(A/N All Harry Potter characters belong to JKR I'm just having fun with them)

Chapter 18

"Let me get this straight, you're a great big, shaggy, black dog, and you completed your transformation with help from a Muggle?" It was nearing two in the morning, and Arthur was unsure if he had heard right.

"Yep, she was a total bunny, man. Had these…what?" Sirius stopped talking, looking to Arthur and Remus, who were snickering at him.

"Padfoot, the term 'bunny' went out of vogue several years ago."

"Ah…What's 'vogue' mean?"

"Never mind, just finish the story," Arthur cut in, ready to head home. He had dropped off a copy of the Auror's report on the break in, and filled them in on all he knew about Bertha Jorkins travel plans.

"Where was I…? Right, she had these markings on her chest, and I could tell they were permanent. So naturally I had to find out all I could, and after a lengthy, and pleasant I might add, investigation I learned about tattoos. They take ink and a needle, and inscribe pictures on skin, so I had this done." Sirius pulled his shirt down, to show runes around his collar bone and chest.

"So they make you an Animagus, it's that easy?"

"No, they only open a pathway; most wizards have an inner animal, but not all can access them or understand them enough to change. I knew my animal, and understood it, but could not open the pathway, these runes let me. Remus actually came up with the scheme Peter and I used."

"It was permanently adding it to the body that posed the problem." Remus took up the explanation. "If drawn or painted on when the change was made it was lost, so it took another wizard to change them back, this caused Peter quite the scare at one time. Anyway, a tattoo is in and under the skin, so it stayed. Many times I thought of getting a patent on it and marketing a book to make the change easier for wizards, but I don't think the Ministry would have approved."

"Yeah, sounds like them, I would never have been able to become an animagus without it. I doubt the powers that be would like the increased amount of people able to change. Imagine the havoc that would create?" Sirius had a wide smile, at the thought.

Arthur sighed; they were just like the twin's: brilliant, but only looking for a good time. He looked at his watch; he needed to get home, and hoped Molly was still asleep, and missed him sneaking out.

"I need to get going, if I learn anything of note I'll keep you posted. Harry will be home in a couple of weeks, I'll be sure to arrange a meeting with him for you."

"Thank you Arthur, it really means a lot. You and yours have really looked out for him; anything I have is yours if you need it." Sirius was looking right into Arthur's eyes, making sure the older man understood just how much he meant it. Arthur just waved as he stepped into the floo, calling out for the Burrow.

HPCS~HPCS~HPCS

Winston Redcrest III was resting, his beak tucked under his wing. He had passed the recipient and had to back track. He was currently rethinking his career as a Certified Postal Parrot.

HPCS~HPCS~HPCS

Ian stood surveying the campsite in the light of day, last night's dirty deeds still haunting him. It was one thing to kill a man in a fight; it was another altogether have to be the judge, jury, and executioner. There were no authorities to turn the men over to, and letting them go could have resulted in another attack. This is what leading the expedition meant, he had to make the hard choices and live with them. He walked past the wreckage of Barn's and Owen's tents, they were completely destroyed, and salvage had recovered little in the way of clothes and possessions. Ian continued his path, heading for the lake, best for everyone if they wrap this site up quickly. At first he was inclined to believe that the Spanish Mission was gone or he had the wrong lake, but after the fight last night he knew just how close the camp was. It was a clever illusion, woven in a way that masks the presence of active magic. The misfired or deflected spells that shot across the lake however, showed the truth. He was lucky to notice when he did, but as a spell had struck the illusion it rippled, showing for a brief moment the hidden Mission. His feet sunk deep into the gravel and sand of the shore, as he stood in the overly bright glare, and planned a way to survey the site.

Harry woke to the feel of gentle hands spreading an ointment on his back. His groan alerted Belle that he was awake.

"Good morning Harry, you gave us quite the scare, I'm glad to see you're awake at last. I mean, Alessandra said you would be, but it just took so long. Anyway, how do you feel?"

"Fine…just stiff I guess, and hungry." Harry sat up slowly, feeling the skin on his back stretch and pull. Alessandra walked up as Harry tested his movement.

"As well you should. You pushed the limits, and you could have seriously damaged your magic core, drawing it down so low. You need to eat lots and take it easy, no fast or sudden movements. That acid bolt that grazed your back was nasty. I had to cut out the damaged skin, and apply a skin re-growth ointment, one that needs to be reapplied every six hours. Belle has taken care of that for me so far though." Alessandra looked tired, her eyes had bags under them, like she needed rest as well.

"How is everyone else? I saw Xo get hit hard; and Owen, he saved me from the fire, is he OK? What about Lone Feather's head, and Bill's arm?" Harry asked quickly, his eyes looking around for any clues.

"All fine, even if they are a little slow and sore this morning. Owen had the closest call, with that asphyxiation curse. Xo and Lone Feather will have headaches for a few days, but that's all. Barns and Bill would be healed up today, if they hadn't overdid it yesterday, getting logs to make a raft." Her exasperation was clearly heard, and her muttering a curse about stupid men with too much testosterone was a little scary.

"Here, take my hand, I'll help you to a dining table, that way you can see everyone for yourself." Harry took Belle's hand, and stood slowly.

"How long was I out for?"

"Two days, you had a lot of catching up to do. I'm truly amazed there was no permanent damage to your magic, you were very lucky." Alessandra headed off to her private quarters, hopefully to get some rest.

Harry noticed Belle's hands were rough, probably from carving intricate patterns into stone and dragon bone, but at the same time soft and comforting. He followed her, walking more and more steadily as he went into the dining room. Everyone was there except Denny; no one had seen him or found a body.

Bill looked up as Harry came in, and just looked at him for a long moment.

"You alright there Harry?"

"I've been better," he looked around, checking on each person there, his eyes stopped on Barns.

"Sorry, I…" Barns looked confused as Harry spoke to him, "I hexed the guy in the brown robe and flipped him into the burning tent, I thought he was done for. I should have followed up and checked, but when curses started flying my way I ran."

Barns snorted loudly, then chuckled, which became a laugh; that spread to Xo, Owen, and Lone Feather.

"That's rich! You're apologizing for saving my arse, by stopping the best duelist they had, hexing another, so I had the chance to take him out, and then dodging curses instead of getting hit. I'll take you on as my apprentice right now, damn the age requirements!"

Harry turned red, embarrassed for a moment, then he sat up straight and chuckled as well.

"I guess I am. It was scary though, and Owen-thanks, you saved my arse from that fireball." Harry made eye contact with Owen.

"You would have done it for me, if I wouldn't have panicked over the flames and got to cover first, I would have been fine. You're right though, it was scary, always is in times like those."

Owen laughed it off, his happy go-lucky self back.

"What happened to the rest of the Raiders anyway? Harry asked, and everyone went quiet.

"No point worrying-" Bill started, but was cut off by Ian's harsh voice.

"We executed them Harry," his tone lightened a little as he spoke. "There were no officials to turn them over to, and no government to appoint them. It is one of the major problems we wizards face, we're fragmented. A pocket here, a pocket there; hiding behind wards, all around the world. Yes, there are magical governments in some places, and the ICW, but they can't enforce order. The village of Darien here is a prime example, it's all magical, and they have a magistrate appointed by the people of the village, but he protects the people and their property only in the village. He could care less what happened outside his jurisdiction or to us as foreigners anyway. I have always thought, what if we could unite all witches and wizards, with a central government and land of our own? Imagine the knowledge that could be shared, the people comfortable enough to celebrate our holidays, not having to worry about violating the secrecy statute. Schools could be formed, libraries, and even museums; wizards could become what they once were. Our traditions and culture could flourish…" he trailed off, seeming to catch himself on a tangent, "anyway, it was my Dad's dream before Grinwald killed him, and mine now."

"What about Muggles then, do you propose that we expose ourselves to them, or just take land from them?" Harry asked, while being shocked, some of Ian's comments interested him, nobody had ever talked about things like this with him.

"Neither. First of all, do you think exposing ourselves is a good idea?

"No, they wouldn't accept us; they would be afraid and not understand magic."

"Exactly, but do you think we could just take their lands then?"

"No, it wouldn't be right."

"No, it wouldn't be, and there are more Muggles than us, so many more that we wouldn't have a chance. It is easy to block a bullet, but hundreds of them? Not a chance."

Harry spent most of the day talking and resting in the Big Tent: they talked of the world, and the UK, customs and culture, Hogwarts, careers, and many other topics. Later, Alessandra joined in and they talked of dancing, healing, and everyone just relaxed. Harry learned more about the Wizarding World in general, than he ever knew before. The only dark spot in the day was finding out Denny had gone missing, and Lone Feather suspected that Denny was the one who hexed him.

That night Harry went back to Bill's tent, after Belle applied one last treatment of ointment to his back, and was surprised to see Barns and Owen. It seemed that their tents were uninhabitable, so they were sharing the bunks. Harry gritted his teeth, Barns snored like a dull saw on hard wood. Harry waved at them as he headed to bed. Bill was busy casting spells when Harry arrived.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked.

"Setting a Silencing ward around Barns' bed." Bill grinned.

"Brilliant!" Harry said, as he lay down face into his pillow. Bill looked over and saw the fresh paste on Harry's back.

"It seems Belle is taking good care of you Harry." His tone was insinuating.

"Come on Bill, she is just helping Alessandra out, did you see how tired she was?"

"Yeah, but you're the only patient she's helping."

"She's like seventeen Bill, get real." Bill chuckled at that.

"No she is sixteen, soon to be seventeen. Besides, when is the last time you looked in the mirror? You look almost sixteen yourself, in fact…" Bill said, as he plucked a bit of fuzz attached to Harry's face, "You might even want to shave." Harry yelped, and then winced as he jerked away, the healing skin on his back pulled uncomfortably. Bill cringed, seeing he had caused Harry pain.

"Sorry mate, anyway, just something to keep in mind."

Harry just grunted, he had grown; he was taller now, and broader in the shoulder, narrow at the hips, and had well defined muscle tone. All the time in the sun had given him a healthy tan, and his hair had stayed the same dark color, although in the bright sunlight a hint of red could be seen, sticking out in all directions, still an unruly mop. He closed his eyes, clearing his mind; sorting out all the thoughts and memories, shuddering at some and laughing internally at others. After the memories were cleared, he felt more centered and at peace, and slowly drifted off to sleep, vaguely hearing the rest of the guys get ready for bed as well.

It was early morning when Harry stirred from sleep, and quietly moved into the sitting room, on his way to the shower. He was surprised to see Barns sitting in a chair, an empty glass at his side.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, seeing Barns jump slightly at his voice.

"I did for a while, sometimes after a fight it's hard to relax for awhile, how about you? How are you doing with what happened?"

"Good enough I suppose." Harry took a seat opposite of Barns, but startled as Dobby popped in with a glass and pitcher of juice, he refilled Barns' glass, and gave Harry one without asking. Harry did really want one though. "I can't say that it doesn't bother me, but I haven't really thought about it much."

"On purpose I would guess; it never gets easier, killing a man, wouldn't be a good thing if it did. It had to be done, we couldn't risk anything less. You see, when a wizard takes his wand in hand with the intent to kill you; he condemns himself in my book."

"I can see your point, it still makes me sick to think on it, but I see it a bit different. He isn't the first I've caused to die." Harry said quietly, his hands fiddling with his now empty cup. Barns looked up, surprised by Harry's admission, not knowing how to ask about it. Harry must have seen his confusion, because he continued.

"It was the end of first year, Professor Quirrell was after the Sorcerer's Stone, I stopped him. When I touched him, his skin burned and cracked. I knew it hurt him, but he was fighting me, hurting me, and I couldn't let him get the Stone, so I grabbed his face and neck. I knew what I was doing, Dumbledore explained it away later, but I knew the truth. I had killed a man. The nightmares after that were terrible, but in the end I came to terms with it. He would have killed me, he was trying to. I have only just begun living my life, I wanted to stay that way, so I fought." Harry finished talking, not noticing Bill and Owen had entered the room, and were standing quietly in the doorway.

"I couldn't have said it better… self-preservation. You're right, life is not forever, so live it, don't let a moment pass you by, and when someone tries to take that from you, fight for it… Here I was all set to try and help you realize why we did what we did, and you give me a deeper form of understanding." Barns stood, leaving to get dressed. Bill and Owen just watched Harry, as he continued on to get a shower, his empty glass left sitting on the side table. Neither were sure if Harry realized what how he sounded, and the full meaning behind his words.

The next few days were busy; everyone seemed to want to move on. Owen, Xo, and Lone Feather were given the task of searching for Denny, and looking through his tent and possessions for any clue about his past, if he had betrayed them, or was simply a coward and fled. Ian, Annalisa, and Bill were working on the Illusion to disrupt it, and get a look at the wards hidden behind it. As with most Illusions, the active magic creating it is hidden, causing the wards to be hidden. Harry learned from Bill, that the best wards were made that way, each rune sometimes hidden, but it took more time to cast, and a lot of skill to create a believable Illusion.

Harry spent his time with Barns, it seemed they had nothing to do but guard the camp. Harry was having a blast, Barns was showing him how to properly duel: how to stand, and move, how to fall, duck and roll without hurting yourself; but the fun part was target practice. Barns would banish conjured bottles through the air, and Harry would shoot them down. If he missed, Barns would show off and snipe it before it hit the ground. Soon, they were having mock duels with coloring charms and shields. One of the first things Harry learned was how to deflect a spell with his wand. It was risky, you had to overpower the caster or it would hit you. They started a game of volleying a stunner back and forth, sometimes adding an extra. They stopped after they stunned each other, and were revived by an amused Bill. Many of the spells Harry was learning would definitely not be taught at Hogwarts, but it would help him when he had to defend himself again, so he worked hard. In the evenings he sat with Belle for dinner, conversations almost always turning to how to sweep a witch off her feet. After that, she would help him study Runes and Arithmancy, with some of Bill's old text books. He was hoping to drop Divination, and take up better classes. Harry was startled to note that his birthday had passed without him noticing, but he didn't care, he was having fun and learning more than ever before.

It was during the nights that his mind wandered, understandably his thoughts were turned to the future. His seats on the Wizengamont were worry for a later time, as he was still three years from his majority, and he didn't have to be an active member, Ian had a seat and didn't go to every meeting. A marriage contract… that hung over him like a weight. He could forget about it during the day, but at night after clearing his mind, it always crept back in. He had nothing against Daphne or Tracey, but he would have liked a choice, there were so many different girls who were pretty, funny, smart, or just interesting in ways that would be a joy to discover why. Perhaps there were options; he would have to look into it. In the meantime, he had a life to live, knowledge to gain, and adventure to find.

HPCS~HPCS~HPCS

Albus sighed in comfort as he crossed the ward line at Hogwarts, feeling that familiar flood of magic. Not many wizards had the ability to feel magic, to realize its true potential; working it like an art form, rather than cast spells created and taught. He was one who could feel it flow and ebb as he wielded it, knowing instinctively how to manipulate it to meet his needs, not that he didn't use created spells for most things, and it was much more efficient after all. The lights of the castle were all lit up, unusual this time of year, but he suspected Minerva was busy preparing for the upcoming events that Hogwarts was to host.

He slipped into the castle, making his way to his office, using routes where he wasn't going to be noticed; he wanted a restful night before dealing with the overwhelming logistics of hosting two large events.

His office was just as he left it, he noted. Fawkes on his perch, parchment scattered on his desk, the smell of old books and lemon permeating the air. The only thing that was different was the spinning and whirling monitors of Harry's wellbeing, and the blood wards around Number Four Privet Drive.

The wards were crashed, the health monitor stopped, and the locating compass showing only a faint sign of him. Albus moved fast, grabbing the compass and doing what was written to be impossible, he Apperated from Hogwarts, not hearing the deep toll that rang through the Halls, offices, and classrooms, alerting the staff that the wards had been overpowered.

He landed roughly on a gravel patch, on the side of the road. Looking around, his silvery hair blowed in the wind, his face was grim, power rippling and crackling in the air around him, his worry nearly causing him to panic. Kneeling on an unassuming patch of gravel, he ran his fingertips over the rocks digging them in, seeking the soil. There he felt it, a little of Harry's magic, his blood had seeped into the ground here, leaving a trace behind. He stood, eyes sweeping the clearing, finding the crushed and tarnished frames of Harry's glasses. Further search led him to an open pit, a school robe lying in it with a surprisingly clean snow white feather. Here was a magic he didn't recognize by feel, but as he read the name Hedwig carved into the ancient oak, he had his suspicions on what had occurred. It made him sure Harry had been here, and hurt, but what had become of him.

He appeared at the front door of the Burrow, not making a sound until his scarred old knuckles knocked on the door. He heard a shuffling, before the light illuminated a bushy head of brown hair.

"Hermione dear, who's at the door?" Molly Weasley called out from the kitchen, as she finished up the nights dishes.

"It's the Headmaster!" Hermione shouted in surprise, and response to Molly's question.

"Albus, what a surprise, have you eaten?"

"I'm quite full Molly, I don't mean to interrupt, but I was wanting, a word with Harry. I assume he's here?" Albus replied, his eyes looking past Molly seeking. All he saw was Ron and one of the twins walk into the room.

"Oh, he's not here."

Albus was panicking, he thought for sure Harry would come to the Burrow. He was so lost in thought, he almost missed the rest of Molly's statement.

"You'll have to wait or send an owl; Harry won't be back until the day before the Qudditich World Cup. We have tickets for all the boys, and Hermione too, of course." Molly prattled on.

"Where must Harry come back from?" Albus asked, his mind planning a way to find him, just to assure himself of Harry's health.

"The poor dear showed up just after we left, those foul Muggles beat him up and left him on the road. It was good luck for Harry that Bill was still home. Actually it worked out well, Bill needed a helper for his Cursebreaking, and Harry needed something to do to take his mind off it, although the poor dear is probably bored what with sitting around and doing all that Arithmancy."

Ron sniggered in the background, thinking himself lucky for not being roped into that job, and Hermione groaned in envy, thinking of nonstop research. Albus sighed, knowing just how wrong they all were, he knew what Cursebreaking Expeditions really were, he just hoped Harry returned with all his limbs, and without too much outside influence.

(A/N Sorry for the extra week delay but life happens. Anyway enjoy!

As always thanks for the reviews)