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Chapter 19 - The Most Dangerous Man In The Room

A distinctive knocking noise woke Harry the next morning. It had began as a light tap, before progressing to the current banging.

'Whazza noiz?' Groaned Ginny groggily, rolling over in Harry's arms to bury her head in his shoulder.

'Someone bangin on the door.' Croaked Harry.

'Uncle Harry, open up.' Came a muffled shout over the banging.

'Would you mind casting a silencing charm?' Harry asked the sleepy redhead.

Ginny chuckled. 'He's your godson, you can't ignore him.'

'Sure I can, especially this early in the morning.' Harry joked.

'Just go to the door.'

'He's going to want to come in.'

'Then let him.'

'You decent?'

'What d'you think?'

'Get some clothes on then and I'll let him in.' Harry told her as he unwrapped himself from around her.

She groaned at the loss of contact and rolled sleepily off the other side of the bed. 'Where are my clothes?' She asked.

'All over the p-p-place.' Yawned Harry, with a weak chuckle. He scouted around for a pair of boxers and a loose shirt, both of which he found on the floor. Harry chucked them on, not much caring that the shirt was inside out before looking back to watch Ginny slide her knickers on and pull on a jumper which was strewn over the chair in the corner. It was way too big for her, coming down to her knees.

She smiled at him as she lay back down on the bed. 'Hope you don't mind me borrowing this?' She asked in a sultry tone.

He blinked at her. 'Not at all, I just don't remember the last time I wore it.' For some reason her face flushed, he didn't bother asking about it as the banging was almost unbearable. He walked past the forgotten dinner Ginny had brought for him and opened the door.

'Morning Te-humph.' He didn't finish his sentence as Teddy barrelled into him. Harry could feel him shaking from head to toe. Smiling down at the top of his mousy-haired godson's head, Harry gently rubbed soothing circles on his back until he started to relax. 'You OK Ted?'

Nodding, Teddy started to pull away. 'Yeah sorry.' He mumbled embarrassed.

'Come here.' Said Harry gruffly, pulling Teddy into another hug. 'Do you want to come in for a bit and watch some telly?'

'Do you mind?'

'Course not, how can I turn away my favourite godson?'

'I'm you're only godson.' Moaned Teddy.

'And what's that got to do with being my favourite?' Grinned Harry as he steered the boy into the room closing the door behind them.

'Morning Ginny.' Teddy called with a hint of curiosity in his voice when he noticed her for the first time.

'Morning Ted.' Greeted Ginny warmly, patting the mattress. He took a running leap onto the bed before bouncing over to her. She pulled him into her, whilst Harry slid onto the bed and covered them all onto the duvet. He wrapped an arm around Ginny's shoulders, keeping Teddy securely tucked between them.

Harry flicked on the TV using the remote on the table next to him and the three of them lay there watching cartoons with Teddy providing a running commentary along with background information on what had happened on the previous weeks. As Teddy rabbited on, Harry felt his attention waning. He zoned out of his godson's monologue to start sneaking glances at Ginny. For her part Ginny was a lot better at keeping up with Teddy's rambling, or at least pretending too.

Absently, Harry started playing with her hair. It was one of the many things about her that captivated him, he absolutely loved her hair. The smooth soft touch and spectrum of shades that glistened in the light, were capped off by the most marvellous smell he could remember. If only I could bottle it and take it around with me. He thought idly before shaking himself because of how weird it sounded.

To distract himself from those thoughts and what might be happening if he wasn't hosting his godson, Harry concentrated back on the TV in time for a timeless classic.

'Now we're getting to the good stuff.' Harry sighed satisfactorily, stretching slightly.

'You're so old.' Teased Teddy, causing Ginny to giggle.

'So that's where you three are hiding!' Exclaimed an amused voice from the door. All three heads snapped around to see Tonks standing in the doorway with her arms folded.

'Hey mom.' Greeted Teddy happily.

'What you watching sweetheart?'

'Looney Tunes has just come on.'

'Ooh classic.'

'Told ya.' Said Harry smugly, poking his godson in the side causing him to squirm.

Tonks' mischievous eyes turned to him. 'What have you two been up to then?' She asked indicating between Harry and Ginny.

'This and that.' Answered Harry shrugging. Ginny suddenly became very interested in the striped pattern on the duvet. She used her hair to cover her blushing face.

'Do I need to tell Bill about it?'

'Tell him what you like.' Said Harry. 'He's not the only one who can pull the over-protective brother act.'

'You best have some poker face then little brother.' Tonks teased further. Harry just grinned at her. 'Your boss has rang, can you ring her back?'

Harry's eyebrows shot up, 'Clarke rang herself?' He asked surprised. He knew he would have to call in, however, he was surprised his usually cold-blooded boss would bother to call herself.

'Yeah, I was talking to her while you were missing. There have been more attacks in the muggle world and when I said you were missing, she was really worried.'

'Yeah I suppose that's the trouble with her only knowing me in the wizarding world.' Mused Harry.

'Maybe that's something you can help with.' Interrupted Ginny. 'You could act as a go between, for the Aurors and the department you're working for.'

'It's not a bad idea.' Said Tonks. 'Having a team like that would have been a massive advantage in getting closer to this group sooner.'

'And you wouldn't have to fight so much.' Said Ginny, with a hint of hopefulness in her voice. 'There will be more arguing than actual fighting.'

'Which you're almost as good at.' Tonks informed.

Harry caught Ginny's eye, who was watching him intently. 'I'll think about it.' He promised with a small smile. She beamed and threw her arms around him, almost squishing Teddy in the middle of them.

Luckily, the turquoise headed boy had enough practise avoiding overly sloppy kisses from his nan, so he managed to escape just in time. He dived under the covers and scurried to the bottom of the bed, where he popped his head out to continue watching the telly - Bugs Bunny was just defying death at the hands of Elmer Fudd for the second time in the episode.

Engrossed as he was, Teddy didn't respond when the adults asked if he was stopping there or going downstairs with them. He didn't even hear them laughing at his state of concentration, such was his focus on the events unfolding before him. Looney Tunes really was a classic.

When the three adults entered the kitchen, Harry slightly behind the two witches, the general hubbub of the morning instantly quietened down.

Trying not to blush at the open stares of the Weasley family Harry entered the kitchen. It was Molly who recovered first. She dropped her wand on the table, which she was using to threaten the twins with a fresh haircut, before bustling around the table to have a good luck at him.

'Are you OK dear?' She asked, eyeing his face and bear arms suspiciously.

'Fine thanks.' Sighed Harry with a small smile. 'Glad to be home.'

'Mmmm' Molly hummed cocking her head slightly. 'You look better with glasses.'

As Harry embarrassedly rubbed the back of his head and mumbled his thanks, Ginny snuck into the kitchen, much to the glee of her eagle-eyed older brothers.

'Say Ginny dearest…' Started Fred in an innocent sounding voice.

'Where were you last night…' Continued George.

'We came to find you…'

'But we couldn't find you anywhere…'

'We were a little worried to be honest.'

Ginny bluntly ignored them and started buttering a piece of toast from the pile on the table, while Bill shot accusing glances between his little sister and the man his mom was fussing over.

'Still not dead then.' Grumbled Kreacher, when Harry parked himself in the next seat.

Laughing, Harry reached over to his phone which was lying on the table. 'No such luck.'

'I'll put the holiday home plans on hold then.'

'Would you like an advance on your inheritance?'

'No, that would just defeat the purpose of waiting so long. I was sure Voldemort would get you.'

'Well this is what you get for having me on the sweepstake.' Jibed Harry whilst he typed in the number to work.

'Well I had to pick someone, and you were one of the few left.' Said Kreacher sadly.

Harry shot him an incredulous look. 'You were the first one…' He cut his reply off as his mobile failed to connect the call. 'Shit.' He muttered. 'Kreacher fetch Ted, from my room.'

'Why what's'

'Not now, just go.' Commanded Harry. In a crack Kreacher vanished, leaving the kitchen in silence.

'What's wrong?' Asked Hermione.

Harry locked eyes with her. 'There's a storm outside.' Hermione's eyes widened and darted to the base of the stairs.

'What are we going to do?' Asked Tonks.

'St Mungo's' Cried Bill throwing some floo powder into the fire. Nothing happened.

'It won't work.' said Harry glumly. 'They cut off the floo at Mad-Eye's too, he told me after the attack.

Kreacher appeared back in the kitchen with Teddy when a loud series of banging noises flooded the kitchen. 'The attack has started Potter. There are apparation shields up and I can't take everyone in time.'

'We'll fight our way out.' Growled Ron, standing from his seat. He stared disbelievingly at Harry when he sat down. 'What are you doing?' He demanded.

'Waiting.' Replied Harry calmly. 'Kreacher, take Tonks and Teddy to the safehouse.'

'I'm staying.' stated Tonks, drawing her wand.

'No you're not, I need you out of here Tonks to organise the Aurors in case this goes wrong.' Argued Harry.

'You need me.'

'Yes, but not here, you forget where we are.'

Recognition flashed through Tonks' eyes as her gaze was drawn to the emblem on a goblet in front of her. A loud smash from the top of the kitchen stairs jolted her. 'Fine. Come on then.' She grabbed hold of Kreacher's empty hand, he was still tightly holding onto Teddy with the other. With a loud pop, the house elf dissaparated as the kitchen door was blown open.

A tall imposing man stepped through the wreckage, his wand poised at the ready. He eyed each of the kitchen occupants shrewdly, who had all taken their seats at the table.

The intruder smiled cruelly. 'I expected more.'

'Tell your friends to join us and pray they haven't caused too much damage.' Ordered Harry menacingly.

'Why should I?' Taunted the man. 'You all look helpless enough.'

'Looks can be deceiving.' Snarled Harry.

The man nodded slowly. 'BOYS!' He called up the stairs. One by one another seven hooded men, slowly made their way into the kitchen, they fanned out in order to block the door.

'Good we're all here.' Stated Harry. 'So, who do you work for?'

A man to his left burst out a short sharp laugh, 'You have some nerve, you don't get to ask the questions here. We're the ones in charge!'

Smirking, Harry raised his goblet to himm. 'Really?' He mused out loud before taking a small swig. 'I hadn't noticed. Now answer my question.'

Another of the intruders shifted uncomfortably. 'Rawnsley who is this bloke?' He muttered to the tall man who had first entered the kitchen.

'So, he didn't tell you.' Guessed Harry with a shrug.

'Shut it you.' Snarled the man called Rawnsley, taking a step closer. 'You don't seem to realise the danger you are in.'

'Danger.' Said Harry surprised. 'What danger?'

'He's mad.' Cackled the man who had answered before. 'Us you buffoon, or did you think we were here for a party.'

'I think you need a demonstration of how dangerous we can be.' Threatened Rawnsley, pointing his wand at Ginny.

'You know, I've spent time in the company of many dangerous people, on both sides of a war. You want to know what they all had in common?' Asked Harry, as he fingered the embossed snake on the side of his goblet.

After a small silence, Rawnsley's frustration began to tell. 'What?'

'None of them had to tell me how dangerous they were. Attack.' The last word was nothing but a hiss to everyone else in the room, causing them to shudder. Only Ginny understood what was happening, even if she didn't speak the language itself.

When they first moved in, Sirius had done a fair amount of remodelling to make Grimmauld Place much more hospitable. Everyone thought he had removed the old enchantments during his gutting of the place, however, there were a few he kept. Which he knew his godson would one day find rather helpful.

In their devotion to the great Salazar Slytherin, the hierarchy of the ancient house of black adorned almost all the walls in snakes. They made up the architrave, dido rails and other more decorative pieces, the largest being the mantelpiece above the kitchen fire. Not being a lover of serpents, Sirius disillusioned these monstrosities, where they would wait for their release.

Harry's command proved to be just that. The disillusion charms wore off as the snakes hissed eerily in response. Frozen in horror, the intruders watched as the snakes crawled to life, their shiny Jet scales sparkled in the dimmed light and their emerald eyes watched their prey hungrily.

'Don't just stand there defend yourselves!' screamed Rawnsley, pointing his wand at the nearest snake, which had lowered its head from the ceiling to glare at him. 'REDUCTO!' He bellowed, there was a flash of light, which quickly faded leaving behind the snake looking rather unimpressed.

Before Rawnsley could take a backwards step, it struck. Burying it's fangs in his throat as the screams from his comrades wrought the air.

The Weasley's and Hermione all looked on in horror as the snakes made quick, yet brutal work of the attackers. It was over in a matter of seconds, only the sound of one struggling man could be heard. The large snake from the mantelpiece had captured him, ready for questioning.

White in the face from the attack, Harry stood to face him. 'Tell me who you work for and I'll let you live.' He said quietly.

A retching sound caught Harry's attention. He turned in time to see Hermione pick her head back up and wipe the side of her mouth. Ron wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. His eyes never leaving Harry as if watching a prowling predator.

'I don't know.' Said he man quickly. 'I know where he is though.'

'Where?' Snapped Harry.

'At some Bureau in London, he said it was Muggle government intelligence.'

'Shit.' Swore Harry. 'Knock him out.' The large snake squeezed the man until he fainted and then let him loll to the floor.

'Andy do you remember where the safehouse is?'

'Yeah.' She said quietly.

'Good, get this lot there, take this one with you.' He said kicking the shin of the unconscious man.

'Do I need to ask where you're going?'

He turned to face her with a hardened expression. 'This needs to end.' He held out his hand and his wand flew through the kitchen door into it. As soon as it hit his palm the clothes he was wearing transformed into a tux.

'Be careful.' She looked around in distaste. 'That was cold by the way.'

'I know, it's not the first time I've had to be.'

'Still disgusts you though doesn't it.'

'Yeah.' He admitted. 'Rather them than us though.' He muttered looking at the lifeless forms around him.

'Agreed. Good luck.'

'Thanks.' With a nod he swept out of the kitchen towards the front door. He noticed footsteps following him when he reached the landing at the top. He stopped to look around when the person in question just walked past him.

'Come on.' She shouted behind her as she stepped around pieces of ceiling. 'We've got a job to do.'

'You're…'

Before he could even form the sentence in his brain she whirled round, hand on hip with her wand levelled at him. 'Don't you dare say I'm not coming Potter, I'll hex you into next week!'

He stared at her for a few seconds, when she didn't look fazed, he relented. 'Fine, I'm in charge though.'

'Fine.' Without missing a beat, she turned on her heel and marched through the broken door.