14
Game Day
Harry looked out at the briefing room nervously from the podium. "How the hell did I get put in charge of this mess", he thought to himself? This was more Hermione's area of expertise not his. He looked at Ron and Hermione who wore the uniforms of a Metro Police inspector. Actually they were Inspectors for the Metro Police. Harry had almost forgotten they had been appointed not just as Aurors but to the Metro Police as well.
"Can I have everyone attention please?"
The room quieted down. "Thank you. I am Chief Inspector Potter. I also would like to introduce you to my command staff Inspectors Granger and Weasley"
Ron and Hermione stood up as he introduced them. "As you know my unit was formed as a response to the recent terrorist attacks in London. We are here today because we have intelligence that there may be an attack today."
The briefing lasted for about an hour as Harry went over the assignments and how they would respond to any attack. Many of the Aurors were partnered with officers from the Metros CO 19 units. The Muggle officers were primarily to get those attending the game to safety and when needed back up the Aurors.
The Aurors would engage the Order of the Dragon using spells. To quicken the response to any attack Aurors would Apparated to where they were needed. Harry made it clear he did not want all the Aurors to respond to one area. Two would go and the others would wait to see if any other members of the Order of the Dragon appeared.
Hermione had noticed that the Order had on the last few attacks waited for the police to respond and then additional members would apparated hind or in areas left uncovered. Harry once again hoped they would not be needed as they left the briefing room to take there post.
***
Hermione glared angrily at Ron as he laughed at her. She hated the uniform she was wearing. It was uncomfortable and with the radio and other equipment it was just plain heavy as well. Ron was not helping matters by laughing at her.
"Wait until later she" Hissed angrily "See how you like sleeping alone for change."
Ron gave her a look that could be compared to that of a lost puppy dog.
"Hermione, forgive me please," Ron's eyes went wide. Hermione quickly turned to see what it was that Ron had seen.
" Hermione?" Viktor Krum stood the entrance to the section her and Ron were watching over. Hermione could see he was a little taken back by her appearance in a Muggle Police Inspectors uniform. Great, Hermione thought to herself knowing how Ron felt about Viktor. This day is just getting better.
"Viktor" She answered slowly "What on earth are you doing here?"
She looked at Ron worried he would be going into a jealous fit as he usually did whenever the subject of Viktor Krum would come up. To her relief he seemed to also be more worried about explaining why they were in Muggle police uniforms than being jealous.
Viktor looked at both her and Ron. She could tell he was puzzled by their appearance.
"I am here to see about this 'American' football. Some American Quidditch players told me it was just as good as Quidditch."
He paused again looking at Ron and Hermione. She could tell he had a lot questions. Probably all of them related to the two of them being in Muggle Police Uniforms.
"So you have joined the London Police?" He asked slowly.
Hermione was thinking hard to try and come up with an answer. She was relieved when Ron answered Viktor for her. She was also surprised at how good an answer he gave him, she would not have thought of it herself.
"My Dad thought it would help to improve Muggle wizard relations if we got a chance to work with the Muggles on a few different events."
Viktor looked like he did not really buy Ron's answer but to Hermione's relief he changed the subject.
"I heard about your engagement 'Ermione and would like to offer you my sincerest congratulations. I wish you and Ron all the best."
"Thank you Viktor" She looked to make sure Ron was going to also thank Viktor. He was however talking on the Radio. He looked at Hermione when he was done.
"Hermione we have to go. It appears some fans are getting a little out of hand." He looked at Viktor. "It was good to see you again. Please enjoy the game."
Ron started to walk up to the entrance; Hermione followed him wondering if the call on the radio was something Harry had arranged seeing Viktor talking with her.
***
Harry sat in the Command room listening intently to the Radio chatter. So far nothing major had happened and the game was already in the second quarter of play. The only major incident so far had been the appearance of Viktor Krum. When he had seen through his binoculars Viktor talking to Hermione he was not sure what he was going to do. Ron was intensely jealous of Viktor and really did not need Ron and Hermione bickering today over him. Thankfully he was able to send the two of them to help the Muggle security forces with some unruly fans. Harry smiled to himself. Hermione and Ron had put an end to the incident with the effective use of stunning spells.
So far the security plan they had devised was working like a charm. Most of the incidents they had to deal with were related to those attending the game getting to rowdy or drunk. So far the Aurors had only had to help out with one incident. Harry felt a little guilty because Ron and Hermione really did not need to be involved that particular incident either. Harry's attention was drawn to his Radio.
"A215 to Command"
That was Hermione, Harry could not be sure but she sounded worried.
" Go ahead A215"
****
So far the day was actually going quite well. Ron thought to himself. The only thing that they had to deal with so far was a couple of drunken fans that he thought could hae been taken care of by the metropolitan police. He and Hermione were able to take care of that with a couple of stunning spells. Hermione had also told Ron how impressed she was with ho he handled Krum's questions on why they were dressed in Muggle police inspectors.
He looked at his fiancé as they walked along the stadium. He knew Hermione hated the uniform she was wearing but Ron thought she looked quite good in it. When he told Hermione that earlier she pointed out to him with a smile she would look good in a sack as far as he was concerned. Ron was smart enough not to argue with her.
"Hermione, Ron?"
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks at the sound of her mother's voice. Ron suddenly felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as Hermione turned to face her mother. Ron turned around as well to see William and Annette Granger letting one of the ushers examines their tickets.
"Mom, Dad!" Hermione walked over to the usher and motioned for him to let her parents pass. "What are you doing here?"
Her mother looked at Hermione incredulously "The question my daughter is what are you doing here dressed as in inspector for the metropolitan police?"
Hermione looked at Ron briefly. He knew what she was thinking. He stepped up to Mr. and Mrs., Granger and began to explain how they were on a training assignment for the Aurors. As he spoke to the Grangers he heard Hermione calling Harry on her Radio. Ron had to admit the radios were far more practical than casting a Patronus charm.
As Ron finished explaining that He and Hermione were training with Muggle policing principles as a way to improve Muggle wizard relations and learn new techniques that can be taught to the other Aurors. Hermione stepped over to them.
"So how is it you came across Inspectors uniforms?" Mr. Granger asked Ron Skeptically, "Why not just wear regular street clothes." He looked at both Ron and Hermione "Why inspectors uniforms?" Ron was ready with a perfectly good explanation but Harry's voice came over the radio.
"Command to A215,"
Ron sighed. He would not be able to explain this one. A minute of awkward silence passed between the four of them. It was broken by Harry on the Radio again.
"A215 respond to command"
Ron looked at Hermione and whispered to her. "Are you going to answer that?"
Hermione a bright red as she answered her Radio "Go ahead command"
"You are cleared to bring your guest to the Royal box."
Ron heard Hermione thank Harry and she turned to her mother and father.
"Mom, Dad I have someone that would like to meet you"
****
William Davies was not sure that he would ever get the hang of American football. He had sat through three quarters of the game and still really had no idea what was going on. The fact that he could sit in the with the Prime minister and not be worried about the security details said a lot about what he thought of the security plan.
He considered not just the security plan but in the ones who were running the plan. The security detail was all in the hands of the Aurors from the ministry of magic. He thought to himself, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger were three of the most impressive young people he had ever met.
Harry had a natural command presence about him, as well as not being afraid to take risks that many leaders would not. Ronald of the three of them was to the hardest to read. He however had a feeling that when things got tough Ron would not be someone you wanted to tangle with.
Hermione Granger. Well she was one of the brightest young ladies he had ever met. When she decided to take on something she did it with the force of a cyclone. He smiled when he remembered seeing her with several books on security and policing tactics. It was Ms Granger that had suggested the Aurors use Radios instead of something called a Patronus.
The most interesting thing for Davies was watching how the three of them worked together. Individually they were quite capable at accomplishing the task. Together they appeared to be unstoppable. Davies had spoken with two of the detectives that had been assigned to work with them. He had been told the three of them were natural investigators as well as natural leaders. They lead by treating those they worked with as equals and not as subordinates. Those that had been working with the Trio as he called them were already very loyal to them. The thing that impressed many of the officers that worked with them was that the trio was not afraid to ask for advice and in many cases followed the advice given to them.
Davies remembered how irritated he had been with Ms. Granger during the planning for today. He wanted to use the same kind of defensive spells used to protect No 10 Downing St. and Buckingham Palace. Ms. Granger made it clear to him they would not be able to use those spells. Rather than demand that things be done her way she asked him for his advice and recommendations. To his surprise the Trio not only listened to his recommendations and those of his senior officers but implemented many of them. Enhancing those plans with Aurors from the ministry of magic.
An aide stepped up to him and whispered in his ear. He nodded and stepped over to the Prime Minister. He relayed to the prime minister the request that had just been made of him.
"You are damn right I want to meet her parents." Blake said softly. Blake had also been impressed by the Trio as well. "Any parent that can raise a child like Ms Granger is worth meeting. I have already met Mr. Weasley's parents."
Davies nodded to his aide.
A minute later a very astonished William and Annette Granger were ushered into the box by Hermione and Ron. She was speaking to her daughter in her best motherly voice.
"Don't think you are going to get out of explaining why you are here by moving us to fancy sea…"
Mrs. Granger's eyes went wide when she saw the Prime Minister, and more importantly Prince William and Harry stand up to greet her and her Husband.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger" Blake said softly, "It is a pleasure to meet you. May I"
Before the Prime Minister could finish introducing himself Davies heart stopped as he heard over the Radios
"10-13, 10-13, Section 135"
Blake looked out the window to the west Goal post. All he could see was peoples starting to run out into the field of play….Oh Shit he thought.
*****
Hermione reacted instantly to the call for help. She turned to Arthur Weasley and Kingsley "Get Prince William and Harry back to Buckingham palace now!"
She then apparated.
She appeared just under the Goal post by section 135 and started looking into the seating section. She saw a dark robed figure approaching a police officer his wand out. She cast a shield charm just in time to block the spell cast by the Death Eater, who turned in her direction in surprise. She spotted Hermione right away and literally flew over the stands landing a few feet away from her.
"Ms Granger. I thought I would never see you again."
Hermione swore she had heard that women's voice before. She did not have time to think about it as the women sent a barrage of curses at her…
*****
Deloris Umbridge normally did not take part in the attacks on the Muggles. She was a behind the scenes kind of person. Today was an exception. She had planned the attack very carefully, not only wanting to hurt as many muggles as possible. The main targets of the attack were the two Princes that would also be attending the game.
She had done her research. She knew that the muggle security forces would not try to get the princes out of the stadium in the middle of the attack; they would rely on the fortifications and security of the Royal Box until things were gotten under control. This was a sound practice against muggles. Wizards however could apparate into the box.
With the targets being the two crown princes of the Muggle government, she had to take part in the attack. Not only did she want to take part but she wanted to be the one to start the attack. She had a force of 25 attacking the stadium today. She would start the attack in the west end of the stadium. Once the Muggles started to run away the other members would apparate into various areas of the stadium. The idea was to generate a panic and in the confusion she and Yaxley would apparate to the Royal box and take the two Princes.
Deloris apparated into section 135 right on schedule, she immediately turned her wand on the nearest Muggle police officer and cast a cutting curse on him. To her surprise the curse was blocked…The officer was knocked on his back and she saw him screaming into what the Muggles called a radio.
Deloris approached the downed officer and raised her wand casting a second cutting curse. She was surprised when this spell too was blocked by a shield charm from behind her. She turned and was surprised to see Hermione Granger by the goal post. Umbridge smiled to herself. She owed that Mudblood. She cast a jumping spell on herself and leapt down to the field. "Ms Granger, I thought I would never see you again." She then immediately let loose curse after curse at Hermione Granger…
****
Harry was already dealing with at least ten additional calls for help from the Muggles. So far he had been able to get Aurors to respond to those calls. As five more calls came in Harry realized this was a much larger scale attack than he had anticipated.
He was glad to see that the Royals and Prime Minister had been evacuated to plan. Davies was standing at the window looking down at the stadium. Harry could see that people were panicking, trying to get out of the line of fire from the dueling Aurors and members of the order of the Dragon.
Suddenly the air in the box was charged and with a loud pop a man in Red robes suddenly appeared in the Royal Box. He turned to face Davies wand out. Harry quickly cast a disarming spell at him that missed. The spell hit the window pane and it shattered. The robed figure turned to face Harry. He seemed surprised there was an Auror in the Royal box but that did not stop him from firing curses at Harry…
****
On hearing Hermione's shouts to get the Royals back to the palace Ron immediately grabbed Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Apparated to the Burrow. His mother shouted at him in surprise the minute he arrived. He just said to his mom. "I don't have time to explain right now mum" and he immediately returned to the stadium. From the press box he could see that several more members of the order of the Dragon had arrived in the stadium. He immediately apparated to the closest one was able to surprise him with a stunning spell.
Ron quickly cast a binding spell on him so he could not get away. He then listened on his radio briefly then apparated to the nearest area under attack. This time he did not surprise the red robed figure. He was able to block Ron's stunning spell and they started dueling fiercely.
****
Hermione was not able to gain any advantage over the woman in red. She was able to block any offensive spells Hermione casts. The good news was she was not able to get any offensive spells off against Hermione.
Hermione knew she needed to find a way to get the advantage on her opponent. Before Hermione could do anything the woman sent a ball of flames at Hermione. She quickly cast an Aguamanti spell and was able to put the fire out before it reached her. She then countered with a body bind curse. That curse was blocked.
Hermione then apparated behind the robed figure and immediately cast a spell. It hit her directly in the back, knocking her down. Hermione casts a body bind curse and to her surprise that curse was blocked. Hermione was now outnumbered 2 to 1. Hermione started dueling with the new arrival. She must have hurt the woman worse than she thought because she heard her apparate.
Hermione continued to duel with the new arrival. This time she had the advantage. She used her curses to force her opponent towards the corner of the End Zone. She knew the new arrival was not paying attention to where he was at. He was caught off guard when he bumped the wall behind him. Hermione took advantage of the distraction and was able to disarm him and then hit him with a full body bind curse.
She turned to take in what was going on around her.
It appeared that the attack was over.
She saw a lot of injured Muggles in the stands and on the field. She suddenly needed to find Ron and make sure he was ok. She started to call for him on her radio when he appeared on the field in front of her.
"Hermione" he said with a lopsided grin.
To her shock the Red robed woman suddenly appeared behind Ron.
"Ron" She shouted pointing to the robed figure behind him. Before Ron could turn and she could cast a shield spell he was hit by a green light. Ron fell to the ground instantly.
***
Hermione screamed into her Radio as she ran to Ron. "10-13-My partner is down. Section 135" she landed next to Ron and grabbing his lifeless body.
One of the muggle trauma teams had also seen Ron take the curse to the back they got to Ron just as she did. Hermione did not know what they could do. Ron had been hit with the Killing curse.
The paramedics started working on Ron right away, pulling her off of him, "Maam you need to let us look at him". She heard them talking to each other.
"No pulse. Charge to 300"
Hermione watched as they put two paddles to his chest and heard a shocking sound.
She heard one say.
"Nothing, give him a shot of adrenalin."
She saw them jab a needle into Ron's chest.
They then shocked him again.
To her surprise she heard them say "Ok we've got a heartbeat."
Hermione suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Harry and William Davies. Harry looked at Ron.
"He was hit with a killing curse" Hermione sobbed "He's gone"
She saw Davies look at the Paramedics working on Ron. She did not hear what they said as she buried her head into Harry's chest.
"Ms. Granger" Davies said softly. "He is not gone. They have started his heart again. We need to get him to hospital right away."
As he finished two healers from St. Mungos arrived. They examined Ron quickly and she heard them asking the paramedics what they had done. They seemed shocked. One of them then spoke to Harry.
"I don't know what they did Mr. Potter but he is alive. The muggles want to get him to one of their hospitals right away so they can stabilize him. We can go with them but I think he might be better off at a muggle hospital for now."
Harry nodded. Then he whispered Hermione.
"He's alive."
Hermione looked up at Harry not believing what she was hearing. She saw him get hit full on by a killing curse.
Harry took her hand. She felt the familiar squeeze as they apprated to the hospital after the Healers.