MERRY CHRISTMAS (HAPPY CHRSITMAS) - & A GREAT NEW YEAR!

Another chapter done. We are near the end for this part of the tale. Here's what's going to happen. The next chapter will focus on the third task and the end. Depending on the length it may even have an alternate ending. However the alternate - is not the real one-just what I wanted to write. but there are too many loose ends to finish this in one story. Hence there will be a part 2.

After some very good advice - I will be reworking the first ten chapters of this one. Repairing spelling errors, highlighting scene breaks that sort of thing.

Since I'm on the topic - there are many scene changes in this chapter. It's just the way it shook out but important for the story.

Anyway thank gain for all of the support. I enjoy any comments and look forward to criticisms.

thanks

b.

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The adrenaline the boys had felt had worn off a long time ago. It had been a very busy night. They had to coordinate with the colonel which hotels and how many rooms were available. In some cases moving current guests to other hotels and covering their stays for the inconvenience of being moved. And all of that through Gringott's, who actually managed the businesses for them. They had elves "popping" back and forth through much of the night. They left the coordination of moving the families to the colonel.

"His idea to have a dummy hotel is a good one. Hopefully, they'll take the bait to find many guns and wands on them."

Then the two teens visited Longbottom Hall. While Neville briefed his grandmother and checked on his parents. Harry called the girls. They each had housecoats on, which was a clue that their guests were nearby.

"We were never in any danger. We'll give you a full briefing in the morning." Seeing Daphne's eyes dart left and right he added, "Nev's checking on his parents. Then we have to call the alliance lords and ladies. Is there anything you need to tell us?"

Hermione took a breath to speak at length, but Luna's nudge ended it. "Nothing that can't wait." They were still bleary-eyed. The girls had gotten to bed late and were going to compound the issue by getting up early.

"We should be back in time for breakfast. We'll have to brief Dumbledore first though."

"Do you think he'll realize that you've been gone all night?"

Harry shrugged. "Don't really care. The wards will tell him when we come back though." After the standard closing comments, they disconnected quickly so the girls could still get a couple or three hours more of sleep in before sunrise.

They apparated in front of the locked gates. They didn't discuss it, but each thought they could apparate through the wards. But they knew that wouldn't just wake up the headmaster, but it would wake every other adult in the school depending on the state of the wards. "It's us," Neville said pushing some magic at the gate. "Let us in please."

The gate clicked open and closed behind them. Similarly, the huge doors opened for the two. Argus would be along any minute to officially unlock them. Even though it was supposed to be Hagrid's job as keeper of the keys. There wasn't much that could get Hagrid out of his hut these days before 0700 hours.

Minerva must have been keyed into the wards also. They hadn't gotten all that far before she met them in a dressing gown, wand in hand.

"Glad you're up professor," Neville started. "We're on our way to see the headmaster. Did you want to go?" He waited a beat before adding, "He'll only want to see you about it a few minutes later."

She nodded. "Come with me. It looks like you two could use some tea while I dress."

Harry smiled. "A little more won't hurt. We're running on caffeine now."

It was a quiet trio that made its way to the alcove that led to the headmaster's suite. Minnie murmured the password and the large bronze gargoyle sprung up out of its place to allow them access. Harry stopped on his way up the stairs as he was eye to eye with the statue. "The last time I was here I threatened you. I apologize. It was wrong of me. You were only doing your job, a job you do excellently, by the way." The gargoyle winked at him in thanks.

"Really Lord Potter?"

Harry shrugged to the two that eyed him curiously, "Hey, no one thanks him. And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I need to own up to it and move on."

McGonagall knocked twice and opened the door without waiting for an acknowledgment. Already dressed in lavender robes, if Harry didn't know the man so well he would have thought it was a feminine dressing gown. Instead, it was just Dumbledore being Dumbledore wearing his grandfather persona.

"Lord Potter, Lord Longbottom. I let the wards grant you access this morning. You were gone all night?"

Both teens snorted, but quietly. He didn't "let" them anything. Only Minnie might have been fooled, and maybe not even her.

The teens had all agreed that it was always better to have Neville or one of his ladies start any conversations with him. They tended to remain civil that way. Or, at least the stayed civil longer. "None of your contacts reached you?" Neville's eyes shifted back and forth between the two educators.

"What happened?" Minnie began. "I know you had your elves take all of your allied heirs and lock them in your quarters. But I couldn't find out why."

Harry saw Albus' eyes widen when she said that. He hadn't even been aware the wards were locked in a part of his castle. He wouldn't get the chance to mull that over for a long while either.

"You can forget about any kind of Statute of Secrecy. Voldemort blew it all up yesterday." Harry chimed in.

Neville passed out the pictures given to them by the colonel as well as a couple of the early editions of muggle newspapers. The dark mark was plainly evident "above the fold" of both papers.

Neville's turn, "Someone got into one of the muggle residences before the police had it fully locked down. Not only did they report the murder's but they got a photo of the message to Harry and me. They put that near the 'page 3 girl' so everyone would see it."

"And the cloud formation was broadcast on live TV. It's been all over the world already."

Albus' face was grim as he flipped through the many photos. While Minerva had a knuckle in her mouth. She mumbled, "My Merlin," over and over again.

Neville continued, "They even attacked St. Mungos," Neville made sure his voice sounded emotional as he passed over the last photos. These were magical photos of the smoke curling up from the beds where his parents had lain. Another of the smoldering partial sign that still read, "..hickey Ward." McGonagall couldn't help herself. "Oh Neville, I'm so sorry." She grabbed him a hug.

"Since we didn't know the extent of the attacks, we ordered everything locked down."

Her burr was plain, it always happened when her dander was up. "I no canna blame ye."

"What I don't understand is why Fudge didn't tell you headmaster?"

His rubbed his eyes. He had been at this game too long. Tom had gone too far this time. With this exposure to the muggles, the ICW would have to take notice. It could potentially tie him up for months.

"Cornelius is first and foremost a politician. He cares not that people die although he would shed real tears if needed. But by him not saying anything it allowed him more time to formulate a response. He's sure to be called to the muggle prime minister today." He sighed and made a decision. "Minerva. I'm going to be gone for most of the day. The timing of this couldn't be worse!"

Neville shrugged tiredly. "Then that's why he did it. You'll be tied up with this for a while, and the third task is scheduled for six days from today. What better way to divide everyone's focus?"

Albus' mouth dropped open in surprise. "Very astute Lord Longbottom."

"Not really. We've been at this all night and have had time to consider it. Unless either of you needs us, Lord Potter and myself have to see our ladies and let the other heirs know what's going on."

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It had taken 30 minutes to brief everyone. Each of the heirs was told they could expect instructions from their parents; or in some cases, grandparents. Everyone was taking this seriously. Each was a trifle nervous, but most thought this was likely just an attack on Potter and Longbottom. They forgot the alliance meant that if they were attacked Potter and Longbottom were bound by honor and magic to respond and they to them. Apparently, the earlier lessons had not "taken" in all of them.

After everyone left, the girls were told the rest of it. Also of the dummy hotel and free use of elves by many of the families in support.

"If you don't mind I've put Dobby in charge of the elves. He'll direct where they need to be covering the various hotels, heirs, and even some mundane parents that are known to associate with us."

At the sound of his name Dobby "popped" in. On his flight suit, he had one large glowing star on either shoulder, an officer's cap with another star in the front center and even had an overly large corncob pipe in his mouth.

The girls chuckled at the sight. "Dobby. Why the stars and the pipe?"

"Dobby hears the Great Lord Harry Potter and the Great Lord Nevy speaks to Colonel 'bouts me in charge of elfsies. He bees reading books bout Douglas."

"Douglas? Douglas who? Do you remember?"

Dobby's head was shaking and the hat was flopping, but the pipe stayed firmly in his little mouth. "General Douglas MacGonarthur."

"Douglas Macarthur?" More nodding. "Great choice Dobby. I'm sure you'll do a great job. Thank you."

Obviously thrilled by Hermione's effusive praise the loyal elf disappeared to check on all of his "troopsies," saying, "I shall returns."

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Albus had gotten angrier the more he thought about it. At first, Cornelius couldn't decide what to have for lunch without consulting with him. Now, he had to initiate all of the conversations. In his mind, he thought it made him look weak, almost a supplicant. He couldn't have that. Especially when he thought it was due to his direct involvement that the ministry was able to hold off paying the two lordlings the Galleons due.

Funny, Cornelius remembered it very different and thought it was because of his brilliant strategies to have the two lads accept their muggle lordships.

"Cornelius," he said in a huff, breezing past the already harried secretary. "Why didn't you contact me?"

"It must have been an oversight, that you didn't get notification."

Deloris interrupted. "I'm certain headmaster that you would have been notified in due course. But this is a task for the ministry rather than a school teacher."

"Madam," he clamped down on his occulmancy shields to keep his temper in check. "I am the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and the Supreme Mugwump, Great Britain's Representative to the ICW!"

Condescendingly, "Of course you are! As headmaster, you don't need to be here. As Supreme Mugwump, I'm sure you'll need to draft a response to the world concerning the minister's actions, but that won't be for a time." She couldn't hide her smile, she knew she was irritating him. "And as Chief Warlock, I'm sure you'll be needed when the miscreants responsible are brought to justice. So what is it we can do for you this morning headmaster?"

Fudge let him stew for a moment. He was no longer willing to allow Albus to play the beneficent statesman. He waited right before Albus' blood pressure was redlining when he threw him a bone. "That's quite alright Deloris. It's good that he's here. This way we can use every tool at our disposal until we resolve this difficulty. Why don't you have one of the girls bring us some tea and we can see what else we need to do."

Albus sat down in a huff not mollified. Now he was some sort of attendant waiting to be noticed instead of being the center of everything. He fumed while he heard Umbridge yell, "Prissy!"

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It had been a busy couple of days. Dobby reported to Harry and Neville every time a family moved into one of the hotels. He reported all activity at the "dummy" hotel. It was an actual hotel. One that Sirius for whatever reason decided with his mercurial attitude that he "didn't like." He almost begged Harry and Neville to let him supply the hotel that had the most chance of being attacked.

The hotel, located in central London had all of its staff relocated to others in the chain and then was staffed by one of Markum's wizards, a few of SgtMaj Cole's "retirees" and a host of elves. The information had "leaked" as to which hotel would house any Potter's or Longbottom's for free. There was a constant flow of people and numerous calls, from the press and from interested parties.

All of the calls were obviously monitored. With the Colonel's database and phone system, they knew within seconds if this call was legitimate or someone looking for a free vacation.

All of the families in the London area had been contacted already. The legitimate calls they fielded were from the areas outside of London for those people with valid concerns. The "staff" continued to handle calls and visitors all the while hoping someone would try to follow up. The "muggles" were anxious to send a message of their own.

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"Hey Potter!"

Harry turned to see the old Auror clomping up to him.

He got in his face, and to his credit tried to whisper. It came out more like low volume yelling. Quite an accomplishment for a grizzled old man like Alastor.

"You all set for the third task?"

"I think so professor."

"You've done fine so far boy. Even while thumbing your nose at those ministry dogs. Do you need any help in the maze? Do you know what you're facing? I think a careful flyover of the forest again will reveal some interesting sights."

Harry was taken aback. Not so much because of the help. Everyone had been "cheating" throughout the whole tourney. Sirius had told him once that Moody had nothing but cheap rotgut whiskey in his flask. Being a wizard he drank it like it was muggle Kool-Aid without his liver complaining, (too much). But the smell of his breath was off. That wasn't whiskey. Loving Uncle Vernon was known to knock down a tumbler or two himself and then get in a young Harry's face. No this was something else. He couldn't quite place it though.

"Thanks Professor. I've been working hard. I'll be ready."

"Good. That Diggory is nothing but an Arse. Make sure you remind him why you're a Potter!"

Moody then hit Harry with the back of his hand on his chest, just as a friendly pat, like two friends parting. Too bad there were Hufflepuffs and others walking past then. Harry was unsure if they heard anything, but they sure saw Moody being "Friendly" with him.

Harry's attention was divided. Everyone was trying to help him as best they could but he was concerned with the third task as well worrying about all of these other Potter and Longbottom's. The prime minister, colonel, and even the queen wanted to see him over the next few days. He hadn't gone to more than four classes all week. Plenty of other Harry's had, but they all had their own schedules to keep as well. Good thing they were all so far ahead, and most of the teachers now afraid to even speak to any of the six. There was still a lot of grumbling about "Potter", especially from the Slytherins and 'puffs. But everyone had heard the other heirs defend both him and Neville. He also overheard Susan stop what could have been a serious situation. He was standing near a classroom waiting for Luna to leave.

"... No. You will not try any of that with any of them. Can you imagine what they would do to you if they found out you hurt any of their girls?"

"He wasn't sure who she was addressing but he heard the response. "What? Are you going to tell him?"

Even around the corner, he could feel the power in her words. "Yes. I will. He is my ally and senior to me, also and most importantly not responsible for any of this mess. And now, if something does happen to Hermione, he's going to come to you first. You had better pray that nothing at happens to her."

Another voice, maybe the Jones girl said. "Some 'Puff you are. Where's your loyalty? What about Cedric?"

"Cedric's a complete arse and everyone knows it. Besides. I am being loyal. To the house of Bones and Lord Potter."

The girls wanted to have another "get together" with the other champions as well. Hedwig had insisted on taking them. She just showed up while Hermione was writing out the invitations. The baleful look Hedwig gave her when 'Mione told her she was just going to hand deliver them would have curdled milk.

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The entire group had met with Colonel Markum. Surprisingly, Emma was there as well. Both Hermione and Luna had screamed, "Mum!" and rushed to hug her. Emma and Dan had wanted another child but with a miscarriage and then a growing practice, there was never time. Luna had quickly burrowed her way into their hearts. They always smiled when talking about her. She was the opposite of Hermione and despite some early misgivings, the trio were perfect together.

Different people briefed their individual areas. Mrs. Ross spoke of relocating 17 families and another possible 32 families from outlying areas. Wizard Tesco briefed on which wards were used and the capabilities of the wizards and staff at Hotel "Tango".

Even Dobby came in briefed. No one had invited him, but he knew anyway. "Wees using Hogy elfsies to helps too. But only those not controlled by Goatman Beardface."

"I thought all of the Hogwarts elves were controlled by Dumbledore."

He shook his head in the negative. "Not so Emma-mum. Elfsies from pretty French stick and Dummy string helping Hogywarts elfsies. They be not busy. Not busy elfsies get sick. Right now there by 60 elfsies watchy watch and guard."

Neither Harry or Neville knew just how many elves total were helping. They trusted Dobby enough to leave all of the details to him.

DCI Tibbs had been prepared to brief before the "little general" "popped" in. He updated everyone on the state of the investigation from the drug mule aspect of the case. It was the first that the girls had heard of it. It had been mentioned to the two guys but with the horror of the other event, it went unsaid to the girls. "...We're obviously dealing with another wizard. And we have a lot of video to go through. Most of it is high quality, but with it being a busy airport, facial recognition takes a lot of time, and that only helps if the persons face is in a database."

"Excuse me. What is facial recognition?" Daphne wanted to head Luna off before she went on some tangent.

"It's a computer system that helps identify people. In this case, we're looking for the wizard controlling the golems."

Tracey was excited. "Really! I like to look at people. Luna. Want to go with?"

Markum indicated with his chin for one of his aides to set up the footage for the girls. They left hand in hand, happy to be helping. Besides, Luna was tired of trying to spin her chair. Both Harry and Hermione had stopped her after a few minutes of it.

"We need popcorn. Can't watch movies without it."

"Misty!"

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Tracey and Luna quickly learned how to use the program to watch the videos. The shots focused on the four golems and those people near. The people already identified and cleared were outlined in blue. It was the hundreds and hundreds of others that they needed to see and eliminate.

They had eaten a lot of popcorn and a wearying Luna was watching the videos upside down. Her feet were hanging over the top of the chair while her head dangled where her knees should have been.

They each saw it at the same time. There they said pointing at a middle-aged man. The assistant came over and froze the frame and managed to zoom in on him. "Are you sure it's him? How do you know?"

"Easy. He has two left shoes. He's limping slightly and that had me focus on his feet. Some wizards, especially of eastern European still wear pointy shoes and hadn't figured out left foot right foot. Right Luna?"

"Umm ...right. But that's not what I saw. He made as if he was checking his watch, but I noticed his watch was on upside down. Now I know there are plenty of people that read upside down, especially me. But not watches. I get confused and think its later than it is. And Harry hates having to twist his arm when I ..."

"Luna honey, you're babbling again."

She continued because she had it in her head and she was going to say what she wanted dammit! "... And then if you watch carefully you can see.."

"His wand tip," Tracey finished as the technician had rewound it to that spot. The two teens high-fived each other. While the technician admonished himself silently. He and a team had watched this for several days repeatedly and didn't see what these two did the first time through.

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The young man was briefing the colonel and SGTMAJ. Markum had an amused expression on his face. After all of the recent drama, it was nice to get a distraction once in a while. First, the kids had embarrassed the security folks, then his wizards, and now his technicians. He thought it grand. It kept his people humble. He would remind them that there was always someone better. Never rest on your laurels, no matter what field of endeavor you choose. He signaled Major Granger to continue.

"Shortly after I briefed the colonel on the relocation of Frank and Alice Longbottom, as you know their room was subject to immolation. I have since been in contact with a doctor specializing in neurological diseases. He's highly sought after and only takes those cases that interest him."

"I'm not conversant on mundane medicine. Is this some false hope?"

Emma had moved next to him when Tracey left knowing that this would be briefed and wanting to be there for him. She stood and turned him and brought him to her breast. Knowing that everyone needed a mum now and again.

Dan gave him a moment before continuing. "I don't think so. This is going to be our best shot. From what I understand, this could be permanent damage, it could be them suffering from potion or curse, or any number of things. We don't lose anything by trying."

Hermione and Daphne had discussed this at length. "Harry. Would you write Bloodbringer? The goblins are reputed to have abilities that the wizards don't."

"That's a good idea. Do we have a facility that we can bring them to? One that won't cause a riot if they see a goblin or elf?"

"Mum and I are meeting Dr. Isaacs tomorrow. We'll be briefing him on the official secrets act and the statute of secrecy. We'll see then if he has a facility he'll want to use."

"It may be easier to prove it to him with one of the elves."

Dan nodded, "That's what I had planned."

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They had met in an upscale restaurant for brunch in a private meeting room. The room had been swept for listening devices, then had a few installed. These devices were designed to work in a magic environment so the wizards could put up some simple wards. "DR. Isaacs," Dan was in uniform and had stood holding out his hand. He obviously knew what the doctor looked like. There were plenty of pictures in his files, as well as a list of cases the doctor had worked on, including the hospitals he had worked at. His file even had his current CV in it.

"I'm Dan Granger and this is my wife Emma."

The doctor was somewhat on the short side. Standing only 5'8" and weighed less than 11 stone on a good day. Grey tonsured hair his eyes were keen a brilliant blue. He momentarily looked confused, "I thought this was a consultation on behalf of her majesty's government?"

"It is," he said waving him to his seat. "I not only have the good fortune to be married to her, but we have our own practice as well."

"Oh are you, physicians as well?"

Emma interrupted, "I'm sorry doctor we're not trying to confuse you. My husband and I are both dental surgeons. But the patients we are concerned with have a different relation to us and that is part of the secret."

The waiter took their order of tea, coffee, and or juice and left them with menus. "I can already see this is going to be confusing." He said with a chuckle. He explained, "The both of you are obviously not government agents, but that waiter certainly was one." He saw their confusion and elaborated. "Very short, military-style haircut, and a trifle old to be in this type of establishment in the daytime. Most waiters his age would work the evening shifts where the big tips are. Of course, he could have been filling in for someone, but the haircut and the shoes as well are a tip-off."

"Shoes?"

"Well worn, but highly polished. I saw his heel, he'll need new shoes soon or they'll need to be resoled." Seeing the two dentists stare at the aged doctor. Mouth agape, he shrugged, "I notice things."

Emma was shaking head in surprise. "Tracy's going to love you."

"Let's order and eat!" The doctor was jazzed. "This is going to be a good one, I can tell!"

The breakfast was good, but neither of the Granger's could remember what they ate. Dr. Isaacs was quite the date. He managed to keep the conversation going; giving as much information as he got. Dan and Emma had tried to be careful, as sharp as the doctor was they couldn't give away too much information before he signed the disclosures for official secrets act. Despite the news in the paper, no one had come forward to break the Statute of Secrecy any further. The papers, most notably the tabloids, had printed a lot of speculation. Some of it right on the money, much of it so far from the truth to ruin any truth located next to it.

"So this is what I've gathered from our conversation," the doctor started after the plates had been cleared away. "You folks, both dentists have one daughter 16 years of age that goes to a school for the gifted. She is engaged to some nobleman's son and I presume it is his parent's that are ill. And there is some further government involvement. They must be agents of some sort for two other governments to be involved." He took a sip of his breakfast tea. "How did I do?"

"Much better than I would have Saul. But you're still a good ways off. You know the old saying, 'The truth is stranger than fiction'? After he nodded, "and we're still a couple miles past strange."

Saul had a wide smile on his face. He had been told just the bare bones about the case. A husband and wife injured the same day over a decade ago with very little or no adequate care. He drummed his fingers on the table top a smile on his face. "You don't have an issue with my salary requirements?"

"Not at all. We were told if the government doesn't wish to pay we have three other sources."

"Okay. I'm in. What's the big secret?"

Dan and Emma smiled. She had been allowed to see the brief along with Dan. The summation had strongly indicated that although semi-retired he would run to any case that was a puzzle. The more challenging, the happier he was. They had baited their hook and let the doctor run with it until he hooked himself. "Great. First some paperwork."

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The girls had decided to leave the apartment as it was with the large living room/den. There was no telling when they would have to get all of the heirs there again. As it was, they decided to have another get together with the champions. They had included an invitation to Cedric as well.

"I would have told the plonker to sod off."

"Exactly Harry. And that's why we invited him. This way you can't be accused of favoring one champion over the other or excluding one. Otherwise, he could say that everyone had ganged up on him."

He rubbed his hand through his already messy hair, "You're right, but..."

Hermione kissed him on his cheek, "Don't worry about it. Everyone knows he's a complete arse."

The champions and their dates were enjoying themselves. This was one of the few places they would "let their hair down". Krum always had to display the tough Quidditch player persona. While Fleur had to be aloof, and keep her allure tightly clenched, lest she leave a trail of gibbering idiots behind. All three of the champions, Neville, and the four girls were unaffected by the allure. Sometimes Cho had trouble when Fleur was near, but Cedric had come alone and only stayed a couple of minutes.

"I just came by to tell you that I'm going to smoke your arses in the maze. The whole world will know who the real champion is. A bunch of half-bloods and half humans can't come close to a pure-blood. I hear that Moody is now helping you. It doesn't matter Potter. You're still going to lose."

Harry saluted him with his butterbeer. "Here's to you then Ced. Eventually, we all get what we deserve."

"Goodbye ...losers." He left, leaving the door open. Winky snapped her fingers and closed it looking sad.

It was almost hypnotic. It dominated one wall of the apartment. A recent addition, one of the couches faced it and the veela and the Quidditch pro stared at it. Six feet in length and four feet high. It had a changing pattern on it. Every ten minutes the pattern would change. Inside the frame of the art piece, it was always a rectangle, but the inside of the rectangle would change. It would naturally draw your attention and hold it. It didn't help that the background changed as well. At random times it would change suddenly and sometimes it would just slowly transform from one color to another.

Neville sat on the couch in between the two guests. Mike "popped" in and gave him a plate of leaves.

Fleur and Viktor looked at Neville quizzically and then at each other.

Neville looked at the plate of leaves and sighed, almost. "Again Mike?"

"Master said thrice a day day." Almost defiantly. It was the mater's orders after all.

"Fine. I only need to do this for another two days anyway."

Her accent was better but still the beautiful French pronunciation, "Nee-ville. You are eating feuilles?"

Neville would take one of the short dark green leaves and swipe it on his tongue. Then he would break it open and sniff at the inside of the thick leaf. Finally, he would chew on it a moment before putting back on the plate. He did this to the other four leaves on the plate as well. He washed his mouth out with a butterbeer before sitting back in between the two guests.

"Just doing my part to help Harry," he said. Smiling he saluted the new art deco work on the wall. He continued to Harry but made sure everyone heard him, (which is one of the reasons he sat between them.) "Still the same. The same spells and additives to the soil for growth and to prevent damage from high heat."

Harry and the girls tried to hide their grins as they watched dawn break for the two champions.

Viktor was a half a heartbeat ahead of Fleur. "You got the leaves from the bush." He silenced himself as his eyes went wide as the painting shifted colors and geometric pattern at the same time.

"Mon Dieu! Zat is ze maze. You have ze maze. C'est magnifique!"

Both her and Viktor were on their feet examining the work up close. Trying to memorize every detail.

"Vat about Diggory?" His voice had an edge to it. He didn't like him, but he didn't want to be accused of cheating either.

Harry wore the patented Potter smile. "You saw Viktor. We invited him. Offered him food and drink and showed him our new artwork. It's not our fault if he isn't a connoisseur of the art world."

Fleur snorted first, very unladylike. Followed by Daphne and then everyone else. Laughing at the ponce who spelled himself in the foot.

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Harry was tired. He had given up on sleep. His normal spot was in between Hermione and Luna but he was tossing and turning so much it was interfering with their rest. Snorting in disgust at himself, he rose and more stomped than walked his way to the den. He tried to read but he found himself staring at the same page for five minutes and didn't remember what he read.

He thought he must be nervous about the third task. But that didn't feel right. He stared at the art deco maze that gave faint illumination in soft tones and marveled at the genius of the four girls. Each had a hand in the creation. And Neville had to have helped in tying it into the wards for it to change whenever the actual maze changed.

He smiled then a counted his blessings. Thinking about his friends and loves. He then thought of just how much they've each done for him. Not expecting anything in return, they did it for love. Thinking of them, and the others that loved him as well, he found that he could finally rest. As Dan put it, "Lay his burden down for the day."

He wriggled his way between the two sleeping beauties with a smile on his face.

He was just falling asleep. He even remembered the start of REM dreaming when his eyes snapped open of their own accord.

"Polyjuice potion! Shit. That was polyjuice." He hopped out of bed. Now fully awake with a charge of adrenalin in him.

This time both girls woke up as he lit the lights up and tore into his trunk looking for the map the twins had gifted back to him.

"Harry?"

"Sorry 'Mione, Luna. I just realized what was off about Moody when he got in my face."

Luna's had kept drooping but Hermione was awake enough to comprehend what he was saying.

She did a tempus spell. "Again? Shit. Hell. You couldn't suddenly realize this four hours from now? It's 2:00 AM." She said it with her voice just on the edge of pleading.

"You may want to put a shirt on. Unless you want another lecture from your mum."

Luna had given up the fight. She had lain back down and covered her head with Harry's pillow. After all, he wasn't using it tonight.

With the map open in front of him, he sent a bit of his magic into the mirror and called, "Dan Granger. Dan Granger"

After another five calls, a bleary-eyed Dan answered the mirror.

"I'm sorry to wake you. But do you know what time it is?"

"Shit Harry. It's 2:00 am. Again?"

"Hey that's what your daughter said!" He said brightly. If he was going to be up might as well spread the pain.

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They met Dr. Isaacs at his hotel room. It was a suite provided by Neville. Again it was both of the Grangers that knocked on his door at 0830 hours.

"Saul are you ready?"

"Are you going to take me to your mystery patients?"

"We are. Can we talk first?" Dan pointed back into the room at the comfortable couch and chairs.

"Is this where you tell me the big secret? The one that has government types watching me. The one that has two dentists trying hard not to tell me things."

"It is."

"Saul," Emma started after sitting. "What do you know about magic?"

"If the government is involved you can't be talking about stage illusions and card tricks."

"We're not. Okay everything you hear from this point on is considered a state secret covered by the official secrets act. Here's what's happening..."

An hour later where the Granger's had to answer with many I don't know's or We'll find out."

"So these two patients were tortured into a comatose state and nothing was done?" He was perturbed by that.

"We think so. However, there is another wrinkle to this. It could be a political situation as well. They could have been fed drugs for all or part of the time. We have no way of knowing."

"The patient should always come first. I hate politics. You hinted there were two other governments involved.

The doctor needed to calm down. "We'll get to that in a second. So far you've only our word that we're not spinning some wild tale."

"If the government is involved it may be wasteful, but seldom given to flights of pure fantasy. Some proof would be appreciated though."

"Okay then. How about some breakfast in here first," Dan started.

Emma took over. "What you're about to see is a completely different species. This is actually my daughter's maid. But we consider her and the others like her a friend first." She called to the air, "Winky!"

"What can Winky doos for youse, Miss Emma-Mum?"

Emma smiled, that was a new honorific. One she liked. "Winky this is Dr. Isaacs. He's going to help us with Neville's parents."

"Oh! You be helping Lord Nevy? He be powerful wizard but still be needing his mum and da."

Saul had quickly knelt to the floor and looked at the little creature in awe. He offered her his hand, "Yes I'm Dr. Isaacs. I'm going to do my best to help Lord Neville."

He was much too excited to eat, but he had some breakfast tea and toast while he received another briefing on the different creatures in the wizarding world. Mainly house-elves and goblins.

"Oh and by the way. We'll leave it up to you to arrange a hospital. The facility where they were think they're dead."

Emma added, "They were treating them as if they were as well."

"You folks aren't asking a lot, are you? Is there anything else I need to know before we go to see the patients?"

Dan smiled, "Two things," he held up a finger. "They don't believe in electricity" Saul didn't get the chance to ask. His questioning look said it all.

"They don't really need it. Or they don't know that they need it. They can do everything by magic remember?"

He nodded. "Which is one of the reasons we'll need to use a facility of my choice. What's the other?"

Dan held us his second finger. "Two. Transportation is quick but very uncomfortable. I hope you have a strong stomach."

"Great," but he looked less sure than he was a couple hours ago. "I'm ready."

"We'll need a second elf for this. "Winky, Mike."

Mike bowed. He was much happier now that he was Lord Nevy's personal elf. Much more to do. "Lord Nevy bees waiting with his ladies and Matron Gussie."

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She wasn't happy to be woken up at 6:00 am. It was only 30 minutes different from her normal time, but hey, that was 30 minutes of not dealing with hormonal teenagers with dangerous weapons in their possession.

"Mr. Potter. Do you know what time it is?"

"All of a sudden professor, everybody wants to tell me the time."

She sighed and wrapped her robe around her tighter. "Fine come in. We can have some tea and you can tell me what couldn't wait for an hour or more. By the way where are Luna and Hermione?"

"Oh. They kicked me out until it was a decent time."

"Smart girls," she deadpanned. She sat and poured some tea for the both of them. "Is this something we need to tell the headmaster about?"

"Umm. No?"

Another sigh. "Fine Harry. Tell me what's going on. And by the way, where is your other partner in crime?"

"Oh I almost forgot to tell you. Nev's got some very important family business to attend to."

She was suddenly wary. Things were just too exciting around these two. "Teenager important? Or Lord of Noble and Most Ancient house important?"

Harry didn't want to lie. "It has to do with his parents."

"Oh. I forgot. With everything else going on, it slipped my mind. I take it his two ladies will be with him?"

He nodded. "Yeah, He's going to need them."

She took a sip of tea to brace herself. "Okay. I'm ready. What's going on?"

He rubbed his hair. Anyway he said this it was going to come out wrong. "Okay. But before you kill me, hear me out completely first."

She began to get her Scottish burr in her voice. "You had best be telling me fast then hadn't ye?"

"Here let's take a look at this map my father made. I need your help. We need to attack Professor Moody."

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Mike and Winky had brought them to Longbottom Hall at the apparition point. Mike had snapped his fingers a second time and an ornate bucket appeared at the doctor's feet.

"Not the most pleasurable of experience's is it?" Emma commiserated while the doctor stayed bent over deciding if his toast and tea were going to make a second appearance.

He stood up and through force of will decided his breakfast would stay in.

"It's still better than my first flight on EL AL Airlines!"

When he was able to focus he was met by four people. Dan knew Neville's preference. "May I present Matron Augusta Longbottom?"

Saul met first Gussie and Then was introduced to Lord Neville. He of course had to make a comment. As did most people on Neville's youth and since already a lord, his emancipation. He was positively thrilled when he was introduced first to the Presumptive Lady Tracey Longbottom and then Neville's other fiancé', the Presumptive Lady Daphne Greengrass.

"Two? Two fiancé's?" He said grabbing Neville's hand and shaking it a second time. "You must be brave to want to marry two ladies. Most men quail at the thought of marrying one."

Neville deadpanned, "All of a sudden there is a lot of that going around."

Dr. Isaacs checked first Frank's and then Alice's pupil reactions to light. Comparing one to another. Alice was awake but outside of a few noises unable to communicate. Then he checked the different reflexes on the subject's body and again compared one to another. He put off doing a pain test in front of the family. He would do it later, there was little it would tell him at this point anyway.

Mike "popped" in and whispered in Neville's ear.

He instructed him, "Escort them here please Mike." Then to the others, "Our other guests have arrived." Getting Saul's attention he said, "Doctor. Our next guests are not human. And they interact with us differently. People mistakenly treat them as if they were human and for the most part that is a mistake. Only those that study humankind can somewhat understand when we try to be kind and courteous. Our next guest has not had that training."

"What Nev's telling you is he is going to be rude and discourteous."

"It's almost required," Tracey agreed.

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McGonagall was against it of course. Harry had proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Moody was being impersonated by Crouch. Since Crouch Sr. was still at St. Mungo's and was in a secure ward this had to be Barty junior. Harry didn't even know there was a Barty Jr. (A/N Remember Dumbledore has never shown Harry the memory in the pensive.) Minerva wanted to call the Aurors and Dumbledore but Harry was impassioned and threw his weight around.

"No. We won't. The ministry already from what you say had him once and screwed it up royally. Two. Do you think that Dumbledore didn't know that someone was being impersonated all year long? He accused me of stealing Polyjuice potion ingredients which started that fun period when I bought up all of the commercial polyjuice potion for miles around."

She looked unswayed so he continued, "I asked Hogwarts and she told me that the headmaster was told several times that there were three people with the dark mark. It took me all of five minutes to identify them by location." He numbered them, "Snape before he left. Karkaroff, and then someone in the DADA classroom. Here, look at the map again. See Madeye is still there a prisoner. Remember you need hair of the subject for the potion."

She was irritated at both Harry and the situation. "I remember the ingredients thank you Mr. Potter. If you don't want the headmaster involved or the ministry what are you going to do with him? I will not countenance you taking the law into your own hands."

Harry was tired, sleep was a valuable commodity in short supply so he really didn't mean to be as short with her as he did. "You forget yourself Deputy headmistress. I have every right to dispose of this. Which is why I don't want Dumbledore involved. You trusted that old man much too much and I personally suffered because of it. But for your information, I am turning him over to her majesty's government. He'll join Wormtail and the others as her majesty's guests. And they won't be remiss in their duties like the ministry and others!"

Chastised, she answered, "I didn't mean to get Albus involved. I know he interfered and he... and I caused you lot of pain."

Softer, "Minerva. I'm sorry for my harshness. Dumbledore will never be trusted again. And you didn't know what he did."

"No, I didn't. But you were such a wee bairn. No one should be treated so rudely."

"It's fine, it's over." Gathering himself he continued, "Now Siri wants to be the one to do this. Here's what we'll do."

The simplest plans often work the best. Harry had prepositioned Sirius along with Tesco and Harrod. They each had there own dose of polyjuice in them. Harry was unsure who the students were. None of them looked familiar, but they each wore the piping of Ravenclaw students. They were arguing in hallway that was the most direct route from DADA classroom to the great hall. Sirius was seldom that so he ad-libbed and started to shove both of the other "boy's".

When Moody was acting like the good professor was supposed to be and stopped to growl at them to cease and desist, the three turned and each fired a strong stunning hex. No one can be constantly vigilant all the time. Adult level spells coming from three "firsties" was not something he was prepared for.

He dropped like a rock and then had magic suppressing cuffs placed on him.

It was all done by the time Harry came around the corner with Minerva, Filius, and Pomona. They hadn't even had time to properly brief the other two heads of house. Only enough to grab them as they went to breakfast.

Filius wasn't the head of Ravenclaw for nothing. "Lord Potter? Explain yourself please."

Harry noticed that Flitwick had his wand out already. "You'll find the real Alastor Moody somewhere in his room. This is an imposter."

He was dressed as a student again and looked the part. Might as well have some fun with it. "Hey Pommy. Hi there Flitty, Minnie you're looking as lovely as ever. Doing anything later?" The little firstie winked at McGonagall.

Naturally, this was the moment a large group of students, which included the blab twins, chose to pass near, Just in time to hear a first-year proposition the transfiguration mistress. With her mouth a tight line, she admonished them. "There's nothing to see here. Go about your business."

When the pride of students passed she continued, "Damn you Black. Will you never stop propositioning me?"

"Sure Minnie. As soon as you say yes."

Everyone laughed, and even Minerva had the corners of her mouth turn up in a smile.

As the two MI agents elevated the still stunned body, Harry reminded them. "Don't forget the real Moody is hidden in his room somewhere. He may need Poppy."

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"Your latest guests my lord," he said bowing.

Saul Isaacs then saw the latest visitors. Two goblins. Beings shorter than him. Four foot tall on a good day. Dressed in turn of the century suits. Their hair looked normal enough, both their ears would out-Vulcan Spock and their teeth looked to be filed to sharp points.

"What would you have of us wizard. Ragnoc ordered our appearance."

Saul was warned about their attitude but didn't quite believe it until he heard it. To describe it in a word he would call it contempt. If the others were surprised by the vitriol, they didn't show it.

Neville invited them into the chairs away from the two beds. "I would have your names first." His voice was clipped but without any rancor.

The younger of the two. None of the others thought it strange that the goblin had at least two knives and a sword strapped to his back. "I am Griphook and this is our eldest clan healer, Steelhook."

"Your reputation precedes you Griphook. Fair warning, Lord Potter will look to speak with you this summer."

The younger goblin's eyes grew bigger but his face betrayed no other emotion. It was because of his first meeting with Potter that the younger goblin lost his place on the floor of Gringott's. He knew he was supposed to bring him to another. But the thought of all that gold available as long as he "forgot" was too tempting. There was some sympathy in the council of twelve for him though. And since he made a lot of Galleons, most of which he had to sacrifice as a penalty, saved his life. He only now returned from training in security.

Neville introduced everyone to the two goblins saving the doctor for last. The others nodded in greeting but to do more at this point would be a mistake. "...and this is Dr. Saul Isaacs a neurologist. He is going to help with my parent's which is why you are here. We'll need your expertise in case they have been dosed with potions."

Steelhook exclaimed, "Muggle doctors! I refuse to work with animals! This is beneath me."

Goblin warriors are reputed to be fearsome warriors in large part because of their speed. Their reactions are supposed to be next to none. Griphook was thoroughly surprised therefore when he blinked and suddenly saw the Longbottom with a knife at his clan elder's throat. He saw the human move his hand to his boot while sitting and then next thing he knew, that same silver knife was poised to rend the life from one of his clan leaders.

Neville growled. "Tell me Steelhook. What is your clan? Because I promise you. If you and Griphook insult my guests or any of my house, I will end you. I will gladly pay the goblin wergild to Ragnoc as I send him your heads."

It was an uncomfortable pregnant minute as Neville held the knife against the throat of the healer. Griphook knew he was unable to move quick enough and wondered if he could get to one of the wizard's mates.

They neatly defeated that thought as they pulled similar blades from somewhere in their skirts and began to clean their fingernails.

Saul used the moment to examine everyone while furor, fear, and indecision played upon the face of the elder goblin. Madam Longbottom appeared the most concerned. But Saul got the distinct impression that it was more concern for her comatose son and daughter in law, and maybe for the carpet as well. The two young ladies watched the younger goblin closely. As the younger ladies paired their fingernails the doctor wondered why they didn't use their wands. He found out later that it was because they wanted Griphook to think about being stabbed and sliced. They both professed to being much more comfortable with their wands. But they were taught by a half goblin teacher of theirs that it was important to get your enemy thinking of his own mortality and a blade did that better than a wand for a goblin. The other two mundanes, or muggles as the goblin healer called them, just watched calmly. Emma turned to him and exclaimed, "This is how you negotiate. Do you think we could get the politicians on board with this method?"

Emma and Dan laughed out loud, "This is already the method of choice where I come from."

Neville jabbed the knife forward a millimeter drawing a drop of blood. "Well Steelhook? The only thing you have that I value is your honor."

"Very well wizard." He slowly drew his knife and made a slice in his palm. "I, Steelhook of the Iron clan, swear on my honor to treat the humans known as Frank and Alice Longbottom to the best of my ability."

Neville looked pointedly at Griphook. "You as well."

Griphook made his oath basically swearing not to interfere and to discharge his duties faithfully.

Neville and the girls put their blades away. "Now this is the way it is supposed to be. Wizards, goblins, mundanes, and elves working together towards a common goal. It's about time." He stood to leave. "Emma mum brought a pad and pen. Doctor write a list of your requirements. Mike will be here with you to get you anything either of you need. Just tell him if you need me or anyone else."
The young lord left looking pleased. To see his face, no one would have thought there had been a life and death situation just a minute earlier.

Dr. Saul repeated in his mind for the fiftieth time, "This is going to be fun!"