Chapter Nine – A Hallow's Eve
Hallowe'en had arrived seemingly fast that year. Harry wasn't sure if it was because of the recent chaotic events in his life or due to his ever-increasing age. The years did seem to fly by ever faster as Harry got older.
The investigation, however, had reached a dead end. Reports still came from Malmire but they were more often than not relatively dull and inconsequential. The murder inquiry had run out of leads as well. Dean and his task force could not find anyone who was able to tell them about Laura Madley's recent life. Anyone who agreed to come forward would tell them the same story: 'She was a loner, lived off a dwindling inheritance, and was a bit cuckoo.' Her peers from her time at Hogwarts, however, told a different story. They had described her as 'pretty normal but quite nosey.' Harry's most recent hypothesis was that she must have stumbled upon the Child's true identity shortly after leaving Hogwarts and that her mind was altered by them at some point. That would mean that her killer had tried to pry her true memories out of her damaged mind and, in the process, caused her death.
Yet, even though Harry's enthusiasm for the case hadn't died down, the general public, along with most of his Aurors, had seemed to have grown weary of it. There were no new developments and no new crimes or strange incidents, after-all, and it looked as though many had assumed that it was indeed some lone killer who tried to cause a panic. Harry's frustration with the apathy that had surrounded him these days kept increasing. He knew there had to be more to it.
'You're not going to obsess over this case again tonight, are you?' asked Ginny as she noticed Harry's vague gaze. 'I can recognise this look on your face…'
'What? No, Ginny, I'm just thinking,' he replied indignantly.
'Yeah. Thinking about the Madley Murder again,' she shot back.
'Well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm under a lot of pressure to solve this one. I mean, there are constant progress reports to fill out for it every week and the Daily Prophet's up my – '
'Nobody's pressuring you anymore, though. Even the papers have left it alone already. Hermione's really concerned too. She said you almost exclusively talk about this case now. Everyone keeps avoiding mentioning it to you in case you go on another rant. Can't you relax a little?' requested Ginny in a pleading tone. But before Harry could retaliate again, she continued as she fixed Harry's shirt. 'Enough now. Let's just try to have a good time tonight, okay?'
They were both going over to Ron and Hermione's house for their – now traditional – Hallowe'en party. These gatherings had started initially as small events, only dedicated for close friends, family, and the former members of Dumbledore's Army. However, as Ron's considerable wealth and success grew bigger, and Hermione's network as a career politician got wider, their Hallowe'en events became increasingly more prestigious. Harry, who used to like coming over for Hallowe'en, now couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed with the tradition, as it meant a whole evening of elbow-rubbing with some of the snobbiest, richest, and most pompous people in the magical world.
'Can you zip up my dress please?' asked Ginny as she turned around.
Harry closed it and looked at his watch. 'We need to go soon, it's almost six-thirty,' he told his wife.
'Do you reckon we should disapparate from the hallway?' she asked.
'Yeah, I suppose that would be easier. Their driveway, right?'
'That's what my brother said.'
Harry waited for Ginny to gather her purse from their closet before descending the stairs to Lily's room. He knocked on the door before letting himself in.
'Okay Lil, Mum and I are leaving now. If you need anything just call Kreacher. Don't open the door for anybody and send him to us immediately if there's any trouble. Dinner will be ready soon and we'll be back in a few hours. Alright?' he asked his daughter.
'Alright. Goodnight, Daddy.'
'Goodnight, Lil.'
He kissed Lily's forehead and walked back out. Ginny and Harry proceeded to go downstairs to the long hallway. They stopped right at the door as Ginny gave him a look of reassurance. Harry concentrated on Ron and Hermione's home by Epping Forest and lifted his wand. Without a word, they both turned around in their spots and vanished from 12 Grimmauld Place.
Harry and Ginny reappeared at the end of a long driveway. There were thick woods on either side of it all the way to the house at the end. The house ahead of them was handsome, big, and roomy. Golden light emanated out of the many windows and the muffled sounds of conversation were heard from the wide entrance. Harry took Ginny by the hand and walked over to the palatial front of the house.
'Harry, m'boy!' called a familiar voice to their right. A gigantic-bellied old man in dark emerald green robes stepped forward and shook Harry's hand vigorously.
'Oh, hi Professor Slughorn,' greeted him Harry with as much enthusiasm as he could force.
'Call me Horace, dear boy, call me Horace! I am no longer a professor, and we are rather far from Hogwarts!' chuckled the old man.
'Right. How are you doing Horace?'
'Splendid m'boy, splendid. Retirement agrees with me indeed,' said Horace. 'Why you look wonderful. And dear Ginevra, as marvellous as ever!'
'You too Horace, you seem lively,' said Ginny.
'And I hear you two have been awfully busy. Heading an entire department at the Ministry and working as the sports section editor for the Daily Prophet. And all even without my help, well I say!' bellowed Horace as his big belly puffed up.
'Hi Horace, Harry, Ginny,' said Hermione's voice. She and Ron were standing at the entrance greeting their guests. Hermione's hair was smooth, long, and straight, it fell back onto her gleaming red dress. Ron was wearing a magnificent set of jet-black robes. Harry couldn't help but be reminded of the Yule Ball, back in their Hogwarts days, when Ron wore his old set of hideous second-hand robes and Hermione had been red with anger at him for his jealousy. He smiled as he observed how impressive they both looked now, how well adjusted.
They greeted Harry and Ginny with warm hugs and shook Slughorn's chubby hand.
'You can go settle at the pavilion. Just through the sitting room and past the rose garden, Horace,' said Hermione as she gestured toward the entrance. Due to the rather large number of people that now attended these events, Ron and Hermione had taken to hosting their parties outside at a dedicated pavilion rather than inside their home.
'We'll see you in a bit,' added Ron with a wink.
Harry, Ginny, and Slughorn walked through the impressive entrance hall and left into the big, yet cosy, sitting room. Harry had been familiar with it from many Christmas Eves and friendly visits. The room was both Ron and Hermione's personalities manifest. It had tall shelves which overflowed with hundreds upon hundreds of books. The large fireplace cast its golden light onto a handsome oak bar and a magnificent, marbled Wizard's Chess table.
They walked through the sitting room and into the softly lit rose garden. The high-pitched buzzing noise of a few dozen fairies filled the air. They were playing and zooming around the many jack-o'-lanterns which floated eerily among the roses. Soft, spooky music was faintly heard from the pavilion ahead. The large tent had been filled by hovering saucers which contained what Harry recognised as Hermione's famous bluebell fire. The flames protected the crowd from the late-October cold as well as casting a ghostly blue light. The crowd was sorted in round dining tables which were scattered around the near end of the pavilion. A band of enchanted skeletons was playing at the far end.
'Merlin's hat! They really do know how to get in the spirit of things!' observed Horace. Harry smiled at him. 'I must say, it is far more crowded than last year's party,' continued the old man.
'I suppose the list grew a bit since Hermione became Minister,' said Ginny wisely.
'Great…' replied Harry somewhat bitterly.
'Oh, hello Melinda! How have you been my dear?!' called Slughorn as he suddenly disappeared into the crowd.
Harry had barely noticed his disappearance, when a small crowd of pompous-looking Ministry officials had swept upon him. As he shook their hands and exchanged painfully dull pleasantries, Harry had managed to mumble 'find someone from the DA please,' to his wife between his teeth.
'Hey Luna! Rolf! Over here!' called Ginny as she pulled and rescued Harry from the grasps of the boring bunch.
Luna, their old friend, was a witch with waist-length, straggly, dirty blonde hair, and protuberant silvery eyes which made her look dreamily distracted. Her husband, Rolf Scamander, was a tall, scrawny, brown-eyed wizard with a slightly awkward look about him. They both got up from their table to greet Harry and Ginny.
'Oh, hi Harry, Ginny,' said Luna as she and her husband hugged them. 'Come sit with us.'
'How have you been Luna?' asked Ginny as they both sat down at the table.
'Pretty great, the Quibbler is doing better than ever now. I took Rolf's advice and started printing more articles about "conventional" creatures,' she exclaimed with a look at her husband. Rolf went slightly red and smiled at Harry swiftly. He was never very talkative.
'Are you still writing that children's book?' continued Ginny.
'The Friendly Crumple-Horned Snorkack! Yes, I do! I think it's ought to bring more awareness to these incredibly rare creatures,' replied Luna enthusiastically.
'I can't wait to read it to Lily,' said Ginny with a half-genuine, half-amused smile.
'You look in pain Harry,' stated Luna. She had never lost her knack of making others uncomfortable by reading their moods publicly and accurately.
'Bit of a stomach-ache,' lied Harry.
'You should drink some Gulping Plimpy oil! It always helps me!'
By the time Harry had formed a reply, a massive hand had patted him on the shoulder which made his chair creak a little.
''Er ye are Harry! Happy Hallowe'en!' said Hagrid as he moved the two chairs to Harry's right and positioned his own, large, enforced one in their place. 'Hermione suggested I should probably 'ave me own seat, after las' year's mess. She also said ter save 'er and Ron two seats with us,' said the giant gamekeeper as he sat down.
'How are you Hagrid?' asked Ginny.
'Fine dear, fine. Albus seems ter 'ave settled down nicely overall. Came ter visit a couple o' times with his little friend, tha' Scorpius boy, nice kid, doesn' take after his dad much, only by looks.'
'And how's Neville doing?' asked Harry in a veiled attempt at getting some information. Ginny gave him a warning, unapproving look. He had never told Hagrid about Neville's part in the investigation. Mainly because of Hagrid's unfortunate tendency to accidentally spill the beans on secret plans.
'He's doin' fine. Very proud o' his little godson. Said he couldn' come tonight because he had to keep watch on some growing Mandrakes. Oh, and ya didn' hear this from me, but I hear a rumour tha' he and Hannah are plannin' on havin' a child o' their own.'
'Really? That's wonderful!' said Ginny.
'About time!' exclaimed Harry.
A few minutes had passed by with friendly conversation and some warm memories from Harry's time at Hogwarts. By then the tables had mostly been filled by the many guests that had arrived. The Weasley family: Molly, Arthur, Bill, Fleur, George, Angelina, Percy, and Audrey, had all waved at them affectionately as they sat down at a table nearby.
'If I could have everyone's attention, please!' called Ron's magically enhanced voice from the front of the tent. Harry had barely noticed that the music had stopped playing. 'Our brand-new Minister for Magic would like to say a few words before we all tuck in,' he said as the crowd cheered loudly. Hagrid clapped his hands so vigorously, that the table quaked and made Harry's glass of water spill over.
'Thank you, Ron' said Hermione as she kissed her husband and pointed her wand at her neck. 'I don't really have much to say tonight. I just wanted to thank you all for the amazing support that you've shown for our campaign. It's been a long, tough road, and there's still so much work to be done. I hope I can be a Minister that makes you all proud to be part of the British and Irish magical community!' Everyone cheered and clapped again as she continued. 'Now, if everyone could please tap their choice of food and drinks from the menus at their tables twice with their finger or wand.'
Harry grabbed the menu ahead of his plate. He fancied the steak and mashed potatoes along with a glass of Firewhisky. He tapped his wand at his choices and, with a small pop, both items appeared in front of him. Soon similar sounds of pops and clanks of metal filled the pavilion all around them. Loud chatter had resumed by now.
'Neat little trick huh?' said Ron as he sat down at the table alongside Hermione.
'Just like Hogwarts,' answered Harry with a smile.
'We even had house-elves cook this time. I've convinced Hermione,' he added with a cheeky smile. 'We couldn't possibly cook for so many people on our own, even with my mum's help.'
'And they are all very well, and fairly, paid, right Ron?' added Hermione pointedly.
'O' cour-th-e,' mumbled Ron as he began shoving great portions of Curry into his mouth.
Hermione looked at him with an exasperated, yet slightly amused, look. 'How are you doing Harry?' she asked in a careful tone, which slightly angered him.
'I'm fine Hermione. And please, if you have any further concerns about my mental state, I would like you to talk to me about it rather than go gossiping – '
'Wow hey! Harry, relax mate,' Ron stopped him before he could finish.
'You're right,' exclaimed Hermione. 'Harry I'm sorry I went behind your back, but you seem an awful lot like your former self lately. I – we, were worried that you might be obsessing over this case a little.'
'Someone died, Hermione,' replied Harry.
'Someone dies every week. Even when Mortedigne was causing all that mess in Europe, you weren't this tense.'
'It's more personal now though, isn't it Harry?' joined Luna out of the blue. 'He is obviously traumatized by everything that has happened and seeing the Dark Mark again couldn't have been easy on him.'
'Yeah – er – something like that,' said Harry a little ashamedly. Luna had demonstrated again how she could be both highly intelligent and extremely blunt at times.
'I'm sorry, Harry,' apologised Hermione.
'I'm sorry for getting angry,' he responded.
'Now isn' tha' nice?' asked Hagrid, who was halfway through his 10th glass of Dragon Barrel Brandy. 'All good now w' yer – er – now shake hands an' be friends again.'
'Hagrid we're thirty-seven…' said Harry with a suppressed chuckle.
'And ya still behave like righ' little brats sometimes – ' *BURP* '– somebody needs ter teach ya ter – ' *BURP*. The rest of Hagrid's sentence was swallowed by their laughter. ''scuse me I must've drank a little fast,' said Hagrid as he joined in laughing.
Harry felt a little better sitting with his old friends again, laughing, and cracking jokes. He helped himself to some more Firewhiskey and pudding.
When they had all finished eating, Ron got up from his chair to look around and see if everyone was done with their meals. He then looked at Hermione who nodded. Ron pointed his wand at his throat and said, 'If everyone is done with their food now, we would like to proceed with tonight's plan! Everybody please get up from your chairs and grab any drinks you'd like to keep. If anyone needs further refreshment, there is a bar over there,' he pointed in the direction of one of the corners of the tent in which a fully stocked, massive bar had appeared. About ten house-elves walked behind it and began preparing glasses of different shapes and sizes. 'Just tell one of the bartenders what you need, and they will get it for you. Now feel free to walk around and chat, explore the house a little, or hit the dance floor!'
As everyone got up from their seats, Hermione waved her wand in a single motion. The large dining tables and chairs vanished, and in their stead appeared an array of black and gold cocktail tables which scattered around the pavilion. The skeleton band immediately began playing again, now at a much faster pace.
'We better go mingle a bit,' said Hermione as she grabbed Ron out of the way of George and Angelina, who ran towards the dance floor.
'But – ' said Ron with a longing look at the bar. They had both disappeared before Harry could hear the rest of Ron's sentence.
'Wanna go for a stroll? I need to walk off this steak…' muttered Harry to his wife.
Ginny nodded her head and joined him. Hagrid was already half-way to the bar, where a particularly small and frightened-looking house elf clutched a massive cask and gave his co-worker a knowing glance.
Harry and Ginny walked back into the cool night air of the rose garden. The fairies, still playing around the floating pumpkins, were casting an eerie glow over the various plants and shrubs of the garden.
'"Better go mingle a bit"' said Ginny with a snigger and a mocking tone.
Harry laughed. 'She has changed, hasn't she? Used to despise the politician-y type, now look at her.'
'Well, you know what they say these days, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become Cornelius Fudge.'
Harry snorted again. Ginny always knew how to make him laugh. Here, in the dim light and fresh autumn air, he could remember how he felt when they'd kissed for the first time. How he loved her. Even now with all the bickering and arguing, all the stress of his job and his ever-growing pile of worries, there was one consistent, reliable, good, and pure thing: Ginny. Harry leaned over and kissed his wife.
'Potter,' said a voice behind them.
'What? Ahem, oh, hey, hi Mr Smith,' Harry let go of Ginny awkwardly fast.
'Potter I need a word with you,' said the old grey man. Josiah Smith was the head examiner for the Auror Office. He oversaw the training and examination of potential Aurors for the Ministry. He had a tough look about him, which had only been amplified with age.
'What is it?' asked Harry.
But before Smith could answer, a young man's voice came from the rose garden. 'Hey Harry, Ginny, Mr Smith,' said Teddy Lupin. Had had just arrived at the party looking a bit dishevelled.
'Hi Teddy, you're a bit late, what happened?' asked Ginny.
'Yeah, I was training and lost track of time. There isn't any food left by any chance, is there?' he queried hopefully.
'Go over to the kitchen. You might be able to snag something off,' answered Harry.
'Good kid, eh?' Harry asked Smith as Teddy disappeared through the rose bushes.
'Yeah…' replied the old man. 'Listen, about him Potter – '
'What about him?' cut him off Harry, suddenly serious.
'Well… I know he's your godson, and don't get me wrong, he's a great lad, but he – er – he isn't really Auror material.'
'What?!' said Harry, anger rising through him for the second time that evening, 'What do you mean?'
'I mean… He's good at self-concealment, and maybe potions, but he loses his composure in stressful situations. He simply cannot clear his head and focus on a task under pressure. His spellwork's everywhere, his charms backfire, he can't even perform nonverbal hexes in a timely manner. He's not the worst in his class, but he's certainly not among the best.'
'So, you're not going to recommend Teddy for the office?' asked Harry, dreading the answer.
'I can't in good conscience let Edward become an Auror. He's got a good sharp mind, but none of the combat skills required from an Auror. I believe he might be better suited for the Department of Mysteries.'
'Oh, you think so, do you?' asked Harry venomously. He was truly angry now. After all the effort Teddy had been putting into this, all the time he'd spent dreaming of becoming an Auror just like his mother, of being a brave warrior like his father. This sour old fart thought he had the right to strip Teddy of everything he had ever dreamed of becoming, since he was in diapers.
'Yes, I really do,' replied Smith in a grave tone, not detecting the danger he was in.
'REALLY?' exclaimed Harry more forcefully. 'Well, I don't think so, Smith.'
'What – '
'You know what I think, Smith? I think that you need to go and re-evaluate your concerns about Edward Lupin. I think that if you don't want to end up in the bad books of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, you are going to acknowledge the fact that Teddy Lupin is very much qualified to be an Auror in our department – '
'Now wait here Potter, I don't think that's very – ' started the old man.
'I don't CARE what you think, Smith. I should hope that, if YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU, you will not disappoint me,' concluded Harry. He had stepped forward without realising it and was mere inches away from Smith's scarred face.
For a second, Harry thought the old man was reaching for his wand. He almost reached for his before Smith turned around and said 'You are sending this kid to die, Potter. He can't handle this job, no matter how much you want him to.' And with one last disgusted look at Harry, the old man turned and walked back into the pavilion.
Harry was breathing heavily. He was very much done with this evening. He glared at Smith's figure without realising Ginny had been looking at him with worry in her eyes.
'WHAT?' he snapped at his wife when he finally realised what she was doing.
'Harry… that was… bad, what you did. This was… corrupt… Was that wise, really?' said Ginny in a concerned tone that horrendously reminded Harry of Hermione.
'I can't just let this old bag of socks screw over Teddy's future simply because he flunked a couple of exams Ginny!'
'But he didn't just flunk an exam, Harry. Smith said he really wasn't doing well… I guess this is why he keeps training all the time… He's really not performing well enough as an Auror, Harry – '
'Well, he's got a great work ethic then! God knows we could use some hardworking Aurors in this department,' replied Harry indignantly.
'And what are you going to do then, when he can't keep up with the rest of them?'
'I'll just have to train him myself, every day if I must, until he's just as good as any of them.'
'But – '
'Enough Ginny, I'm done with this conversation. I need another drink if you don't mind.' He led her back towards the bar.
'Another Firewhiskey please,' muttered Harry to one of the elves. Hagrid and Slughorn were sitting nearby, singing another one of their famously loud renditions of Odo The Hero. People were chatting and laughing all around. How could anyone enjoy this that much? Harry thought to himself.
As he was waiting for his drink, Harry noticed Bargok the goblin, the current Head of Gringotts, making an order of his own to an elf nearby. He was talking to a wizard Harry hadn't recognised.
'We've invested a lot of money into your boss's new business… I just hope it yields some proper revenue or I'll be crucified for this at the bank,' said the goblin.
'You have nothing to worry about Bargok,' replied the wizard. He spoke with an American accent. Harry contemplated for a second before reminding himself that Rasmi had lived in America for several years prior. He must have had plenty of connections there.
'Mr van Helmont is a very responsible man. He believes we have a winning product. And I think his credentials more than prove he is capable of delivering.'
'I hope you're right Mr Cooper,' exclaimed the goblin.
Harry got his glass of Firewhiskey and walked back out of the pavilion. This time he and Ginny went in the direction of the large fountain by the lawn. Guests were scattered in groups on the benches around the fountain. Harry recognised Seamus and Dean having a chat nearby. He waved at them politely as he passed them by and turned left toward the small vantage point at the end of the estate.
'We still have to find a musical act for it you know,' Harry had heard Hermione's voice say in the distance.
'I can probably arrange for The Cult of Casper to play there, I know the lead singer,' said Rasmi's voice right from beside Hermione's.
'Wait, you know the lead singer of The Cult of Casper?' Ginny asked Rasmi enthusiastically as they reached the vantage point and joined Ron, Hermione, Rasmi, and a pretty, young blonde witch Harry didn't recognise.
'Who are The Cult of Casper?' inquired Harry.
'It's that new band I told you about,' said Ginny, the one with the cat lead singer? Fluffy white one. He's a Turkish Angora I think.'
'Their lead singer is a cat?' queried Harry.
'Yes, a talking cat. They're the most popular band around these days. I really like them. James likes them too. You really aren't in the loop, are you?'
'I thought the Weird Sisters were the best…' replied Harry.
Rasmi and the young witch next to him giggled. 'They were… in the nineties. Now they're kind of old, aren't they?' replied Rasmi.
'You said you know Casper?' continued Ginny with an embarrassed look at her husband.
'Yeah…' said Rasmi. 'He's my cousin.'
'The – er – cat is your cousin?'
'Yeah well, I mean, he's not really a cat you see. He's more of a failed Animagus…'
'What?!' called Ginny in astonishment.
'Yeah, he screwed a couple of things up when he tried becoming one. Got stuck as a talking, singing, fluffy, white cat. Not many people know that about Casper really.'
'Merlin's socks. That is some piece of gossip,' said Ginny with a grin.
Rasmi chuckled. 'By the way, I haven't introduced my date here yet. Harry, Ginny, this is Maeve Brown. She's an old friend from Hogwarts. Maeve, this is Harry and Ginevra Potter.'
'Nice to finally meet you,' said the blonde witch as she shook their hands. 'I guess you weren't lying when you said you knew Harry Potter, Ras.'
'I am shocked that you would think that! When have I ever told a lie MB?' replied Rasmi sarcastically as Maeve laughed.
'Brown?' asked Harry. 'Any relation to Lavender Brown?'
'She was my aunt,' answered Maeve.
Lavender Brown had been one of the many casualties of the Battle of Hogwarts. She also happened to be Ron's ex from their school days.
'You must be Reed Brown's daughter then, right? inquired Ron. 'You gonna be a Healer like your dad?'
'Yup. That's the plan. I'm currently studying at St. Mungo's School for Healers.'
As the conversation around them dragged on, Rasmi leaned towards Harry and whispered, 'How do you like them Nuntilluds I made you?'
'They're working great, thanks again,' replied Harry.
'You don't seem to be finding what you're looking for over at Malmire though?' said the young man.
'How did you – '
'You're using my technology and my magic Harry Potter. There isn't much one can hide from me when it's written in my Nuntilluds,' muttered Rasmi. 'Don't worry though,' he added noticing Harry's face, 'Your secrets are safe with me. And, once my company takes off, I would have no problem sharing any and all of the information I am privy to with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.'
'I suppose it could be useful,' replied Harry. He wasn't sure he was happy with this new development. But then again, these Nuntilluds were very helpful…
'You've got it all up and running then?' he asked.
'Yep,' answered Rasmi. 'I've already secured all the funding I need and I'm now renting a spot in Diagon Ally. We're due to open next month.'
'Brilliant.'
'Couldn't have done it without Ron here,' he added. 'He was a major contributor to the company.'
'Aren't they brilliant mate?' Ron had joined the conversation. 'Bound to make all that messy owl post obsolete. It'll only be useful for packages, I reckon.'
'Yeah…' said Harry. His thoughts were now drifting back to the Madley case. If Rasmi's technology could somehow help them find the killer…
'Anything new on Madley's killer?' asked Rasmi suddenly. It was either an extreme coincidence, thought Harry, or another potential resemblance of Rasmi to Dumbledore: the ability to perform Legilimency with no apparent effort. Harry hadn't liked being read like that even when it was done by his old mentor.
'Oh, don't get him started,' snorted Ginny.
'No,' said Harry with a sigh and a look at Ginny, 'not really. It seems they vanished into obscurity again.'
'I just hope they didn't get to whoever this Child is yet…' replied Rasmi as he took a sip of his drink.
'Likewise…' said Harry. 'But I imagine we would have heard a whiff of it if it did happen.'
Harry couldn't think of anything else to say about the case, or rather that he'd dared say next to Ginny. They stood in silence and listened to Hermione and Maeve's conversation about advanced healing charms. After several moments, Rasmi made a face at Harry.
'I always find these types of events kinda dull, don't you?' he whispered at Harry.
'Yes, very dull,' replied Harry gratefully. He was glad to not be the only one who didn't appear to enjoy himself that evening.
'Say, did you get the chance to practice the Amarous charm a bit?' asked Rasmi.
'Yeah, a little,' stated Harry. 'Can't say that I've performed it as much as I'd want.'
'Wanna have a little live drill now?' queried the young man enthusiastically.
'With the Killing Curse? Sure, why n – '
'Harry NO!' called Hermione abruptly. She had heard the last bit of their conversation. 'It's too dangerous!'
'Don't worry, we'll practice the Amarous charm on its own first,' replied Rasmi in a calming tone.
'It's still too dangerous! I can't be the only one who sees that. Ginny? Ron?'
'I'm not a child anymore Hermione,' said Harry, annoyed again at his friend's patronising words. 'Besides, how am I supposed to be able to work it well in a real, dangerous situation if I hadn't done it before in practice?'
He didn't know what made him agree to the proposal. Perhaps it was the whiskey in his veins, or his boredom and frustration with this party in particular and his sedentary life in general. All he knew was that he had yearned to feel alive again just for a moment.
'You realise you could die, right? This isn't some game Harry,' she retorted and then looked at her husband. 'Say something, Ron.'
'You could use our practice pitch for – '
'RON!' yelled Hermione.
'Are you okay with me doing this?' Harry asked Ginny.
'You're a grown man,' she answered.
'We'll be extremely careful, don't worry,' Rasmi reassured Hermione.
Harry hadn't missed Hermione's disapproving looks from their school days. She was staring at him intensely now, perhaps wishing to guilt him out of this irresponsible performance. Yet, somehow, it had the opposite effect on Harry. It made him feel young again, reckless, just as he was in his teens. He suppressed a smile.
Half an hour later they were all standing in the Quidditch practice pitch at the north-eastern end of the manor. Ron had it built so he could practice along with Rose and Hugo in their free time. Nearly all the guests of the party had come to watch the demonstration. They were completely surrounded by people. The Amarous charm was still very much a novelty in ordinary wizarding circles and not many had seen it in action. Harry and Rasmi stood facing each other. Teddy, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione – who had come to watch the exercise despite her disapproval of it – were all standing to Harry's right.
'Thank you all for coming to see our little show!' called Rasmi at the crowd. He seemed to be enjoying himself. 'Now first, as you may have guessed, Harry must practise the spell on its own to make sure he is ready and capable of performing it, not that I have any doubts that he can,' he winked at Harry. 'This is also done in order to prevent any unfortunate accidents since we are indeed dealing with an incredibly dangerous form of magic.'
He then turned to Harry. 'As you probably know Harry, this charm is somewhat based on the Patronus Charm. So, just as with the Patronus you focus on mustering the happiest memory you can think of, here you should try and focus on someone you love, intensely, and would be willing to sacrifice yourself for. Preferably this would be someone, or someone-s, who would feel the same way about you. I like to think of my family and some of my close friends. You must then empty your mind of anything else and only think of that person, or people, and your will to protect yourself for their sake. Then, place the tip of your wand in the palm of your hand like so,' Rasmi demonstrated the move, 'summon a corporeal form of this love and will to live, clench your hand, say the incantation: "Amarous", and pull up your wand!' As Rasmi pulled up his wand, a bright screen of light red and gold was conjured from between his hand palm and the wand's tip.
'Your turn now, Harry,' said the young man as he relaxed his arm and let his shield vanish.
Harry focused his mind. It wasn't hard to choose who to think of; he concentrated hard on James, Albus, Lily, and Ginny. How he would give his own life in a heartbeat to save each and every one of them. And how devastated they would be if he did… He had to succeed in this. He pictured Ginny's mournful face, Albus and James' anger at him for having abandoned them, and Lily sobbing in misery. He would do anything to prevent that. Harry placed the tip of his wand in his hand and concentrated with all his might on it as little, gentle, golden flames began to appear around his arm. He clenched his fist, called 'Amarous!' and pulled back his wand. The same bright shied of light red and gold appeared between his wand's end and his hand. The people around Harry began clapping loudly. He smiled at Ron, Teddy, Ginny, and Hermione as his bright screen faded.
'VERY good!' called Rasmi. 'You should probably try it a couple more times just to get comfortable with it. If anybody else wants to try it for themselves, please feel welcome to do so. When you're ready to test your mettle against the Killing Curse, Harry, let me know.'
Harry nodded at him. Soon the pitch filled with calls of 'Amarous' and the light of numerous bright screens of colourful light. Hermione had conjured the charm perfectly every time, as expected, while Ginny had been almost as good. Ron and Teddy, however, had appeared to be having a little more trouble in mastering it. They repeated the incantation and motion a few times to no avail until, on his third try, Ron had managed to conjure a shield of his own.
Harry practised a few more times – as Rasmi had suggested – to gain more confidence. When he felt that the charm had come to him almost as naturally as casting a Patronus, he signalled to the young man that he was ready. The crowd went silent as Rasmi took his position in front of Harry. Harry felt cold sweat building up on his skin. He was anxious. He tried calming his nerves by breathing slowly and heavily. Rasmi himself appeared rather nervous too as he trembled a little when he stretched his wand arm and shook his head.
'Ready then, Harry?' asked Rasmi in a shaky tone.
'Yes,' he replied.
'Alright, I will count to three and then cast it. I'll be aiming it at the middle of your chest. Get in position.'
Harry put his right foot back and little and place his wand in his hand again. He concentrated hard on Ginny and his children as he heard Rasmi's voice call 'One.' He had to protect them, 'Two.' He had to keep living to do so. 'THREE.' I can do this…
'Avada Kedavra!'
'Amarous!'
A loud *BANG* was heard as the stream of green light had reached its target. Harry's shield had been shattered into oblivion as he felt himself being pushed back forcefully. He was unharmed.
The crowd burst with applauds as Harry let out a massive sigh of relief. Even Hermione couldn't help herself but cheer as Ron and Teddy high-fived and Ginny called 'That's my husband, WOOOO!'
'Amazing Harry!' shouted Rasmi. 'Now, I want to give everyone just one little disclaimer!' he said as he pointed his wand at his throat to be heard over the massive crowd. 'This was obviously a drill performed by an extremely competent and professional fighter! I urge you to not try this trick at home as it is EXTREMELY dangerous to do so!'
'Can't make any promises,' Harry heard George Weasley whisper to his brother Bill.
'Also,' Harry called, now pointing his own want at his neck, 'I want to add something to Mr van Helmont's comments. Everyone here must remember that in a real situation, where a dark wizard or witch is casting the Killing Curse at your direction, there would be no preparation or pleasantries exchanged. You would have no time to get ready like I did here. Therefore, I would only recommend using this charm in a case where escaping or dodging the Curse is impossible.'
'Well said,' concluded Rasmi.
'Thank you. You know, you're a decent teacher,' said Harry. 'You should maybe think of a career at Hogwarts.'
'And miss all the fun I'm having out of it?' chuckled Rasmi, 'Maybe when I'm older.' He winked.
'Well, think about it,' said Harry with a smile. 'I think everyone can practice some more now, just for a little bit longer, to get the hang of it.'
'Actually,' interjected Rasmi, 'I was wondering if you would do me the honours of a short duel? All clean, of course, no unforgivable curses here, just a polite duel between friends.'
'You want me to duel you?' asked Harry in surprise. The crowd around them went silent as Harry fixed his gaze at the man facing him. 'Well, only if you're up for having the floor wiped with you!' he called with a smile. Harry heard Ginny sigh and mumble something that sounded a lot like 'Boys…'
'Great! I always wanted to see how I would do in a fair fight against the great Harry Potter,' the youngster called back at him. 'Though I wish we could've done this when you were younger. Now I'm not sure this will be as fun with your old-man reflexes!'
Harry laughed at his taunts. This young man was certainly something.
'It's fine if you want to stay and watch,' Harry addressed the crowd of guests again, 'If everyone could just go over to the seats at the edges of the pitch, though, to make us some room? Ron,' he turned to his friend, 'would you mind officiating?'
'Sure Harry,' he replied.
'There's no need for seconds in this right?' asked Harry.
'I should hope not!' joked Rasmi.
'This should be interesting,' Harry heard Bill Weasley whisper as he turned back and walked over to the spectator seating area.
Harry and Rasmi stepped back further away from each other as Ron moved into position. He raised his wand and looked at the two men on either side of him.
'Now bow,' said Ron. Harry and Rasmi bowed and then got into accepted combative positions.
'Alright, you start at the count of three,' stated Ron. 'One. Two. Three!' he yelled as he sent red sparks flying through the air between them and stepped back.
'Expelliarmus!' shouted Harry.
'Really?' Rasmi called back as he repelled the charm with ease. 'Are you that predictable?'
'Just wanted to see how alert you were,' Harry joked back. He threw a nonverbal Full Body-Bind Curse next which was deflected just as easily. Harry paused for a second before sending an array of nonverbal spells at Erasmus who, in turn, blocked them all easily with no retaliation on his part.
'Are you going to start fighting back?' taunted Harry. 'This duel we're having feels pretty one-sided so far.' He could hear the spectators laughing.
'In a bit,' said the young man. 'I want to assess your technique first.'
Harry made a face at him. He sent another array of hexes at the boy, this time much faster. Rasmi seemed to be observing him curiously as he blocked each and every one of them again and again.
'You're using Tokefi's Sequential Assault Technique,' said Rasmi with a chuckle. 'Typical Auror.'
Harry was getting slightly annoyed by now. This buffoon was the one who had challenged him, after-all. When was he going to actually fight Harry instead of teasing him endlessly?
As if he had heard Harry's thoughts again, Rasmi called almost immediately, 'Let's make this more interesting now, shall we?' he said with a quick smile before launching a fast counterattack in the form of an incredibly swift and colourful array of jinxes. His opponent had seemed to have tried to annoy Harry on purpose. He was almost caught off guard but had managed to block most of them and dodge the rest.
'Finally!' he called at his adversary.
Rasmi launched a giant ball of green smoke at Harry as the latter dispersed it and retaliated with a silent Knockback Jinx. Rasmi apparated several feet to his immediate right to avoid Harry's spell and proceeded to try and overwhelm Harry with a fresh flow of hexes and jinxes. The young man was moving so fast, Harry could barely keep up. He resorted to just defending himself now.
I cannot keep this up forever, thought Harry as he concentrated on a spot directly behind Rasmi. The moment he had the chance for it, Harry turned around swiftly in his spot. With a small pop, he had disapparated from his original position to a few feet from Rasmi's rear.
'Expelliarmus!' called Harry, as Rasmi turned around. This time Harry's charm was much closer to hitting home.
Rasmi smiled and pointed his wand at the ground. 'Tired yet, Potter?' he asked.
'Not even close,' retorted Harry. He was about to provoke him back, but the words had vanished from Harry's mouth as soon as he saw what he was facing next. Rasmi had conjured a massive, 10-foot high, mud golem from the ground between them. He heard the onlookers gasp as he saw it swinging its giant arms backwards in preparation for making, what was sure to be, a Harry-Potter-Pancake.
Harry quickly summoned a large bright blue dome via a protective enchantment he'd learned as an Auror. As the golem's giant arms splattered over Harry's defence, he thought to himself: this is remarkable. Every little act of stalling, every jab, and every taunt Rasmi sent his way had been meticulously calculated to his own benefit. This was no ordinary boy. This young wizard was an artist of magic, a formidable opponent. It was a far more interesting duel than Harry had expected it to be.
As the mud dispersed Harry got back up and vanished his protective dome. He suddenly realised Rasmi had gotten much closer to him. The young wizard had his arms crossed in a weird fashion before smiling at Harry, spreading them wide, and shouting 'Sumōkumirā!'
About a dozen Rasmi clones sprang out of the Rasmi's sides and formed a circle around Harry. He was surrounded.
'Crazy, eh?' said all the clones in unison. 'I picked this little trick up in Kyoto. There is such variety of magic out there in the world, shame so many wizards only look within their own magical cultures for spells… Can you guess which one's the real me?'
Harry was thoroughly confused now. He raised his wand and aimed it at the Rasmi in front of him, the one out of which all the clones sprang out.
'Impedimenta!' called Harry. His jinx had reached its target… and went right through Rasmi's clone as if it were a ghost.
'Wrong one!' called the Rasmi-s. They all mirrored each other's movements and speech it seemed. Maybe I can use this to my advantage, thought Harry.
Before he could think of something to do, however, all the Rasmi-s made the same swift motion and Harry was hit by 12 different Tickling Charms, each from a different direction. Or rather, one true Tickling Charm and 11 fake ones. An uncontrollable sensation of tickles swept Harry. He started laughing hysterically, he could barely breathe.
'Ta – Tata – Tarant – Tarantallegra!' called Harry through his giggles as his spell shot out of his wand and passed right through another one of Rasmi's non-solid clones.
Rasmi sent another hex disguised as 12 in Harry's direction. He managed to escape that, however, by diving down flat on the ground. From the corner of his eye, Harry saw that the clones' feet were not moving the grass as they shifted. Make him move around, he thought desperately.
The clones sent another assortment of spells his way. Harry had managed to block it this time by spinning fast and performing another Shield Charm. He figured out the direction from which the spell came and shot a jinx that same way.
'Missed again,' said the clones.
But Harry wasn't counting on hitting his target just yet. He focused on the clone before him and, as he shot his jinx, Harry noticed a quick motion to the clone's left. He then began shooting more charms, jinxes, and hexes in every direction to try and spot Rasmi's feet shifting the grass below him.
'This isn't going to work Harry!' taunted the clones again.
Oh, but it is, thought Harry as he stopped dramatically and stared at one of the clones. He was quite certain he knew where the real Rasmi was at that point.
The Rasmi-s stared at him as he stood there unmoving, waiting for the right moment. The clones opened their mouths to taunt him again and, as they did, Harry raised his wand looking fiercely at the Rasmi straight ahead of him. In one swift motion, he called 'Everte Statum!' and pointed his wand at a spot directly behind him.
It worked. With a quick yell, the real Rasmi flew up high in the air and landed on the ground several feet away. The clones vanished at once and Harry ran towards Rasmi's figure.
Rasmi got back on his feet quickly, aimed his wand at Harry and yelled 'AHA!'
'Expelliarmus!' called Harry and Rasmi's wand flew straight out of his right hand. He smiled triumphantly before noticing…
'Wait, was that a… TWIG?!'
'Stupefy!'
Harry's short-lived victory was snatched from him as he felt himself being launched backwards, his wand flying out of his hand. Rasmi had replaced his wand with a stick he had found on the ground and held it up as bait. As soon as Harry let his guard down, he pulled his actual wand from behind his back with his left hand and stunned him. Harry let out a silent frustrated growl as he lay on the grass, defeated.
