As I prepare this, it is the day before American Thanksgiving. So Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
A sharp eyed reader - .9 noticed an error on my part. Somewhere I got it in my head to type Doris instead of Deloris. I am putting it back to Deloris in this chapter. I won't promise to go back and correct everything at this point though. Thank you again for keeping me on my toes!
We are almost done with this story. I hadn't planned on the golems (see below), or much of what occurs this chapter, but Voldemort would not be quiet and would react this way.
As always - thank you to all of you who read and a special thanks to all who comment- It's a good barometer on how we're doing.
Thank you to Mr. Beta- his ideas and help are priceless.
B.
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The platinum blond hair didn't hang straight anymore. It was dirty, oily and he was certain there was vermin crawling on his scalp. Next to him was one of the few he would deign to call friend. His friend also suffered, lying in the filth heedless that he had soiled himself. The irony that he, a pureblood who could trace his ancestry back several hundred years, lay on the floor next to his surly friend, a half-blood, at the hands of caricature horror of an infant that used to be a bastard half-blood himself was lost on him.
"I am disappointed in the both of you. My two top lieutenants are unable to best two school children?" "Crucio!"
The greasy haired non-prince thought it best not to tell the horror that it was the babies plan that failed as his partner suffered under the latest round of torture. He didn't want to even think that he that he had nothing to do with the final plan. His master would pull from his mind. It would be his turn again soon. He had to stop it. "Tell us lord, how we can remedy this?"
The torturous curse stopped. "I'll give you both one more chance. Fail me this time and you'll wish you were with my faithful Bella in Azkaban." He emphasized his next curse alternating between the two of them as he sent the curse nonverbally and impressed his message, "Make the muggles pay for helping Potter and Longbottom!"
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The Air Lufthansa Boeing landed at Heathrow at midday. It was one of just a thousand other flights served by one of the busiest airports in the world. The pretty stewardess thanked each of the passengers as they deplaned. Her smile was fixed, but her brow creased with confusion as one family out of many left without even a glance in her direction. Most passengers, even the surly ones would make brief eye contact. The vast majority thanking her even though the relatively short flight markedly decreased the personal interaction. The brief flight only allowing time for a round of drinks. She remembered the family, all nice looking and well dressed, had all refused a drink with just a shake of their heads. Further reflection was impossible as the next passenger, a loud, both in appearance and manner, American just had to thank the captain. It wasn't until later when interviewed that she was able to tag the family with an appropriate description of their affect, "wooden."
The family walked husband and wife together. Followed closely by the two children; a boy and a girl. If one to watch the family carefully, you would see the almost programmed like movements after a short time. Nothing seemed amiss at a casual glance. First the husband would turn to look at something, then the spouse, then the boy child, and lastly the girl. The same with verbal responses to questions, the progression went from male to female, and so on. With every answer a monosyllable. They easily avoided the crowds and unerringly found the appropriate luggage collection point. As nondescript as they were, everyone ignored them and they reciprocated in kind.
The luggage was offloaded by the quick and efficient bag handlers. This group of people were seldom seen and thanked even less. The few times they were seen by the public was mostly to receive rude gestures from the unfortunate few who had their luggage lost or damaged. Whether they actually had anything to do with said bag or not.
The baggage for the Lufthansa flight was quickly sorted to the proper spot and just as quickly put on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt ran in a continuous circle for 15 minutes after all of the luggage had been loaded on to it from the back. The belt carried the luggage to the front and so on. If a sharp-eyed worker saw all of the luggage removed then the belt would be shut down. If luggage is unclaimed after the 15-minute mark, then the baggage is taken off the belt and brought to another department to try to find the owner.
The belt had been running for five minutes before the family of four arrived. After removing their luggage, they were to go out the large double doors where they would be met. It is impossible to plan for the "human element" however. The passengers of the flight jostled one another in an attempt to get out the doors quicker. The time spent flying and being away from home seemed to bring the worst out in some people. No one wanted to wait for the next black cab. Rush, rush, rush seemed to be the order of the day. Everyone was always in a hurry.
The family each had a bag on the belt and each was waiting in turn patiently. Standing one behind the other for their turn to pick up their well used, but sturdy bags. Standing near the wall where the unclaimed bags would disappear before making their way around again. The father picked his bag up and without waiting headed for the exit heedless of his family behind him. The mother or children didn't react at all to this, and all of the surrounding other passengers were too intent on removing their bag to notice.
The mother too removed her bag and similarly headed for the exit also without a backward glance to the two children.
The boy, unmoved by the abandonment of his parents, spied his bag on the carousel and reached for it. Unfortunately, the bags were stacked precariously and his reaching for the grip of his bag pulled other bags down on his arm. Simultaneously, the loud American woman who rushed up after thanking the captain profusely for the short but exciting (to her) trip, spied her bag near the boys. Heedless of the boy, she grabbed her two large suitcases further trapping the boy in the small luggage avalanche and knocked him onto the carousel with her bag when she turned to leave.
Being so close to the wall, the boy unwilling to let go of his bag, was pulled to the back where the staff continued to load the rest of the bags onto the belt. This, believe it or not, is not an unheard of event. Most of the time it is someone horsing around. A stern warning delivered and then escort to the street. However this time, the little boy, who appeared around nine years old, had his arm bent at a very unnatural angle. Events were further exacerbated by the tear in skin that had red fluid running slowly out of the wound.
Phillip Embassa, newly hired, was in his first months of training. He spotted the boy and then the blood. Per standard instructions, he hit the emergency shut down freezing the belt in place. He spoke kindly to the little boy who responded not at all and then Phillip thought perhaps because of his accent or maybe the boy's injuries didn't understand him. The child tried to stand heedless of his injury. But the wound in his arm seemed to grow now that the skin was torn. The boy however still struggled to remove the curiously trapped luggage despite his arm wound growing more pronounced. And none of the staff wanted to move the boy and make things worse.
On the other side of the wall, the little girl in the red dress stood silently, emotionless waiting on her bag that didn't come.
Outside, the two adults not seeing their "children" reacted by reporting to the man dressed conservatively wearing two left shoes. It wasn't really noticed until later while reviewing tape that both were left shoes and one shoe was black the other brown. When he heard the bell signaling an emergency with the belt he left in the black cab and disappeared shortly thereafter via port key taking the two "adults" with him.
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Tibbs had just finished his report. "Another dealer down. Now if they could keep him from coming back to the street," he thought. His phone rang. "DCI Tibbs."
"Tibbs." He recognized the voice. He had hoped that he wouldn't have been contacted again. There was just so little to go on, and he was so far out of his element.
"Did you hear about the trouble at Heathrow?"
"I heard about it. I heard a mule had an accident. It's a completely different inspector responsible."
The voice was terse. "Not anymore. I have people onsite. Your supervisors have all been notified. Report back when you know something. Markum out."
One of the things that Tibbs admired about the man was the terseness of conversation. There was no inane conversation such as, "How are you doing?" or "Talk to you later." The "out" told the listener the call was to be disconnected. He had tried to use it for his own use, invariably people would call back and ask him if they had offended him somehow.
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"Come in Prissy dear. Have a seat." Deloris was dressed in her customary Monday pink outfit. Her smile was fixed on her face, but Percy had learned by now when the smile was genuine and when it was...this one. "Tea?"
He nodded. Best to play along. It made things easier. Penny had discussed it with him and they had come up with a strategy. He didn't like it, but he could live with it.
"Cornelius is off today. This is his muggle long weekend." She added conversationally, but it wasn't necessary. Everyone knew that the minister said he was studying muggles, "To learn how to communicate better with them," he would tell everyone. One of his security Aurors had let slip the communicating was in a dive a couple blocks west of the Leaky Cauldron. Funny how this "communication" featured live nude dancers.
He sipped his tea. He didn't complain when she made it for him without asking how he liked it. He did, but that was beside the point.
"Do you know Prissy, what my role is?"
He interrupted. "Forgive me, Deloris. May I get something off my chest?" She nodded and continued to smile serenely. "I'm not all that comfortable with this transitioning. I ..."
She tittered. "Do you really think I didn't know that? Oh Prissy dear. How naïve do you think I am." It was her turn to take a dramatic sip of her tea. "I knew from almost the beginning that this was a ploy that got away from you." She interlocked her fingers and placed her hands on the linen covered table in front of them. "I was at a loss when I saw this happening. Of course, I saw it for what it was, a ploy to get noticed." She continued, "Everyone had seen what an eager intern you were, taking on more responsibilities than what was normal. You even ostracized the ladies of personnel and administration all the while ingratiating yourself with Cornelius and me."
She interrupted herself to sip her tea and then tried a different tack. "You see dear. My strength is information. Cornelius is the politician and my job is to provide him with information." She leaned forward as if to tell him a secret. "In short, I know where all the 'bodies' are buried."
"To get back to you. Neither Cornelius or I could figure out what the advantage was for you to do this. Then it hit me, you wanted to get in with the house of Clearwater. As the third son of minor lord with very little gold, your chances or receiving an inheritance were nil. But by becoming the wife of the only child of Lord Clearwater that immediately elevates your status. Quite brilliant really. And of course the minister encouraging this has Lord Weasley owing him and it sends a message to Lord Clearwater as well. It was advantageous for everyone." She took another sip, "It also showed that you are willing to play the Great Game. Not a bad start for one so young."
Percy was going to protest and tell her, "That's not why I did it!" When he stopped himself. Sharing that wouldn't help him. He did say, "But I love Penny."
She patted his hand. "Of course you do dear. That's just icing on the cake."
"Then why do you insist I continue to...to change?"
She smiled like the kneazle that just ate the budgie. "Because Prissy it pleases me to do so. Cornelius doesn't understand all of what you're doing. Especially since the very idea of becoming more like a woman is alien to him. But I like it. Here let me have your hands."
He put his hands on the table and reached towards her as instructed. She asked, "Did you do what I told you with your legs?"
He blushed and nodded. Penny had teased him about that for some time.
"I see that your nails are buffed. Very pretty, but I think we need to make some more progress." Taking her wand out she changed each nail to match the shade of her blouse. "There that's better. I don't care what color your mistress has you wearing when you leave your apartment, but when you come here I want your nails to match me. Understood?"
"Deloris I..."
"Poor Prissy. You still don't get it. You have no option here. If you complain that you don't want to be Mrs. Clearwater, then you will lose all the gold you've made as well as your reputation, because your mistress will have to divorce you. There's always the chance, although a small one, but there's the chance your father wouldn't allow you back into the family. Then too, you have all of the trouble with Lord Potter. He very publically supported you in your transitioning to Mrs. Clearwater. He provided you with a beautiful wedding gown, a villa to vacation in and gold. And you thanked him by publically denigrating him, many times." She finished his fingers and inspected them before continuing, "Blood feud has been declared for less. Cornelius would be justified in firing you. Lord Clearwater would also demand satisfaction."
"Then too there is the other matter." She paused dramatically. "Your supervisor goes missing and sends you letters with orders for you to follow. You report him as being ill. We know now that he was being held against his will. Everyone knows just how much you hate Potter. A very strong case could be made that this was your plan. I can see Azkaban looming largely in your future."
"But I showed you the letters! And you agreed with my actions! He escaped, he can tell you who his captors were. He'll tell you I didn't have anything to do with it!"
"The poor dear. His mind is too muddled. He may never come back fully. He keeps going on about his son. But everyone knows he died several years ago. No, I'm afraid Prissy that the only way you'll be safe is to continue to be my girl. Are you my girl Prissy? Or would you rather roll the dice as Percy and face the music?"
Percy sat and listened to the diatribe in horror. He had no doubts that she would do as she said. Penny had said as much the last time Potter had floo called. She had been incensed at his attitude and had let him know it. She had asserted head of house authority over him and bent him to her will. He saw now that she was right.
"Well? What is your answer? Do you want me to call you Percy and then call the aurors?"
He hated her in that moment and in a sudden burst of self-evaluation realized that a large part of this was his own fault. "No. No, I'm fine."
She smirked, this time evilly. "Say it. I want to hear the words."
Tears standing in his eyes, more from furor at her and himself, "Call me Prissy."
Her smile became satisfied, like that of an ogre after a big meal. "Excellent. That a girl. Tell you what. Just to make sure the lesson 'takes', I want you for the rest of the week whenever you greet me in the morning give me a nice deep curtsey. When you do so I want to see the robes lifted. I want to see your pretty legs."
The meeting obviously over. Resigned to his fate, at least for now, Percy stood and curtseyed as instructed.
Disappointed, because there was no show of leg she barked, "Stay like that! Lift your robes higher now girl." With a wave of her wand, she transfigured his trousers. Suddenly her smile was as bright as the sun. "That's much better. Nice gams."
"How far is this going to go Deloris?" His voice had the perfect amount of fear to make her smile.
"That's for your mistress and me to discuss. You ask her to floo call me this evening."
He fled before she did anything else to him. He wondered if Penny would mind moving somewhere else.
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Daphne and Hermione had Domo, Mike, and Trudy, another of the Longbottom's elves in their apartment. The other girls had each taken their beau on a little alone time picnic. The guys had shared a look before splitting up. The girls were just a little too sweet. They each felt over their own bonds that their absent mate was up to something. They knew that Tracey and Luna were to distract them. Harry smirked as Luna led him to the prefect's bath. She preceded him into the bathing chamber as he watched her bum sway side to side. "Damn you and your feminine wiles Luna. For the record I know Hermione's up to something, but right now I just don't give a damn. I just hope it doesn't kill me later."
Luna giggled. "Oh Harry." She smiled as she caught him staring. "You've got way too many clothes on mister. Here, let me help you."
Tracy was leading Neville into the Room of Requirement at the same time. She noticed his visible excitement. "You see Neville, entirely too many wizards, and witches neglect the muggle sciences. Today we're going to concentrate on anatomy."
"Trace my love, if you keep concentrating me like this I'm going to be drooling."
"That's fine my lord," she giggled. "Drooling means you're paying attention to the right things." She quickly noted while she led him in that she never used to giggle. In fact, she had mocked all of the other airheads that did giggle. Now she was happy to be counted in their number, at least some of the time.
Hermione asked, "Are you sure you want do this? What about Matron Augusta?"
Trudy answered, "Matron Agussie gone on witch witch busyness. Shes bees back tomorrows."
Domo added, "I'll provide the golems with Mike and Trudy. Wees be in and out. The wards not be stopping elf travel."
"It's a good thing wizards and witches are so close-minded," Daphne added.
"Is it a go?" Hermione bit her bottom lip. She worried about her friends.
"It's a go. Make it happen."
The elves disappeared and Daphne left to join Neville and Trace. Hermione called to her back, "I've got to call Daddy. He'll need to tell the Colonel." She was in a hurry to get her swimming date with Harry and Luna. Dobby, as a surprise for her two loves and her, had secured some more gillyweed.
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"Dobby what bees the work work here?" Domo and Tress had found Dobby hard at work working in the back fields of the vast Potter estates. It had been a personal project he had taken on without telling anyone. There had been an old barn that had been unused and if left alone would have been destroyed in the next decade or so. Dobby had fixed it and used elfin expansion charms to greatly multiply the room inside. It now 3/4 of the size of the Potter mansion.
"Why fixy fixy all this up? Tress added looking into the various rooms.
He had partitioned rooms, all of them elf sized and when done each room would have a bed, table, chairs, and room enough for an elf crib. Of course, he had one room done as a template and was currently filling the rooms one at a time with beds. Then he would go back and make the other furniture, and then lastly the tiny cribs. Like-like be she-elf business, but providing for the wee ones was he-elf business. Or as Dobby had begun to think Daddy elf business. Dobby had asked everyone but Lady Moon had been the most help. Her encyclopedic knowledge of raising muggle babies gave him a starting point.
Dobby had seen all of the human child training shows. He made sure he watched the right shows. Eight is Enough; Yours, Mine and Ours, and even the magic muggle show Bewitched, and something called the Brady Bunches. Silly humans.
He finally answered the question while finishing another bed and snapping his fingers and putting it in place. "Dobby be getting ready to be Dobby daddy," he said proudly.
They had, of course, heard that Dobby was going to father elf babies. But even if both Misty and Winky had multiple births it would still be just five or six wee ones. "Dobby why be there so many rooms?"
He stopped, wondering if he had been unclear. He began to answer but before he did, Domo interrupted.
"Master be speaking saying wes be busy busy soon. But all youse dos is get moo moos to milk and we not be needing milk milk now. Five elflings not make busy busy here."
"Next cold time wees be busy busy with elflings. Lord Nevy also going to send his elfsees to help help with little elflings."
"Dobby not smart smart." Domo repeated because he thought Dobby had been damaged by old bad masters. "Five elflings not enough work for Lord Harry elfsies. We don't need Lord Nevy's elfsies too!"
He shook his head. "You be wrong. Lady Moany not tell tell you?"
Seeing them shake their head. Winky and Misty having elflings. Buts Dobby like like with shes from Hogywarts, and Frenchy stick, and from Dummy string. Winky and Misty tells me wees be having maybe three one hundreds elflings."
Dome snapped his fingers and two elf sized chairs suddenly appeared that he and Tress heavily sat in, their tennis sized eyes even larger. "Three one hundreds?"
Tress finished, "Elflings?"
Dobby's head nodded up and down so rapidly his neck would hurt later. "They be thinking maybe more later but Dobby be working to for four one hundreds for safe safe."
"And they all be Potter elves?"
Dobby shook his head in the negative. "Lord Harry said no. They must be both Potter and Longbottom elfsies."
"What Lord Harry do with three one hundred house elfsies?"
For the first time in the conversation, Dobby looked confused. "Dobby not be knowing. Lord Harry and Lord Nevy be cackle laugh and say, "have elfsies fix fix the world."
Tress' mouth fell open. "Powerful lords fix the world? It be broke?"
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Colonel Markum was a busy man. He had two magic "mules" caught in Heathrow in front of hundreds of mundanes. He was receiving reports of multiple deaths around London all of them having strange cloud form above the murder scene. Already the press was on this, each one of the multiple victim's last names was either Longbottom or Potter.
Sir David and the PM wanted information yesterday on that, and he couldn't blame them. Now his newest major had just told him some other news he didn't need to hear.
"So let me get this straight, "Lady Hermione and Lady Daphne kidnapped Lord Longbottom's comatose parents from the wizarding hospital?"
"Yes sir. But the way you say it makes it sounds worse than it is."
The colonel growled. Any other day and he might laugh about it. But today was not that day. Right now Major Granger stood at attention his eyes fixed on a point somewhere behind the colonel.
"I'm not sure how this can be worse major. What happens when the bodies are discovered missing?"
"That's just it sir. There are golems in their place. With the level of care the Longbottoms had received, they may not even notice they've been replaced. I'm told they feed them, bathe them, and ensure range of motion. I am assured the golems can do all of those functions easily."
The grey-haired colonel rubbed his tired eyes while Daniel took the time to swallow. Hermione was going to OWE him for this.
"Fine, I'll leave this in your hands. I assume you have some ideas about tests and whatnot for them."
"Yes sir," he answered risking eye contact. "Emma wants to bring the goblin healers in on this as well as our neurologists. This could very well be another Dumbledore machination."
He sighed, "Very well major. Thank you for the update. Any mundanes you bring in must sign the official secrets act."
He could tell he wasn't dismissed, so he stood still at attention for another minute waiting on the colonel.
"Tell your daughter to run these things through you first in the future."
"Aye sir."
"And get ahold of those boys. I need to see out two young lords," and his voice got firmer, "and only the two lords. I'll need them and you this evening after their classes. Make it 1900 hours."
The phone rang and Dan knew when to get out. There was something up, and he didn't think it had anything to do with Neville's parents.
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DCI Tibbs drove to the passenger pick up area. Then entire wing had been taped off and the other officials kept all of the gawkers back. The few times he had flown in, this area had always been so busy. Getting a private vehicle in here for five minutes was difficult. Sometimes even a cab was hard to come by. He flashed his credentials and entered the area. Not only did they have the baggage area taped off, they had huge sheets stretched across blocking off any view whatsoever.
Another inspector was there, he had seen him around a few times. It was a large department and you can't know everyone. Reputations though, everyone knows.
"Tibbs! Why did you get this? The brass choosing favorites?" His tone was less than pleased. No one wanted another case, but it was a matter of wounded pride.
"Not my call Johnston. I've been less than three minutes so I don't know anything." He stopped to look the older balding grey haired inspector in the eye. "If it's what I think it is, it will be covered by the official secrets act. And I'll tell you, they won't be mucking around." He changed tacks. "You heard how chief inspector Thomas suddenly retired?"
"Yeah..."
"He was my boss. He asked too many questions about what I was doing. He pressed too hard and suddenly finds a pensioner's life is more suited for him."
Johnston got the message. "Enough said." He pulled his log and flipped to the right page. Reading from it, "I arrived here, 30 minutes ago. That little girl has frozen in that position. Had the medics take a gander at her, she doesn't appear to be breathing or have a heartbeat but she'll blink every so often. And by the way, no one can move her. Someone tried to lift her and she is a lot more solid than she looks." He pointed towards the back and continued his report. There's a male in the back approximately nine or ten years of age. He fell onto the carousel and his arm broke and the worker shut the roundabout down seeing the boy and what he thought was blood. He also has no heartbeat or respiration but also blinks. Neither of them has said a word."
He flipped a page, the dogs were brought over as a matter of routine and flipped out when they got near the boy. "They don't react to the girl at all. So that's why the word spread about the mules. Need anything else?"
Tibbs shook his head and thanked him, He just tore the sheets out of his log and handed them to the inspector. "I was never here. Good luck." Without another word he turned and left.
Michael Ennis had been proudly serving the force for 18 months now. He and his partner had been the first responders to the numerous phone calls of trouble in the baggage claim. Most people didn't know it but there was a small substation maintained at the airport. It hadn't taken them long to realize this situation was beyond their control. He was relieved therefore when DCI Johnston arrived on site and started ordering people around.
He was in perfect position when he saw two men approach Johnston and flash ID at him. Johnston's face blanched but he continued to control the situation, of course now Johnston was following every suggestion the newcomers gave. The newcomers were dressed in nice executive suits, and they didn't appear to be off the rack either. As Ennis pushed another gawker back he wondered if these guys were military intelligence. Their identification not indicating a specific government agency.
Ennis heard all of the conversation between Tibbs and Johnston. It was hard not to. Everyone in the area was doing what they were ordered to. Which pretty much amounted to standing around and waiting for someone to tell them what to do. He saw Johnston's face blanch. It was no secret to anyone who knew him that Johnston was hoping for a promotion soon, not early retirement.
Ennis continued to listen, "DCI Tibbs? I'm Selfridge, this is Harrod."
Michael heard the response, "Really? Where's Tesco?" Ennis mentally face palmed himself. He should have picked up the fake names the first time he heard them. Tibbs had made the connection made in a moment.
"He's at another site. In fact the colonel needs to talk to you." The larger of the two-handed Tibbs a phone, and Ennis continued to listen in.
"Colonel this is Tibbs. I just got here."
Tibbs was listening.
"How many?"
DCI Tibbs face fell and his lips tightened together in anger.
"Yes sir, but I'll want to see the crime scenes myself. I trust you and your people but..."
After another spate of listening, he heard Tibbs ask, "And their lordships? Are they ..."
"Right got it. You'll get my report. Tibbs out," as he handed the portable phone back to the obviously a MI5 agent. Ennis admired the way Tibbs had disconnected the call. He made a mental note to use that.
As Tibbs was walking away, he heard him say, "Fine. Let's get this going. All of a sudden we're in the shit. The colonel said he needed to brief the PM."
"What is this?" He asked looking at the simulacrum of a little boy.
Selfridge answered. "This is a golem. Think of magic's equivalent of a high-tech robot. Just like robots, the parts needed to make this are expensive, and the magic used also high."
"Got it. What can you tell me about the ..golems then."
"Well, a couple of things. First of all think of Trojan horse." He made some complicated passes with his wand and a hidden compartment in the exposed belly part of the male golem opened. Hidden inside was white powder. He reached to touch it. When Selfridge stayed his hand.
"I wouldn't. That's shrunk. So there is much much more there than what you see. Touching it may not do anything but if it was me I would..."
"Put booby traps in it."
"Exactly. Maybe not, but we won't know until we've had a chance to slowly examine it."
"Got it. Now for the big question. Why did they leave the little girl?"
Tibbs watched as Harrod elevated the broken body of the male golem onto a cart.
They went back to the front. Tibbs noticed the interest of the young constable and nodded.
"You'll like this part. Some of this is guess work but I'll wager next weeks salary I'm right. The control of these requires someone in close proximity to issue commands. I assume as the alarm sounded who ever the controller was escaped with what he had. Especially since they were the two largest containers."
"Brilliant just ruddy brilliant. Got any good news?"
Selfridge smiled brightly. "Of course. We've got a lot of video. All of it good quality. Do you happen to like popcorn?"
"Michael Ennis," Harrod called to him. Ennis hadn't seen him approach. "Interesting stuff right?" Seeing the young man nod he continued. If you're interested we'll take a look into your background. If her majesty could use your services would you be interested?" He nodded again. He palmed his wand. "Hopefully we'll be in touch." Harrod finished waving his hand around Ennis eyes modifying his memory. "Maybe."
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Harry and Neville hadn't planned on leaving school. Dan had sent a message via mirror that they, and only they were needed by the colonel that evening. Then Dan, sans boys, had a talk with all four of the ladies. The next time Harry saw the girls, they were unrepentant. In fact they had ribbed the two lads about not knowing what was going on. Knowing the girls as they did, they realized it was done kind of prank and since Dan hadn't told them, they wouldn't know until they needed to, or it blew up. Either way no reason to worry about it.
Winky and Mike dropped Harry and Neville off at the apparition point. Mike had spoken to Neville earlier that week and hinted that he was bored at Longbottom Hall. Lady Augusta had her personal elf which left Mike with nothing to do. Neville was determined to find him a she. Dobby may be the world's most prolific elf but certainly, there was a she for a nice young elf like Mike.
"Good Evening Sergeant Major. How are you this evening?"
"I am well your lordship. The colonel is expecting you in the conference room."
The colonel, DCI Tibbs, and three other men stood as Harry and Neville entered the room. Harry was moderately surprised that his future father in law wasn't in attendance.
"Lord Longbottom, Lord Potter. Congratulations on your investiture."
"Thank you Colonel," they answered. Markum indicated that everyone should take a seat. There was coffee and tea in carafes on the table. "I'm afraid it's bad news tonight gentlemen. We have received Riddle's response in spades today."
"Tibbs, you have the photos. Why don't you brief us all."
Tibbs was tired. Harry noticed that his hands tremored as he ingested even more caffeine.
There were four separate attacks today in the greater London area. Each attack had the distinctive snake cloud entering the mouth of a skull. "The first attack," he looked to the colonel before passing photos around. Markum gave a tiny nod before Tibbs did. The others were either there or had already seen the photos so they passed them to the two young lords.
"The first attack occurred early in the morning. A pensioner and his wife," he paused to look at his notes. "one Malcolm and Betsy Longbottom. Were executed." He delivered the horrific news in a flat emotionless tone which helped a tiny bit. Long trained in this, he found an emotional delivery only added to the pain and did nothing to alleviate the situation, no matter how upsetting it was. "They left a message on the wall written with the victim's blood. 'Our masters regaurds to Poter and squib Longbotom!" (A/N Spelling errors intentional.)
Before Tibbs could utter another word. Neville barked, "Mike!"
The little elf appeared. "Where is grandmother?"
"She still be with the witchy witches."
"Go to her. I want her at Longbottom Hall. Tell her I want the wards raised to war level. Tell her I will be by later to update her. Then go to all of our allies heads tell them Lord Potter and I will be contacting them this evening. And recommend war wards for all of them as well."
"Yes Lord Nevy." The elf disappeared.
"Sorry for the interruption. Continue Inspector."
The adults had to once more reassess their thoughts and perceptions of the young men in front of them. Instead of tears, or retreating behind a stoic exterior perished they took immediate action.
"I'm sorry Inspector, one more minute," Harry said raising a finger. "Dobby." Whenever Harry had a serious issue Dobby would always be the one to call. The elf had a personal bond with his master, all of the other Potter elves just had a familial.
"Get all of the allies in the apartment. I want only the elves of the alliance to help. I trust Dumbledore not at all. Tell them Lord Longbottom and I will explain everything to them when we get back." He thought for a moment longer. "Have the girls decide if Draco and Pansy are to be included. They should be given the option. The rest will be bunking in with us for tonight at least. I don't want any of the alliance heirs out of the apartment tonight at all. Understood?"
"Yes Master Harry. We bees getting ready for war. Do you want the war wardies up on Potter's Retreats?"
Harry shook his head in the negative. "The wards aren't of sufficient strength for prolonged war yet."
Dobby nodded and disappeared to do his master's bidding.
"I apologize for the interruption."
"No apologies necessary gentlemen. Protecting loved ones must always take priority." He pulled some more pictures. This was from early afternoon. These are pictures of Monica and Della Potter. Two sisters. I'll spare you the details but these poor ladies were alive for quite some time before they mercifully expired."
Neville and Harry tried to keep their expressions neutral But the fire was burning inside. They had no one to vent their hidden fury on. Magic had deemed them brothers, and their close proximity had further tightened the bond between them. Each grew even angrier by the time all of the murders had been shown.
"What are the totals?"
"A total of 14 people. The youngest was three, the oldest being Mrs. Longbottom at 83."
"What have we done for everyone else?" Harry's voice was clipped.
"There isn't a lot that we can do. In the greater London area alone there are over 50 families named either Potter or Longbottom. We don't have sufficient manpower to offer protective custody and I doubt your average constable would be a match for one of your wizards even if he was there."
The colonel took over, "and I don't have enough wizards to cover even a tenth of the potential targets."
"We do though," Harry growled. "Colonel. I'm bringing my godfather in on this. We'll need his resources as well." Harry wasn't asking permission. "Winky," he called.
She appeared. Master was angry. Every Potter elf no matter how far or tenuous the bond felt his anger. "Yes, Master Harry." Mistress Hermione had been trying to convince her to take her and Luna to him when his call pulled her away. She was certain Mistress Moany was going to be angry with her.
"Go to Sirius. Tell him I need him now as well as his asset book. And I want two Potter elves with Dan and Emma at all times until Neville or me cancel the order."
She curtsied and disappeared.
"Brilliant idea Harry." He called to the air, "Misty. Bring the Potter and the Longbottom asset manuals."
"Now we just have to wait on Sirius."
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
TWENTY MINUTES EARLIER
The girls had been together doing homework. Some of the heirs were there also. The homework had slowed to a crawl and turned into a gabfest. Hermione to her surprise found that she didn't mind all that much. For perhaps the first time she listened. Really listened to what Lavender was saying. True, many of her perceptions were based on the subject of conversation's dress and mannerisms. And she expressed herself using overly colorful terms. If someone was sad they were the 'bluest of blue.' She also spoke fast, something she tried to correct in herself, "A mile a minute" Harry would call it. But there was intelligence there and she realized she shouldn't have dismissed her or anyone else out of hand. "Lesson learned," she told herself.
Tracy was telling an amusing story about something Knott had done last year in the pit. When suddenly the faces of all four of the bonded girls blanched.
Daphne had been stiffling a snort when her cup fell out of her hands and fell to the floor smashing into many small pieces of fine china.
"What ever is wrong? Susan asked. She had been in the right spot to see each of the four faces at once.
Tracy had been standing, but sat heavily her look reflecting the same type of confusion. "My Lord Longbottom is furious."
Only the righteous anger of a lord could evoke such an automatic response.
"As is my Lord Potter," Luna added. All trace of flightiness gone.
Hermione was the first to recover. Followed closely by Daphne. Hermione called Winky to her. "Winky can you take us to Harry? He needs us!"
"Is be sorry Miss Moany, but Lord Potter says everyones to stays. He be telling Dobby to tell other lords and ladies to raise war wards." Winky was pulling her ears and looking for a way to punish herself while Hermione continued to cajole, wheedle, and then order her.
Other heirs started to "pop" into the apartment. Some were in different stages of dress. Dobby had taken his orders seriously. Most didn't want to leave the comfort of their own quarters. Macmillan and Boot being the loudest, complaining vociferously until Daphne told them to shut up.
"Your liege lord commands this! Do you need to repeat your earlier lesson?"
Hermione was still haranguing Winky, trying to get her to take her to Harry when Winky disappeared mid-tirade. She became even louder, swearing worse when Luna had had enough. Grabbing her by the hand she pulled her into the only open room, the bathroom. The apartment was quite full, everyone talking at once.
"Enough Hermione! You are to be the next Lady Potter. Right now you're acting more like a dock worker. Do you think Harry wants you to comport yourself like this?"
She tried to justify her actions, "But he may need us!"
"Then he will call for us. Based on everything we've heard he's placed us here in lock-down to protect us. You're a bright girl, why would he do that to us and all of the heirs?"
"Because of a threat."
"Right. Now you are the only one that can ask Hogwarts for more rooms. Unless you want the guys bunking in with the girls."
"You're right Luna, thank you. It's our task to take care of all of the heirs." Washing her face she walked to the common area and nodded to the other two girls in way of apologizing. They understood, but this was something Hermione needed to learn as well.
Boot was still complaining. Hermione knew what she needed to do. "Heir Boot. Since you feel this is such a burden, call for your family elf. And have him take a message to your lord. If he releases you, then we will have you brought back to your own dormitory."
This seemed to be a good idea so several called for their elves to bring messages to one or the other of their parents. Terry both gave the elf a written message and ordered him to deliver an oral message as well.
Within five minutes all of the elves had returned. Boot sat down on the coffee table, all the other couches as well as most of the floor space. Suddenly the large apartment was very small.
"Well?" Tracy demanded. "You were both loud and verbose in the unfairness of it all. Tell us Heir Boot, what did your lord say?"
"He told me to stay where I was," he mumbled to the carpet.
"Say that again, "Heir Boot? You were loud before, do you not have the courage to speak plainly now?"
Angry again, he met her eyes. He repeated, "He told me to stay where I was and to obey Lord Potter. Are you happy now?"
Daphne had enough. "No, we're not happy you stupid stupid boy." Everyone was silent as Daphne continued. "We would much rather be going on with our own business as well. Use your brains for once. Harry and Neville were called away all of a sudden and were specifically told not to take us with them. Within minutes they had ordered us all shut in here. And even our personal elves are forbidden to let us out. Tell me Mr. Boot, what does that tell you?"
"There's danger."
"Right in one. Since our lords can't be here themselves they've shut us in here to protect us."
"They didn't leave us unprotected though," Luna added. She called to the room. "Every elf in the room show yourselves to us please."
Suddenly a dozen elves appeared in the room startling most of the children.
Domo stepped forth, "Lord Harry says everyone bees fines. But everyone stays in rooms. He says asks Hogywarts for more roomsies and elfs gets whats youse needs."
Misty "popped" in, curtsied grabbed a book from either bedroom and "popped" out without saying a word.
"Well boys and girls, let's get comfortable. If you need anything ask an elf to get it now. It's starting to get late. We'll divvy up the rooms here in a moment. Trace, want to help me ask Hogwarts? I've never done it before and it may take the both of us."
The girls had seen both Harry and Neville do it dozens of times. Most of the time they just closed their eyes. But when they needed to concentrate, or were especially serious they would place a palm on the wall. Both girls found the experience unique. And Hermione had numerous questions to ask Hogwarts, but knew she wasn't going to get answers tonight.
While they did that, a black snake slithered into the room and climbed on Daphne's leg and up to her arm. Everyone had heard about them, but unless you lived in the pit, chances are you hadn't seen them. The snake whispered in her ear and slithered out again before the other girls were done with Hogwarts.
Simultaneously, three out of four heads of house received information from prefects that several students were missing. It didn't take long to determine which students and everyone's first thought was always going to be "Potter's stirring up trouble again."
Minerva's dilemma was her personal elf couldn't get to the room and when she walked to the door of his quarters, it was missing. The three decided not to tell the headmaster about it, for all they knew he could have been behind it.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
Sirius had been talking to Moony reliving their glory days when a very distressed elf "popped" in and declared that Lord Harry needed him and his asset book.
Moony had asked if he could accompany Lord Black but Winky shook her head. "Lord Harry forbade anyone except Lord Black. He and Lord Nevy be ordering war wards for everyones."
"This is obviously no lark. Moony do you have anywhere to go?" Seeing him shake his head, "Okay, then just to be safe I'll raise the wards also. I'll mirror call as soon as I find out what's happening."
He had heard of this place. But had never been there. Winky had brought him to a nondescript office that had just one man obviously waiting for him.
"Lord Black?"
"Yes."
"I am Sergeant Major Cole. I'll bring you to Lords Potter and Longbottom."
Sirius noted the leanness of the muggle and watched carefully as he followed the tall man. He saw a couple more men while passing offices. Each had the same bearing as the man leading him.
"Harry! Neville!"
Both of the young men hopped up and gave Sirius quick hug before they realized there were witnesses to their "childishness". Focusing, Harry asked, "Do you have your asset book?"
Sirius patted his pocket. "Shrunk right here. What's going on? What do you need pup?"
"First," Neville said remembering everyone else. "Introductions are in order."
After the introductions, the other three wizards that worked for the colonel introduced themselves as Selfridge, Harrod, and the last had a tongue in cheek look and said "Tesco."
Tibbs was the only visitor to get the joke, the three visiting wizards had no idea what had the other three smiling.
The colonel got the meeting back on track. "Lord Black the rest of the evening may not be so pleasant." He quickly briefed Sirius and showed him the pictures. The dog's face fell and his anger was palpable.
"I can understand why you raised the wards. I assume you've told the alliance?"
They nodded.
"Okay why the asset books?" He said enlarging his.
I know mine, and Neville and I discussed his; and I thought I saw the same listing in yours," Harry began. "We're looking for a way to protect anyone named Potter and Longbottom."
Neville flipped his book open and turned to a page and pointed out the item to Sirius. "That's brilliant boys," he said flipping through his, while Harry did the same in the Potter asset book.
The others figured the wizards would get to the answer eventually. The colonel drummed his fingers on the table impatiently.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, we wanted to make sure we had enough resources between the three of us to accommodate 50 families or more," Neville began. "We each own either outright, or have a controlling interest in various hotels throughout the city. While we can't watch 50 different families between all of our allies we can spare the elves to watch four or five hotels."
Harry took over, "We can put the word out and if Voldemort wants to attack any of the families we can be there in under a minute."
"You can't make these people move to your hotel. And you have no idea how long they would be there." Tibbs objected.
"They don't have to take our offer either," Sirius got into the swing of things. "And if they're muggles, I mean mundanes, then that rules out portkeys. This is the best bet to ..."
Another aide came in and whispered in Markum's ear and passed over another folder.
"My lords," he began. "Voldemort missed another target although he claimed credit."
With his heart in his throat, Sirius asked, "What now?"
The photos were taken with a wizarding camera. They showed a very much destroyed Janus Thickey ward. It showed two beds and on the beds two smoldering shapes. Neville's face began to mottle with rage. His fists clenched, his knuckles white.
The colonel's voice was hard and snapped before Neville could even get started, "Your parents are unharmed Lord Longbottom. Control yourself!"
The three wizards looked wide-eyed at the colonel. He then explained the fortuitous circumstance that had his parents safe and sound behind the war wards of Longbottom hall. Neville fell back into his chair in relief. Harry continued to think, "I want that to remain a secret between just us and our mates. To everyone else, they perished in the fire."
Such was the level of trust between the two that there was no contention over something that directly involved Neville's parents. In Harry's mind, they were his parents as well. Neville nodded, this was a good idea.
Sirius continued to ruminate. "Harry you may want to have an elf look after your parent's graves and the house in Godric's Hollow."
Harry called for Domo and had him assign an elf to do add a warning ward. He didn't need an elf to watch it full time, there were no lives at stake, but if they would catch someone... The fate of those men would depend on got to him first.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
Dan lent an air of authority to his quest by wearing his uniform. He had done a search of some of the leading neurologists in the British Isles and contacted a few. Several were put off by the requirement that this case would fall under the official secrets act. Others claimed to be too busy especially when dealing with the red tape generated by working with any government office.
Dr. Saul Issacs, who actually was Dan's first choice, had been on vacation and was just returning. He was 73 and semi-retired. He told Dan that he was old enough that he could cherry pick the cases that interested him.
"And you won't have a problem with the official secrets act? This promises to be very interesting and be of interest to several governments."
"Now you got my attention." He even talked like everyone's idea of an old Jewish man. "And I've worked for the government for many years. It wouldn't be the first time. Three governments you say? Can you tell me which ones?"
"Sorry doctor that's part of the secret." Dan felt right about the whole thing. Now he needed to get ahold of Neville and convince him.