After such a relaxed chapter last week I thought it was time for some more action! I hope you all enjoy :)

TheDistantDusk and Breanie have been amazing, helping me make this chapter great. Thanks guys! And I wanna thank everyone for leaving reviews, comments, and messages. You all are great to me! Thank you so much!

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Harry tapped his hand on the steering wheel in an inconsistent pattern. His entire body was on edge as his eyes followed every car that passed their meeting point. They'd picked the small park because it was hardly ever occupied but provided places for cover. It was ten minutes till ten, and they were waiting for Crouch to arrive. Harry was still uncertain of Moody's plan. A lot felt up to chance. And chance wasn't something he was willing to deal with when it came to Ginny's safety.

Ginny

Fuck... she was... Harry glanced over at her in the backseat. She had her head back and her eyes closed. A few long strands of her red hair fell out of her ponytail, framing her face. She was gorgeous. Every part of her was incredible, and Harry was brave enough to admit he was hopelessly in love with her. At least he could admit it to himself. When he'd tried to tell her last night... fuck, he'd sounded like a prat.

But he was in love with her. Harry had fallen so hard for her in such a short amount of time it made his head spin. Never before had he felt so enamored by someone. Ginny had hooked him without even meaning to. And now, Harry was being forced to watch the woman he loved willingly put herself in danger. They could have figured out another plan. There were witness protection programs for this exact situation. But Ginny was too strong, brave, feisty, and stubborn to back down from it all. She wanted to be the one to handle it. His strong Ginny wanted to be her own hero.

Harry was all for her being assertive and fighting her own battles... except for this one. This was a fight in a league of its own. And despite his belief in Ginny, in their team, Harry was afraid. No... he was terrified that something would happen to her after he'd only just found her.

"You know." Ginny's teasing tone broke the silence in the car. "You missed your calling. You should have become a drummer rather than a cop. Beats like that are rare."

Harry looked in his rearview mirror to see an adorably sly smirk curling her lips. "I'll have you know, I was in a band back in school."

Ginny's eyes shot open, that wily grin shifting into a look of surprise. "No way!"

"Oh yeah." Harry nodded, turning in his chair so he could look at her head-on. Her wide-eyed gaze made his heart beat a little faster. "I'm pretty sure I remember the chords to some of our classics."

"Really?" Ginny was leaning forward now, her excitement shining bright in her dark eyes. "When we get back, you're going to play me something."

When we get back.

The words made a fist clench around Harry's gut. It was a reminder of it all... where they were and what they were about to do. A heavyweight fell onto his chest as different outcomes rushed his mind. This Crouch could just come in with guns blazing and just shoot her, not caring about Riddle's desire for her. The image of Ginny lying on the ground with blood pooling around her made him shiver.

Ginny's hand came up to cup his cheek drawing his eyes back to hers. The soft feeling of her hand, mixed with warmth in her gaze, made Harry's heart flutter. She leaned into him, pressing a light kiss to his lips. "It's gonna be alright, Harry. It's all going to work out." The quiet certainty in which she said it made the knot in his gut ease, but it still was hard to breathe.

"I just... Gin..." He choked on his tongue. Harry wanted to tell her, admit how much he cared for her. Admit how he'd fallen in love with her, but the words would come out of his mouth. So instead, he settled on pressing his lips back to hers.

Ginny's hand slid around his head to thread through his hair. He loved the feeling of her nails scratching along his scalp. When she pulled away, Harry tried to follow, only to collide hard with the back of his seat. Ginny let out an ungodly cute giggle. "Watch out there, darling. We don't need you getting hurt." She returned to him, stealing a quick kiss before falling back against the seat. "I need you in tip-top shape for when you serenade me."

Harry smiled at her. "Do you have a request in mind?"

She gave him a thoughtful look before shaking her head. "No, I want you to surprise me."

Before Harry could respond, his radio crackled as Moody's deep voice filled the car. "I think this is him. The black BMW with tinted back windows."

Harry spun to look out the windshield. The car drove slowly into the car park, the headlights shining harshly into Harry's eyes. He squinted, trying to determine who was in the car, but it was impossible.

Ginny leaned through the gap between the seat. "Can you see him?" Her voice wavered only slightly.

"Not yet," Harry said, glancing over at her. Her lips pressed into a hard line as she stared at her would-be kidnappers. "But we're not moving until they do."

It didn't take long for the driver's side door to open, and a man crawled out. Harry heard Ginny's sharp intake of breath and instantly knew they'd landed their mark. He turned fully to look at her. Her body trembled ever so slightly as she watched the bastard take off his sunglasses.

"That's Crouch," Ginny said, her tone void of any emotion. Harry wasn't fooled by her cold act. During their short time together, Harry had observed Ginny in many situations. She was tough as nails, ready to fight. But she also had fears and anxieties that made her stomach roll.

Harry brought his hand up to her face, unable to resist trying to ease some of her tension. "We've got this, Gin."

He watched her shoulders sag slowly as she released a deep sigh. Her dark, gorgeous eyes turned to meet his, and Harry was sucked into their depths. "I know. We're the dream team, after all."

When she kissed him, Harry lost track of the world for a moment. It was just him and her. Then she pulled back and turned back to Crouch, who stood in front of his running car, his hip leaning on the hood.

Harry forced himself to look away from Ginny. He needed to get his head in the game. This fucker wouldn't know what hit him when Harry was done with him. With a fire fueling his blood, Harry grabbed the handle to his door and opened it.

Crouch wasn't an overly large man. Maybe five-nine in height with a lean form. But it was his eyes that made his stature more frightening. They were a sharp grey that looked unnatural. But the wicked glint that appeared when Ginny stepped out of the car made Harry's gut twist.

"Miss Weasley?" Crouch made his tone sound calm and welcoming. The bright smile that he sent her way looked harmless. Harry gritted his teeth. He, himself, had used that tone and smile on frightened and traumatized people over the years. And if he didn't know better, Harry would have believed Crouch's sincerity.

Ginny tilted her chin up high, meeting Crouch's gaze head-on. "That's me."

Crouch turned to look at Harry; that darkness in his eyes hit Harry like a knife. "I've got this from here, Officer."

It took all of Harry's willpower not to just charge the fucker and punch him square in the jaw. He desperately wanted to know that grin off his face. But instead of giving in to his violent urge, Harry kept his eyes on Crouch. "Do you have your identification?"

The grin didn't leave Crouch's face, but Harry saw the shift in his body. Crouch's shoulders tensed, and his fingers twitched. "Is that necessary? I was sent here by Lieutenant Kingsley."

Harry didn't say anything. He didn't move. Simply waited for Crouch to do as he asked. Now that fake smile disappeared, replaced by a sneer that Harry hated almost as much as that bullshite smile.

"Who are you?" Crouch demanded, a sharpness in his tone.

"Detective Potter," Harry responded coolly.

Crouch's fingers twitched again. Harry noticed them moving slowly towards his hip...

Harry moved quickly. His hand went to his own concealed weapon that he'd tucked into the waist holster he'd hidden with his jacket. His pistol was met with a twin. Crouch's finger twitched on the trigger of his semi-automatic.

"Well." Crouch's sneer became harsher and more wicked. "This is a surprise."

Harry didn't remove his focus from Crouch and the gun. "Ginny, it's time for you to find Tonks."

"She's right over by the public loo," came Moody's gruff voice from somewhere to Harry's left.

Crouch's eyes widened, but he didn't take his eyes away from Harry. "A setup." He didn't pose it as a question, merely a statement.

"That's right, lad. So you best lower that gun before Potter and I are forced to use ours."

Harry saw Crouch's hand tighten on his weapon. "You know, I don't think I will. Because you see, you're not the only one who has a trick up their sleeve."

That was when all hell broke loose.

Harry didn't have any warning before the glass and bullets started flying. The windshield of his car shattered as rapid fire came from Crouch's car. Harry fell to the dirt, making sure to keep his pistol in hand. He put his back against the side of his car, his ears ringing from the gunshots.

Checking to his right, Harry could see Ginny lying behind a trash bin. She had only made it halfway to Tonks before needing to take cover. Tonks had her back against the small public loo building. The pistol she'd borrowed from Moody fired in rapid succession towards the BMW. He could see Tonk's eyes scanning around, trying to find the best way to get to Ginny. Harry knew his friend wouldn't let anything happen to Ginny. That belief was the only reason Harry was able to turn his focus towards his left, where the gunshots came from.

He leaned slowly around the car's hood, taking in the situation. Crouch had opened the driver's door, using it like a shield as he shot towards Moody. Moody had found cover behind a tall oak that sat just outside the car park. Harry couldn't see the grizzled man, but he could hear his bullets colliding with the BMW.

The dirt near Harry's hiding spot splattered before he heard the shot. Harry fell back behind the car, looking at the bullet that stuck out of the soil. There was another shooter; Harry knew that to be true. But what he didn't know was if it was only one additional shooter. For all he knew, their entire car had been full of gunmen.

Taking a chance, Harry glanced around the car again, taking in only one other pair of shoes. Feeling relatively comforted by that, Harry twisted to get his gun out from behind the hood, taking fire at those leather boots he'd noticed.

The man hopped back as the bullet landed just inches to his right. Harry took the opportunity to lift himself up to look over the top of the hood. The man he'd just shot at had the traits akin to a rat. Large teeth were just the start. Harry took aim at the man's chest missing again but making the bastard fall back behind the car.

Harry fell back down, letting his body scoot the side so he could peer around the headlight. He could see Crouch's legs from under the door. Taking careful aim, Harry fired.

It was Crouch's scream that made Harry know he had landed his target. Blood started to pour from the wound only after the man had fallen to the ground. He heard Crouch's companion call out, but Harry couldn't see him from his lower vantage point. Taking a second, he rose to his knees and looked over the hood again. The rat-man had his gun trained on Moody as he fired without any skill. All his shots went so far off into the woods Harry was worried about a wayworn squirrel.

Moody didn't seem fazed by the attack; on the contrary, Harry could see a smile curling the man's lips. He was insane! Then he watched as Moody jumped out from behind the tree and fire, hitting rat-man squarely in the shoulder.

The scream that echoed around the empty park made Harry flinch. Then there was silence except the ringing in Harry's ears. He kept his body low, moving cautiously away from his cover. Then suddenly, the BMW was moving, tires kicking up dirt as someone reversed. Harry went to his full height, moving quickly to try and stop them from fleeing, but the car was out of the car lot before Harry could even lift his gun to shoot out the wheels.

"Fuck!" He heard Moody curse as he hurried to stand beside Harry. The BMW was already out of sight, heading down the unsuspecting quiet village road. Harry stopped at the edge of the lot, looking down the road, hoping to see the BMW wrecked on the side of the road, but there was nothing.

He spun back towards the scene, yelling every swear he'd ever learned. Blood spotted the dirt beside where Crouch had once been. The amount wasn't enough to be fatal, but enough to need medical attention. Then Harry's eyes fell onto the man curled into a ball. Moody has his gun trained on the man. Crouch had abandoned his friend.

"Harry!" Tonks' loud cry made Harry's head snap towards her. She was running towards him, a hand holding her shoulder. Harry could see the red spreading down her blouse. He started to charge towards her, but she shook her head. "I'm fine. Killed the bastard who shot me, but..."

That's when it clicked in his head. "Where's Ginny?"

Tonks shook her head. "When the two fuckers came out of the backseat, I told her to run into the wood and hide. That I'd be there in a moment. One came after me... but the other one..." She stood right in front of him, her expression pained. "The other one followed Ginny."

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Harry had never experienced pure and uncontrollable fear. He'd faced many dangerous and frightening things over his life. There had been the first time someone had drawn a knife on him. Or when he'd jumped in front of a moving car trying to save a kidnapped child. He could still remember how his heart had pounded when Tonk called him in tears to tell him about Remus.

But this... the way his heart climbed up into his throat and how his body had started to tremble... Harry knew this moment was filled with raw and unadulterated fear.

Ginny was out there in the woods... being hunted by a monster, who wanted nothing more than to drag her to his lair and sink his teeth into her. Harry couldn't stop his body from shaking. His focus was fading in and out. It was Tonks' steady hand that kept him from falling to the ground.

"Harry," Her sharp voice barely cut through the ringing in his ears. Her shaking is what drew him back. "Harry, you need to breathe. Everything is gonna be — Harry! Wait!"

Tonks' last words were lost on him as he charged into the woods. He had no idea where Ginny had gone, but he would find her if it was the last thing he did. There was no way he would let Ginny fall into Riddle's clutches again. He had promised her, and Harry never went back on a promise.

The path was rocky and untended. He could see multiple shattered branches and numerous disturbed leaf piles. Harry jumped over a large fallen log, stopping to listen. His heart beat loudly in his ears, making it nearly impossible to hear anything else. But he tried. Harry stood there waiting for any noise, any sign to point towards Ginny's location.

After ten seconds, Harry started to move, hoping that he miraculously went in the right direction. His feet moved without guide or thought. He couldn't think... think of anything past finding Ginny. Think about what he'd do if Riddle laid a finger on her.

A muffled snap made Harry stop dead in his tracks leaves dislodging at the motion. He closed his eyes, focusing only on his hearing. There was rustling to his left, like wind blowing leaves. Or was it someone shuffling them with their feet?

"Fuck!"

The yell came from his right. It was far away, but he'd heard it. Harry's eyes shot open as he started sprinting towards the voice. His lungs protested, making every breath harsh, but Harry didn't stop. He couldn't stop.

A scream reverberated off the trees, making birds fly off in fright. A woman's scream. Harry was certain his heart would burst out of his chest as he picked up his pace. He needed to get there. Need to get to Ginny before —

A root caught Harry's foot, making him fall face-first into the unforgiving ground. He instantly felt the sting of a deep cut across his cheek, but Harry didn't care. Harry didn't care that his jeans had ripped or his ankle throbbed. All that mattered was getting to Ginny. He lifted himself to his feet, charging right back towards where he could now hear sounds of leaves scuffling and angry tones.

Dodging around a large oak, Harry broke back into a run. He had never moved so fast in his life. When he saw her red hair flashing in the sun, Harry nearly cried out in relief. Of course, that was before he took in the situation. Ginny was on the ground, scooting backward as quickly as she could. Riddle stood over her. His pale face was pulled into a nasty glare. A large gash ran over his left brow. It looked like he'd been hit with something. The something became evident as Ginny took a swing at Riddle's legs with a long tree branch, trying to trip him up.

The bastard jumped back, his lip curling into a hair-raising snarl. "You fucking bitch! I swear when I get my —" He cut off as Harry skidded to a stop. When Riddle turned his cold, dead on to him, Harry couldn't control the shiver that ran down his spine. How someone could look so... twisted.

Riddle glanced down at Ginny, her chest rising and falling rapidly from her spot on the ground. Harry could see the tension in her shoulders as she scooted further back. Riddle's lips curled into a devilish grin, clearly enjoying the fear he created. He turned to Harry. "Don't try to be a hero, boy. Get out of here before I'm forced to…"

His voice trailed off as Harry lifted his pistol, pointing it directly at his chest. Riddle's expression contorted into that of an angry viper ready to strike, but rather than moving towards him or Ginny, Riddle took off into the woods. Harry swore, getting off a shot that splintered into a bark. Riddle weaved out to the left, disappearing behind a collection of trees. Harry charged after him, tucking his gun in the holster as he went. Riddle was fast, he weaved out between trees with hesitation. Harry cursed as his ankle gave a painful throb, making him stumble, but he kept his eyes on Riddle's back.

Riddle would not — could not — get away. Harry had to make the fucker pay for everything he'd ever done. All the women he'd hurt. The way he'd tormented Ginny. Harry would not stop until he was in cuff or dead.

He saw Riddle sped to the left, jumping over a small brooke. Harry considered taking out his gun, firing a warning shot. Maybe he could even hit Riddle in the arm or something. Anything that would make the fucker stop, so Harry could —

"Fuck!" Ginny's loud cry made Harry's head turn. She was trying to use a large branch as a crutch. Her face was contorted in pain as she tried to put pressure on her left foot. Harry spun to look back at Riddle but he was gone… long gone. Not a trace of him remained. He couldn't even hear crunching leaves or twigs snapping. It would be almost impossible to find Riddle again, especially now that he knew Harry was looking for him.

Harry looked back over at Ginny. Her cheeks were flushed and blood flowed freely from a wound on her head. Without a second thought, Harry went over to Ginny, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her to lean on him.

"Harry, what are you doing? What about Riddle?" Ginny asked. "I'm fine, just a sprain. Go get Riddle. I'll be fine."

There was clearly much more than a sprain. Blood and dirt coated her face, and Harry could see a deep gash on her cheek. That didn't even start to cover all the minor scratches covering arms and legs.

Shaking his head, Harry curled his arms around her legs and back. She practically weighed nothing making it easy for him to lift her into his arms. Ginny gave out a surprised squeak, dropping her makeshift crutch. "Harry, what about Riddle? Leave me and —"

"-I won't find him now." Harry looked around, trying to regain direction. He found the cluster of rocks he'd jumped over to reach Ginny and started towards them. "He's long gone."

The fact that he'd failed to shoot Riddle would haunt Harry forever. If he'd not hesitated and just shot Riddle as soon as he spotted him, that bastard would be laying in the leaves. But that wasn't who Harry was. He always took in a situation before pulling the trigger.

Harry turned to the left at the spot where he'd heard Riddle's angry cry. He tried to keep his pace steady and gentle, not wanting to jostle Ginny more than necessary. Her arms were tight around his shoulder, fingers clutched his dirty shirt.

"Harry?" Ginny's voice was soft, hesitant even. He looked down into her dark, beautiful eyes and saw the anxiety in them. "What... What's gonna happen now?"

"I —" Harry had no idea. He didn't know what had happened when he'd left Tonks and Moody. The fate of the injured man was a mystery to him. And then Riddle... Riddle was another thing on his own. He stopped before stepping over a fallen log. His eyes stayed on Ginny's. "I don't know, but we'll work it out together. We're the dream team. It's what we do."

When Ginny's lips curled into a soft smile, Harry knew he'd said the right thing. He was even more validated when Ginny's arms came up to wrap around his neck, and she brought his lips down to hers. She pulled back, her eyes locking onto his. "Thank you."

The intensity of her gaze made Harry feel like fire spread through his veins. His heart thudded hard against his chest, ready to break through his ribs. He looked down at her mouth, wanting nothing more than to get lost in kissing her. Get lost in her. Fuck, who was he kidding? He was already there just from looking in her eyes. "Gin, I lo —"

"Harry! Ginny!" Tonk's loud call cut Harry off.

Harry looked up to see Tonks jogging towards them. Her shoulder was covered by a large wrap bandage, and Harry could already see the tinge of red bleeding through.

She stopped in front of them, her eyes scanning over them, taking in Harry's protective hold on Ginny. "Are you alright?"

"Just a sprain," Ginny told her; she twisted ever-so-slightly in Harry's arms so she could look at Tonks. "How about you?"

Tonks waved a dismissive hand. "Through and through, I'll be alright, just sore." She looked up at Harry. "Was it Riddle?"

Harry nodded. They might not have known what Riddle looked like, but Harry had no doubt they'd come face to face with the monster. He looked down at Ginny, noticing the paleness of her cheeks and the way her eyelids kept closing before she forced them open. "How about we get back to Moody's. I could use a shower and a nap."

Ginny met his eyes; the grateful smile she sent him made Harry's stomach flutter with butterflies. Tonks didn't hesitate; she pushed aside the log blocking Harry's path with her foot before starting back towards the car park.

Harry pulled Ginny closer to his chest, loving the way she relaxed in his arms. Her head lay on his shoulder, her warm breath warm and steady. It wasn't until they reached the car, that Harry became certain Ginny had fallen asleep. Her whole body had become limp, and it took Harry a few moments to figure out how to place her in the back of Tonks' car without hitting her head.

He got her sitting comfortably with her head supported by one of Teddy's soft toys. He buckled her in, closing the door softly. Tonks stood waiting for him, her hand unconsciously rubbing near her shoulder.

"So... what happened to Riddle?" That was Tonks. No need to beat around the bush.

Harry let out a sigh; he leaned his body against the side of the car. The adrenaline that had fueled him was fading, and that nap sounded better and better. The sooner he could get Ginny into bed, curl up around her... just hold her... the better. "He — he got away."

Tonks pursed her lips. "How bad did he hurt her?"

"More than should have happened." Harry clenched his fist, remembering the way Riddle had stood over Ginny. He sucked in a deep breath before letting it go. He'd gotten there in time, and now Ginny was safe. He would keep her safe.

"I'm sorry —" Tonks started, but Harry cut her off with a shake of his head.

"It's not your fault. It's his, and the next time I see him, I'm going to fucking kill him."

Tonks stared at him, her eyes calculating and understanding. When she spoke, her voice was gentle. "You're in love with her."

It wasn't a question or tinged with judgment. Just a simple observation that Harry would be a fool to try and lie about. When he nodded, a broad smile spread slowly across Tonks' lips. "That's good because she's perfect for you." She jerked her head to the car. "Let's get back to Moody's. Moody took that fucker back to the house in your car. Figured you'd prefer to drive back with me and Ginny."

Harry nodded, moving around to the passenger side. He slid into the car slowly, his muscles protesting at the movement. Maybe a hot shower first to loosen up a little.

"So," Tonks said as she started the car. "Do you think Teddy has had fun playing with all of Moody's neighbors' cats? There were like fifty of them."

Smiling at the image of his godson chasing cars around the elderly woman's house, Harry nodded. "I bet you he's gonna ask to take at least three of them home."

"He's gonna be a big softy, just like his daddy and uncle Harry," Tonks said warmly as she turned onto the road.

Harry looked into the backseat where Ginny still sat sleeping. He could see a little bit of drool coming out the corner of her agape mouth. His smile widened. "Nothing wrong with being a softy over the right things... right people."

"I'm sure Ginny is gonna love that about you." Tonks smiled slyly. "She's gonna use that to her advantage."

Ginny's nose twitched, and Harry felt his heart flutter. Yeah, he was a sucker for her, but Harry didn't care to hide it anymore. He reached back, gently rubbing his thumb over her knee. "If it means I get to be with her, I'm good with it."