Veritas

Part Two: When I'm Gone

Chapter Fifteen – First Confrontation

The attack on Baldur's family was only the first of many. Much to the horror of the Veritas, and Percy's utter failure to locate the person who had given away the information, the attacks continued. The Veritas was not prepared for this. They had no way have knowing when another attack was going to happen or who the target was.

Sidney and Ophelia had managed to get into the meeting using Vertias techniques. They found out that Wormtail had met with an agent from the Veritas. This person had given information about the members as well as locations. Voldemort was keeping the information to himself, but sending groups of Death Eaters to attack the Muggles who were related to the Veritas members.

Severus Snape did not get any of this information because Voldemort was only giving the addresses of the Muggles to the Death Eaters doing the attacks. Snape could only return to the Order with news that the attacks were starting and confirm the existence of the Veritas.

During that particular meeting, Percy had been quiet, thinking about how he had been unsuccessful his mission was. He could not bring himself to speak. He thought of how horrible it was. Shortly, after the first attack, another one came.

The Order of the Phoenix did not know much about the attacks, but they were keeping their eyes open and their ears to the ground. The Veritas had done an excellent job of covering things up. Some of the attacks were in the Muggle newspapers, but they were not placed on the front page.

"The Dark Lord has directed attacks towards certain Muggles. These particular Muggles are attached to the Veritas. They are families of the organization. As far as we know, the Veritas is an organization that supports Muggles, but we don't know much else," said Snape.

"I didn't know such an organization existed," said Arthur Weasley. "Perhaps, we could work with them."

"We don't know how big the Veritas is exactly," said Remus Lupin. "We don't know the kind of hold they have over the rest of the world."

Bill spoke up, "But, why are they such a big secret?" He did not spend a lot of time in the Muggle world, even though he liked to explore every once in a while. Bill was overly self-conscious in the Muggle world, worrying about whether or not he looked like he fit in. "They're not even a new group. You'd think that we've heard more about them."

"Do you think they know the Muggles do things?" wondered Arthur out loud. "Do you think that they live among them?"

Percy looked down when he heard his father's words. He was sitting next to Charlie, wishing that he were anywhere but there. He wanted to get back to work. He did not want to be there listening to them talk about the Veritas. Percy felt like they could see through him.

"The Veritas has always been very separatist from the rest of the wizarding world," said Professor Dumbledore. "I have no idea what kind of methods they use. I do know that they have had their hands in some world events here and there. They are an international organization. Considering how long they've been around, they are probably much larger than us."

"I wouldn't be so trusting of 'em right away," growled Moody, his magical eye swirling around his socket. "They might be the enemy as well. How do we know they'd join us? They could be doing something much more dangerous than the Death Eaters. They could be a bigger problem."

"You're so paranoid," said Tonks. "Honestly. They're helping Muggles. Or working with them. Whatever. They're not killing Muggles. It does sound rather intriguing just the same."

"They probably have people just like us running around," said Kingsley. "But, since there's more of them, they've got a larger pool of people to pull from. I wouldn't be surprised if they have some high ranking people in our world and in the Muggle world."

"Maybe someone in the Ministry of Magic," mused Charlie. "Did you notice anything, Percy?"

Percy was startled when he heard his name being called, but he shook his head. He did not say anything, but he would have been interrupted either way. "I think it would be very dangerous for you to ask Percy to go looking for anyone connected with this group. He's already doing enough," chided Molly.

"Molly, no one is saying he has to do that," said Arthur. "I haven't noticed anything myself. At this point, their group is more in danger than ours. Voldemort has targeted them specifically."

"Someone betrayed them," said Snape grimly. "Someone within their own organization."

Percy clutched his jaw. He already knew that, but every time he thought about it, it made him very furious. He was eager to get out of the meeting as quickly as possible, but he was also concerned about his brothers. He did not have to worry so much about Ron and Ginny because they were in Hogwarts. They were relatively safe.

"Looks like they've got a rat in their ranks," said Fred disgustedly. "Another Wormtail."

"We don't even know how many attacks there've been. Why won't You-Know-Who tell all of the Death Eaters?" asked George.

"He's being very careful about it letting the other Death Eaters know just in case a member of the Veritas finds out. If all of them know, then the Veritas only has to capture one of them in order to get them to talk," replied Snape.

"We don't know what the Veritas is capable of," said Moody.

That's right. You have no idea. Percy mused silently. He did not trust himself to speak at this point. He was thinking about what would happen next.

"Papa, you said that you were thinking of going back to Holland," said Sidney. She was having lunch with her father at a restaurant in London.

Her father was a dignified gentleman. Dr. Oscar Nelsen was a man in his mid-fifties, which was middle age for Muggles. He was born in Holland, educated in Switzerland, and built his private practice in England.

The Nelsen were a typical upper class family in London's social circuit. Dr. Nelsen was Catholic, which was not typical from where he was from originally. That was partially the reason why he was educated in Switzerland. Mrs. Nelsen was Jewish. Some of her family had escaped to Switzerland during World War II. Neither of them practiced their religions.

Sidney's parents knew what it was like to be prosecuted for being something they could not help being. They were Muggles, while Sidney was a witch. She had told her father a little bit about Voldemort and what he was doing.

"Yes, I was considering it, Sidney," said Dr. Nelsen. "Why are you bringing it up? You said that you didn't want us to."

"Papa, I was just thinking that it might be safer for you to be in Holland," said Sidney. "You've mentioned it so many times."

"That was before. Your brother is adjusting well in school now. As you know, we were very worried about him. Jacob was not adjusting well. I think he thought that he would get to go to the same school as you. He was disappointed. He didn't feel like he was special," said Dr. Nelsen.

"But, he is," insisted Sidney. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard him say."

"Well, you have to understand how it's like from his perspective. He's so much younger than you after all. He's spent his childhood seeing all the wonderful things you can do," said Dr. Nelsen. "And what about you? Are you still playing music?"

"Yes, Papa."

"You could do so much more than just that. How does that benefit anyone? It's just entertainment," said Dr. Nelsen with a sigh. Sidney looked at him with a mildly hurt expression on her face. "Never mind. Forget I said anything. It's up to you. You're an adult. It's your choice."

Sidney sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him. Her father was always like that. He had such high hopes for her. He did not think that music was enough of an occupation for her. She had wasted her talents in his mind's eye. He wanted her in a more caring profession where she could make a difference in the world.

Dr. Nelsen did not know that Sidney worked for the Veritas. All he knew was that his daughter was a musician. He would have been extremely proud of his daughter, if he knew what she was doing. Dr. Nelsen did not ask many questions because he knew that his daughter was different. He had never even heard of her relationship with Bill Weasley, which was a very serious relationship. Sidney could predict where the conversation was going to next.

"So, are you seeing anyone special?" asked her father.

Sidney laughed, despite herself. "No. You know, Papa, most fathers wouldn't be in such a rush for their children to get married, especially their daughters. It makes them feel old," she answered.

"I am old," laughed her father. "Besides, I would like to have some grandchildren before I'm too old to enjoy them."

Sidney bit her lip as she thought of something that bothered her. "Papa, I don't think it's safe for you, Mama, and Jake. You should get out of England. I am serious, Papa," she said quietly as she gazed into his eyes.

Dr. Nelsen took a sip from his water glass before licking his lips. "I can't tell you what to do, Sidney. I can accept that about you. I suggest you do the same. I know what is safe for my family," he told her.

"Papa, that death at my old school. I told you about that. You said you were considering moving then. He's back. You, Mama, and Jake are in danger," whispered Sidney. "Don't you believe me?"

Dr. Nelsen sighed. "I can't pretend I completely understand you, Sidney. I haven't been able to since you were eleven. But, you're saying this person is back, aren't you?"

"Yes, Papa, and he's more dangerous because he's got a lot of time to make up for," said Sidney.

"I know I mentioned it before," her father said as he sighed again. "But, I refuse to live in fear, Sidney. Do you understand that?"

Sidney nodded and pressed her lips together. There was nothing more she could say.

The phone started ringing the moment Percy was able to close his eyes. It was not his normal telephone, but his cell phone. He picked it up without looking at who was calling he said, "Hello?"

"Get ready," said Asmodeus' voice on the line. "There have been more attacks. Multiple hits at the same time. The cleaning crews are having a hard time. Everyone's gone on alert."

"I'll be there. Just text message the address," said Percy, immediately wide-awake. The line went dead, so Percy got out of bed to go and change his clothes. He came back and saw the address on his phone. He Apparated there.

The address was located in the Southern part of London. Asmodeus was already waiting for him. He was wearing a pair of rubber latex gloves. There was a van with other Veritas agents processing the scene.

Without any preamble, Asmodeus told Percy, "We were able to get here quick enough. We intercept the police, but this neighborhood is pretty big. Look at the apartments."

Percy looked around and saw that there were several apartments around them. "Which family?" he asked.

"Jones," replied Asmodeus without saying the agent's codename. "Either way, we've got to do this quickly. Let's go inside."

They walked into the apartment and found the place virtually undisturbed. The bodies had sheets draped over them. There was no need to ask for the cause of death. All of them knew Voldemort's methods well. He had a tendency to stick with something tried and true.

"The London Police will be here soon. With these attacks happening all at the same time, we may not be able to kept this hidden for long," said Asmodeus.

"This is my fault," said Percy out loud.

"It's not. Finding the traitor won't stop these killings now. It's too late," said Asmodeus. "All we can do is prevent this."

"How? Look around you. Hardly the regular wizards have a chance. What chance do the Muggles have?" demanded Omega. His eyes had scanned the room and immediately noticed how much he knew about the Joneses.

There was a refrigerator with drawings held up by magnets. The scrawl of the handwriting showed someone just learning how to write. There were pictures on walls and tables, depicting a happy family of three. There were only two bodies that were draped with sheets over them. Glancing at the pictures, Percy was able to tell that Jones, the agent, was female. Her husband and son were the victims.

"So, she was married to a Muggle, wasn't she? She's not like the other victims so far," said Percy.

"No—"

Asmodeus was interrupted by the sounds of other voices. It was the Muggle authorities. "We have to get out of here," he said.

"We haven't finished yet. This will make it to the press," said Percy. "Let's just use a spell so they can't see us. Let's hear what they think is going."

"Fine," agreed Asmodeus with a reluctant glance. They used a Disillusionment Charm to conceal themselves as the room suddenly burst open. The police filed into the room and came to a halt when they saw the bodies that the Veritas had covered up earlier.

Asmodeus tapped Percy's shoulder and pointed to one of the police officers. He was dressed in plain clothes because he was an inspector. Percy mouthed, "Who?"

"Veritas," mouthed Asmodeus.

"What is this? What happened here?" asked one of the officers as she pulled back one of the sheets. It was the first time Percy had ever seen a dead body in his entire life. It was the little boy who appeared like he was only sleeping. The officer prodded her fingers against his throat gently. "He's dead."

"Look around the other rooms," said the inspector. "I'll look around here. The rest of you go outside knock on doors asked them what happened."

Percy glanced at Asmodeus in alarm. What if the other crewmembers had not finished doing the mind wipes? What if the police found out about the Dark Mark? People from great distances saw them, but had a tendency to dismiss it as a figment of their overworked brains and a product of overactive imaginations. "Move," mouthed Asmodeus.

Percy moved, but he ran into a table, knocking over the vase that was sitting on it. The inspector turned and looked at them. "What was that? What are you doing, Dylan?" asked the female officer from the other room.

"I just ran into something," said Inspector Dylan quickly. "Damn it." He looked away and pulled something out of his pocket. It was a PDA. He wrote something on the screen and showed it to them. "Oberon."

"Asmodeus and Omega," said Asmodeus to Inspector Dylan's introduction.

Inspector Dylan wrote something else. "Get out now before they spot you. I will finish the clean up here."

Percy and Asmodeus got outside. They did not Apparate out just yet. They could not leave because they were not sure that the clean up crew had finished with the mind wipes. They saw that the police were inspecting the van and it remained unopened it. One of them was calling for backup to inspect for bombs.

Without looking at each other, Asmodeus and Percy ran forward ready to stun them to keep from doing anything further. "Stupefy!" shouted Percy immediately knocking out the police who was trying to make the call.

"Who's there?! Freeze!" shouted one of the other officers. "What's happened to Park?"

"He's out cold, Sir," answered one of the other officers.

"Who's there?" demanded the first officer again.

Part of the crew that was supposed to be doing the mind wipes had turned too soon. "Who are you? Stand down!" The police had their guns raised.

One of the members of the crew did something incredibly stupid. She shouted back, "Accio!" Causing the gun of the first officer to come flying towards her. There was an officer who was either too surprised or too inexperienced because a shot was fired. Soon enough the officers started to fire.

"Fools!" shouted Asmodeus.

The Veritas agents were able to move or shield themselves from the bullets. However, they did not simply take fire. Spells started to fly. The young witch who had started the gun battle obviously had not read the manual on how to interact with the Muggles in such a situation. She used a spell above the usual Stunning Spell. "Rictusempra!" she shouted. Her spell knocked one of the officers down.

"Stop it! You are not to use hexes on them!" ordered Asmodeus. "I said stand down!"

Percy had taken off his Disillusionment Charm and Apparated to the crew. "Stop."

"What's going on here?" asked the female officer who had been inside with Inspector Dylan. "Who are you people?" Inspector Dylan had trailed behind her. He looked as if he was trying to stop her. "Call for back up, Dylan. What have you people done?"

Everyone had remained still when she had come out. "Never mind," she continued. "We'll go back to headquarters and discuss this. You're all under arrest."

"I don't think so!" shouted one of the crewmembers. "Stupefy!" He stunned one of the officers near him.

A shot was fired at that moment from one of their guns. It was aimed at that crewmember, but someone had come in just in the nick of time to block the shot. Percy Apparated right between the crewmember and the bullet.

Percy felt the bullet graze him on the side. He felt the warm blood trickling down his side as he winced. He pressed his hand against his wound, feeling pain immediately. He staggered back and sank to his knees.

"That will be enough," said a calm voice. Someone was standing on top of the cleaning crew van. It was Sidney decked out in leather. She opened her mouth and started to chant. The chanting became a song. The police started to fall one by one, but none of the wizards were affected. In spite of the pain Percy was in, he was still aware of what was going on around him.

After a moment, Sidney jumped down to the ground. "You imbeciles. Did you follow any procedures at all?" she harshly accosted the members of the cleaning crew. "Asmodeus, why didn't you stop them?"

"I am sorry," said Asmodeus. "I had no idea that this would happen."

"Excuse me. I know that this is all very important right now," announced Percy primly, "but I am in a lot of pain. I've just been shot."

The crewmember that he had protected stepped forward to help him, but Percy batted him off. "Just get back to work. Finish the mind wipes. Start with the police officers. Do you think you can handle that?" His voice was straining with each word as the pain got worse.

Asmodeus Apparated to Percy's side and supported him. "What are you waiting for? Go and finish your jobs. Now!"

"Yes, Sir," said the crewmember. "Sorry about this."

"Just go," ordered Inspector Dylan. "I'll take care of this. I'm sure I can handle it. Besides, I think I should do the mind wipes on my fellow officers. Just go and get him some help."

"The clinic isn't open right now. They're backed up with some of the bodies coming in from injuries and other fatalities among other agents," said Sidney as she placed her hand on Percy's other shoulder. "Let me look at it."

Percy nodded, and Sidney lifted his shirt. "Sit him back down so I can put on some bandaging. It's only a graze, but you're bleeding a lot. All I can do is apply pressure right now. Make a tourniquet of some kind," she said as she conjured some bandages. "We can't go to St. Mungo's for this. It would be too suspicious. And there are people from the Order working there. This will get back to your family."

"We can't go to a Muggle hospital either. They'd be able to tell that this is a gunshot wound or at least a graze. We need to get you to someone. Even though it's not too serious, you're bleeding a lot. It's best that we have it checked out."

"But why can't we go to a Muggle hospital?" asked Percy, wincing as Sidney applied more pressure to keep him from bleeding out. He sucked in a long breath from the pain.

"The Muggles document things. And they pay more attention to things like this. It will get back to the Muggle authorities," explained Asmodeus.

Sidney finished wrapping the bandages and pressed her lips like she always did when she was thinking. "I think that I know a doctor. A Muggle doctor who could help us without telling anyone."

"Who?" asked Amodeus.

"My father," answered Sidney. "He's got a private practice. If I just call him up, I could have him meet us at his clinic."

"Good enough for me," said Percy. "I'm thirsty."

"Your body's running out of fluids to convey the blood efficiently through your system," said Sidney, trying to reassure him. "We can't Apparate there, Omega. You might splice yourself in your condition."

"We'll use the clean up crew's van," said Asmodeus. "Oberon, tell the crew just to Apparate back to headquarters. I'll deal with them later."

"Yes, Asmodeus. I'll finish up here," agreed Inspector Dylan. "You'd better get going now. I'll help you get him into the van."

Percy wanted to try to get back on his own feet, but Sidney shook her head. Inspector Dylan took Percy's legs, while Asmodeus carried his upper half. They gently carried him to the van and set him down as comfortably as possible. Percy was still thirsty. Sidney conjured up some water and assisted him as he drank.

"It's cold. It's getting cold," whispered Percy hoarsely. Sidney grabbed one of the sheets that was in the van and wrapped him up. Asmodeus went to the driver's seat and started the van.

"Where's your father's practice, Aura?" he asked as soon as the van was out of the neighborhood. Sidney gave him directions as she tried to keep Percy calm. "I have to call him, first." She used her cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Jake, it's Sidney. I need to talk to Papa."

"Hang on a second."

"Hello Sidney. How are you?"

"Papa, I need you to come down to your clinic. One my friends has been injured."

"How serious is it? You should go to a hospital."

"Papa, I can't. Just come down here. I'm closer to your practice anyway. Please, Papa."

Her father sighed, and said, "I'll be there in ten minutes. There's a key box with a combination lock. Do you remember where it is?"

"Yes."

"The combination is your mother's name."

"Thank you, Papa."

"Don't thank me yet, Sidney."

Sidney hung up. "Asmodeus, he's coming. Pull into the back. There's a key box that has the spare key in it." Asmodeus parked the van in the back. "Find the key box. It's behind panel next to the meter. Open the key box with the letters A-N-N. And bring a stretcher."

Asmodeus went to the key box and opened it. He unlocked the back gate. "There's a security pad. I'll just disable it," he said as he pressed some of the buttons. He was very good at getting past such systems. He found a stretcher and wheeled it outside. Dr. Nelsen did not have a lot of stretchers and wheel chairs, but he did have some just in case.

"Percy, can you hear me?" asked Sidney. "My father will be here soon. You're going to be fine." Percy nodded. She used her wand to magick him onto the stretcher. They wheeled him inside. "Which room?" asked Asmodeus.

"The closest one," replied Sidney as she guided the stretcher. "I'll get some more bandages and another blanket. Give him some more water."

"We should get some Blood-Replenishing Potion for him," suggested Asmodeus. "It's safer than giving him a blood transfusion."

"I don't have the materials to brew some. It has to be special ordered and only medical personnel can order it," said Sidney.

"If you had the materials, could you brew it?" asked Asmodeus.

"I don't know if we have time for that, but I think so," answered Sidney. "The Muggle blood supply is pretty safe. They screen it thoroughly before they even think of distributing it."

"Sidney, you shouldn't just leave things wide open like this," said Dr. Nelsen as he walked in. "Let me see your friend."

Sidney led him to Percy, while Asmodeus went and got some water. Dr. Nelsen looked at him carefully. He moved Percy's left arm to get a better look at the wound. "It's a graze. This looks like a bullet hit him. Any nearer and it would have hit him for sure," he summarized. He picked up Percy's wand and handed it to Sidney. "You best keep this for safekeeping. Let me get to work. You can assist me."

After several tense minutes, the Nelsens were able to patch up the wound. Asmodeus had returned just as Dr. Nelsen said, "He's lost over a pint of blood."

"It looked like so much," said Sidney.

"He's going to be weak for a while," said Dr. Nelsen.

"I have some Blood-Replenishing Potion. I went to the medical center and got some," announced Asmodeus as he showed the vial. "No one was there, but I don't think that Brandon will mind that I went through his stock."

Dr. Nelsen looked rather apprehensive about using wizarding medicine in his clinic, but decided it was best. "He is a wizard after all. But, I'll inject it into his skin," he said as he picked up a needle. "How much of it do I use?"

"One vial is a dose," answered Sidney. "Use all of it."

Dr. Nelsen ended up loading three injections worth of the potion. He injected each one into Percy's arm. Percy was too weak to really feel anything, except for the ache in his side. "I'll give him something for the pain. It'll make him sleep," said Dr. Nelsen, filling up another needle with medicine and injecting it into his arm. "He should be fine. Just let him rest."

"Papa, would you mind, if he rested at our house?" asked Sidney. "In the morning, your staff is going to be here, not to mention all your other patients."

Dr. Nelsen stared at her for a moment and pressed his lips firmly together in deep thought. "All right," he said finally. "But, I want to know exactly what's going on. I want to know why this young man has been shot and what you've been up to, Sidney."

Sidney glanced at Asmodeus. He was the ranking agent because of his seniority. He nodded. Sidney turned her attention back to her father and nodded.

Written by kirikarin

AN: Some might wonder why the Veritas did not put up another clinic in town or just summon Dr. Kunishima and Healer Brandon. I wanted to introduce Sidney's family. Anyone got a bad feeling for them? I did it for stylistic reasons. Sidney's secret still won't be revealed until later. Since I've made some thing predictable, I had to come up with something that someone couldn't guess. That's all I'll say for now.

The reason why the agents from the clean up crew were so foolish was that they were not used to dealing with the Muggles like that. They were also too inexperienced. With so many attacks happening at the same time, the Veritas had to send in less experienced agents to handle the clean up. Clean up crew agents are different from the field agents. This will be explained a bit more later.

By the way, my beta reader can no longer edit my work. She is currently trying to edit this chapter along with the next two. I decided to post this up as a request for a beta reader. If you are interested, please go to my profile and contact me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.