Hello all!

If you are here, I must first insist you read Harry Potter and the Elder Mistake first. Dragon's Revenge is the sequel to that story and you would be a bit lost without reading that first. Second, I want to thank you for clicking on my story! That makes you at least slightly interested and that in and of itself is a compliment.

What I have done with the beginnings of this story is try to continue the Harry Potter Universe in a different manner that I have seen already. My hope was to create something that is unique both in the premise of the story, and the way you view the HPU. I may be asking some unasked questions regarding HP and hopefully will help answer those same questions that I believe a lot of readers may have.

I encourage you to read through what I have here and please tell me what you think so far. I was a little apprehensive about even starting a sequel. I thought I may have been all out of ideas and I do not want to ride any cliche' bandwagons.

Before I ask you to please READ AND REVIEW what I've posted so far, I must thank a couple of people. Med-Anes and Blathazar91 have graciously agreed to beta for me and they have been an incredible help thus far. If have read Elder Mistake, then you know my struggle finding beta's. It seems that I have 2 very reliable ones. So any of you who have a good beta out there, hold onto them.

Now as promised, PLEASE READ AND REVIEW and I hope to talk to you all again soon.

Thanks again

Enjoy

RH

Chapter 1 - Disruption

Flashback

May 2, 1999

'You asked me to remind you about an operation?' Harry asked Kingsley who was standing outside of the erected marquee gazing in the distance at the lake where the Giant Squid could be seen toying with the surface.

'Yes, I did' he sighed.

'Why not Lonnie?' Harry asked. 'Does this not have to do with the Auror office?' Harry doubted Kingsley would ask him to do something illicitly "off the books".

'Lonnie asked me to talk to you today because he knew he'd be busy with old mates. Many of his acquaintances lost someone last year. He is very dedicated to comforting their families.'

'Good man' Harry replied.

'Aye' Kingsley said deeply. 'Operation is in the works and technically still classified. We are already building a team in case it becomes necessary.'

'Classified?' Harry said incredulously. 'Not to be a bit arrogant but... classified from me as well? You usually confide in me for things like this.'

'Usually yes, but in this case I'm bound by oath.'

'From who?'

'Fernando Canchola'

'Oh' Harry replied. That name had surfaced in a few cases over the past year with criminals that had tried jumping the pond from the States to escape justice. He is the currently the head of the MDFA and very stern and forceful man whom Harry had only spoken to once. He was trustworthy but incredibly "by the book." As a matter of fact, his stern demeanor would even give Minerva cause for pause.

'Well what is going on that would involve the Auror offices rather than MLE?'

'Narcotics' Kingsley replied as he took a sip of the drink he had in his hand. 'A drug called Dragon Ride is becoming an epidemic over in America. It's killed over ten thousand people both magical and muggle.'

'Ten thousand?!' Harry replied with wide eyes. 'What does it do?'

'Well first off it's illegal because one of its main ingredients is powdered dragon horn, which is Class C non-transferable. Also it's side effects are killing people.'

'And those would be?'

'Numerable' he replied gravely. 'The one that is killing people is that powdered dragon horn causes anaphylaxis in most people - '

'They are allergic?' Harry asked.

'- yes, and it's mixture with runespoor eggs causes some very vivid and convincing hallucinations. Several of which have caused people to either kill others or themselves.'

'That is simply awful'

'There's another. It's fatal to all muggles' he said darkly, clearly upset that someone was doing this. 'And squibs for that matter as well.'

'Why' Harry asked aghast.

'Before it's ingestion, it requires a medical charm that calms the acids in your stomach. Without the charm within 30 minutes of taking the drug, the acids eat through the stomach destroy... everything.'

'Why are people taking this? It is obviously extraordinarily dangerous. What's the draw?' Harry asked unable to believe that someone would actually do this.

'It's apparently an unparalleled sensation. If you survive.'

Harry ran his hand through his hair. Someone choosing to take something like that is truly none of Harry's business. But muggles can't get their hands on powdered dragon horn so only someone magical can sell it to them. The fact that those who are producing this do not care in the least how it affects those who buy it is reprehensible.

'So what's the operation you spoke of?' Harry asked instantly determined to do something.

'It's in America. Most intel points to it being produced there.'

'Ok well - '

'Hold on, Harry. We don't know when or if at all it's going to take place but if it does, you and Paul will be going with the task force we loan to the Magical Defense Force of America.'

'Just say when' Harry replied with a nod.

'Aye, I will. But for now, get back to that lovely redhead of yours' Harry smiled widely and searched for her in the crowd behind them. 'You'd best snatch her up soon before someone else tries to.'

Harry looked sideways at him and felt his face go red slightly.

Present Day

July 7, 1999

'Ginny!' Molly exclaimed from across the sitting room.

'What?' Ginny replied sheepishly albeit knowing exactly what she was upset about

'Young lady, who in Merlin's name taught you to talk in such a way?'

'You're joking' she replied with a smile. 'I play quidditch for a living and I have 6 brothers. I have a nephew and niece, not to mention Charlie, who works with dragons and other testosterone filled dragon keepers like him. Plus Fred and George helped raise me.'

'I do not care' Molly replied hotly. 'I also don't care if you are of age either' she added quickly seeing Ginny about to say something else. The fact that she had been about to say that exact thing was beside the point. 'I did not raise you in that way. You are first a lady and then... all those other things'

'What's going on?' Arthur said as he walked in from the kitchen. He had just got off work and walked into the sitting room to see Molly ranting and Ginny polishing her 3XT.

'You're daughter is being vulgar' Molly said to her husband while her knitting began knitting itself, a little more vigorously than necessary.

Arthur sighed and fell into his recliner Harry and Hermione had gotten him for his birthday. 'What did you say now, Ginny?'

'Nothing that bad' Ginny said trying to avoid her father's disapproval. Ginny and her Mum often butted heads but that was because they were so alike. If there was anyone on this planet that she didn't want to think badly of her, it was her father. Daddy's little girl and all that...

'Not that bad?!' Molly laughed. 'I told her you and I would be staying at Muriel's for the weekend after her procedure and... stop laughing' she shot at Ginny. Ginny wasn't able to contain herself fully while listening to her mother repeat what she had said. 'I told her they would be on their own for the weekend and she said "I doubt Harry and I will leave his bedroom" low enough that she thought I wouldn't hear.'

Arthur turned towards her and gave her a disapproving look. She was at least ashamed enough to not smile. 'Ginny, please, if you value our sanity as we age, you mustn't talk like that. Lord knows, you mother and I had our secrets from our parents - '

'Arthur!'

' - but we were respectful enough to be smart, and keep our secrets between us. This day and age, younglings flaunt their sex lives constantly and it is quite inappropriate.'

'Arthur you are not helping'

'You may not be a little girl anymore but you are still my little girl and I will take you over my knee if you don't conduct yourself with more propriety'

'I'm sorry, dad.' she said remorsefully. 'You as well, mum. I'm sorry for being so ... '

'Randy' she said angrily.

'Bloody hell Mum' she said, embarrassed. 'I was going to say frank but -'

'Keep it up and I'll talk sex at the dinner table with Harry there' Molly said as she went back to her knitting.

'You wouldn't' Ginny replied sitting up straight immediately.

'Let's not find out, shall we?' Arthur said and then sipped his first sip of mead and opeing the evening prophet.

'Speaking of Harry' Ginny said glancing at the family clock seeing that his hand still said At Work.

'He is still at the office. Last we talked round about lunch hour, he said Linder had lots of reports for him to handle' Arthur said.

'Again?' She sighed. 'He's been putting a lot of hours in lately'

'He's full time now' Arthur replied while turning the page. 'Plus Linder never lets him cut corners. Lots of red tape for aurors'

'Bollocks' Ginny griped. 'It's near 6 o'clock already and I was hoping we could go to the village to the pub'

'You were there just the other night' Molly admonished. 'Why are you wanting to go back?'

'I love it there. Everyone is so nice and it's the only place out in public we can go without having to sign autographs.'

'You are just mad about the dive over in Yorkshire' a voice said. Ron and Hermione had come round and after a toss in the sheets from the look of Hermione's hair. He smirked at Ginny which made her instantly angry. No one had ever been able to push her buttons like her dear brother.

'I am not!' Ginny shot back.

'Oh come off it' Hermione 'That woman asked Harry to sign her unders.'

'Or maybe it was because she pulled her shirt up before he could even respond that tied your wand in a knot.' Ron said with a chuckle as he bit into a muffin from that morning's breakfast.

'No matter' Ginny said holding her nose high.

'Yea, no matter only because you turned her into a big hairy dog'

'Well she deserved it' Ginny quipped.

'Too right' Molly added.

'Anyway' Ginny said pointedly. 'I want to go back there because no one there acts that way. We are just Harry and Ginny there. That and the Fish and Chips are superb.'

'Whatever, dear. Just as long as you aren't out being foolish. Can't afford bad press while you are still trying to land a starter spot on the Harpies.'

'I know, Mum' she said with a bright smile. She looked at the sticker on her broom that she had bought with her very first galleon she had received from the Harpies. It was a simple permanent sticker she bought at the souvenir shop in Holyhead that said "Future Harpie" that Ginny had altered to say "Current Harpie"

Ginny thought back to the day she got her letter from the owner of the Harpies and blushed. They were at the Burrow when she got the letter, a spectacular celebration broke out, Ginny got... mildy sloshed. Not heavily but still sloshed, and when her parents had gone to bed, Ginny dragged him by the hand out the door and into the late night. Hermione and Ron were in their own little world talking about the pending nuptials letting Ginny pull Harry (who was not fighting in the least) to their favorite spot to star gaze. Harry cast all the privacy charms he could think of they spend an hour not gazing at a single star.

Her and Harry's relationship was as strong as it ever had been but it was hard to be close when they were both so busy. That was one of the reasons that she had made such a statement in earshot of her Mum. It hadn't been since the beginning of the summer that they had the opportunity to do anything more than a healthy snog and Ginny was lately feeling exactly as her mother had quipped. So she didn't know how serious Ginny had been. They may not leave his flat for the weekend at all.

'Ginny!' Hermione said loudly. 'Wake up'

'Sorry!' she said going back to her polishing. 'Was going through some plays in my mind'

'Sure you were' her father said from behind the prophet. Molly huffed heavily again but didn't say anything this time but her patience was obviously thin.

'Oh' Ron said suddenly jumping to his feet. Ginny looked up to see Harry's hand had jumped to Mortal Peril. Ginny's heart stopped but no sooner than it stopped there did it move on to Home.

'What the bloody hell was that about?' Ron asked to no one in particular.

'I'm sure you'll find out soon enough' Arthur said bracingly.

Five minutes later, his hand jumped to Travelling again when it landed on Home once more. Seconds later, they heard the door open and shut and Harry stepped into the sitting room. He had an easy smile on his face when he said 'Evening all' but it faltered immediately when he got a look at Ginny's face.

'What?' he asked suddenly worried. Ginny pointed at the clock. Harry looked at it and his eyes grew wide. 'Damn that blasted clock'

Ministry of Magic

July 7, 1999

5:30 p.m.

'Are you blokes going to go home?' Proudfoot asked when he stood up from his own cubicle.

'As a matter of fact, I think - '

'No' Linder cut across Harry. Harry's shoulders dropped in defeat.

'Why not?'

'Because of all of this bloody paperwork' Linder replied angrily and shaking his finger at it. Harry sighed, placed his hand over his eyes, and waved his other hand at the plate of chips across his desk and a few chips floated towards him. Proudfoot eyed him momentarily but Harry missed it.

'Don't you sigh at me, Potter. If you'd stop seeing leads everywhere, and then arresting people, we wouldn't have to sign all these damn forms'

Harry smiled despite himself making Proudfoot chuckle as well. 'I can't help it. If you weren't so determined to follow them yourself, we wouldn't have so much.'

'That's shite, Potter and you know it. Every time you think you have a lead on another one of those DR merchants, you insist we follow it.' Linder said throwing down his quill and turning on Harry. 'I would be happy letting someone else chase leads but half the time, you walk up saying you think you found something and it's time for us to go.'

'No you wouldn't' Harry countered hotly. Proudfoot was now shaking with silent laughter. 'Ever since we were called to the scene of that 15 year old muggle girl who had tried some accidentally and nearly died, you have been just as hell bent on stamping it all out as I have. The difference is, I would gladly just burn the paperwork.'

'And I've told you at least a thousand times - '

'I know, I know'

'If you are going to do something, do completely and with respect to the next person' they said together.

'That's right' Linder said. 'I hate paperwork too, but I won't ditch the paperwork because I'm a young, teenaged, tosser. Now finish that damned DEP Account so that I can go to my mass... I mean the pub'

'Massage? You're going for a massage?' Proudfoot said trying to contain himself.

'Yes' Linder replied in attempt to be calm. 'I'm nearing 55 years, I have been an auror for 25 years, and I am sore constantly. So yes I have a massage. I will spend an hour getting a firm rubdown from beautiful Irish lass named Maggie. What will you be doing?!'

'The same' Proudfoot replied immediately. 'Except her name is Alese and she's my wife.'

'Bah' Linder exclaimed but he wasn't done.

'Oh and it won't cost me a knut and will probably end well for me since she wants another baby.'

Harry burst out laughing while Linder through his hands in the angrily and growled 'Damn kids'

After Harry finished his Discovery of Evidentiary Procedural Account, he bid Linder a good massage, which made his face turn even more red, and Harry departed the ministry. He had told Ginny he would meet her at the burrow this evening for dinner and, if Harry was being honest with himself, quite a bit more. Several weeks had gone by since Ginny and Harry had been able to get any proper alone time and it was starting to grate on Harry's ability to stay focused. Just this morning Grimaldi had said something that reminded him of a particularly heated moment with Ginny during her last year at Hogwarts. Grimaldi snapped his fingers twice before Harry came to. Grimaldi was not pleased and neither was Linder.

So Harry left the Ministry and apparated to Tavistock Place to his flat. Somehow, Harry had been thinking clearly because instead of landing on his roof as usual, he reappeared in the middle of a street where a large lorrie was bearing down on him with its horn blaring at him. Harry leapt from the street in plenty of time but his heart was beating wildly all the same. Harry took a deep breath and ascended the stairs to his flat. He changed into jeans and a shirt in a flash and went to the roof. He apparated to the Burrow and sprinted to the door. When he made his way through the kitchen and into the sitting room with an 'Evening all' he then noticed Ginny's expression. It was somewhere between frightened and furious.

'What?' he said curiously. Ginny pointed to the mantle where the Weasley family clock was. Harry realized that it had probably been pointed at Mortal Peril for a moment. 'Damn that blasted clock' he said before chuckling self consciously.

'Explain' Ginny demanded

'It's nothing really' he placated her. 'I was distracted when I apparated to my flat and ended up in the street outside it. A lorrie was coming at me. I had to move out of the way. See ... nothing'

'Why were you so distracted?' Ron asked.

Harry stumbled for a moment not wanting to accidentally reveal that he had been thinking about all the things he'd like to do with his sister when he made his blunder.

'Oh just work stuff' he lied smoothly. 'DR is being stubborn still.'

'You are a lying little bugger you are' Hermione said with a smile

'I am not' Harry said incensed. 'I was in Southampton today where Linder and I tracked a DR merchant back to his hideout. He wasn't happy when I knocked his door of its hinges and much less so when Linder hit him in the head with a steel pipe.'

'What did he go and do that for?' Arthur asked putting the Prophet down.

'He said he didn't care if anyone died from his "product" as long as their coin was good.'

'Well I'd bash his skull in as well.' Molly said shortly and then continued with her knitting.

'So that was distracting you?' Hermione asked still skeptical.

'Yes' Harry said simply and then plopped down on the sofa next to Ginny. She immediately leaned into him and sighed. Harry smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him.

'How's the shop?' Harry asked jovially

'Oh just peachy' Ron said evenly. Harry laughed heartily and that sound alone helped calm Ginny's nerves that were still frayed.

'Why so glum?' Harry asked with a smile on his face.

'George is running me ragged and he's still going to go spare' Ron said moving his head with such vigor that his hair flopped even more than usual.

'Why is he so worked up?' Molly asked with concern. Ever since Hogwarts, George was on the receiving end of the greatest amount of her patience and concern. No one asked why and no one disagreed with its necessity either.

'Term starts in a few weeks and stocks are flying off the shelf. We are having a hard time keeping up'

Ron had slipped easily into the role of second-in-command at WWW but everyone knew that he wouldn't make a career out of it. Twice now he had asked Harry for help practicing some of the required wandwork for Auror admission. The only people left in his family that hadn't realized that being an Auror was what Ron really wanted was Ron himself and then George. They had needed each other for a long time but the time was approached to end that particular partnership.

'Has he considered hiring others to help?' Arthur asked serenely. Grandfather-hood had suited him well.

'No. He says we don't need them' Ron replied, clearly exasperated with his brother. 'He says that any more people will just crowd and complicate the shop'

'What about Angelina?' Hermione asks turning the page of her Witch Weekly magazine. Harry did a double take to make sure that he isn't going insane. Witch Weekly?

'She is still working for that Healer in Knightsbridge'

'I thought she hated working for him Ginny said sitting up. 'She said he was an old codger who didn't know his arse from a hole in the ground'

'Ginny'

'Sorry Mum but that's what she said'

'She does hate it' Ron said with sigh. 'But George is afraid that if he invites her to work in the shop, then they will end up rowing all the time and it might ruin their relationship.'

'What a load of waffle' Hermione said putting her magazine down.

'You're one to talk' Harry said gesturing towards the rag in her lap.

'Oh I'm just reading this year's list' Hermione said knowingly, as if she had a big secret.

'What list?' Harry asked. As soon as he did, Ginny dropped her head onto the back of the sofa.

'Witch Weekly's most eligible bachelor list' she replied with a cunning smile.

'Merlin's pants not again' Harry said copying Ginny who laughed and gave him a chaste kiss. He smiled warmly in return.

'No Harry, not again. You are no longer on the top of the list of Witch Weekly's Most Eligible Bachelors.' she said though hinting at more. 'As a matter of fact, only one Weasley is on the list this year. Charlie is still on the list'

'He may always be on that list' Ron mumbled.

'He will not' Molly shot at him.

'However' Hermione said pulling the attention back to her 'there is a new list. One much more to my liking.'

'Oh?' Ron said questioningly 'How so, love?'

'Because it is the Witch Weekly's Most In...eligible Bachelors.' Harry groaned. 'The list of Bachelors who are no longer eligible'

Hermione's smile was too pleasant. 'How many of us are on that list?' Harry asked unsure if he even wanted the answer.

'All of you' she said with a giggle. Harry groaned again.

'Ah it's not that bad' she continued. 'There is a great picture of you and Ginny in here'

'I wanna see' Ginny said shooting up off the couch. Everyone laughed except Harry. He still despised press. Good or bad.

'Oh Harry it's actually quite good.' She walked back with the magazine in hand an showed it to him. He immediately recognized the photograph. After Ginny's landslide win for the Quidditch Cup at Hogwart's the previous year. After she caught the snitch to defeat Hufflepuff by a staggering 300 points, Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. The photo of them was shortly after she reached the ground. Harry was, of course, in attendance and the moment she hit the ground, Harry had been there. The snapshot in the magazine was of Ginny leaping into Harry's arms. The look on Harry's face was intense. It was quite an intimate moment if he remembered correctly. Which he did.

'Could have been worse' Ginny said trying to encourage him not to become upset.

'It's a wonderful picture' he said smiling. That was the moment he knew he wanted to open the box from Jigar's for her.

Harry watched as Ginny and Hermione looked through the magazine at all the poor blokes listed there when Hermione let out a very un-Hermione giggle. 'What?' Ron asked.

'Dean is on this list' Hermione teased. Ginny sat back down next to Harry and wrapped her arms around one of his and clasped his hand in both of hers.

'Who snatched him up?' Harry asked.

'Luna' Ginny responded.

'And how do you know?' Harry asked smiling knowing it would get a rise out of her. Their relationship had never caused a moment of strife between he and Ginny but he enjoyed taking the mickey out of her on occasion.

'Oh shut it you' she smacked him on the arm.

A odd, familiar sound permeated the room and everyone turned to look at Ron.

'What? Why are you all surprised?'

'Have you been reading that book I leant you Hermione' Molly said with a loving smile on her face.

'I read it at night before bed.'

'Have you tried any of it yet?'

'I have' Hermione said closing her magazine. 'I can't say it was as good as any of yours but it certainly went well for my first few meals.' Hermione blushed deep scarlet.

'Good. Of all my boys, Ron was always hardest to keep fed.'

'He is quite voracious' she said breathlessly. Ron was looking back and forth between his mother and his fiancée, the latter was blushing furiously. He seemed to be coming to a conclusion. Molly, it seemed, was quickly regretting bringing the subject up.

'So what's for dinner' Harry asked in a poor attempt to change the subject.

'Pub!' Ginny said quickly. 'Let's go down to the Boot and have dinner. We haven't seen Fox in several days'

'Arthur and I ate earlier so you lot are on your own this evening.'

'To the Boot' they all said in unison and climbing to their feet.

A few minutes later, Harry and Ron followed Hermione and a very excited Ginny in the The Lawmen's Boot pub in Ottery St. Catchpole. Every time Harry entered the pub, he stopped and admired the memorial picture on the wall next to the entrance. It was a picture of Fox, short for Andrew Foxlan, and his brother Tristan who started the Boot together after their father, who'd been a muggle detective for Scotland Yard. Tristan was killed in the attack by Amycus Carrow the previous summer. After Carrow's demise, Fox came to the Burrow and thanked Harry and Ron. He told them then about the pub, invited them down, and once Ginny tasted the Fish and Chips, they became regulars.

'Everyone batten down the hatches' Fox yelled from behind the bar, 'Here comes a storm with red hair.'

'Fox' Ginny shouted and waved back excitedly. 'It's been a few days.'

Fox was a large man. Easily as stocky as Charlie but not as well toned. He had wide shoulders and a genuine smile. Harry had watched him throw men of great size through the front door of the pub with ease but everyone knew he wouldn't hurt a fly. He had a kind face, blue eyes behind dark glasses, and a full beard.

Anyone who spend five minutes with Fox, knew about the love of his life, his wife Ashlynn and the pride of his life, their son Henry. Both of whom could be found in a large portrait on the back wall behind the bar. This was one reason they all liked him so much. Family was just as important to him as it was to them.

'How's my favorite redhead?' He said grabbing four glasses of varying size. He knew their drinks by heart now.

'Hey' Ron said indignantly

'Sorry, mate. She's a right sight prettier than you' he responded unabashed. Ron shrugged and smacked his lips in anticipation. Within two minutes, Fox had all their favorite drinks in front of them. Ron, a tall, amber bitter, cold because he liked his drinks piping hot or ice cold, nothing in between. Hermione, an Andoleen Sweet which was an original by Fox that he wouldn't divulge the recipe. Ginny, a Saunton Sea Breeze, a drink she thought she learned from Harry who had in fact asked Arthur for Molly's favorite cocktail. Ginny still didn't know that. For Harry, he got a specialty of Fox's. A Hippogriff Hunter, two parts Gin, one part tonic water, one part clear cola, and two parts a secret that Fox wouldn't tell him.

They all toasted and sipped, or gulped in Ron's case, their drink's. Ginny moaned in pleasure at the taste of hers. This sound affected Harry much more than it normally should have. This is going to be a long night he thought to himself.

'So how goes the Dragon Hunt?' Fox asked.

'It is long, arduous, and irritating.' Harry said and sipped his drink.

'Well that's what you get when you become an Auror' he said winking at Ginny.

'Stuff it' Harry replied with a smile.

'Harry!' someone called behind them. They turned to find Ashlynn, Fox's wife, in her chef's coat, knives on her hip and flour on her face. Her long dark hair was nearly as dark as Harry's but not quite. She was by no means large but "she has some meat on her bones" as Fox puts it. Muscular thighs and an hourglass figure gave her a formidable look when she was glaring at one of her employees.

'Hey Ash' Harry called back. Ashlynn had been Harry's friend ever since he had made sure to mention her excellent cooking in an article he was interviewed for. They asked where his favorite "hangout" was and he told the reporter here because of the food. Ever since then, the Boot's sales skyrocketed with travelers from all over England. Harry was now Ashlynn's favorite. She was able to make a living cooking like she'd always wanted.

'How is it goin?' she asked him and then looking to everyone.

'Oh fine' Harry said dismissively. 'How's Henry?'

Ashlynn's face lit up. Fox jumped into action and pulled some photos out of the wallet in his back pocket.

'He's three now and full of attitude' she said with a glowing smile. 'Dinosaurs are the greatest things on the planet and he will not eat toast if he thinks it was bread first.'

'Toddlers' Fox added in. The picture he showed them, was of Fox lying on floor and Henry was standing on his chest jumping up and coming down knees first. Fox didn't look comfortable in the least but they all roared with laughter all the same.

'Would you guys like anything specific to eat tonight?' She asked

'Oh you know us. Surprise us with something tasty.' Ginny said leaning into Harry.

'Coming right up' and she bounded for the kitchen stopping to make sure a couple of tables had everything they needed.

They all conversed easily about one subject to the next. Narcotics, the upcoming wedding, Ginny's Harpies tryout and even Hogwarts and how odd it was that they were all done fully. Ash brought them a dip of some kind she said was like a bisque in dip form. It came with sourdough bread and it was outrageously delicious. They spent nearly two hours running up a tab with Fox and eating whatever Ash brought them. Occasionally Fox would break out into song with something coming over WWN. Sometimes the group would even sing along.

In the middle of a rather spirited rendition of Lets Stay Together by Al Green, the music abruptly stopped and a warning sound played over the radio. Most of the pub went quiet as a man's voice came on.

'Good evening, I'm Curtis Havershom, Senior Reporter for the Daily Prophet. We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you breaking news.'

Harry stood up from his seat to look at the speaker more intently. Why, he really didn't know.

'As most are aware, several nations across the world are fighting a battle against the makers and distributors of a narcotic known as Dragon Ride. Made illegal by the use of the banned ingredient; powdered dragon horn. Tonight, in a crowded area of New York City in the United States, an explosion has taken the lives of 25 muggles and at least 4 members of the MDFA. In the course of an investigation into the location of manufacturing of Dragon Ride, an anonymous tip led them to an area of Homeless individuals in the Bronx borough of New York. While following the tip, an explosion took the lives of the entire investigative team as well as many of the nearby muggles. . Sources say a message was left by the perpetrators of the incident but no word yet on what that message may contain. More on this as the story develops. This is DPWN Live News update and I'm Curtis Havershom.'

Harry listened intently until the message finished. He turned to look at his friends. The music picked back up and the bar went back to its conversations. Harry looked at Ginny. His eyes were wide and his heartbeat was erratic. Ginny knew that any loss of innocent life hurt him personally. It's what made him a good auror and one day would make him an excellent father. But today, it made him hurt and it made her anxious.

'You're going to the States aren't you?' she asked dreading his answer.

The following morning, Harry arrived at the Auror office to find a surprisingly docile situation. Nearly every Auror was either reading the Prophet, reports in file folders, or exchanging one of those things to acquire the other. Harry placed his satchel on his desk in the cubicle he and Linder shared, who was nowhere to be seen, and headed towards Grimaldi's office. He was met there by Lonnie's secretary, Doris, whom Harry had really come to like. She was approaching, what Arthur had recently started calling, her golden years. She was grey haired, slightly plump, and very short. However, despite her rather pleasant demeanor, she was a fireball of sass and motherly discipline.

Whenever any of the aurors failed to dot all their I's, she had no reservations about coming to your desk and "reading you the riot act" about not taking care of your business. He once watched her point her finger almost straight up at Kingsley's face for not remembering to file a large bit of overtime paperwork for the Aurors. While she wasn't the least bit afraid to chastise you until your ears bled, she would also stand up for you to any authority, even the Minister of Magic himself.

'Good Morning, Harry' she said with a wide smile.

'Well good morning to you, Mrs. Lingle' Harry said brightly.

'Oh you sweet boy, you know you can call me Doris.'

'Of Course' Harry nodded. 'I brought you something I think you might like'

'Oooh' She said half sarcastic and half elated. Harry pulled a small, sealed bag from behind his back.

'This' he started holding it up for her 'is a bag of Costa Rican Terra Bella Honey coffee beans. It is a medium roast coffee bean with a honey aroma and a slight citrus after taste.'

'That. Sounds. Delicious.' She said softly. She immediately took the bag, unsealed it, and inhaled deeply.' That smells divine.'

She took the bag, placed it in her desk, and turned back to Harry. 'Now, what do you want?'

Harry's smile melted away immediately. Molly and Doris had skills that would be evenly matched. It must be motherhood. Or perhaps Doris had twin troublemaking boys as well.

'I uh...' he stammered 'I was -'

'Spit it out' she snapped.

Harry laughed and took a breath. 'I was wondering if you had any information that has crossed your desk about what's going on across the pond' he breathed out quietly.

'Gracious, Harry, you know I can't tell you anything about that. What do you really want.'

'I forgot my quarterly reports at my flat this morning. Can I get them to you in the morning?'

'Harry Potter!' she said sitting up straighter. Harry braced internally for a lashing.

'Potter!' Harry's head turned to Grimaldi's office door. 'Get in here'

Harry turned his smile back to Doris and she just shook her head.

'I suggest you get those reports done. The last thing you'd need is for me to check in with my old friend Molly Prewitt - '

'No, no that's not necessary' he said through chuckles. 'I'll have them to you in the morning.'

'Off with you! Before he gets mad at me because of you'

Harry laughed and walked to Grimaldi's office where he found Linder already seated. He looked particularly grave but Harry wasn't sure if it was the situation in the states or perhaps his morning tea wasn't slightly too cool.

'Take a seat, Harry. Kingsley may be along in a bit. He was on the floo with Conchola earlier but he should be done by now.' Grimaldi was sipping his tea and scanning a report. Linder was cleaning his wand which was smoking slightly.

'Sir?' Harry asked. Grimaldi grunted in response without looking up. 'Was there anything about that explosion that wasn't on the wireless last night?'

'I'm hoping to find that out myself in just a moment' he said absentmindedly.

They sat in... a not-very-companionable silence. Every now and then Linder would look at Harry and then shake his head. Harry, long ago, decided that Linder was just an angry person and nothing could really be done about it. After what seemed like a parliamentarian 5 minutes, Kingsley could be heard speaking with Doris outside the office. He asked her if she was keeping all these men and women on the straight and narrow to which she said the chances of this were smaller than a pixie's eyelash.

'Good morning, gentleman' Kingsley said as he walked in the office. 'I hope you had a pleasant evening'

'Ah hell, Shacklebolt, get on with it will ya?'

Kingsley paused halfway through closing the door. He looked at Grimaldi who shrugged then to Harry who was smiling brightly. He finished closing the door, walked to Grimaldi's wet bar and grabbed a decanter of scotch and walked back to Linder.

'Here' he said handing it to a confused Linder. 'You are obviously in a bad mood. I'd ask what's wrong, but I don't care now.'

Kingsley smiled widely and Linder took the decanter and set it down.

'Did you find anything out, sir?' Grimaldi asked setting his report down.

'A great deal yes.'

'What was in the message?' Harry asked curiously.

'Do you still have you Pensieve, Lonnie?' Kingsley asked pulling his wand out his robes.

'Aye' Grimaldi said getting to his feet. He reached his cupboard next to his coat rack, opened it to retrieve the familiar looking basin. He placed it on the desk while Kingsley placed his wand against his temple and pulled a memory from it. He placed it in the Pensieve and at once a figure appeared out of it.

A scruff looking, Hispanic man with scars on his neck and chin, a healthy stubble, and long dark hair. His eyes were intense and his voice was even more so.

'Of Course, Minister Shacklebolt. If you're assistance is needed, I will contact you immediately. The experience of the Aurors of Brittain would be invaluable. If we need you, I'll call.'

The statement sounded sincere but it was evident that Conchola was refusing the assistance being offered.

'I asked him what the message was and how it was left' Kingsley added since Harry could only hear Conchola's statements.

'The note was left with a wand, carved into the wall of the nearby building. It said "We are not patient and the MDFA's interference will not be tolerated. This is your final warning." It is the last straw for both President Clinton and our own Secretary of Magical Affairs. We are devoting a large mass of MDFA's resources as well as a certain task force of the Secret Service and CIA to tracking down the culprits'

'I asked him to please keep us in the loop if any chatter said they were headed to the isles.'

'I will Minister. Until then, God speed.'

The head shrank back into the Pensieve. Grimaldi flicked his wand and it floated back to its shelf.

'He was unusually polite' Grimaldi said.

'Tosser' Linder grumbled will picking his finger nails with a pocket knife.

'I agree' Kingsley said. 'The politeness anyway. There is more to it than he is telling me but hopefully it won't escalate and it won't matter.'

'So why did you need us?' Harry asked crossing his arms.

'I want to forewarn you.' Grimaldi said. 'When the bomb drops and everything goes to hell over there, you will be the two we send over. Our most experienced duelists as well as our most experienced Auror' he inclined towards Linder. 'You two will lead a team of six when the time comes.'

'Six?' Harry asked. 'So few?'

'Yes, only six.' Kingsley said smiling. 'In the US, the Magical Defence Force of America is more varied than the Aurors alone. MDFA includes both their law enforcement squads as well as their elite hit groups.'

'Like the MLE and Aurors all rolled into one'

'Precisely. So they have an enormous number compared to ours. Numbers isn't their problem. It's experience.' Grimaldi said pouring some from the decanter.

'With our recent war, they have acknowledged that we are currently more adept at fighting dark magic right now. Not to mention, our standards for becoming an Auror far outstrip the prerequisites to join the MDFA.'

'Also, they requested the Golden Trio'

'You're joking'

'Unfortunately not' Kingsley said a little exasperated.

'Surely you won't - '

'Gracious, no. I told him that our bylaws prevent civilians from being sent on such a mission for the Ministry.'

'Ok, good. I don't think that would be a good idea right now.' He could hear Gin's protests already as well as Molly. Plus, with their upcoming wedding plans, there was too much going on.

'If it comes to fruition' Grimaldi went on 'Linder will be in charge but I'm putting Harry there as your second. Not only does it make sense because he's your partner but I think even as stubborn as you are, Paul - '

'I'll show you stubborn'

'Oh shut up' Grimaldi snapped 'Even as stubborn as you are, we all know Harry is one of our most natural, talented, and powerful duelists.'

'Aye, I know. Doesn't mean he has to know that' Linder said putting the knife away and glancing sidelong at Harry.

'Oh well' Kingsley said smiling again. He'd known Linder for a long time and knew he was just being difficult for a laugh, despite him never laughing.

'So the six of you will be travelling as an elite hit squad. And to be honest, with the right time, you could be unstoppable.' Grimaldi said glint in his eye.

'Linder' Kingsley said. 'Go through the personnel, pick 4 Aurors to join you. You need to leave Dawlish and Proudfoot here.'

'Bloody hell' Linder growled.

'They will need to run the office while you are both out, if you leave.'

'Fine' Linder said. 'Can I at least get big tall bloke?'

'You mean, Copeland?' Grimaldi asked.

'Yea, that guy. He's huge. Bound to look intimidating at the least.'

'No, you can't take him' Grimaldi said clearly frustrated. 'He only joined 2 months ago. He hasn't even finished his spell practicals yet.'

'Damn' Linder growled again. 'Fine, I'll figure it out tomorrow.'

'That's fine. For now, you guys go back to it and we will contact you in the event that are needed to go.

They departed the office and went back to it. Harry took his reports to his spot in the back corner and continued prowling and searching for leads. After a mid morning tea break, he strolled back by his cubicle where Linder stopped him.

'Oy, Potter. This letter dropped on your desk about a half hour ago.'

'Thanks' Harry took the letter and scanned over it. It was had the Gringotts seal on it. Harry unsealed the envelope and removed its contents. Inside was a thick, heavy parchment letter. He unfolded to see neat handwriting and a Goblin's name at the top.

From the desk of Vlakas

Gringotts Account Management

Dear Harry J Potter,

In the recent year, your inheritance you received upon coming of age has been catalogued and logged into our records as required by our procedures as well as the conditions set down in the original contract of the Potter Family Vault. During this process, a few items, including Magical Beings and unoccupied real-estate, have surfaced that need your personal attention.

When it is convenient for you, please come into Gringotts' Home Office in Diagon Alley, London to attend to these items. When you arrive, please tell the attending Goblins you need to speak with Vlakas in Accounts. I daresay they will already know who you are.

Sincerely,

Vlakas - Gringotts London

Account Management.

Harry took a deep breath.

Magical Beings?

Unoccupied real-estate?