Chapter thirty seven

Harry and Ron had done their task of placing the tracking device on Terence without him knowing Harry was anywhere near him. They heard him say to one of his companions that he was seeing the boss again that night to finish organising some of their plans. After he left Harry and Ron raced back to the Ministry and straight to the Auror office.

'Brian, good news,' Harry said walking quickly up to him.

'What's up Harry?' Brian asked.

'I put the tracking device on and it's working perfectly. He's meeting the boss tonight to organise their plans. So what do you want to do now?' Harry said panting heavily.

'Okay, we just check it out. Harry you come with me tonight and see what we're up against. If we need to go in, then we'll bring the rest in. So go home and get some sleep if you can, we might be awake most of the night. Ron you write up what you heard and saw, include everything Harry and you did as well. Steven, get everyone together and let them know their all on standby at the moment, so cancel any plans. I'm heading home as well to try and get a couple of hours sleep.'

'Got it boss,' Steven said and went into the training rooms at the back and Ron went to his desk, but looked up at Harry.

'Be careful mate, don't take any chances.' Ron said looking worried.

'I won't Ron, I'll see you later,' Harry smiled and left the Auror office going down to the atrium and stepping into the fire and vanished. He stepped out into his living room and saw Charlie sitting there feeding Harllie.

'What are you doing home love?' Charlie asked looking surprised.

'Brian and I are going to follow Terence tonight. He wants me to get some sleep because we might be up all night.' Harry said sitting down and kissing Charlie.

'Just you two Harry?' Charlie asked going from surprise to worry

'We're just checking the situation out. If needed we've got all the other Aurors on standby.'

'You will be careful, won't you Harry. No just reacting like normal.'

'Yes Charlie, I'll be careful, stop worrying love.' Harry kissed him again, then kissed Harllie's head.

'Go sleep then love, you need to be alert and not falling asleep while you're there.' Charlie said still looking worried.

'Alright, but I still want to spend some time with you later before I leave again.'

'We will love, go sleep.' Charlie leaned over and kissed Harry again and watched him walk up the stairs still feeling worried that Harry will just react to a situation and not think first. He turned back and looked down at their daughter. 'You're father better be careful princess.'

Upstairs, Harry stripped off and got into bed and it didn't take him long to fall asleep. Charlie walked in after putting their daughter in bed and sat on the other side of the bed watching Harry sleep. He wanted to touch him, but didn't want wake him. So he just lay down next to him and never took his eyes off him once.

'Hi, you been there the whole time love?' Harry asked sleepily as he saw Charlie lying next to him.

'Yeah, I have love. Just watching you sleep.'

'You don't need to be worried babe, I'm trained for this remember.'

'I know, doesn't stop me worrying though. It's the first time you've been out on a dangerous type mission.' Charlie said and leaned over and kissed him fiercely. 'We've still got time to be alone and Harllie should sleep a bit longer yet.' Charlie said running his fingers over Harry's lips and couldn't stop feeling emotional.

'Charlie love,' Harry said and pulled him down to him. 'Please stop worrying, I'll be fine.' Harry caressed his face and saw tears in his eyes. 'Why don't you get out of the clothes love?' Harry smiled up at him. Then watched as Charlie stood up and stripped off, then laid down on top of Harry and kissed him passionately, running his hands all over Charlie. 'That feels good love,' Harry said watching him.

Harry and Charlie kept touching and making love for the next hour until Harry had to get up and shower. He came out after and dressed in casual clothes, then stepped over to Charlie who was still watching him.

'I need to go love and I won't be home until the morning.' Harry said wrapping his arms around Charlie.

'I know, I'm going to miss you in bed tonight.' Charlie touched Harry's lips again.

'I will too love, but I have to go.' Harry kissed him fiercely, then let him go. 'Don't worry love, I'll be alright. Take care of our little girl for me. Make sure you give her lots of kisses from one of her daddy's.'

'I will, please don't take any risks, alright?' Charlie kissed him again.

'I won't love, see you in the morning.' Harry kissed him again and walked down stairs and stepped into the fire and vanished. He stepped out in the atrium and made his way to the Auror offices. There was no one around so he went straight over to Brian's office. 'I'm ready Brian,' Harry said stepping in.

'Great, I'm just getting some things we might need, especially coffee. Have you got your device?'

'On my desk, I'll get it now.' Harry went to his desk and picked up the tracking device. He watched it and saw Terence was moving. 'Brian, Terence is moving.' Harry called.

Brian walked out of his office with a bag in his hand and looked down at the device. 'Yeah, it looks like he's in Wales somewhere. We need a map, hang on.' Brian walked over and grabbed a map and spread it out on Harry's desk and they kept watching in silence, then Terence stopped. 'There, just on the edge of Wales, let's go.' Brian packed the map and Harry picked up the device and put it in Brian's bag. They made their way downstairs to the atrium to the apparition point. 'See you there Harry.' Brian nodded and he turned on the spot and disappeared, Harry did seconds later.

Harry arrived and saw Brian standing next to him with the device in his hand, 'That way, not far either.' Brian said and they started walking. They came upon a large farm, they looked over it from the vantage point of a small hill. There was a house, couple of stables, some other buildings as well. 'I think we try to make the stable Harry, try and keep watch from there.'

'Sounds good,' Harry said and they crept slowly down the hill and came against some wards.

'Damn, we need to get through.' Brian pointed his wand at the spot in front of him, waved it but nothing happened.

Harry watched and saw the wards still up. He pulled his other wand out. 'Brian let me try, I've got a bit of help.' Harry said and walked to the wards and waved the elder wand and they instantly went down. Harry looked at Brian's surprised face. 'I'll explain later, let's go.' Harry said and they quickly made their way through the wards, then Harry put the wards back up, then they made it down to the buildings. They got to the stable and quickly snuck inside and found a secluded spot at the back near a window that faced the house. 'We're going to need to get over there so we can hear what their saying and see who this boss is.'

'I know, let's wait until its dark and we'll sneak over there. Now that is not the wand you usually have Harry. What's going on?' Brian asked looking intensely at him.

'Okay, come sit down for a minute.' Harry led the way to a couple of hay bales and they sat down. 'This is my other wand, I won in a duel. It used to belong to Dumbledore.'

'You won a duel with Dumbledore?' Brian asked looking puzzled.

'No, he'd already been disarmed on the night he died. He was really weak from drinking a potion that Voldemort put in a cave. Anyway, the person that disarmed him is the one I won the duel against. There's a bit more about the wand, but no one can know anything, you have to keep it to yourself or I'll have every death eater out to get me,' Harry said shaking his head.

'What are you talking about Harry, you should know I wouldn't say anything.'

'I know, I just want you to know that this is serious Brian, deadly serious.' Harry said looking seriously at his boss.

'Alright, I give my word, now what's with the wand Harry?'

'Have you ever heard of the elder wand Brian?' Harry asked slowly and saw Brian's eyes widen, 'Yeah, this is it, now you know why you can't say anything.'

'Blimey Harry, but I'm confused about something. I saw that wand in Voldemort's hands on the night he died.'

'Yeah, he knew about the wand and who owned it, well he thought he knew who owned it. He broke into Dumbledore's tomb and took it out of his hands, but it had already given me its allegiance but he never knew that until I told him in the Great Hall. So please Brian, don't say anything about this wand to anyone.'

'I won't, don't worry. Why don't you put it away and do you're disguise? You're too recognisable, I can't do anything about your scar so just make sure you're hair is long over you're forehead.' Brian said nodding to him.

Harry put the other wand in his strap on inside of his leg, then pulled his other wand and pointed it at his face. He saw his red hair near his eyebrows and his nose widened, then scruff on his chin.

'How's that?' Harry asked.

'Good, really good, can't see you're scar at all, just don't brush it back at all.'

'Right, I've got a habit of doing that when I'm impatient. So if you see me doing, punch me.' Harry said smiling at him.

'Come on Harry, let's make ourselves comfortable,' They got their coffee and a rug out of the bag, but left the device in there. 'I shouldn't call you Harry, what name do you want to use?'

'Well, I used James before with Lizzy, I'll stick with that. I was thinking of using Charlie, but if they get suspicious at all most people know Charlie's my husband.'

'Yeah, stick with James, that's a pretty common name.'

Harry and Brian sat there until it got very dark, then they snuck out and got up against the side of the house. Brian peaked in a window and saw three men, Terence, a Death Eater named McNair and the one they were both talking to was Goyle. They listened for a while, but saw movement in the other room so they darted back to the stable.

'Goyle, he couldn't be the boss Brian, not if his sons anything to go on, he was a real dimwitted prat,' Harry said looking at him.

'Harry quick, someone's coming. Let's pretend we're a couple because it looks like their coming this way. Get into the spot we were, hurry James.' Brian said jerking his head.

They both ran to the spot they were in before and Brian pulled Harry down next to him and started kissing him. Harry stared wide eyed at his boss, but Brian grabbed him and raised his eyebrows. So Harry started to kiss him back.

'What do you two think you're doing?' A man's voice said standing near them.

'Ah nothing, just looking for a private spot mate,' Brian said looking up at the man, but kept his arms around Harry.

'So a couple of blokes that like to do that, have we, well I haven't had any for ages, I could probably get off in watching even you.' The man sneered as he pointed his wand at Harry and Brian.

Harry looked at Brain but he shook his head very slightly but just kept holding Harry. 'We're not hurting anyone mate, just me and my boyfriend trying to get some time alone.'

'Fine with me, now why don't you show me what you blokes get up too, I'll just watch. Go on hurry up, or I'll hex both of you with a very painful curse.'

'Love, we can't.' Harry said quietly, looking at Brian.

'He's got a wand love, now don't be shy,' Brian said raising his eyebrows and he slowly started taking his clothes off but never took his eyes from the wand, he quietly spoke to Harry. 'Just play along for now, until we get our chance, move it,' Brian said quietly and urgently, then they kept taking his clothes off. Harry slowly took his clothes off as well, then they both just stood there.

'Come on get with the action, I'm ready to go here,' The man said keeping is wand pointed at Harry and Brian.

'I know your shy love so let me,' Brian said and started to make love to Harry.

The man with the wand was getting what he wanted while he watched Harry and Brian, especially when he watched them finish. He finished himself and fixed himself up, but still kept his wand on the two men.

'Well, it worked for me mates. Now, until I find out what's going on, I'm going tie you up.'

Harry reacted quickly pointing his hand at the man and hoped it worked. He stunned him and he flew back to the other side of the stable.

'Let's get out of here.' Brian said quickly and they both dressed, then grabbed the bag and quietly made their way out of the stable. They heard shouting from a couple of men so they started running fast. 'Aaahhhhh,' Brian yelled.

Harry grabbed hold of him, lifted him up and kept running as fast as he could with spells flying all around them. That was the last thing he remembered.

Brian, grabbed Harry's unconscious body dragged it just past the wards and apparated them out still with spells flying all around them. He collapsed in the atrium, his leg bleeding badly and he couldn't stand on it. He panted heavily and pulled his wand, sending his patronus to Kingsley. Then he sat there with Harry, trying to get him to come around.

'Brian, what happened?' Kingsley said running towards him.

'We got spotted, I got hit, but Harry lifted me up and ran with me up the hill. They hit him a few times with something, I don't know what. I got us here, we need to get him to St Mungos Kingsley and let Charlie know.' Brian panted heavily.

'Let me get you both to St Mungo's, then I'll let Charlie know.' Kingsley knelt down and pulled Harry's unconscious body into his arms, and Brian struggled to his feet and held on to Kingsley. He turned on the spot and apparated away. Then arrived in St Mungo's waiting room, he struggled to keep both men up. 'I need a healer quickly.' Kingsley shouted.

'Minister, what's happened?' a healer said running towards him.

'These are two Aurors, they need healers. Get them into a room, I need to notify some people.' Kingsley said panting, 'Before you go, the red haired one is really Harry Potter. He was disguised for a mission. So make sure no one knows he's here until I notify his family.'

'Of course Minister,' the healer helped Brian onto one, while Kingsley helped the healer with Harry onto the other one.

Kingsley walked over to the fireplace and stuck his head in. 'Charlie, Charlie, come on mate, Charlie.' Kingsley yelled.

'Yes, Minister. Can Kreacher help you?'

'Get Charlie, Harry's been hurt, his at St Mungo's. Hurry Kreacher,' Kingsley said.

'Yes Minister, I will get Master Charlie,' the elf bowed and snapped his fingers and apparated next to Charlie. 'Master Charlie, Master Charlie, wake up,' Kreacher said shaking his shoulders.

'Kreacher, what's going on?' Charlie said sleepily.

'The Minister's head was in the fire, Master Harry's hurt at St Mungo's Master Charlie.'

'Damn, thanks Kreacher. I'll get Harllie, can you go tell Rose, then go to Ron and Hermione and tell them to meet me at St Mungo's,' Charlie said jumping up and throwing his clothes and shoes on.

'Yes Master Charlie,' he snapped his fingers and disappeared.

Charlie ran into the nursery and packed the baby's bag, then gently picked up his daughter, holding her tight against him. Then went down stairs and was about to make some bottles when Kreacher appeared back in the kitchen.

'I'll do it Master Charlie,' the elf said and started making a three bottles, then handed them to Charlie.

'Thanks Kreacher, I'll let you know what's going on with Harry.' Charlie said and put the bottles in the bag and walked over to the fireplace and vanished. He stepped out at St Mungos. 'Kingsley.' Charlie called as he stepped out.

'Charlie, Harry's unconscious, but I don't know what's going on. He saved Brian, before he got hit. Who else did you notify?'

'Rose, Ron and Hermione, that's it. Now what happened, Harry saved Brian. Where's Brian now?'

'He's leg was bleeding badly, he got hit, so Harry carried him, then he got hit. I was waiting for you to find out what's going on. Hermione, Ron, Rose.' Kingsley said.

'What's going on Kingsley?' Hermione asked with tears falling down her face.

'Let's go in and find out how they are.' Kingsley said and led the way through the doors and found Harry and Brian in the same room. Two healers were working on both of them. 'What's happening?' Kingsley asked.

'Kingsley, I'm fine love. My leg's a bit mangled at the moment, but the healer said because Harry carried me it's going to be fine. So there won't be any permanent damage. He lifted me and carried me Kingsley, how I have no idea.'

'What about Harry?' Charlie asked looking down at him.

'He was hit with multiple stunner, and was cut pretty bad as he fell by the look of it. He'll be unconscious for a while with that many stunners hitting him,' the healer said looking around.

'How many?' Charlie asked as he sat next to Harry, taking his hand.

'I found twelve marks on his back Mr. Potter,' the healer said.

'Charlie, let me take Harllie.' Hermione said stepping over to him.

'Thanks Hermione.' Charlie put the baby in her godmother's arms then held Harry hand in both his. 'Will he be alright?' Charlie asked the healer but never took his eyes from Harry.

'He'll be very sore when he wakes and he'll need to rest for a couple of days at least. The cuts will need creams and potions and he'll have scars from them,' the healer said looking at Charlie.

'More scars,' Charlie said caressing Harry's face. 'He was supposed to be just watching.'

'We got spotted Charlie and had to move quickly, thank Merlin for Harry's quick thinking though.'

Rose sat on the other side of the bed and took Harry's other hand in hers. 'He's already got too many scars Charlie.'

'I know Rose, more than anyone I know.' Charlie said and he leaned down and kissed Harry's lips.

Brian watched Charlie with Harry and knew he'd have to say something about what they were made to do but he couldn't in front of the others. So he decided to wait for a while, so they all sat around watching Harry.

'She's waking up Charlie, do you want me to feed her?' Hermione asked.

'Yeah, thanks, her bottles in the bag Hermione.'

Ron put his hand to Charlie's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. 'He'll be alright Charlie, he's survived worse than stunners.'

'I know Ron, but so many of them, how did he stay standing after being hit even once?'

'I'd like to know that myself Charlie.' Brian said. 'I saw spells hitting him, but he just kept running with me until we were just inside the wards then he just collapsed. I was able drag him through the wards then apparated us to the Ministry.'

'We all know Harry's powerful, but you can't stay standing after being hit with one stunner, let alone twelve.' Kingsley said as he sat with Brian.

Brian, Kingsley, Ron, Hermione, Rose and Charlie sat around for hours all watching Harry.

'Charlie, do you want Harllie?' Hermione asked stepped close to him.

'Thanks Hermione.' Charlie took the baby from her arms, then went back to watching Harry. 'Why don't you all get something to eat, it probably be a while before he comes too.'

'Good idea Charlie. Rose, Ron, Hermione, let's go for a while. We can come back later,' Kingsley said and the two women and Ron nodded.

Brian watched as everyone but Charlie left the room. 'Charlie, there's something I need to tell you now that we're alone.'

'What's that?' Charlie glanced over at him.

'When we first got caught, we started pretending to be a couple so they wouldn't get suspicious. Harry wasn't too keen on it but he realised the danger.'

'So, what, you had to kiss him?' Charlie asked looking back at Harry.

'Yes, but there's more Charlie, the Death Eater had his wand pointed at us and we couldn't get to ours. He wanted to get off because he hadn't had any in a while he said.'

'What happened Brian?' Charlie asked with a growl.

'We had no choice Charlie, he could have hit either of us before we could move.' Brian said sadly, 'neither of us wanted to do it.'

'So…' Charlie started, then looked at Brian, 'you had sex, is that what you're telling me?'

'Yes, I'm sorry Charlie, but it was a dangerous situation. It was either that or maybe being killed.'

'Oh, okay, are you going to tell Kingsley?' Charlie said trying to control his temper.

'Yes, when we're alone, just like I told you. It didn't mean anything to either of us Charlie and we both didn't want to do it. What would you have us do if you had been there?'

'I don't know Brian,' Charlie shouted, then held Harllie closer to him. 'Couldn't you have thought of something other than that?'

'I didn't think of it Charlie, he did.' Brian said trying to keep his voice calm as he watched Charlie's anger rise. 'Charlie, would you have preferred Harry be hit with the cruciatus again, or maybe killed. Think about that.'

'Of course I wouldn't Brian, but bloody hell, you had sex with my husband. Not something I want to think about right now, so just drop it alright?' Charlie said and he kept watching Harry.

'One more thing, in case the healers need to get him in bed or changed. He's other wand is strapped to his leg. That shouldn't be found by anyone.'

'You know about that?' Charlie asked looking surprised.

'When we got there, it had some strong wards up, we couldn't get through, so Harry pulled that wand and had the wards down in seconds before putting it back up. He told me about the wand because I knew it wasn't he's normal one. I'm not going to say anything about it to anyone, you have my word I wouldn't do that to Harry.'

'Fine, thanks,' Charlie said in a flat voice before looking back at Harry. He felt his leg and found the wand and slipped it off of him and put it in the baby bag. 'I'll take it home when I go,' just then Harllie started crying. 'Shhhhe, princess, you can't be hungry, so what's up,' Charlie started rocking her but she wouldn't settle down, then Harry murmured in his sleep and Harllie stopped crying. Charlie put Harllie down next to Harry and she stayed quiet but awake. Harry murmured a few more times, but stayed asleep.

'She must sense Harry or something.' Brian said quietly.

'Yeah, maybe,' Charlie said watching his daughter and husband, then Harry slowly started to move. 'Harry love,' Charlie said softly, 'Harry, come on, wake up love.' Charlie kept saying as Harry's movements got more intense and he's eyes started flicking, 'Harry,' Charlie said again and Harry blinked a few times before opening his eyes.

'Charlie,' Harry said softly looking at him.

'I'm here love, so is Harllie,' Charlie picked her up and showed Harry. He slowly moved his hand to touch her.

'Look love, she smiled,' Harry said still softly, still touching Harllie's face.

'She knows her daddy is unwell. I'm going to find a healer love, don't move,' Charlie said as he got off the bed.

'Okay, too tired,' Harry said.

Charlie stuck his head out the door and called a healer over. 'Harry's awake,' he said and the healer came in the room and straight over to Harry.

'How do you feel Mr. Potter?' the healer asked waving his wand.

'Tired, sore, now I just want to go home,' Harry said softly.

'You need rest, creams and potions Mr. Potter,' the healer said.

'I'll rest at home, I've spent way too much time in hospital beds. I'll get Poppy to come check on me,' Harry said slowly sitting up.

'Poppy Pomfrey, from Hogwarts?' the healer asked.

'Yes, she'll come if I ask her to. So I'm going home, Charlie, take me home love,' Harry said still very softly.

'Let me get Hermione to take Harllie Harry, just wait there until I do.' Charlie said and looked at the healer, 'He can be stubborn sometimes, but I'll make sure he rests and get Poppy there.'

'As long as Poppy is willing then I'm fine with you taking him home Mr. Potter,' the healer said smiling at him as he left the room.

'Now, Harry stay there, I'll just get Hermione.'

'Alright love,' Harry said tiredly.

Charlie walked out the door to look for Hermione. 'Harry, I told Charlie what we we're forced to do.'

'You told him?' Harry said looking over at him, 'Merlin, that's all I need right now,' Harry said shaking his head, then Charlie, Hermione, Ron, Rose and Kingsley walked back in.

'Harry,' Hermione said hugging him gently.

'I'm fine Hermione, hi Ron, Mum, Kingsley,' Harry said still quietly. 'Now, Hermione, take Harllie so Charlie can help me, I want to get out of here.'

'Alright, just wait Harry. I know you have no patience,' Hermione said as she walked over to Charlie and took the baby from him. 'Ron grab the bag will you?' Ron picked up the bag and slung it over his shoulder.

'Harry, you should stay in bed mate.' Kingsley said.

'I'll do that at home Kingsley, I can't stay in another hospital bed,' Harry said wearily.

Charlie helped Harry stand, but took almost all his weight. 'You're really weak Harry, let me take as much of you're weight as possible.'

'Alright love,' Harry said and slumped against Charlie and they slowly made their way out of the room and back to the waiting room.

'Hermione, Ron, Mum, you go first.' Harry said and waited, 'Take me home love,' Harry said slumping more in Charlie's arms.

'I've got you love, Kingsley, come over later,' Charlie said and stepped into the fire and vanished. They stepped out into the living room, but Charlie kept walking up the stairs and helped Harry onto the bed. He undressed him, then helped him into bed, 'How do you feel love?'

'Just sore, my face is a little stiff,' Harry said and he reached up but Charlie grabbed his hand. 'What?'

'You got cut up Harry, the healer said it will scar,' Charlie said watching Harry.

Harry waved his hand and summoned a small mirror. 'Well, just another one to add to the rest, hopefully it won't be as bad once it's healed properly.'

'I'm going to contact Poppy, you stay there and don't move,' Charlie said seriously.

'Can I come in?' Rose asked from the doorway.

'Course Mum, Charlie, go talk to Poppy, I'm not moving love.' Harry said giving him a small smile.

'Rose, makes sure he doesn't move,' Charlie said as he walked past her.

'I'll make sure he stays still Charlie,' Rose gave him a smile then sat next to her son, holding his hand. 'Look at you Harry, when are you going to stop?'

'When there are no more dark wizards out there Mum, but I'm alright, so there's no need to worry,' Harry kissed her cheek and they both sat there staring at each other, mother and son.