The next morning arose and the teenagers were still in bed, well they deserved it after the night before, Harry and Neville both shattered from fighting a quick spat with Tom. Harry rolled over in bed to see Ginny awake, "Morning babe, how are you today?"
"Ummm ok, it will be nice today, a few days of rest before your birthday."
Harry smiled then thinking back, "Hey Ginny, why did you have Neville and me pull back from Tom?"
"Hehe, well we know we can't kill him yet, right? But we have to give the impression that we are trying. So collapsing the building around him would look like we were trying to kill him."
"There is a flaw isn't there?"
"Yes, when doing the destroying of the house, all the charms and wards placed on it falter."
"Ahh so giving him a chance to escape while thinking we are trying to kill him still."
"Yup."
"Very clever miss," he snuggled his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him and nuzzled his nose into her neck, as he breathed it sent shivers of delight down Ginny's spine.
That day most of the group including Susan and Blaise (who had woken up in very awkward positions, but that is not to say that they didn't enjoy it) sorted through the spoils of war they had just gained from the Crabbe estate. Ginny was seated at a table she conjured in the main room, writing letters and using Hedwig to send them. Susan exclaimed over a book she heard was rare, but very random, whilst Ron found a rituals book on body strength.
"Well that explains a few odd things about that family," He said.
Hermione asked, "Has anyone questioned the latest batch of Death Eaters?"
Everyone replied in the negative.
Hermione looked at Harry and Blaise, "Do you two fancy joining me to find out any more information?"
Blaise looked surprised to be offered while Harry thought it would be good to use his mind skills. So they both nodded in the affirmative and left for the cells. When Blaise finally saw the cells he was speechless, the smell, no wonder Moody had felt sick. Harry went in and grabbed Draco and pulled him out from behind the bars and placed him in front of Blaise.
"Are you surprised Draco is already a Death Eater?' Hermione asked.
"No, he killed Dumbledore after all," Blaise responded, whilst a haunted look passed over Draco's eyes.
"No he didn't, Snape did, but here is the thing, Draco was ordered to kill him and couldn't. He was afraid. Legilimens!" Harry finally cried out as he rushed through Draco's thoughts, Hermione kept a level wand on Draco and watched Blaise as well, while Harry was doing his thing.
"What's wrong Blaise?" Hermione asked.
"Susan and myself, well we found this book on mind magics, we have been going through it, did you leave it there for us to try?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Can I practice on my mum next please?"
"Erm ok.' Hermione answered then a weird silence permeated the room if you ignored Draco's screaming and muttering, "How are you and Susan getting on now? You were looking at each other funnily this morning."
Blaise answered too quickly for Hermione's liking, "Oh nothing at all, just nothing."
"Uh huh, well just remember to use protection," Hermione winked at Blaise, "So what's your view now on non-magical people now?"
"It's amazing they survived at all, but they are the better for it, I mean I know we had Grindewald, but I didn't know it spilled over into the muggle world, and it was worse for them yet they dealt with it and survived. I never knew about the blitz until the older kids showed me on the tinternet."
Hermione smiled, "It's internet, only Northerners call it tinternet." Harry raised his wand and Draco collapsed into a heap on the floor.
"Well?" Hermione asked.
"Interesting, Draco was there without anyone being the wiser, he was running away, not just from us, but from everything," Harry replied.
"Don't tell me you are going to release him?" Blaise spoke up uncertainly.
"Oh heavens no, he is as guilty as hell for a load of minor acts, including letting Death Eaters into the school, though we will let the legal system deal with him," Harry responded.
"All we need now is to see Snape," Hermione voiced.
"Ummm, yes, he is important," Harry spoke.
"Can I interrogate my mum now please?" Blaise asked anxiously.
"Oh yeah, sure," Hermione answered.
Harry placed Draco back in the cell then brought Claire Zabini out for her son.
"Here she is."
She pleaded with her son, "Please release me, I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Really?" Blaise inquired darkly.
"You're no son of mine," she suddenly turned violent trying to lash out at Blaise and managed a slap across his face.
"Well your no mother or mine, you betrayed your family, so we have no loyalty to you. Legilimens!" Blaise started sifting through her thoughts, they wizzed passed his vision until he started sorting them out, ones of pain, from Crucios came to the front, he listened to what the Dark Lord said during each time, from the first war and the words of his deputies from this second war.
It amazed Blaise, he found out that the Dark Lord was only just winning, it was a precious balance, everyone thought he was winning, but his numbers were so few, and his money limited, if in the first war the Zabini's had entered like they were meant to, Voldemort would have lost in the long run. This filled Blaise with pride, his family could make a difference, they will make a difference. When he finished raping his mothers mind, he came up.
He spoke before they could ask any questions, "I wish to fight."
"Why?" Harry asked seriously.
"Because I thought there were legions of them out there, it turns out there is only a few. That and I want to make a difference," He spoke passionately.
Hermione corrected him, "There are legions of them out there, they just happened to be animated dead people, there were a few giants, there are still some werewolves and no doubt a few vampires along with a string of Dementors, but the thing is, they can all be dealt with."
"We will think about it Blaise, for now, the kids need you and Susan. Though if you two train, it would look better to us, to say you are ready," Harry answered Blaise's plea.
They flamed back to the lair after depositing Claire back within the cell, Ginny was still working away on the letters. Harry strolled up to her and asked, "Hey Gin, who you writing to?"
"Well you know Neville and you are going to the Wizengamot soon, well I thought it best to have some information for you to have before you go in," She informed him.
Harry smiled and kissed her head, "Thanks babe."
Over the course of the next two days, Ron, Harry, and Neville all practiced their apparitions, so they could get properly licensed. Ginny filled them in on what was going on in the political world and how this affected them. Neville and Harry enjoyed their birthdays, spent in the company of friends just larking around, no real presents. Those that were presented often got a gale of giggles from the girls or laughing from the boys. They spent the night time of the boy's birthdays down a pub and just enjoyed themselves. Ahh tomorrow, it holds such promise, Harry and Neville will be entering the political stage properly for the first time the next day. Least politicians were lazy and held all meetings past noon, it gave them time to sober up.
Harry and Neville awoke the next day by eight, getting up and meeting in the main part of the Lair.
"Morning," Harry greeted Neville.
"Gruugh," Neville grunted back.
"We ready for Apparition tests now?" Ron greeted them stepping through the door from his room.
"Yup," Harry responded.
"Ok, let's go to Grimmauld Place and Floo from there," Ron said.
"Sounds, sou-sounds, let's go," Neville finally gave up and gruffly spoke.
Appearing in the old house they quickly made their way to the fireplace and flooed to the Ministry.
Upon entering they strolled up to the desk, "Good morning, we are looking for the Magical Transportation Department please." Ron said.
The bored clerk didn't look up, after all no one would attack in the morning for heaven's sake, "Who's asking?"
"Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom..." at this point the clerk started looking up, but Ron finished first, "and Harry Potter."
"Erm, Magical Transport is two floors up, please you need to submit your wands for registration and to be held until you leave. See its new legislation, if no one has a wand inside everyone is safe."
"I think not, we will be keeping ours," Harry stated.
Ron said, "Look you know who we are, and we going in, thank you."
The group walked past the desk still with their wands in hand, the desk clerk pressed a button, it was his job after all. Four Aurors stepped out wands drawn and shooting stunners and a few hexes from behind a pillar, sadly the Aurors didn't know who they were trying to stop, as Ron defended the group and Harry and Neville attacked with brutality, leaving the four Aurors slumped unconscious in the corner.
"C'mon let's keep going," Neville said as Harry was looking at the four Aurors.
They moved into the lift and went up the two floors to Magical Transport then they exited and were greeted by another desk. They quickly found where Apparition tests and licences were, they met with the examiners who agreed to test them.
"So what do we have to do then?" Harry asked the examiner. The examiner was looking at Ron.
The examiner replied, "Well all you have to do is go from the spot labelled 'a' and keep Apparating until 'x', though a pass comes at 'c' the further you go, the more powerful you are and indicates how silent you can be."
Neville spoke up, "Excuse me sir, how far did Albus Dumbledore go?"
The old man looked uncertain then a smile appeared, "Ah yes, he got to as far as 'h' I believe."
Ron stepped onto the marker first, wanting to get it over with and prove he could do it. He came back, exhausted but happy.
"I got to 'f'!" Ron exclaimed then collapsed on the floor catching his breath. \
"Right I'm going," said a determined Neville. During the time while Neville was away, Ron slowly but surely recovered to his normal self. When Neville returned he came back much in the same way as Ron, "Well I got to 'h', and it bloody hurts."
Harry looked at the door and entered, stepping into what seemed like an assault course. He stepped on the spot marked 'a', a voice called out, "In your own time, start, and once started no stopping until you finish."
Harry nodded his head, shook himself loose and relaxed, a smile appeared on his face and he started.
After the four auroras had been dispatched and the trio had walked into the lift, Kingsley came running out to check on the four that were down. He was covered and flanked by another ten Aurors.
"They're all right, just a mild concussion," He called to the rest and he walked to the front, "Where are they going?"
"Magical Transportation sir," The front desk man babbled out.
Kingsley with nine Aurors went to another lift, when it reached the second floor and the door opened, Kingsley caught sight of something he didn't think possible, Potter, Weasley and Longbottom in the Ministry. I should get the Minister….nah send someone else and I can watch. So Kingsley sent a young Auror off to get the Minister of Magic to witness Harry Potter take his test. When the Minister got there, Kingsley informed him of the situation.
"Well then let's go to the control booth then shall we?" the Minister suggested.
Watching Neville push on to the "h" spot was worrying for the Minister, "He's strong. How far did you say his friend Weasley got to?"
"F sir," the invigilator answered.
"If I remember correctly there is a difficulty setting around here somewhere is that still true?" The Minister inquired.
"Yes there is sir, why?" the examiner asked wearily.
"Well just set it a bit more difficult for Harry will you, not Auror grade, just minor wards to break through with magical strength."
Harry crawled out of the room 30 minutes later, "Where the hell have you been? What the hell happened?" Ron asked worriedly.
A goofy grin appeared on Harry's face, "I got to 'o'."
"How?" Neville asked bewildered.
"Um, determination and stupidity, I think is the truthful answer, now can I get some rest please?" Harry spoke without thought.
"No, we got to get you back and quickly, but first we are going to get a license for Apparition, and see if we can get one for portkeys. But as it is we have half an hour before we are due back," Neville informed him then Ron and Neville picked Harry up and dragged him towards the door and to the desk where the licences were awarded.
"That's the first time anyone has got past 'I' Mr. Potter must be very powerful already. Well good luck with you gentlemen in these dark times," The clerk spoke as he handed the licenses over.
By the time they had gotten to the front desk of magical transportation, Harry was walking again.
"Hi," He greeted the receptionist again, "I'm looking for portkey control please," He asked nicely.
In the control room the Minister was looking very worried, "We need to keep him very happy, meet his demands, there is no way if he goes dark we can control him, but with his friends, I would hate to think of the damage they could wreck to the community, nay the world." The minister was starting to panic, Kingsley stepped in by slapping him one, "Sir, calm yourself please. Last I heard, Harry wanted to become an Auror, if not there is some rumours running around that he was a very good teacher and he enjoyed it immensely. He longs for a quiet life, so as long as people don't pester him I am sure all will be alright." The minister took the life line.
"He enjoys teaching? Another Albus then I suppose," The minister commented to the room.
"Try Gryffindor and he got an 'I'," The examiner said looking at past records.
Harry, Neville and Ron after seeing the head of port key creation managed to get themselves licences after showing a suspiciously good aptitude for portkey making. They quickly left the Ministry via floo and then flamed back to the lair to meet Ginny and Luna with Neville and Harry's dress robes for the seat of the Wizengamot. As they dressed in the main Lair, unabashed now since they were on the clock, Ginny apprised them of the latest law and the way people would vote.
"We can save all the gritty intrigue till later," Ginny informed the two Lords as they were pushed towards their destiny.
Harry and Neville entered the wizard council hall in all their splendour, the members in their positions around the table grew restless and uneasy as these two promising young persons strode into the hall as if they owned it. Several seats around the table were empty, notably Madame Bones chair had been vacated as she had gained the position of chief witch. The two heroes stood in a position where everyone could see them and announced themselves.
"I, Harry Potter do declare myself ready to serve the Wizengamot," and, "I, Neville Longbottom do declare myself ready to serve the Wizengamot," they both intoned, much to the council's disbelief, they stood waiting for someone to talk, to say the right words.
"Please join us wont you?" Madame Bones asked.
"Why thank you Mame," They both said, and with that they took their family seats, next to each other.
"Well this is un-expected but a welcome change. Now Lord Longbottom and Lord Potter, do you currently know the legislation that is being passed through this court?" One of the council members asked.
Neville answered for the both of them, "Yes we do, if you are referring to the legislation for the right for Aurors to use deadly force as required when facing a terrorising party."
"Quite correct," the voice answered back, "We were just about to vote, so maybe you would join us?"
"We would like that," replied Harry.
Madame Bones took charge again, "Well then, as everyone knows the argument, please vote aye for in favour for this bill, or nay to reject, the ayes first?" Hands went up but strangely enough Neville and Harrys stayed down. Others looking at them, sat there confused with their arms in the air.
"And now the Nays' please," Madame Bones counting the hands and being shocked at the two hero's voting stance. The count was taken and the result called out, "The Nays have it by a majority of one."
Whispers erupted, calls and shouts went out across the table, insults passed at the lunacy of it all. Chaos ruled supreme, the Aurors needed this bill to survive! They were all going to die! The chief witch had lost control of the council, firework after firework wizzed out of her wand to no avail.
"QUIET!" Neville roared deep and loud, the meaning penetrating everyone there. The reason to why he was to be feared felt as the power radiated off of him.
Harry spoke first, "Thank you Neville," then he addressed everyone else, "If you are concerned about the bill then let me ask you this. If an Auror is trapped in a situation where he can't get out then, yes, the killing curse is acceptable, but imagine sending a rookie team, as that is all we have at the moment, out into the field to apprehend someone. I can easily imagine a rookie getting scared and shooting without thinking. We agree with the principle, but not the wording, it is too ambiguous. As it is, the Aurors are a police force. The hit wizards are the strong arm, but as far as I can tell they are sitting around letting the Aurors do the work. Oh and speaking from experience here, we recommend counselling for those who have had to kill."
The silence was stunning, the ability to hold and captivate an audience was displayed right there, a true leader, a true fighter.
Madame Bones shaking her head dispelling the voice of command and the thoughtfulness of these two declared, "Well gentlemen, if you would like to voice your version and we will take a vote from there, then. Is everyone agreeable to that?"
For the first time the council all agreed to the same thing, afraid of the outcome if there was discord.
Half an hour later the council members left the hall with a vote for Aurors to be able to use appropriate force when defending themselves when in an extreme situation. Hit wizards on the other hand could use the Unforgivable Curses, when assaulting a known cesspit of evil.
Harry and Neville returned to the Lair for a brief interlude before the next show, something no one knew about, not even their partners.
"Ready for this?" Harry asked.
"Me yeah, it's you I'm worried about, after all, you were taught to look up to her," Neville responded.
"Shut up and let's get going." Harry joked as he adjusted his business jacket for the final time. They flamed together.
The Gurka guards are known for being loyal to the Queen, and they were prized for never allowing anyone entry without their knowing it. However today was a day where they were surprised.
Upon hearing a shrill from the room in which her highness occupied alone, the Gurka's entered to see the Queen unharmed and with two young men who were well dressed.
"Mame is everything ok here?" one of the guards asked, unsettled someone had gotten past.
"Yes I believe everything is good here. If you could please wait outside, these gentlemen will not be seen leaving either," The Queen answered. She waited till the guards had left the room, when she turned onto the two men.
"Well you got past the wards and the guards, you are too well dressed which suggests you wish an audience. Well gentlemen, you have one, so speak," The monarch said whilst indicating a couch for Harry's and Neville's comfort.
The two men took their place, Neville started out, "Please forgive my friend here, he was raised in your world, so I believe the word is awe-stricken, I myself was not, but I am curious as to how you know of wards."
Harry answered Neville instead, "Neville, the Royal family has been around generations, I think it's safe to assume if the Prime Minister knows of us, then the Head of State most assuredly does," Harry then turned to address the Queen, "Mame, let me introduce myself, My name is Lord Potter, but I prefer Harry, and my colleague here is Lord Longbottom and he prefers Neville," Harry inclined his head in show of reverence.
"Ah two of the old Lords from before the Norman invasion," The Queen muttered to herself as if remembering ancient history and lists, "Well gents what can I do for you?" she asked.
Neville dove straight into the story, telling of how the war ended seventeen years previously and then the struggle they had gone through to try and keep peace before open warfare had been declared.
"You see, the public destruction, the mysteries no one can explain, this is the enemy spilling over into your world, trying to quell the world with acts of terror."
"Ahh, so now we see the truth of the matter. Well this does mean I can move positively on this front now," She answered.
"How so mame?" asked Harry.
"Well a simple story of terrorism from a cult of fanatics, who wear black cloaks. They are armed and dangerous, please let the officials know," She answered with a smile, "We have dealt with war before and terrorism, we do what we do best, endure and win. So am I to believe you are my champions of this country?"
"Yes mame," Harry answered as Neville looked on confused.
"Join me wont you?" The Queen invited as she arose. The two guests stood to follow and the ruler of Britain left the room with the two following her closely and the Gurka's closer still. They entered a smallish room still grander than any house they had seen before. In the centre was a small table laid out with four places.
"Brian?" a foot servant came forward.
"Yes Mame?"
"Could you please bring in another two sets and tell the chef as well that I have two guests for Lunch," She asked as she moved around the table and spacing out some of the settings to make room for two more, "Please sit," she invited Neville and Harry.
Harry, to say the least, was unsure as he was sure etiquette forbade him, then again she was relaxing the rules for them, "Thank you mame."
The door opened again and three men entered, Harry instinctively stood again as he observe the shock appear on the faces of Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry.
"Mother?" The Prince of Wales asked.
"These gentlemen are Lord Potter and Lord Longbottom. They carry out my will in difficult circumstances. Come sit and we shall talk about it She invited her family to the table.
Over the course of the meal much was learnt from both sides.
"Well since you two are fighting this war it seems, I believe it is prudent to offer my aid in any form possible, that and I would request your addresses," The Queen spoke.
Neville and Harry both looked confused and in answer to the confusion, "So to know where to post invitations to parties, you got to let your hair down once in a while. As for the aid I presume what I have to offer isn't any use to you?"
"Erm quite on the contrary your Highness; weapons, guns, bullets, munitions would be greatly received. The families who have never taken an interest in this world still believe you use muskets for warfare. Magical folk have no protection against a hundred bullets," Harry answered.
"Well then, I suppose we will have to arrange a delivery date. Now if you can excuse me, I must be getting off to my first afternoon appointment. Oh and Harry, Neville, please stay safe," The Queen smiled as she left the room.
"Well you certainly made an impression," Prince Charles said.
"You have your own house? You lucky buggers," Prince Harry exclaimed.
"You know we weren't always this fortunate. First ten years of my life was living as a slave and under the stairs."
Silence prevailed until Prince Harry asked, "Are you serious?"
"Sadly I never joke much anymore."
"That's criminal!" Prince William said in outrage.
Neville seeing a bad end to this line inferred, "Well if you would like to send an invitation, well my address is…."