A/N: This chapter hasn't been beta-ed and will likely be reposted at some point. Hope you enjoy this pivotal chapter!
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to: Call-Me-Cassandra, your regular and thorough reviews inspired me to be a better writer in every way. She's not alone in reviewing. Thank you so much to everyone who does. If you see an improvement in my writing, it is due to your feedback. THANK YOU!
Introductions and Rescues
Albus was finishing a delicious bowl of pea soup when he felt the wards react to someone passing through them. Considering how the students and the staff alike should be in the Hall with him partaking of dinner, he was understandably intrigued. Thus, he cast a subtle Notice-Me-Not charm and slipped out of room without alerting anyone, except perhaps Severus.
Striding through the entrance hall, Albus approached the two massive double doors guarding the castle. Opening one, he saw that the sun had just set, which cast the grounds in shadows while the sky still retained a faint glow. There, walking up the path, were two forms. One wore flowing robes; the other wore only black slacks and a matching shirt. There were curious bulges around his person, but Albus couldn't yet make out what they could be. However, curiosity turned into concern as his subconscious took in their body language.
The two young men, Albus could see that much now, walked with confident strides. They walked as if they were here for some urgent purpose. No, it was more than that. They moved like warriors going into battle. Albus had seen enough warfare to recognize the stance, and he felt himself stand taller in response.
The young men were both tall. The brunet with long bangs stood impressively at Albus' height. However, Albus guessed it was the slightly shorter blond who was in charge, due to the fact he walked a half-step in front of his companion. The young man had a sharp jaw and arched brows over focused blue eyes that possessed an almost physical impact when they caught his own. Despite this, Albus felt relieved. He was certain that whatever this was about would go more smoothly with the blond in charge than with the brunet who's strange bulges, he could see now, were knives and guns strapped to every part of his body.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Albus voiced as soon as the two drew close enough to hear his words. He offered his best disarming smile. "What brings you to Hogwarts this fine night?"
"Albus Dumbledore, I presume?" the blond asked politely as his armed partner stopped slightly behind him and continued to scan the area.
Albus guessed he functioned as some sort of bodyguard, though he was mystified by why someone in need of a guard would be at his school. He also noted his smile had no effect at all. Usually people were put at ease, or at least had the urge to roll their eyes, when he brought it out. It was curious that these two men were unfazed.
"I am. May I ask your business here?" he asked, keeping his tone friendly.
The blond offered his hand. "My name is Quatre Rababa Winner. Is there somewhere private we can talk?"
Albus shook the hand, baffled. Winner's grip was unsurprisingly firm. Quatre… That was a French name, but he was certain Rababa was Arabic. It was a strange combination. Certainly Winner wasn't a former student, nor was his partner, but if they were from France… Obviously the brunet was a warrior of some type. Perhaps they were here to discuss the war effort?
He offered another disarming smile. If they were here about the war, then they were here in an unofficial capacity. Diplomats should, by law, go through the Ministry. However, the war against Voldemort demanded quick action if they were to win, and the Ministry was not known for quick action. Albus had been waiting for such a gesture from France for awhile now, actually, and he was glad the students were all still eating. He had a feeling he didn't want anyone to see his guests too soon.
"Of course, gentlemen." He waved his arm to gesture into the castle. "Come this way."
As he led them toward his office, he was only mildly surprised when Winner followed at his side and did not fall behind like most did. The brunet had yet to say a word, and although his chin-length bangs obscured half his face and one eye, Albus had the impression that nothing escaped his notice. These people were not to be taken lightly. Despite their relatively young age, these men were capable.
"This is my office. We will be completely safe to discuss your business here."
He stepped off the spiraling staircase and into his large, cluttered office. It was easily the size of the largest classroom in the school, though it wasn't shaped as a square. It had round edges as well as straight, with alcoves scattered almost illogically throughout. Cabinets and armoires stood at regular intervals, and there were shelves covering almost all the wall-space available.
The neatest place in the office was the area around his desk. Albus moved that way, intending to take his customary seat behind the enormous mahogany piece and conjure a second chair to match the first sitting across from the desk as he had done a hundred times before. However, a strange click had him turning before he'd gone four steps. The brunet had a gun aimed at his chest.
Albus' magic rose in a wave as he registered the threat, but before he could react the blond spoke, drawing his attention.
"Please, Mr. Dumbledore," Winner said in a low, reasonable tone. "We don't want this to become ugly. I would ask that you take the seat in front of the desk where we can see you clearly. I'd appreciate it if you'd place your hands on the armrests and left them there. If you move or if my companion should feel you are about to act aggressively, he will have to retaliate to protect me. I'm sure you understand."
The brunet stared at him intently. The soldier, for that was what he obviously was, still had the gun aimed and his arm had yet to waver. Albus couldn't believe what he was hearing, but he wasn't so far in shock not to notice Winner's wand was in hand and was tapping a gentle, slow pattern against his thigh.
Albus felt his expression harden as his mind and magic prepared for battle. "What is this about? I fail to see what you hope to accomplish by threatening me in my own office."
The blond lifted an eyebrow and stepped closer. (Albus noted Winner very purposefully hadn't interfered in his companion's line of sight.) His expression was one that Albus recognized. Every politician mastered this particular look, one that showed a false concern but didn't fully mask the pleasure that was being taken at the expense of another.
"Sit, Mr. Dumbledore, and I will be happy to discuss the issue that brings us here."
Albus had no reason not to follow along. He was confident that he could react more quickly than either of these two, and he had the castle wards to bolster his magic, so he obediently moved to the chair in front of his desk, turned it to face the intruders, and placed his hands where indicated once seated.
"I don't know what this is about, but I assure you that bringing violence into my school is unnecessary. I'd like to point out that I've made no move to threaten you, and that I have the right to defend my person and this school from any hostile action."
"I'm afraid you're mistaken, Mr. Dumbledore. You have threatened us. You attacked us just recently quite unprovoked. We are here to see justice is done." Winner moved further to the side, toward the window. It cast his features in slight shadow, but made his golden hair gleam like silk.
Albus frowned, his body tense. He spoke slowly. "I don't know to what you are referring."
A sharp-edged smile decorated the blond's lips. "I am here to warn you about the charges my family and I are prepared to bring against you. They are as follows: kidnapping, pre-meditated assault, illegal tampering of a magical person's mind, discrimination against Squibs, violating the Secrecy Act, endangerment of a minor child, maltreatment of minor child, and vandalism of a foreign national monument."
Albus was gaping, completely blindsided for the first time in many long years. "I beg your pardon? Who are you?" he demanded, although he was beginning to suspect, and it sent his thoughts spinning wildly.
Winner's little smile grew to show teeth. "I told you, Mr. Dumbledore. I am Quatre Winner, a very influential and wealthy individual in the Muggle world. I'm also a wizard, but most importantly, Mr. Dumbledore, I am a guardian of Harry Potter, whom you violently kidnapped from myself and his other legal guardians on the night of April 28th."
Albus' heart thundered in his chest. He looked from the blond who couldn't be older than twenty-one or twenty-two to the young soldier weighed down with weapons. The gun was still pointed steadily at his chest. The eyes on both of them revealed just how serious they were. But how was this even possible?
"There's been a mistake," he muttered, hands tightening around the armrests, making the wood creak. "I was under the impression Harry's guardians were Muggles?"
Winner frowned and shook his head in obvious disbelief. "Do you often embark on operations without confirming your facts?"
Albus straightened, surprised to feel stung. His magic slipped free of his control just enough to charge the air with angry energy. "I assure you the information I have supports this assumption. I don't care how you came to be here, but I will not let Harry return to an abusive environment where he's being exploited by the military! I'm afraid your guardianship of the child is not legitimate since neither of you are legal citizens of the magical world and Harry Potter is a citizen of magical Britain. Taking him from these grounds or threatening me will result only in your arrest and internment in Azkaban prison."
A loud bang made him jump. Blood trickled down his cheek, and Albus stared with fiery eyes at the end of the brunet's smoking gun. He'd been grazed by a bullet!
xXxXxXx
Heero staggered as he landed hard on a dirt lane and forced his blurred vision to focus. Standing on an incline, he could easily make out the sprawling little town ahead. Cottage houses swam into view several yards down the path. Brush and rolling terrain surrounded him on all sides. The air was clean and crisp, the sky darkening rapidly.
"I really hate that," Duo muttered from beside him.
Wufei, despite the green tint to his pale face, took a step back to further blend in with the shadows. Nodding in acknowledgement, Heero bumped his lover's shoulder bracingly before striding forward to stand beside their guide. Remus Lupin's amber eyes shifted to meet his with a stiff expression.
Lupin stood a little taller than Heero, who was the tallest of their group now that Quatre and Trowa were absent, and it was clear by the way the man moved that he had a wiry strength. The way he had reacted when he'd realized he was outnumbered against armed opponents, the way he'd shifted when they had surrounded him, also showed he had battle instincts and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Despite being the one to contact them, he was not at all pleased to be in their company. He'd visibly disproved of their multitude of weapons, but when Heero had made it clear they would not go without them, the wizard had reluctantly relented. It was Heero's job to keep an eye on the wizard, while Wufei kept an eye on their surroundings and Duo focused on the castle's weaknesses and mapped their progress.
"We'll have to sneak in to Honeydukes. It's a candy shop in the village," Lupin stated quietly, standing rigidly among them. "There's a passage under the store that will lead us into the castle. We should pass the wards unnoticed. Try not to draw attention to yourselves. I'll spell you unnoticeable, but that's not always guaranteed."
"Understood," Heero answered, holding his gaze calmly.
Lupin twitched and shifted his gaze slightly to the right, breaking eye contact quickly. "Come along, then."
He lifted his wand and Heero submitted uneasily to whatever spell the wizard was casting. He watched carefully as Duo and then Wufei also underwent the procedure. When it was completed, Heero couldn't see any difference. His team was as visible as they were before. Lupin saw his suspicious look and offered a faint smile.
"Because my magic cast the Disillusionment Charm on all of us, we can see through it. The magic around you harmonizes with the magic of the others, so you see right through it. Also, if you know the spell is there, you have an easier time seeing through the effect."
Heero nodded, accepting the explanation despite not really understanding.
"Are you ready?" Lupin asked, glancing around at them.
"Yep! Lead the way, Maestro!" Duo called with a cheerful grin that didn't reach his eyes. His braid swung behind him as he turned to face them, having been looking around curiously.
Not familiar with Duo's more sincere smiles, Lupin seemed to take it at face value. His shoulders relaxed. "This way, then. I'm sure Harry will be very happy to see you all." His smile disappeared as he cast Heero a firm look. "Remember, you can't attack anyone here. The school is full of innocent children. I'm taking you to see Harry, and you'll stay with him in his room until we work something else out."
"We agreed to those terms before we left," Heero returned without batting an eye. "We are wasting time."
Lupin frowned, but he did turn and head toward the town without argument.
Heero followed him closely, Duo a little behind him and Wufei moving along in the shadows at their side. The cottages they passed had lights on as families sat down to dinner. The streets were mostly empty. The further they went toward the center of town, the more shops came into being. Most were closed for the day. Finally, they reached the store Lupin had told them about. The sign above the door read Honeydukes just as they'd been told.
Heero watched avidly as Lupin flicked his wand, muttering under his breath. There was a soft click and the door swung open. Heero moved quickly toward the darkness inside the shop, herding the wizard deeper inside. Within a second, the door was shut once more, all of them safely out of sight of the street.
"This way," Lupin whispered through the dark.
Heero followed his voice, his eyes adjusting quickly in the gloom but not as quickly as Duo's. He noticed his lover swiping some candy and chocolates into his pocket. He said nothing. He didn't approve of his partner's actions – He wouldn't put anything magical in his mouth until he was assured nothing would happen if he did – but he wasn't about to out Duo in front of the wizard. Lupin had come close to changing his mind about bringing them to Harry, and Heero didn't want this to make the man refuse to take them further.
Heero's fists clenched. They were so close to taking Harry back. He would snap if he were denied now.
Lupin moved behind the counter, walking carefully so as not to make noise on the wooden floor. With a murmured incantation, he lifted a hatch set flush in the floor. When he looked up, Heero noted grimly that the wizard's eyes were glowing faintly in the dark. Like an animals, his irises seemed to reflect light.
"Go on," the wizard hissed, gesturing at the pitch-black hole in the floor. "I have to close it back up behind us."
Heero snatched Duo's braid as his lover moved to obey, taking the risk onto himself. He tugged hard and ignored the fierce scowl that Duo turned his way. Heero dropped down into the dark, his knees flexed in preparation for impact. It happened much faster than he expected and he grunted.
"Six feet," he quietly called up.
A shadow at the top of the hatch had him moving down the passage, and then Duo joined him, landing silently. They moved further down to make room for Wufei and the wizard. Heero heard the hatch close, heard the wizard murmur again, and then a bright, pure light flooded over them. Heero blinked and turned away from the glare, trusting his team to guard his back.
The passage was made of hard packed earth and very narrow; he only had an inch or so on each side. That meant they'd be forced to continue single-file, Heero's most hated formation, but they were committed and there was no turning back now. He ghosted forward. Rats and beetles scurried deeper into the dark as Lupin's light moved with him. No one spoke. Even Duo was quiet as he stalked forward at Heero's back.
xXxXxXx
Albus ignored the warm blood on his face as best as possible. He was certain lifting his hand to wipe it away would be a mistake.
"Please control your magical output, Mr. Dumbledore," Winner said in a soft, cold voice. His expression had blanked and his blue eyes pierced through Albus once more. "I'd hate to have another misunderstanding. We are, in fact, connected to the military, but as independent agents. Harry was not being abused. In fact, we rescued him from an abusive situation, not the other way around. You, I'm afraid, rescued no one, instead attacking a happy family. Can you deny that you caused much damage to the one you claim you want to keep safe?"
"What proof do you have that you are telling the truth and are not agents sent here to infiltrate the magical world and take back your asset?" he demanded just as coldly.
Without giving a flicker of warning, his magic snapped out, ready to separate the dangerous brunet from all his deadly toys. However, the blond moved with astonishing speed, intoning the shield charm with crystal clarity. Albus was so shocked that he lost focus and his spell rebounded and sent a dozen books on one of his shelves flying to the floor.
"Attack us with magic again," Winner hissed, "and I assure you it will be the last thing you do." His wand was no longer pointed toward the ground, resting innocently against his thigh, but aimed right at Albus' forehead.
A second gun had appeared in the brunet's free hand. One was centered on Albus' head, the other his heart. Both new gun clicked as it was cocked.
Albus opened his mouth to say something more, furious, when the blond spoke again.
"I'm afraid I do not have to prove anything to you, Mr. Dumbledore. Your actions were illegal, as mine are not."
Albus stared intently into Winner's eyes. His mind felt along the blond's and was surprised at the formidable barrier he sensed. He would have to proceed carefully. "Harry is important to me, personally, and to our world as a whole. You cannot expect me just to hand him over to two individuals who have done nothing but prove my fears correct. You are clearly comfortable with violence. Such an environment is unhealthy for a young boy."
"Harry isn't your concern," Winner snapped. His features came into the light as he took a threatening step closer and revealed a pale, deadly expression that no politician would be caught dead wearing. People don't vote for killers. "He is our charge. We have protected him and raised him for five years. You have no rights to him in any court of law, not even your own."
The brunet spoke for the first time. His voice was surprisingly deep and hard as nails as he recited word for word Wizarding guardianship laws. Albus felt the room tilt dangerously as he realized the brunet was also reciting Squib rights, which were zealously enforced. Rights that Albus himself supported. Harry's guardians did not just consist of a wizard but of at least one Squib.
Albus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was to escalate the situation further. If all they said was true, if he'd been wrong… He opened his eyes and met Winner's furious gaze head on. "If I misunderstood the situation, I apologize, but I assure you my motives were completely pure. I want to protect Harry and protect him from the war that has just begun; a war in which Harry is involved, whether he or his guardians choose to be or not. He is safe here, and I strenuously implore you not to remove Harry from Hogwarts. I do not exaggerate when I say this school is likely the only place where he may be safe and have access to all he will need in order to survive to adulthood."
"So you believe, but we've already seen your judgment can be flawed," Winner countered, unimpressed. However, his stance had relaxed. He studied Albus' expression as if he could see right through him. When he continued, his voice was congenial once more. "But you are not wrong about your influence. I admit I am ignorant of the politics regarding magical Britain. I would hate to be too hasty and accidentally undermine our position and ability to protect Harry."
Albus almost flinched at that barb. Had he done what Winner was implying? He was beginning to entertain the notion that he had. Some corner of his mind not racing in circles noticed that the brunet had yet to move an inch, both guns still aimed and ready to fire.
As if sensing victory, Winner's small, dangerous smile returned. "Even though I can prove most if not all of the charges we have against you, and I have a feeling even one would be enough to prove you unfit as a Headmaster of this institute, I'm willing to negotiate the terms of some kind of agreement between us."
Albus nodded agreeably, but that wasn't the end.
"I must warn you, however, that no matter what is decided here we will pursue monetary compensation. My lawyers are drawing up a suit against you for the amount of one million galleons…"
Albus blanched.
"…in reparation for the days we have been unable to work while we searched for our charge, our emotional distress, and the medical bills we've acquired while receiving treatment for the injuries we sustained in the attack. The second suit for half a million galleons will reimburse us for any distress and/or injuries and illnesses our charge, Harry Potter, has suffered in your care."
"One and a half million galleons!" He nearly shouted it. Only the Malfoys would be able to pay such a sum, and even they would have to liquidate some of their assets to do it. "I don't have that kind of money!"
"I'm sure you can work out a payment plan with the courts," Winner dismissed with a wave of his hand, but then he frowned. "Unless you'd rather we dropped the lawsuits and pursued the criminal charges instead."
Albus glared hotly. "You are playing a dangerous game, Mr. Winner. What you suggest would seriously undermine my ability to win this war, which would significantly decrease Harry's chances for survival!"
Winner glared right back. "Do not threaten me! You should have thought twice before deciding you could operate outside the law and get away with it. As for Harry's protection, that is my concern and none of yours. You can rest assured that no expense will be spared."
Albus gritted his teeth. "What agreement do you think to forge between us, then?"
"A contract of non-aggression," Winner answered immediately, temper once again masked. "We will not press charges against you as long as you and your associates swear a vow to never approach Harry again without his guardians' permission, unless to physically save his life, and never with the intent to kidnap or otherwise separate Harry from his family. We also demand to be kept abreast of any intelligence you obtain regarding the war, Harry, or this Lord Voldemort and his forces."
Albus stared into the young man's resolute eyes and knew he had no choice but to agree. Not if he wanted to avoid the war these young men seemed ready to wage against him; a fight neither of them could afford, not with Voldemort lurking in the shadows.
xXxXxXx
Heero had walked a good two miles, the floor steadily rising as the dirt surrounding them giving way to stone, when Lupin's whispered voice warned him they were close. Sure enough, the path dead-ended not a minute later. The stone wall before them was lumpy and oddly shaped. Heero felt along the folds and creases of the stone, but he couldn't find a latch.
"Let me through," Lupin requested. "Turn sideways and I'll shimmy past you."
Heero backed off, obeying he instruction. His eyes widened when Lupin briefly pressed against him, chest to chest, to get by. He smelled musky… like an animal.
"There," Lupin grunted. The strange wall was pushed to the side, revealing a stone corridor of a castle. "Follow me. We're only a few floors away from Harry's room. Everyone should be at dinner, so we shouldn't run into anyone on the way."
Heero and Duo stepped into the corridor, but Wufei remained behind to keep the passage open. Lupin didn't notice. He was too busy looking around nervously as he hurried down the hallway. Heero held his lover's violet gaze and gave a sharp nod before striding after their guide.
Duo fell behind. He ran on silent feet down corridors they didn't use, getting a feel for the area and checking all the rooms they passed to make sure they were empty. Heero lost sight of him most of the time. He didn't like it, but he had to stay with Lupin, to make sure the wizard wasn't planning on betraying them. He had to trust that Duo was skilled enough not to get caught or into trouble.
After crossing dozens of the torch-lit hallways and climbing several moving staircases, they finally seemed to reach the area Lupin was aiming for. Heero had been eyeing the moving portraits suspiciously, and his frown only deepened when he felt an almost unbearable urge to turn back, to study the architecture down a different hallway, to look in the rooms a floor down.
Lupin turned when he realized Heero was no longer following. Sweat dampened Heero's back and under his arms, and he glared furiously at the wizard. "Oh! I forgot the warding. Dumbledore gave me access to the corridor, so it doesn't affect me. You just have to push through. Once you're on the other side, it will no longer affect you."
"Stay here," Heero growled toward Duo.
Duo's brows dipped in concern, but he nodded, accepting the command. "Be careful. Don't burst anything."
Heero snorted before he turned his attention to the door that had appeared next to Lupin. He could barely see it. He could only take quick, darting looks before his attention fastened on something else, away from that door. But he refused to look away, refused to turn back. Behind that door was his child, his Harry. Harry needed him. He'd practically screamed for help with that letter, and Heero wasn't going to let him down.
His right foot slid forward. Heero lowered his head, squared his shoulders, and did exactly what every part of his mind and body were telling him not to do. It was like willingly swallowing acid or purposefully lighting yourself on fire, but if you had a strong enough will, even those things were possible. Harry was behind that door, and Heero would not be kept from him!
xXxXxXx
Grasping the armrests of the chair, Albus forced another deep breath. These men had controlled the situation from the start. However, if they were acknowledging the war, then the world and Harry still had a chance. He had to keep his eye on what really mattered: Harry had guardians and thus couldn't be taken by the Ministry. Better still, Harry's family also appeared to be exceedingly capable.
He opened his eyes, feeling vastly tired. "I am sincerely happy to realize Harry is not in need of rescuing. Every child needs a family and I am very glad to know that Harry has not been denied. I feared the worst after being informed of what he had suffered at the hands of his mother's family, and perhaps I let that color how I interpreted the relationship he has with you. I hope you can forgive me if I have acted impetuously."
Winner lowered his wand, expression calm. "I understand, sir, though I cannot approve of what you put my family through."
Albus sighed and rubbed at the bridge of his nose briefly. "I will sign the contract as you described it. I also have the information you seek regarding our mutual enemy. I suggest we add an agreement to meet weekly in order to keep information flowing smoothly between us."
Winner regarded him for a long minute. "As long as it's understood that any meeting will be held on neutral ground chosen by us."
Albus nodded. "That's reasonable, though I hope there will be a time when we can work as friends without suspicion and fear between us." He looked at brunet who still hadn't wavered. His strength was impressive. "May I stand? I have things to fetch in order to complete our business."
The brunet didn't lower his weapons until Winner cut his hand out in a sharp gesture. The soldier offered Albus a chilling warning. "I can draw this weapon in .2 seconds. Please don't test my reaction time."
"I assure you I have no intention of attacking you." Albus climbed to his feet, his knees protesting, as he held that dark gaze solemnly.
"Trowa Barton-Winner, my husband and often bodyguard," Winner introduced casually.
Albus lifted an eyebrow in amusement. He wasn't so befuddled as to not recognize that for the test it was. "Congratulations. It is refreshing to see a couple as complementary as yourselves. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that most in the Wizarding world will disapprove of your union. Our population is in danger of extinction and breeding is a high priority."
Winner mirrored his expression by lifting a brow of his own. "Same-sex marriages have been legal for almost a decade, Mr. Dumbledore, on the colonies."
Albus felt a pang of wistfulness. "I'm afraid the magical world isn't as far advanced." He shook his head. The mythical world built in the outer reaches of space was a subject for another time. "We will need a witness to the contract signing."
"First we have to agree on the terms," Winner returned practically. He followed Albus toward the desk as his husband remained near the door. Albus recognized that for the tactical position it was. Mr. Barton-Winner was securing their escape route.
Feeling saddened by the blatant distrust between them and hoping he wasn't wrong in returning Harry into their dubious care, Albus pulled out the specially spelled parchment to write the terms of their agreement.
Winner sat across from him in the chair that Albus had very recently abandoned. The blond sat comfortably with his legs crossed and his wand laid across his lap within easy reach. "Allow me to begin, Mr. Dumbledore…"
Albus sat stoic as the terms were expertly and professionally laid out, recording each word obediently. He really hoped this alliance wasn't a mistake because there was literally no room to maneuver in the contact Winner was crafting.
xXxXxXx
Heero practically fell on his face as the smothering pressure suddenly released him. Surprisingly strong hands grabbed his shoulders to keep him upright. Heero spun out of that grip with a snarl, slamming his back against the stone wall for protection and bringing his gun up to aim at the target.
Lupin backed away, face averted to the side, eyes hidden by a graying curtain of golden brown hair. "I apologize. Are you well?"
Heero said nothing as he waited for his rough, desperate breathing to return to normal. Once his sweat cooled and his chest no longer burned, he tucked his gun back into the holster on his thigh. "Open it," he demanded, voice deep and hoarse.
Lupin nodded and pushed open the door without looking up. He stepped aside so that Heero could go in first.
Heero watched him carefully before sliding into the doorway and looking inside.
The room was trashed. What appeared to be a bed and a desk were in pieces, debris was scattered across the floor, but none of that mattered at all. His attention was riveted on the boy curled up in the corner. The dark messy hair was unmistakable. Heero strode across the room and crouched by the boy in a fast second. As soon as his hand came in contact with Harry's shoulder, the teenager gasped, his head whipping up.
"Heero!" Strong, thin arms were flung around his neck. Heero closed his eyes as he held Harry just as tightly. "You came! Oh, thank god you found me!"
Heero frowned as he felt tears dampen his shirt where his shoulder met his neck. He also didn't like how sharp Harry's ribs were. Keeping Harry at a healthy weight was a constant battle, and he was furious that this situation had made such a significant impact on the teen's body.
"It's okay. I've got you," he whispered as he pulled Harry up with him.
Harry didn't release him, his grip only tightening as he brought his lanky legs up to wrap around Heero's waist.
"We're getting out of here," Heero promised him. He turned his eyes to the doorway where it appeared Lupin was trying to encourage Duo past the wards. He could hear his lover stalling, waiting for Heero to reappear. "Lupin, what's this red line?"
The wizard turned his attention back into the room. Lupin saw him holding Harry and smiled. "It's a ward. Let me…" He began muttering at the glowing line, his wand swirling seemingly aimlessly before him.
Heero used this time to quietly rundown a list of checks. "Are you hurt?"
"Tired," Harry answered just as quietly.
"Any bugs on you?"
"I don't know. They have magic, so…I don't know," he repeated weakly.
Heero tightened his hand in the thick hair at the base of the teen's head, holding him secure. "Did you tell them about us?"
"Nothing specific. Just that you don't abuse me. That you saved me. They know about the Dursleys."
"Got it!" Lupin called.
Heero focused on the wizard just as the red line pinning his charge in slowly disappeared. He watched as those amber eyes narrowed as Lupin realized that there was no reason to remove that ward. It hadn't stopped Heero from getting in; it would only stop Harry from getting out. Something they hadn't agreed on. But before Lupin could even open his mouth, he collapsed, never seeing the gun aimed from Heero's hip.
Wary, Heero shot him a second time with the tranquilizer. He didn't want the man to awaken and sound the alarm until they were well clear. Harry twitched in his arms, but he made no protest or move to look. It was another sign of his distress. Harry was usually an intensely curious child.
Heero strode toward the door and stepped over the unconscious wizard carelessly. "Say hello to Duo," he ordered as moved easily down the corridor. Apparently the wards were one-way.
Harry lifted his head slowly, as if reluctant. His face was damp with tears and sweat. His unbound hair fell to his waist in a tangled mass, a few lengths sticking to his cheeks and neck. He squinted, his glasses nowhere to be seen, but Heero knew the moment Harry recognized Duo. The teen sucked in a wet breath and reached his arms forward.
Heero grunted as Harry's leg's tightened as the boy grabbed Duo into a hug. He clearly wasn't ready to let go. Heero was okay with that. It would hamper his maneuverability, but to be honest, he wasn't ready to let go, either. "Wufei is waiting at our exit. We need to hurry," he informed the two.
Duo nodded and pulled back from his death grip on their boy. "Hey, there, Harry-chan," he greeted, voice thick. His smile was blinding and tears made his eyes glassy as he smoothed Harry's hair back from his face. "You having all the fun without me?" he teased gently as he deftly pulled Harry's hair into a low messy bun.
"No," Harry answered miserably, hooking his arms around Heero's neck once more. "They said I'm some kind of magical freak. Some prophecy says I have to kill this guy who killed my parents. This old guy said if I go with you, I'll just get you killed!"
Heero tensed, fighting the urge to snarl. He'd expected something like this, but to hear from Harry's own mouth that he'd been psychologically tortured was enough to make Heero see red.
"You know that's not true," Duo countered firmly. "That's what every kidnapper would want to make you think. So that you won't escape. We prepared you for that, so shake it off. We're not easy to kill, sugar, and we've got a few surprises for you. You're not the only one in this family with magic. That old guy was full of shit."
Harry's green eyes were wide with astonishment, making him look much younger. "Really? Is it Quatre?"
Heero moved forward, Duo walking at his side close to Harry.
"Well, Cat's extra powerful like you, but all of us have a bit of magic in our bones," Duo revealed with his trademark cocky grin. "Didn't think you could leave us in the dust, did you, little boy?"
Harry shook his head, grinning just as wide. "Never! You guys are the best!"
"Damn straight, kid, and don't you forget it." Duo made a quick swipe at Harry's face, brushing off the last of his tears.
Harry blushed, finally coming to realize that he was being carried to safety. He wiggled half-heartedly. "You can put me down. I can walk."
Heero responded by shifting Harry's weight and swinging the petite teen onto his back like a backpack. "Stay there."
Harry held on obediently, careful not to choke Heero with the arms around his neck. Duo fell behind them to shield Harry from any attack that came from that direction. They moved quickly down the corridors and stairways at a near run and were halfway back to the passageway when the murmur of hundreds of voices drifted up to them from below. Dinner was over.
xXxXxXx
Albus had just signed his name to the now magical contract when he felt the ward across Harry's door give way. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the way the brunet immediately whipped up a gun and trained it on his torso. "There has been a ward breach," he explained as he strode past Winner with his long-legged stride.
The brunet slid smoothly in front of the door, gun still held ready.
Albus frowned and turned to look at the blond. "What is this?"
Winner regarded him calmly. "I believe Harry's other guardians are in the process of taking him home."
Albus went still, his heart thumping. "Are you certain? Harry has some rather determined enemies."
The blond tilted his head curiously, his expression disturbingly benign. "I thought you were assured of Harry's safety here. That the Dark Lord and his minions could not reach him within these walls?"
"When you get to be my age, you'll find nothing is impossible," Albus warned sharply.
Winner gestured back at the desk. "Have a seat, Mr. Dumbledore. Harry is perfectly safe."
Albus' expression fell into something cold and dangerous. "I hope your friends understand that we are in a school. If any of my students are harmed, contract or no, I will be forced to act."
The blond didn't respond. He merely stared Albus down.
Slowly, reluctantly, he moved back toward his desk, very conscious of the weapon aimed between his shoulder blades. Stiffly, he remarked, "We'll need a magical witness to make the contract official."
"My husband will witness," Winner answered calmly, crossing his legs and folding his hands over his knee. His wand still rested in his lap.
Albus retook his seat, absorbing the fact that the brunet was also magical, either a Squib or a wizard.
Barton-Winner moved forward obediently at his husbands command. Still aiming the gun at Albus, he leaned forward and grasped the quill. He signed, eyes never leaving Albus. Throughout the impressive display, the gun never wavered a millimeter and his name rested perfectly on the line. The brunet straightened without a word and returned to his post by the door.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Winner said almost sweetly. He stood in a single graceful movement and tucked his wand away. He smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles in his robe, smiling charmingly across the desk at Albus. "Would you please see us to the front door? I'm not certain I could find the way on my own."
Albus rose, saying nothing. He highly doubted the blond's claim. He would bet that these two could navigate the path back to the front doors blindfolded after being spun around thrice. This was merely a tactic to keep him busy and in sight until Harry had been spirited away. And how exactly had more intruders gotten into the castle without the wards noticing? Plugging whatever gap these young men had found in the castle's defenses would be his first priority once this was over.
xXxXxXx
Duo slipped ahead of them to scout the way as Harry's breath quickened against Heero's ear. Heero didn't have time to spare to reassure the boy, but he did turn his head to brush his cheek against the teen's. He could feel the tension in Harry's arms and legs lessen a bit and had to be satisfied with that.
"Stupefy!"
Heero flung himself forward, pushing Harry off his back. He landed hard and rolled sideways, watching as Harry did the same. They both came up hard against opposite walls of the corridor. Heero's eyes flashed to the man who had attacked them from behind. He wore all black, tall, pale, armed and getting ready to fire a second time.
Bang!
The wizard's spell went wide as he was shot in the shoulder. His body jerked back and sideways, his wand arm now hanging limp, as Duo sprinted past them and jumped on their attacker. He had a cord in his hand, and he wrapped it around the wizard's throat before the man could recover. The wizard jack-knifed under Duo's weight, almost flinging the braided pilot off, but Duo clung like a bur. Heero moved quickly to help, stomping on the wizard's thigh to pin him in place. Flailing a moment longer, the greasy-haired wizard went limp.
Heero turned to Harry and saw the teen had taken up a defensive position with his back to the wall and was watching the corridor in both directions. Heero ruffled his hair as he passed, ordering him to keep close. They turned the corner before Duo rejoined them. The sounds of students grew closer. Heero ducked into a classroom, pulling Harry with him. Duo manned the door, leaving it open a crack so he could keep an eye on things.
"Did you kill him?"
Heero looked down at Harry. Large green eyes stared back at him unblinking. "No. The cord is blunted so it doesn't crush the larynx. He'll be unconscious for only a few minutes."
Harry nodded and looked away. He wrapped his arms around his torso nervously and he stared at Duo's back.
Heero pulled the teen in toward his side and hung his arm across Harry's narrow shoulders. "Once the students clear out, we'll move fast. Wufei is keeping our escape route open."
Harry nodded, his fingers curling into Heero's shirt. "Okay."
"Let's go," Duo called as he slipped out of the room.
Heero pushed Harry after his lover.
They only had to duck out of view once more before reaching Wufei. Harry had even giggled as the three of them squeezed into a cluttered closet, though that might be because Duo had taken advantage of their position, with Harry sandwiched between them, to tickle the teen. They had just slipped past the statue of the one-eyed woman when it moved on its own, slamming shut, and plunging them into perfect darkness.
"Lockdown," Heero voiced grimly.
"The alarm's been rung," Duo agreed.
"Wufei!" Harry's piping voice cried out. It was followed by an oomph as the Chinese pilot was hugged. "You came! Just like you promised."
"I will always keep my promise to you," Wufei murmured soothingly. "It's almost over, Harry, but we need to keep moving. Don't let go of me."
"I won't."
Wufei took the lead with Harry right behind him. Heero shoved Duo forward so his lover could watch Harry's back. Heero took up the rear. If any pursuit came after them, he would be ready. No one was taking Harry from him ever again.
xXxXxXx
Quatre looked back at the fantastic castle. It would have been invisible in the night if it hadn't been for the many warmly glowing windows that cast golden light across the rolling lawn. He could see that the front doors were still tightly closed. They had slammed behind them almost as soon as they stepped outside. He sighed and stared up at the star-speckled sky. It was breathtaking. The moon hadn't risen yet, so it was quite dark. The tall, oppressive trees whispered and sighed to their left. Hogsmeade twinkled in the distance. It was a gorgeous setting, except Quatre was in no mood to appreciate it.
"Do you think they got out in time?" Trowa asked quietly.
"I don't hear explosions, do you?" Quatre answered wryly as he shot his husband a smile.
Trowa smiled back, his shoulders relaxing. "No."
"I half wish we did," he remarked, his good humor falling away. "That was the most self-righteous, arrogant man I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. He was almost dissociative. One second he'd play benign king, the next he felt like a calculating politician. Dumbledore is dangerous, that's for certain. It's subtle, but I seriously doubt his sanity."
Trowa grunted.
Quatre felt his blood pressure rise as his control slipped. It had been nearly impossible to keep from attacking the smug asshole who had nearly ruined their lives. The memory of Harry flinging himself off the Eiffel Tower to his death while Quatre had stood rooted to the spot still burned like acid in his brain.
"He took Harry, and for what? Because of his sense of superiority? Because of some half-baked view of us? I'd bet half my fortune that, 'It's all for the best,' is one of Dumbledore's catch phrases! He's no better than that bastard Trieze who started the Earth-Space War because of some mad idea that he was the only one who could guide humanity in the right direction! It's people like that who destroy everyone around them, while convincing the rest of the world that it's the only way!"
He fell silent as Trowa's strong arm fell across his shoulders and pulled him into his side. They were already walking in sync, so neither of them stumbled with the maneuver. Quatre sighed and leaned into his love, biting back more angry words. They were nearly at the little town by this point, and they shouldn't draw attention to themselves.
Trowa led them off the path, toward the edge of the woods and the ramshackle house that sat a little apart of the town. It was outside the school wards and remarkable enough that they would all be able to find it, even in the dark. Black should be waiting there for them, ready to teleport them all back to London.
Quatre's aggravation fell away as a familiar wash of emotions brushed along his nerves. His breath caught in his throat as he threw himself forward at a run, Trowa on his heels. He practically burst through the front door, nearly taking it off its hinges. It was stupid, and it nearly got him shot, but he couldn't control himself. He caught sight of a small teenager with wide green eyes, and then he was flinging his arms around his Harry. A blessedly alive Harry.
"Quatre!" Harry's skinny arms held him tight enough to make breathing difficult. "Trowa!"
A pair of familiar arms wrapped around both him and Harry, holding them even tighter. Quatre couldn't stop smiling, even as his tears dampened the messy hair under his cheek.
"Are you okay?" Quatre demanded, not letting go.
"I'm fine, guys. I promise. Wufei and Heero already looked me over," Harry reassured them. He wiggled until Quatre released the teen enough that he could look up at them. Harry was flushed and tears dampened his own cheeks. "They said you're a wizard, too! Like me."
Quatre grinned back. "I'm going to be learning right alongside you."
Harry hugged him once more before pulling away so that he could throw his arms around the taller brunet. "Are you all right? Duo said you were the only one hurt from the memory thing."
"I've recovered, little one," Trowa answered softly, soothing the teen further as he gently ran his hand over Harry's hair. "I do not have false memories like the others. That night is a blank."
"I missed you all so much. It was horrible," Harry confessed, burying his face against Trowa's strong chest.
Quatre looked around the room for the first time. Wufei and Heero were leaning against opposite walls while Black, in dog form, and Duo stood near the center. Duo was grinning so wide that it was a wonder his head hadn't split in two. He had his hands linked behind his neck and was rocking on his toes with the excitement of having Harry back and the adrenaline rush of a successful mission. Black looked just as excited. His tail was wagging so furiously his whole body was rocking side to side.
"We're not secure," Heero spoke up.
Quatre caught his eyes and nodded. "Black, can you take all of us or will you need to make two trips?"
The dog morphed into a human, making Harry gasp. Trowa pulled him protectively into his side in response. "Two trips are risky. Might get noticed. It'll be tough, and I'll likely pass out on arrival, but I think I can do it."
"And if you can't?" Heero demanded with dangerously narrow eyes.
"I'll splinch one or two of us. Meaning a hand or a foot might be left behind." Black took a large step back and raised his hands in defense at Heero's look. "But it'll be the one furthest from my body. Put Harry right up against me and he'll be safe! And I have potions that will grow back anything left behind!"
"Dumbledore knows we're here somewhere and that we've taken Harry," Quatre offered in a reasonable tone. He squeezed Harry's shoulder reassuringly. The teen looked disturbingly pale. "I think making two trips will be fine."
Black gave a lopsided grin. "Good thing I took a Pepper-Up potion." He offered his arms. "All aboard!"
Trowa pushed Harry forward. Heero grabbed the teen's arm gently and positioned him against Black's chest. Harry allowed this, but his expression was alarmed and he kept his eyes on Heero the whole time.
"It will be fine," Quatre assured him. "We've teleported with Black a few times now. Nothing has gone wrong. Heero and Wufei will go with you. Black will come back for the rest of us soon. I promise."
Harry nodded and closed his eyes, one hand tangled in Heero's shirt, while he wrapped his other arm around Black's waist. Heero had a firm grasp on Black's right arm, Wufei had the left. Both pilots had their free hand on one of Harry's shoulders. Black gave Quatre a wry grin before the four of them disappeared with a loud crack.
"So, we at war or what?" Duo asked, cutting his violet eyes in his direction.
Quatre gave him a hard smile, allowing his fury to show beneath the surface. "Oh, we've made peace, but I wouldn't bet on it lasting long."
Duo nodded, understanding perfectly. "This is going to be fun," he drawled, making Trowa laugh.
Chapter end. Please review!
A/N: I'm so sorry for the long delay in updates, but this chapter was so anticipated that I wanted it to be really good. I re-wrote it at least four times, some of the sections I re-wrote even more than that! In addition, I'm off on vacation and won't be back home until February so it's been difficult to get in as much writing time as I'm used to. Anyway, I hope you like it. Please let me know if it was everything you expected!