… --- …
Chapter 19
True to his word, Moody set up Harry against a dozen of the practice dummies. The old Auror collected Harry's wand, and his spare wand. Unbeknownst to Harry, Moody had also reset the anti-apparation wards in the training room.
Harry surprised Moody when he pulled the .45 that he'd loaned Dan Granger and shot eight of the practice dummies. The sound of the blast within the cavernous space shocked Moody back into full alert. He'd been helping himself to Harry's lunch after finishing his own. While Harry was inserting a new magazine into the pistol, Moody created another dozen of the dummies and set them loose.
The extra dummies had ruined Harry's plan. He'd only brought one extra magazine and would run out of bullets before he had finished off the dummies.
Pop! "Harry Potter Sir, Dobby has found what you need." Dobby handed Harry two more magazines, then gave Moody a bad look, knowing that Moody was eating Harry's lunch.
Harry gave the little elf a hug and said, "Thanks Dobby." The little elf disappeared. Harry quickly reloaded the magazines. Two minutes later, Harry sat down and said, "I'll have that last sandwich, thank you."
Moody gave the young man a "Moody grin" and said "Good job, Potter. What did you learn?"
Harry thought for a moment and replied, "If you take away the option of escaping, it really doesn't matter how good the opponents are if there are enough of them. Sooner or later, they'll get you."
"That's a lesson that works both ways Potter. If we go back to snatching the Death Eaters faster than Snake Lips can recruit them, he's got three options; use his dark creatures, use the Imperius, or fight us by himself."
"Who would be doing the recruiting? Riddle can't exactly place position available notices in the Daily Prophet."
"I'd say he did just as good by having that news story put in about his reward offer against Granger's dad. Every Ne'er-do-well in Britain will be signing up and there're always those that left Durmstrang."
Harry nodded.
Moody continued, "It'd take somebody smart to recruit decent ones. I'd say he's put Snape on it, the greasy bastard."
Pop. Dobby appeared with two fine dinners with butterbeers and set them down. Harry thanked the little elf, who beamed at him. Moody looked at the food hungrily. Harry passed one of the plates over and asked, "Would you like one?" He thought of his friend Ron, and smiled.
Moody sniffed the food to be certain that it hadn't been poisoned and said, "Thanks Potter. I am a bit hungry." Harry smiled. Moody loved free food. After a few bites he said, "He obviously scared or bought somebody into a sympathetic at least or neutral position. They haven't written anything against the dark side in…"
Harry finished his sentence, "Since the attack on those pressmen."
Moody nodded and replied, "Tomorrow I'll have a little talk with John Thomas and the Daily Prophet Editor Reggie McDonald on your behalf."
As Moody finished his second dinner, Harry smiled at him and said, "Thanks Moody. You're a good man."
… --- …
Harry was enjoying his classes this term, feeling that everything that he was learning was useful. Transfiguration was useful as they were learning to conjure objects at a faster and faster rate. Harry had seen Dumbledore conjuring objects to use as weapons or shields, and knew that almost any spell could be used in an offensive or defensive way given the right circumstances.
"Today's lesson will have you transfigure these Galleons into a gold plated shield that would reflect certain spells. She demonstrated and within moments the small stack of Galleons had been changed into a serving plate sized shield. "Miss Granger, would you cast a light stunner at me, please?"
Harry watched as Hermione did as she was asked. Much faster than he would have expected, McGonagall placed the shield in front of the jet of red light. The spell reflected off of the shield and hit Dean, knocking him to the floor." Seamus had fallen over too trying to get out of the way.
Walking over to them and seeing that they weren't really injured, McGonagall said, "Mr. Finnigan, perhaps you can revive your talkative friend. In the future it would do you both well to pay attention to where you are when you have your conversations, wouldn't you agree?"
There was no doubt in Seamus' mind what McGonagall had meant. He replied, "Yes Professor." They had yet to apologize to Hermione for the trouble that they'd caused her family.
Susan looked at Harry nervously who immediately understood. He pulled a bag of 400 Galleons out of his robe and said, "Professor, these should be enough for everyone to use. They might not have brought their gold to class."
McGonagall and Susan both gave him grateful looks and said, "Thank you, Mr. Potter."
By the end of class everyone had made a very good shield. As class was letting out, Harry asked Susan to come over and visit them after dinner.
… --- …
Hermione was studying in their room when she heard the soft knock on their door. She opened it and Susan was at the door. She gave the pretty witch a quick hug and invited her in. "Harry invited me over," she explained. "It's good to see you. We don't get to spend as much time visiting as we used to."
Hermione smiled back at her and said, "Susan, you don't need an invitation to stop by. We miss seeing you too. Come in."
Hermione showed her around for a moment and handed her a butterbeer before asking Susan to sit down at one of the sofas.
"Where's Harry?"
Hermione handed Susan an envelope and a small leather pouch and replied, "Harry had to go practice with the Cadets. I think he forgot until the last moment. He left this for you and we want you to please accept it in the spirit that it was intended. Promise?"
Susan looked more nervous than before.
"Please Susan?"
"OK." She opened the envelope that contained a Gringotts draft for twenty five thousand Galleons and a small bag that had a hundred loose galleons.
Susan's eyes dazzled as she thought for a moment and said, "Hermione, I can't accept this… It's Harry's… It's too much."
Hermione took a sip of her tea and replied, "Of course you can. Harry can afford it, and he wants to help you. Please don't hurt his feelings by refusing it. He was going to set this up for you before school, but things got a bit crazy with the attack at Hogsmeade. Please take it Susan. It's a magical draft. All you need to do is sign it and it will be transferred into your Gringotts vault. It will be enough gold for you to get started after school or to go to University."
The blond witch was grateful beyond words. She hugged her again and said, "Thank you, Hermione. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it."
Hermione thought for a moment and replied, "Susan, he's done the same thing for my parents. There're no strings with this. He just wants to do it. He thinks it's the right thing to do, and I agree with him. The other pouch is just for spending money."
"Thanks, Hermione."
"Cheers."
… --- …
While Hermione was visiting with Susan, Harry was having fun with Alyx and the other Cadets. Gunner Fawcett was very good at magical fighting. Richard Chambers had a sharp mind but was much slower than the others in terms of quick reactions. He invariably had to create a shield as he could never simply move out of the way. Keith Bradley was somewhere in the middle.
Harry had the sense that even in their final stage of Auror training, they were still being trained to handle ordinary policework, and not to survive in a duel against Voldemort's best Death Eaters.
While Alyx, Gunner and Keith were practicing two against one duels, Harry was throwing tennis balls at Richard.
"Come on, Harry, this is stupid."
"Trust me Richard," said Harry bouncing a ball off Richard's head, "it's a good thing to practice."
"Being quick is nice, but having a good shield makes it moot." replied Richard in a way that reminded Harry of Percy. Harry knew that Richard had read that idea in a text someplace, and took it at face value.
Alyx overheard them and knew that her Cadet friend wouldn't survive a fight carrying that attitude. She conjured a watermelon and a three legged stool and then set the watermelon on the stool. The others stopped what they were doing and watched the Order of Merlin recipient at work. A moment later she said, "Richard, come over here please."
He did and she said, "Let's have a practical drill here. This watermelon is Minister Abraxan who is injured in an attack by a single Death Eater. Can you protect her for one minute until help comes?"
With the same misguided confidence Justin had exhibited in the prior week Richard replied, "No problem."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment and gave his head a tiny shake knowing where this was going. Alyx said, "Go ahead Keith, he's got his shield up give it your best shot."
Keith pulled his wand from his studded leather leg holster pointed it and said, "Stupefy." A jet of bright red light flew from his wand hit the shield which shimmered for a moment as the jet deflected away.
Richard smiled and said, "See. No problem." He winked at her indulgently.
Alyx bit her tongue for a moment and replied, "Again."
The shield shimmered a bit more but held.
"Again."
Keith missed.
"Again."
The shield shimmered for several seconds but the spell deflected. She doubted that it would have held against another stunner.
"OK, take a break for a moment," said Harry, handing them all a bottle of butterbeer. Alyx was disappointed. Richard had been wrong, and they still needed to prove it to him, but she didn't want to stuff it in his face. She glanced at Harry who nodded. After their butterbeers, Harry said, "Richard, your shield held against your Death Eater. Gunner, your shield is pretty good, why don't you try it? You protect the Minister, and I'll be the bad guy. Let me know when you're ready."
A moment later Gunner had his shield in place. Harry fired, "Reducto." The orange blast flew past the shield as if it weren't there and sprayed them all with chunks of watermelon.
"He didn't use a stunner," whined Richard.
"Death Eaters don't either," snarled Alyx pelting him with a tennis ball. "Now move your ass before I smack you again." She pulled out a handful of tennis balls and began chasing him around the room as Gunner vanished all of the bits of the simulated Minister.
"In the future, I hope you'll take better care of me than that," said Minister Abraxan who had come in unnoticed. "As evidenced by the demise of Minister Scrimgeour, Death Eaters rarely cast stunners. Mr. Potter, if you have a moment, may I have a word with you?"
They walked into one of the unused classrooms and Abraxan closed the door behind her. She looked at Harry for a moment and said, "Thank you for taking your time to help the cadets, Harry. I thought the tennis ball idea was brilliant."
"Thanks," said Harry wishing that he'd dressed a bit better for the occasion. "How long were you there?"
"I arrived about the time that you landed a ball on Cadet Chamber's head. Master Auror Moody informed me about your success beneath the castle. He told me that you'll likely need the Ministry's help in the capture of the next horcrux."
Harry nodded and replied, "We'll need to know when Riddle is away from his snake Nagini, and where he's keeping it."
"It may take a few weeks, but I'll try to have him located. On a different subject, I received a report from Ron Weasley's caseworker. He's in between terms and is being tutored so that he will be successful for his final year at the private school that he was enrolled at. The caseworker reported no problems. I'll pass along any updates that I receive. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Potter."
"Thank you, Minister. You too." Harry was relieved to hear about Ron, yet the news hurt. He walked back to his room with a lump in his throat.
… --- …
Wednesday evening was the Order meeting. As they had a success to talk about, Harry let Bill, Hermione, Alyx, Remus and Minerva tell their stories to the others. Remus reported, "We recovered over three hundred square feet of basilisk skin and nineteen fangs."
Hagrid gave out a (really) low whistle and exclaimed, "Blimey!"
Harry asked, "What's up?"
Flitwick explained, "Basilisk skin makes almost mythically protective armor. I doubt that you could have pierced him even with that impressive sword of yours anywhere but in the mouth. How on earth did you manage to slay such a thing?"
Harry smiled sadly and replied, "That's why they only found 19 fangs. It got me with one."
There was stunned silence in the room. Few of them had heard the real tale of Harry's battle with the giant creature. Harry told of his desperate fight with the monster and the aid that he'd received from Fawkes. It seemed a lot more frightening to the others as he told his tale when some of them had actually seen the beast and knew if anything, Harry was understating what had happened.
Lightening the mood, Harry asked Fred how the product demonstration went. He laughed and replied, "We fired off four hundred Galleons of product and took orders for ten times that. Can we come and act as the diversion on your next adventure too?"
Arabella shook her head and said, "Lord help us. There'll be dung bombs, fireworks and portable swamps all over now."
Flitwick stood and everyone sat down. He flicked his wand and the whiteboard that Hermione had used complete with the writing reappeared.
TM Riddle
1926 – December 31 b.
1938 – Began Hogwarts
1943 – Learns about Horcruxes
1943 – Late spring - Opens Chamber of Secrets
1943 – Murders Myrtle
1943 – Kills Riddle Sr. and Paternal grandparents
1943 – Creates diary
1944 – Made Head Boy
1945 – Finishes Hogwarts with honors
1945 – Asks to remain at Hogwarts and become a teacher
1945 – Works at Borgin and Burkes
1945 – Dumbledore defeats Grindelwald
1955 – Applies for DADA job
Everyone glanced at it and he continued. "I have exhaustively studied the notes and materials that were found in the chamber. From it I have several theories and conclusions. First, I believe that the soul splitting ritual is literally that, a split. That means the largest piece was put into the first object, the diary. Recall that Harry destroyed the diary before Voldemort's rebirth. The loss of a large part of his soul helps explain the change in appearance between the 1980 version and the 1995 photo that you gave us where he had taken on some snakelike characteristics."
"Based on accounts from students who saw him while he was a student at the castle, there was definitely a change in attitude and behavior, though there was no change of appearance." He redrew the whiteboard. Based on the notes and our latest information, the chart would look like this.
TM Riddle
1926 – December 31 b.
1938 – Began Hogwarts
1943 – Learns about Horcruxes
1943 – Late spring - Opens Chamber of Secrets
1943 – Kills Riddle Sr. and Paternal grandparents – finds ring
1943 – Creates first horcrux – diary (1/2)
1943 – Murders Myrtle
1944 – Made Head Boy
1945 – Creates second horcrux – putter (1/4)
1945 – Dumbledore defeats Grindelwald
1945 – Finishes Hogwarts with honors
1945 – Creates third Horcrux – ring (1/8) could be second or third horcrux
1945 – Asks to remain at Hogwarts and become a teacher
1945 – Works at Borgin and Burkes
1945 – Creates fourth horcrux – cup (1/16)
1945 – Creates fifth horcrux – locket (1/32)
1955 – Applies for DADA job
1980 – Embedded Nagini as sixth Horcrux (1/64)
Hermione was mentally checking Flitwick's math as he went along, writing notes as quickly as she could. There were a million questions on her mind, but she reverted to student mode and listened attentively.
Flitwick continued, "There are no definitive answers regarding how many pieces he could make, though there are no recorded cases of a seventh split." Hermione had only marginal comfort at this statement.
Flitwick continued, "The next piece seems to contradict what Bill had found. There is anecdotal evidence that the owner would have some sensation of loss when the soul piece is released from the Horcrux and dissipates. The specific incident occurred in 1902 but the witch was wearing the horcruxes on her person. She screeched as if in great pain as the pieces were ripped from her and destroyed. Finally there is contradictory evidence whether or not the person loses any power as the pieces are destroyed."
Moody considered his words and said, "That could explain why he's had others do much of his fighting in the last few years."
Lavender asked, "What do you mean?"
Moody replied, "In the first war it seemed like he was always there, doing some of the killing."
Hagrid nodded and said, "I saw em kill the McMasters in about 1975. Barely got away meself."
Harry said, "That doesn't make sense. He dueled Dumbledore. I saw it."
Kingsley replied, "He dueled an extraordinarily gifted, 156 year old wizard to a draw in a duel that lasted no more than three or four minutes. Most likely they were both exhausted."
Tonks added, "The professor was probably already tired from rounding up the rest of the Death Eaters."
Moody snorted, "How would you know? You were unconscious."
"Was not. I saw you crawling on the floor looking for your eyeball."
Harry glanced at Flitwick who was suppressing a smile and nodded. Harry added, "Is there anything else, Professor?"
He replied, "No Harry. I'm truly sorry that I don't have any definitive answers to these questions. There simply haven't been many cases to study and the ones that there were all ended up dead, dark, wizards or witches."
Remus quipped, "At least that's an encouraging trend. Are we ready to talk about the planned captures?"
Harry asked, "To clarify what you've suggested, he may have lost stamina rather than power or skill? Is that why you're suggesting that he leaves fights early or has others kill for him?
Flitwick and Moody nodded. "Flitwick replied, "We certainly hope so, Harry."
… --- …
While Moody and Tonks were taking playful jabs at each other, Snape was sitting in a dingy bar in Murmansk. He'd had some success recruiting in Kiev, Minsk, and Bucharest. Budapest had been less successful. He'd been robbed and thrown into the river for dead.
Two men walked into the bar, wearing field coats. They were easily 225 pounds, over six feet tall, muscular wearing the crew cut blond haircut of men who were squared away. Snape initially thought of Crabbe and Goyle until he caught a glimpse of the hard look in their eyes. These men were not morons. The two men eyed Snape for a moment, and knew him to be the wizard whom they had received word of.
"You work for this Voldemort, da?"
"Yes."
"He pays hundred thousands galleons if we kill him his muggle, da?"
"The Dark Lord will pay you that if you capture the muggle, alive, uninjured and bring the muggle to him. Here are a thousand galleons for each of you. He pays at least a thousand galleons a month for those who join him. Are you interested?"
"Da. We go with you now." The two men pocketed the bags of coins.
Snape nodded and handed them a portkey. These two were numbers thirty-nine and forty respectively. Few of the recruits had any real skill, but the published report of the reward against Dan Granger had made his job easy. It was time to go back and give them some training.
… --- …
Abraxan looked at the eleven witches sitting in her office. She had known each of them since their birth and they were now in their early twenties. She knew each of them to be absolutely loyal. She knew that most likely they would identify the neighborhood where Voldemort was staying by their disappearance. They would be looking for a country home or a larger home in a secluded neighborhood. They would be paired with an ordinary policeman who would drive them from neighborhood to neighborhood in a police van. The witches would be in the back testing the neighborhood for trace magical signatures.
She knew that she would accumulate a list of several hundred homes and have to work through the list by sending in ordinary policemen to investigate. Again she was certain that they would announce success through their own deaths or disappearances. Each evening the officers would be observed for signs that they were under an Imperius curse. The witches wouldn't be told that they were looking for Voldemort's snake; simply that they were looking for Death Eaters.
She had the highest degree of respect for Potter and his order. They were doing something that her own Ministry Aurors were largely unable to do according to Ministry law. They were doing something that most likely hadn't been done when Dumbledore was running the Order. They were taking the war to Voldemort. If she could locate his hideout by borrowing nonmagical manpower, and help shorten the war, she would risk lives to save lives.
… --- …
The three teams assembled at the castle at 4:00 AM Friday morning in the practice room. Harry had awoken at 3:00. He showered, and slipped on his body armor, wand holster, extra wand, the pistol and his cellular telephone. He and Arthur along with Cadets Richard Chambers and Keith Bradley would serve as the backup team.
Luna had volunteered to take Lavender's place. Lavender hadn't been feeling well in the last few days and Harry felt confident regarding Luna's skills.
Harry wasn't very happy being on the backup team, but each of the team leaders Moody, Remus and Tonks agreed that he was the guy who they wanted to be able to be there on a moments notice if things got ugly.
Lee Jordan had made the portkeys a few days earlier when he'd found the locations.
Each of the teams brought two sets of anti-apparation manacles. Chambers was holding the last set and thought better than to mention that he wasn't authorized to use them yet. He didn't want another tennis ball landing on his head.
Each team was carrying a portkey to take the anticipated prisoner to the Ministry holding cells. They also had a dose of blood restorative potion and emergency portkeys back to Hogsmeade station. Poppy would be waiting there, kit in hand in the event that there were injuries.
Hermione was there helping as she could. She was nervous for the others but grateful that Harry probably wasn't going anywhere. After a quick cuppa they all walked down the front lawn of the castle and the three insertion teams activated their portkeys and vanished. Harry held Hermione's hand as they walked to the train station with the others. It was far enough away so that the cellular telephones would work and had the sheltered benches where they could wait in relative comfort.
The plan was very similar to what they'd used before. They took the portkey to within a half mile of the destination and walked to the respective houses before it got light out. Between 6:30 and 7:00 they would release an ordinary looking owl that would tap on the windows. When the intended target opened the door or window, the others would fire stunners while the person holding the manacles would rush the house. The times were staggered so that in the event of a serious problem, the later raids could be halted if backup wasn't available.
Tonks, Alyx, Gunner and Neville found Jacob Flint's home outside of Gloucester and quickly made their way to a covered position. They were to release their owl at 6:30. Alyx and Gunner waited silently disillusioned on either side of the back door. Neville waited at the corner of the house nearest to the front entrance while Tonks was on the side of the house in visual sight of all of them.
At 6:00 lights appeared in the house and it took all of their patience to remain where they were. Tonks had Hermione's number set on her cellular telephone for immediate use if needed. At 6:30 she released the owl and as expected, it went to the back door and tapped on the door.
Like clockwork, Flint opened the door to retrieve the owl and Alyx stunned him. Before he'd hit the ground, Gunner was running up to him and had him manacled. Fifteen seconds later they had all left.
… --- …
At 6:45 the team of Remus, Kingsley, Bill and Luna went to work. They were in Leeds at the home of Tom Boyl. Kingsley and Bill were waiting on either side of the back door and Luna was by the front door. Remus was on the side of the house and let the owl go. Unexpectedly it flew past Luna and tapped on the window just feet away from where she was standing. Within seconds Boyl began opening the window. Luck was against them. Leaves were blowing in the autumn wind and several hit the disillusioned outline of Luna exposing her. Boyl hit her with a cutting hex even as Remus fired a Reducto blast at him.
Luna and Boyle both collapsed. Kingsley administered the blood restorative potion and had her portkeyed back within seconds. Remus and Bill grabbed the still form of Boyle and portkeyed him back to the station.
They reappeared and Poppy was aiding her within seconds, first stopping the worst of the bleeding while Hermione administered another blood restorative potion. Within ten minutes she was stabilized. As they hadn't called for backup, Harry let the third raid proceed.
… --- …
While Poppy was helping Luna, things had completely fallen apart at the grab at Travers' home. The owl had gone to the back door and Moody was searching the inside of the home with his magical eye when Travers opened the door. Moody saw the other three Death Eaters just as George fired the stunner to drop Travers. He pressed the talk button and Harry's telephone rang showing Moody as the caller. Moody shifted his position to be ready to provide firepower at the back. Fred was at the door with the anti-apparation manacles when the top of the door blew apart from a Reducto blast by one of the other Death Eaters who was indoors.
The other two dashed out the front door knocking Lee over. Fortunately they did not see Lee and missed the fact that they had knocked him over. They were turning the corner to fire at Moody when Harry and the others arrived via portkey at the front of the house. One of the Death Eaters turned and fired at Harry just missing Bradley who flattened to the ground. Richard Chambers and Arthur fired stunners at the same Death Eater while Harry fired a Reducto at the Death Eater who was taking aim at Moody.
Meanwhile Fred activated the portkey with him and Travers leaving Moody and George to manacle the third Death Eater. George was placing the manacles on the fallen Death Eater as he saw the jet of green light zoom just to the right of Moody. A second later he heard the smack of Harry's shot hitting the Death Eater at the right ribcage severing his arm at the elbow.
The wounded Death Eater grabbed his emergency portkey before he fell to the ground and activated it a moment later, leaving the other two unexpected Death Eaters on the ground.
"We need to leave here, now," yelled Harry. "One got away and he could be sending a pile of,"…Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. Moments later there were a dozen Death Eaters in the front yard. Harry dashed to the fallen Death Eater and grabbed him as he activated his portkey. Moody ran to George and growled "Go." He saw George and the Death Eater disappear and activated his own portkey just as three of the newly arrived Death Eaters had turned the corner.
… --- …
Moments earlier John Thomas had received a call that Aurors and at least one Mediwitch were needed at Hogsmeade Station. He ran flat out to the Auror ready room and yelled at the two Aurors who were there to get to Hogsmeade Station immediately. He apparated to St. Mungo's and left seconds later with two Medi-Witches.
Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. They arrived within 45 seconds of the call.
In the meanwhile, Poppy had transported Luna to the hospital wing accompanied by Tonks, Gunner and Alyx. Kingsley was checking the anti-apparation manacles on the unconscious Death Eater Travers as the Medi-Witches and Aurors arrived.
Thomas arrived last, in time to see Potter, Moody and George arrive with two more Death Eaters. Harry restunned his man as he had no anti-apparation manacles on. Thomas saw him and called to the two Aurors who'd accompanied him to manacle the prisoner.
"We didn't bring any," called the first Auror.
"I've got it," said Harry who pulled a set out of his robes and placed them around the Death Eater's wrists.
Harry saw Hermione drenched in blood, ran to her and gave her a crushing hug. "What happened?" he asked breathlessly.
Hermione managed to say, "Luna." Harry was holding her so tightly.
"Is she?"
"She was cut pretty badly," said Kingsley. "She's had at least two units of blood restorative potion. Healer Pomfrey and three others went to help her." Kingsley looked around and said, "No one else was injured."
The mediwitches had checked on Death Eater Tom Boyl and pronounced him dead. Moments later Minister Abraxan arrived, took a moment to survey the scene and asked, "Director Thomas what's the situation?"
Thomas said, "Three known Death Eaters and two that we haven't met apparently were captured by these people. One of the militia was wounded."
Abraxan looked around again and said, "Arthur, Senior Auror Shacklebolt, I believe you both have jobs to get to. Enjoy your day gentlemen." She turned to the two Aurors who were standing looking bewildered and said, "Director Thomas, could you assist Aurors Wilderberry and McDonald in transporting and interrogating these prisoners? I'll meet you back in my office at ten." She turned to the two Medi-Witches and said, "Please check in with Master Healer Pomfrey before you return to St. Mungo's. Thank you both for responding so quickly." They turned and began walking to the castle.
She turned to the others and said, "Master Auror Moody, it appears that you and your friends had an interesting morning. Would you care to fill me in?"
Just then, George looked around and asked, "Where's Lee?"
… --- …
Still disillusioned and scared witless, Lee remained perfectly still as the dozen Death Eaters appeared ready to chase after Harry and Moody. Moments later another twenty appeared. They searched inside the house and looked carefully around the back garden.
Moments later Lucius Malfoy appeared in the front yard, found Dolohov and said, "There were raids at several other homes. Apparently Potter and his friends were behind this. The ministry Aurors never would have gotten in and out so quickly. Gorky was mortally wounded but managed to tell us that a small raiding party of three of four was there initially. He remembered hearing three apparation pops and was hit a few seconds later."
"Come see this," yelled one of the Death Eaters from the back garden. Lucius and Dolohov went around to the back. Seeing his chance, Lee activated the portkey and found himself standing next to a very worried looking Fred and George.
… --- …
George saw Lee appear, grinned and asked, "What took you so long?"
Lee said, "I got thrown into the bushes when those two Death Eaters rushed out the front. They must have gotten into a skirmish with Harry or the others. I waited a few minutes to get away and saw at least thirty other Death Eaters appear. The only one I recognized was Lucius Malfoy. Some Death Eater name Gorky must have got killed. I left as soon as they walked away."
Abraxan asked, "How many did you say?"
"Thirty. Most weren't speaking English. I only recognized Lucius Malfoy, Minister"
Abraxan said, "Thank you for the interesting news. It's Lee Jordan, correct?"
"Yes Minister." Lee looked nervous.
"Lee, anyone who can evade and escape from thirty Death Eaters is more than welcome to be on a first name basis with me. Natasha. She shook his hand and smiled at him.
Lee broke into an infectious smile and replied, "Yes Minister."
She shook her head slightly, smiled at him again and said, "Enjoy your day, Lee. Master Auror Moody were these illegal kidnappings your idea?"
"Yes Minister."
She paused for a moment and inquired, "I take it there were more Death Eaters present than you expected at the last raid?"
"Yes Minister. Upon discovering that, I immediately called for backup which arrived within five seconds."
"Mr. Potter, I take it that you and Mr. Chambers here were part of that backup?"
"Yes Minister."
"Cadet Chambers, did the value of Mr. Potter's previous lesson about moving quickly become apparent to you this morning?"
"Yes Minister." He looked sheepish, but his answer was genuine.
"Mr. Potter do you have any thoughts regarding the sudden appearance of foreign born Death Eaters in Britain?"
"Yes Minister, I believe that they were recruited within the last month, most likely by Snape. His job would have become much easier after the Daily Prophet article regarding Riddle's offer of a reward regarding Doctor and Doctor Granger."
She looked at Hermione with some concern and replied, "Mr. Potter, I assume that you have them very safely hidden away somewhere?"
Harry replied, "Yes Minister."
She smiled and replied, "Good. I believe that there were rewards offered for the capture of three of those scum. Who is to collect it?"
The grin left Harry's face. He asked, "Will the person collecting it become a matter of public record?"
Abraxan replied, "Unfortunately that is the case."
The last thing in the world Harry wanted was to put anyone in more danger. He asked, "If I were to collect it and find deserving people to give the gold to, would that be acceptable?"
Abraxan smiled and replied, "That would be a brilliant solution, Mr. Potter. You may stop by my office after breakfast if you wish. The reward for these three totals fifty thousand Galleons."
Harry nodded and replied, "Thank you Minister. I'll immediately pass it on to the appropriate people."
"I know you will. Enjoy your breakfast Mr. Potter. I'll see you at 9:00." She looked at Hermione for a moment, thought of something, smiled and said, "Happy birthday, Miss Granger."
Hermione beamed at her and replied, "Thank you Minister."
… --- …
Later that day Emma gripped Remus' arm a little tighter than she probably needed to as she felt the tug at her navel. It would not matter how many times she traveled by portkey, she would never get used to it. They landed in the alley behind the Crawly Connections Organization and she somehow managed to stay on her feet. Remus smiled as she let go of her death grip.
They came around the building and entered. Remus followed her without question as she led the way to the Psychological Services Bureau. She asked the receptionist to see Dr. Turnbull and waited. The girl behind the desk looked Emma up and down before picking up her phone.
"Who are you?" The young girl asked as she snapped her gum.
"Doctor Windsor," Emma said in a snooty voice.
A few minutes later a voice down one of the halls called out, "Your Highness!" Emma turned to see her best girl friend standing in her office door. She smirked.
"Dr. Turnbull. Do you, perchance, have a few moments for me?" Emma asked as if she expected nothing less. Diane was walking quickly towards her. They embraced. Diane looked her over with an eye only a psychologist had. She was not pleased with what she saw.
"Always, my friend, always." She turned to the receptionist and spoke, "Haley please hold all my calls unless it is an emergency." As they walked back toward Diane's little office, Emma introduced Remus.
"How are you?" Diane asked in a completely serious voice as soon as the door closed.
During normal periods of their married lives Emma and Diane usually spoke once a week. An extended weekday lunch or Sunday brunch after church was not uncommon. On more than one occasion they had created havoc on Harrods while their husbands played a round.
Emma had only spoken to Diane four times since June. The first just after their house had burnt to let her know that they were all right. The second was just after the wedding. The third was after the death threats on her husband were made. The fourth had been just yesterday to schedule an appointment. Emma thought about the lies that she'd told Diane.
"Honestly… I don't know," Emma admitted.
"I'll be outside," Remus told Emma. She nodded absently and he left the room.
"Can you take the rest of the day off?" Emma asked. Diane's eyebrows rose.
"That bad?" Diane asked. But Emma shook her head.
"No. I just have a lot of explaining to do. We're having a dinner for Hermione's birthday tonight. I know she would love to see you," Emma expressed.
"Isn't Hermione away at school?"
"Like I said. I have lots of explaining to do," Emma told her oldest girl friend. Diane's curiosity elevated. She'd been quite worried about her friends since their house had burnt down.
"I don't have anything pressing today and Jack is in the States for the next month on business."
"Thank you," Emma said in obvious relief.
Diane made a few phone calls and then locked her office door. She gave her pager to a colleague for emergencies but kept her cell phone. She followed Emma outside and was surprised when they entered the alley. She wondered where their vehicle was parked, but Emma stopped walking.
"Diane, do you trust me?" Emma asked. Diane blinked. They had been friends for years and were closer than most sisters.
"What kind of rubbish question is that?"
Emma swallowed hard. She knew that this would change their friendship. She didn't know how much though. She held up her hand displaying her wedding ring. Remus took her hand with his left one and then held on to Diane's arm.
"Put your hand on mine. Make sure you're touching my ring," Emma said. Diane did as she was asked without question.
"Homefire," Emma said.
Diane stumbled a bit as they landed but Remus managed to keep her on her feet. She looked around and then at Emma, her eyes huge.
"Lots of explaining," Diane repeated when she finally found her voice. Remus chuckled and she turned to him in surprise.
"I'm sorry. I've never witnessed the first time a muggle saw magic before," he said with a shrug. He held his hand out to Diane, "It was nice meeting you Dr. Turnbull. I hope to see you this evening. Seven O'clock?" He asked Emma.
Emma nodded and then motioned for Diane to follow her. They joined Dan who was in the library reading. Diane was shocked to see the picture on the front page of the newspaper moving.
Emma spent the next three hours talking. She started with magic being real. Emma described how she felt when they first saw Professor McGonagall do magic. Diane smiled at Hermione's excited reaction. She listened to Emma describe the Potter boy and the Weasley family. Emma was very proud of her daughter, and it showed when she talked about her school adventures. Diane could tell that her friend was also very scared. Diane became more afraid as Emma continued to speak.
Dan left when Emma mentioned a wedding and retuned as Emma described the Order that they had joined. She was shocked that the polite man who had accompanied Emma this morning was a werewolf.
When Emma finished speaking, Diane sat there utterly stunned. She didn't even blink when Dobby and Winky appeared and were introduced. After a minute she got out of her seat and grabbed Emma in a tight hug.
"How do you breathe?" Diane asked. Emma felt complete relief and hugged her friend back.
"Sometimes I can't," Emma admitted.
"My word… So all those crazy stories that my grandfather used to tell me were true," Diane said in wonder.
"What?" Dan asked in confusion. Diane laughed.
"My grandfather was … I think you called it a squib? Mum told us that he was touched in the head," Diane said.
"Well, it certainly feels that way sometimes," Dan admitted.
After eating a divine lunch made by Winky, Diane asked a slew of questions to clarify what she had been told. After that they just talked.
About 2:00 Alyx joined them. She had the rest of the day off since she was to patrol the school that night. She retold the stories of her tattoos for Diane.
As always, Emma asked about how things were going at the school.
"They dueled in Defense today. Hermione went three for three. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan both gave up before the first spell was fired then Moody made Lisa Turpin take a turn," Alyx said.
"How did it go?" Dan asked not wanting to think of his daughter in a duel.
"It was ugly. Lisa decided that she would… Would you like to see it? I have my pensive upstairs," Alyx said.
Diane had no idea what they were talking about but Emma agreed. Soon they were standing in the strangest classroom Diane had ever seen.
Diane was fascinated as she looked around. It was like standing inside a movie. Alyx started the memory.
Hermione and a girl who Diane thought must be Lisa Turpin were standing on a dais. Diane looked at Hermione. Her Goddaughter looked exhausted and Diane had never seen the expression on Hermione's face before. It was frightening. The teacher started the duel and nothing happened.
"I'll let you have the first shot," Hermione said in an even voice. Evenly cold. Diane shivered.
"Is that what Director Hammer told Ron? What about little baby Creevy? Did he tell them to take the first shot?" Lisa taunted. She continued, "Do you think that Dementor is enjoying ickle Ginevra? She probably gave it indigestion. Heart burn from all that red…"
Hermione moved her wand and didn't say a word. Lisa flew back fifteen feet and up five. She hit the wall with a sickening crunch and stuck there. Lisa's wand flew to Hermione who snapped it in half as she advanced on Turpin. Diane watched in shock as Lisa's mouth vanished.
"Funny is it? Do you hear yourself? Do you? I've listened to your shit all year. Stupid, irritating, mudblood. I don't bloody care what you call me. I never have, you irritating slag. I got lucky you stupid bitch; my family wasn't there when the Death Eaters torched our home. But my friends didn't! Dennis, Colin and Ginny are dead. Ron might as well be. Don't you ever speak of them like that again you unintelligent, foul, spiteful, nasty, bigoted, small minded little girl."
Hermione raised her wand again but a blonde girl, who moved like lightening, grabbed it from her hand.
"You've won, Hermione," the girl said.
"Give me my wand, Susan," Hermione snarled. She reached for it but Susan stood her ground.
"No. She's everything you said and more. But she's not worth it. I've lost my whole family Hermione. I don't want my new sister in Azkaban for murder," Susan said.
"I just thought that she might like down," Hermione said sweetly but Diane was not fooled. Apparently neither was Susan who pointed her wand at the wall and Lisa fell to the ground with a thud. Hermione took her wand back and turned towards her seat but the teacher stopped her.
He started yelling about her letting Lisa have the first shot. Hermione stood and took all of it with out flinching. When he was done she calmly sat down having not said a word. Then he turned to Lisa who was getting to her feet, helped by another girl who was wearing a uniform like hers. He stomped over to her, his wooden leg slamming on to the floor hard with each step. He grabbed her left arm and pulled up her sleeve.
"She's a student, not a Death Eater!" Moody turned on the class, his eye spinning wildly. He couldn't believe that anyone would have such a bigoted attitude.
Then they were back in the library. Emma ran from the room. Diane went to follow her but Dan stopped her.
"I've never seen Hermione like that before," Diane commented.
"It's been bad, Diane. Really bad. She's lost two of her best friends and she's up to her arse in this war. The man she is dating is the leader of the light side. He's under a lot of pressure. I'm so worried about both of them," Dan said.
"Man?" Diane asked shocked by that as much as anything she had heard or seen today. Dan sighed.
"He's seventeen but more of a man than most forty year olds I know. This is his house. He let us stay here when it became apparent that we'd be targeted. He's probably the only reason we're alive." He stopped as he saw his wife returning to the room. Dobby was following her with a potion.
"I'm fine Dobby. I got a little emotional," Emma was objecting.
"Then I gives you a calming draught. Must go to Hogwarts to get. I's be backs," Dobby said excitedly. He popped out of the room before Emma could object. Dobby returned with Madame Pomfrey. Diane watched in fascination as Poppy scanned with her wand and then diagnosed without machines. Then Poppy gave Emma a lecture about her mental health. Diane raised an eyebrow at Emma who shook her head.
"No, Diane I've asked you here for professional reasons," Emma commented.
"Professional?" Poppy asked.
Diane explained that she was a psychologist. Then she had to explain what a psychologist was. Alyx snickered and Diane turned to her frowning.
"Sorry. I was in therapy when I was a kid. Mum thought I was delusional because I thought I had magical powers," Alyx told her.
Emma asked everyone to not say anything to Hermione or Harry. She didn't want to add to their worries.
Alyx left to take a nap telling them that she had to be back at the castle before Harry and Hermione left. She hugged Emma telling her, "You take care of yourself or you'll deal with me Auntie Em."
Diane spent the rest of the afternoon professionally evaluating her friends on the sly. Diane had seen both of her friends in this state before. Emma had been an emotional mess when Dan had been called up for duty in the Falklands. Dan had been in a horrible way just after Hermione was born. The birth had gone very badly and Emma almost lost her life.
Diane knew that there was nothing she could do except get them to talk out their feelings. Tonight would not be the night to do it.
Shortly after seven, four teenagers arrived. She watched as Dan and Emma hugged three of them. Hermione was holding on to Dan tightly when Diane came up behind her.
"Do I get one of them?" Diane asked. Hermione turned around slowly. Then Diane was enveloped in a shrieking bushy haired hug.
"Aunt Diane! I've missed you so much. What are you doing here?" Hermione asked in one long breath.
"I heard someone was having a birthday…"
Hermione laughed and then introduced her friends. Diane didn't mention that she knew Susan's name from the memory she had seen. Harry Potter looked to be all of the man that Dan had given him credit to be. The other boy, Neville, shyly shook her hand and then faded into the background.
It wasn't long before Remus joined them along with Tonks.
Dinner was as wonderful as lunch had been. Diane discovered during dinner that not all magical people had the same skills. Tonks entertained them by doing impressions of each of them. She again explained what a psychologist was. Susan and Neville were both intrigued by the idea of a healer of emotions.
The conversation was not light for long. Tonks kicked Remus with her steel-toed muggle boots when he asked Harry about his meeting with Minister Abraxan. Hermione waved off the objections about it being her birthday.
"She was extremely pleased with the out come of the raids. Four captured and one or two killed," Harry commented.
"Who'd they catch?" Emma asked.
"Travers, Flint, and two previously unknown men. Neither of them speaks English. Director Thomas is going to interrogate them."
"Voldemort's been recruiting. You'd think that with his recent record he would be having some trouble with that," Dan mused. While Harry debated telling him his opinion on why Voldemort had been so successful recruiting Hermione spoke up.
"A hundred thousand Galleons is one Hell of an incentive, Dad," she said flatly. Then she changed the subject. "Where is Uncle Jack?"
Diane explained his business trip and an uneasy silence fell over the table. Hermione picked at her food as she slouched in her seat. Diane watched Hermione.
After they finished their dinner Winky brought out a huge cake covered in lit candles.
"Where's a fireman when you need one?" Harry teased.
"Are you calling me old Mr. Potter?" Hermione asked in the same tone that she used on Ron when he was being particularly thick. Harry just gave her his best smile.
"I can't believe you're eighteen! I swear it was just last week that I threw your mother the baby shower," Diane told them. She looked at Emma and they both began to laugh.
"You can't believe it. My little girl is all grown up," Dan said when they finished and refused to tell them what was so funny.
"I'll always be your little girl Daddy," Hermione told him. She was tearing up a bit and hugged her father.
Diane noticed that Susan, Harry and Neville all looked away. She wondered about it. She turned to watch Hermione attempt to blow out the candles. After looking at the fire for a moment Hermione pulled out her wand and the waved it.
"It's good to be a witch sometimes," she said.
"Cheater," Emma grumbled good-naturedly.
After they each had a piece of delicious cake they retired to the living room so Hermione could open her presents. She opened a number of them from Order members who didn't know her very well. Her stack of books grew and grew. Dan and Emma had gotten her a pair of sapphire earrings that went well with her bracelet. Diane gave her a weekend at the spa. Susan had put together a photo album. Hermione looked at a few pages and then hugged the girl tightly. Neville gave her an ancient book. Potions of Ancient Earth by Salazar Slytherin. When Hermione saw it her eyes got huge.
"Neville! I can't accept this. It's worth a fortune," Hermione told him but Neville waived her off.
"I can't think of a better person to have it. My Mum was a potions mistress. You can use it and think of all the fun you had trying to teach me potions," Neville said smiling. Harry laughed and then handed her one last present.
"What's this?" She asked.
"Cleverest witch of your age? You should be able to figure it out, silly. It's your birthday present," he said smirking.
"But you already…" She fingered her bracelet.
She opened the box and gasped. Diane watched as Hermione pulled a pensive out of the box.
They took turns showing memories. Hermione put Neville in a full body bind. Harry and Ron late for transfiguration class. The end of the year feast with Neville winning the cup for Gryffindor. Hermione's first birthday. Harry and Ron taking polyjuice potion. Hermione smacking the crap out of Malfoy. Hermione winning an advanced debating contest. Hermione and Harry stealing and then riding Buckbeak. Then it was Susan's turn and she eagerly put her wand to her temple. Then she hesitated.
"It's a happy memory but…"
"Go on," Harry encouraged.
Soon they were all standing in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. There were kids dressed formally all around them. The four teens looked around and Harry groaned loudly. Susan started the memory.
"Isn't he gorgeous?" Hannah asked looking over the four champions on the dance floor.
"Yes, he is," Ginny, said licking her lips.
"And she's beautiful," Susan told them.
"Of course she is. She's the pretty one and I'm the smart one," Padma told them. Hannah looked confused.
"I was talking about Victor," Hannah said. Ron snorted as he glared at the dancers.
"I was talking about Hermione," Susan told Padma.
"Well, I was talking about Harry," Ginny said watching him watch Cho.
"Hear that Longbottom? Your date's making eyes at someone else," Ron told him.
"Oh, you're one to talk. Your eyes haven't left Hermione since she got here," Padma snapped.
"Can you blame him?" Susan asked.
The memory ended and Harry grinned at Susan.
"Beautiful," he told her. She smiled a little looking a bit sad. Hermione put her arm around Susan's shoulder.
"It's good to remember them," Hermione said.
Remus decided that it was his turn then. He smirked and Hermione gave him a McGonagall look.
"That better not be my third year defense final," she said. He laughed loudly.
"No, but what a great idea," he answered.
Soon they were watching James Potter talking to baby Harry. He was completely serious.
"When you get older, son, you're going to fall in love with a witch just like your Mum. Brilliant and beautiful," he said. A young Remus snickered as he watched his friend give his one-year-old advice on women.
"Brilliant and beautiful! Ha! Try muggleborn and mad," a young and healthy Sirius said striding into the room.
"What's the matter Padfoot? Can't get rid of those fleas?" Remus asked.
"Sirius Black, you and your little friends stay away from my son!" Lily called from the other room.
"She's all four and she's all mine. And you, little man, are going to find one just like her," James said.
The memory ended. Harry grinned at Hermione.
"I didn't know my Dad was a seer," he told Remus.
Everyone laughed as Hermione chased Harry from the room. When they retuned they were both tussled but a lot happier. Hermione sat in front of Harry and he wrapped his arms around her loosely. Diane was glad to see Hermione smiling and relaxing a bit.
No one got irritated until the teens went to leave. Emma was not happy about being told to stay in the house unless accompanied by a magical Order member. Neither was Dan. They brushed off the warnings but Diane saw through them. Her friends were scared.
… --- …
Harry spent a good portion of Saturday in the hospital wing visiting with Luna and Neville. It seemed that the two of them were enjoying each other's company more and more. In groups of one or two, most of the Order came by to visit Luna and congratulate her. Tom Boyl had been responsible for killing many wizards and had taken particular pleasure in torturing muggles.
Of greater concern was the capture of the two newly marked Death Eaters at Travers' home. Neither one of them had spoken English, and they presented an unplanned risk. It had taken years to identify the others. Perhaps John Thomas would have some success interrogating Travers, Flint, and the two others.
Neville saw the look of concern on Harry's face when Luna flinched in pain as Poppy sat her up to take another potion. Poppy saw the same thing and stated, "Mr. Potter, Miss Lovegood is quite a strong young woman. She's neither fragile nor delicate. She will be up and around by Sunday evening. You can scold her then for not wearing her body armor. Until that time, I'm certain that you have other things to occupy your day. Please grant us all a favor and do them."
Harry knew how to take a hint, and went back to his room.
… --- …
Sunday morning there was a knock at Harry's door at seven. Hermione had uncharacteristically been up for an hour and was showered and dressed in faded jeans and a pink pastel sweater that looked really nice on her.
"Get up sleepy," she said, pounding on his door once before opening it. She had been up late finishing her homework and other research and had shooed him into his own room to get some rest. She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Hurry up, we're leaving in twenty minutes."
"Huh?"
"You're taking me out for breakfast. Tonks, Alyx and Moody are joining us, so you'd better plan on buying," she said, smiling.
Knowing better than to argue, Harry showered and put on a sweater and a pair of black trousers over his body armor. He had a bad feeling about returning to Hogsmeade, and realized that it was the guilt that he hadn't saved more lives there. Five minutes later he met Tonks and Alyx by the front door. The women all looked fantastic. "Hi Harry," said Alyx.
"Wocher Harry," said Tonks smiling. "Moody said he'd meet us at the Three Broomsticks. No sense in him limping all the way up here just to turn around again."
"Hi Tonks, hi Alyx. You both look wonderful today," Hermione said, jabbing Harry in the side. They had obviously taken some time to prepare. Harry realized that he should have said something.
He did his best to recover. "Here I am with three beautiful women. It looks like my lucky day."
"You're training him pretty good Hermione," joked Tonks. "Keep working on him."
"He is turning out to be a long-term project," replied Hermione kissing Harry on the cheek.
"Hey…" said Harry, "I'm trainable." They laughed and started down the lawn, waving at Hagrid nursing his pumpkins as they got about halfway to Hogsmeade.
They made their way to Hogsmeade. It was a bright sunny crisp morning that would turn into a fine day as it warmed outside. They went into the Three Broomsticks and looked around. Moody was there having a mug of coffee. Moody saw the look of surprise on Harry's face and replied, "I brewed it myself."
Harry smiled and said, "Good morning, Moody. It's good to see you."
Moody gave a softer than normal growl and replied, "You too Potter. Good morning you three."
Tonks smiled and said, "That's you Moody, salve and deboner."
Moody smiled at the compliment, while Hermione and Alyx bit their lips to keep from laughing.
As the pub was nearly empty, Harry cast a silencing charm and asked, "What went wrong at Boyl's?
Moody replied, "The Lovegood girl knows her spells well enough. Lupin said that the wind came up just after the owl was released. She probably got exposed while getting hit by blowing leaves. The plan was fine. She should have had her vest on, but I expect that you'll bring that up sometime."
Harry nodded, recalling the fake Moody commenting about his knitted stockings at the fourth year ball. Glancing over for a moment, none of the witches appeared to be wearing their body armor.
Their breakfast came and was excellent as always. Harry, Hermione and Alyx ordered waffles while Tonks ordered fruit. Moody ordered the meat special. As they were finishing breakfast, Harry noticed the townspeople peeking over from time to time like someone would do in the presence of some sports hero or movie celebrity. Moody waited until Harry had picked up the check before reaching for his gold bag. Harry smiled, and said, "My treat today."
"Thank you Harry," sang the witches in unison sing-song. Harry smiled. Moody was so predictable.
They walked into the office of Folgard's Currency exchange. The proprietor stood up and said, "Good morning, "How can I help…" He recognized Alyx and smiled warmly. "Alyx, good to see you. Kris and Mary miss visiting with you. They're upstairs. Who are your friends?"
"Hi Lenny. It's good to see you too. These are my friends Tonks, Hermione and Harry. Lenny let me stay at the flat above the building across the street when I was working in London. Kris and Mary would have me over for dinner every Sunday."
Folgard looked at the other two witches for a moment then at Harry. He said, "Thank you Mr. Potter. You and I'm now certain your friends helped save our village. We're so proud of Alyx being inducted into the Order of Merlin."
Alyx blushed and said, "Lenny, it seemed like Harry spent half of his time saving me. In a more serious tone she asked, "How are Mary and Kris?"
Lenny replied, "There's nothing that time and caring friends won't cure." Looking at Harry he asked, "This one's not available, is he?"
Alyx laughed and said, "No. Harry's well taken care of, you old matchmaker. I saw Emily Thursday. She misses you and her sisters."
Harry put the two together smiled and said, "I've met her. She joined my beginner defense group. She's a spunky little witch." Based on the reports he'd heard, he suddenly had a lot more respect for the little girl who'd shot Crabbe and Goyle to save her sisters."
Lenny smiled and said, "Kris and Mary miss her so. They send owls back and forth all of the time. Mr. Potter, your grandfather set me up in business twenty-five years ago. He took great pride in helping others get started. I wish he could have known the man his grandson has become. You may not know this, but many of the businesses within Hogsmeade owe their starts to him."
Harry didn't know that and was happy to hear something about his parents or grandparents.
Alyx said, "I'm going to run up to see Mary and Kris for a few minutes." Winking at Hermione, she said, "I'll meet you at the bookstore."
As they were walking down the street they received a few stares. A young boy, about nine pulled his mum along and said, "See I told you."
The young mother smiled at them and apologized saying, "I'm sorry for bothering you, Steve was just so excited."
Steve said, "Thank you Ma'am. You helped save me that night in the castle."
Hermione remembered the boy who'd had the leg so badly cut the night of the attack. She beamed and gave him a hug, and said, "You're very welcome. I'm glad to see you up and around.
They made their way into the bookshop. Once inside, Harry gave Hermione a squeeze on the arm and said, "You're my hero every day. I love you."
She kissed his cheek, and said, "Same here." She pulled him into a hug and they held each other for a long time. They were interrupted by a tap on the shoulder and looked up to see Alyx smiling at them.
"C'mon you two. Let's do some shopping."