[a/n0]Sextant-I had occasion to address Harry reacting to Snape's pensieve memories in HDD#6 & #8
[a/n1]A notable review alix33. Oliver Wood was first Boris Johnson, then by way of msg, Dinner.
[a/n]Was watching Superman 2 and saw a familiar face. And yes, he's really in the cast list per imdb. I dedicate this to Hands Off MY Wolfie who reviewing chapter 20 said "You can explain anything." Also, Hedwigphiles.
Harry Does Different CCLXXVII
Vernon Dursley Terrorist
During the early summer of 1993 Harry Potter had little to do but read his textbooks and watch TV. Thus, while all the Dursleys were out of Privet Dr. the sometime hero of the Wizarding World was half-trying to do his Potions essay while not-especially paying attention to an English subtitled episode of the French version of an American show called Cops. He was quite enjoying being in Vernon's recliner.
"HAVE YOU SEEN ANY OF THESE MEN?" The white letters screamed at the watcher. "THEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! DO NOT CONFRONT THEM! CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE OR THE PRODUCERS OF THIS SHOW AT 88-242-66629! Four of the terrorists who threatened Paris from the Eiffel Tower with nuclear annihilation are still unaccounted for. Their names are unknown. All we have is footage from the security cameras of the incident in 1979, which was thwarted only by the intervention of Superman."
"Wait! What?" Harry was sure he recognized one of the men. "As Ron would say No Bloody Way! HEY! Show that third guy again!" He accidently apparated from the recliner to inches from the TV screen. Despite the missing mass of an extra man, there was no doubt in the young wizard's mind "THAT'S Uncle Vernon! Sure as basilisk venom burns!"
Upstairs in Dudley's Second Bedroom, a very intelligent owl squawked and took flight. Momentarily, she was parked on her pet's shoulder. He was mostly well-trained.
"In the mood for a bit of bacon, Hedwig?" asked Harry as he stroked her breast feathers. He walked into the kitchen, looked in the refrigerator, found a pack of microwavable bacon and set it cooking.
Hedwig squawked several times which would be interpreted to be ~~Yes, thank you. But you know you're about to write a letter.~~
"Here, enjoy." Harry retrieved the steaming treats and pulled a sheet of paper from the notepad Aunt Petunia always kept near the wall-mounted rotary telephone. He actually decided to go straight to the top on this.
Dear Superman,
Wow! Imagine me writing to you. I imagine you get tons of fanmail. Kind of why I never did. But, anyway, this isn't a fan letter. I was just watching the tube and a show about wanted criminals was on. I'm sure you remember those guys that tried to destroy Paris. Well I'm as positive as can be that my uncle, Vernon Dursley, is the guy the show called Terrorist #3. He is rather abusive, but I don't think I'm in any more danger than usual sending this. I just don't want to put anyone else in danger by involving regular bobbies. Please come asap.
Thanx
Harry Potter, #4 Privet Dr. Little Whining, Surrey, UK
Ps: This is my friend, Hedwig. I don't know how long she'll need to fly to find you, but please give her some water and bacon before sending her back.
And, after rolling the lined yellow paper into a scroll, he addressed his owl "How do you feel about a possibly long flight, girl? I think it's very important."
~~It's what I live for, silly boy~~ squawked Hedwig, sticking out a leg. With a last swig of water she was off.
Abcij
Very Tall Building, Metropolis, USA
Ace reporter Clark Kent had just been chewed out by Perry White for not getting the scoop on a scandal involving the mayor. Never mind he'd just that night put out a major fire threatening thousands of homes in California. He was more than a little surprised to see an owl at his office window with an envelope addressed to Superman. He opened it, allowing the snowy to hop onto his desk and asked "Exactly how do you know who I am?"
~~Honestly!~~ squawked Hedwig, importantly ~~Glasses, no glasses; Glasses, no glasses! You might fool half-blind humans. But I am a Wizarding Post Owl.~~
Clark chuckled at the reply which, of course, he understood "Haven't had much to do with wizards in my time here. Why would they contact me now?"
~~Read the letter.~~ commanded Hedwig with an air of self-importance.
Clark merely quirked an eyebrow "Bit bossy ain't we?" He unrolled the yellow paper and with his superpowers read the whole thing in the blink of an eye. Then "Yes, if true, I see young Harry's point. I can't exactly drop everything and get away just now. Would you like to fly back with me tonight? If you can find my apartment, I tend to leave the window open."
~~Not much brighter than most humans.~~ Hedwig complained as she took flight again. She was, of course, waiting when Clark arrived that evening.
Superman began to follow the snowy owl on her route back to her human, but soon pointed out "I can get us to England in about two minutes. Yes, of course, you are an excellent flyer. But The Daily Planet doesn't usually give me two days in a row off. How about this? Once over Surrey you can lead?"
~~Very well.~~ And Hedwig allowed the Kryptonian to fold her into his cape. The speed was awe-inspiring.
Superman held back quite a bit to actually meet his estimate. Mid evening in Metropolis was just before dawn in London. He was greatly amused by the outraged attitude of the owl as he unfolded his cape from around her "No harm done, little lady. Take me to your human."
Not having flown herself, it took Hedwig a moment to get her bearings then dove for Privet Dr. A matter of five more minutes by bird power and Hedwig was on Harry's window. The Kryptonian floated down and tapped on it.
"Hedwig!" the young wizard thrust the window open and gave a brief stroke to his owl's head.
Superman laughed amusedly "You'd think people float outside your bedroom every day, kid."
"People, cars, giant spiders." Harry tried to sound casual "I'm not impressed. Except I need a broom to fly. Come on in Superman. I must admit I didn't really expect to see you same day. Good job Hedwig. She doesn't look overtired and is well fed, thank you."
Superman smiled "Must admit, I was curious. You wizards are nearly as secretive as I am about my identity. That and I was concerned how you found me."
"Oh I had no idea where you were." Explained Harry "I just address an envelope and let her do the hard part. Which, by the way, you thirsty or hungry Hed?"
She just squawked, nipped his ear and hopped to her perch. Soon to be snoring.
Superman scratched her head briefly "Well I suppose I can trust her. Talk to me, Harry Potter."
"I saw the Eiffel Tower video on television from …what? 80? … Believe me, I DON'T like Vernon at all and he doesn't like me. But I froze the picture using magic and stared at it. I wouldn't waste your time sir. He's a good hundred pounds heavier… I take that back, more… but I'm sure."
Just then, the door burst open and Harry's uncle barged in "What did I warn you Freak! None of your freakish nonsense in my nice normal - Who the bloody hell are you?" he swung on the shadowy figure that was difficult to see in the predawn light. Connecting most satisfyingly with a jaw, then howling in pain.
"So sorry sir." Said Superman politely, he winked at Harry and lied outrageously about his abilities "I didn't see you or act fast enough. You'll need to get that looked at…in prison. Seems you're right, young man, I do indeed recognize him from the Paris incident."
Vernon was long out of the terrorist business, but he'd kept up his violent ways. He roared and attacked "You're the criminal here, freak!"
"We'll let the courts determine your innocence or guilt, sir." Superman put all the effort of a grown man restraining a three-year old. He wrapped an arm around the large waist and bellowed "Up Up and Awaaaaaayyyyy!"
Harry bent over his window sill and looking up in awe "Wow! He must be REAL strong."
The London Times
July 4 1994
LOCAL BOY REWARDED
Reminding everyone of the terrorist attempt to extort NF1 billion, or roughly GBP96 million. On March 25, 1979 a group of five terrorists seized the Eiffel Tower in Paris and threatened to detonate a fusion bomb unless their demands were met. The bomb actually did explode, but thanks to Superman, THAT happened near the Moon and no one was harmed. In the confusion, all but one terrorist escaped.
Last year Harry Potter, an orphan who, sadly, lost HIS parents to a terrorist attack before his second birthday saw an episode of Poliţie which featured the incident. The boy, putting justice over family ties, reported his concerns. Eventually reaching the ears of our extraterrestrial superhero. Superman then personally came to England and brought the suspect to the Surrey Headquarters of MI5.
Here is where the story gets complicated. Richard Griffiths, a dual citizen of England and Egypt, graduated from Smeltings Academy. He enlisted in the Royal Army in 1971, serving honorably for four years. In early 1975 he disappeared and was ruled a deserter. At the time he was serving with peacekeeping forces in the Sinai Peninsula. He participated, as a mercenary, in several PLO terrorist attacks, then dropped out of sight. His major payday seemed to have come with the Paris Nuclear Bomb incident.
Wanted for desertion, he could not return to England openly, so he manufactured the identity of Vernon Dursley. Also a graduate of Smeltings Academy. He offered a bribe to one Fiona Clarkson, secretary to Smeltings' Headmaster, but then killed her to cover his tracks. That murder had gone unsolved until the brave boy came forward. Griffiths aka Vernon then obtained employment as a salesman with Grunnings Drills, serving quite successfully. He lived an unremarkable life in Little Whinging.
Whether Griffiths or Dursley, he has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder. In 2019, Her Majesty's Army will gain custody and try him for desertion. After THAT sentence, if found guilty, is served, the French Government has filed for extradition, in relation to the Eiffel Tower terror attack. The United States Government has also filed for extradition in relation to the Kryptonian Invasion of Metropolis, accusing him as an accomplice after the fact.
Several reporters reaching out to Mrs. Petunia Dursley were screamed at; either personally or on the telephone. The number is now changed and unlisted. One reporter has filed assault charges against the Dursley minor son, his name withheld due to his age.
At the French Embassy, Cultural Attache Mr. Pierre Delacour presented Harry Potter, nephew to Mrs. Dursley, a check for NF10 million as reward for supplying the information. An old reward of BP10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the murderer has sit in escrow and grown to BP44,000 with interest. And, not to be outdone, the Americans have paid Harry USD100,000 for his information. The Times would like to say a hearty well done, young man!
[a/n]ffnet doesn't like money symbols so Francs, Pounds, Dollars