9
Of Wizards and Muggles
Rush hour in London was typical of any large city, everyone hurrying to make it home in time to have a nice dinner and watch the evening news. As with most large cities London's Tube was always the most crowded during the evening rush hour. In addition to the Londoners hurrying home the evening rush hour was a popular time for tourist to head out for dinner and to begin an evening out on the town.
Leicester Square in the west end of London was one of the more popular evening destinations for tourist as well as Londoners wanting to enjoy an evening out. In the Leicester Square tube station those Londoner's looking for a night out were arriving to begin there night out. In their hurry to begin there evenings no one noticed the four large men at the entrance of the tube station.
Yaxley, Rockwood and two other death eaters watched the crowd of muggles heading off to enjoy there evenings. Yaxley and Umbridge had scouted muggle London for weeks to find the best place to start their campaign against the muggles. Umbridge settled on Leicester Square since it seemed to be a popular evening destination not just for the muggles that lived in London but those that were visiting from all over the world. They considered and attack Piccadilly Circus however Umbridge thought security was just too tight.
Two Bobbies walked into the Tube station. Right on schedule thought Yaxley. They had scouted the tube station for weeks. The plan was simple. They would attack the Bobbies first. Umbridge made it clear the Bobbies had to be killed. Then they were to wound as some other muggles before apparating out. Yaxley decided they would continue attacking until the first backups for the Bobbies arrived. They would apparate so they were seen clearly. Yaxley felt that would leave no doubt the attack had been made by wizards and not terrorist.
It was time. Yaxley tapped Rockwood on the shoulder and the both drew there wands
"Avada Kadavra"
The two Bobbies went down immediately, killed instantly. All four death eaters started firing curses into the crowd. The panic was unbelievable. Many more muggles were hurt by the panicking crowd than the curses being shot at them.
Yaxley and the others fired into the subway station for almost a minute and a half when the heard footsteps on the stairs. The muggle police had arrived. Yaxley turned and sent another killing curse at one of the approaching Bobbies. He figured one more dead Bobbie would only make the muggles more angry.
As the remaining Bobbies dived for cover Yaxley and the other death eaters apparated out of the tube station. They left behind a seen of total carnage. Three of London's Bobbies dead and at least 15 to 20 injured muggles. In addition at least two or three muggle civilians had also been killed. Once the muggle emergency responders cleared the wounded the final terrible toll was 7 dead and 25 injured.
****
The Prime Minister of England David Blake was in a complete rage. He was watching video of the attack on Leicester Square and the attack was clearly made by Wizards. To make matter worse it was apparent the wizards were trying to hurt as many people as they could.
The press was calling this a terrorist attack. Thank god they were saying the terrorist had attacked with guns. However the press was screaming about the breakdown in security. They were demanding to know why armed men had been able to get into one of the busiest tube stations in London without being spotted.
Blake knew the answer. The Wizards had the ability to just appear where they wanted. How could you defend against an enemy that could go any where they wanted? Blake buried his head in his hands. This was a nightmare.
He knew that the Wizards had just finished a war amongst themselves. During the war there were some casualties outside the Wizarding world but nothing along these lines. Kinglsey Shacklebolt had assured him the war was over and the danger had passed. Clearly Shacklebolt was wrong.
When he finally did get to talk to Shacklebolt after the incident in the park in July Shacklebolt assured him that "Muggles" were not the targets of the attackers but someone named Harry Potter and his friends a girl named Hermione Granger, and a Ron and Ginny Weasley.
He had a security check ran on the four of them. He found no record of a Ron or Ginny Weasley. There was a record of a Hermione Granger howeve; she dropped off the grid when she turned eleven. The same was true of this Harry Potter. Shacklebolt would not tell him anything about the four that had been the "Targets" in July. He knew now that Shacklebolt had been lying. The Potter story was just a cover. They did have one lead.
"I want you to find me everything you can and a Hermione Granger and Harry Potter." Get it out on the news we want them for questioning. Also find me anything you can on those twos relatives and bring them in for questioning as well."
His aide picked up the phone and heard him issuing orders to Scotland Yard.
****
Arthur Weasley Apparated back to the ministry with Shacklebolt. He was surprised to see the Auror's offices were bustling with activity. The head of the Auror's Sturgis Podmore immediately ran to them.
"This is bad Kingsley" Podmore went on "At six fifteen this evening there was an attack at the Leicester Square tube station. Six people have been killed and over twenty injured. There is no doubt the attack was by Wizards."
Podmore hesitated. "It gets worse Minister. The muggles have announced they are seeking Harry Potter and Hermione Granger for questioning regarding this evenings attacks."
Arthur Gasped. "How can the Muggles think Harry and Hermione had anything to do with this?"
Kinglsey answered "They don't. This is the Muggles Prime Ministers way of letting me know he wants to meet with me."
Kingsley had worked out a code with the Muggle Prime Minister to let him know they needed to speak. By stating they wanted to question certain famous witches or wizards Kinglsey would know to contact him. He wished he had not used Harry or Hermione. He had the names of several other wizards that had been killed he could have used. Why use Harry and Hermione Kingsley wondered.
Podmore cleared his throat. Kingsley nodded his head for him to continue.
"Minister, you know the Aurors are extremely understaffed right now."
Of all the offices in the ministry the Aurors had taken the most casualties during Voldemort control. "I would like you to reconsider the case of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."
Kinglsey sighed. Podmore had wanted the Trio appointed as Aurors immediately. Kinglsey did not agree. It took close to three years to train as an Auror. He had been able to put Podmore off by insisting the three of them at least take there N.E..
"With this new incident I need Aurors that are experienced in tracking down death eaters."
Kingsley interrupted Podmore. "May I remind you that the three of them have not tracked down death eaters?"
Podmore shot back angrily "Kingsley these three tracked down Voldemort's Horcruxes with nothing to go on. They planned and raided the Ministry of Magic freeing several Muggle Born. They planned and successfully robbed Gringots, Hermione Granger along with Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood almost defeated Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry Potter is responsible for the fall of Lord Voldemort. I think all three of them have proven they have what it takes to be Aurors!"
Podmore made a strong case and Kingsley knew once the three of them had taken there newts he would have no choice but to make Harry and Ron Aurors. Hermione Granger on the other hand was a different case.
"Podmore, Once they three of them have there Newts I am sure I will have no choice but to appoint Harry and Ron as Aurors. You and I have talked about Hermione Granger. She has never expressed an interest in being an Auror."
Podmore just shook his head. "I do not understand why we have to wait. And Ms. Granger will see reason if you would just talk to her."
Kinglsey's problem in the case of Hermione is she had expressed an interest in joining the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as a Prosecutor. The head of that department heard this and was pressuring Kingsley to assign her to him. For now though he had other things to attend to. "Podmore can we discuss this later. I have to meet with the muggle prime minister"
Kingsley and Arthur headed to Kinglsey's office. He had not realized Kinglsey was being pressured into placing Ron, Harry and Hermione in the Aurors office. He knew both Ron and Harry wanted very much to be Aurors. He also knew Hermione had no interest in hunting down Dark Wizards. She wanted to address the injustices she felt needed to be fixed. He said nothing to Kingsley as they arrived to his office. Kingsley spoke to a painting.
***
David Blake sat listening to his cabinet shouting at him at once. He had just told them there were witches and Wizards throughout England. All things considered his cabinet had taken the news better than he thought. By that he meant they had not immediately tried to have him committed to a mental hospital. Perhaps the video of this evening attack had something to do with that.
The head of MI5 the British Security service spoke to the Prime Minister skeptically. "How long have you known about these "Wizards" as you call them?"
Before he could answer he heard an all too familiar voice interrupted them. "To the Muggle Prime Minister David Blake, the minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt request permission to visit."
The announcement had a drastic affect on the cabinet members in the room. The head of MI5 sat down stunned. The rest of his cabinet whom obviously did not believe the Wizard nonsense also looked at the painting in disbelief. Blake was used to the talking painting. He also was happy that Shacklebolt had responded. He had his doubts he would respond to his request for a meeting. He turned to the painting. "Tell Kingsley he has my permission. Please let him know I am in a full cabinet meeting and he will be meeting with them as well."
About a minute later the fireplace glowed green and Kingsley stepped out of the fireplace. Another red haired man that Blake had never seen came out of the fire place a few seconds after Kinglsey. The cabinet stared at Kingsley and Arthur Weasley stunned.
Kingsley approached David and shook his hands. "Prime Minister it is good to see you again. I wish it was under more pleasant circumstances."
He turned to the red haired man "This is my aide Arthur Weasley. I asked him to join us as he is an expert on muggles."
Arthur Weasley excitedly shook the prime ministers hand. After he introduced the two of them to cabinet members present the head of MI5 spoke harshly.
"Give me one reason I should not have you two arrested immediately for the attack tonight?"
Kinglsey looked the head of MI5 in the eye and answered "Because we are not behind tonight's attack sir."
"You do not deny the attack tonight was from "Wizards" though"
"Or course we do not deny the attacks were from wizards. That is why we are hear sir."
The rest of the cabinet started to talk all at once.
David knocked on the table to get them to all be quite.
He looked Kingsley in the eye. "This is the second time British citizens have been killed by Wizards in two months. You assured me that this Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were the targets of the first attack. Given the events of tonight how do I know that Harry Potter and this Granger girl were not behind the attacks?"
"Harry and Hermione would never…" Kingsley stopped Mr. Weasley from finishing by interrupting him.
"Prime Minister as I have told you before. The Wizarding world like yours has those that are good and we also have criminals, or as has been proven tonight terrorist. However this is the first time we have had an attack against muggles by wizards. Perhaps I should explain recent events in the Wizarding world"
Over the next few minutes Kingsley explained there had been a conflict recently between groups of criminals that wanted to take over the certain parts of the Wizarding world. He did think the Muggles needed to know there had been a violent war fought in the Wizarding world. He told them how Harry, Ron and Hermione were instrumental in the capturing of the leader of this group. When he was finished Blake asked his cabinet if they had any questions for Kingsley.
The head of the British security services was the only one and he had more of a demand than a question. "Speaking as the head of SIS I want the names and locations of every witch and wizard in England. I would like to bring them in for questioning"
Kinglsey hid his shock at the request well Blake thought. He was happy he did not have to ask Kingsley for this, he was not unhappy with his security chief because he intended to make the same demand of Kingsley.
"I am sure you would." Kingsley paused, "However I cannot give you what you are asking for."
"Why not?" asked the British security chief.
"First of all I do not have the authority to do give you those names" Kingsley answered, "Secondly we Wizards value our Privacy and this could be a problem for my government. However, I can offer a compromise if you would like."
Blake asked "And what would that be?"
Kingsley answered. "The events of tonight do not just represent crises for your government but for mine as well. I suggest we co operate with each other to resolve this issue."
Blake nodded his head in agreement as did a majority of his cabinet. "What do you have in mind Kingsley?"
"The first thing would be to have someone appointed as a liaison between your government and mine. If you agree with that, Arthur here will be your liaison. Secondly my government has its own law enforcement officers. I suggest we have some of our specialist in tracking down dark wizards work with your security services."
Blake thought that Kinglsey suggestions were a good idea. He also could see his cabinet also agreed. Blake addressed his security chief. "William what do you think."
William Davies the head of MI5 answered. "I can live with that with one condition."
Kingsley was happy that he seemed to have diffused the crisis for the moment. His happiness however was short lived as Davies outlined his conditions.
"You mentioned three wizards that were instrumental in catching the leader of these criminals Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger" Davies seemed to make a connection and looked at Arthur "Is he any relation to you Mr. Weasley?"
Arthur answered cautiously "Yes Ronald is my Son and Ms Granger is going to be my daughter in law and Harry Potter is like a son to me."
Davies could not help but smile. Mr. Weasley had to be proud of these three and gauging by the caution in his tone very worried for them as well. Davies knew his men were going to be involved in something they would have no idea how to deal with and he needed the best as much information as he could get so they could complete their mission. "Mr. Weasley you must be very proud of these three. However I must ask that my people be given the chance to question them."
Kingsley had seen this coming, he would ask for the same thing if he was in Davies shoes. "Mr. Davies I wish I could give you what you are asking for. However I cannot order these three to talk to your people. They are private citizens and we cannot compel them to talk with your people"
Davies did not look happy but he did understand,
"Kingsley, how long before they will be able to talk to us?"
"Right now they feel they need a break. They and their families have been through a lot this year."
"Can we convince them to change her minds?" Davies asked. "From what you have told I these three may know something that could help us out with the events of last night."
Arthur answered for Kingsley. "I can talk to them. However I am not promising anything. I now Hermione is very concerned for her parents and does not want to be separated form them again. I can try to convince them to speak with you."
Davies and Blake both asked. "How long do you think that will take?"
***
Hermione Granger soon to be Hermione Granger Weasley woke up to feel Ron's arms around her. She had to admit after yesterday she had to be the happiest she had ever been. This was even better than finding out she was a witch so many years ago. She got up and gave Ron a quick kiss on the forehead. She wondered as she headed to the dining room what had called Kingsley and Mr. Weasley away from the party last night.
She said good morning to Harry as she sat down.
"What can Kreacher get mistress this morning?"
Kreacher bowed to her. No matter how hard she tried she could not break Kreacher of this habit, she finally gave up after along argument with Kreacher. He had walked away muttering to himself the way he always did.
She had not noticed Harry's concerned look as he was reading the morning prophet.
"Harry what is it?"
Harry handed her the Prophet. She gasped when she saw the headlined
Seven Muggles Killed in attack by Wizards!
Seven Muggles were killed last night at the Leicester square tube station. According to the muggles the attack occurred during the rush hour the one of the busiest times of day for the Muggles. The Muggle authorities have indicated they are seeking Harry Potter and Hermione Granger for questioning regarding the incident. The muggle press did not indicate why they were seeking these two for question just that they were persons of interest in this matter. The Prophet was unable to reach the ministry of magic for further details this morning
Hermione stared at the paper shocked. Why would the muggles want to question Harry and her? They had nothing to do with the attacks. She looked up to Harry
"What do you think this is all about?"
"I don't know Hermione. Clearly though they think we have something to do with this attack."
"Do you think this is why Mr. Weasley had to leave last night?"
As she finished her question Arthur Weasley came in through the back door. He looked tired. "Good Morning Hermione, Harry." He paused "What a night!"
Hermione handed Mr. Weasley the Prophet "I see that" She said sharply
Mr. Weasley quickly read the story in the profit. "Oh My"
"Why do the muggles want to talk to Harry and I Mr. Weasley?" Hermione asked.
***
William and Annette Granger were enjoying a quite Sunday morning. They had stayed at the Weasley's until early in the morning. They normally did not stay out late even on the weekends but it is not everyday your daughter gets engaged. Annette could not believe Hermione was going to be getting married. It seemed just yesterday she was holding her newborn daughter in her arms. Now she was getting married. My how time flies she thought.
William was cleaning the morning's breakfast dishes and listening to the morning news on the tele. The BBC was covering the terrorist attack on the Tube last night. Mrs. Granger started to head to the bedroom so she could begin getting dressed for the day when she was stopped cold by the voice of the news caster.
"Authorities are seeking a Harry Potter and Hermione Granger for questioning about last nights attacks. MI5 is saying that Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger are not suspects but they believe they may have information that will be valuable in catching those responsible for the attack. MI5 asks anyone with information regarding Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger call the number below."
Mrs. Granger looked at her husband; before she could say anything the doorbell rang. Mr. Granger answered the door to find two well dressed men. The first of the two greeted Mr. Ganger
"William Granger?"
"Yes, I am William Granger,"
"I am Inspector Williamson and this is Inspector Davidson." He opened his wallet to show Mr. Granger his identification "We are with MI5"
Mr. Granger looked at the two men before asking cautiously "What can I do for you inspector"
Williamson was looking past the door into the flat. "We would like to talk to your daughter Hermione, Is she in?"
Mr. Granger looked at his wife. "I am sorry but Hermione is away at school. What is this all about?"
Williamson ignored Mr. Granger "What school is that Mr. Granger. We have not found any record of her attending any school here in the U.K."
Mr. Granger could tell Williamson did not believe Hermione was in school. Mr. Granger did not like Williamson. "She is going to school abroad". He lied.
Williamson replied skeptically "I see. Well that would explain that. Perhaps we can come in and you can get your daughter on the phone for me."
Mr. Granger answered Williamson coolly. "I don't think so. You still have not told me what you want with my daughter."
Williamson gave William a cold look as well, "No I have not. I think you know what this is about Mr. Granger. Why don't we just stop pretending? Let's just get your daughter on the phone and get this over with." Williamson tried to walk in the flat as he finished his statement. Mr. Granger blocked his way.
"I am going to have to ask you to leave Inspector. I will let my daughter know you stopped by."
Williamson gave him a dirty look. He handed Mr. Granger his card. "Please do."
Williams Granger closed the door and watched the two inspectors get into a black sedan. They did not leave. So they were going to watch the house. He saw Annette dialing Hermione on her cell phone.
****
There was a tense silence in the dining room as Mr. Weasley looked at Harry and Hermione. Harry could see that Mr. Weasley was trying to decide how to answer Hermione's question. Before Mr. Weasley could answer Hermione's cell phone rang. She answered. Harry heard her end of the conversation and could see by Hermione's expression she was getting upset.
"Mom, slow down." She listened to her mother then said
"MI5 what did they want?" Hermione glared at Mr. Weasley "Did they say why the wanted to see me?"
Ron came into the room and started to put his arms around Hermione. She pushed him away angrily
"They are watching the house. No mom I have no Idea why they want to talk to me and why they think I had anything to do with last night. Ok I will call you after I know more."
Hermione finished her phone call and turned to Mr. Weasley fire in her eyes. "MI5 just talked to my parents. They want to know where I am. They are also watching my parents. What is going on Mr. Weasley?"
Harry's could tell she was struggling to keep her anger in check. Harry wondered if the Dursley's had been paid a visit by MI5. If so he was sure that they got an earful about him from his uncle.
Mr. Weasley looked uncomfortable as he sat down. "First of all the Muggles do not think you and Harry have anything to do with lasts night."
"Then why were they at Hermione's parent's house?" Harry asked forcefully.
"I don't know." Mr. Weasley answered "The muggle prime minister told us they wanted to talk to you and Hermione last night. I thought that Kingsley and I had that cleared up."
"Obviously you didn't" Hermione sounded worried "Why did they want to talk to Harry and me and how do they even know about Harry and I?"
Arthur looked at Hermione as he spoke. "They know about you and Harry because of the attack on Harry's birthday. We had to tell them who the real targets of that attack were. They want to talk to you because they think the two attacks are related."
"Are they?" Harry asked.
"We don't think so." Arthur answered. "Hermione we will take care of this"
Hermione said to Mr. Weasley "I hope so. My parents are terrified."
****
"We agreed to give Kingsley and his people the chance to look into things. We agreed to leave Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter alone!" Prime Minister Blake glared at William Davies angrily.
Davies had been working with Prime Minister Blake for three years now and he had never seen him this angry before. Davies had not agreed with the prime ministers decision to let Kingsley's men look into things. He wanted to talk to this Harry Potter and Hermione Granger and it galled him that they were being hidden by Kingsley. He figured if he put a little pressure on the families they would contact him.
He was surprised to hear that Harry Potter's Aunt and uncle had not spoken to him in over a year. They said he left home for school a year ago and had not returned. Ms. Grangers Parents claimed there daughter was attending school abroad. He knew that was BS.
When he found that her parents had been in Australia under an assumed name for over year he had decided he wanted to talk to this Granger girl. She was either very afraid of something or had something to hide. He was not sure which yet but he was leaning towards afraid after reviewing the video from July. It was clear she and that Harry Potter were two of the targets of that attack.
He had gone over it in his mind. If the group wanted to eliminate Potter and Granger before they attacked then they must know something that could help catch the group. He needed to catch these people before they attacked again and so far his only lead was Hermione Granger and Harry potter.
"Minister, may I remind you that right now the only lead we have as to who is behind the attack last night are Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter. I think we need to talk to them."
Blake glared at him. "Kingsley assured us they had nothing to do with the attack. He also said he could give us witnesses proving both Potter and Granger were no where near Leicester Square at the time of the attacks. Are you saying Kingsley lied?"
"No sir." He answered "However I do believe that the two of them do know something about whomever made the attack. It is clear they were the targets of the attack in July." He paused letting what he was saying sink in. "They needed to be eliminated before this group could make the attack last night. There is something Kingsley is not telling us."
He paused a minute before continuing. "Ms Granger's parents were moved out of the country for over a year. Mr. Potter left his Aunt and Uncles house about the same time. We now have confirmed that the Dursley's have also took a trip out of the country around the same time. Both the Granger's and Dursley's returned to England in May."
He again paused to make sure that Blake absorbed the information he just relayed to him. "It is clear that both the families were moved to keep them safe. I think that Potter and Granger were targets of these people. I also think that Kingsley believed whatever threat there was to these too had been eliminated. He was clearly surprised about the attack last night. I will bet a dinner he was just as surprised in July. Kingsley is not telling us the 'whole story here!"
He could see by the Prime Ministers reaction that He knew more than he was telling him but he did not push the matter.
"Tell me something William" Blake sighed as he spoke. "Do you think your men can take out these wizards?"
"From what I have seen so far they seem to be able to just appear where they want. Since they do not appear to use conventional weapons I cannot even begin to think of how we could protect ourselves. The doctors report they have never seen injuries like those from last night before."
"So you agree we need Kingsley's help?"
"Yes we will need some advice David"
"Then why would you do something that could alienate Kingsley?"
"Because Kingsley is not telling us the whole story", Davies whispered hotly "He knows more about what is going on than he is telling us. If we had the full story we would be able to handle this ourselves!"
Blake replied sharply "You are right he is not telling us the whole story. We need to earn his trust so he will. By not doing what I said last night what makes you think he is going to trust us now? I want you to pull your men off the Granger's and Dursley's and to leave them alone."
Davies opened his mouth to protest but Blake stopped him with a cold stare. "So we are clear that is a direct order."