Chapter 8

Harry Katie, and Moody left the home early the next morning. She knew where the park was, and they apparated there at 6:00. The owl was there. Moody looked at it carefully with his magical eye and pronounced it OK. Harry picked up the owl, patted him several times in thanks and asked him to fly back to school.

They apparated back to Grimmauld place. Moody said, "I suppose you'll be candid enough to let me know what you're really are up to." Katie excused herself and left them alone.

"I formally challenged McNair to a duel. He accepted."

Moody was silent for a moment then asked, "Seconds?"

"None."

"Weapons or wands?"

"His ax, my sword."

"Security?"

"That's part of the reason that I called you. I want to have this in the park where we were at on 27 December at 6:00 AM. I'd like you to place anti-muggle charms around the park, and be certain that there no anti-apparation wards in place after we start. I will station the disillusioned witches nearby to stand guard. I was also hoping that you would agree to referee. I want a fair fight, but I don't want him getting away."

A smile that Harry had not seen before crept onto Moody's scarred face. "I'd be honored to, Potter. It sounds like you thought this through pretty well. Have you invited a Medi-Witch or Healer yet? I have every reason to believe that you're going to kick his arse, but it never hurts to plan for contingencies."

"I'll ask Poppy on Christmas Eve."

Moody shook his head. "I'll do it in Boxing Day. I presume that you haven't mentioned this to Dumbledore?"

Harry replied, "The subject never came up."

Moody gave a little laugh. "I'd have done the same if I were in your shoes." After a pull on his hip flask, Moody asked, "Just so we're square on this, what has McNair done to you?

Harry set down the butterbeer that he'd been holding. "He helped kill Ron and Luna as well as Katie Bell's parents."

Moody nodded. "Diane Bell was a right nice lass. Too bad she'd got hurt."

"Did you know her?"

"Yes. I was her Mentor in the academy. She was a fine investigator. You gonna use that old Samurai sword of yours"?

"Yes. I think it'll be a lot quicker than his battle ax."

"Quick yes, but don't waste too much time parrying with that tosser, and don't try to break the handle. I've seen it when he worked at the Ministry. It's iron, and a sight more likely to snap your sword's blade if you strike it dead on. That thing weighs a ton, probably twelve pounds. Don't let yourself get hit by it. It'd snap an arm or break a leg even if you only got hit by the pole. Let him swing it a few times. He'll get tired pretty quickly. Just don't get backed into a corner or trip. Don't let him twist the sword out of your hand by getting it caught in the head of his battle ax."

"I won't. Thanks."

"Also keep an eye how far up or down the handle he is holding it. The higher up that he's holding it the quicker he'll be at the cost of loss of reach. He probably won't be wearing any type of armor. The head is quite sharp. Don't let yourself get sliced with it either. I'll see you for Christmas Eve, and thanks for inviting me."

-

After Moody left, Katie asked, "What was that all about?"

"I challenged a guy to a duel and was making the arrangements. Please don't mention it to anyone yet."

"I won't. So what are we going to do today?"

"I need to wrap a few gifts. You should put on a tee shirt and break in your armor a bit. Probably an hour is long enough to begin with for the first day. It's pretty stiff."

"Auror Tonks is going to come over after and help me train for an hour. Then I need to go back to Gringotts for a few minutes. Is there any other shopping that you need to do before Christmas? If you need anything, Winky will either get it for you, or help you if she can. There is a jar over in the kitchen for household money. It has Galleons and Sterling. Take whatever you need."

Katie took a steadying breath, charged ahead and asked, "Harry?"

"What?"

"Are you dating anyone?"

With experience comes wisdom, thought Harry. "I have a close relationship with Susan Bones. Hermione has been my best friend since I was eleven. Ginny and I are very close. You're very good friend. Tonks adopted me as a younger brother. Katie, it's pretty hard to think a lot about that dating stuff with a dark wizard that's pretty focused on trying to kill me. I'm not evading your question. Hermione say's that I've got a saving people thing. Maybe she's right. I just try and help people when I can, and right some of the wrongs of the world."

She looked into his emerald eyes, smiled and said, "I think I understand better now. Thanks for taking me in, Harry. I really appreciate it."

Harry gave her a hug. "It is my pleasure Katie. You're a good witch."

-

Harry woke up early on the 24th and remembered that Dumbledore would arrive at ten. Harry practiced with his sword then did flexibility exercises for another hour before showering and getting dressed.

He was sitting at the breakfast table reading when Katie came in and sat down. "Hi Harry. Can I make you breakfast?"

Harry smiled at her. "Morning Katie. That would be really nice of you, but Winky's feelings would be badly hurt. How about if you sit down and she'll make us both breakfast? She'll make anything that you like. Anything."

"Harry, this is so cool."

POP. "Good morning Sir and Miss. What would you like for breakfast today?"

"Toast, hash browns and coffee or diet coke please."

"And for you Sir?"

"I'd like the same Winky. Thank you very much."

When she left, Harry handed Katie a small flat jewelry box, and said, "Katie, this is for you."

Misunderstanding Harry completely, Katie said, "Harry, you don't need to keep giving me things."

Harry replied, "This is special. It's from my Godfather. Go ahead, open it."

She opened the Gringotts key case, and looked at him for a moment, too stunned for words. Finally she asked, "What is this?"

"My Godfather was Sirius Black. He spent most of his adult life imprisoned for a crime that he never committed. When he died, he left me some money that I used to set up a victims' relief fund. I keep hoping that I'll never have to give out any more of those keys. It is a Gringotts vault key that has been set up in your name. It has some gold in it that can help you along the way. Please accept it."

Tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you Harry. Thank you for being so kind to me. I don't know what else to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It's not that much. Please don't give it another thought. I just thought that you could use a hand. Let's go make some more globes before Professor Dumbledore arrives.

"Why is he coming so early?"

"He just wanted some extra time to visit and to talk about my schedule for the next term. There's no secrets or anything. You go first." Harry handed her the globe when he was done and smiled. It was the two of them making globes together."

Katie extracted the thought that Harry had given her. It was his first year class sparking balloons. She smiled and said, "They talk about your class non-stop at night in the common room. I wish you were my defense teacher. Professor Moody knows his stuff all right, but he gives me the creeps."

Harry nodded. "He does have that effect on people. I really respect him though."

Dumbledore walked into the room, saw them making ornaments together and handed Harry a thread. "Good morning Miss Bell. I trust that Mr. Potter is being a good host."

Katie blushed slightly and replied, "You have no idea Professor. Thank you for making me the portkey so I could come here."

Harry smiled as he looked at the happy memory that Dumbledore had given him to make the glass ball. It was a second year Harry leading a first year Ginny Weasley into McGonagall's office after rescuing her from the chamber of secrets while Molly and Arthur looked on. Dumbledore said, "I apologize sincerely Miss Bell, but I must borrow Mr. Potter for a few minutes to discuss something. We won't be long, I assure you.

"Let's go in the study Professor."

"Thank you Harry. I like the view." Winky popped in carrying a butterbeer and a cocoa on a tray.

Dumbledore started, "Harry the time is rapidly approaching for the torch of leadership for the light side to be passed. It seems to have found you. In the next few months, I'd like you to assume leadership of the Order. You are of course welcome to invite additional members of your choosing."

Harry phrased his response carefully. "I would need to consider it Professor. In all honesty, the Order in total hasn't proved too helpful to me in the past. "No offense meant, but Molly and Arthur aren't fighters."

Dumbledore smiled at Harry's point. The Order was poorly suited as a fighting unit. True, there were a few notable exceptions to that statement, but currently it's functioning better as an intelligence organization than a militia. He replied, "An Army is made up of many elements Harry; soldiers, cooks, medics, supply sergeants, spies and a few leaders. Even in your fine defense group, some would be better suited to one role rather than another. Within the Order are people of a like mind and many talents. They would not fail you. You do not have to answer today, but please consider the offer."

Harry knew that Dumbledore was right, but knew that Molly would impede his efforts because of the age difference. It was a problem, but it didn't need to be solved today.

"Harry, I'd like you and the others Apprentices to consider topics that you'd like to learn more about in the next term. You have been exposed to enough of the wizarding world to know what's out there, and should have a say in what additional skills you wish to acquire. Again, you do not need to answer today, and I have kept you from your arriving guests too long as it is. We can talk again on the evening of the 27th. I will return this evening in time for desert. Enjoy your afternoon, Harry."

"Thank you, Professor. You too."

As Dumbledore was leaving, the Grangers, and the others began arriving, carrying brightly wrapped packages, homemade cookies and a half case of champaign. Remus arrived having brought Mundungus along with him. "The streets of London will be safer this evening with Mundungus safely tucked away here, Harry." They all laughed.

""Tis not en easy job, being in my line of work, mind ye," retorted the old scoundrel.

"Happy Christmas, Mr. Fletcher" said Harry, shaking his hand.

Tonks arrived, this time with auburn hair. "Happy Christmas Harry," she said, giving him a big hug."

"Happy Christmas to you too, Tonks. I'm glad that you could come. It looks like you're feeling better."

She winked at him. "Harry, I'd like you to meet my Dad. Ted Tonks, this is Harry Potter."

"Good afternoon, sir. I'm very pleased to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine Mr. Potter. I am profoundly grateful that you took such good care of my daughter. Because of your skill and kindness, I still have family. I am eternally grateful."

"I was just trying to help. Please call me Harry."

"Ted, and thank you again."

"You're welcome. Dobby will take your coat and Winky will find you a beverage."

The rest of the guests arrived almost all at once. For an afternoon, they were not at war. For an afternoon, they were neither victims nor training to become soldiers. They played billiards on Harry's table, told stories, laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Harry was happy to see Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet again. They were working with Fred and George and made great couples.

Tonks and her Dad watched as Harry welcomed the different guests. Poppy and Minerva came together. Both seemed genuinely glad to have been included in what was arguably the most sought after Christmas gathering that season. Invitations to fun gatherings hosted by rich, famous, good looking, young, unmarried wizards rarely made their way to seventy five year old school witches. Ted noticed that Harry treated all of his guests with love and respect.

He watched as Harry greeted the odd looking dwarf sized wizard. They appeared to be good friends, smiling and laughing at each other. Next he spent a few minutes with a lithe redhead. She could have been a model. Again, there appeared to be love and respect. He greeted the redhead's mother with equal love.

Harry greeted an overly large man like he was seeing his best friend. Nine feet tall half giants didn't receive many invitations to fashionable parties either, yet Harry made certain that the big man felt right at home.

A teen and a woman that Ted recognized as Nymphadora's manager came in next. They both seemed to know him and there was genuine affection between them.

An odd looking older woman arrived next with an older man with an artificial eye. The old woman looked like a shut in wearing a housedress and pink slippers. Again Harry greeted her like an old friend and made certain that she felt welcomed.

The guests visited for another hour. Harry asked each person there to contribute s few memories for glass memory ornaments.

Dinner was fantastic. Winky had made several roast turkeys, popovers, baked dishes, candied potatoes, vegetables, salads, and more. Harry sat by Mundungus and Mrs. Figg. They all seemed to enjoy the company.

After dinner the walked the half-mile to attend the Christmas Eve service at the nearby church. Harry enjoyed the peaceful ambiance of the service. While largely unchurched while growing up with the Dursleys, Harry recognized the songs and seemed to enjoy the time.

As they walked back in the light snow, Harry had a chance to visit with Molly and Arthur. They were having a difficult time getting settled into their new home. Harry assumed that they had grown to be so comfortable at the burrow, with a generation of memories of family, that any change would be difficult. In reality, they were probably missing the daily contact with their family more than the quirky house.

Charlie had brought an interesting woman as a guest. Like Charlie, she was highly interested in dragons. He slant was writing muggle fantasy novels. Her fictionalized but highly realistic descriptions of the dragons and their adventures had won her critical acclaim and quite a following. Little did the muggle world know that she'd received her drawings and information from a man who'd lived it firsthand.

When they got back to Grimmauld Place, Winky had reset the table as a buffet for deserts. Dumbledore arrived carrying a sack full of miniature gifts and placed them under the tree.

The opening of the Christmas gifts was a fun-filled experience. Being the youngest, Ginny selected a gift to open first. Her mum had gotten her a new sewing and knitting kit with patterns for different dresses and jumpers.

Susan had received a pearl necklace from Minerva and Poppy. It looked great on her.

Harry received a pickpocket proof wallet from Mundungus. Moody smiled and asked him if he'd ever had any personal experience with that model. They all laughed.

Hermione received a magical camera from Molly and Arthur.

Katie received a wooden Bokken from Harry. She really liked having one of her own.

Angelina and Alicia opened engagement rings from George and Fred respectively.

Fred and George received new fishing rods from Ginny. She knew that they really enjoyed the relaxing past time.

Charlie's friend Kelly-Jean received a laptop computer from Charlie that she could use to help write her stories.

Charlie received a self-filling bottle of burn salve from Poppy.

Bill received a pocket watch family clock from Molly and Arthur. Whether there was any implied message to go along with it was open to interpretation.

Tonks received a signed weird sisters club shirt from Remus.

Remus opened a collection of piano music from Hermione. She knew that he enjoyed playing.

Emma received a health club membership from Dan. She had come to miss the daily workouts with the witches.

Dan opened a box from Harry that had a miniature set of Titleist golf clubs and a week long pass for four at the Old Course, the New course, Jubilee, Balgrove and a second round on the Old Course at St Andrews. Harry told him that the certificate was good any week in May or June and gave him the name of the person to call and confirm the reservations with. Naturally it came with a certificate for any of the suites at the hotel that Harry owned.

"Hermione can expand them for you any time it would be convenient for you. In the mean time, they would look good on your desk at your surgery."

Dan thanked Harry. He had found a very hard to obtain gift that Dan would really enjoy using.

Ted unwrapped a new motorcycle-riding outfit from Tonks. He had ridden for years, and really did need a new set of leathers.

Molly opened a package from Harry. It had beach blankets, a spa certificate and hotel reservations for a week at a beach resort in Bermuda. Christmas without Ron had been hard on her. She needed a break to get away.

Arthur opened a photo album that Hagrid had put together containing photos of their family and friends. Dan saw the look of extreme appreciation on his friend's face. You couldn't buy photos.

Mundungus received a self-filling bottle of Ogden's from Arthur, who somehow knew that he'd found the perfect gift.

Arabella received a spa certificate from Harry. She needed to have a reason to get out of her house and feel good about herself.

Hagrid received a pair of shih-tzu puppies from Molly who was desperately hoping that he could be broken of his monster fixation. Hagrid would have preferred a Chinese Fireball instead, but thanked his friend, all the same.

Amelia received a framed photo of the Apprentices from Susan.

Minerva and Poppy received tickets to the ballet from Flitwick.

Dumbledore opened a small box from Harry. It was a miniature midnight blue Corvette. "Thank you Harry. This is very interesting."

"I'm hoping that you have many fun afternoons with it Professor. You'll look fabulous driving it." The realization that it wasn't a model hit everyone. Remus smiled at Harry.

Dumbledore was surprised. "Thank you, Harry. I owned an automobile once before in the early twenties. I hope this one is as much fun to operate."

Remus said, "You'll be amazed at the difference Professor."

Dobby and Winky received matching gray outfits from Ginny. They were extremely well made, and they looked cute in them.

They had a fun evening alternating between opening gifts, toasting one another, playing billiards and eating deserts. Harry had found room for everyone, conjuring sleeping bags for the library, and his study. Dumbledore left at midnight to go back to the castle.

Tonks thanked Harry for the dragonhide armor suit. Harry smiled and said, "You'll look great in it Sis."

The apprentices had agreed to exchange gifts the next day. Harry pulled Fred and George aside and asked if they would have an interest in opening another shop. Harry explained that he learned that he owned a building in Hogsmede and a fourth of it was currently unleased and available. The two redheads conferred privately for a minute. Space was almost never available in Hogsmede and it was across the street from the Three Broomsticks that was getting rebuilt. It truly was a prime location.

George came back and said, "Harry we would love to but we don't have the gold to expand right now."

Harry said, "You misunderstood me. You can have the space, in return for keeping an eye on the other shops in the building. If you need capital to launch a second shop, just tell me how much."

Fred said, "That would be fantastic. We'll get Lee to run it on an everyday basis and stop in for the weekends that have the school visits. Thank you Harry."

By now most of the guests had gone to bed. Katie, Angelina and Alicia were sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace in the entertainment room visiting and laughing with each other. Remus was still visiting with Ted Tonks. Bill and Flitwick had left for the evening. Bill would be spending Christmas Day with Fleur and her parents in France.

-

Harry woke up at three. He was an hour into his stretching exercises when Ginny came in and they began sparing with the wooden swords. By 4:30 Hermione and Susan were there. Harry asked them to practice their disillusion charms. Ten minutes later Tonks and Katie had arrived. Harry asked Tonks to fire some stunners at Katie to test her shields. Five minutes later Katie had been stunned.

Tonks asked, "Harry what's up?"

"I formally challenged McNair to a duel in two days. I'd like all of your help to make sure that it is a fair fight."

Hermione asked, "What would you like us to do?"

"It's a lot to ask. I'd like you to spend the night in some trees. My concern is not fighting McNair, rather getting ambushed by someone else that has arrived an hour early. Moody will be there as the referee. According to the rules there will be no wands, just his ax and my Katana. It would be full battle gear and blood staffs."

"Why trees Harry," asked Tonks. " The reason I ask is once you're in one, if you have an anti-apparation ward in place, your fighting mobility is about zero."

"Let's talk this through. Maybe there's a better idea. Harry diagrammed the area on the whiteboards on one of the walls. "My biggest concern is that one or two people sneak in using an invisibility cloak. We can conjure a few inches of snow so that they would leave tracks as they go and be easier to see. I thought that they'd be easier to see with a bit of elevation. Moody can look for people hiding before it starts, but it will be pretty dark unless we conjure some lights. Back to your question, is there a better place to wait?"

Tonks felt grateful at being asked to help after needing so much herself the last time. "Let's come back to that. What about the playing field? Do you want blacktop, dirt, or snow? What would put McNair at the biggest disadvantage?"

"Ice," said Hermione. He'd never be able to swing that huge ax properly if he didn't have good footing."

"I don't want to do that," said Harry. "He'd probably get frustrated, and pull out a spare wand. I can beat him in a fair fight. I'd prefer dry blacktop or dirt. If it snows a bit, so be it."

"What about broomsticks?" asked Ginny. "Tonks and I are pretty decent flyers. It's a lot harder to hit a moving target as your first and second years know."

"It would be really cold," replied Harry.

"We agree with you on that part Mr. Potter," said Tonks. "You would be responsible for warming up five half frozen witches after you kick his arse."

"That would be harder than beating McNair," said Harry, "but I'd do my best. Back to task. Most witches or wizards can't hit much at more than a hundred feet away. In most cases it's closer to about fifty feet. I suggest that one person stands watch in this big tree and two in this one here. They both have big enough branches to safely stand in and remain hidden. You'd be ten to fifteen feet off the ground, so you could jump with a cushioning charm if you needed to. If things get bad, you can use your portkey to get back here."

Ginny looked at Hermione, then Susan, then Katie and finally to Tonks. They all nodded. "Ginny said, "If there are more than three other Death Eaters, whoever sees them will call out and we will all apparate back. Is there any part of all that is ambiguous to you, Professor Potter?"

Knowing that he was grossly outvoted on the matter, Harry said, "I promise three things; we will win a fair fight, I will not stay and fight a losing battle, and that no one will be left behind. Is that fair?"

Susan said, "That's fair. Where do you want Madam Pomfrey?"

"Here."

Tonks asked, do you want any other backup?

"Kingsley, Hestia and Lupin could be here in case we need help, or to take any prisoners to a holding cell. What are your plans with McNair?"

"To repeat a test that this sword had performed 150 years ago." No one asked about the test cuts that the Hizen swordsmiths had subjected new swords to on cadavers.

"OK," said Ginny. "Let's get something to eat then you can give use our gifts, Mr. Potter."

"The others aren't up yet. How about a bit of coffee then we can see what there is to be unwrapped." POP. Winky appeared with four cups of coffee and two diet cokes.

An hour later, they were nearly done unwrapping their lovely things. Susan walked over to Harry and whispered something in his ear. After blushing for a moment, he went to excuse himself and returned a moment later. The four witches helped put a beautiful pair of diamond studs in Katie's ears.

"They look great on you," said Hermione.

Sure beats the Dark Mark getting burned into your arm, thought Tonks. Welcome to Harry's Angels, Katie.

-

A/N

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