11/26/03: I should probably stop saying that these are long chapters for me, because they're all coming out long. Anyways, enjoy!
9. The First Loose Thread
Harry sighed after arriving at his empty flat. Without bothering to remove his Auror robes, he sank heavily into his favorite armchair and stared at the blank television screen. Harry didn't know whether he wanted to laugh or cry at the insanity of it all. Only a week ago, his life had been neat and orderly. Sure, some might say he led a lonely life, but it was stable, solid, safe – well, relatively safe for an Auror. He had a good job and had just cleared a robbery case. Was it only Friday night that everything suddenly turned upside down? A new case that has grown significantly, a confrontation with Hermione that re-opened new wounds, and now Cedric! For God's sake, he even spilled out his heart to Ron in a Ravenclaw restaurant. It was still only Tuesday, and he was afraid to see what the rest of the week would bring. Harry decided to laugh at the direction his life seemed to be taking, since crying was a bit too unmanly.
After indulging in a few seconds of maniacal laughter, Harry stood and walked over to the fireplace. He grabbed a pinch of floo powder and threw it into the flames. "Ronald Weasley!" he called aloud, then walked towards the kitchen. Hanging his robes in the closet on the way, Harry opened his refrigerator (purely Muggle, came with the flat) and examined the meager contents. As Harry was considering a dinner of cheese and crackers, he heard Ron's voice calling out.
"Harry? You there?"
Harry turned and walked back to the fireplace, where he sat before Ron's floating head. "Hey Ron."
"What's up?" (A/N: I always thought that sounded a bit out of place coming from a Potterverse character, but they do say it a few times in OotP.)
"I ran into Susan Bones and Ernie Macmillan at the Ministry. You going to Cedric's thing this weekend?"
Ron nodded and looked a bit uncomfortable. "Yeah, I am. Um, listen Harry, since you never mentioned it, I figured you didn't-"
Harry waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it Ron. I never got the invitation." Harry sighed. "I told them I was going. Can I tag along with you?"
Ron's head nodded. "Sure thing Harry."
"When does it start?"
"Well, there's a dinner in Hogsmeade on Friday night; I can drop by and pick you up if you can go. Then there's a brunch at Hogwarts on Saturday, with the service afterwards around 4pm and then dinner afterwards. I'm not sure if there's anything on Sunday, but I'm sure there's something."
Harry nodded. "All right. I'll let you know if I can make the Friday thing." They chatted for a little bit longer about random things before Harry said his good-bye. Harry had hoped it would a simple service, in-and-out quickly in a couple of hours, but now there was a dinner, no, two dinners, and a brunch. Normally, Harry would have cited work and simply not attended, but this was different – this was for Cedric. Harry leaned back and lay spread-eagled on the floor for a little bit. He was reasonably sure that Hermione would be there, though her work may take her away for some of it, and if Hermione were there, then Rick would be there as well.
Harry groaned and pulled himself to his feet. That's enough self-pity for one day, he could go back to it tomorrow. The immediate problem was, of course, what to eat. Harry was slightly suspicious of the cheese in his refrigerator - did cheese mold? Isn't cheese itself mold? Does mold mold? – and that same feeling of not wanting to be alone persevered from last night. Acting on a whim, Harry changed into some Muggle clothes and apparated away.
Although he didn't want to be alone, Harry didn't want to be with anyone either. So, Harry decided to grab a bite to eat in Muggle London, rather than any of the wizarding establishments. Harry popped into existence in a darkened alley, away from Muggle eyes. After looking around to see if anyone was nearby or noticed, Harry exited the alley and walked the busy streets, looking for an interesting place to eat.
"Harry? Harry Potter?"
Harry groaned and considered his options. He could always just apparate away, but doing so on a crowded street surrounded by Muggles would probably earn him a reprimand. He could always pretend he didn't hear his name being called and run into the nearest open shop, but he didn't want to earn a reputation as being rude. So, reluctantly, Harry turned in place, an artificial smile plastered on his face. But when he saw who was calling his name, a genuine smile replaced the fake one.
"Luna!" Harry cried happily as the blond Ravenclaw alumni ran up to him. Luna hadn't changed much since school, her signature wide-eyed expression still in place. In school, her odd little beliefs aside, Luna Lovegood had been a reliable friend, although one of his quirkiest. Luna had resolutely stood by him and supported him almost from the very instant they first met in fifth year, even risking her life by going with him to the Department of Mysteries despite not really knowing each other at the time. Harry also had something in common with Luna: She was always a bit of a joke at Hogwarts (her nickname said it all, Looney Lovegood), and Harry was also used to being ridiculed. But more importantly, aside from Hermione and Ron (most of the time), Luna didn't care that Harry was the Boy-Who-Lived. She was more interested in fire-demon-thingies and Crumpled-Snorky-whosits. The Great Harry Potter probably ranked at least in the lower teens on her list of interesting things.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked after they shared a quick hug.
"Just doing a little shopping with Serena before I meet my husband," she said with a smile.
Harry only then noticed the small figure huddling behind Luna, peering up at Harry from behind Luna's left leg. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees. "Hi Serena," he said with the brightest smile he could manage. "Remember me? I'm Uncle Harry." Serene responded by burying her face in her mother's skirts. Harry grinned.
"Come Serena," Luna said to her daughter. "Say hi to Uncle Harry." Serena, without taking her face away from Luna skirt, only shook her head vigorously.
"Ah well," Harry said smiling, "I seem to have that effect on women sometimes."
"She's just hungry," Luna said apologetically, but Harry waved her off. "So," Luna asked, "what are you doing in this part of Muggle London?"
Harry shrugged. "I was looking for a bite to eat and wasn't in the mood to be recognized."
Luna nodded sympathetically. "Serena and I were about to eat something," she said, indicating a McDonald's a few stores down. (A/N: yes, to all those wondering, there is a McDonald's in downtown London, near Herrod's I think? Or was that a Burger King?) "Would you like to join us?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Harry said, and they walked into the McDonald's. "Since when did you like McDonald's?" Harry asked her as they waited in line. "It's a very Mugglish place."
"Stephen introduced me to them. Serena loves the Happy Meal toys, even if they don't move by themselves."
The three placed their orders and brought their food to the second floor, overlooking the street below. For the first time in a very long time, Harry had a pleasant conversation with someone other than Ron, for Luna wasn't interesting in all his accomplishments and activities; he able to have a conversation like a normal person. As they ate, Serena eventually warmed up to Harry, and (after making sure no one could see them), Harry charmed Serena's Happy Meal toy, a miniature cartoon character of some kind that Harry remembered seeing on the television, to dance and move about. Dinner finished, Harry accompanied Luna and her daughter through a few more stores until it was time for her to meet up with Stephen, her Muggle husband who worked in the area. Harry politely declined the offer to drop by their home, and Harry apparated home, feeling much better than when he left.
*********************************
The next morning Harry arrived in the Bullpen feeling rather chipper, still feeling the pleasant emotions from last night. Robert noticed.
"Hey Potter, what happened? Get lucky last night?"
Harry chuckled. "Waitaminute. Aren't I the one who's supposed to come up with the immature jokes?"
"True, but you're behind your quota so I thought I'd help you out."
"Gee, thanks partner," Harry said dryly, "and for your information I did not get lucky. I just had a very pleasant evening with friends."
Robert smirked. "Sure, whatever."
"Bah! Anyone ever told you that you're a dirty old man?"
"Just my wife," Robert responded.
"Anyways," Harry said, cutting off the chitchat, "are the Gringott's records in yet?"
Robert looked at him curiously. "What makes you think we're waiting for something from Gringott's?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "After all these years, I have picked up a thing or two."
Robert scoffed. "Too bad you haven't picked up riding in wizarding cars yet. Anyone ever tell you that you scream like a little girl?"
Harry mock glared at him. "Yeah, Draco Malfoy, and you know what I did to him."
Robert responded with equally mock fear. "Alright, alright, I give."
"Good," Harry said, and then grinned. "So, the Gringott's data in yet?"
"Not yet. Should be any minute though."
"What about Nick? Is he here yet?"
Robert shook his head. "That lazy bastard is almost as bad as you."
"Great," Harry mumbled. "So I showed up for nothing, huh?"
"Looks like it," Robert said in a bored tone. Then he threw a letter onto Harry's desk. "Oh here, you got an owl this morning."
Harry reached for the envelope, and then groaned.
"What is it?"
"It's from a law firm," Harry said.
"Hmmm…those are never good."
"Gee, thanks for the great insight," Harry said as he broke the wax seal. "They want another go at me on my Bjorn testimony before it gets to the Wizengamot."
"When?"
Harry read further down the letter. "Um, in two weeks." Robert nodded disinterestedly.
Just then, a messenger approached them. "Package for you Detective Toms. From Gringott's."
Robert's eyes lit up. "Great! Thanks Aaron."
Harry leaned forward eagerly, knowing that the package from Gringott's should provide some insight into Mr. Adam Tway. Harry had watched many a Muggle crime drama on television was eternally grateful that he worked in the wizarding world. In almost all criminal cases, money was involved – if you could follow the cash flow, you often found the culprit, or at least a motive. In the Muggle world, it was often difficult to trace the money, with so many banks and financial institutions out there, not to mention people who hid their money under their mattresses. But in the wizarding world, all galleons started and ended at Gringott's. True, a wizard could still use the old under-the-mattress system of safekeeping, but since all business used Gringott's to hold their money, any money spent could be traced. It was a thick package, a ten year history of Tway's financial activities, and Harry and Robert split it up between them. Even though things were easier in the wizarding world, it would still take the better part of the morning to go through it all.
About twenty minutes into the file, Detective Nick Clarke approached them. "Ah, poring through Gringott's, I see," he said, recognizing the format of the parchments.
"So good of you to join us," Robert said acidly. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd taken the day off."
"Don't mind him Nick. Looking at numbers always puts Robert in a bad mood. So, what'd you find out?"
Nick chuckled at pulled up a chair. "Not a whole lot more than you guys, but I did find out that Magical Solutions carries General Magics appliances, and that they've received a few complaints about them."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Complaints that would go to Campbell, who would probably then talk to Mediate."
"Yeah," Robert said. "That makes sense. Did you find anything linking the two together?"
Nick shook his head. "Unfortunately no. There were no written records or letters from Mediate to Campbell, or vice versa. Of course, that doesn't mean they couldn't have spoken by floo."
Harry cursed inwardly. In the Muggle world, they had things like phone records and wire taps. In the magical world, there was no reliable way to trace floo conversations. Although the Floo Network Authority could monitor a fire after a request, there was no to get information on a non-monitored fire. Harry knew they were looking into a way to do that, but that wouldn't help their case in the here and now.
"What's your next step?"
Nick held up his own package from Gringott's, a much larger one than theirs. "I have all of the Campbells' and Magical Solutions' financials records. Me 'n Brad are gonna spend the rest of the day going through them to see if there's anything suspicious."
Robert nodded in approval. "Okay, sounds good. Now leave us alone," he said gruffly. Nick laughed and went to his own desk, where he and Brad would tackle the Gringott's information.
*********************************
About three hours into the file, Harry finally found something interesting. He looked at the parchment he was scribbling notes on and verified his initial suspicions. "Hey Robert," Harry called.
Robert looked up from his own pile of parchments. "Hm?"
"Starting about six month…no, wait, starting about year ago, did Tway get a big raise or another source of income? Maybe an inheritance or something?"
Robert starting rifling though the parchments while Harry waited expectantly. After finding the section on Tway's income over the past year, Robert began examining the parchment carefully. Harry tapped his quill impatiently as he waited, stilled after a glare from Robert. Finally Robert looked up. "Nope, nothing. The amount of his deposits into his Gringott's vault is fairly constant."
Harry grinned and came around to Robert's side of the desk. "Here, take a look at this. This is what caught my attention," Harry said, pointing to an entry on the parchment. "Two months ago, Tway bought a new car. Now, normally, that wouldn't be a big deal; after all, people buy new cars all the time. But if you look over here, you'll notice he's increased his buying habits over the past year on little things – a wizarding wireless here, a few premium tickets to a Quidditch match over here. I compared his spending on a rolling twelve month basis to the same period last year, and he's definitely spending more than he makes, even considering his line of credit at Gringott's and his debt history."
Robert looked over the Gringott's parchments that Harry was holding as well as Harry's own notes for a few minutes before throwing them down on his desk in disgust. "Bah! I hate math. Just tell me Potter, is there enough to bring him in?"
Harry shook his head in amusement at his numbers-deficient partner. "Yes Robert. We can bring him in."
*********************************
After a quick trip to the Wizengamot's administrative offices to procure a warrant, Harry and Robert headed back towards the General Magic's plant with a two Auror patrolmen in tow. Arresting someone was never an easy thing, but Harry figured that arresting Tway wouldn't be all that difficult – he didn't seem the type to draw his wand and try to AK someone. Soon the massive buildings of the General Magics' plant came into view. As before, they stopped at the guard post. Robert rolled down the window.
"We're here on official Auror business. Let us through."
The guard looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry sir, I can't do that unless you have an appointment." Robert and Harry traded incredulous looks.
"Are you kidding me?" Robert asked.
"No sir. I have my orders. I am not allowed to pass anyone with prior authorization."
Robert leaned his head out the window until he got the attention of the Aurors in the car behind them. He stuck his arms out of the window, crossed at the wrist, and then pointed at the guard. Seconds later, the two patrolmen appeared by the guard's side and, before the poor guard could react, pushed him roughly onto the hood of the car, confiscated his wand, and bound his arms. "You're under arrest for interfering in Auror business."
Robert looked over at the second guard, who was quivering slightly in the back of the guard post. Robert motioned him over, and the guard nervously approached. "Hi there," Robert said in his most falsely polite voice. "We're here on official Auror business and would appreciate it if you would lift the wards."
The frightened guard nodded and passed the two Auror cars through, the first guard sitting rather shocked in the backseat of the patrolmen's car. Rather pull through to visitor parking, Robert parked right in front of the main entrance, causing another guard to approach them and block their way into the building.
"Sorry sir, you can't park here, you'll have to move on."
Robert had apparently decided he'd had enough with politeness. "Listen," he said menacingly. "We're here on official business. Now, unless you want to end up like you're buddy over there" – Robert jerked his thumb towards the dejected guard tied up in the back seat – "you'll stand aside." This guard numbly stood aside as the three Aurors entered the building (the fourth Auror waited with the cars). They ignored the reception desk and headed directly for Tway's office. Harry reached for his mobile.
The Auror mobile was a wonderful invention that was a long time coming, seeing as how Muggles have had cellular phones for ages. It consisted of a flat, circular disk that opened like a clamshell. Hermione had often teased Harry about it, saying it looked like one of her make-up thingies; sometimes, when Harry went looking for it, she would give him her compact case instead. Upon opening the mobile, Harry rested it in the palm of his hand and pushed one of the two buttons on the inside. Immediately, a green flame ignited from the lower half. "S&I Tracking," Harry said into the flame.
Seconds later, a miniature head appeared in the flame. "S&I Tracking," the head said.
"This is Detective Potter. We're looking for a loc on Adam Tway, that's T-W-A-Y."
"One moment please," said the little head before disappearing. A few seconds later, the head reappeared. "That's Adam Tway, T-W-A-Y. Currently located in the General Magic's plant outside of London. Would you like a visual?"
Harry looked over at Robert, who nodded. "Yes please," Harry said.
"Coming right up." The head disappeared, to be replaced by a representation of the General Magics building that they were in. It was much like the Marauder's Map, with little dots to represent the four Aurors (every Auror robe contained a tracking device) and another red dot to represent Tway. According to the map, Tway was in his office.
Harry and Robert followed the shimmering map until they reached the familiar room with the glass wall overlooking the fig-n-fly department. Now knowing where they were, Harry snapped his mobile shut, causing the map to disappear. Anna Soren, Tway's secretary, stood up nervously as they approached.
"Detectives. Can I help you?" she asked anxiously.
Harry paused, his hand on the doorknob of Tway's office. "Just need to talk to you boss."
"I'm sorry, he's in a meeting right now. I can put you on his calendar though; he had fifteen minutes free at 3pm."
Harry shook his head. "Sorry, this is sorta important." Harry opened the door, and they walked in. Tway was sitting at his desk, a stack of parchments in front of him, and there were two wizards in "hard" hats sitting in the chairs across from him.
"What's going on?" Tway asked as soon as they entered.
Harry flicked his wand, and Tway's own wand came flying towards him, which Harry deftly caught. "Adam Tway," Robert said in a monotone as the third Auror came around the back of the desk. "You're under the arrest for conspiracy to commit murder. You have the right…"
As Robert read Tway his rights, Harry wondered, not for the first time, whether Muggles got that from magicals, or vice versa. He privately suspected that some Muggleborn heard the rights being read on a television show and thought it'd be a great idea. Harry could only imagine the reaction of the Wizengamot if they learned their "innovative and revamped" system of justice was patterned after Muggles. Harry and Robert escorted the shell-shocked Tway to the back of the other Auror car (where they let the poor guard go with a stern warning), and they returned back to the Ministry.
A/N: I'm sorry, but since I know nothing about British courts or law, basically everything about the criminal system is going to be based on American courts, mostly Law & Order episodes ;)
I'm glad that no one (who reviewed, anyways) found the last chapter boring. These chapters seem to take on a life of their own; I mean, I had no idea where Luna came from. Thanks to everyone for reviewing and for compliments. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!
dmmason03: your review got me thinking…though it will end H/Hr (I know that ruins some of the suspense, but I personally always like to know), maybe I'll see if Harry can move on before it happens. I thought Susan was blond; in OotP, I thought she was described as a blond with her hair in a plait, but I forgot to double-check.
kraeg001: I admit when I'm wrong (though my wife may disagree). I'm assuming your referring to the "original plot" part of my comment, not the Harry sacrifice part. I took your comment about plots resembling each other and extrapolated to the "no original plots," so I've corrected my comment in the prior chapter. If you still don't like it, I'll delete all reference to it.
sethro72: I agree with you completely. I imagine in the next book, after Harry spirals into depression and (hopefully!) Hermione brings him out, Harry will be more proactive about his destiny, now that he knows it. You'll learn more about Tway when Harry gets to question him…it'll be great fun! Please, keep up with the theories and questions, since I often get ideas from them, like dmmason03's comment about Harry moving on. For more angsty fics, check out my favorites page. Not all of them are angsty, but a good number are. One of my favorites is Betrayed, even if it's not H/Hr.
Facade1: I'm glad you didn't find it boring :) The Cedric thing came out of nowhere – I was thinking of how Harry would run into Susan in the atrium, then thought of Cedric. Fortunately, the ages worked out since I made Harry twenty-four in chapter one. So, how's the Barriers Upon Us coming along? whistles innocently
fopalup1: Thanks for the compliments! I like to think I'm getting better in my writing, especially since the first part of NI was pretty sucky. Hmm, I never considered Harry's use of Legilimency as a moral issue, but maybe I can use it as another source of angst :) It'll probably fit better in the sequel to DoF, though…
