Merlin Protocol

Chapter 8 "Back to School"

Nute

A/N: Wow two chapters in two months I'm on a roll. But seriously here is a new chapter of Merlin Protocol, I finally have the whole story planned out so I know what I'm working towards. As always please read and leave a review to let me know what you think about it.

Henry sat in the kitchen at headquarters listening to Sirius fill him in on how things back home had been since he left in May. Noticing the clock on the wall strike midnight Henry realized that today he would be going to Hogwarts for, as the Major put it, an 'extended deployment'. Since returning to headquarters after their blown operation Henry and his team had settled into a routine for the remaining week before they were to ship out again. When he was not on watch Henry filled his time with planning for the training program the aurors were going to go through or trying to find a moment to relax. Ironically, the only time Henry was able to find to relax was his nightly watch, which he usually spent alone in the kitchen with the usual late night visitors. During this time he often found his mind wandering back to the night a week ago replaying the memories of his comrades falling followed by images of his own curses striking down enemies as they rushed up the stairs.

"Earth to Henry… Henry," Sirius's voice broke Henry out of his recollection as he focused back on his godfather. "Welcome back you zoned out there for a minute. Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh yea I'm fine, mind just wandered off a bit," Henry replied. "You were saying?" Henry saw his godfather give him a concerned look before dropping the issue.

"I was saying that the Major said were going to have 30 trainees this first semester and we're going to have to cram six months of training into four. I don't feel sorry for them," Sirius said with a chuckle as he thought about the brutal training regimen he had gone through. "So the plan is to start on the 2nd and go for 12 hours a day until we can get them into shape."

"I-" Henry stopped talking as he heard the noise of someone coming down the stairs, unconsciously reaching for his pistol he relaxed when the door opened and he saw Ginny coming into the kitchen. This had become a regular occurrence over the past week with Ginny coming down after everyone had gone to sleep and the two talking late into the night. They swapped stories from their childhoods, like the time the twins turned Ron's teddy bear into a giant spider scaring him for life, or when Henry charmed Sirius's clothes to disappear in the middle of a date leaving him naked in a busy restaurant. During these talks Henry could not help but feel drawn towards Ginny, it was more than the need to protect her he felt after rescuing her. Henry could not explain it but he felt close to Ginny.

"Why hello Ms. Weasley, what has you up at this hour?" Sirius asked with a smile on his face, he knew that Ginny had been coming down here every night to see Henry and couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"Hey Sirius, I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd come down for a cup of tea, "Ginny said smoothly.

"Are you sure you're not just down here to visit my godson?" Seeing the girl blush Sirius threw his head back and laughed before standing from the table, "I'll leave you two alone, pup don't do anything I wouldn't do." Sirius gave Henry a smile and wink before leaving the kitchen. When the two were left alone Ginny took the seat across from Henry and gave him a smile.

"Hey Ginny," Henry said smiling back at her. "You all packed for school?"

"Yea I finished earlier today. I can't believe this is my last year at Hogwarts, I wish you had gone there you would of loved it." Henry's smile became wider as he thought of the surprise she was going to get tonight.

"Me too Sirius used to talk about it all the time, but I got to spend the better part of a day there last week," Henry said. He noticed Ginny's expression change when as he spoke, she had not been happy about him getting hurt or about not being able to visit him in the hospital. She had let him know this very clearly the first night back when she yelled at him about being a, as she put it, 'stupid, reckless prat'. Henry chuckled at the memory before quieting when Ginny's eyes narrowed.

"Do I need to remind you of my thoughts about your stay in the hospital?" Ginny said.

"Nope that's not necessary, you made yourself very clear," Henry said quickly.

"Good, glad that we're clear," Ginny said before shifting her eyes to her cup of tea as the room became quiet. After a few moments Ginny looked back up with a sad look, "I'm going to miss you. I'm starting school and you're off to do god knows what. When will I see you again?"

"Don't worry I have a feeling that we will be seeing each other again soon and I'm always just a letter away."

"Promise?" Ginny asked in a small voice.

"I promise, and have I broken a promise I made with you yet?"

"No"

"Then trust me when I say we'll be seeing each other again soon," Henry said with a slight smile.

"Okay… It's going to be so weird this year, my first year at Hogwarts without at least one of my older brothers there."

"You're going to do great," the couple sat enjoying each other's presence as Ginny drank her tea and Henry stared at the cold cup of coffee he held in his hands.

"So you still can't tell me what you're going to be doing while I'm away," Henry smiled at Ginny's question that she had been asking every night.

"Well as I've already told you we're going to begin training the Aurors but that's all I can tell you, the rest is classified. But you already know that," Henry said with a chuckle. Ginny tried to pout at him but couldn't keep a straight face as a smile came to her face. Henry got up from his seat to refill his cup with coffee, feeling Ginny's eyes on him the entire time, "So, tell me again how you're going to bring the quidditch cup to Gryffindor just like your older brothers." Ginny smiled at him before launching into her plans as captain for the team during the upcoming year.

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The next day Ginny was awoken at 10 by her mother, and she immediately wished that she hadn't stayed up so late the night before. But it might be the last time I'll be able to speak with him so it was worth it, she thought as she rose from her bed to take a shower and get ready for the trip to school. After dressing Ginny made her way down the stairs with her trunk, leaving it on the ground floor before going down to the kitchen, upon reaching the kitchen Ginny saw her mother working at the stove while Henry and his team sat at the table joined by Remus and Tonks. "Morning everybody," Ginny said as she took an open seat next to Henry who smiled at her as the room greeted her in return.

"Eat up Ginny, we have to leave soon," her mother said placing a plate of food in front of her. As she began to eat Ginny looked to the other people at the table, Frank and Connor sat at the end of the table dressed in those strange green clothes discussing some plan. Turning to Henry who sat next to her and Jake sitting across from him she noticed they were wearing muggle suits rather than what the others wore.

"What's with the suits?" Ginny said in between bites of her breakfast. Henry turned to look at her with a smile.

"We get the honor of escorting you and your mother to the platform, the suits make us look professional."

"They will make you stick out like a sore thumb on the platform though," Ginny said.

"That's kind of the point," Jake said looking up from his food, "we want to send the message that you are being protected to discourage any further attempts to kidnap you."

"Oh," Ginny said before focusing her attention on her breakfast, finishing the meal in silence. When they finished eating the clock read 10:30 and they rose from the table. Henry withdrew a piece of rope from his pocket and held it out for Jake, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley to grab before it took them to the platform. As Ginny heard Henry's countdown reach zero she felt the grab of the portkey at her navel and was whisked away from the kitchen.

Feeling her feet touch the pavement Ginny caught a glimpse of the platform before the forms of Henry and Jake blocked her vision as they blocked the two women from the crowd on the platform. Ginny began to follow Jake with her mother as Henry walked behind them, the group made their way through the crowd of students and parents who were saying their goodbyes. Feeling the eyes of multiple people on her Ginny moved closer to her mother and noticed Henry moving closer. Coming to the entrance for the express Ginny turned to her mother to say goodbye, "Now be good dear, and stay safe," her mother said. Ginny moved in to hug her mum before speaking.

"I will be mum, don't worry so much. I love you."

"I love you too dear, now I'm sure there is another goodbye you're more anxious to get to," Mrs. Weasley said with a wink. Ginny blushed slightly before turning to Henry who was watching the crowd, coming behind him Ginny tapped him on the shoulder causing him to turn around.

"Hey," he said with a smile.

"I'm going to miss you and I'm holding you to that promise," Ginny said with a serious look on her face. Henry just laughed before opening his arms for a hug; Ginny moved in to the embrace and enjoyed the feeling of safety it caused.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm talking about," she heard him say before moving away from him. She felt him squeeze her shoulders before saying, "You better go before you miss the train." Ginny sent one last smile at him before turning and entering the train. Walking through the train Ginny came to the end before finding her friends and entering the compartment. Immediately she was brought into a hug by one of her best friends Colin as Luna looked on with a smile.

"It's so good to see you, your kidnapping was in the papers and we were so relieved to hear that you were rescued. How did they find you? The Prophet didn't have any details, just that you were rescued." Ginny took a seat across from the two as Colin finished speaking.

"I can't say much about it, secrecy and all that, but I will say that I am forever grateful to them and so happy to be out of that place.

"We are all grateful to whoever rescued you Ginerva, and I must say that you seem to have gotten rid of the Nargle problem you had last year." Ginny could only smile at her odd friend before shaking her head and turning to the window as Luna went back to her Quibbler and Colin left to check in with some of their other friends.

As she watched the landscape fly past the window Ginny found her mind drifting to where it often had the past few weeks, Henry. She had admitted to herself that she had developed a slight crush on her savior, well not that slight, but she couldn't help the feeling of comfort and safety she felt in his presence. Or how he was always there to help her talk about her nightmares or just sit there in silence if that was what she wanted. She loved the talks they had shared the past week and how he didn't treat her like a child. Yea Ginny had to admit that Henry Peters was unlike any other boy, no man, that she had ever met. Continuing to ponder these thoughts Ginny drifted to sleep as the train continued barreling towards Hogwarts.

Ginny was shaken awake by Luna who told her that they were getting close and she better change. Rising from her seat Ginny stretched before changing into her school uniform, after taking her seat again the door opened and Colin came back into the compartment. "So Ginny you ready for the quidditch season?"

"More than ready, the other teams aren't going to know what hit them," Ginny said with a feral smile as the express pulled into Hogsmeade. Gathering their trunks the trio moved to the hallway and exited the train to join the sea of students making their way to the carriages. Waving to the familiar form of Hagrid Ginny and her friends entered a carriage along with two fifth year Ravenclaws. Ginny looked towards the castle to enjoy the view that never failed to give her chills even after all these years. After exiting the carriage, they made their way to the great hall and took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Shortly after sitting the first years were led in by McGonagall to be sorted. Ginny barely paid attention to the students sorting, only applauding when her housemates did, her mind focused on the food that would follow. She was brought back to the world when Dumbledore stood to address the students.

"Now before we all tuck in to the delicious feast that has been prepared for us I have a few last minute announcements. As always the Forbidden forest is just that, forbidden, Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that a list of banned items can be found on his door and finally the castle will be hosting guests for the upcoming year. In the dark times we find ourselves in I felt an extra measure of security was necessary, so I have invited a group of highly trained individuals that have been leading the fight against Voldemort to come to the castle and they have agreed. These men are not to be messed with and will respond with force if pushed so I ask all of you to let them do their jobs. It is my pleasure to introduce the men of the 22nd SAS." With that Ginny's draw dropped as she turned to the doors to the great hall that had opened to allow Henry and his team followed by four other men all dressed in the odd green clothes she had seen them wear before. As they came down the middle of the hall Ginny tried her best to glare at Henry as he walked past but could not maintain it as he winked at her. Coming to the front of the hall the men spread into a line in front of the teachers table as Connor stepped forward to address the students.

"Like the headmaster said we are here to protect you and we are very good at our jobs, as he said please don't interfere with our work. However, with that said we want you to come to us if you ever feel unsafe here and we will try to deal with the problem. We look forward to a pleasant and productive year and thank you for allowing us to be here." After he finished speaking the team moved to an empty section at the Gryffindor table and began to eat as the attention of the hall remained on them and whispers began. As others in the hall began to eat Ginny couldn't take it anymore and stood from the table, making her way to where Henry sat to let him know how she felt about his surprise. Moving down the table she saw him look up at her as if feeling her gaze, Henry spoke to Jake next to him who then moved down the table opening a spot.

"Ginny, how nice to see you, please take a seat," Henry said with a cheeky grin. She took the seat next to him but continued to glare.

"You couldn't have told me?" she whispered with narrow eyes.

"Where would the fun in that be?" Henry said with a laugh before leaning in, "besides, I kept my promise didn't I."

With that, Ginny felt her anger deflate as she shook her head and muttered, "Arse."

"What was that Ms. Weasley?" she heard Jake say on her other side. Sighing in frustration as the men beside her laughed Ginny began to fill her plate with food as the conversation at the table shifted away from her. Ginny began enjoying the meal as she joined in the conversation answering questions about Hogwarts and its inhabitants.

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As the opening feast was drawing to a close Henry saw Jake motion to him and they both rose from the table. "Well Ginny I'm afraid we must be off, I'll see you tomorrow," Henry said sending her one last smile before he followed Jake out of the hall. The two made their way out of the castle and started towards the Forbidden Forest.

A few hours later found the soldiers walking through the forest taking note of the layout and inhabitants, already they had a close call with some Acromantula's and a rather interesting encounter with a Centaur. Walking through the forest Henry thought about the redhead he had parted with earlier. Perhaps it was because of the rescue, or the nightmares they shared or maybe he just lacked interaction with the opposite sex but for some reason he could not deny that she was special. They way she had come back from her ordeal to be fiery and determined when others would have been destroyed impressed him to no ends. She had spirit that was for sure. He also could not help the need to protect her that he felt. Coming back to reality as they exited the forest the two made their way to the castle, they met up with Sirius as they entered the castle and followed him to the headmaster's office. Entering the office Henry saw Dumbledore and his other two teammates waiting, "Good now that you're here we can begin. Peters what's your report on the forest." After Connor spoke, Henry rose and began his strategic report on the forest and how to defend it. The group talked late in to the night hearing reports for the forest, castle, and Hogsmeade and discussed how to defend in case of attack. After the meeting was finished the group parted with Henry and Jake making their way to their quarters for the year, coming to a portrait of a knight Henry spoke the password 'who dares wins'. Stepping through the door revealed he entered the wing of rooms they were occupying followed by Jake.

"Should be an interesting year, lots of pretty birds to look at," Jake said with a laugh. "Think I might take a pass at one or two, too bad you're already taken."

"What are you on about, I'm free to do as I please."

"Oh please, I'm talking about your favorite redhead, you're done for even if you don't know it yet," Jake continued to smile as Henry turned away and moved to his room.

"You're full of it, we are just friends. Get to sleep we have a busy day tomorrow," Henry entered his room after speaking and prepared for bed. Sleep came quick that night and for once, he was spared the nightmares that usually plagued him.

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The next morning found Henry and the other soldiers up before the sun waiting outside of Hogwarts for the Aurors to report for training. At exactly 5:30am, a group of 30 witches and wizards appeared facing away from the soldiers, most of group still looked half-asleep. Exchanging a look the soldiers moved towards the Aurors with smiles as Connor began yelling at the top of his lungs disturbing the quiet morning.

"Alright you sorry sons of bitches it's time to wake the fuck up!" Many of the trainees who hadn't noticed the soldiers jumped at the scream and turned to the source. "Now we're going to have some fun this morning, I want to see three lines of 10 in front of me in five seconds now!" The wizards scrambled around as the soldiers yelled at them from all sides until the lines formed. "We're gonna start with a little run around the lake and I swear to god if any of you don't keep pace I'm going to personally see that your life here is a living hell, now let's go." The group set off with Connor and Henry setting a brisk pace as the other soldiers flanked the trainees. As the group of Aurors made their way around the lake to where they started some started to slow and sighed in relief.

"I don't know why the hell you are stopping, who told you to stop. Keep running," Frank's voice rang out at the trainees that had begun to slow.

"One more time ladies, let's go." Connor said continuing around the lake yet again. By the time the group game made it around the lake for the second time most of the Aurors were doubled over trying to catch their breaths or lying on the ground completely spent.

"Pathetic, you are supposed to be the ones protecting the wizarding world? That wasn't even 10km, now were going to do some exercises and begin physical combat. Partner up," the trainees spit into pairs and looked back to Connor. "Now watch this move carefully…" Connor began to show the wizards the basics of physical combat. After covering the basics, Connor set them off to spar with each other as the soldiers moved around and corrected them.

Three hours later after breaking for a 20-minute lunch the group found themselves on the grounds again waiting for Connors instructions. "Follow me we need to see if you're fit to call yourselves wizards." Moving to the forest the rest of the group followed Connor, walking for a few minutes before coming to a clearing where they saw multiple target ranges had been constructed. " Now you have all been issued these wrist holsters for you wands correct?" Receiving nods Connor continued, " What I want you to do is step up to these ranges one at a time, with your wand in the holster, one of the five targets will appear and you are to draw and fire as fast as you can. Everyone who doesn't hit the target will step to the side and give me 20 pushups before getting back in line. Begin!" With that, the trainees split into four groups and the soldiers split to monitor each of the ranges.

Henry examined the Aurors in line at his range, slightly nodding at Ron who was in line, before speaking, "Well you heard the man, begin." The first wizard stepped to the range and there was silence for a few moments. When the target popped up the wizard clumsily drew his wand and fired a stunner that missed wide right. "Pushups now, next!" The rest of the Aurors fared about the same except for a few who were able to hit it, Ron among them. After five hours of practice, Connor called a halt to the firing.

"Cease fire, cease fire, now with minimal exceptions that shooting was utterly atrocious. But not to worry, now that we have a hold of you we're gonna make you into fighters." Connor and the rest of the team wore matching grins at this statement as more than one wizard gulped at the implications. "You all get off easy today because we aren't sure if you can take any more on your first day. So go home, get some rest, and get back here at tomorrow at the same time ready to work harder than you ever have. Dismissed!" Henry followed Connor and his team to the school leaving the Aurors to collapse to the ground in exhaustion.

Coming to the great hall for dinner Henry and the team took their seats where Ginny was already waiting. Filling his plate with food Henry turned to Ginny, "How were classes?" Ginny looked at him giving him a smile before answering.

"Same as always, Snape's a prick, McGonagall's strict, and Flitwick is short." Henry chuckled at her answer, "How was training?"

"As expected most are helpless right now, but a few showed promise including your brother." Henry said between bites. The conversation continued throughout dinner with the other soldiers jumping in at times. When dinner came to an end Henry stood and said to Ginny, "I'm off to get some sleep, early morning tomorrow."

"Night Henry."

"Night Ginny," giving her one last smile Henry turned and left the hall on the quest to get some much-needed rest.