AN: Thanks for all the reviews and alerts and everything. I love you guys. You made me really love writing fan fics.
A reviewer pointed out there would be more action in this one and they were right. The M rating on this was is for more than language and lemons. Just wanted to warn you.
Thirteen Weeks
Ministry drops the Quaffle
By: Rita Skeeter
Three weeks ago the public was alerted to a dangerous and frightening situation-a massive break out at Azkaban prison. The prisoners who escaped were all maximum security prisoners and former death eaters, with the exception of one.
Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, has given two press conferences during which he assured the magical community that the Department of Magical Law Enforcement- led by Hermione Granger-Potter, and the Auror Department-led by Harry Potter, were on top of this scary situation. Some of you might remember that Mrs. Granger-Potter and Mr. Potter were recently married and had only just returned from their honeymoon when the breakout happened. Looks like the honeymoon is over for these two.
The consequences from the breakout became clear within hours when the muggle tormenting started. In the last three weeks at least four muggle families have been killed and countless other have been tortured and injured. However at this point no witches or wizards have been assaulted or killed but that could change at any time and the magical community is told be cautious and aware.
Minister Shacklebolt has promised that Azkaban prison is now secure and all steps have been taken to assure that no other breakouts will take place. This breakout has many people speculating that the Dementors never should have been removed as guards for Azkaban. Many witches and wizards wonder if the compound can be really secured without the Dementors.
The following is a list of death eaters who escaped and who are still at large:
1)Rodolphus Lestrange- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities.
2)Robastan Lestrange- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities.
3)Gregory Goyle Sr- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities. (Status: deceased)
4) Gregory Goyle Jr.- Maximum Security prisoner. Imprisoned for assisting the death eaters at the Battle of Hogwarts.
5)Antonin Dolohov- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities.
6)Alecto Carrow- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities.
7)Amycus Carrow- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities.
8)Peter Yaxley- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities
9)Thorfinn Rowle- Maximum Security prisoner. Former death eater, imprisoned for torture, murder and death eater activities
10)Fenrir Greyback- Werewolf. Maximum Security prisoner. Imprisoned for numerous crimes against humanity and for assisting the death eaters at the Battle of Hogwarts.
11) Delores Umbridge- Medium security prisoner. Imprisoned for numerous crimes against humanity.
This reporter and the Daily Prophet will keep you updated on this devastating situation.
Hermione rubbed her eyes and sighed. She leaned back in her chair and her hand went to her tiny baby bump. Most people couldn't see that she was showing, it was still a bit early for that. But Hermione could definitely tell. Her pants were tight, barely fitting her and her once flat stomach had some roundness to it. Anyone who didn't know her would think Hermione was just putting on some weight.
She and her husband, Harry Potter, had both delighted in the news that Hermione was pregnant. Hermione had read every book she could on pregnancy and childbirth-both muggle magical. Harry was already renovating the nursery and talking about baby names.
Only one thing marred the newlyweds happiness. Three weeks ago there was massive break out at Azkaban prison and both Hermione and Harry were stressed out. All but one of the prisoners who escaped were maximum security prisoners and most were former death eaters. Eleven prisoners escaped but only ten were still at large. Gregory Goyle Sr.'s body washed up on shore the day after the break out- cause of death, drowning.
Harry and the other Auror's were working themselves into exhaustion trying to round up the prisoners but they were in the wind and they were losing faith and patience.
Tonight Hermione was sorting sighting reports. Most were rubbish and Hermione was trying to save her husband and his friends from wild goose chases. For instance, Hermione very much doubted that Rodolphus and Robastan Lestrange had formed a wizarding rock band with Yaxley and Rowle called Serpentsortia. She also doubted that Greyback had started a kitten rescue near Cornwall or that Goyle had joined a muggle community musical theatre group in Devon and was currently starring in Pippin.
Hermione was only thirteen weeks pregnant but she felt like she was further along. Her breasts were huge (for her) and hurt quite a bit. Her muscles ached after her thirteen hour days at the office. She couldn't skip meals like she used to or she would get sick. She also tired out more quickly now.
Hermione massaged her neck and picked up the next report. This one might be credible. A man fitting the description of Dolohov was seen prowling around a muggle's house in London. When asked who he was and what he wanted he disappeared into thin air. The muggle police dismissed the elderly woman's report but Hermione thought it was worth a look. She put it in the pile of things to pass on to Harry.
The door to her office opened and Harry peeked in. "Hey," he greeted Hermione with a tired grin.
"Hey," Hermione sighed.
"Ready to go?" Harry asked.
"No, it's only-" Hermione looked her watch and sighed,. "it's 10:30? Really? I had no idea it was so late."
"It is," Harry said. He came into her office and sat down, "You have been here since 6:00 this morning. You didn't take a lunch-"
"I ate at my desk," Hermione cut in.
"You need to take some time away. Hermione, you're three months pregnant-" Harry started.
"I know how far along I am, thank you very much. " Hermione interrupted her husband, "I'm pregnant not ill. I can do anything anyone else around here can do. I want no special treatment-"
"I know," Harry chuckled, "You have said that numerous time. I just want you to be careful, ok?"
Hermione saw the concern on his face and felt bad. Harry was just trying to look out for her and their baby. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders right now and the last thing he needed was for her to be difficult. "I'm sorry. You're right. I don't know why I have been so difficult lately."
"I do," Harry shrugged, "hormones."
Hermione shot him a warning look. "Let me pack up and -" She handed Harry a folder, "These are some sighting that are deemed at least somewhat credible. Have your guys go through them first thing in the am."
Harry nodded and took the folder, "I'll get on them with Draco tomorrow, first thing."
Hermione organized the papers on her desk. She packed somethings in her briefcase. She grabbed a stack of papers to give to Dennis to file. "Let's go," Hermione told Harry. He took her briefcase from her and they walked out the office. Hermione stopped by Dennis's desk and dropped off the papers. She scribbled a note telling him what to do with them.
Harry took her hand as they walked to the floo. Draco, Ron and Neville were standing around talking by the floo.
"You boys should get home," Hermione said and she yawned.
Ron smiled, "Take your own advice, Mione," he teased.
"I'm working on it," Hermione replied. "I feel like we haven't really lived at home in weeks. We've barely seen Teddy."
"Why don't you guys take this weekend off?" Draco suggested. "I mean, unless something breaks between now and then, there won't be much to do."
Harry looked at Hermione and raised an eyebrow. She could tell her wanted to do that. Hermione bit her lip, "I don't know," she said. "It seems awfully selfish to take time off when there are ten crazed prisoners out there terrorizing muggles and-"
"Just think about it," Neville cut in.
"I will," Hermione said after a moment of deliberation. "Let's see how this week goes." Hermione yawned again and swayed a little.
"Get your wife out of here before she passes out Potter," Draco said. "She looks like crap."
"You try being pregnant and working thirteen plus hour days," Hermione muttered as Harry guided her to the floo.
"That's ok," Draco replied. "I'll leave that to you, Granger. Goodnight."
"Night," Hermione said. She threw a handful of floo powder in the fireplace and shouted "Grimmauld Place." She almost fell out of the floo when she reached the house. She stabilized herself and moved out of Harry's way just in time.
She pulled her robes off and threw them over her arm, leaving her in her black dress pants and her red button up shirt. Harry was taking his robes off and he threw them on the back of the couch. Hermione opened her mouth to scold him and Harry kissed her.
When he pulled away Hermione looked at him- she tried to frown but she smiled at him. "You better pick those up, Potter," she told him.
"I will," Harry said and he kissed her again. He placed his hand against her tummy. "I can see the bump."
Hermione frowned, "Barely. It looks more like I am getting fat."
"You're pregnant. You're going to gain weight," Harry told her as he kissed her cheek. "But you don't look fat. You look beautiful."
"Thank you but you are a liar," Hermione replied. "I already have gained a little weight. My pants and shirts are getting a little tighter."
"That's to be expected," Harry reminded her.
Hermione growled, "Yes, ok, I know. Soon, I will have to buy some maternity clothes," she told him.
"You can just alter the clothes you are wearing magically," Harry pointed out.
Hermione pulled a face, "Part of the fun of all this doing stuff like buying maternity clothes," she explained to her husband.
Harry shrugged, "That's fine. Whatever you want, love."
Hermione stretched and groaned, "What I want right now is a bath," Hermione said.
"Can I join you?" Harry asked, whispering against her ear.
Hermione bit her lip. It had been three weeks since she and Harry made love. She wanted him, she really did. But she was exhausted and she knew neither of them would truly enjoy it. "Harry, I'm so tired-"
Harry laughed, "It's fine. Me too. Honestly I doubt I could satisfy you."
"I do miss you though," Hermione said as she kissed him.
Harry grabbed her and pulled her against him. He released her a moment later and told her. "You better go before I change my mind and try to seduce you."
Hermione giggled. She pulled away and ran up the stairs. Hermione could hear Harry getting ready for bed as she started the bathtub. She made sure the water wasn't too hot, she had tendency to run her bathwater too hot. She put in some lavender bubble bath and slipped into the tub.
For a few precious moment she let the world slip away and she closed her eyes. She was at peace. But the feeling didn't last.
Hermione must have fallen asleep in the tub because a few moments later she felt someone gently nudging her. She opened her eyes and saw her husband. "Hermione, you need to wake up."
"Huh?" Hermione asked sleepily.
"We have to go to work," Harry said.
Hermione's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she demanded. "It's morning. How is that-?"
Harry chuckled a little and then he frowned, "it's not morning. You feel asleep in the tub about an hour ago."
"But you said-?" Hermione started.
"Yeah," Harry cut in. "There has been a murder."
Hermione blanched, "Who?" she asked.
"Theodore Nott Sr. was found dead in his home this evening," Harry told her. He bit his lip, "Why don't you stay here and get some sleep. I will ask Terry to cover for you tonight?"
"Terry will just make more work for me," Hermione told Harry. She braced herself with her hands and stood up. Harry wrapped her dressing gown around her and helped Hermione step out of the tub. "Let me throw some clothes on and we can go.
Hermione dried herself off. She put on the clothes that she wore to work that day but she didn't bother with make up and doing her hair. She just pulled her unruly locks back into a low ponytail.
Harry was waiting for her downstairs. He was just dressed in jeans and a polo shirt. Hermione resented him for being able to get away with casual clothes. "Ready?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. She took Harry's arm and they apparated back to the ministry.
When they arrived they saw everyone else was already back and looked exhausted. Draco's hair was slightly mussed which almost made Hermione laugh- until she remember he knew Theo and his dad. Ron was half-dozing against the wall. Neville was running his hands over his face as if he trying to wake himself up.
"Wake up boys," Hermione ordered. "We have a long night ahead of us."
"Why don't you go home and get some sleep, Granger," someone behind her said. She turned and saw Terry Boot watching her. "I can handle this."
Terry was the deputy head of the M.L.E -right underneath Hermione. He seemed to resent her authority and she knew he was after her job. Hermione glared at him. "I'm just as capable as anyone else, Boot," Hermione told him. "Would you mind grabbing some coffee for the bys. They are going to need it."
For a moment it seemed like Terry would say no but he simply nodded and walked away. He returned a few minutes later and started handing out coffees. When he came to Hermione he raised an eyebrow, "I thought pregnant woman couldn't drink coffee."
"We can," Hermione told him. "Just not much and I haven't had any today, so give me." She practically snatched the hot beverage from him.
"Is there a problem, Boot?" Draco demanded. "Is there a reason you are being a arse?"
"No, none at all," Terry replied.
Hermione took a sip of the coffee and then inhaled deeply. "Ok, what do we know?" Hermione asked. "And where is Kingsley?"
"KIngsley is talking to the press," Ron mumbled.
"We know that Theo, the younger, found Theo, the elder, dead in his study about an hour ago." Draco informed Hermione.
"Let's get to the scene," Hermione said.
"It was them, wasn't it?" Neville asked as they gathered their things and prepared to floo to Nott Manor.
"Probably," Hermione admitted.
"The Prophet is going to have a field day with this," Terry muttered.
"Whatever would we do without you here to state the obvious," Draco drawled. "Granger, shut your minion up, please? I'm too tired to be sociable with idiots."
"Behave Draco," Hermione sighed but inside she enjoyed that- a little.
Harry helped Hermione into the floo and she left first.
She appeared in what appeared to be a study. She stepped out of the fire and saw Theo talking to a junior Auror, who had been sent ahead to secure the scene and take statements. He looked up and scowled at Hermione.
"Mr. Nott," Hermione said stepping forward. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"I'm sure," Theo sneered.
Hermione reminded herself the young man had lost his father and restrained herself from rolling her eyes. She looked at the junior Auror, "Talk to me," she said. Soon she was joined by Harry, Ron and Neville. Draco was off talking to Theo.
"It was the killing curse," the young man told Hermione. "We have found nothing in the study out of place- nothing stolen, nothing moved. There were no finger prints or fibers."
"So, we have nothing?" Hermione asked bitterly.
"No, we have something," the junior Auror sounded nervous. "When we arrived on scene the Dark Mark was hovering above the house."
Hermione closed her eyes and swallowed. That was the worst news ever. She figured their escaped convicts were behind this. But for them to throw up the Dark Mark-that would make her life harder. The public would panic. She opened her eyes," Get all the evidence you gathered and have someone remove the body." Hermione looked at Theo, "We have your statement. There is no need for you to come to the ministry but make sure Auror Malfoy has your information in case we need to speak with you."
"Yes mam," Theo clipped and Draco scolded him.
"Why do you think they came after Nott?" Neville asked quietly. "He was one of them once upon a time."
"And he turned against them," Harry reminded Neville.
"Which means my father could be in danger," Draco said joining them.
"So, could you," Ron told Draco.
Hermione didn't think things could get worse after the breakout. And now she saw how wrong she was.
AN: I couldn't find Yaxley's first name so I made one up. As for Delores Umbridge, according to the Harry Potter wiki she was arrested and imprisoned for crimes against humanity and remained there for the rest of her life. I'm not sure exactly what she was charged with.