Harry's Future, Part 9
With his usual efficiency, Kreacher had the door to the Black house open before Harry had a chance to finish knocking. Harry was fine with that, especially this evening. He was tired and couldn't wait to drop into his comfortable chair in the study.
"Thanks, Kreacher. Something simple for dinner tonight will be fine."
"Kreacher will have Master Harry's dinner to him in a few moments," Kreacher replied as he took Harry's cloak and hat.
Harry trudged to his study and dropped into the upholstered chair. He closed his eyes and thought back over the events of the day. After spending the weekend with Ginny in Holyhead he started the day by seeing Ginny and the rest of the Harpies off on their trip to France for the Quidditch tournament. Depending on their success they could be gone for as much as two weeks. When he got to the office he found Maxwell and Milligan waiting for him. Using the information they had gathered so far they suggested to Harry that the raid should be early in the morning on Thursday. Based on the schedule for deliveries they should be able to bottle up everyone they had identified as being part of the operation.
After Milligan had left, Maxwell and Harry discussed the make up of the team they would need. Maxwell's recommendation for the leader of the new Special Tactical Squad was going to be Evelyn Muntab, the witch Harry had first met when they made the raid that resulted in the arrest of the 'source'. Maxwell was going to remain as the head of the squad still pursuing the last of Voldemort's followers. Muntab had been called up to Harry's office and after being informed of her elevation the three sat down and went through the plan. It was going to take a full dozen Aurors to do the job. There would be three to fly cover over the warehouse, four more to cover the outside of the building on the ground and five to go through the Knockturn Alley storefront and enter the warehouse from the portal.
Harry announced that he would be going along with the portal strike team and that Maxwell was going to be outside with the ground team. Both Maxwell and Muntab raised serious objections to this. Harry gave them both time to vent all their arguments and overrode them by simply stating,
"Based on my observations so far, I believe I'm safe in saying that there isn't an Auror in this department that is a powerful or as good with a wand as I am. It's not a boast, just a statement of fact. This is too important and dangerous a situation to leave that kind of advantage back here. We are going to be splitting the strike team once inside so I want maximum firepower in there and I want you, Maxwell, outside if something goes wrong and we need to change plans. Understood?"
The two older Aurors looked at Harry and as his bespectacled green eyes bore into them they just nodded their agreement.
"Good. Get your team together and start drilling them on their stealthy movement and forced entry skills. Meet me here Wednesday morning at nine o'clock for a status report. I'll be at Hogwart's tomorrow but I'll be available if you need to reach me."
By the time they were done it was time for lunch and Harry grabbed his now usual quick sandwich and tea. When he returned he found a message on his desk from the Public Relations Officer from the Minister's Office indicating that there was a significant response to the first run of the ad he placed. While there were a few negative comments, along the lines that Harry was undermining the fine institution of the Aurors, the vast majority were complimentary and many including the sentiment that this was long overdue. Harry could only smile and hope that this boded well for the turn out. The afternoon consisted of documenting the assignments that had been made for the various new teams he was establishing and finalizing the number of new recruits that he was looking for. It was not an insignificant number. The Patrollers needed two Patrol Officers per shift for Diagon Alley, three shifts each day, seven days a week. Knockturn Alley was getting the same number but one Auror was to be matched with each Patroller for that duty. Hogsmeade would get one Patroller per shift and then there were those needed for the Azkaban Guard staff. The Minister had authorized a head count of forty for the new recruits and he would need every one of them.
Now he was home and in need of dinner, which just arrived, and then a bit of work on his lecture for tomorrow, then early to bed. By the time he crawled into bed he was barely able to keep his eyes open. His sleep was deep and uninterrupted. It had been a long time since he had a dream that would jerk him awake. Now, when he did dream, it invariably involved a certain redhead.
He awoke the next morning refreshed and in a good mood. He always looked forward to his trips to Hogwarts and today was no different. As usual, Kreacher had a good breakfast waiting for him when he came down after his shower and dressing. He also had his good cloak and hat ready as well as his leather briefcase with the Hogwarts crest and Harry's initials. Kreacher insisted that Harry always look his very best when going to Hogwarts.
"Master Harry is an important member of the Ministry and must look his best when he is on official business."
Harry had learned not to argue with the little elf. While he was normally very deferential and followed Harry's directions and suggestions to the letter, once he got an idea in his head there was simply no changing his mind. So when Harry stepped out onto the porch of the Black house, he did so looking every inch the proper wizard.
In the blink of an eye he was standing on the road leading up to Hogwarts. As was usual in late October the sky was overcast and the wind was blowing. Holding on to his hat with one hand he walked up to and through the gates and toward the main doors. As he approached the steps leading up to the doors he saw a small but familiar figure waiting. Abagail Westwood dashed down the stairs and ran up to Harry and gave him a big hug. Harry returned it as best he could with the one arm carrying his briefcase.
"Hello there, Miss Westwood. How are you this morning?" Harry asked.
"I'm fine, sir. I asked Professor Weasley if it was ok if I met you here. I'm to take you up to the Room of Requirements. It's been set up for your lecture," she said with her quiet voice.
"Thank you. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go this morning so that problem is neatly solved," he said with a smile.
Side by side the two walked up to the doors which had been left slightly ajar. Harry gave a tug and the one side swung open and they went in. As they made their way up to the Room of Requirements Abagail looked up and Harry and asked,
"How is your investigation going, sir? Did the information I saw for you help?"
"It helped a great deal, Abagail. I can't give you any details at the moment but based on what you provided we are hoping to wrap it all up by this week," Harry said as he looked down at the diminutive psychic child with a smile. "You better be careful, Abagail. If you continue to be of this much help to us, I may try to steal you away and have you come work for me."
Abagail's eyes popped very wide and her mouth dropped open as she stopped walking. Harry stopped as well and looked at her.
"Do you mean that, sir? Would you really want me to come work for you and help with your investigations?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Well, I was kind of making a joke right then, but yes, Abagail. If you thought you would want to do that I think you could be immensely helpful. But that's a ways off right now but it is something to think about."
All the girl could say was,
"Wow."
They continued their trek to the strange room that would become whatever the user wished for if they needed it enough. When the door swung open Harry could see that it was arranged in sections with one area set for Harry to lecture as a group and other areas for Bill and he to conduct practical exercises from beginners up through NEWT candidates. Harry could see that nearly all the seats were already taken and Abagail gave him a big smile and then hurried over to a spot near the front. While this session was intended to be one for the students Harry noticed a few others in the audience to include Fleur, an older wizard he did not recognize and to his surprise, his boss, Director Grimsson. As Harry walked up to greet Bill, the others rose to meet him. He shook hands with Bill and then allowed himself to be swept up in Fleur's typically enthusiastic embrace. He received the customary kiss on both cheeks and then a second one on the right.
"That es from my seester, Gabrielle. Een her last letter she asked I geeve that to you but you are not to tell Geeny," the stunning witch said with a low chuckle.
Harry smiled back.
"Tell her thanks, Fleur. How's my big sister doing?"
"I am fine, 'arry," then she turned to the older wizard standing next to her. "Theese es Professor Jacque LeMond. 'e was my Defense Against the Dark Arts eenstructor at Beauxbaton. Bill and I invited him to 'ear you today. 'is engleesh ees not so good, but I will interpret for 'im."
"Bon jour, le professor. I'm very pleased to meet you," Harry said.
The older wizard smiled and shook Harry's hand while Fleur smiled brightly. The Mr. Grimsson stepped up.
"Good morning, Potter. Professor Weasley invited me here as well. Partly to meet Professor LeMond and partly to impress upon me how important your work here is to the school and the DADA program. It's my understanding that my predecessor used to complain about it quite a bit."
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
He knew his old bosses weren't that thrilled with the time Harry spent at the school but he didn't realize they had been so vocal about it.
"I hope you don't mind it, sir. I think it's an important part of what we are trying to do at the Ministry."
"I'm inclined to agree with you, Potter, but I thought I should see for myself."
With that the visitors took their seats and Bill motioned for Harry to take his place at the podium and begin. Harry took his notes from his briefcase and placed them on the podium and then looked around the room at all the faces when something familiar caught his eye. On the wall behind the last row of students was the portrait of Professor Dumbledore. Harry gave a small smile of recognition when he saw the former Head wink at him. Clearing his throat Harry began,
"Professor Weasley has asked me to talk to you today about the integration of the various subjects you study here at Hogwarts in relation to Defense Against the Dark Arts. It's something that I touched on with my very first lecture during my seventh year but today we are going to discuss it in more detail and then explore it through some practical exercises. We've assured the Headmistress that we'll keep the damage to the castle to a minimum," he said with a smile as the audience laughed.
He could see Fleur's head tilted slightly to the side as she interpreted for Professor LeMond. He caught Abagail's eye and she smiled and nodded. He proceeded with the rest of his lecture explaining how the mastery of basic magical techniques was an essential element of DADA. Wand work, spell casting and potion preparation and recognition were woven together with knowledge of magical creatures and a basic understanding of human nature colored with the intricacies that magical ability added. He took time to watch the faces in the crowd to gauge how well his talk was being received. He was pleased that no one had fallen asleep and that occasionally Grimsson would nod or jot down a note on a pad. Dumbledore remained as motionless as a normal portrait but Harry was sure his smile was wider.
When his talk was finished and he had fielded a number of questions, Bill Weasley stood and indicated it was time for the practical session and he directed class groups to different stations. Until lunch the emphasis was on basic tasks with NEWT candidates leading the younger groups. Harry and Bill circulated among the groups answering questions or offering suggestions. Professor LeMond followed along and with Fleur providing the interpretation; he would also offer comments or suggestions. Director Grimsson continued to observe and take notes.
When the morning session concluded Bill Weasley dismissed the students and informed the guests that places were set for them at the Faculty table in the Great Hall. Bill and Fleur escorted Professor LeMond while Harry and Director Grimsson followed along.
"I have to say, Potter, that was a very impressive display you put on in there," Grimsson said. "I can understand the Headmistress' desire to have you full time here. I'm afraid she'll just have to stand in line," he concluded with a chuckle.
Harry smiled and gave one of his customary shrugs.
"Shrug if you like, Potter, but the work you are doing here might very well be as important as what you are doing at the Ministry. There has often been an adversarial relationship between the Ministry and Hogwarts. I guess I don't need to tell you that though. It's all so stupid, too, when you think about it. This institution is the source of all the talent for the Ministry. In a very real sense we can only be as good as the students that Hogwarts graduates," Grimsson said, his voice trailing off and his face looking thoughtful.
The two continued on to the Great Hall in silence. They bypassed the main door that served for the students and entered through the smaller door that was closer to the faculty table. The table had been rearranged to provide places on both sides of Professor McGonagall, one for Director Grimsson and one for Professor LeMond. Fleur sat next to him to continue to interpret. Harry had his place further down the table. He got a big wave and grin from Hagrid who had already taken his seat. He found a wrinkled piece of parchment on the table next to his plate. He picked it up and after unfolding it found a note in Hagrid's scrawl. It always amazed Harry that a quill existed that was big enough for Hagrid's hand. He wondered if it was from a Hippogriff. The note read,
Cheers Harry,
We are all set for the try outs. I think the Centaurs should have an answer by then too.
Hagrid
Harry looked down the table and caught Hagrid's eye. He held up the paper and nodded. Hagrid winked back. By now the students had seated themselves and Professor McGonagall stood up and rapped on the table to get their attention.
"I would just like to take this opportunity to welcome several guests that are here today. On my right is Mr. Abernathy Grimsson, the recently appointed Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
This announcement was greeted with polite applause. The Director nodded and smiled.
"On my left, is Monsieur Le Professor Jacque LeMond who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts at Beauxbaton Academy of Magic. He is here at the invitation of Professor Weasley to observe one of our special DADA sessions."
The applause level was slightly higher, possibility do to the seeming exotic nature of the visitor or more likely his association with Mrs. Bill Weasley, as the silver haired Fleur was something of a legend at Hogwarts.
"And of course returning to conduct that special session our very own Mr. Harry Potter."
The applause level went up several orders of magnitude to include groups of students standing and cheering. Harry could only smile and try and signal the students to settle down. The Headmistress had to add her own authority by rapping on the table to get them to quiet down.
"Enjoy your lunch," was all she said in conclusion.
As Harry usually did when he was sitting at the faculty table he let his eyes roam around the room and see what familiar faces he recognized. He saw, of course, all the third years who had been his students during his year long stint as Bill's teaching assistant. But he also saw others that he knew. That coupled with his placement at the table prevented him from noticing that Professor McGonagall spent a good portion of her lunchtime with her head tilted towards either Director Grimsson or Professor LeMond. She didn't need an interpreter as she was fluent in French. When lunch concluded Bill and Harry and their guests made their way back up to the Room of Requirements. The first through fourth years had been dismissed for their afternoon classes while the older students were back for additional, advanced work. The room had been reconfigured and the fifth through seventh years spent an arduous afternoon dealing with simulated, yet harrowing, situations that tested their knowledge across the gamut of wizarding skills. On several occasions a wrong step or flubbed attempt at a charm had a left a student in a precarious situation. Harry would step in and stop the simulation and then walk the student through the proper actions. Unnoticed by Harry, both Grimsson and Professor LeMond had stopped participating and spent the rest of the afternoon watching Harry intently.
By the time the students had been dismissed they were tired but were all enthusiastically discussing what they had been put through. The word 'cool' could be heard numerous times.
"That was great, Harry. They'll be talking this session up for weeks," Bill said with a big smile.
"I will, too, Bill. It was a lot of fun," Harry replied with a smile.
"Potter, can I have a moment?" the Director asked.
"Certainly, sir."
"Let's sit over here," Grimsson said as he indicated a pair of chairs.
"Well, I have to say that this afternoon was every bit as impressive as this morning, perhaps more so. Its one thing to be able to keep a room full of people interested in what you're saying and another to engage them one on one the way you were. It gives me every confidence that the recruits that you'll soon have in hand will not lack for good training," he said with a smile. "Do you recall what we were discussing on the way down to lunch this morning, Potter?"
"Yes, sir. That Hogwarts was the source of talent for the Ministry and it can only be as good as the students that graduate from here."
"Exactly. The Ministry is still in a precarious situation, Potter. The Minister has been doing what he can to weed out those individuals that have proven to be, how shall I say, reluctant to embrace his philosophy. Despite everything that has happened, there are still those who think the Ministry needs to be a bastion of pure bloods. They consider Voldemort an aberration instead of a product of that thought process. The fact that he was actually only a half blooded wizard doesn't seem to matter to them. The retirement of these people will be leaving vacancies all over the organization. Their replacements will come from here. We got lucky with you and Granger, Potter. We can't trust to luck in the future. We need to be proactive and I've had a discussion with the Headmistress during lunch. I'd like your opinion."
"Yes, sir."
"Firstly, I'm suggesting internships. I know you and Ms. Granger spent a rather harrowing time between your six and seventh year. I'm not suggesting anything that serious but I think the timing would be perfect. A twelve month paid internship between their six and seventh years on both the enforcement and policy sides. I'm also suggesting that after you've had time to build up your department and get it running properly that you take a sabbatical and return to Hogwarts to teach full time for a year. That's probably a few years out but the planning needs to be done now. And you most certainly will have the opportunity to continue to conduct these special sessions. That's the basics of what I discussed with the Head. Any comments?"
"I think they're great ideas, sir, especially the sabbatical," Harry said with a grin. "The intern idea is pretty interesting. I certainly wouldn't send them out on patrols or missions but crime scene investigations, interrogations, that sort of thing would make sense. I'd imagine the policy side would offer a lot of interesting opportunities. I'd bet that Hermione could make good use of a sharp intern."
"Well, lets get your try out completed and resulting recruits settled and then we can start working on the rest. I'll have Ms. Granger involved as well," Grimsson said, looking at Harry. "Well done, Potter. I'm going to head back after I take my leave of the Headmistress."
"Yes, sir."
After the Director left, Bill waved Harry over to where he and Fleur had been talking to Professor LeMond. The Professor smiled at Harry's approach and offered his hand. Harry took it and smiled back.
"Harry, Professor LeMond has something he'd like to ask of you," Bill said.
Harry looked at the Professor but kept his ear tuned to Fleur. After the Professor had his say in French, Fleur offered the translation.
"'arry, Professor LeMond asks you to accept his invitation to come to Beauxbaton and to conduct a lecture and exercise similar to what you did today."
There was another stream of French and again Fleur's translation.
"Le Professor says that 'e understands you are very bizy and would ask you to consider coming in the spreeng?" Fleur said with a question in her voice.
"Please tell the Professor that I would be happy to come if I can make the scheduling work," Harry said.
Fleur provided the translation and the Professor smiled and nodded his acknowledgement. Fleur gave Harry a big smile of the kind that usually had Ron melting into his shoes. Bill offered Harry his hand again and said,
"Great job as usual, Harry. Thanks. You heading for home or staying for dinner?"
"I think I'm heading home, Bill. The next several days are likely to be very busy and I'm going to try for some early sleep. Once Ginny gets back from France do you think we can arrange for dinner or something together?"
"Oh, yes, 'arry. That would be wonderful. I want to 'ear all about 'er adventures there," Fleur chimed in.
"That's great. Well, I better get a move on. See you all soon."
Harry left the room and walked down to the entry foyer where he found Abagail Westwood waiting for him.
"Hello, sir. I just wanted to be able to say good bye and good luck. I can feel that something big is coming up soon, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. I'll be sure to be careful. I appreciate that you look out for me, Abagail, but don't get to preoccupied with it. You need to concentrate on your work here."
"Yes, sir. I understand. Please be careful."
"I will, Abagail," Harry said and began to head to the door.
"Sir," she called out.
"Yes?"
"Did you really mean what you said before? About me coming to work for you someday?"
Harry looked down into those big dark eyes.
"Yes I did, Abagail. If you should decide that's what you want to do I'd be very happy to have you as part of my team."
"Thank you, sir," Abagail said with a big smile.
Harry smiled back and then left through the partly opened door. In less then fifteen minutes he had walked off the school grounds and Apparated back to the Black house. In less then an hour he was asleep.
The following day passed quickly for Harry. It started with his meeting with Maxwell and Muntab. For two hours they went through the details until they had everything set to their mutual satisfaction. The aerial and ground teams were leaving at midnight to be in position for when the strike team would enter the shop. Something that had been nagging at Harry since yesterday was resolved as well.
"We've been concentrating our efforts on the one wizard in the potions shop. What about the other four shops. Who's running them and what's going on inside there?"
"We asked those same questions of Milligan. The potions shop was the first one to change hands. He thinks it may be because the portal was already there or it was somehow the right place to put it after they took over. The other shops are all in a row with that one in the middle. It's beginning to look like they share an ancient foundation, to what we don't know. The other shops are still being run by the clerks that ran it before. Milligan's informants tell him they are absolutely terrified of this guy and are keeping them running for him. Milligan is going to put a man in each shop when we hit the potions store. They'll baby sit the clerks."
"Ok. I can't think of anything else, can either of you?" Harry asked.
"If we could we'd have already answered it before we came in here. We are as set as we can be. Any chance you'll consider sitting this one out?" Maxwell asked.
"Nope, I'll see you tomorrow at the rendezvous spot, Muntab. Maxwell, I'll see you in Derbyshire when it's over."
"Yes, sir. I certainly hope so."
Harry worked through the day. He went over the manpower requirements again and reviewed the test plan for the try outs. It was going to be quite a day for the applicants. Then he got a message to go see the Director who asked Harry to write out the answers to a couple of questions that had come in from the Minister on his progress with the reorganization. He also got word that Percy had become the Acting Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. He went home that night and after dinner and a few hours of reading he turned in. Sleep came slowly but when it did it was uninterrupted. Kreacher woke him early as instructed and he dressed in nondescript clothes that he usually wore when he was staying at the Weasleys and expected to be outside. Instead of a wizards robe he wore a plain jacket. He would be using his Invisibility Cloak when they went through the portal and he wanted no further hindrance. After a quick breakfast he left the Black house and Disapparated to his favorite spot by Gringotts and then made his way towards the entrance to Knockturn Alley. As he approached the other members of the strike team led by Muntab converged on him.
Without any exchange of words they quickly made their way down the stairs to the Alley and just as quickly Harry made his way through the front door of the potions shop, his wand already drawn. The 'proprietor' looked up from what he was reading on the counter top and had only enough time to register that someone was approaching him before Harry calmly said "Stupefy" and the foreign wizard went down like felled tree.
The strike team was right behind Harry and Muntab went around the counter and had the unconscious man bound in ropes in an instant. She looked at Harry.
"Milligan has the other stores secured and one of his will be on the door here."
Harry nodded and simply said,
"Let's go."
He led them down the stairs slowly until he was sure no one was in the basement then they hurried to the portal. He looked at Muntab, who then looked back at her team,
"You know what the plan is. No talking. Mr. Potter and the first three go right, my team left and along the wall. As planned," she looked at Harry and said. "When you're ready, sir."
Harry slipped through the portal and as soon as he was on the other side he took two steps to the right with his wand drawn to cover the others. The next three went through and stepped into a narrow passage formed by stacked boxes. Muntab and the other two came through and went left, down the narrow aisle to the far wall and then went right along the outer wall towards the front of the warehouse. Harry slipped on the Invisibility Cloak and moved forward. As he did, he felt that same rising anger that struck him that night in the backyard of the Weasleys when he confronted the housebreakers. Once again he was approaching wizards that had embraced the dark side and were threatening all that he had fought for and so many of his family and friends had died to preserve. His grip on his wand tightened until his knuckles turned white. As he approached the opening to the large area that was occupied by the table where the other gang members congregated Harry could hear their voices and he knew that there was a fair number there. He paused and let his hand slip out of the cloak and he signaled his three to start moving up. The dull grey of their robes blended into the shadows as they crept along the crates. He then turned back to the makeshift room and took another step then let the cloak slide off to the floor.
The plan called for Harry to create a diversion and then stun as many of the gang as he could while his back up came forward to deal with the rest. Muntab's team would have circled around by then and taken down anyone trying to flee to the front. It had been suggested that Harry create some blinding light or deafening noise. He said he would take care of it. What he did was a bit more dramatic. He had his wand pointed directly at the center of the wall behind the table around which eight wizards sat and another two were behind it from where Harry stood. As he stepped out into the light he bellowed "Confringo".
A significant portion of the wall exploded outward but there was enough of a back blast that everyone on the side facing Harry went down in a heap. Those closest to Harry went over backwards in their chairs and were struggling to get up as the three Aurors backing Harry rushed forward and began to cast stupefying spells. Harry had moved to his left, toward the front of the warehouse. He could hear shouts and the sounds of spells being cast. He saw one unfamiliar looking wizard attempting to flee out a side door. When Harry shouted for him to stop the wizard turned on Harry and began to pull his wand. Harry instinctively shouted 'Expelliarmus' with the result being the wizards wand flying out of sight and the wizard sent crashing through the door into the morning light. Harry rushed to the now missing door to see one of Maxwell's crew binding the fallen wizard with ropes from his wand. He looked over his shoulder and saw that several more of Maxwell's men had entered through the blasted wall and were helping his three to subdue the stunned men in the main room. He continued on to the front of the building, where the sounds of fighting had subsided. He came upon several fallen and bound wizards with several more sprawled just outside the partially opened double barn doors. Muntab was on her knees examining a fallen Auror. There was a broken crate on the floor near him. She looked up.
"A stray curse from one of them knocked the crate loose. Looks like shoulder and head injuries but not to bad."
Harry nodded and took a moment to look around. He raised his wand and said, 'Lumos' while imagining the light produced as a beam instead of the usual globe. He pointed the intense white lance of light down each aisle that was formed by the high stacks of crates. The first several produced nothing but as he moved his way towards the wall that Muntab and her team used to approach the front of the building he thought he saw a flicker of movement.
"Whoever you are, step out into the light. This building is surrounded, as is the potions store. You can't escape."
The figure that stepped out into the light surprised Harry for a moment. It was Travers, possibly the last real Death Eater still at large. His face was screwed up in a look of pure hatred. He pointed his wand at Harry who flicked off the light and shouted 'Expelliarmus' just as Travers began to shout 'Avada… but he never made it. The red beam of Harry's charm hit the Death Eater square in the chest and as the wand flew away the dark wizard likewise was hurled backwards like a rag doll to crash to the floor tens of feet further down the aisle, which proceeded to collapse as the crates on either side toppled down from the effects of the spell. Harry rushed down what was left of the aisle and began to levitate the heavy boxes out of the way until he was able to reach Travers. Several Aurors had converged on the spot from the other direction.
It was obvious that the man was dead. His chest was crushed and he was bleeding freely from the nose and mouth. His eyes were open in a look of shock. As Harry looked down his shoulders sagged. He looked up at the two Aurors and saw them looking back at him.
"Make sure the aisles are all checked for anyone else. In twos, I don't want anyone wandering around in here by themselves," Harry said quietly.
"Yes, sir," they responded.
He slowly walked back to the front of the building. The big doors had been pulled aside and Maxwell was there talking to Muntab. They looked up at Harry as he walked out of what was left of the aisle. He looked at Maxwell.
"You'll want to see what's back there. I'm pretty sure it's Travers."
Maxwell's eyes went wide and he hurried past Harry. He then looked at Muntab.
"Can we get him out of here ok?" he inquired about the injured Auror.
"Yes, sir. We had St. Mungo's on standby just in case. They are sending a team out to pick him up. Several of the ones you stunned with that blast need some work too. Contusions, wood splinters, that sort of thing," she said.
"Fine, well it looks like the worst is over. If you can spare anyone have them sweep the building and make sure there isn't a basement or anywhere else we didn't think of."
Harry stepped out into the morning sunlight. It was chilly but at least the sun felt warm on his face. He looked around and saw the inert bound forms of the captured gang members being floated to the front of the building. All told there must have been close to twenty of them. There were three muggle lorries parked around one side, one with crates waiting to be unloaded. Milligan was going to have his hands full tracing all this stuff. Maybe Abagail might have some insight into it. Harry walked over to a low rail fence that must have been the last section of a much larger, no longer existing barrier. He sat down on the top rail and looked back at the structure. The exterior was quite weathered but it didn't appear that there was any second storey or attic to worry about. A basement might be another issue. Maxwell came out to find him and told him that firstly another dozen Aurors had come through the portal to help deal with the number of gang members and secondly that it was indeed Travers and that ended the search for Voldemort's Death Eaters.
"You've just put me out of job, sir."
"No, I don't think so. You're due for a new assignment anyway," Harry said. "How does Deputy Chief sound to you?"
"Sound interesting. I don't think we've ever had one of those before."
"It wouldn't surprise me," Harry said. "But my job is getting bigger and bigger and I'm going to need an experienced hand that I can delegate things to. You're the man."
"Yes, sir."
"Your first orders are to take charge here. Get this bunch bagged and tagged and sent to Azkaban. Get Milligan and his crew out here to catalogue that mess in there. Once we know what we've got and where it came from I'd imagine more than us will be involved in how it's pursued."
"Yes, sir. I'll get right on it, and thank you, sir."
"Wait a few months and see what the job's like before you decide to thank me," Harry said with a tired laugh.
He pushed himself off the rail, shook hands with his new Deputy and walked back into the building. He looked around and saw that the team from Saint Mungo's had arrived. He made his way towards where the action had begun and he saw that the room had been cleared and through the hole in the wall he could see another of the St. Mungo's team attending to several bound gang members under the watchful eyes of half a dozen Aurors. He picked up his Invisibility Cloak and walked back to the portal. When he stepped through he saw one of Milligan's investigators making a cursory check of the items in the basement. The witch started as Harry came through then relaxed. Harry looked around and said rather sharply,
"Why are you down here by yourself?"
"We had word that the situation was under control. Even the medics were allowed through, sir," she replied nervously.
"Unacceptable. There are plenty of places in there to hide," he jerked his finger over his shoulder towards the portal and beyond. "I'm sending someone else down."
"Yes, sir," she replied.
Harry trudged up the stairs and called out,
"It's the chief, I'm coming up."
As he came up through the portal he saw Milligan and several other investigators poking around the store.
"Milligan," he barked. "You've got ten seconds to get someone else down in that basement. No one goes anywhere alone, inside or out, in this pesthole. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir. I understand completely," the wizard said as he pointed to the nearest wizard and motioned to the opening in the floor.
The selected man hurried down into the cellar without a backward glance. Harry then walked out of the shop and into the alley. He saw that several more investigators were standing about watching the storefronts on either side of the potions shop. He looked all around the Alley with its disreputable looking storefronts. The place was deserted. This much law enforcement had sent the usual denizens scurrying for cover. He motioned over one of the Aurors and said,
"Go in and get Milligan."
"Yes, sir," the man said and then ducked into the shop.
A moment later out came Milligan and the impromptu messenger.
"Yes, sir," Milligan said deferentially, already sensitized to his boss' mood.
"I want each of the shops along here that were taken over examined. If there is even a trace of illegal activity, shut it down. We are going to start cleaning up this dump starting right now. Today is Thursday, by Tuesday next week I want a plan for how you're going to get to the bottom of all the illegal activity down here."
"Yes, sir," came the carefully toned reply.
Harry nodded and began to make his way toward the stair way when he stopped and turned. He called back to Milligan,
"Milligan, one last thing."
"Yes, sir?"
"Good work from you and your team. Your information was pretty much spot on. Thank you," Harry said.
"Yes sir. You're welcome, sir."
Harry nodded a last time and then walked up the stairs. At the top were two large tough looking Aurors whose names he couldn't recall. They were blocking the stairs from the few witches and wizards who were out and about at this hour, it still not being nine o'clock yet. He recognized one as being the reporter he met in the Minister's office a while ago.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Potter. A moment of your time, please."
"What is it?"
"Can you tell me what is going on down there? These gentlemen won't let me through. I am a member of the press after all."
"You're correct. They won't let you down there yet. If they had I'd bust them right down to bathroom cleaners at Azkaban. The crime scene isn't secure yet and no one gets down there until it is, even members of the press. A press release will be issued shortly. Good day, sir."
Harry nodded to the Aurors who nodded back and then continued to glare at the onlookers. Harry walked up Diagon Alley and saw George looking out of his shop door towards him. Harry gave him a quick smile and a thumbs up as he passed. George smiled back. He got to the wall by the entrance to the Cauldron and stopped long enough to Disapparate back to the Ministry. There was a buzz in the lobby as it was just around the time that most of the Ministry workers reported in. The movement of a large amount of Aurors had not gone unnoticed and as Harry made his way to an elevator he could hear a great deal of whispered conversation.
His first stop was the Auror common room as he had come to think of it to grab a cup of tea. It was, of course, empty but the tea water was hot and he was soon on his way to his office with a full cup. Less then ten minutes had past when a figure appeared in his doorway. It was Grimsson.
"How'd did things go, Potter?"
"Better then we had a right to hope for. It appears we got them all, at least those directly associated with the plot. We had one man injured by a falling crate. We also found the last surviving Death Eater. He didn't survive the encounter. Maxwell made the identification. It was Travers. Oh, by the way. I've appointed Maxwell as my Deputy. He's in charge of the scene."
"Good idea, you need someone to back you up. Good work. I'll wait until the report is filed for all the details. Thank you, Potter."
"Yes, sir," Harry replied.
When the Director left, Harry leaned back in his chair. The day was barely begun and he was already exhausted. His profligate use of magic was taking its toll on him. He sipped more of the tea but he knew it would take a caffeine IV directly into his blood to neutralize his fatigue. He wasn't exactly sure what he had been doing to use the time, but around noon Maxwell appeared in his office.
"Sir, the crime scene is secure and handed over to Milligan and his team. All the prisoners are being transferred to Azkaban. The total was nineteen excluding the dead Travers. After a cursory look around Milligan figures besides his people, the International office will be involved as well as the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts folks. It's quite a variety of stuff they had. Should prove interesting to find out what they had in mind for it all."
Harry merely nodded and waved Maxwell into a chair.
"I told the Director about your promotion and he agreed, so that's final. I'd like you to come with me for the tryouts. I want you to see what we'll have to work with. We'll both be heavily involved in the training so…" Harry's voice trailed off. "One other thing. This was my last field mission."
Maxwell looked at Harry closely. He thought he knew the reason why but was soon proved wrong. He was thinking of Travers.
"I realize that despite the training I start to lose my objectivity out there. I get angry and I can't afford to let that happen. It puts too many people in jeopardy. I'm surprised the roof didn't come down when I blew that wall out."
"That's the advantage of those old post and beam buildings. The walls just keep the weather out. I understand what you're saying, sir. We'll keep you under wraps until it looks like the world is coming to an end and then we'll wheel you out," Maxwell said with a lopsided grin.
"Well hopefully with some good work we can keep it from going that bad," Harry said with a tired smile. "Make sure you get statements from everyone involved and pull them together into a report. You're in charge here. I'm going home before I fall asleep at my desk. See you in the morning."
"Yes, sir."
Maxwell stood up and left the office ahead of Harry. Harry slowly made his way to the lobby and as a testament to his physical state he took the elevator disguised as a telephone booth up to street level. From there he walked back to the Black house. He didn't want to risk Apparating when he was so tired. It was a good way to get splinched. As always Kreacher was there to greet him. His big eyes looked at his Master with concern.
"Master Harry does not feel well," he said not as a question but a statement of fact.
"It was a tough morning, Kreacher. We did a good job but it wasn't easy. I'm going to go sit in my study for a while. If I need anything, I'll call you."
"Yes, Master Harry," but his look was concerned.
Harry walked down the hall to his study and he flopped into his large upholstered chair. He let himself sink into the cushions and closed his eyes. He was beginning to second guess how he handled things. Did he really need to be there? It turned out there were more of the foreign wizards then first thought but the Aurors were better trained and had the element of surprise. Was he just showing off or trying to prove that he did indeed deserve to be the head of the Aurors? Was killing Travers really necessary? After all the work he had done with Professor Flitwick he should have been able to disarm the Death Eater and taken him alive. It would have just been postponing the inevitable since all the captured Death Eaters were sentenced to execution by being put through the Veil but that at least had the weight of correct legal procedure behind it, not a result of an angry application of force. These questions were swirling around in his mind when he heard a soft knock on his study door.
"Harry, dear, are you in there?"
"Mum? What are you doing here?" Harry said as the door was pushed open.
"A got a visit from Kreacher just now. He told me 'Master Harry was very troubled and should not be by himself right now'. He was very insistent," Mrs. Weasley said.
"I didn't realize house elves were so perceptive," Harry said quietly.
Mrs. Weasley came in and dragged Harry's desk chair over to sit across from him. She sat down and looked at his tired eyes and sad face.
"What's the trouble, dear?"
"I killed someone today, Mum. A Death Eater, Travers."
"Ah, that one, yes. Good riddance to him, but he's not the one I'm interested in. It's you I'm worried about, Harry. We've been down this road before and it's a trip I'm not going to let you take again. Talk to me, Harry. Get it out in the open."
It wasn't until some two hours later that Mrs. Weasley kissed Harry on the forehead and said good bye to him in the foyer.
"Be well, Harry dear. We'll expect you and Ginny at the Burrow when she returns from France," she said, her eyes locked firmly on his.
"Thank you, Mum. I appreciate your coming here but I'm sorry I had to bother you," Harry said quietly.
"Harry, dear. You are family. You will never be a bother. Remember that," she said kindly.
"Yes, Mum."
She stepped out onto the front porch and with a final smile at Harry, she Disapparated. Harry gave a small shake of his head and watched Kreacher close the door. He then fixed the little house elf with a green eyed stare. The big liquid eyes looked back at him. He finally asked,
"Why did you feel that was necessary, Kreacher?"
"Master Harry was feeling very bad. Kreacher knew this. It is Kreacher's task to make sure that Master Harry is well. Kreacher knew that Mistress Ginny's mother has helped make Master Harry well when he felt this way before. So Kreacher brought her here. If Master Harry had injured his arm or his leg Kreacher would have brought someone from St. Mungo's. It is all the same."
Harry looked down at Kreacher and gave a little smile and said,
"I'm going to go take a nap. Wake me up when dinner is ready, please," he said. "And thanks, Kreacher."
"Master Harry is most welcome."
By the time the next morning dawned Harry was feeling much better. With the combination of a good dinner and plenty of sleep he was able to face the new day with a much better outlook then when he said good bye to the old one. When he arrived at his office the next morning he found a copy of the Daily Prophet on his desk. The banner headline read,
'Major Smuggling Ring Smashed' and in slightly smaller print underneath
'Aurors Nab Gang That Terrorized Knockturn Alley'.
The article went on to describe the events of the day fairly accurately. He noticed one sentence that stated that 'while Auror Chief Harry Potter was unavailable for comment reliable sources revealed he personally led the raid on the Derbyshire headquarters and during the fight that ensued was forced to kill a fugitive Death Eater known only as Travers who refused to surrender when so ordered'. He thought how simple it all seemed when set down in print. They included comments from 'newly appointed Deputy Chief Maxwell and Magical Investigative Unit team leader Milligan'. He read how the initial information about the 'unusual situation' in Knockturn Alley was brought to official attention by concerned merchants, several of whom, while wishing to remain anonymous, expressed their appreciation that Chief Potter took their concerns seriously. They concluded the story by indicating that the investigation continues and details will be reported as they become available.
He leafed though the paper and came across the ad he had placed. He folded the paper and put it on the corner of the desk. He also found a first draft of the report from yesterday. He sat down and began to read through it. He was interested in the statements from Muntab and her team about what happened at their end of the building. It appears they had caught them just as they were preparing to load up the two empty lorries. He'd be interested to know where they intended to send the contraband. Milligan's contribution pertained mostly to the securing of the other shops and a cursory examination of the contraband. He stated he was unprepared to draw any conclusion until a thorough examination and cataloguing of the material was conducted. He estimated it would likely take several weeks to do so.
Harry made a few notes to cover his actions although the statements from his team dealt with a large share of it. He was tempted to excise several statements that seemed to overplay his role but he decided against it. It was, after all, what they believed they saw.
He made a few finals notes and walked it back down to Maxwell's office, leaving it for him. We he got back to his office he found a note summoning him up to the Minister's office. He made his way up there and as he approached the secretary she looked up and said,
"You're to go right in, Mr. Potter."
"Um, thank you."
It was the first time that the elderly witch had ever spoken to him. He made his way to the door and knocked. Shacklebolt's voice called him in. Harry swung the door open and walked in. The Minister was seated behind the desk. He waved Harry in and indicated the chair across from him. Harry sat down and waited.
"I understand congratulations are in order, Potter. I saw the Prophet this morning and Director Grimsson stopped by. I assume a full report will be available soon."
"Yes, sir. I reviewed the first draft this morning and I was returning it to Maxwell with my notes when your summons came. It should be ready to submit to the Director tomorrow morning."
"Excellent. I have to say, Harry, that this was quite a feat for your first major operation. I presume this got started with what you were relating to me when we had that first meeting about reorganizing the Aurors."
"Yes, sir. As it was stated in the article, the merchants from Diagon Alley were the ones that tipped us off to what was going on. At least as much as they could see," Harry replied.
"Not us, Harry. You. They tipped you off and you developed the situation," the Minister rumbled. "I also read that you were the one that led the raid on the warehouse. Did you feel that that was absolutely necessary, Harry?"
"Yes, I did, sir. I felt our knowledge of the number of gang members we would encounter was a bit fuzzy. I felt we needed to have maximum power available," Harry said, looking directly at the Minister. "I was wrong. It appears I have what the muggles refer to as 'anger issues'. I have no business being in the field. That's already been decided."
Shacklebolt pursed his lips and sat back in his chair, looking at Harry over steepled fingers. Then he nodded once.
"You've saved me the unpleasant task of having to forbid you from leading any more missions. Firstly, you're too important to what we need to do here to have you risk yourself like that. Secondly, I've also had some concerns about how you might react in these kinds of situations. I was willing to risk it when you were in the company of senior Aurors but not anymore," Shacklebolt said with a smile to take some of the sting out of his comments.
"Yes, sir," Harry replied matter-of-factly.
"I also had the chance to discuss with Director Grimsson about his ideas to cultivate and expand the ties you've established with Hogwarts. I agree entirely. Previous occupants of this office tended to view Hogwarts as a competing center of power in our community. That was foolishness. I agree with Grimsson that it is the principle resource for the Ministry and our part of the wizarding world. I intend to build on what you've started, Potter, and rely on you to help us with this effort."
"I'll be glad to help, sir," Harry replied.
"Excellent. Well, that's all I have for this morning. Let's get back to work."
"Yes, sir," Harry replied as he rose and then left the office.