Disclaimer: For a full disclaimer, see Chapter 1.
A/N: Thanks to my reviewers. Rest assured, I am committed to finishing this fic. I will resume my twice a week updating as much as possible, and I am glad that almost all of you that take time to review are enjoying it. Now, on to my longest Chapter yet…
Chapter 21. Dead Men Tell no Tales…or Do They?
Hagrid and Professor Sprout had been outside when they noticed the attack. Fang, recognizing Ron, had jumped into the fray. Professor Sprout had raised the alarm so someone inside the castle would know that help was needed. Seeing green, sickly light, they feared the worst. But when everything settled down, Fang was licking Ron's face as Arabella tried to help him up. Ron looked on the ground and saw two Death Eaters there. Placing them in a full body bind, he removed their masks.
"Well, that's Goyle!" exclaimed Hagrid. "Don't think I know t'other one."
"I do," said Albus as he walked up. "That is Nott's daughter, Sylvia. Mr. Weasley, are you two okay?"
Ron looked at Arabella. "We're fine, sir; just a bit shaken up."
"Let's get you into the castle before Poppy yells at me. Hagrid, would you bring those two along? I imagine someone might like to have a word with them."
***
Moody was teaching them a way to retrieve their wands if they were hit by Expelliarmus when Shack walked in. "Mad-Eye, assemble the team. And bring these two. I have a feeling we might have a good training lesson today." With that, Shack walked out of the room and Moody took a coin out of his pocket.
"Took a lesson from your DA group," he said, smiling. In walked Tonks and another Auror that they hadn't met yet. They all turned to the door when Shack walked back in.
"Gentlemen," he said, looking at Harry and Neville, "welcome to the Ministry." He handed them each a pouch. In it they found several items including a badge. "Your badges are official Auror badges. Pin them inside your robes and let's get going. Nymph, grab the potions bag. We are apparating to Hogsmeade." Harry and Neville looked at each other nervously. "Let's go." Almost as one they disappeared.
***
Ginny and Molly had just finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes when they heard Arthur call from the other room. "Molly? Ginny? Anyone home?"
"In here, dear. What a pleasant…" She stopped at the ashen look on her husband's face. "Arthur, what happened?"
"There was an attack this morning at Hogwarts. All I know is that Ron is in the hospital wing and Kingsley's team was dispatched. I will go there and see what is going on."
"I'm coming too." They both turned to see Ginny standing there. "And I have your cloak, Mum."
"No, Ginny. You and your Mother need to stay here. This is official Ministry business. You two can visit once the Aurors have finished. I will keep you posted." With that he gave Molly a quick peck on the cheek and disapparated.
***
The Aurors quickly made there way to Hogwarts, where Hagrid was waiting. Mad-Eye and the Auror that they did not know stayed at the scene of the attack to gather evidence, while the rest of them made their way into the castle. Dumbledore was waiting for them in the Entrance Hall.
"Ah, Kingsley. How unfortunate it is that we can't meet more often on social terms."
"Next chance we get, Albus, we'll do just that. What's the situation?" As Albus started reviewing the details of the attack, Harry noticed Tonks changing her features. She shortened her hair and made it straight, removed feminine curves and changed her hands. She smiled at Harry and started looking around the Entrance Hall as he focused back on Albus.
"Who was attacked?" asked Harry.
"Unfortunately, Harry, it was Ron and Arabella Figg. But we did manage to gather some clues for you."
"What kind of clues?" asked Tonks.
"Live ones," replied Albus with a smile.
***
They woke up in a dimly lit room, bound to chairs. They could hear someone in the room, but could discern no one in the shadows. Nervously they looked at each other, wondering what their fate may be. Goyle slowly managed to get his hand in a robe pocket and brought out a small round device. He smiled over at his partner, who shook her head sadly.
Albus was leading the Aurors down a corridor when a loud explosion just ahead knocked a door off its hinges. Instinctively, they all dived for cover, wands at the ready. Slowly they moved down to the doorway, peering in. What they saw made Harry and Neville want to vomit. Body parts were everywhere, but there was one barely alive. Shack grabbed a basin from his robes and took his wand into the room while everyone else was kept out. What the others couldn't see was Shack pulling silvery strings from Cynthia Nott's forehead into the pensieve until she stopped breathing.
***
Arthur arrived an hour later as Shack was directing the final clean up. The bodies had been removed and taken to St. Mungo's for examination and identification. Albus escorted Arthur to where they were.
"What caused the explosion?" asked Arthur.
"I'm not really sure," answered Shack. "It doesn't look like magic to me. Harry, you lived with Muggles. Any ideas if something Muggle did this?"
Harry took a long look around the room. He walked over to where Tonks had been standing and knelt down. "Here's something. Take a look at this. Looks like a pin from a grenade."
"Grenade? What's that?" asked Tonks.
"A grenade is a Muggle device that explodes when activated. It usually has a lot of small, sharp metal objects that can be propelled away from the blast…I think they call it shrapnel. It's very effective for destroying vehicles and people."
"That's barbaric," said Neville.
"Yes it is. Good analysis, though. Well, I managed to gather some of their thoughts in a pensieve before they died. I'll have to take it back to the Ministry to check it out." Shack looked from Arthur to Tonks. "Nymph, gather the evidence and meet me back in the classroom. Thor, you and Longbottom help her." Harry and Neville looked at him and then each other. Tonks looked at them and smiled.
"Wotcher, Harry. You've been nicked!"
***
Hermione came running into the hospital wing, earning a look of disapproval from Madam Pomfrey. Ron was sitting on the edge of a bed talking to Arabella while they waited to be released. Hermione ran up to him and put her arms around him.
"Oh, Ron I was so scared when I heard."
"It's all right 'Mione. I think poor Bella here got the worst of it."
"I'm just glad that you all are well." Albus stood in the doorway. "You'll be relieved to know that the Ministry is already here. Kingsley brought his whole team with him."
"So…Harry's here?" asked Ron.
"Yes. Both he and Neville are here and they are making some headway. But, Hermione, I have other news for you.
"Good or bad, sir?"
"Some of both, I'm afraid. The good news is that your parents are here at Hogwarts."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Here? May I see them?" Ron smiled at his wife's childlike exuberance.
"Yes, they are waiting for you in my office. Why don't the two of you go and I will catch up with Arabella. The password is 'Bertie Botts'. I will join you shortly and we can all have lunch together."
"Come on, Ron. Let's go see what is going on." Hermione grabbed his hand and headed for the door.
Arabella watched them walk out hand in hand. "Quite a remarkable couple," she said. "And very loyal to you, Albus."
"They are true Gryffindors. Now…about you. Do you feel well enough to take a short stroll?"
Arabella looked at Madam Pomfrey, who was busy making the bed that Ron had been in. She leaned over to Albus and whispered. "If you can talk to the warden and spring me I'd be delighted."
Albus chuckled. "I don't think that would be a problem."
***
A half-hour later Hermione and Ron were sitting on a sofa in Albus' office. Fawkes was sitting silently on his perch, looking a little ragged. He was watching as Ron comforted Hermione after her parents got the news of her aunt's death. They also told her what Albus had discussed with them about their safety. They knew that they were targets because of what happened at their house, but they didn't understand why.
Hermione looked over at her parents. "I'm just glad that you are okay. And I'm glad that Harry is on the case. He'll found out who did this."
"Harry is working on the case? I didn't think he started training until next week," added Mr. Granger.
"He was asked to start early due to the incidents that have been happening," said Ron.
"Sounds dangerous to me. Is he ready for this?" asked Mrs. Granger.
"His instructors believe so." Everyone turned toward the door. Standing there was none other than Alastor Moody.
"Professor?"
"I wouldn't really say that you could call me that. I never did get around to actually teaching," he added.
"Is Harry coming?" asked Ron.
"In a few minutes he'll come. He is finishing up and making notes."
"Hermione, dear," said Mrs. Granger, "Mr. Moody and Professor Dumbledore explained the situation to us. We have temporarily shut down our practice and will be staying here at Hogwarts while things get sorted out. And we've volunteered to work with Madam Pomfrey in the hospital wing while we're here."
***
Harry turned to Tonks after Shack had left with Albus. "Why did he call me Thor?"
"No idea, mate," she replied. "You'll have to ask him. All I know is, now you have the right to call us by our nicks. And while on a case you are required to use them. Although," she added, rolling her eyes, "if you forget mine when no one else is around, I won't report you." She winked at Harry and Neville. "Shack will fill you in after we get back. Why don't you head on up and talk to Ron just to make sure he's okay. Neville and I will finish up here and be along shortly."
"Are you sure?" asked Harry.
"That is an order from a senior," she smiled at him and added, "Thor."
***
Neville had always wondered what it would be like to be Harry Potter. Watching the interaction between Harry and Tonks, he was a bit jealous. He had come a long way since his first year at Hogwarts. Harry, Hermione and Ginny had been a big help there. He still wasn't as confident as Harry seemed to be. And Harry always seemed to catch on quicker in class since they started Auror training. Neville didn't mind. Moody had told him he was doing a good job, and Tonks had complimented him on his agility. He had worked hard for years on getting stronger. He was tired of the Malfoys of the world always seeming to single him out.
He watched as Harry gathered his things and headed down the corridor. He glanced over at Tonks and she smiled at him. He smiled back and began writing his report on his impression of what happened. He remembered what Shack had told them the first day of class. 'Aurors are not like Muggle policemen. We review more than just the facts. We want to gather how the incident affected the Aurors and we often borrow memories and watch them collectively. It gives us an idea of how our teammates react and how we can work best together.' As he finished his report, he scanned the room one more time to make sure they got everything. That was when he saw it; a small scrap of paper in a corner. He walked over and picked it up. After unfolding it, he looked up and smiled at Tonks. "I think we may have found a solid lead."
***
Harry was walking with Tonks toward the classroom as he pondered his meeting with Hermione and her parents. They asked him a lot of questions that he could not answer; some because he wasn't allowed to and some that he just did not know. He did promise them he would help get the answers; and that, in time, he would sit down and tell them everything. After hugging Hermione and asking Ron to tell Ginny he loved her, he left with the rest of the team to meet Shack.
They walked in to find Shack, Albus and Meryl Bek talking. On the table lay the staff that had been used to kill Trelawney and the pensieve that Shack had brought back with him. Shack looked up and motioned for them to sit down. "Well, gentlemen," smiled Shack, looking at Harry and Neville, "welcome to our wonderful fun filled world here at Auror Headquarters. Interesting start to your careers, eh? You all know Albus Dumbledore. Seated next to him is Meryl Bek, one of the Unspeakables. Albus?"
"Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen, you see on this table the staff of Salazar Slytherin. He created this staff to channel his power much like we use wands today. When he was alive, he poured much of his power into the creation of this staff. It is with this that he created the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts. As most of you know, this is also the instrument that was used to kill Sybill Trelawney, Divination teacher at Hogwarts. For many years it was thought lost; recently, it was stolen from a shop in Knockturn Alley. Meryl has been studying the staff and has some insights for us."
Meryl stood up. "This staff, while similar to our wands in its use, is quite different in function. Anyone who uses this staff must channel their magic into it. Our wands are simply a conduit that focuses the power we have. This staff cost Slytherin his life; upon his death he cursed it and anyone that is not evil that touches it will be have a most pleasant experience, as I am sure Mr. Potter can attest.
"Also, the staff can be used for darker purposes. We believe that someone has used the staff to call up the powers of Voldemort and channel them into him or herself. That is the quest that you must undertake. You must find this person and perform the counter curse. Alastor Moody has been given the information on how to perform this task." He looked at everyone and smiled sadly. "I must go. Good luck." He left the room.
Albus stood up. "I must go as well. I will take the staff and put it in a place of safekeeping until it is needed." He smiled at Harry and placed the staff in a long pouch and walked out of the room.
"Let's go have dinner and relax for a bit. We will have much to discuss afterward," Shack said. He turned and left the room with the others following.
***
Draco was not at all pleased with the day's events. When Crabbe and the others returned and had relayed the story of what had happened, he had killed Parkinson. Not that he would miss her; but Draco wasn't as heartless as Voldemort had been. He would miss Goyle and his stupid remarks.
And to top it all off they had missed the Mudblood. Who was the woman that was traveling with the Weasel? As he was sitting there he felt another wave of weakness wash over him. This was the third one today. He must research why this was happening, and soon. He began plotting his next move as his eyes closed and he nodded off.
***
Albus stood in front of the members of the Order with an expression of sadness on his face. "My friends...that is what we know at this time. Kingsley will have his team, which includes Tonks, Harry and Neville, researching who is behind this. They will keep us informed as to what is going on, and I suggest we do the same. While whoever is responsible is trying to act like Voldemort, there are certain things that indicate that it is directed at Harry. It is well known that Harry will go to great lengths to protect his friends. Think how much further he would go to protect his family and his wife. Molly, put everyone in your home on high alert. All of them, especially Ginny, are in danger."
"What about Harry himself?" asked Bill Weasley.
"I believe that Harry is safe at this time. As he is constantly with others, he is hard to attack. And," Albus added, "I have the feeling that these attacks are related. Each one gets a little closer to Harry, which is why I feel we need to watch carefully. Our attacker is now feeling the side effects from using the Staff. That may tip his hand. As Alastor would say, we must use constant vigilance and never lower our guard. Good luck and we will meet again soon."
***
The next several days passed by quickly. Shack had not found much in the pensieve, only scattered memories and no solid clues. The biggest piece of evidence was the paper that Neville had found; it was a receipt for some rented rooms. Shack had put Tonks and Neville in charge of following up on that lead while he and Harry dove into the library at the Ministry to do some more research. Before you knew it, Harry and Neville were preparing to get their first break.
"Gentlemen, let me remind you. You are not officially Aurors yet and cannot claim to be. Also, your firsts round of testing will be in two weeks, so enjoy your rest these next three days. When you return on Monday, we will begin an extensive review of what you have learned so far and extend your training to include new spells that you have not been exposed to as of yet. As is tradition, our next youngest member will be your contact for the next three days and has the pleasure of presenting you with your initial scrolls for completion of Phase I, which is the introductory level. You have both done well and now comes another rite of passage. Thor, you received your nickname several days ago. Mr. Longbottom, you will from now on be known as Scrap, because of the importance that scrap of paper will have. Nymph, the scrolls please," added Shack.
Tonks handed the scrolls to Harry and Neville. "Here you go, Thor. Congratulations. Scrap, here's yours. Congratulations as well."
With that, they were released and told to report at 6:30 am the following Monday. Harry grabbed his gear and stowed it by his bunk before apparating to the Burrow. Neville was not far behind as he was anxious to get home to see his parents.
***
Ginny had spent most of the afternoon picking out what to wear for Harry's visit. She had gone with her mother to Diagon Alley and gotten a new dress. When Madam Malkin realized who she was, she showed her the private collection that only certain people got to see. She picked out an elegant lilac dress that showed off her red tresses.
Mrs. Weasley had arranged for a small, family dinner to include Ron and Hermione who were flooing from Hogwarts. She was in the final preparations for dinner when she heard someone apparate in the living room. She looked at the clock and saw Harry's hand move from 'Work' to "Home'. She noticed that Ron and Hermione were at 'Traveling' just as she heard Harry laugh. She headed toward the living room to see what was so funny.
Harry apparated to the living room and was just about to announce his arrival when Hermione popped out of the fireplace and knocked him over. Ron followed a few seconds later and the three of them were laughing as Hermione tried to get up with the help of Ron. Molly walked in the doorway and started chuckling herself.
"Honestly, 'Mione, I missed you too," Harry laughed. "But I didn't expect to be attacked here." Ron snorted as Hermione smacked Harry playfully.
"You would think someone who is soon to be an Auror would have better reflexes," laughed Hermione. "Especially a Seeker!" Ron was on the floor now, doubled over as he laughed uncontrollably.
"Honestly, Ron!" said Hermione as she rolled her eyes at him.
"Harry?"
"Gin!" Harry ran over to Ginny, who had just entered the doorway. He picked her up and swung her around as he kissed her.
"Well, I see where I rate!" laughed Hermione as she helped Ron up off of the floor. Ron had finally succeeded in catching his breath and sat down on a chair.
Ron looked over at his sister and brother-in-law. "Get a room!" he laughed.
***
Dinner that evening was a happy occasion. Everyone asked Harry how training was going and he replied as much as he could. When dinner was over, he and Ginny took a walk. They talked, just content to be together. She didn't press him with questions because she understood that he can't share everything he does. This allowed Harry to relax; he could really unwind. He talked to Ginny about something that he wanted to do, which was to spend the night at their house in London. She readily agreed, so they made their way back and told Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Harry suggested that they all meet in the Leaky Cauldron the following day and have lunch together. When everyone nodded their assent, Harry took Ginny's hand and apparated home.
