A/N: This chapter has been beta-ed. Chapter 17 has been edited. Thank you!

Arming Up For Battle

Heero eyed their surroundings critically as they walked down the street. Black hadn't wanted to teleport, aka Apparate, too close to the house. Leaving a buildup of magical residue directly outside Grimmauld Place wasn't desirable, so they had walked a few blocks before teleporting to their destination. Heero hadn't trusted the wizard's invisibility spell, but it seemed to have been effective. Not a single person they'd passed had glanced their way. Not that there had been many. They'd left very early in the morning to arrive in the Wizarding district right when the shops opened.

And, yes, they were all wearing robes so as to blend in with the magical crowd. Black had spelled the material to fit each of them perfectly and used a charm to temporarily improve their moth-eaten condition. He'd offered to individualize the robes' colors, saying it was always good fashion to have them match the eyes, but they had refused, sticking with an anonymous black. The only thing Heero approved about their new clothes was the many folds of fabric in which to hide their weapons. Only Wufei's katana could be seen by a casual glance, hanging off the Asian's hip.

The plan was simple. Enter a magical shopping district, observe the populace, and acquire Quatre's wand. Once they Apparated to the pub guarding the entrance to the magical district, Black would transform into a dog. They'd been told it was normal for Wizards to travel with their familiar. No one would be suspicious.

Black extended both arms expectantly, eyes bright with anticipation. "Are you ready?"

Heero kept his expression blank while Duo muttered darkly under his breath and Wufei glared suspiciously at the outstretched hand. Quatre sighed and grabbed Black's wrist firmly. Trowa, unsurprisingly, followed suit, holding to Black's forearm. Heero put a firm hand on Black's shoulder and squeezed it just hard enough to make the wizard wince and stop grinning. Duo flashed Heero a wink and clasped the wizard's other shoulder. Wufei took the free wrist.

Heero gasped as he was violently yanked down/forward/inward. He automatically bent his knees to keep from falling as he went from bright sunshine to somewhere dark and close. Someone pressed up against his side, and he nearly lashed out until he smelt the familiar scent of Duo's shampoo.

Dizzy, he stood stock-still until his eyes adjusted. They were in a shadowed alley. He noticed Quatre was watching Duo and Wufei worriedly as they made muffled retching noises. Clearly the blond was not similarly affected. Trowa was leaning against the alley wall, his eyes closed as he breathed slowly through his nose.

Heero glared fiercely as Black snickered. Pale blue eyes blinked innocently at him before the man began to melt. Heero nearly growled as the faint outline of a black dog could be seen in the gloom. The dog's red tongue lolled in a canine laugh.

They stood silently for several minutes until they regained their bearings and the invisibility spell wore off. Black had insisted that the alley next to the pub was included in the anti-Muggle warding and no one would think twice about seeing them in robes.

"Ready?" Quatre questioned, giving them all a once-over.

The blond looked every inch a multi-billionaire. He stood with perfect posture, his expression composed into the cool mask of Mr. Winner, CEO of Winner Enterprises. His hair was cut stylishly, the thick tresses falling around his ears, longer on top, shorter in the back. The robe looked tailored to his slender shoulders and lean chest, and it flared outward at his thin hips and split to reveal glimpses of his custom Armani slacks. Expensive leather shoes that had been buffed to a perfect shine could be seen under the hem.

Heero nodded in approval and Quatre strode out of the alley as if he owned the world. Duo followed at his side, nearly five inches shorter and his demeanor completely different. He was already chatting away, casually touching Quatre's arm as he gestured around them. Black trotted right at Quatre's heels like a well-trained beast.

Heero followed as soon as they disappeared into the run-down pub. Trowa would come next in thirty seconds, and then Wufei would follow. Heero shifted into the shadows of the bar. There were four tables and five booths. Half were occupied. A quick count revealed nine patrons, not including the bartender. Duo was engaging Quatre in conversation as they slowly made their way toward the back. The braided pilot smiled at those they passed. Heero watched as Duo received smiles in return and was pleased that Quatre's more intimidating manner kept anyone from attempting to stop them to strike up a conversation.

Trowa stepped into the shadows along the opposite wall, allowing Heero to move toward the back door at a purposeful clip. He found a small bricked off area. Quatre had Black's wand in hand and was tapping out the code sequence that the wizard had taught them.

"I'm telling you the weather here is dreadful. This is the first sunny day in a week, I'd wager," Duo continued to natter on.

Heero secretly took strength from the sound of his voice. It meant Duo was near and alive. He shook his head slightly, forcing himself to focus fully on the mission. Trowa once more joined him just as the bricks began to move like sliding puzzle pieces. In seconds, a large open archway formed and revealed a moderately busy street filled with people in robes similar to theirs. Quatre and Duo moved forward, Black still trotting at their heels while Heero, Trowa, and Wufei split into different directions as soon as they hit the street.

Quatre and Duo cut down the middle. Heero went left. He walked in front of the store windows, looking inside at the fantastical wares and using the reflective glass to continue to watch the street and his team members. Trowa did the same on the other side. Wufei trailed behind, using the street and watching Quatre and Duo's backs more directly.

Heero took in everything, senses on high-alert. Sweat soon dampened his brow, and it wasn't due to the unusually warm spring weather. It was stress. He was having a hard time filtering out harmless stimuli to pinpoint anything threatening. He just wasn't used to the patterns of the Wizarding populace.

The noise was incredible even this early. There were shrieks and bangs coming from shops and products alike. Loud conversations and strident arguments traveled up and down the street. Children screamed and ran about. Then there was the obvious magic. A tailor shop had scissors floating and cutting fabric. Pitchers moved among outside tables to refill drinks. Words of light wrote themselves through the air advertising shops and writing out slurs against competitors.

One man slashed his cane through an inflammatory remark and nearly brained a woman with a hat at least three feet high. The hat shot sparks when it fell to the ground, causing the man's beard smoke. It was chaos. He could hardly take it all in. Not even the monetary system was recognizable, and he didn't understand half of the conversations he overheard. It was like being transported to an alien planet.

Needless to say, Heero was itching to disappear and never return to this madness, but Harry was trapped among this insanity. Heero felt gutted at the thought of his child in the hands of these people. He hadn't felt this useless since he was seven years old and on his first mission without Odin. It was not a pleasant feeling or a pleasant memory.

Quatre and Duo disappeared into a shop named Solomon's Wands. Heero converged with Trowa and they slipped inside after their partners. Heero instantly drew a knife when he nearly walked into an old man. Duo and Quatre had spun to face the threat. Duo had a knife in hand; Quatre had pulled his gun. Trowa lunged to the side, clearing the door for Wufei, and came up with his own gun aimed.

"Peace, peace, young soldiers," the old man spoke gently, soothingly. "I mean no harm. I merely wanted to play a little joke on you. It's tradition."

Wufei had his hand on the hilt of his katana, but he did not draw it. He only drew his blade when he had committed to kill.

"I know a good joke. Wanna hear it?" Duo asked sweetly, eyes glinting dangerously.

The old man shook his head. "I suspect I won't be able to appreciate it. As you see, I have a rather poor sense of humor."

Quatre tucked his gun away and put a hand on Duo's arm. "I'm here for a wand."

"A wand, you say." The old man turned to look back at Heero. His milky irises were barely discernable from the white of the eye. "Of course, of course." He smiled before turning around. "This way."

He moved past Quatre and Duo and further into the shop. Heero's eyes darted down to see Black doing his tongue-lolling laugh once more. Clearly the wizard had known the wand maker would try to surprise them upon entering and hadn't told them. Heero didn't think it was funny. What else had Black kept silent about? This time the omission hadn't resulted in damage, but that might not hold true the next time.

Heero's expression fell into his most dangerous: eyes half-lidded, the blue flat and hard, his lips curled into something nearly hungry. He let his knife catch the light from the nearest lamp before slipping it back into his wrist sheath. Black cowered on the floor, ears pinned back, no longer laughing.

"Please give the wand in your possession to one of your friends," the man instructed as he stood at the gleaming mahogany counter.

Trowa straightened and lowered his gun, though he kept it in his hand. Wufei and Heero leaned back against the shop door, ensuring no one would come in. When everyone was settled, Quatre handed Duo the thin stick of wood he'd borrowed from Black. The old man nodded a few times and waved his hand. A measuring tape floated into the air.

"Step forward, step forward," the old wizard cajoled.

Quatre did so. Heero took this time while the animated tape measured seemingly irrelevant things, like the length of Quatre's nose, to observe the shop keeper. The man was about Duo's height, an inch shorter than Heero, but he was stooped slightly forward so he was taller than he appeared. He was skinny and he moved with easy grace despite his age. His shoulder length white hair frizzed out around his head; his features were plain and unremarkable. Interestingly, he wasn't wearing robes. Instead he wore what looked to be a home-spun cotton shirt, leather pants, and well-worn moccasins.

The wizard, presumably Solomon, snapped his fingers and the measuring tape fell to the floor. "Interesting. Usually men your age come for a replacement wand," he said conversationally, speaking to Quatre alone. Heero had a feeling he and the others no longer registered to the strange man. "It is quite rare for a wizard to be searching for his first so late in life."

"I hope that won't be a problem for you," Quatre said, staring coolly down at the wizard.

"Course not, course not." Solomon flapped his hand at Quatre. "It's just interesting."

He turned and began to walk among the shelves behind the counter. The shadows were too thick for Heero to follow him with his eyes even when the shelves wouldn't have blocked Solomon from view, but fortunately the old man continued to chatter, revealing his location. Heero wondered if that had been done on purpose to set them at ease.

"Your magic is well defined by now," the wizard was saying. "You are good friends, intimate, while a child's magic is still playing peek-a-boo with their conscious. Thus, you will be more discerning. In the case of those who come for a replacement, they know not to expect a perfect match, therefore their magic knows as well. Not so you."

He returned with an arm full of pristine boxes and gave a smile to Quatre as he laid them out on the counter. Another wave of his hand and the lids all flew up and hovered in the air above their heads. Heero frowned. He had yet to see the wizard use a wand of his own.

"Come forward. Pick up the wand and give a swish. Come, come. We don't have all day. I can't keep my store closed forever."

Quatre moved forward slowly. He kept his eyes on Solomon as he reached for the wand in the first box to the left. His fingers stopped before ever touching it. He shook his head with a frown. "Not that one."

"No," Solomon agreed easily and a lid came down to shut the box once more. "Try the next."

This time Quatre actually touched the wand, but he didn't pick it up. He shook his head again. Heero heard Wufei actually hold his breath as Quatre lifted the third offering. He just held it. Nothing happened. When Quatre touched the fourth, fire shot out the tip and nearly set ablaze the wizard's shirt. Heero finally got to see the old man's wand as Solomon performed a quick water spell. It was long and white, eerie just like the man himself.

When the blond lifted the seventh choice, a soft golden beam of light spilled from the tip in an unwinding ribbon. It was the same color that illuminated Quatre's skin when he used his empathy to the fullest extent. Quatre turned to look at them, and there was a look of such wonder and joy on his face that Heero felt himself smiling in return. He quickly wiped the expression off his face with a scowl.

"Eleven inches. Aspen with Marid heart string," Solomon explained. He packed away the other boxes and, with a wave, sent them flying back among the dark shelves. "A very rare and powerful wand for a very unique individual."

Everyone tensed as five sets of eyes were trained on the wizard.

Solomon smiled benignly. "Individual aspens live about one hundred years. However, aspens reproduce by sprouting shoots from their roots. This allows them to grow in a cohesive grove. A grove is actually a single living organism that can reach several thousand years in age. In this way, aspen trees represent strength through diversity. In addition, the bark of aspen trees contains chlorophyll so that aspens can continue growing in the winter months. Even fire damage will not kill a grove of aspens if the roots remain alive."

Heero felt shocked to the core as he listened to this startlingly accurate interpretation of Quatre's character.

Quatre was a leader. He was able to unite many different people and get them working cohesively toward one goal. He was the one to hold the five of them together. In the beginning, they had been so different from each other, with such completely different origins, and had been unable to work as a team. Hell, Duo had shot Heero twice when they'd first met! Wufei had turned them down in favor of working alone multiple times, but Quatre eventually had his way and bonded them all as a single team.

Also like the aspen, Quatre was able to thrive in tough conditions the same way the tree could still grow in winter. Quatre had been brought low many times in his life, yet just as the aspen could survive if its roots were strong, he had survived each razing. And just as a grove will live centuries longer than the original aspen tree, Quatre's ideals would continue on through his company and organizations.

It was definitely disturbing that a stranger could know so much just by what kind of wand Quatre owned. Glaring hotly, Heero moved away from the door – trusting Wufei to guard it adequately – and stepped shoulder-to-shoulder with the blond. "Can anyone know these things?"

Solomon met Heero's intense gaze calmly. "Wands are personal. They each tell a story. Many can know some of what I speak, but I admit none would know as much as a wand maker like I. It is considered very rude to ask the makeup of someone's wand. Such information is shared only between confidantes. Be careful who you give such information to."

The wizard returned his gaze to the wide-eyed Quatre, oblivious to the unease he was stirring in his audience. "Now, as rare as it is for me to hand out aspen wands, the Marid heart string is significantly more exceptional. Djinn originated in Arabia and Persia. There are five different types of Djinn. The least powerful is the Jann, next come the common Djinn, and then the Sheytans. The Afrits are very powerful, but the Marids are the most powerful and dangerous of all.

"It is said that the Djinn are created from fire and can take on any form they choose – animal or human – and can be of any size. This indicates a versatile character. A person who can become whatever he needs to be. Most Djinn are hostile, although some can be friendly, but even they are capable of great violence. Djinn are unpredictable, and certainly anyone who breaks an agreement with one will strongly regret it. Djinn take great pleasure in punishing people for wronging them, even unintentionally."

Silence met Solomon's speech. The pilots were struck dumb as this wizard blithely laid bare Quatre's darkest, hidden traits. Quatre was the empath, the conscience of the group. He was a family man and loyal to his loved ones. He wanted to make the universe a better place. All this was true, but there was a side to Quatre that was as ruthless and blood thirsty as the Djinn.

Quatre was a master strategist. This meant he knew how to ensure victory for his side. During the war, he had killed hundreds of enemy soldiers ruthlessly and efficiently, just as they all did, but Quatre had taken it further. After witnessing his father's murder, he had destroyed an entire colony. When he had tried to destroy a second one, Quatre had found Heero and Trowa standing between him and his target. That hadn't stopped him. It was in this fierce battle that Trowa had sustained the critical injuries that had resulted in the acute amnesia he had suffered. Quatre's blood lust and hunger for revenge had transformed Trowa into No Name for a second time in his life, and it was one of his biggest regrets.

Trowa moved forward to wrap his arms around his husband. He turned the blond so that he had his back to the old wizard and murmured something only Quatre could hear. Heero noticed that despite his distress Quatre had never once loosened his grip on the wand. He clearly wasn't willing to lose it.

Solomon's eyes widened as Trowa pierced him with a single green eye. "A Tamer." The old wizard turned and hurried back among the shelves, disappearing from sight.

Heero rested his hand on the butt of his gun. His jaw ached from clenching his teeth for so long. It was so tempting to drag the others out of this funhouse, but the old man hadn't yet harmed them. He'd given them valuable information and had provided Quatre with a wand; an instrument that would put the blond on an equal playing field as these wizards. He caught Duo's eyes and his lover shook his head minutely. He wanted to stay. The more they knew the better off they were. Heero knew that, but he wasn't happy in the least.

Solomon returned in five minutes. They hadn't spoken in the time he'd been gone. The old wizard grinned at them, amused. "Here, here. Take it."

Quatre separated from Trowa to free the brunet's hands. They all watched curiously as Trowa accepted the leather bound tome the old wizard handed him. "The Art of Wand Making," he read, voice monotone.

"But he's a Squib," Duo questioned, head tilted to the side in confusion. "I thought he couldn't do magic."

Solomon laughed. It was dry sound, like two pieces of parchment rubbing together. "All Tamers have been Squibs, though few Squibs are Tamers."

"As if we don't have enough going on," Wufei hissed from the door.

"What's a Tamer?" Duo questioned gamely, head tilting the other way.

Solomon moved forward and grasped Trowa's chin. Quatre's hand snapped out to wrap around the wizard's wrist while Heero pulled his gun.

"Release him," Quatre demanded lowly as a sullen red glow illuminated the tip of his wand.

Solomon did so, dropping his arm limply to his side. His milky eyes swept their group. "It takes a wizard to perform the spells that impregnate and carve the wood, but it is a Tamer who soothes the core's magic and turns it receptive. Without a Tamer, a wand would merely be a magical artifact instead of an amplifier for energy manipulation."

"And the book will teach him to do this?" Quatre questioned. He stared at the tome in awe.

"No, no." The wizard impatiently flapped his hands. "The young man will do that naturally. Not quite sure how, as I'm not a Tamer, I'm a wizard. No, this tome is an encyclopedia of all the magical creatures and woods used in the making of wands. It also details the symbology behind each tree and creature, as well as biological, ecological, and geographical data of each specimen. The more the young man knows about wands, the more effective he will become."

Solomon gave a deep bow. "My workshop will always be opened to you, Tamer, if ever you have the urge to utilize your gift. I will pay you handsomely for every wand's creation you facilitate, of course, but I also offer you knowledge." He straightened his back out and gave them all another gentle smile. "Now go. My shop has been closed long enough. Take your Marid-souled mate and continue along your journey, Tamer. I look forward to meeting you again."

Wufei practically threw open the door and stomped outside. Black slunk out after him while Quatre, Trowa, and Duo followed in a clump. Quatre held tight to his wand and Trowa cradled his new book to his chest.

Heero turned back to the old wizard. "This is confidential, correct?"

"Of course, of course. No one else would understand the significance in any case. Not even you." Solomon shooed him out. "Go on. Out of my shop. Out, I say."

Heero strode outside without another backward glance. It was like teleporting. Suddenly the sounds of the busy street returned to him; the shouts and shrieks and bangs. The sun was shining brightly and was nearly blinding after being in the dimly lit shop for so long. Heero shivered and trailed his team through the milling crowds of wizards, witches, and magical creatures. The idea of never leaving Grimmauld Place again was getting more and more attractive by the hour.

xXxXxXx

Albus was taking lunch up in his office and fretting over Harry when his fire flared green and the Minister of Magic stepped through his floo. Things between them had been tense since the end of the last school year when Albus had informed him that the Dark Lord had returned. The Minister hadn't believed it – and had labeled Albus a liar – until there was a breach in the Ministry and a certain prophecy had been stolen not one month later. If it weren't for that, Albus wouldn't have been Headmaster this year.

Cornelius' was a short, pudgy man with a round, sweating face. Said face was red with anger and his eyes were brighter than Albus had seen in a while. He stomped right up to Albus' desk and slammed his pudgy hands down on the paper-strewn surface. "Is it true? Do you have Harry Potter?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Albus asked, eyes wide with innocence.

"Don't play dumb with me! We've received reports that two days ago some teen was seen fleeing the school only to be returned by your professors in the early hours of yesterday morning. We have an eye witness who swears that the boy was Harry Potter himself!"

Albus stroked his beard. "Interesting. Yesterday morning you say?"

Cornelius' face darkened, contrasting terribly with the forest green suit he was wearing. "Do you have Harry Potter, Albus? Is the boy here?"

"I'm afraid not, my dear man," Albus answered sadly, looking mournfully around his office. He had to be careful. Cornelius had the ability to detect lies. It was probably the only reason he had managed to become Minister in the first place. He was a pro at discrediting the competition. Fortunately Albus had a rather unique view of the truth and it had served him well during the many years they'd had the pleasure of working together.

"This is no time for games!" Cornelius roared. "He's the only one who can defeat the Dark Lord! If you have him, by Merlin's blood, tell me!"

Albus dropped the friendly façade and stared coldly at the Minister. Without a legal magical guardian, Cornelius technically had authority over Harry. Albus could possibly convince the Minister to leave the teen at Hogwarts if he promised to train the boy, but if Harry resisted or refused to stay within the school, then Cornelius would have no choice but to keep him in custody.

He couldn't allow that to happen. Cornelius would most likely bundle Harry off to the Aurors and order them to prepare the boy for war. Albus had stolen Harry away from the Muggles, fearing the teen had been made into a weapon. He wasn't about to let the Wizarding government do the same. Yes, Harry had a destiny, but that didn't mean his life and happiness should be completely disregarded. Neither of them were willing to give in, and they stared at each other coldly across Albus' cluttered desk.

He stood slowly, never taking his eyes from the conniving politician in front of him. "I am aware of the important part Mr. Potter has to play in this war, Cornelius. You can trust that I will always do what's best to ensure a positive outcome for everyone involved."

"I'll be back with a search warrant, Dumbledore," Cornelius hissed furiously. He spun on his heel and practically ran back to the floo.

Albus rubbed at the bridge of his nose. Harry's presence had been leaked. It was only a matter of time before he would be forced to hand the boy over… Unless he gave Harry to the Order with instructions to keep moving and to stay out of sight… But what kind of life would that be for the teen? And he couldn't trust Harry not to run off as soon as he found an opening. Not to mention there were Death Eaters in the Ministry. There was no way Voldemort didn't know of Harry's return by now. In any case, they had to prepare for the worst. Harry must be protected.

Albus stood and strode toward Fawkes. "It's time to call together the Order, my friend. You know what to do."

The majestic fire-bird gave a sharp cry. He met his wizard's eyes for a moment before disappearing in a flash of fire.

Albus then lifted the short letter Harry had penned. It would be wise to send it out. He could always use the Muggles as a last contingency toward keeping Harry out of the Ministry's hands. Albus could confirm the contents with the teen's family if it became necessary, and if it didn't, if Albus could convince Harry to accept his place at Hogwarts, then the letter would most likely be brushed off as a prank done in bad taste.

Decided, he turned and headed for the Owlery. After that task was done, he would pay a visit to the Defense professor. Remus had the highest chance of convincing Harry to stay. They had a day, maybe two, before Cornelius returned with Aurors and a warrant as he'd threatened. Albus had to have a safeguard in place before then.

xXxXxXx

Dear Son,

I write to you this day with pride. You have done well, Draco, by informing me promptly of the developments within the school. You are a true Slytherin to be so able to turn such situations to your Family's advantage. If another such opening presents itself, I have full confidence you will do so once more.

Your loving Father,

Lucius Abraxas Malfoy

Draco refolded the letter, cheeks burning hot. It had been years since his father had praised him.

"You all right, there, Malfoy?" Blaise asked slyly as he spooned up some pumpkin soup.

"Another love letter?" Theodore added with a smirk. "Who wants to mother the future generations of Malfoy this time?"

Draco sniffed and carefully folded away the precious missive before slipping it into his school bag. "None of your concern."

Blaise sighed dramatically, expression mournful. "You're not impressed, then. I had hoped by your reddened countenance that you'd finally been noticed by someone worthy."

Draco grinned at his friend. "No one's worthy of a Malfoy."

"Of course not!" Pansy exclaimed as she took her accustomed seat next to Draco. "Good morning, love." She gave him a sweet smile.

He'd thought it was fun having her chase after him the first two years of school, but he'd decided over the summer that he wanted to present a more independent front this year instead of playing up his desirability and family connections. Furious at his rejection, Pansy had taken to snubbing him in public and scorning him in the common room. Of course, she never came out of a battle of words with Draco unscathed and had eventually ignored him all together. Unfortunately, now that the second term had started she seemed to have switched tactics and was trying to win him back.

"I thought we had discussed this already, my dear. I find I'm quite allergic to your perfume. Could you please sit a few seats down?"

She giggled and tossed her hair flirtatiously. "I'm not wearing any today, Drake."

"Then perhaps it is your shampoo. I'm beginning to feel quite nauseous."

Pansy's brown eyes darkened to nearly black and narrowed into slits. "Careful, Drake. You wouldn't want to start a feud between our Families, would you? I feel I've endured your childish behavior long enough."

Draco tensed at the blatant threat, his hand tightening around his spoon. "I've made my wishes clear, dear, and yet you continue to press uninvited into my business. Don't play the victim just because you aren't clever enough to get your way. Such an infantile strategy will get you nowhere against a Malfoy."

Pansy nearly snarled, but she grabbed her things and left before she caused a scene.

Draco relaxed and even smiled. The soup tasted rather magnificent today, seasoned as it was with victory. He'd made his father proud and had won a heavy score off Pansy all before breakfast. Bright green eyes and a pale face framed by wild dark hair flashed across his memory. Draco felt his stomach tighten with anticipation. Now if only he could capture his prey, life would be perfect.

"What thought has placed that decidedly frightening expression on your face?" Blaise inquired with a raised brow.

"Not another 'Important Mission'," Theodore mumbled under his breath.

Draco glared at the brunet and Vincent loyally elbowed Theodore in the ribs. The tall, skinny teen winced, but he carefully kept his pained reaction to a minimum so as not to attract attention from their peers. Slytherins stuck together, but they were also competitors. One had to be careful not to reveal too much weakness or interest in anything. Otherwise the prize sought after could be stolen. His dorm mates knew well that their friendship would not protect them from his wrath should they lose him anything.

"It would be nice to do a little old fashion exploring," he announced airily. "I hardly think we've really seen all that Hogwarts has to offer. It would be interesting to discover what hidden things lurk about, don't you think?"

Blaise offered a closed-mouthed smile, his brown eyes glinting in honest excitement. He always did fancy himself an explorer. "That does sound interesting. I would love to come along."

Theo sighed again but nodded his head. "I do love finding new things."

Vincent and Gregory said nothing, too busy shoveling the last of lunch into their mouths. It didn't matter. Everyone knew they were always in agreement with whatever Draco said.

Draco flashed a happy smile toward his friends, and their expressions softened. Satisfied that his gratitude had been understood, he pulled his bag strap over one shoulder. "Potions starts in ten minutes. We should go if we want to arrive on time."

The others stood obediently, leaving the food still on their plates, and followed him out of the Great Hall. Just as it should be. Draco practically skipped down the corridor. Yes, this was going to be a great day.

xXxXxXx

Remus was excited that he had permission to see Harry again, although he chafed at needing permission at all. The wolf in him wanted to snarl at Dumbledore for his interference. This was his pack's cub!

He sighed, carefully pushing those thoughts aside. He was not a blood-thirsty wolf. He was a human wizard. Harry was a grieving child, torn from his family. He needed space to regain his balance, not to be smothered by an old, desperate werewolf. Remus just had to be satisfied with what time he was given with the boy.

Smoothing his graying hair from his face, he knocked on the door. There was no response. Cracking the door open, he peered inside, expecting to find Harry taking a nap or in the bathroom. The room was destroyed! Remus quickly sought the child and found Harry sitting in the corner, his legs drawn up to his chest, his head bowed and face hidden. His long hair fell in tangles around his shoulders and curled out where it brushed the floor.

"Harry…" he called softly, worried. The room was saturated with the scent of despair, sweat, and tears.

Remus didn't get a response. Frowning, he moved into the room, shutting the door behind him and took in the destruction. The mattress had been shredded. The bed had been shoved toward the door at an awkward angle, no longer flush with the wall. The desk had been cracked in half. One leg had been snapped completely off. Pits of paper littered the floor. Ink splashes stained the wall.

He stepped carefully over an overturned food tray and crouched a few feet in front of the child. "Harry, talk to me…"

The boy shook his head without looking up.

Feeling encouraged that he got a response at all, Remus inched closer. "Hey, come on, cheer up. Dumbledore told me he mailed your letter."

The boy lifted his head and green eyes peeked out at him from over Harry's knees. "Why is this happening to me? All this because my parents fought some crazy person? I didn't do it. When they died in that car wreck and left me behind, I no longer had anything to do with this world."

"Wait… What?" Remus reached forward and gently touched the top of the boy's bowed head. His dark hair was soft and thick, and his base scent enveloped the werewolf. Under the fading smell of gunpowder, ink, and some kind of oil, Harry still had a scent that marked him as James and Lily's. Remus swallowed hard. "Harry, they didn't die in a car wreck. Who told you that?"

Harry stared at him dully for a long minute. "The Dursleys."

Remus gritted his teeth hard. "That was a lie. Your mother and father died fighting the Dark Lord. They died to save you."

Harry uncurled a little more and he pulled his head back away from Remus' hand. "I don't understand. You've said that before. I thought you meant they protected me during the car crash. Why would they have to save me from a Dark wizard? I was just a baby. I wasn't fighting him. Not like they were."

Too late Remus realized that maybe Dumbledore hadn't said anything for a reason. Too late he understood that the whole truth might be too awful for a thirteen-year-old boy.

Harry reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Please, Remus. I just want to understand what's going on. I deserve to know, don't I?"

Remus nodded slowly. He felt an almost irresistible urge to tuck Harry against his side and shelter him from the world, but he managed to keep his hands to himself. "I'm sorry, Harry. I wish it had happened differently. I wish the world wasn't the way it is. If I could change it, I would."

"Just tell me," Harry begged, his green eyes large and pleading.

"Your parents did fight the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters, but when you were born, there was a prophecy. I don't know the wording, but I do know that it signaled you would stop the war somehow. Your parents took you away. They hid in a magically sealed house. Only one person knew the location. No one else could find it no matter how powerful they were. The Dark Lord learned of the prophecy and searched high and low for you, but no magic could find you and no amount of physically searching. On Halloween night, after your first birthday, the man who your parents trusted to keep their location secret betrayed them."

Remus felt his chest constrict as he watched Harry's tears fall. The boy's dark hair stuck to his damp cheeks and his knuckles were white where they gripped his knees. "I'm so sorry, Harry. Voldemort came to your house. The Dark Lord killed your father and mother, but when he tried to kill you, something happened that weakened him tremendously. It took him eleven years to appear again."

Harry shook his head. "I don't understand. That doesn't make sense…" He touched the infamous scar on his forehead. "That boy, he said this scar…"

"It's a curse scar. It was inflicted by magic. It can't be healed or hidden with spells," Remus explained softly, nearly whispering. "It marks you as the Boy-Who-Lived, the only one to survive the Killing Curse. People idolize you because you somehow ended the war, at least temporarily."

"No. No, that's not fair. I…" Harry's breathing quickened. He pressed himself against the wall as if trying to get away. "I don't care about any of this. I'm going to go back home and none of this will matter."

Remus felt tears burn his eyes. He actually wished that were true, that his cub could escape his cruel fate. "Harry…"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Remus was shoved hard enough that he toppled onto his back and slid halfway to the door. He stood shakily, but he didn't blame Harry for lashing out. "I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have told you."

Harry didn't answer. He curled in on himself once more, his slender shoulders shaking.

"I'll come back in a little while. Just know you aren't alone. I'm here for you."

With one last lingering look at the boy, he turned and shuffled out of the destroyed room. He closed the door softly behind him.

Remus slammed his fist into the stone wall as hard as he could, growling. Pain radiated from his hand, but he hardly felt it. Frustration and anger nearly strangled him. Harry was right. It wasn't fair. None of this was fair, but especially not to Harry. He could still see in his mind's eye the small teen trembling in the corner, silently crying. It gutted him. Harry needed support. He needed his family.

The anger left him as he decided on a course of action. He didn't care what Dumbledore said anymore. He was going to bring Harry his family. He turned around and went back into the room. He saw it for what it was this time: a prison. "Harry. Is there any way I can contact your family to bring them here? Do you know where they are?"

Harry looked up, his face suffused with a painful, desperate hope. "They could be anywhere. They'd be looking for me. But I know their numbers. They'd have their phones on them."

Remus nodded. "Tell me."

And Harry did. He repeated them several times until Remus had committed the six phone numbers to memory.

"Call them in order. Don't call the last number unless the other five don't work," Harry instructed. He pushed himself up to his feet, using the wall for support. Almost shyly, he moved forward and wrapped his arms around Remus' waist. "Thank you."

Remus smiled tearfully as he accepted the boy's hug. "You're welcome, Harry. I'm sorry it took me this long to think of it." Ruffling the boy's hair, he hurried from the room. As soon as he could, he'd slip out of the school and start making some phone calls.

xXxXxXx

Quatre stood at the head of the table. The others sat listening as he sketched out their next moves. "Do you agree?"

"Sounds good, Q-ball," Duo answered while the rest merely nodded.

"Good. So it's settled. Wufei will study Wizarding law in preparation for the fight to keep Harry. Heero will study Hogwarts: A History and everything Black gave us about the school and will come up with a rescue operation should the recovery go south. Trowa and Duo will go through the library here and make a list of spells that will be top priority for me to learn. Black will begin teaching me the shield spell. Once I have shielding down, Heero and I will go get Harry."

"Aye aye, Captain!" Duo exclaimed with a sharp salute.

Despite the seemingly playful gesture, Quatre could feel the almost painful longing Duo felt to have Harry with them again, but that was not as worrying as what Heero was feeling. The man's cold determination was so sharp and focused, Quatre nearly felt cut by it. He winced, honestly worried for Heero's sanity. His friend had been walking a very dangerous edge since they'd come to on the Eiffel Tower with memories of Harry… Quatre winced away from the false memory. He couldn't even think of it without feeling sick.

The others filed out of the room to complete their tasks, leaving him with Black. The wizard gave him a lopsided grin. "Don't you guys ever sleep?"

Quatre frowned. Black was right. It had been over a day. If he let himself think about it, he was exhausted, but the thought of stopping, of sleeping, when Harry was still in enemy hands was unbearable. "The sooner you teach me this spell, the sooner you can rest," he answered with a sharp smile.

Black sighed and rubbed at his eyes. "Yeah. All right. Come on. We'll have more room in the parlor. I had Kreacher remove all the furniture in there."

Quatre said nothing as he followed after the wizard. The parlor was indeed stripped of all the furniture. He briefly wondered where it had all gone but decided it didn't matter.

"Watch me." Black held his wand before him and Quatre silently mirrored him. "This spell will protect you from most spells. You twirl the tip of your wand in a full circle and flick it forward." Black did so, calling out, "Protego!" A dome of light flared into existence before fading again.

Quatre nodded. He went through the motions a few times, accepting critique from the wizard, but before he could try casting it himself, the elf popped into view.

"Master, a bird was circling the manor. I captured it as you ordered," the thing muttered sullenly.

It was filthy and glared at Black as if it would rather chew off the wizard's feet at the ankle than obey his commands. Quatre shivered as its bulbous yellow eyes seemed to glow in the candle light. It lifted what looked to be an owl by its feet. The tawny wings hung limp. It was dead. Neither the wizard nor the creature deigned to notice his glare of disapproval.

"Give me that!" Black snatched the dead bird from the elf.

Kreacher hissed like a rabid cat before popping away again.

"Why did he kill a bird?" Quatre asked stiffly, sick of being ignored.

"Wizards send messages using owls. See?" Black untied a piece of parchment from the bird's leg. It grew in his hand until he held a bent envelope. "It's addressed to Harry Potter's guardian."

Quatre snatched it out of the wizard's hand. "Get the others," he ordered sharply.

Black practically ran from the room. Quatre didn't waste a second. He tore the parchment open and scanned the letter within. Familiar handwriting leapt out at him. It was from Harry! His heart thundered in his chest as he read.

Hello, all! Maybe you won't believe me, but I'm alive. I am currently with friends of my parents. They have invited me to stay with them so that I may learn about my history. I'm the heir concerning the Potter family, and I feel I owe it to them to at least go through everything. Please don't be worried. I will contact you again soon. Love, your little brother Harry.

Heero burst into the room, the others practically running on top of him. Quatre handed the letter off quickly so as to avoid being mauled, his mind working through what he'd read.

There were several layers to the code. The first was the altering of common phrases, each alteration having meaning. For example, when Harry wrote he was alive, he didn't write 'alive and well' as the saying goes. That indicated he was either injured, under duress, or both. Also, he wrote he had to 'go through' everything. The common saying was to 'go through a bad time'. This indicated Harry was under severe stress.

The second layer of the code involved contractions. Contractions signaled an opposite of the sentence meaning, or that that particular sentence wasn't straightforward. The first contraction Harry used was in the sentence 'you won't believe me'. Quatre guessed that was actually a plea for them not to doubt him. The 'I'm alive' emphasized again that he wasn't well. Then he wrote 'I'm the heir concerning the Potter family'. The contraction here was likely a denial of what Harry was being told. Lastly, Harry had written 'don't be worried'. Quatre felt a chill go down his back. This was the fourth time by his count that Harry had signaled his distress. He was requesting immediate help.

The third layer was actually the most complicated. In a numerical sequence – first letter of the first word in the first sentence, first letter in the second word of the second sentence, first letter in the third word of the third sentence – spelled out a word. Not counting the salutation, the word Harry coded in his message was MAIC. He was trying to tell them about magic. Likely, he'd been watched while writing the missive. It was rushed, but Harry had done well considering.

Heero's blue eyes were nearly black in his fury. "You have five hours to learn this spell."

Quatre nodded. "I'll try to learn it in less."

Heero nodded and spun on his heel, storming out of the room. Wufei spat a curse in Chinese and followed him. Trowa stepped over and gripped Quatre's shoulder, his bangs hiding most of his face. Trowa was scared for Harry. He was upset and worried. Quatre didn't have it in him to reassure his love. He felt the same way. Trowa understood and he squeezed once before returning to his task.

Quatre looked over to see that Duo still stood staring down at the letter in his trembling hands.

"What does it mean?" Black demanded, looking back and forth between Quatre to Duo. "Is he okay?"

"No," Duo rasped. "No, he's not okay."

The wizard's eyes widened dramatically.

Quatre gestured Black closer. "Come on. Help me learn this so we can go get him."

Duo very carefully folded the letter and put it in his pocket. He didn't look up at them as he turned and silently slipped out of the room.

Quatre sighed. They were all nearing their breaking point. He wasn't sure how much more they could take without snapping completely. How many times had his brothers thought of their Gundams? It was not a good sign that using the massive war machines – machines they had sworn never to touch again – was looking better and better.

"Are you listening?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and smiled grimly at the wizard. "I'm sorry. Please repeat it."

Black's expression was strained, but he obeyed. "Protego!"

Quatre lifted his wand. "Protego!"

"No. Snap the wand forward, but don't move the arm. It's all in the wrist…"

xXxXxXx

Duo walked down the street with his head bowed and his hands shoved into his pockets. His left hand was curled around Harry's letter. Duo sighed and turned his feet back toward Grimmauld Place. He felt guilty as hell for running, but he'd just had to get out. He couldn't take it a moment longer in those tight little hallways and small, furniture-crowded English rooms. He missed the colony. He missed Harry.

He needed to get his act together. They were probably ready to start the rescue mission and Duo was cooling his heels and acting like an imbecile. At least he'd gotten a few necessary things done during his cowardly escape. He'd gone to a cyber-café, checked their e-mails, and contacted Une. The woman would have sent the whole galaxy after them had they waited longer to check-in.

Duo flashed a brief grin. Who would have thunk it? The great Commander Une, brilliant Dr. Sally-Po, circus star Cathrine Bloom, and President Relena Peacecraft Darlian were all on Earth working together and threatening that if they didn't tell them what's going on soon, then they would hunt them down and beat them up… Well, they may not have said it in those words exactly, but that was definitely the meaning behind their messages.

His phone rang and he smiled, expecting one of the girls. Duo flipped it open and drawled teasingly, "Pizza Pizza. Orders to go only, please."

There was silence on the other end and Duo's steps slowed. A male voice reached his ear. "Hello? Is this the family of Harry Potter speaking?"

The braided man froze as his heart rate kicked into high gear. Senses on high alert, adrenaline pumping through his veins, Duo took in everything he could about the other man on the line. There was some slight static. He couldn't hear anything in the background. Not music or people. The man's voice was rough, as if he'd been sick or he'd been screaming.

"Speaking," he answered shortly, wishing he had Heero with him to trace the call. "Who is this?"

"My name is Remus Lupin. I… I think there's been a mistake. It was believed you were a threat to Harry, but… In any case, he wants his family with him. If you tell me where you are, I'd be willing to fetch you."

Duo's eyes widened. He began to jog, his mind racing. "What about whoever's keeping him?" he asked, playing dumb for now. "They'll just let us come and take him back?"

Another short silence. Duo didn't like it at all. Was the man being signaled what to say? Was their conversation being recorded for some purpose? Was Duo being kept busy and distracted while something went down with the others? His pace increased to an all out run, but he very carefully kept his breathing quiet so as not to tip off the caller.

"No," Lupin answered regretfully. "I'm afraid not. He's in some danger, you see, and he's safe here. But perhaps we can work something out where you can stay here with him. Once the Head… I mean, once everyone sees you won't hurt Harry, I don't think it will be a problem."

Duo nearly snarled. Was this man stupid? Did he think Duo was? This Lupin character couldn't honestly believe what he was selling. This had to be a scheme of some sort. It made sense. Dumbledore would want to get them out of the way, so he'd lured them with the letter, hoping Harry's multiple pleas to rescue him would make them rush right into whatever trap this was. Like hell! These people didn't know who they were dealing with.

"Great, so I just tell you where I am and you take me to the people who took my little brother and made me think he was dead. Sounds like a plan. I'm sure you're right and they'll see how good I am for Harry in time."

Another silence. This time longer. The static began to increase and Duo stopped dead in his tracks. That's right. Electronics didn't work in a magic-rich environment. Apparently the wards surrounding the house were strong enough to make his phone start to go hinky even from across the street. Shit! How was he supposed to signal the others? He stared at Grimmauld Place with a frown.

"Hello? Still there, Loopy?"

"It's Lupin," came the tired response. "I don't know what to tell you. You have no reason to trust me or my people, but we really only have Harry's best interest at heart."

"I'm sure Harry found that comforting," Duo muttered, trying to think of a way to get the attention of those inside.

There was a dry laugh. "No. You're right. He didn't." A sigh. "You're just going to have to trust me if you want to see Harry again. Even if this is a trap and you are imprisoned here, too, would that be so bad? You'll be together."

"Or I'd be dead," Duo snapped furiously. This was seriously the stupidest bad guy he'd had the misfortune of talking to. And Duo had known a lot of stupid criminals.

"Harry needs you!" Lupin snapped back, making Duo pale and his fist clench around the phone. "I'm putting myself at some risk contacting you and offering to sneak you inside." A pause. This time Duo could hear the man on the other end taking a deep breath. "I'll be missed shortly. Are you going to come or not?"

"I'll get back to you on that," Duo answered through gritted teeth. He grabbed his braid in his free hand and twisted it ruthlessly.

"I don't have that much time."

"Give me an hour!" Duo demanded. "I have to think about this. Call me back then." Another hated pause. Duo wanted to shake the man until his teeth rattled out of his head. "Well?"

"All right. I'll do my best."

"Gee, thanks," Duo snipped and hung up the phone. He was up the stairs and through the front door in a hot second, yelling at the top of his lungs, "HEERO! Black! Everyone, down here! Some wacko just called and offered to sneak me in to Harry!"

"What?" Black yelled back, eyes wide as he and Quatre crowded into the hall. Heero, Wufei, and Trowa came pounding down the stairs, bunching up at the bottom.

"Yeah." Duo nodded his head vigorously, much to Wufei's disgust. "Said his name was Remus Lupin, and if you ask me, he's a shady character."

"Remus!" Black exclaimed. He was clearly shocked. He clung to the doorway as if he needed it to keep his feet.

"Said if I'd told him my location, he'd come pick me up and sneak me in. He claimed that Dumbledore would understand when he saw I wasn't a threat to Harry and would stop trying to separate us." Duo turned expectant eyes from Heero to Quatre and back again. "I told him to call me back in an hour. If nothing else, we can get him to let us in if Quatre's 'Hit Them With Divine Retribution' plan doesn't work and we have to go with Heero's 'Storm the Castle' approach instead."

"Will you quit it with those stupid names?" Wufei snarled. He pulled his hair loose and proceeded to rough it up in frustration. It was very uncharacteristic of the usually anal-retentive man to the point where Duo's mouth dropped open as he stared.

Heero put a hand on Wufei's shoulder and the Asian immediately stilled, some tension leaving his frame. Heero turned his gaze to Quatre. "I suggest we run the two operations simultaneously now that we have an inside source who knows Harry's exact location."

Quatre brow's crinkled as he tapped his lips thoughtfully with a single finger. "That is actually a good idea. If my confrontation is successful, then Dumbledore will be forced to let us go and not look for Harry again. If I fail, then at least I can keep him distracted while someone gets Harry free."

"But you'd be captured," Trowa pointed out in a whisper.

Duo knew each of them would willingly lay down their lives to protect Harry, but Quatre was Trowa's husband. There was no way Trowa would be able to take such a loss easily.

"Dumbledore's a control freak and a bastard, but he wouldn't kill Quatre," Sirius spoke up. He put his hand on the blond man's shoulder. "They could have killed you on the Eiffel Tower and they didn't. Dumbledore thinks he's the good guy, and he usually is, actually. He's not just going to kill you. Now, he might interrogate you to get Harry back, but you won't be able to betray this location. You're not the Secret Keeper."

Quatre stared up at his love. "I'm willing to risk it. I'll have the Shield Charm, so I might be able to get away should it come down to it."

"I'll go with you," Trowa decided. Duo could practically feel the brunet daring Quatre to argue. "As your husband. It could look strange if I wasn't there. If it comes to a fight, we'd have a better chance together than alone."

Quatre smiled and turned his eyes to Black. "You'll stay in that town outside of the school wards in dog form. Be ready to Apparate us out of there." He looked to his brothers. "You three will go with this Remus Lupin under the pretext of allowing yourself to be captured along with Harry. Once you're together, take the first opportunity to make a break for Hogsmeade where Black should be waiting to teleport you back here."

Heero nodded. "Understood."

"We have an hour, guys," Quatre finished. "Get ready. I almost have the shield spell down. I should be ready in time. If not, we go regardless. We can't afford to let this opportunity slip by."

"I'll get the notes I've taken ready," Wufei announced and hurried up the stairs.

Heero and Trowa followed after him, and Duo gave a sharp grin of anticipation to his best friend before doing the same. He found Heero with the others in the room where they'd dumped their weapons. Smoke bombs, incendiary and concussion grenades, guns, ammo, and about a dozen knives covered every available surface. None ran on electricity or computer chips like some of their other toys, so it should all work in Hogwarts.

"Trowa, come with me. You should know the most pertinent laws so you can reference them should Quatre need them," Wufei ordered as he made his way to the library. Trowa followed him without a word. That left Duo alone with his lover.

He glanced at Heero out of the corner of his eye. His love moved with mechanical efficiency as he strapped on his weapons. His face was blank, emotionless. His eyes were dark, emphasizing the circles underneath. Duo bet he didn't look much better. His braid hung heavy against his back, his bangs were oily against his forehead. But there was a light at the end of the tunnel. They were getting Harry back.

"You're very quiet," Heero noted.

Duo looked up to see Heero watching him. "Yeah. Guess so."

Heero frowned and stepped closer, capturing Duo's chin in a firm grip. "What's the matter?"

Duo closed his eyes, unable to look at his love while he revealed his weakness. "Should we even bother? They took him from us once. They can do it again."

The fingers holding his jaw tightened painfully, but Duo didn't try to escape. Then he was released and pulled against Heero's hard chest. Arms wrapped around him. Duo clung to his lover, tears burning his eyes.

"That was then. This is now," Heero said roughly. "We were uninformed and unprepared for that level of combat. It won't happen again. Not like that."

Duo opened his eyes to stare into Heero's face. Heero was always so confident. "I hope so."

Heero's expression softened. "I need you to keep smiling. I need you to believe in me."

Duo threw his arms around his neck. "I do. I'm just tired."

Heero kissed him. It was unexpected, making Duo gasp. Heero's tongue took advantage of his surprise and slipped inside. Duo moaned, his legs turning to jelly. Heero held him pinned to his chest as he ravaged his mouth. Shocks of pleasure went down Duo spine. His temperature rose about ten degrees.

They parted with an audible smack, saliva still connecting their mouths. Heero's dark hair spiked out messily around his head. His angular features were tight with determination as his cobalt eyes nearly pierced Duo. "We'll get him back, and I'll keep you both safe. I failed you once, but I won't do it again."

"Heero…" Duo sighed and closed his eyes, resting his forehead against his love's. "You didn't fail us. And you're right. We'll outsmart these bastards. It can't be hard. They're stuck in the Middle Age. We'll keep Harry safe. Together."

Heero laid a gentle kiss on Duo's mouth, licking at the bottom lip softly before pulling away. "Get geared up. We leave in forty minutes."

"Yes sir!" Duo cried, eyes sparkling as he saluted. He flashed his lover a cocky grin, and as Heero smiled back, all Duo's doubts fell away. They were Gundam pilots. He was Shinigami, God of Death. Heero was the Perfect Soldier. They'd get Harry back, and they'd make the Wizarding world regret ever messing with their little brother.

Chapter end. Please review!

A/N: (Grins manically) So we're drawing closer to the big rescue. Hope you're enjoying the ride so far. I wasn't sure in what order to place the scenes of this chapter and had fun copy and pasting until it became more than just a little frustrating. I hope the end arrangement worked out well. Let me know what you think!