Peter Pettigrew, Most Wanted
02
ISDH
121
Hermione was packing a suitcase, for a weeklong trip to Nice. As she was folding her things and packing them in the pink plastic Samsonite, she was talking to the two familiars in the room. Now Crookshanks was sprawled on the pillow in the sun, like he was ignoring her, but his ear kept twitching in her direction. As for Hedwig, she sat on the perch the Witch had procured for her, her big yellow eyes tracking the chatty female.
The three were interrupted by the arrival of a male snowy owl, who touched down close to the witch, offering his leg with a note attached. After said note was removed, the owl barked at Hedwig, preened, and flew out the window, to land in the tree in the backyard. Hedwig watched him, ruffled her feathers, when he preened, and looked away as he left.
"Not to your tastes, hmm?" Hermione smiled at her friend's familiar.
Hedwig looked out the window, at the male, who now was primping, in the tree. Looking back at the witch, she barked, with a puffed chest and lifted head. Turning away from the window, before sneaking another peek.
The witch frowned, "Oh, I see. You like him, but want him to work for it." She Smiled at her 'friend'. "All the Good ones will. Our Lad is in the Same Boat."
Hedwig barked, nodding.
They all were startled as a passing truck backfired, loudly.
Three minutes later, the doorbell rang.
In those three minutes, Hermione had unrolled the scroll, read it twice, and trotted down the stairs. No sooner did the 'song' the doorbell played ended, the witch had yanked the door open, throwing herself at the well dressed young man on the stoop.
"If this is the way I am going to be treated for ringing your doorbell, let me loop the block and try again." the southy accent tickled her ear.
"Jean, Dear. Who's at the Door?" A woman's voice called from deep within the house.
Hermione, took his wrist, and pulled him into the house, gently closing the door, as he carried his cases into the sitting room. "Mom! Dad! Come to the sitting room!" She turned to Harry, and hugged him again. "I thought you were pent up at Durzkaban for the Summer."
"I was, but while doing my homework, I tripped over an idea that could help Snuffles." He grinned sheepishly, "And while dealing with the fallout of that, I decided to deliver some gifts." He set the cases on the floor, and popped them open, as the adults entered the room. "Everyone, come in. With the underage ban on wand use, your 'Rents are denied the fun of the simple magics. You all will get a kick out of this." and he climbed into the case.
The Grangers exchanged a look, before Hermione grinned. "Oh! You are going to love this!" and she quickly stepped into the open case, after Harry.
Emma and Dan Looked at each other again, raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. Easing herself in, Emma found the spiral stairs, and descended into the velvet tea parlor. Harry was standing with his back to a wardrobe between two floor to ceiling bookcases. Hermione was poking at an off colour ottoman, that had a bunch of 'pet' things piled about it.
Dan was not as graceful.
"Okay. This was procured as Hermione's. To replace her trunk if she so chooses. It is a Scamdaner, Class II, travel case, The Ladies Tea Parlor. The couch doubles as your bed. There is an ensuite on one side of the fireplace, and a kitchenette on the other. And a potion's lap under the bed." Harry waved his hand about as he showed the major items to other's.
"Nice Taste." Dan grumbled, "But I would have it stained within a week."
"Then, You should keep to the Men's side." Harry smiled as his fingers found the catch, causing the wardrobe to slide forward, and swing out. He then 'pushed' through the shimmering curtain into his side of the two cases. Slowly the three others followed.
Dan looked about, "Yes, This is my kind of room. I would have gone with a Hexagonal table for poker rather than Billiards."
"I have room to add another table, and I will need your help setting up a wet bar." Harry pointed to the area where he wanted said built in. "I know we are not allowed to drink, yet, but that does not mean my guests should go dry."
Emma blinked. "Other than one being leather and the other velvet, they are the same?"
"Pretty much. I bought the ottoman for crookshanks, so he won't shed on the couch. The perchs are to be split between the two rooms. I am hoping Hedwig gets along with the male."
"She likes what she sees." Hermione smirked, "But He is going to have to work for it."
Harry blinks, nodds, "As should any Lad."
Dan claps him on the shoulder, "Am I going to have to become involved in what is going on between you two?"
Harry looked up at the older male, "Only if you want to hear her Hen-pecking me about Homework and staying out of trouble."
"I Don't Hen-peck." Hermione grumped.
"Three females in my life, and all three boss me around." Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "You, Hedwig, and Matron Pomfrey."
"Professor McGonagall is not included in your list?" Emma asked, worriedly.
"No." Harry sighed sadly, "Headmistress McGonagall runs the School while the Headmaster sucks lemon drops and pretends to run the Nation. Between him, the Minister, and the 'Got, the whole of Wizarding Briton is going to shite. Pardon the language, but that is as clean as I can be while still telling the truth."
It was at this time that something pale blue caught Hermione's eye, tucked into the corner of the brown leather couch. "Ah Harry, what are those?" she pointed at the offending silky item.
Everyone looked.
Harry swallowed. "Those belonged to the sales-witch. I think she was trying to improve the odds of making a sale…"
Dan cleared his throat, as the females just frowned at the wizard.
In a panic Harry did the only thing he could… he called for help. "Dobby!"
"Somebody Called Dobby?" the dagger nosed Elf in his mis-matched socks, faded red pillowcase, and stacked knit caps, popped into the center of the room. Spotting Harry, he moved to hug the wizard's knee, "Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir calls Dobby!" the little guy shook with jubilation, "What can Dobby dos for Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir?"
"See the silky item on the couch" Harry pointed at the invasive item, "I need that returned to it's owner, immediately."
Dobby snapped his fingers, causing said item to vanish, never fully releasing his hold on Harry's leg.
The Adults just looked at the little guy all but humping Harry's leg, the stack of hats quivering counter to the motion of the elf's bum. Dan snorted, "Ah Harry, I did not know you were already in a relationship."
"Eh?" Harry looked at the muggle, then at the elf, before chuckling. "No. The little guy is just happy to see me. A book or two I read on Elves say this is bonding behavior for either free elves, or family elves choosing a single member within the Family to serve." He glared at Hermione, "The one only reason I have not offered him the bond is Someone would demand that I free him… and kill him." Harry rubbed the hairless head just above his knee, knocking the hats to the floor. "While we hold this Dance, he is able to leech off me as needed."
"Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir Bond Dobby?" the elf stilled, before pulling back to look up at the human he was 'assaulting'.
"If Dobby wants…" the wizard started to say.
Dobby regrappled Harry's knee before a flash of white light filled the 'room'. When everyone got their vision back, Dobby had grown four inches, and filled out from a stick-figure to what Harry looked like as a firsty. Harry stumbled, before dropping to one knee. Then he grabbed the elf in a hug, and drew him to his chest. "Never, Again are we to be parted, in this life and the next. So I speak, let it be!"
"Harry!" Hermione hissed.
"He bonded to me!" Harry hissed back, from his knees. "They are a 'Sym Bionic' race. They feed off us, off our magic residue, our magic dandruff. This and protection from predators, they serve us. No, they don't take 'coin' payment, they don't take time off, or sick time. The bond provides everything they need, they make their clothing from our
Old and discarded cloth. It is both a symbol of servitude and belonging. Over the next week or so, Dobby will shift out of the Gryffindor pillowcase into a Potter marked item."
"And all those hats…" Hermione sputtered.
"Did nothing but insult our keepers, leaving the entire tower to Dobby to clean. While he enjoyed the extra work, it limited his time cooking for me, one of his favorite things to do." The Elf burrowed into his Wizard's chest.
"You said no time off, no sick days." Emma asked from her seat on the couch.
"No. They need between flour to six hours of sleep out of twenty-four, more if unbound. They are hardy little guys, barring accidents and attacks, they don't get sick, or take damage. In fact, when I met Dobby's last Master, he was playing kick the can with Dobby as the can."
"And where will you 'keep' him?" Dan asked.
"Either in the Wardrobe, or a cabinet in the kitchen. Again, according to the book, this is their preferred nesting choice." Harry scratched behind an ear, as he stood. "Dobby has the run of the 'case, and his choice of where he builds his nest."
Dobby squeaked, "Really?"
Harry smiled at the little guy.
"Why did you get these?" Dan sat beside his wife.
"I was reading my history book, and noticed the blurb on 'Bounty Hunting'. I sent a note to the Goblins asking if they still offered this practice, and what was the highest Bounty offered. I also asked for a ballpark accounting. They sent a rep to bring me in. It turns out, Last Year, I was declared to be 'of Age' and just needed to cross my I's and dot my T's to get full access to my accounts and Rings." Harry perched on the Billiard's table, setting Dobby beside him. "After everything went down at the end of third year, where Fudge ignored our pleas that Black was innocent, and what happened in the Graveyard this year, I could not just sit there on my thumbs. Fudge would not hear a word I said and called me crazy. So Who could I set a Bounty for?"
"Voldermort." Emma guessed
"Snape" Dan sneered
"Malfoy." Hermione spoke up.
Harry snorted at Dan's answer. "Fudge would cite the Warrant as proof of my mental state if named a dead man, and no one is willing to even try against ole Tommy-boy. Dumbledor is covering Snape's juicy arse, and will find some loophole to protect his spy." he stroked his jaw, "Fudge and his Toad… cover Malfoy's golden arse, for the same reason Tommy keeps him close. Malfoy is a Golden Goose." he grinned. "I chose someone declared dead by the Ministry, but not the Goblins. The highest Bounty as of yesterday was one hundred thousand Gold." Emma whistled, but Dan and Hermione stopped to convert it to pounds. Dan locked up, but Hermione sounded like she was spitting up a hair-ball.
Finally Hermione got her airway clear. "Okay Harry. How Much did you set for your bounty?"
Harry dropped to the floor, and stepped before the mirror over the fireplace so he could fuss with his ascot. "Five."
Emma blinked, as Hermione paled and Dan snapped around to look at the boy. "Excuse me?" the professional englishman squeaked, before swallowing and standing. "And How big a dent did this put into your accounts?"
"Dad!/Dan!" two outraged females scolded him.
"About half a year's Profits." Harry moved on to his cuffs.
Dan nodded. "So… You are Lord Potter, am I correct?"
"I hold that Honour." Harry fussed with his hair. "Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. It means we can trace our line back to Merlyn, unbroken by squibs. We have a squib or two, and a lot of muggle-born. So we can not claim Most Ancient, but we have at least two Noble awards to the Head of House or primary Heir."
Dan nodded. "You have run with my daughter these last four years. I find myself worrying more and more each year she boards that bloody train. I need a Way to protect her… What can I get For her?"
"Dad!/Dan!" Two outraged females cuffed him.
Harry turned to look at the man. "That depends on what I am buying. A Contract to be Lady Potter? Miss Potter? Vassel Potter? Then there is the whole House Black Issue."
"Hold it, Hold it, Hold it!" Emma raised her hands. "Let us back up here a minute. Jean asked a Question, Harry answered, and I quote, 'Five'. Five what?"
Hermione eased her mom back onto the couch. "Dobby, do you know how to make a 'Slow Screw'?" at the Elf's shake of his head, his ears flapping. "In the Den, the wet Bar. In the pitcher, one part Sloe Gin, one part orange juice."
"Make it Cold and Hard. Something tells me I am going to need it." Emma sighed frowning at those about her.
Hermione Nodded, before looking at the "Add one part Rum and ice. Stir gently so as to not bruise the juice."
Dobby bobbed his head, before popping out.
"For all your Anti-Elf views, you are quick to order My Elf to fetch your mother booze." Harry smirked at his friend.
"I am not leaving them alone with you, nor are they going to be leaving this room, without a few drinks in them." the fifteen year old witch patted her mother's hand. "Mom, As of yesterday the biggest number was one hundred thousand Galleons. As of tonight, it is Five times that."
The woman paled, proving that white was not a good colour on them. "And the next Question. Who did you name as your Most Wanted?"
PPMW
Director Bones had just finished clearing her Desk, her In tray, and her Backup In tray of all paperwork. She had the roster for the next month written out and Posted. She had filed all memos from Fudge, (trashcan) and Um-Bitch(the fireplace). She had Susan's Birthday gift, wrapped, bagged, and waiting for her to snag it on her way to the Floo.
An Envelope shot out of a blue Flame Floo. She Froze. Only Goblin Floo powder was blue. It was a wylder magic. Few humans could work it, and none were let out of the Bank's Employ. The whole thing was heavy. The 'paper' was a parchment three times thicker than normal, and the seal was metal. This was a security feature. No one could bypass the seal unless they had the 'Knife'.
Rechecking the Seal… 'Bureau of Collections; wonder what they are wanting?'
Amielia smiled. Something else to plan for this weekend. Susan was old enough to get her own 'knife'. A Bones' Family Magic. It had saved her life many times over the years, both as a blade, and as an athame.
With a practiced flick of her wrist, a bone dirk appeared in her hand. She slid the pearl blade under the flap, parting the stamped steel from the pale parchment. As she pulled the folded 'letter' out, the Envelope vanished. She was left with two pages of a letter, and a Poster.
WANTED
PETER PETIGREW
Crimes include but not limited to;
Treason. Murder. Attempted Murder. Torture. Use of the Unforgivables
Accessory to Murder; before and after the fact
Massive Wanton Destruction
Terrorism
Practice of the Darkest Arts
Unregistered ani-magus
REWARD:
GG500,000*
Held in escrow
until suspect is captured and identified by Gringott's personal
Identifying traits;
Turns in a brown rat
Silver right forearm
Paid from the Vaults of House Potter
She read it twice, before hitting a carved glyph on the side of her desk. "Kingsley Shacklebolt! My OFFICE!"
She started to read the Letter.
Director Bones
DMLE
Regent Bones
I write this as a Warning of the Shit-storm brewing over the horizon. The Boy has placed the Bounty with my Bureau, even going as far as to have us place the full amount in Escrow. A copy of the Poster has been delivered to the Prophet, and Lord Potter has paid to have it posted on the front page, above the fold. A copy is being sent to each media outlet and law enforcement. As the Target was never declared dead by us, It is a legal Target. Until either the Target dies, and no one claims the Bounty with the body in the One Year Grace period, or drags the Target before us, kicking and squirming, Nothing will Close This Contract.
Allow me to introduce myself. I have earned the Name of Bloodink, and while I have raised easily to the Head of Warrants in Collections, I have been notified that I do not want to promote myself further.
Lord Potter is many things, but a Liar and/or Crazy is not one of them. In fact, if he was, I would sleep better myself. I just am thankful, he sees Goblins as Friendly, Gold Hoarding Hobbits. If he ever saw us as a Direct threat to his Friends and Family, he would dig us from our hole, wielding Rock and Fire, where Steel and Spells failed.
[Second page]
No, I write to you Regent Bones, a notice from Account Keeper Barchoke. Harry does not know the details, but your Heir and He are Contracted. Line Continuation. The Contract is ten generations old, the last five that matched have bought a 'Skip'. This time, no Skip is allowed. The contract calls for three children, one Potter, two Bones.
There was more than one contract, but Barchoke was drinking, so I think most were null or void. This Does not mean Ashkrack of House Black will not have a list as well.
Look at me, I write to warn of a Shit Storm coming, and I gossip worse than a Warren Auntie.
Bloodink
Head of Warrants
Bureau of Collections
Diagon Alley Gringotts Bank
A reddish brown stamp-seal, of two purses leaking coins, with a scroll was posted after his name.
A knock at her door, it opened before she could call out. In walked her best Red-Robe.
"King, Read this." she passed him the poster.
He did. "Not Good."
"It's Real." She watched him.
"Shite!" he rubbed his face.
"It gets better." she grinned evilly at the man. "By Dawn, everybody who can read, will know of this Bounty."
"Bugger!"