Not mine.
Kudos to Steve.
Chapter 4On Saturday morning, Harry woke up early, showered and thought about the last few days. He was hoping that he would hear from Hermione and her parents. He was hoping to hear from Ginny. What he hadn't hoped for arrived at 6:30 AM.
Harry paid the owl, carefully untied the newspaper and read the headline.
Harry Potter Foils Dark Side at Gringotts
Harry Potter, "The Chosen One" made the news again yesterday afternoon after he foiled a large transfer of gold from one of the Dark Lord's major supporters. Thomas Borgin 51 and his wife Claire were both arrested on various charges ranging from accessory to the murder of Wizengamot Head Albus Dumbledore to illegal funds transfer.
Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour was on the scene shortly after the arrest. He told the Daily Prophet, "Mr. Potter was instrumental in identifying Thomas Borgin who had entered into the bank wearing a disguise. The Wizarding world owes yet another debt to Mr. Potter for his quick thinking."
While not specifying the exact amount of gold that was confiscated, an unnamed ministry source said the amount recovered was "Significant."
Harry glanced further down the page and saw a small article that interested him.
Mysterious Fires Destroy Wizarding Homes
Ministry spokesmen Percy Weasley confirmed that fires had been reported at several wizarding homes yesterday. Weasley speculated that the fires may have begun due to faulty cauldrons. Weasley said that a Ministry investigation several years ago found that several hundred substandard cauldrons had been illegally imported into the country. "The thin bottom cauldrons could have easily leaked and started a fire or explosion."
Law Enforcement Director Hammer cited Weasley's example of checking his own bottom on a regular basis as being in character with the man that he is.
Having read enough, Harry wrote Ginny a quick note letting her know that he was fine and would try and come for a visit Sunday afternoon. Harry attached the note to Hedwig and sent his beautiful owl on her way.
Harry went down stairs to find his Aunt sitting alone at the kitchen table staring at her cup of tea. Seeing Harry come down, she got up, poured him a cup, handed it to him and in a low voice asked, "Are the Death Eaters responsible for all of the improbable accidents that I've seen on the beeb lately?"
Harry nodded his head and said, "Most of them, I reckon. Sometimes stuff just happens on it's own."
Petunia nodded and asked, "That man from your school, Dumbledore. He was killed last week?"
Again Harry nodded.
Petunia hesitated for a moment and asked, "Were you there when it… when he was murdered?"
Harry nodded, not really knowing what she wanted to hear.
Petunia looked sadder than ever and said, "I'm sorry. He seemed like a decent man."
Harry replied, "I suppose he had his faults like everyone, but he always tried to do the right thing."
Petunia asked, "You're wrapped up in all of this somehow, aren't you?"
Harry nodded and replied, "Before I was born, it was prophesized that a boy would be born who could defeat Voldemort. It turned out to be me. That's why he killed my parents, to kill me first."
Petunia considered his words for a moment and asked, "Can you really do it?"
Harry replied, "I hope so. He killed your parents, your sister, my Dad, Dad's parents and a lot of other good people since then. The professor helped me find a way to finish him off, and a lot of people are trying to help me."
"Will he come here for…?" Petunia didn't finish.
Harry said, "Probably. Would you and Uncle Vernon move to the States if I was able to help finance it?"
Petunia realized that the young man sitting across the table had the means to save their lives. She realized that her family would be wiped out if she didn't take action. Petunia replied, "I'll talk to Vernon tonight. When would we need to leave?"
"Dumbledore told me that the protection that Mum invoked would end on my seventeenth birthday. That leaves a bit more than a month."
Petunia gave a small smile and said, "He won't be happy about this."
Harry said, "I'd rather that the three of you be angry with me for the next fifty years safe in Boston than…"
Petunia nodded, and said, "I understand. Thank you, Harry." Refilling his cup, she asked, "Will you be having many visitors this next week?"
Harry said, "A fair number. "I need to go into London this morning. I expect to be back after lunch. I hope to go visit Ginny later this afternoon."
There was a knock on the back door. Petunia looked out, but didn't see anyone. Harry got up and looked out. Professor Flitwick was at the door. Harry held the door open and said, "Good morning, Professor. Please come in. Can I get you some tea?"
The diminutive wizard walked into the kitchen and said, "Good morning to you, Mr. Potter. Thank you. I'd love a cup."
Harry got a cup, while Flitwick sat at one of the chairs. Harry said, "Professor, this is my Aunt, Petunia Dursley."
Flitwick held out his hand, "Filius Flitwick. I'm pleased to meet you."
Petunia put on her bravest face and held out her hand. She said, "Are you here to help Harry…"
Flitwick said, "Yes. As much as I can, as will a lot of people. Harry, if you have an hour, I'd like to take you to your London home and transfer the wards to you."
Harry nodded, and said, "I can go now if it is convenient."
Flitwick finished his tea, thanked Petunia and they left out the back door. Flitwick asked, "How are you coming on your apparition, Harry?"
Harry replied, "I was given a license yesterday without even testing. I did OK in the practice sessions at school."
Flitwick said, "I'm certain that you did. You can do anything that you put your mind to. Can you picture the alley behind the building?"
Harry nodded, and Flitwick said, "Then place yourself there." Harry focused, and a few seconds later disappeared. He appeared with a tiny pop. A few seconds later, Flitwick was standing next to him, saying, "Very good. Let's walk over to the front door." He showed Harry a slip of paper that read, Harry Potter's house is at 12 Grimmauld Place. The door appeared between the two other buildings.
Flitwick handed Harry the key to the door and said, "You need to turn the lock, claim the home as your own and open the door."
Harry put the strange looking key into the keyhole, twisted the key, and said, "This home belongs to Harry James Potter." He felt a surge run through his arm. He walked into the darkened mansion.
Flitwick said, "Come to the hearth in the library. We need to transfer the wards as soon as possible." They walked through the dark hallways and into the library. The velvet curtains blocked out almost all of the light. Flitwick pointed his wand at the fireplace and a moment later, the fireplace gave off a merry light.
Harry asked, "What do I need to do?"
Flitwick said, "Place both hands on the mantle, Good. Think of the address here." Harry nodded, and Flitwick said "Fidelius." Harry felt another surge run through both arms.
Harry asked, "That's it?"
Flitwick nodded and said, "No one will be able to know of this place or see it from the outside unless you specifically give them permission. The fireplace is disconnected from the floo system. You can have it reattached if you wish. If you do, I'd recommend that you pay the extra fee and have it password protected."
Harry said, "Thank you, Professor."
Flitwick nodded and replied, "It was the least that I can do to help you Harry. What else do you need?"
Harry asked, "Professor, do you know what Professor Dumbledore was working on this last year?"
Flitwick said, "No. To be honest, I don't think he told anyone. A number of the staff wondered what he was doing when he was gone from the school, bit I don't think anyone knew for sure."
Harry was pleased, thinking that there was less chance that Snape had found out. He continued, asking, "Professor do you know about Horcruxes?"
Flitwick thought for a moment and replied, "In general theoretical terms. Obviously I have no personal experience with them."
Harry said, "Professor, it would be of great help to me if you would look through the library and see if you can find any information on them. You mustn't tell anyone about the research that you're doing. No one must know. Can you do that?"
Flitwick asked, "What specifically are you trying to find out?"
Harry replied, "I need to know how to destroy one, whether the person that put a bit of themselves into one would know if one had been destroyed, and if that person would be physically weakened if their Horcrux had been destroyed."
An epiphany of thoughts came together for the little professor. He said, "I understand. I can give it almost my complete attention for the next month. I'll report back to you each week."
Harry said, "Thank you, Professor. Please don't go outside the castle looking for information. There are several pieces that have been hidden, and I can't risk them getting moved before I can locate them."
Flitwick asked, "When you say pieces, how many do you think there are?"
Harry replied, "I believe at one time there were six horcruxes. I destroyed one four years ago. The professor found one last summer. It may have been the reason that his hand had been injured. He said that he managed to destroy it, but he never told me how."
"Why don't you ask him?" asked Flitwick
Harry looked at the little professor confused at his words.
Flitwick smiled and replied, "His portrait woke up yesterday. I don't know when the essence image was made, but if it was recent enough he might be of some help."
Harry looked a bit confused, "Do you mean like a file backup on my cousin's computer? His painting would know what he knew as of a certain date?"
Flitwick replied, "I believe that you understand the basic theory. I don't know too much about them myself. I personally find them to be a bit annoying. I'm not certain if they know all of the details or are just the essence of that person's personality. I'm certain that it would tell you if it knew."
"Thank you, Professor."
"Harry, regardless of your other plans, I'll do some quiet research. Initially, I'll just look through the restricted section and the staff library to see what if anything is available. If I haven't heard from you in a week, I'll contact you. I recognize the importance of what you're trying to do, and I'll help you in any way that I can. Do you need me for anything else here today?"
"No. Thank you, Professor." Harry was truly grateful for the help.
Flitwick replied, "All right. Since, I helped you with the charm, I know about this building. You would need to have a slip of parchment that you could show to anyone else that you wanted to come here."
"I understand. Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it."
"You're more than welcome, Mr. Potter. Enjoy your day. Remember to lock your house when you leave."
With that, the little wizard went out the back door and vanished.
As Harry was getting ready to leave, he wondered what he'd acquired with the mansion, and what had been stolen from him. He'd never really had anything growing up, and having people steal his things wasn't something that he was familiar with.
… --- … ---
An hour later, Tonks and Harry found themselves being shown into the office of Connie Hammer, Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Harry wasn't surprised to see Rufus Scrimgeour seated in one of the guest chairs. Seeing the look on Harry's face, Hammer cut him off, saying, "Harry, I'm told that you don't like publicity or extra attention, but sometimes it can't be helped. This wasn't the reason that I asked to speak with you today. Auror Tonks, for your part in the confiscation of over three million Galleons yesterday, you are awarded a cash reward of 50,000 Galleons."
Scrimgeour handed the speechless woman a Gringotts bank draft in her name. Her eyes welled with tears. That was equivalent to about ten years net salary for her as an entry level Auror. She stammered out a heartfelt "Thank you, Minister," and sat down again, light headed. This would brighten her future with Remus considerably.
Harry beamed at her and gave her a hug, saying, "Good on you, Tonks. I'm so happy for you. She kissed his cheek, and smiled before sitting down again.
A moment later, Scrimgeour handed Harry a rather heavy brushed aluminum case, and said, "Mr. Potter for your part in this, the Ministry awards you a cash reward of 100,000 Galleons."
Harry was stunned, stammering, "I, I just tried to do what was right."
Scrimgeour said, "I know son. You always have tried to do what was right. This time, the Ministry is in a position to say thank you in a different way." Getting up, he said, "I know that Director Hammer wants to talk with you both about some different issues. I'll take my leave now. Both of you enjoy your day. Perhaps we can visit sometime next week."
"Yes Minister. Thank you again," said Tonks.
"Thank you Minister," said Harry, still embarrassed.
Hammer had watched the two carefully as Scrimgeour had made the presentations. Clearly they knew each other better than she had been aware of. Harry was an enigma to her. Competent, but embarrassingly shy, he'd walked into her office looking like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. The door opened, and an aid brought in a tray of tea and biscuits before turning around and closing the door again. Harry glanced up and noticed that it had been Percy Weasley.
She said, "Thank you for coming today, Mr. Potter. We really haven't been properly introduced before." She stood and held out her hand. "I'm Connie Hammer."
"Harry Potter," he said with a smile on his face. She noticed his disarmingly bright emerald eyes.
"Please call me Connie."
"Harry." Tonks smiled at the way Harry was warming up to her.
Hammer replied, "Thank you, Harry. I worked with Kingsley Shacklebolt for fifteen years, and Amelia for six years before that. I believed that Sirius Black was innocent, but we have no basis of doing much about it until Pettigrew is found, dead or alive."
She sipped her tea before continuing. She could sense Harry's comfort level rising. Putting down her cup she said, "Harry, picture yourself in my position for a moment. If you had my job right now today, what would you be working on?"
Surprised at her question, Harry smiled. He replied, "Thanks for asking. Also thanks for asking in private instead of having me be part of some press conference."
She smiled at him recognizing his sincerity.
Harry said, "I'd do five things." He thought for a moment and continued. "I'm not sure of the order, but I'll tell you the best that I can."
Hammer said, "Take your time."
Harry started, saying, "I'd personally visit with the parents of each student at Hogwarts, if only for five minutes each to let them know that you have their child's safety as one of the Ministry's highest priorities. If half of the kids are pulled out of school, it will be a real tragedy both for the school as well as their individual futures. Muggle parents aren't in a position to home school their kids."
Hammer nodded, taking notes. She said, "Go on."
"I'd compile a list of the known or suspected Death eaters and go after them. From what I've seen, everything that the Ministry has done has been reactive. Maybe you shouldn't go after Voldemort himself, but his Death Eaters are just witches and wizards hiding behind stupid white masks."
She smiled and said, "Go on." She wondered what he meant by shouldn't.
Harry continued. "I'd physically check every kid that goes to school. Expel and arrest any kid who shows up with the Mark branded on them."
"Go on."
"I think Galleons can be used as weapons just as easily as guns or wands. Lucius Malfoy was probably buying influence the whole time that Voldemort was gone. Go after their money."
Tonks noticed a beetle crawling on her robe. Instinctively she flicked it off her robe and squashed it with her foot. Taking out her wand, she vanished the squished bug and said, "Sorry Director. Harry, go on."
Harry suppressed a surprised look and said, "The home defense sheet that we were sent a year ago was a joke. Wooden houses aren't worth dying over. The Ministry should provide people with the means of getting away to safety if their homes are under attack from Death Eaters. Maybe Percy Weasley should be taught how to create and distribute emergency portkeys rather than make a career out of brown nosing whoever his boss happens to be."
Hammer was sipping her tea and choked on his last words, before letting out a wonderful laugh. Putting down her cup, she said, "Thank you for coming today, Harry. You're so refreshingly honest."
Sensing that she was genuine in her words, and that he wasn't being dismissed, Harry asked, "How many Death Eaters do you reckon that there are?"
Hammer replied, "Fewer than the wizarding public would imagine. Probably no more than a hundred."
Harry nodded and said, "I was there the night two years ago when Voldemort got his body back. The first thing that he did was touch his wand to the Dark Mark branded on Pettigrew's inner forearm. It called his Death Eaters to apparate to his location. About thirty-five witches and wizards showed up. They seem to run in families, the Crabbs, Goyles, the Malfoys."
"Notts, added Tonks. Harry's right. We can't win a war strictly by playing defense."
"I understand your points," said Hammer. "I believe that I'm correct when I say that Minister Scrimgeour will concur with all of your suggestions Harry. I also understand your desire to keep yourself out of every issue of the Daily Prophet and Teen Witch Weekly." Harry nodded. She continued, saying, "I would like to talk with you from time to time if you wouldn't mind?"
Harry replied, "I'd be happy to."
She stood up and said, "Thank you both for coming in. Auror Tonks if you have just a minute more, I'd like to have a few words."
"I'll wait outside", said Harry.
"Thanks again, Harry." Seeing him stand without it, she added, "Remember your case, Harry. You did earn it."
After Harry had left closing the door behind him, Hammer asked, "Auror Tonks, how well do you know Mr. Potter?"
Tonks replied, "I met him several years ago through a study group that Professor Dumbledore had led."
Hammer looked at Tonks a bit impatiently and said, "You're referring of course to his fabled Order of the Phoenix? The group was less of a secret that you might have imagined. Go on."
"Guarding Harry was one of the things that the group was involved in."
"There's nothing more to the…?"
Tonk's hair turned red. She replied, "No Director. Strictly Professional. I have a steady relationship with…"
Hammer said, "Mr. Remus Lupin. I know. We do keep an eye on our own as well. Auror Tonks, are you happy with your current assignment?"
"Acting as Harry's bodyguard? Yes Director, very much so." Actually, Tonks was surprised to be asked. Choosing assignments was virtually unheard of under Hammer.
"Good. Please continue with it through the month of August. Dismissed."
"Thank you Director. Thank you for everything."
Hammer smiled and replied, "You're welcome.
…---…---
"Your cooking is crap. I needed a decent meal."
"Draco, this was a bad idea. I told you not to burn the bangers."
After eating their lunch, and quibbling like two old bitties the entire time, they went to the cashier. "The barman said, "The bill comes to twenty-eight quid, Gov."
Malfoy took out the handful of coins that they'd stolen from the BP, handed the cashier two of the one-pound coins and said, "Keep the change."
The barman's tone changed instantly. He growled, "Change my arse, you little rodent. No one stiffs Thomas Kelly out of…" He never saw the jet of red light hit him in the side.
Malfoy went around the till, scooped all of the coins and the two ran out the door. Again as luck would have it, the pub had installed a surveillance camera. Minutes later the constable had been summoned. Replaying the video gave a rather clear photo of young Malfoy as he was scooping the one pound coins out of the till, again leaving the ten and twenty pound notes in the bill slots. The investigating officer wrote up his notes, and released a photo of the two to the local papers. The morning paper would carry the article about the Coin Collector Bandits' latest caper and publish the accompanying photographs.
… --- … ---
Wormtail knew that he'd never sit comfortably again. Bellatrix had found him unconscious from blood loss on the kitchen the day before. More skilled at killing than healing, she administered the poorly made blood restorative potion. Hours later Pettigrew had woken up with a blinding headache from the poorly mixed potion.
As Malfoy was making a fool of himself at the pub, Pettigrew was summoned before the Dark Lord.
"What did you learn, Wormtail?"
"One of the Weasley sons are getting married on July 19th. They are having the wedding ceremony at their home at 5 PM. It might be a good opportunity to attack and show our strength."
Riddle nodded, his snakelike eyes flashing at the thought of dealing a crippling blow to one of Dumbledore's closest supporters.
Noticing his stiff movement, Riddle asked, "Good work, Wormtail. How were you injured?"
Pettigrew replied, "I was attacked while in my rat form, Master."
"I suppose it is a risk, but in this case, it was worth it. Rest a bit then check in on Snape and Draco. Bring them back to me when you find them."
Pettigrew bowed and left the room.
Riddle called, "Bella, summon Stephen Bulstrode to me."
… --- … ---
Harry and Tonks returned to Privet Drive after leaving Director Hammer's office. After Harry was safely inside, Tonks said, "Harry, I need to go see Remus for a few minutes. I'll be back early this afternoon."
Harry smiled, knowing that she would want to share her good news with her lover. He replied, "Say "Hi" from me. Thanks for coming with me today. I'll be at Ginny's later in the afternoon."
Minutes after the excited Auror had left, there was a knock on the door. Harry opened the door to find Professor McGonagall standing there. He greeted her, "Please come in, Professor."
"Good morning, Mr. Potter. I understand that you've had a busy summer already." A wry smile crept onto her face. Harry let out an all too rare laugh and McGonagall felt joy to see the slight twinkle in his emerald eyes.
Handing his favorite professor a cup of tea, Harry replied, "Trouble just seems to find me. How can I help you Professor?"
McGonagall said, "We have several things to talk about. First, I'm hoping that you will consider coming back to school in the fall, even if on a part time basis. I recognize that career consoling in the normal sense isn't needed in your case, and I recognize that you have things that you'll need to do that will take you away from the castle from time to time. I'm trying to say that I'd like it if you would attend and I'll do everything that you need to accommodate your unique situation."
Harry said, "I can't commit yet, but I truly appreciate your offer and I hope to be able to attend if I can."
McGonagall nodded. She had received a similar answer from the Grangers, but knew that far more students would attend if they knew that Potter was attending. She let the subject drop for the moment and continued. "Professor Dumbledore left you most of his personal possessions including a number of priceless books and his pensive. I'm told that the sword that you found in your second year already belongs to you. I could have them stored for you or…"
Harry replied, "I'd be happy to come by and collect them. Also Professor, I was wondering if it would be possible for me to come by and talk with the painting a bit. We had some unfinished business, and I could use the professor's advice."
"Right. You are welcome to come by anytime. I will notify Mr. Filch."
"Thank you Professor." Harry was fairly certain that McGonagall hadn't yet gotten to the real reason for her visit, and waited for her to come around to the topic.
Putting down her teacup, she said, "Potter, the other reason that I came by was to invite you to join the Order of the Phoenix."
Harry had been expecting this after conversing with Moody. He replied, "Professor, stating it a bit differently, I'd like the Order to join me, or at least most of the Order. I guess I'd like everyone to try out for their spot again. As I told Moody earlier, the Order hasn't been too good to me. Members have betrayed my parents, stolen from me and murdered the Professor. There are some of the other students that I'd like to have join as well."
"I see," said McGonagall somewhat surprised, but quite pleased that Harry had put so much thought into this. She didn't mention having already spoken to the other five students. She asked, "What else?"
Harry asked, "How effective would you say that the Order would be as a fighting unit?" He knew the question might come off as insulting, but didn't know a better way to ask.
McGonagall was at least honest in her evaluation and after a half minute answered, "Not very,…But that hasn't been the primary focus of the group."
"I understand, Professor, but times have changed."
"Yes. Unfortunately they have." She recognized the absolute truth in his words.
"What time is the meeting?"
"Eight PM tonight at the castle. Here is a portkey. It will be in my classroom. Actually, please come at nine instead. Is that acceptable?"
"I'll see you then." He shook her hand.
She rose to leave. "Thank you for the tea, Harry."
"You're welcome Professor. Thanks for coming by."
McGonagall got up, walked out the back door and vanished. After she left Harry found his aunt and asked, "Are there any chores that you need help with today?"
Petunia thought for a moment, and replied, "None that can't wait until next week. It sounds like you have a busy day. Will you be home for dinner?"
Harry said, "No. I'll probably be home late."
Petunia thought for a moment and replied, "Here's the key to the back door. Please come in as quietly as you can."
Harry replied, "I will. Thanks."
Fifteen minutes later Harry was standing in the back yard. He had a shrunken bag containing his burgundy robes in his pocket. He focused on the spot by one of the Weasley out buildings where Dumbledore had apparated him to last summer. With a tiny pop, he reappeared. He started walking towards the house. Moments later a red headed fireball ran up and wrapped herself around him. Harry felt himself holding 105 pounds of a very lively young woman. "Hi Ginny. I've missed you too."
… --- … ---
A/N
Thanks for all of the e-mails responding to my last few questions. I really enjoyed the perspective.
Has anyone read a story where the inferi were used?
Can the Aurors effectively transition from being a police department to being an tactical unit?
I recently read a shorter story that was well written from BenRG – The Rescue. It's a good read.
If anyone cares to recommend a post HBP story, please e-mail me.
Thanks.
O-C