I was hoping to post more often but life being what it is- I guess every 3 weeks isn't too bad.

We are just getting to the good stuff - adding muggles in (mundanes) adds a whole new dimension of things that can make life interesting for everyone.

Once more, Thank you for your reviews.

and lest we forget - thank you Mr. Beta wherever you are.

b.

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It had been an awful week. Once Harry had been cleared to resume his workouts, he and Neville made full use of the Come and Go room. Running, and using the various muggle like weight machines the room had provided, and every third day it was swimming. Neville even started the intro to the sword. As much as he could remember anyway, his grandmother had started him on it, as she did his father, but Neville had shown no aptitude and quickly dropped it. Hermione promised to read up on it, and while the guys knew it would help, they also knew they needed an instructor.

All of the houses had been rude to the six, even the Gryffs. They weren't as obvious at it as the other houses. And as you can imagine there were some that defended them in the house of the bold. The Puff's were especially obnoxious. There may have been some Puff's that weren't against them, but it wasn't prudent and wouldn't have the inclusive "work hard, work together" attitude the badgers were famous for.

Throughout the houses and no matter which form, one thing was true but not spoken of openly. Everyone was afraid of the guys, and if any of them were honest with themselves, even more afraid of insulting or hurting the girls. It was well known that Neville and Harry would tolerate some guff from everyone, but hurt any of the girls and they knew they would be in for pain- or worse. Of course with the rush between classes for another class, any number of objects could be thrown or banished from the stairs down, just passing in the hallway, from any of the numerous hidden alcoves. The six had the benefit of Hogwarts looking out for them, their elves, and each other. But with over a thousand students, even with magic it was just too difficult to pinpoint all but the most egregious. One unknown assailant even went to so far as to casting "glacius" on the stairs immediately preceding the girls moving from the fourth floor to the dungeon. Only the banister kept Tracey from suffering a serious injury.

"You know Nev, with all of the shit we're getting. It's going to take a serious argument to keep me here next year. The girls are smart, I'll wager that they could have us speaking and writing French before the next school year."

"We don't even have to do that. We can afford tutors. Especially since we're all ahead of our peers."

"I know the girls are kicking this around as well, but I hadn't heard a decision."

Neville, Tracey, and Daff had just finished a conversation between all of their families, the weekend before. "There is an argument for staying here as well. But the girl's safety has to come first."

"I agree, I'll have Hermione and Luna speak to Madam Maxime. She may not want the headache."

Nev laughed, "Probably not, but what a coup having the 'boy who lived' would be. The French would be crowing and Fudge would have Oeuf on his face."
"Oeuf?"

"Egg Harry. Try to keep up will you?"

"Hate you Nev. Oh wait. Je te deteste."

He laughed, they were both working hard at learning French. "Nice save. I still get the point."

"Whatever Longbottom."

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Albus' week had started better than most in recent memory. The whole school detested the lot of them, no one had tried to remove any of the Antipathy from the rest of the student's. He sat with his fingers interlocked behind his head. As the chess master reviewed everything and planned his next move. He conceded anyone removing the Antipathy from the student body would have limited results in any case. Most of the students were willing to believe the worst of Potter, and Antipathy was too easy to redose someone. All he had to do was to does everyone every 30 days and it would maintain the current level of contempt. Dumbledore sighed as he realized that he may never get Filius and Minerva back into the fold. And then in a moment of complete honesty he realized that he would miss Hagrid the most. He was almost certain that he would need another COMC and Divination professors, but that was a thought for tomorrow.

It was at that time when a harried looking head elf "popped" into his office. "Head-Paiderastí. We have a problem."

Bossman didn't like this headmaster. Denying the elves a chance to replace themselves. He didn't like how he made them spy on the students either. Sometimes there were more elves watching people than working.

"Bossman? What did you call me?"

The aged elf took another pull from the pipe that he didn't like and repeated his greeting, "Paiderastí. It's a house elf term ascribing a certain level of honor. And youze is head of Hogywarts. So youse is Head-Paiderastí."

Dumbledore bowed his head, I appreciate that. I am honored. It is surprising, I had heard a similar sounding word from an acquaintance from the ICW. He had used it in conjunction with the word goat, but I didn't think it was a term one gentle wizard would say to another."

"Hmm, no telling. Youse would have to ask your Greek friend. But weez still has troublez."

"Right Bossman, of course." The headmaster said pulling his head from his memories. Not even realizing that Bossman had tipped his hand and said it was a Greek word before he mentioned it. He wondered briefly if maybe the Greek acquaintance was returning his come on, with one of his own. "What is wrong?"

"The she's be sick-sick. Many shes can't eat, and they be sick-sick all over the place."

"That's horrible! How long has this been going on?"

"Been two or tree days." (A/n misspelling intentional). "Onlys getting badder. We may need nurse lady druggy flower."

"Do you mean Poppy?"

"Aye Paiderastí."

"I will send her to the kitchen immediately." After Bossman left, he wondered about house elf physiology that had an illness that afflicted only female elves.
He hadn't heard of such a thing before and wondered not for the first time just how much there was to learn in the world. Every day something new that needed to be discovered. He made a mental note to quiz Poppy closely, if he could "discover" and "cure" a disease that only affected house elves, it would further illuminate the legend that is sure to be about the Great Albus Dumbledore. He said aloud, "Soon they'll be saying Praise Dumbledore. Instead of saying 'Merciful Merlin' or other such nonsense."

The hat and bird just looked at him sadly remembering the man he used to be.

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Every hour before bed Harry and the girls sat meditating. Daphne nd Tracey had shown them, "Mind Magiks. Protecting your thoughts." The book was divided into two sections Occulemcy and Legillimency. They had been working on this steadily since Christmas. They were moderately surprised when the found being bonded automatically provided some protections, but hearing rumors of Dumb-bell-doors mind attacks, they wanted to go further.

"Spill Potter. Before I dance in your dreams and ruin your week." Luna was using her "tough guy" voice and had plopped down on the guys trying to get Harry's attention.

Someone had forgotten to give her the short course of Intimidation 101. Because when you are a little blonde girl wearing only a green thong, you are not going to be too scary.

Harry laughed in spite of himself. They were lying in bed. Harry had once again woken up, only this time Luna woke with him.

From the other side of the bed, Hermione slept on her side facing away from the two and toward the wall. "Is Luna trying to give you the "tough guy" act again?"

"Yes Luv."

"It didn't work, did it?"

"No Luv."

Her voice rose just a little. "Do you want ME to give you the "tough guy" routine?"

Intimidated, "Umm no?"

"Exactly!. Now tell her what she needs, so the rest of US can go back to sleep!"

"Yes Luv."

Luna, once more bouncing on the boys to get the attention back to her, "How does she do that? I wanted to tell me everything!"

"It's a 'Mione thing." He said rubbing Hermione's cute rear.

From both sides, "Spill Potter."

He hesitated, and then let it come out. "I've been having this dream. At least I think it's a dream. When you two were taken from me, I remember seeing in the middle of the night a room. In the room was a high-backed chair in front of a fire. From what I could see, the chair, as well as the room had seen its better days."

"What was in the chair, Harry?"

Hermione turned over to listen better.

"The ugliest baby. Only it wasn't a baby. It was pasty white, with almost no nose and two beady little red eyes. In one of its hands it held a wand. I turned to look and the Rat was speaking. 'Your spy waits for word at Hogwarts, master."

"Ahh, my most faithful. He didn't wait years to search for me Wormtail. As soon as he left that prison, he began to search for me."

"Yes master, I should have looked for you sooner. I only waited until I heard some word."

"Enough Wormtail! Or I may give you my kiss. Would you like my kiss Wormtail? Or better yet, the kiss that only Nagini can award?"

"Wormtail turned even grayer. His body trembled in fear as he bent even further and rested his head on the floor."

"But then Nagini spoke. And it wasn't until this point that I realized, my point of view was the snake. And when she spoke, she spoke in Parseltongue, 'Another waits and spies outside the door.' My tongue, I mean the snake's tongue tasted the air, 'I taste no magic."

Harry's eyes refocused, and he saw both of his girls looking at him, concern clearly etched on both. "Then he had Wormtail invite the man in, and Nagini killed him. before devouring him."

"And you've had this dream how many times?"

"The first night, I'm not so sure it was a dream." His voice and affect confirmed his confusion. "But since then every night, I wake up seeing the horror in that man's eyes. I realize it wasn't me that killed him, but at the same time, it was you know?" He looked back and forth from the two girls. Luna hugged him and 'Mione sat up and joined into the hug.

Luna caught his eyes, "I can't always do it. But tonight I'll try to fix your dreams for you. How are you with clowns, and puppies and kittens?"

"Blech! Sounds too girly, and I hate clowns!"

"Good. Clowns and girly things it is. How about some pink unicorns...with clowns on them!"

"Luna, you're scarier than Hermione."

She patted his cheek. "Tell me that after your dreams tonight."

Hermione was glad she awoke. "Ooo Luna, How about pretty ballerinas dancing?"

"I'll see if I can take you along with me. It'll be fun."

"I'll never sleep again," Harry added, getting up to use the loo.

The two just giggled as they watched his rear, looked at each other and giggled again. It was going to be a long day.

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The headmaster addressed the combined student bodies that evening. "I have already briefed the other heads and all of the professors. I have been informed that a great many of the house elves are suddenly ill. Unfortunately, it will affect the next few meals, as well as laundry and the cleaning of the castle. I have been assured by Madam Pomphrey that this will be a temporary thing and all of the elves are expected to make a full recovery."

Little Sarah Sullivan lost the contest of wills from the all of the other firsties and the other upper years near her. Pushed out of her seat, she stood and asked, "Headmaster. Are we safe? Will we get ill as well?"

"Five points Miss Sullivan. Good question. I am assured that there is no chance of any of our students getting ill similarly as long as you are taking the right potions. Those that need to take the potions have already been on them. This is strictly an elf illness."

Almost everyone missed the snort, that Poppy hid behind her napkin. She had known of the headmaster's interdiction of house elf reproduction. Not for the first time she compared Potter and Dumbledore. She realized that he was what Dumbledore was meant to be. She loved the young man, too bad he had to put up with all of Dumbledore's machinations. She giggled girlishly when Harry caught her eye and winked at her.

"Before we eat, one last announcement. Lord Potter see me in the anteroom immediately following our repast."

The full effect of the headmaster's statement didn't hit home until he called for dinner. When he did there was naught but soup and sandwiches for everyone.

Every table cried in complaint, Slytherin the loudest, but Dumbles just stood up from his seat and watched to see if any would complain while he was watching.

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"Mr. Potter. Professor Plaster our new potions mistress told me that our stores of Lacewing Flies, Fluxweed, Boomslang skin, and Bicorn horn are dangerously low. I wanted to ask you what you know of the stores being missing?"

Harry looked at the two aghast. She looked to be in late 30's, slightly overweight, light brown skin with brown frizzy hair and brown eyes. From her countenance, it appeared she was as surprised as he was over the professor's nonsequitur. "And why do you ask me, Headmaster?" His voice was clipped, obviously irritated.

"Those are ingredients in the production of Polyjuice potion..."

"I know what they are the ingredients of. I live with the smartest witches on the planet. Why are you asking me? Do you plan on asking all of the other students here? Or is this something personal?"

Suddenly irritated, both at himself, but mostly at this young puffed up popinjay. "I am the headmaster here. I can ask any question to anyone inside these walls."

"You're right. But let me show you just how foolish your question is."

"Dobby!" He demanded.

"What cans I doos for the Great Lord Harry Potter?"

"Dobby I want you to go to Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley and purchase every single dose of Polyjuice potion that you can. Please go as quick as you can."

Without another word Dobby disappeared.

"What will this prove Mr. Potter?"

"Just this headmaster. Now that I have been properly briefed and know the extent of my assets I can afford to buy what I want. I don't have to worry whether my funds are being misappropriated. If I need Polyjuice potion, All I have to do is buy it."

Before anyone could reply to the statement, Dobby reappeared into the room. "I's has it. Lord Potter Sir. I gots 72 doses."

"Thank you, Dobby. How much did it cost?"

"It was 976 Galleons."

"Thank you, my friend. Please bring the box to the room. I'll be there shortly."

He turned to the headmaster. "I told everyone, in this very room before the tournament, I don't need the gold. 1,000 Galleons is less than a weeks interest from my accounts. Save your vitriol for someone who deserves it. You need to seek someone else. Is there anything else headmaster?"

His face was a careful mask, as he concealed the rage he felt once more being bearded in his own den. He wondered again why he would make such a clumsy attack at the powerful young lord. Completely forgetting the antipathy potion he dosed everyone with, including himself didn't do anything to increase his ire at Harry but forgot that it removes the inhibitions from attacking him any chance he had. Hence the many clumsy attacks on the Potters and the Longbottoms.

Taking silence for assent, Harry turned to the door after tipping his wizard's cap to the new Professor.

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The invitation had gone out that night. The girls had decided that it was time for another party. "To relieve stress."

Harry wasn't sure who came up with it, but he figured, "What the hell."

After very little deliberating, it was felt appropriate to even invite 'Cedric the prat,' as he was quickly becoming known in the room.

"He was always a little full of himself, " Luna offered. "He lives close to me." She continued, "My Mum and Dad invited them and the Weasley's over one boxing day. All three families were all ennobled so I believe they felt they "had to" go." Making quotes in the air. "But it was plain from the beginning they looked down on the Weasley's because their clothing wasn't new, and my father even then was ..."

"Unique?"

"Thanks 'Mione. That works as well as any other word I guess."

Harry hugged the girl even tighter. "I like your father Luna. And we both wish we could have met your mother. They produced such a wonderful girl. One I am crazy in love with."

Her tears were falling she could only whisper, "Thank you, Harry. I miss her you know?"

Hermione hugged her too, "We know Sweetie. No one here thinks any less of the Weasley's for not being rich, or your family for coming from a long line of seers. It's hard seeing two realities all of the time."

She nodded while looking at her lap and whispered, "I know," before she looked 'Mione in the eye. I do know that, but how do you know that?"

Everyone laughed, " Just like you Luna love, the library has a special magic all of its own. You just have to find the right reference."

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Friday night everyone showed up. Misty and Winky were helping Harry make the pizzas. Dobby was filling in helping Tonks at the shops. The word had gone out to all of the employees, Dobby was their employer, not servant. He had complete authority to fire anyone including managers. The stores had been rotating Goblin guards in as a normal part of the employee force. The goblins were for it because they got a discount on their Basilisk pizza and absolutely no one wanted to piss off a Goblin. They took it in stride that the Potters would have a house elf as an owner, the council of twelve was keeping a close eye on this.

The pizza was great, the butterbeer good, the conversation ... not so much.

"And I smoked all of your asses."

Even Cho looked a little uncomfortable by the comment. She may have agreed with his opinion and placement, but to be so uncouth in a setting that was supposed to engender camaraderie and understanding was just an open invitation for a fight.

"Cedric you are a strong wizard and you are making a strong showing. Each of you is showing why you are champions." Harry called over his shoulder as he threw the pizza dough into the air spinning it.

"Not you Potter. You are so far behind that I don't think you can catch me."

Cho elbowed him and the others looked embarrassed for him. Neville smirked, "Told you, Harry. He agrees. You shouldn't be in this tournament."

Realizing what Neville was doing, "Right! That's what I've been saying. Oh, wait. I said that to all of you. They should have had us do some simple tasks and then start the official tournament with you three." Trying to change topics he asked, "Anyone besides Winky and Misty want some basilisk?"

The girls made gagging faces. While Cedric continued, "I don't think anyone can catch me."

He was going to say more, but Cho stopped him, "Ced, let's put the tournament down for now. There are many other things we can talk about."

He shrugged. "I don't want to. I am obviously the best here. I don't need to talk about anything else."

Viktor had enough of the idiot, "I know you were not first one there. Harry had beat everyone to task yah?"

"He cheated and finished last. Outside of the time limit and only got 30 points."

"He also saved ma souer and prevented a war, non?"

"Not part of the task. That is why he is in last place."

Harry still trying to play conciliator, "That's okay Ced. I'd rather help out a friend than winning a contest I didn't want to be in." Harry said putting his latest creation in front of everyone.

Cedric stared goggle-eyed as Misty and Winky sat down on either side of Harry and started to eat their pizza. His face getting redder, Harry thought he was doing a fair imitation of Vernon when he blew up. "You know what? It's not Ced but Cedric." He threw his pizza down, "I'm not staying here. You people are unnatural sitting and eating with these creatures!" He spit, looking at the house elves and Fleur. "I don't need any of your kind of friendship. I'm going to go where they appreciate a pure blood Scion of a noble house."

Harry ignoring the man asked, "Comment va votre Gabrielle?"

Fleur smiled, "Bien. She went home with ma mere."

Everyone began to talk as Cedric stood in the doorway. Cho was frozen with indecision, not knowing whether she should stay or leave.

He finally asked, "Cho? You coming? Or staying with these lower beings?"

Cho stood, upset by his obvious rudeness.

Daphne asked the embarrassed girl, "Is he still the pretty boy you described?"

Her face colored and Cedric began to respond, " You better watch your m..."

"Do not finish that sentence Diggory. Daphne, Harry, and I can trace our families back to the founders. Harry has been playing the gracious host and putting up with a lot of your shit. Insult any of theses ladies again and I'll deal with you myself."

Since Neville began to glow with his anger stoked, it was very believable.

Without further word, Diggory ran out followed a moment later by a very embarrassed Cho.

There was uncomfortable silence for bout 20 seconds before Luna turned to Hermione, "Do you think it was his time of the month?"

Her deadpan delivery had everyone snicker at once, even the two she elves laughed.

"Winky will leave the napkins on the champion's bed."

She thought she had gone too far when everyone laughed again. Harry hugged her also laughing. She knew they loved her before, but she once more realized she was home.

"I meant to ask you, Harry. What is that disgusting looking stuff in the box?"

His Marauder smirk lit his face, "I'm glad you asked that. Who wants to have some fun tomorrow for breakfast?"

Cautiously Hermione asked, "What kind of fun Potter?"

"Well first we'll have to draw straws..."

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It was a typical Saturday breakfast... Not.

The people that were awake and saw Luna skip into the Great hall for breakfast were surprised. They were surprised because she was alone. But no one said a word, let's face it, it was too early. Fifteen seconds later the more observant of the morning people saw two more Luna's skip into breakfast. One joined the other Luna at the Gryffindor table and the other sat down with Ravenclaw.

By this time anyone who hadn't noticed it, had it pointed out to them. The susurrus of conversation increased.

More conversation was necessary when two more Luna's skipped in, both were giggling. One sat with the Puff's and stuck her tongue out at Cedric and the other sat with the snakes.

The early morning professors, McGonagall and Pomona Sprout were the first two there. With a tortured sigh, she began, "Miss Lovegood."

"Yes Professor?" They all answered.

"Are there too many of you? Or did I have too much to drink last night?" There was a smirk on her face that she was trying to hide while everyone laughed at the comment.

"No, There is the right number of me." One said.

Another with the Puff's said, "Did I forgot my hat?"

One of the Gryff Luna's disagreed, "No you didn't. Today's Saturday and we don't need our school clothes."

"What am I going to wear? If I don't need clothes?"

One of the Slytherins chose that moment to get involved, "Why are you here Lovegood? Go eat with your own kind."

This particular Luna gave it right back. "I thought I was sitting with humans. Are you not human, my kind? Oh I know, my daddy wrote about you. You are a space alien kidnapping humans. You are hiding out amongst us normal people."

Suddenly all of the Lunas jumped up and pointed and called, "Space Alien! Space Alien!"

The headmaster chose that moment to appear in the hall. "Who is a space alien?" His eyes twinkling merrily, he took in the situation at once, but he wanted to play along to see what advantage he could work from this.

Pomona answered, "Mr. Hines is, according to one of the Luna's. Or by now, all of the Lunas."

"Miss Lovegood. I assure you Mr. Hines is no more of a space alien than I."

The Ravenclaw Luna answered, "That's not really reassuring headmaster. Especially since..., well because you're you."

The dining hall thoroughly amused by now tittered.

"As amusing as this is, will all of the Miss Lovegood's please sit down?"

As one, the Luna's acceded and sat.

"Thank you. Now will the Luna that is actually Harry Potter please stand?"

Everyone looked back and forth, it took all of this time for even the slowest of them to realize, "This was naught but another Potter ploy for attention."

"Come Harry. Why don't you let us get to our breakfast? I know you have plenty of Polyjuice potion."

Still, no one moved. All of the Luna's began to make a happy face breakfast.

The twinkling eyes were changing quickly. An edge crept into his voice. "I am the headmaster! I want the Luna that is Harry Potter to stand right now!"

"Fine then! We'll all just wait for an hour. No one is to leave until Mr. Potter puts in an appearance. I can't wait to see Harry Potter in a skirt!"

There were almost another two minutes of quiet conversation. All of the Lunas carefully watched now, everyone wanted to point out Harry Potter first.

Another person showed up for breakfast. "Did I just hear right?" The person at the entrance to the hall asked. "The headmaster wants to see me in skirt?"
The patented Harry Potter smirk on his face, he walked towards the head table. "While I don't have anything against it, I don't really think it's me, headmaster. I don't have the legs for it. Good thing Luna and Hermione do."

Few noticed the Lunas scurrying out the door as most eyes were on Harry.

"And as flattered as I am Headmaster, I am in a committed relationship with both of my ladies."

"That will be 20 points from Gryffindor for your cheek Mr. Potter. And a detention ..."

"With me," Minevera interrupted. "Miss Lovegood provided us with entertainment this morning. Nothing more."

Albus didn't want to get into an argument this morning, especially over a trivial issue, but he wanted his point made. "The appearance of more than one Miss Lovegood was very distracting."

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but then closed it gain before restarting. "I was going to argue that both the Miss Patil's aren't distracting, but then I realized that they are beautiful young ladies and are a very big distraction."

"Thank you, Harry!" Sounded from two spots in the hall.

"Then I was going to argue that the Misters of Mayhem, the Terrors of twindom. Gred and Forge Weasley. But once again you are right they are natural distractions and always need to be watched."

"Thanks, Harry! We're going to use those titles."

"So to your point headmaster. You are right. She or they were a nice distraction this morning." Louder, so the whole hall knew he meant them as well, "I hoped this brightened up your morning."

"Anything else Headmaster?"

"No. Thank you, Harry." His eyes were once more twinkling but his lips tight, hiding inner anger.

"See me at 10:00 for your detention Lord Potter."

His Machiavellian smirk had never left his face. He grabbed his patented bacon toast sandwich wrapped in a napkin before heading out the door. Minerva noticed the devil twins were hot on his heels. She sighed, she knew if you mixed those twins with extra Polyjuice potion, the castle was in for a rough month.

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Inspector Tibbs sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. Too many people thought the police work was all glitz. Too many saw the beautiful people on the TV and the gritty hard-nosed detective sweet talk some vixen into revealing the big clue, followed by a terrific car chase and culminating in a horrific shootout, where the good guys invariably come out on top.

What it was in actuality was hard work. Hours of paperwork, now computer entries added in, even though no one added more hours to the day. Or energy for that matter. When you got out of the office as an inspector it most often entails interaction with the dregs of society. These were the leftovers and castoffs of society. The ones good families didn't speak of. Too often when the news held reports of gang victims and dead drug users, it was this population segment most often tapped as the source. It wasn't even their fault in many of the cases. Most of the time Tibbs wanted nothing more than to shower after hunting in this segment. But this is where the information will be found.

After several hours and many contacts later, he finally found some information from a seldom used source. Boney Benny Bates was not long for this world. Another victim of drug use along with god knows how many other diseases, Benny's sole reason to live was to make it to his next fix. Until he couldn't anymore.

"I'll tell ya mate. He's a scary one. I saw him from a distance. His hair was almost platinum and long and straight. I thought he was a bit girly at first. But he did not even want to get close to me. I wanted to beg a quid from 'em but he pointed a stick at me and all of my muscles started screaming at me."

That sounded familiar. "What happened then?"

"He sneered at me and spoke to Slowpoke. I must have passed out because the next moment I looked he was gone."

"Was that Slowpoke Rodriguez?"

Seeing Benny nod he slipped ten quid into the man's hands. "Look, Benny," He made sure he locked eyes with him. "This is for a good meal. Don't spend it on any shit. You feel me?"

"I get you, Tibbs. I won't. Th.. Thanks man."

The next two hours were spent entering data through the old tried and true method of hunt and peck on the keyboard. He pulled everything he could about Bobby "Slowpoke" Rodriguez another lowlife, just a step above Benny in the pecking order. The computer had a list of known associates as well as hangouts, but DCI Marc Tibbs wanted to get this faster. Pulling his wallet out, he dialed the number and waited for the colonel to answer.

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Colonel Markum stood on the stage and looked out at the 75 men and women "invited" by MI5.

DCI Tibbs had provided a name. His men had gotten to him before the police and squeezed every bit of information out of him. Rodriguez was hired to provide some warm bodies to sing out if anyone was to come near. That was it, no muscle, just lookouts. There was this ship that made regular deliveries, for some reason it had never been searched. Rodriguez was smart enough to realize that there was something strange about the whole thing. Everyone ignored the ship as if it wasn't there. It was the easiest gig he had ever had. The ship was there over night and left. None had seen anything or anyone leave the ship. It docked, stood over night, and left the next morning. When he was asked for the name of the ship, he couldn't remember. Even though the Colonel's men had used the best memory enhancers they could find. This happened every other month, or it had for the past Nine months that Slowpoke had been involved.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Colonel Edmund Markum and everything you hear going forward is protected under the official secrets act. Is there anyone here that shouldn't be?"

He scanned left and right catching the eyes of several of the attendees. He knew they all belonged. He only asked as a matter of rote rather than desire to weed out any reluctants. "Very good. I'll introduce everyone up here on the stage momentarily, but now for the big news." Once more he paused for effect."Everyone here is either capable of magic or knows about it. Some here are wand carrying wizards and witches. Others are squibs or family members of a magical. And that's the last time you will ever hear me use that word. I was lectured extensively by one young lady and don't relish another verbal lashing. Going forward it will be magical, nonmagical, or mundane. Witch and wizard are obviously accepted as well."

He didn't give any time for questions, that would come later. The room wouldn't have had any at this point in any case. They were all professionals. Gathered from the various services, police, fire and medical. Also included were Coast Guard, and Marine representatives, there were even two men from the RAF in attendance.

Dan knew the gist of the speech. He was on the stage but was not expected to speak. Harry and the girls hearing the outline of the Colonel's remarks had told him to look for the flinch when the name was mentioned. Dan had dutifully passed it along and now all of the staff were doing a quick count.

"We have several reasons," Markum continued, "All interrelated. The first and the biggest news I want to share with you is Voldemort is not dead."

The audience changed from confident and self-assured professionals to an excited gaggle.

Markum took control again, "Quiet! You're all adults. Act like it. You wouldn't be here if you didn't possess the tools needs to help us defeat Voldemort."

One voice called out, without raising his hand, "But Harry Potter..."

"Did not kill him, he was turned into what I am told resembles a wraith, and there is a better than even chance that he is trying to make a comeback. We are not sure of the details at this point, just some visions, but we are certain that there is increased Death Eater activity. Major Granger," he pointed to his right is the parent of a first generation witch and his house was attacked recently."

"Some of our other contacts has confirmed the disappearance of a Witch named Bertha Jorkins. She did much of the heavy lifting in the preparation of the Triwizard Tournament being held at Hogwarts this year."

Markum continued his briefing. He told them of the resurgence of Death Eater activity and how they believe it was funded. He continued with the estimated number of deaths from the first wizarding war and finished with. "Her majesty will NOT allow this to continue. She rules ALL of the people in Great Britain and we will be the ones to help end this. You all will continue in your current assignments. However, if we need you for an operation, you will be contacted. All of your supervisors have been briefed. YOU ARE TO GIVE THEM NO OTHER INFORMATION. If they press you for details or attempt any type of coercion you are to call the number we have given you."

The briefing lasted two hours. It set up communication between the different entities. It had a detailed analysis of the abilities of wizards and witches, and even a briefing on Lucius Malfoy and what spells he was known to employ.

Right before the meeting went to Q & A, the colonel answered the big question before it was asked. "Information is important. We need to end this threat and end it soon. However, if it comes down to your life or the life of your adversary. Shoot to kill."

SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE

Exactly one week later, the unit faced its first test. Resources were in place. Local constabulary and other harbor patrols were assigned to different areas.

The colonel had allowed Major Granger to attend the operation. They were situated in the gantry crane operators' chair. It was large enough to comfortably fit two men, one seated. Due to a deft bit of magic, the cabin was magically enlarged to fit four of them and then had a 'notice me not' charm applied. There were two cameras recording everything, Each of the men had a set of binoculars, except for Dan who had been loaned Harry's omnoculars. He had been given a run down on its operation by Padfoot and had promised to record the whole operation.

"Sailing under Rhodesian registry is 'Serpent's Run," SGTMAJ Cole offered. It has made the same trip every month for the past three years. It comes in, and as reported never offloads anything, and leaves the next morning."

"Did anyone find that suspicious?"

Cole punched a few buttons on his laptop. "It'd been inspected three times, each time nothing was found. All fees and registrations forms are current. Outside of the lack of cargo, everything has appeared perfect. From the various entries, everyone knew something was wrong, but no one could prove anything."

"Makes sense," the colonel grunted, still sweeping back and forth, the ship and quay it was headed for. "Now that we have some different eyeballs on this, I fully expect to have a completely different outcome this time."

It was a tense 30 minutes as the ship was pushed into place by the tugs. Before the mooring lines even left the ship, the call went out. "Begin."

Immediately there were 12 simultaneous "pops" on board the ship. Four teams of three men each. They had been training for over a month prior to the meeting. Since then, they had practiced "run throughs" on all types of vessels.

Everyone had comm gear, designed not to short out in the presence of magic. They worked like a well-oiled machine. They apparated onto the ship in four teams of three men each. Two teams forward, two aft. Each team taking either the port or starboard side.

Everyone stayed off the air as the assault team worked and communicated. Each wizard had their orders. With surprise on their side, everyone was stunned as red blots of light were clearly seen with the unaided eye from the catbird seat of the gantry room.

"There he is." Markum was the first to see him. He cut into the operations communication. "All personnel, this is Actual. Tango one is on the bridge and is aware of the operation. Protect yourself at all times."

Everyone focused on the bridge only to see him disappear. "Damn it! Be advised. Target has disappeared."

The gloom of the night was no issue for the omnoculars. Almost at once Dan picked up the movement. To his eye, Malfoy glowed in comparison to a regular sailor, that while visible, did not appear outlined in color. "Got him." Dan went to all call. "Target is now forward of your position." Then excitedly. "He's at your six! Be advised he is trying to sneak up on you from the rear."

Several double clicks of the mics, acknowledging the receiving of the transmission; they didn't want to say anything out loud to give Malfoy even more info.

Dan while trying to keep an eye on the action forward, didn't want to miss anything else. The cameras used by the MI5 people were also protected against magic and could be changed to starlight mode, (A/N Nightvision), but his picked up magic users.

While the assault teams were moving to help put Lucy down, Dan scanned aft. There faintly glowing, but glowing nevertheless was another outline. "We have a second wizard on board. He's aft and moving towards the fantail."

Several eyes moved to the new target, as well as one of the teams, Tango one was a priority. The team hadn't converged on him when Dan caught the wizard changing. "Sometimes you just get lucky," he said more to himself than anyone else. Then to all call, "Be advised the wizard just changed into a rat. He is an animagus and is now trying to negotiate the ratguard."

More clicks acknowledged the transmission.

"Black is going to owe you a bottle."

"Colonel, if Pettigrew is caught, he'll owe everyone a bottle."

"Why doesn't he disappear like all of the other wizards?"

"From what I understand SGTMAJ. Is when he gets excited, he forgets he can apparate and turns into his rat form and tries to scurry away."

Everyone tried to watch both activities at once. Lucius, not knowing of the other team moved to intercept them. From his vantage point, if he could get behind them it would be rather simple to take them out. Soon spells were flying back and forth. They were too high up to hear anything. but some vague sounds were heard nevertheless.

Whatever sailors the ship had, knew to stay out of the way.

For Wormtail, it was another bad day in a long series of bad days. Retrospection was never one of his strong points. However, if he was honest with himself, he hadn't had a good day since he graduated from Hogwarts. When he heard spellfire, he knew his primary duty. Protect himself and run back to master. He may be punished, but he would be alive.

Destination, Determination, and Deliberation. It was the third one that always gave him trouble. How could one be deliberate when all hell is about to break open on you?

Cursing the muggle invention of the ratguard, a large bowl-shaped piece of metal or plastic placed around the line to prevent rat's from running either way on to or off of ships, the rat was just about to leap to the next section of line. If he missed the worst that would happen is he would get wet. Better wet than dead, or in Azkaban. He didn't he see the stunner that caught him. Nor did he remember being levitated out of the cold water and into a conjured cage, warded against a certain animagus remembering how to apparate.

Everyone's focus was on Tango one as more wizards, witches, and nonmagicals moved to help. "Why doesn't he leave?"

"What's that major?"

"Why doesn't Malfoy apparate out? He must realize he's outgunned by now."

"Good question," but he said that more to himself. Then added, "The only reasons are if he's all of a sudden suicidal, which our psych eval doesn't show..."

"Or he thinks he can win this still," Cole interjected.

The words seemed almost prophetic. Once more those wonderful omnoculars picked up the movement first. Another outline appeared, "Tango three.

Amidships, coming from below decks." The viewfinder showed him a purple outlined man with a green blotch on his chest. Turning a dial with his thumb, the green blotch became letters. But unless he froze the action because the man was already moving, he would be unable to read what was written. Three spells were shot from the wand of the third man, one green, one a bright blue, and the third a purple closely resembling his outline. The third spell hit a wizard directly on his Kevlar vest in the middle of his back. Every camera caught the shot.

The colonel called. "We have a man down. Lethal action is authorized. Long Tom, reach out and touch someone."

Dan wasn't sure if the boat rose on a swell, or if he just missed the shot or some other movement caused it. But he plainly saw the impact of the bullet an inch from the man's head. He lip read something about leaving.

It was then that his head caught up with events, he remembered who the third target was. Hitting the button to speak to everyone he said, "I believe the third target is Severus Snape."

More than one growled the name of Snape into the mic.

Too late, though, one and then the other apparated out of the area.

The colonel didn't allow himself the luxury of swearing, so neither did the Sergeant Major or Dan.