Meddling Dumbles
Harry and Ginny reappeared in Potter Manor. Kelly recognized the anger both had. She directed them to the training room. "We have set up a course to test you. Run it now to cool off and we will talk later."
Erik appeared later with Catherine. "How are they doing?" "Dismantling it. In the last second I changed the Death Eater puppets to Dumbledore's." Kelly grinned. "Nice one." Erik said. "We cut ties with the Order of the Phoenix. Take Intel, but don't give anything to them. We might have friends there, but they will contact the Potters themselves. Continue with our operations. Light Rules of Engagement for BlackOps." Catherine looked at him. Now this, in her opinion, was a little extreme. "Sure?" Erik nodded. "I warned them not to interfere. Should they still do, stunning them should teach the lesson, otherwise I will lift the rules to standard. Oh and, Kelly? Tell the recon teams to recover their targets if possible. Be aware that he might have set traps on them."
Harry and Ginny emerged from the training room. The last hour they have spent with blasting Dumbledore puppets all over the place. They went to the showers and both entered one stall.
Ginny caressed Harry's neck. He moaned as she sunk her fangs into it. They washed each other and Harry continued with combing his wife's hair with his fingers. They finished with a kiss and exited. Erik was standing at the far end, back to them. "After you are finished, meet me in the armory." He left and closed the slide door.
Catherine looked up as the two entered. She handed them a parchment. Harry simply rose his eyebrow as he skipped over the content. "He didn't learn it, didn't he?" Catherine nodded.
"Sadly his power rose to his head. People entrusted him with all powers as they see him as the leader of the light. The hero of the world. Somewhere he began to see people as tools and only the greater good. He believes, because of his heroism and experience, that he knows better than all the others. But he forgets one thing: We are individuals. He didn't take into consideration that being abused by the Dursleys, or being possessed by Riddle would force you to grow up faster."
The two teens understood. Dumbledore wasn't really evil, only self-centered and a little bit arrogant and ignorant. They seriously didn't look forward to the next term, but they had to.
"You are free to change schools anytime, should he become too pressing. Fleur can get you into Beauxbatons and Krum is now headmaster of Durmstrang. He will certainly help you."
Harry nodded. The distance wasn't a problem, thanks to Ginny. ~I heard that!~ ~Did I tell you how cute you look when you pout?~
Erik didn't watch the exchange and nodded towards Catherine. "Ginny, please follow Catherine. She will outfit you with the combat gear. The sooner you get used to it the better. You, Harry, come with me. You already have your armor, now to your weapons."
At the shooting range Erik opened a briefcase with a small choice of weapons. All small firearms with little recoil. Harry fired a few rounds on each before settling for the small Glock 26. He decided to wear a concealed shoulder holster for the weapon. Just then Ginny walked in. She had her helmet under her arm, it was one of those which were open at the front, for the vampires or werewolves. A long kilt hung from her hips like a skirt, opened at the front to show off her legs which were covered in light armor plates. His eyes wandered up to her chest. It was the same chest plate the other females in the unit wore, having larger areas to accommodate the female biology. He took his own helmet off and the two met in a furious tongue battle when their lips touched each other. Erik and Catherine decided to leave the two lovebirds alone. The two went to a secluded space to snog themselves.
Dumbledore looked at the list of his followers. There were people he had to watch out for. The Weasleys might be loyal to the light, but family came first with them. He knew he had Molly's and Arthur's backing, but he wasn't so sure about the twins though. Maybe a small business proposition would be nice. A shop didn't run itself and employees could be costly. There was no way the two could finance that on loans alone. He began a letter to them.
Dear Mr & Mr Weasley
It has come to my ears that you have left Hogwarts and begun a shop. I utterly urge you to finish your education and employ workers to maintain your store. Everyone can use a good joke. However, it has come to my ears that you have financial fluctuations. In this case I offer to become a financial partner. The financial power of the Dumbledores are at your disposal to expand and maintain your business.
Albus Brian Percival Dumbledore
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Grand Sorcerer
Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot
He gave the letter to Fawkes. "Please deliver it to them and wait for the reply." The bird let out a song and disappeared. Dumbledore was irritated. The phoenix had developed a mind on its own recently. He growled, as he walked up to the owlery to get one of the school owls. He then proceeded with the latest Intel he got. Snape was away on a meeting and should have new revelations when he returned. His great plans have been screwed up since the Lieutenant interfered. The man was too curious for his own good. And since Albus lost his position as the supreme mugwump, he couldn't dismiss him. That soldier was a killer. People deserved a second chance. Even Death Eaters. Only Voldemort. There, Albus had to admit that the boy had had enough chances to see the light, but Tom Riddle was dead and Voldemort had replaced him as pure evil. Even this dark person could not return to the light. He looked up when two owls arrived in his office. One was from the ministry, confirming his reinstatement as the headmaster of Hogwarts and an official apology from Amelia Bones. Finally he could leave Grimmaud Place and get into his own quarters. The second one was from the Weasley twins.
Dear Headmaster
Yes, we know about your reinstatement. Having two relatives in the ministry helps ;). Now we do appreciate your concern for our career and education, however, we will not return to take our N.E.W.T.s. Our shop is faring well and we have financial backing from a silent partner, who wants to remain anonymous. But be reassured that we had the goblins make a background check on the person and it's not one of You-know-Who's followers.
Fred & George Weasley
CEOs of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
He growled. How did they dare to defy him, the leader of the light! He went down, to the order meeting to discuss the newest revelations Snape would bring.
"Voldemort is behaving strange. Until this afternoon, he was gloating. Lucius had told him about the trial Weasley had to face. Thanks to Nott he knows of their closeness but not to what extend. He does not believe the soul-bond. He thinks that was just a metaphor she used." Snape took a gulp from the calming potion. "He knows that she is a vampire, so he is equipping his forces with stakes and holy water. A Romanian Death Eater is teaching a variant of the lumos spell which replicates a small sun."
Also he explained, Voldemort had obtained the prophecy. "However, it was a strange one."
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies ...
He recited. This part was well known. However the second part surprised them all.
His power will rise … but when the dark lord speaks the magical word ... beginning with P and ending on ORN … Up to the mind to conclude the answer will determine the path … the one with the power has to be careful … protected from this word by his guide… Who shows him the purest form of the light.
Dumbledore was at a loss. He didn't understand the second part. Especially since it wasn't the same as the one he had heard. He didn't remember the part with PORN, but the last part he found himself proven to be right. Only he, as the leader of the light, could show Harry Potter the purest form.
Severus closed his eyes. Dumbledore had this strange look again. Snape had sworn himself to protect Lily's son. Although they had a small dispute, they had privately settled the matter that he had warned her about the attack. It had been Albus' idea to move them to Godric's Hollow into the old Dumbledore household.
He made a choice then and there, but first he had to talk to two other persons.
Harry and Ginny finally ended their snogging session and emerged from the shooting range. Catherine sniffed in the air, proud of the self-restraint both showed. "And now onto your training schedule."
Harry looked at the parchment and groaned. He had already an exhausting plan, but Ginny's was tenfold his difficulty. "Only because she has a far higher stamina and strength to keep going." Catherine winked at Erik. The Lieutenant pointed at the parchment. "The training is in full armor. The day begins at exactly 0500. We'll think of something for punishment, should you two not wake up in time. As a warm-up, run twenty rounds around the manor. Ginny, you have to run around Harry at the same time. Switch between clockwise and anti-clockwise each of his rounds. Every five rounds do a set of ten push-ups. Harry, you do yours on an empty container on Ginny's back. Catherine will monitor you and fill the container with weight if you are fit for more. You have to keep it in balance, too, otherwise Harry will fall down."
Catherine pointed at the lawn. "Then you meet your sparring partners here. They will switch every day to teach you martial arts. At 0700 you have breakfast. Until lunch at 1200 you are to train on the shooting range. Getting used to all weapons. Although Harry will get the regular weapons while Ginny handles the "monster"-weapons. Also, the distance will change each time, depending on your performance. The afternoon we will go over the current operations, otherwise you are free to do whatever you want to do."
"Oh and by the way. Narcissa Malfoy and her son are in the infirmary. We got her out and have treated her wounds since then. She and Draco want to speak with you."
Harry nodded. He intertwined his hand with Ginny's and together they left for the Malfoys.
Erik watched them leave when, suddenly, a light flashed. "Intruder alert!" was repeated through the speakers. Immediately a group of soldiers with riot shields blocked the entrance hall where the floo-access and apparition points were located. Three persons tumbled out of the floo.
"Hands up! You are in restricted territory." Three wands clattered onto the floor but the soldiers kept their weapons up.
"I'm Sirius Black, Harry Potters godfather. These are Remus, his surrogate-uncle, and Severus, his professor."
Erik didn't move. "If you came here believing to get Harry back, go." Snape shook his head. "We are here to warn him from the old fool."
Erik nodded to Kelly who took the wands and placed them in one of her "special" pockets. He lead the three to the infirmary where the Malfoys and the Potters were. Knocking on the door frame, he got their attention. "Harry? It seems like you are not the only one who thinks that Dumbles is an asshole."
Harry looked up in confusion until Sirius and Remus stepped through. Snape held back and waited in the door. Sirius pulled Harry into a deep hug. "Nice, how you two put him in his place." The dog marauder laughed.
"But we are here to warn you." Snape interrupted the reunion. "We, meaning Mutt and myself, are to make your life miserable at school. Albus wants you running to him, begging for help."
Ginny growled. "He plans on using love potions and confundus charms."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other. "Any way we can stop him?" Remus shook his head. "No. Your soul-bond should protect you, but in case it doesn't, I have researched a new spell. It is technically dark magic as it requires the sacrifice of blood, but I think that won't be a problem with you."
"How much?" Ginny asked. Remus looked down. "We don't know. It only says that you need to shove two knives through your hands while intertwined and repeat the enchantment until the blood disappears." Erik thought a second before rummaging through one of the cupboards. "We can hook them up to transfusions."
Harry read through the enchantment. "India Lima Oscar Victor Echo Yankee Oscar Uniform Whiskey India Tango Hotel Alpha Lima Lima Mike Yankee Hotel Echo Alpha Romeo Tango Alpha November Delta Whiskey India Lima Lima Papa Romeo Oscar Tango Echo Charlie Tango Yankee Oscar Uniform Whiskey India Tango Hotel Mike Yankee Mike Alpha Golf India Charlie. Mike Yankee Sierra Oscar Uniform Lima India Sierra Yankee Oscar Uniform Romeo Sierra Tango Oscar Kilo Echo Echo Papa Sierra Alpha Victor Echo." "I love you with all my heart and will protect you with my magic. My soul is yours to keep save." Erik explained the NATO phonetic alphabet.
"And why is it considered dark magic?" Ginny asked. Snape looked at them. "It essentially makes you two each others' horcruxes."
"It's worth it." The two said. They clasped their hands together and crossed their wands. They pointed it at each other's heart, and when Sirius and Remus pushed the knives through their hands, they began to chant. Snape kept watch of the pain levels while Erik monitored the vital signs.
Again and again the couple repeated the enchantment. Black snakes begun to wrap around them. When they settled, blood red fire salamanders began to do the same. Various other animals followed until the two were completely covered in a cocoon. Suddenly their voices rose.
"India Lima Oscar Victor Echo Yankee Oscar Uniform Whiskey India Tango Hotel Alpha Lima Lima Mike Yankee Hotel Echo Alpha Romeo Tango Alpha November Delta Whiskey India Lima Lima Papa Romeo Oscar Tango Echo Charlie Tango Yankee Oscar Uniform Whiskey India Tango Hotel Mike Yankee Mike Alpha Golf India Charlie. Mike Yankee Sierra Oscar Uniform Lima India Sierra Yankee Oscar Uniform Romeo Sierra Tango Oscar Kilo Echo Echo Papa Sierra Alpha Victor Echo." The cocoon exploded outwards, throwing the other occupants back. The colours flew around them like electrons around a nuclear core. It shrank back between them where it exploded, and flew into their hearts. They gasped, and their eyes began to glow golden as the magic connected them in an even deeper sense. They collapsed on the ground as the light receded. Sirius and Remus rushed to pick them up and put them on a bed. Erik shoved the instruments back into their places and checked the vital signs. "They are alright. Their cores are exhausted, but they will recover in a few days." He looked back where Draco was speechless. He followed the line of sight and was stunned, too. Snape had crashed into Narcissa and the two were kissing, neither showing signs of interrupting.
Sirius and Remus were regular guests during the following days. Harry and Ginny were moved from the infirmary to their own chambers. Apparently the binding continued, as magic radiated from their room and moans could be heard. Neither dared to interrupt what ever happened in there. Not that they could enter anyway. A firewall was set up in the door frame.
September approached as the two finally emerged from their room. Hair riffed and clothes ripped.
Erik deliberately looked the other way. "Having fun?" He asked. Both blushed and muttered "Reparo."
Erik told them about the extent of the new plan. He handed them two vials which included the antidote to the love potion. "Another measure, should all fail."
"I spoke with Dumbledore. We have agreed to get you back to Petunia next summer to charge the Blood Wards up one last time before they expire. After that we will move you to Potter Manor."
"You actually agreed with him?" Erik nodded. "He said something about the greater good to protect you. I thought it would be a good idea to make rise Snape in Tom's trust. He will leak the order version of the transfer to Voldemort. We will actually get you out in another way, I will have trust in your acting skills."
They left to flame to King's Cross. They were surprised that Erik insisted on going with them, but that was cleared as soon they arrived on Platform 9 ¾. The Hogwarts Express was no more the red steam engine they knew. In its place was another train. "It's the French TGV Duplex. Beauxbaton actually uses the one-level-version and they have about five to cover complete France."
Ginny looked up. Several barrels were sticking out from the windows and on the roof were turrets with heavy machine cannons. "The coaches are magically expanded to have compartments like the original train."
"Couldn't you just outfit the old one?" Harry asked. He was kind of sad that the old train had to go. Call it nostalgic, but it held a lot of good memories. Erik shook his head. "The old one didn't have the power to deal with it. This one can even make the route in less time. Top speed at 550 km/h."
After the students boarded, the train left. The remaining parents were surprised how quiet this one was. Remus grinned. Should the Death Eaters decide to ambush this one, they would probably only notice it when it would be too late.