A/N: Thanks to all the reviewers! Almost 100 reviews!!
Chapter 23.Pieces of a Puzzle
Harry smiled at his wife. She mouthed 'Why are you here?' and he mouthed 'Tell you later.' back to her. After the applause had died down and everyone was reseated, Tonks stood up.
"As you all know," she started, "Harry and Neville were both accepted into Auror training. They have begun training, and are now part of an Auror team. Remember that they are no longer students here, but agents of the Ministry. Do not ignore them if they tell you to do something. It could save your life."
Albus stood up as Tonks sat down. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom have the same authority as teachers. They can assign detention and add or subtract points from the houses. Give them the respect that you give other teachers. Classes will start early in the morning, so I suggest that you get a good night's rest. Good evening!"
As the students started to head toward their respective houses, Harry waited for Ginny. She was helping first years find their Prefects, and answering some questions. Neville and Tonks went to their rooms; Albus had set it up so that Ginny and Harry shared a room, since Ginny was Head Girl.
"Hey you," said Ginny.
"Hi," replied Harry. "They told us after Mom, Dad and I had lunch. You were already on the train. I knew that you would be happy, but I also knew that if you sat there a long time seeing me up here that you would get slammed with questions. So Albus decided to have us wear hoods and not reveal ourselves until the end of the feast."
"I was wondering why that was…"
"Did you get what the Sorting Hat was talking about?"
"Not really. I was hoping you did. Probably Hermione did."
"Probably." Harry laughed. "I loved the reaction when Albus called you Virginia Potter.
Ginny smiled. "So did I. So, where is your room?"
"Same place yours is." Ginny smiled even bigger.
***
As Neville followed Tonks out of the Great Hall, he saw Luna waiting for him. "Well, Mr. Longbottom, I have one question for you; why all the secrecy? You saw me off at the train without saying a word."
Tonks looked at Neville, and then decided to say something. "He didn't know he was coming until after you left. We are not always given notice regarding our assignments. Neville, you know where our rooms are. I will meet you there." Tonks walked up the stairs.
Luna watched as Tonks walked away; Neville stepped forward and took her hand. "Luna, you know I would never purposely keep anything from you. Some things, though, are not mine to tell. As an Auror, I will be entrusted with information that I will not be able too share with anyone, not even you. Now, you know how I feel about you; but I feel strongly about being an Auror, and if you have a problem with this, now is the time to speak up."
"Neville, I can't imagine being with anyone else. Besides," she smiled coyly, "I already have you broken in." She looked at the expression on his face and giggled. "I have to go get some sleep. Hopefully, we will get to spend some time together soon."
They kissed and Neville watched as she headed off to her Common Room. He looked and waved to Harry as he started up the steps to thank Tonks for her comments. He was sure that she helped by reminding Luna it was his job that caused the problem.
***
Albus sat in his office sipping a glass of wine as he went over his plans to try to keep everyone safe. Minerva stood behind him, rubbing his shoulders. "You know," she said, "things really do come full circle."
"What do you mean, my dear?"
"Think back to when James, Sirius and Remus were here. Harry is so much like James; Ron is as Quidditch crazy as Sirius ever was. And Neville; he was always so studious like Remus."
"And Ginny and Hermione?"
"Lily and Emma. Albus, do you really think that it is wise to have Harry working on this case?"
"Minerva, I have no doubts. And I asked Kingsley to post them here so that Harry remembers that he is not alone. And I want him close so that I can spend more time with him. It's almost his time, you know."
"Do you think he will be ready?"
"As I said, I have no doubts." Albus smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
***
Ron and Hermione went down to breakfast in the Great Hall. After the excitement of the previous evening, it had taken them quite some time to get to sleep. As Ron sat down, he yawned. He nodded to Minerva as he got some toast and bacon. "Good morning."
"Good morning, you two. Ready for today?"
Hermione nodded. "We have been over our lesson plans and I think we will be okay. Does it get easier?"
"No matter how long you teach, each year starts out with a lot of unknowns. Just do your best and I am sure that you will be fine."
"Have you seen Harry?" asked Ron.
"Goodness, no. But they ate breakfast over an hour ago. Well, I will check with you later. I must get to my classroom."
Hermione looked at Ron. "How can you be so calm?"
"Food." Ron smiled and Hermione laughed.
***
Ginny sat in Potions watching Professor Snape as he reminded them that this year would be difficult because of their upcoming NEWT tests. She wasn't worried; she had helped Harry study for his. She can't imagine they would have changed radically in one year.
"…and that is why you must pay close attention. Miss Weasley?"
"Yes, Professor?"
"Are you interested in joining us? I know that Mr. Potter is important, but not more important than saving your own life." He turned to the rest of the class. "Sometime this term, I will be testing you by poisoning someone and it will be up to the rest of you to brew the correct potion and save their lives. But you can't do that if you are not paying attention!"
Ginny raised her hand. "Yes, Miss Weasley?"
"I'm not Weasley anymore… it's Potter."
***
Harry and Neville sat in the library going over their notes. "Harry…do you like puzzles?"
"Sure, why?"
"Doesn't this seem like a puzzle?"
"What do you mean?" Harry looked at Neville.
"Well, each time there has been an attack, there has been a piece of evidence left behind to link the attacks."
"I know. It's like whoever is doing this wants to be identified. What did you and Tonks find when you went to the hotel they stayed at?"
"Mum's reading glasses."
"So these attacks are all related."
"And each one is like a piece of a puzzle. But it seems like we are missing something obvious, Harry."
"I think you're right. And I think Tonks may have the key. Let's go find her."
***
Hermione had just completed teaching her first Arithmancy lesson when Tonks walked in. "Hey, Hermione! How was it?"
"Not as bad as I thought. How have you been, Tonks?"
"Good. I was wondering…how are you doing since what happened to your family?"
"Okay, I suppose. Ron's been a comfort. He sometimes seems to know exactly what I need…then other times…" Hermione laughed as Ron walked in.
"What's so funny, you two?" asked Ron.
"Oh…nothing. How was your first class?" responded Hermione.
"Well, only a few managed it right away. It reminded me of our first class."
"Well, I better run. I am supposed to meet Albus in five minutes. Take care you two."
"Later, Tonks!" yelled Ron as she ran out the door.
"I need to get these books put away. I don't have another class till later this afternoon," said Hermione. "What about you?"
"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff after lunch. Which reminds me, I'm starved. Want to go grab a bite?"
"Honestly, Ron! You ate less than two hours ago!" she laughed. "You go on. I will see you at lunch. I need to get something from the library."
Ron gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left. She levitated the books back on the shelves and headed to talk to Madam Pince.
***
Arabella was finally getting used to life at Hogwarts. Madam Pince was easy to work with, and the students caused little problem. Albus had checked in with her earlier to make sure she was okay. There were several students sitting at tables, books open and reading. She was just straightening up the desk when Hermione walked in.
"Hello Mrs. Figg. Is Madam Pince around?"
"No, she went into Hogsmeade to take delivery of some new books. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Would you happen to know if there is a book of summer homes?"
"Summer homes? Hmmm…I think there may be one in the 'Wizarding Life' section."
"Thanks!"
Hermione walked over and found a book that had listings of those wizarding families with summer homes. It had been published ten years earlier. She carefully looked at each house; finally she came to a name she knew. "I wonder…"
***
Harry and Neville caught up with Tonks in the corridor near the Headmaster's Office. After questioning her regarding a couple of the attacks, they were no closer than before in discovering the source of the attacks. Just as they were about to part their ways, they saw Hermione.
She walked straight up to Tonks. "Where was the first attack? Was it on the Moor?"
"Yes. Why?"
"And it was near a home that was abandoned, right?"
"Yes it was. Someone that knew the boy that was killed told me that it used to be the summer home of a rich wizard and his family."
Hermione pulled out the book she was carrying and opened it. She turned it toward the three Aurors. "Is this the house, Tonks?"
"Wotcher…"
***
Three days later, Harry and Neville were sitting in the classroom that had been set up for the Aurors to use. They were getting ready to take the first round of tests that would decide whether or not they would continue training. Shack had handed them each a pouch and asked them to open them.
Harry looked inside and found two scrolls and an envelope. He opened the envelope and read it:
Thor:
You will be tested by Mad-Eye and Shack. Do not discuss this with anyone. You must go to Hogsmeade and enter the Three Broomsticks. Sit at the table in the back corner and await instructions. Do not open the scrolls until told to do so.
Harry looked up at Neville, who had just finished reading his envelope. He looked at Harry and smiled nervously. Shack looked at the two of them and nodded before leaving without saying a word. Harry and Neville looked at each other and shrugged.
"Good luck, Neville."
"You too, Harry."
They both got up and left. After they left the room, Tonks and Remus appeared from under invisibility robes. Tonks smiled and whispered to Remus. He nodded and they both left the room.
***
Neville went to his room to grab his cloak. He sat on his bed and re-read the note that was inside his envelope again.
Scrap:
You will be tested by Mad-Eye and Shack. Do not discuss this with anyone. You must go to Hogsmeade and enter the Hogs Head. Sit at the table in the back corner and await instructions. Do not open the scrolls until told to do so.
He slipped the note into his pocket and headed for Hogsmeade.
Harry stood underneath his invisibility cloak and watched Neville leave the castle. He looked at the Marauders Map and watched as Neville headed down the steps and left the castle. Harry wiped the map and put it away. He then headed to the 3rd floor to take the secret passage to Honeydukes.
***
Sirius sat in the kitchen talking to Molly and Arthur. He had been away on some personal business for a couple weeks and had come back to see how his godson was doing.
"How is Harry?" he asked.
"Well, Sirius," Arthur replied, "I can't tell you much. Ministry business, you know."
"I know, Arthur, but you can still give me the basic details, right?"
"All right. As far as Kingsley is concerned, both Harry and Neville are coming along fine.
"Thor and Scrap, as they like to be called, have been stationed somewhere special. Since so many attacks were occurring around it, Dumbledore thought that Hogwarts might need some Ministry personnel," Arthur concluded.
"Hogwarts?" Sirius asked, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "How did Harry take it?"
Molly smiled. "Very well, it seems. Now he and Ginny will be together, and Harry will also be able to see Ron and Hermione. He's very happy with the arrangement."
Sirius grinned. "A Marauder's son becoming an Auror," he said, wonderingly. "That's something I never thought we'd see. James would be swollen with pride to see Harry following in his footsteps."
Molly gave him a mock warning stare. "Sirius, just because you have always been a troublemaker doesn't mean Harry will be too." She smiled. "Anyway, where have you been?"
Sirius' smile faded. "Well, back in school, there was this girl..."
***
While the testing was going on, Shack and Meryl Bek went to the site of the first attack. After Hermione had disclosed her suspicions to Tonks and Harry, it was researched and found that the Malfoys had owned the house that was on the moor. Shack had immediately gone to the Minister after it was verified, and he had suggested bringing Bek along.
They apparated behind a hill near the house. Wands ready, they moved to the back door. Bek tested for any wards or shields while Shack kept a lookout. Once it was determined that they were safe, they entered the house. No sign of life was found, but there was evidence that the house had been used recently. Shack found a crumpled receipt on the floor that matched what Neville had found at Hogwarts. Traces of blood were also found in one room. After Shack had collected the evidence and they had exited the building, Bek placed wards around it to detect if anyone entered or left before they both apparated back to the Ministry to report.
***
Draco was feeling the weakness more often now. He had gone back to research what could be causing it when his eyes fell upon the book that he had used to cast the spell. He picked up the book and opened it. He quickly found the page he was looking for. He quickly read and flipped to the next page. It was only then that he noticed that the pages had stuck together. Separating them, he started to read. The anger in his face showed that he had found the reason for his weakness.
The spell required renewal every three months or it would drain the wizard's life force. That explained why he was weakening. He knew that he must have that staff back. He had thought it so clever to leave at Hogwarts. Now, he must get it back, no matter what the cost.
***
Harry was sitting in the Three Broomsticks when an owl flew in and landed on his table. It held its leg out and flew off as soon as he had retrieved the note.
Thor:
You may now open the scroll marked 'Clue 1'. In two hours you must be sitting in the Leaky Cauldron holding the item you are told to retrieve.
Harry sat the note down on the table and took out the two scrolls. He put the one marked 'Clue 2' back in his pocket and carefully opened the other one and began reading.
Clue 1
You must find that which another has lost. Your objective is to determine the identity of a certain person by 6 pm today. You will be retrieving information and items throughout your test that will identify this person. Your quest begins with a visit to a certain Ravenclaw 7th year to see if anything is missing. Follow the clues, find that object and arrive at your destination to proceed. Happy hunting!
Harry rolled up the scroll and grabbed his things to head for Hogwarts.
***
Hermione was just starting a lesson when a knock was heard on the classroom door. She opened it to find Harry on the other side. "Harry, what are you doing?"
"Professor, I need to speak with Luna Lovegood for a few minutes on Ministry business."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Okay." She turned to the class. "Luna, grab your things. Someone needs to talk to you."
Luna did as she was told and walked out into the hallway. Harry led her to an empty classroom across the hall as Hermione resumed her lesson.
"What do you need, Harry?"
"Luna, have you lost anything recently?"
"Yes I did, why?"
"Can you tell me about it? A description and where it happened would be helpful."
"Okay. Well, my mother gave me a friendship ring when I was little. When she died, I began wearing it every day. The day that I lost it was the day that you and Ginny got married. I lost it somewhere around Sirius' house, I think."
"Did you report it?"
"No, I didn't want to upset anyone that day."
"Can you describe it for me?"
"Sure. It was white gold with a small topaz in it. Are you going to look for it?"
"Yes. And when I find it, I will return it to you."
"Thanks, Harry. Good Luck!"
"Thanks, Luna. You better get back to class." Harry watched her walk away then headed to Dumbledore's office to floo to Sirius' house.
***
Neville sat in the Hog's Head. He nervously looked around as a small owl landed on the table. He took the note from its leg and watched as it flew away. He carefully unrolled it and read it.
Scrap:
You may now open the scroll marked 'Clue 1'. In two hours you must be sitting in the Leaky Cauldron with the person you are told to retrieve.
Neville put the paper down on the table and took out the scroll. The paper caught fire and puffed away. Neville unrolled the scroll to read it.
Clue 1
You must find someone that had something taken from them. Your objective is to determine the cure for a certain incident by 6 pm today. You will be retrieving information and items throughout your test that will identify this cure. Your quest begins with a visit to the library to get the book entitled 'How to cure curses' by Fen Swaggin to see what you can find. Follow the clues, find that female person and arrive at your destination to proceed. Happy hunting!
Neville grabbed his stuff and ran all the way back to Hogwarts. He made his way into the library and went to search for the book. Because he was on Ministry business, he was able to retrieve it from the restricted section. It was on a shelf marked 'Useful for Auror training'. He sat down and opened the book. Looking to see who had checked it out, he saw his father's name. He started to leaf through the book when he noticed something odd about it. About halfway through the book there was something stuck between its pages. He carefully opened it to that page and found a slip of paper. He opened it and saw that it was a note from his Mum to his Dad. When he looked at the page, he noticed it was turned to the 'Obliviate' spell. He closed the book and headed for home.
