Chapter 46 : You've been a naughty, naughty Snatcher!
"Glad you got here in time to warn us, Harry . . . I guess we have been in this one spot a bit too long . . . just got lazy, I suppose," Ted Tonks admitted, shaking Harry's hand.
"Well, it's not easy finding a good place, with enough water and cover, so when you do, I know the temptation to just settle for a while is hard to resist. Good thing we have spies among the Snatchers or you'd be in for a nasty fight tonight."
"Do we know when they'll get here?" Tonks asked, as she slipped an arm around her Dad's waist and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Wotcher Dad."
"Hey there, Dora!" Ted hugged his daughter and then turned his attention back to Harry.
"Middle of the night, when you all would be asleep and most vulnerable . . . the usual tactics." Harry replied. "As soon as Luna gets the Thestrals hidden away down the valley, we'll get our plans in motion."
"Ah, then let's have a cuppa, shall we?" Ted said, over his shoulder, as he led the way to the main tent.
X X X
Entering the magically enlarged tent, Harry saw Griphook and Gornuk sitting at the table, talking in Gobbledegook. They had a map on the table and were obviously searching for a place to relocate.
"Ah, Mister Potter," Griphook nodded at Harry. "It's good to see you again."
"It's a pleasure seeing you, too, Griphook," Harry replied, giving the Goblin a slight bow before extending his hand.
Shaking Harry's hand, the Goblin turned and introduced his co-worker, "This is my fellow fugitive from Gringott's, Gornuk."
"Gornuk," Harry bowed.
"Mister Potter, I recognized you, of course, but it is a pleasure to finally be properly introduced," replied Gornuk, bowing to Harry.
"Ah, Harry Potter," said a tall Wizard, turning from the cook stove, wiping his hands on a towel hanging from his belt, and extending his hand to shake Harry's. "Dirk Crisswell, Goblin Liaison Office, glad to meet you."
"Mister Crisswell . . .it's a pleasure. Arthur Weasley sends his greetings," Harry informed the former Ministry employee.
"How is Arthur doing at the Ministry? He must be under the watchful eye of every Death Eater/Dark Lord sympathizer in the place," Dirk asked.
"He manages to stay out of the line of fire and his Pure-Blood Status keeps him fairly safe, also. Arthur keeps his ears open, but takes everything with a grain of salt, so to speak, as he never knows if he's being 'set up' or 'tested', by those in charge," reported Harry.
"When they started looking into Ministry employee's blood status, I knew it was only a matter of time before I was called and questioned by Dolores Umbridge. I happened to mention I would soon be leaving the Ministry during a meeting with Griphook and he told me of his and Gornuk's dissatisfaction with the Ministry's takeover of Gringott's. Plus I'd been talking to my old classmate, Ted, and one thing led to another . . . and here we all are."
"I see . . . well, that was a fortunate set of circumstances," Harry smiled.
"And to what do we owe the visit, Mister Potter," inquired Griphook, coming straight to the point.
"Snatchers are going to raid this camp tonight, but we'll get you all moved to a safe location and give them a bit of a nasty surprise when they arrive."
"I see . . . Gornuk and I were just debating where we should shift to next . . . we thought we might have overstayed our time here," he added, with a glance at Ted.
"You were right, Griphook . . . I should have listened to you," admitted Ted. "Where, exactly, did you have mind?" he asked, pointing to the map.
"Might I suggest," Harry interrupted. "The Forest of Dean. . . Hermione and her family went there often and there are good, hidden hollows in which to set up your tent and plenty of fresh, running water. However, you must set up powerful wands and enchantments, as the Snatchers main camp is not far from there."
"Then it would seem a foolish place to relocate, don't you think?" Gornuk sneered.
"No . . . think . . ." Griphook replied, rubbing his chin. "Why would they expect us to be in their very back yard? Short of actually settling on the roof of the Ministry for Magic itself, I can't think of a more unlikely place to set up our next camp."
"Well," Harry smiled. "I'd skip the rooftop idea, if I were you. That really is pushing your luck!"
Hermione had walked over to the map and enlarged the section showing the Forest of Dean. "Good evening, Griphook," She smiled and bowed. "Let me show you where I think would be an ideal location."
"Ah, Miss Granger, how good to see you again," nodded the Goblin, who then focused his attention to where Hermione was pointing on the map.
"Dirk and I take care of the equipment and foraging, while Griphook and Gornuk do the wards and protective spells," Ted explained to Harry and Tonks. "We'll get things packed and be ready to go in no time."
"Actually, just pack your personal stuff for now, we'll leave the tent and furnishing as they are and move them after we take care of the Snatchers," replied Harry.
"Oh, alright, then . . . best get started," Ted answered, rubbing his hands together. "Come along Dirk, let's get our things loaded up, shall we?"
"Right-o, Ted," agreed his friend, as they headed into one of the bedrooms.
X X X
Scabior and his gang of Snatchers edged their way through the trees, heading straight for the tent they could just make out in the distance.
"Why do you suppose they're here, so close to that big Muggle house?" one of the group asked, pointing back through the woods toward a nearby manor house and gardens.
"Shut up!" Scabior hissed. "The Muggles aren't there right now, just the gardener, so they thought they were safe, probably. . . now be quiet and follow me!"
As they made their way closer and closer, Scabior motioned for his gang members to fan out and surround the tent. When they were in position, he signaled and they all aimed their wands, firing off their spells when Scabior dropped his hand. To their amazement, the spells were deflected away, harmlessly, except for the few ricocheting ones that caused the Snatchers to shout warnings and duck.
"Now what do we do?" hissed the Snatcher to Scabior's right. "They know we're here, after all that noise!"
"Well, with wards that strong, they can't 'Apparate' out of here, so we'll just have to break through and then grab them before they try to get away," Scabior replied through clenched teeth. "Remember, there's a couple of Goblins in there, so get them first, then worry about the Half-bloods." Scabior called to the others, "Let 'er rip, boys!"
The Snatchers renewed their assault on the protective Magical dome that sparkled over the tent every time it was hit by a spell. Suddenly, the flap of the tent opened and figures emerged, spreading out around the canvas structure until each was facing an individual Snatcher. The Snatchers were looking at each other . . . they'd been told there were only a couple of Wizards and two Goblins hiding here. Then they saw the Goblins walk out and raise their hands. The protective bubble disappeared to be replaced by an 'Anti-apparition Spell' surrounding the whole area and sealing them inside. The Snatchers realized they were the ones in trouble now, and with a shout from Scabior the dueling began!
Scabior was shocked to see he was facing Harry Potter himself! Wouldn't that be a surprise for the Dark Lord, bringing Harry Potter in as a prisoner! But those thoughts quickly vanished as the reality of the skill of this boy in front of him sank into Scabior's brain. Within seconds, he was fighting for his life! He saw one then another of his gang falling, but couldn't spare more than a glance, as Harry and he traded spell after spell, until it was only the two of them left dueling.
It was eerily quiet, except for the sound of the spells flying and being deflected by both of them. The other Snatchers were lying, trussed and gagged on the ground, the members of Harry's group silently watching, showing no intention of interfering.
Scabior had seen the Goblins spreading an 'Anti-Apparating Spell' after they had dropped the protective dome, so he knew his only hope was to win this duel . . . But then he'd have to face the others who were standing there watching; he was trapped . . . now what? He stopped dueling Harry, lowered his wand and just stood there, eyes closed, waiting for the worst and was totally surprised when Potter walked swiftly up to him and yanked his wand from his fingers.
"You won't be needing this for a bit," Harry informed him, as he backed away.
Magical ropes wound around him, even as Scabior started to back away from the group he was facing, causing him to lose his balance and topple over.
"Eh,eh,eh, Scabior," Tonks admonished him. "You're not going anywhere!"
Ron came forward and slapped a strip of duct tape across Scabior's mouth before he could protest.
From his position on the ground, Scabior could see the tent being folded and put away, the Goblins and the two Half-Bloods they'd been seeking shouldering backpacks, as a bushy haired girl spoke softly with them. The others walked over and shook hands, hugged and said their goodbyes to the fugitives and then those four 'Side-Along Apparated' away.
Harry came over and levitated the gang leader into a sitting position, leaning him against a tree, and then crouched down in front of him. The other Snatchers were being lined up like so much cord wood at the other side of the clearing.
"Okay, Scabior, here's what I need you to do; When you get free, either on your own or when someone comes looking for you and finds you here, report back to old Dolores that we're not pleased with her . . . at all. She should think back to when she was 'snatched' by the Centaurs . . . she wasn't too happy about that, but was very glad to be rescued . . . So, either you lot stop the raids or members of her little 'departmental teams' will start disappearing . . . this will become a very high risk job . . . and even your best boys over there," Harry jerked his thumb over his shoulder, "will start looking for a different line of work."
Scabior stopped struggling, his anger at the boy's insolence draining away as he looked up into those green eyes . . . and saw that Harry meant every word of what he'd said. He nodded and slumped back against the tree trunk. Umbridge would have his hide for missing this opportunity to grab Harry Potter . . . but it was a trap! Who would have suspected? He watched as Harry rose and joined the others.
"Oh, by the way, we'll just keep your wands, too. Evidence for when you all stand trial in the future," Tonks informed the gang of Snatchers, who looked at one another, wondering if that was possible; that they'd be on trial in the future.
"Let's not meet again, gentlemen," Hermione said, waving goodbye, before 'Apparating' away.
The others smiled, then followed, 'Apparating' off to where Luna had hidden the Thestrals, to make the ride home to Hogwarts.
Harry was the last one to leave, giving the trussed up group one last look. Then he, too, vanished into the night.
X X X
"Did the raids stop?" asked Dan, elbows on his knees, leaning forward.
"No, well, for a bit . . . but the Wizarding folk on the run heard about this little 'raid gone wrong' and became better and better at hiding and using protective wards, so the Snatchers came up empty-handed more often than not," replied Harry. "The ones in hiding became aware of the importance of moving more often and trying to blend into unusual locations, even mixing in with Muggles on occasion, to allude the Snatchers."
"Ever try to find someone in a holiday crowd at Blackpool, who doesn't want to be found?" asked Ron.
"Ah, point taken," Tom nodded, smiling.
"Did you try anymore rescues?" asked Rupert.
"Ah, no . . . we didn't want to press our luck, so we mainly tried to spread the word on how to avoid the Snatcher gangs," Harry explained, a bit sheepishly.
Emma lifted her hand, thoughtful look on her face.
"Yes, Emma?" Harry asked, smile back on his face, with a glance at Hermione.
"I know this is a little off subject, but wasn't Voldemort looking for the Elder Wand? Hadn't he been to Albus' tomb and stolen his wand at the end of the summer? Didn't Mister Ollivander get 'Snatched' from his shop? Isn't he at Malfoy Manor?"
"Whoa! One at a time!" Harry held up his hands, then laughing, said, "Yes, no, no, yes, yes!"
"Don't be mean, Harry!" Hermione chided him. "Those were legitimate questions and we should fill them in on what happened about the wand."
"Ah, my wand," Albus stood and came forward. " It would seem that Draco's wand being lost was the best thing for him at that time. So, indeed, Tom's mission became retrieving my wand. However, there was a bit of a hiccup in that little plan; no-one knew where I'd been buried . . . we didn't use the elaborate marble crypt, as in the book and movie . . . instead, there was a funeral service, but the burial was private . . . and nobody knew where my body had been placed . . . except . . ."
"Harry," Dan concluded. "And he wasn't going to tell anyone. But how did you get away with that?"
"Actually, the original plan was Aberforth would claim my body, as next of kin, but I suddenly realized that would make him a target for Voldemort, when it came to finding my wand. Which would also jeopardize our secret way into and out of the castle, so we devised another plan, rather hastily, right before the event. When the Ministry personal showed up, Minerva presented them with my final instructions . . . it seems I had changed my last will and testament to name Harry as my Funeral/ Burial Executor, leaving the rest of my Estate to those listed. That kept up the illusion that Aberforth and I were never reconciled. Harry was charged with arranging the service and the Ministry couldn't object to or interfere with him. The Ministry officials all attended that service and then they waited for their invitations to the private burial, which, of course, never arrived and by the time they read my will all the way through and realized what I'd asked Harry to do, it was a 'done deal', I believe the phrase goes?" Albus concluded with a smile.
"Bloody Brilliant!" Rupert laughed. "No wonder old Rufus had such a cow about the things you did get! The Ministry was clueless and left holding the bag, so to speak." He looked over to Harry, Ron and Hermione, who nodded, smiling.
"But wouldn't Draco still have been the Elder Wand's Master? All Voldemort had to do was get Mister Ollivander to make Draco a new wand and then take that one." Tom asked.
"No, that wouldn't work; it had to be the wand you used to defeat the previous owner, according to Mister Ollivander. A new wand wouldn't have the right connection to the Elder Wand's power, so Draco was in the clear." Harry answered. "It was Albus' wand and Draco who needed to connect, but as long as Albus' wand was 'misplaced', Draco was safe."
"And I was damn glad to hear that explanation, myself!" Draco added. "Because, to answer your other question, Emma, Mister Ollivander was being held in the cellar of Malfoy Manor.
"And with Wormtail in custody, the 'prisoner's care' fell to me," Narcissa added. "So moving a bit of furniture down there, to make him more comfortable, was easily accomplished. Bella wasn't pleased . . . I told her to go decorate her own cellar!" Cissa added, with a wicked glint in her eye.
"Speaking of Wormtail, what was he doing all this time?" Rupert asked. "Besides taking up space, that is."
"Ah, well, not much, truth be told. He was tasked with repairing the bindings of a few of the badly worn books from the library . . . some of which had to be done by hand." Hermione shrugged. "Peter complained about it, but it did fill his days and he admitted to actually reading some of the books, too. All in all, he had accepted his confinement, knowing if he was found by Voldemort he'd be killed."
"But," Albus added. "His mark still burned occasionally and that was unpleasant for him. Peter was also terrified that Severus would find out where he was being held at Hogwarts and would kill him on sight. I didn't say anything to the contrary, so that was also hanging over his head. He didn't, of course, know I was supposed to be dead, so we left him in the dark about that little detail."
"Wasn't it taking a risk for Luna, Ginny, Seamus and Neville to go on that raid with you, Harry,' asked Dan. "What if they'd been recognized?"
"We did think of that, but with wearing hoodies and scarves, hiding Luna's blond and Ginny's red hair, we thought we'd get away with it." Harry shrugged.
"By that very statement, I don't think their identities were kept under wraps for long, eh?" Tom remarked, crossing his arms and leaning back. "I sense another deviation from the original plot line looming in the story."
"It was exciting," Luna piped up. "It let us utilize one of our alternate plans, so it was good practice, too."
"Oh, now we have to hear this one!" Rupert grinned, leaning forward eagerly.