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.

68. (old) Butterflies, II

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-9b: Butterflies, II

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Midday Friday, Harry inspected his p239 as he waited. Neville came out of his bedroom, so Harry put his gun away.

"Careful," Gia whispered into Harry's ear.

"I always am," Harry said, "Anyways, you can stay or go for the day. I'm going, Neville is, and I presume Luna is to."

"Actually," Luna said, "I'd like to read through some of those books-just how did you manage to get Ministry handbooks?"

"Those are forbidden outside of the Ministry," Neville said, "You could get into serious trouble-it boggles the mind that you could even manage that."

"I'll stay then," Gia said.

"Alright," Harry said, "Neville."

"Yeah," Neville said, "Ready."

Harry and Neville walked down the stairs towards the boats.

"Should adopt a different destination," Harry said.

"I know," Neville said, "It gets difficult keeping track sometimes."

"It does get dizzying," Harry said, "Rather have that than hostile wands coming in."

They boarded one of the boats. Harry depressed the blue button.

"Alright," Harry said, "It has chosen-somewhere."

Harry hit the green button, the boat submerged and moved.

The boat turned north from the sound of Harris, through the Little Minch into the Minch, then turned east around Cape Wrath and crossed to the north of Scotland. It jetted through the Pentland Firth and the Inner sound to round Duncansby Head and motor to the southeast. Midway between Duncansby Head and Fraserburgh, Harry shivered and spotted a boat.

"To Azkaban?" Harry asked.

"Possibly," Neville said, "Any Demeantors?"

"At least one," Harry said.

The boat moved, rounding Fraserburgh, then turned south, passed Peterhead, angled a bit to the south-southwest, then slowed down as they approached Aberdeen. The boat sped between the lighthouses into Tidal Harbour, then went toward a pair of ferries docked.

"Whoa!" Harry muttered.

At the last moment, the boat submerged between the ferries, went deep and into a tunnel. The boat came to rest in another underground boathouse.

"Interesting," Neville said.

"Has to vary, I guess," Harry said, "Don't want people catching on too quick."

They left the boat, went out, and found themselves coming out of a door into a flow of muggles departing a train parked in the Aberdeen train station. Neville and Harry went with the flow, they left the station.

"Alright," Harry said, grabbing Neville's hand, "Three, two, one..."

Harry and Neville disapparated.

"Slept away half the day?" Fred asked.

Harry and Neville looked around the living room, saw the plywood covering the area in the floor, the wall, and the covered fireplace.

"Don't you have a shop to run?" Harry asked.

"Got our assistant running it today," George said, "Certainly you heard-"

"Took his time to show-" Fred said.

"QUIET!" Harry shouted.

Most stopped chattering save-

"Don't have a cow," Fred said.

"For the past six years," Harry said, "You all have treated me like a member of the family, for that I am grateful, but I loathe the damages that are starting to be inflicted-"

"They're not your fault-" George said.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," Harry said, "You've suffered quite a bit, half of the family is, well, dead. While I've felt like an insider, the truth is I'm an outsider at times, and when your family's in grief, I do mind my distance."

"Which doesn't explain why you showed up," Fred said.

Harry rolled his eyes.

"I stay away for a day, then come," Harry said, "You should know that by now. Anyways, I did need some items that you two could help me acquire-need to discuss before the meeting later."

"Early arrival!" George said, "Well, we can discuss how much we'll overbill you in the kitchen."

"Be careful Harry," Ron said, from the sofa, "They mean it."

"Why'd they bother?" Harry said, "They're making a fortune on the hatred against us."

Fred walked toward the kitchen, moved to put a leather book onto a shelf, but it fell onto the floor, wide open. Harry spied the contents, his ears went green, and the book flew into his hands.

"Just how much do you intend to make?" Harry demanded.

Fred backed away from Harry, George slipped into the kitchen.

"Harry," Ron said, "What-"

"Are YOU aware of THIS?" Harry asked Ron, waving the book.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"It's a POOL!" Harry said, "And it is in very POOR taste."

Fred backed himself into a corner, sunk to the floor, as Harry loomed over.

"What this time?" Ron asked.

"Our DEATHS!" Harry said, flipping through the pages, "People have been submitting bets to how and when we'd be killed - has nearly every person on the isle. Finnigan wagered 25 galleons that I'd be killed TODAY! Malfoy wagered 50 that we'd I'd be murdered by a Weasley! He's even has a column for YOU RON!"

"You must admit that it's a hotly debated topic," Fred said, "What's the harm in a little wager?"

"It's an absolutely grisly affair, that's what!" Harry said, "People are dying left and right around me-and you're wagering to the details!"

"You simply don't get it, do you?" George said, entering the living room, "People are going to wager on this, whether it be through us or Gringotts or some DE bookie - at least by us doing this, the money can be diverted away from them and toward helping you. It also allows for us to set the rules to help you as best we can-in this case, we require the person making the wage not be involved in the deaths, so that means that Finnigan has promised NOT to kill you today and that Malfoy has promised not to place us under an Imperius Curse to kill you. Each listing is a promise not to act on a certain day, in a certain manner, or both - it makes your lives just a tad safer."

"Perhaps, but it is NOT pleasant to see you two up to this." Harry shoved the book into Fred's stomach. "Lemme wager a galleon that you'll puke-" Harry's wand was drawn, Fred threw up onto the carpeting. "I won."

Ron glared at Harry.

"Well, it's not a pleasant thing either," Harry said, "I should be upset with people gambling on my DEATH! Did you wager?"

"He can't," Fred said, "Him, you, Neville, and your girls are disqualified from wagering for what should be obvious reasons."

Ron continued his glare at Harry.

"Ron," Fred said, "Harry had every right to be angry and I thought he'd do worse than he did upon discovery. Harry, yes, this is in poor taste, but remember, the proceeds are going toward your defense where we can provision things-don't let that fact get out or we're dead too."

"Forgive us?" George said, extending his hand.

"Alright," Harry said, returning the handshake..

"This way," Fred said.

Fred closed the door from the kitchen. George sat down at the kitchen bar, looking across from Harry. Fred came over and sat next to George.

"Keep in mind that we are engaging in a very hazardous and dangerous business arrangement," George said, "We are capitalizing upon the hatred against you, but we do not want to see you injured or killed. You got to realize that the sentiment is there and it's enough that somebody would have stepped up and delivered were it not for us. By being in charge of the sales, the pools, and that sort, we're able to control it much better than if it were being done by somebody else."

"For example, the pools," Fred said, "By administering them, we can set the rules. Proceeds, well, we can control them too. If it were a Death Eater administering, can you guess where the money would wind up? By doing this ourselves, we can siphon off that money and use it to help to save you, not harm you."

George moved a tea cup in front of Harry, poured in some hot water over the tea bag.

"Think about it," Fred said, "Meanwhile, nice idea George."

Fred summoned over some biscuits, Harry took one and nibbled.

"Alright," George asked, "Feeling better about this?"

"I simply don't like the notion of bounties or pools hanging over my head," Harry said.

"For that, we agree," Fred said, "If we didn't run it, then it'd be either Gringotts or some Death Eater. At least by having us do it, the funds can be used to buy what you need-which is a plus given that you're not supposed to have funds anymore."

"Anyways," George said, "Word of this leaks to the general wizarding public and we're dead."

Harry sipped his tea.

"Realize why I don't like this," Harry said.

"Of course we understand," Fred said, "We won't bring it up again-you are aware and we hope we don't have to award a winner."

Harry stared at Fred.

"You said you needed something," George said, "We presume you mean from Diagon Alley."

"Yes," Harry said, "Chameleons, dragon hide for Luna and Neville, then all six of us need gloves-not Herbology or that sort, but the thin ones of regular wear."

"We'll need to measure," Fred said, "Means Luna and Gia should be here - gloves can be tricky too."

"Go ahead with who's ever here," Harry said, "Measure those two next time they're along. No point in delaying those we can protect now."

Fred shook his head. "If people knew their monies were going to protect you in dragon hide-we'd be skinned alive."

That evening, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville were up in the attic waiting for the meeting to start. Harry opened the latest paper.

The Evening Prophet

Friday, September 19, 1997

Potter Mining Floo Network

Evidence has come to light that Dark Lord Potter has started planting random mines in key trunks of the Floo Network. These "mines" detonate, killing the victim, when passed by by an unfortunate soul. The Floo Network Regulatory Authority assures us that the Floo Network is still the safest manner of travel and is working diligently to mitigate this latest threat. Why Potter would want to destroy this mainstay of Wizarding life is beyond our comprehension.

Hogwarts Cancels Commuting

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, has unilaterally canceled the commuting program citing safety issues with using the Floo Network. This means that students will no longer be able to commute on the weekends as Potter is currently permitted to do.

Flamel Estate Looted

Dark Lord Harry Potter has looted and robbed the estate of Nicholas Flamel. Flamel, famous for manufacturing the world's only known philosopher's stone lived in Italy until his passing two years ago. Italy officials confirm that hordes of notes and journals were stolen, perhaps Potter wishes to duplicate Flamel's achievements.

"Any Takers?" Harry asked,.

"That filth?" Hermione quipped.

Up the stairs came others, including Moody, Tonks, and Snape.

"Our resident troublemakers," Snape sneered.

Last, floating up the stairs, came Dumbledore on his floating carpet. Fred closed the door. Dumbledore looked around.

"Unfortunately," Dumbledore said, "Our numbers diminished Wednesday, however, everybody else is already here. Mr. Longbottom has expressed an interest in my bridge club."

"I am curious to the truth of Wednesday," Amelia Bones said.

"It is clear that as Arthur and Edward traveled the Floo Network to come home, here," Moody said, "That they triggered an explosive device within the Floo Network. That device killed them and had a note attached that implicated it was in retaliation for Tuesday's activities."

"We will leave the matter of Tuesday for later," Dumbledore said, "Kinsley had news-"

"Which relates to the Ministry investigation," George said, "After the incident, we summoned the Ministry figuring it'd be safe given that Harry wasn't a party. The Auror responding, Maureen Troswell, ruled out Harry's role and accepted the note as evidence."

"Maureen Troswell was last seen Wednesday evening," Shacklebolt said, "She has not been seen since. Inquiries into the Ministry have the same result - they deny that Troswell was assigned to the case, they deny that any letter was collected, and they now insist in the guilt of Potter."

"I had wanted the original for fingerprint analysis," Dumbledore said.

"Fingerprints?" Snape asked.

"Muggle technique," Hermione said.

"And could've proven itself effective," Dumbledore said, "Alas, we have lost that."

"You said it was retaliation," Snape said, "Likely in response to Potter's usual foolishness-"

"It was not foolishness," Moody said, "I give Potter due credit for successfully finding that operation and bringing it to the light of the day-his choice for method of disposition was unique."

There was a moment of silence.

"We researched the matter of Knockturn Alley," Harry said, "It wasn't shut down, but relocated and called the Wizard's Mall. The difference being that the Wizard's Mall had no limitations to what was sold - anything went including a butcher who'd carve up murdered Muggles for meat."

McGonagall gasped.

"I had Tonks deliver a message to the EM," Harry said.

"The EM was effective in rendering that location unusable for business," Moody said, "It certainly kept the Ministry busy with their proximity to all them Muggles."

"Which leads to a question that I don't yet have the answer to," Harry said, "It's quite clear that it was the EM doing the destroying. So, why do the Death Eaters blame me? Or the Ministry for that matter? How were they aware of me tipping the EM off?"

"Perhaps that detail doesn't matter," Snape sneered, "For they recognize Potter as the troublemaker he is-"

"QUIET!" Harry snapped.

"Severus, do not be so hasty," Dumbledore said, "However, he may be partially correct Harry, they might easily have skipped the formality, like usual, of investigating. Given the tenacity and consequences, I need to know Mr. Potter what you currently have planned to do next-"

"Nothing is planned at this time," Harry said, "However, it seems rather evident that the purpose of the mine was to shut me up and force me into submission, again. So, don't expect me to sit around doing nothing."

"To comply is not what I had in mind," Dumbledore said, "I simply wanted to cooperate in this matter so we can lessen the chances of them retaliating like this again-that would mean lower profile maneuvers."

"You have expressed your opinion on the matter," Harry said, "End of this discussion."

"Which leaves me to the delicate matter of bolstering your safety," Dumbledore said, "That requires knowledge of where you're residing-"

"Under a rock," Harry snapped.

"Things are way too dangerous for you-" Tonks said.

"Potter never appreciates what others-" Snape sneered.

"I NEVER ASKED FOR PROTECTION!" Harry shouted, "UNTIL THEN-BUG OFF!"

Harry bolted for the door.

"Mr. Potter-" Dumbledore said.

"Yeah, What?" Harry demanded.

"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall scolded.

"Why should I bother telling you my sleeping arrangements?" Harry said, "The LAST place I owned that you were aware of was razed to the GROUND! As far as you're concerned, I'm sleeping under a bridge of convenience! Shall I go or will you cease to persist?"

"Our business that concerns you is over Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, "I was going to tell you that sitting in the living room are a couple of students that seem to have gained a conscious and desire an audience with you. Give them a chance, but beyond that is your choice."

Harry left the attic, Ron followed.

On the second floor terrace, Harry stopped Hermione and Neville.

"We don't know who it is," Harry whispered, "Nor do we know their true intent. Neville, Hermione, remain on the first floor landing and listen. Ron, we'll disillusion."

"Dumbledore wouldn't have brought them along if he suspected-" Ron said.

"We're NOT taking unnecessary chances," Harry said, "I'll show my face first and we see what happens."

Hermione nodded. Harry crept down the stairs.

"Professor Dumbledore said they'd be down here in a bit-it's been an hour!"

"Patience."

"Alright for you to say-"

"At least we're able to get out of that castle for the evening."

Harry peaked around the corner of the wall at the bottom of the stairwell into the living room, sitting on two chairs were Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott.

"Head boy and girl?" Ron whispered into Harry's ear.

"Wonder how it'll go?" Macmillan said.

"Quit worrying," Abbott said, "Worse that'll happen is we wind up dead."

"Or get listed," Macmillan said, "That was-still can't get it out of my head."

Harry shifted his weight on the bottom step.

CREAK

"Potter!" Macmillan exclaimed, jumping back and up from his chair. His hand neared his wand in his pocket.

"Do not grab for that," Harry said, "You won't need it unless you intend to strike-"

Abbott grabbed Macmillan's hand.

"He won't," Abbott said.

"I was told you wanted to speak with me," Harry said, "I am listening."

Abbott poked Macmillan in the side.

"I...I am sorry," Macmillan said, "I am sorry for the way I have treated you for the past year."

"Me too," Abbott said.

Harry went for the liquor cabinet.

"What brought this around?" Harry asked.

Harry grabbed glasses and poured out some cider, handed one each to Abbott and Macmillan, then took one for himself.

"The feast, really," Macmillan said, "Corner was a good friend of mine-dead. As much as I tried to swallow the official line-it was us students that murdered them, it wasn't you. At the mere suggestion by the Minister that they were Dark, we slaughtered them, on flimsy to no proof. I knew Corner for six years-there's no way he'd go dark, and I can't get a shred from the Ministry as to WHY."

"So that's the reason for this apology?" Harry asked.

"You don't get it," Macmillan said, "That one event, it's turned a lot of heads, a lot of minds, for it showed just how vindicative we've become to kill because it's suggested a person might be dark! I couldn't sort it all myself, so I visited Professor Dumbledore along with Hannah here."

"He explained a lot of things from your perspective," Abbott said,

"We understand how you could've been framed, I'm sorry," Macmillan said, "Now that you've forgiven-"

"Hold it there," Harry said, "I never said that! In fact, do you believe or are you just bluffing-?"

"You don't get it-" Macmillan said.

"Just what am I supposed to get?" Harry exclaimed, "Another castration with you cheering? Or more public torture with you VIOLATING Hermione? Or, a new organization dedicated to my EXTERMINATION and a fascist regime to MURDER anybody who tries to uncover the truth or help me survive? YOU have a lot to atone for before I could even consider forgiveness-unfortunately, anything meaningful would get you KILLED!"

Harry crossed for the stairs, caught his breath.

"Help Dumbledore if that eases your mind," Harry said, "For us and reconciliation-you burnt that bridge ages ago."

Harry grabbed the disillusioned Ron, lead him up the stairs to Hermione and Neville. Harry grabbed those two by their jackets, disapparated. They apparated in the shrubbery of St. Mary's Cathedral in Aberdeen, then quickly made the few blocks under Disillusion to the Aberdeen Train Station where they poked through the wall and into their hidden boathouse. Harry was first aboard the boat, with the others following and Neville shutting the door. Harry pressed the button, the boat dived and sped them along.

"Aberdeen?" Hermione asked.

"We changed the location," Harry said, "Can't be too careful."

"It'll be like Sir Cadigan's passwords all over again," Hermione said.

"There's only six locations," Neville said, "So, when in doubt, have six places to check."

"And there are dire methods that Neville, the owner, can use," Harry said.

Neville blushed.

"Do anything special for her birthday Ron?" Harry asked.

"Harry James Potter!" Hermione scolded.

"You were dancing around Dumbledore's question about plans," Ron said.

"Because we haven't formed it yet," Harry said, spinning the chair around, "However, I do have an idea for what to do next."

"Didn't you hear Dumbledore?" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry's eyes darted and fixed onto Hermione.

"Yes, and I choose to ignore his advice," Harry said, "It doesn't matter if we sit on our arses or not, the Death Eaters will continue to murder our numbers. Their ploys have already cost the lives of some damn good people. Then, look at what his card club has manged to accomplish in the past year-effectively nothing. We are taking action, whether Dumbledore likes it or not."

"And-?" Ron asked.

"That mine is not going unchallenged," Harry said, "however, it's clear that it's grown to be more than that. We're finding out exactly who is behind the problems with the Floo Network-"

"Death Eaters," Ron said.

"Who planted the mine?" Harry said, "How was it done? Where was it made? Who exactly was responsible? I want their head."

"Murder?" Ron asked.

"Not by us," Harry said, "EM can be fooled again, maybe even persuade the Minister to list the bloke."

"Any ideas where to start?" Neville asked.

"That's the tricky thing-no, not yet," Harry said, "Suggest we think as we motor."

"We do have Dad's service tomorrow," Ron said.

"We're going, don't worry there," Harry said.

The boat motored around the north of Scotland before returning to the Western Isles.

Saturday, Harry read the Daily Prophet as he ate breakfast in the bunker.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Saturday, September 20, 1997

Floo Network Kidnapping, Murder

Dark Lord Potter is extending his reign of terror by means of the Floo Network. Reports are that Potter has been looting residences, kidnapping victims, and murdering others by using the Floo Network to gain entry - officials at the Floo Network Authority refute this and insist upon the safety that we now know to no longer exist.

In Wolverhampton, Potter and his cronies ransacked three houses netting a total of four thousand Galleons in stolen merchandise. Near Campbeltown, a Potter Eater gained entry by means of the fireplace and demanded the housewife's diamond wedding ring, then left by the fireplace. In Harlow, a wand floated in green flame, then summoned all the jewelery and money toward it, the valuables vanished with the wand.

In Cwmbran, a robed Potter Eater came out, grabbed a teenage son of the homeowner, ignored pleas and left by means of the Floo Network. Outside of Northampton, a mother reported a pair of hands seized her toddler, later found dead, and pulled the child into the fireplace. Near Leicester, a Potter Eater emerged from the fireplace, ran a sword through the homeowner's wife, then fled by the Floo Network. In Norwich, the tip of a wand appeared in the fireplace, cast a Killing Curse at a teenage daughter, then vanished.

These cases, only a few of the reported incidents, illustrate the latest terror Potter is reigning down upon us, assuring that we are no longer safe with a fireplace simply connected to the Floo Network. See page two for methods to secure your connection, allowing for routine usage without having to worry about it terrorizing your home.

"Shit," Harry said, "We need to track this stuff."

Harry turned around to their maps of the Floo Network, grabbed the oak wand.

"Only wands," Harry said.

They saw several yellow flickers, connecting London to Glasgow to Cardiff to York to Stockport to Devon to Exeter, then vanished as quickly as they showed.

"That's too fast," Ron said, "We'll never be able to track anything."

"Can we somehow slow down, replay things?" Harry said, "Like a VCR?"

Harry and Ron looked at Hermione.

"It's not a standard thing," Hermione said, "Normally, only the Floo Authority might need that ability-"

"Our handbooks," Harry said.

Ron grabbed Ministry Transportation and handed it to Hermione.. Hermione flipped through, skimming as she read. She closed the book.

"It can be done," Hermione said, "How is the next question."

Hermione shoved the book back at Ron, she then scoured the bookshelf and removed another book.

"Yes," Hermione said, "Here it is-requires a crystal ball for heavy duty, which is what we need. Other things, I believe we already have plenty in our stocks."

Hermione went into the kitchen and looked in the cupboard beneath the idle cauldrons.

"Yep," Hermione said.

"Alright," Harry said, "Can one of us get it from Hogsmeade? I don't want to ask the twins for everything-besides, we do have polymorphic potion again. Neville?"

"Yeah, whatever," Neville said.

"We'll get that before the service," Harry said, "Stash it in the boat where most of us will be waiting-then head for the service."

"Why Neville?" Ron asked.

"We're already known," Harry said, "Doubt anybody would really care if Neville were to walk in and buy without a disguise." Harry looked at his watch. "Best be going."

The six of them headed down the stairs and boarded one of the boats. After the boat travelled, they then apparated into the burnt remains of an old church.

"Good afternoon Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, shaking their hands, "Mr. Weasley, Miss. Granger, Miss. Prescott, Miss. Lovegood, and Mr. Longbottom."

"Afternoon Professor," Harry said.

"Professor Dumbledore and Alastor Moody are giving the grave site a check," McGonagall said, "We will then proceed from there. Dress robes would have been more appropriate."

"But less secure," Harry said, "Anyways, that was destroyed last spring."

Gia latched onto Harry's arm, they mingled into the crowd.

"Mr. Potter!"

Harry saw a familiar sight.

"Mr. Bagman?" Harry asked, "What about the goblins?"

"Paying my respects," Ludo Bagman said, "I am not staying long."

Ron mingled into the crowd.

"Ron!"

Ron turned to see Charlie standing there alongside another.

"Finally coming out?" Ron said, "Nice to see you Adam."

Adam Mitch shook Ron's hand.

"Now that they're both gone," Charlie said, "They can't scream-"

"You know," Ron said, "I think they both would've accepted you for who you are-after an initial Howler."

"So you see why I kept it in the closet," Charlie said.

"Neville!"

Neville's face grew red, muttered, "Oh no."

Over came Rose Longbottom.

"Been fooling around with my daughter?"

Over came Odd Lovegood.

"So," Gia asked, "Who was that?"

"Ludo Bagman," Harry said, "Former head to the Department of Sports in the Ministry-knew Mr. Weasley. Quite a few are here."

"All had to swear not to murder you on this occasion."

Harry spun, saw Tonks standing there.

"It's quite a crowd," Harry said.

"Given that you're here, definitely," Tonks said, "Stay on your toes in case somebody lied."

"They were scrutinized by Dumbledore though," said Bill Weasley, alongside of Tonks.

"There are others here you might know," Tonks said, "Somewhere is Fudge, then Bones. Several others from his old Ministry days."

"There's Edgecombe," Bill said, "Dad took a while to convince her to hook up your relatives fireplace that time we got you like that."

"Amos Diggory is around too," Tonks said, "You might want to be a bit cautious as his boy Cedric is buried in this cemetery too-he may get emotional."

Dumbledore and Moody came into the burnt out church; they stopped next to the pair of caskets, a big one and a small one.

"We shall begin," Dumbledore said.

The five Weasley boys grabbed onto the big casket, Ron tried to grab the small one. Harry came up.

"I'll help," Harry said, "Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, get the big one. Me and Ron will carry Edward."

"Thank you Harry," Bill said.

Ron let go of Arthur Weasley's casket, kept his grip on Edward's. Harry grabbed on the left side, and picked up. The procession left the burnt out church, it was led by Moody and Dumbledore. Dumbledore was moving along on a floating chair with McGonagall right behind him.

They made the quick left through the gates into the cemetery, following the gravel road. Caskets moved along with some of the people of Ottery St. Catchpole lining the way. Harry looked and noticed the crowd of the procession wrapping itself as human shields around Harry, Ron, Hermione, Gia, Neville, and Luna. They kept moving around the small crest of the hill of the cemetery, they swept left with the gravel path. To the right were the hedges lining the fence and edge of the cemetery. They followed the length, then turned down and right, past the ridge, dropping down into smaller part of the cemetery. Harry recognized the features, as this part of the cemetery was stretched out on a sloped hillside looking east, bordered by a river separating them from the play fields and playground of a park.

"These get heavy carrying them a mile," Ron whispered toward Harry.

Harry nodded as they passed the first entrance to the catacombs that laid beneath the graveyard. When they came to the fork in the weed-infested gravel road, they came to a stop, in front of the marble sign on the left marked "Weasley".

"I know that it's a tradition for silence at this moment," Amos Diggory said, "However, I can't let a dear friend pass without saying something. Through the years, Arthur and I became good friends, I could always count on the generous hospitality of him and Molly, a generosity I eventually took for granted. Whenever I felt in need of cheering up, I could come over and hear about the latest antics of Fred and George. When we needed somebody after Cedric passed from us, Molly and Arthur never hesitated to help. They were true friends and I'm sorry to see them passing, for this world needs their shining lights."

Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie laid Arthur's casket into the grave. Harry and Ron lowered Edward's, to a snug fit between the parent's caskets, into the grave. Bill and Charlie grabbed shovels, handed them to Fred and George, then reached for another pair.

"CHARGE!"

Curses flew from the first of six groups of people advancing on brooms, all dressed in black with EM logos, wands discharging toward the entourage around the open graves. Harry shoved Gia, felling them both into the grave. Ron jumped in. Neville and Luna dove into the hedge partially surrounding the Weasley section of the graveyard. Fudge stared until Tonks pushed him onto the ground. Tonks then assisted as Shacklebolt, Charlie, Bill, Arnold Peasegood, Amelia Bones, and Moody cast up shield charms. These repelled most of the first salvo of curses, except several killing curses. One green Killing Curse struck Amos Diggory, the other struck Adam Mitch, the two hit the grass starting small fires, a fifth struck and shattered a headstone. Harry glanced up the hill and saw a group descending fast from twelve-O-clock, he reached into his jacket and removed his SigArm p239, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG.

Three figures stumbled and fell to the ground twenty feet away. Ron looked away from the other group he was trying to stun over to Harry then the intruders.

"Thomas!" Ron exclaimed, "Others-!"

"Suspended," Dumbledore said, wand drawn and dueling into the party coming from the two-O-clock northern entrance to the catacombs.

They still had a mass of people converging rapidly from nine directions; twelve, two, three, four, five, seven, eight, nine, and ten-O-clock. Shacklebolt concentrated on three, Bill and Charlie cooperated on four, Ex-Oblivator Peasegood took five, Ron concentrated on seven, while Moody worked on Eight, Fred and George dueled toward Nine, while McGonagall concentrated on the group coming from ten, the south entrance to the catacombs. Gia brought out her gun, aimed it at six where several more apparated in.

Gunfire accompanied the sounds of cursing, the three at six fell to a hail of bullets.

"Dad'd be interested in that," Ron whispered to Gia.

"Given we're standing on his casket?" Gia whispered.

"We need to escape," Harry whispered, "It's obvious this was planned."

The remainder of those at twelve-O-clock split, taking cover among the groups at two and ten, with the exception of one, whose white jacket showed a bloody stain on the left shoulder. Thomas rushed for Harry, wand drawn.

"Meet your maker Potter!" Thomas exclaimed, "AVADA-"

BANG

Thomas fell, some grey matter flew out of his bloody head.

"We've got a way," Harry said, "Need cover."

At the edge of the graveyard, more apparated in, including some Ministry Aurors; all of whom added their own curses into the volley aimed at the group around the Weasley grave site. Harry reached into his pocket, pulled out a white rubber ball from his pocket.

"We all need to disillusion here in a moment," Harry said, "Get ready to move."

"Where to?" Tonks asked.

Harry flung his rubber ball toward four-O-clock, a fog formed.

"Great idea," Fred said.

George pulled out devices from his pockets, and along with Harry's assistance, the entire graveyard was covered in fog with gale force winds.

"Blow us away?" Hermione said, "Was that your idea? It's working!"

"They're coming in from every which way!" Harry said, "Follow."

The group stood, tightened up, most still firing curses randomly into the dark haze. Harry went for the shale sheer wall.

"That's thirty feet up!" Ron said.

"Just climb," Harry said, "I assume the place is littered with wards and jinxes."

"Astute Potter," Moody said, "Covers apparation and Portkeys."

Harry started climbing the rock face. Dumbledore transfigured a bit of stone into a pair of ladders side by side, they started climbing.

"What about you?" McGonagall asked Dumbledore.

A curse struck Dumbledore's floating chair, it shattered into pieces. Harry reached the top. Bill lifted Dumbledore into a fireman carry, then climbed. Harry quickly reloaded his gun, then aimed it at more approaching robed figures, as the fog wasn't as dense at this elevation. The wand glowed, then flew into Harry's left hand, with which he snapped it and littered the ground with the bits.

"They're esc-" the figure shouted to below, cut short as ropes bound him tightly.

Harry grabbed another rubber ball from his pocket, this one blue. Thick rain poured down, obscuring their views.

"Rain?" George asked.

"Let's not dawdle," Harry said.

They trampled over top of Cedric Diggory's grave, crossed the service road.

"Can we Apparate?" Harry asked, looking at Ludo Bagman.

Bagman disapparated.

"Do we have everybody?" Harry asked.

"Save the two who did not make it," Dumbledore said.

"Go wherever," Harry said, "Do it safely."

Harry grabbed onto Gia's shoulder, then waited for Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna to grip. He disapparated. Harry hurried them into the boat in Aberdeen, then drove the boat out and into the North Sea. It sped along fast, they started talking.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed, "Can't even attend a funeral anymore!"

"How do you think I feel?" Ron said, "It was for my DAD!""

"I saw Thomas go down," Neville asked, "Is he dead?"

"Likely," Harry said.

"You and Gia were using something," Ron said, "I never seen it before."

Harry pulled out his SigARM p239.

"A handgun?" Luna asked, "Are you mad?"

Ron glanced at Hermione.

"That is definitely illegal to carry," Hermione said, "Also, it's not guaranteed to work against wizards."

"My life is illegal now," Harry said, "I bought this one and Gia's for additional protection - they certainly didn't anticipate this."

"A muggle weapon, of course not," Ron said, "It's cumbersome and you have to reload it all the time."

Harry topped off the bullets in his magazine.

"True," Harry said, "But they don't expect it-they don't understand how messy things have already become. I have no regrets on Thomas, for he left me no choice. He attacked, possibly coordinating it, he made it clear that he was bent on killing me unless I stopped him first."

"Stunning, binding," Neville said, "Other options exist."

"For how long?" Harry said, "You saw the numbers, we were outnumbered like three to one with more on their way."

"Charlie just came out-he's likely in a fit," Ron said, "I belong-"

"I'm not arguing on that," Harry said, "It's clear that they anticipated a service and that we'd show up. Regardless of the assurances of your brothers, I'm not sleeping comfortably if you're not sleeping in the bunker."

"Then, having to dive into the grave," Ron said, "I mean, trampling all over their coffins, I marred Mum's a bit."

"I didn't like it either," Harry said, "I did know your parents well enough-they wouldn't hold a grudge as it saved your life, for otherwise, we'd be burying you alongside of them."

Harry stowed his SigARM, looked forward for a few minutes, then turned back to the group.

"When we get back," Harry said, "We'll get to work on that recorder device."

"It's going to take days to make," Hermione said.

"So best if we don't delay," Harry said.

Sunday, Harry read the Daily Prophet over breakfast.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Sunday, September 21, 1997

Potter Disrupts Funeral, Murders, and Exposes Magic to Muggles

Dark Lord Harry Potter violently disrupted the funeral and last rites being administered to Arthur Weasley, killing a half dozen, and exposing magic in all its forms to the Muggles of Otter St. Catchpole in Devon County. As the gathered group lowered coffins, Potter initiated an attack that left numerous dead including the father of a previous victim, Amos Diggory buried his son Cedric more than two years ago. This attack threatened and endangered the lives of prominent figures including the former Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge. It took hundreds of Aurors to bring the situation under control. Every Oblivator is out in force to help contain and modify muggle memories-however, it is very likely that some muggles escaped with knowledge of the magical world due to Potter's actions.

Potter Murders Thomas

Yesterday, Dark Lord Harry Potter slain the president of the Hogwarts chapter of the EM organization, Dean Thomas, during the mayhem in the Ottery St. Catchpole cemetery. Using his Dark Arts, Dark Lord Harry Potter slaughtered as Thomas attended to pay respects to deceased Arthur Weasley.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

"Read this," Hermione said, "More factual."

Harry took the Sparky Sentinel.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Sunday, September 21, 1997

Vigilantes Attack Funeral, Ministry Aurors Join in Mayhem

Yesterday, EM vigilantes attacked the graveside service of Arthur and Edward Weasley, in an attempt to murder Harry Potter, they managed to kill two others of the attending party before the victims could group and defend off the most aggressive of attacks. Ministry Aurors responded to the attack as it exposed magic to nearby muggles, however, the Aurors proceeded to join in and assist the attackers in their attempts to slaughter those gathered for the funeral. Forming a strong defense, those gathered put up a strong fight until they had an opportunity to retreat; some of their attackers perished as a result of their attack, yet the Ministry felt need to place the blame upon a 17 year old, reporting one of the defenders as the only attacker does a severe injustice to the memory of those that were being buried.

"Definitely better," Harry said.

Harry opened the first of his letters.

Harry
Careful man with that loaded gun! Cool, a muggle weapon and using it while on Dad's grave in our defense-couldn't ask for anything better.

Stop by later today and we can sort out your request - up to no good are we?

Harry snickered, then turned to his second letter.

Mr. Harry Potter,
It did not escape my attention that you have armed yourself with a Muggle weapon, commonly referred to as a handgun. This is a dangerous and illegal device to carry within the United Kingdom, I advise you dispose of it immediately, for it'll hurt your low profile and actually render you worse off than before.

Our associates can adequately provide the protection you need, so please let me know where I can send them.
Albus Dumbledore

"He just doesn't get it," Harry said, "According to him, I should just as well roll over and die."

Harry crumpled the letter, threw it to the side.

"Like you said," Ron said, "Dumbledore wants you safe so he can sleep at night."

"So he wants me freeze dried?" Harry retorted.

Neville and Luna came up the stairs into the living room.

"Alright," Harry said, "Hermione, continue on the crystal ball. Ron, get the chameleon potion ready-I'm getting the key ingredients from Fred and George shortly. Neville and Luna, you need to come along to get sized for the Dragon hide. We won't be long, so back in a couple of hours."

Harry got up, put on his gun holster then his Dragon hide jacket; he went for the stairs with Neville and Luna in tow.

Gia slumped down onto a sofa.

"Buzz, Buzz, Buzz," Gia said, "And I'm left here."

Ron looked up at Gia.

"Totally sympathize," Ron said, "This place is cramp! I have to duck on the stairs not to bang my head - I can stay in here or in the bedroom, though Harry will sulk in the storage. You'd think they'd do some geometry on this place."

"It's to reduce the magical signature," Hermione said, "It's cramp-it's tempting to test these windows, however, it's designed around one principle-survival in the worst of times, luxury isn't an option."

Ron slumped into the other sofa.

"It still sucks," Ron said, "Cooped up for days-flying would be nice."

Hermione snorted.

"In here?" Hermione said, "You'd definitely bump your head."

"Could always go outside," Ron said.

"Only if you like swimming," Hermione said, "Anyways, at this depth, it's dangerous."

"Never measured," Ron said.

"It's deep enough to give you lethal problems," Hermione said, "That's the whole point, nobody'll think to look here."

"Wish I went," Ron said, "Perhaps I'd be able to arbitrate."

Hermione looked at Ron.

"Arbitrate what?" Hermione asked.

Ron rolled off the couch, crossed to the table, then looked at several letters.

"Remember who got killed yesterday?" Ron asked.

"I saw Diggory go down," Hermione said.

"So did Adam," Ron said, "You know, Charlie's...erm...partner, he was killed."

Hermione gasped.

"Send flowers," Gia said.

Ron snorted.

"It's not that-everybody's giving Charlie their condolences," Ron said, "Problem is that Adam and Charlie weren't married or in a legally recognized relationship. Adam's parents want him buried in Austria, from where he grew up. Charlie wants Adam buried in our family cemetery. Bill is against that idea - Fred and George are playing neutral So, Charlie's trying to fight Adam's parents-but will likely lose the case. Charlie is threatening to change his burial location to Austria-but that's upsetting Bill, Fred, and George. It's ugly."

"Sounds like a mess," Hermione said, "Any chance of figuring out what Adam would've wanted?"

"There's an unenforceable will," Ron said, "It's governed by Romanian law that nullified the will since it was a gay relationship-control reverts back to his parents. Charlie's fighting."

"Perhaps we should consider the same thing," Gia said, "With everything flying at us-"

"No! NO!" Hermione exclaimed.

Tears welled into her eyes, she moved away from the cauldron she was tending.

"'Mione?" Ron asked.

"NOOO-!" Hermione shouted, running down the stairs.

"Keep an eye on things," Ron said to Gia.

Ron grabbed a couple Butterbeers and then followed down the stairs.

Ron followed Hermione into the cavern with one boat tied to the right. He could see Hermione in the dull light, Hermione was sitting on the dock, her bare feet dangling into the water. Ron sat cross-legged next to her.

"Careful," Ron said, "Harry said to be careful there."

"It's ten feet to the first veil," Hermione said, "A fish!"

They watched a fish swim past, Ron handed her one of the Butterbeers.

"Can it see us?" Ron asked.

"No," Hermione said, "To that fish, the outer veil is just another surface to the rock. Ingenious, this place is, for it blends in with the neighbors. It isn't plotted because most maps worry about land, and those that worry about the sea floor don't mark individual boulders, rather they'd denote a rock field at the most, or more likely, the water depth."

"Hundred feet?" Ron asked.

"Harry guessed," Hermione said, "It's like a hundred fifty meters-I measured the water pressure. Get enough light to make out the sea life, occasionally."

"How much is the magical signature?" Ron asked.

"With the exception of our Potions," Hermione said, "You have the pressure veils here to hide and keep us from worrying about the bends. We have those windows, the burners, lights, and air as we need to be able to breathe. None are that big, so it's quite small. Moody likely couldn't see us if he swam right by."

"Suppose this'll be found out," Ron said.

"Could be," Hermione said, "Harry is being very careful and the protections are good, so we do have a good chance of not losing this as a refuge-hate to see what we'd be forced into next. We are living inside a boulder in an area full of boulders at the bottom of the sea miles from the nearest mapped island. We have surreptitious points of entry into the normal world, and the used point is changed once a week. None of us can be tracked and these boats along with the boulder dampen out any tracking bugs. Add in the fact that it's covered by a Fidelius Charm-Neville authorized us-we're pretty much invisible when in here. So, we do stand a very good chance so long as Professor Dumbledore doesn't actively try to unveil it."

Ron snorted.

"Harry hates Dumbledore's prying," Ron said, "Now, you ran down here for a reason."

Ron sipped his Butterbeer, Hermione took two sips of hers.

"You seemed to panic when Gia mentioned wills," Ron said, his hand gripping her shaking shoulder.

"Nothing," Hermione said, "It's ridiculous-"

"It's not ridiculous if you bolt," Ron said, "It's not nothing either-something's bothering you."

"I'm still getting nightmares about you-dying," Hermione said, "I can't shake them-I've tried. But the truth is, I'm very afraid I'm going to lose you and Harry."

"I'll be here," Ron said, "I promise."

Hermione snorted, shook her head.

"I know you won't intentionally leave," Hermione said, "It's just with people actively trying to kill us-somebody might succeed."

"True they might," Ron said, "Until then, I'd recommend not shying away-that you'd regret."

"Know I seem silly," Hermione said.

"No you don't," Ron said, "Anyways, we should set things up so that, just in case, we're in the same casket-"

Hermione snorted.

"Even in the here-after-" Hermione said.

Ron smiled. "Why not? Just ask the undertaker-"

Hermione rolled her eyes, planted her lips onto his, and kissed.

Harry, Neville, and Luna returned in the mid-afternoon. Neville and Luna were sporting Dragon Hide. Harry had grey gloves on as he held the sack he placed on the table. Harry checked the potion Ron was working on.

"Just needs that," Ron said.

Harry moved the sack, setting it next to Ron. Ron pinched out what he needed and stirred in.

"So, this-?" Ron asked.

"When done, should allow anything we use it on to blend in," Harry said, "Like a chameleon, after a few seconds of remaining idle, the potion will adjust the color to best match the surroundings without worrying about an invisibility cloak. I intend to use it on our Dragon Hide. The next potion will be the screen form, a lotion we'd use as if it were sunscreen."

Neville observed Ron stirring.

"We seem to be having a brewing marathon," Neville said,

"We need good offenses and defenses, Neville," Harry said, "Some of that includes potions. Have some more that we'll brew after Ron's done with the Screen stuff."

Harry walked over to the bookshelf, removed Advanced Tracking, then opened it. He sank into the sofa next to Gia as he read.

"Well?" Ron asked.

"A couple of items," Harry said, "Should improve our tracking capabilities."

"We've got the cauldrons-" Ron said.

"Not the space," Harry said, "At least not comfortably, that and we should concentrate on one or two at a time. Last thing we want are useless potions."

"Or do something totally different than you expect," Neville said.

"True," Harry said.

Monday, Neville sat down at the table, his nostrils plugged with cotton to avoid the smell of bile that was filling up the bunker. He opened the paper.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, September 22, 1997

Ministry Concedes to Floo Network Concerns

Officials with the Floo Network Authority concedes that there may be some basis for concern of safety while using the Floo Network. However, they assure that with proper precautions, that we can still rely upon the use of the Floo Network as the safest option of transport and communication. Simple precautions include, protective screens, moving toddler play areas away from the fireplace, and moving the primary fireplace to a better location.

Ministry Magical Law Enforcement Advises to Screen Owl Post

Ministry Magical Law Enforcement has seen a rise in reported cursed letters and bombings via letters, therefore, they advise that everybody screen their incoming owl post. This rise is being attributed to a mass mailing campaign by Dark Lord Harry Potter to frighten and intimidate the population.

"Can we do anything with what we have on hand?" Neville asked.

"If you're fast with your eyes-maybe," Harry said, "It's too quick and vague-we need to be able to freeze the maps, or go back and forth."

Ron capped several tubes.

"Alright," Ron said, "Enough paste for a few adventures. At least we know the other stuff worked."

Ron looked at the outline of his dragon hide hanging on the coat rack, the hide had already assumed the color of the wall behind it.

"Onto this," Harry said, laying down Advanced Tracking on the counter.

"What sort of things?" Neville asked.

"Two things I see as possible," Harry said, "One is this to make tracking bugs-like what were used against us last spring. The other is to make a dust, to track comings and goings."

"How does that help?" Ron asked.

"Am thinking about tracking who uses a particular fireplace," Harry said, "Never know which one we'll find."

"True," Neville said.

"Should be done by tomorrow," Harry said.

"Same with this recorder," Hermione said.

"Good," Harry said, "Then we'll be able to get moving-sitting around isn't for me."

Tuesday, Harry admired the crystal ball in the middle of the table.

"Does it work?" Harry asked.

"Need to try it," Hermione said, "Meanwhile, you'll be interested-"

"Somebody infested the network with Boggarts," Ron said, "Wicked, really wicked. People go to make a chat and confront their worst nightmares. It's the muggles that really panic."

"They're getting loose?" Harry asked.

"It looks like it," Ron said, "You could read the Daily Prophet to learn how you're supposedly responsible."

Harry ate his scone, then grabbed the crystal ball, placed it on a pedestal next to their Floo Network Tracking Maps. Harry took the oak wand, aimed it.

"Freeze!" Harry said.

They saw the activity on the maps freeze, a Niffler going from Perth to Lutton stalled on a Edinburgh-London trunk line.

"It works," Neville said.

"Resume," Harry said.

They saw the activity fly, the Niffler reached its destination, then the speed returned to normal.

"This should be useful," Harry said.

"Now what?" Ron asked.

"We wait," Harry said.

"Wait?" Ron exclaimed.

"Yes," Harry said, "Need to wait for their next move-shouldn't be more than a day or two-"

Pulsating, expanding, concentric, bright green rings, centered about London. Every trunk line lit up, every other fiber glowed as the rings expanded.

"Wonder what we'll find," Hermione said, grabbing the oak wand and aiming it.

In the red flame, they saw what resembled a ferret but talking.

"You Mother F-"

"Jarveys!" Ron exclaimed.

"Let's see if this works," Harry said, grabbing the oak wand back from Hermione.

Harry flicked the wand. They watched the circles reverse course and converge back to London. Harry pointed to the general London map where they watch the circles converge toward the middle of central London. Harry then pointed to the central London map where they watched the circles converge to a single location to the east of Hyde Park and on the northwest edge of Green Park.

"Weird," Ron asked, "Do we have a directory of who could live nearby?"

Harry grabbed an AtoZ of London, looked. "It's about halfway, somewhere around Down Street. This will take a bit."

Harry worked the wand again. The time on the maps moved back and forth as Harry inspected each trip in the Floo Network.

"Well," Harry said, "Have a pair of Nifflers breeding near Waterloo."

"In the Floo Network?" Neville asked.

"Yep," Harry said, "Apparently found a nook and setup a nest. You can watch as people traveling on the Floo Network lose their jewelry."

Luna snorted.

"Now this is interesting," Harry said, "Watch."

They watched a person travel from Tottencham Court Road and Oxford Street to Hyde Park. Harry flicked the wand, the image came to the red fire.

"Flint!" Ron exclaimed.

"He made that trip just after the Jarvies were released," Harry said, "It was, like a few moments after the last release, he traveled the network toward the source."

"So, he's innocent," Neville said.

"Or," Harry said, "He apparated then used the Floo Network to throw suspicion-given that Flint was involved with the mall, I'm willing to suspect him."

"Still have to answer which fireplace he used," Hermione said.

"Releasing crates of Jarvies isn't something you do from a private residence unless you intend to slander," Harry said, "The DEs have gotten too good to make that mistake. So, here, at Down street, is there a public Floo connection?"

"In central London," Ron said, "The public connections are generally at Underground stations."

"Except this isn't at an Underground station," Harry said.

"It might be," Gia said.

Harry looked at Gia.

"Had to do a report couple years ago on the history of the Underground," Gia said, "There are abandoned Underground stations all over London-that might be one of them."

Harry grinned.

"And the Ministry doesn't like to close public floos completely," Ron said, "There might be one there, just not in common use."

"Perfect for dumping Jarvies into the Floo Network," Harry said, "We'll leave at once. Hermione, Gia, look up a list of all of the abandoned stations, where, and their current state. Ron and I will check out this one."

"If it's closed," Neville said, "How do you get in?"

"Flint got in," Harry said, "We can too-may take a while."

"Us?" Neville asked.

"Keep an eye out for more infestations," Harry said.

Harry grabbed his dragon hide jacket, added in several things, then lead the way down the stairs.

Harry and Ron apparated besides a tree in Green Park, they swigged their polymorphic Potion, then renewed their Disillusionment Charms.

"So," Ron said, "We're looking for an abandoned station-should be fun."

"Be cautious," Harry said, "There might be Ministry about-given that Jarvies were released."

"It's likely torn down," Ron said.

"We're still going to check," Harry said.

Harry led them to the edge of Piccadilly, they looked up and down the road.

"There!" Harry exclaimed, pointing.

Ron looked at the building tucked into Down St, it was a deep red brick with three arches, a white wood lattice within the arches.

"So?" Ron said.

"That's a candidate," Harry said, "Come on."

They walked under Piccadilly using a subway, then turned down Down Street

"See the brickwork?" Harry said, "It stands out as a possible underground station. Given that there's a boarded door, likely."

Harry casually walked up to the locked door.

"Are you mad?" Ron asked.

"Don't see another way," Harry said.

Harry drew his wand, aimed it at the lock, which opened. Harry shook, took a step backward, as the draft from below hit him. Harry went first, Ron followed and closed the door. They crept down the straight staircase under wand light until they reached a set of spiral stairs. Ron felt the maroon and cream tiles as they walked down the staircase.

"Idea where to look?" Harry asked.

"Normally," Ron said, "It's before you deal with the muggles."

"Looks like that's not an option," Harry said, "Careful, dunno what the muggles have set up for intrusion detection, so we need to be quick."

"It's always another detail," Ron said.

They reached the bottom of the spiral staircase and started negotiating the passageways, at one point, coming across a sign reading "Enquires & Committee Room".

"Guess this has been used for other things since closing,' Harry said.

"Let's just find the Floo," Ron said, "This place-don't like it."

They crossed the bridge over the eastbound Piccadilly line, down the stairs, to a T-junction.

"Which way?" Ron asked.

"Try that way!" Harry said, pointing to a brick wall, "Seems to have platform access at an end."

They made their way along the westbound platform, broke through a locked grill door, to a small chunk of platform. A train rumbled past them. Ron pointed to the middle of the small chunk of platform.

"Our connection," Ron said.

Harry and Ron both looked at the golden platform.

"Not standard," Harry said.

"Means the real portal is blocked," Ron said, "The location was good, however."

Harry looked around, picked up a lock of white fur hair.

"So this was used," Harry said, "Should stick around."

"Are you mad?" Ron said, "They might return, or Muggles, or the Ministry-"

They heard many footsteps echoing, coming from the corridors through the grill door they had opened.

"Right," Harry said, "Fly."

"Huh?" Ron muttered.

Harry pulled his Whitehorn out of his pocket, Ron raised an eyebrow.

"We're UNDERGROUND!" Ron protested.

"Just follow," Harry said.

Harry mounted, Ron mounted his. Harry flew off the platform and left into the tunnel, Ron behind.

"Cool," Ron asked, "Any trains?"

"Shouldn't be an is-TURN AROUND!" Harry said.

Ahead, they saw the headlights of a rapidly approaching train. Harry and Ron made sharp U-turns.

"Here's the stolen Floo Pan," a voice said, coming drifting down the tunnel.

Harry and Ron made it to the platform.

"There!" shouted an Auror, a curse fired, shattering a tile.

Harry and Ron kept flying, the train soon blocked between them and the platform.

"Did you see him?" Harry asked Ron.

"Who?" Ron asked.

"I saw the Minister among them," Harry said.

"Jarvies into the Floo-likely overseeing the investigation personally," Ron said.

"Given they saw us, wouldn't be surprised to read about it tomorrow," Harry said.

"We're already being blamed," Ron said, "Why bother and worry? We'd just lose sleep over it."

Harry and Ron pulled out of the tunnel into Hyde Park station; they flew across the platform, knocking several people out of the way, and up the escalators, past the irate ticket inspectors, and out into the air of Hyde Park.

"STOP!"

Harry looked back, saw two Aurors on Firebolts in pursuit of them.

"Shit," Harry said, grabbing Ron's shoulder.

They disapparated, only to apparate on the top of Ben Nevis, of the western highlands, in Scotland, a ways north of Glasgow.

"Interesting activity," Ron said.

Harry exhaled, sat on the ground, laying his Whitehorn to his side.

"Can't stay for long," Ron said.

"I know," Harry said, "Still, can catch our breaths since we're supposedly around London."

"True," Ron said, "Most would use the Floo Network to travel this distance, or Portkeys, or train - only a handful would dare apparation for the length of the Isle."

"What's with that anyways?" Harry said, "Seems rather simple to go anywhere."

Ron sat on the ground, took out a butterbeer from his pocket, and sipped it. He then handed the bottle to Harry. A crow flew about the trees below. A light drizzle came from the clouds above them.

"You are not like everybody else," Ron said, "Most of us have difficulties when trying to Apparate over a substantial distance-it's tiring and our accuracy isn't always great. For you, it's apparently not an issue. Hermione and I, we can do the length of the Isle, but we do get tired and we aren't always spot on. You can hop around the globe with confidence, most of the rest of us cannot."

"Didn't realize that," Harry said, "Suppose it makes the moving boathouses an issue."

"Hermione makes a makeshift Portkey," Ron said, "Just in case."

Harry snorted, took a gulp of the butterbeer then returned the bottle.

"Today was productive," Harry said, "We know the Ministry is interested in putting a stop to this—which shows us that Voldemort's influence is limited. We've speculated it's Flint, so we'll start tracking him."

"Anything could go in next, including Demeantors," Ron said, "People are blaming us."

"We're now looking for Marcus Flint?" Neville asked, as he opened the Daily Prophet Wednesday morning.

"Yep," Harry said, "Our best chance for something."

"You've got nothing to support that supposition," Hermione said, "We need more facts."

"And we'll get them by finding and tracking Flint," Harry said.

"Well, the creatures made the paper," Neville said, "Both the Jarvies and Gnomes."

"Catch anything on the maps?" Harry asked.

Neville place the paper to the side.

"Not really," Neville said.

"Small party this time," Harry said, "So, just Ron."

Hermione's jaw opened.

"Sorry Hermione," Harry said.

Harry and Ron went down the stairs for the boats. The boat sped across the waters, around the Northern tip of Scotland.

"We could fly across the Isle," Ron said.

"No," Harry said, "At least it wouldn't be wise, but the boat could do that. It's a matter of not wanting to be seen-true, we're invisible, but you can't ever be completely certain, therefore, there are fewer eyes to come across in the water than flying. Remember the Anglia."

Ron snorted.

"Won't ever forget that," Ron said, "I presume you have plans."

"Yep," Harry said, "Need to borrow something, need Fred or George to nick it for us."

"Going to them?" Ron asked.

"Sure, why not?" Harry said, "They can get it-besides, figured you'd like to see your brothers-"

"You don't get it," Ron said, "Had enough of them when I was younger to last a lifetime."

Harry snorted. Later, Harry and Ron left the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, apparating to the shores of Blackpool. They strolled south along the desolate shore, after discrete Disillusionment Charms.

"Fucking bloody idiots!" Harry exclaimed, "Wonder WHY Dumbledore won't let me borrow the Hogwarts Quill-likely doesn't want me to do ANYTHING!"

Harry kicked a refuse can, it soared, over the barrier, and splashed into high tide.

"He can't go lending those special Hogwarts things just because a student wants to borrow them," Ron said, "Especially since we'd be taking them out of Hogwarts."

"You're actually defending the fool?" Harry demanded.

"I'm just saying that Dumbledore might be telling the truth," Ron said.

"Dumbledore thinks us as being seven, not seventeen," Harry said, "DEs haven't frightened me, but they have managed to frighten Dumbledore. With or without his help, we're continuing the pursuit."

Harry got out his wand.

"Point me, Marcus Flint," Harry said.

It moved to the south, south east. Ron's stomach growled.

"Likely eating lunch," Ron said.

"Good, then he'll remain still," Harry said, "Alright, go to, say, Dover and get a reading, I'll go to Bristol. Have your stone?"

Ron nodded. Harry disapparated. Ron apparated, found himself on the rocks of Admiralty Pier, waves lapping up against the barrier that protected the harbour alongside of Dover. Ron took out his wand.

"Point me Marcus Flint."

The wand swung, pointed west, northwest.

Ron got out his stone, laid it in his palm.

"Harry."

A green head of Harry showed.

"West, northwest," Ron said.

"Figures," Harry said, "I'm pointing East, so somewhere near or in London."

Harry paused.

"Alright, head to the outskirts of London," Harry said, "Doesn't matter where, just somewhere-I'll do the same, to another location. Talk to you in a few."

Harry's face vanished. Ron stowed the stone and disapparated. Several refinements later, Harry and Ron found themselves on Hopkins St in the Soho District of Westminster, London. Both wands converged onto an establishment with a red light illuminating the door in the dark and gloomy weather.

"A brothel!" Harry said, "Wonder how much-?"

"Get your mind out of the gutter," Ron said.

"Shall we go in?" Harry said.

"Just be ready to close your eyes-" Ron said.

The door started to open. Harry and Ron withdrew, hiding behind two cars across the narrow street. Out of the door came Marcus Flint, who paused at the bottom, looked up and down the street, then disapparated. Harry pulled out his wand.

"Point me Marcus Flint," Harry said.

His wand quivered.

"Likely untrackable wherever he's doing his mischief," Ron said.

"We'll get him eventually," Harry said, "All Dumbledore did was slow us down a bit."

"Any plans now?" Ron asked.

"Not really," Harry said, "Just need to lie low for the rest of the day, see if he shows his face again."

Harry touched Ron, they disapparated.

Neville watched the map as people traveled along the Floo Network, saw the occasional suffocation, or mine explode.

"It's dangerous anymore," Neville said, "While Harry can just apparate-rest of us could benefit from using the Floo Network."

"For a while," Gia said, "We all used it without concern."

"It's not like any single trip is going to be fatal," Neville said, "Most still get to their destinations or complete their chat alright - it's only a matter of time until everybody gets a first hand experience-this is interesting."

"What?" Gia asked.

"I'm seeing Nifflers rushing along the Floo Network," Neville said, "They seem to be entering St. Mungo's-that'll be a riot."

Friday morning, Harry and Ron used the boat to leave the bunker.

"They want us to shop?" Ron said, "Thought we had supplies."

"We do have supplies," Harry said, "We could last a year or more with what we have-but have you sampled some of it? Sure, we'd survive, but the girls want some fresh stuff. Given they're stuck in that small bunker, we owe them."

Ron snorted.

"Can't believe they released PIXIES into the Floo Network," Ron said, "Just remembering Lockhart's first class-glad we don't have the normal hookup in the bunker."

The boat veered to the north.

"New location, every week," Ron said, "It gets confusing."

"I am NOT losing this location like the rest," harry said, "There are millions of people after us, wanting us dead. I'm in no mood to find the best rotation-once a week should be sufficient. I expect EM and DEs to be tracking, but worse, I wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to try to find us-"

"He wouldn't-" Ron said.

"He already has," Harry said, "I've spotted Moody, twice, trying to trail us in Aberdeen."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Ron said, "It's going to be one of those things he doesn't want to take 'NO' for-just like last winter."

Harry lifted his eyebrows.

"Remember," Ron said, "Dingybat tried to pry-"

"Oh yeah," Harry said, "Seems like so long ago."

The boat submerged near Steomabhagh, they left and came out into the ditch lining the main airport runway.

"Like yesterday," Harry said, "Let's hope we're successful."

"Yeah," Ron said, "'Mione's getting ticked-all four of them are rather cramped and nerves are starting to rub."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"We ARE working to alleviate that!" Harry exclaimed.

Harry and Ron disapparated.

Meanwhile, Neville paced up the stairs, not for the last time.

"You're going to wear out those stairs," Gia said, sitting on an adjacent chair.

"Like we have an indoor track or something!" Neville snapped.

Gia stuck her foot out, Neville tripped and fell down the stairs. He glared with a red face at Gia.

SPLOOSH

Neville was soaked from the bucket of cold water Hermione had splashed him with.

That evening, Harry and Ron returned to the bunker.

"Success!" Harry exclaimed as he entered the living room.

"You did it?" Neville asked.

"Yes," Harry said, "Look."

Harry went to the map, which showed a green dot in London.

"That is where Flint is right now," Harry said, "It's from the bug we planted-so, we track his movements for a while-that should give us places to look."

Over the next six days, the six watched the movements of Marcus Flint and noted his contribution to the ecosystem developing in the Floo Network - Hermione, worked on reorganizing and cataloging the bookshelves.

On the first Friday of October, first thing in the morning, Harry looked at the maps in the living room. Ron laid himself on a sofa. Hermione remained seated besides a pile of books she was sorting according to the Dewey Decimal system. Gia worked on her breakfast. Luna was reading the September edition of the Quibbler. Neville was entertaining Trevor.

"How many times have you sorted?" Ron asked.

"As I've ALREADY mentioned," Hermione said, "it's healthy to have a clear idea of what's on these shelves-"

"Alphabetical by Title," Ron said, counting on his fingers, "Reverse by Title, then by Author, then reverse by Author, then by year of publication, then reverse of that, then this-that makes the seventh system this week. Some wacko scheme-"

"The Dewey Decimal System isn't wacko," Hermione protested, "It's sane-"

"And a Muggle system," Gia said.

"I'm adapting it-" Hermione said.

"How?" Ron snapped.

"QUIET!" Harry shouted.

Everybody's mouths went closed and silent, they turned their attention to Harry standing in front of the maps.

"We now know that Flint is up to his eyeballs in crap," Harry said, "What role Flint is-uncertain, he might be a mastermind, but he might merely be an accessory and doing some of the dirty work-"

"Should just nab him now," Ron said.

Harry looked at Ron.

"While I agree with that sentiment, we can do better," Harry said, "We've been tracking where Flint has gone for the past week-we know where he drops into Unplotable areas and where he lingers. We know Flint doesn't stay the night in the same location-with the exception of the London Soho district."

"With teeth like his," Hermione said, "About the only option."

They all snickered.

"So we attack?" Ron asked.

"His being in any location is as uncertain as ours," Harry said, "So, no, we can't attack him. I, however, suggest we start checking out his locations. Ron, Hermione, and Neville, we're going to check out a spot he seems to frequent the most-somewhere west of Craigruie of Stirling County."

"And us?" Gia asked.

"We need to keep up the watch on Flint's movements," Harry said, "That requires you and Luna to take notes. Let's go."

Harry walked down the stairs to his bedroom. Harry took control of the boat, this time not pressing the auto-green button.

"What?" Ron asked, "Another boathouse?"

"We're heading straight there this time," Harry said, "We need to get in and out, fast."

The boat went airborne near Oban then veered east over the western highlands. They flew over the A84, did a U-turn just before Ben Vorlich, went west back over the A84 then landed in Loch Voil. Harry brought the boat to a rest underneath a rock outcropping jutting out into the water, on top was masonry work of walls and a structure within.

"You're certain this is it?" Ron asked, "That hill looks steep-can't we park up there?"

"Fairly certain," Harry said, pointing south, "For the other outcropping to the north shows on Muggle maps, but not this one. Second, we need to be able to escape fast-it's quicker downhill to jump, swim, and get into the safety of this boat."

"Sounds dangerous-what if-?" Hermione asked.

"Yes it's dangerous," Harry said, "Which is why we're all wearing dragon hide to start with."

Harry crept out, used a paddle to propel the boat to where the rock met the sandy shore, next to a big pipe draining foul liquid into the water. Ron, Hermione, and Neville joined Harry in the rear, the back expanded to accommodate them.

"Just where-?" Ron asked.

"Given what I think we're about to break in," Harry said, "We can assume nearly everything is either guarded or warded-except for this. Remember that Basilisk at Hogwarts. Now, Ron and Neville, patrol around, but do not enter unless we're in trouble. Hermione and me will crawl up-"

"We will?" Hermione asked while holding her nose.

"And here you were complaining-" Ron said, eying Hermione's glaring eyes.

"Enough!" Harry said, "If in trouble, return here."

Harry tied the rope from the boat around a boulder. Harry tugged at Hermione, they walked into the sewage drainage pipe.

Ron and Neville climbed out and onto the gravel of the shore, they walked up the gently sloping grass sides, the rock and building loomed to their right as they walked. Neville slipped, a rock rolled down the embankment into the moat separating them from the structure.

"It'd be fun to tail them," Neville said, grumbling.

"True," Ron said, "However, Harry wouldn't have us stand guard if he weren't really worried."

They sat under a tree, backs to each other so Ron was watching the building and Neville his backside.

Neville snorted.

"Hmm?" Ron asked.

"When I started the term," Neville said, "I thought I'd be battling Dean and Seamus. Now, Dean's dead because Harry shot him out of self-defense; I'm suspended and wanted to the tune of four million galleons. Guess studying for NEWTs are out of the question."

Ron snorted.

"NEWTs?" Ron said, "Survival is the first goal, the second to topple-"

"Quiet!" Neville snapped.

They renewed their Disillusionment charms as a small group of people walked along a far path, approaching the building.

"We need to warn them," Neville whispered.

Harry and Hermione climbed their way through and up the maze of the sewers. They came out in room, slit in the wall for a small window to their right, and a small passage to their left.

"I do NOT want to go that way again!" Hermione protested as she tried cleaning her dragon hide.

"Only if there's a better way," Harry said, "Otherwise, we might."

"Don't joke-" Hermione said.

"I'm not," Harry said, "Come."

Scampering noise reached their ears, they walked. A couple of turns to the left and they came out into a big room stacked with many crates and boxes. Harry brought out his camera and took some pictures. Hermione took notes.

"Need a way to transport," Hermione said.

"I figured that," Harry said.

"Why'd you bring me," Hermione asked, "but not Ron?"

"Simple-I need your brains for what we may encounter," Harry said.

A scream came from their left; they looked to see green flame in the fireplace and a woman suffocating.

"We're not the only ones with a tap," Harry whispered.

They walked past the fireplace, veered right with the wall, past the stairwell, and toward the opening to the adjacent room. Harry stumbled, then stumbled again, hard, then rolled on the floor. Harry regained his balance, his wand was drawn.

"EXPECTOPATRUM!" Harry shouted.

Harry's stag patronus sprung forth out of his wand, charged through the door.

"Harry!" Hermione snapped.

"You haven't a clue what's in that room, do you?" Harry snapped.

They walked in and saw what the patronus was shielding them from; it was a room full of cages, a room that spanned the same size as the Great Hall of Hogwarts. In a cage next to the stairs ahead of them were a pair of demeantors, in cages to their right were bats, then in the middle were-

"Demeantor Bats," Hermione said, "Awful-"

"Welcome to Voldemort's Research and Development Laboratory," Harry said.

"Only you-" Hermione said as she gave Harry a light shove.

Harry snickered for a moment, then regained his composure. The stag patronus walked around them as they walked down the middle of the room. Rows of cages were to each side; nifflers, gnomes, rats, cats, owls, and even a unicorn. They stopped in front of the rats, underneath, their dandruff was being magically separated from the other "residue". Harry kept taking pictures.

"Any guesses?" Harry said, "I certainly can."

"It's disgusting and an aberration!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'm in agreement there," Harry said, "Come."

They walked to the end of the room, turned right and returned to the other end of the storage room. They crossed the storage room and entered a smaller room; this one full of cauldrons, some brewing, others scattered about along the many benches. They stopped by one with a powder in it.

"Floo powder?" Harry asked.

Hermione reached for the powder, Harry grabbed her forearm stopping her movement.

"Don't touch!" Harry said, "I know it's tempting, but we don't know for certain-"

"I'm curious too!" Hermione snapped.

"I will not have you killed or maimed for it!" Harry said, "Let's look some more."

They walked along, Hermione took notes as they traveled, Harry snapped pictures. Harry stopped in front of a white sulfur mixture.

"Another explosive likely," Harry said.

They reached the end of that room, turned right and went out the door back into the storage room, midway down the long edge of the hall. Harry made a U-turn to his left and entered the next room. This room contained filing cabinets, shelves, and a desk.

"What's this?" Harry muttered.

He grabbed a note that was next to a case of darkened spheres, each sphere was compartmentalized into sections with liquids.

Do not use until ordered by our Lord on penalty of Death.

In case of breakage-evacuate immediately. When mixed, these liquids generate deadly Sarin gas which is lethal.

Our lord will order the placement of these into Hogwarts at his discretion after Potter is removed or quits.

W

"Oh my!" Hermione said, reading over Harry's shoulder, "Good thing you didn't quit-all those times you considered-"

"I know," Harry said, "This is their trump card, to make me look Dark-to make mass murder, presumably of everybody at Hogwarts, look like revenge. Shit."

Harry placed the note back onto shelf.

"What did you bring?" Hermione asked.

"Bring?" Harry asked, "For what?"

"I figured you'd want to destroy this abomination-" Hermione said.

"No," Harry said, "We're to leave it intact, for now-"

"What?" Hermione said, "Look at that!"

Hermione pointed to the note. Harry took a picture of the note, then the remainder of the office; he stored the camera back into his pocket. He brought forth a tight leather bag, he opened it to reveal a shimmering orange powder.

"We distribute this instead," Harry said, "This is a tracking powder-spread this about but don't step in it."

Harry sprinkled powder behind the desk, Hermione helped, and they slowly backed out of the office.

"Won't they notice this?" Hermione asked.

"Watch," Harry said.

The first stuff they had tossed started to vanish.

"It goes invisible after a minute," Harry said, "Gives us enough time to cover adequately."

They backtracked, covered the floors of the office, the potions laboratory, and the room with the critters. They came back into the storage room when they heard footsteps and voices coming up the stairwell.

"We're leaving," Harry whispered.

Harry lead the way up the spiral staircase, up and up, until they reached the top of a turret.

"We have a lot to show Dumbledore," Hermione said.

"NO!" Harry snapped.

"Harry-" Hermione protested.

"He's being a lazy arse," Harry said, "He'll just try to convince us to stop-we're skipping his club meeting..."

Approaching footsteps came up the stairwell.

"Time to slip out," Harry said, "grab on."

Harry jumped, the rollerblades sprang forth out of this dragon hide boots.

"I don't-" Hermione said.

A mild crash came from below.

"Dammit!"

A shadow appeared of somebody about to cross the threshold. Hermione grabbed onto Harry, both cast the Disillusionment charm. Harry skated off the top of the turret, over the outer wall embankment, then down the cliff side, around to the boat. Ron and Neville made it back to the boat, the doors closed, and it motored off; Harry took the controls and flew upward, they became airborne.

"So?" Ron asked.

Harry set the controls, then spun his chair around. Harry and Hermione explained their findings.

"We need to tell Professor Dumbledore!" Neville exclaimed.

"NO!" Harry said, "I'll tell Dumbledore what I want him to know, which is-"

"It is to include the details of that plan B we found," Hermione said, "He MUST be made aware of that."

"I'll think about that," Harry said, "In the meanwhile, we need to think of what to do next."

"Destroy that bloody menace," Ron said, "That's what."

Harry flattened his right hand, palm out.

"Not yet, not now," Harry said, "it'd be too early-I want to know where the people from there go."

Hermione glared at Harry for a moment, then watched the hills zoom past the windows. Silence invaded the cabin filling it from wood panel to wood panel.

Later, Harry finished writing several letters at the table, then sealed the envelopes. He placed them into the inner pocket of his dragon hide jacket. He turned to the others in the living room staring at him.

"Any more bright ideas?" Hermione asked.

"You're not going to like it," Harry said.

"Being optimistic?" Hermione snapped.

"Quiet 'Mione and let him speak," Ron said.

Hermione glared at Ron.

"Suppose you'll endorse-" Hermione said.

Ron moved into her face.

"He's on a roll," Ron said, "His past ideas seem to have gotten us-"

"And you're interrupting-" Hermione shouted.

"You're interrupting-" Ron shouted.

BANG!

"ENOUGH!" Neville shouted.

Neville pulled Ron and Hermione apart.

"I do have an idea," Harry said, "So, hear me out, that's all I ask."

"Go on," Ron said.

"It's clear that we need proof," Harry said, "I can think of only one way to get the proof to the Minister-convince him and we'd have a powerful ally."

"Obvious," Neville asked, "How?"

"We kidnap the Minister and bring him to a Death Eater meeting with Voldemort," Harry said, "Face to face, he won't be able to deny the existence of Voldemort-preferably to a meeting where they spill something about them framing us."

"You're joking," Hermione said.

"I am not," Harry said.

Hermione paced the length of the living room.

"You have got to be kidding!" Hermione said, "That is the most reckless and irresponsible plan that I have ever heard of! Even if you managed to convince the Minister-he is NOT going to do an about-face in public opinion, nor is he going to let you off lightly. That's supposing you managed to kidnap him in the first place-he's going to be heavily guarded especially now! Then how about the Death Eaters-first you need to find their location, then bring the Minister while hoping the fool doesn't expose us or get himself killed! You need to run this over with Dumbledore-for I am NOT helping-"

"'Mione!" Ron exclaimed.

"I agree," Luna said, "This plan sounds stupid."

"It's brilliant!" Ron protested.

"Definitely doing something," Neville said.

"Doesn't sound like a great idea Harry," Gia said.

"Unless you can think of something better," Harry said, "I'm going through with this."

"I'm writing Dumbledore-" Hermione said.

"No you're not!" Ron snapped.

"I do not want to disobey Dumbledore, again," Harry said, "Don't tell-can I get your word not to interfere-"

"I think this stinks," Hermione said, "You can stink if you wish-Luna, Gia, we have some business of our own to tend to."

Hermione stood, Gia and Luna followed her down the stairs.

"They seem pissed," Ron said.

"Acute observation!" Neville said.

"If they don't want to participate-that's up to them," Harry said, "I'm not about to compel you to do anything. We're in a rat's nest and we ain't going to escape just by playing it 'safe'. This is a risky plan and drastic, but we're desperate and that calls for desperate measures. Just keep them from writing Dumbledore."

"Take it we're not attending the card club meeting?" Ron asked.

"Do and Dumbledore will pry," Harry said, "So no."

Ron walked across the room and down the stairs; he noticed the signs on the door.

"Harry!" Ron shouted, "These have changed!"

Ron knocked on the door marked "Hermione, Gia, and Luna".

"GO AWAY!" the girls shouted through the door.

"I want to talk!" Ron shouted.

"You had your chance earlier," Luna shouted, "BYE!"

Ron returned to the living room.

"Looks like we're on our own," Ron said.

"We're pressing forward," Harry said, "With or without them-we have to."

Neville nodded his head.

"So," Ron asked, "What now?"

"Well," Harry said, "Have to know the Minister's schedule and we'll need to figure out where the Death Eaters meet. I've asked George and Fred to procure us some robes so we can blend in."

"Cool," Ron said, rubbing his hands.

Saturday morning, the 4th of October, Ron struggled in the kitchen. He had a bowl in one hand, but was searching the cupboards. Harry came into the kitchen, crumpling some paper.

"Damn!" Harry said, "George refuses-we need to get it ourselves. Suppose Hogsmeade?"

Harry caught the sack of sugar that fell from the cupboard.

"Thanks," Ron said, "Sucks-perhaps we can talk to them."

"It's annoying-that's what," Harry said, "Perhaps they misunderstood-come."

"And me?" Neville asked from the small dining table.

"Keep an eye on the maps," Harry said.

Harry and Ron went down the stairs toward the boats. Neville kept an eye on the maps as he munched on his cereal.

"Neville?"

Neville looked up, saw Gia standing there.

"Yes?" Neville asked.

"Do you think his idea is sane?" Gia asked.

"No," Neville said, "It's totally insane, but being sane would force us to sit around and accept being bullied-I'm not taking that sitting down."

Gia went into the kitchen and sorted through the cupboard.

"We discussed this at length," Gia said, "This plan to kidnap the Minister is criminal, irresponsible, and foolhardy at best. At worst, it'll get us all killed."

Neville poked at the floating pieces of crisped rice in the milk in the bowl in front of him.

"It might not have to go that far, or fail to go that far," Neville said, "What we'll learn should be quite helpful."

"None of us are happy with the plan," Gia said, "Expect the silent treatment to continue until you fools abandon it."

"Talk to Harry," Neville said, "I am not talking him out of this-you might be able to."

Gia poured three bowls of cereal, fixed fruit, and poured milk. She carried it on a tray, down the stairs. Neville finished his crisped rice, then stared at the maps.

The boat sped along. Harry pulled out a letter.

"What's that?" Ron asked.

"Guess," Harry said.

"Letter?" Ron asked.

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Dumbledore," Harry said, "Wants us to stand down-nothing he hasn't said before."

"Why not stand down?" Ron asked.

Water sprayed the glass windows.

"Are you kidding?" Harry said, "Dumbledore wants to play it safe, so nothing can be blamed onto him or us. Trouble is, crap still happens while we're sitting on our arses doing nothing about it. Sorry, but that's not how I want to play things. I am not going sit around waiting-it only plays into Voldemort's hand."

"Girls are pissed," Ron said.

"No kidding?" Harry said, "What else can we do? Gia's been after me to resolve this-getting the Minister on our side is essential."

"It's definitely dangerous," Ron said, "It could be used against us."

"It's a risk we'll have to take," Harry said.

The boat jumped hills then dived. Harry and Ron emerged under a foot bridge. They cast Disillusionment Charms, followed the footpath, past some houses, down a road, then around a run-about. They took a look at the McDonald's and the Safeway.

"Fort William," Harry said, "Good, now we can journey."

They disapparated.

George jumped back and found himself staring into the face of his just-apparated younger brother.

"Ron!" George exclaimed.

"Can't have one without the other," Fred said, "Hello Harry."

Harry nodded.

"I take it you got our letter," George said.

Harry glared at the red head standing on plywood in front of the idle fireplace of Fred and George's house in London.

"YES!" Harry exclaimed, "I thought, you two, of all people, should understand what such an outfit could be used for without swearing allegiance to anybody!"

"We do not consider it funny Harry," Fred said,

"Nor do I consider Dumbledore's requests to DO NOTHING funny either," Harry said, "Doing NOTHING plays right into Voldemort's hands. Now, we do not intend to join Death Eater ranks, merely investigate them so we need the disguises."

"Have you considered that's a matter best left to Moody or somebody else?" George asked.

"Are you kidding?" Harry said, "Dumbledore seems to think that the best use of Moody is to track us!"

"Huh?" Ron asked.

"Haven't you noticed Moody showing his face?" Harry said, "Dumbledore's not satisfied with 'stay out of this', no, he's assigned Moody to track us. He's...he's insane!"

Harry walked behind the sofa.

"Here, we have Voldemort out on some vicious plan," Harry said, "A plan where he's trying to get me to shut up-Dumbledore suggests I comply! Then, Dumbledore spends his resources hunting me down rather than trying to uncover anything! Tell me this-besides a paltry attempt to PROTECT me, has anybody managed to accomplish ANYTHING in the past year? NO! Nobody has! Nobody, save me and Ron, has managed to put so much as a dent into Voldemort's plans! All Dumbledore has managed to do is to keep us from getting expelled. You two have done more than the rest of them combined-the dragon hide has been quite helpful.'

"Talk about arrogance!" George exclaimed, "It was your involvement that doomed Percy, Ginny, Dad, and Edward-"

"THAT'S UNFAIR OF YOU TO SAY-!" Ron shouted.

BOOM!

Harry dropped a dungbomb.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed.

"I'm sorry Ron, but my temper is getting short," Harry said, eying George, "You will inform Dumbledore that he is to stop tracking of my movements-he'll only succeed in destroying the last safe haven open to me. As to my actions, it is clear that Voldemort intends to murder all of those around me-therefore, I am going to take all possible actions to bring his plans to a halt, NOW if possible.

"Percy was murdered by Voldemort's plan, because Percy managed what nobody else had-the identity of the person in the Ministry, the one that has helped in coordinating the slime against me. Percy died in the line of duty-we will not tarnish his legacy. Your Mum shielded me and Ron, she too died in the line of duty. Ginny-wanted to help and started to train, was slaughtered and became another casualty of this war-I will not tarnish her memory. You think me quitting Hogwarts could've stopped things-no it would not, for Voldemort had a plan for that too, one that would have killed every soul in that castle.

"I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't, therefore, I fight, I have no other choice available. You-we need those robes, you either get them or I'm visiting Diagon Alley-"

"Are you mad?" Fred said, "Go there and you'll be spotted-buying that garb!"

"Then you'll do it for us," Harry said, "No, you should not need to talk to Dumbledore-make up your own mind for a change."

George glared at Harry.

"I'm sorry but I believe Dumbledore is dead wrong about how to approach this crisis," Harry said, "He may be a great man as Hagrid says, and a good wizard during prior crisis, but not anymore-he's waning."

"Dumbledore defeated Grindlewald!" Fred exclaimed.

"Fifty years ago!" Harry said, "Dumbledore is old and dying! We must be able to cope."

Fred and George went quiet, stared at Harry for a moment.

"Dying?" Fred asked.

"They might not have been told," Ron said.

"You absolutely did not hear this," Harry said, "It can't slip into Voldemort's hands-Dumbledore might make it to the end of this year, but he might not."

Fred slipped into a chair.

"If he goes-the order!" Fred said, "We'd be lost-"

"No you won't," Harry said, "You'll have your convictions, those ones that your parents instilled in you, the same ones they died in the line of-to fight the dark. Now, should we expect those robes from you?"

"Can we come along?" George asked.

Harry sighed.

"It'd be too many," Harry said, "On the other hand, if you want to infiltrate, we could do multiple meetings-perhaps you join the Potter Eaters, but avoid getting tattooed."

"We were about to go and check up on the shop," Fred said, "I'll be back."

Fred disapparated.

"I would like to get them back for Dad," George said, "Not to mention the EM for their participation at the funerals."

"You can get the Death Eaters back." Harry removed a piece of parchment from his pocket, then handed it over to George. "You may need Bill to gain access-destroy these seven properties."

George raised his eyebrows.

"What are these?" George asked.

"Seven locations where I suspect Voldemort and his cronies to be running research and development laboratories," Harry said, "Where they tinker with the Floo Network, develop the mines that killed your father, that sort."

George's jaw dropped.

"Have to tell Dumbledore-" George said.

"Nothing until after you take care of those places," Harry said, "Call in the EM to help."

Ron stared at Harry.

"We could've-" Ron said.

"How?" Harry said, "Thomas is dead-remember that, so our avenue of spilling the beans is closed."

"This is tall-" George said.

Harry turned back to George.

"I know, but it'll be immensely satisfying," Harry said, "Don't tell Dumbledore-he'll just make you back off and wait. You want to attack all seven at the same time, so that requires coordination-EM may hate us but they do have resources that can be channeled to our benefit."

"Wednesday, but no sooner," George said, "This will take us time."

"Be careful," Harry said, "They're undoubtedly booby trapped."

"You found seven?" George asked.

"No, eight," Ron said, "Why Harry-?"

Harry turned to Ron.

"Simple," Harry said, "Death Eaters are known to visit-so we need one to remain, for now."

"It'd be a pleasure," George said.

"I'll be on this," Ron said.

"Oh," Harry said, "I have no intention to miss it."

George chuckled. Fred apparated into the living room carrying robes.

"Thank you," Harry said, taking the robes.

"Fred," George said, "You wouldn't believe what-"

"Harassment of the enemy is our concern," Harry said with a smile.

They chuckled.

"Keep us informed George," Ron said.

"Definitely," George said.

Harry and Ron disapparated. Luna screamed. Hermione drew her wand and shielded Gia with her body. All three were glaring and studying the two black robed individuals forcing entry into their room in the bunker.

"This was supposed to be-" Gia protested to the pair of masked faces.

The figures jumped, tackling Gia and Hermione to the ground.

"I'll get them!" Neville shouted from the living room.

Both figures snickered as they rolled the girls on the ground.

"Wait a minute-" Hermione lifted the mask of the figure on her, she saw the freckles and brown eyes under the red hair. "RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!"

Gia lifted the other mask to show the emerald green eyes under the black hair.

"Harry James Potter!" Gia scolded, "That was not funny!"

"OUT!" Luna ordered, wand drawn.

Harry and Ron backed out of the bedroom, Hermione slammed the door closed.

"Swell move," Neville said, "They aren't going to forget that one-take it you were able to get those robes."

"We got six in all," Harry said, "In case the girls changed their minds."

"After your stunt?" Neville said, "Not likely."

Harry laid his robes and mask down on the sofa; Ron piled his on top.

"Tracking Death Eaters and pinpointing their meetings," Ron said, looking at the maps, "It's going to be difficult."

"I don't doubt that," harry said, "We've got Flint though, so that'll be useful."

Tuesday, Harry worked on the lumpy oatmeal that Ron had made, he read the Daily Prophet, sputtering globs across the table and onto the cabinet below the kitchen bar counter.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, October 7, 1997

Ministry Raids Potter's Lab

Ministry of Magic spokesperson, Slade Hirwaen, announced that Ministry Aurors found a Research and Development laboratory obviously being ran by Dark Lord Harry Potter in the highlands of Scotland on the shore of Loch Voil. Found within were many dark and dangerous creatures being bred including species of Dragons which has been outlawed for centuries. Also within, evidence of potion brewing, the results were an obvious attempt to dope the current supply of Floo Powder. After investigating this obvious breach of Potter's restriction under the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act (SDWCA), the premises and its contents were destroyed - every member of the public can sleep soundly knowing that some of Potter's Dark Ways have been terminated. However, the removal of this laboratory does not imply that Potter is over, for he could easily have other outposts established in and outside the British Isles.

"Good!" Harry said, "The bloody Ministry managed to find this-glad to see it out of business, but that could affect our progress depending on whether we got everybody that visited."

"They pinned it on you though," Ron said, reading over Harry's shoulder.

"I know-not surprised there since they always pin it on me," Harry said, "At least this place is out of business though."

"True," Ron said, "Oh George wrote, Wednesday evening it is."

"It'll feel good," Harry said, "Suppose the girls still won't talk."

"I'd like to come," Neville said.

"Sure," Harry said.

Wednesday evening, Harry, Ron, and Neville waded through the muck of Walland Marsh; they came to a halt near a series of wooden shacks built upon stilts. George and Fred stood by.

"Is there anybody here who can't apparate?" George asked.

"Um," Neville said, "I don't like it."

"Everybody can," Harry said.

With that, Fred and George threw several incendiaries, the nearest shack caught fire.

BOOM

The shack Engulfed in flames and sent out shooting tendrils catching the other shacks. One by one, all of the shacks burst in flames.

"Others?" Harry asked.

"Taken care of," Fred said, with a wide smile on his face.

They saw a mine detonate from the flame of a shack, blades flew and sank into the mud.

Thursday morning, Ron poked at his ham steaks that Harry had fixed.

"Guess living with those muggles relatives had its advantages," Ron said.

"Yeah right," Harry said, "Cooking and cleaning-real wins."

"You can cook and you can clean," Ron said, "Right now, that's the only thing keeping us from the cold spaghetti for breakfast."

Harry snorted.

"Great Ham Harry," Neville said, "Though we should make amends with the girls-they're still pissed."

"I know," Harry said, "Can't think of how to make it up to them."

"Well," Ron said, "Fred and George did call in the EM for those other laboratories."

Ron laid down the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, October 9, 1997

EM Destroys Other Potter Labs

In a bold move, EM spokesperson Hopebank announced that dedicated advocates against the regime of Dark Lord Harry Potter have successfully destroyed seven more laboratories where he has been clearly experimenting in the dark arts. EM documented then destroyed labs in Devon, Somerset, Kent, Cerdgn, Lincoln, Lancaster, and Cumbria counties; they left the destruction of the Kent lab in the hands of Fred and George Weasley to avenge the death of their father, Arthur Weasley, who was murdered by Potter last month.

EM is pushing the Ministry to immediately sign the death warrant on Dark Lord Harry Potter for the obvious capital violations of the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act. Ministry officials declined to comment.

EM President, Seamus Finnigan, Recovers

In a positive turn of events, EM president, Seamus Finnigan, has recovered from the curse he received from Potter last month while in attendance at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Last month, Finnigan, a seventh year Gryffindor fed up with the antics of Harry Potter, received a cursed letter that sent him into a coma at St. Mungo's Hospital in London. Finnigan woke for the first time on Tuesday, then was pronounced recovered Wednesday evening where he was then permitted to return to Hogwarts. Finnigan issued a statement that he was thrilled to have recovered but is saddened to hear about the death of his close friend Dean Thomas.

"He's going to have fun," Neville said.

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Think about it," Neville said, "Right now, Finnigan is the ONLY seventh year Gryffindor in attendance now-it's going to be lonely as the other four are suspended. Then, we have the loss of a good portion of the other houses and years."

"He'll reap what he helped to sow," Harry said, "Small comfort to those that have been lost already."

"It's better than no comfort," Ron said, "It doesn't make up, but it's at least something."

Harry looked up at the maps.

"Strange," Harry said.

Ron looked at the maps, saw a concentration of orange dots in Wiltshire county.

"Funny too," Ron said, "All five that traipsed through that castle-could the Ministry Aurors have picked up anything?"

"Possible," Harry said, "Still-too suspicious to ignore. Come."

Harry grabbed his Death Eater outfit then went down to the boats; Ron and Neville followed.

Harry, Ron, and Neville apparated into a small grove of trees overlooking the plains surrounding them. To the north, stood a small castle perched at the top of the insignificant ridge. A green haze rose from the castle until the rain from above washed it from the sky.

"Let's investigate!" Harry whispered, "Disillusion."

The three cast Disillusionment charms on themselves, then they made for the castle. They made it to the excavation next to the outer wall. Harry, then Ron, then Neville peeked into an archer slit, the three saw the tattered ruins of the stonework from an age that long passed it by; inside the walls were a group of people, each practicing curses upon themselves and to muggles tied to posts.

"Remember to focus!" shouted one small figure with thin and balding hair.

"Pettigrew!" Harry whispered, "Keep tight."

Harry finished donning his Death Eater outfit, then crept along the outer wall; Ron and Neville followed. They reached the gate guarded by two; a witch and a wizard. They looked at Harry and looked into the mask he was wearing.

"You're late," the guarding wizard said, "And to wear that in public-I have to report you..."

The witch and wizard collapsed, Harry's hand rested on their shoulders.

"May you learn the error of your ways," Harry whispered.

"Cool," Neville said, "I recognize one, that's Ebley, one of the Ministry Aurors-he's here?"

"That starts to explain things," Harry whispered, "Keep quiet-Neville, you do the talking."

They made their way along the outer passage, along the masonry of the stone wall, until they came to the opening into the interior.

"CRUCIO! CRUCIO! CRUCIO!"

Harry dodged, pushing Ron aside; Neville fell to the ground shaking.

"You are two hours late!" Flint shouted, "Take your punishments!"

Harry and Ron dodged into the crowd of watching Death Eaters; Flint and Wormtail focused onto the crowd.

"Who?" Flint demanded.

Harry and Ron slipped into Disillusion.

"Them!" People shouted, pointing to the void where Harry and Ron were.

"Cowards, they are," Flint said, "They will not pass-resume!"

Curses flew as the people in the crowd paired off and practiced dueling. Harry and Ron slipped to the side next to a table with refreshments. Neville caught up with them as several muggles pleaded for their lives.

"We have to do something," Neville whispered.

"I wish we could-for them," Harry whispered, "We'd be skinned alive though-we're better off sticking to plan."

"Which is-?" Ron whispered.

"This." Harry withdrew a red capped vial with clear liquid from inside the sleeve of his robes, then poured it into the punch. "It's another tracer."

"So we can't disturb-" Neville said.

"Nope," Harry said, "Drop these around the place."

Harry handed over a pair of small sacks containing a bunch of small yellow spheres.

"Hey you!" Wormtail shouted toward Neville, "Get practicing! Show your Pureblood conviction!"

"Yeah right," Neville muttered.

Neville mixed into the crowd and started casting poor curses. Harry and Ron walked the perimeter, dropping Harry's small yellow sphere's

"You call that a curse?" Flint exclaimed at Neville, 'That's pathetic-" Flint approached Neville, reached to remove the mask, "-no wonder you cower-"

Flint fell from the stunning curses Ron and Harry shot at him.

"While those are quality stunners," Wormtail said, "You are not supposed to stun the instructors without authorization, your Lord will be displeased-"

Harry and Ron broke out in a run across the compound, slipping past the dazed recruits; Harry dragged Neville along. Curses flew; Harry leapt, grabbing Neville and Ron, then disapparated the three of them.

"Fucking close!" Neville exclaimed after they apparated in the grove to the south of the castle.

"We're not out of this yet," Harry said, "One more..."

They disapparated. They apparated into the men's restroom of the rather desolate Fort William train station.

"Why not the-?" Neville asked.

"I need to buy roses," Harry said, "So change out of this awful garb-Ron and you can head straight for them. Can you take my robe?"

Harry already was out of his Death Eater robes, Neville was struggling.

"I need them too," Ron said.

"Me three," Neville said.

Harry handed his robes and Ron's over to Neville.

"Here," Harry said, "You take these back-we'll buy three dozen to split."

"Alright," Neville said.

Ron and Harry left the restroom, turned left up the ramp, then turned right and out of the main station, through the double doors. They went under the subway, then came out near a restaurant, turned right, past the library, and into the Fort William city centre.

"Where do you suppose we go?" Ron asked.

"Flower shop?" Harry suggested.

After hunting and searching the street four times, they settled on Sainsbury's and entered. Several aisles later, they found the flower section; Harry grabbed all of the available roses, all two dozen of them.

"Twenty four quid," the clerk said.

Harry reached into his wallet and paid. They left the store.

"Harry," Ron asked, "Where is everybody?"

They looked up and down the street, nobody was anywhere, inside the store across the street was a constable holding several customers in the store as another boarded the window.

"I definitely don't like this," Harry said.

Harry and Ron walked along the street.

"OPEN FIRE!"

Bullets started to fly; Harry and Ron dropped into an available stairwell into a basement, scattering their roses across the pavement. Harry and Ron peeked-lining both ends of the street were soldiers from the British Royal army.

"Shit," Harry said.

Ron picked up a filthy wet flier from the pavement, read it.

"Agreed," Ron said, "Read this, the Ministry's or perhaps the EM, has made us wanted in the muggle world-kill on sight."

Harry stuffed it into his pocket, drew out his SigArm p239.

"Not that again," Ron said.

"No choice," Harry said, "Come."

They walked up the stairwell, into the side street.

"Stop!"

"Get out of my way," Harry said to the constable, gun aimed.

"You're in violation of-" the constable said.

"I'm about to be killed if I don't get out of here," Harry said, "Move!"

BANG!

Harry fired a shot, aiming right of the head, the bullet grazed the officers hat.

"Surrender or face the consequences!" the constable demanded, retreating.

"Do you have a family?" Harry asked, advancing the constable into a corner.

"Yes," the constable begged, "Let me-"

"Fortunately, I am not a murderer," Harry said, "Let us go-don't shout or make any sudden movements and you'll see them tonight."

Harry advanced counterclockwise around the constable, Ron in Harry's shadow.

"I merely wanted to buy roses tonight," Harry said, "Look at the trouble you're causing me."

Harry and Ron made it around a dividing wall; both disapparated.

"Roses?" Neville asked as Harry and Ron boarded the boat.

"Unable to," Harry said, "Somebody leaked our problems into the Muggle world-we bought some but weren't able to get out of there with them intact before being assaulted."

"Think the girls will buy that?" Neville asked.

"Hermione, at least, will buy the flier," Harry said, "Let's go-and we'll need to change locations tomorrow."

Neville pressed the green button. The boat moved, surfaced on Loch Eil, then went airborne. It followed the A830 before landing on the water of the Sound of Arisaig. Ron described the events.

"Damn!" Neville exclaimed, "They're really pinching-"

"I know," Harry said, "Wonder who and how far? Might visit Kristen tomorrow or something."

The boat motored along.

"So, those spheres?" Neville asked.

"Small heaters," Harry said, "Should roast everybody into taking a sip of the spiked punch. That potion is a tracker that'll last for several days in the person."

"That should be effective," Ron said with a grin.

Hermione flipped the flier as she sat on her bed in the bunker. Gia and Luna were watching.

"Believe their excuse?" Luna asked.

Hermione nodded. "At least I buy the informing the muggles-guess it'd make buying anything difficult."

"Should we forgive them?" Gia said, "They're guys after all."

"Not until they abandon that foolish idea of theirs," Hermione said, "I don't care what Harry says-kidnapping the Minister is just going to make matters worse."

"Do you have a better idea?" Gia asked.

"That's the unfortunate thing," Hermione said, "I'm stumped-don't tell them that or I'll never live it down."

Midday Saturday, Harry stood in front of their map collection, pointed.

"Ron," Harry said, "See what I see?"

"A gathering?" Ron said, looking over Harry's shoulder, "That's in...somewhere."

"Voldemort's going to attend," Harry said, "Let's go."

"Are you mad?" Neville exclaimed.

Harry shrugged, grabbed his robes and went down the stairs.

They emerged in the pedestrian subway of the A739 tunnel under the river Clyde in Glasgow. Harry concentrated, three red pellets appeared in the palm of his right hand; he swallowed one, handed the other two to Ron and Neville.

"Huh?" Ron asked.

"Portkeys," Harry said, "They'll return you here in six hours-unless you will it not to."

"Failsafe?" Neville asked.

Harry nodded.

They crept through the groves of walnut trees until they approached a clearing with some robed figures.

"Agreed-it'd be simpler to arrange if the blasted EM weren't patrolling like they are," one figure said, "You're rumored to be doing some training."

The second figure nodded. "Most believe them to be following Potter-though they don't care, just want to thrash and kill."

Both figures laughed.

"I don't find that funny," Harry whispered to Ron.

Neville shook for a moment.

"Spread out," Harry whispered, "Meet back here afterward-be careful!"

Harry, Ron, and Neville separated. Ron mingled in with the small crowd of robed and masked figures.

"MOVE!"

Ron jumped at the voice of Snape, a wand aimed at him; Ron moved aside. With a pop and billowing movements, a figure appeared, one with red eyes.

"Worm-there are more here than I had requested," Voldemort said, "Show yourself!"

A rat on the ground changed, showing a short man with a silver right hand and balding thin hair trembling on the ground. Wormtail kissed the hem of Voldemort's robe.

"My lord," Wormtail said.

One by one, each person in the circle around Voldemort stepped forward, bent down, and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robe. Harry, Ron, and Neville went along, duplicating the act.

"Pathetic-all of you," Voldemort said, "You think of yourself as the cream of the world? Yet, half of you parade around with faded and dingy robes-CRUCIO!"

Ron heard the one next to him gritting his teeth, bearing the pain with dignity.

"Of imminent concern is Potter," Voldemort said, "He has become meddlesome and interfering-Potter has failed to mind his manners-"

"Potter is a teenager and acts irrationally," Snape said.

"Do not speak unless spoken to!" Voldemort said, "CRUCIO!

Ron heard Snape gritting his teeth immediately to his left.

"You, of all people, have no rights of complaint," Voldemort said, "Have you procured the location of Potter?"

"No," Snape said, "Not even Dumbledore-"

"Fool!" Voldemort said, "Dumbledore has Potter on a leash-of course he knows, but you have FAILED to get it. You have also FAILED to persuade Dumbledore to keep Potter at bay-instead, we lost several valuable things in the past month due to Potter."

"My Lord-" Snape said.

"CRUCIO!" Voldemort said.

Snape gritted his teeth.

"Kill Potter?" Ron asked.

CRUCIO! Voldemort exclaimed, wand aimed at Ron.

Ron shook, gritted his teeth.

"You KNOW Potter is not to be killed or captured until the time is ripe." Voldemort paused, red eyes staring into brown, a grin swept his face. "Tell Potter to mind his own business less things get worse-I guarantee that. Tell him that, for that's the only thing saving your pathetic skin."

"Master?" Wormtail asked.

Voldemort swept back.

"Dismissed," Voldemort said.

"That was quick," Wormtail said.

"CRUCIO! Voldemort said.

Wormtail gritted his teeth. Death eaters disapparated. Ron felt a hand on his shoulder that pulled him away from the group.

"I do not know what possessed you to attend Weasley," Snape said, "I shall report-consider carefully that the lord has let you off lightly. Potter is venturing and treading dangerously-recklessly endangering the lives of those around-"

"Dead regardless of what we do," Ron snapped.

"Potter'd spare lives if he just-" Snape sneered.

"If you believe that," Ron said, "Then you're a bigger fool than I imagined."

Ron disapparated.

Harry, Ron, and Neville made it back to Glasgow and into the boats. They were silent for most of the way.

"Got discovered!" Harry exclaimed as they left the boats in the bunker.

"Interesting to learn all of that," Neville said.

"Come on Harry," Ron said, "Three unfamiliar Death Eaters-Wormtail could've figured it out, eventually."

They climbed the stairs.

"So, you live."

Ron saw Hermione standing there, arms crossed.

"Disappointed?" Ron asked.

"Hmph!" Hermione exclaimed.

"We saw HIM!" Neville said.

Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"We did," Ron said, "Voldemort-in the flesh."

"Weird," Hermione said, "Thought he'd kill at least one of you."

"No he didn't," Harry said, "Though he made his point very clear-he wants us to back off, which I won't, so I'll press forward."

"On your ridiculous scheme, no doubt!" Hermione said.

Harry grabbed Hermione's shoulder, lead her into a bedroom, and closed the door.

"Hermione," Harry said, "I'm the first to admit that the notion of kidnapping the Minister sounds stupid-perhaps it won't come to that, but we do need a way to convince him that we're telling the truth. We both know that, given his stance to date, he'll resist tooth and nail, but we must give this a try. Convince him, convince him to go public that he may have been wrong about us, and things will improve. I promised Gia to make things better-so far, everything's gotten worse instead-I made that promise so we can walk Diagon Alley without fearing for our lives or curse dodging. The Minister, if convinced, has the power to turn things around-it'll take a lot of effort, but it could be done. Voldemort can wait-especially if we can turn the wrath of the Wizarding World from us to him."

"But kidnapping the Minister?" Hermione said, "It's so risky if anything goes wrong-we're in deeper trouble."

"If we could invite him and Voldemort for tea, that'd be preferable," Harry said, "Regardless, we are making progress on the Death Eater side-we attended their meeting tonight. Voldemort sniffed Ron out, but spared him."

Hermione gasped.

"Voldemort, as usual, is trying to get me to back off," Harry said, "I have no intention of complying, but he spared Ron to pass on the message. Apparently, Voldemort saw through whatever Occlumency Ron was performing."

"After all that practice?" Hermione asked.

"Voldemort pried but couldn't get past, though he did sense Ron's barriers," Harry said, "That's a compliment though-Voldemort is the best of the best, so Ron did pretty good since nothing of importance slipped."

Hermione shrugged. "Up against him, suppose that is good-not certain how I'd fare."

"What we have learned in all of this is of interest to you," Harry said, "I know you don't like the overall plan, but you've been willing to help before. Perhaps you can come up with something better-I'd like that, but in the meanwhile, you can help piece things together so we don't look like fools in front of the Minister."

"Divide and conquer-nice strategy," Hermione said.

"Come on," Harry said, "You too want our troubles gone-we need your help. Sitting and sulking in that bedroom isn't helping at all. Perhaps you three could put together articles for publication that doesn't sound like we're whining spoiled brats yet presents solid evidence. Either way-will you help? I'm not asking you to kidnap the Minister, but the other stuff?"

Hermione nodded. Harry gave her a quick hug.

"Thanks," Harry said, "Talk to the Luna and Gia-I'd love to buy roses without getting shot at. Anyways, we picked up quite a bit.

"We're certain the Death Eaters and the EM are not formally tied together, merely that some are members of both with the Death Eaters loosely pushing the EM wherever. Up until recently, that's worked splendidly - for Finnigan fell hook-line-and-sinker for it. Which means, if we do things right, we could nudge the EM against Voldemort-pretty powerful."

"Except for those tattoos," Hermione said.

"That's their Trojan to deal with," Harry said, "I'm not certain how that's going to work-just absolutely scary that many people will suddenly find themselves on the other side of the battle than they had intended. Thomas never figured that out-Finnigan will be lucky if he survives to find it out.

"We also know, that both the EM and the Death Eaters are getting assistance from the Ministry-whether it's the same or different individuals, uncertain, but I'll guess we'll find some on all sides. We do know that some are joining the Death Eaters and the Potter Eaters just because they want to-not really caring who the Dark Lord actually is."

Hermione snorted.

"It is a big population," Hermione said, "Not surprising you have people in all of the above."

"Question is who is doing what," Harry said, "Two days ago, we found a Ministry Auror at Wormtail's and Flint's little training session down in Wiltshire. From what I've seen, I think Wormtail and Flint are runts-there are at least two more involved outside of Voldemort, one at the Ministry and one at Hogwarts."

"The one at Hogwarts might be using Wormtail and Flint for help," Hermione said.

"They're consuming too much Polyjuice to keep the brewing silent inside of Hogwarts," Harry said.

"Crouch Jr. managed it," Hermione said.

"That was several years ago," Harry said, "I'm sure Dumbledore or Snape would catch on if they saw the same patterns."

"Where was the meeting?" Hermione asked.

"Can't pronounce it," Harry said, "One of the former Soviet republics. Apparently, Wormtail complained that with the EM on vigilance, they're having difficulties meeting within Britain."

Hermione snorted.

KNOCK, KNOCK

Harry opened the door. Neville was standing there with a reddened face.

"Neville?" Harry prompted.

"We have to go-now," Neville said, "They're attacking Gran's!"

"Calm down," Harry said, "Let's go."

Harry left the bedroom, Hermione followed. Ron came down the stairs from the living room, and the four of them headed down toward the boats.

"Who's attacking?" Harry asked.

"Not certain," Neville said, "Dumbledore said to hurry."

They climbed into the boat; Harry pressed the button. The boat submerged, navigated its way through the canon of rocks, then accelerated upward, surfaced, and went fast. They approached the end of Longbottom lane; ahead was the burnt out shell of a house, the white picket fence reduced to rubble. Around it was Dumbledore, Tonks, Moody, and many others. Neville ran forward.

"GRAN!" Neville shouted.

Dumbledore, sitting on the chair on his flying carpet, placed his hand onto Neville's shoulder.

"Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore said, "I'm sorry, your grandmother did not make it."

"How? Why?" Neville exclaimed.

"They left a fireproof note," Dumbledore said, handing over a letter.

Neville opened it.

Potter, this is what you get when you meddle in other people's affairs - stay out!

Harry read over Neville's shoulder.

"See why I've been wanting to know about your activities Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore said.

"You don't get it-I can't win!" Harry exclaimed, "I'm damned if I do or don't fight back! If I do what they want-sit around doing nothing, then they attack and murder those around me. If I do anything else-they claim it's my fault while they attack and murder those around me."

"I agree with the sentiment," Dumbledore said, "However, there may be ways to accomplish the same goals without the visibility-"

"It was the EM that demolished those labs!" Harry said, "Yet, they blame me-it's the same thing. I can't do a damn thing according to them-that plays right into their hands which I refuse to do."

"This conversation is best left for our next Poker match," Dumbledore said, "With the prestige that Mrs. Longbottom had, the Ministry will be investigating."

Harry pulled on Neville, they left the scene. Hermione entered the girl's bedroom in the bunker, then looked at Luna.

"Have they wised up?" Luna asked.

"Now's not the time," Hermione said, "Neville's grandmum has just been murdered-your place, if you love him, is out there right now. We can worry about their crackpot scheme later."

"Suppose he's taking this hard," Luna said.

"She did raise him," Hermione said.

"Harry?" Gia asked.

"Getting fingered for it," Hermione said.

Gia went for the door. "Figures."

The following week, they observe the maps, until the next Saturday, the 18th of October, when Harry took off for another Death Eater gathering. Harry apparated into the cemetery outside of Little Hangleton.

"Got the Aurors chasing Potter in Devon right now," one figure said.

With a pop, a figure appeared with red eyes, he circled the flame, then looked down at the groveling mass on the dirt.

"My Lord," Wormtail said, kissing the hem of Voldemort's robe.

One by one, the other gathered Death Eaters and Harry went through the ritual. They all returned to the small circle that surrounded Voldemort with a trembling Wormtail to his side.

"Potter has managed to keep still this week," Voldemort said, "The United States has yet to pass the Potter pact despite two incidents. Lestrange, arrange for number three."

One robed Death Eater figure bowed.

"Snape?" Voldemort asked.

"Yes, my lord," Snape said, bowing from two to the left of Harry.

"Have you managed to pry anything out of that fool in Hogwarts?" Voldemort demanded.

"No, my lord," Snape said.

"Crucio!" Voldemort muttered.

Snape gritted his yellow teeth and bore the pain.

"Pardon my failure," Snape said, "The Headmaster is still convinced in Potter's innocence-until that changes, he won't reveal anything concerning Potter."

Voldemort pivoted, pointed his wand at another on the other side of the ring and the fire.

"We have the supplies for one more good display," the Death Eater said.

"Then do it," Voldemort said, "Convince that fool of Potter's unequivocal guilt."

"That will be harder," the Death Eater said, "It will require more-"

"Time is pressing," Voldemort said, "Do not let me down."

"Yes my Lord," the Death Eater said.

Voldemort turned his head back toward Snape. The Death Eater stepped forward, bending down to kiss the hem of Voldemort's robes, but stumbled and tumbled. When the Death Eater came to a stop, the mask was torn off and Harry studied the face.

Dumbledore blinked twice, stared into the darkness of his private quarters from his four poster that late Saturday evening. His blue eyes were trained upon the figure who had just apparated in, the figure who was dressed in dragon hide and currently black, the figure known as Harry Potter.

"This is in violation of your suspension," Dumbledore said, sitting up, "A violation between-"

"This is important!" Harry said, "I snooped on the Death Eaters-I know their plant here at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore moved his covers to rise.

"You need rest-should I call for Madam Pomfrey?" Harry said.

Dumbledore snorted.

"I know who it is and have an idea to catch them red-handed to our benefit," Harry said.

Later, Harry returned to the bunker.

"Well?" Ron asked.

"Nothing noteworthy," Harry said, "Standard stuff about harassing me. I've abandoned the abducting-the-Minister idea for something better."

"What?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not spoiling the surprise," Harry said, "You'll find out."

Hermione glared at Harry. Gia raised her eyebrows.

"Gia," Hermione said, "His coy response likely indicated the kidnap-the-Minister was a better plan than whatever he has up his sleeve."

"So," Harry asked, "Have you made progress on that Floo potion?"

"You were serious about that?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "It's only a matter of time until the Death Eaters render the Floo Network better-off-destroyed given what they've been dumping-for example, that baby that died of those hyperactive leeches last week."

"Shouldn't take more than a couple of days," Hermione said.

Hermione walked over to the shelves, picked out Ministry Transportation, then started reading.

"Oh Gia," Harry said, advancing, "I did manage-found a spot in Canada where I wasn't pursued-here."

Harry pulled out a dozen roses from behind his back, handed them to her. Gia sniffed and smiled at him. Harry then pulled out a small box, Gia took them and opened the box.

"Chocolates!" Gia exclaimed, then gave Harry a kiss.

Harry and Gia went down the stairs and into a bedroom. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Don't tell me she actually fell for that!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I think you might have been pushing her to hold her grudge longer than she normally does," Ron said.

"Really?" Hermione snapped.

"Think about it," Ron said, avoiding Hermione's glare, "You seemed to have been the one to spearhead the...erm...rebellion. Gia's been very forgiving of Harry-so I'd suspect she held off because of you."

"How can you say-?" Hermione demanded.

"'Mione," Ron said, "I want honesty between us-so I have to ask. I think you girls should ease up a bit-if you don't want us doing something stupid, then suggest something better, that's what we needed-"

"I don't need the lecture," Hermione said.

"Can we make up?" Ron asked.

Hermione blinked.

"Of course," Hermione said, "I do want to know Harry's new plan-"

"Later," Ron said, "Come."

Ron pulled on Hermione's hand, lead her toward the bedroom.

"One guess," Luna said.

"They're forgiving," Neville asked, "Do you?"

"Just get me a Blibbering Humdinger and I'll call it even," Luna said.

"Luna!" Neville protested.

Tuesday afternoon, Hermione sipped tea in the company of Kristen Osborn.

"You've definitely made the news," Kristen said, "We're under orders to arrest on sight-or kill if we can't."

Gia rolled her eyes.

"Heard about an encounter up north," Kristen said, "Harry escaped as you likely know."

"Harry said they were buying roses," Gia said, "Then they got assaulted-lost the roses in the process."

"Also heard reports of firearms violations," Kristen said, "That's serious."

Gia sipped her tea.

"It is true that Harry has armed himself, he did so because he felt he has no choice in the matter," Gia said, "He goes anywhere in the world and he gets assaulted; if he tries to seek police protections, he has a good chance of getting shot. Anymore, he views getting arrested as getting murdered-save you, perhaps."

Kristen shook her head. "It's pitiful that he's even managed to come to that conclusion-"

"It wasn't something he came to lightly either," Gia said, "The pressure mounts so that one feels the need to be prepared to confront reality."

Kristen nibbled her biscuit and stared at the floor. "The mere fact-shameful."

"It is nice to get out and socialize," Hermione said, "Normally, we're stuck in cramp quarters and with the guys for company-"

"Sympathize there," Kristen said.

The three snickered for a moment, then they kept talking.

Harry and Ron walked along the road into Glen Nevis from Fort William, under the shadow of Ben Nevis.

"So," Ron said, "You have a plan, do you not?"

Harry nodded.

"Mind telling?" Ron asked.

"And spoil the surprise?" Harry said, "No."

The wind rustled the trees along the road.

"How can I help if-?" Ron asked.

"I'll let you know," Harry said.

Water flowed through the drainage ditch.

"Is it worse than-?" Ron asked.

"No," Harry said, "In fact, Dumbledore likes it too."

"You talked to Dumbledore about this?" Ron exclaimed.

"No more on that," Harry said, "So, you and Hermione successfully patched things over?"

Ron glared at Harry.

"That's none of your-" Ron said.

"It IS my business that my friends are happy," Harry said, "As you pointed out-it's ensuring us a future after all of this crap, it's something to look forward to."

Wednesday, Harry kept a grin on as he read the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, October 22, 1997

Potter to Not Attend Hogwarts Halloween Celebration

Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore, has announced that Harry Potter will not be welcomed at the Halloween celebration next week. Citing past incidents, Dumbledore determined it would be unwise to bring in such a disruptive element into an otherwise calm and joyous celebration. Dumbledore refused to state how he will manage to keep Potter away, however, Potter has apparently agreed to the measure. Undisclosed sources indicates that a large sum of money has been transfered into the hands of Harry Potter-the Ministry is advised to conduct a full investigation."

Ron shoved the paper toward Neville.

"It's awful!" Ron said, "Not allowed-we're suspended anyways."

"Not on that evening," Harry said, "Our suspensions conclude the day before-we could attend classes on Halloween as of right now."

Hermione read.

"You volunteered to stay away?" Hermione asked.

Harry leaned over to Hermione.

"You've got a brain," Harry said, "Think about it."

Harry left the table, Hermione scratched her head.

Thursday morning, Hermione was in the bathtub while Gia looked at her pill bottle, only one birth control pill was left - she reached over, grabbed the bottle, then popped the pill.

"Well," Gia said, "Out-can we get more?"

"Not without admitting to them not being fixed," Hermione said.

"Tell the guys," Gia said, "They're back to shrink wrap."

Saturday, the twenty fifth, Neville and Luna left the bunker; both apparated behind the Three Broomsticks.

"This way," Moody said, "Hurry."

Neville and Luna entered the Three Broomsticks, then climbed the stairs up into a private room above the main room. Neville walked around the coffee table in the middle, then sat on a plush chair near the fireplace. Luna sat to his left. A few moments later, Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott entered the room; they sat across the coffee table from Neville and Luna. A cough and a tap later, Justin and Paul Prewett came in; both sat on wooden stools behind Macmillan and Abbott.

"Can't believe you had Moody confiscate our wands," Macmillan said.

"Four million on my head," Neville said, "Another four on Luna-I'm not taking chances."

Abbott snorted.

"Professor Dumbledore arranged this get together for a reason," Neville said, then sipped his Butterbeer.

"Potter simply doesn't get it," Macmillan said, "We tried talking-he clammed up. We were under the impression he'd be here-"

"Have you considered looking in a mirror Ernie?" Luna asked.

"Harry has lost a lot due to all of this," Neville said, "He has lost numerous friends and the family of friends, he has lost all of his wealth-his trust and the inheritance from his parents, he has lost brooms and loyal pets and House Elves, he has lost nearly everything that he started out with, everything except the lives of himself and his closest of friends. We have all played a part in stripping away everything from him-and you expect him to forgive on a simple 'I'm Sorry'?"

"Well..." Macmillan muttered.

"We could've stopped things cold a year ago, yet we didn't," Neville said, "Think about what you've contributed in the stripping of life away from Harry Potter, your hands are dirty too. Had we thoroughly investigated a year ago-we'd have evidence that it wasn't Harry doing anything, just being framed instead. Harry's mentioned it, yet we failed to really consider the fact that he's got ENEMIES-not just Voldemort-who'd love to destroy him. Death Eaters, past and present, have wanted him dead for years-yet we failed to exercise an ounce of common sense to acknowledge that."

"Yet things weren't bad a year ago," Abbott protested.

"To us, that's true," Luna said, "To Harry and them-things were already going from bad to worse. They were already being attacked and framed."

Macmillan sipped his Butterbeer.

"Su-ure," Justin Prewett said, "Just like Hogsmeade."

"Nobody has come up with a reasonable explanation-other than Harry were at the wrong place the wrong time during the first incident," Neville said, "We LIVE in a world of magic, the coincidence could very easily have been a setup. Nobody has bothered to learn the truth."

"They repeated-" Paul Prewett said.

"Another set of murders occurred, but the real Harry was not there," Neville said, "They had an ironclad alibis, but by this point, few would believe Dumbledore or Harry. Macmillan, you dismissed it as a technicality-being a thousand miles away from the scene of the crime IS NOT a technicality, rather it was solid evidence that somebody else was committing the crimes."

"I thought it was excuse making," Macmillan said.

"So," Paul Prewett asked, "We trapped Potter-either he could confess or we'd dismiss all other actions as excuse-making?"

Neville paused for a moment.

"Harry will be relieved that at least one person gets it," Neville said, "For a year, we've given him those two choices."

"But we've all witnessed Potter on more than one occasion-" Justin Prewett said.

"Really?" Neville asked, "Justin, can I have a strand of your hair?"

Justin plucked one out, handed it over to Neville.

"Thanks," Neville said, "That would've been very stupid were my intentions less than honorable-watch."

Neville took the hair, removed a flask from his pocket, added the hair, then drank it. They watched as Neville transformed into a double of Justin.

"Tastes awful, but you get the point," Neville said, "I just drank Polyjuice-so this will last about an hour. This is one method for making a double, there are others out there."

"You needed a sample," Abbott said, "So Potter had to of given consent-"

Luna plucked a strand of hair off of Abbott's head.

"Consent isn't required and normally isn't given," Neville said, "As Luna demonstrated, hairs can be stolen, and they were stolen from Harry."

"When?" Macmillan asked.

"Harry's was attending Hogwarts, like you and me," Neville said, "There were many chances. It used to require impostors, now all it takes is a mere accusation to convict. Remember, an impostor can do nearly ANYTHING inside of an hour and Harry takes the blame. Do you all forget your history of who Harry took down? Many more than just Voldemort-"

"Blimey!" Justin Prewett exclaimed.

"Stop flinching-you only aid him by doing so," Neville said.

"He's dead," Abbott said.

"I saw him two weeks ago—bragging," Neville said, "He likes what has been happening, it plays right into his plans. Everybody here has aided and abetted the real Dark Lord, giving him leeway to continue unhindered. It's only a matter of time until the wolf in sheep's clothing will be revealed."

"Look here!" Macmillan snapped.

Macmillan sipped his lager.

"We're here because we were having doubts about things," Macmillan said, "Things aren't adding up-Potter simply doesn't understand what's happening. We're doubting the official position, murders during the start-of-year festival—we're a loosely formed skeptics club with a dozen regulars. Some believe him to be clean, some think his hands have some dirt, while others aren't sure. I've witnessed his willingness to take on Death Eaters before—the switch in attitudes lacked any decent explantion. All of us want to believe that Potter is clean, but he's stormed out on us."

Neville paused.

"Consider very carefully your own actions," Neville said, "I remember your helping a petition to have him expelled, and be grateful that you didn't succeed. I remember you talking Professor McGonagall to get Harry ejected from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I remember you advocating that we execute last year. I remember you laughing after his public castration. I remember you helping Finnigan and Thomas form the EM, both the major organization and the Hogwarts chapter-cheering when you could legally hunt him. You have no right to demand forgiveness from him, ever."

"But we could help," Macmillan protested.

"I too confessed to Harry," Neville said, "I aided by not interceding-he seemed willing to forgive, but you took an active role injuring him."

"But we do want to help," Abbott said, "We realize the truth now."

"Forgiveness isn't a requirement to help," Luna said, "In fact, helping might facilitate Harry into forgiving."

"It'd be difficult working for somebody with a grudge-take Professor Snape for example," Macmillan said.

"Then don't work directly for Harry," Neville said, "In fact, doing so might be difficult given the pressures. We can easily act as liaisons-that might be better."

They remained quiet for a few minutes, the noise from downstairs drifted through the floor boards.

"We wanted to work with Potter," Paul Prewett said.

"Do you get it?" Neville said, "The pain and suffering that you've applied to him has been extreme. The losses have been high. To insist that he wipe it away like dirt swept under a rug is to pretend that you never acted, it's another injury to inflicted upon him. If you're truly sorry, bug off and don't pressure, but give him space. If you can reverse something, great and he might appreciate it. Fighting against the Death Eaters would be a good step toward atonement."

"What gives you the right to speak for him?" Abbott asked.

Neville looked at Abbott.

"I'm speak for myself," Neville said, "I've observed him and I do know he wasn't the least bit interested in showing up because he doesn't give a damn about what happens to those that have injured him. He's really, really, pissed at the entire Wizarding world. I only found that out by picking up a letter I thought was litter."

They paused until a loud fight downstairs had settled down.

"Somebody's in trouble," Paul Prewett said.

"Want to do stuff now?" Neville said, "Fine. Figure out the real truth and spread it. Harry can't really speak to defend himself without an assassination attempt. Talk to people and get them to open their minds."

Macmillan nodded for a few moments. "We could do that."

"I have been curious to the Hogsmeade murders," Abbott said.

Neville sighed.

"So," Neville said, "Reconstruct it-as I recall, the Daily Prophet was full of pictures."

"The Post office sells reprints," Paul Prewett said.

"Well," Neville said, "Somebody pay the tab-let's go."

"That was prepaid," Macmillan said.

Neville rose first, the others followed.

After stopping by the post office, the six and Moody came to a stop in front of the bookstore, adjacent to Dervish & Banges. They were across High street from Scrivenshaft's quill shop, between the intersection with Hogs Road and the one with Quay Road.

"Alright," Neville said, "Me and Luna will assume Harry's and Ron's final positions-here."

Neville and Luna stood, both were twenty feet from the bookstore.

"According to this," Abbott said, "Mere seconds passed from the screams to witnesses, along with eighteen victims, means they quick at firing those projectiles. That's eighteen that were hit, more projectiles could have been fired and missed."

"Quick enough that the curses would have been simple conjuring?" Paul Prewett asked.

"Likely," Macmillan said.

"Look at where the bodies wound up," Paul said, "let me demonstrate the one closest to Potter."

Paul Prewett laid on the ground, his head came to a rest at Neville's feet.

"I get it," Abbott said, "The victim fell toward Potter, not away like it should have-meant that Potter was summoning, given that it was fast enough to rip flesh, it should have wounded Potter, but it didn't. Therefore, the real assailant of this victim was over there." Abbott pointed toward Gladrags and Zonko's.

"Likely hiding between the two buildings," Macmillan said, "Nobody saw-"

"Invisibility can be done too," Neville said, "As Gia's pointed out, even muggles have ways of blending in."

Paul Prewett stood up, Justin Prewett looked around.

"Look at all the nooks one could hide to pull this off," Justin Prewett said, "There could easily have been more than one person."

"Which sorts with the bodies," Abbott said, "There seem to have been four general ways to fall-so four real assailants."

Macmillan changed the page, looked at another photograph. Paul Prewett assumed another victim's location.

"Looks like it came from along Quay," Macmillan said, "The others, from the photographs, one from further along High Street, and one from the direction of Hogs Road."

"Potter could've apparated," Paul Prewett said as he stood back up.

"Harry couldn't apparate then," Neville said.

"Not enough time to kill and apparate," Abbott said.

"It could have been planned ahead of time," Justin Prewett said.

"How naive do you think Potter is?" Macmillan said, "If he had elaborate time to plan ahead-he wouldn't have gotten caught where he was. If it were Potter, he shot from locations other than he was standing-was he planning to take on everybody that responded? Likely not-no, this smells like a frame." Macmillan slumped to the ground, sat on the footsteps of the bookshop. "It was a frame that I had bought. If, instead, even I had looked into things, we'd have sniffed the cock-up, we would've been on the trail of the real killers. It would've been harder..." Several tears came to his eyes, he wiped it off with the sleeve of his jumper. "I get it, I get why Harry's so pissed-I'm pissed I was such an idiot."

Moody's magic eye continued to move around.

"Longbottom," Moody said, "I suggest you move-people have noticed your presence."

"Yeah," Neville said, "Publish your findings Ernie-don't risk your name on it though."

Macmillan looked up in time to see Neville and Luna Disapparate.

After returning to the bunker, Neville brought Ron back into a boat; Neville submerged the boat then parked it among the rocks on the sea floor.

"Okay," Ron said, "Take it you wanted this isolated."

"You know the size of the bunker," Neville said, "and the respective privacy."

"Not much," Ron said.

"None is more like it," Neville said, "Your castration failed to work because I can here you rather frequently and I doubt the girls aren't faking their satisfaction."

Ron's face turned red. "Not going to talk about that."

"Alright-I'll just assume it's my imagination," Neville asked, "Did you know that Harry was invited to discuss things today at Hogsmeade?"

"At twenty million," Ron said, "Harry doesn't schedule."

"The response Harry gave, when cornered, was screw-them," Neville said, "I went behind his back to meet with them today at Hogsmeade."

Ron raised his eyebrows.

"Some students are starting to recover their brains," Neville said, "They're asking questions about events and things. People want to believe Harry is good, many do-it's just the flood of bad news that sways them. It's something I think we can work on, to help them poke about and unveil the truth. Harry would just as soon flip them off and feed them to the sharks."

"Honestly, I don't blame Harry for that attitude," Ron said, "He's been attacked, assaulted, and thoroughly rejected by the Wizarding world-he's angry because the harassment is pushed and carried into the muggle world as well. It's so effective that he can't escape it no matter where he goes. As far as he's concerned, everybody, save a few, wants him dead-he's conceited himself to be unwanted, undesired. Harry used to care about everybody, he really did care-it made him sick to see Finch-Fletchley dead like that. Now-he just worries about us and Gia, he hopes that after this, he can settle down and isolate himself from everything else."

"I know," Neville said, "I explained to them that Harry's really pissed."

Neville explained the events in Hogsmeade.

"Productive," Ron said.

"I think we should keep Harry out of the loop on this," Neville said, "Harry's too pissed to handle this like we should. It's an opportunity we cannot afford to waste."

Ron nodded.

"Given how you and Harry spearhead the action," Neville said, "Luna and I will take this on."

"It certainly would lift Harry's spirits to see people changing like this," Ron said, "However, by this point, he's too suspicious to trust anybody, nor could he easily forgive anybody. Have to include myself-I'd willingly strangle Macmillan for what he did to Hermione."

Neville sighed.

"I'm not saying I wasn't affected," Neville said, "I can put my feelings aside a bit easier though than either you or Harry can. I hope this makes a difference-anyway they can help on Harry's big plan?"

"Dunno," Ron said, "Harry hasn't even told me what he's up to, though he seems content to idle around. Only other person I'm aware of knowing is Dumbledore. Guess he's afraid of leaks."

"Might see if there's ways for the others to make amends," Neville said, "Harboring grudges forever isn't healthy-if there's to be peace in the end, it should be enjoyed by all."

Ron patted Neville on the shoulder.

"Nice sentiment," Ron said, "Harry has a long way to go and they have a lot to do before I think Harry would accept an apology. Keeping them at a distance is wise."

Neville brought the boat back to the dock.

After a lazy Monday, Harry sat down in the evening to the papers. He first turned to the Sparky Sentinel

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Monday, October 27, 1997

New Clues Unearthed About Year Old Murder Case

A year ago, Harry Potter was falsely and wrongly accused of committing a dozen murders during an otherwise routine visit to Hogsmeade. A review of photographic evidence in the Daily Prophet yielded new clues that the Ministry Investigators failed to take into consideration. Several amateurs, students of Hogwarts, determined that Harry Potter was indeed being framed and that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

From rudimentary analysis of the photographs, the victims were attacked from at least four positions that were separated by some distance at a time when Potter was could not apparate. Given the short time span of the attacks, this means there were four attackers present-where are the other assailants? For it was clear and accepted in testimony that Potter's other two companions did not perpetrate the actual crimes but were instead coming out of the bookstore. Potter can also be ruled out because he was in the middle of the bodies, none of whom were killed from anybody standing where Potter was found-therefore, Potter was framed for he certainly would not have returned to the middle of the scene after having numerous options to escape from the four attacking locations.

Instead of looking for the truth, the Ministry investigators failed to look at things properly, while focusing their accusations on the final two victims, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. It is the conclusion of these amateur investigators that Harry Potter was clearly framed and then setup to take the fall for the actions of four assailants who still remain at large.

"Whoa!" Harry exclaimed, "I was totally unaware of this!"

Neville sat down next to Harry.

"I was aware," Neville said, "I took up your offer to talk to those people-"

"You shouldn't have-" Harry snapped.

"Those scum can still help us," Neville said, "They have better access to many places than we do. I set them about on the task of uncovering the truth about incidents-hope you agree."

Harry waited until the green faded from his ears.

"Suppose so," Harry said, "Still can't get the thoughts out-" Harry shivered.

"Look," Neville said, "I'm handling this, you won't have anything to do with this. In the end, you need people to know the truth and realize how stupid they've been before things can change for the better-this is the beginning of that."

"Don't let it backfire," Harry warned.

"This doesn't look good," Neville said as he reached for the Evening Prophet.

THE EVENING PROPHET

Monday, October 27, 1997

Lethifolds Unleashed into Floo Network

Potter has added Lethifolds to the growing ecosystem thriving in the Floo Network. Lethifolds are dangerous dark creatures from the tropics that devour humans. Lethifolds, normally rare, are extremely dangerous and difficult to spot, they resemble a half-inch thick black cloak which moves along the ground at night. It attacks sleeping humans, smothers them, then digests them, leaving no trace at all. The only known defense is the Patronus Charm.1

These Lethifolds have been adapted so they can travel using the Floo Network. The Ministry Floo Regulatory Authority strongly advises that people cast the Patronus Charm into the fireplace prior to calling or traveling along the Floo Network. Researchers are currently investigating ways to embed Patronus protection into the Floo Powder.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

They all turned to the maps, Hermione already had the wand up. They saw it covered with white skulls.

"Each one is a Lethifold," Hermione said, "Nobody is getting through."

They watched as several people who started to travel, each encountered a white skull, then vanished from sight.

"Do you have that device ready Hermione?" Harry asked.

"It's ready," Hermione said, "I dunno-"

"Let's go," Harry stated.

Harry and Hermione went down the stairs, then got into a boat.

"Well?" Harry asked as he submerged the boat.

Hermione showed a tube of green liquid.

"Pour into any Floo connected fireplace, then destroy the fireplace," Hermione said, "That'll take down the entire network. There's a good chance of demolishing whatever building the fireplace is in."

"Has to be a fireplace?" Harry asked, "What about one of those Floo Platforms-you know, the golden dish?"

"No," Hermione said, "It must be brick and mortar-rarely an issue as you'll be the first to ever collapse."

"True, true," Harry said, "Just need to think of where."

"Closer to a main trunk, the better," Hermione said, "Hogsmeade has those-the locus connecting to the local lines runs through the Three Broomsticks fireplace."

"It's coming down then," Harry said. The boat went airborne over Oban.

"Where to?" Hermione asked.

"The lake near Hogwarts," Harry said.

"That's a part of Hogwarts-we're suspended," Hermione said.

"How about the stream that runs from it through Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.

"That's better-hope there's enough water," Hermione said.

"It's not recommended, but this can rest on land," Harry said, "It's not too far from the Three Broomsticks."

The boat flew, land moved beneath. The boat landed in the stream; they cast disillusionment Charms on themselves and climbed out. They moved around the edge of the bridge up onto the road.

"It's just over there," Hermione said.

"I've been to Hogsmeade before," Harry said.

They walked around to the backside of the Three Broomsticks.

"This has to go into the fireplace," Hermione said.

"There are two ways," Harry said, "Through the door, or through the brick."

Harry drew his wand, a drill tip appeared from the tip of the holly. Silently, the drill sped up, digging itself into the brick, inward but down. Bits of stone, gravel, and mortar tumbled down onto the ground. After the hole was finished, they could see a bit of flicker from the flame.

"Potion," Harry whispered.

Harry grabbed the test tube of green liquid, conjured up a funnel, then poured it in.

"How close do we have to be?" Harry asked.

"This close," Hermione whispered, "Together."

Harry and Hermione aimed their wand, red curses shot forth striking through the drilled hole.

WHUMP!

"Run," Harry prompted.

They renewed the Disillusionment Charms as they ran, away from the glowing red bricks of the fireplace and chimney, across the road to the edge of the stream. They paused, turned around, and saw the flame shooting out of the chimney.

"A chimney fire," Hermione whispered, "Oh my!"

Screams came from within the Three Broomsticks, quickly patrons exited as smoke billowed out of every opening. Fire-Wizards apparated in with equipment and wands, attempting to put the fire out. The chimney continued to burn, the bricks glowing hotter and hotter, from bright red to orange to yellow to white then to a whitish blue - they melted, collapsing the chimney into a rubble heap. Fire-wizards doused the neighboring buildings in water and foam. Flames leapt through the Three Broomsticks, it's roof was on fire. Rapidly, flame engulfed the entire building. Harry guided Hermione along the stream and back into their boat.

Meanwhile, Neville and Ron watched the maps back at the bunker. They watched as line after line, trunk after trunk, the Floo Network vanishing from every nook and cranny of the United Kingdom.

"Well," Ron said, "It's done."

Tuesday morning, Neville read the Daily Prophet

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, October 28, 1997

Potter Destroys Floo Network

Yesterday, Dark Lord Harry Potter systematically destroyed and collapsed the Floo Network, one that had stood for centuries. Why Potter chose to collapse the Network after encouraging the new ecosystem is unknown. The Ministry Floo Network Authority promises to rebuild and reestablish the Floo Network as soon as possible; however, they concede that this may take months.

Three Broomsticks Burns

A beloved icon to the Hogsmeade community and every student attending Hogwarts, the Three Broomsticks, burned to the ground late last evening. What started as a chimney fire quickly spread, consuming the building. The Hogsmeade Fire Squad were unable to save the building, but were able to contain the fire-several neighboring buildings suffered minor damages but can be repaired. Investigators are uncertain to the cause.

Proprietor Madam Rosmerta has already filed an insurance claim and promises to rebuild.

"That's gone?" Neville asked, a tear in his eye.

"Had to," Harry said, "It was the best fireplace to use to collapse the network."

"You had no right-" Neville protested.

"I didn't want to," Harry said, "One pub compared to the deaths of every person using or being near the Floo Network-I had to choose and I did."

"They figured it out to you," Neville said, "A collapsed network!"

"Never been done before," Harry said, "Its the first thing they've correctly pinned onto us."

Friday morning, Harry ignored Hermione pushing him.

"We're not suspended," Hermione said, leaning over the bed, "Wake up Harry!"

"Shove off," Harry snapped.

"Gia," Hermione said, "You talk sense into him!"

"If I were to refuse?" Gia asked.

"Do you two appreciate dry sheets?" Hermione asked.

Harry pulled the blanket over his head. Gia glared at Hermione towering over their bed.

"You wouldn't," Gia said, "Never mess with Harry's temper."

Hermione stormed off, out of the bedroom. Gia pulled the covers over her head, she and Harry smiled. Hermione entered back into her own bedroom, yanked the covers off her own bed.

"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione said, "Wake up!"

Ron rolled over, mooned her, then summoned the covers back onto himself. Hermione glared, her ears turned green, and the covers vanished. Ron rolled back over, let her get a good glimpse of him. Hermione wagged her finger.

"First-you know perfectly well that needs to be shrink wrapped," Hermione said, "Second, we have SCHOOL! We'd be late! Third, you aren't endearing yourself very well right now-I'm certainly in no mood for that! You will get up and wake Harry so we can return to Hogwarts on TIME!"

"Why bother?" Ron said, "Likely getting another suspension anyways."

Hermione glared.

"Only thing that'll motivate-" Hermione snapped a towel at his crotch.

"Ow, ow, ow," Ron said, repeating and touching his length.

"It's going to tingle until you step foot at Hogwarts!" Hermione said, "I will be in the shower-you wake Harry NOW!"

Hermione left the bedroom.

Ron entered Harry's and Gia's bedroom.

"Hermione's ticked-she wants to go to Hogwarts today," Ron said.

Harry sat up, moved the covers.

"She doesn't understand because I haven't told you yet," Harry said, "We ARE NOT going to Hogwarts-none of us. We stay here."

Ron sat on the far corner of the bed.

"Then explain that to her," Ron said, "Otherwise, she'll pilot those boats herself."

"Tell her that at the request of Dumbledore," Harry said, "We are not going to Hogwarts at this time-none of us, which includes me, Gia, you, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some more sleep."

Harry laid back down, pulling the covers of his and Gia's head. Ron stood and left to enter the bathroom.

"I'm not done yet," Hermione stated.

"That hasn't stopped me in ages," Ron said.

"I'm not in the mood," Hermione said, "Going to Hogwarts?"

"Dumbledore has asked us-" Ron started.

Hermione turned around, her hands working the shampoo in her hair.

"You're bluffing," Hermione said, "You just don't want-"

"Harry was insistent," Ron said, "I do trust him, you trust him, so lets do-"

"We'll miss-" Hermione said.

"Like you've got perfect attendance anyways," Ron said, "Let's not go."

Hermione worked her hair.

"Argh!" Hermione exclaimed.

By mid afternoon, Hermione had a stack of books on the floor of the living room.

"She's not taking this well," Ron said to Harry.

"Wonder if she'll work through them all," Harry said.

Ron rolled his eyes.

"It is Halloween," Neville said, "We ought to be doing something."

"We will," Harry said, "In fact, best to get ready-we're attending a muggle Halloween celebration."

Hermione looked up.

"We are?" Hermione asked.

"Yep," Harry said, "Let's get ready."

By early evening, they sported Dragon Hide over nice shirts, ties, or blouses. They approached the Noigate Ballroom.

"This is your idea?" Hermione asked.

"Would you rather celebrate at Hogwarts?" Harry said, "I arranged for security-don't worry."

They reached the back of the ballroom hall.

"About time," Moody growled.

They entered the ballroom.

"So," Ron asked, "Just Moody?"

"Sirius is around somewhere," Harry said, "Moody's just inspecting the arrivals-after he leaves, nobody else can show up or leave."

"GIA!" Over came Richard who gave Gia a quick hug.

"Hello Harry," Richard said, "Hermione and Ron too-Don't know these-"

"Neville and Luna," Harry said, "Well, have fun everybody!"

They mingled into the crowd of mostly teenagers.

Around Nine, Harry and Jen were laughing as they made wise cracks about the moving blob of lard known as Dudley Dursley.

"Surprised the floor can even take him," Jen said.

They laughed, Harry sipped a bit of punch from the cup in his hand.

"Mr. Potter."

Harry turned, saw McGonagall approach.

"Interesting costume," Jen said.

"Sorry Jen, we need to leave," Harry said, "Something's come up."

Harry nodded at McGonagall, then moved through the crowd to gather Ron and the others.

"What?" Ron asked as they left the Noigate Ballroom, past several police officers taking witness statements.

"I take it the trap has sprung," Harry said.

"Affirmative Mr. Potter," McGonagall said.

McGonagall held out a Portkey; Harry, Ron, Hermione, Gia, Neville, and Luna held on. They landed in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts.

"Can you explain?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Harry said, "Two weeks ago, I learned who the Hogwarts minion is-I talked to Dumbledore about giving them a golden opportunity. So-"

"There has been another incident," McGonagall said, "Come."

McGonagall took out her wand, unsealed the doors, and they entered the Great Hall. Ron's jaw dropped as they entered the Great Hall.

"Do not worry," McGonagall said, "All wands have been confiscated."

Hogtied and bound to chairs, on an elevated platform in front of the staff table, were five, five persons. From left to right were people bearing the likeness of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Draco Malfoy.

Around the hall were numerous round tables, where most of the students were sitting. At the Staff Table, Dumbledore was sitting front and center, to his side was Cornelius Fudge, then Amelia Susan Bones, then a crowd of others. Cameras were flashing from many scattered in the main crowd, pictures of both the doubles and the party being escorted. Others were taking pictures of Pomfrey and Notley rushing around tending to a number of wounded students. Some even took pictures of the two white-sheet covered bodies with blood red spots, a trickle oozing out of one. Students were gazing upon Harry et al, some eyes kept darting between him and the double. Whispers filled the air, but real speech was absent.

Harry followed McGonagall, each footstep placed carefully to avoid stepping in blood or students. They passed in front of a small table containing a pair of trunks, then came to a halt to the right of the doubles.

"You have no right to detain us!" the Malfoy exclaimed, "Ministry will hear of this and you'll be thrown into Azkaban!"

Dumbledore stood, wobbling, leaning heavily on a walker.

"As Headmaster of Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, "I have the authority and responsibility to govern. By entering this castle, you consent to my authority."

Dumbledore wobbled, fell. McGonagall and Madam Sprout caught him, lowered him into the chair.

"I am alright, thank you," Dumbledore said.

Dumbledore's chair levitated up a few feet to give him the same stature.

"A year ago," Dumbledore said, "A year ago, this castle was beset by an evil menace-it has run rampant since. Nearly all of us can agree to that. We have merely disagreed upon the identity of this menace, a disagreement which itself has spurred consequences, but we have remained united in the desire to stifle the menace and end the suffering that has been taking place at Hogwarts. Any further talks risks corrupting any testimony we may get. In the meanwhile, I suggest everybody keep a firm eye on those tied up in front of us-we suspect them to be using Polyjuice and will revert to their true identities shortly."

Silence reigned in the Great Hall, save the work of Notley and Pomfrey.

"No Minister," Ron whispered.

"I know," Harry whispered, "I had hoped he would be here."

The bodies twisted and turned, cameras flashed recording the transformations. The fake Harry turned into-

"Malfoy!" Ron snapped.

"I'm here, you dolt," the Malfoy demanded.

"You're not," Harry said, "Wait Ron."

Others reverted. Fake Harry had already reverted into Draco Malfoy. Fake Ron reverted to Marcus Flint. Fake Hermione reverted to Pansy Parkinson. Fake Gia reverted to Tracey Davis. Fake Malfoy reverted to Theodore Nott.

"Clever," Dumbledore said, "To give the doubles alibis too. Severus."

Snape swept around the Staff Table holding a clear vial of Veritaserum.

"You can't!" Malfoy protested, "That's Ministry controlled-"

"Read the Hogwarts Rules and Regulations-later," Dumbledore said, "Severus."

One by one, Snape forced five drops down the throat of each of the bound people. Dumbledore set a Quick Quotes Quill into motion on a roll of parchment on the Staff Table.

"Everybody," Dumbledore said, "Please remain quiet while the interrogation commences."

"Names," Snape demanded.

"Draco Malfoy."

"Marcus Flint."

"Pansy Parkinson."

"Tracey Davies."

"Theodore Nott."

Dumbledore's chair floated over the staff table until he was situated on the left of Malfoy, facing split between the impostors and the students.

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked, "When have you impersonated Mr. Harry Potter? When did you first start?"

"Often and with success," Malfoy said, "I impersonated Potter a year ago in September-it was fun to thump on that dolt, Longbottom. I impersonated Potter frequently after that, many times from October to January, after that, less frequently."

Many students perked up, watch

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked, "What significant or major crimes did you commit while impersonating Mr. Harry Potter?"

"I helped to reduce Hogsmeade's population last November," Malfoy said, "I boned Pavarti Patil in January-nice hole, that will be missed. I gave fellow students in June an unplanned field trip. Then, tonight."

"Have you caused the frame up of Mr. Potter in any other matters?" Dumbledore asked, "If so, what and when?"

"We set about flattening Harry's muggle relative's residence in Little Whinging, Surrey-did him a favor," Malfoy said, "Then we framed him in last September's Hogsmeade population reduction-everybody fell for it. We poisoned the school lunch-few believed Potter, then the November Hogsmeade population reduction, then the cleansing of the mudblood's parents and of Finch-Fletchley, then I cursed his Firebolt to try to teach him a lesson, then I entertained Natalie MacDonald-Potter's punishment was hilarious!"

Harry's ears turned a shade green.

"Then we sent that half-giant oaf a box of critters, those demeantor bats," Malfoy said, "Relocated Padma Patil and Ernie Macmillan-both thought it was Potter, then planted those cyclone boxes-funny. Kidnap of twenty Hogwarts students, four struggled-that really slammed Potter. Helped to eliminate academic competition over the summer-insignificant, really. Then, tonight's show."

Gasps propagated through the crowd.

"Mr. Flint," Dumbledore asked, "How often have you assisted Mr. Malfoy? On what occasions?"

"A number of times," Flint said, "Whenever Draco needed assistance in reforming the Weasel sidekick to Potter."

"Specific incidents?" Dumbledore asked.

"I assisted in animating the armor to give Potter a warning a year ago," Flint said, "I helped in Hogsmeade, both times. I impersonated the Weasel numerous times after that, including the student board walk last April."

"Miss. Parkinson," Dumbledore asked, "How often have you assisted Mr. Malfoy? On what occasions?"

"I helped," Parkinson said, "Whenever that mudblood needed readjustment-like in Hogsmeade last November."

"Miss. Davies," Dumbledore asked, "How often have you assisted Mr. Malfoy? On what occasions?"

"I helped," Davies said, "I helped to show everybody how muggles really act-like the slime they really are. Showed her to be the thug back in Hogsmeade."

"Mr. Nott," Dumbledore asked, "How often have you assisted Mr. Malfoy? On what occasions?"

"I helped," Nott said, "Whenever Draco wanted an alibis-Potter was beginning to suspect, we were successful in throwing his attention elsewhere. Alibis for Hogsmeade, the rape, and many, many, other times."

Dumbledore paused for a couple of moments, waiting for several reporters to finish writing.

"Barring anything unusual that be said, punishments are severe," Dumbledore said, "All five are banned from Hogwarts for life. Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davies, and Theodore Nott are expelled."

"That's not fair!" Malfoy exclaimed.

"Not fair?" Harry exclaimed, "You've MURDERED other students-you're right, it's not far enough!"

"Severus," Dumbledore said.

Snape went over, opened the trunk of Draco Malfoy; he then brought out two jugs of Polyjuice, and a organizer with different snips of hair.

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked, "How did you acquire the Polyjuice? From whom?"

"I brewed a bit during the summer," Malfoy said, "During the year, Wormtail would ship it."

"Mr. Flint," Dumbledore asked, "Did you participate in the acquisition of the Polyjuice Potion for Mr. Malfoy?"

"I would brew it," Flint said.

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore said, "Did students other than those bound here help at all in your plots regarding Harry Potter? If so, whom?"

"Vin and Greg helped with the armor last year then the next Hogsmeade affair," Malfoy said, "I'd occasionally pulled other loyal Slytherins to help, as needed."

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked, "What was the motivation for engaging in this plan to discredit Mr. Harry Potter? Whose idea was it? Why?"

"I wanted revenge," Malfoy said, "Potter shrugged me off the first day we met. He's arrogant, stupid, pathetic, and ignorant-he's a liability to the wizarding community and needs elimination. I became really pissed after Potter and the Weasels raided the manor, humiliating my father, disgracing the name of Malfoy, so that had to be avenged. My lord needed Potter sidelined and then removed, so he asked me to commence immediately. My lord recognized the potential for Potter to become a martyr, to be hard to knock out-slandering Potter makes it easier to remove Potter from our concerns."

"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked, "Have you coordinated your actions with Ministry personnel? If so, who?"

"Yes," Malfoy asked, "Who'd you think freed us in Hogsmeade, or allow us access to Potter's broom? He certainly..."

Malfoy slumped over. Flint slumped a second later, followed by Parkinson, Davies, and then Nott. Pomfrey immediately checked, nodded to Dumbledore's glance.

"A lesson for all," Dumbledore said, "Veritaserum is a strong truth serum, damaging to a side that has much to hide. I erred to figure they would not make use of it, but they did make use of it, a poison that reacts to Veritaserum-they will be removed to the Hospital Wing then turned over to the Ministry after they are cleared to recover."

Notley helped Pomfrey move the culprits onto stretchers and out of the the Great Hall.

"I strongly suggest that everybody reflect upon what has happened, what you have seen," Dumbledore said, "You should realize that there are consequences to misplaced blame, actions that could have been avoided with a more exhaustive investigation."

Dumbledore's chair floated over the staff table toward the side door; Fudge, Amelia Bones, McGonagall, and others went into the Antechamber.

"They've had a year to plan!" Finnigan exclaimed, "They planned this to force Malfoy-an plausible victim-to take the fall for their actions! Potter is still the next Dark Lord in the making!"

"Can't win them all," Ron whispered to Harry.

"You heard Malfoy confess!" Macmillan replied,

"After being given some poison!" Bulstrode said, "Anybody could give a false confession then."

"We've got murderers standing right up there!" Macmillan exclaimed, "Kill 'em!"

Some of the students started to throw candies, some remained quiet, others, like Macmillan, wrestled the attackers. Within a minute, the Great Hall erupted in fighting. Sprout went to the door to the Antechamber, poked her head in for a moment. Out came McGonagall, wand drawn.

"Quiet!" McGonagall ordered.

None of the fighting students paid attention.

"QUIET!" McGonagall ordered.

Nobody paid heed, except Harry showed her a Dungbomb.

"Drop it," McGonagall ordered.

Harry dropped the dungbomb, the students pulled back.

"You just had to-?" Finnigan accused Harry.

"Given your example of a normal student, Mr. Finnigan," McGonagall said, "I am pleased that Mr. Potter isn't normal student."

"This was an orchestrated campaign of lies!" Finnigan exclaimed, "We, the students, after having seen what Potter has done, deserve to see him executed-right now!""

"Did you not witness tonight's events?" McGonagall asked.

"This mockery of justice!" Finnigan exclaimed.

"It is a mockery of justice Mr. Finnigan if you don't give the defendants a reasonable chance to defend themselves," McGonagall said, "The only choice you've given Mr. Potter is guilty either by admission or denial. You have ignored the fact that Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy have been at odds ever since their first year here at Hogwarts-Mr. Malfoy would have reason to carry out what you witnessed tonight of his own accord."

"But-!" Finnigan exclaimed.

"Enough!" McGonagall said, "For those students who wish to remain, you may. For those who wish to leave, which includes Mr. Finnigan, may do so and head for your dormitories. I expect best of behavior from all."

Half the students got up and left. Notley came back in, tended to the newly injured students.

"Not all of us agree with Seamus," Macmillan said, "Some of do believe what we've seen."

"Or," Geoffrey Hooper, a fifth year Gryffindor, said, "We're on the fence and want to know more."

"Well," Harry said, "You heard their answers under Veritaserum-"

"Provided by Professor Snape," Wayne Hopkins said, "That's suspect enough-"

"Snape brews quality potions," Harry said, "Even if he's pathetic at teaching the subject-"

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said.

"It's true Professor," Ron said, "At least, our take on him."

Most of the present students snickered, defying the glare of Snape standing in the corner behind the Staff Table.

"I expect respect Potter," Snape sneered.

"Later Severus," McGonagall said, moving back for the door.

A reporter raised her hand, "Mr. Potter?"

Harry pointed toward her.

"I'm Aelwyd Sedgley of the Daily Prophet," Sedgley asked, "How does it feel to be vindicated by today's events?"

"Relieved, I suppose," Harry said, "It's a first step towards clearing my name, one that's been systematically tarnished faster than I could react for the past year. It was harrowing to continually hear about incident after incident, murder after murder, not only not being able to do anything, but also being blamed and punished for crimes I did not commit."

Another reporter shot up, quill scribbling on his pad.

"Murray Garston, also of the Daily Prophet," Garston asked, "Were you surprised by tonight's events? I was under the impression you were not going to show up."

"I did not show up to the feast as promised," Harry said, "Tonight was not staged as some have accused, rather, we were aware that something was going to happen tonight and planned accordingly. We gave them enough rope to hang themselves. As many people as possible were invited, including yourselves, the Minister, and the Board of Governors. We did not invite Ministry Aurors, for we believe some of those to be corrupt and assisting in the plot. So, to your question, was I surprised? No. I abhor the violence that occurred, the loss of another two students, but now that we've nabbed the perpetrators, those remaining at Hogwarts will be relatively safe."

"You knew-?" Ron growled at Harry.

"You implied the Ministry Aurors?" asked another reporter.

Harry accepted a swig of Butterbeer from Gia.

"It has been clear, for sometime, that this plot has extended into at least one person, if not more, in the Ministry of Magic," Harry said, "Voldemort-" Harry paused at the flinching "-has been orchestrating, but it could not have easily succeeded without people in key positions-Malfoy here at Hogwarts and another person at the Ministry-only one has found out and he was killed before he could tell. So, yes, I am implicating that at least some of the Ministry Aurors are in the wrong."

"You keep talking about the late You-Know-Who," Garston asked, "How can you reconcile that with the fact he's been dead for ages?"

"Saw him just two weeks ago," Harry said, "We think his Ministry helper got his death official-makes things easier being declared dead. Just like Peter Pettigrew has found out too."

Sedgley's hand raised fast, Harry pointed at her.

"You said Peter Pettigrew," Sedgley said, "He was murdered years ago-"

"No," Harry said, "Pettigrew faked his death and cut off his finger-he goes by the name of Wormtail, but that's a different matter, one that deserves an interview, though not tonight."

The door to the Antechamber opened, out lead Dumbledore, followed by McGonagall and the rest.

"May I speak?" Macmillan asked.

"Yes, Mr. Macmillan," Dumbledore said.

Macmillan stumbled to the front of the hall.

"I've started to realize-" Macmillan said, "I've really harmed you Harry Potter, my stupidity helped to inflict damage upon you and I do not deserve any forgiveness. As a small token though, I've given this a lot of thought, for I don't deserve to wear it-" He removed his Head Boy badge, handed it over toward Harry "-you guys have shown a far sterner stance to your convictions, unable to be persuaded while we've been trying to mow you down."

"Me too," Abbott said, approaching with her Head Girl badge removed.

"Are you certain Mr. Macmillan? Miss. Abbott?" Dumbledore asked.

"I am," Macmillan said, "May this token help in reconciliation."

"Me too," Abbott said.

Dumbledore nodded. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss. Granger, you may accept if you wish."

"Thank you," Hermione said to Abbott, she immediately pinned the badge onto the collar of her dragon hide jacket.

Harry grabbed the Head Boy badge, handed it to Ron. Ron glared at Harry, Harry returned the glare.

"Alright," Ron said, as he pinned on the badge.

"Congratulations," Neville whispered to Ron and Hermione.

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, "There is more."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "More?"

"The Hogwarts Board of Governors has made several motions in our meeting," Dumbledore said, "First, they absolve Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Gia Prescott, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Longbottom of blame in any incident where they have been perceived to have been involved in - all mentions of suspensions on your permanent records will have an explanatory letter attached. Second, due to circumstances beyond your control, you will be permitted additional time to make up your courses and marks."

Ron looked at Hermione's grinning face.

"They have upheld the punishments I dealt tonight," Dumbledore said, "They also rescinded the Minister's authority to issue suspensions."

"Great," Harry said.

"Finally," Dumbledore said, "A new position has been authorized, that of Student Headmaster of Hogwarts, to which Mr. Harry Potter has been appointed."

Dumbledore removed one of his headmaster badges, gave it to Harry who pinned it to his collar.

"It will go to his head, Headmaster," Snape sneered.

"I have faith in my choices," Dumbledore said.

Snape made for a hasty exit, letting the door slam shut. McGonagall leaned in toward Harry.

"We do have matters to discuss," McGonagall said, "This way."

Harry lead the way.

Dumbledore came in last into the Antechamber. His chair floated in front of the six on adjacent sofas. McGonagall sat on a nearby plush chair.

"I am thrilled to see an improvement in your conditions," McGonagall said, "It has been so depressing seeing things go from bad to worse."

"It's not over, yet," Harry said.

"That is true," Dumbledore said, "The outcome of tonight is, nevertheless, a good start to turning things around."

Streamers appeared out of thin air above them. McGonagall glanced at Dumbledore who shook his head.

"It was me," Harry asked, "Malfoy's-?"

"Mr. Malfoy is likely alive due to the excellent care of our Hospital Wing," McGonagall said, "The poison was used during the first war, therefore we have the antidote on hand. However, You-Know-Who is now aware of its existence."

"Rats," Ron muttered to Harry.

"First," Dumbledore said, "For living arrangements, given the turn of events, it would be appropriate for the Head Boy and Girl, and the Student Headmaster, to reside within the castle - you should bunk as usual tonight, then bring along your trunks tomorrow."

"Where in the castle?" Ron said, "I'd rather not sleep in the dormitories, for there is still a lot of hostility toward us."

"The North Tower has been rebuilt," McGonagall said, "We can transform Trelawney's old classroom into an apartment tonight."

"Sounds acceptable," Harry said, "We'll likely ward it."

"As expected," Dumbledore said.

"Albus, Mr. Longbottom, and Miss. Lovegood," McGonagall asked, "Can you excuse us?"

Dumbledore's chair floated for the door, Neville and Luna followed.

"Yes?" Harry asked.

"As you may have noticed tonight," McGonagall said, "Professor Dumbledore is not in the best of health-you have been made aware of his ailing health in the past."

"Yeah," Ron said.

"Current estimates are about a month," McGonagall said, "I have been made aware of his dying wish, the one thing he would like to see, above all else, prior to the inevitable-it concerns the four of you."

"He'd like to see this mess cleared," Hermione said.

"True, Miss. Granger," McGonagall said, "However, he has conceded that it may not be possible to conclude that matter in time for him to see it. Instead, he would like to see the four of you start your journey into the lives you'd partake in after this mess is cleared. You are under no obligation to follow through, but he would like to witness your weddings."

Harry's cheeks turned rose red as he slid down in the sofa.

"Is he mad?" Ron exclaimed.

"Mr. Weasley," McGonagall asked, "Are you, or, are you not engaged to Miss. Granger?"

"I am," Ron said.

"So, this would merely be advancing the schedule on something you already planned on, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said, "If you are waiting until you feel ready-scrap that for you will never really be ready. If you are worried about the rules of Hogwarts-exemptions have been made on your cases. So, the question you must answer is do you want to marry now or later?"

"Now," Gia said.

"Um..." Harry said, "What she says."

Ron tugged on Hermione's shirt.

"Yes," Hermione said, watching Ron slither down the sofa.

"We can schedule it for either day this weekend," McGonagall said, "We have postponed the Quidditch match due to extenuating circumstances on both teams-so we could use the Quidditch Pitch."

"Um..." Harry muttered.

"Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "If you'll excuse us, I shall talk to your soon-to-be brides."

Harry and Ron left the Antechamber to enter an otherwise-empty Great Hall.

"Oh no," Harry said, "Ron, what have we gotten ourselves into?"

Ron rolled his eyes.

"I know-we're in over here," Ron said, his right hand motioning across his neck.

"We're too young to get married," Harry said.

"They're-at least Hermione-are very worried there won't be an older," Ron said, "Hermione's convinced we're doomed."

Out of the Antechamber came McGonagall, then Hermione, then Gia.

"The ladies have settled on matters," McGonagall said, "On Sunday, in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch, I will proceed to send out the limited invitations. I suggest you book the following weekend for the honeymoon."

Harry blushed red.

"You know where to meet us 'Mione," Ron said.

Ron grabbed Harry by the collar and left the Great Hall.

"We need supplies," Ron said.

Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Don't know about you-I consider tonight something to celebrate over," Ron said, "I mean-getting Malfoy to confess-bloody brilliant to anticipate and setting him up."

They left through the Front doors.

"Of course-shit," Harry said, "We have Honeymoons to plan-thinking Tahiti."

"Alright," Ron said, "Set up the Portkeys for fast travel there for next weekend-sounds good to me."

"Where are we heading?" Harry asked.

"Getting the drinks," Ron said, "Dunno about you, but I feel like celebrating!"

"Me too," Harry said, "It's not over, but it's a good break."

"Malfoy got busted, busted," Ron sang as they walked into the living room of the Bunker, "Malfoy's going to Azkaban, Azkaban!"

"That doesn't even rhyme," Neville said.

Luna grabbed a roll of streamers, put them up around the living room. Harry and Ron got out their boxes of beer and other alcohol.

"Booze?" Hermione exclaimed, "Haven't you guys learned?"

"Here," Ron said, shoving a bottle of beer at Hermione, "Time to be reckless! We got Malfoy!"

"Tomorrow?" Hermione said, "We need to be at school-"

"Lighten up," Gia said, "Don't need to be there until late in the afternoon at he earliest-tomorrow's Saturday."

Gia grabbed at an Oreo, ate it as she sipped her Champagne.

"Yeah!" Neville exclaimed as he lit a firework.

Sparks flew across the room, illuminating it in red, blue, and gold. Harry snuffed out the small fire on the sofa.

"Do it again!" Harry exclaimed.

Neville lit a bunch of fireworks; they all dropped to the floor to clear the way for the sparks. After the sparks cleared, they rushed to put out the myriad of small fires, coughing greatly.

"Hard to see," Harry said as he waved off some of the smoke.

"No more fireworks!" Hermione exclaimed, "It's cramped as it is!"

"Should listen to her," Ron whispered to Neville.

Gia turned on her boombox, playing a selection of CDs. They all kept drinking.

Two hours later, Harry took another sip of beer, he was wearing nothing save his briefs; which he ripped off, becoming the last to strip.

"I'm still hot!" Harry exclaimed, then gripped Gia's bare breasts.

Neville chugged on another beer as he pissed at the potted plant in the corner, some going in, some splattering off the pot onto the floor. Hermione laughed as Ron poured beer across her chest and then licked it off.

Early Saturday afternoon, Harry woke up on the badly stinking floor of the living room in the Bunker; he was naked on top of Gia, felt down and knew what had occurred the night before.

"Damn," Harry said, "Don't even remember-blimey!"

Harry looked, saw that the rest of them were also starkers; Ron was heaped on top of Hermione; Neville was splayed on a sofa; Luna was on top of the coffee table. Vomit piles were everywhere. Harry rubbed his forehead, got up, and went for the bathroom.

Harry returned a half hour later; the other five were moving. Neville blushed once he realized his state. Harry adjusted his dragon hide over his shirt and went into the kitchen, stepping over messes. Ron and Hermione went down the stairs next for the bathroom. Luna and Neville darted for their bedrooms.

"Good morning," Harry said.

"My head!" Gia moaned.

"Sorry," Harry whispered.

Harry grabbed an orange, went to the dining room table, shoved beer bottles to the side, then sat down. He opened up the Daily Prophet.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Saturday, November 1, 1997

Potter Has Been Framed

by Aelwyd Sedgley

In a stunning demonstration, Potter has been decisively shown to be the victim of an elaborate frame-up, designed to portray the Boy-Who-Lived in a bad light to give more sinister people with sinister plans the breathing room to carry out their evil and Dark deeds. Numerous people and reporters elected to attend the Hogwarts Halloween celebration on the condition that Harry Potter not show as he had promised to do, for nearly the entire Board of Governors were present save Victor Fallerschain. The celebration was shattered when people in the likeness of Harry Potter descended upon the unarmed students and guests-for all wands were to be surrendered prior to entering. As if anticipating problems, staff and retired Aurors reacted quickly; they managed to capture and secure the culprits, but unfortunately not in time for two students. Many demanded the immediate execution, but yielded to Albus Dumbledore's urging for patience, something that became self evident when the real Harry Potter entered the Great Hall at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry - apparently, Harry Potter had arranged with the Headmaster his exact plans so the staff knew precisely where to go to retrieve the real Harry Potter. We were all stunned to reveal that the real perpetrator was none other than Draco Malfoy, a long standing bully within the halls of Hogwarts, a bully that Harry Potter would normally keep in check. A startling confession, under Veritaserum, revealed that Draco Malfoy has played an instrumental role in the slanderous campaign to persuade us into wrongly persecuting Harry Potter.

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore responded by expelling the culprits and banning them from Hogwarts; the five culprits were Draco Malfoy, Marcus Flint, Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davies, and Theodore Nott. All five have been referred to the Ministry to be formally charged with capital murder. The Board of Governors have rescinded all the edicts issued to punish Harry Potter and issued a new one permitting the Headmaster to appoint Harry Potter to the position of Student Headmaster. Out of feelings of guilt, the positions of Head Boy and Girl have been transferred into the capable hands of Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger.

It has been made very clear that we have all wronged the real Harry Potter with the punishments and false blame - for that, we are all certainly very, very, sorry.

Potter Framing Good Citizens

by Victor Fallerschain

Hogwash! Harry Potter carefully orchestrated the entire charade last night at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, from manipulating Albus Dumbledore to slandering the good and respectable citizen of Draco Malfoy, from a longstanding and noble Pureblood heritage. It is utterly clear, in the subsequent investigation, that Malfoy's rights were definitively violated and not given proper due process, no solicitor was present as legally required to do so, and there was evidence of the Imperius curse. It is rightful to conclude that Potter placed Draco Malfoy under the Imperius Curse in order to "cleanse" the reputation that he's been so dedicated to earning over the past year. It is clear that Harry Potter is guilty of murder in numerous cases ranging from Hogsmeade of a year ago to the recent murder of fellow peer Dean Thomas, from this Isle to Australia and to America. It is clear that Harry Potter has deserved the punishments he has so far received and will be receiving after the Potter Tribunal convicts him based on the overwhelming evidence currently standing against him. From these clear facts, it is also clear that Malfoy was framed and illegally expelled from Hogwarts, which leaves that menace of a Harry Potter free to do his dirty work - it is unbelievable that Albus Dumbledore would even consider allowing this murderer to remain with Hogwarts, it is ridiculous that he has promoted Harry Potter into a position of authority.

The Wizengamot will convene tomorrow to formulate a formal response. In the meanwhile, Malfoy and his friends have been released owing to their firm stature in the wizarding world, a stature of honesty and integrity.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

"Lemme guess," Ron said, coming into the dining room, "Not all believed it."

"Of course not!" Harry threw the paper to the side.

Ron picked it up, his ears tinged green.

"Kidnapping him wouldn't have worked," Ron said, "Fred's ticked, lemme read."

Ron got out a letter.

Ron,

Head Boy? Head Boy? How could you even think it?
Angry Fred

Harry snickered.

"It's not funny!" Ron protested.

"Sorry," Harry said, "It is."

"Don't you dare consider fighting," Hermione said, coming into the dining room, "We have to return in a few."

"Not until I get a chance," Gia said, running down the stairs for the bathroom.

Darkness overcame the sky quickly as the boat sped across the tree tops, it was heading for the lake beneath the cliff upon which Hogwarts was perched. It came gliding in for a smooth landing, making its way past the Giant Squid, then coming to a halt next to the dock under the cliffs. They disembarked and brought out their trunks. Harry levitated his as they climbed the stairs; Gia, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna followed. They then entered the Entrance Hall.

"You're late."

They saw Snape standing there.

"First day on the job and you're late Potter," Snape growled, "And hung over-the Headmaster will be interested."

"Stop yelling," Harry snapped.

"I am speaking in a normal tone," Snape sneered, "There is a competent mediwitch in the Hospital wing to tend to your hearing-"

"You have to forgive Snivelius," Sirius said, now standing behind Snape, "He got a bit plastered last night..." Sirius broke out in a fit of giggles.

"That is enough Black," Snape sneered, "Need I remind you that you're wanted?"

"They have yet to catch me and hold onto me since my escape," Sirius said, "Harry, Snivelius was really peeved to hear about your new position, thinks it'll go straight to your head-I hope it does."

"Thanks," Harry said.

Snape glared.

"The House-Elfs can take care of your trunk, Harry," Sirius said.

"I know," Harry said, "Just don't trust much right now."

Harry kept moving, his trunk floated in front of him.

McGonagall lead the way up, steps after steps, toward the top of the North Tower.

"It has been fully repaired," McGonagall said, "In honor of Trelawney, we have kept the trapdoor and ladder, which will aid in your security. You speak the password from below for the ladder to lower itself, otherwise, it can be lowered by anybody within the apartment."

They came to a stop at the platform beneath the trapdoor. McGonagall got out her wand, the ladder descended.

"Password is-?" Harry asked.

"Whatever you make it to be," McGonagall said, "Set it as soon as you climb up."

Harry levitated his trunk up through the trapdoor, then climbed the ladder; Ron, Hermione, Gia, Luna, and Neville followed. McGonagall entered through the trap door last, into a circular room, a fireplace to one end, a bathroom to the other side, around which were four descending staircases to doors.

"This is the common room," McGonagall said, "We have provisioned four bedrooms, with two that can be subdivided for a total of six if needed. Mr. Macmillan would like to have a word with you later regarding recent articles."

"He can sit and spin for all I care," Harry snapped.

"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall exclaimed.

Neville stepped forward. "I'll meet with him."

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said, "You two do have an appointment in Hagrid's old hut in about an hour-without the ladies."

"Ambush?" Harry asked.

"Nothing of that sort," McGonagall said, "Your security is assured. The meeting with Macmillan starts in a half hour in the Charms classroom. Good Evening."

McGonagall went down the ladder, Harry then pulled it up.

"We need a password," Hermione said.

"It'll be Dobby," Harry said, "In his memory."

Ron went down one half-flight of stairs to the door marked "Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger", opened it and went in. Hermione came in behind him. Both looked at the curving room, a desk to his left along with a door to a lavatory, in the middle were a pair of sofas and a plush chair around a coffee table, to the right was a double wide four-poster bed.

"Roomier than the Bunker," Hermione said, "That's for certain."

"Don't get too cozy," Harry said, coming in behind them, "We aren't certain how long this'll last."

"Pessimist!" Neville snapped from across the Common Room.

Harry glanced around.

"Looks like what Gia and I have too," Harry said, "Neville and Luna each have their own rooms-half of this size, so they don't get the sitting space."

"But we aren't joined at the hip," Neville said.

"Not yet," Ron said.

"Ron!" Hermione snapped.

Harry left their room, chuckling under his breath, then bumped into Gia. She wrapped her arms around Harry.

"With you, it's a new place so frequently," Gia said, "Just get used to one place and we move."

"Life is an adventure." Harry kissed her. "An adventure I'm sharing with you."

"I'm going," Neville said, then placing his finger down his throat as he glanced at Harry.

Neville lowered the ladder. Neville entered the Charms classroom, snacks were on one desk from which Tonks was munching.

"Where's Potter?" Macmillan demanded.

Neville stopped, bent over the desk, and glared at Macmillan.

"You have no right to demand his presence anywhere," Neville said, "If you've carefully considered the injuries inflicted on him, by you and others, then you'd realize you've got no right to even ask anything of him for the rest of our lives-you're in no position to demand anything."

Neville continued and sat on Flitwick's podium.

"I would have liked to have seen Mr. Potter," Tonks said.

"Best to ask him, then," Neville said, "There was a reason you wanted to meet."

Macmillan held up the Daily Prophet.

"We wanted to know how they could even publish this Ministry rubbish?" Macmillan said, "They're contradicting hundreds of eyewitnesses to maintain that Potter is still guilty, yet, we all witnessed yesterday's events!"

"Harry has certainly seen the article," Neville said, "but he dismissed it as the same crud as has been printed all along."

"May I interject?" Tonks asked.

"Certainly," Macmillan said.

"The Minister and the Ministry are politicians," Tonks said, "They'd lose their jobs, perhaps their skins, if they did an about face on this-besides, money speaks louder than the truth to them."

Neville drank a bit of punch out of the cup Tonks offered.

"So what is Harry Potter going to do?" Abbott asked.

"What can he do?" Neville said, "Anything he publishes gets dismissed as lies and corrupted. If you wish to help the truth get out, then publish your accounts of what happened."

"Finnigan claimed it was a hoax on Potter's part," Justin Prewett said.

"Some students are buying his rhetoric," Wayne Hopkins said.

Another student stood, Mandy Brocklehurst.

"Potter's got to do something!" Brocklehurst demanded.

"Harry's not obligated to do anything," Neville said, "Should I mention how you've helped to punish him and his friends in the past? It's unforgivable for any time soon. Do you honestly not comprehend? As far as Harry is concerned, everybody in the Wizarding world has expelled him and they're pushing to expel him from life-he tried to reside in the muggle world, but we followed him there and chased him further. And you're expecting him to so readily forget about it? Dunno what you're smoking if you do."

"Potter needs to do something!" McDougal demanded.

Neville stared at McDougal.

"You have no right to demand anything of Harry," Neville said, "What you need to do is to research the truth, get that published. Convince your friend of what is true, talk to your parents, your neighbors, the Daily Prophet-anybody who's got enough of an open mind to listen. Forget about getting Harry to do anything, but instead focus on getting the message out, learning to fight. This has happened for a reason, a reason we can be absolutely certain that none of us will like."

"It'd help to have Potter helping," Macmillan said.

"The chasm is too wide," Neville said, "You can certainly try to mend fences, be kind to him, and to be understanding, but we are short on time and the damage was great. A serious threat endangers us all, one that we saw one set of fangs last night, and there are more. So, we must move on, help the cause, and spread the truth."

Neville went out through the classroom door.

Harry and Ron both had their wands drawn, Harry crept toward the back door of Hagrid's old hut, Ron toward the front, both under Disillusion. At the same time, they opened both doors, out of which, smoke billowed.

"SUR-"

Harry and Ron stunned the two people inside.

"Fred!" Ron exclaimed.

"George!" Harry said, rushing inside.

Harry and Ron looked down at the motionless twins, Harry snickered.

"It's not funny," Ron snapped.

"Just have to look-" Harry said, "Ennervate!"

George's eyes flickered open, then stared up at Harry.

"Blimey!" George exclaimed.

Ron helped Fred up.

"Talk about being paranoid," Fred said, "You two take the cake, more so than Moody."

"Can you blame us?" Harry said, "Attempts have been made on our lives already."

"Well," George said, "If you let us continue, you'll have a fun filled evening devoid of all worry."

"Uh-oh," Ron said.

Fred looked at Ron.

"It's not that bad, little brother," Fred said.

George ducked out of sight, then, in less than a minute later, exploding stars filled the cabin, naked ladies of light paraded around the room.

"Ah-hem," Harry said.

George grabbed Harry around the shoulders, "Lighten up man, for tomorrow, you're committed!"

"Oh no," Ron asked, "Is this our-?"

"Yes it is!" Fred said, popping open a bottle of Firewhiskey, "First one in the family-cause for a CELEBRATION! Enjoy your bachelor party-we're only hosting your first ones."

Blue feathered doves flew about the cabin.

"You're assuming-!" Ron exclaimed.

"We're not going to be definitive," Fred said, "Lighten up!"

"You're going nowhere tonight!" George said, sealing the doors shut.

Fred sprayed Firewhiskey into the air.

Sunday morning, Harry woke up, on the floor of Hagrid's hut, to the sight of Notley standing over him, a wand checking him.

"Oh no-" Harry muttered.

Notley waved his left hand across his nose. "Quite a night last night-not getting out of things this easily."

Ron moaned and rubbed his head as he rose. Sprawled around on the floor is Harry, being checked over, in front of the fireplace; Fred on the bed, George on the bench.

"You're checking-?" Ron asked.

"Four cases of alcohol poisoning!" Notley said, "Of course I'm checking-Professor McGonagall isn't pleased."

"We weren't planning on anything!" Harry said, "Fred and George-"

"Look, I understand," Notley said, "The professor is going to need some soothing though."

"It was fun," Ron said.

Notley moved on to Ron.

"At least you got something out of this," Notley said, "Hope it's worth the trouble you're in-not just with the Professor either, two ladies seem a bit irritated."

"Oh yeah," Harry said, "They're-?"

"Need to get up," Notley said, "You two are candidates for starting a Hogwarts Alcoholics Anonymous. Come."

Harry rubbed his shoulders, Ron rubbed his forehead, George and Fred crawled. They left the cabin.

Hermione saw Fred crawling across the grass, then snickered. Neville and Luna stood to one side of the girls in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch. On the other side were Kristen Osborn, Richard, Jen, Bill Weasley, and Charlie Weasley.

"Oh, hi," Harry said to Kristen, "Can you see-?"

"As a guest, she can see the castle," Dumbledore said.

Ron came to a stop, letting Harry go forward to Gia. Ron looked at Hermione, in her billowing white dress, standing there, looking back at him. Ron watched Harry join up with Gia in her white dress. Kristen, Richard, and Jen were looking from the far right, closer were Bill and Charlie. On the far left were Neville and Luna, closer were Fred and George crawling to a stop. Ahead, with their backs toward the goal post of the Quidditch Pitch, were Dumbledore in the center, McGonagall to the right, and Snuffles to the left. Ron glanced around, taking in the positioning of Moody, Tonks, and a number of others helping to guard the stadium.

"Nervous?" Notley asked.

"Never," Ron whispered.

Notley snickered. "Yeah, sure."

Ron took several steps, joined Hermione. She sniffed.

"Take it the Bachelor's party was well stocked," Hermione said.

"Fred and George planned it," Ron said.

Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"I have had the pleasure of seeing Hogwarts and the world for many years," Dumbledore said, "Each year, the white snow melts, plants start to blossom, then flourish, before fading in the fall in colors including red and orange. With each fall comes a new group of children, eyes full of wonder, each one full of promise and potential to shape our world."

Dumbledore paused a few minutes, inhaling and exhaling under the close watch of Madam Pomfrey.

"Some students disappoint and become menaces to society, some simply fade away not amounting to much, others do amount to something but are quick to hide themselves, others blossom and reshape things for the better. I have the fortune to be glazing upon four, who, if they do nothing further, would still qualify in the latter.

"Through my eyes, these four could easily be mistaken for children, and this ceremony could be seen as being premature. However, over the past couple of years, they have proved themselves as being responsible and mature - something I failed to realize until it was pointed out by the late Remus Lupin. Even considering this, our actions today might appear premature, for I'm certain they don't feel quite ready, but the truth is nobody feels quite ready. I have my reasons for pushing this to occur today, the main one is that my time is rapidly eclipsing, it will soon be time for me to move on, and seeing these two couples stepping into a critical phase of adult life is a joyous occasion that will carry me through until darkness befalls my eyes."

Hermione wept, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Never fear Miss. Granger," Dumbledore said, "I will always be closer in your heart than you will possibly imagine."

Harry swallowed.

"First," Dumbledore asked, "Are you ready Mr. Potter?"

Harry turned a brilliant shade of red.

"Repeat after me Harry," Dumbledore said, "Tha mise Harry Potter a-nis 'gad ghabhail-sa Gia Prescott gu bhith 'nam chéile phòsda. Ann am fianais Dhé's na tha seo de fhianaisean tha mise a' gealltainn agus tairis dhuitsa, cho fad's a bhios an dìthis againn beò." Dumbledore paused. "The English is I, Harry Potter now take you Gia Prescott to be my wife. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful, and loyal husband to you, for as long as we both shall live."

Harry stumbled as he repeated.

"Gia repeat after me," Dumbledore said, "Tha mise Gia Prescott a-nis 'gad ghabhail-sa Harry Potter gu bhith 'nam chéile pòsda. Ann am fianais Dh's na tha seo de fhianaisean tha mise a' gealltainn a bhith 'nam bhean phòsda dhìleas ghràdhach agus thairis dhuitsa, cho fad'sa bhios an dìthis againn beò." Dumbledore took two breaths. "In English, it means I, Gia Prescott now take you Harry Potter to be my husband. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful, and loyal wife to you, for as long as we both shall live."

Gia took a bit of prompting as she repeated to Harry.

"In accordance with Scottish and English Law, both Muggle and Magical," Dumbledore said, "I pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Potter."

Harry lifted the veil over Gia's face and kissed her.

"It's been too long since I last heard Potter spoken like that," McGonagall said.

Dumbledore turned to Ron and Hermione.

"Ready Mr. Ronald Weasley?" Dumbledore asked.

"Define ready," George said.

Everybody snickered. Ron nodded.

Dumbledore had Ron, then Hermione, repeated their vows.

"In accordance with Scottish and English Law, both Muggle and Magical," Dumbledore said, "I pronounce you husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weasley."

Ron kissed Hermione, through the veil.

"Ahem," Fred said, "Lift..."

Ron lifted the veil and repeated his kiss.

Flash

A short guy carrying a camera took a picture. Harry pointed.

"No need for alarm," Dumbledore said, "Pose for him."

Harry fingered his collar.

"This is for the Daily Prophet," the photographer said, "Get together."

Dumbledore nodded, Harry stood next to Gia.

Flash

Out of the shadows came Aelwyd Sedgley.

"Oh no," Harry muttered.

McGonagall approached Harry, whispered into his ear.

"How does it feel to be married Mr. Potter?" Sedgley asked.

"Dunno," Harry said, "Strange, I guess-weird, apprehensive, good."

"Have you made plans for a honeymoon?" Sedgley asked, "What are the details?"

"I have made plans for the near future for a honeymoon," Harry said, "I'm saying nothing further-there's still twenty million galleons out on my head."

"Understood," Sedgley asked, "Given that you've been fixed, have plans been made for a surrogate father? Do you even plan on having kids? Muggles are experimenting with cloning-are you hopeful a solution lies there?"

"Eventually," Gia said, "We will want kids-we'll deal with the how at that time."

"Right now," Harry said, "With what's going on, it isn't a good idea to do anything now-rather to wait for it all to be over."

Sedgley turned to Ron.

"According to reliable sources," Sedgley said, "You are the first of your siblings to marry, am I correct?"

"Yes," Ron said.

"With the recent loss of the respectable Mr. Arthur Weasley, your father," Sedgley asked, "Does that bear an impact on today's festivities."

"I wish he could have been here, same with Mum," Ron said, "They would've really like to have seen this-same is true with Ginny and Percy."

"Siblings?" Sedgley asked.

"Yes," Ron said, "Percy Weasley was murdered because he learned the identity of Voldemort's main agent at the Ministry. Ginny Weasley, my sister, was slaughtered two months ago, here at Hogwarts, a slaughter instigated by the Minister-I will never forgive him for that."

"Congratulations," Sedgley said, "All of you."

Sedgley, followed by the photographer, quickly made for Hogsmeade.

"There is a reception in the Room of Requirement," Dumbledore said, "Follow."

Wind blew, billowing the white dresses.

"Didn't know we had white dresses," Harry said.

"This is the wizarding world," Gia said.

"Of course, Mrs. Harry Gia Potter," Harry said, then kissed her.

"Got a bit of dirt on your nose," Hermione said.

Ron rubbed at his nose.

"You haven't changed," Hermione said.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Monday, November 3, 1997

Potter Weds

Aelwyd Sedgley

In a simple ceremony on the Quidditch Pitch at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore presided over the marriage of Harry Potter to Gia Prescott, a muggle. Amidst tight security, close friends and family attended, witnessing a long anticipated union, ever since Harry Potter unveiled Gia Prescott eighteen months ago. Potter admitted to the normal feelings of apprehension that accompany any groom at their wedding. Potter is making plans for a honeymoon in the near future. While wanting children, Potter has deferred any discussion regarding alternate methods of procreation until they are ready to undertake that endeavor. As you should recall, Potter was wrongly castrated last January for a crime that he did not commit.

Being married alongside Potter was his friend and side kick Ronald Weasley. Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger were also married in yesterday's ceremony.

Outrage to Potter Getting Off Hook

Outrage swept the Wizarding World as people learned that Dark Lord Harry Potter was let off the hook for yet another pair of corpses, this time in an act performed in front of hundreds of witnesses at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Potter was let off by the same person, as always, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore who personally witnessed Potter's latest murders. This definitively proves that Albus Dumbledore is working in concert with Harry Potter; people demand that they be formally recognized for what they are, that they be listed not as suspected, but as proved Dark Lords.

Wizengamot Rules Malfoy Dismissal Illegal

In a contested meeting of the Wizengamot, it was ruled that Draco Malfoy was illegally and unfairly dismissed from Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Therefore, a petition is being submitted to both the Headmaster and the Board of Governors for Hogwarts that Draco Malfoy is to be readmitted with no punishments, repercussions, or other marks on his student record. It is despicable how people are trying to tarnish the prince of Purebloods everywhere, Draco Malfoy, head of the longstanding Malfoy household that has been a generous donor to charitable causes including St. Mungo's. Further motions were passed petitioning Albus Dumbledore to immediately suspend Harry Potter and reinstate the authority of the Minister for Magic to suspend Harry Potter, for the safety of all of the students.

Potter Massacres thousands in USA

Dark Lord Harry Potter detonated the Nuclear Plant in Springfield, USA, whose fallout has decimated the city with 1,093 confirmed fatalities. Shortly after midnight, Springfield time, Potter gained unauthorized entry to the Springfield Nuclear Plant, then detonated the radioactive fuel within, unleashing enough energy to level the city, including the Springfield Museum of Natural History, Springfield Elementary, Pressboard Estates (including Evergreen Terrace), and Springfield Mall. British Ministry of Magic is assisting in the investigation.

EM Increases Bounties

EM has increased the bounties offered for the deaths of listed Suspected Dark Wizards. (Maiden names are being used until Ministry approves any requests for name changes.)

Potter, Harry : 30,000,000 galleons

Weasley, Ron : 24,000,000 galleons

Granger, Hermione : 18,000,000 galleons

Prescott, Gia : 12,000,000 galleons

Longbottom, Neville : 6,000,000 galleons

Lovegood, Luna : 6,000,000 galleons

Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation. 100,000 galleon bonus for each relation severed.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Monday, November 3, 1997

Ministry Refuses to Release Any Potter Evidence

Repeated inquiries to the Ministry for Magic for any and all documentation to the investigations into incidents supposedly committed by Harry Potter have been denied. Student members of the Free Thinker Movement, at Hogwarts, have petitioned the Ministry for copies of the investigations into incidents in which Harry Potter was presumed guilty. Each request has been rebuffed, citing the National Secrets Act - apparently, the investigations have something to conceal from the public.

Ministry Dismisses Charges Against Malfoy

In a not-too-surprising move considering previous statements, the Ministry has dismissed the charges against Draco Malfoy, the charges that Albus Dumbledore had personally filed after it was definitively proved that Draco Malfoy had been murdering students at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the dismissal, the Minister charged that the incident was rigged and engineered by Harry Potter as a means to provide a scapegoat for his actions, the Minister went on to state that it was deplorable that Albus Dumbledore fell for this plot to tarnish and destroy such a respected member of Wizarding Society.

Apparently, many witnesses including all of the Board of Governors, many reporters and cameras, were insufficient to convince the Minister of the authenticity of the events. This attitude clearly demonstrates that the Minister never intended to consider Harry Potter innocent.

Rich Purebloods Immune From Prosecution

Minister Fallerschain's latest actions show that wizards of rich Pureblood heritage are immune from charges or prosecution for any crimes they may commit. Apparently, Purebloods can rewrite the laws as far as their money will go, this is the sort of corruption that Minister Fallerschain had promised to fight upon his inauguration a year ago.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Tuesday, November 4, 1997

Riot Closes Diagon Alley

Dark Lord Harry Potter is responsible for the riot that occurred yesterday between a group of Potter Eaters and the shoppers of Diagon Alley. The Potter Eaters, demonstrating to pressure the Ministry into releasing its grip on Harry Potter, instigated a clash with a group of shoppers that left 3 dead.

Citizens Demand Potter's Execution

In a coordinated set of demonstrations, citizens visibly showed their support for executing Dark Lord Harry Potter as soon as possible. This support is backed up with solid statistics showing that seventy five percent favor execution immediately. The other twenty five percent were opposed solely due to their opposition to capital punishment in all forms, but agreed that Harry Potter did qualify for extreme punishments. The Minister is urged to take action, arrest and execute Potter now; instead, he has chosen to wimp out and let a tribunal make the hard decisions for him-in January! We cannot afford to wait while neighbors, friends, and family are slaughtered to fuel Potter's evil schemes.

Nobody Believes Potter's Latest Lies

In an exclusive poll, it is clear that nobody bought the lies from the sham of a display orchestrated by Dark Lord Harry Potter last Friday evening. Simple analysis of the transcripts, reports, and other evidence leads to the natural and obvious conclusion that trickery was performed to manufacture "evidence" to allow Dark Lord Harry Potter to be cleared of any responsibility for his actions.

Dumbledore Refuses Malfoy's Readmission

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, has unconditionally refused readmission of Draco Malfoy, the a notable and honorable Pureblood of the wizarding world. Dumbledore refuses to accept the fact that all charges stemming from Potter's frame-up of Malfoy were dismissed, Dumbledore refuses to accept the fact that it has been Harry Potter that has been tormenting fellow students, Dumbledore to accept the fact that harboring a known murderer at Hogwarts is not in the best interests of the students. Albus Dumbledore is strongly urged to readmit Draco Malfoy while expelling Harry Potter.

Pressure Mounting in USA to Pass Potter Pacts

A groundswell of pressure is being brought to bear by the citizens of the United States upon their congressmen to pass the Potter Pacts, this pressure has skyrocketed after Potter's brutal terrorist act in Springfield, USA that leveled the muggle city killing a confirmed 3,409 people. Currently, the USA stands as the only nation that has yet to ratify the Potter Pacts, an international treaty designed to contain the current Potter crisis.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Tuesday, November 4, 1997

Riot Murders Three

Three members of the Free Thinkers Movement were murdered in Diagon Alley while they were trying to advocate that people think for themselves regarding the current situation regarding Harry Potter. These members were among five peacefully gathered to the side of Diagon Alley, handing out pamphlets, when two Ministry Aurors, some EM members, and a group of shoppers attacked the group, killing three. According to Ministry statements issued after the fact, they placed the blame upon Harry Potter, labeled the Free Thinkers as Potter Eaters, and faulted the victims as begging to be killed.

Ministry's Potter Files Altered

After numerous protests and petitions, the Ministry finally conceded to releasing a limited number of Potter files. However, the files released have been completely blacked out, and numerous areas of alterations were also detected. It is quite clear that the Ministry is afraid about the quality of its "evidence" against Harry Potter.

Ministry Pressuring for Murderer's Readmission

Ministry officials are bringing pressure to bear upon Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to readmit the murderer Draco Malfoy back into enrollment at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ministry officials have threatened to rescind government funds, currently used to subsidize the education of our children, if Draco Malfoy is not reinstated by the end of the month and if Harry Potter is not expelled by the end of the month. It is clear that the Ministry wants Purebloods to attend regardless of their behavior, even if it is at the expense of all the remaining students.

Ministry Detains Sparky Reporter

Ministry Aurors detained a reporter for the Sparky Sentinel, the one covering the gathering of the Free Thinkers, for false and malicious charges. These Aurors threatened this reporter into not publishing an article that would be favorable to Harry Potter, implying that such an article would be definitive proof needed to implicate the reporter as an accomplice. The Aurors threatened the reporter with listing of him and his family under the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act, thereby guaranteeing their assassination.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Wednesday, November 5, 1997

Ministry Fining Sparky Sentinel for Fraudulent Publishing

The Ministry is fining the Sparky Sentinel for publishing fraudulent and fictitious articles blasting the Minster and other respected citizens with blatant lies. The Sparky Sentinel is urged to either shut down its operations or bring its standard in line with the respectable Daily Prophet.

Finnigan Speaks Out About Hogwarts Charade

Seamus Finnigan, EM president and seventh year student at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, denounced the charade Friday stating that it was clear from the beginning that things were staged to produce the desired outcome. Given past behavior, Finnigan stated that Potter orchestrated the entire affair in order to create a scapegoat out of Draco Malfoy.

Auditors Inspect Files, Affirm Authenticity

After fraudulent and baseless accusations were raised by the Sparky Sentinel, Ministry Auditors inspected all the files contained within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. They concluded that each file, each case, is intact and free of error.

USA Representatives Approve Potter Pacts

In the USA Congress of Magic, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the Potter Pacts. The legislation moves onto the Senate for their expected approval. Currently, the USA stands as the only nation that has yet to ratify the Potter Pacts, an international treaty designed to contain the current Potter crisis.

Referendum Proves People Demand Potter Dead

In a quick referendum, passed out to all of the voting members of the wizarding society, 90 percent of the population want Potter Dead immediately, 76 percent favor a state execution, with 53 percent willing to personally execute Potter. The Minister is urged to act immediately and to execute Harry Potter without delay.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Wednesday, November 5, 1997

Minister Attempting to Annul Potter's Marriage

In a surprising and retaliatory move, the Minister for Magic is attempting to anull the marriage of Harry Potter stating that criminals should not be afforded such privileges. Albus Dumbledore is currently defending Harry Potter's marriage stating that the Minister has no such authority to annul once the marriage certificate has been issued, which was Friday afternoon. Dumbledore has cited portions of English, Scottish, and Magical law stating that marriages can be dissolved only after one of the parties personally petitions either the Wizengamot or a muggle court.

People Demand Protection for Free Thinkers

People are demanding the protection be afforded to the Free Thinker Movement, for they are receiving death threats from the EM organization. The Free Thinker Movement consists of loose group of people who believe we should all think for ourselves when presented with the facts regarding the current situation surrounding Harry Potter, rather than blindly swallowing the Ministry line. Unfortunately, in the current climate, free thinkers are not tolerated by most people and instantly become targets of unwarranted levels of violence-people seem afraid of the truth.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Thursday, November 6, 1997

Minister Comments on Potter's Marriage

by Victor Fallerschain

Normally, I would give my blessing and wish the new couple luck when I hear about a wedding in the wizarding world. Unfortunately, I have learned of one that occurred this past week, one that should not have taken place, the one between Harry Potter and his pet muggle. It is quite arrogant of Potter to enjoy those privileges of life that he denies so many others. It is inappropriate for Potter to pollute wizarding blood with further dirt. Marriage is a device used to help procreation, yet, Potter was castrated months ago, therefore, such a union is questionable at best. I have attempted to exercise wisdom in this matter, to set in motion the annulment of this abomination, only to be confounded by the antics of Albus Dumbledore. I would pursue this further, however, I have little time to squander, time that is better spent on the Potter tribunal that will be ordering his execution - this marriage will just add another victim to the list of Potter's.

USA Senate Passes Potter Pacts.

In the USA, the Senate for the Congress of Magic has ratified the Potter Pacts. All that remains in their process is for both the Secretary of Magic and the muggle President to sign the legislation. Currently, the USA stands as the only nation that has yet to ratify the Potter Pacts, an international treaty designed to contain the current Potter crisis.

Potter Persecuting Free Thinkers

People of the Free Thinkers Movement clearly aren't thinking when they place the blame of their current lack of safety on anybody that isn't their favorite pet Harry Potter. For all the evidence is clear, Harry Potter is the menace that threatens their lives, Harry Potter is the one that has murdered and ordered the murders of thousands upon thousands of innocent souls, Harry Potter is the one trying to hide behind the shield of his fame, Harry Potter is the one trying to find any means possible to divert the blame onto others including a prominent Pureblood wizard who Potter has forever hated. Get a brain Free Thinkers, it's readily apparent that Harry Potter is guilty and deserves to be executed.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Thursday, November 6, 1997

Ministry Misdirecting Blame

Exercising its heavy influence into the Daily Prophet, it is quite clear that the editorial content is being maneuvered to slander Harry Potter. It is quite clear that the Ministry is ignoring facts it finds in investigations, finding it easier to blame Harry Potter than to figure out the truth. Ministry officials make claims on evidence, evidence that falls apart into the tangled web of lies it is with the littlest of scrutiny.

USA Tricked by Ministry's Pathetic Investigation

Evidence has come to light that the Ministry's assistance to the USA ran interference to agents from their Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). British Aurors implicated Potter early on, then manipulated, destroyed, and manufactured evidence to obtain the desired outcome. US prosecutors were contemplating charges including disturbing a crime scene, destruction of evidence, conspiracy, among others, but were pressured to drop the charges amid pressure from the US State Department and the fact that the Aurors were given diplomatic immunity while assisting the USA.

THE DAILY PROPHET

Friday, November 7, 1997

Ministry Fines Potter for Illegal Apparition

The Minister of Magic, Victor Fallerschain, has fined Harry Potter 1,000 galleons for illegally apparating on numerous occasions. Unlicensed and barred from apparating under the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act (SDWCA), evidence has come to light that Harry Potter has been ignoring this ban and apparating on his own accord. Numerous witnesses to a number of his recent crimes have reported Harry Potter apparating away from the scene of the crimes, a clear violation of the rule and law of our civil society.

Six Weeks Until Floo Network Rebuilt

The Ministry Floo Network Regulatory Authority reports that the foundation to the Floo Network is currently under design and is expected to go into place within the next two weeks; after which, the remainder of the Floo Network will be rebuilt in the wake of Potter's act of sabotage. Current estimates are six weeks until the rebuild is complete.

Public Demands Minister Resign

A delegation of EM members have submitted the formal petition to the Ministry demanding a vote to recall the Minister of Magic. They cite a lack of action on the part of the current Minister to adequately handle the Potter crisis. They suggest that the current Minister resign to preserve his dignity and retirement options, and appoint an intermediary successor who will decisively solve the Potter crisis.

THE SPARKY SENTINEL

Friday, November 7, 1997

Sack the Untrustworthy Ministry

The events of the past week prove that the Ministry is self-absorbed, unconcerned about the welfare of its citizens, corrupted beyond belief by certain Pureblood families, incompetent at best in investigations, and otherwise untrustworthy. We cannot trust the current Ministry to correctly investigate and then enforce the laws under its charge. Therefore, the Ministry needs a fresh start by sacking the entire current employee base. Only then, can we expect to see any improvement out of the Ministry for Magic.

Friday afternoon, Harry had a Hawaiian shirt on underneath his dragon hide.

"Wish we were going," Neville said.

"Well," Harry said, "I do advise you delay marriage for a bit if you can."

Neville blushed. Ron, Hermione, and then Gia, came out of the bedrooms into the Common Room.

"Well?" Ron said, "We're ready."

"Where's the bags?" Harry asked.

"Whoever said we don't have any?" Hermione said, "You showed the way to light traveling."

Harry shrugged, got out his Portkey, and activated it. They all held on.

Sunday evening, a number of students were gathered in the Great Hall for supper. Dumbledore was sitting at the Staff Table.

Pop

Harry apparated into the Great Hall, on top of the staff table, his feet smashing into Dumbledore's dessert plate. His dragon hide jacket was dripping slime over Dumbledore's cake.

"Mr. Potter!" Dumbledore exclaimed.

Harry turned to the students instead, and then spoke in a monotone.

"Hogwarts no longer recognizes the authority of the Ministry of Magic or the International Confederation of Wizards or any other authority of the Wizarding World."

1Description taken from the HP Lexicon, /bestiary/bestiary_#lethifold