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.

47. (old) Butterflies

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 this chapter up, not as bad at 70k.]

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Chapter A-9a: Butterflies, I

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Ron blinked, saw the multitude of green beads of the killing curses fly.

"GINNY!" Ron shouted.

Ron saw one curse, as it propagated in the blink of an eye, from Finnigan's wand and onto the red hair of Ginny's head, striking her. Ron bolted for the door, breaking down the painting; Harry followed a step behind, Hermione and Gia followed, albeit at a fast trot.

Neville heard the chant, dropped to the floor; he saw Ginny start to drop as she got struck from behind.

"Gin-!" Colin cried, cut short by one that had just struck him.

Neville ran hunched for the door, he grabbed Luna's hand and dragged her; in front of him was the Ministry Auror Ferne guarding the door.

"Stand and take-" Ferne demanded.

Neville heard another round of chant, fell flat on the floor, and let the killing curses strike Ferne who collapsed. Neville crawled out through the doors, Luna right behind him.

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted from the front of the hall, he was standing, face full of cold fury, wand drawn; hundreds of wands started flying through the hall up to the Staff Table.

Neville closed the doors, then stood, only to be rammed by a flying red haired boy who tumbled them both onto the floor.

"Ron!" Neville exclaimed.

Ron struggled, "I have to get to-"

"Too late!" Neville said, "It's slaughter for us in-"

"NO!" Ron shouted.

Harry restrained Ron as he struggled against them.

"We have to-" Ron protested.

"Sorry Ron," Neville said, "It's too late-"

McGonagall came out of the doors, shut them, then sealed them with her wand.

"Of all the savagery I have ever had the misfortune to witness-this is the worst I have seen of Hogwarts in my many years," McGonagall said, "The coldness and bitterness and thoughtlessness of the students in unparalleled-if it were not for my promise to Albus, I would have resigned tonight over this matter."

"Ginny?" Ron asked, tears welling in his eyes

McGonagall shook her head, tears welled in her eyes, but she took out a handkerchief and wiped them off.

"Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said, "Escort your friends into my office to await further instructions from myself or Albus. I have matters to attend to."

They climbed the stairs, Hermione and Gia followed, avoiding the streams of water flowing upward on the marble stairs.

"What?" Harry said, looking at the water flow.

"Perhaps a faucet is leaking-" Hermione said.

"Upward?" Harry asked.

Gia pointed up; even McGonagall stopped to look at the first floor. Above them, the entire stairwell was completely flooded, from the top of the first floor upward to the top.

"My goodness," McGonagall said.

They saw, floating at the bottom surface of the water, what they were looking at, many upon many brown feathered owls all soaked and limp.

"To my office and stay, unless that is also flooded," McGonagall said.

Harry prodded Ron along, they went down the corridor, they passed the boys restroom; out of the crack of the doors, water flowed out then showered upward onto the ceiling, then flowed along. McGonagall went for the Hospital Wing.

Ron sat on the floor of McGonagall's office, against a wall, tears streaming down his face, Hermione sitting next to him.

"Ginny," Ron muttered.

Harry leaned against the wall, looking down at the toes of his dragon hide boots.

"What happened?" Harry asked Neville quietly.

"Thought you were watching-" Neville said.

"Your perspective," Harry said quietly.

"Finnigan shouted," Neville said, "Saw Ginny and Colin get struck, I could see them coming to duck, but too slow to help..."

"I think I saw Michael Corner get hit," Luna said.

Harry slid down the wall, came to be sitting on his trunk next to where Ron was sitting.

"Why the fuck did that bastard have to pick then to announce?" Harry asked the chair in front of him.

"It was effective," Luna said, "Three of five-"

"You and Neville fill that out," Harry snapped.

"Why Michael?" Gia said, "I mean, he was on their side until mid-summer."

"If they wanted me to become a Dark Lord, they're certainly going about it the right way," Harry said, "Continually giving me reasons to retaliate against them all-this being the latest."

"That whore of a monster Finnigan," Ron said, "Seems power is corrupting him-that faggot."

"Poor-in the blink of an eye," Hermione said.

Ron sat there, staring at the floor.

An hour later, Dumbledore and McGonagall entered the office.

"Grim business," Dumbledore said, "Mr. Weasley, my condolences on your loss, I did not anticipate the nature of the Minister's speech-"

"Seamus Finnigan murdered my sister in cold blood," Ron stated, "I will never forget that."

"First," McGonagall said, "Hogwarts fell victim to two incidents tonight, the first you know about, the second, you may be vaguely aware of. All floors above the first were flooded in some prank as if gravity reversed itself-most of the school owls perished as the flood included the Owlery, and the Divination teacher, Professor Dana Cauldwell, drowned in her seventh floor office. For the flooding, the Minister of Magic was not pleased. Professor Flitwick and myself were able to counter the flooding charm work, most of the students have been sent to their dormitories."

"Your absence from the feast was used by the Minister as grounds for your guilt," Dumbledore said, "He has ordered a suspension of the six of you through October 30th, you may return no sooner than Halloween."

"This place sucks anyways," Ron said.

"What punishments we can issue to the offending students, we will," McGonagall said, "Today is clearly one I never want to see repeated again. After the heat of the moment, six laid dead. Ginevra Weasley, Colin Creevy, Michael Corner, Anthony Goldstein, Mike Nightshade, and that Auror perished-three from the crossfire."

"We attempted to expel and ban," Dumbledore said, "The Minister overruled us on this matter - the murderers are to go free, with no punishment-"

"NONE!" Ron exclaimed, "None whatsoever?"

"Unfortunately that is the mandate from the Minister," McGonagall said, "The culprits involved, however, will not find this year easy, as that is the most we can do."

"Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said, "You have been formally suspended, regardless of that, your current duty lies elsewhere. Minerva will accompany you to Fred and George's residence by means of the Floo Network. Mr. Longbottom and Miss. Lovegood, I need to make arrangements for you two."

McGonagall helped carry the three trunks; Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia went for her fireplace.

"Suspended already?" Fred asked Ron coming out of the fireplace.

"What's wrong bro-?" George asked, seeing the expression on Ron's face.

"Is Arthur Weasley around too?" McGonagall asked, coming next out of the fireplace.

"Dad!" Fred shouted up the stairs.

Behind McGonagall came Hermione, Ron, and Harry.

"Must be serious," George said.

"Can it," Ron snapped.

Arthur came down the stairs.

"Professor?" Arthur asked, "What brings you-?"

"Ginny's DEAD," Ron blurted.

CRASH, CLANG

Arthur's cup fell to the floor, shattering; his hands limp as he stared at Ron. Fred's dinner tin-plate fell from his hands, chunks of food scattered across the hardwood floor. George stared at McGonagall slowly nodding.

"How?" George demanded.

McGonagall explained.

"With his words," Ron said, "Seamus Finnigan declared a slaughter-he murdered Ginny."

"In front of Dumbledore and the Minister?" Arthur asked.

"Yes," McGonagall said, "However, the Minister overruled Albus' expulsion order, therefore, the culprits go unpunished."

"Damn!" George exclaimed.

"Minerva," Arthur asked, "Can I talk to you in-" pointing to the dining room.

"Yes," McGonagall said, strolling for the dining room.

Arthur shut the dining room door.

"Then you?" Fred asked of Ron and Harry.

"Suspended-what else?" Ron said.

"For this?" George said, "Clearly you didn't-"

"For the flood," Harry said.

Fred and George fixated on Harry.

"Flood?" Fred asked.

"It was worthy of your talents if you had done it," Hermione said.

"Dungeons you mean-Snape's office could use the periodic cleaning," George said.

"Dungeons were spared," Ron said, "The culprits totally flooded the second floor and above - we got blamed."

"Second and above?" George said, "Would've made the stairs below interesting-"

"Yep," Harry said, then explained the flood.

"Upside down?" Fred said, "Oh, George, have a product line to look into tomorrow."

George's eyes darted between Harry and Ron.

"Planning on staying-don't," George said, "We're still getting harassed by EM-don't want your presence confirmed."

"We're going to Luna's first," Harry said, "Can you see that our trunks make it to Charlie's?"

"Why Charlie's?" Fred asked.

"Cause he's family and doesn't get searched, last we heard," Ron said, "We don't want to lug them around everywhere we go."

Harry went opened his trunk, took out his dragon hide jacket, and put it on; then fished for several other things, stuffing them into his pockets.

"Time to go mobile again," Harry said.

"Meaning?" George asked.

"Just like last spring," Ron said, "We'll be anywhere and everywhere-we're suspended through next month."

"Two months?" Fred said, "We never managed more than a week-"

"Tick off the Minister for Magic," Gia said, "Should've been trivial for you two."

Fred gave a false whimper; Ron and Hermione dug through their trunks too.

"Bro," George said, "You and the lady could combine trunks-yours is falling apart anyways."

"Do that later," Hermione said, "When we have the time."

"You have two months-" George said.

"We're leaving here in a moment," Harry said, "Once the Professor and your Dad are done."

Ron raised his eyebrows.

"Actually, it'd be best to do it before," Harry said, "You too."

George raised his eyebrows.

"Finnigan murdered Ginny," Harry said, "What might they forbid you from doing? Hint, hint."

Ron closed the lid to his trunk, faced George.

"Lemme know when we're to, you know, out there," Ron said, "Until then, we're-what are we doing Harry?"

"Have an idea," Harry said, "Come."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia walked out of the fireplace into the Lovegood's living room.

"Harry?" Luna asked from a sofa.

"Thought your place was leveled," Harry said.

"As you might notice," Luna said, "This is a different house, Dad's renting it until the repairs can be finished - presses are in the garage."

Harry strolled over to the table, cleared a spot, across from where Neville was sitting and staring at a picture in his hands. Harry grabbed a piece of parchment, a quill, and started writing. Ron stood behind and looked over Harry's shoulder.

"Nice tribute," Ron asked, "but, what use is it?"

"You'll see," Harry said.

"Can't believe you Harry," Hermione said, from the kitchen, "Your friend just lost his sister and you're writing-"

"So nobody forgets the horror that happened," Harry stated, "Even Ron recognizes that."

Harry wrote and wrote for the better part of an hour.

"What is your game plan Harry?" Neville asked, looking up from his picture.

"Simple," Harry said, "We resume what we started back in June-spreading the news."

Harry set down the quill.

"Hate to break it to you," Ron said, "Quibbler isn't published for a while-even if you did, it'd suffer the same fate-"

"Never said I'd publish here," Harry said, "Taking a leaf from Skeeter-it's way past midnight by now. Luna-where's the Daily Prophet located?"

Hermione looked up, glared at Harry, mouth open.

"What?" Ron stammered.

"Luna?" Harry asked.

"Vauxhall of London," Luna said, "You'd never get in there like that-"

"We still have the Polymorphic potion," Harry said.

Luna left the living room, came back with a pair of greasy grey coveralls, laid them diligently over the counter.

"If you want to do what I think you want to do," Luna said, "You'll want to wear these-Dad has a contract to maintain their presses, for it's muggle technology and few wish to dirty their hands there."

"No," Hermione protested.

"Sorry," Harry said, "We're taking up on the offer-to avenge Ginny."

Harry removed his dragon hide jacket, trousers, and replaced them with one set of the coveralls; Ron got into the other set. Luna came over, carrying a toolbox, handed it to Ron; then gave them a wrench.

"It's the Portkey," Luna said, "Tap twice to return."

Ron and Harry grabbed firmly to the wrench, both took swigs of their Polymorphic potion, then both vanished.

"I can't believe you'd support-" Hermione protested to Luna.

"Seems well reasoned to me," Luna said.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Have you two planned on what you're going to do?" Gia asked.

'What do you mean?" Neville replied.

"I mean, you're suspended and listed," Gia said, "You're going to have to deal with that."

"Thinking of staying here-" Neville said.

"No," Hermione said, "Luna is known to be here-it's a very logical place to look. Same goes for your place Neville. You must leave it, soon. We can't stay at Fred and George's because they're inspected so frequently."

"You have the right to refuse-" Neville said.

"Not when you're facing a wand," Hermione said, "You're then at their mercy-and with being listed, you're as good as dead."

"We aren't trackable-" Luna said.

"Which means you took that potion, right?" Gia said, "That doesn't stop them from spotting you, just keeps them from using their wands to cheat."

Harry and Ron landed back in the living room; both were in hysterics.

"I hope they don't catch it until it's too late!" Ron exclaimed.

"Or the fact it hit the international wire-" Harry said.

"You put it on the wire?" Luna asked.

Harry nodded, Luna exploded into a fit of giggles.

"About time for us to take off," Harry said while changing out of the overalls and back into his dragon hide.

Ron woke Tuesday morning staring up at the blue tarp shielding them from the moderate rainfall in the lightly wooded area in a park in British Columbia, Canada. He felt the pair of hands laying on his skin inside one of the double-sized sleeping bags that Harry had conjured up the night before. Hermione turned over, her hand moving away to the other side of her. Ron inched his way out of the sleeping bag, then stood, feeling the tree needles under his bare feet. Ron looked around in the faint light, grabbed a handkerchief, then walked.

Rain drizzled down over his skin as he walked toward the boulder overlooking the water in the distance. He sat down on the boulder on the cliff and dangled his legs over the edge. He brought the handkerchief to his right eye, wiped off the wetness.

"Ginny," Ron muttered.

Ron sat there, watching the waves crash into the rocks below in the growing light, while cooling off under the shower of the falling rain. He sat there for a while, shaking off the shivers, starkers on the boulder. That is, until he felt a presence behind him, pull him slightly away from the edge and into soft skin. A warm cover wrapped itself around the both of them and Hermione wrapped her arms tightly around Ron's waist, then her legs wrapped.

"Dunno if I should be feeling so warm-" Ron said.

"Nonsense," Hermione said, "No point in you freezing-"

"She-" Ron protested.

Hermione rubbed his stomach.

"I do know that she is gone," Hermione said, "I do know that she was your sister and that you cared deeply about her. I do know that there will always be that place in your heart where you will miss her until the day you die. I do know that I will help you cope with this."

Hermione kissed him on the neck. Ron raised his eyebrows.

"You needed it," Hermione whispered.

They sat there for a while, watching the waves as the rain lightened.

A bit later, the sounds of dragon hide rubbing together drifted through, then smells drifted into their noses. Harry set a metal platter of food to their right, then sat on the left, placing his hands onto the dragon hide of his knees.

"Nice view," Harry remarked.

"Something my sister-" Ron snapped.

"Eat," Harry said, "Then visit family-it made the Daily Prophet."

"Figures', Ron said.

Harry handed Hermione the copy in his hand; she scooted back, then opened and read the paper, her eyes landed first on the headline above the picture of a student pinned to the wall by a sward rammed through his throat with blood turning the usual dull yellow brick to crimson.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, September 2, 1997

Minister Slaughters Students

by Sparky

Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain slaughtered and encouraged the murder of five students and a Ministry Auror at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry last night. Murdered are five students; Ginevra Weasley, Colin Creevy, Michael Corner, Anthony Goldstein, and Mike Nightshade - all of whom would still be alive were it not for the riot incited by the Minster. The Minister knew the consequences of announcing listings to a room full of students, to whom, the bounties would guarantee a nice retirement for life, the resulting riot turned the Great Hall into a Hall of Death with Killing Curses flying, unchecked, and in a manner that endangered each and every precious student, a threat that was exemplified by the deaths of two who were not listed.

The Minster knows that being listed is an execution warrant in the current climate of the wizarding world, yet he freely lists victims who have no recourse with no evidence or proof, which sets up innocents for imminent slaughter. Ginevra "Ginny" Weasley was listed for having a brother on the list, a reason only valid in Dark Circles, but was sufficient cause for the Minister to order the death of the first Weasley daughter in generations - having a sibling is now a capital offense. Colin Creevy, who presided over the former Unofficial Harry Potter fan club, was executed for that and dating Ginny - dating is apparently a capital offense. Michael Corner, a member of EM and whose girlfriend was allegedly murdered by Potter, was listed and executed, no reason given - having your girlfriend murdered is now a capital offense. Neville Longbottom, whose parents were tortured by Death Eaters into insanity and now reside at St. Mungo's, was listed because he refused to tattoo his hide for fear of the wrath of his grandmother - obedience to one's guardians is now a capital offense, fortunately, Neville Longbottom is still at large. Luna Lovegood, apparently romantically interested in Longbottom, was listed for that reason - romantic interest is now a capital offense, she remains at large. Anthony Goldstein, murdered due to a stray Killing Curse - attending Hogwarts is now a capital offense. Mike Nightshade, murdered when a student launched a sword out of his wands, missed his aim, nailing Nightshade up to the wall of the Great Hall, the sword sliced through his throat and pinned him to the wall. Listing any person, especially the children of tomorrow, should be carefully thought out process and done as a last resort, yet the Minister willfully destroys lives without the slightest remorse by abusing a list that should have some measure of checks and balances to ensure that those executed truly are a threat to society - otherwise, this will haunt us all as you suddenly find yourself listed than murdered for no reason at all.

Ginevra "Ginny" Weasley (1981-1997) is survived by her father Arthur Weasley, and her brothers; William Weasley, Charles Weasley, Fredrick Weasley, George Weasley, Ronald Weasley, and Edward Weasley. She was a sixth year Gryffindor at Hogwarts.

Colin Creevy (1981-1997) was the last of the line of his family; he was a sixth year Gryffindor.

Michael Corner (1980-1997) was a seventh year Ravenclaw.

Anthony Goldstein (1980-1997) was a seventh year Ravenclaw.

Mike Nightshade (1981-1997) was a sixth year Gryffindor.

Potter Havocs Hogwarts, 7 Dead

Potter showed that his thirst for havoc and mayhem has not been quenched; by the end of an otherwise peaceful evening, six laid dead on account of Potter. A riot broke out in Hogwarts at the same time Potter was busy flooding the upper floors of Hogwarts; five students, a Ministry Auror, and a school teacher were killed in the process. Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain assures that charges will be reviewed for addition to the growing rap sheet for Potter's Tribunal in January. For this outlandish behavior, a two month suspension for Potter is certain to comfort the family of Anthony Goldstein.

Minister Adds to SDWCA List

At last night's Start of the Year Feast at Hogwarts, Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain announced the addition of five names to the list of Suspected Dark Wizards; included are Ginevra Weasley, Colin Creevy, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, and Michael Corner. Due to quick and heroic action by several of the students, three have already been dealt with; Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas have already applied for the bounties for two of the three. The EM Bounty committee met late last night and updated the bounty list.

Potter, Harry : 20,000,000 galleons

Weasley, Ron : 16,000,000 galleons

Granger, Hermione : 12,000,000 galleons

Prescott, Gia : 8,000,000 galleons

Longbottom, Neville : 750,000 galleons

Lovegood, Luna : 750,000 galleons

Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation. 60,000 galleon bonus for each relation severed.

"It'll be retracted tomorrow," Hermione said.

"True," Harry said, "But, people will have already read this, a retraction can't undo that-damage will have been done."

"Doesn't bring her back!" Ron snapped.

"Nothing can," Harry said, "Hermione-"

Harry bent over, whispered into her ear, she nodded.

"See you," Hermione said.

"Take care, both of you," Harry said.

Ron turned his head in time to see Harry walk back to the campsite.

"Where's he-?" Ron demanded.

"Giving you space," Hermione said.

Harry gathered several things, grabbed onto Gia, and disapparated.

"He just-!" Ron protested.

Hermione rubbed his loins.

"He's leaving you to me," Hermione said, "He realizes the pain and hurt you're suffering-that, that we need time to ourselves."

Ron raised his eyebrows.

Harry and Gia apparated, she stumbled across a chair in the small room.

"Hello?" called the voice from in front.

"I'll sort this out," Fred said.

Footsteps approached, the door to the room opened, and in came the red-haired twin. He saw Harry, then bolted through, closing the door fast, and looked at Harry.

"You ought not to be here," Fred said, "You're jeopardizing our business license if you're caught!"

Harry blinked twice, green eyes focused onto the glaring brown.

"Know what?" Harry said, "I don't give a damn, cause they ain't going to catch me. If they give you trouble-they'll just have to close down all of Diagon Alley. I want to know what you have in store for Finnigan because of what he did to Ginny."

"That is none of your concern," Fred said, "Suffice it to say, Finnigan won't escape unpunished."

"Do NOT murder him," Harry stated, firmly, "While he deserves it, it will only be used against-"

"Finnigan must pay-" Fred said.

"Be creative-that is what you and George are good at," Harry said, "Finnigan is not to perish, not by our hands, that's all I'm saying. Swear?"

Fred studied the green eyes for a moment.

"Better stop George," Fred said.

Fred dashed for the stairs down to the basement, Harry and Gia followed.

"Look, it's our number one investor!"

Gia looked, saw George looking at Harry as they entered the basement.

"Who," Fred said, "Has requested a crimp in our plans-"

"Look," Harry said, "Murder Finnigan now, and the blame will be pinned onto me-I'm not saying to not respond, rather, be careful and not to kill him."

George sighed, rolled his eyes, then adjusted the ingredients next to the brewing cauldron on the table.

"Alright," George said.

"What are you brewing?" Harry asked.

George stayed quiet for a moment.

"Suffice it to say," George said, "Finnigan will be getting a surprise-it won't kill him, at your request."

"Finnigan's not getting off on this," Fred said.

"Oh," Harry said, "I agree with you there-he's liable for many things now. Ron's not exactly taking this well-"

"Why should he?" George said, "Those two were close before Hogwarts-to the rest of us, Ginny was a kid sister, but to him, it was a bit more, though they never showed it in public."

Harry snickered for a moment. "At any rate, mind if we stayed here 'til it's dark?"

"Harry," Fred said, "I told you that's next to impossible, the penalties are soaring and the Diagon Alley Association is being very diligent in checking for your presence - we get inspected often because we're Ron's brothers."

Harry sighed, got out a piece of parchment and a quill; he wrote.

"I'll find somewhere else to hide," Harry said, "That is until ten, then Apparate to here-" Harry pointed to the address he wrote. "-it'll be destructive in nature, so bring supplies."

George shook his head.

"Didn't think you'd resort-" George said.

"He assassinated Ginny," Harry stated, "That will NOT go unanswered-press be damned. This is quite reserved by nature when I have ever right to dismantle the wizarding world timber by timber for their treatment of me over the past year."

"You said-" Fred said.

"No deaths," Harry said, "That remains, this ain't killing."

Harry handed over the slip to Fred, grabbed onto Gia, and disapparated.

Ron and Hermione walked along the rocky shore, the occasional splash from the waves were repelled by their dragon hide, except for the occasional spray over their heads.

"You've been awfully quiet," Ron said.

"Because words aren't really needed," Hermione said, "I am, because...because you're grieving for her...Harry left to take the pressure off, so...so, you can cry if you need to."

Harry and Gia apparated into Castlebridge, outside of Wexford, Ireland. Harry cast an Disillusionment Charm onto both when he heard the pop and saw the arrival of Fred and George.

"Yo!" Harry said.

"Where are-?" Fred asked.

"Here," Harry said, as he cast a Disillusionment Charm onto Fred and George, "Don't want to be seen."

They walked along the road.

"Plan?" George asked.

"Simple," Harry said, "We are headed to Finnigan's house - should be nobody home."

"It won't be standing after we leave," Fred said.

"Exactly," Harry said.

They walked down the lane, as they drew nearer, they saw people standing around and others poking around in a pile of debris. Some people with Ministry badges were searching the debris.

"Somebody beat us to the punch!" Harry said, "Retreat."

Harry grabbed Gia, disapparated; Fred and George disapparated.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed after he apparated into the living room of Fred and George.

"What?" Arthur asked, sitting on a chair.

Fred and George apparated in.

"Can't believe somebody beat us to that!" Fred exclaimed.

"Beat you to what?" Arthur asked.

"Never mind," George said.

"Never mind what?" Arthur asked.

George turned to Harry and Gia. "Better leave now."

Harry nodded, then grabbed onto Gia and disapparated.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, September 3, 1997

Outrage Over Slaughter

People far and wide are outraged at the Minister for turning Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry into a slaughter house, and place blame against EM President Seamus Finnigan for inciting the riot that cost Hogwarts a number of students. While nobody misses a dead Dark Wizard, some measure of professionalism must be had in the matter to keep innocents from perishing, less we become just as culpable as those we are seeking to eradicate.

Parents for of Anthony Goldstein have already filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Minister for Magic, parents for Mike Nightshade are still considering their options.

Daily Prophet Retracts Article

Editors for the Daily Prophet formally retract the article printed in yesterday's edition, "Minister Slaughters Students". The author of that article had no permission to publish and took active measures to circumvent the editorial process. While the editorial board may agree that protocols may have been broken by the Minister for Magic, this in no way makes him a murderer.

Minister Responds

by Minister for Magic, Victor Fallerschain

In any fight for justice and fairness, there will be casualties, that is a simple truth. By announcing the new listees at the feast, I made an impression onto the students that, unless they are careful, they may find themselves in the grasp of the rising Dark Lord Harry Potter - actions by the students was spontaneous and could not have been foreseen by anybody. However, the motivations of those eradicating three of five new Dark Wizards were rooted in the desire to rid this world of evil, a motivation that should never be thwarted or stymied. I applaud the resolve of the students not to tolerate anybody who jeopardizes the safety, the security, and the peace, that the wizarding world has known all too infrequently. Them, like me, want to hold on and maintain any sense of normalcy that we can achieve - they took bold steps Monday that everybody should be proud of.

Remember, the ultimate blame for the events of Monday lies on the shoulder of Harry Potter for luring more people into the Dark Arts.

Potter Smashes Home of EM President

Last night, Dark Lord Harry Potter descended onto and destroyed the house of the current EM President, Seamus Finnigan. This was obviously done in retaliation to the recent eradication of the Dark Witch Ginevra Weasley, for whom, Potter was once rumored to be romantically involved with.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, September 4, 1997

Minister Admits Misjudgment

Minister for Magic, Victor Fallerschain, issued a statement admitting to exercising misjudgment in the events leading up to Monday's incident at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Fallerschain admitted that on hindsight, steps could have been taken to prevent the casualties of the two innocent students and the Auror; however, he stands by the listing of the five students as being proper.

EM President Victim to Potter Curse

Midday yesterday, EM President, Seamus Finnigan, fell victim to a curse that Potter apparently delivered by means of a cursed letter. Chief Mediwitch at Hogwarts, Poppy Pomfrey, says it is too soon to know Finnigan's fate, however, she is optimistic that Finnigan may recover. Finnigan is now under the care of the best Curse Specialists at St. Mungo's Hospital in London.

Thursday, Harry and Gia apparated.

"Good, you made it."

They noticed Dumbledore sitting on a small chair on top of a flying carpet.

"Obligated to," Harry replied.

Harry looked around in the fading of the evening at the surroundings of Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon. He saw Moody, Shacklebolt, Tonks, McGonagall, and others standing guard. A big mass of black fur rubbed up against his leg.

"Hi Snuffles," Harry said.

"Come," Dumbledore said, his carpet moved forward.

He walked forward, saw Flitwick levitating a simple pine coffin to the edge of the cemetery, at which point, Ron, Fred, George, and Charlie took it and carried it. They walked into the cemetery, along the paths among the various headstones, to come to the Weasley section. Ron, Fred, George, and Charlie set it down, gently lowering it into grave next to one of Percy Weasley Breaking the silence, standing next to Arthur, Ron waved.

"Bye Sis," Ron whispered.

With that, Ron lead the way, Hermione joined up, and they left the cemetery; Charlie and Bill stayed behind to fill in the grave. Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder on the way out of the cemetery.

"My condolences," Harry said.

"Thanks," Ron said.

Dumbledore stopped the four of them outside of the cemetery.

"Occasionally, we all get blindsided, to which, I add Monday to my list of regrets," Dumbledore said, "I do appreciate that there was a more honest viewpoint in the Daily Prophet, for some of the victim's families may get due justice because of it. Stay safe."

"We will," Harry said.

"I advised Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Lovegood to consider tagging along with you for a while," Dumbledore said, "That is, until they get a real feel for things."

"Have to be careful a bit there," Harry said, "The bigger the group, the more difficult it is to slip by unnoticed, but we'll do what we can."

"I have a school to return to," Dumbledore said.

Dumbledore floated over to McGonagall. Neville and Luna came up to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia.

"Ginny was a fine person Ron," Luna said.

"I found the entire spectacle disgusting if you asked me," Neville said, "No warning-dead. Revenge would be nice."

"What do suppose we do now?" Ron asked.

Harry straightened his posture.

"We fight back," Harry stated.

"Neville and I—hold on," Harry said.

He lifted a horseshoe up, in the dimming and fading light in the Catchpole cemetery. Ron, Hermione, Gia, Neville, and Luna grabbed on; all felt the jerk behind their navels. They landed on compacted soil and rocks next to a flowing stream in the middle of a forest of thin pines. Little was visible in the low light of the setting waxing crescent to the west.

"Harry?" Ron muttered.

"Disillusion!" Harry snapped.

They all applied Disillusionment charms, then walked along a small path downward.

"Can I-?" Ron asked.

"Quiet!" Harry snapped.

Neville took the lead down the path as it wound its way down the rock face, then they lost the shield of the trees and brush. Wind blasted them, waves of water slammed the rock face sending salty spray up onto them. Etched in the face for about six inches in width, the path wound and followed the girth of the rock, they turned a sharp bend. In front of them, barely visible in the shimmer of the fading moonlight, was a waterfall. Ron took in a look at the ledge of a path they were standing on.

"Don't mean to impose," Ron said, "but we're at a dead end-"

"Hush!" Harry snapped.

Neville paused where the ledge seemed to be absorbed into the rock to leave nothing save a drop off.

"Longbottom refugnavisdomus," Neville said.

Black consumed in front of them, an opening in the rock formed, a door dilated open. Harry waved them to follow them into the corridor of a tunnel on the other side. Harry then paused them as they watched the opening close itself.

"Where are we?" Ron asked.

"Later," Harry snapped.

Luna and Gia brought up the rear, helping to escort Ron and Hermione along the descending tunnel, that made a turn to the left, then another, then came out onto a floating dock inside a cavern. Ahead, they could see through the water of the water fall. To both sides of the dock were two slips, with the one on the right being occupied by a small covered boat; about twenty feet long and a short cabin capable of fitting into the small cavern. The cavern spanned about twenty feet wide, about twenty feet deep, and eight feet tall, just big enough to accommodate the dock and boats.

"Get in," Harry ordered.

Neville lead the way, onto the rear of the boat, down the steps, and opened the door into the cabin, he hunched himself inward. Ron followed up, got on his hands and knees, then crawled to a bench seat. Hermione, then Luna, then Gia followed on board. Harry came up last, closed the doors, and sat on a bench seat.

"All secured?" Neville asked.

"Yes," Harry said.

Neville knocked twice on the dashboard in front of his chair with a wheel, he spun his chair around to face the others in the cabin that was twelve feet long, six feet wide, and about four feet high, tall enough to sit comfortably on either the two chairs in front or the two benches. Luna occupied the other chair. On the starboard bench, Harry and Gia sat watching the expressions on Ron and Hermione. They passed out, through the water of the fall. Looking behind them, they saw the fall and what appeared to be a solid rock wall.

"A boat?" Ron asked.

"This cabin is sealed for our benefit," Harry said, "The waters are treacherous enough without worrying about the possibility of sinking."

"Motion sickness?" Hermione asked.

"Don't you dare-" Gia protested.

"It's not for long," Harry said, "Shouldn't be too much of an issue."

"Where are we?" Ron asked.

"We're in the Western Isles, heading west into the Atlantic," Harry said, "Don't worry-we're sane about this. As Neville's of age, his grandmother gave him a gift that turns out to be a family heirloom."

"Even Gran didn't know what she gave me," Neville said, "This isn't the first Dark War we're entering, and the Longbottoms have fought it before. My parents may have used this, I'm not certain if they knew. What I do know is that there is no real deed, none with the Muggles and none with the Ministry."

"We know what happened to our last property," Hermione said.

"So does Neville," Harry said, "We know this won't last forever, so we'll be very cautious not to reveal its location, not even to Dumbledore or anybody else."

Waves tossed the boat about.

"Except his grandmother," Ron said.

"The deed is charmed," Neville said, "She is no longer aware of it when she gave it to me, so she cannot speak of this to anybody else. I become the keeper of the Fidelius Charm."

"Deed to what?" Hermione asked.

"To be used only in times of grave peril," Luna said, "It's the Longbottom safe house, a refuge, a bunker, to shield the occupants from the hazards of the wizarding world."

"Dark Lords have been problems for centuries," Neville said, "Some worse than others."

"I can lend you my copy of the Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts," Hermione said.

"Certain you can," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

Waves tossed the boat some more, the moon replaced by black clouds above, the boat did a quick roll and then righted itself.

"Hurry," Hermione said.

"Can't," Neville said.

"Now this place we're going to?" Ron asked.

"It's Unplotable and can only be approached in either this boat or the other," Harry said, "It is a safe-house, so it wasn't built for luxury, expect things to seem a bit cramp. Given our needs for security, we've drummed up a set of guidelines. First, while there is a fireplace, but it is not to be connected to the Floo Network. Second, we should come and go under the cover of darkness. Third, restrict our comings and goings to no more than once per day, combine them if possible; that may mean needing to wait on either side. Fourth, we only have two boats, if you're stuck on either side without either, you just have to wait - though Neville, as owner, can summon. Finally, should the security fail, there is a klaxon bell that sounds, or you otherwise need to escape, chant subterfugare to one of the magical windows and climb though, the window will randomly transport you to another location-climb through in groups if you want to stay together for each climb through leads to a different location as this keeps an enemy from following."

"Seems restrictive," Ron said.

"We don't want to lose another fucking place before we return to Hogwarts," Harry said, "You know people are out to kill us-in case you forgot about that burial earlier-"

"Hey!" Ron lunged and gave Harry a slug to the stomach.

"Stop it!" Hermione demanded.

Ron pulled Harry off the bench and onto the floor; Ron gave another slug to Harry's stomach. Harry slid backward, gave a sharp kick upward into Ron's crotch.

"Bloody cheat!" Ron exclaimed, grabbing at his crotch.

"Then don't-" Harry said.

"Insult my sister-" Ron shouted.

The boat rolled and plunged, Harry took advantage and became topside of Ron. Harry gripped Ron's shirt collar.

"Listen here," Harry said, "Too many people have died already-that includes your sister, so excuse me if I try to keep you from needing to be buried next."

"Calm it you two!" Gia snapped.

Harry sat back on the bench, a bit away from Gia. Ron laid there on the floor boards as the boat leveled its descent under the water then ascended for a short period of time.

All went dark as the boat came to a halt.

"Where are we?" Ron asked.

"You're on the floor," Hermione said.

"I know that," Ron said.

"In place?" Harry asked, looking toward Neville.

"Yes," Neville said.

Harry stepped on Ron's stomach, then past his feet on the floor boards; he turned the handle to the door and opened it. Light came forth from Harry's wand, showed them to be in a small cavern, next to a dock, on the other side of which, was moored the other boat. Harry left the boat, tied the ropes, mooring the boat to the dock.

"Cool," Ron said as he stepped off the boat, "Where-?"

"Under water," Harry said, "This bunker is over a hundred feet underneath on the sea floor. If you look under the water, you might be able to see the magical pressure veil."

"Come," Neville said, stepping onto the moving forward toward a door.

Neville paused at the door; Harry, Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Luna stopped behind them.

"Gillyweed," Neville stated to the door.

It opened, Neville stopped Ron and Hermione ten feet down the corridor as it took a sharp bend to the left.

"Need to sign you two in," Neville said, holding a quill next to a small stand with a guest book on it.

Ron and Hermione stopped and signed; they then continued. They climbed up a half flight of stairs, before them was a room full of boxes and packages stuffed from floor to ceiling.

"This is-" Ron asked.

"The storage, the basement," Harry said, "Right below the main floor."

They made a U-turn to their right and went up another half flight of stairs to reach a landing with five doors.

"The bedrooms and loo," Harry said, "Come."

They made a U-turn to the right, climbed another half flight of stairs; to the left was a fireplace, to far left corner was a dining table, to the right were several sofas, easy chairs, and several study tables.

"Main floor," Harry said, "As you can see, we have a reasonable amount of magical windows so it doesn't seem so small."

Harry pointed to the two windows of the living area, the one in the dining, and the one in the kitchen; all showing a nighttime view of rolling countryside.

"Seems a bit cramped for six," Ron said.

"About the same size as what you had at the Burrow," Harry said, "You had nine-"

"And plenty of yard space," Ron said.

"Will you stop whining?" Harry said, "Unless you want to return and dodge curses, this is the only option that I'm aware of."

Ron slumped onto an easy chair.

"We were doing the Around the World in Eighty Days before," Ron said, "We rarely got hassled and I enjoyed it."

"True," Harry said, "Trouble is, that by doing that, we can't fight back." He drifted into the kitchen, opened a cupboard. "To fight back, we need a base of operation, someplace to coordinate from-I mean, while some of what we'll do is fun, I really don't want to drag Gia around into all of the action risking her neck-"

"Harry!" Gia snapped.

Harry rolled his eyes, laid upon the table some crackers and cheese.

"Gia!" Harry said, "I shouldn't have to explain that I'm not going to risk your neck if I can avoid it." He returned to the kitchen. "Certainly, if there's something for you to do, I'll mention it. As we discussed last night, you may be stuck here for a while, we all may be, so we best keep the books in good repair."

"Sound like Hermione," Ron said.

"Like I said, we may be stuck," Harry said, "Shagging only goes so far for having something to do, reading may be necessary as a last resort."

"Not to mention two guys incapable of it," Neville said.

Harry set a tea kettle onto the table, then sat.

"Come join me, plenty for all," Harry said, pointing to the crackers and cheese.

Ron came over, sat across from Harry, both turned their chairs to face the others.

"You're talking about fighting back," Ron asked, "What do you-?"

"Just what you think I mean," Harry said, "Neville came into possession of this yesterday, since then, we've worked to get it habitable and properly stocked. We bought a lot of groceries yesterday, but we lack other supplies that we'll need to stock, like potion ingredients. With this bunker, we now have a place to fight back from, a place of refuge that we'll need to take care to keep it, a place that will help us to compile our research."

"Research?" Hermione asked, head raised.

Harry ate a cracker.

"To learn our enemy-" Harry said.

"Doh!" Ron slapped his forehead. "Voldemort!"

Harry rolled his eyes, applied cheese to another cracker.

"Sure, we know the chief enemies and those who've become pains in the rear to us," Harry said, "We do not know the extent of how much influence Voldemort has, to whom, and how. We know he's got at least one minion at Hogwarts-otherwise, how'd he get you listed including Corner who never publicly supported us? Is the person who spied on us the same as the normal culprit at Hogwarts? Are they the same ones that have been slaughtering our fellow students? What is their coordination with the jerk at the Ministry? How is the Ministry minion doing his job? Is it merely placing nasty reports into the hands of the Minister or is there an Imperious Curse or two involved? How much influence does the EM have with the Minister? Is that only through any link they may have with Voldemort or is it more direct or is it purely political pressure? How about the death eaters-how many know of this plot or that Voldemort is alive?

"We do not truly understand our enemy. We, nor the order, have made any substantial progress in more than a year - that must change and it will."

"Unless you plan to conduct an honest face-to-face interview with Voldemort," Hermione said, "I don't see how-"

"We're to nip at their Achilles Heel," Harry said, "We'll start by finding Knockturn Alley or whatever the current place is called - like I mentioned before, nobody complained. We're now seeing evidence of the sorts of items you'd find in Knockturn being deployed-some potion to turn a muggle into a living firework for instance. Perhaps we can figure out who orchestrated the relocation, start to unravel things, but in any case, we'll look and reveal its existence to the world."

"How is that going to help-?" Ron asked.

"Not exactly certain, just have a feeling that it's a place to start," Harry said, "We'll start there unless somebody has something better. Tomorrow, we have errands."

Harry finished his tea.

"Oh, Ron, Hermione," Harry said, "Your door is already marked as the far right, we only have one loo in the center down there. See you in the morning."

Harry strolled across the room and went down the stairs; Gia followed him.

"Ron, Hermione," Neville said, "You are welcome to stay here. If you wish to stay elsewhere-that's your affair."

Luna crossed over to the table, poured herself tea.

"He seems to be baring his fists," Luna said.

"Harry's been provoked," Ron said, "With cause."

"Knockturn Alley," Neville said, "What's he figure he'll do when we find it? Interview everybody? We can't destroy it either."

"I think he's got something already in mind," Ron said, "Regardless, I am curious if it exists myself."

"Well," Hermione said, "I agree with Harry about calling it a night."

Hermione rose, went across the room, and down the stairs; Ron followed.

Harry wolfed down his oatmeal Friday morning as he looked over the Daily Prophet with a slight chuckle.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Friday, September 5, 1997

Minister Sued for Wrongful Death

Yesterday, Rheda and Wadley Nightshade of Bracknell filed suit on behalf of their late son, Mike Nightshade, against the Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain for his role in their son's death at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Nightshade is suing for five million galleons claiming that the Minister exercised poor judgment and showed criminal levels of negligence which directly contributed to the deaths of their son.

We contacted the families of the other innocent victims for this article. Wulfgar and Elen Goldstein, parents of Anthony Goldstein, are currently weighing their legal options, however, they are seriously considering filing suit themselves. The family of the Ministry Auror Ferne declined comment.

"Glad to see him getting some heat over that," Harry said, "Hope-"

"Heat?" Ron demanded, "What about my sister?"

"Unfortunately cut down in her prime with no way to undo that," Harry said, "I'd like to see the Minister and Finnigan kissed for it-any guesses to who'll get pardons? In the meanwhile, the best we can hope for is him getting hackled, a pittance in comparison, but it is something."

Harry shoved the Daily Prophet to Ron; Hermione came to the table.

"Plans?" Hermione asked.

"Simple," Harry said, "We will be taking both boats. First, Neville and Gia will go to the stores and pick up supplies, then Neville can get started on brewing a potion that we need - we have the ingredients to start and it'll take some time to brew."

"Neville and a Potion-" Ron said, "Gone spare-?"

"Neville is perfectly competent despite what Snape says," Harry said, "He can manage. Now, Luna and Hermione, we need copies of every publication; including the Daily Prophet, the Quibbler and Witch Weekly; every publication we can get our hands on, copy it, since, say, July first of last year. We need to have those on hand."

"Every copy and every date?" Hermione asked.

"Every one that you can manage," Harry said, "We're missing stuff and I still believe some of it is in those. It may be a lot, so we may need to carry it in installments into the bunker. If you two can get your hands on a business directory containing the owners and names of the shops on Knockturn Alley a year ago, do so."

"Us?" Ron asked.

"Diagon Alley," Harry said, "We need supplies from there, in particular, the Apothecary, more cauldrons, that sort - not to mention stocking up on a supply of Butterbeer."

Hermione snorted.

"We're also going to look to the twins for directories as well," Harry said, "Once we acquire, return so we can plan from there."

Harry got up, crossed over to the small coat rack, and put on his dragon hide.

"Reminds me Neville," Harry said, "Need to get you and Luna dragon hide as soon as possible."

Harry led the way down the stairs. They reached the cavern with the boats.

"Either one," Harry said, "We're taking both."

"Both?" Neville asked.

"One for you and Gia on the return," Harry said, "The other for the four of us. Whoever wants to ride with me over, that's fine."

Harry stepped into the one on the right, and quickly made his way to the front seat. Neville boarded the one on the left. Gia and Ron boarded to the right with Harry, Gia closed and sealed the door. Hermione climbed onto the one to the left along with Luna.

"Go!" Ron said, "Beat 'em!"

A grin spread across Harry's face, he started up the boat, it pitched downward and moved. Harry engaged the Invisibility Boaster, then pulled up right after they passed the lip. Ron fell backward onto the floor.

"Easy Harry," Gia said, leaning full back in her chair.

They surfaced like a bullet, shooting to about six feet above the water, then arcing back down and making a big splash.

"Know where you're going?" Ron asked, looking around at the growing light of dawn and the many islands.

"Yes," Harry said, "Shouldn't be long."

Harry moved a knob, sliding it upward, to full. They moved faster. Harry moved it a tad past, and they sped up.

"Thought this thing had an auto-thingy," Ron said.

"It does," Harry said, "Sometimes its fun to do it myself."

Harry navigated around the islands until they were heading straight for a cliff with a waterfall; the boat slowed itself, then submerged enough to skirt under the fall and into the boat house. The boat surfaced next to the dock.

"Well," Harry said, "Made it."

"Neville?" Ron asked.

"Should be along shortly," Harry said, "This means we wait."

"Wait?" Ron said, "We know what-"

"We wait," Harry said, "We should've matched speeds with the other boat too. Ron, we need to keep the chances for sightings as small as possible. That bunker has been a Longbottom family secret for centuries, it needs to remain so."

Harry climbed out of his chair to the rear, opened the door, and stepped out onto the dock. Ron and Gia climbed out.

"Small dock, small everything," Ron said.

"Point is to hide and survive," Harry said, "That means low profile not a castle. If you checked the guest register, you'd find that several hid out for five years in that bunker a couple of centuries ago.""

"How long do you think we could be successful in hiding?" Ron asked.

"If we never left the bunker," Harry said, "As long as our supplies lasted us. Given that we'll be coming and going, depends on how successful we're tracked, but based on prior experience, I'd be surprised if it lasted a year. If the hunt becomes aggressive, several months at best."

"Not long," Ron said.

"No," Harry said, "Which means we need to use our time wisely."

Gia stood between them. "Have to admit, this view is pretty." She nodded toward the waterfall.

Ron rolled his eyes.

"Guess he's blind," Gia said to Harry.

"I am not blind," Ron said.

Harry glared at Ron, Ron returned the stare.

"Aw," Ron said.

"What?" Gia asked.

"Never mind," Harry said.

SPLASH

The other boat came in, drenching Ron with water spray, it flipped around so the bow was pointed outward and the stern toward the passage. Out of the boat came Hermione first, glaring at Ron and Harry; then Luna and Neville.

"Racing?" Hermione exclaimed, "Racing?"

"No," Harry said, "Just needed to know what the boat could do."

"Yeah right." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Before we continue-here," Harry said, dropping a black flat stone into Hermione's hand, "It'll allow us to talk while separated, if you need help-keep in mind not to speak our names for Ron and I may be in a more compromising situation than you. Barring that, meet you back here this evening?"

"Sure," Hermione said, "Late, but okay-"

"Need to give you adequate time," Harry said, "Let's go-Disillusion."

Neville gave a backpack to Gia. They cast Disillusionment charms, then left. Harry and Ron apparated into the back room of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes.

"Mr. Weasley," a voice came from up front, "We're conducting the required safety inspection-"

"Morph!" Harry said, swigging down a dose of the Polymorphic potion.

Ron took a swig, then hid the bottle as the door swung open. Through which came a warlock along side of Fred.

"Who are-?" the Warlock demanded of them.

Harry was already brown haired with brown eyes standing six foot three; Ron was brown haired with blue eyes, but had shrunk down to five foot ten.

"George Weasley told us to wait back here while he evaluated our employment prospects," Ron said, "Heard that you were short handed lately."

Fred took a moment.

"Wait here for him," Fred said, "Mr. Ettrick's afraid Potter might decide to show or something."

Ettrick turned to look at Fred.

"You, of all people, should be grateful for the services that Diagon Security provide," Ettrick said, "Monday alone was proof enough that blood doesn't matter to Potter-"

"Potter wasn't there," Fred said, "It was a Ministry authorized massacre-"

"Potter was there," Ettrick said, "You don't understand the conniving mind Mr. Weasley, Potter was likely hidden somehow by Dumbledore, therefore, Potter is still responsible-"

"Potter didn't announce kill 'em," Fred said, "Others did-they are responsible for their own actions, I don't bear any malice toward Potter in the matter."

"She was your sister I guess," Ettrick said, "Still don't trust Potter-"

"Actually," Fred said, "You can trust that he'd leave this establishment standing and would become very irate with anybody who dares mess with us."

"In league-?" Ettrick asked.

"No," Fred said, "Before his plunge, Potter helped us with financing."

"Awfully generous-hate to imagine the strings attached." Ettrick turned toward Harry and Ron. "You two seem awfully quiet on the matter."

"We're holding out that Potter's innocent of things," Harry said.

"An optimist," Fred said.

"Well, his wand to your throat will likely change things," Ettrick said, "Stay safe. Mr. Weasley, your basement and upper-I don't have all day."

Fred escorted Ettrick down the stairs, closing the door.

"That was close," Ron said.

"Ettrick was uncertain about us, I could see it in his eyes," Harry said, "We do have errands."

Harry grabbed the flask, took another swig; Ron took another, then turned the flask upside down.

"That's all of it," Ron said.

"An hour then," Harry said, "Let's go."

Harry walked through the store, grabbed a cloak from the rack in front, and put it on. Ron put one on.

"Huh?" Ron muttered.

"To blend in," Harry said, "Stay quiet too-our voices might betray."

Ron nodded, they walked out into the alley. Ron and Harry made their way along the crowd.

"Potter Protective Pendants Here!" barked a street vendor, "Guard against Potter Snooping into Your Life!"

Harry stopped at the vendor, grabbed the small yo-yo like black object.

"Wise investment to get that," the vendor said.

"What it do?" Ron asked, lowering his voice.

"Turns yellow and screams should Potter lurk nearby," the vendor said, "Give you and your family a chance."

"No thanks," Harry said.

Harry hung the device back onto the peg.

"Are you sure you want to risk the safety of your family just to save a couple of galleons?" the vendor asked.

"Don't think it'll work," Harry said, "Good day."

"Calling me a liar?" the vendor barked as Harry and Ron walked along.

"Cruel," Ron whispered into Harry's ear.

They made their way to the Cauldron shop.

"We already-" Ron protested, quietly.

"Not of what we need," Harry said.

Harry examined a brass and a silver number two size cauldron, paid for both of them with change from his pocket, then they left the store.

They entered the Apothecary where Harry hands the cauldrons to Ron, then starts measuring out various potion ingredients from beetle eyes to Boomslang skin.

"Easy, easy," the keeper behind the counter said, "Leave some for others."

"We're in a hurry," Ron said in a low voice.

"At his rate, he'll be buying me out," the keeper said, "Like he's stocking all of Hogwarts-"

"Had an idea this morning," Ron said, "We're trying to make an effective Potter repellent."

"Good luck," the keeper said, "Lost track of how many have come in to make something similar. For me, it's the Diagon Security that makes me feel better, they do respond fast to complaints. Poor Madam Malkin-hear about her?"

Ron shook his head, noticed Harry still stocking up on supplies.

"Well," the keeper said, "She had quite a fright couple days ago, thought she saw Potter in one of the shadows of her store-she panicked, took the security twenty minutes to calm her down. Apparently, her assistant played a prank on her, dressed up a mannequin properly and placed it there - the sheer gall of the assistant, I'd have fired if it were mine, but Malkin forgave hers. Succeeded in giving the whole Alley the frights."

Harry placed a rather full basket on the counter.

"My goodness!" the keeper said, "Are you certain? This is quite a load-"

"We're certain," Harry said.

The keeper tallied up the total, Harry handed over the eighty three galleons.

"Keep the change," Harry said.

"Thank you," the keeper said.

Harry scooped the supplies into the cauldrons Ron was holding, dividing them between the two. Ron and Harry left the store.

"Certainly stocking up," Ron whispered.

Harry went into the stationary shop, Ron raised his eyebrows.

"For her," Harry whispered.

Harry picked up a number of rolls and jars of ink, paid for them, then placed them into the cauldrons. Ron turned around and started for Quality Quidditch Supplies, Harry grabbed his shoulder and stopped.

"You know I'd love to," Harry whispered, "We're on a very tight schedule."

Harry moved Ron forward, they continued their shopping, to include some Floo Powder and some Ice Cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. They approached Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, saw Ettrick on the threshold of the door.

"Clean again," Ettrick said, "Remember, they may be your brother and his friend, but they are not welcomed in Diagon Alley, best to remember that."

Ettrick paused, looked at the two brown haired illusions for Harry and Ron.

"Not a good way to look for employment," Ettrick criticized, "Leaving the premises to lighten your wallets."

Ettrick left, leaving the door open, and turned for Ollivanders. Harry and Ron entered, Fred took a look at them.

"Back-now!" Fred said.

Harry and Ron walked toward the back room, Fred moved to shield them from the customers. They passed the threshold into the room when they felt themselves reverting to black and red haired; Fred slammed the door closed.

"Trying to get us evicted? Or listed?" Fred said, "You two ought to be careful-shopping! Any idea how they'd react-?"

"We needed supplies Fred," Harry said, "Can't exactly brew without ingredients-you of all people should know that! We also need something else, something you might have-I presume that there's some sort of roster, listing of merchants, that gets published regularly?"

"Demanding, aren't we?" Fred said, scratching his hes, "Dunno if this is what you need, but follow."

Fred climbed the stairs up, Harry and Ron followed, Fred turned into an office and closed the door after they entered.

"Why'd you be interested?" Fred said, "You, of all people, certainly cannot mail order-"

"True," Harry said, "We want a listing of stores and proprietors from at least a year ago."

Fred dug through a big pile of unsorted magazines and other mailings, pulled out Diagon Alley Catalog, Fall 1996, handed it to Harry. Harry flipped through the pages.

"No, this won't work," Harry said, "It skips all the shops on the old Knockturn Alley."

"Why are you interested in them?" Fred asked.

"Just are," Harry said, "Have anything else?"

"A newsletter from about the same time," Fred said.

Harry grabbed the Diagon Alley Merchant Newsletter, thumbed to the back, saw a listing of members.

"Has a few from Knockturn Alley," Harry said.

"Membership isn't required," Fred said, "Most there refuse to be listed-it's been used against them before."

"Have a current newsletter?" Harry asked.

"Came yesterday," Fred said, handing over the September 1997 issue.

Harry looked it over. "Seem concerned I might show."

"You two are suspected Dark Wizards after all," Fred said, "Can't expect them not to."

"True," Harry said, "Mind if I keep last years?"

"Doubt we'd notice," Fred said.

Harry stuffed September 1996 into the pocket of his dragon hide jacket.

"Seems well used," Fred said, examining the jacket.

"Speaking of which," Harry said, "Can you get some for Neville and Luna? They're in desperate need too. Um..best be going."

"Where are you staying?" Fred asked.

"Nowhere and anywhere," Ron said.

"Weasleys should not be homeless-" Fred protested.

"Yeah, stay with you and you lose your house," Ron said, "No, I won't impose that on you, Charlie, or Bill. Under bridges is comfortable enough for me-"

"Unacceptable," Fred said, "Even Dad said so last night-"

Ron flared his eyebrows and nostrils, glared at Fred.

"And get you killed?" Ron said, "No, our current arrangement is acceptable to me-Harry."

Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder, disapparated. They apparated next to a small bench along a path, Harry pulled them back between a pair of trees.

"Disillusion," Harry muttered.

They both Disillusioned themselves, then watched as a couple came by with a camera snapping pictures of birds. The couple eventually continued along the path and turned a bend, descending out of sight.

"This way," Harry said,

Harry lead the way through the trees to their path, down the side of the cliff, into sight of the water fall, through the door, into the passage, and down into the boat house; they approached the dock, only one boat was docked.

"Guess Neville and Gia already made it back," Harry said.

"Let's go then," Ron said.

"No," Harry said, "Deposit our stuff, then meet up with Hermione and Luna."

Ron raised his eyebrows.

"We can't risk revealing the bunker," Harry said, "We're out of options if we lose the bunker. While we can't conceive of how to track the boats given their stealth measures, that doesn't mean that there isn't somebody out there who can track it. Boat trips must be limited, we simply have to wait until Hermione and Luna are ready."

Harry grabbed the cauldrons from Ron, climbed onto the boat, placed them into the cabin of the boat, then closed the doors. Harry turned for the passage.

"Loads of money on stuff to just leave it-" Ron said.

"Let's not start that again," Harry said, "I'm investing in our safety and to avenge Ginny's death. Now, do we call Hermione or do we just hope she's at the Quibbler?"

"Shouldn't have reason to leave-" Ron said.

"Unless they were attacked," Harry said.

"Alright," Ron said, "Lets get some air first."

They went up the passage, out and up, to the trees above. Ron stood a short ways off from Harry, then came back.

"Haven't left," Ron said, "Hermione figures she could use us to help carry things."

"Disillusion first," Harry said.

Odd Lovegood heaved another stack of Daily Prophets onto the living room table.

"November of 1996," Odd said, "Nobody's ordered this many back issues in quite some while according to them."

"Harry wishes to be thorough," Hermione said, "We lost our archive some ages ago due to enough attacks, now, we need the information."

"Not certain what you're after," Odd said, "If you were, there are services available for that."

Hermione shook her head. "They'd reject-besides, we can't be certain of biases in them."

"We're searching for patterns," Harry said, coming out of disillusion.

Luna jumped, Odd snapped his head.

"I'd appreciate people introducing themselves by way of the front door first," Odd said.

"Sorry," Harry said, "With your place under watch, that'd guarantee disaster."

"Have enough reading Hermione?" Ron asked, stepping into illusion, and thumbing the stack of newspapers.

"Ha ha," Hermione said.

Harry and Ron helped Odd with bringing the old papers to the living room; then bound them into four stacks.

"You think you can manage?" Odd asked.

"We're wizards," Harry said, "Of course we can manage."

"Just a minute," Odd said.

Odd left the room, came back with four burlap sacks; he placed each of the four stacks into one of the sacks.

"I couldn't get out of them where you were staying," Odd said, "I'd like to know where my daughter is-"

"Sorry," Harry said, "We cannot afford a single leak, so for your dissatisfaction, we're sleeping under various bridges."

Odd's jaw dropped; Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Ron grabbed onto a sack each, the four disapparated.

"Disillusion," Harry said as they apparated back in the pine trees.

All four went into disillusion, then traveled the path to the boathouse.

"My back," Hermione moaned as she rested her burlap sack onto the dock, next to the boat.

"Just a bit further," Harry said, opening the doors on the boat.

They loaded the sacks and climbed into the boat. Harry pressed the Invisibility Booster, and then submerged the boat as it left the dock. Hermione looked into the cauldrons.

"Parchment!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Figured while we were there-" Ron said.

Hermione gave Ron a kiss.

"I've been running low," Hermione said.

"How was Diagon Alley?" Luna asked.

"Interesting," Ron said.

Harry climbed the stairs to the main floor in the bunker. Neville had a cauldron over a small flame on the bar table-like counter between the kitchen and dining room, a wooden spoon was stirring.

"Rather complicated, hope you know how to finish it," Neville said, "Suppose you have a plan for us. Notice what Gia found in the storage?"

They looked around, saw bookshelves lining the far wall of living room, extending from floor to ceiling. On the shelves were books upon books.

"Had nothing better to do," Gia said, "Thought some arranging would be useful."

Harry set the burlap sack down, then carried the bronze cauldron over to the dining table; Ron set down the silver cauldron.

"Silver? Bronze?" Hermione said, "Pewter usually works-that's getting a bit-"

"Practical," Harry said, "The potions we're working on, some of it requires silver or bronze cauldrons."

Harry laid down Ministry Transportation on the table, emptied the contents of the silver cauldron, moved the cauldron adjacent to Neville's pewter, and started a fire underneath it.

"This is a tricky potion," Harry said, "Up to Snape's standards if he were here-fortunately, we don't have him breathing down our necks."

Harry tossed in some bile then added some roots and stirred.

"What's your plan?" Ron asked.

"These potions are to help in the process," Harry said, moving the wooden spoon until it started self-stirring the cauldron, "This must now simmer."

Harry moved into the living room, grabbed a wooden stool, moved it to the coffee table, around which the other five were now sitting. Harry sat, then took out the Diagon Alley Merchants Newsletter.

"A year ago," Harry said, "It was a year ago when the Minister evicted nearly every tenant from what was then called Knockturn Alley, after that, it was refurbished and opened up as Diagon Lane. It temporarily solved the space crisis that has been a fact of life in the Alley for centuries, but it strikes me odd that the tenants didn't complain, nor, do we see any signs of them rebuilding elsewhere."

"Could be running out of their homes," Neville said.

"Might work to a degree," Gia said, "However, they wouldn't be nearly as successful without a common shopping area."

Harry looked to the faces.

"We are going to assume it still exists in some form," Harry said, "We are going to track it down."

"And then-?" Ron asked.

"It'll be poetic to say the least," Harry said.

Harry laid down the Diagon Alley Merchants Newsletter onto the coffee table.

"We start by finding those who owned and operated a store in Knockturn Alley a year ago," Harry said, "Neville started brewing something that should allow us to track movements on the Floo Network."

"Track? Spy on it?" Ron said, "Only the Ministry can do that!"

"It's perfectly well described in their handbooks," Harry said, "It'll take the night to brew everything, but should be ready some time tomorrow."

Neville stared at the table. "All night brewing? Worse than a Potions Final."

"Stop that fretting Neville," Gia said, "I've seen enough of your Potions class to know it was Snape that made you feel incompetent."

"What you've brewed so far looks right," Harry said.

A slight grin came across Neville's face.

Saturday morning, Harry was woken from his slumber on the dining room table.

"Harry, Harry!"

Harry's eyes opened to see Hermione standing there.

"Still up?" Harry asked.

"It's morning," Hermione asked, "Were you brewing anything-?"

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

Harry got off the table, checked the three cauldrons.

"Might've simmered a bit long," Harry said, "Doesn't look too bad."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"You know how finicky the potions are," Hermione said.

"Dump it and I guarantee having to re-brew," Harry said, "That'd be another day-should know in an hour or two if this all works. Ron should work on some more of that Polymorphic Potion."

"You need to be careful with its use," Hermione said, handing Harry the Daily Prophet, "Your trip didn't go unnoticed."

Harry looked at the front page article.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Saturday, September 6, 1997

Potter at Diagon Alley?

Diagon Security, a consortium of concerned shop keepers at Diagon Alley and Diagon Lane, has reached the conclusion that Harry Potter did visit Diagon Alley yesterday using a disguise to hide his identity. Apparently in need of restocking supplies for his evil doings of the Dark Arts, Potter and a sidekick made visits to a number of shops purchasing items in violation of the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act. Diagon Security urges the Ministry to inspect Potter's current residence immediately to squash any and all illegal artifacts in his possession.

Potter, while successful in eluding immediate detection, did set off several but not all of the alarms installed in the Alley, leading Diagon Security to initially suspect foul play as occasionally happens. A review is currently underway to determine why not all of the alarms triggered as they should have. Details of Potter's visit was pieced together from the surveillance equipment in place on Diagon Alley. It is clear from the peaceful nature of the visit that Potter was intent on replenishing supplies undetected, therefore, he diligently avoided any scene or commotion that would have readily given away his presence. Diagon Security worked out that Potter was under the effect of some glamor charm or potion that altered his height, hid his scar, and gave him brown hair and eyes; he brought along a sidekick, possibly Ronald Weasley, who was under a similar effect.

Now ridiculed into shame is a street vendor Blacker who was selling Potter Protection Pendants. Potter apparently handled a pendant then refused to buy under the pretext that he didn't think it would work - true enough, the other merchants who flabbergasted at the audacity of Potter but chastised Blacker for selling flimsy and shoddy merchandise. When asked in the Apothecary what they were up to, Potter's sidekick claimed they were trying to formulate a Potter Repellent (a spin of the muggle variety used to repel mosquitoes).

What is clear is that Potter spent around a hundred galleons. Given the recent emptying of Potter's vault, that leaves people wondering where Potter is currently getting his financing from. The Ministry is advised to thoroughly investigate.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

"I would classify that as a close call," Hermione said, "In the future, I suggest talking to Fred and George to run as intermediates."

"I shouldn't have to!" Harry exclaimed.

"I agree you shouldn't," Hermione said, "Times are what they are though-survival is paramount."

Harry stared at her brown eyes.

"Survival isn't paramount," Harry said, "Taking Voldemort down is."

Harry added a few more ingredients to the pewter cauldron and stirred. Ron came up.

"Read that article?" Ron said, "Fred and George wrote about yesterday."

Harry raised his eyebrow.

"Diagon Alley and Lane are investing in apparation wards," Ron said, "Floo is monitored-they don't want us visiting again. Seem to be working on something to see under glamor charms and potions-Fred is uncertain how it will affect our Polymorphic potion. If we try again, we're going to have to kill."

"Great," Harry muttered.

Hermione walked over to the sofa in front of the coffee table, she started leafing through the Diagon Alley Merchants Newsletter.

By early afternoon, steam was pouring out of Harry's pewter cauldron. Neville came into the living room, waving his hand across his face.

"Could you be careful not to stink up the entire house?" Neville asked.

"Sorry about this," Harry said, "Almost done."

Harry turned to a stack of maps on the counter, he grabbed each one and added it into the cauldron. One by one, the maps came out, Harry ran to the wall and hung them up to dry; in the middle, across from the stairs, was one of Europe below, above were side by side maps of the British Isle and Ireland; to each side were metropolitan maps of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Dublin. Besides the maps, Harry laid several road atlases out on the table.

"Maps?" Ron exclaimed, "You soaked maps? All this to wash some maps?"

"These aren't just maps anymore," Harry said, "They're now positionally sensitive, through which, we'll feed information from the Floo Network."

"Are you contemplating what I think you are?" Ron said, "Only the Ministry has that information-"

"I know," Harry said, "We will by tonight."

"And there's a reason why only they-" Ron said.

"Rules likely," Harry said, "And those same rules dictate that we're to be killed-no questions asked. I'm sorry, but stupid rules will not concern us."

Harry laid out more map books for drying.

"How are we to monitor?" Ron said, "Any connection will be picked up-"

"I'm one step ahead of you there," Harry said.

Harry grabbed a glass filled with a clear red liquid from his silver cauldron, walked over to the wall, and bent down before a long marble trough; Harry poured the liquid in.

"Don't touch or drink," Harry said, "Leave this be, you'll see."

Harry walked back to the kitchen, poured from the bronze cauldron a clear blue liquid into a flask.

"Alright," Harry said, "This is a short mission, out and back. Anybody with a swig of Polymorphic Potion?"

Ron shook his head.

"We're out," Hermione said.

"Well Ron," Harry said, "Cauldron is available and you brewed the last batch."

"Depends on the fluxweed you picked up," Ron said, "It needs to be picked under a Full Moon."

"Come if you want Ron," Harry said.

"Me?" Hermione asked.

"Stay," Harry said, "Keep this small."

"Are you mad?" Ron exclaimed to Harry just after they apparated.

"Disillusion!" Harry whispered.

"No kidding," Ron snapped.

Harry and Ron cast Disillusionment charms, then moved slowly.

"I brought this," Harry said, removing a bundle from under his jacket, the bundle of his Invisibility Cloak.

"This'll be a doozie to get away with," Ron said, "Dumbledore'd go spare if he knew."

"Quiet!" Harry whispered.

Harry pulled the cloak over the both of them, they walked down the road, a road they both knew and to where it'd lead, they entered the wizarding village of Hogsmeade walking past a Ministry Auror sleeping on the job. Conversations drifted from the houses.

"Unbelievable that Potter would try-"

"He should be kissed for endangering-"

"Shoddy merchandise indeed if it can't warn-Frank, I want to return-"

"To think Dumbledore gives him free reign-"

"Should've been in Azkaban ages ago-before being let off on technicalities!"

Harry and Ron shook their heads, continued on. They approached the Three Broomsticks, Harry moved them into the alley in back of it, stopping at the bricks on the backside of the fireplace hearth.

"Here?" Ron whispered.

"Where better?" Harry replied, "Quiet!"

Harry tacked up the edge of the Invisibility Cloak to give them a small tent to work under next to the bricks. Harry bared his wand, aimed it at a brick to the right of the middle. One, by one, Harry started dismantling the chimney carefully to keep it from collapsing; taking bricks under the first in a stair step fashion. From inside the bar, much noise could be heard, too many were inside for any single conversation to drift out.

"Moving it?" Ron whispered, his eyes noticing the pile of nine bricks.

"Need an inner brick," Harry whispered.

Harry reached into his jacket, removed dragon hide gloves and put them on. First, he handed the flask to Ron, opened the cap. Harry then, with his wand, removed the inner brick. Harry contacted his wand to the center of the brick, bored a hole into it.

"Pour," Harry said.

"Felt the door would be too easy Potter?"

Harry twitched fast, Ron nearly dropped the flask, both turned to see Moody standing there watching them. Moody stepped closer, then let himself in under the tent of the Invisibility Cloak.

"Into masonry?" Moody asked.

"Um," Harry said, "Investigating. Keep it quiet-"

"They wouldn't notice if the entire fireplace vanished," Moody said, "However, I would expect a complaint if they found out you were dismantling it."

"About to put it back together," Harry said, "Ron-"

"And just what are you adding to it?" Moody asked.

"Colored water," Harry said, "Great effect for those in there."

Moody aimed his wand at the flask.

"No!" Harry said.

"Should I get Snape to analyze this first?" Moody said, "Likely illegal-"

"Of course it's bloody illegal," Harry said, "Living is bloody illegal. If you don't mind, I'd like to finish this and get out of here."

"Is Dumbledore aware-?" Moody asked.

Harry grabbed and confiscated Moody's wand.

"Pour Ron," Harry said.

Ron poured the liquid into the brick, the brick glowed blue for a moment, then sealed the bore hole.

"Good," Harry said.

Harry gently reinserted the brick into the fireplace, used his own wand to replace the mortar.

"At least our conversation won't carry," Harry said, "This is an illegal Floo tap, a passive kind. Satisfied?"

"And prohibited outside of the Ministry of Magic Floo Regulatory Office," Moody said, "I have to inform-"

"Nobody," Harry said, "That's the whole point, nobody is to know about this."

Harry replaced the other nine bricks, mortaring each one back into place. Screams came from inside the Three Broomsticks, Harry returned Moody's wand.

"What did you-?" Moody asked.

"Shouldn't have done anything yet," Harry said.

Moody left the cloak, Harry and Ron followed. Moody entered the Three Broomsticks, propped the door open. Through the door, Harry and Ron could see to the fireplace, in it was the green outline of a head with a strong resemblance to Harry. Moody's eye trained onto Harry and Ron standing outside. The head in the fireplace started laughing and laughing.

"You're all dead," the head said, then disappeared.

"Follow," Moody growled at Harry.

Moody came out of the Three Broomsticks, followed by Snape. Others filed out.

"Dumbledore?" Ron muttered.

"Hope not," Harry whispered.

Harry and Ron followed Snape and Moody across the lane, then up the hill behind the Shrieking Shack.

"Off with it," Moody growled.

"Alastor?" Snape asked.

"The other two," Moody growled.

"Potter," Snape sneered, reached and managed to cause Harry's Invisibility Cloak to slip, "Your handiwork I trust-"

"Not like that Professor!" Harry protested, handing the Invisibility Cloak over to Ron.

"I want to know why you were even in Hogsmeade to begin with Potter," Snape sneered, glaring.

"To get a Butterbeer," Harry said.

"At what cost?" Snape said, "Then tampering with their fireplace, projecting your head-"

"I didn't!" Harry protested, "Now, unless you have anything more useful to say, I best be leaving."

"Did you do anything to the fireplace in the Three Broomsticks?" Snape demanded.

"Shove off!" Harry growled, "Ron-let's go."

Snape drew his wand, but Harry and Ron disapparated first.

"Glad to get out of his presence," Ron said after they apparated in between the pine trees.

"Yeah," Harry said, "That-whatever in the fireplace, spooky-wanted to curse it out of existence."

Harry and Ron proceeded down the hill, through the rock face, into the boat house, and into the boat. Harry pressed the green button, the boat moved.

"Suppose Snape is badmouthing us to Dumbledore by now," Ron said.

"Wouldn't put it past him," Harry said, "Of the nerve-at least we'll be able to analyze the Floo Network now."

"Still can't believe you chose the Three Broomsticks," Ron said, "Of all places."

"Well," Harry said, "It's in range and it'd be difficult for anybody to justify cutting that fireplace off from the Floo Network."

"Unless Moody spills the beans," Ron said.

"Hope not," Harry said, "That'd set us back a couple of days as I'd have to rebrew everything to sensitize those maps to the new link."

After the boat docked, Harry entered the Living room.

"Take it you did something," Neville said.

"Yes," Harry said, "We now have an untraceable link into the Floo Network, we can't transport anything, but we'll be able to glimpse into other people's conversations."

"Snooping?" Hermione said, "You're advocating eavesdropping? That's impolite."

"Not routinely," Harry said.

Harry walked over to the red liquid, pulled out an oak wand, and fire sprang forth. Harry tossed on a tad of Floo Powder into the flame from the red liquid. Morphing, blue liquid seeped in from the edges, turning the liquid and flame purple. It leapt upward, the purple flame, touching first on the maps of the British Isle and Europe, taking hold on the Western Isles off the westward edge of Scotland; the purple spread across the maps, leaving a myriad of glowing cyan traces.

"Careful!" Neville exclaimed, "It'd suck to have a real fire!"

One by one, the maps and guides and atlases sprang to life with the purple flame, until each and every map was engulfed but not burning in the purple flame. Slowly, the flames died off, except for the ones in the tray on the floor. Harry laid the oak wand down on the table.

"How does this work?" Hermione asked, gazing at the maps.

"Simple," Harry said, "What do you want to know? It's all controlled with this wand that I used to make this."

Harry pointed the wand at the map of the British Isle. On it, a myriad of traces showed, some cyan, some green, some yellow, some red, and a couple of white. A thick yellow one stretched from London up to Edinburgh, to which Harry pointed.

"See?" Harry said, "Each one is a part of the Floo Network, be it a subnet or a trunk line. This is an activity chart, cyan aren't in use, green shows light activity in a trunk, or the use of a subnet. Yellow shows the trunk experiencing moderate use-likely from the prank our double pulled a few moments ago. Red ones are in heavy use and congested. White shows which ones aren't working properly, perhaps out of commission for servicing."

"So the wand-" Hermione said.

"Ask a question or state what you're after as you hold it," Harry said.

"Loads of maps," Neville said, thumbing the stack on the table.

"Didn't want to have to repeat the exercise with the potion," Harry said, "Those cover every corner of the Isle."

Harry moved a bookshelf over to the right of the purple flame tray, then started to shelve the maps.

"Essentially," Harry said, "We need to be able to track on a large and small scale. The maps are good to an extent, then these AtoZ's are good to the street and house level; they complement each other."

"What happened?" Hermione said, "You talked about your double-"

Ron explained the head.

"Oh my," Hermione said, "That's not good."

"I know," Harry said, "Seems a little intimidation came to be in order for them-we're likely running shorter on time than we'd like to think."

"We did come up with some people to track," Gia said, sitting on the sofa near the coffee table.

"Good," Harry said.

Harry came over, sat next to Luna.

"Well," Luna said, "We analyzed and have three. First, we have Borgin and Burkes, notorious for items with less than honorable uses, the current proprietor is Chad Borgin of Wiltshire-we don't have a current address. Second, is Clay Mossyard of Cumbria, specialized in providing any potion that was asked for-"

"Including Polyjuice," Harry said.

"Has no qualms to the potion so long as you pay for his services," Luna said, "Third is Kerrie Tupsley of Gwynedd whose shop was named 'Unexpected' and sold things like poisonous candles and other things useful for eradicating enemies in a quiet fashion."

"What qualified these three?" Ron asked.

"First," Hermione said, "We know they had a prior arrangement with Knockturn Alley, they each had a career in their shops, and that they seem to have not made arrangements after the clearing."

"We also know that Mossyard is still in business," Gia said, "He posted a discrete ad in the Daily Prophet several months ago."

"Knew they wouldn't just keel over and die," Harry said.

"Becoming home-based businesses isn't going to prove what you're trying to prove Harry," Hermione said, "We have to prove that there's a central location and that there was some organization involved."

Harry glared at Hermione for a second.

"I'm cheering each piece of progress," Harry said, "It doesn't matter that we've got a ways to go, but that we're progressing on the matter. We'll make it in the end. What we do now is try to get their house locations, then watch their movements. We need extensible eyes and ears."

Sunday evening, Harry sat them around the table.

"Alright," Harry said, "Stupid to try starting on a Sunday. They might not be muggles, but they certainly like their ideas about Sunday. At least we do know now the locations of each of the three houses, and it is quite clear from what we saw that they are not conducting their business inside their houses - they do have shops somewhere."

Monday, Harry and the others sat down for breakfast.

"You're not going to like this," Hermione said.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, September 8, 1997

Potter Haunting Floo Network

Complaints to the Floo Regulatory Panel are up drastically over the weekend as a sudden surge of malfunctions and improper behavior are being reported. Problems have included Potter's head haunting fireplaces

"That's funny," Harry said, "We tapped, but it shouldn't be having these types of side effects."

"Perhaps our troublemakers are advancing them?" Hermione said, "I mean, they lack options at Hogwarts, and barring a lifting of our suspensions; they can't realistically do anything there. The trouble for their scheme is that without you pulling more stuff there, people might start to think - they certainly wouldn't want that to happen."

"You're suggesting they're looking for other ways to show me a menace?" Harry asked.

"What better way than to start showing that fake head in the Floo Network?" Hermione asked.

"I don't think I want to know what they're ultimately up to there," Harry said, "Keep an eye on it. We're stalking so we need you to note times and movements.

Harry, Ron, and Neville climbed down the stairs toward the boats.

That evening, the boys returned to the bunker; they sat around the table.

"Damn!" Harry exclaimed, "We missed their departure times, you'd think nobody'd leave before seven thirty. Unfortunately, I think Borgin likes to escape his wife by going to the shop-bloody workaholic."

"I think our troublemakers are doing something to the Floo Network," Hermione said, "We've been monitoring other threads out of curiosity-horrible what we saw. One person starting east of London seemed to be gasping in the main trunk line up to Glasgow, they collapsed by the other end-not certain to their fate."

"Great!" Harry exclaimed.

"I saw some screams in a couple of conversations," Luna said, "like the flames were hot."

"Hot?" Ron said, "Sure, they may be warm or uncomfortable-but it's always safe."

"No, not like this," Hermione said, "I saw the burns forming myself on one, it was burning and melting the hair before the victim withdrew-we think they were pulled out by somebody."

"Shit," Harry muttered.

Gia rubbed Harry's hand.

"Back to the issue at hand," Gia said softly.

"Damn Mossyard's defenses," Ron said, "I missed the time of departure, somewhere between eight and nine, couldn't tell for certain. Was back before four, apparently had some sort of accident at the shop that closed it down early."

"I think Tupsley is getting suspicious," Neville said, "She took to a broom and some sort of Invisibility potion before flying out. She failed to return before we had to retreat."

"Narrow those times," Hermione said, "I'm not jotting down an entire day's worth of activity if we don't have to."

Tuesday morning, Hermione came in with the Daily Prophet.

"You'll be pleasantly surprised by this," Hermione said, setting it down.

Harry read.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, September 9, 1997

Minister Settles in Wrongful Death Suits

In a rapid and surprising turn of events, Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain has announced settlements in both of the wrongful death suits, one filed by Rheda and Wadley Nightshade, and one about to be filed by Wulgar and Elen Goldstein. While full terms of the settlement will be kept confidential, a large sum of money will be paid to both families and statues will be erected at Hogwarts in memory of both students; the Minister does not admit to any blame or guilt in the matter, adding, that if it weren't for Potter's habit of corrupting fellow students into the Dark Arts, the events of the riot would not have occurred last week.

"Wish they'd erect more statues," Harry said, "Many more have perished than just those two."

"At least he took on some responsibility," Ron said.

Harry turned to a letter addressed to him.

Harry

I am aware of a certain tap that you installed under the gaze of Alastor Moody. I could be of greater assistance were I aware of your plans. I would also sleep better if I knew that your current living situation contained adequate security measures.
Dumbledore

"Laying on guilt," Harry said, "He never gives up! Tracking-Neville, the wards would disperse any tracking on this letter, right?"

"Should," Neville said.

"Let's go before it's too late," Harry said.

Harry got up, grabbed his dragon hide, and went down the stairs; Ron and Neville followed.

That evening, they returned to the bunker.

"Know, it'd be nice to get out once in a while," Hermione said, "I haven't left here since last week!"

"I do sympathize," Harry said, "but we're being hunted, so we must limit our exposure."

They sat down at the table.

"Well?" Luna asked.

"A bit better," Harry said, "I did catch Borgin disapparating, I did a tracking charm and got a rough idea - we can assume that they don't apparate directly into Knockturn Alley, but rather have to walk in."

"I did get a bearing on Mossyard," Ron said, "He apparates."

"Tupsley didn't come or go today," Neville said.

Harry walked over to the map of the British Isle, grabbed two pins, attached arrows, and pinned them up.

"It was almost due north from Borgin's," Harry said.

"South or south east," Ron said, "Difficult to tell for certain."

Harry looked at the map.

"All I can say for certain, assuming they went to the same location," Harry said, "Is that its somewhere in the midlands, but that covers hundreds of miles still. Well, time for rest, another try tomorrow."

Harry stumbled toward the stairs.

Wednesday, Harry read the Daily Prophet over breakfast.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, September 10, 1997

Potter Contaminates Floo Powder

The Ministry Floo Network Authority advises all wizards and witches to replace any recently obtained batches of Floo Powder immediately; we have received reports that recent batches of Floo Powder have been contaminated with substances and curses unknown, an investigation is underway to determine what role, if any, Dark Lord Harry Potter is playing in this matter and whether or not this is his form of some cruel practical joke. We repeat, REPLACE YOUR FLOO POWDER IMMEDIATELY for your lives may be at stake by using contaminated or substandard Floo Powder.

Problems arising from using said Floo Powder have been documented over the past several days, but are severe enough to warrant immediate action. Reports have included, ghost images of Potter lingering in the Floo, turning Floo fire into real fire resulting in third degree burns of the victim, triggering Potter Marks, routing the victim to the wrong destination, asphyxiation with death following, explosions with some strong enough to level a house, and splinching between fireplaces.

"Blimey," Harry said, "That might include ours-it seems to be working well enough."

"We did see some of that yesterday during our monitoring," Hermione said, "It's turning nasty."

"Like they're trying to frame me with tampering with the Floo Network," Harry said.

"And it's a perfect method to make us look bad," Ron said, "Everybody uses and relies upon it-everybody in living memory has come to depend on it."

"Well," Harry said, "No point in dawdling."

Thursday morning, Harry chuckled as he read an advertisement in the Daily Prophet,

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, September 11, 1997

WWW Floo Powder

Distrustful of your existing Floo Powder? Or are you perhaps getting tired of the normal Powder? Or perhaps you wish to pull a prank on your friends. Try WWW Floo Powder to add a little zest into your Floo Network Experience and is guaranteed not to injure or main unlike the normal Floo Powder. Each trip is bound to be a unique and exciting experience; it can add dazzling effects like multicolored flames, mid-flight clothing swaps, or add a minty fresh sensation to your travels. In any case, you can rely upon WWW Floo Powder, readily available at 93 Diagon Alley.

"They're certainly taking advantage of things," Harry said.

Ron rolled his eyes, Hermione came in with Harry's Auror Handbook.

"Found something you may find useful," Hermione said, "It's the Lasso Charm, illegal to use, but ideal for what you're up to."

"We'd apparate along side-?" Ron asked.

"Not unless you do it strong," Hermione said, "In normal fashion, it will land you within several miles of your target-you can't maintain stealth if you landed on top of them. Now, if you're worried about this being against you-you're Untrackable which negates this."

"Best be going," Harry said.

Harry went for the stairs, Neville and Ron followed.

Ron closed and sealed the doors on the boat, Harry sat in the captain's chair.

"Been a week," Harry said, "Should change boat houses."

Ron arched his eyebrows. "Huh?"

"For obvious reasons," Harry said, "These boats can go anywhere in twenty minutes-there is more than one boat house where we'd dock in similar fashion. It's a point of security to change them so we can't be tracked-there are six established boat houses around the British and Irish Isles."

Neville got out a die, rolled a six. "Alright, what's listed as six?"

Harry looked at the chart, raised his eyebrows. "Glasgow."

"Spare are we?" Ron said, "Glasgow is a city!"

Harry fidgeted with the controls, the boat submerged and sped off, this time, much faster.

"Why couldn't we go this fast to the other?" Ron asked.

"It's a matter of security," Harry said, "As Neville explained it, the twenty minutes is imposed to thwart us being tracked-not because the boat can't do it faster. We'll be in Glasgow shortly, it's along the inlet. the Firth of Clyde."

The boat moved fast, hit a wave in the sound of Harris and went airborne.

"Flies?" Ron exclaimed.

"It runs on magic," Harry said, "You should understand it as easily as your Dad's old Ford Anglia."

The speedometer on the dash read seven hundred miles per hour, the Isle of Sky moved rapidly to Port as they flew over the Sea of the Hebridges.

"Reminds me of our second year Harry," Ron said.

"Yeah," Neville said, "Why not change course for Hogwarts? A flying boat this time!"

"At least nobody can see us," Harry said as he pressed on the Invisibility Booster.

The boat flew on, the Isle of Mull passed quickly to Starboard as they flew down the Sound of Mull, passing every ferry along the way.

"Down below?" Ron asked.

"Oh those?" Harry said, "Those boats are how the muggles get to the Inner and Outer Hebridges."

The boat pulled up as it neared Oban, up to heights of six hundred meters to cross over the rolling hills with long lakes, then pulled over Cruach Nan Capull to sink down between Beinn Bheula and Ben Donich to the surface of Loch Goil, situated in the middle of Argyll Forest Park. The boat slowed down to two hundred miles per hour as it turned right merging in with Loch Long.

"Could we, like, strike a muggle craft?" Ron asked.

"Intentionally?" Harry said, "Sure, if we wanted to."

"I mean not wanting-" Ron said.

"Magically driven," Harry said.

"None have been recorded in the family," Neville said.

The boat slowed to a hundred and turned to its left into the Firth of Clyde. It moved along past the end of the Firth where it became the river Clyde. They swept under the soaring Erskine Bridge between Dumbarton and Clydebank; kept going, taking a left fork in the river, going up.

"What the-?" Ron exclaimed.

They had passed the King George V Dock heading for the sewage plant, at this point, the boat was going twenty miles per hour.

"No problem," Harry said.

Diving, the boat submerged, passed through an opening underneath the discharge pipe, veered gently to left with the passage, downward, until it stopped, rose a few feet, next to a dock in a dimly lit cavern.

"Where are we?" Ron asked.

"Apparently this one was built about the time of Grindlewald," Neville said, "It's the sixth dock to be built - if things continue as bad as they are, we may consider some more. Currently, we are under the river Clyde in the city of Glasgow, about two miles west of the city centre."

Harry opened the doors, climbed out.

"Careful on this exit," Harry said, "We let out into the Clyde Tunnel of the A739-so disillusion from the start."

After a disillusionment charm, they went for the door and came out onto the muggle motorway.

"Well," Harry said, "Know what to do."

They quickly made their way out of the tunnel into the growing dawn. Ron yawned.

"Wish I could get a full night's sleep," Ron said.

"After we successfully track," Harry said.

They each disapparated. Harry apparated into Chicklade, Wiltshire, outside the single family house of Chad Borgin. Harry noticed Borgin leaving the house, Harry cast the Lasso Charm onto Borgin. Borgin disapparated. Harry felt himself being pulled along, like a dog tied to the bumper of an automobile moving along the carriageway.

"Scoundrel!"

Harry landed onto wet damp grass, water was soaking him under a partially cloudy sky.

"Scoundrel!"

Harry looked, saw somebody running toward him, baton in hand.

"You're messing up the grass!"

Harry bolted, running, step after step, his toe digging into the soil under the grass, through the running sprinklers. He turned his neck once, which was enough to see his pursuer get one foot into a hole and go down hard.

"Ow! My Ankle!"

"STOP!" yelled two converging constables.

Harry leapt over the fence, then found himself in the company of a small pack of teenagers, all wearing midnight blue jackets with blue jumpers, blue ties, midnight blue slacks, and a white collared shirts.

"Shortcutting the golf course," one boy said, "They're pretty strict about ruining their field."

A taller boy shoved Harry downward, the two constables ran past the pack, then scratched their heads, and went back to the golf course.

"They're just concerned about scaring," the tall boy said.

Harry regained his stature.

"Thanks," Harry said, "Close-"

"Should look before you cross," the first boy said.

They crossed Errwood Road.

"Sorry," Harry said, "Didn't catch the name of your school."

"Burnage High School," the third boy said.

"Are you alright?" the tall boy said, "You ran across during the full sprinklers-"

"Yeah," Harry said, "Was following somebody else, got separated."

They reached the end of Shawbrook Road, waited for traffic to clear.

"Take care," the first boy said.

The three boys crossed Burnage Lane and turned left, their school clearly visible a hundred yards away. Harry crossed, moved to the right, cut across the Primary school grounds and followed Broadhill Road. He cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself by the time he reached Kingsway, crossed to Mauldeth Road station and looked at the map.

"Manchester," Harry muttered.

Harry disapparated. Harry apparated to Edinburgh, to the top of the Dasses in the middle of Holyrood Park. Harry hid behind a shrub, watched Ron apparate in.

"Over here!" Harry shouted.

Ron came over, both sat down under and among the shrubs.

"Luck?" Harry asked.

"I did the lasso," Ron said, "Wound up on the rail tracks in Oldham, narrowly missed getting hit. I made it back to a station, it's to the north east of Manchester. You?"

"Burnage," Harry said, "South of Manchester. Which means, what we're looking for is in or around Manchester, somewhere."

"Well," Ron said, "Get to wait for Neville-suppose he's still watching."

"Tupsley is likely a dry well there," Harry said, "If we get nothing new on her, then drop that. In fact, I think we'll change tactics just a bit-talk with Hermione tonight."

"This sucks-I'd love to return now," Ron said.

Harry shook his head.

"You know we can't," Harry said, "Must wait for Neville, in the meanwhile, we have to be careful."

Friday morning, Harry settled down at the dining table of the bunker looking at the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Friday, September 12, 1997

Floo Network Authority Confirms Rise in Floo Mishaps

Officials for the Ministry Floo Network Authority confirm that there is indeed a sudden and sharp rise in mishaps in the Floo Network; however, they stress that overall the Floo Network remains safe, convenient, and efficient means of transportation.

"Mishaps?" Harry said, "Oh now, seems they're up to something-are we certain?"

"We've been seeing things as we've monitored the Floo Network," Hermione said, "Yes."

"Change of plans," Harry said, "We're giving up on Tupsley for anything useful. This time, for a change, Neville stay, Hermione and Luna come."

"What?" Neville exclaimed.

"Give them a chance to stretch," Harry said, "First time in a week-"

"Along with me," Gia said.

"Unfortunately," Harry said, "This isn't an opportunity of you to come-sorry Gia. We've narrowed it down to Manchester or its vicinity, four wands can help."

"So could a fifth," Neville said.

"Somebody has to stay and protect Gia," Harry said, "Just in case."

Neville glared at Harry.

"I can defend-" Gia protested.

"Not against what is after us," Harry said, "Ron, Hermione, Luna, let's move."

Harry grabbed his jacket and went down the stairs.

"Different route," Hermione muttered as the boat moved.

"I've learned our lessons well," Harry said, "For if I'm to do anything outside Hogwarts, this is the way-"

"Neville wasn't happy when we left," Luna said.

"I can't fucking win, can I?" Harry exclaimed, "You insist on sticking with me and placing your lives in my hands. Fine, if you're going to do that, then let me take charge so I can do more than sit around and watch you get knocked off. I'm effing pissed off-Blimey! Your sister couldn't enjoy a simple meal without getting slaughtered. Things are changing, I'm not sitting on the sidelines no more!"

"Going after Knockturn Alley," Hermione said, "While it is something, doesn't really seem as important as tracking down Death Eaters and the like."

"While it's the lowest fruit on the tree," Harry said, "We need something to train us all to operate as a team."

"Plans for after we find it?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Harry stated.

After the boat docked, they left and walked along the A739 motorway under their Disillusionment charms.

"This is better?" Hermione asked.

"From here, Apparate to Manchester," Harry said.

"Are you nuts?" Luna said, "That's hundreds of miles away!"

"Fine," Harry said, "Hold on then-remember we want four distinct directions."

An hour later, Harry was the last to congregate in the Manchester Central Library; he escorted them into a group room, upon which, he laid out a vicinity map of Manchester.

"Alright," Harry said.

"Here," Hermione said.

Hermione grabbed a protractor and a pencil, drew a line from Piccadilly Gardens. One by one, Hermione added in their data; Luna's bearing from Whitefield, four miles to the north, Harry's bearing from Stretford, two miles to the south-southwest, and Ron's bearing from Denton to the East. Harry looked over the map.

"That's telling," Harry said, "Very telling, it converges close to where you were Hermione, it's somewhere here in central Manchester. Can we get a centre map?"

"I'm one step ahead there-" Hermione got out a map of the city centre of Manchester, she drew on her line.

"Damn," Harry said, "A narrow strip. Now that we know, we'll be able to pinpoint it tomorrow. I'll meet you back at the boat—I've got to talk to somebody."

"Who?" Hermione asked as Harry disapparated.

Saturday, Harry quickly read the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Saturday, September 13, 1997

Potter Using Floo Network for Corpse Disposal

Reports are surfacing that Dark Lord Harry Potter is attempting to misappropriate the Floo Network for his evil deeds. Apparently, Potter is using the Floo Network as a convenient means to dispose of the corpses of his recent victims, and, as an added surprise, will route the corpse to a muggle fireplace overriding the Ministry lockouts on such behavior, a clear violation of the Wizarding secrecy decrees.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville apparated in underneath the Blackfriars Street Bridge in Manchester. Harry took a swig of Polymorphic potion, became blond haired with black eyes.

"Hermione," Harry said, "Head along here, it becomes Market Street, go to your location from yesterday at the Piccadilly Gardens. After we reach Deansgate, Ron turn right and follow it down to Quay Street, Neville turn left and follow it until it meets up with Chapel Street. I'll be meeting Moody and watching from this end of Market Street. Remember, afterward, we meed in the Arndale Shopping Center food court - it's straight along this road between me and Hermione. Above all, be careful and try some Polymorphic potion-we're getting damn close to finding it and consequently getting seen."

They crawled out from underneath the bridge.

Harry stopped at the corner of Market Street and Corporation Street, stood next to the Exchange building, in the nook of a window, and took out his wand.

"Point me Chad Borgin," Harry said.

Harry's wand moved and pointed due south.

"In open view of Muggles? Think Potter!"

Harry reflexed, saw Moody next to him, partially obscured with an Invisibility Cloak. Harry moved inward and under the cloak.

"He should be arriving, it's Saturday so maybe a tad later," Harry said, "Any moment."

Harry's wand moved, rotated, a bit to the south-south west; it then rotated counter clockwise, slowly at first. Harry looked up, pointed, Moody's eye followed the point, as Chad Borgin walked along the sidewalk in front of them. Borgin turned and crossed Corporation Street with the Muggles, Moody and Harry followed across while avoiding getting trampled. They watched Borgin reach the escalators then vanish.

"See him?" Harry asked.

"No," Moody said, "I see magic radiating from those-moving stairs."

"Circle," Harry whispered.

"Too many muggles," Moody said, "We're guaranteed a collision-"

"I'll get out," Harry said, "Back us up."

They got into a corner, Harry slipped out, Moody removed his Invisibility Cloak.

"Something with the escalators?" Harry said, "Let's still take a look before my potion wears off."

Harry walked around the escalators, noticed the empty space underneath where the maintenance cabinet was. Moody gazed along side with him.

"My guess is they use a logical drop like these muggle stairs," Moody said.

"Can you figure out how to get in?" Harry asked.

"Borgin won't be the only person visiting," Moody said, "There will be others, however, your presence will stand out. I will watch the day, but won't go in until Monday, agreed?"

"Sure," Harry said, "Need to collect the others-"

"Others?" Moody asked.

"We were searching-" Harry said, "Nice to find it today."

"You should leave," Moody said.

Moody crouched behind a small plant, pulled the Invisibility Cloak over him. Harry went onto the escalators up toward the food court.

Harry met Ron at the top of the escalators.

"Well?" Ron asked.

"I'm supposed to be unrecognizable," Harry muttered, running his hand through his blond hair.

"Your eyes betray you," Ron said, "Hermione and Neville are this way."

Harry and Ron made it over to the restrooms.

"Well," Hermione said, "Data-"

"Later," Harry said, "We're returning first."

Harry escorted them into the mens room where they disapparated.

"We found it," Harry said as the boat returned to the bunker.

"We did?" Ron asked, "So we're leaving-?"

"Moody's going to stand watch," Harry said, "Figure out how to get it, then you and I go in on Monday-"

"Harry!" Neville protested, "We'd like to-"

"It's bloody risky as it is," Harry said, "I want to keep our exposure to a minimum-Ron's coming with me."

"Suppose he'll report to Dumbledore," Ron complained.

"Harry," Gia said, "We saw something in the monitoring, you might want to see it."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Got it again," Luna said, wand aimed.

They looked over to the purple ghost in the flames from the trough in the floor; they saw a fluffy long snouted creature dark fur.

"A niffler!" Ron exclaimed.

"And traveling from Cambridge," Luna said.

They watched on the maps as the Niffler traveled the Floo Network into Dudley, west of Birmingham. Hermione grabbed the oak wand from Luna, aimed it.

"Should show all of them," Hermione said.

They watched as the maps filled up with red colored Nifflers on the maps, moving rapidly from destination to destination.

"Should visit Fred and George," Ron said, "Ask them if this was their idea, to let Nifflers loose into the Floo Network."

Harry shook his head. "Aren't you glad we only have a passive tap?"

THE DAILY PROPHET

Sunday, September 14, 1997

Potter Releases Nifflers into Floo Network

Evidence to date leads the Daily Prophet to report that Dark Lord Harry Potter has indeed released thousands of Nifflers to run loose and rampant through the Floo Network. Nifflers, black fluffy long-snouted creatures will burrow in dirt as if it were water, and are strongly attracted to anything shiny; these creatures, adapted by Potter to shed Floo Powder as dandruff, are now roaming from house to house, terrorizing and trashing each and every household they visit. Rumor has it that the Nifflers can overcome the muggle lockouts and have been known to roam inside muggle homes as well. Potter has managed to turn the Floo Network into a circus for his entertainment.

EM Inspectors Convicted on Theft Charges

Two people on the EM inspection squad, Cooper Mudford of Stockport and Fiallan Ruislip of Macclesfield, were convicted Saturday by the Wizengamot of Theft and Burglary stemming from their behavior on routine EM inspections. These culprits would frequently bully their way into residences repeatedly, then case the residence for a burglary to take place within the next day or two. Currently, nine others are still under investigation for theft, demanding protection money, and extortion.

With this, the Ministry issued a list of reminders regarding the regulation of the EM inspections. First, EM inspections may be refused on whatever grounds the homeowner feels like-any further pressure on the inspectors is grounds for charges of breaking and entering. Second, refusal must be taken on face value, nothing may be implied from such a refusal. Third, EM may not inspect or demand to inspect any premise more than once a week - any inspector pressuring or visiting may find themselves being charged with general harassment. Finally, the Ministry notes that any inspector pushing further than these limits may be legally considered hostile by the occupants and be dealt with accordingly.

After reading, Harry took the step from the dining room into the kitchen; he set the pewter cauldron on the counter, lit a fire, and started adding ingredients.

Monday, Ron and Harry apparated to underneath the Blackfriars bridge over the river Irwell.

"Just Disillusion and follow," Harry whispered.

They crawled out and up onto Blackfriars Street, went along as it turned into Market Street. Harry pulled Ron into the street behind the Exchange Building.

"Potter!" Moody growled, "Going so inconspicuously that you invite an attempt? Vigilance my boy!"

Harry's eyes flicked to the purple haired witch standing next to Moody.

"Tonks?" Harry said, "You told Dumbledore-didn't you? He'll-"

"Run all over you? Is that what you're afraid of?" Tonks said, "Don't be-Alastor was obligated to talk to Professor Dumbledore and you've piqued all of our interests in this matter Harry. Albus did make it clear that you retain leadership of this venture, consider me a tag along to Moody."

Harry sighed.

"Alright," Harry said, "We now know that Knockturn Alley has been relocated to here and it was likely organized. What we're after is the who relocated it, when the sequence started, how it was pulled off, where the organizing people are now, and anything else of interest that relates this into whatever Voldemort's-" He paused to wait out the flinching "-whatever his plans are."

"Suggesting to just walk in and start asking questions?" Moody asked.

"Ron and I will have a pretext," Harry said, "We're looking into opening shop."

"You can't be serious-?" Tonks asked.

"To them we are," Harry said, "We'll go in and investigate."

Harry took out a flask from his pocket, took a swig, then handed it to Ron; Harry's hair went white, he grew a couple of inches, and his eyes went pink.

"Albino," Ron said, "Interesting."

Ron took a swig, his hair went blue with blue eyes.

"Flashy," Tonks said, "That potion-"

"Polymorphic potion," Harry said, "Like Polyjuice, but no real target, just anything other than the most expensive head in the isle. Moody, you said you found your way in. Let's move."

"Follow," Moody said.

Harry, Ron, and Tonks followed Moody across the street.

"Must want to get onto those muggle moving stairs," Moody said, "Like Platform 9 and 3/4."

They walked along the muggles, heading for the back side of the escalators; suddenly, they were on one going down into the pavement. Their legs sank in then their middles, while none of the muggles pacing nearby noticed, then they sank all th way in and came to a small chamber. Harry drew his wand, stunned a Niffler appearing on top of one of the four golden Floo platforms; two were on the left side, two on the right. In the middle in front of them, was a circular hole, twelve feet wide, and too deep to see the bottom. Harry stopped at the ledge.

"It's a muggle trap Potter," Moody said, "Just step over, your magic will keep you from injury, whereas a muggle or a squib would perish."

Moody stepped over first, he sank slowly as if he were on a pillow. Ron stepped over, he sank slowly. Harry's skates came forth, he didn't sink.

"Just let go," Tonks said.

Harry's skates retracted, he slowly sank. Tonks followed. They drifted down a hundred and fifty feet, coming to a graceful stop at the bottom on a transparent surface.

"It's a magic barrier," Moody said, "Anything going too fast goes down-you don't want to go there."

Moody wrapped his Invisibility Cloak around himself; Tonks changed herself into a fly and landed on Harry's shoulder. Harry and Ron took one step out; immediately taking in the sight. To their left was a branch of Gringotts, to the right was the Crypt Cafe.

"Suppose they've got to eat too," Ron whispered.

Harry, having adapted an extensible eye to his camera, took pictures as they walked along. They traveled the corridors, revealing the layout as one of rings and spokes centered around the entrance tube. Two rings were present, along with six spokes to the first ring and twelve through the second. Next to the entrance was the Crypt Cafe, the Rylstone Rum supporting a bar with liquors. In the second ring, they found Borgin and Burkes, Mossyard Potions, Unexpected with its poisonous candles, Plymp Specimens featuring a number of dark and dangerous creatures, an Apothecary, Fun and Power specializing in dark books, Durran Apparel selling Death Eater and Potter Eater robes, and then came to Clophill Cutters that specialized in meats including muggle. Finally, after another dose of their Polymorphic potion, they found the management office.

They entered, Harry's eyes snapped toward the dark hair and gnarly teeth of Marcus Flint.

"What do you want?" Flint demanded.

"We were referred to you," Harry said, "Diagon Alley voted down our acquisition-seems they had a problem with the merchandise we wished to sell."

"This is the new Wizard's Mall," Flint said, "What you sell is your own business-I presume you will need a shop or something-"

"Shop with some tinkering space," Harry said.

"Will you need containment services?" Flint said, "If you're working with experimental potions, you will."

"Yes," Harry said.

"How big do you need? How much store front?" Flint asked.

"We're a new venture," Harry said, "Maybe twenty feet for the front, a hundred or two square feet for the customers, then, maybe another couple hundred...say five hundred square feet."

Flint looked over his parchment.

"What's the traffic like here compared to the old Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked.

"That may be something you wish to consider," Flint said, "Traffic is a bit lighter, but picking up in the year since this place first became operational. We can't exactly advertise yet due to some legal and practical concerns."

"How long to construct?" Harry said, "Looks amazing."

Flint pointed to a spot on the parchment.

"It is still under construction," Flint said, "Took a number of months to get the initial group in along with the transplants from Knockturn. Fortunately, we got this open just in the nick of time for the Minister's edict. Rest of it has been in stages, we're filling out the rest of the second ring now, which is where your store would go. We start on the third ring next month - demand is that high for unregulated shopping."

The teapot lifted itself from the fireplace, poured out three cups of hot water.

"Oh, my manners," Flint said, "Care for some tea?"

"We're on a tight schedule today," Harry said.

"To your shop, I can lease something in the 2U area," Flint said, "Twenty five galleons per month."

Harry fingered his collar.

"I need to run that number by our book keeper," Harry said, "I am worried about security, legalities, that sort - wouldn't want to lose my shop because I failed to ask."

"Gringotts will insure your business if you ask them to," Flint said, "We have people patrolling and watching over the complex. As to legalities, our lawyers have verified the legality of running this establishment."

"So you are-?" Harry asked, "Position-?"

"General manager," Flint said, "Backed by a consortium of shareholders including some of the shop owners within this mall."

The door opened, in came a blond haired witch.

"Flint," the witch said, "We need you in security."

"One moment," Flint said.

Flint turned toward Harry.

"I'll leave the option of leasing on the table until Friday," Flint said, "After that, I'll release it back into the pool of available spots. Can I get your name?"

Harry paused for a moment.

"Tom Riddle," Harry said.

"Sorry," Flint said, "Can't leave you in my office-some of the shop owners are rather sensitive folk."

Harry and Ron got up, left the office; Flint closed the door and walked fast down the corridor.

"Security-?" Ron muttered.

"Let's go," Harry whispered, "I don't like the sound of that."

Harry and Ron walked quickly, past the loos, up the corridor, then went up the entrance tube, dodged a Niffler, and went up the escalator.

Harry breathed deeply upon reaching the outside concrete below the escalators up to the Muggle Food court. Tonks changed into her normal self. The gentle tap of Moody's wooden leg could be faintly heard, though Moody couldn't be seen.

"I know of a decent spot to talk," Harry said, "Not too far away."

Harry lead the way, turning left onto Corporation Street.

Harry opened the door to a small group room in the Manchester Central Library. Moody examined the room with his magical eye, Tonks and Ron entered. Harry closed and locked the door; he drew his wand to cast an Imperturbment Charm about the room.

"What do we know?" Harry said, "We definitely know that this was planned, that the plans for the Wizard Mall dated back earlier than the edict on Knockturn Alley, that nearly all of the shopkeepers from there moved into here along with some nastier businesses that never dared to open on Knockturn Alley. Flint mentioned luck on the timing, there may be more or less to that then he either knows or is letting on to."

"Well," Ron said, "Kinda as you suspected earlier, some coordination must have gone on."

Tonks looked between the two, even though they had already reverted to normal, her eyes still gazed.

"I am lost as to what you're after Harry," Tonks said.

"Simple," Harry said, "We don't really understand our enemy-this was the first chunk we went after and now we know that there was some coordination between the Ministry's clearing of Knockturn Alley and this."

"Don't understand your enemy Potter?" Moody asked.

"If we did, if any one of us truly understood," Harry said, "We would've had this mess cleaned up ages ago. Dumbledore would have seen to that."

"You don't think we-?" Tonks asked, looking at Harry.

"No!" Harry said, "Sure, we know about Voldemort, the Death Eaters, but there is much we don't know How many Death Eaters are aware of Voldemort's current existence? How many Potter Eaters?

"Simply put, we don't understand it enough to put Voldemort out of business-today was to be part of the first step, see what shakes loose."

Tonks and Moody looked at each other, Tonks adjusted the collar of her shirt.

"Your plans?" Tonks asked.

"Three points-actually four," Harry said, "We want Flint's files, intact; we want to get Flint and interrogate him; close the place down; finally, make certain that the wizarding world is aware of our discovery."

"Just how do you plan to tackle all of those?" Moody said, "They were already growing aware of your presence down there-that Polymorphic potion doesn't fool them for long."

Harry stared at Moody.

"If I guaranteed you a good distraction," Harry asked, "Can you capture Flint and the files between the two of you?"

"What distraction do you have in mind?" Tonks asked.

"A good one," Harry asked, "How is Finnigan? Thomas?"

"Finnigan is still at St. Mungo's," Tonks said, "Thomas has been granted leave to watch over his friend-we cycle his homework to him."

"Good," Harry said, "I need you to deliver a letter to him."

Harry sat at the table, pulled out parchment and a quill. Harry wrote it out.

"Shrewd and manipulative," Moody said.

"And effective," Harry said, folding up his parchment and handing it to Tonks, "Get this to Thomas-don't clue him to the sender or your involvement. Ron and I will be watching from on top of the Exchange building, waiting. Moody, trust you can figure it out well enough for yourself-kidnap Flint and capture his files."

"They will have more than a few files to worry about at the end of this day," Moody said.

Harry unsealed the doors, Tonks disapparated. Harry and Ron lead the way. Harry kicked his legs for the umpteenth time as he and Ron perched on the edge of the Exchange Building watching below.

"What did you send Thomas?" Ron said, "Couldn't read the letter myself."

"Oh," Harry said, "Simply told him about the Wizard Mall and insinuated that it's got some nice shops. EM should be along shortly—duck!"

Harry and Ron scrambled to the other side of the bricks, kept only their faces above the brick, and both applied a Disillusionment Charm. Down below, they saw many people apparating in, all sorts of people, some with dragon hide, others in black cloaks. Passersby gasped. EM tattoos glowed on those wearing short sleeves. Harry saw Tonks struggle into the flow of people streaming into the mall and down the escalators. Harry took out his camera, aimed it.

"Will that work?" Ron said, "You'll only get-"

"Everything I can," Harry said.

A magic compression wave pulsed from the tube and radiated outward; muggle buildings moved aside as this ring pushed; muggles seemed to go from one side to the other without notice. Dirt gave way as this circle widened, revealing the Wizard Mall below. Curses flew as more EM members came and descended into the Mall as it rose up to street level. Harry aimed his camera and took pictures.

"Aren't you going to do anything?" Ron asked.

"I show and I'm dead," Harry said, "Nothing I can do, except capture the moment."

They watched as shopkeepers fled for their lives, EM torturing others demanding to know anything about Potter's next moves. Shops burnt to the ground, Killing Curses flew into Plymp Specimens killing all save the demeantors turned loose.

"Shit," Ron muttered.

Patronus Charms were cast, silvery mist drove the demeantors to flee into the muggle shopping center. Screams came from within. Ministry personnel apparated in as a bold EM logo drifted upward with the same intensity and ferocity as a Dark Mark.

"Interesting," Harry said.

Harry spun around as soon as he heard the pop, saw Tonks.

"As you can see," Tonks said, "I delivered your message. Flint escaped but Moody did get the files from the management office-we wondered how you wanted to handle them from here."

Harry motioned, Tonks sat on the roof.

"Well," Harry said, "Ron and I have other things to tend to tonight. As for running paperwork, Hermione may be good, but we can't exactly walk into the Ministry Archives to do anything further. So, I'll let you and the rest of the order sort through them. We want shareholders, anything to tie that former mall to either Voldemort or the Ministry or the Death Eaters or anybody else who's relevant. We'll await some sort of report from you."

Tonks stood then disapparated. Ron looked at Harry.

"What else do we have to do?" Ron asked.

"Journalism," Harry said, with a grin.

Ron looked over the edge of the building.

"Better go," Ron said, "Ministry is looking for muggles to Memory Charm."

Harry and Ron stood, then disapparated. They returned late Monday to the Bunker, and entered the living room.

"Well?" Hermione asked.

"Found it," Harry said, "Tonks is looking over the files to see if we can get any clues."

Harry and Ron filled her in, by the end of which, Hermione was in hysterics.

"You had the EM...?" Hermione said, then returned to her laughter, "Brilliant!"

"We also managed to enhance the Daily Prophet for tomorrow," Harry said, "Good night."

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, September 16, 1997

Knockturn Alley Prospering

by Sparky

Yours truly made the startling discovery that Knockturn Alley was not closed down as commonly believed a year ago by the Minister of Magic. Instead, the tenants that formerly occupied the stores and shops on the Alley adjacent to Diagon Alley appeared to have been forewarned and were prepared for the Minister's announcement. THEY RELOCATED Knockturn Alley instead to the centre of Muggle Manchester in the midlands, now called the Wizard's Mall. Out of the sight of the population at large and unsupervised, who knows what is cooking down there?

This relocation was organized and the people behind it were anticipating the Minister's order to vacate, that is clear. All other aspects are still under investigation.

EM Clears Knockturn Alley

by Sparky

With the determination to eradicate the Dark Arts, various members of the EM descended onto the shopkeepers who formally infested Knockturn Alley, causing the destruction of the Wizard's Mall underneath the Muggle Arndale Shopping Centre in central Manchester. Gone are shops that sold Death Eater robes, various dark and dangerous creatures, and the butcher who sold human flesh by the pound. Given a chance to make a statement, Harry Potter said, "Hopefully this will stall the Dark Forces that have been smearing my name and reputation for the past year."

Potter Provokes Manchester Mayhem

Yesterday evening, the Magical Law Enforcement Squad from the Ministry of Magic responded to worst violations to the International Secrecy Decrees ever recorded since enacted three hundred years ago. Muggles were witnessing apparation, curses, and demeantors in the Potter incited riot of wizards and witches who thought they were going in for a good cause. This resulted in massive destruction to properties including the Wizard's Mall slated to replace Diagon Alley as Britain's Premier Magical Shopping Centre (reports that this mall was the remnants of Knockturn Alley are both vicious and false - it may have been reported otherwise by Potter in an attempt to manipulate the EM into doing his Dark bidding). Overwhelmed, the Ministry called out every Oblivator and agent in its service and was forced to call upon numerous foreign Ministrys for reinforcements. The Minister for Magic extended his appreciation to the US Department of Magic and the Australian Ministry for Magic for their quick response and assistance in the matter.

Ministry Declares Floo Network "Safe"

Ministry officials including the Floo Regulatory Authority and the Minister, officially declare the Floo Network to be safe despite the recent spate of incidents. They point to statistics that even today, using the Floo Network is generally safer than flying carpets, brooms, or muggle transportation.

Carpets and Brooms in High Demand

Both Bashir's Carpet Bazaar and Quality Quidditch Supplies confirm the spike in popularity of brooms and carpets, both are having difficulties maintaining their supplies. Ministry officials stress the need for greater vigilance and care to avoid Muggles noticing.

Bashir's Carpet Bazaar, located in the middle of Diagon Lane, has been around for a year importing flying carpets. The proprietor, Ewen Strathyre, has had to restrict purchases to one per customer until further notice, since he is currently on backorder with the manufacturer.

Quality Quidditch Supplies, located prominently in Diagon Alley, has been around for centuries catering to Wizarding Britain's Quidditch needs. Current owner Devlin Whitehorn confirms the challenges that his store is facing in keeping the shelves stocked. Currently, the sales restrictions is one broom per person until their back orders can be filled.

Along with the rise in popularity of the carpet and broom, is the rise in the number of spottings by muggles. Ministry officials remind the greater need for vigilance to keep our activities unnoticed by the muggle population.

Neville shook his head. Ron entered the living room, read his letter.

Ron

Dad is a bit depressed about things lately, to cheer him up, we wanted to hold a small party to celebrate Hermione's birthday tomorrow night. (Yes, this is two days early, but we figure you and she may already have plans.)

We were successful in chasing out the EM inspectors, threatening them with a few of our treats should they dare to return - that was Sunday and we haven't seen them since.
Fred and/or George

"Sure?" Ron asked Hermione.

"Harry?" Hermione asked.

"It's between you and them," Harry said, "I wanted to spend a bit of time with Gia to celebrate yesterday-do that while you're at their place."

Ron got out a quill and wrote a reply.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, September 17, 1997

EM Dismisses Ministry's Assurances on Floo Network

Dean Thomas, EM Vice President, officially renounced and dismissed the Ministry's assurances on the Floo Network. Thomas cited the recent escalation of terror being applied to the Floo Network and the uncertainty of Harry Potter's next plans. Thomas advises that each and every person invest in alternative means of transportation, and to actively consider the risks before entrusting ones life to the Floo Network.

Wednesday evening, Ron and Hermione apparated into the living room of Fred and George.

"So," Fred said, "You're alive."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Well, Duh!"

"Dad's picking Edward up from the Kirbys," George said, "Should be here shortly."

Hermione sat on the sofa, Fred's eyes darted toward her.

"Seventeen you'll be in a couple of days Hermione," Fred said, "If you weren't emancipated already, you'd be an adult on Friday."

"Won't affect those bounties," Ron said, "I suspect."

"Then we have our brother who's living who knows where," George said.

Ron flared his eyebrows.

"Oh," Ron said, "I know where. Did you enjoy that bridge last night 'Mione?"

George's eyes darted between Ron and Hermione, Ron sat on the sofa.

"A bridge?" George said, "Unacceptable that a Weasley should be forced-could live here."

"Unacceptable, it'd be no time until the EM pieced that together," Ron said, "No, you'd need a new place first, one that's more defensible. A castle would be nice, like Hogwarts-"

Screams cut short came from the fireplace, out of which flew a broad blade impinging itself into the white plaster wall, blood covered the blade and dribbled down in lines on the plaster. Hermione fainted at the sight of what tumbled out, raining blood across the carpeting.

Blink. Blink. Watery tears filled the sight. Mr. Arthur Weasley laid on the floor with blood spurting out of the many gashes cloven into his flesh. Flames of the fireplace were red, not Floo Green. More blood flew out of the fireplace, soaking the carpeting and painting the walls, adding a splattered droplet motif to the atmosphere.

"No, no," Hermione muttered.

Hurtling out of the fireplace came a large lump knocking Hermione to the floor. She looked at the decapitated head of black hair and emerald green eyes.

"Harry!" Hermione muttered in between the tears coming out of her eyes.

More blood and meat flew out, one of blond hair and blue eyes, then one of red hair and brown eyes.

"No! Ron! Gia!" Hermione wailed, "NOOOO!"

Blades flew out of the fireplace, kept chopping up the victims, mincing them into finer and finer chunks. Then one flew at Hermione and she felt it rip through her neck.

"Hermione!" Ron shook Hermione, fainted but shaking, on the floor. Tears streamed down his face as he turned to look at what had come out of the fireplace, over which, Fred and George were.

"DAD!" Fred shouted at the collection of fragments that were formerly Arthur Weasley and Edward Weasley.

"EDWARD!" George shouted.

Ron laid Hermione down on the sofa, came over and looked.

"Can't we-?" Ron demanded.

"Sorry brother," Fred said, "Too late."

"You don't know-" Ron said.

"Decapitation-they were dead before they reached the house," George said.

"Don't turn your back to the fireplace," Ron said, "Something else might-"

George quickly walked around to the other side and toward the kitchen. "Have to get Dumbledore."

"That's not going to be easy-they used the Floo Network," Ron said.

"You weren't formally inducted," Fred said, "There are other methods."

George returned from the kitchen, helping Dumbledore limp into the living room. Dumbledore wiped a welling tear from his eye.

"Ronald," Dumbledore said, "Miss Granger-"

"Fainted," Ron said.

"Remove her to an upstairs guest room," Dumbledore said, "We need to call the Ministry on this-do not fear, they are reasonably unbiased so long as your name remains out of the investigation."

Ron heaved Hermione over his shoulder, carried her up the stairs. Ron laid Hermione down on the bed in the middle guest bedroom. He sat down on the hardwood oak flooring beside the bed, propped his knees up, leaned against his arms on his knees. The sleeves of his over-shirt absorbed his tears, dampening the cloth. Ron cried for a while, with his head in his arms, he failed to notice the arm wrapping around his neck until the door opened.

"'Mione?" Ron uttered.

Hermione rubbed his shoulder. The tapping of Dumbledore's cane complimented the cursing of a motorist on the street below. Dumbledore closed the door.

"My condolences Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said, "There is nothing shameful in shedding a tear at a time like this, even among wizards."

Dumbledore conjured a chair floating in front of Ron. Dumbledore sat and the chair eased itself down until Dumbledore was at the same level as Ron. Dumbledore glanced at Hermione.

"I am glad to see that Miss. Granger has recovered," Dumbledore said, "You undoubtedly have questions, Ronald, I shall be truthful as lies would only compound the malice that has invaded the Weasley-"

"Why?" Ron demanded.

Dumbledore took a breath.

"Retaliation," Dumbledore said, "Moody found that a mine had been planted within your connection to the Floo Network, it detonated and released blades when your father and brother traveled through it - you saw the result. On it was a note, here's a copy."

Dumbledore reached up the sleeve of his robe, removed a piece of paper, handed it to Ron.

Potter

Keep your nose out of our business.
Guess Who

"Death Eaters," Ron muttered.

Hermione looked over the letter. "For-those bastards."

"I need to speak with Harry," Dumbledore said, "To have him exercise some restraint as it's clear-"

Ron's eyes move up and glared at Dumbledore, the gaze drifting just above the blue eyes.

"Exercise some restraint?" Ron exclaimed, "Harry's done nothing for a year! Thousands have died! Harry finally gets off his butt and stops feeling sorry for himself when you suggest he return! NO!"

"Mr. Weasley-" Dumbledore said.

Ron's eyes fixated onto Dumbledore's.

"You don't understand," Ron said, "Harry is fed up with the status quo, it's done nothing save screw him over and kill those near to us. I can assure you, were you to talk to him, that you'll not be able to convince him otherwise and it's about time."

"I need to know where Mr. Potter-" Dumbledore said.

Ron glanced to the desk on the other side of the room.

"Sorry," Ron said, "Write him a letter if you're concerned. Anything else about down there tonight?"

"Magical Law Enforcement helped in the investigation," Dumbledore said, "I would like to speak to Mr. Potter-"

"Then write him a letter," Ron said, "As to Dad-they already murdered Mum, Percy, and Ginny, so they would've done him regardless of what Harry did."

"Obvious that I have other things to tend to," Dumbledore said, "Excuse me."

Dumbledore's chair rose until he could stand; he used his cane and walked out of the room.

"You could have been politer," Hermione said.

"Dad was just murdered!" Ron said, "I was being polite-"

"He's stopping our attacks-" Hermione said.

"Mean caving in? No way," Ron said, "Harry's finally turned around, he's finally confronting these problems instead of burying his head in the sand. Death Eaters want him to revert to the Harry of old-sulking and trying to kill himself. No, Harry will come up with something when we return-I will support whatever it is."

"It's getting deadly!" Hermione said, "I might lose you-"

"Hardly any worse than just sitting around," Ron said, "Face it Hermione, it doesn't matter 'cause if we do nothing, we guarantee that they win then everybody loses."

Hermione stood, walked over to the desk, sat with her back to Ron, placed her head down in her arms on the desk top.

"What else do we do? Stop?" Ron said, "We irritated the Death Eaters with yesterday. We irritated them for the first time-they retaliate by murdering the innocents. They want us to shut up-therefore, we must do the opposite."

"What then?" Hermione exclaimed, as she spun the chair around and glared at Ron.

Ron returned the glare, then looked down at her feet.

"Right now-go downstairs," Ron said, "As to what we do next, we'll worry about that when we meet up with Harry. Right now, I have to go downstairs and face 'em. Dad just died-need to..."

Tears came back to his eyes. Hermione came over, sat down next to Ron, and joined in the gazing of the oak flooring. Birds fluttered across the shadows from the window, the slow drip from the sink filled the room.

"Thanks," Ron whispered.

Silence.

"I lost my parents too, I remember," Hermione said, quietly, "There's nothing I can say to make things better, I can't promise it'll be alright as we both know that is not going to happen. I figure the best thing I can do is to be here-who knows what tomorrow will bring."

Ron swallowed, then sniffed Hermione's hair.

"Something you want to talk about?" Ron asked.

"What do you-?" Hermione demanded.

"Please, no fighting," Ron said, "You just seemed agitated when you talked about tomorrow and then earlier-"

"Sorry," Hermione said, "They're just nightmares, nothing to concern yourself with."

"Try me," Ron said, his hand gripped her knee.

"Seems silly now," Hermione said, "Been having a number where you and Harry get killed-it does shake me up."

"I swear not to die," Ron said.

Hermione snorted.

"Everybody dies at some point," Hermione said.

"Perhaps we can figure out what Voldemort's done up to now," Ron said.

"That is NOT funny," Hermione said.

Ron grabbed her right hand, drew it slowly up to his neck and placed her palm against the flesh of his adam's apple, he pressed her fingers inward near his jugular.

"I am still alive," Ron said, "Guess we should be grateful for that given the prize on my neck."

KNOCK, KNOCK

Ron lowered Hermione's hand.

"Yes?" Ron asked.

"Ron," Fred shouted, through the door, "You should think about coming down-!"

"In a bit," Ron replied loudly.

"It's about family-!" Fred protested.

"Later!" Ron shouted.

Ron's wand came to his right hand, the door locked and sealed itself.

"Ron," Hermione said, "Perhaps we should-"

"Not yet," Ron said, "I am alive, you are alive, thought we could-"

"Only a Weasley could think of that at a time like this," Hermione said.

Bang, Whump

Harry was flat on his back on top of some straw, blast marks in the straw next to his feet, a handgun laid to his side.

"Cool," Harry said.

"Told ya a .45 had a strong kick to it," said a aged face coming into Harry's field of view.

Harry reached then handed over the .45 caliber Glock handgun to the man, then stood up on the straw of the shooting range housed under the roof of a large barn.

"Still fun Markin," Harry said.

"You missed by a mile," Gia said.

"Suggest something lighter," Markin said, "Just a moment."

Markin stepped through a door into the small gun shop. Gia came back to Harry.

"Made up your mind yet?" Harry asked.

"I'm not really comfortable with carrying something like this around," Gia said.

Harry sat down on a bale of straw, looked up at her.

"I want you safe," Harry said, "Usually, I'm around, but sometimes I'm not. So it'd be prudent for you to have the option. I'll go ahead and get one for you, but I'll leave it up to you whether to carry it or not."

"I don't like it," Gia said.

"Neither do I, but I must," Harry said, "It's only time until we have trouble among muggles too.

"Thought you were resolving-" Gia said.

"I'm trying as fast as I can," Harry said, "Question is whether I'm fast enough."

Markin came back out with a handgun, handed it over to Harry.

"Give this a try," Markin said.

Harry stood, raised the handgun, aimed at the target, and pulled the trigger.

BANG

The gun recoiled slightly, barrel moving upward, but with Harry's hand restraining the buck.

"Better," Markin said.

Harry waved the handgun slightly, then brought it close to inspect.

"Lighter, agile," Harry said, "Small too."

"This is as small as they tend to go," Markin said, "Squeeze off some rounds, see if you like it."

"What size?" Harry said.

"That's a 9mm," Markin said.

Harry pointed the handgun.

BANG, BANG, BANG

The handgun jumped around.

"Relax," Markin said, "It'll take practice."

"Have one for her?" Harry asked.

"Harry-" Gia muttered.

Harry looked at Gia, made a puppy face. Gia snorted.

"Alright," Gia said.

"Carrying a handgun should be up to the person," Markin said.

"If it were up to just me, I wouldn't," Harry said, "We need to have the option to carry-our position is rather unique."

"It's not," Markin said, "There are hundreds if not thousands of wanted men in this country on the run-in your case, you claim innocence, but that doesn't affect the hunt."

BANG, BANG, BANG

Smoke drifted out of the barrel, Harry held the grip firmly.

"Better," Markin said, "You nicked the target with one of the bullets."

"I like this," Harry said, weighing the gun with his hand, "Gia?"

Gia rolled her eyes, stood next to Harry, grabbed the handgun, and aimed. She squeezed the trigger.

BANG, BANG, CLICK

"Holds eight bullets," Markin said, "You need to reload-lemme show you."

Harry and Gia watched Markin reload the handgun; Harry then took possession of it.

"Gia?" Harry asked, "Comfortable with this model?"

"Whatever," Gia said, "I'm not too fussy."

Harry looked back to Markin.

"Alright," Harry said, "I'll take two of these, along with-how many bullets should I have on hand?"

"Aw, count," Markin said, "Depends on how you'll use it. Today, you might squeeze off a hundred rounds or more. After that, it's how much you wish to be prepared."

"I'll give that some thought," Harry said, "In the meanwhile-"

"We arrange for the sale of the guns along with two hundred rounds," Markin said, "Later, if you want more, it's available."

"Okay," Harry said.

Harry and Gia followed Markin, through the door, into the gun shop built into the barn. Guns of many makes and models were dangling from the massive timbers. Harry picked up a shotgun, aimed it at a target on the far wall.

"That's a Browning 12 gage shotgun," Markin said, "Wouldn't want to be on the business end of that."

Harry put the shotgun back.

"Will there be a record of this transaction?" Harry asked.

"I respect the privacy of my customers," Markin said, "I collect what I must, but no more."

"Well stocked gun shop," Gia said.

Markin looked up at her.

"This is not a gun shop," Markin said.

"It's not?" Harry asked, turning toward Markin.

"No," Markin said, "It's a gun show where I happen to be the only dealer present and have been permitted to use the entire space as my display area."

Markin gave Harry a wink.

"Aww," Harry said, "Nice show."

"By doing it that way," Markin said, "I can respect your privacy. Holsters?"

"Um, sure," Harry said, "Suppose you have makes and models."

"Unlike wands," Markin said, "Guns are more varied."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"I am a wizard myself," Markin said, "I find weapons of all sorts to be interesting, muggle and magical alike. I have read the papers, so I'm perfectly aware of your predicament, Mr. Potter."

Harry spun around, looked at the man get out some makes of holsters.

"You know-?" Harry asked.

"Step closer and inspect," Markin said, "Most are made of leather-don't worry Mr. Potter."

Harry pushed Gia back, took a cautious step toward the counter.

"It's wise given your situation," Markin said, "However, no harm will come from me..." He looked at his watch. "Tell you what, it's already past five, so we could go into the house and I'll have the lady fix you dinner - we can talk this over. Finish the rest of this tomorrow."

"Um, sure," Harry said, "I mean, thank you."

Harry and Gia stepped out of the gun shop onto the dirt path outside. He turned around, saw the barn perched next to the bank, part gun shop and part shooting range.

"This way," Markin said.

They followed the trail up the hill to a quaint farm house perched on a ledge overlooking the expanse of the valley, fir trees were everywhere. Harry and Gia kept their arms interlocked in their dragon hide as they entered the green front door with white trim of the yellow house.

"Mabel!" Lynn Markin called, "Guests!"

"Did you think to ask me before hand?" Mabel complained, looking up from the stove in the kitchen toward Harry and Gia on the threshold of entering the house.

"It was a spontaneous thing Mabel," Lynn said, "This is Harry and Gia-"

"Customers?" Mabel asked.

Lynn looked at Harry.

"Do you have a place to stay for the night?" Lynn asked.

"We hadn't worked that far ahead," Harry said, "Tahiti sounds nice this time of year."

Mabel snorted.

"Have to forgive her," Lynn said, "She's a muggle, though it still requires a Portkey or something-"

"Relax," Harry said, "We always come up with something, in fact, delaying it to the last minute has proven safest."

Lynn looked back to the silver hair of Mabel in the open kitchen to the far right. She aimed a meat fork aback toward Lynn.

"It will be at least a half hour," Mabel said.

Lynn waved for Harry and Gia to enter; Gia closed the door. Gia looked to both sides, saw a formal living room with formal chairs to the right, then informal to the left, to the far left was a dining room, but front and center in the middle of the house was a fireplace with one flight of stairs on the left leading upward and behind the chimney and another flight to the right leading downward. Lynn pointed to pair of wood framed brown leather seats to the far side of formal living room, two of six surrounding a ornately carved wooden coffee table.

"Have a seat," Lynn said, "I'll get a little something to drink."

Lynn walked left and around the fireplace. Mabel came out, then looked up to Harry since she was only five feet tall.

"Coats," Mabel said.

"Um..." Gia whispered into Harry's ear.

"Let her," Harry said, removing his dragon hide jacket.

Gia removed hers, handed it over to Mabel. Mabel carried them both and hung them on the coat rack mounted against the chimney in the downward stairwell. Harry and Gia walked over and sat on the chairs. Harry loosened his Gryffindor tie.

"Interesting place," Gia said, studying the stuffed bear dangling from the vaulted ceiling.

Harry pointed to the coat rack. "Those are antlers."

Lynn came back with a tray carrying three glasses with ice and a couple of bottles.

"Something to drink?" Lynn asked.

"Sure," Harry said.

Lynn poured whiskey into the glasses, handed one each to Harry and Gia. He grabbed one himself, set the tray down onto the coffee table, sat down on a chair to Harry's right at the end of the table, and then sipped his glass. Lynn then looked at Harry.

"You're obviously wondering if you can trust me," Lynn said.

"I have given that some thought," Harry said.

"Let me clarify," Lynn said, "I like to keep an open mind, so I have yet to believe either side. Most of the time, it's me, hunting, and the shop, so I rarely worry about international happenings. In your case, it's essentially impossible not to be aware of things. As I read the articles, it's clearly biased toward the government, so I am naturally skeptical, but the sheer volume is staggering. However, as I've had the fortune of being in your presence, you do not strike me as the criminals you're made out to be. For example, you consulted, sought advice on, and are ready to pay for those handguns-were you criminals, you would've tried stealing them at midnight or something."

Harry sipped his drink.

"Thanks," Harry said, "I guess."

"Now that I have the chance," Lynn said, "I would be interested in your point of view on things."

"Well, people seem to forget that I've had enemies since before I was born nor how little ease it takes to frame a person to the WW standards of proof-it's like everybody pretends to be a muggle until some schmuck takes the blame," Harry said, "In my case, I'm getting shafted on really faulty and lame reasons-take a murder at Hogwarts six months ago, which marks the last case we were able to get our hands on the investigatory files for. The paper jumped to the conclusion that I was guilty-no investigation, just speculation as to a suspect. The official investigation looked at the autopsy report then quoted the paper's speculation as if it were fact - so they concluded I was guilty. Subsequently, the paper uses that finding as proof."

"Circular argument," Lynn said, "It's slanderous, you should be able to file suit."

"Not anymore," Harry said.

Harry sipped his Whiskey.

"The Isle and the states differ there Mr. Markin," Gia said, "You have stronger protections, at least in the muggle side of things, than back in the Isle."

"Anyways," Harry said, "It stems from Voldemort, he wants the Potter pact passed, he is building up numbers, and is currently exploiting the fear and anger that's present. Now, I could go over each incident and explain things, but there's been too many and it's to the point that the mere presence of the Potter Mark will incriminate despite the fact that there are many capable of producing such a mark."

Lynn took a couple of sips.

"I recall a picture of you eluding agents in Florida several months ago," Lynn said.

"I'm not trying to imply that I've been an angel," Harry said, "New rules state that I should allow myself to be killed...you'd forgive if I ignore the new rules. Anymore, Ministry Aurors see me, assume I should be arrested without cause-so I run away from them. Rules I follow are of courtesy of old and survival-for Voldemort has successfully changed the rules to stack things against me."

Lynn refilled his shot glass and then sipped.

"Think I understand," Lynn said, "However, I prefer proof."

"I fear the concrete proof won't materialize until you hear the cackling of Voldemort about unlimited power," Harry said, "Until then, his minions have been doing a good job of running interference for when we try to get it-only substantial thing we've uncovered recently was a relocated Knockturn Alley which was supposedly closed down-still working on the money trail there."

Lynn swished his shot glass, ice clattered.

"Pardon if I sound a bit hesitant and straddle the fence," Lynn said, "However, in the meanwhile, I'll lay that aside and judge with my eyes."

"Dinner!" Mabel announced from the kitchen.

"Well," Lynn said, "This way."

Harry and Gia got up, followed the man into the dining room; Harry and Gia sat across from each other at the table made from a slice of old growth timber. Lynn grabbed a platter, laid a steak each onto the plates in front of Harry and Gia.

"So your relation is-?" Mabel asked.

"Engaged," Gia said.

"You two seem awfully young to be engaged," Lynn said.

Harry swallowed a chunk of his mashed potato.

"Unfortunately the pressure of things forced us to advance our plans," Harry said, "However, I've gotten used to the idea since then-true, it's a bit early, I'd like to have more time, but given how things have been going, figure it's for the best."

Gia looked at Harry.

"Didn't realize you felt like that," Gia said.

"Think I understand," Lynn said, "Harry feels like there's a good chance he's not going to have a tomorrow, otherwise, he'd slow things down just a tad."

"Gia," Harry said, "It's just that while it feels right, it's also feeling a bit rushed, that's all. Look at my parents, they married at twenty."

"I married my first wife at twenty one," Lynn said, "It's more about maturity on your parts than any set age."

Late that evening, Harry and Gia go out for a short walk. The rising but waning gibbous in the sky illuminated their path until they reached the rocky top of the local hill. They looked around.

"Nice view," Harry said.

"Bit exposed," Gia said.

"True," Harry said, "Though it's night and few would be looking here-"

"Only takes one," Gia said.

"Too true, we're not going to stay for long," Harry said, "Just a moment..."

Harry felt into his dragon hide jacket, removed a letter written in green ink, read it.

Harry

Arthur and Edward Weasley were murdered this evening.

It is strongly suspected that this was retaliation for yesterday; therefore, please take no further action without consulting me first.
Dumbledore

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

Gia re-read the letter.

"If they're retaliating-" Gia said.

"To keep me at bay," Harry said, "Dumbledore seems to want to play right into that-he doesn't realize that my activity or inactivity don't matter, the DEs would've done it anyways, only a matter of blame."

Harry crumpled the letter, tossed it, but Gia grabbed it and stuffed it into her pocket.

"Sucks," Harry said, "Ron's likely in an awful state over this-just a moment..."

Harry reached into his pocket, removed his flat black stone, and glared into it.

"Ron," Harry said.

Nothing for a minute.

"Ron!" Harry shouted.

A green freckled face showed in a small burst of flame from the middle of the stone. Green hand were rubbing the ears.

"You didn't have to shout," Ron said, "Besides, it's awfully late-I was sleeping."

"Dumbledore wrote me about your Dad," Harry said, "My sympathies-"

"Oh that, should've expected something," Ron said, "Could've called earlier."

"I just got Dumbledore's letter," Harry said, "Besides, it's a bit early for bed-"

"What time zone are you in?" Ron said, "Death Eaters left a note that they weren't happy . They planted one of those mines-you remember those-into the fireplace's connection to the Floo Network. Both Dad and Edward were traveling when it went off-Hermione fainted from the sight of the mangled bodies."

"Dumbledore wants me to sit idle-I don't want to," Harry said, "However, people are dying-"

"'Mione and me talked," Ron said, "I feel like you do-avenge the murders. Keeping idle will solve nothing."

"I'll be back in the Isles later this week," Harry said, "We can plan from there-Dumbledore's right in a way, we should pause to let you grieve."

Ron rolled his eyes.

"Or at least let Hermione soothe-" Harry said.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed.

"Knew it!" Harry said, "Well, we best be going. Take care."

"Bye," Ron said.

Ron's face vanished. Harry stowed the stone into his pocket.

"How?" Gia asked.

Harry looked at Gia's blue eyes.

"I mean, it was the EM that destroyed Knockturn Alley, right?" Gia asked, "So why would the Death Eaters blame us? How would they have known about the tip off?"

Harry's eyes flickered to the elk moving in the distance.

"Good question," Harry said, "I dunno-perhaps they jumped to conclusions if they suspected my presence there. Guess that's good enough for Death Eaters, otherwise, there was no concrete link. I did publish those articles-perhaps that's how they made the connection."

"Perhaps," Gia said.

Harry and Gia got up, returned to the Markin's.

Hermione shivered and shook, sweat beading on her skin until Ron held her tightly and stroked her skin. She fell back into a slumber.

"Just a nightmare," Ron whispered.

Ron loosened his grip, kept his left arm wrapped around her and his hand on her breasts as they laid under the covers. Ron watched the shades of color brighten with the morning as he kept tabs on her breathing. He waited for Hermione to stir. Within several moments, she goes from her hand subconsciously working out knots in his hair to a full bear hug with her wide brown eyes focused into Ron's.

"You're alive!" Hermione muttered, her fingers dancing into skin.

"Of course I'm alive," Ron replied.

"Don't get it? Do you?" Hermione said, "Woke up from a nightmare where DEs were serving you and Harry-cooked. They starved me, then made me watch as they roasted you alive over flames-they laughed as you tried to avoid the flames, but both of you eventually succumbed to it as your skin blistered and burned. Had to carve a slice of meat off of you for a sandwich."

"And?" Ron said, "I felt a twinge of guilt from you."

"For a moment, I enjoyed it," Hermione said, "That's before I choked and woke."

"Well," Ron said, "At least you've got good taste in boyfriends-"

Hermione bolted out of the bed, stood with her back to him.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Hermione scolded, "That is not funny."

Hermione grabbed a bathrobe, wrapped it about her, and left the room.

Ron sat up in the bed, looked at himself in the mirror.

"What is it with women?" Ron asked the mirror.

Through the door came the red haired Charlie Weasley.

"I was wondering how late you'd sleep in," Charlie said.

Ron pulled the covers to hide himself, Charlie snickered.

"What?" Ron demanded.

"Your friend made the paper again," Charlie said, tossing the Daily Prophet at Ron.

Ron read the front page, jaw opening.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, September 18, 1997

Potter Murders Arthur Weasley

Yesterday, Ministry Aurors responded to find the remains of Potter's latest victim, Arthur Weasley and his youngest son, Edward Weasley. In an apparent continuation of a Dark Lord tradition, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley slaughtered the elder Weasley as he traveled in the Floo Network. As you can see, Potter will stop at nobody when it comes to killing, even his side kick Ronald Weasley should be cautious should his usefulness run out.

Arthur Weasley, head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office prior to its dissolution, was a prominent figure in the Wizarding world known for his fondness of muggles and their teknology including eckeltricity. He married Molly Weasley in 1970 after a long courtship stemming from his attendance at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Arthur and Molly Weasley had a total of eight children until they entangled themselves into the affairs of Harry Potter. Arthur Weasley, 47, survived his wife, third son Percival, and daughter Ginevra - only to be cut short by his sixth son Ronald Weasley and conspirator Harry Potter. Arthur Weasley is survived by five sons.

Edward Weasley, only a toddler, was not given a chance in life and is survived by five of his older brothers.

"That's unfair!" Ron exclaimed.

"Welcome to real life," Charlie said.

Ron looked up at Charlie.

"It was clear from everything found that it was retaliation against Harry," Ron said, "Even the Auror was in agreement it wasn't Harry-suppose DEs got to her?"

"Don't worry yourself," Charlie said, "You've got four brothers to take care of you for a bit."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Worse than I imagined."

Charlie snickered, then left the bedroom.

Neville looked over the paper being run off the Quibbler presses.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Thursday, September 18, 1997

First Issue

This is the first issue of what will be an honest daily that will print the truth with integrity, regardless of the popularity or the desire to hide, for lies and half-truths do nothing save deliver us to the darkness we all seek to avoid.

Letter Bombing in Salisbury, Culprit Unknown

Persons unknown are now sending out cursed letters bearing forged signatures of Harry Potter. Last night, two people on the outskirts of Salisbury received these letter bombs but were wise enough to not open them. Upon inspection, the signatures were obviously forged, a discovery that did not stop the Ministry Law Enforcement declaring Potter guilty despite the fact that Potter lacks access to the numbers of owls needed to send the purported number of posts he is accused of sending.

Death Eaters Murder Arthur Weasley

Last evening, Death Eaters planted an explosive device in the Floo Network, aimed for the Weasley household, and succeeded in murdering Arthur Weasley and his youngest born son, Edward Weasley. A note left at the crime scene clearly implicated that this was a retaliatory strike against Potter due to his actions in assisting the EM uncover and destroy Knockturn Alley.

"Interesting," Neville said.

"Idea Dad had to run a more truthful daily than the Prophet," Luna said.

"Borrowed Harry's pen name there," Neville said, "Suppose the EM isn't going to like this either."

"He's been the only one to speak the truth all along," Luna said, "So it's in his honor."

Neville folded the paper. "Harry's in for a surprise too."

Thursday, Harry threw the Daily Prophet down onto the floor underneath the dining table as they ate the hot oatmeal breakfast.

"Anything wrong?" Lynn Markin asked.

"Accused of murdering my best friend's father despite the fact that a note was found clearly indicating it was somebody else retaliating at me," Harry said, "They want me to shut up and go along."

Lynn drew a wand, summoned the paper to his hands.

"Of course they'd want you to become comply," Lynn said, "Goes with just about anything."

Lynn read through the entire Daily Prophet

"Interesting..." Lynn said, "I rarely get a chance to read the international papers, I definitely see the slant and bias-no wonder you're having problems. This section, the Potter Poop, tabulates what you're supposed to have done over the past day, right?"

"That's the way I read it," Harry said.

"Look at the counts," Lynn said, "Six murders, a dozen disappearances, hundred assaults, and a bunch of sightings...you're awfully busy with nothing else to do. People believe you're capable of this?"

"Supposedly I have a gang of cohorts-the Potter Eaters," Harry said, "So, while I might not be directly responsible, they hold me responsible for the acts of the cohorts."

Lynn ruffled the paper.

"Weird," Lynn said, "In prior Dark Times, the cohorts were typically held responsible for their own actions."

"Unless they're rich," Harry said.

"Cynical attitude, but perhaps that's the way things are in the UK," Lynn said, "You-Know-Who did make some inroads in the USA during his previous reign, but those who succumbed in this country were punished, though the rich might've gotten off a bit light with shorter prison terms."

Harry poked his spoon into the luke-warm oatmeal, then sipped on a glass of orange juice.

"Now, the Salem Stake is a bit less biased on things," Lynn said, "Here," He pointed to an article on page 3. "near Waterville, Maine, is the case of murder with the Killing Curse. Suspects were listed, your name was among them, but then eliminated before they concluded it was a marriage gone wrong and charged the husband with the murder. So, you can see that not every country is falling in line with the UK, not even a close ally like the US of A."

"I can assure you that Voldemort will certainly try," Harry said, "He's gotten the Potter Pact passed in every single country with the sole exception of this one-where it's stuck in committee but everybody seems to agree it's a must-pass type of thing."

Lynn shoved his dishes to the side.

"Politicians are not the same as people all of the time and they are bribable," Lynn said, "I am a member of the Militia of Montana because I do not trust the Federal Government, the United Nations, the ICW, or even the Montana state government, so I cannot say what is going through their minds except it isn't about your guilt on the matter."

"Then we have the DEs messing with the Floo Network and sending out cursed letters in my name," Harry said, "That'll persuade-"

"Only those that are already convinced and maybe some of those few still on the fence," Lynn said, "At least given the numbers you cite for those already decided. Realize how central and critical the Floo Network and Owl Post are?"

"I rarely use them," Harry said, "However, somebody like the Weasley family used it all of the time."

"To most, those are very integral and important," Lynn said, "Every person and family depends on it, and it's that interdependence that has allowed the Network to remain without safeguards, at least until recently. Those Nifflers-we had two."

Harry pushed his dishes aside, snickered for a moment.

"Nifflers-definitely seemed funny and a nuisance," Harry said, "We could see them traveling the British Floo Network and could fathom the trouble they'd cause. However, with that mine of last night, I fear the Nifflers are just a prelude, a practice, for what's coming next. It's like the Nifflers were a proof of concept that more than just humans could use the Floo Network - I dread to think of what they're up to. Anyways, I'm anxious to resume our business of yesterday."

"Of course," Lynn said, "More we talk, the more I'm convinced that you, at least, are behaving yourself and are merely being caught in the crossfire. Therefore, I will open my expertise, should you want it, about improving your defensive capabilities."

"How so?" Harry asked.

"First," Lynn said, "I graduated from the Salem Institute in 1904, then joined the US Army for four years. I met Sally, my first wife, and we married in 1907, a year before I finished my enlistment. Afterward, I have had an interest in weapons and defenses, both muggle and magical, especially in concealment. Therefore, I'll first arm you, and we'll go from there."

They left the dishes on dining table, then left the house. Lynn Markin unlocked the door to his gun shop.

"Have to be careful on this door," Lynn said, "It's charmed as well, so the security here is better than most."

"Don't doubt it," Harry said, entering the shop.

Lynn walked behind his counter, brought out the two Sigarm p239s.

"These should be what we had decided upon yesterday, 9mm," Lynn said, "You were undecided to the amount of ammunition and I had brought up the idea of holsters, which I do recommend."

"Yeah," Harry said, "It's a matter of trying the holsters before finding one that works."

Lynn checked the chambers of both handguns.

"Pretty much what most do is to figure out the general type first," Lynn said, "We can work from there."

Lynn got out a side holster, placed one p239 into it, and handed it over to Harry. Harry placed it on his side.

"Convenient," Harry said, "But it's more of a show-off, besides, in a pinch, the wand's more important."

"Of course," Lynn said, "Try this."

Lynn got out a back holster, handed it over to Harry. Harry transfered the gun, returned the side holster, and tried it on.

"Hmm," Harry said, "Concealed, and I can get it when I need it."

Harry reached behind his back several times.

"Gia," Harry said, "You should be trying them-unless you want to carry it in your coat pocket."

"That's not a wise spot," Lynn said, "Easy to misplace or inadvertently show-usually at the most inconvenient time."

"So," Harry asked, "Is there a variety in back holsters?"

"Yes," Lynn said, "In fact, I'll let you see the wizard special."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Just a moment," Lynn said, as he walked through a door into a back room.

Gia placed her left hand onto Harry's right shoulder.

"You seem determined," Gia said.

"I am," Harry said, "Under no circumstances should you go anywhere unarmed anymore-true, I have a wand, but that can attract attention."

"So would a handgun," Gia said.

"Muggle attention, yes," Harry said, "But not the Ministry-that's what counts there."

Lynn returned from the back room carrying a pair of dragon hide backside holsters.

"Dragon Hide," Lynn said, "Essential in case of accidental discharge-none of these others would perform quite so well. Also, muggle repelling so they won't notice, and the wizard opponent likely wouldn't care given the general over-reliance on wands."

Harry grabbed one of the holsters, placed the p239 he'd been using into it, then mounted the holster.

"Feels lighter too," Harry said.

"That's the beauty of it," Lynn said.

"Well," Harry said, "Sold me on the holster. About the guns, can we engrave them or something?"

"A dedication? A name?" Lynn said, "Not a problem."

"First initial, last name," Harry said, "So, it'd be H. Potter on one, G. Potter on-"

"Hey!" Gia exclaimed.

Harry looked at Gia.

"Might seem premature," Harry said, "The other will be outdated soon enough."

"Saying something?" Gia asked.

"Dunno," Harry said.

Gia snorted. Lynn's eyes darted between the two.

"I've got it figured out," Lynn said, "You could get both inscribed, a reminder of where you came from and where you're going."

"Alright," Gia said.

"Thanks," Harry whispered at Lynn.

"I'm on my third marriage," Lynn said, "So I do understand these things."

"Gia," Harry said, "Try the holster."

Harry removed the holster from him, handed it over to Gia. Gia put it on, but maintained her glare at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Given our luck yesterday," Harry said, "We do need to practice some more on the shooting."

"True," Lynn said, "Which is why I keep the shooting range, to help newbies with their aim. After all, you want to hit what you're aiming at, not something else."

"Same with a wand," Harry said.

"In a moment," Lynn said, "I have enough hardware out where I tend to get a bit nervous, so I need to insist upon purchase-"

"Would a deposit suffice?" Harry said, "Say two thousand? You mentioned other items earlier, and I'd love to discuss while we're not shooting."

"How much time do you-?" Gia asked.

"As much as we need to," Harry said.

Harry opened his wallet, laid down Franklin after Franklin until twenty bills were laying on the counter. Lynn took out a pen, marked on the bills, then removed the money and placed it under the cash register.

"Sorry about that," Lynn said, "I've been taken advantage before in the past, so I have to be cautious and cover my six."

"I understand," Harry said, "Let's shoot."

Harry led the way through the door into the shooting range inside the barn. Lynn followed, then handed Harry a loaded magazine. Harry inserted it into the gun, then pulled the trigger.

That afternoon, Harry blew across the tip of his handgun, his last salvo of eight rounds all hit within the larger target circle, but only one penetrated the inner two circles.

"You are improving," Lynn said, "Suggest you set up a private range to practice routinely so your accuracy is decent should you need to actually use your gun."

"Have to think about where," Harry said, "Likely need to use existing ranges."

"There is one that's generally open 24 hrs a day in Bozemann," Lynn said, "Decent chap, all muggle, I'm one of the few wizards who dabble in both realms in terms of weapons."

"Well," Harry said, "It is time that we consider moving on, but we had some other things to discuss."

Lynn waved them back into the store.

"Made a decision on ammunition?" Lynn asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, "Two thousand rounds, plus whatever we shot back there, so I walk out with two thousand."

"And engraving," Lynn said, "I'll need the guns for that and to finalize the sale."

Harry and Gia handed over their guns.

"Write what you want," Lynn said, shoving a piece of paper and pen along the counter toward Harry.

Harry wrote down his name then Gia's as "G Potter/Prescott". Lynn took the paper and the guns into the back room. He returned several moments later.

"That was quick," Harry said.

"Do it enough times to where it's a fast thing to do," Lynn said, "Alright, we have ammunition, handguns, and holsters in this purchase-right?"

Harry nodded.

"You had something else?" Harry asked.

Lynn looked at Harry.

"Yep," Lynn said, "I'm pretty good at integrating muggle and magical weapons together, however, I'll give you a tip to start with, one that should help with concealment, and requires the brewing of a potion."

Lynn walked into his back room, returned with a leather bound book that he immediately opened. He grabbed a blank sheet of paper, copied a potion out with his wand, then handed the sheet to Harry.

"A Chameleon potion?" Harry asked.

"Smear this onto whatever you're wearing," Lynn said, "If you're in a tight situation, smear it on your skin, like sun screen. It will change the apparent color of your clothes or skin after several seconds of standing around. Now, this is ideal to rub into dragon hide-use the sealant form instead of the lotion form, both are on there."

Harry and Gia returned late to the bunker, the small clock on the fireplace mantle chimed it to be one in the morning.

"You like staying out late," Neville said from the sofa.

"We were seven timezones away a short while ago," Harry said.

"Cool, where?" Neville asked.

"The states," Harry said, "Luna is-?"

"Sleeping, I think," Neville said, "She wanted to be alone earlier and went to her room-I've heard a snore or two since. Whereabouts is Ron or Hermione?"

"Still staying with his brothers-likely until after the service," Harry said, "Think you two need to see the twins tomorrow."

Neville raised his eyebrows.

"You NEED dragon hide," Harry said, "They can provision it for you - also you need wand holsters."

Harry moved into the kitchen, laid his paper onto the counter.

"Brewing a potion?" Neville said, "Can it wait until morning? I'd prefer not to stink up the bunker while we're trying to sleep."

Harry looked through the potion cupboard.

"Was going to," Harry said, "Lack ingredients, so have to talk to Fred and George anyways."

Neville shoved a paper at Harry.

"It's the Sparky Sentinel," Neville said, "Luna's Dad wants people to know the truth to what's going on."

Harry looked at it.

"Definitely better than the bias and smut of the Daily Prophet," Harry said, "It worries me though, only a matter of time until the EM decide to do something."

"I brought up the same concern with him," Neville said, "Seems determined to carry this through regardless of consequences."

"And we know where that landed Mr. Weasley," Harry grumbled.

"Speaking of which," Neville said, "Service is scheduled for Saturday. So, made up your mind on what to do next?"

Harry slumbered down into an easy chair.

"Yep," Harry said, "Should seem simple...given what occurred."

"Any ideas?" Neville said.

"That's the trouble," Harry said, "Anyways, with tomorrow's meeting, I want to be able to honestly tell Dumbledore I'm not up to something-yet."

The corners of Harry's mouth curled up.