Ch. 6 PG 6

A/N

Yay! For long chapters! And updating! Yay!

Anyway, I'm really tired so I'm going to bed. I might go back the edit the last page I added to this later but not tonight. So if you find stupid typos or horrible sentence structure toward the end that's because I haven't gone back over it yet but I feel like posting this now.

Enjoy.

The Day Harry Potter Disappeared

Chapter Six:

One OP Just Isn't Enough

"I don't know what to do."

Harry's eyes flew open and he stared at the dark ceiling. The clock on his bedside table read 2 AM. He groaned as he turned over and tried to drift back to sleep but the dream he tried to ignore sent his mind reeling. Harry could only remember the last bit: I don't know what to do. Did that reflect upon his own sense of self-doubt about what he had taken on or was it something else entirely? He turned over again as he tried to find a comfortable position but to no avail. He stared out the sliding glass door at the starry sky and saw a blurry light shoot across it.

Must be a shooting star, he thought sleepily.

As he watched it, the light became brighter and bigger as it careened straight for the house. Harry hurriedly jammed his glasses onto his face, but the light had already flown over his window before he could get a proper look at it. He jumped out of bed grabbing his wand as he raced out the door not bothering to grab a shirt.

The light, he thought quickly, looked as if...it were headed toward the...kitchen!

He raced down the hall as quickly as he could without knocking into anything (well, many thing) and he did manage to almost crash into the wall as he rounded the corner into the kitchen. He rushed in to find Jo and Catherine fully dressed looking over a dog they had just let in through the back door. Mugs of coffee sat on the table. They had obviously been waiting up for something. Why had they not asked him to wait up with them? Why were they not telling him what was going on? He gave an involuntary shiver that brought his attention back to earth. He glanced down at his clothes, or lack of clothes. He stood barefoot on the cool kitchen tile in his shorts and thought he should have at least remembered to grab a T-shirt.

Jo jumped when she noticed Harry standing there, "Oh! James! Kirby didn't wake you up, did he?"

"Err, no. I was up. What's happened? Did you see the light? It looked like it was heading straight for us!" he stopped short, "Who's Kirby?"

Catherine gestured to the dog, which Harry noticed was wet and cover in mud.

"But it hasn't rained..." Harry said.

"Kirby's just come in from a mission," Catherine said as she used a towel to clean off the mud, "You could have at least jumped into the ocean to get rid of all the mud!"

And have my fur sticky with salt until tomorrow when you only might have time to give me a bath? I think not! Harry heard in his head.

Harry started and turned to stare more closely at the dog, "Did he just talk?" Harry had come across magical creatures before, but none that could talk.

"Telepathically," Jo explained, "Kirby has, ehh, many gifts."

"So...he was the ball of light," Harry ventured.

He's not as stupid as he looks! There's a surprising development, Kirby barked as Harry heard the words in his head.

"Easy, Kirb, give him a break. It's two o'clock in the morning. We all should go to bed," Catherine said, "James must be cold, too." She snickered as she pointed at his boxers and Jo smiled behind her hand as he sheepishly looked down at himself again.

Catherine ambled out after she finished cleaning off the dog ("Salt is better than mud on the rug!"), obviously the most tired, "I'll hear your report in the morning," she shot over her shoulder to Kirby. He followed after receiving a scratch behind the ears from Jo.

After his tail disappeared, Harry turned to Jo, "That mutt was on a mission?"

I heard that, you lamer! Harry heard faintly in his head.

Jo smiled ruefully, "He was searching for your contact-"

"I thought I was going to get close to the head guy?" Harry interjected.

"You have to get close to his number one man first and if I know Kirby, he's found our man. We'll be one step closer to napping that Brit."

Harry nodded not really comprehending what she said, "Why didn't you tell me you had a dog?"

Jo shrugged, "In all the excitement we forgot. You better get to bed, James; tomorrow's another hard day. Plus," she smiled, "you've got goosebumps everywhere."

The next few days went by in a raging blur for Harry. Everyday Catherine first roused him by yelling across the house before she let the dog jump all over his bed. It was not the ideal way to wake up every morning, but Catherine informed him that she would continue until he woke up earlier.

Kirby did not talk much with him but Harry was sure he did with the others. He often saw them pause at their task when Kirby walked into the room and answer a silent question or laugh as if he had said something funny. He did not seem to like Harry very much and he did not fancy Kirby much either. But he soon grew accustom to Kirby's presence, despite first impressions.

He often stayed up late going over the information for his task, and Kirby ambled in to sit at his feet (or on top of them) and Harry would occasionally, unconsciously bend over and scratch Kirby behind the ears. He thought the mutt must be warming up to him and sat with Harry to keep him company. However, from what Harry observed about his gruff demeanor, Kirby would never admit this aloud. When Harry questioned him why, Kirby replied that he thought it was a good idea to keep an eye on Harry because he needed to watch out for the girls. Harry could not get Kirby to explain further. He secretly suspected Catherine or Jo had told Kirby to watch him. He could not fathom why they would need to watch him. As far as they knew he was not in anymore danger than they were. He supposed (even though they denied it every time he brought it up) the mark knew, through his own spies, that Harry was here. And even Harry was not dim enough not to realize the significance of the Bureau bringing in outside help; famous or not.

But in spite of his suspicions, Harry slowly began to enjoy the mutt's company. He acted like a regular dog most of the time despite his superior intelligence, which made him more bearable. He only had to ignore the sarcastic remarks Kirby made every once in awhile. Catherine and Jo only laughed at them. He knew Kirby did not mean anything by it but he was good at pushing Harry's buttons. Jo often told him that it looked like steam was about to come out his ears. He almost told her that steam had come out of his ears before when he drank pepper-up potion after the second task of the Tri-Wizard. But that would have brought up some questions he could not answer. He enjoyed his guise too much to let a foolish slip take it all away from him.

All in all, Harry did not have many relaxing days after that first day. Jo and Catherine were satisfied in his ability to take care of himself with or without his wand but they hammered him about his ability to act out his part. They were constantly making him act out scenarios: what to do if his mark said this; what to do if he found himself in a sticky spot; and even what to do if he was offered a drink or seat.

"You have to be careful around these thugs," Catherine heatedly reminded him after a particularly bad practice session.

"What do they deal in, anyway?" Harry demanded as he clinched his teeth in frustration with Catherine and himself.

Catherine shrugged and answered nonchalantly, "Arms, drugs, whatever they can get their hands on."

"Then why are they so important?" grunted Harry as he clenched his hands too, "They sound like your run-of-the-mill thugs to me."

Catherine froze up and looked ready to explode before she said in a surprisingly clam and controlled voice, "These men are notorious. That's all you get to know and frankly, that's all you should need to know to do the job. I'm not going to let your laziness mess up something Jo and I have been working on since before Voldemorte died!" She stalked away leaving Harry standing there like an idiot; a very confused idiot as usual.

A week after his arrival, Roxy returned with letters from Ron and Hermione. Jo found him brooding about Sirius in his room. She looked around the room and glanced in her mirror. She raised an eyebrow in its direction and the mirror giggled in response.

"I hope this letter has good news," she said as she gave it to him before leaving to give him some privacy, "You don't look happy-go-lucky like you did when you arrived."

Harry shrugged and muttered something about being fine just tired.

Jo raised her eyebrow at him and retorted, "Right."

As she turned to go a thought struck Harry, "So this whole operation is really important to Catherine, right? She won't tell me anything and she's really touchy on the subject."

Jo and the mirror sighed exasperatedly, "Of course! It's important to the both of us. Five years is a long time for relatively new Ops to work on a huge case. It's our first and only case so far. Leadership was thrust on Cat after the boss ate it four years ago. What were we to do? Fresh out of training we were newbees at the job. So it became out life. The boss man didn't even leave plans as to how to get you over here."

"Why would you have needed me four years ago? I was still in school," Harry asked suspiciously.

"I meant get you as in the Brit Bureau over here to help," Jo recovered quickly, "and they've been a big help too. They're even sending us another over tomorrow."

Harry was distracted from his perplexity as to why they would need outside help so early in a case from her last statement and bursts out indignantly, "Wh-what? Someone else? Why? I thought all you needed was me..."

Jo smiled wryly, "All help is welcomed here, buddy, no matter how bad or good it is," Harry stared angrily at his right foot but did not say anything. Seeming satisfied she had put him in his place, Jo left. And Harry, feeling more confused and taken for granted than ever, turned to his letters grumpily.

Predictably, they considerably lightened his mood. Harry found that any word from his friends made him unbelievably happy. Not that he was not having a good time with his Yank mates (even with their tight-lipped attitude), but it was comforting to hear about the antics of his friends back home.

Apparently, Ron had done something to infuriate Hermione but he could not figure out what he had done. He complained about the mad ways of women throughout most of his letter before openly wondering whether he could join Harry to get away from Hermione and his studies.

...The loads of work they're assigning are almost driving me as mad as she is! You were lucky to get out of it mate...

Harry knew this attitude (toward Hermione) would not last. Ron was crazy about Hermione. Harry chuckled as he set Ron's letter aside and picked up Hermione's letter.

Dear James,

How are you? You sounded like you are doing well in your letter.

As Ron has doubtlessly told you, we had a bit of a row. We started arguing about how he spends too much time away from his studies. He became incredibly juvenile about it and we've been ignoring each other since. Except he doesn't have you to rave to so he's been feeling extra put out about it. I think he's been punished enough by now so I'm going to let him apologize tomorrow.

(Harry snorted. Hermione certainly understood Ron better than he understood her.)

While we were studying up on concealment charms for Methods of Disguise, I found a handy charm to conceal your scar. You have to cast it daily but it'll be nice to hide it during the day, won't it?

(The incantation followed and he read it excitedly. Harry looked into the mirror and waved his wand toward his forehead. His scar slowly faded until it disappeared into his skin. He smiled broadly. Hermione, I love you. He continued to read the remainder of her letter.)

Hope you have a wonderful time. We miss you. Hermione

P.S.

If there's anything interesting in their library maybe you could persuade your partners to let me borrow it.

Harry leaned back in his chair placing the letter on top of Ron's letter and sighed satisfyingly. He glanced into the mirror again to stare at the spot where his scar had been and smiled. Now he was even less extraordinary from the next man. As he sat smiling and staring at himself, the mirror sighed femininely.

"I liked you better with the scar."

Harry stared incredulously at his reflection for a moment then burst out laughing.

Harry angrily glared at the passing palm trees as he sped along in Catherine's little car. Catherine forgot to mention--one small detail ("I'm not your mother. You're supposed to figure out when you have to do your job.")--the time of the arrival of the OP. So, Harry had found himself walking sleepily into the kitchen only to be told he had better hurry up and throw some clothes on because he was supposed to be at the bus port five minutes ago.

She had insisted on him picking up the new OP like she had collected him: muggle style. Her order (no matter what she claimed it was an order and not a suggestion) forced him to be even later. Luckily, part of his Auror training required him to learn how to drive a car, so at least the driving part was not the problem. He glared at the steering wheel as he thought about how Catherine never to give him a break.

No special treatment she said. Treated him like she treated everyone else she said. And whenever Jo was in the room, she nodded her head in agreement. Harry still had a hard time believing her.

Harry drifted out of his grumbling as he parked in the lot and ripped the keys out of it ignition. He jogged up to the main building now twenty minutes late as he pushed through the door. He glared frustratingly around the main lobby searching for the new OP.

What's the use? he thought to himself as small children, who wanted to go to Disney World, passed with their parents, I don't even bloody know what this new person looks like. Another small detail Catherine felt he should have been able to find out for himself without her "babying him" as she put it. ("Honestly! How did you manage to pass your exams at school? Copy one of your girl friend's notes?" Harry did not retort because that is exactly how he passed half of his exams at Hogwarts. Hermione's notes had saved his life.) She had assured him he would know exactly who the OP was when he saw them. ("Can't you bloody tell me if it's a man or woman?" Catherine had laughed, "And ruin the surprise? I think not!")

Harry scanned the room as the passengers made their way through customs and the baggage claim. Even with he Auror training, he did not see anyone vaguely familiar.

Wait...no...it couldn't be, Harry thought he saw a flash of fiery red hair. It was still very familiar, fiery red hair even though he had not seen it in a good year. The mirage turned and it was...Ginny?

He stared as she walked toward him, "H-hi. I'm James Harrison. One of your new partners."

She smirked as she set her bags down, "Don't look so surprised to see me! You knew I was coming, James. I'm Ginny Weasley."

Harry stared down at her, She knows.

"You hoo?" she waved her hand in front of his face, "Anybody home?"

Harry snapped out of his daze, "Err--hi...Ginny--I mean, Miss Wealsey," she gave him another funny look and before she could say anything he cut in, "We better get going. Catherine's rule: first day, we have to get to the house muggle style so it takes longer than magic." He picked up her bags and led the way to the car.

After they had stowed all her luggage in the trunk and gotten out onto the road Ginny looked over at Harry, "I know you're supposed to be uncover but honestly, Harry, what bloody hell have you done to yourself?"

"Wh-why are you calling me, Harry?" he stammered.

He thought indignantly, she was one to talk about changing appearances. The freckly, quiet friend's little sister she used to be seemed long gone. Her freckles seemed a little faded and she was wearing a bit of make-up, mascara or something. Her hair was long with long layers that made her hair slightly curly. She had changed from the frightened little girl he had rescued from the chamber of secrets into a striking young woman.

"Well, James," Harry tuned back to what she was saying, "it's obvious to someone like me who has watched you since she was eleven to know it's you, Harry." She rolled her eyes at his surprise.

"Why are you here?"

"You didn't think I could take being around RonandHermione by myself, did you?"

"Err..."

She laughed, "Don't worry about answering that. Why didn't anyone tell me it was so bloody hot here?"

Harry shrugged as he watched the road pass by, "Everyone fails to mention that fact."

They lapsed into silence as Ginny stared around at the palm trees and the lack of hills. Harry wondered what she really was doing here. Why would they send her? She was even a bigger novice than he, Hermione, and Ron were. Why would they send her over Ron or Hermione?

"Flat place, this is and bright too," she said as she looked around and shaded her eyes, "Makes you wish for the dreary streets of London!" she turned toward him as she chuckled and her smiled faltered at the look on his face, "What's wrong with you Potter? You're acting like we're back in first and second year again--except you're the shy one."

Harry shrugged and grunted noncommittally, "Tired. Just woke up." Neither of them said a word as they arrived at the sisters' condo and Harry led the way into the house.

Catherine smirked widely when she saw the look on his face as he and Ginny walked through the door, "Got there in time I see, Harrison. Met Ginny, too." Jo did not look up from bending over her mug of hot tea. A grunt emanated from her disheveled head.

"You'll have to forgive Jo, she's just not a morning person," Catherine snickered again as Jo grumbled something incoherent.

Harry stalked off out of the kitchen saying over his shoulder that he would leave the explaining to Catherine. She and Ginny exchanged looks.

Jo even looked up from her steaming mug, "What's got his undies in a knot?"

A/N

Keep in mind this story is completely separate from the 6th book since I started writing it before the book was published. And now there's a love trapezoid! Or I guess it could be a love square but trapezoid sounds so much cooler! lol

I know everyone has lots of questions and I'm sure most of them will be answered in time but I can't answer them now! That'd ruin the story. I'm actually glad no one can figure quite what's going on because that means my story line isn't as transparent as I thought it might be! Lol

Hopefully, the story will only get clearer but I make no promises!

LATER NOTE...

Some people have been commenting on the suspense and lack of speed in updating and so on. Quite frankly, I'm tired of people bothering me about it. That's borderline flaming. I haven't really gotten too angry at any one comment because they include good things too. So that saved everyone from my fiery Irish temper. And everyone has been very courteous, almost careful, about his or her criticism. None of it pertains to the story except the bit about being confused and held in suspense. Well, you're going to have to deal with that because it's my story. Maybe I'll switch the section to suspense and get everyone off my back since they won't be able to say anything. So anyway, I'd appreciate if you'd STOP. Or else I will get fired up and either quit writing or blow up at someone. This is how my temper has been going for the past couple months. I don't mind if you say something like UPDATE! Or UPDATED NOW! Or WRITE MORE NOW! But don't tell me maybe you should write longer chapters or update more or at least tell us what's going on because I don't have to. It will unfold as it unfolds