"Better read it." Ron shoved the Daily Prophet at him. "Convicted of bed wetting and failure to take out the rubbish."

Ron went for the bathroom.

"Some committee!" Harry exclaimed, "Likely going to bill me for it!"

Hermione looked at him.

"Vandalism at the Ministry?" Hermione asked, "Was that the walk you went on?"

"Yep," Harry said, "Though I call it self-defense."

"Interesting spin," Hermione said.

"They had this globe-it pinpointed our Portkeys anywhere on the planet!" Harry said, "I destroyed it, took them months to construct."

"That gives us a breather," Hermione said, "You hope-what if there are more?"

"Six million galleons?" Harry said, "Likely not-but so long as we keep our eyes open, we should know the moment that happens. Besides, we could talk to Dumbledore, see if we can get registered Portkeys - they could tell the difference."

A half hour later, Dumbledore landed in the living room. Dumbledore looked around, saw the EM jackets hanging on the coat rack.

"Interesting attire," Dumbledore said, "Given who else is here." Dumbledore gazed upon Harry.

"Could you return them to Crabbe and Goyle for us?" Ron asked.

Dumbledore looked at Ron, then sat at the small table.

"Strangely," Dumbledore said, "Professor Snape found those two out of bounds last night in Hogsmeade."

Harry explained.

"This globe tracked your Portkeys?" Dumbledore asked.

"We're they the only ones internationally traveling by unregistered Portkeys," Harry said.

"We will need to attend to those before your return," Dumbledore said, "If they built one globe, there could easily be others. You definitely stirred up a storm of criticism."

"I had to," Harry said, "There was no real choice-we couldn't move anywhere without getting tracked down."

"I am not expressing any criticism about the choice made," Dumbledore said, "I merely pointed out the storm that will come from this. Taking Mr. Finnigan hostage to have him found beaten could lead to future implications-especially if he becomes targeted."

"Seamus got to me," Harry said, "That, I do regret."

Dumbledore sipped his tea.

"You may want to work on that temper," Dumbledore said, "I realize Mr. Finnigan likely provoked your ire and deserved it-however, keeping a cool head in all situations can be used to your credit, even when you would be perfectly justified to kill. Mr. Finnigan was documented to be out of bounds last night-the Ministry is not Hogwarts-therefore he has received detentions. I was unaware of Mr. Thomas being out of bounds-I will deal with that matter later."

Dumbledore paused for a moment. Gia delivered some creme cakes to the table.

"Thank you Miss. Prescott," Dumbledore said, grabbing a cake.

"What is this Safe Harbor the Minister keeps harping about?" Ron asked.

"It is a provision but also a tradition," Dumbledore said, "There have always been innocents falsely persecuted for ages-justice has gotten better over the years except when paranoia about Dark Lords starts. It was so firmly ingrained into the wizarding society that they enshrined the safe harbor into the forming charters of both the International Confederation of Wizards and the British Ministry - they cannot strip it without destroying those very institutions, a move that would immediately put us back under the jurisdiction of the muggle authorities."

"In my case," Harry said, "that would be better."

"If it had occurred months ago, which it has not," Dumbledore said, "Having invoked safe harbor, you are under my personal authority, not directly under that of the British Ministry; therefore, the authorities can no longer arrest you. That is the good side. The bad side is that I assume the same risks as you do."

"Meaning you will be executed with us?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore nodded.

"No-" Harry protested.

"Relax," Dumbledore said, "It gives us a few more months to clear this mess out-SDWCA provisions will still apply, unfortunately. Safe Harbor has always been meant to be used for emergencies, not casually; to date, this is the first time it has ever been formally invoked since the creation of either the ICW or Ministry, so the details are being played out now."

"Still-" Harry protested.

"You would have been arrested and executed last month otherwise," Dumbledore said, "Minister came to Hogwarts with Aurors demanding for your location-I was able to stall with the Safe Harbor provision."

"You failed to tell me earlier about-" Harry said.

"It merely codified a relationship that we already had," Dumbledore said, "I did not wish to disturb that. Safe Harbor is a legal shelter for you-that unfortunately does not stop the Wizengamot from trying to interfere."

"I noticed," Harry said, "How long until they drain my vault?"

"That requires a modification of the Gringotts charter," Dumbledore said, "Requires international-my, it may happen."

"They have Hermione's," Harry said.

Dumbledore looked to Hermione. A tear welled in her eye, then she explained the Ministry taking her inheritance.

"I am not an expert in Muggle law," Dumbledore said, "However, there should be options."

"Not many as a convicted murderer," Harry said.

"Easy sell politically," Ron said, "Deprive Dark Wizards of money-Dark Items and supplies do cost money."

"It is still despicable," Dumbledore said, "Depriving orphans of their inheritance."

Dumbledore eventually left. Harry was still working on an essay when the clock above the fireplace chimed that it was one in the afternoon. Two minute later, Charlie and Adam entered the cottage. Adam Adam cleared a spot on the stove, heated up a grill.

"Can I talk to you Ron?" Charlie asked.

"Sure," Ron said.

Ron went over and sat on the sofa, Charlie sat next to him.

"I know you've found Hermione, you're able to make her happy despite a certain impotence," Charlie said, "I found Adam."

"In other words," Ron said, "You're gay."

"Yes," Charlie said, "Now, you know what Mum would've said, what our family would say-keep it quiet."

Ron wrote in the air with an imaginary quill. "Dear Fred-"

"You wouldn't!" Charlie growled.

"Okay," Ron said, "Dear Ginny-"

"Not even remotely better," Charlie said.

"Why hide it?" Ron asked.

"You know the answer to that," Charlie said, "Remember, you barged in last night. I graciously permitted you to stay - I request you keep this matter to yourself."

Ron glared at Charlie.

"I came here after having having dozens of Killing Curses shot at me," Ron said, "I thought you held a brother's life above your petty issues."

"And all I'm asking in return is for you to keep your trap shut about me and Adam!" Charlie said.

"He will," Harry said.

Ron turned, glared at Harry. Green eyes locked onto brown.

"We all will," Harry said to Charlie, "I don't care what you shag, be it yourself, a chick, Adam, a goat, a dragon, Ron, or anyone else - it's your business, not mine."

"Thank you Harry," Charlie said, "Don't know about the Ron part-"

"Hey!" Ron snapped.

"How long?" Harry asked Charlie.

"I've known Charlie a number of years," Adam said, "I had my own cottage for most of them-moved in last fall."

Harry glanced at the clock.

"Well," Harry said, "Best be going."

"Nonsense," Adam said, "You can stay."

"Not without this cottage getting destroyed," Harry said, "Gia."

Harry put on his dragon hide jacket, grabbed Gia's, turned, grabbed Gia, and disapparated.

"I thought his girl was a muggle," Adam said.

"She is," Charlie said.

"They both disapparated," Adam said, "If she's a muggle, she's dead."

"Where there is a will," Hermione said, "There is a way."

"Harry was right about the time." Ron turned to Charlie. "See you-sometime."

Both Ron and Hermione got their dragon hide jackets, disapparated.

"Potter destroyed the globe-?" the Seeker asked of the Keeper. "Both of them?"

"Just one," the Keeper said, "That Eximo Macula is too efficient—we'd lose Potter-"

"The master does not concern himself-" Wormtail said.

"He should be concerned," the Keeper said, "Keeping Potter alive and a troublemaker is his ticket to what he wants."

Early Friday afternoon in Aruba, Harry was dressed in a pair of yellow flower board swimming shorts and a light green T-shirt. He looked over the buffet that had been rolled in.

"As you ordered sir," the waiter said.

"Thank you." Harry gave the waiter a tip.

Harry put his wallet back into his jacket laying in a heap at the side of the small room overlooking the Caribbean. Harry flopped his sandals over to where Hermione was sitting.

"Nice idea," Harry said, "Expanding the pockets-just a bit more space to carry the wardrobe."

"It's magic after all," Hermione said, "As Ron's fond of saying, you are a wizard."

"Well, had to make certain we wouldn't destroy the jacket's other property," Harry said, "Never know how long until we have to rely on that - next Tuesday at the latest."

Hermione played with her blue shorts.

"Going back?" Hermione asked.

"Quitting would be admitting defeat," Harry said, "It'd be conceding to the pressure."

"I know Ron's expressed similar remarks," Hermione said, "Likens it to backing out of a fight."

Harry snorted, looked at Ron playing with Gia. "Sounds like him."

"There is Gia," Hermione said, "Bringing a muggle to Hogwarts-especially when it's legal to assassinate her."

"And us," Harry said, "Know what you mean."

"Do keep in mind Harry that she's put her life on hold for you," Hermione said, "Her old life is gone-she's waiting until you put your affairs into order."

"It's not exactly easy!" Harry said, "An organization dedicated to killing me!"

"Ahem."

Harry turned around, saw Dumbledore standing there with McGonagall, Snape, and Tonks. Arthur, Ginny, Fred, and George landed. Neville and Rose Longbottom were next. Bones, then Moody with Snuffles, Charlie, Bill, and others landed with Portkeys.

"Thank you Mr. Potter for securing this place for our little card club," Dumbledore said.

Ginny watched Ron, wearing a pair of red patterned swim shorts, chase Gia around until his eyes happened upon the visitors. Ron walked up to Fred.

"Have them?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, yeah," Fred said, "Wouldn't want to interfere in your fun."

"Where is this?" Neville asked, looking out to the ocean then beaches to their sides and below them.

"Aruba," Ron said.

"Nice place to spend a suspension," Ginny said, "Professor McGonagall, can I get suspended too?"

"Suspensions are usually punishments," Snape sneered.

Neville glanced over, shook. "Sn-Snape?"

Harry straightened his back, looked over the crowd.

"Welcome," Harry said, "Food is over there." Harry pointed. "Places to sit are there." Harry pointed to the five round tables lined with silverware. "Eat, mingle, talk, and enjoy yourselves."

Harry saw Snape curl his lips down. Snape then loitered exclusively around Dumbledore at the center table. Harry went over, helped himself to the buffet, then sat down next to Dumbledore, to the other side was McGonagall.

"It is an interesting arrangement Harry," Dumbledore said.

"Some of us talk better in small groups," Harry said, "Like divulging the latest of news from the Death Eaters."

Harry started shelling his crab.

"Not everyone would appreciate the roles we all play Potter," Snape sneered.

"Be civil Severus," McGonagall said, "At least Gryffindor never had to resort to the Wizengamot to steal the Quidditch Cup."

"Talk to your resident cheat," Snape said.

"Every game has been referred and watched by hundreds of spectators," McGonagall said, "Nobody said a thing-Mr. Potter does not cheat at Quidditch, he has no reason to."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said.

Harry sipped a bit of beer.

"Alcoholic already," Snape sneered, "Likely explains a certain incursion into the Ministry," Snape said.

"Either that or assassination," Harry said, "Like you care-"

"Children," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall looked to Harry.

"It was partially true," Harry said, "I was getting hounded, watching that EM tail me from country to country, murdering locals for being too slow in responding to interrogations about me. So, yes, I did go to the Ministry, I did destroy their thing that was tracking me, and I did use Seamus Finnigan to escape."

"A confession," Snape sneered, "How remarkable."

Dumbledore's eyes darted, gave Snape a quick glare. Harry explained his task.

"It was a piece of Ministry equipment then," McGonagall said.

"Paid for by Voldemort," Harry said.

"How do you-?" Snape demanded.

"I just know!" Harry snapped.

"This is news to me," Dumbledore said.

"He bragged about it," Harry said, "He wanted me to cave in."

Harry put his hand down, blocked the fork Dumbledore was using to help himself to Harry's shelled crab. Harry then ate his crab and sipped his beer.

Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione sat down at a table with Ginny, Fred, Neville, and George.

"Nice location," Fred said, "First international traveling since Egypt, right Gin?"

"Where all has you been?" George asked.

Ron cut diligently at his steak.

"This week or last?" Ron said, "Difficult to keep track."

Ginny folded her arms, stared at the floor.

"If you want to be escaping killing curses," Ron said, "Feel free-otherwise, have a nice time at Hogwarts."

"Sucks there," Neville said, "All of Gryffindor is upset, very upset, at your getting all those cups turned over to Slytherin."

"They got them?" Ron demanded.

"They were runners up for all of them," Neville said, "Once revoked, they reverted to them. Filch has already changed the name plates. Worse, all of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw cheered at the news. Slytherins gloated all week long."

Ron stabbed at his potato. "Anybody look at their finances?"

"It's Harry's committee that did it!" Neville said, "Talk to him!"

"Who doesn't listen to Harry," Ron said, "That committee is a bunch of self-serving bureaucrats that includes Malfoy's Mum. Any guesses now?"

"Malfoy's mother is on that committee?" Neville said, "That explains that."

"All it does is harass Harry then send him a bill," Ron said, "Remember that attempt to force him to break up with Gia-they billed for that. They billed for allowing our brooms to get jinxed. Now that they're pushing to convict Harry-they'll bill for that too. Harry's supposed to be paying for his own execution."

"If only we were still there," George said, "We'd take them down a notch or two."

Gia had sat at a table with Tonks and Bones.

"Tell me," Tonks asked, "How does Harry do it? Keep you interested?"

"He has his ways," Gia said, "and he's determined to keep me."

"You've made a stir back in Noigate," Bones said, "Kristen's frantic about all the convictions that keep showing up."

"What am I guilty of?" Gia finished a carrot.

"As a declared accomplice," Bones said, "You are guilty of the same crimes as Harry, including Cedric Diggory."

"I never knew him then!" Gia protested.

"Unfortunately truth never seems to matter anymore in wizarding politics," Bones said, "As I understand it, the Ministry Aurors are clearing out their unsolved case files by assigning the blame to Harry - from rapes to murders to robberies to kidnapping to embezzlement to anything else you can think of. Muggles are currently rejecting the pressure to do similar measures, but it's only a matter of time until they cave in."

Tonks was shaking her head. "Absolutely ridiculous, to go blaming everything on some children!"

"I'm not a child!" Gia protested.

"It's a matter of perspective, Dumbledore draws the line at a hundred," Bones said, "Don't be surprised about international convictions."

Eventually, Harry pulled Neville outside onto the beach. Neville kicked off his shoes and followed.

"Nice location." Neville glanced over at some sunbathing girls.

Harry noticed the mild blushing of Neville.

"You've had a couple of weeks," Harry asked, "Any change of thoughts?"

"What?" Neville said, "I apologized, I meant it, you should've forgiven-"

"That is my decision, not yours," Harry said, "There've been so many injuries that it gets difficult sorting who did what - it's taking me time to come around to evening thinking about it, let alone come to terms with it. You're the first to apologize, that is definitely in your credit. It took guts to admit that you're wrong."

"Would it be simpler to just hit me?" Neville asked.

"With your Gran?" Harry said, "You've got to be kidding."

"I just thought you were better then them," Neville said, "Guess I'm wrong."

"Get things shoved up your rear and tell me you'll fare batter!" Harry said, "It's going to take time, that's all, but it'll never be like it used to be. What's done has been done, there's nothing that can undo that."

"It'd be simplier..." Neville gave Harry a quick shove to the ground.

Harry grabbed Neville's arm, flipped him onto his back onto the sand. Harry kept his arm across Neville's neck.

"Feel better?" Neville asked.

Harry moved, pulled Neville upright.

"Quick reflexes," Neville said.

"I could've killed you," Harry said.

"You didn't," Neville said, "You aren't a murderer Harry, you wouldn't kill."

"I have before," Harry said.

Neville worked his fingers at his ears.

"Pardon?" Neville asked.

Harry sat on the sand, water lapped onto his feet.

"I had no choice, or at least I thought that," Harry said, "Macnair was determined not to let anyone live-perhaps if I had used a different curse, or put up a watch, I could've avoided bloodshed."

"You killed Macnair?" Neville said, "That should've gotten massive publicity in the Daily Prophet, not some retirement thing."

"Macnair was a Death Eater," Harry said, "Had the best of Ministry jobs for someone who loved to kill. Retirement was likely the best spin."

"A hero kills to protect," Neville said, "A murderer kills to kill."

"I still hate what I had to do because of EM," Harry said, "I still hate what they're doing to avenge me."

"Seamus has a nasty pair of fists," Neville said, "It had a lot to do with why I even went along with them-I never did much, but I failed to stand up to them."

Harry watched a wave crash in, water rippled over his feet and up his shorts.

"I do forgive you Neville," Harry said, "Feel like spending the weekend here?"

"My..my, thank you," Neville said, "Have finals Monday to study...best leave with Gran. Likely looking for me now."

Harry got up, waded further into the surf, then followed the beach back while still wading. Harry was dripping from head to toe when they entered the restaurant.

"Neville!" Rose Longbottom, coming over, scolded, "Don't push-"

"He didn't," Harry said.

"A wonderful event to cater," Mrs. Longbottom said, "Thank you Harry."

Harry wandered a bit.

"Soaked?" Tonks said, "Reveals a bit more."

"Nothing that's not viewable in the Daily Prophet," Harry said, "March fifth if I recall."

"As any girl will tell you," Tonks said, "Live specimen is always better than pictures."

"You," Harry said, "of all people, should not be hitting on your students."

"You were withdrawn," Tonks said, "Remember? Therefore, you are not my student."

"Ahem."

Tonks turned around, saw McGonagall standing there.

"Fraternization is still frowned upon Ms. Tonks," McGonagall said, "Severus Snape is single if I recall correctly."

"Not a pleasant thought," Tonks said.

Harry chuckled, then put on a look of mortification as McGonagall and Tonks used a Portkey. Dumbledore and Snape drifted toward Harry.

"Nothing like a dip to cover the stench of drunkenness?" Snape sneered, "Is it Potter?"

"At least I wash myself on a regular basis," Harry said.

"There are easier ways to kill yourself," Snape said.

Harry glared at Snape.

"This conversation is over," Harry stated.

Dumbledore turned to Harry.

"Voldemort had asked-" Dumbledore said.

"A trick question!" Harry said, "How the devil can Snape get that information without revealing? I would not answer that question, even for you, so why should I share it with Voldemort? No, Snape, return to that congregation you've been summoned to."

Dumbledore's blue eyes darted between Harry and Snape.

"I was summoned three minutes ago," Snape said.

"Dawdle another minute and you're dead," Harry said.

Snape moved, disapparated. Dumbledore looked at Harry.

"You could have condemned him," Dumbledore said.

"No," Harry said, "Giving him an answer would have."

Dumbledore kept his gaze upon Harry.

"How often?" Dumbledore asked.

"Not enough to bother about," Harry said, "Usually it's the normal veiled threats, gloating. I know he wants to fool you with the charade, eventually, but not before your reputation is in the mud."

"Why am I learning about this now?" Dumbledore asked.

"It's not like he lectures it to me," Harry said, "Have to put the pieces together-by then, it's not something we didn't know anyways."

"We'll discuss further on Monday," Dumbledore asked, "Have you thought about Tuesday?"

"I'm returning," Harry said.

"If you'll excuse me," Dumbledore said, "I have preparations to make for your final-perhaps a stroll through the castle would qualify."

Harry rolled his eyes. Dumbledore disapparated. Harry looked around, saw that only Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Sirius remained.

"Get them?" Harry asked Ron.

Ron nodded with a grin.

"All we need to do now is rent a boat," Harry said.

"Boat?" Sirius said, "Just conjure-"

"What are we waiting for?" Harry asked Ron.

Ron shrugged. Harry grabbed his jacket.

"I wasn't staying to clean up-" Sirius said.

"Very considerate of you to offer," Harry said, "However, cleanup was a part of the hotel service-already paid for."

"We should talk," Sirius said.

Harry glanced at a clock. "Not here, our time is up. They need to get ready for the next group."

"Where then?" Sirius asked.

"Boat's fine as long as you swim to shore after you're done," Harry said.

"You'd toss your godfather-" Sirius said.

"Yep," Harry said, "It'd do you good to get in some dogie paddling."

Sirius rolled his eyes under his blond hair.

"We are renting a boat," Harry said, "You, if you want to talk then, fine, otherwise, we'll be back in a couple of hours."

"What is that?" Sirius was looking at the cloth bag Ron was holding.

"Gillyweed," Ron said.

"Perhaps I should come along to chaperon," Sirius said.

"We can manage just fine by ourselves," Harry said, "You, take some laps around the island, I'm certain there's a girl or two that would be delighted to have a dog for a short while."

Ron looked into the bag as Harry motored the boat out a ways.

"Can't believe you'd spend this much on Gillyweed," Ron said.

"You know the threats against my vault," Harry said, "If I don't enjoy it, the Ministry will-they already seized Hermione's inheritance."

"Remember about Gia?" Ron asked, "Does Gillyweed work for Muggles?"

"We'll find out," Harry said, "Notice the scuba tank under my jacket? Just in case."

"Sirius seemed peeved," Hermione said.

"Wanted to talk," Harry said, "Anyways, here we come."

Harry motored them to a standstill, dropped the anchor. Ron threw up the swimmer and diver caution markers. Gia reached into the bag, pulled out a wad of Gillyweed. She looked at the bundle of slimy, greyish green tails.

"Eat it," Harry said, "After changing."

Steadily, the bag of gillyweed got depleted as their swimwear dried out on the benches of the boat. It wasn't until the final rays of twilight were flickering in the west thatHarry motored the boat back to the dock.

"Well," Harry said, "Nice to know you can stretch the gillyweed time a bit if you're cautions."

"Planning on swimming again tomorrow?" Hermione asked.

Harry cut the engine, they drifted into the dock.

"Dunno what you two are planning on," Harry said.

They stopped, confronted a big blond monstrous dog in front of them, eying them over and sniffing. Dripping water no longer dripped after the dog made a big shake show splattering it upon Harry.

"Eww!" Harry said, "Disgusting when you realize who it is."

"Hi Snuffles," Ron said, "Soak Harry all you want."

"Thanks," Harry muttered.

Snuffles jumped off the dock into the water, swam along, following them along the beach. They approached the hotel.

"Um," Harry said, "I didn't exactly claim a pet."

Snuffles growled, again.

They entered the room, Snuffles transformed. Sirius glared.

"You put your social life ahead of me?" Sirius asked.

"Had things to do before the sun went down," Harry said.

"I'm certain of that," Sirius said, "Could you try taking things seriously?"

"Siriusly?" Harry asked, "Why should I?"

Sirius took a step backward; Ron went into the bathroom.

"You have people trying to kill you," Sirius said, "They want you dead."

"I've figured that out by now," Harry said, "I'm not a total dolt you know."

"Yet you go recklessly exposing yourself on the water?" Sirius said, "Nobody to guard you-"

"Except myself," Harry said, "That hasn't changed in months. I am not going to sulk in a cave, unlike someone else I know."

Gia moved between Harry and Sirius, she moved them apart by several feet. She looked at Sirius.

"I assume our swim was not the reason of your visit," Gia said.

"I wanted to chew him out for a little stunt last week," Sirius said, "It had many, many, people panicked."

"Most were rejoicing over it," Harry said.

"Not all," Sirius said, "Not many."

"All of them," Harry said, "My consultation prize was that there were not targeted attacks, save the one against my own skin." Harry flexed his eyebrows. "If that is all, I suggest you don't let the door hit your tail on your way out."

Sirius glared.

"I urge you heed that," Gia said, "Apparate back to wherever you're staying."

"Apparate internationally?" Sirius said, "Have to go spare to try."

Sirius took out a Portkey, vanished.

"We apparate all the time," Harry said.

"You apparate like that all the time," Ron said, "'Mione and I use the Portkey first to get to Britain, then apparate. Or, use you."

"Don't tell me," Harry said, "Another unusual ability."

"No," Ron said, "Just a good sense of direction."

"Thanks for trying to humor me." Harry finished changing into a conjured suit. "Well, time for dinner."

Harry escorted Gia, in a conjured flower dress, out the door.

Ron woke up Monday morning, reached over, and felt the skin of Hermione. He then tried to go back to sleep-managing a half hour of being flopped partially on her until she gave him a shove off.

"Wake up," Hermione said, "You're slobbering."

"Am I?" Ron's eyes met her brown under those eyebrows.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Ron paused, parting the curtains enough to look out onto the street below of Rosario, Argentina. He then grabbed the Daily Prophet, read it.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, Jun 9, 1997

EM Problem Solver

Potter, Harry : 3,710,000 galleons

Weasley, Ron : 2,840,000 galleons

Granger, Hermione : 1,901,000 galleons

Prescott, Gia : 1,057,000 galleons

Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation. 30,000 galleon bonus for each relation severed.

People Hate Potter

In a recent joint poll of UK citizens, cosponsored by both EM and Albus Dumbledore, the facts are revealed in just how much everyone hates Harry Potter.

Hate, In the EM ... 40 %

Hate, Sympathetic to EM ... 25 %

Hate, No to EM ... 25 %

Undecided, Skeptical ... 5 %

Love or Support Potter ... 5 %

±3% margin of error

EM (Eximo Macula) is an organization dedicated to the removal of the emerging threat posed by Harry Potter. This organization has 600,000 members in the UK, and 23,000,000 world wide.

Harry shoved the paper aside, and read a letter in the light dawn, on the open plain of Patagonia, Argentina.

Mr. Harry Potter,

A new resolution has been passed by the Board of Governors which extends the duration of a suspension that may be issued by the Minister of Magic to two months.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry turned to the next letter.

Harry

The good side to the resolution is that any such suspension ends at the end of the school year. While peanuts compared to the injustice, it is a small victory.

Second, I did help finance that survey published in the Daily Prophet. I felt it important for you to know that not everyone hates you, even if it is five percent of the population.
Dumbledore

"Small indeed," Harry muttered.

Tuesday, Harry sat down in the hostel kitchen in Vaduz Liechtenstein, read the Daily Prophet first.

"Anything interesting?" Gia asked.

"Same old," Harry said, "I'm hated and summarily convicted of a number of things. It's into the muggle world too."

Harry moved onto a letter bearing the recognizable seal of his committee. He trembled as he opened it.

"Seven million," Harry said, "They're out of their minds!"

Gia scanned the bill.

"Lemme get this straight," Gia said, "They plead guilty for you on your behalf and then billed you for it?"

"Sums it up." Harry hissed, the bill disintegrated.

Gia plopped down some bacon and eggs for Harry, then for herself; she poured tea and delivered toast.

"It's totally unfair," Harry said, "Was convicted for running over somebody's pet cat in Paisley on Sunday-despite the facts I don't drive or own have a car or wasn't even in the country at the time! My committee plead guilty on my behalf-Umbridge is the appointed solicitor for any criminal matters pertaining to me."

"Can't you represent yourself?" Gia asked.

"Requires Wizengamot approval," Harry said, "No."

"Disgusting," Gia said, shaking her head.

Harry took another letter, opened it.

Harry

As a reminder, your suspension has expired. You may return today to Hogwarts if you wish to do so.
Dumbledore

"That's right," Harry said, "Nearly forgot about that."

"Going?" Gia asked.

"I don't like quitting in a fight," Harry said, "Of course."

Harry landed in Dumbledore's office, Gia stumbled; he saw Ron and Hermione there.

"Glad you could make it," Dumbledore said, "Took me some time, but I was able to come up with a final to accommodate you. First, I will let you know Harry that your observation was correct; Professor Snape won't show it, but he is grateful for your tipoff."

Harry grunted.

"Miss. Prescott," Dumbledore said, "You will remain here for Mr. Potter does not need a charge to be slowing him down on this."

Harry studied the blue eyes.

"Just so you understand the current climate," Dumbledore said, "Students are, under that despicable ordinance, permitted to launch any attack against you they feel like-you could be punished for defending yourselves. On the practical side, the Prefects have made it understood that they will award points for attacks and dock points for those who do not."

"Potter hunting reserve," Harry said.

"Through which-" Dumbledore looked at Harry, then Ron, then Hermione "-you will commence your final, a scavenger hunt in the castle."

"Sounds easy," Ron said.

Dumbledore laid out three individual pieces of parchment along with three pendants.

"On these you will find maps," Dumbledore said, "The pendants are charmed to keep score, to track you for my benefit, to be an emergency Portkey by your yelling help, and will obscure you from yourselves as I do not want collaboration on this. Most importantly, you need to keep your necks. Barring that, I do penalize several tactics to minimize confrontation, the Disillusionment charm is one of those. Once you grab the pendant, the test starts with you being transported to the Potions dungeon for several things you will find useful."

"How long will this take?" Harry asked.

"As long as you need to complete the hunt," Dumbledore said, "If you are quick, you'll be done sometime on Thursday."

Ron glared at the grin on Hermione's face.

"One matter of a different sort before you start," Dumbledore said, "Some of the students have requested a session to discuss matters with yourselves. My stance is that the matter is up to you, whether you are willing to sit down and talk your side of the story to an audience."

"Would they listen?" Harry asked.

"The fact that they are requesting the discussion would hint that they would be more inclined to listen to you than they ordinarily would," Dumbledore said, "Wands of other students would be confiscated upon entry for your safety in the matter."

"Doesn't smell right," Ron said.

"The effort was spearheaded by Miss. Weasley and Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore said, "They might be the only ones to show up, or the entire school. It would not be mandatory for anybody to attend - I would merely be providing the opportunity."

"I'll do it," Harry said, "Even if it's a trap, I can't afford not to take the opportunity. Dunno about the rest of you-Gia should stay clear."

Dumbledore took a quill. "I will schedule several hours in the Great Hall for Friday, we will pause your examination if necessary."

"Will we pause at night?" Harry asked.

"I will leave that matter up to you," Dumbledore said, "You may come here for breaks, during which, the time spent will not count against you. If you wish to leave the castle during your break, that will be your option."

Harry grabbed his map.

"Password to Gryffindor Tower is hostage," Dumbledore said, "Keep the pendant securely on you."

Hermione took her pendant, hung it around her neck allowing the metal to slip under. Ron and Harry secured theirs. Once ready, Dumbledore waved his wand; Harry, Ron, and Hermione vanished.

Gia's mouth dropped.

"Never worry Miss. Prescott," Dumbledore said, "It was the fastest way to get them started. Care for a spot of tea?"

"Um," Gia said, "Sure."

With a wave, a teapot appeared on the low coffee table between two easy chairs. Dumbledore started to stand, wobbled, Gia caught him.

"Thank you," Dumbledore said.

Dumbledore grabbed a fourth piece of parchment and his cane, he hobbled over to an easy chair and sat; Gia sat in the other one. Gia poured the tea, handed a cup to Dumbledore. Dumbledore took a sip.

"Do you love Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"What kind of-?" Gia protested.

"A simple one," Dumbledore said.

"Of course," Gia said, "Sucks to keep putting things off."

Dumbledore's eyes laid upon the emerald encrusted ring on her right hand.

"May I?" Dumbledore asked.

Gia raised her hand, Dumbledore couldn't budge the ring.

"Fascinating," Dumbledore said, "I assume Harry did something."

"Enchanted it with some anti theft thing," Gia said.

Gia demonstrated the ease she could remove the ring.

"What do you see?" Dumbledore asked.

"Flashes," Gia said, "For a second it's normal, another it's a burnt ruin. My eyes can't decide."

Dumbledore inspected the platinum ring, then handed it back to her.

"I doubt Harry knows exactly what he invested into that ring," Dumbledore said, "Obvious the effects linger after removal. That may have started as an ordinary piece of jewelry, but it's now absolutely unique. He loves you deeply, had to in order to make that, has to in order to keep the charms good."

"Is he aware of the potential consequences?" Gia asked.

"No," Dumbledore said, "That is what makes the bond unique and special. He has to figure things out for himself, it's different for each person who does it. I did it for my wife some years ago."

"You were married?" Gia asked.

"To a muggle many years ago," Dumbledore said, "She lived to a respectable age, but died prematurely due to Grindlewald."

Dumbledore looked on his parchment.

"Well," Dumbledore said, "They appear to still be brewing their potions. I presume Mr. Potter will be done first."

"Interesting observation," Gia said.

"It is in how they approach things," Dumbledore said, "Miss. Granger will be quite methodical and I would be most willing to trust her potions. Mr. Potter will undoubtedly be using a shortcut or two, make some dodgy substance but it will indeed work, albeit with a surprise or two. Mr. Weasley has a bit more wizarding knowledge. Of course, sneaking into Severus' stores for the key ingredients will be a different matter altogether."

Gia sipped her tea.

Harry landed in the dungeon, looked around, all he saw was Snape glaring, then saw shadows of Ron and Hermione, neither of whom seemed to have taken an interest in him.

"Troublesome trio," Snape sneered, "How delightful."

Harry setup three cauldrons on his desk, then proceeded to grab ingredients. Harry ignored Snape breathing down his neck.

"Add a beetle-no," Harry muttered, "Go for the rat tail."

Harry reached over, pinched several rat tails.

"Interesting method to make a dissolving potion," Snape said.

"You're not supposed to help," Harry said, "This way is quicker."

"And painful," Snape said.

"No pain, no gain," Harry said, "Old muggle expression."

"And used by only one other that I am aware of," Snape said.

"Like his demonstration last night?" Harry asked.

Harry stirred one of his cauldrons, ladled a spoon up to examine.

"Looks the same color," Harry said, "You seem pleasant today-drunk?"

"I am not drunk Potter," Snape said, "You will address me as Professor Snape. I would take points, but they no longer matter to you."

"You're welcome to the tip off," Harry said.

Snape walked over to the other cauldrons, then returned to his desk to prepare for the other finals. Harry got the other potions to brew properly, he corked his vials, then quickly tidied. He saw the shadows of Ron and Hermione as he left the dungeon. Up the stairs Harry went, then came across a seventh year Ravenclaw descending.

"Avada-" the boy started, wand aimed.

A curse shot forth from Harry's wand that had appeared in his hand, it hit the boy who's hand immediately moved from his wand to his nose. The oak wand clattered down the stairs, blood oozed out of his nose, the boy ran up the stairs.

Harry came to the Entrance Hall, took another look at his map. He went over to a statue by the marble staircase, took out a vial of his green potion, poured over it.

"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall demanded, coming down the stairs, "What do you think you're up to?"

"Final for Professor Dumbledore," Harry said.

Harry reached into the back of the statue, removed a chocolate frog labeled "Harry" with loopy handwriting.

"Tingles," Harry said, "That's what Snape was talking about."

Harry shook his right hand, and then pulled McGonagall down. A green curse shot down the corridor, broke a stone of the wall behind Harry.

"My goodness!" McGonagall exclaimed.

"Final is to survive a scavenger hunt through the castle," Harry said.

Harry had his wand drawn, peeked around the statue; another green curse shot from the approaching Auror Sidney.

"Stop Potter!" Sidney yelled.

"To be executed?" Harry replied.

"Sidney!" McGonagall protested.

"Step out of the way," Sidney warned, "Or be killed as an accomplice."

Harry fired a stunning curse at Sidney who shook it off. More green curses fired from Sidney splitting apart stones and the statue. Harry fired a cyan curse that Sidney shook off. Sidney kept firing curses, McGonagall's wand was out, another statue strode to block, shattering. Harry fired a green curse, Sidney fell with a thud.

"I will summon Madam Pomfrey," McGonagall said, "You should wait in Professor Dumbledore's office."

Harry took off his pendant, stepped into disillusion, went up to the second floor, and entered the marble staircase of the Stone Gargoyle. Harry entered the Headmaster's office; Gia and Dumbledore stopped to look at him.

"Another Auror is dead," Harry said.

"Please explain," Dumbledore said.

Harry sat next to Gia and then explained the incident in the Entrance Hall.

"I suggest you hide," Dumbledore said, "The Minister must be informed."

Harry escorted Gia, they sat on the floor near the desk; Harry cast disillusionment over them both. Dumbledore went over to the fireplace, brought Minister Fallerschain back as McGonagall entered the office.

"What is the pleasure today?" Fallerschain demanded.

"Aurors attacking the teachers!" McGonagall said, "That is unprofessional and cannot be tolerated among any of the Aurors stationed at Hogwarts."

"My Aurors are professionally trained!" Fallerschain said, "You brought me here for this Dumbledork?"

"Your Auror Sidney hallucinated," McGonagall said, "He thought Mr. Potter was standing nearby myself in the Entrance Hall. Sidney fired Killing Curse after Killing Curse, he refused all attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution and had me cornered. I was forced to kill Sidney in self-defense Minister."

Dumbledore stood firm and tall behind his desk.

"Minister," Dumbledore said, "I want these Aurors removed from Hogwarts until such time as you can properly retrain them. Attempted murder on any teacher or staff is intolerable."

Fallerschain looked between the two.

"Oh," Fallerschain said, "You take me for a fool do you? I can see what you're up to."

"I have known Minerva for many years," Dumbledore said, "Her judgment is sound. I have also made my position clear, Killing Curses are not to be tolerated at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"As I have pointed out repeatedly," Fallerschain said, "All provisions of law apply to Hogwarts as well as the whole of the Isle. Killing Curses are permitted if directed at anybody listed under the SDWCA as a means of resolving a crisis."

"That will no longer be true at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, "Aurors are not to kill, students must find a means other than a killing curse. I am certain that both the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors would see the lack of wisdom in permitting Killing Curses to be cast amongst children even if a suspected dark wizard might be among them."

"We shall see about that," Fallerschain said.

"In the meanwhile," Dumbledore said, "The remaining Aurors are to be removed until a consensus can be reached on appropriate safety guidelines."

Fallerschain puffed. "They will be temporarily reassigned, but you have not heard the last of this."

Fallerschain left the Headmaster's office.

"Minerva, wait," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall stopped, turned back to Dumbledore. Dumbledore took a seat behind his desk.

"All parties may show themselves." Dumbledore gave a glance at Harry.

Harry and Gia came into illusion, remained seated against the shelves.

"Please explain the truthful version Minerva," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall explained. "I lied to protect Mr. Potter."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said.

The doors of the office swung open, through which came Snape gripping Ron by the cuff of the collar.

"Yes Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

"I caught Mr. Weasley murdering-" Snape sneered.

"Was not-he attacked me!" Ron protested.

Dumbledore put his right arm up for a moment.

"Severus," Dumbledore said, "Explain what you saw, not what you thought."

"I had business to attend to elsewhere," Snape said, "I rounded the corner in the basement to witness Mr. Weasley using a Killing Curse on Auror Walmer."

Dumbledore looked to Ron.

"I was trying to enter the kitchens for the final," Ron said, "Walmer intercepted, didn't bother listening to my explanation, instead started a fight. I defended, he suffered a bloody nose as a result. He sulked off a couple of yards then pulled his wand and started firing killing curses at me. He destroyed the painting into the kitchen, I accidentally backed myself into a corner-I had no choice. Walmer was set on killing me."

"What a naive idea," Dumbledore said, "To think they could manage a stroll across the castle without having somebody try to slit their throats - I was certain some students would hassle them, but not the Aurors to this extent. Walmer?"

"Mr. Weasley seems proficient at the Killing Curse," Snape said.

"Dead," Ron said.

"It saddens me-" Dumbledore said.

"We need to hurry," Hermione said as she entered the office, Wood several steps behind.

"Pardon us Miss. Granger," Dumbledore said.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said.

"I witnessed Hermione being assaulted by several students," Wood said, "I intervened, but then did an Auror. She threw accusations at Hermione, tried for a summary execution, but Saltwood didn't succeed."

"I almost had them off my back," Hermione said, "Wood helped me finish-but Saltwood ordered me to accept the assault. I refused, Saltwood shot out a killing curse at me, but it hit the only other student remaining, Orla Quirke, a third year Ravenclaw. I hid behind a statue, but that was destroyed by Saltwood, I had to resort to killing her."

"Don't tell Poppy." Dumbledore banged his forehead against his desk for a moment.

"Congratulations!" McGonagall said to the trio, miffed, "You have just managed to kill half the Ministry Aurors stationed at Hogwarts for the day between the three of you! Clearly a school record."

"I would think it wise for you to call it a day Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, "I need some time to reconsider the format of my final for you. That, and the realization that the Minster is approaching the Stone Gargoyle."

Harry activated his Portkey; Ron, Hermione, and Gia grabbed on. They landed near a shoreline, saw many relic fortifications.

"Where?" Ron said, "How about a restaurant, it's already past noon."

"In a few," Harry said, "That looks semi-interesting."

They walked a few hundred yards to the base of a lighthouse, currently unoccupied. They sat on the stone steps overlooking a big body of water.

"Food?" Ron asked.

"Be back in a few," Harry said.

Harry disapparated.

"Where is this anyways?" Ron asked.

"Sevastopol," Hermione said, "Ukraine-British and Russian muggles had a war here back in the middle of the nineteenth century."

"Crimean war," Gia said.

Harry apparated, was carrying a cardboard tray with sodas, chips, and fish; all bearing the corporate logo of Ivar's.

"Where'd you go?" Gia asked.

"Seattle," Harry replied.

"Can't complain about the delivery," Gia said.

Harry sat on a stone next to Gia.

"Professor McGonagall said we got half of the Ministry Aurors," Hermione said.

"Means they started with six," Harry said, "We each got one."

"At least you got them rather than letting them get you," Gia said.

Ron gripped Hermione's knee. "You said you were assaulted."

"Nothing major," Hermione said, "A bit of shoving, I put up a fight. Saltwood tried to get me to let them murder me."

Harry felt at his dragon hide jacket, removed a letter.

Harry

Poppy has verified the deaths of the three Aurors. I had examined them and discovered that all three had Dark Marks on their arms. Minister is upset, very upset, but has conceded that undue stress may have prompted his Aurors to go spare.
Dumbledore

"They were Death Eaters," Harry said, "Which explains their behavior-reformed Death Eaters my arse."

"Be interesting to see the spin the Ministry tries on this," Ron said.

"Oh sure!" Harry said, "Likely I gave them the creeps!"

"I say you should pass," Gia said, "The final, I mean, wasn't the whole point of crossing the school was to expose you to a hazardous situation and survive?"

"Killing wasn't a part of the idea," Harry said, "Points or none-we're using the disillusionment charm or whatever at Hogwarts, period, to avoid confrontations."

Harry felt the tingle of his jacket, he reached in and pulled out another pair of letters with green handwriting.

Harry

Minister is trying to figure a way to make you culpable in the four deaths today, he isn't getting as far as he would like. However, he has invoked a modified three day "cooling off" suspension - you will be permitted to return for the session Friday evening in the Great Hall. Your final will need to be rescheduled appropriately. Minister has also pulled the Aurors for the remainder of the week pending an investigation.
Dumbledore

Harry moved to the second letter.

Harry Potter

You have been suspended under the authority of the Minister of Magic, Victor Fallerschain. You may return to Hogwarts no sooner than five in the evening on Friday, June 13, 1997.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry

"Well?" Ron asked.

"We've been suspended," Harry said, "Minister doesn't want us interfering in the investigation I presume."

Ron finished off his lunch.

"See you tomorrow Harry," Ron said.

"What?" Hermione asked.

Ron managed a big grin, grabbed Hermione, and disapparated.

"He just made an executive-" Gia stammered.

Harry pulled her close, planted his mouth onto hers.

Wednesday morning, Harry woke up in their room in Odessa, Ukraine. The Daily Prophet fell from his jacket.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, June 11, 1997

Three Aurors, One Student, Dead at Hogwarts

Yesterday, three highly qualified Ministry Aurors and a student perished at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster, issued a statement purporting to place the blame upon the Aurors themselves, apparently in some orchestrated murder suicide. Minister of Magic, Victor Fallerschain, has promised a full investigation that will upon the whereabouts of Dark Lord Harry Potter. As an emergency measure, the Minister has removed the remaining Aurors from Hogwarts and given a three day suspension to Potter pending the outcome of the investigation. In an issued statement from Dolores Umbridge, chair of the Harry Potter Guidance Committee and Potter Taskforce, "Harry Potter hereby confesses to the brutal slayings yesterday at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but will endeavor to escape all punishment he can." Those killed are Orla Quirke, a third year Ravenclaw; Aurors Sidney, Walmer, and Saltwood.

"They issued a confession in my name?" Harry exclaimed, "That's-!"

Gia started to work his shoulders when an red Howler bearing the familiar seal of the committee came out of his pocket.

HARRY JAMES POTTER

HOW DARE YOU MURDER AT HOGWARTS! YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. YOUR CARING COMMITTEE SUGGESTS A ROPE AND A HIGH LEDGE!
Dolores Umbridge, chair of the Potter Taskforce

Harry recoiled, sunk back down onto the bed, his head drooping.

"All these deaths," Harry muttered, "Turn around, another death. Wish I could wave my wand," Harry muttered, "Make everything all right."

That evening, Harry landed in Bordeaux, France; Hermione stumbled, Ron caught her, Gia landed on Harry's right foot. Harry jumped for a moment.

"Sorry," Gia muttered.

Harry took a step forward with a limp. Ron pointed, Harry sat on the park bench near the stream. Harry pulled off his dragon hide boot, removed the thread bare sock, and revealed a bruised foot. Gia touched the top of the darkening skin.

"Ow!" Harry exclaimed.

Hermione looked. "Let you puzzle on it for a while Harry."

"'Mione!" Ron snapped.

"He's got some training in Healing," Hermione said, "Now's as good a time as any for a little pop quiz."

Harry got out his wand, pointed it at his foot.

"Broken," Harry said, "You two go shag under that bridge. Gia and I are returning."

Hermione glared at Harry, eyes flashing.

"Shag in the fountain then!" Harry said, "I'm consulting Notley-see you tomorrow."

Harry got out his Portkey, Gia held on to it and Harry's boot and sock; he activated it.

"Go and shag?" Hermione stammered, "That perverted-!"

"Friend," Ron said in a calm manner.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I didn't mind the suggestion," Ron said, starting down the stone path.

"I'm sure you didn't," Hermione said.

They entered a cafe while Hermione took out a paper.

THE EVENING PROPHET

Wednesday, June 11, 1997

Ministry Shakeup

Minister of Magic, Victor Fallerschain, has announced a series of sweeping reforms that should help it better respond to citizen's concerns regarding the Potter crisis and other matters.

All heads of the departments have been fired or reassigned to lesser positions. Albion Takeley will become the Executive Assistant, replacing the burgeoning number of undersecretaries. Hadria Dunwood will replace Burmarsh as the head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, Langore will replace Buckland as chief Auror. In the Dept of Audit and Legal Services, Zoar will become head; Esgair will chief the Audit Services, Gogar will chief Legal Services. Lesser replacements include Abberley will become the head for Dept Magical Games and Sports, Marshfield to head the Dept of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Trefin to head the Dept of International Magical Cooperation, Ruaig to head the Dept of Magical Transportation, Larkhill to head the Dept for Magical Creatures, and Sheerwater to head the Dept of Mysteries.

Eric Munch has been fired for dereliction of duty, thereby permitting Harry Potter to gain entry to the Ministry of Magic a week ago.

Dolores Jane Umbridge has been fired from all positions at the Ministry of Magic after a career spanning fifty years. This action was taken after an audit confirmed that she had committed fraud, bribery, and embezzlement during her tenure on the Harry Potter Guidance Committee double billing the expenses to both the Ministry and Potter. Umbridge had appointed herself the solicitor for Harry Potter at the beginning of the month and has proceeded to file motions in the Wizengamot on his behalf-moves that Fallerschain has explicitly forbidden her from taking. Umbridge is reportedly being offered a position at the Prophet and being courted by the EM as a possible candidate for Minister of Magic.

Citing the mismanagement by Umbridge, Fallerschain has dissolved the Harry Potter Guidance Committee and the Potter Taskforce. "These committees are not serving the purpose for which they were formed; Potter is still a menace. Not once has the chair bothered to interview Potter or truly understand the mechanisms behind which he may be suffering; instead, Umbridge thwarted the process as a means to impose her own views upon Potter and robbing him for the privilege. Whether this has hastened Potter's decline, we will never be certain, but new tactics are called for."

In a controversial move, the Wizengamot has laid aside all of the convictions of Potter for whom Umbridge was the solicitor. This includes the thousands over the past two weeks. "I acknowledge the controversy, however, it is improper for us to plead Potter guilty, rather to convict him guilty. A solicitor who is to represent Potter must represent and defend Potter properly. All charges will be retried."

A special investigation and judicial team is being setup as the Potter Tribunal, the purpose to investigate and prosecute all relevant charges against Potter for his recent crimes. Dowlais, chair, has stated the huge amount of paperwork to sort through, the tribunal is tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 5, 1998.

EM Decries Tribunal

EM is aghast at the trivial manner that Minister of Magic Victor Fallerschain is handling the Potter affair. EM asserts that the Potter Taskforce was working and was achieving the results as we all know them to be. This Potter Tribunal is nothing more than a farce and a stall tactic as political points the upcoming recall election. It is absurd that the Minister is placing his job ahead of the necks of every person in this country. One wonders if anyone will be alive from Potter's tactics should we have to wait until January for any action out of the Ministry.

"Umbridge fired?" Ron said, "Harry's going to be pleased about that."

"Reversals of convictions," Hermione said, "That's a momentary relief."

Friday, Ron and Hermione landed in Dumbledore's office about a quarter to seven in the evening; Harry and Gia were already there along with Dumbledore.

"Good evening," Dumbledore said.

"Likewise," Ron said.

"Let's go," Harry said, "Hermione, stay here."

"What?" Hermione exclaimed, "I want to go!"

Harry pulled Hermione aside.

"I do not know what type of reception we will be getting," Harry said, "Stay with Gia, keep her safe here. Thank you Hermione."

"But Dumbledore-" Hermione protested.

"Have you seen how weak he's getting?" Harry said, "No, keep her safe. Ron and I can handle the questions."

"You're worried?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Harry said, "Something doesn't feel right-I don't want you or Gia harmed."

Hermione sighed. Harry gave her a quick kiss, then went over and gave Gia a kiss.

"You may use the fireplace," Dumbledore said.

Ron and Harry went for the fireplace, they came out of the fireplace in the Antechamber behind the Great Hall.

"Brings back a spooky memory or two," Ron muttered.

"I know," Harry said, "The last time-don't want to think about it."

They walked through the door into the Great Hall, many students were there, looking at them. Harry looked around, saw none of the Slytherins, only some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, but also saw most of the Gryffindors, Tonks in a corner. Much muttering came from the students.

"Dark Art!" a second year Hufflepuff said.

"Coming through a door?" Ron exclaimed, "A Dark Art? Are you daft?"

"Quiet," Harry said.

Everyone stopped talking, Harry glanced around.

"Stand up," Harry said, "I'm rearranging the accommodations."

They stood up, Harry drew his wand; the tables slammed against the side of the Great Hall, the benches moved to form a half circle. Another bench moved into the center of the circle. Harry and Ron sat.

"We had to check our wands!" Finnigan protested.

"That was to give us confidence you wouldn't assassinate us," Harry said, "You all want answers-I cannot guarantee I'll give you what you want to hear. Just remember, two wrongs don't make a right.

"Voldemort is not dead, but alive; it takes one rotten apple to spoil a barrel, he's done a good job with you lot here at-"

Harry coughed, the air turning into a mist. A clear mist of air came from his jacket, an orange bolt formed in the air and hit Harry, he felt a jerk behind his naval.

Hermione paced the Headmaster's office for the umpteenth time.

"There are plenty of books." Dumbledore worked at a piece of parchment on his desk.

"Harry was worried about something," Hermione said, "I just know it."

"It was organized by Mr. Longbottom and Miss. Weasley," Dumbledore said, "However, there is the possibility that our culprits will try to exploit the gathering."

Gia sipped tea, kept reading War and Peace. "It's about Russia." Hermione rolled her eyes.

McGonagall came through the doors.

"Albus," McGonagall said, "Come immediately." McGonagall saw Hermione and Gia. "You two had better come."

"Please explain." Dumbledore rose slowly, made for his cane.

"Nymph went to supervise that-whatever," McGonagall said, "All of them were knocked out, when she woke, dozens of the students had vanished."

"Vanished?" Dumbledore asked, his cane tapping on the floor through the doors.

"Foul play is strongly suspected," McGonagall said.

They stepped off the spiral stairs onto the second floor, McGonagall pointed her wand to her throat.

"All students return to your dormitories immediately," McGonagall announced, her voice magically echoed throughout the corridors.

"Stay with us," Dumbledore said to Hermione and Gia.

"All the students that were in the Great Hall are missing, except-" McGonagall paused.

"Ron or Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Those two are the exceptions," McGonagall said, "They've vanished."

They approached the Entrance Hall from down the Marble stairs, heard a trip and a thud next to the oak front doors. Hermione looked down, saw a black haired and green eyed boy laying on his back, dragon hide jacket splayed open.

"Ha-" Hermione started.

"Harry!" Dumbledore asked, "What-?"

"I take full responsibility," the boy said, "I did it because I wanted to do it."

Brown eyes locked onto green.

"That's not-" Hermione protested.

"Do you take responsibility Mr. Potter?" Fallerschain asked as he came out of one of the Floo fires.

"I do," the black haired boy said.

"What did you do?" Fallerschain asked.

"I kidnapped them," the black haired boy said,

"Let us move into the Antechamber," Dumbledore said, "Up!"

Dumbledore's wand was aimed at the boy, who rose.

"We do it here," Fallerschain stated.

McGonagall conjured up a plain stool for the boy, a chair for the remainder. Fallerschain took out a roll of parchment and a Quick Quotes quill.

"Who are you?" Fallerschain asked.

"Harry Potter," the boy replied.

"Where are the students?" Fallerschain asked.

"I'm not telling," the boy replied.

"Are they alive?" McGonagall asked.

"Why should I tell you?" the boy replied.

"We need Veritaserum," Fallerschain said, "Don't let him move."

"You will find that with Severus in the dungeons," Dumbledore said.

Fallerschain moved and went down the stairs.

"Who are you?" Dumbledore asked the boy.

"Harry Potter," the boy replied.

"This will be brief." Dumbledore aimed his wand at the boy's head. "Imperio!...Finite Incantatum!"

"Who are you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Har-H..." The boy started to change.

McGonagall nodded, watched the boy transform and change into-

"Neville?" Hermione asked.

"What am I doing out here?" Neville said, "I fainted, then here."

"Where is he?" Fallerschain demanded, coming up the stairs.

"Here," Dumbledore said, "It was an impostor-"

Fallerschain glared at Dumbledore.

"Rubbish!" Fallerschain said, "You hid Mr. Potter! You and Potter are in on whatever you're up to!"

"It was a double!" Hermione growled back.

"You bitchy Mudblood-you're suspended," Fallerschain said, "all of you, until the end of the term."

"This term is over," Dumbledore said.

"Retaliation!" Fallerschain said, "No, with them gone, there is no more danger! Hogwarts it to remain open until the end of the scheduled term. If you are incompetent to run it, then step aside for somebody who can."

Dumbledore looked to Tonks. She came over and collected Neville.

"And the young ladies," Dumbledore said.

"They have been suspended!" Fallerschain said.

Dumbledore stood up, straight, looked at the Minister.

"You have," Dumbledore said, "Tonks is seeing to their departure."

"Aurors are returning," Fallerschain said, "Tonight! You insisted on their removal, now I know why!"

Sparks came out of Hermione's wand.

"SHUT UP!" Hermione shouted at the Minister, "WE HAVE STUDENTS MISSING! QUIT BRAWLING LIKE SEVEN YEAR OLDS!"

Fallerschain glared at Hermione.

"You're out of line Bitch," Fallerschain said.

"Minister," Dumbledore said, "It would be prudent to finish our discussion in my office while we have our staff and Aurors search for the students."

"We'll settle it as soon as you disclose where you have hidden Potter," Fallerschain said.

"This way," Tonks whispered.

Gia and Hermione followed Tonks and Neville up the marble stairs. Wood followed several steps behind.

"They have been suspended!" Fallerschain said.

"Minister," Dumbledore said, "It takes time to make the arrangements, they will be gone before the evening is out."

Voices faded as the distance grew. Tonks led them all into the Hospital Wing.

"Disgusting," Pomfrey said, collecting the bags.

"Mr. Longbottom needs an examination," Tonks said, "Check him for potions administered in the last hour."

"What?" Neville exclaimed.

"You need to be checked out," Tonks said.

Pomfrey escorted Neville to a bed, drew the curtains around.

"Have a seat," Tonks said to Hermione and Gia, "I need to keep an eye on you."

Tonks changed her shape a bit, widened her eye sockets.

"Do we know who all has been kidnapped?" Hermione asked.

"From those I recall seeing," Tonks said, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Pavarti Patil, Lavender Brown, Colin Creevy, Dennis Creevy, Cho Chung, Roger Davies, and a number of others.

They waited until Pomfrey was done with her exam, pulled the curtains back.

"We need a report," Tonks said.

"Privacy-" Pomfrey said.

"We have dozens of students missing," Tonks said.

"He had evidence of a Gullibility Potion and Polyjuice Potion," Pomfrey said, "Both were weak and did not last as long as those of standard quality."

"Meaning?" Neville asked.

"You'd believe and regurgitate whatever it was you were told to regurgitate," Hermione said, "Better than an Imperius in some ways-they used you to deliver a supposed confession to both Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic in Harry's name."

"I will wish to aid in your search for answers Neville." Dumbledore entered the Hospital Wing.

"Progress?" Hermione asked.

"The Minister is convinced that Harry was genuine," Dumbledore said, "He is instituting a search for both him and the students. To you, you heard the terms of the suspension. Lacking your boyfriends, your safety is of a paramount concern."

"You could stay with Gran and me," Neville said.

"Like Harry said, insecure," Hermione said.

"However, that would work," Dumbledore said, "It can be secure until we know more about Harry or Ronald's whereabouts. Were you ready to leave already Neville?"

Neville shook his head.

"You may use Poppy's fireplace," Dumbledore said, "I will be around later tonight to ask you a few questions Neville."

"I'd like to know what's going on!" Gia protested.

"Harry, Ron, and Hermione have been suspended," Dumbledore said, "I am required to isolate you from-"

"Your office," Hermione asked, "Can we stay there for a while?"

Dumbledore's blue eyes landed upon her. "Yes."

Gia, Hermione, and Neville went for Pomfrey's office and used her fireplace. They stumbled out of the fireplace into the Headmaster's office. Neville shook for a moment. Hermione sat on a chair, slumped her head between her arms with her elbows resting upon her knees.

"I want to do something," Hermione said, "I want to search for them."

Gia paced for a moment. "Fred, George, give them a call."

"Floo Powder is over there," Hermione said, "Call."

Gia went over to the fireplace. Neville sat down.

"Hermione?" Neville asked.

"It's just so frustrating," Hermione muttered.

"Never fear." George came over, set off a small firework display behind Hermione.

"Mind explaining?" Arthur came over.

Hermione looked up at George.

"Fred has some details to tend to in the shop," George said, "His turn."

"Students have been kidnapped." Dumbledore entered the office. "I see that the parents are already being summoned - I should have handled that matter."

"Professor Dumbledore?" Arthur asked.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk. "Both Ronald and Ginny Weasley have been kidnapped along with dozens of other students."

"Kidnapped from Hogwarts?" Arthur stammered.

"You are quite aware of the other circumstances under which that has happened before," Dumbledore said, "However, never to such a large group. The movements of the hostages are being traced, however, the captors seem to be wanting to make their recovery a challenge. One, Dennis Creevy, has already been found dead along the edge of the Forbidden Forest."

"Ronald or Ginny?" Arthur asked.

"Unknown at this time," Dumbledore said, "It includes Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws."

"No Slytherins?" George asked.

"They chose not to attend the session," Dumbledore said, "Given the numbers, no blame can be laid on that basis alone."

"They wouldn't listen to Harry's reasons," Gia said.

"Likely true," Dumbledore said.

"My sister's been kidnapped and you have no idea?" George exclaimed.

"That is correct to all the information I have at this time," Dumbledore said, "Your Ministry Aurors are spearheading the search, the staff is exerting as much effort as we can extend. While I have not been permitted to bring the term to an end tonight, I have ordered all remaining students to go home for the weekend, or make other appropriate arrangements. Currently, Neville Longbottom is the only student in attendance remaining right now."

"Suspects?" Arthur asked.

"The Minister is currently placing the blame upon Mr. Harry Potter," Dumbledore said, "Our culprits shanghaied Mr. Longbottom here into taking some Polyjuice Potion and something else; the Minister saw Mr. Longbottom as Mr. Potter who gave a rather eloquent admission of guilt and a taunting."

Hermione sighed.

"In the meanwhile," Dumbledore said, "I request that Miss. Granger, Miss. Prescott, and Mr. Longbottom, please depart Hogwarts. Mr. Longbottom, I suggest you remove those foreign clothes as some evidence may still be lingering."

Neville dashed around a statue, changed. Dumbledore looked at George then Neville.

"How has the EM activity been at your places?" Dumbledore asked.

"Still being searched," George said.

"Nothing that Gran has complained about," Neville said.

"I will keep you posted," Dumbledore said, "I suggest that Miss. Prescott and Miss. Granger accept the hospitality of the Longbottoms until further notice." Dumbledore paused. "It is a strongly worded suggestion."

They all filed for the fireplace. George followed Hermione out of the fireplace into the Longbottom's living room.

"Gran!" Neville shouted, "I'm home!"

"Good evening Rose," Arthur said to Rose coming down the stairs.

"Arthur!" Rose said, "How splendid..." She took a look at the rest of the crowd, her glare coming to "Neville!"

"The girls needed a spot to stay," Neville said, "I insisted."

Dumbledore stepped out of the fireplace along with McGonagall.

"Professor Dumbledore!" Rose said, "This was unexpected."

"As much to us as to you," Dumbledore said, "Neville, may we conduct an interview? My time is pressing."

"Um," Neville said, "Sure."

"Wait a minute-" Rose protested.

"Mrs. Longbottom," Dumbledore said, "Dozens of students were kidnapped from Hogwarts this evening, Neville was used to create false testimony on the behalf of the true culprits, one of the missing is already dead. I need to conduct an interview with Neville under Veritaserum and other potions."

Neville led the way into the dining room, around which the others sat, Neville across the table from Dumbledore and McGonagall. Dumbledore took out a vial of clear liquid; McGonagall got out a roll of parchment and a Quick Quotes Quill.

"Please take three drops." Dumbledore watched as Neville took the dropper, swallowed down the drops. "Normally I would dispense with such measures, however, I have hopes this will tickle out all you know."

"State your name," McGonagall said.

"Neville Frank Longbottom."

"This evening," Dumbledore asked, "Do you remember the last thing Harry or Ron said to you?"

"Harry said Voldemort is not dead, but alive; it takes one rotten apple to spoil a barrel, he's done a good job with you lot here at" Neville said.

"Then?" Dumbledore asked.

"Mist," Neville said, "I coughed, blacked out, no more."

"When you woke?" Dumbledore asked.

"I saw your wands aimed at me," Neville said, "Hermione seemed surprised I was Neville."

Dumbledore probed his robes, took out a vial of cloudy liquid.

"This is good against trauma induced memory blocks and some mild memory charms," Dumbledore said, "Take three drops."

Neville took the three drops.

"After you blacked out the first time," Dumbledore asked, "What do you first remember?"

"Gagging," Neville said, "Something's going down my throat-very sour, disgusting."

"Then?" Dumbledore asked.

"Pain, horrible pain," Neville said, "Then another liquid, also disgusting. A voice, like a guy hit in the nards, very high pitched; it dictated to me to profess guilt, that I was Harry Potter, but would refuse to divulge the details. I was then forced, still blindfolded, to walk up some stairs, then left in the Entrance Hall-Did I really profess guilt to the Minister of Magic?"

Dumbledore nodded.

"Can you tell what room you were lead from?" Hermione asked, "Could you tell who the voice was or how many?"

"The room was in either the basement or the dungeons," Neville said, "The voice-no. There were at least two pairs of footsteps besides mine."

"Is there anything more you can add?" Dumbledore asked.

"No," Neville said.

Dumbledore took the Quick Quotes Quill off the parchment, laid it aside.

"What has happened is rather significant even though all the mechanisms of how are being puzzled out," Dumbledore said, "Neville, out of the kindness within him, worked together a little meeting where Harry and Ron could discuss events with the remainder of the students. The Death Eaters hijacked it for their own ends. Exactly who has been abducted is still being worked out, it is definitely dozens of students. Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley are both missing-if alive, I should expect them to be making an escape as soon as they are able to. As to what else is in store for the hostages, I do not know, but we do know that the captors do not value their lives."

"Couldn't Harry and Ron simply have pulled it off?" George asked.

"No," Gia said, "It's totally out of character-plus that death, Harry wouldn't."

"The damage done to Mr. Potter's reputation and credibility will be enormous from this," Dumbledore said, "I need to return to Hogwarts."

Dumbledore stood, grabbed his cane. McGonagall grabbed the roll and quill. Both went to the living room.

"The guest room is available," Rose said to Hermione and Gia.

"In a bit," Hermione said, wiping a tear away.

"I will get the others," George said.

"No," Arthur said, "Never know where they'll turn up should they escape. You alert the others, remain at the house."

George left the dining room for the living room.

"It's never easy," Arthur asked, "Is it?"

Hermione shook her head. "Good friends, both of them. Harry knew something was up-wish he had divulged why, we could've thwarted this."

"He was afraid of what the students would do to us," Gia said, "Doubt he knew more."

Arthur sipped at some tea.

"It is getting late," Arthur said, "You two can get some sleep-I'll wake you as soon as I hear anything."

"I want to go and look for them," Hermione said.

"Where do you start?" Arthur said, "The Ministry is searching for the others."

"I'm worried about when they find Harry and Ron," Hermione said.

"They can look after themselves if awake," Gia said, "You didn't listen to the three explanations on Tuesday."

Arthur looked at Gia.

"Professor Dumbledore arranged a final for them," Gia said, "A walk through the castle without invisibility aids as some sort of scavenger hunt."

"Sounds simple," Arthur said.

"Not for them," Gia said, "Over the course of the day, all three came back with news of a different Ministry Auror having been killed in self defense."

"Really?" Neville asked.

"In each case," Gia said, "the Auror just opened fire and started cursing at them. All three of the Aurors were marked Death Eaters."

"Now I understand why Dumbledore chased them out," Arthur said, "However, some Order members could have offered some protection."

"Major incidents only occurred when we were there," Hermione said, "Specifically because we were to take the fall."

Rose entered the room.

"Girls," Rose said, "Your beds are ready when you feel like tucking in. Arthur, I'm afraid I only have one guest room."

"Your sofa will do," Arthur said.

Saturday morning, Arthur shook Hermione awake. She covered herself as she looked up.

"It was funnier when Ronald covered that," Arthur said.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Come," Arthur stated.

Hermione prodded Gia awake, they both went down the stairs where they entered the dining room. Arthur handed them the Daily Prophet, Hermione and Gia read.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Saturday, June 14, 1997

Potter Kidnaps Students, 1 Dead

Yesterday, Dark Lord Harry Potter and Dark Sidekick Ronald Weasley pulled off another demonstration of their determination to cause cruelty and mayhem. They kidnapped the students from the Great Hall at Hogwarts and removed them from Hogwarts leaving one dead on the grounds as a warning to his intentions. Potter made a brief reappearance in Hogwarts to affirm to Albus Dumbledore that he was indeed the Dark Wizard he was made out to be, then vanished with the assistance of Albus Dumbledore.

Missing are Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Colin Creevy, Dennis Creevy (dead), Ginny Weasley, Parvati Patil, Lavender Brown, Cho Chang, Roger Davies, Luna Lovegood, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Marietta Edgecombe, Anthony Goldstein, Morag MacDougal, Lisa Turpin, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Wayne Hopkins, Megan Jones, Laura Madley, and Kevin Whitby.

Minister of Magic Victor Fallerschain has assured us that the Ministry Aurors are actively pursuing this matter and has promised to add any charges to the list currently under investigation by the Potter Tribunal.

"And then this," Arthur said, passing down a letter.

Arthur Weasley, Hermione Granger, Gia Prescott

Two more corpses have been found; Cho Chung and Roger Davies were found outside Gloucester.
Dumbledore

"That's bound to be spun," Hermione muttered.

Gia looked at Hermione.

"Before you," Hermione said, "Harry had a lust for her-never really pursued it, but it was sufficiently well known."

"It's so frustrating," Gia said, "We should be able to do something."

"Gloucester," Hermione said, "That's what Dumbledore said."

"Wait a moment," Arthur said, "You haven't a clue what you're dodging into-a trap perhaps for the Ministry's benefit. I understand the frustration-them out there somewhere in danger or hurt or something."

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron woke up, still in their dragon hide, but beside a bunch of big round objects all an earthly brown speckled with green.

"Dragon eggs," Harry muttered.

"What happened?" Ron asked.

Harry looked around, saw that there many dragons around.

"We're in a nest!" Harry said.

A common Welsh green dragon standing over them looked down, Ron trembled as the head came down, then the nose bumped Harry's shoulder. Harry studied the face.

"Maverick?" Harry muttered.

Harry scratched the green dragon under his chin.

"Um..." Ron muttered, looking at another dragon approaching.

With a roar of the other dragon, Maverick stood up and stared it in the eye. Both took off.

"He's married?" Harry asked.

"You-" Ron said, "You picked it up from Hagrid-not that I'm complaining now."

"How did we get here?" Harry asked.

"Dunno, Remember suffocating to something." Ron tried to sit up, massaged his lower right leg, bit his tongue to stifle his outcry.

"Lift," Harry said, "I'll have a look."

"You?" Ron lifted the leg of his trouser, exposed a bruised ankle.

Harry felt the ankle.

"I'm guessing sprained," Harry said, "I've got my wand-"

"Are you mad?" Ron said, "Wands and dragons do not mix well."

Harry conjured up some bandages, wrapped the ankle. He then peeked over the edge of the stones lining the nest, saw them to be on a rock ledge with other dragons in the distance. Harry laid back down in the nest.

"So," Harry said, "We've been kidnapped and dumped in a dragon colony? Why?" Harry felt around in his dragon hide jacket. "Nothing's missing-I don't get it." Harry felt into his inner pocket, removed a Daily Prophet and a letter.

"Well?" Ron asked.

Harry opened the paper, his eyes read along. "Blimey!"

Ron lifted his eyebrows, Harry shoved the paper over.

"Simple now," Harry said, "Wanted us out of harms way for their little ploy."

Harry ripped the letter open, saw a blank piece of parchment with only a wand symbol on it. Harry discreetly removed his wand and tapped, then stowed the wand - he watched the letter write itself in.

Harry

Please reply immediately - you were kidnapped along with the others. If you are safe at your current location, I advise you to remain still for the time being. Neville was polyjuiced against his will, taking your form long enough to issue a false confession to the Minister of Magic.
Dumbledore

P.S. While I am not certain if you can receive this, it will be charmed to reveal with your wand. If you can advise on the welfare of Ron, please do so.

Harry looked around.

"This place seems secure," Harry said.

"For good reason," Ron said, "You aren't planning on staying? Are you?"

"Lend me your sock," Harry said, getting out a pen.

Harry scribbled out a note, grabbed Ron's right sock, charmed it with his wand, then stuffed it into the patched envelope. Harry stuck it back into his pocket.

"You mailed off my sock?" Ron asked.

"Yep," Harry said, "Only Hermione would be willing to kiss it. Anyways, it's roasting." Harry pulled off his jacket and laid it outside the nest.

"More attacks?" Ron asked.

"No kidnapper would've left us in here," Harry said, "No, they likely deposited us on the edge of the colony to fend for ourselves."

Gia sat on the living room sofa for most of the day staring at either the clock or the fireplace. Hermione came back from the Longbottom's library with another spell book. Neville came down the stairs.

"Those aren't required for the NEWTs," Neville said.

"As Harry always put it," Hermione asked, "Would you like to ask a Death Eater for a break from a duel so you can run to look up a spell?"

"More likely," Gia said, "She's reading it just to pass the time."

They looked at the fireplace, saw Dumbledore stepping through.

"News?" Hermione asked.

Dumbledore nodded.

"Well?" Hermione asked.

"The majority of the students kidnapped have been found alive, held up in a shack inside the Exmoor Forest," Dumbledore said, "Many have already been removed to St. Mungo's for observation. Miss. Pavarti Patil apparently perished during the raid, however, the Ministry Aurors did find Ernie Macmillan alive with the group."

"Macmillan is alive?" Hermione asked, "What about Harry or Ron?"

"Neither were with the group of students," Dumbledore said, "Aurors claimed to have necessitated a firefight with both Harry and Ron before they disapparated from the scene - two Aurors are also dead. However, I did send the real Harry a letter last night, he does have possession of his jacket; he wrote that he and Ron woke up at their current location this morning, only aware that they too had been abducted-"

"Where?" Gia asked.

"Patience," Dumbledore said, "Mr. Potter claims the location has a decent measure of inherent security-he has made a Portkey to take you to his location. Hold on-"

Dumbledore held out a sock.

"That a Portkey?" Neville asked.

"Ron's sock," Hermione said.

Gia and Dumbledore grabbed on as Hermione activated it. Dumbledore stumbled over a pile of rocks, Gia caught his balance. Dumbledore glanced down into the stone pit, in which both Harry and Ron were laying on their backs, sleeping, their jackets to the side. Dumbledore saw a dragon coming up the stony slope up to their position, then glanced back down at Harry next to a brown round object with green speckles.

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said.

Harry snored a bit. Gia took the teacup half full of water in her hand, poured the contents onto Harry's shirt.

"Harry!" Gia shouted.

Hermione snickered, Harry's eyes opened.

"Oh hi," Harry said.

"Are you aware of the dangerous position you happen to be in?" Dumbledore asked.

"Is Maverick coming?" Harry asked.

"Who?" Dumbledore asked.

"You know," Harry said, "That nice Common Welsh Green who has half title to this nest."

"Put your wand away!" Ron ordered.

Dumbledore stashed his wand, Maverick had come onto the small plateau and looked at Dumbledore and the girls.

"That is Professor Dumbledore," Harry said pointing, "I believe you may remember the others, especially Gia."

Maverick gave a gently puff of flame at Harry, the briefs dried instantly.

"Have you found Ginny?" Ron asked.

"We have," Dumbledore said, "She and most of the other students are safely at St. Mungo's-apart from the ones that our troublemakers killed, that is."

"Who died?" Harry asked.

"Four," Dumbledore said, "Dennis Creevy, Cho Chang, Roger Davies, and Parvati Patil. They did recover Ernie Macmillan who is alive."

"You've been blamed," Hermione said, "We're curious why you're here."

"We woke up here," Harry said, "I'm guessing that Maverick found us along the edge of the colony, brought us here for safekeeping." Harry gave Maverick several strokes under the chin. "I assume we're in one of the Welsh colonies."

"Currently," Dumbledore said, "You were sentenced to a suspension yesterday, it lasts to the end of the term. There will be enough paperwork and scrutiny from this incident that face to face meetings should be avoided. Therefore, enjoy the next two weeks, we will consider those your summer holidays. I expect you to report to my office at Hogwarts by ten in the morning on Wednesday, July the second. We can work on your training schedule at that time."

"Don't know about ten-" Harry said.

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, "I am risking my neck to keep you from getting arrested and executed for this incident. My health is no longer what it used to be, my task is to see to it that Voldemort has the worst odds possible. In the past twenty four hours, the fingers of Voldemort have murdered four students at Hogwarts. We will discuss the rest of the terms and the remainder of your Hogwarts education on Wednesday, July 2, at ten in the morning in my office. Do not arrive early but do not arrive late, otherwise, I will be personally disappointed."

Dumbledore disapparated, splinched into three pieces; his head was above where he was standing.

"Oops," Dumbledore said, "Better call the Ministry and get out-"

"No," Harry said.

Harry stood up, walked over to the head, took out his wand. In a short couple of seconds, Dumbledore came back together. Maverick blew a small puff of flame at Harry.

"Alright, alright," Harry said, "Sorry."

Harry walked over to his jacket

"Amazing you could do that Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said.

"We don't exactly want to always call the Ministry should we happen to," Harry said, "Any reason to yours?"

"Health or wards or the many dragons in the area," Dumbledore said.

Harry gave Maverick a few scratches under the chin.

"Well," Harry said, "See you whenever. We must be going, Ron wants to see his sister."

"I never said-" Ron protested.

"You do too," Harry said.

"Any idea to get out?" Hermione asked.

"Fly," Harry said.

"What a splendid idea," Dumbledore said.

"Portkey might be easier," Harry said.

Ron finished dressing, got out his Portkey. Dumbledore landed with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia, into the living room of Fred and George's.

"Shoo!" George said to Ron and Harry, "EM is here and searching!"

Ron activated his Portkey; Harry, Gia, and Hermione held on. They landed in a shrub besides a busy road. They stepped into disillusion, then looked at the sign, "Evansfield, Indiana."

"States," Harry said.

They walked along, came to a park alongside the Ohio river. Harry laid on the grass.

"Blimey!" Harry grumbled, "They screwed me over good. Voldemort's advocating a quick surrender, where I could meet and get my neck severed."

"He's talking?" Ron asked.

"He's broadcasting," Harry said, "Does it frequently."

They watched the tugboat motor past pushing a barge. Ron felt at the inner pocket of his jacket, removed the Evening Prophet.

"Any guesses?" Ron said, "Obviously important if Dumbledore bothers."

Ron ruffled the paper open.

THE EVENING PROPHET

Saturday, June 14, 1997

Some Students Saved from Potter

Ministry Aurors were successful in rescuing 18 of 22 students snatched from Hogwarts by Dark Lord Harry Potter, plus they recovered Ernie Macmillan who was presumed dead many months ago. Dead are Dennis Creevy, Parvati Patil, Cho Chang, and Roger Davies. All the survivors of Potter's ordeal have been transported to St. Mungo's in London for observation and treatment, common maladies suffered include hypothermia, stress, starvation, and issues of sanitation. Minister of Magic Victor Fallerschain is engaged in extensive negotiations with Albus Dumbledore to surrender Potter to no avail.

Ernie Macmillan, kidnapped in April, describes his experience. "It was horrible, being deprived of light and sanitation. I was trapped with Padma until Potter ordered her out - he demanded shows before providing any food or drink. I was treated like an animal for many weeks." Other survivors indicated similar stories of mistreatment. Goldstein reported, "Weasley and Potter got irritated easily. When Cho and Rogers refused to copulate-they were executed in cold blood."

EM Outraged at Mishandling

EM is outraged with how slowly the Ministry of Magic took to respond to the crisis at Hogwarts, they wonder why the Ministry Aurors were removed in the first place after providing months of safety and reassurances to the students. EM is redoubling its efforts to collect the required signatures to push for a recall of Minister Fallerschain. Father of two of Potter's victims, Clarence Patil, is considering a run for a replacement Minister; he was not contacted for comment out of respect due to the fact that the last of his twin daughters were murdered by Potter this morning.

Harry shook his head. "Is it too much to ask for? A quiet home and a quiet life?"

"You have to kill Voldemort," Ron said, "Then you can-we'll make certain of that."

Sunday, Ron woke up to see Hermione and Gia slipping down to the stream that was flowing beneath the bridge they were sleeping under, both of the girls walked along the edge of the water around the bend. A truck traveled over the bridge, thumping along the cracks and potholes of the pavement. Ron heard the mild snoring from Harry sleeping in the bag next to his. After sorting out his clothes from his bag, Ron dressed, then got out his journal and a quill. Ron sat on the dirt and scratched in an entry.

"Bloody hell of a mess," Ron muttered.

Twenty minutes later, Ron put down his quill, his stomach growled; Harry was still sleeping.

"Sleepy head," Ron muttered.

Ron stowed his journal and quill, stood up. He walked down to the stream, put his wand to a boulder in the stream bed and transfigured it into a pail. He scooped up some water, carried it up the hill, then stood above Harry still sleeping in the bag. With the toe of his left dragon hide boot, Ron lifted the cover of the sleeping bag and then tipped the pail.

Splash!

Ron retreated, destroyed the pail with a blast from his wand, and watched. Harry's eyes fluttered open, looked down at the soaking underneath him of the entire sleeping bag.

"Oh no!" Harry muttered.

Ron chuckled under his breath.

"See anything?" Harry demanded of Ron.

"What?" Ron asked.

"Exactly," Harry said.

Harry scrambled to a standing, conjured a towel, then quickly dressed.

"Where are the girls?" Harry asked.

"Upstream-bathing I assume," Ron said.

"You didn't follow?" Harry asked.

"Look around." I pointed down stream of the creek toward the small meadow before entering woods, toward the hills to all sides, then upstream to the thick mass of trees. "We're under the bridge of a little traveled road somewhere in Kentucky with absolutely nobody else around. If they get into trouble, they'll have a chance to holler. They're fine."

Harry flicked his wand, his soaked sleeping bag disintegrated.

"Can't believe I-" Harry said.

"You do frequently," Ron said.

Ron put his right hand on Harry's left shoulder, gripped; they both walked upstream along the stream.

"I do?" Harry said, "Thought that was long-"

"You still do," Ron said, "Don't worry-to me it's a reminder how much we're being stressed by things."

Ron slipped on the mud as they passed the first bend, Harry caught him.

"Thanks," Ron said, recovering his footing.

"I'm tired of sitting on my arse doing nothing," Harry grumbled, "It's time to strike back-time to do something."

"Have anything in mind?" Ron asked.

"Infiltrate the Death Eaters, the EM," Harry said, "Get some proof."

"Are you mad?" Ron said, "They want you dead."

Harry gave Ron a quick, but light, punch. Ron stumbled, his right foot going into the water.

"We need to be careful!" Ron snapped.

"That was very obvious," Harry said.

They rounded the corner; they saw a small pond, shrubbery to all sides, water left by cascading over some boulders into the stream. Trickles came from springs and several smaller streams. In the water were Gia and Hermione bathing, both working on their hair. Harry and Ron sat on the small grassy bank along side two pairs of dragon hide outfits.

"We do need to do something," Ron said, "Your temper's a bit touchy."

"Sorry for hitting," Harry said, "It's frustrating-we need to do something. As I see it, we have two problems, Voldemort's little campaign and it's fallout-everything else stems from that. If everyone were convinced of Voldemort being alive and the smear campaign, they'd quickly turn against that."

"Voldemort-if anything, that would turn them," Ron said, "However, I doubt you'd be able to convince him to pose for a picture for the Daily Prophet."

"We have two weeks until we've got an obligation-we work on resolving this," Harry said, "We need proof, lots of it, to bring to everybody's attention."

"Publish." Gia came up onto the bank.

"Perhaps-question is where," Harry said, "Sort that out later-"

"Do the Hermione thing." Ron got out his journal, opened it up to a blank page, took out his quill.

"Ronald-" Hermione came up.

"It is a you type of thing," Harry said.

Hermione glared at Harry, he returned the stares across them standing exposed in front of them.

"So," Ron said, writing, "We want to infiltrate the EM and Death Eaters-presumably to get proof and to stop their actions."

Hermione conjured up a pair of towels, handed one to Gia.

"Yep," Harry said, "Death Eaters to expose and stop the plot, EM to figure out who's really driving them and expose that. Our other task would be to convince everybody else that they're blaming the wrong culprits-make them think for themselves."

"Tall order," Ron said.

Harry snorted.

"Hurry up you two-we need to travel," Harry said, "Ron, Hermione, visit Ginny, make certain she's okay. We need, from Fred and George; EM jackets, means for disguise-hair coloring or anything for making ourselves unrecognizable to the untrained eye-we also need Most Potente Potions or a copy of the Polyjuice Potion-"

"You can't be serious," Hermione said, "Brewing that-"

"We need a copy of the potion-you'll see," Harry said, "Be ready to haul our trunks given that Fred and George's is more or less useless anymore from the EM. I'll let you know either way. Also, see if you can't get your hands on a potion catalog-suppliers who'd ship this stuff."

Hermione buttoned up her blouse.

"I can't believe you're considering acquiring-" Hermione said.

"Never said that," Harry said, "Gia and I will be at Neville's-don't ask Fred and George on the jackets, yet, I'll see if Neville has a catalog or something first."

"Alright," Ron said.

"You're just going along with-?" Hermione protested.

"Yes," Ron said, cinching up Hermione's Gryffindor colored tie, "It makes sense."

Ron grabbed onto Hermione with his active Portkey; both vanished.

"Your bright idea?" Gia asked.

"To help make things better as quickly as possible." Harry gave Gia a kiss. He grabbed onto Gia, disapparated.

Harry and Gia apparated behind several trees in front of the Longbottom house in Plaidburn. Harry cast them both into disillusion; they approached the front door, Harry knocked. Through a window to their right, Harry saw a pair of eyes looking out straining to see somebody. They heard light footsteps, the same pair looking out of a window to their left.

"Dunno Gran!" Neville shouted.

Harry knocked.

"Obviously somebody is there," Rose scolded.

Out of both windows came two pairs of eyes.

"I'll just check," Neville shouted.

The front door open, Neville looked out, wand aimed. Neville stepped out, looked through Harry and Gia, then went back in, he scratched his head and closed the door. Harry and Gia came into illusion. Neville jumped.

"Harry!" Neville blurted.

"Was wondering if we could talk," Harry said.

"Umm..." Neville said, "Upstairs."

Harry and Gia followed Neville. They entered Neville's bedroom; Harry faced a wand being leveled at him from Luna Lovegood sitting at Neville's round table.

"Scram!" Luna ordered.

"Down!" Neville said.

"Tell this murderer to leave," Luna demanded.

"He's not a murderer," Neville said.

"Yeah sure!" Luna said, "I would've believed that before I saw him murder Cho and Davies-You never loved me!, does that sound familiar creep?"

"It wasn't me who killed her!" Harry said, "It was somebody else."

"Sure looked like you," Luna said.

"Whole point of impostoring me is to convince you of that!" Harry snapped.

"Wands!" Neville demanded.

Neville grabbed Luna's, then reached out to Harry. Neville glared, Harry relented and handed his over.

"Sorry Harry," Neville said, "Luna was just released from St. Mungo's a short bit ago-I haven't had a chance to explain to her."

"Why is she here?" Harry asked.

"I invited her," Neville said, "Sit Harry, I'll explain my side."

Harry and Gia sat, Harry faced the trembling Luna. Neville poured some tea from a teapot on his desk into six teacups on a platter. Neville carried the teacups over, two of which toppled onto the floor shattering. Luna sipped her tea after taking it from Neville who sat.

"Luna," Harry said, "All year long, there have been some Death Eaters habitually using Polyjuice—every time I get close to arguing—they pull another stunt. I was handed over to a dragon colony while I was supposedly murdering you in my sleep."

Neville offered some biscuits.

"The culprits—forced me to confess, as Harry," Neville said.

"You made the confession?" Luna asked.

"I didn't want to, but yes," Neville said, "Professor Dumbledore later explained that with the potions I was given, I was under the culprit's control."

"Stranger things have happened," Luna said.

"Neville," Harry asked, "Know of a good way to slip something into the Daily Prophet?"

Luna looked at Harry.

"Why?" Luna asked.

"I want to write something," Harry said.

"Don't use the Daily Prophet then," Luna asked, "Know who my father is?"

Harry shook his head.

"Publisher of the Quibbler," Luna said, "Write something up-"

Neville whispered into Harry's ear.

"Brilliant!" Harry said.

"We could go to my place," Luna said, "Have Dad help in the writing."

"You believe me?" Harry asked.

"I will judge based upon this," Luna said.

Luna led the way out of the corner fireplace in Devon. She led them through double doors into a cozy room with a sofa and an easy chair surrounding a coffee table in the middle of a bay window. To the left far side was a dining table, to their right along the wall was a flight of stairs doubling back on them.

"Welcome," Luna said, "Up the stairs are the bedrooms, which I do not feel like showing."

"That's fine," Harry said, "I'm interested in publishing."

Luna pointed to the dining table. "You can set those books over there."

Hermione moved over, laid the books down.

"I suggest the tour of downstairs," Luna said, "You need to know how much space you can get."

"A page or two," Harry said, rifling through a stack of Quibblers on the coffee table.

"Come to think of it," Luna said, "I'll go downstairs, talk to Dad. You might stand out with the editors. Stay here."

Luna went back out through the double doors. Neville sat in a chair at the washed dining table.

"Luna's alright once you get to know her," Neville said, "She is skeptical about you, but she's willing to give you a chance on this."

"How did you meet up with her?" Ron asked, sitting at another chair.

"We're friends, if that's what you mean," Neville said, "She and Ginny had a project together some months ago, I was working at the same table in the common room. We all wound up in a debate about goings ons, Ginny advocating for you. Somehow, Luna and I keep arguing over it, I'm more sympathetic toward you than I used to be."

"Why are you going to publish-?" Hermione asked Harry.

Harry sat on the sofa, Hermione next to him. Neville looked over at Harry.

"We can whine all we like-" Harry said, "—but to demonstrate, it'll make some people think twice."

"And dozens of copy cats by the end of the week," Ron said.

"Unless the Ministry gets off its duff and takes action," Harry said, "That's a possibility."

"You haven't by chance talked to Professor Dumbledore about this?" Hermione said, "This-"

"No," Harry said, "He doesn't need to know."

Through the double doors, Luna returned.

"You have four or five hours," Luna said, "Up to two pages."

"Sounds like a final to me," Gia said.

"We can do it," Harry stated

Harry sat at the table, grabbed a quill and parchment. Ron, Hermione, Gia, Neville, and Luna helped in constructing their article. Around and around, the minute hand on the clock ticked their time away. As the last of the twilight faded from Catchpole, Devon, Harry read over their final draft.

How to Frame Your Enemy

by Sparky

For those with grudges, your pal in arms, Sparky, shows you exactly how to frame them. Suppose you covet your neighbor's wife, or their house, or their land; maybe, your customer stiffed their tab or a tip; perhaps you're a Dark Lord bent on taking over the world only to be infuriated at your inability to kill a toddler; maybe you're a barrister specializing in criminal law and business is a bit slow-in any case, getting the Ministry and the wizarding to do your dirty work makes things much easier for you; with the current state of forensics at the Ministry of Magic, this is easy to pull off and nobody would be the wiser.

1. Polyjuice Potion

2. Sample of Victim

3. Distract Victim

4. Commit Crime

5. Use an Unforgivable

6. Cast either a Dark Mark or a Potter Mark

7. Summon the Ministry

8. Escape

9. Read about your victim taking the heat

Each of these steps is easy and will be covered in more complete detail.

1. Polyjuice Potion
This potion transforms one person into another for a period of time sufficient to impersonate your victim. While brewing the potion itself will take upwards of a month, shortcuts exist such as owl ordering this portion and/or its ingredients from a reputable dealer.

Lacewing flies, 9 oz

Leeches, 3 oz

Horn of a bicorn, powdered, 1 oz

Knotgrass, 3 oz

Fluxweed, picked during a full moon, 3 oz

Boomslang skin, shredded, 3 oz

Bit of your victim, a hair

Bring your cauldron of water to a slow boil. Tear and add the knotgrass, leeched, then half of the lacewing flies; stir well. Let the mixture stew for at least twenty one days but no longer than sixty three days. Add bicorn horn and boomslang skin, stir then let simmer for at least an hour but no more than a month. Add the other half of the lacewing flies and the fluxweed, stir and simmer for an hour.

To use, add the bit of your victim to your cup and consume. Each brew can accommodate up to a month's continual usage if doled out in small amounts.

2. Sample of Victim
Before using the Polyjuice, you need a sample of your victim. This can be anything of the person, from an arm to a leg to their hair; however, since the Ministry Aurors are not complete dolts, hair is the simplest and easiest to use. These hair samples can be collected in a multitude of methods, the beauty being that they are perfectly usable for months or years after having been harvested from your victim.

Depending on how you distract your victim, it may be easiest to get the hair at this time. However, a useful charm to snip a strand of hair from a distance is tonsusacciofloccim. Another method might be to examine the victim's dirty laundry for a hair follicle or to visit their barbershop. Whatever method you choose, do not let your victim become aware of the fact that their hair has been stolen.

3. Distract Victim
Simple, you do not want your victim to stumble across the crime he is supposed to be committing until the proper moment. A method might involve a stunning curse and ropes, whereas other times, knowing their schedule would prove valuable. If this is a mounted campaign over several months, you will find this to be of a lesser concern as people will dismiss the double as a Dark Art and still place blame upon your victim.

4. Commit Crime
Plan this in accordance to the sanctions you wish to be imposed upon your victim. For instance, a rape can lead to a public castration, whereas murder might earn them the demeantors kiss. If, instead, you want public ire, give a public speech of support to the current Dark Lord. The possibilities are endless so long as you remember to keep enough Polyjuice on hand to maintain the appearance of your victim.

5. Use an Unforgivable Curse
An Unforgivable Curse or two would be a quick way to earn your victim a sentence to Azkaban if done in public with plenty of witnesses. Perhaps rumors of your victim casting such a curse would prove useful for you. Here are the Unforgivable Curses and several that were proposed in the original legislation.

Killing curse (avada kedavra), kills a person.

Imperius curse (imperio), controls a person.

Cruciatus curse (Crucio), inflicts unbearable pain upon a person.

Furious curse (confundere), reverses the magic of a person to do the opposite. (ie. summoning would become banishing, healing curse would be lethal.)

Annihilation curse (magicamutilatio), turns the magic of the person onto themselves, it consumes them resulting in a painful death.

6. Cast a Mark
Certain to cause trouble and announce your victim's intentions, casting either a Dark Mark or a Potter Mark can be very damming to them. Caution, this can lead to a premature arrival by the Ministry of Magic.

Dark Mark (morsmorde) will be the mark of the legendary Death Eaters.

Potter Mark (morsmordehostis) will be the mark of the rising Potter Eaters.

7. Summon the Ministry
Summon with the usual methods at the appropriate time. Be sure to leave the incriminating evidence of your victim as appropriate (i.e. bodies, wands used for the Unforgivables, photographs, eyewitnesses, etc.)

8. Escape
For obvious reasons, you do not wish to be caught in the act. Plan in adequate time for your escape-have a failsafe plan. Having a bribe or two ready can be useful should the Ministry arrive a bit too soon.

9. Read About Your Victim
Don't scrimp. Make certain to get enough of the assorted publications to satisfy your ego.

"That fills the two pages," Harry said, "Luna, please take this down."

"I'll have questions after I return," Luna said.

"See something?" Harry asked.

"Details are fine," Luna said, "I have questions of you, not this."

Luna got up, crossed across and out the double doors.

"Never realized how much you knew about this," Neville said.

"We've had months to puzzle over it," Harry said, "We know how our impostors are doing it-successfully catching them is a different matter."

"Ministry is going to love this," Hermione said.

"Perhaps they'll ban knotgrass," Harry said.

"Realize how many other potions use that?" Hermione said, "Blood potion to name one."

"It's in the Quibbler," Ron said, "Likely dismiss it-gives it time to soak in."

Harry moved back over to the sofa, looked out the window to the flickering lights in the distance.

"Feels good to know that we've done something," Harry said, "Need to press forward to other things."

Ron stood in the window, looked out, pointed toward a hill.

"Burrow was a bit over there," Ron said, "Suppose we could visit-"

"Likely under surveillance," Harry said, "It's known."

"Other plans?" Ron asked.

"Yes," Harry said.

Neville looked at them, Luna came back into the room.

"Dad accepted it," Luna said, "It's getting published-he added a disclaimer from the Quibbler to ward off liability, otherwise it's as is."

"Mention the other article Luna," Neville said.

Harry's eyes darted between Neville and Luna.

"What other article?" Harry asked.

"Snuck in your side to the abduction from Hogwarts," Luna said, "Just-"

Harry glared.

"Thought you'd appreciate getting the truth out," Luna said.

"We didn't-" Harry protested.

"You told enough," Luna said, "It's not much, but it's what you told us."

Ron turned around, gripped Harry's shoulders.

"They have a printing press with readership," Ron said, "You said we needed to use the press-we have one."

Gia looked at Luna. "He's a bit shy with press given how he's been treated."

"Best be going," Harry said, "Don't want to endanger you further-"

"Don't be silly," Luna said, "Dad might be willing to give you a tour of the press-"

"Sure," Ron said.

"Thanks," Harry muttered.

Luna waved; Harry and Ron followed, Gia and Hermione remained.

Later, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia landed in a fountain. In front of them was a marble statue of a boy spewing water into the pond that soaked them to their knees, behind them was a marble wall covered in green vines. People passing by muttered noises, pointing at them.

"Where?" Hermione muttered.

They waded through the water, through the showers, then climbed out and onto the pavement.

"Idiots!" one passerby snapped.

"Ignore," Ron whispered.

A trail of fading wet foot followed them as they walked along the sidewalk, under the daylight, along the roadway in front of a number of casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Still Sunday?" Ron asked, "Or is it Monday-can't keep them straight anymore."

"Sunday," Harry said, "Have an errand we need to tend to-then food. Come to think about it, haven't had breakfast yet."

"Errand can-" Ron said.

"Come first," Harry said, "Won't take long-it's almost four thirty, places might close 'cept the restaurants."

"Gamble," Gia said.

"Maybe later," Harry said.

They walked past a drive-thru chapel.

"Dare you Harry," Ron said.

"You know the rules," Harry said.

"So does 'Mione," Ron said.

"You do it," Harry said.

Hermione and Gia whispered among themselves, snickered.

"What?" Ron demanded.

"Nothing," Hermione said with feigned innocence.

Harry handed Hermione a sheet of paper. "Found this on our tour-you'd be interested."

Hermione took the paper, read the EM Weekly.

"They're starting a weekly publication," Harry said, "This is the first one. Main thing, they're capping the bounties."

"They are?" Gia asked.

"Claiming some nasty economic drain if the growth is unchecked," Harry said, "They'll be capping at seven and a half million on me, six to Ron, four and a half to Hermione, and three to you Gia. Any more goes to other things."

"What gives them the right to think my life is worth six million?" Ron said.

"Look at the reality-if six doesn't motivate, then nothing will," Harry said, "Pointless after a while."

Gia looked over the paper. "How much?"

"It'd be sixty million pounds for Harry," Hermione said, "That's the cap set-currently, it's around thirty million as of last week."

"It'll jump," Harry said, "Always seem to after incidents."

They turned onto Maryland Parkway, crossed Vegas Valley Drive.

"Shopping?" Ron asked, "Are you mad Harry?"

"For something specific," Harry said, "We need to be able to move faster than we are-"

"Brooms, running, Apparation, Portkeys-" Ron counted on his fingers.

"All of which can be anticipated," Harry said, "Want something new-rollerblades."

"Exactly how-?" Hermione asked.

"You'll see," Harry said, "Wicked, but it should work-besides, I've always wanted to try these. That store looks good." He pointed to a Big 5 Sporting Goods, they went in.

Two hours later, they left a nearby restaurant; Ron was carrying their shopping bag full of rollerblades.

"The bottom line is that we learn to use these," Harry said, "Enchant them to be able to fly, then fit them into our dragon hide boots somehow. Once done, these should give us quite an advantage at our next confrontation. Brooms take time to get out-these should be faster than that."

"Where to?" Ron asked.

Harry sat on a bench at a bus stop, grabbed the bag and took out a backpack.

"We practice," Harry said.

Harry pulled off his boots, put on the black skates with white and gold wheels. His boots went into the backpack, shin and elbow guards went on. Harry stood on the skates, promptly fell back onto his rear.

"Lots of practice," Harry said.

Harry used the post of the bus stop sign, pulled himself back up. Ron changed into his skates.

"Can't believe-" Hermione muttered.

"You can," Ron said.

In short order, all four were skating along.

Monday morning, Harry leafed to the Daily Prophet first.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, Jun 16, 1997

Minister to Investigate Albus Dumbledore

Citing the recent abductions and murders by Dark Lord Harry Potter, the Minister of Magic has launched an investigation into the behavior and activities of Albus Dumbledore. We at the Daily Prophet feel this is a long time over due and coming; for months, Albus Dumbledore has been sheltering Harry Potter from any and all responsibility for his actions-the public deserves answers.

Problem Solver

Potter, Harry : 4,913,000 galleons

Weasley, Ron : 3,747,000 galleons

Granger, Hermione : 2,509,000 galleons

Prescott, Gia : 1,364,000 galleons

Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation. 30,000 galleon bonus for each relation severed.

Harry turned to his letter, opened it.

Harry

"Sparky" of the Quibbler I assume? Interesting approach.

Hogwarts Board of Governors have overturned the interference of the Wizengamot in the House and Quidditch Cups; all the affected cups have been restored to Gryffindor. The House Cup of this year is still in question, however, the points currently favor Slytherin.
Dumbledore

Harry snorted. Hermione looked over at Harry.

"He caught onto Sparky," Harry said, "Dumbledore had no real comment to it."

"Spooky," Hermione said.

Harry put the paper and letter down, walked over to the table, grabbed his clothes and dressed.

"Suppose you're playing with your skates today," Hermione said.

"I think they can come in handy," Harry said, "Element of surprise."

"Not if you have to lug them around," Gia said.

Several hours later, four teenagers were skating down the sidewalk along highway 582, heading southeast out of Las Vegas; jackets tied about their waists given the hot weather. The average motorist would have ignored them even if they weren't under an Disillusionment charm.

"Wanna try it again Ron?" Harry asked, wand aimed at Ron's skates.

"Harry-" Hermione protested.

"Sure," Ron said.

Harry fired a curse, the teal bead struck the heals of Ron's skates. Ron lurched, his feet went above the pavement, his head went down, and he became well acquainted with the small wintergreen boxwood in front of the chain link fence.

"Is there a better way 'Mione?" Ron asked.

Ron pushed himself out of the plant, brushed off the leaves. Harry brushed off several stuck to Ron's backpack.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

Hermione remained silent.

"You know," Ron whispered to Harry, "She likely does but doesn't want to divulge..."

Harry chuckled to be ended by a light jab from Hermione.

"You two keep skating," Harry said, "We'll be a few moments."

Ron looked at Harry, eyebrows arching. Harry pulled Ron toward him, then waved at Hermione and Gia.

"Dunno-" Hermione said.

"Meet you two at the dam," Harry said.

"Dam?" Ron asked.

Harry took out the badly folded map from his pocket. "Hoover dam is more or less along here-makes for a good meet up point. We're in East Las Vegas now, Highway 582 takes us through Henderson, to meet up in a junction with highways 95 and 93, take 93 to Boulder City-signs will undoubtedly point our way from there."

Hermione grabbed the map. "That's like twenty miles!"

"I can run a mile in six minutes," Harry said, "That means I could run, at top speed, the distance in two or three hours. With these skates, an hour max." Harry looked at his watch. "It's now ten. We'll all apparate or whatever to get there by two or three." Harry handed Hermione his Portkey. "Just in case."

"Something wrong?" Gia asked.

Harry rolled his eyes, gripped Gia's hands. "Just seems that nerves are grating, space is needed. You go with Hermione, I'll go with Ron for several hours."

Gia looked into Harry's green eyes, Harry stroked with his thumbs across the top of her hands.

"You and Hermione, go have girl fun," Harry said, "If you're uncomfortable with the canyon and back, you could try the casinos; something else?"

Ron reached into his backpack, wiggled his hand, withdrew his black stone. Ron handed it over to Hermione.

"Thought we were going to enchant the skates," Hermione said.

Harry's eyes moved, looked at Hermione.

"It's clear that you're not even comfortable with them on the ground," Harry said, "It'd be irresponsible for me to make them fly until you get comfortable. You, Gia, go and have fun; we'll contact you around six or so."

Harry gave Gia a kiss, she grinned.

"Have fun," Harry sad.

Gia and Hermione took off, skating back the way that they had come.

"It could've been something else," Ron said.

Harry pushed on his skates. "Possible, not likely."

"Your thinking?" Ron asked.

Harry sat on a bench at a bus stop.

"We're together-the four of us-like, all the time," Harry said, "As great as that is-we need other time."

"Know what you're talking about," Ron said.

Harry removed a skate, eyed the rollers.

"Gia, of course, has the rotten end," Harry said, "Nowhere do I dare leave her for some time to herself. One of us always has to guard her-otherwise, the bounties catch up. Let's move on-I don't want to lose a piece here."

Harry put the skate back on; they skated down the sidewalk. Harry pulled Ron into an ice cream parlor.

"This'd be perfect for Gia," Ron said.

Harry watched the hands of the worker scooping up the ice cream. He grabbed the dish and paid. Harry sat down at a table, Ron sat across.

"I've drawn her into a nightmare Ron," Harry said, "I know she's said it's okay with her, that I'm worth it-scary thought. It's frustrating, I just want it over."

"You aren't thinking about-you know-offing-?" Ron asked.

Harry shook his head.

"It is absolutely clear," Harry said, "Voldemort has to be toppled, the plot must be revealed to all, before I can have any semblance of a real life, for myself or for Gia. So, we need photographic evidence of our assertions-Voldemort alive and well-everything."

Harry finished his bowl of ice cream, then took off his skates. With a screwdriver, he began to dismantle them.

"These skates then?" Ron asked.

"Our foes are becoming more agile," Harry said, "So we have to as well. In less than a blink of an eye, we may be required to traverse a ravine, or race down the corridors of Hogwarts to escape a hailstorm of killing curses. Normally, our Whitehorns are excellent brooms and would prove useful, but we might not have the time, or they might be sabotaged at the next game-as you heard Wood mention, the pockets aren't ideal storage either. Rollerblades seem the best solution-make them retractable at our will."

Harry discreetly set his wand onto each of the wheels; one by one, the white wheels with gold trim glowed orange for a split second. Harry then reassembled his skates.

"Do you think you did it?" Ron asked.

"Flying charms," Harry said, "Should work-at least long enough for me to test things out."

"That is until they wear off," Ron said.

"Worry about infusing the magic later," Harry said, "One thing at a time."

Harry put his skates back onto his feet.

By the end of Tuesday, Harry had the skates working in the basement of 93 Diagon Alley.

"You two should not be here," George said to Harry and Ron hunched over a workbench.

"We'll be a few moments," Harry said.

"Should tell Dad you're working on Muggle things," George said.

"You wouldn't!" Ron growled.

George went up the flight of steps without looking at Harry or Ron's "skates."

"These do look spiffy," Ron asked, "Will Gia's work?"

"No reason they shouldn't," Harry said.

Harry ran his cloth of polish against the dragon hide of boot in his hand, an inline set of wheels were fixed to the bottom.

"So," Harry said, "With a thought-" The wheels retracted into the boot, leaving a sturdy boot sole. "With another-" The wheels sprang out of the sole to the rollerblade deployment. "With that, we have dragon hide deployable rollerblades - can either be a boot or a rollerblade depending on our needs."

Ron picked up his boot, looked at it. "Will take some getting used to." Ron jumped as the blades sprang out.

"Definitely," Harry said, "Whoever's foot is in them will control the behavior of the boot."

Harry touched his boots, stowed the blades, then put them on. Ron put his on. Harry stowed the other two pairs into a backpack.

"Do we need to disapparate from upstairs or can we do it from here?" Harry asked in a whisper.

"Don't think it matters," Ron said.

Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder, they disapparated. Harry and Ron apparated to a ledge overlooking the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Gia and Hermione were sitting there. Harry handed them their boots.

"All this hassle to polish these?" Hermione asked.

"They are more than just boots," Harry said, "Observe."

Harry took a step with his right foot, the blade sprang forth. Harry pushed off with his left foot, blades sprang forth. Hermione gasped. Harry propelled himself past the edge of the ledge of the shear drop-off, but Harry remained skating as if he were on a sheet of glass. With a little bit of effort, the skates circled, gaining altitude. Harry returned twenty feet above Hermione.

"Impressive?" Harry shouted.

"You might break your neck!" Hermione replied.

"Blimey no!" Harry said, "Difficult with these."

Harry drifted downward, the blades retracted at a foot, Harry stumbled for a moment.

"Don't expect me to do that," Hermione protested.

"They aren't flying skates unless you want them to be flying skates," Harry said, "Otherwise, they can work as normal skates."

Harry turned his head, looked at the sinking sun to the west to their right.

"Next phase," Harry said.

Hermione looked up at him.

"Cameras," Harry said.

"We have-" Gia said.

"Had several cheap ones," Harry said, "We've got one left. No, we need a good camera or two. Quality photography is needed."

"Rush rush," Hermione said.

"If you want to stay here-fine," Harry said, "I'm going to go and look at cameras. Gia, shopping?"

"Sure," Gia said.

"See you later then Ron," Harry said.

Ron looked at Harry.

"Practice on those skates," Harry said.

Harry grabbed onto Gia's shoulder, he disapparated. Harry and Gia apparated into San Francisco; both walked into a Tall's Cameras.

Thursday evening, Kristen poured Harry and Gia two cups of tea in the trailer on the driveway of the flattened 26 Oak Street in Noigate.

"I'm certainly glad to know you're alright." Kristen sat across the small table from them. "I have been hearing a lot about you-supposedly mass murderers or something."

"Pretty much," Harry said, "Haven't been able to turn the tide-they're still convinced, proof be damned. Still hope we can convince them, but that's going to require lots of evidence."

"For most but not all," Kristen said, "You're dealing with a trial in the papers-that's what has happened if I understand everything correctly. You will likely find that a little bit of proof will persuade quite a number of people, many will require extensive evidence. However, you will always have a few that will simply refuse to accept things."

Harry sipped. "In our world, that distinction is usually driven by the size of the pocketbook. Anyways, we bought a camera to help take that evidence."

Gia got out their Canon SLR, showed off the telephoto lens.

"More than enough zoom power," Gia said, "Want to be able to capture as far away as possible."

Kristen took hold of the camera, her eyes traveled over the metal body and the features.

"Looks impressive," Kristen said, "However, I'm not the photographer in the department. If you stop by the station tomorrow, I'll see if Avril can't spare an hour to get you up to speed. We might even be overdue to surplus a night scope."

"That would help," Harry said.

"We've already experimented a bit." Gia pulled out a envelope of pictures.

Kristen looked at a picture of Harry jumping across Glen Canyon on his dragon hide rollerblades, her eyebrows rose a tad.

Friday afternoon, Ron dropped in the last of the Boggart spleens into the orange potion, he stirred. Fumes filled the basement below the sales floor for Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. Another red head poked his head over the cauldron and looked in.

"Interesting," George asked, "What is it?"

"If successful," Ron said, "Should help me and Harry hide in plain sight."

"You certainly used a sizable pile of our fluxweed," George said.

Ron stirred.

"Thanks for letting me," Ron said.

"What exactly is this?" George said, "No potion I'm familiar with."

"Something we came up with," Ron said, "Slight modification on others."

George raised his eyebrows.

"Bears a similarity to Polyjuice Potion," George said.

"Have experience with that?" Ron asked.

"Only published in the Quibbler and subsequently reprinted in the Daily Prophet," George said, "So, no experience is required."

Ron paused.

"It got into the Daily Prophet?" Ron asked.

"They printed it either Wednesday or Thursday," George said, "It's going to keep the Ministry busy-apparently there's been a growth in prank Dark Marks cast given the publication of the enchantment."

"Suppose they're blaming Harry," Ron said.

"They can't-not all of them," George said, "Caught a pair of underage wizards casting Dark Mark after Dark Mark two nights ago in Perth-both from the Kent Quidditch Academy."

Ron snickered.

"Besides," George said, "Once we sell these-" George held up a small black firework "-it will keep the Ministry pretty busy."

"You're selling Dark Marks?" Ron exclaimed.

"We're selling fireworks," George said, "Either way, casting a Dark Mark is legal."

Ron blinked, stared at George.

"Well, maybe not for you," George said, "You haven't been keeping up to date, have you? Many laws have been repealed, many of the ones used to get the Death Eaters during prior wars. Dark Arts, Dark Items, relics, are legal."

"To all save us," Ron said.

"Official reasoning is that they were nuisance laws," George said, "Benefited nobody, so they were repealed and applied only to those suspected of being dark. Actually, I think that was reasonable so long as their list were accurate-"

"Which it isn't," Ron said.

Ron poured most of his orange potion into four flasks, then a shot into a small glass.

"Never answered what-" George said.

"Simple," Ron said, "Harry and me, we need to change our looks. Like Polyjuice, this transforms, but the looks will be unknown-"

"Until you try it," George said, "Seems dangerous."

"Looking like me is dangerous," Ron said.

Ron picked up the glass with the orange potion and drank. His hair lengthened, turned into a curly brown; his eyes went from brown to blue; his nails lengthened; he gained two inches, and the pigment of his skin darkened.

"Wicked," George said, "Can we have the recipe?"

"You'd love to know," Ron said.

"Consider it payment for all the fluxweed you've consumed," George said, "We can think of uses for that."

Blue eyes glared at George.

"I'm your brother," George said, "Please? Please? Can I have that recipe please?"

Ron chuckled.

"For that begging," Ron said, "Yes."

Ron grabbed a dirty piece of blank parchment, aimed his wand, upon which the recipe copied itself. Ron handed the dirty piece to George.

"Thanks," George said.

Ron stuffed away the recipe, then went for the stairs.

"Who are you?" demanded a red haired boy standing next to Fred as George came up the stairs behind the six foot dark skinned man.

"Unless there's something Dad forgot to tell us," the dark skinned man said, "You must be Hermione-I'm Ron."

"It worked then," Hermione said.

Ron gave Hermione, who looked like George, a hug.

"Thanks for the Polyjuice Fred, George," Ron said, "So, Hermione, look at what you wanted to?"

"Yes," Hermione said, "Well, for now."

"How long do you have on that?" Ron asked Hermione.

"Whoa!" George protested.

"A half hour," Hermione whispered.

"Ron!" Fred said, "Think before you act."

Ron, still in his dark skin, pulled Hermione, still looking like George, out of the store and into Diagon Alley.

"I'm absolutely curious..." Ron pulled the torso of George/Hermione close to him, he gave him/her a kiss on the lips, tongue going inward for a moment. "Fascinating."

Several cameras snapped, Ron and Hermione disapparated.

Ron and Hermione apparated, still disguised, into the living room of Fred and George's.

"I gave George the potion," Ron said.

"You-?" Hermione protested.

"They've given us a lot," Ron said, "Seemed only fair. Need to get this to Harry and Gia." He gave a flask to Hermione then disapparated.

Harry watched as Ron disapparated from the living room at the Longbottoms. Harry placed one of the hip flasks onto the belt of his trousers, then placed the other onto Gia's belt. Harry stretched his feet as he laid there on the sofa, he turned sideways and put his feet up on the other cushion.

"Ahem!"

Harry glanced to the dining room, saw Rose Longbottom glaring at him. Harry removed his feet.

"The davenport thanks you," Rose said.

Harry blushed, looked to the fireplace.

"Unknown potions can be tricky," Rose said.

"Acceptable given the assaults I'd receive with just my face," Harry said.

Ashes stirred in the fireplace, green flames leapt up, two figures appeared in the flames, and out of the fireplace, the two figures stumbled.

Thud, Crash!

Neville's trunk met the floor, Neville stumbled.

"Get yourself together Boy!" Rose said at Neville.

"Sorry," Neville muttered.

Luna looked awkwardly away from Rose toward Gia standing next to the sofa.

"Hi Neville-" Harry said.

"Harry," Neville said, "Have to cut the weekend short-another obligation."

"Neville?" Rose asked.

"Sorry," Neville said, "Came up at the last moment, Seamus shoved an invitation onto me-I need to go."

Harry looked at Neville, eyebrows arched, then stood up.

"Invitation?" Harry said, "A party-"

Neville shook his head; Harry followed Neville up the stairs where Neville closed his bedroom door.

"Sorry-they shoved it upon me," Neville said.

"What?" Harry asked.

Neville took out two leafs of parchment, two tickets, bearing the EM logo, for "EM Polaris".

"EM training," Neville said, "It's supposed to be really good about self defense and nabbing you-"

"Wouldn't judge it by that last one," Harry said.

"It lasts through the end of Sunday and I was planning on bringing Luna," Neville said, "Seamus was able to get private quarters for us."

Harry exhaled, looked over the tickets.

"Mind if I go in lieu of Luna?" Harry asked.

Neville glared at Harry.

"I need to know my enemy Neville," Harry said, "This is a golden opportunity-I slip along."

"They're dedicated to killing you," Neville said.

"I'll disguise," Harry said, "They won't know it is me, but instead somebody else."

"I need to ask Luna," Neville said, "We need to be quick-I told Seamus I needed to check in with Gran first."

"Great!" Harry said, "Sparky needs another article."

Neville chuckled for a moment. Harry looked at him.

"The teachers confiscated cauldrons this week of people brewing Polyjuice," Neville said, "Had a number of others casting Dark Marks just for kicks."

"I assume we need to be going," Harry said.

"Not looking like that," Neville said.

"Give this a shot." Harry grabbed his flask, took a sip, put it back.

They watched the transformation, Harry gripped the round table. First, his hair lightened to a blond, then his eyes changed to grey. He grew several inches; freckles blossomed over his skin; his midriff flubbed out a tad; his ears raised upward by an inch; his eyebrows connected for a blond monobrow.

"Well?" Harry asked.

"Different," Neville said.

A bit later, Harry and Neville stumbled off a golden fire platform, down the steps, and joined a queue bending around into a doorway to their right. Harry looked around, saw the stone floor of a massive foyer, above were a labyrinth of iron holding up a glass ceiling some twenty five feet above them.

"Interesting," Neville said.

Harry kept turning his head, saw more people coming out of the three golden fire platforms against the wall; they joined the slow moving queue. Neville set his duffel bag on the floor. Harry took a swig from his hip flask, then kept looking. His eyes darted from the heavy oak front doors on their left to the two sets of doors leading into a big hall across the busy foyer from their line. Several hurried people were crossing from their to another door to the right of the stairs; others were streaming from a different door to their right and heading for the stairs down to somewhere. Several others were trickling up the stairs into the big hall.

"Ahem." Neville cleared his throat, tapped on Harry.

Harry noticed that the queue had already moved but he was standing still; Harry took the paces and rejoined the queue in the door way to a small room to their right.

"Next," a voice called out.

The queue moved forward, one person went from the table through a different door on their left.

"Where is this place?" Harry asked.

"Seamus explained it," Neville said, "This is Cora island, used for Ministry Auror training, somewhere in the Summer Isles. Anyways, the Ministry is letting EM rent it out over the weekend."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"This must be a classroom," Harry said, "Perhaps enough room for a small duel or two."

After another fifteen minutes of studying the wall, Harry and Neville made it to the front of the queue and to the registration table.

"It's five Galleons each for the weekend," the first man said.

Neville handed the man with brown hair the two tickets, he looked them over.

"My my," the man said, "At least somebody bothered to arrange in advance, premium too - I assume you know Mr. Finnigan."

"Yes," Neville said, "House mate of mine at Hogwarts."

"How lucky," the man said, "Your companion is-?"

"Um..." Neville said, "Neil Lovegood-Luna took ill this evening, he's taking her place."

Brown eyes of the brown haired man looked over the blond standing behind Neville.

"Know Odd Lovegood?" the man asked.

"Relative," Harry said, "Privately tutored in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada."

The man handed Neville and Harry clipboards with some parchment on it along with quills. He returned the tickets to Neville.

"Fill these out-standard liability waivers," the man said, "Hand them to the next lady."

Harry and Neville stepped into the second queue, both read over the parchment.

"Lots of fine print," Neville said.

Harry read it over.

"Seems they're protecting their arses," Harry said, "Essentially, you acknowledge this has some inherent risk-besides, you're not of age, so without your Gran cosigning-"

Neville chuckled for a moment, gripped his quill, and filled out the information. Harry filled his out as "Neil Lovegood".

Several moments later, the queue had moved, Harry and Neville stood in front of the thirtish lady with modest build. She took the clipboards and the tickets, looked them over.

"Seems to be in order," the lady said, "You were registered for a private suite-given the change in pairing, you could get a discount to take a common dormitory."

"Private room," Harry said.

The lady grabbed two twelve-by-nine envelopes, then two skeleton keys, and handed them to Harry and Neville.

"These keys are to code your wands to the lock on the door to your private room which is 6 Merlin downstairs-turn right at the bottom of the stairs, go down the corridor," the lady said, "It is recommended you get that in order then come back up into the Great Hall, across the foyer from us. In the envelopes, you'll find the itinerary, maps, complementary wand holsters, membership information, and various other tidbits. You should be keeping your wand in a holster for the duration of this activity. Enjoy your time here gentlemen."

Harry and Neville walked back, out the door to the next classroom, turned left and out the doors into the foyer. They crossed around to the wall adjacent to the hall, turned right and went down the stairs. Neville counted upward on the doors, they came to 6 Merlin. Neville tried to turn the knob on the door, but it stuck.

"Here." Harry grabbed a key, stuck it into the slot under the knob.

"Wand," the door prompted.

Harry took out his wand, tapped the door knob; it opened, the key vanished. Neville grabbed the other key, repeated as Harry did. Harry closed the door with them outside.

"Blimey!" Neville exclaimed.

"Need to see that it works," Harry said.

Harry grabbed the knob, it refused to budge until he tapped it with his wand. They entered the room. Neville closed the door.

"Small," Neville said.

They both saw the two beds elevated to five feet above the ground to both sides. Under the beds were two desks and chairs, wardrobe to the far end. Centered between the bunks was a wash basin with a magical window above it. To each side of the door was a shower stall on the left, a toilet to the right.

"Cozy I guess," Harry said, "Perfect if you were coming with Luna."

"Too intimate for that," Neville said, "We'll make do-we could've gone for the community dorm."

"What if my potion wears off?" Harry said, "I'm dead." Harry glanced at the shower and the toilet. "You'd think they'd put in curtains."

Neville pushed his duffel bag into the wardrobe. "We've shared a dorm for five years-nothing I haven't seen."

"Suppose in the real world, Aurors might need to get close," Harry said.

"Gran talked about it once," Neville said, "Supposedly my Mum and Dad had an assignment-things happened like me."

Harry leafed through his envelope, laid out maps, the itinerary, EM membership information, and other things onto his desk below his bunk.

"Does Neil Lovegood exist?" Harry asked.

"He's her cousin," Neville said, "You're close to where-he lives in Kimsquit, north of where you stated."

"Well," Harry said, "Should get up and mingle."

Harry affixed an EM logo pin to his lapel, then got out the wand holster with an emblazoned EM logo. Harry reached with his left hand under the right wrist of his jacket, brought out a twelve inch mahogany wand. Neville's eyes glanced at this.

"That's not your normal wand," Neville said.

"It's a spare," Harry said, "My normal wand can be recognized."

"True," Neville said, "Having multiple working wands on you is illegal."

"So is having one." Harry read the literature. "They recommend the holster to be on the hip under your wand arm." Harry adjusted the EM wand holster, then practiced a draw of the wand. "Slow, really slow."

"Seems professional," Neville said, practicing with his wand holster, "Quicker than my pocket, that's for certain."

"But slower than mine." Harry pointed his right hand at Neville, his holly wand appeared.

"You apparated your wand?" Neville asked, "Conjured it?"

"No, looks like it though." Harry's holly wand disappeared. "Anymore, just need to want it there or not. Ron figured-"

"Harry!"

Neville looked around the room, looking for the source of Ron's voice.

"Harry!"

Harry reached into the pocket of his jacket, removed his black stone, out of which a green flame puffed showing a ghost silhouette of Ron's face. Neville stared at this.

"Blimey Ron!" Harry said, "Memory Charming Neville isn't going to be helpful!"

"S-sorry," Ron said, "I heard you're being thick enough to attend some EM training session-"

"I've already checked in," Harry said, "Until further notice, call me 'Neil' instead."

"They're dedicated to killing you!" Ron protested.

"So I've noticed!" Harry said, "Ron, there's no way you can convince me out of this-it feels right."

"Leaving me with my brothers," Ron said, "We're going to detail those mines into the Quibbler."

"Sounds great," Harry said, "Must go now."

Ron's face vanished, Harry turned to look at Neville staring.

"Those P-private fires!" Neville said, "Ministry use only!"

"You won't tell, will you?" Harry said, "Come."

Harry stuffed the maps and itinerary into a pocket of his jacket, led the way out the door. Harry and Neville climbed up the stairs and entered the Great Hall after most of the others already had.

"Neville!" Over came the mass of Seamus Finnigan.

"Hi Seamus," Neville said.

"Who's?" Finnigan said, pointing at the grey eyes below blond hair of Harry's disguise, "Thought you were bringing Luna."

"She had some sort of stomach bug," Neville said, "Wasn't feeling good-brought her cousin instead, Neil's from Canada."

Finnigan handed them each a name tag, stuck it on the left breasts, each filled out with "Lovegood" on Harry and "Longbottom" on Neville.

"Well, have fun," Finnigan said, "Mingle for a bit."

Finnigan moved off, Neville followed. Harry took a swig from his hip flask, then moved into the crowd of more than a hundred, the ages ranged from teenagers to older witches and wizards, several of whom were at the punch table to the side of the hall.

"Cool outfit."

Harry turned, saw a young mag in his late twenties, looking at his dragon hide.

"Your dragon hide," the man said, "I'm Felton Abbotswood from Thurso. You are-?" He extended a hand, Harry shook.

"Neil Lovegood," Harry said, "From Canada."

"Wish I had that," Felton said, "Never know when Potter could show up-that'd be bloody useful."

"Or an impostor of his," Harry said.

Felton laughed.

"See that Daily Prophet article?" Felton said, "Likely has all his followers use it."

"Yeah," Harry muttered, "Whatever."

Harry moved into the crowd.

A half hour later, several of the event volunteers cleared out a space in the middle of the hall. A stage appeared in the middle of the hall against the wall opposite of the doors. Two people climbed up onto the stage, Finnigan and an older gentlemen. Finnigan placed a magic microphone in the center of the stage.

"Welcome," Finnigan announced, "Welcome to the first EM defensive training session, termed EM Polaris. I am Seamus Finnigan, a founder and the president of the Eximo Macula, an organization dedicated to freeing ourselves from the tyranny of Harry Potter. To my side is Carson Trelogan, Director for this event and whose long hours made this possible. Carson."

Carson moved to the microphone.

"Thank you," Trelogan said, "It's an honor and a pleasure to organize such a fine event, one that should help you deal with the potential crisis that can arise when Potter shows up on your doorstep. Myself and some select instructors from the Auror training program will teach you over the next two days how to give yourself enough of an edge to escape. You heard me correctly when I said escape-Potter is extremely dangerous, so you should always avoid the confrontation if possible. This session will give you several skills that will help you or your loved ones escape the situation and seek safety."

Trelogan paused for a moment.

"Enough scaring you," Trelogan said, "I hope you find this weekend useful and invigorating. Be sure to open up a bit, get to know your fellows, for may find a welcomed new friend or two. I turn the microphone back to Seamus Finnigan for the remainder of this session."

Trelogan handed off the microphone to Finnigan, then left the stage and the hall.

"Eximo Macula," Finnigan said, "It is an organization that has loosely been around for nearly a year. A number of students at Hogwarts started getting really pissed at the behavior of one Harry Potter; we organized to help ensure our own safety and to address the bully of Hogwarts, a person we've seen time and time again being let off the hook for the crimes that he has committed. Dean Thomas and Ernie Macmillan, other students at Hogwarts, got together with me over the winter holiday after a good friend, Justin Finch-Fletchley, was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Harry Potter. This is more that just some school organization - it is now a world wide organization with thousands upon thousands of chapters, millions of members, a large chunk of the wizarding world who recognize Harry Potter for the threat and menace that he is - I am the president, but there are many others that help to make the EM possible. Clarence Patil, burying the last of his daughters as one of the recent victims, is the Chief Executive Officer. Clark Buckland is the liaison to the Ministry of Magic.

"You are the ones concerned about Harry Potter, for those not already members, I suggest you join the EM. It is about making a statement, it is about pooling our resources to defeat Potter, it is about having a unified voice for the politicians to listen to, it is about convincing those harboring Potter the error of their ways, it is about living in a better tomorrow without fear of Harry Potter murdering you as you sleep."

Finnigan exhaled, reached around himself to the small stand, took a sip of water.

"Make yourselves comfortable," Finnigan said, "Conjure up a chair or sit on the floor. For I will now describe our common enemy."

Harry took a quick sip from his hip flask. Finnigan flicked his wand, behind him on the wall, a big picture of Harry was projected, to the side were small pictures of Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Dumbledore.

"While Harry Potter is our main enemy," Finnigan said, "It is useful to remember that he has his assistants. Ronald Weasley is his main right-hand man carrying out many of the dirty deeds on Potter's behalf. Assisting them are Hermione Granger, Gia Prescott, and Albus Dumbledore-yes, Potter has Dumbledore under his spell. However, we now concentrate on the main perpetrator, Harry Potter."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the images of Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Dumbledore vanished to leave the one of Harry, a photograph from his interview during the Triwizard Tournament.

"Harry James Potter," Finnigan said, "He was born on July 31, 1980 to James and Lily Potter. A year later, on October 31, 1981, You-Know-Who visited his house, somehow, Harry Potter managed to kill You-Know-Who bringing that Dark War to a close-that act proved that Potter is very powerful. Harry Potter was left an orphan at that time. If that were where the story ended, we wouldn't be meeting here.

"Potter was sent to live with his loving muggle relatives in Surrey and raised as their own. While there, details were kept as national secrets, but have now been declassified. Numerous workers from the Ministry were sent to check up on Potter every couple of years. Consistently, the house was clean and in suitable condition for the famous wizard - they remarked on the well fed nature and how his Aunt and Uncle would consistently pamper him, Potter even had possession of two bedrooms that were filled with the spoils of being an only child; they also noted how zealously they guarded their nephew from the inspecting wizards. If only they knew how Potter intended to repay them, for Potter murdered these relatives last summer."

Many gasped, Harry rolled his eyes.

"Even as a child, Potter's school files are chalked full of disciplinary actions including bullying and fighting," Finnigan said, "It's no wonder that this pattern continued upon his admittance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"In his first year, he was spoiled by teachers exempting Potter from rules-they let him onto the house Quidditch team despite first years not being permitted. On many occasions, Potter was at odds with those teachers trying to keep him in line, he consistently lost house points due to his continual misbehavior. His cohorts assaulted Neville Longbottom, trespassed into areas strictly forbidden-yet the Headmaster rewarded the recklessness with enough points to gain the House cup.

"In his second year, Potter, the heir of Slytherin as marked by his ability to speak Parseltongue, unleashed horrors against the other students, petrifying them. It ended only after Hogwarts was threatened with permanent closure; Potter manufactured a supposed rescue to gain himself favor and fame. In his third year, Potter was named as an accomplice by the former Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, in the escape of Sirius Black."

"In his fourth year, Potter, against the rules laid forth, entered his name for competition in the Triwizard Tournament; he became a champion competing against the Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory. Potter and Diggory tied at the end, but Potter rewarded Diggory by pulling a Dark ruse-vanished for an hour only to return with the corpse of his murdered victim. When faced with losing a fair fight, Potter resorts to cheating and eliminating his competition.

"In his fifth year, Potter gained special favors from the staff, commuted daily to a whore of a girlfriend-a muggle, I guess Hogwarts lacked any and all girls like that slut of a muggleborn friend of his, Hermione Jane Granger. When Potter lost his commuting privileges, he retaliated; him and his friends murdered the mother of one of them, concocted a story about you-know-who taking over, after which, Hogwarts was short two teachers and Lucius Malfoy, a respected member of our community, was found murdered.

"At each and every opportunity, Potter blames You-Know-Who, a person that he himself watched die some fifteen years ago. Perhaps Potter is right, if You-Know-Who hadn't tried to kill him, perhaps Potter would be better behaved today. What is clear is that Potter is a menace and always has been. For several years, I could readily ignore his tantrums; after all, he was talented in getting Gryffindor the house cup, so I had little to complain about. That changed this past year, the sight of his fist going into my face woke me up to the truth, the reality, about Harry Potter."

A lot of applause filled the room; Harry took another sip of his hip flask.

"The threat," Finnigan said, "Potter poses the utmost and immediate threat to your life should your path cross his and he's bent on death-you're dead. Ministry Aurors dread to take either him or his supporters on-some have perished trying to do so. Should you come across Potter, you should focus on one thing: ESCAPE! Try to make a stand and you're dead."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to show an image of Ron.

"His supporters," Finnigan said, "This is Potter's main sidekick, his right hand man, Ronald Bilius Weasley. Born on March 1, 1980, Weasley met Potter aboard the Hogwarts Express their first year, they've been inseparable ever since. Being the sixth brother in a large family, Weasley likely finds a degree of uniqueness and stands out amongst his brothers due to his relationship to Potter. Weasley can be nearly as dangerous as Potter, they train to similar schedules and Potter undoubtedly teaches Weasley all the Dark Arts he knows."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to show and image of Hermione.

"Hermione Jane Granger," Finnigan said, "Born on September 19, 1980, Granger experienced a rough start then became well acquainted with both Potter and Weasley early on in their first year at Hogwarts. Although magically weaker than Potter or Weasley, she is clever and shrewd. Again, this is a person you do not want to cross paths with."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to Gia.

"Gia Marie Prescott," Finnigan said, "Born on July 9, 1980, Prescott is the girlfriend of Harry James Potter; exactly when they met is not known at this time, however, we suspect it to have been some time during his fifth year at Hogwarts. While we're still puzzling why this relation has survived Potter's castration, we know that as a muggle that she is of a lesser threat than the others and we know that harming her would be a means to send a message to Potter; however, Weasley, Granger, and Potter have taken to protecting her from harms way, therefore it is more likely for you to cross Potter than Prescott alone."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall," Finnigan said, "These are two teachers at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore is the Headmaster. These two are the primary Potter advocates at Hogwarts, both of whom have given Potter free reign to continue on his path of destruction and Dark Arts. Albus Dumbledore is the one who has declared safe harbor onto Potter and his associates. Safe Harbor is currently keeping the Ministry from being able to properly arrest and convict Potter on his crimes; instead, we must wait for the tribunal in January before we can see any justice surrounding Harry Potter."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to a copy of a picture from the Daily Prophet of the entire Weasley family including deceased Molly and Percy Weasley.

"This is the Weasley family in an older photo," Finnigan said, "Several have already been murdered by Potter so our Dark Lord obviously view them as expendable. However, they are the family to Ronald Weasley, so some of them may be supporting Potter in some manner."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection changed to a mirage of people.

"Others may be supporting Potter," Finnigan said, "At Hogwarts, we know that Nymphadora Tonks and Oliver Wood have shown an inclination to support Potter. Outside of Hogwarts, we are currently certain of Sirius Black being a supporter."

Finnigan flicked his wand, the projection vanished, leaving a spot light on him.

"That gives you an overview of your adversary," Finnigan said, "I know that some of you might not yet be members of the EM-I strongly suggest you do. At the end of the weekend, we will be offering neat tattoos that will proudly announce to your friends, your neighbors, your spouses, that you believe in the removal of rising Dark Lord Harry Potter.

"Feel free to mingle for a while tonight and get to know each other. I do recommend some sleep as we will be starting with some physical exercise in the morning to get you pumped up for the day to come."

Finnigan got off the stage, it vanished to leave a clear spot.

"Lovegood!"

Harry ignored, walked toward the food bar. A tug came at his sleeve, Harry turned his head.

"Neil," Neville said, "I'd like to talk about this stuff."

"Sure," Harry said.

Harry and Neville walked off the drawbridge that went over the moat into the castle of the Ministry Auror training. A cloudless night sky with a waxing gibbous gave them plenty of light to see by. They turned right and followed the path along the base of the steep hill overlooking the castle.

"Of what Seamus said," Neville asked, "How much-?"

Harry pushed his hand over Neville's mouth, pointed at a lady some distance ahead of them accompanied by a rat, a rat with a silver paw.

"Explain in a few," Harry whispered, "Keep quiet."

Harry summoned his holly wand, cast a Disillusionment Charm over the both of them. They followed at a short distance. Harry and Neville followed the lady and rat around to a clearing; Harry and Neville hid behind a shrub peering around to the pair. The lady stopped.

"You wanted to speak," the lady said, "I suggest you do before I lose my temper."

Harry slipped his hands into the pocket of his dragon hide, removed his Canon SLR camera then several lenses. He aimed the camera, cast a silencing charm on it, took a picture of the rat transforming into Wormtail. With the shake of her head, the long blond hair shortened into dark, her eyes became the heavily lidded eyes. Neville bit his tongue to stifle a gasp.

"Make it quick rat," Bellatrix Lestrange said.

"Our Lord wants to make it clear to you," Wormtail said, "No deaths, no tortures, just teach them."

"A curse or two-" Lestrange protested.

"No," Wormtail said, "He makes it clear-keep them organized against Potter. That means no impersonations either—it's last thing we need here and it'd wreck months of precious work. Get close to the trainees though, we can use recruits. Will they be distributing your tattoos?"

"Yes," Lestrange said, "Unless you have anything further, I need to return before I'm missed."

Lestrange shook her head, pointed her wand, the hair went back to a light color; Wormtail shifted back into a rat. Wormtail went off along the path away from the castle, Lestrange went for the castle.

Harry and Neville entered their room, 6 Merlin, in the basement of the training castle. Harry immediately set an Imperturbment Charm and several other wards upon the walls and door of the room.

"She's here!" Neville exclaimed.

"Not surprised," Harry said, "Nor would I if we found out there's another or two."

"That pasty bald fellow-?" Neville asked.

"Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail," Harry said, "Who was not murdered but framed Sirius Black for the murders fifteen years ago."

Harry explained the story while Neville got into his bunk.

"How much does Seamus know?" Neville asked.

"Likely not much," Harry said, "He's being played to, but that doesn't forgive what he's done against me."

"I meant with the stuff about you," Neville said, "How much is true, how much isn't?"

Harry sat on his bed, looked over at Neville.

"I was born same day as you," Harry said, "Sent to the Dursleys who loved me as much as Snape does. I wasn't aware of being a wizard until Hagrid came and forced the matter - I almost didn't attend Hogwarts out of ignorance. In Hogwarts-he's reinterpreted the events to fit his I'm-a-thug view; Voldemort was responsible for the Chamber of Secrets, he was responsible for Cedric Diggory's murder, he was responsible for last year's murders, and he's responsible for the murders and attacks this year. Some of what Seamus said does have a grain of truth; I did set Sirius free as the Ministry was about to execute an innocent man, I have had to kill in the line of self-defense this year and several others have perished in my vicinity due to their own stupidity.

"Have I been permitted to commute-yes. I too thought it to be special treatment until Ron convinced me the other way. At Hogwarts, because of my status, I've always had fewer privileges and greater responsibilities. If I screw up and it makes the Daily Prophet. If I flirt with a girl, I'd hear Creevy's camera, the picture would be in Witch Weekly or worse, and suddenly it's a not until death do we part. Commuting allowed me time to explore and figure things out for myself, without having it all psychoanalyzed in Witch Weekly for me.

"Special favors? Perhaps. However, Dumbledore realized that with fame comes high losses-therefore, he's been willing to entertain reasonable proposals of any sort. Of course, I was ready to quit a year ago-imagine the headlines that famous people are not permitted to obtain a full education from Hogwarts."

Neville glared. "Quit?""

"Last year for Gia," Harry said, "This year-well, I've known that it's about getting me kicked out and that my removal from Hogwarts would stem the violence, for now. Dumbledore, Ron, and several others talked me out of it, but the truth is that a resignation would've kept the impostors from pulling last week's stunt, both Patils would be alive if I had quit."

"Why'd you insist on coming to this?" Neville asked.

"To see if I could figure the link between the EM and the Death Eaters," Harry said, "Not that I'm accusing Seamus, but there is some linkage, some coordination, between the two, Lestrange being here proves that. I need to figure out what, exactly what Voldemort wants to get out of this weekend as well."

Harry hopped off the bed back onto the floor, took a swig from his hip flask, and fastened his jacket shut.

"You're spooking me," Neville said.

"I'm going out for a stroll," Harry said, "So long as nobody realizes your roommate is Harry Potter, you're likely going to be fine. I do suggest you avoid the tattoos."

Harry opened the door and left. With a thought, Harry hopped onto the rollerblade extending out of his dragon hide boots; he skated into disillusion and up the stairs.

Saturday morning, Harry and Neville woke to pounding on the door.

"Hey Neville!" Finnigan yelled, "Wake up!"

Harry rolled over and went for the door.

"Wait!" Neville snapped.

Harry stopped, Neville threw the hip flask to him. Harry glanced at the mirror, saw his black hair and scar.

"Thanks," Harry said.

Harry sipped from the flask, braced himself, and transformed back into the blond of the previous evening.

Finnigan looked at Neville and then Harry. "You two weren't-"

"Bloody disgusting Seamus!" Neville said, "Get your brain out of the gutter man! You seemed urgent, you know I usually sleep like this, and Neil is a heavy sleeper."

Finnigan handed Neville two bags, one marked Longbottom, the other marked Lovegood.

"We forgot to hand these out yesterday," Finnigan said, "Anyways, put them on for PT. Yes Neville, you want to be limber, it helps with the later training."

Finnigan turned to leave.

"For PT," Finnigan said, "Wands aren't needed."

Finnigan went to the next door; Neville closed theirs.

"Bringing your wand?" Neville asked Harry.

"Anymore I never stray," Harry said, "Though I won't say where."

Harry emptied his bag, revealed a pair of blue running shorts, a white T-shirt, athletic supporter, and other gear, all bearing the EM logo in at least one location. Harry put these on, but also slapped on his special edition wand holster onto his right wrist, the one carrying his holly wand and a spare oak wand.

"Blue shorts?" Neville asked.

Harry looked at Neville's red ones.

"It's what the fashion guru decided I guess," Harry said, "Supposed to last an hour, right?"

"Yeah," Neville said.

Harry took another swig from his hip flask, left it on the bunk, and left the room. An hour later, Harry and Neville returned, sweating, to their room.

"Sorting by the colors," Neville said, "Sneaky."

"Efficient," Harry said.

Harry entered the Great Hall ten minutes after eight, he scanned the room. A number of small round tables were set up with name tags at each plate. Harry found the one for "Lovegood" around which five other plates were set. Harry sat, then looked at the other five there, two of whom were teenage girls, the others were boys.

"Hi," Harry said, sheepishly extending his hand out to the girl across the table from him, "I'm Neil Lovegood."

"We know," the girl said, pointing to her name tag, "Edena Wark".

Harry glanced at the others, Tilney was the girl sitting on Wark's right, then it was Upperston who was in his middle ages. On his other side were two younger wizards, Lanlivery and Caerwys. Harry then grabbed some of the cauldron cakes and started eating after popping a multivitamin. Breakfast came to an end, Trelogan stood up on a platform in the middle of the room with a magic microphone.

"I hope everyone is well fed and watered," Trelogan said, "You have, by now, hopefully noticed the assigned seating, each table is a group. We have a hundred and fifty attendees, therefore, these groups should help you get to know at least a few friendly faces. I now hand over the microphone to a wonderful lady who really knows a thing or two about some common defensive curses, a lady who hates her given name and rather you use her surname, Tebworth."

Harry blinked twice, stared at the light haired woman. Neville, at the next table, leaned back toward Harry, whispered into Harry's ear.

"Lestrange, right?" Neville whispered.

Harry nodded, took out his camera and snapped a picture. Tebworth looked.

"Manners!" Upperston snapped at Harry.

"Know her from somewhere else," Harry said, "A keepsake."

Harry reached onto his belt, grabbed his hip flask, then took a swig.

"I am flattered to have a fan in the audience," Tebworth (aka Lestrange) said, "After today's lesson, you will be able to cast the more simple of defensive spells with ease. Those skills will be honed by dueling, then during a game scheduled for this evening. Everybody please stand."

Everybody stood, the tables vanished.

"We will learn how to stun, how to shield yourself, and the Killing Curse," Tebworth said, "Other curses and spells exist, but these three are the most essential during a struggle or a confrontation with Potter."

For the remainder of the day, they practice the curses; to be spelled by dinner followed by EM procedures and interrogations. The game was capture the flag using the entire island. At the end, Harry and Neville returned to their room; Neville immediately slumped onto his bed.

"Going to sleep?" Neville muttered.

"Not yet," Harry said, "I'm going out."

"You seem fixated on that," Neville said.

"You recognized Lestrange!" Harry said, "Something is going on, I intend to find out."

Harry left the room, skated up the stairs, and went through both classrooms. He then skated into the Great Hall, pried on a single wide door. Harry took out the penknife Sirius had given him years earlier, fitted the blade to the lock, and twisted. Harry opened the door and skated into the Antechamber. On several desks, he saw the various organizational stacks of papers on a table for the weekend session.

Harry focused on one box containing the EM tattoos, he removes one, and his eyes did a double take; under the EM, a skull flashed. Harry laid it down upon the table, watched it fade back to EM. Harry took out his camera, turned on the flash, then touched the tattoo.

Click

"Wickedly clever," Harry muttered.

Harry gasped.

"Why I shall pass along the praise."

Harry's eyes drifted up to a mirror on the wall. Through it, he could see a hooded figure standing a short distance behind him, wand drawn, and those red eyes returned the glare through the mirror. Harry felt the pain of his scar, gritted his teeth, and kept his composure.

"Voldemort," Harry muttered.

"Taking pictures Potter?" Voldemort sneered, "Too late, nobody of importance will believe them."

Harry kept his gaze fixed upon Voldemort through the mirror.

"Why are you here?" Harry asked.

"Interesting I should find you in the middle of a group of people dedicated to murdering you," Voldemort said, "It'd be simpler if you accepted the truth, there's only power and those too meek to seek it. This group exists because you're meek. You can change all this if you accepted the truth."

"Your truth is nothing but a pack of lies!" Harry fingered his wand. "You are responsible for that group of people, you are responsible for the thousands of murders. How are you controlling Finnigan?"

"Your arrogance murders them," Voldemort said, "Others, have recognized you for the arrogant fool and threat that you are."

Harry saw Voldemort retreat a few steps, swung around and snapped the shutter of his camera, fired a green curse from his wand; Voldemort ducked and laughed.

"Arrogant!" Voldemort said, "Luckily you're slightly more valuable alive, for now, otherwise you would have just lost your neck. Crucio!"

Harry shuddered for a moment, Voldemort vanished.

Harry skated into his room, closed the door.

"Planning on any sleep Harry?" Neville groaned.

"Not while Voldemort's around," Harry asked, "Can we apparate or use the Floo Network?"

"No," Neville said, "Advantage of it being used for training, it's isolated."

"I assume some apparation is possible," Harry said, "Voldemort just did-"

"Blimey!" Neville said, "Must you keep repeating his name?"

"He might be around, still watching," Harry said, "I'm going for a stroll. Neville, do NOT get a tattoo-they're not what you want."

"Harry?" Neville asked, "What's going on?"

"Dunno yet," Harry said, "See you."

Harry sipped out of his hip flask, then left the room. Harry skated across the stone floor of the foyer, through the shadows cast from the ironwork by the full moon overhead. He skated to the front oak doors, they wouldn't budge open. He tried the penknife from Sirius to no avail. Harry then scanned the room, saw an open window in the glass roof. Harry sighed, then skated along the floor, hopped and skated on the wall of the Great Hall as if it were a floor, he then hopped onto the glass, skated upside down, then came to a halt next to the window. Harry crouched upward, pushed the window open, slipped out onto the roof, and gingerly set the window into a nearly closed position. He skated across the backside, jumped the moat on his skates, then skated up the cliff.

"Yes My Lord?" a voice asked.

Harry crept over the edge and around a bush, saw an altar around which Voldemort and Lestrange stood, Wormtail crouched to the corner. Other robed Death Eaters were already disapparating.

"Do not let Potter be killed," Voldemort warned.

"I do not understand," Lestrange said.

"Crucio!," Voldemort said, "Potter is in attendance of your little session, disguised for obvious reasons."

Harry trained his camera on them, took several pictures, caught Lestrange reverting to her Tebworth looks. Voldemort disapparated, Lestrange walked back down the hill. Harry waited a few moments, then left himself.

"Harry!"

Harry woke to being shaken Sunday morning by Neville. Harry stretched and yawned.

"So tired," Harry muttered.

"You stayed up half the night," Neville said, "It's no wonder."

Harry pulled the covers back over his head, faked a snore.

"Seamus will be barging in shortly," Neville said, "Any idea when he realizes you're here?"

"Seamus Finnigan," Harry said, "He's the one with the bright idea of six thirty wake ups-"

"No more arguing." Neville ripped the bed covers off of Harry, threw them to the floor, then glanced at the wet spots. "Dude, didn't realize-"

"Clam it," Harry snapped.

"Just get ready," Neville said, "We're almost late."

Harry climbed off the bunk, grabbed his hip flask and took a swig. He braced as he changed back into the blond pretending to be Neil Lovegood, he then got into his blue shorts.

"You're late," Finnigan said to Neville as Harry and Neville crossed the drawbridge out of the castle.

"He's a very heavy sleeper," Neville said.

"Not a morning person," Harry said.

"Need to run to catch up," Finnigan said.

Their white T-shirts got heavier as the rain of the morning storm soaked in. Mud splattered onto their shoes and legs. Finnigan lead Harry and Neville along the path into the woods, hopping tree roots. Harry looked at the EM logo blazoned onto Finnigan's left arm.

"Tattooed?" Harry asked.

"Yep," Finnigan said, "Tebworth came up with these a few months ago, had mine done immediately. Looking forward to yours?"

Harry shivered. "I'm not fond of marking up my body like that."

"Totally understand," Finnigan said, "Felt the same way, but it's a definitive way to show my resolve against Potter and the things he represents."

"My Dad would have a fit," Harry said.

"Same with my Gran," Neville said.

"You can take them home," Finnigan said, "Apply it whenever you feel like it."

Harry saw the big root as they approached, he swung his right foot into it, stumbled, knocking over Finnigan and Neville to the ground. Harry brushed his right hand over Finnigan's tattoo, saw the Dark Mark shimmer for a moment.

"Neil!" Neville snapped.

"Sorry," Harry said, "Didn't see that root."

They got up, brushed a bit of the mud off themselves, then continued running.

"No big deal," Finnigan said.

"Ever consider the possibility that you're wrong about Potter?" Harry asked.

"You haven't met his left hook, have you?" Finnigan said, "Everything presented is the truth-verified by the Ministry-only legal technicalities keep Potter from Azkaban or the Demeantor's kiss."

They passed a rabbit hiding under a shrub.

"His childhood," Harry said, "Thought the Ministry respected privacy of the muggles."

"Those reports were apart of the records accumulated by the Potter Taskforce," Finnigan said, "They were released when the Taskforce was dissolved-a mistake as it was making progress in getting Potter to confess. The reports merely confirmed what everyone knew about the Potter childhood-spoiled rotten."

"If you asked Potter," Harry said, "He'd likely say the reverse, that he wasn't spoiled rotten-"

"Come on!" Finnigan said, "He's the boy who lived-certainly Dumbledore'd place him into an appropriate house, with relatives who'd love and adore him! Can't believe we're arguing over that!"

"Look," Harry said, "I promised Uncle Odd a story about this weekend. You're assuming that Dumbledore was concerned about Potter's happiness-what if he wasn't?"

"Get real," Finnigan said, "The Ministry would surely have protested! Enough on this."

They huffed around another corner.

"Can I interview Tebworth?" Harry asked.

Finnigan spat out a bit of mud. They stopped for a moment, Finnigan stayed hunched over with his hands to his knees.

"What?" Finnigan exclaimed.

"She's doing most of the teaching," Harry said, "As an aspiring reporter, an interview would add substance to the story."

"The schedule's a bit busy," Finnigan said.

"After others go home?" Harry said.

"I'll ask her," Finnigan said, "Some publicity would be useful for this."

"If yes," Harry said, "I'll be up in the library, as indicated on the map you provided."

They resumed running.

Harry and Neville returned to their room. Harry took a quick nap until Neville finished his shower.

"Interviewing Lestrange?" Neville asked.

"That's the hope," Harry said, "Perhaps get a tongue slip or two."

"Seamus isn't stupid," Neville said, "He'll figure out who wrote the article when it appears in the Quibbler and he's not going to be happy."

"There's no way I can make him happy-I've stopped trying," Harry said, "Seamus Finnigan has made himself my enemy-that Dark Mark on his arm proves it."

"He's marked?" Neville asked.

"Doesn't know it yet," Harry said, "Those tattoos carry a Dark Mark, so when Voldemort wants to, all EM members will instantly become Death Eaters. Read those mottos-every person with that tattoo has proclaimed that they're standing against me, therefore, they stand with Voldemort.

"You're going to have some hard decisions to make Neville. Finnigan has already made his, to found and support a group that advocates violence against any who dare to question my guilt, against any who want an honest and independent investigation, against any who wants the truth. No wonder Voldemort gives them his support-I've got pictures of him being here."

"Blimey!" Neville said, "Your interview tips you off."

"Not until Finnigan gets a copy of the Quibbler," Harry said, "Until then, I'm Neil Lovegood, looking for a good article."

"He's going to be angry," Neville said.

Harry sat on his desk chair, backwards, and faced Neville.

"Remind him how you feel," Harry said, "Remind him about how he invited Lestrange to teach them curses, the same Death Eater that tortured your parents into St. Mungo's."

Color drained from Neville's face.

"I've told nobody-" Neville muttered.

"Sorry," Harry said, "I..um..stumbled across a recording of the trial several years ago. Tell it to Finnigan's face. We better go."

Harry adjusted the name tag on his dragon hide jacket; left the room. After the rest of the participants left, Finnigan escorted Tebworth into the Antechamber. Harry was already sitting on a chair, Quick Quotes Quill at the ready on a roll of parchment on the table. Harry offered Tebworth a glass of Scottish Whiskey, she took a gulp of it as she sat down. Finnigan left, closed the doors to leave Harry with Tebworth.

"An interview," Tebworth said, "I'm flattered."

"Curious about the woman behind these defense lessons," Harry said.

"Sure it's not because of something else below the belt?" Tebworth asked.

"Perhaps," Harry asked, "For the record, your name for this weekend?"

"Cearo Tebworth," Tebworth said.

"Your real name?" Harry asked.

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Tebworth said, "I'm-!"

"I'm interrogating," Harry said, flicked his wand and restrained Tebworth.

"Interrogating?" Tebworth said, "My Lord said-Potter!"

"Are you really hired into the Ministry of Magic?" Harry said, "If so, what position? As Tebworth or Lestrange?"

"Tebworth is an instructor for the Ministry Auror Training," Tebworth said.

"How many times have you impostored Harry Potter?" Harry asked, "Specifically, have you impostored at Hogwarts? Have you impostored him elsewhere?"

"Six times," Tebworth said, "Each time in England to teach for the EM. Somebody else is doing Hogwarts-I don't know who."

"Who claims work to the EM tattoos?" Harry asked, "When do they turn to Dark Marks?"

"I designed them on orders," Tebworth said, "At the appropriate time, they will convert on all those who've sworn their lives against Potter."

"What role does Seamus Finnigan play?" Harry asked.

"None," Tebworth said, "We take advantage of his motives, but they are his alone."

"Do you believe Potter to be guilty of the crimes he's accused of?" Harry asked.

"No," Tebworth said, "He's guilty of not taking the opportunities afforded him-"

Tebworth leapt, Harry retreated. Tebworth's figure changed to Lestrange.

"Using Veritaserum!" Lestrange snarled, "That's Ministry controlled."

Harry summoned his quill and parchment, pocketed it.

"Believe anybody will believe you?" Lestrange sneered, "Crucio!"

Harry rolled on the floor, his disguise gave way reverted to black hair with green eyes below a scar on his forehead.

"Potter!" Lestrange yelled.

"Voldemort said to spare me!" Harry said.

Harry cast a green curse from his holly wand at Lestrange, she ducked, a chunk of plaster flew off the wall.

"Dark Arts!" Lestrange snapped.

Harry laughed as his rollerblades sprang forth, he pushed and rollerbladed along the wall past Lestrange.

"Coming from you?" Harry said, "Voldemort knows about your little attempt!"

Harry bolted out the door into the foyer.

"Potter!" many screamed.

Harry went faster than they anticipated, curses missed taking out chunks of the wall. Harry skated onto a golden platform and vanished. Harry apparated into the Longbottom Library, he skated into the foyer and knocked on the door.

"Hello?" Harry asked.

A slender lady with a hat came from the dining room to the right.

"Harry?" Rose asked.

"Has Neville arrived?" Harry asked.

"He's upstairs," Rose said.

"Thanks," Harry said.

Harry took a stride on his rollerblades to stop from a scolding voice.

"No...um...whatever in this house," Rose scolded.

Harry hopped, the rollerblades retracted, and he walked. Harry knocked on Neville's bedroom door, no answer, but Harry heard soft sobbing. Harry turned the door knob, opened the door, and saw Neville on his bed holding a picture.

"Didn't say you could enter," Neville said.

"Sorry," Harry said, "You seem upset."

Harry closed the door, came over to the bed, saw the picture of Neville with Seamus and Dean, together, at the end of an earlier year. Harry sat on Neville's desk chair.

"It's Seamus," Neville said, "He really pressured me, almost demanding, that I get that tattoo-Declared that anybody without a tattoo isn't a friend of his."

"Sounds like he's being an arsehole," Harry said, "No friend should push a Dark Mark onto you."

"Finnigan claims it's clean," Neville said, "I examined it-looked like an ordinary tattoo."

"Must be me then," Harry said, "My touch does reveal-did so on Finnigan. Want to get back?"

Neville stared at Harry.

"Why'd you think I was snooping all weekend long?" Harry said, "I'm heading to Luna's."

Neville cleared his face.

"I'd like to see her," Neville said.

"I've got a lot to write tonight," Harry said, "Could use the help if you want to-Dumbledore's going to have a surprise in the morning."

"He doesn't know?" Neville asked.

"I don't tell him into everything," Harry said with a grin.

Harry and Neville entered the landing at the Lovegood's. Neville knocked on the doors.

"Hi Neville!" Luna opened the door. "And Harry."

"Can we come in?" Neville asked.

"Anybody else-?" Harry asked.

"Sure." Hermione came to the door. "Don't just stand there!"

Harry and Neville came in.

"You survived," Ron said, sitting at the table.

"Glad you noticed," Harry said, "Interesting weekend. Luna, I need pictures developed for possible inclusion."

"Just what did you have in mind?" Luna said, "I thought it was just another Sparky article."

"Keep that," Harry said, "Have several more articles to add, it'll spice up the special edition. I need help with this much writing."

Harry crossed to the sofa, bent over, and gave Gia a long kiss.

"How was the session?" Gia asked.

"Great," Harry said, "Have plenty to publish about. Finnigan is going to have a splitting headache tomorrow."

Harry sat on top of the table, got out his camera, fiddled, and removed a roll of film; he handed it to Luna.

"Can we get this developed?" Harry said, "Some pictures to compliment the slough of articles I have."

"I'll need to talk to Dad about whether or not you'll get the space," Luna said, "Then we can talk about articles."

"EM hosted that training," Harry said, "Had Voldemort, Lestrange, and Wormtail show up; we can't publish twice on this subject, EM would retaliate if we tried."

Luna crossed out of the room.

"You Know Who showed?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded.

"And you didn't invite us?" Ron asked.

Harry groaned. "There was only one spot of opportunity and so I took it."

Harry explained the weekend as he wrote.

"Knew it!" Ron exclaimed, "EM in bed with the Death Eaters!"

"Careful Ron," Harry said, "Most of EM including Finnigan are unaware of that fact. They are unaware that they've accidentally conscripted themselves into being Death Eaters when the time's ripe."

"That's very worrisome," Hermione said.

"Just how many Death Eaters are unaware too?" Harry said, "Some might be deluded into thinking that was fifteen years ago, or one! Others might be trying to join the Potter Eaters as the next big thing. It's complicated and intricate."

Luna came back in with a large manila envelope, behind her was a tall man of medium build.

"We've developed your pictures," Luna said, "Dad has some things about what you want to publish."

Harry grabbed the envelope, slid the pictures out onto the table. He sorted through, handed one to Mr. Lovegood.

"That is Voldemort," Harry said, "He was at the EM training course."

"You're asking for a lot of page space," Mr. Lovegood said.

"It's important Dad," Luna protested.

"Alright," Mr. Lovegood said.

"Thank you," Harry said.

"You've got a tight deadline," Mr. Lovegood said.

Mr. Lovegood left the flat. Luna joined as they busied themselves writing.

Harry stretched Monday morning to a blond dog nose pushing against his skin as he laid there in Neville's bedroom on a cot. Harry swatted.

"Shoo!" Harry said, "I'm trying to sleep."

Harry pulled the blanket over his head, faked the noise of loud snoring. Harry heard growling in his ear. Harry pulled the blanket down, aimed a wand at the blond hair dog standing next to him.

"Snuffles," Harry said, "I want to sleep."

Snuffles laid on the floor, whimpered with his paws over his eyes.

"Alright, alright," Harry said, "I'm coming in just a moment."

Harry stumbled into the dining room, rubbed his eyes, and looked at Dumbledore sitting on side of the table.

"Good morning to you," Dumbledore said.

Harry glanced at the clock, seven.

"It's early," Harry said.

"Have a seat," Dumbledore said.

Harry sat across the table. Rose brought out some cauldron cakes, Dumbledore helped himself to some in the stack.

"Help yourself," Dumbledore said, "You may as well get a delicious breakfast while you're here."

Harry grabbed a cauldron cake.

"I did want to talk to you Harry," Dumbledore said, "Your article last week in the Quibbler-"

"That was the-?" Harry prompted.

"How to frame-" Sirius said just after transforming from Snuffles.

"Your enemy," Dumbledore said.

Harry looked at Sirius and the blond hair. "Interesting choice."

"Given that I'm supposed to be black," Sirius said, "It was the simplest change that made me unrecognizable to most except those who know me."

"Which includes a certain rat," Harry said.

"True," Dumbledore said, "To your article, it has had several consequences you should be aware of."

"What consequences?" Harry asked.

"It appears to have made some people a bit more open minded," Dumbledore said, "I assume that was at least one of your intended effects, was it not?"

"I wanted them to realize how easy framing is," Harry said, "Hoped it'd carry over to me."

"While a single article won't accomplish that in its entirety," Dumbledore said, "It does get some of the more free thinkers thinking. I did have a conference with Clarence Patil, he still believes in your guilt, but in light of the article, he does seem to understand why I'm taking the position I have been, though he still wishes I wouldn't. Given that he's lost both of his daughters to the impostors, his sentiments are understandable on my part."

"You said mostly good," Harry said, "That implies some bad."

"Publishing the enchantments for the Dark Mark is illegal," Dumbledore said, "I understand your motives and so I won't make an issue out of it, I recognized it for the satire it was. The Ministry may or may not, depending on whether they realize who Sparky is. At Hogwarts, we've caught students trying to replicate the potion, others casting the marks, they've been punished accordingly and even the Minister is in agreement with the staff on this."

Harry sipped his orange juice.

"You have more," Harry said.

Dumbledore chuckled for a moment. "Let me go at my own pace, there is no need to rush our meal, is there?"

Harry shook his head. Dumbledore took several bites.

"I do apologize for my harshness at our last encounter," Dumbledore said, "Apparently it was a side effect of Poppy's potion, we were unaware of it until later."

"The meeting?" Harry asked.

"Still on," Dumbledore said, "I shall be blunt, my time in the living is rapidly drawing to a close. Poppy's being optimistic when she claims a year, it is likely sooner. Voldemort is still a serious threat to all of us, there are things I still need to teach you."

"Why wait?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled for a moment.

"Several things-" Dumbledore said.

"Albus!" McGonagall came into the dining room, clutching two papers. "Have you seen-?"

"Calm yourself," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall saw Harry.

"Good morning Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "I see that you had an interesting weekend-nobody else could've gotten away with that picture."

Dumbledore looked at the Daily Prophet, all twinkling left his eyes to be replaced with a small frown.

"Harry," Dumbledore said, "You need to be aware, but do not blame yourself."

Dumbledore handed Harry the Daily Prophet, Harry's jaw dropped.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, June 23, 1997

Dumbledore Listed

Minister of Magic has formally listed Albus Dumbledore, currently Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as a suspected Dark Wizard by being a known accomplice and supporter of Dark Lord Harry Potter. Minister Fallerschain issued a statement.

"We truly regret having to list such a respected citizen, however, his actions as of late has made this listing a necessity. Repeatedly, Albus Dumbledore has been given ample opportunity to examine the facts for himself and to come to the proper conclusion that Harry Potter is a danger and menace to us all. Instead, Dumbledore seems intent to shield Potter; this has forced us to determine that Dumbledore is an accomplice and is therefore liable under the SDWCA."

Dumbledore, notable for the twelve uses of Dragon blood and the downfall of Grindlewald and You-Know-Who, has regrettably fallen victim under Potter. EM spokesman Glenkin issued a statement.

"We are saddened to learn that Dumbledore has indeed been seduced by Potter into Dark ways. EM will not be managing a bounty, rather, we feel that Dumbledore is being misled, therefore, we will be launching a campaign of education and reform in an attempt to rescue Albus Dumbledore. Perhaps in time, Dumbledore will see the truth and the wisdom in surrendering Potter for justice."

EM Polaris, "A Success"

Seamus Finnigan, President of EM, has declared this weekend's EM Polaris "A Success!" Finnigan gives much of the credit for the smooth operation to Carson Trelogan, director of the event. EM Polaris is a weekend of intensive training designed to give the inexperienced some exposure to the basics of self defense with the hope that this gives people an edge when Dark Potter calls. Trelogan and Finnigan give their extended thanks to the generous support of the Ministry and the excellent skills of Cearo Tebworth, Auror Trainer.

Problem Solver

Potter, Harry : 6,124,000 galleons

Weasley, Ron : 4,651,000 galleons

Granger, Hermione : 3,234,000 galleons

Prescott, Gia : 1,698,000 galleons

Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation. 30,000 galleon bonus for each relation severed.

"They listed you?" Harry said, "That's outrageous!"

Sirius took the Daily Prophet from Harry, read.

"I find the Quibbler much more interesting," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry, eyes twinkling.

"Really?" Sirius said, "Normally not worth-"

"It's worth it today, Mr. Black," McGonagall said.

"Fascinating series of pictures," Dumbledore said, "I was unaware of your interest in photography Harry."

"Seemed wise to pick up the hobby," Harry said.

Dumbledore turned the page. "I am interested in the details of what has gone unreported."

Sirius darted his eyes back and forth between Harry and Dumbledore.

"Harry," Sirius asked, "Mind explaining?"

"I will want to finish this," Dumbledore said, laying the Quibbler onto the table.

Sirius ruffled the Quibbler, read it aloud.

THE QUIBBLER

Monday, June 23, 1997, Special Edition

Eximo Macula Hosts Death Eaters

by The Mole

Eximo Macula hosted known Death Eaters at their EM Polaris to confront the evils of Harry Potter. Apparently, Bellatrix Lestrange, a known Death Eater who tortured the Longbottoms into insanity, is considered a role model for each and every EM member. Seamus Finnigan, a sixth year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was confirmed to bear the Dark Mark attributed to the Death Eaters. Two others, Peter Pettigrew and Voldemort, also made their appearances at the event.

Confessions of a Death Eater

by The Mole

The Mole took several moments to interview a Death Eater under Veritaserum.

Your Name for this weekend? Your real name?

"Cearo Tebworth, Bellatrix Lestrange."

Are you hired into the Ministry of Magic? If so, what?

As Tebworth, an instructor for the Ministry Auror Training.

How many times have you impostored Harry Potter? At Hogwarts? Anywhere else?

Six times, each time in England to teach for the EM. Somebody else is doing Hogwarts-I don't know who.

Who claims work for the EM tattoos? When do they turn to Dark Marks?

I designed them on orders. At the appropriate time, they will convert on all those who've sworn their lives against Potter.

What role does Seamus Finnigan play?

None, we take advantage of his motives, but they are his [acts] alone.

Do you believe Potter to be guilty of the crimes he's accused of?

No. He's guilty of not taking opportunities afforded him [to join Voldemort].

Tebworth then abruptly ended the interview.

Trojan EM Tattoos

by The Mole

Upon careful examination, EM tattoos have been determined to be trojans designed to turn into Dark Marks at the appropriate time. First looks of the EM tattoo are deceiving as it looks like an ordinary tattoo to reflect the passions one has in regards to Harry Potter. At the time determined by Voldemort, these EM tattoos will change into Dark Marks, instantly conscripting all EM members into his ranks of Death Eaters.

Be careful of what you wish for-you may get it.

Voldemort Spotted

by The Mole

Voldemort, the current and growing Dark Lord, was positively identified as being on Cora Island, the Ministry Auror Training grounds. The pictures positively demonstrate that Voldemort was both inside the castle located on the island, and conducted a meeting of his inner circle of Death Eaters. This occurred while the EM was conducting their EM Polaris.

Peter Pettigrew Spotted

by Rat Trap

Peter Pettigrew, long since thought dead, was spotted alive on Cora Island this weekend while the EM was conducting their EM Polaris. Pettigrew, also known as Wormtail due to his unregistered Animagus form being a rat, consulted with Lestrange in the pictures as they collaborated with the EM.

Wormtail, mistaken for dead and who place the blame of his acts upon Sirius Black, has and currently is the right hand man for Voldemort. Fifteen years ago, Pettigrew, who was the secret keeper for Lily and James Potter, was confronted by Sirius Black. Wormtail blew up the street and vanished in his rat form into the sewers leaving Sirius Black to be wrongfully convicted and sent to Azkaban. Having cut his finger off to leave as proof of his demise, Wormtail would find his status as dead to be his only useful asset to Voldemort.

Mine Building

by Sparky

Is framing your enemy not good enough but you don't wish to be out right caught killing them? Your partner, Sparky, demonstrates how to construct a mine suitable for taking out your opponents. In a step by step set of instructions, you will be capable of making this device from common household items. ...

Sirius laid down the Quibbler; Hermione, now standing there, raised her eyebrows at the paper. Ron and Gia sat around the table, helped themselves to cauldron cakes.

"You spotted him!" Sirius said, "Active weekend, I take it."

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "Those articles mentioned Mr. Finnigan as being marked."

Harry sipped his juice.

"Seamus is marked, but he's currently unaware of it," Harry said, "When I touch a tattoo, it morphs and I see the Dark Mark, so will anybody near me; when I release my touch, it changes back to the tattoo. Neville and I were the only ones at that session to refuse the tattoos-everybody else took one. Seamus apparently berated Neville afterward about that while I was interviewing Lestrange, but Neville was able to hide behind the rage Rose Longbottom would have if he got a tattoo-"

"He got that right," Rose said.

"What is scary about this is that Voldemort can have hundreds of thousands be Death Eaters without them even realizing it, yet," Harry said, "At the stroke of the curse, or whatever triggers it, Voldemort will have many who've unwittingly enlisted into his service. The ritual for the tattoo is nearly identical to the one for administering the Dark Mark-the only difference that the victim is unaware their submitting themselves to Voldemort who was there under an Invisibility cloak."

"You Know Who was there?" McGonagall said, "You could've exposed him!"

"Without getting exposed myself?" Harry said, "Voldemort already knew who I was masquerading as."

"Harry's photograph is going to get little attention for the same reason why it would not have worked there," Dumbledore said, "Too few have actually seen Voldemort to know his looks-at least few of the ones you need to recognize him. The photograph has a high likelihood of being dismissed as a prank, but it is still worth the try Harry."

"That's more or less how I'm doing things now," Harry said, "Try to convince the people that we're telling the truth. If I only convince those five percent who're undecided, it's still a gain for us."

Dumbledore perused the Quibbler, chuckled for a moment.

"You never cease to amaze me Harry," Dumbledore said, "I am impressed that you're willing to risk publication and I support the venture. You may wish to be aware, some Ministry penalties may apply for some of the material you're publishing-the Dark Marks definitely-if they choose to be irritated."

"We do have a school to run," McGonagall said.

"Too true," Dumbledore said.

"Ready," Neville said, coming into the Dining Room, "Bla-Sirius Black!"

"Congratulations," Sirius said.

"I already told you," Harry said.

"Come," Dumbledore said, escorting Neville out to the living room.

Sirius turned to Harry.

"I'm proud of you for being willing to publish all of this," Sirius said, "I hope it works."

"It's foolish to rely upon one article," Harry said, "Most are so dead set in their ways-I doubt this will sway them. They need much more evidence."

"I fear you're correct," Sirius asked, "Did you try to-?"

"I tried to kill Voldemort," Harry said, "Didn't get a second chance."

"You took a shot when you had it," Sirius said, "I am not going to argue."

"Predicting one's own death like that," Harry sputtered, "It's so-morbid."

Sirius darted his eyes, looked at Hermione and the others around the dining room.

"Pardon us," Sirius said, "Come Harry."

Harry looked at him, blinking, for a moment. Sirius stood, carried a tea pot.

Neville entered the dormitory, Seamus Finnigan was glaring at him.

"Are you going to take the tattoo?" Finnigan demanded, "Or are you a Potter Eater?"

"Gran would murder me if I got a tattoo!" Neville replied.

"Sissy," Finnigan said.

"Mommy boy," Thomas sneered.

"Slytherins!" Neville snapped.

Finnigan and Thomas encroached on Neville; Neville took several steps back, drew his wand.

"Halt!" Neville ordered.

"Listen to the sissy?" Thomas asked.

"STUPEFY!" Neville stunned Thomas, then aimed his wand at Finnigan.

"You expect me to take that tattoo?" Neville said, "A tattoo from a known Death Eater, the one who sent my parents into St. Mungo's! You made your choice Seamus, you made your choice to become a Death Eater! Don't follow!"

Neville crossed the dorm, wand aimed at Finnigan, and left the dormitory.

Harry and Sirius entered Neville's bedroom; Harry closed the door and Sirius cast an Imperturbment Charm on it.

"Didn't mind Ron or Hermione or Gia hearing-" Harry said.

Sirius placed the tea pot on the small round table, squeezed between the desk, Neville's bed, and the two cots.

"How often do we get a godfather to godson talk?" Sirius said, "Not often-"

Harry sat at one of the wooden chairs at the table, reached for a tea cup.

"True," Harry said, "Wish Dumbledore would not predict his death."

Sirius stacked one cot on top of the other, then had the room to sit on a chair facing Harry.

"Unfortunately he knows that he must keep that in mind," Sirius said, "Barring a miracle, the estimates are three to nine months depending on who you consult. The year came from an optimistic reading of tea leaves."

"Still-" Harry said.

"I know," Sirius said, "In his case, the predictions are far more credible than you'd get from Trelawney Divination-"

Harry snorted.

"I suspect Dumbledore told you to stress the urgency that you need to heed with regards to this summer training," Sirius said, "It's likely to be your last from him."

Harry blinked rapidly. Sirius ruffled the Quibbler.

"Certainly didn't expect to read this," Sirius said.

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Voldemort attends EM training session?" Sirius said, "It's not the usual news, besides, we were unaware of you even attending the session until this morning. Believe it or not, we no longer track your whereabouts-the only reliable method is for Dumbledore to write you a letter-"

Harry snorted.

"I'm not certain if it's fully dawned upon you, we're trying our best to treat you as an adult with the same level of responsibilities and privileges," Sirius said, "Your excursion this weekend demonstrated the wisdom of that, you're finally starting to address the matter at hand."

Harry nibbled on a biscuit.

"So, you've been stalling-?" Harry asked.

"No," Sirius said, "Dumbledore, the rest of us, have been trying to figure things out, but it's tough. You're aware of it, mischief makers at both Hogwarts and the Ministry. I can't get into the Ministry, so I can't be of use there. I can't get into Hogwarts, so I can't be of use there. That leaves me with hoping I can catch a rat who knows he's on my menu."

Harry sipped his tea, took out a small bottle of vodka from his trunk under Neville's bed.

"Looks like something we should be discussing," Sirius said.

Harry spiked his tea with the vodka, took a sip.

"I'm frustrated at corpses piling up," Harry said, "Many have died, and I've had enough. I have and will take any and every opportunity to get those bastards-"

"Promise me that you'll be careful," Sirius said, "Any given opportunity can be a trap Harry. I do not want to be reading about your execution in the Daily Prophet, alright?"

"Don't see you doing-" Harry said.

"I'm doing what I can," Sirius said, "I finally see what Moony saw in you, what Moony advised us to help bring out" - Sirius gripped Harry's shoulder - "You're finally taking charge, you're assuming the responsibility." Sirius removed his hand from the shoulder. "You're growing up, growing into an adversary that can take on Voldemort."

Harry glared at Sirius.

"You've been waiting to he-?" Harry demanded.

"No!" Sirius said, "All of us, including Dumbledore, have been doing what we can to stop this assault onto you. It's just-"

They heard a thud come from downstairs, Ron apparated into the bedroom with Gia.

"Hurry!" Ron said, "We must go-EM inspection."

Harry looked up at Ron standing there.

"No," Harry said, "We stand our ground."

"Are you mad-?" Ron stammered.

"I'm sick of running." Harry grabbed a silvery cloak from his trunk, handed it to Gia.

"They intend to kill," Sirius said, looking around the room.

"Cover Gia-other form," Harry said as he wrapped the cloak over Gia laying under the table.

Sirius transformed into Snuffles, laid under the table next to Gia. Ron looked at Harry.

"Where-?" Harry asked.

"I'll cover here," Ron said, "Others are searching the house, Hermione's frantic."

"Disillusion," Harry whispered.

Harry disillusioned, walked over to Neville's back window, and opened it. His rollerblades sprang from his boots, he wrenched one leg over the sill, then the other, and skated downward; he crept in through the open dining room door.

"I maintain that this search is illegal," Rose protested, "You are trespassing and I promise to press charges."

Harry skated through the dining room, around the table, turned right, and leaned against the fireplace looking into the living room.

"They'll be dismissed," a man in an EM jacket sneered, "They always are."

The man waved his wand, kept it leveled at Rose.

"This is in violation of laws and statutes," Rose said, "You have no authority except that of force-you're a murderous gang!"

"Call us what you'd like," the man sneered, "We're protecting you, us, everybody, from that murderous Dark Lord Harry Potter-if you think this is bad, you wait until Potter snoops around-"

"Then why are you looking?" Rose said, "You concede Potter's not around, so, what is-?"

"We must be thorough," the man said, "Also, Finnigan expressed his doubts about loyalties-"

"I'd feel safer with Potter around than you!" Rose snapped.

"Really?" the man said, "A taste of what Potter'd do-Crucio!"

Rose screamed, Harry cursed the man who dropped his wand.

"Knox?" asked another man entering the front door, he was carrying a small box with a meter, a wand sticking out the front end.

"Somebody is over there!" Knox pointed to where Harry was leaning against the fireplace.

However, Harry had already skated to the entrance of the library, looked at Knox and the new man.

"Oakes?" asked a man coming up the stairs to Harry's left.

Harry backed up, let the man pass to the two others.

"Finally get that gadget to work?" the man asked.

Oakes fiddled with a knob on his box, a bar meter below the main meter lit up to three positions.

"At least three disillusionment charms are being used in this house Ken," Oakes said, "One is very close by."

Knox glared at Rose.

"What are you hiding?" Knox said, "It is illegal to hide anything from an EM search."

"You're illegally trespassing!" Rose snapped.

Ken looked at Knox; Knox's face went a shade red.

"Didn't you give her that notice?" Ken said, "It should answer all of your questions Lady."

Harry saw Oakes move toward the fireplace, feeling. This gave Harry space to skate around, between Oakes and Knox, then onto the wall. Harry sat, feet planted on the wall, halfway up, and looked at the three.

"You're saying that breaking and entering is legal?" Rose said, "Pathetic excuse if I ever-"

"Silent!" Knox waved his wand at Rose.

A short man came running from Neville's bedroom, down the stairs, tripped and tumbled onto the living room carpeting.

"Oswald!" Knox gripped.

"Trunks," Oswald stuttered, "A trunk with Potter's name is here!"

Oakes looked at Oswald.

"Did you destroy it?" Oakes asked.

"No," Oswald said, "Thought you should see it first."

"Are there others?" Oakes asked Rose, "Do you know where Potter is now?"

Knox waved his wand.

"No," Rose said.

"Liar!" Oswald said, "You are hereby declared an accomplice and sentenced to death!"

"Avada-" Knox chanted.

A curse from Harry's wand hit Knox, a green bead turning to cyan then blue. Flames leapt across Knox's wand, skin vanished, Knox's head flew upward, brains splattered the vaulted ceiling. Toes, muscles, blood vessels flew; Knox's liver flew into the fireplace, blood burst from his heart as it landed onto the living room sofa turning green to red. Splats of red blood showed a vague outline of Hermione hiding in the corner of the stairs.

"Who-?" Oakes demanded, wand aimed at Harry.

Harry felt the disillusionment leaving, but leapt. Killing curses came from the wands of Ken and Oswald awkwardly aimed toward Harry, but both hit the panes of the windows, shattering them. Harry came down onto Oakes, his right rollerblade pushing hard onto Oakes's skull, his left rollerblade slammed across Oakes's ribcage, snaps could be heard. Oakes collapsed, blood came his nose and mouth. Harry fell forward, then rolled out of it, turned in time to see Oakes lose consciousness.

"Potter!" Knox exclaimed, "Avada-"

A green curse from Hermione, Oswald fell with a thud. A second green curse, Ken fell. Harry skated back around, faced Rose and Hermione.

"Were these all?" Harry asked.

"All that came in," Hermione said, "Watch out-!"

Harry ducked an incoming curse and fell to the floor; barging through the doors was another.

"Potter!" the man exclaimed, "Avada-"

The man fell from another green curse from Hermione.

"I'm checking," Harry said.

Harry got up, cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, skated out of the front doors, into the air, and around the house, then came back.

"While I don't see more," Harry said, "We can't rule that out."

Rose moaned over her stained sofa. "It will take forever to get the smell out."

Sirius, Ron, and Gia came down the stairs.

"Sorry Harry," Ron said, "Didn't have time to hide the-looks like you won."

"Stalemate's more like it," Harry said, "We must be going-staying only further endangers Mrs. Longbottom."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Rose said, "I-"

"These five corpses prove the danger we bring," Harry said, "Ron, prep the trunks for the twins' place-at least there, it's plausible for the Fred and George to deny our presence and claim they're doing it for family reasons."

"Charlie's," Ron said, "Leave them there."

"That'd work just the same," Harry said, "We're helping to clean."

"I should call Dumbledore-" Sirius said.

"No, what's the point?" Harry said, "I mean, there's no rush, we'll dispose of these somehow."

Sirius glared at Harry.

"Any clue what you're suggesting?" Sirius asked.

"Go ahead and talk with Dumbledore then," Harry said, "Mrs. Longbottom needs help with the mess."

Sirius placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Go-I'll deal with the mess," Sirius said, "My gift to you."

Harry blinked, glared.

"Grab your trunks and go," Sirius said, "We'll need to postpone our talk."

"One moment." Harry leaned down to Oswald, pulled the left sleeve up, showed the EM tattoo. "Tattoo, watch as I touch." Harry touched the arm and tattoo, they saw the Dark Mark flash. Harry removed his touch, the tattoo reverted to EM. "Fodder for thought-did he know he was to become a Death Eater?"

Harry, Ron, Gia, and Hermione apparated into the living room of Charlie's cluttered cottage; Ron set the trunks down on the cluttered coffee table. Harry caught Ron's stare, so Harry glared at Ron.

"What do you plan-?" Harry demanded.

"I want to know what happened," Ron said, "I went upstairs when those four EM goons demanded an inspection, I came back to find them dead."

Gia pulled Harry's jacket off, piled it upon hers, then pulled him onto the sofa with him in her lap.

"I'd like to know," Gia said, her hands worked their way onto the skin of his hips inside his trousers.

Harry explained as Gia played.

"Harry got two," Hermione said, "I got three."

"You can be vicious when you want to," Ron said, "Remind me to stay on your good side."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"It's-Blimey!" Harry said, "Before being hunted, we killed nobody."

"One," Ron said, "No choice."

Harry slipped off the sofa, sat on the floor.

"It's so...convenient," Harry said, "So...easy"

"They're attacking us," Ron said, "Not the other way around."

Harry rose. "It's still murder...I've killed FIVE in the past months-FIVE! It's not right."

"You've had little other choice-" Ron said, rising to meet Harry's stare.

"There's always a choice!" Harry said, "Other techniques, other possibilities!"

"While you're pondering that, they're killing you, me, or Gia, or somebody else!" Ron said, "This morning, you chose to stay when you learned of EM inspecting that house. You chose to take a stand and confront - you saw the result."

Harry walked out the door, Ron followed.

"Ron's right," Gia said, "We could've evacuated."

"Unfortunately a Disapparation Jinx hit me," Hermione said, "We couldn't, I was stuck. It was justified to kill them."

"It likely was," Gia said, "To Harry, people are dying left and right around him-he's now become one of those doing the killing. It's justified but he hates it."

Hermione stood, went to the kitchen, poured herself a cup of tea.

"It's not like I love killing," Hermione said, "Rather, it's despicable that I had to." Hermione stirred in some milk into her tea. "Actually, I think Harry had a point, it's too easy to get complacent about killing, it's an easy and convenient excuse. Certainly I understand Ron's point too, a philosophical debate doesn't belong in the middle of a fire fight; we need to settle the confrontation and then we can discuss later."

Gia adjusted the cushions, laid herself out on the sofa.

"What'd I'd like to know is what curse Harry used on the first one," Hermione said.

"Doubt he'd divulge," Gia said, "I assume a Killing Curse."

"It did more than kill," Hermione said, "It left that big mess all over the place, his second wasn't a curse but brute force instead." Hermione sipped her tea. "What irritates me is that those searches are legal and compulsory."

"They are?" Gia asked.

"I've got that pamphlet they handed out." Hermione unfolded the pamphlet from her pocket.

Facts About EM Searches

So, your friendly EM has requested to inspect your premises for signs of Harry Potter. This sheet should help answer any questions and resolve any concerns you may have about the process.

Why does the EM want to search my property?

Either the EM has received intelligence suspecting Potter may be residing or making use of your property; or, the search is one of the many random searches being conducted daily.

What are you looking for?

We are searching for any and all signs that Dark Lord Harry Potter, or one of his minions, may have or currently is making use of your home or property, in any form.

Harry Potter is not here!

You are unaware of his presence; however, Potter is cunning and clever, so he may be using your house or lands without your knowledge or permission.

I decline to be searched.

Sorry, you cannot refuse a search. Refusing can be construed as obstruction of justice and abetting a known terrorist (Dark Lord Harry Potter).

Under the SDWCA, the EM formed these searches and have been subsequently authorized as legally binding by rulings from the Ministry for Magic. EM hopes that these searches will eradicate any and all locations of refuge currently afforded to Dark Lord Harry Potter leading to his long overdue execution. EM is authorized to use whatever measures are needed to ensure compliance with the searches.

Upon questioning, the Ministry for Magic has declined to implement this program due to recent budget cuts and cost savings programs; they have deferred the matter to EM who performs each search with a staff of volunteers.

"They could strip search the entire family if they wanted to," Hermione said.

"Ridiculous." Gia shook her head as she glanced at the document. "To arbitrarily search-it's an abuse of power and they just hand it over to an organization of career thugs."

"Sums up the EM." Harry entered the cottage.

"What the-?" Gia asked, looking at the sweet smelling green mud covering Harry from head to toe.

"Career thugs, apt description." Ron entered the cottage.

"You two better consider showers," Hermione said, looking at Ron's rosy red mud covering him.

"Dunno, seems to suit them," Adam said as he entered the cottage, Charlie came in behind him.

Hermione rolled her eyes, ignored the mud trail soaking into the carpeting. Harry and Ron went for the bathroom. Adam went into the kitchen, started moving around the pots. Charlie looked at Hermione and Gia.

"Ron and Harry explained," Charlie said, "You can stay until those inspections come this way."

"They're utterly-fascist," Gia said.

Tuesday morning, Harry climbed down the ladder from the loft in Charlie's cottage. Hermione, on the sofa, glanced over to the bare chested boy.

"You want to read the paper," Hermione said, pointing to the round dining table.

Harry grabbed the Daily Prophet, brought it over and sat on the easy chair, propped his bare feet onto a pile of socks on the coffee table. Harry glanced around.

"Ron? Gia?" Harry asked.

"Went ahead with what they talked about last night," Hermione said, "They volunteered to spend the day tending the dragons."

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, June 24, 1997

Potter Murders Creevy Family

Dark Lord Harry Potter murdered Udell and Aedre Creevy in Romsey late last night; Udell and Aedre Creevy, muggle parents to students Colin and Dennis Creevy, lost their youngest son Dennis to the hands of Potter earlier this month. It is believed that Potter was using force to stop the Creevy's impending lawsuit for the wrongful death of Dennis Creevy, thereby saving Potter from having to defend against a potential two million galleon lawsuit.

Last night, Ministry officials responded to a Potter Mark rising over the Creevy residence in Romsey, Hampshire, and found the two elder Creevys deceased. Ministry officials refused to speculate to motives nor would they disclose the contents of the note that Potter left behind, but they made it clear that Potter was attempting to silence a critic.

Charges Levied Against Quibbler

Solicitors of the Ministry for Magic have levied charges of malicious mischief against the owner and publisher of the Quibbler in response to the fiction published in their Special Edition of Monday. Charges being filed include attempting to incite a riot and instill undue panic, libel, doctoring and manufacture of photographs, publication of facts contradicting Ministry records.

Yesterday, a new Quibbler journalist "the Mole" made a number of allegations about a recent EM Polaris weekend; each one of these allegations can be refuted by the official Ministry records. The mentioned You-Know-Who and Death Eaters is preposterous and wrong, for death certificates are on file for 1981 for both You-Know-Who and Peter Pettigrew. Death Eaters is the long since defunct organization of You-Know-Who supporters, an organization that has not made an appearance nor caused any ill will since 1981-fifteen years ago. Any person who was formerly associated with said organization and served time for debts due, is no longer a threat to society.

"The Mole" published a line of photographs as "proof"; analysis has shown that each and every one has been, at best, doctored, at worst, completely forged. The Quibbler is being charged in hopes of having them summarily dismiss the dirty journalist for attempting to instill mass panic into the population; it is also hoped that the identity of "the mole" can be revealed for rehabilitation.

Potter Attended EM Polaris

EM and Ministry officials concede that it is possible that Dark Lord Harry Potter attended the EM Polaris in a clever disguise in an attempt to collect a list of new victims. This fear has been realized in the fresh murders of five attendees in the past two nights, each one killed and marked with the "Potter Mark". All those who have attended are advised that they are now at an elevated risk of a Potter attack and are encouraged to take all measures necessary to secure themselves and their families.

EM Tattoos are Safe

Healers at St. Mungo's have examined the tattoos being distributed and sold by the EM; no malicious curses are present, therefore, the tattoos are deemed safe for any person. EM recommends applying the tattoo to demonstrate your resolve against Dark Lord Harry Potter.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

Harry snapped the elastic band of his briefs with his left thumb, his right hand threw the Daily Prophet to the ground.

"There was some good news in there," Hermione said.

"Good?" Harry said, "Discrediting everything-good? I fail-"

"You've got them on the defensive," Hermione said, "They've had to resort to filing charges-that looks bad."

Harry stood, walked, and placed his hands onto the round table; he looked at Hermione's brown eyes.

"Our Lemmings will read this crap, believe it," Harry said.

"I've got news for you," Hermione said, "Not everybody is an idiot-most have only been seeing the you're crazy news, so of course they think we're trouble-"

"Hard to read otherwise with the lemmings cutting off any avenue of publication-" Harry said, "Even The Quibbler, in time."

Later, Harry and Hermione apparated into the landing of the Lovegood's in Catchpole, Devon.

"Remember," Hermione said, "EM may be watching after the last edition."

"Wait here," Harry whispered.

Harry walked down the stairs and into disillusion; several minutes later, he came back up the stairs followed by Odd Lovegood. Light shimmered on the EM logo Harry still had pinned to his dragon hide jacket. Odd Lovegood escorted them into the living room.

"As I explained to your friend," Odd Lovegood said, "The Quibbler has been under legal attack before and will undoubtedly be again in future; this paper always gets through the occasional crisis. He briefly mentioned a separate publication; while it would remove the liability from the Quibbler, it would lack credibility and history of an establish paper to lean upon. Last, you're welcome to look through the archives which include copies of every Daily Prophet, Quibbler, and Witch Weekly; it also has many other publications. Come."

Harry and Hermione followed Odd Lovegood back out of the front doors; stopped at the landing. Odd Lovegood got out a key, turned to a door to their right, unlocked it, and opened.

"Have at it," Odd Lovegood said, "Keep them in mint condition and keep the door closed-I don't want the editor to get any ideas."

Harry and Hermione went in. Harry closed the door, both him and Hermione heard the click.

"I thought we were just going to talk to him," Hermione said.

Harry spun Hermione around, looked at her brown eyes.

"We've been guilty of ignoring the clues," Harry said, "I'm confident we've missed at least one if not more in these papers-leads are here, we just have to find them. Percy managed to figure it out, so can we."

"You're confident he did get it right-" Hermione protested.

"Murdered while spewing out the name?" Harry said, "At least his murderer thought he got it right, which means he did get close enough to be damaging. I mean, if we were to drag the local milk lady in front of the Minister for Magic and she had no clue to any conspiracy-we'd look like fools. Taking whoever Percy was about to name-it'd all unravel and we'd be vindicated. These papers are likely filled with clues-we need to look at them all for anything and everything we're missing."

"It's going to take time," Hermione said, "This much to read-"

"We best get started," Harry said, "We've got a week until Dumbledore wants us, that gives us time. Let's look through and see if we can't figure out when Voldemort finally got influence onto the Minister - a hiring time frame could give us suspects."

Hermione started through the vaulted room, magically expanded to contain decades upon decades of newsprint.

"What about Macnair?" Hermione asked.

"He was killed before Percy's murder," Harry said, "No risk there to the conspiracy."

They made their way to the Fall of 1996 shelf, Hermione picked up the September issue of the Quibbler.

"We should look for something indicative of the influence," Hermione said, "Otherwise, we'll be reading for months on this."

"Let's collect orders, acts, from then," Harry said, "Anything from the Minister that seems important-start with September or October."

Hermione started reading the Quibbler in her hand; Harry grabbed for September, but the title for October first caught his attention. Harry shuffled the paper, opened it to an article.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, October 1, 1996

Minister Clears Knockturn Alley

Effective yesterday, all shops and businesses peddling Dark Items or Arts within Knockturn Alley have been given two weeks to vacate their shops or premises. Ninety percent of the existing shops have been given due notice under this mandate.

"That's old," Hermione remarked.

Harry flipped the pages, grabbed Wednesday, October second. "But where are the articles of protest?"

Hermione arched her eyebrows. "What are you getting at?"

"Borgin & Burkes was there for centuries," Harry said, "I would have expected them to put up a fight. Same should be true for the others. While some might be happy to become a salesman for Bashirs Flying Carpets and others might retire, not every single owner and employee affected would be happy."

"Perhaps nobody felt safe to comment," Hermione said.

"Yeah right," Harry said, "Look at today's Daily Prophet-you'll find an anonymous letter of support for us. I find it extremely suspicious that nobody complained, not one, about the Knockturn Alley closure - all I see is praise for the Minister for taking a bold and supposedly controversial measure. Where's the controversy?"

"Suggesting something?" Hermione asked.

"They weren't closed," Harry said.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Leases were revoked-they were evicted from their shops."

"They moved," Harry said, "Maybe even bribed, to be swept under the rug."

"You're saying Borgin & Burkes is still open for business?" Hermione asked.

"Maybe," Harry said, "I'm damn curious to the fates of each and every business, whether they closed, moved, are being ran out of a dwelling, or whatever else became of them. Nobody protested, not even the designation as a shop of Dark Arts, therefore, there's more than meets the eye."

"Even if what you're saying is true," Hermione said, "You'd uncover charges of bribery, maybe a bit of corruption, stuff like that. It doesn't impact our problems."

"It might," Harry said, "It just might."

Harry poured two cups of tea, gave one to Hermione, sat at the table across from her.

"After last year's attacks, it's clear that Voldemort was deficient in numbers and needed to rebuild," Harry said, "So, he sends out two of his lackeys, two agents, one to Hogwarts and one to the Ministry. Between the pair of them, they set to task; they fabricated that Voldemort is dead, which calms almost everybody and makes placing blame onto him impossible; our Hogwarts agent starts to frame us for crimes with the Ministry agent helping to cover the tracks; all people who were loyal to Dumbledore have been removed from the Ministry - get the pattern?"

"You're thinking whoever pacified these owners could be the agent?" Hermione asked.

"Or a subordinate of the agent, yes," Harry said, "Once in, the agent at the Ministry would get his cronies to be hired too. We know that Percy found out who the main agent was by following the paper trails."

"He was murdered before he could finish-" Hermione said.

"Who'd have cause to murder Percy at that exact moment?" Harry said, "We were talking with him - a random murder, it was not. Percy had it correct and that person murdered Percy to silence him. We need to follow the Knockturn shops."

"You're implying that the plant's been in the Ministry for many months," Hermione said.

"We've known since November," Harry said, "When did he or she actually arrive?"

"It's a detour," Hermione said, "Suppose you have an idea as to where to start."

"Need a list of those evicted," Harry said.

"It's a stretch," Hermione said.

Harry shifted to another paper.

"It is," Harry said, "Let's continue browsing."

Harry and Hermione continued sifting through the archives for most of the day.

"Lemme get this straight," Ron said to Harry that evening in Charlie's living room, "You're worrying about the fates of the Dark Arts shops that were down Knockturn Alley."

"Don't you get it? There should have been protests," Harry said, "Borgin & Burkes could've protested the classification or the short notice of eviction or anything - but they and everybody else on that Alley didn't. They accepted the classification and eviction without saying a thing."

Ron swigged a glass of whiskey. "I fail to see how that relates to anything-perhaps they took one look at the Minister and complied."

"Dunno." Harry studied the Weasley family photograph on the mantle of the fireplace. "Re-reading that raised a lot of questions. How did someone gain access to that document to forge it in order to incriminate your Dad? There was no mention of a break in at Gringotts-therefore it had to be an inside job using somebody with access into the bank. Ministry responded immediately to the actions at Hogsmeade-both times, so who tipped them off? Even so, why would the Minister be personally involved unless the plant persuaded him to? Who let our impostors escape on the second Hogsmeade incident?"

"Let them escape?" Ron muttered.

Gia sipped her tea, kept reading at the small table.

"They were under guard of Ministry Aurors!" Harry said, "They are reasonable competent in such matters-from the manner described, one of them had a wand, that's not a mistake an Auror would make. Then we have the investigation into Hermione's parent's murders that was suddenly dropped; we were listed as the main culprits, yet we took it as a measure of grace that the Minister dropped the investigation against us-perhaps the plant saw that it had to be, that the real culprits botched the job so badly that it was the only way to avoid their being caught-"

"Yet it was their murders that they used against me when they grabbed my inheritance," Hermione said, "They listed that along with all of our other supposed crimes-"

"One lie compounds another." Harry turned in time to see Ron slip his left hand down Hermione's trousers. "They conveniently forget anything to our favor and remember everything against; we were cleared of charges for that second Hogsmeade incident, yet many are still convinced of our guilt. Voldemort's not going to bide his time forever, he's going to come out at some point, then any clues how everyone's going to react?"

Ron shook his head.

"Simple-they'll try to dodge their responsibility," Harry said, "They'll claim they were misled-perhaps go so far as to claim an Imperius Curse; then they'll claim that we didn't do enough to warn them, conveniently ignoring the fact that they've failed to think, that they've systematically cut off all of our ways to protest. They'll ignore the fact that they've sponsored bounties for my death, they'll ignore and forget all the injustices that they've laid upon me then expect me to valiantly save their necks."

Harry moved to the sink, poured himself a glass of water.

"Going to search again?" Ron asked Wednesday morning as he climbed down the ladder from the loft at Charlie's cottage in Romania.

"Yep," Harry said as he jumped down and rolled on the floor.

"No," Hermione said, sitting at the table next to Gia.

"What?" Harry asked as he stood up.

Hermione's brown eyes moved to the Daily Prophet laying on the table.

"Suggest you read." Hermione summoned an apple, then took a bite.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, June 25, 1997

Potter Destroys Quibbler

Late last night, Dark Lord Harry Potter descended upon the publisher of the Quibbler in the village of Catchpole, Devon, and destroyed the presses and caused much damage. The Quibbler publisher Odd Lovegood testified to seeing Harry Potter appear, curse in front of a dozen muggles, and flattened his small publishing shop along with his home overhead. In a note left by Potter, he was apparently angered by the Quibbler mentioning competition for his Dark Lord title. Lovegood has promised to rebuild and intends to file suit at his earliest convenience for the damages. Lovegood is optimistic that he will be ready for next month's run of the respectable Quibbler.

Potter Murders Parents of EM President

Late last night, shortly after the disaster in Devon; Ministry officials responded to a pair of Potter Marks rising over Wexford, Ireland. Dead and dying, two people were found inside the premises, one of whom was able to positively identify Dark Lord Harry Potter as their murderers in her dying breath. Dead are the parents of EM President, Seamus Finnigan, who is currently in attendance at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Brutally butchered were Willa and Artair Finnigan, deaths that Seamus Finnigan promises will not go unanswered by Potter.

"Research is definitely out then-argh!" Harry exclaimed, "It's irritating-"

"Might I suggest helping them today?" Ron said, nodding toward the door, "I mean Charlie. It'll take your mind off of things for a bit."

Harry glared at Ron's eyes; Ron backed off for a moment, then stood his ground and returned the glare.

"Alright!" Harry stammered.

Harry went up the ladder, Ron followed. Several minutes later, Harry and Ron left the cottage, crossed the road, and entered the stone administration building for the dragon reservation.

Thursday morning, Ron looked at the Daily Prophet before he and Harry took off to help Charlie.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, June 26, 1997

Potter Murders Parents of Prominent Muggleborn Dean Thomas

Late last evening, the Ministry was summoned to a Potter Mark loitering above West Ham of London. Two victims were found, Lad and Onora Thomas, parents to muggleborn wizard Dean Thomas who is currently attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. This continues a trend for Potter to level a toll on those who choose to be outspoken against his Dark behavior.

"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed.

Friday morning, Hermione took a look at the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Friday, June 27, 1997

Potter Murders Susan Macmillan

Late last night, Potter murdered Susan Macmillan in the dark streets of London. Upon being confronted by muggle law enforcement, Potter ran and eluded capture. Susan Macmillan is the mother to Ernie Macmillan, a previous target of Potter, and widow to Frank Macmillan who was murdered a year ago. Surviving is Ernie Macmillan, while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, he could not be contacted in time for publication.

"This is bad," Hermione said, "The implications are horrible."

Ron raised his eyebrows, kept his focus on his cinnamon buns.

"Death Eaters-whoever, they're killing prominent family members of EM advocates," Hermione said, "They're painting the picture that it's Harry doing the killing, that he's trying to shut up the EM through assassinations."

Ron dropped his bun and teacup. "Blimey."

Hermione looked to the next article.

Last Day for Hogwarts Term

Due to the extraordinary events over the past academic year and the fact that many students leave for the weekend; the Board of Governors moved that today, Friday, will be the last day of term for this year. They wish each student a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing them return for the new school year on September first.

"First piece of reason from them," Hermione said, "Want to see your sister tonight?"

Ron shrugged.

That evening, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia apparated into the Longbottom residence.

"Don't stay too long," Rose said from a sofa, "I cannot afford to have another dismal result on an EM inspection."

"Is Neville in?" Harry asked.

"Upstairs with some of his friends," Rose said.

Harry went for the stairs and then walked into Neville's bedroom. Neville was sitting around his small table, a shattered teacup laid on the floor with spilled tea on the table. Luna laid on Neville's bed starring at the ceiling. Colin Creevy was sitting on Neville's desk, Ginny was leaning back against Neville's wardrobe.

"Harry! Ron!" Ginny whispered.

Gia and Hermione took seats around Neville's small table. Ron closed the door, laid his arm around Ginny.

"You look morbid," Ron said.

"You didn't lose your entire family-" Colin snapped.

"I did years ago," Harry said, "I didn't find any in my muggle relations. It wasn't until I first attended Hogwarts that I found anybody I could consider a friend."

Colin rolled his eyes. "I meant this past week. I tried to get leave but an interfering Slytherin professor barred Professor McGonagall from giving it."

"That's unfair," Ron said, "I mean, your parents murdered by Death Eaters-certainly that should've warranted some accommodation."

"Snape's a jerk-get used to it." Neville poured another cup of tea, promptly dropped the tea pot and tea cup, both shattered.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked.

"Finnigan-he's going to get us listed," Neville said.

"Listed?" Harry demanded, "For what?"

"As suspected Dark Wizards," Luna said, "We were in the Gryffindor Common Room when Finnigan got news of his Mum and Dad. He sputtered curses at you, we gave some words in defense."

"Finnigan promised to get us listed," Ginny said, "Used our refusal to get tattoos as 'evidence'."

"Thomas bragged about getting Lupin listed," Neville said, "They both meant it. The four of us will be listed by the start of next week."

Harry paced in Neville's bedroom.

"While you haven't been listed yet-assume it will occur," Harry said, "You will first need to invest in dragon hide and abandon your homes."

"What?" Ginny exclaimed.

Harry spun, looked at Ginny. "Once listed, you are legally hunted, it becomes legal to slaughter, to kill you in cold blood." Harry turned around, pointed his wand at Colin. "You could murder me now-six million galleons in your pocket." Harry pointed to Luna. "Or you or anybody else." Harry stowed his wand. "Once listed, you are fighting for your life, to stay alive, for your life is forfeit in the eyes of the law."

"Finnigan was likely boasting about it," Ron said, "Only the Minister has the authority."

"True." Harry sat on the edge of the bed. "However, the four of you have apparently spoken harshly against the EM or at least in my favor. Whether the Minister lists you in response to Finnigan on Monday, or in several weeks, you four stand a very good chance of that occurring." Harry took several breaths, grabbed his wand, repaired Neville's tea set. "You need to be prepared, you need to be prepared to be listed and to survive. We've learned a number of lessons and skills, they'd be invaluable to you. We need a spot-be back in a few."

Harry stood up, disapparated. Ginny dropped her jaw.

"He's not licensed!" Ginny exclaimed.

"No shit," Ron said, "Being listed means he can't get licensed. Being listed means they expect you to bend over and accept being killed. Being listed means that putting up a fight to live is grounds for execution. In the end, we've decided to break any rules that endanger our survival-that is what being listed will force you to do; your other choice is to be killed."

"So," Colin said, "Listing you has forced you to become the rule breakers you're made out to be."

"Only in that we'll take whatever action is needed to secure our safety," Ron said, "Otherwise, no."

"A Weasley who's not a rule breaker?" Ginny said, "Only Percy qualified there."

Ron sighed. "You know what I mean-murders, that sort."

An hour later, Harry landed with the Portkey, holding on were Ron, Hermione, Gia, Neville, Luna, Ginny, and Colin. They all hit the hard wood floor. Neville stumbled.

"What the-?" Neville muttered as he looked around at the wood cabin.

"This is small." Luna walked over to the small but empty kitchen to one side, the dining table nearby.

"Totally." Ginny walked over to the fireplace to the right of the kitchen.

"Eight people and only one of these?" Colin opened the door to the right of the fireplace to show a small washroom.

Harry stepped onto the brick bench in front of the fireplace.

"This is a muggle survival cabin," Harry said, "We are currently located in Montana-I rented this place less than an hour ago through the end of next week. You will find the fireplace is not nor will be connected to the Floo Network. Ron and I will momentarily erect the ward that prevents the US Department of Magic from detecting any and all magic within this cabin.

"You're wondering why we need a cabin, why not Neville's or somewhere else? Keep in mind that there is still a bounty on my head-any obvious place is being watched by the EM and is therefore not safe for me to stay for any extended time. This cabin, while small, should serve our purposes."

Harry stepped off the ledge of the fireplace, grabbed Ron by the shoulder. He walked out the back door. Ron turned to Harry.

"Your bright idea is a survival weekend?" Ron asked.

"Yes," Harry said, "We have four people willing to go along with us-they need to be able to survive the assault that awaits them. To do anything less would be criminal. Besides, they'll be going back to Hogwarts in the fall-they may get a chance to catch an impostor. Please go along with this and help-they can be really useful."

Harry took out his wand.

"Your enchantment?" Harry asked.

"Let me think." Ron scratched his chin. "Jaciotego, that was it. Three, two, one-"

Harry and Ron returned into the cabin; Colin's camera flew from his hands into Harry's right. Harry hopped back onto the bench of the fireplace. Ron joined Gia and Hermione at the small dirty dinning table to Harry's right. Harry looked down at Neville, Ginny, Colin, and Luna sitting on the floor.

"Neville, Ginny, Colin, and Luna," Harry said, "You've all made choices and statements in support of me; the unfortunate consequence will be you having to endure the same treatment of the wizarding world that I'm enduring. Either you will be listed in the next few days or you'll be targets for other reasons; Colin, I assume the wrongful death lawsuit will continue under your name?"

"Funny thing is," Colin said, "Mum and Dad never filled-Ministry filled it on their behalf-"

"So we can assume yes," Harry said, "Neville, you've had two EM inspections botched at your residence-it's going to be under careful scrutiny at best. Luna, your dad gave us publication of facts that have ticked off somebody enough to smash the Quibbler presses."

"Actually," Luna said, "Dad's written and the Daily Prophet screwed things up - the attackers wore black robes, there was no note or anything to hint of it being retaliatory as was suggested."

"Another falsified report then." Harry sat down on the bench. "Ginny-kidnapping you'd be perfect to get at Ron who's already-"

"Hey!" Ron exclaimed, "No threatening-"

"I'm pointing out her danger!" Harry snapped.

"Ronald!" Ginny snapped.

Hermione gripped Ron's shoulder; Ron crossed his arms and glared.

"My point was that each of you are already in danger regardless of listing," Harry said, "You are each witnessing the designs of Voldemort in action, he has his hand in the Ministry and at Hogwarts, he has successfully turned the might of the wizarding world against the wrong people, away from him and onto me. It shows itself in each murder, each altered report, each incident; it endangers us all, you, me, and everybody else - there is no escaping it except to tackle it head on. I've tried to escape-it will follow you everywhere."

"Melodramatic," Ron whispered to Hermione.

"It's true-" Hermione replied.

"Therefore," Harry said, "My friends and I will teach you ways to help you survive-this will not be about combat, but about avoiding that. In all situations, in the words of Mad Eye Moody, keep constant vigilance."

"That?" Ron exclaimed.

Harry glared. "That, of all things, is the most important, don't you agree? Know when your enemy is about to kill you? Or your sister?"

Hermione tugged on Ron's arm. "Perhaps a walk-"

"No!" Harry said, "I need you two to help." Harry turned to Neville. "For the first lesson, you won't need your wands for the magic."

"What?" Neville said, "Of course we need-"

"No you do not," Harry said, "Not for everything. You can do magic without your wand, it will be weaker and less focused, but there will be times when you need or want to do it without your wand."

"When?" Colin asked.

Colin's wand flew from his pocket into Harry's right hand, Harry aimed the wand at Colin.

"Suppose I wanted to kill you," Harry said, "You'd be in big trouble right now. The next lesson will be to drop the incantations. So, you can see how much of an advantage wandless magic can have-you have the element of surprise. Drawing a wand demonstrates your intent to fight in a situation, speaking the incantation gives away what you intend to do. By skipping both the wand and the incantation, your adversary won't have a clue before the curse hits them, and perhaps, they won't know that they even entered the duel in the first place."

Harry opened his left hand, revealed four white feathers.

"We'll start simple," Harry said, "Something you did years ago in Flitwick's class, levitation. No cheating-you'll only get yourself killed."

Harry put Colin's wand into his pocket, then handed out the four feathers. Ron and Hermione assisted in helping Neville, Ginny, Colin, and Luna practice.

An hour later, Neville was the last in getting his feather to rise; his stomach growled.

"It's late," Neville said, "Isn't it?"

Harry looked outside at the still bright sky.

"In England, yes," Harry said, "This is Montana, seven hours behind, but we should be worrying about food."

Harry walked next to Ron, pulled out his wallet.

"Can you get enough for the eight of us?" Harry asked, shoving a wad of money at Ron.

Ron glared at Harry.

"Keep the change if you want!" Harry asked, "Can you get us some food?"

Ron nodded, got out his Portkey, fiddled, then vanished.

"Handing money to a Weasley is insulting," Ginny said.

Harry took out his wand, conjured up eight chairs, he sat.

"Voldemort isn't framing me for nothing," Harry said, "He's got Death Eaters attacking internationally too under my guise. We know that there is some legislation circulating internationally, from country to country, from Ministry to Ministry. The exact contents of this are unknown, at least to anybody outside of the need-to-know, but we do know that it is being advertised as a silver bullet to magically solve the current Potter crisis. While we haven't found out the contents of it-one is easy to guess, as it requires international approval. They intend to drain my Gringotts vault, legally."

"What?" Colin exclaimed, "They want to rob you?"

"Pretty much," Harry said, "Voldemort already did it once-illegally. The goblins covered the loss. To do it legally requires amending the Gringotts charter which is an international thing. Politically, it's an easy sell as my vault is presumably funding my supposed Dark Arts and all. In reality, the contents will likely end up in Voldemort's control."

"There's got to be something you can do to stop it," Luna said.

"Wish there was," Harry said, "Therefore, I have been planning for it as an eventuality."

"What?" Neville said, "Conceding defeat?"

"No," Harry said, "They'll get something out of my vault, I'm just doing all I can to make certain it's not much."

Ginny chuckled. "You're going to spend it all?"

"I'm under a use it or lose it deadline," Harry said, "Which brings me to you. If listed, you may find your finances or that of your parent's disappearing under the same provision."

"Gran is a Pureblood," Neville said.

"So is Ron," Harry said, "Now, his and your vaults may escape unnoticed, especially since the Weasleys are supposed to be broke according to the dogma of the snobs. What you need to learn is money laundering."

"Money laundering?" Luna said, "Now that is illegal."

"And the only way to keep your money," Harry said, "So far, I have transferred three quarters of my funds out of Gringotts, nearly all of it under aliases in the muggle banks. In the end, they'll get a couple hundred galleons at the most."

"I was unaware of how much you were actually planning on transferring," Gia said, "Or spending."

Harry looked at Gia's blue eyes.

"It's about hiding my assets," Harry said, "My other choice is to just hand it over now-which I won't."

Ron apparated in carrying several buckets of fried chicken along with other foods.

"That smells good," Neville said, sniffing the air.

"Try summoning without your wand," Harry said with a grin.

"What?" Ron exclaimed, "Are you mad Harry?"

"Perhaps." A drumstick flew out of one bucket and into Harry's right hand.

The contents of the buckets were rapidly devoured,

"Interesting place you found," Neville said.

Harry sipped his Coke.

"See Neville," Harry said, "Being hunted is like hide and seek; you're hiding and they're seeking. That means being constantly on the run. Take this cabin, I never set eyes on it until this afternoon. Once we leave next week, I never plan to return. I can't stay in any location for long, not without a lot of protection, for eventually I'd get sniffed out, therefore, I move constantly, jump from country to country. For if my location is known in advance, somebody can plant a trap-there were so many at Hogwarts that I'm safer during a suspension than during attendance."

"You've been to my house," Neville said, "You're-"

"And how many times has it been inspected while I'm there? Twice so far," Harry said, "Even if I were to settle into a house, say here in the states, or anywhere else, it's location would eventually get found out even under the best of measures. If we were to settle into your place-only a matter of time until the EM sends an army to inspect. Fred and George can count on daily inspections. No, my best chance of survival is to be a moving target which means moving frequently and regularly."

"Lots of international travel can get expensive," Neville said.

"True if I were to use traditional means," Harry said, "However, we'll teach you to fashion Portkeys later, which, when used with Apparation, makes for a good solution. Recall, we fashioned the Portkey to bring you here."

The last of the chicken bones fell to the side of the intended bucket and rolled across the hardwood floor.

"Well," Harry said, "Let us continue, this time you'll learn to skip the incantation."

"Mean whisper?" Colin said.

"I mean skip it altogether, if possible," Harry said, "Remember, if you incant, you give your intent away and you give somebody else a chance to prepare. A person who's about to kill you with the Killing Curse will chant-Neville?"

"Avada Kedavra," Neville said.

"You can't do nothing against the Killing Curse," Ginny said.

"Once it hits, you'd be correct," Harry said, "Until it hits, there are things you can do to avoid getting hit-you'd have the advantage as your opponent had just announced his intention to you giving you a split second in which to do something. If, on the other hand, he cast the curse silently without an incantation for you to hear, your only warning would be to see the curse emerge from the tip of his wand; your time to react would then be negligible and he'd likely kill you."

Harry returned Colin his wand.

"I used that curse as an example," Harry said, "You should get the point, skipping the incantation reduces the time that your opponent has to react to your curse or hex. With practice, you'll be able to do just about anything without the announcement."

Harry grabbed a feather, laid it in front of him; he took out his wand.

"You need to focus on what you want to do," Harry said, "You need to have the intent and resolve to do it; the incantations are merely shortcuts to form the will needed for the magic to work."

The feather rose.

"Wish they taught this at Hogwarts," Neville said.

"They don't-it's about control and expediency," Harry said, "Using wands with the incantations is sufficient for most anything-except an emergency at which point the Aurors want control. As it stands now, you confiscate a wizard's wand and they're helpless-with this, you become officially dangerous as you can no longer be stopped by the removal of your wand."

Neville, Ginny, Colin, and Luna worked on this; Ron and Hermione assisted Harry in this. They practiced both skills for the remainder of the evening with Luna getting good at doing both simultaneously. Harry conjured up enough sleeping bags and cots for them all.

Gia followed Harry out of the cabin into the darkness night, the last quarter of the moon had yet to rise. They walked along a trail in the dim starlight of the cloudless sky, past several meadows to the shore of a small lake. Harry grabbed Gia tightly, she grabbed around his neck; his rollerblades came forth and he skated with the both of them across the still water and to the small island in the middle of the lake. Harry and Gia sat down on the small pebbled shore; Harry spread his legs around the back of Gia, he started to play with her hair.

"We get so little time anymore," Harry said.

Gia grabbed a small stone, tossed it into the water.

"It's, well, stressful," Gia said, "Always on the run, you're off doing this or that, I get hauled around like...like a suitcase or something. Like tonight-all I did is watch you teach, there was nothing for me to do as I'm not a witch. I know we have to, but I hate it. I want to settle down."

Harry moved his hands to her shoulders, he massaged them through her dragon hide jacket. They watched several bats fly across the sky.

"I wish we could settle," Harry said, "I wish we could stop running, but if we do, we'd be killed. I wish we could find a spot, settle, and isolate ourselves-but that'd only be an illusion, for they won't leave us alone. We tried to in that house, but they came and destroyed it." Harry removed her jacket, massaged through her blouse. "Ironic, if I didn't understand who was behind the aggression, they'd very easily would be creating the Dark Lord they fear."

"They would?" Gia asked.

"If I didn't understand," Harry said, "I'd very likely be bent on revenge for what they've been doing to me. It's totally unfair, unjust, and utterly mean spirited of them. I could see myself going Dark as I retaliated to their antics. As it stands, I fear Voldemort will more than adequately reward them for their efforts."

Gia exhaled, leaned back against Harry's chest.

"You're fearing a defeat against Voldemort?" Gia asked.

"Actually, I'm not worrying about that," Harry said, "If we're defeated, we're dead and in the beyond with our parents. Voldemort will not let us live, he may torture, but he has to kill us before he can secure his throne." Harry worked at the sudden tension of Gia's collar, he pulled the blouse enough to get his fingers under her shirt and onto her skin. "Don't get me wrong, I want to live, I just know what defeat will mean."

"You're a great guy Harry," Gia said, "I mean, you're handsome, treat me with respect, great in the sack, everything about you is good. It's just that you happen to have this psychopathic killer after you and your associates-it's a real detractor."

Harry froze, lifted his hands from her shoulders. "Implying something?"

"Keep going," Gia said - Harry resumed the massages - "I understand what's going on, but it still hurts Harry. I've lost nearly everything in this so far; I've been expelled, I've lost the first house, the Osborns' House, that Island manor, I've lost family, I've lost many friends-I mean being considered a mass murderer and having been expelled, it makes others hesitant to associate with me except those true friends. Anymore, I'm tagging along, sitting in a corner, and waiting; I'm waiting until this is resolved, my life is on hold, and it seems that we're slipping backward and things are steadily getting worse, not better. I tag along to Hogwarts, spend the day in that office, and it starts to feel like I'm a piece of the furniture. Don't get me wrong, I love you and I'm willing to wait, but it does hurt."

Harry brushed away several of her tears, reached around, and held her tight.

"It does hurt," Harry said, "I took for granted how tolerant you've been, and it does seem that we're losing ground-we're not, but we're just now realizing how bad things are. I'll see what I can do to make things better, but I have to focus on Voldemort-getting rid of him has to come first, for he won't leave us alone like I'd like to."

Harry gave her a kiss on her neck; wrapped his legs tightly around her.

"It's been so stressful-I'd have offed myself if it weren't for you," Harry said, "I've lost nearly everything in this so far; my parents, my childhood, my first wizarding friend Hagrid, many upon many deaths, my dignity, everything, and it hurts too. You're all I really have."

"It's a bit different," Gia said, "While you never had a choice, I did and-"

"You made it," Harry said, "I was hesitant for ages to accept it, partially because I was aware of the consequences. It's not fun-it hurts-to know that I've dragged another into this. True, it's not fair, but I knew the rules when it came to me. I also apologize for today, I shouldn't go dragging you off to that cabin without asking."

"What do you plan with that?" Gia asked.

"Truth is-I need an army," Harry said, "Voldemort's organized hundreds of thousands against us, I have less than a dozen to help, most of who are Dumbledore's gang. We need to recruit. Neville, Colin, Ginny, and Luna, they could get a chance to catch a culprit-they'll be having the skills to do that after this weekend along with the survival."

"Aw," Gia said, a bit lighthearted, "Your agenda is revealed."

"Naw." Harry undid the buttons to her blouse. "This reveals it for tonight."

"And the weekend?" Gia asked.

"Tomorrow," Harry said, "Thinking Apparation and Portkeys."

"Have you planned it out?" Gia asked.

"No," Harry said, "Figure the rest out in the morning."

Gia pushed, Harry fell backward, Gia rotated and looked into the glow of his eyes.

"Should be more exciting than usual," Gia said as a grin crept across his face, "There's no real light 'cept, nobody would see us, nobody of importance-at most they'd dismiss us as two teenagers."

Ron woke Saturday morning, he felt the soft skin of Hermione accompanying him in the double wide fluffy sleeping bag, and he smiled. He quickly kissed her on the neck and then watched her eyelids flicker open. Hermione groaned, removed Ron's hands, and sat up.

"Sometimes I think the Ministry had the right idea," Hermione whispered as she fondled him.

Ron sat up, kept the edge of the sleeping bag covering her chest. They looked around the loft, to the other end there were the four sleeping bags of Neville, Colin, Ginny, and Luna. Ron snorted.

"Not hooked yet," Ron said, his eyes aware of Neville and Colin to one side, Ginny and Luna to the other, and the small attempt at a wall dividing.

"Smart of them," Hermione said, "Know that once you cave in, you'll always wake up with his hands all over you."

"Hey!" Ron said, "That's not fair."

"Where's Harry and Gia?" Hermione asked.

Ron looked over, saw the other double wide sleeping bag devoid of any occupants.

"He said they were going for a stroll last night," Ron said, "Suppose they made it back?"

"You don't suppose-?" Hermione asked.

"Let's not jump to conclusions," Ron said, "You can use the shower while I look. We're not abandoning them-" He pointed to the others.

Hermione turned her head, glared at Ron's brown eyes.

Ron went out the door of the cabin, looked around, and then felt the lump in his jacket. He reached in and pulled out his small black stone with the dimple in the middle, he held it out flat.

"Harry, Harry," Ron chanted into the stone.

There was no reply.

"Dammit!" Ron said, "Wish I knew where you were."

A small puff of green flame came out of the center, not a head, but an arrow rapidly spinning. Ron stared for a moment.

"Point me to your brother," Ron said.

The arrow spun around, pointed a few degrees off of a trail into the woods. Ron walked along the trail, but noticing the arrow drifting further and further off the trail. Ron stopped, looked through the shrubbery.

"Argh!" Ron muttered.

He heard a splash of water.

"Uh-oh," Ron muttered.

Ron looked up the rising trail, then back to his right.

"At least I'll get a hint," Ron said.

Ron followed the trail, then came to the shore of the lake. He noticed the green arrow pointing directly to one of the small islands.

"I ain't swimming," Ron muttered.

Ron got out his Whitehorn, mounted it, and flew across the water. He came first to the clothes littered over a few square meters, and then saw Harry and Gia in a double wide sleeping bag, both were asleep. A malevolent smile came across his face, so he left the island with their clothes and returned to the cabin. He laid the clothes onto the table.

"Any luck?" Hermione asked.

"They're fine," Ron said, "Had an idea, show them the cleaning charm for clothing first."

Down the ladder came the others, lightly dressed in their knickers.

"Good morning," Ron said.

Luna bumped into Neville; he blushed.

"No big deal-" Ron started.

"Easy for you to say," Neville snapped.

"If Death Eaters or EM were to raid?" Ron said, "They won't wait for you to get dressed."

"And when you're on the run, you don't want to carry more than you need to," Hermione said, "So, cleaning charms work in a pinch. Get your wands out-"

"Our wands are upstairs," Neville said.

"I should never hear that," Ron said, "Keep your wands with you at all times, they are your life."

Neville, Colin, Ginny, and Luna went up the ladder into the loft.

"Some idiot stole our clothes!" Harry and Gia apparated into the middle of the cabin, their sleeping bag wrapped tightly around them.

Hermione chuckled. "You know you've got assassins after you-if they can get your clothes-"

Harry glared at Hermione.

"The shower is right behind there," Ron said, pointing to the small door to the right of the fireplace, "Give you a bit of time at least."

Neville started down the ladder first, this time, dressed.

"Teaching already?" Harry asked.

"Thought we'd cover cleaning their clothes," Hermione said, "Lucky that Ron found some test articles."

Harry looked at the clothes on the table.

"They're mine!" Harry barked, he glared at Ron, "You stole them!"

Ron shrugged his shoulders. "You didn't seem to need them-"

"Trying for a premature death?" Harry asked.

"You're jesting," Ron said.

Hermione chuckled as Harry and Gia went through the door for the shower.

"What's so funny?" Neville asked, "Did you steal Harry's clothes?"

Colin came over, took out his camera, and snapped a picture of the spread.

"Great pictures," Colin asked, "Will Harry want to sign it?"

"Doubt it," Ron said, "I assume Ginny and Luna are almost ready."

"They're fussing over something-girl stuff," Colin said.

"Ginny!" Ron shouted, "Hurry up!"

"You nicked Harry's clothes?" Hermione asked.

Ron shrugged. "He didn't seem to be using them."

Hermione rolled her eyes.