Chapter 8 – Tests of Strength

An hour later and Harry was busy organising his books and supplies in his cubicle at the Ministry. Ron was sitting in his chair with his feet up on his desk and watching Harry with a grin. "You got a lot of catchin' up to do mate. Hopefully he'll let you train with me for a few more days so I can stay in for the day. It's hot out there and I'm tired of carrying around Auror Quickwick's gear."

"Too bad, Weasley. You're on curse breaking duty with Quickwick again. You will be at Crabbe's today disarming traps in their workshop." Duncan batted Ron's trainers off the desk with a flick of his wand, "Today at lunch I want you to pick up some proper shoes as well. If I see you in trainers again you'll be working your assignments barefoot – at a glass factory. Now head over to Quickwick's station and pick up his gear for him."

Harry heard Ron grumble as he shuffled off. Meanwhile, Duncan watched Harry as he finished preparing his desk, "You'll be working with me and Smith today as we begin to get you caught up." Harry's shoulders slumped. "Not particularly tight with him either? I've learned he's nearly useless in the field but I ventured a guess he'd be the one former schoolmate you'd duel all out with." Duncan smiled, "From what I've heard I'd get my best results if I'd bring Draco Malfoy in but he's not as advanced as Smith and I've heard he's at Hogwarts clearing debris."

In no time at all Harry was once again duelling – this time Zacharias Smith. While Zacharias wasn't nearly as advanced as Ron he was still whipping Harry soundly. Harry quickly found that Ron had been holding back so as not to hurt him too badly. "Harry, keep your guard up!" called out Duncan from his place to the side. "Harry, I heard that spell! Silently!" Then, "Harry, if I hear you verbalise your shield one more time I'm going to forget I'm an Auror and turn you into a lizard!" After an hour of freestyle duelling he left them alone, "I want you to work on your non-verbal shields Harry. Zacharias, you will only use Expelliarmus and only non-verbally. I'll be back in an hour."

Harry tried to block but Zacharias would send him flying to the wall each time. He could tell Zacharias was getting satisfaction from besting him, "It's brilliant being the teacher for once." The bruises were more tender each time he hit the wall but Harry refused to give up or show that it hurt. Finally after forty minutes Harry was able to block Zacharias' charm properly without verbalising his shield. He mentally brought up his shield and it held the spell back. He smiled only to be thrown back to the wall again when Zacharias quickly shot off another spell. "Can't get complacent," smirked Zacharias as he tossed Harry's wand back to him yet again. Harry was furious at the cheap shot and was determined not to let another spell through. His will and the skill he gained from practise won out. Zacharias quickly grew frustrated as wasn't able to disarm him for the last quarter hour no matter how hard he tried.

Finally the door opened, "Potter, go read Chapter Two: Non-Verbal Shields in your cubicle and then revise until lunch. Zacharias, I need you to head out to the Crabbe's residence and have Ron return to the Ministry. You'll be there the rest of the day."

Once Harry had read Chapter Two of his text, he revised as Duncan instructed him to. He practised with the wand movement and the thought behind the spell. The text explained that this type of shield physically brought force against the opponent's spell and as a result it deflected stronger spells with less energy consumed. After an hour of practise Ron popped over, "Up for lunch? Once we are done we get to do something you like."

After lunch at the Leaky Cauldron Harry found out Ron was right - he did like his next training exercise. As Harry stepped out of the floo he found himself in a small round room. Once outside, Harry recognised the building was a lighthouse. The huge tower overlooked a cliff that held off crashing waves of water, "That's the North Sea out there," explained Duncan. "We do broom training here. The owner is a witch that took a job as lighthouse keeper some twenty years ago and she doesn't mind us using the place. We are probably the only people she sees."

"Today I want to see how long you can stay on a broom without tiring," explained his trainer Duncan. "I imagine that your stamina isn't what it used to be but I need to know if you can last at least five hours over water. I want each of you to fly over the water just within sight of land for one hundred and fifty minutes and then I want you to fly back. Ron will fly beside you and if you begin to tire then please fly immediately to the shore to rest. Ron will help you if you have any problems so please tell him if you feel sick or anything unusual."

Harry was given a broom and he and Ron headed out. He felt great up in the air over the water. He'd always felt like he was meant to fly. The broom wasn't the best and it was actually very slow. After a few minutes he asked Ron about it. "Mate, that broom is meant for carrying prisoners over long distances. He's checking to see if you will be serviceable as a Carrier for prisoner transfers to Azkaban." Ron frowned, "I imagine he's trying to find a use for you while you catch up to us with your training. He sends Zacharias on prison exchanges because the bugger gets jumpy when we back up the Aurors during raids. There hasn't been an incident since Voldemort's death with a prisoner escort so he does ok with that. You generally don't bring your wand when acting as Carrier because they don't want to chance it being taken by your prisoner. Duncan probably thinks you would be perfect because of your broom skills and the job will hide your weaknesses casting spells until you improve." Ron wiped his brow, "This might be an easy way to build up your stamina too. Brooming in these winds is hard work."

They spent the next hour flying in silence. Occasionally Harry would make a dip or perform a simple manoeuvre to break the monotony. When they'd get too far from land they'd correct course. Finally Ron asked, "Mate, you think Hermione will be back soon?"

"I don't know. She'll probably be back for my birthday but it could take her a while before she's willing to separate from her Mum and Dad again. With her Mum's memories gone they'll have a lot to talk about." Harry was amused, "Her parents are so different now - like overgrown kids. They work four to five hours a day and spend the rest of the day surfing. They bought a small flat by the beach and are now living their childhood fantasy of surfing and travelling. Her Mum took us out dancing the first night and Hermione was scandalized by the end of the evening. She said she'd never seen her Mum and Dad act like that."

"What were they doing?" asked Ron.

"They said the music at the pub was from a place called Rio. I think the dance was called a Samba. Hermione's Mum was shaking her hips like Lavender used to do during the Hogwarts dances. The music and the dancing was brilliant but Hermione spent most of the time hiding her face and blushing. It got even worse when her Mum took me out to dance," Harry grinned. "Hermione didn't take her eyes off of me the whole time and when her Mum had me put my hands on her hips Hermione ran out to the floor and brought me back to the table. Good thing too. I still can't dance.

"Why are they not coming back?" asked Ron. He'd wanted to ask for a while.

"Can't share that Mate. Not my secret to tell. They are doing well there. I think the thought of not having a daughter was the only hole in their lives. Her Mum said they'd talked of having children."

"What?" Ron lost control of his broom and had to readjust.

"Oh yes. Hermione reacted much the same way."

"Aren't they too old?"

"I don't think so." Harry checked his watch and found they were due to turn around soon, "I imagine they could have a child for a good four or five years still."

Ron was performing the Arithmancy in his head, "That'd mean that Hermione could have a sister the same age as her daughter."

"Is there something you're not sharing with me? Have the two of you been..."

"No!" Ron looked at Harry in horror, "We haven't even come close." Harry baited him by arching his eyebrows and it got the desired response. Ron was now wound up, "You remember what Seamus used to say? Let's just say I've been to the mountains and seen the view but the garden is under lock and key."

Harry cringed. "That was as subtle as ever Ron and well more than I needed to know. I was just winding you up."

"Then you deserved it." Ron got an idea, "The view is Majestic, Harry. If you view the mountaintops at sunset you will see that the peaks..."

"No! No! I surrender!" Harry laughed. "You win! Let's turn around and head back."

Once Harry had been declared fit for broom duty he was immediately placed on a morning escort rotation to and from Azkaban on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays and any day prisoners were not transported Harry was to train at the Auror Offices. This was Harry's fourth visit to Azkaban and he'd already grown bored of the trip. He once thought he'd never grow tired of riding a broom but it wasn't the same when you plodded along for hours at a time while staring at the back of the head of an evil villain.

Even if he still had his Firebolt he wouldn't be able to use it. The brooms used to transport prisoners were specifically made for two people. They were purposefully made to be slower and less manoeuvrable than a normal broom so that if the prisoner overpowered his charge then the other wizards would be able to easily catch him or her. A calming charm was placed on each prisoner so that they would try not to jump off the broom or hurt the Auror steering. Prisoners usually only fought when heading to Azkaban out of fear for the Dementers.

Shacklebolt had tried to have the Dementers removed but they were still used to guard the most dangerous criminals because the Ministry could not keep the most powerful wizards from using wandless magic. Very few had the capacity and usually they were only able to use a limited number of spells but the Ministry could not find a better method. Shacklebolt had to admit as well that the Dementers were the only thing able to strike enough fear in the prisoners to keep them in control.

He'd just reached the shore of Azkaban and had landed at the top of the tower, "Easy ride?" asked the Magical Law Enforcement guard as he took possession of Harry's prisoner.

"Yes," replied Harry. "Here are the admission papers. He's just a thief. Zacharias over there has a bloke who sells magic trinkets to Muggles. Our escort didn't even think it worth landing."

"No Dementers for you, eh?"asked the guard. The prisoner shook his head emphatically. "Lucky bloke. No trying to make an early exit and you should be back out in a few months with all of your faculties." He returned his attention to Harry, "You didn't happen to bring a recent copy of the Prophet with you, eh? At this point I'd settle for Witch Weekly."

Harry had learned quickly that the guards appreciated reading material. The job was very boring. "Sorry, I don't read the Prophet. It hasn't been too kind to me over the years. I did bring a copy of Quidditch Weekly from yesterday if you'd like it." The guard excitedly took the magazine and looked at the date, "Quidditch Weekly? July 12th? Brilliant Mate! Thank you!"

Voldemort stood before them all with arms raised and eyes flashing red. The room was filled with followers that seemed mesmerized by this man. With a hiss he called out, "Children of the Night! Who among you will run with the Hunt? Children of the Night! Who among you will run with the Hunt?"

Harry'd seen this before. Voldemort had made many references to "The Hunt" when he was alive. He kept his followers entertained and motivated with hunts which were really just attacks on Muggle Borns. This was his treat. They'd purify the blood of the Wizard World. His followers all answered with a resounding "I!" to each of Voldemort's chants.

"Wake up..." A familiar young girl with red hair breathed in his ear. She sat in his lap and playfully curled his unruly hair around a finger, hissing, " Once I had a little game – I liked to crawl back in my brain – I think you know the game I mean – I mean the game called Go Insane." The girl kicked her white socked feet up playfully and kissed him on the cheek, "You should try this little game – Just close your eyes and forget your name – Forget the world – Forget the people – they'll erect a different steeple." Slowly, the young girl morphed into a young Bellatrix but kept her playful though insane smile, "This little game is fun to do – Just close your eyes no way to lose – I'm right there I'm going to.." Bellatrix placed her hand high up on his leg and kissed him passionately. He tried to fight but she held firm and whispered in his ear, "Release control - We're breaking thru!"

The familiar voice of Sirius boomed like thunder, "Wake Up!"

Harry woke up with a start. The room was dark and Harry could hear the crashing of thunder outside. Lighting would occasionally flash bright through the window. Harry lied in bed uncomfortably and tried to remember the dream as well as he could. What intrigued him most was the scantily clad girl who had morphed into Bellatrix. He wondered if the transformation itself had to do with the thoughts of insanity...

Lightning struck again. The white light flashed through the window and Harry noticed someone standing in the doorway. As the thunder crashed he saw the figure move closer and climb into bed.

"Harry, you look like you've seen a ghost," purred Ginny as she ran her hand through his hair and twirled a lock around a finger playfully. She kissed him with her soft lips and then brushed his cheek with hers. She took his hand and placed it on her side. "Am I frightening?"

"No...No, I just had a strange dream. I think you were in it. You looked kind of...amazing."

"Kind of amazing?"

"Really amazing. Extremely amazing. Absolutely amazing. But the dream went very odd from there." With each amazing he kissed her tenderly on the lips. She leaned into him as the kiss lingered, "Harry, it seems you were expecting me," she teased playfully.

Harry shrank back embarrassed, "Should you be in here? Your Mum is already upset about the other night."

"I have no idea what you are talking about Harry. Didn't you hear her?" Ginny was now frowning and the resentment grew in her voice, "She was concerned about some thing. But don't worry, Harry. Whatever it is, my Mum is prepared to give it to you eventually."

"Ginny, I don't think she meant..."

"Quiet Harry and kiss me. I didn't come down here to talk." She began to unbutton his shirt, "I just want to see the scars again. I want to know that you are all right."

They snogged most of the night. At first the kisses and caresses were gentle but with each strike of lighting and clap of thunder Ginny would become more determined and passionate. By the time the rain stopped they were both breathless and when a door was heard upstairs Ginny slipped out quietly without so much as a good night. Harry could only lie on his back and watch her leave while wondering what had just happened.

When Harry woke the next morning he found George sitting at the table with the morning's Daily Prophet in his hand. George watched Harry over the top of his Prophet as he sat down gingerly, "Ah, Harry, I see there is hope in keeping your word yet. Then again, I never doubted you."

"What? Where is Mrs. Weasley?"

"Mrs. Weasley?" laughed George. "You'd best get in the habit of calling her Mum soon or she'll have your arse. She went out to the chickens for eggs. She'd have sent me but she thought I might ruin my work robes. So how was your night with my sis? By the way you are moving this morning it went just well enough."

Harry was speechless. George couldn't hold back, "Oh, no worries Harry. I know how much you both love each other. It only means you are now part of the family which means you are no longer off limits for pranks. Of course, if I see my lil' sis' running up from your room to hers in the middle of night and you walk into breakfast as if you own the house...then I may have to place a hurt on you that Bill would be proud of...but innocent snogging never hurt man or woman." George's eyes met the stairs and he whispered conspiratorially, "But if that one catches you? I don't envy the one that has to clean up the bloodstain."

Harry's head jerked back as he heard Ron shout out, "Morning mate! I'll wager you didn't have half the night I did. I slept like a rock and dreamt like a king."

"I'd take that wager," announced George as he stood up and made his way for the door, "but I must be off to open the shop. Ron, you must ask Harry what he dreamt about last night. It makes for a hell of a story. Tell Mum I'm off..." sing-songed George in his usual playful manner as the door closed and the two boys heard a "Crack!"

"What was that about?" asked Ron once George was gone. "What did you dream about?"

"Probably me," beamed Ginny as she glided down the steps. "I know I dreamt about him last night. There was this one dream which I bit his lip and he gently pulled on my hair. You should have been there." She now sat next to Harry and did her best to lean toward him so that their shoulders touched.

Ron was red, "Are the two of you? Are you? What? What are the two of you doing?"

"Harry, before you answer that question you should decide which of us you are more afraid of," teased Ginny, "and besides, if he hurts you I can kiss it and make it all better." She now gave Ron a look that suggested he should drop the subject.

Ron looked at Harry pleadingly and Harry shrugged his shoulders. It remained silent at the table for a good minute before Molly made her way back in with the eggs, "Silence at the table? Ron must have finally figured out that his best mate and little sis' have finally come to their senses," mused Mrs. Weasley. "I do love it when my little boy worries about his little sis."

"Was I the only one that didn't know?" grumbled Ron.

"Yes," claimed Ginny. Then quietly to Ron so that only he would hear, "And if you give him any trouble over this I'll make sure that 'Mum's Little Treasure' finds it's way into Harry's room and out of its package for him to do with as he pleases." Harry looked away uncomfortably when he noticed that Ron finally took the full meaning of Harry's conversation with Molly a few weeks before. Unfortunately, his eyes met Molly's who despite Ginny's efforts had still heard the exchange. She frowned and went back to quietly making breakfast.