A/N: Thanks for the new favs and follows. This one is longer than the norm. Hope you enjoy.
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Harry Potter and the Wizards of Malta
Chapter 12.
The two men looked away nervously as Harry approached their table. After waltzing his way around the last dancing couple, he was standing six feet away from the two men. Just close enough to address the duo and just far enough away to stun the both of them with one spell. Now, pretending he didn't exist, both men seemed engrossed in conversation between themselves.
"Excuse me," said Harry, loud enough to command their attention.
Slowly, as if irritated to action, both men turned their heads to face him. Neither volunteered a word.
"You've been watching me and my friends all night. Why?"
The two men looked at each other for clues as to who would answer.
"Sit down Mister Potter," said the man on the right. "You make me nervous standing there."
Harry pulled up a chair and maintained a convenient gap in the lapel of his jacket and the wand just inches away from his chest.
"How do you know me?" Harry asked the man doing the talking. Both men were well dressed with jackets and ties. Their hair was neatly groomed and slicked back in a local fashion. The talking man wore horn-rimmed glasses and both were drinking soft drinks.
"We're paid to know Mister Potter. You see, we're in the same business as you."
"You are?"
"Yes, we are. Officials in Amsterdam warned us all about you," the man said and the other managed a faint grin.
"I see – well, I wouldn't believe everything they tell you," said Harry.
"This hints of sound advice. My credentials sir," he said and slowly reached into his jacket. "But just which side should we believe?" he added as the hand came out with just a small credentials wallet. The quiet man did the same. The credentials read 'Magico Polizia Di Stato'.
"My name is Marco Rainero," he said and turned toward his partner.
"Aldo Fiorenza – nice to meet you," added the quiet one.
Harry nodded with satisfaction. "You still haven't answered my question – why are you watching us?"
The man rolled his shoulders into a shrug.
"Obviously we are handicapped in this environment," he said and looked about the room. "If you could follow us to a pub in the Italian version of your Diagon Alley – we could talk more freely," he said and did his best to placate with a warm smile. "And Miss Penthane would be welcome too, of course," he added at length.
Harry thought about the invitation. If he declined the offer, it might lead to trouble for Penny's band. Still, the offer sounded risky.
"That's very kind of you, but I'll have to discuss this with Miss Penthane."
"Of course – Mister Potter," said the man.
"Back in minute," he said and went back to Penny's table where the three girls had been watching his every move.
"They're promoters," he lied to Penny, and Lydia and Dianne smiled. "Could I speak with you for a second?" he asked and beckoned toward the door.
She looked up, puzzled, but got out of her seat and followed him to the door.
"They're Magical State Police," he said.
"What the hell do they want?"
"They want to go somewhere else – someplace magical where we can talk."
"About what?" she asked and pulled a face.
"The authorities in Amsterdam contacted them. And they seem concerned. I can ring the Ministry to check them out," he said and she nodded.
He dug in his pockets for the seldom used mobile and finally found it. He punched in the numbers for the Ministry hot line.
"...Harry Potter here..."
"...I'm in the field and need some help..."
"...I've got two men called Marco Rainero and Aldo Fiorenza. Both claim to be Magico Polizia Di Stato – Magical State Police..."
"...Yeah, can you verify this? Call me back within five minutes if you can't..."
"...Okay – thanks," he said and ended the call.
Turning to Penny, "That should give us some time to dispense with your friends," he said, casually.
Obviously perturbed, Penny nodded.
"I'll talk to them," she said, and spun round on her heels and disappeared in small fast steps. She was back at the table, apologizing to Lydia and Dianne.
"I'm sorry girls. It's a bit of business," she explained.
"Business!?"
"Yeah, these promoters want to discus some future gigs. The car can take you back whenever you're ready," she added with a mock frown.
"No problem," said Lydia with a phoney smile.
Harry went back to the driver and explained he would be leaving without himself and Penny. He checked the time on the mobile and saw it had been over four minutes since his call to the Ministry. The two Italians must have checked out.
"You ready to meet these guys?" he asked Penny, still apologizing to her friends.
"Yeah," said Penny with a sour nod.
Saying goodnight to Lydia and Dianne, Penny followed Harry over to the men's table. Their eyes widened as Penny approached.
"Marco and Aldo – I believe – this is Electra Penthane," Harry introduced.
"Penny – my real name is Penny," she added.
"Very nice to meet you Miss Penthane – we're big fans," Marco said with a genuine smile.
"Harry tells me you have some things to discuss?"
"Yes, we have some concerns. I'm sure we can work them out," he added. "If you wouldn't object, we have a place that would be much more comfortable for us to talk."
"Is it close by?" asked Penny.
"Near the Spanish Steps. Do you know the place?"
Penny shook her head and looked at Harry. "Harry do you?"
"Only from pictures, I'm afraid."
"We would be most happy to escort you," Marco said. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
Marco looked convincing enough and the smile was reassuring, but Penny and Harry glanced at each other, uncomfortably.
"We'll take a taxi," they chorused.
"And meet you there in a half hour," Harry quickly injected.
"Very good then," said Marco. "We'll meet you at the base of the steps."
The taxi ride took all of the thirty minutes and then some. At the base of the steps, Marco and Aldo were were smoking and checking their watches when Harry and Penny arrived.
The Spanish Steps were a big tourist stop in Rome. Numerous shops and vendors were peddling their wares along the widest array of steps in Europe that ran form the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti, sitting atop of the step. Normally crowded, the steps were almost free of tourists at this hour. Marco and Aldo were standing in front of a small alley that led around a building at the left side of the base.
"Right this way," said Marco, and both men proceeded toward the little alley. Harry and Penny followed tentatively.
A dozen paces into the alley, Marco stopped and faced a concrete wall with a small knobby extrusion visible at shoulder level. He took out a wand and tapped the extrusion. Quickly an outline of a double-door began to trace itself out on the concrete wall. Morphing into the shape of wood boarding and ornate metal hinges, Harry immediately thought the precess resembled the passageway to the room of requirement. Finally the etched and outlined stone transmuted into wood and metal and the door was complete.
"Welcome to Magicis Andron, the Magical Hallway" he said as he unlatched and held the door open for the group.
"Please, after you," Harry said and waited for Marco and Aldo to enter the hallway first.
He placed his fingertips on Penny's side to encourage her to enter next. She was either tense or exceeding muscular as she felt very firm to the touch. With Penny in next, he quickly checked their back-trail and then stepped through the portal. After turning the corner of the small entryway they came into view of the long hallway with a twelve foot high arched ceiling of stone. The hallway seemed to run on forever with cubbyhole entrances into shops and cafes down its great length. With frequently occurring torches between the cubbyholes, the place was suffused with yellow firelight. Alive with activity, there were old witches selling trinkets and the carts of green grocers lined the hallway.
"There's a cafe right down on the right," said Aldo and he pointed in the direction.
Marco and Aldo entered through the arched opening to the cafe. There was no Maitre' d, but the shop owner instantly recognized the two Italians and came running their way. He escorted them to a corner table and signaled for a waiter before he left. Ever the gentleman, Marco was first to pull a chair for Penny.
"We're known for the wine around here," he said. "But they have a great house ale if that's what you fancy."
"The wine sounds great," said Penny and Harry nodded in approval.
After all were situated, a waiter popped up with a towel over his shoulder. He quickly rubbed down the table and paused beside the two wizards.
"A house wine for us all," Marco told the waiter who smiled and scurried off.
Penny, who had been mostly quiet, cleared her throat and addressed Marco.
"So Harry tells me you have questions for us."
Marco nodded and then frowned. "Yes. We were informed by authorities in Amsterdam of your troubles there."
"What did they tell you?" she asked.
"Frankly, they said there's been a trail of bodies leading up to you and Mister Potter."
"What? That's a lie."
"So what is your version, if I may ask?" the wizard asked with a shrug.
A tense moment was broken when the waiter arrived with wine. He quickly uncorked a bottle and meticulously poured half a glass for all at the table.
"Thank you," Marco said and returned his attention to Penny. The waiter scurried off as quick as he came.
"I've had a stalker in three cities," she said and sampled the wine. "Harry here, has been doing his best to keep this lot away from me and the band."
"At least one stalker has been killed – is this true?"
"No, he killed himself," Harry injected
"Really?" said Marco and Aldo raised a brow. "And why would he do that?"
"To avoid questioning – to protect who I'm after – I suppose," Harry said with a sigh.
"And who is that?" Marco asked as he leaned forward with piqued interest.
"A wizard of an order of some kind. He killed one Auror and injured another in London. He's the same man that's harassing the lady here," he said and looked toward Penny.
"What kind of an Order, do you know?"
"Beats me. The name they all mention is Lasaurus and they all wear old robes of some crude design."
Marco shook his head and looked toward Aldo, who appeared just as baffled.
"I'm unfamiliar with an order of this description," he said.
"Yes, this is very odd," Aldo added at length.
"Well, this is our proposal Mister Potter," Marco said and tapped the table with his forefinger, "For you and Miss Penthane to remain in this country – our government wishes to keep a close eye on you and your investigation."
"Could you clarify that?" asked Penny.
"It would begin with Aldo and myself attending your next concert. We could offer assistance with this stalker you mention."
Harry acknowledged the remark with lengthy contemplation. He looked at Penny and then back at Marco.
"Sure. If that's what you want to do. But if we find this Lasaurus – I want him. To extradite him to the UK of course."
"That's understandable. We can discuss that if we find him."
"Of course," said Harry and slapped the table. "Hey, this is good wine."
Whether it was the second glass of wine or the flattering comments from Marco and Aldo, Penny was loosening up to the conversation. Both of the wizards had warmed up to the idea of helping Harry with the band and were acting a little giddy about the whole thing. Marco drew up a little map of the Magicis Andron with locations of some of the favorite shops. He encouraged Penny and Harry to do a bit of browsing with their remaining time. Polite to the end, the two men bade them a good evening and disappeared into the crowd.
Penny insisted they heed Marco's advice and take-in the shops around the long hall of the Magicis Andron. After hitting a number of establishments, the evening drug on as Penny showed no signs of letting up.
"How about a beer and let's call it a night," Harry suggested.
She smiled looked back with a little show of frustration.
"So, you don't like shopping," she said, teasingly.
"Ah, no I like it. Just in small doses."
Penny's paused to gaze at something on the stone support column behind him.
"Harry look," she said and stepped around him to get a better view.
There was a colorful advert on a poster sized print under a hallway torch.
Antonio Franconi Circus and Magical Menagerie
Presents the Largest Collection of Magical Creatures Anywhere
Under the Largest Big Top ever suspended by Magic
Portkeys and Maps to the Circus are available
at all ticket agents
"It's a magical circus!" she said.
"Yeah that's cool," he replied with obvious disinterest..
"Harry, I've always heard about these – but never able to go."
"You might as well forget it," he fired back.
"We could go on an off-day," she insisted.
"Penny," he said as if finally waking up. "Get this out of your head. It's looking for trouble and you know it."
He had never seen her angry but would bet more than even money she was now. There was a fiery like shine in the silvery grey eyes.
"Damn-it, you're such a tight ass Harry. You should try living a little."
"Oh really."
"Yes really – and I really want to go – you understand?"
‡‡‡‡‡
Marco and Aldo, being as good as their word, arrived at the Orion club with smiling faces two hours before the concert started. Harry showed them around a bit and they developed some pretty firm ideas on how best to spot any hooded suspects.
Penny started the show with a few comments on how great Rome had been so far, and crowd applauded wildly. Like the previous show, Rob and Beatty were positioned further out and Penny was able to move more freely on stage. Her risque costume was sequined black with two cutouts running around the outfit in a spiral. Apparently, flesh colored panels were blended in protect any vital areas from exposure, but the thing was still outrageous.
Checking to make sure the Italian wizards were still glued to their stations, he stepped out into the foyer and scrounged up a soft drink. The blessed cool weather was gone and summertime conditions were making life miserable again. He downed the cold drink and made his way back to the floor just minutes before the first scheduled break. At this point the two Italians would leave their station in the back of the room to mingle through the guests, looking for any signs of trouble. Harry had planned to do much of the same when he got a signal from Jimbo, standing backstage.
"Penny wants a word," he said curtly.
"About what?" he asked rhetorically.
"Hell, I don't know Potter. Talk to her and find out."
He tapped on Penny's dressing room door.
"Harry?"
"Yeah – you wanted a word?" he asked and cracked the door open with no protest from Penny. She was struggling with the spiral zip fastener. She had it pulled down past her waist but it was stuck now, above her ass.
Harry approached cautiously and examined the zipper that stuck on a piece of liner. He had to slip his finger between skin and the fabric and pull the material outward so as to free the zipper from the lining. Once free, he pulled the zip up an inch and then back down to its original position.
"I think that's free," he said. "Was that all you needed?" he asked.
"No, of course not."
"No?"
"I thought I saw one Harry," she said and continued with the zipper until it was down to mid-thigh. With her back still to Harry, she began to pull her arms out of the sleeves and skinnyed out of the whole costume, in front of him.
"One what?"
"A cloaked wizard – of course," she said and walked on the balls of her feet a few steps to pull a dressing gown off the hook.
"I didn't see anything like that. Maybe it was a Goth or something."
After tying the belt on the gown, she turned to face him. "Well, just keep an eye out, okay?"
He was amused with the irony of her request. "Sure – where did you see him?"
She thought for a moment, then moved catlike over to a wardrobe that had two fresh costumes on hangers. She looked at a silver grey costume at length and never replied.
"Hey!"
"Yeah," she answered.
"Where did you see him?"
"She removed the shiny grey outfit from the hanger and dropped the gown at just about the same time.
"He was over by the entry to foyer," she said and folded the gown over the back of a chair.
"It's time for me to check the floor," he said, beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"Well, you don't have to run off," she said, facing him now, with the outfit hiding her most precious commodities. "You're pretty good with zippers," she added and curled one corner of her mouth into a wry grin.
"Yeah, I guess I am. If you get stuck again, holler," he added and turned this time to leave.
Speaking with Aldo and Marco after the show, neither had seen anything of a cloaked wizard. The spot lights sometimes played tricks with the eyes, he told himself. In any case, the show had been a good one and the crowd in Rome was the best yet.
The following night turned out to be more of the same, but it was never boring. Three more new costumes for Penny looked great and she worked more dancing routines into the show. Ace Varney's amped percussion was spot on. Rob carver was exceptionally dialed-in and the backup and chorus singer were hitting everything on the numbers. The Rome party crowd was rabid and rocked out by mid-show.
The next day was the band's day off. It should have been a day for sleeping, and that's what Harry was doing when he disturbed by banging on the door. He was in the middle of a dream. Hermione and Ron were walking with him to Hagrid's hut. They were banging on the door, waiting for Hagrid to appear. But in the dream he could hear someone shouting his name and that wasn't supposed to happen.
Damn, it was Penny. It was Penny calling his name. She was determined to do the circus thing.
"OKAY – HANG ON," he yelled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The knocking stopped.
He drug out of bed and grabbed a dressing gown hanging over a chair. Tying the gown, he checked the peephole to see Raven hair and unlocked and opened the door.
Penny waltzed in and grabbed the chair that the gown had been laying on. She was wearing trainers with tight faded jeans and a midnight blue sport jumper with a little hoodie.
"It's a little cool this morning, so you might put on a jacket," she said.
"What?"
"I hope you haven't forgot," she said at length.
"Forgot?" he asked and yawned.
"I told you last night. I've got the tickets and the directions to the portkeys."
"Oh, the circus, yeah. You're dead set on this huh?"
"Yeah, so get your arse in the shower," she said and started up out of the chair.
He was too slow and sleepy headed to move until Penny had her hand on the collar of the gown and began to pull.
"Hey! Okay, I'll do it," he said started into the bathroom. "Why don't you go down for breakfast – I'll meet you in a minute."
"Like hell – I'll wait," she said and picked up a magazine on the table by the chair.
She was still there, reading the magazine, when he got out of the shower and dressed casually into attire balanced with what Penny had chosen.
She still had her nose in the magazine when he put on a windcheater and adjusted the fit in the mirror. Both wands, laying on the nightstand beside the bed, were slipped into the liner pockets of the windcheater. He examined the fit in the mirror one more time and the adjusted the jacket.
Penny slowly lifted her nose out of the magazine to take notice of his prepping. He took a few practice pulls with each wand to make sure they didn't get caught in the loose fabric. Once comfortable and limbered, he increased the speed of the pulls to within a fraction of a second. The black wand would jump by itself to meet the extending hand and arm. In the blink of an eye both wands were out and extended.
"That's impressive – you do that every morning?" she asked.
"Only when I'm expecting trouble – you ready to go?"
Penny returned a perturbed look.
"We should have time for a bit of breakfast," she said, trying to be upbeat.
"Where's Jimbo and Harley," he questioned, idly.
"I feel safe with you."
‡‡‡‡‡
"I know it's around here somewhere," said Penny while looking at the map.
"Are you sure?" asked Harry with a hint of impatience. "It doesn't look like the kind of place you'd find a portkey."
"Well, it says Domus Aurea – and here it is," she said, pointing to the sign at the gate of the park to Nero's palace.
"It could be anywhere."
"No, no. It has a circle – right here," she replied, pointing to the map.
"Excuse me," said a male voice with a heavy Italian accent. Penny and Harry jerked around to identify the speaker. There was an older man standing there wearing a large smile. He was rather eccentrically dressed for the normal tourist.
"I thought you might be looking for the portkey," he added with a wry grin.
Harry and Penny quickly at looked at one another – neither believing what they had just heard.
"Did you say portkey?" Harry asked the man.
"Yes – yes, the portkey. I used it just the other day. You're going to the circus?" he implored with a smile.
"Yeah... If we can find the portkey," quipped Penny.
"Follow me – follow me," he said and took off toward the castle ruins in small quick steps.
Harry and Penny followed around the left side of the castle ruins and cautiously through an open doorway.
"It's in here," the man said encouragingly. "It's the small yard – off the back."
They followed the little man into a room, totally open to the sky. In the middle of the yard was an old water cask.
"Is this it? Kind of big for a portkey?" Harry added, rather dubiously.
"It's just right for a small family," said the old man. "Everyone grab the edge!"
Penny glanced at Harry for confirmation and then both grabbed the edge of the cask. The old man was gripping the edge with white knuckles when the cask began to lift and spin. It spun slowly at first and then picked up speed and accelerated like a cannon ball, fired toward the sky.
The process quickly began to reverse itself until Harry, Penny and the old Italian slowed the spinning to land gently in a grass field at the base of a hill. A few feet away from where the cask came to rest there was a well worn path leading between two large oak trees. Two gents were collecting tickets at the base of the trees.
"Looks like we made it," said Harry. "Thanks for your help," he told the old man.
"You two enjoy the circus," he said and scampered off just as mysteriously as he arrived.
Harry looked at Penny adjusting her sport jumper and straightening her raven hair. He placed his hand to his chest to confirm the presence of the two wands. Satisfied, they moved toward the two oak trees and the two men.
"Tickets please," asked the old carnie with a red handlebar mustache. Penny checked the bum pockets of the jeans. With a little trouble getting her hands into the pocket of skin tight jeans, she finally produced two large red tickets.
The man snapped the tickets twice with a hole puncher and handed them back.
"The trail will lead you to the big top. The main show – it should be starting soon," he said.
"Thanks," they chorused and turned to go.
They followed the trail, covered by wood chip and sawdust, to the crest of a hill until the magnificent big-top revealed it top masts decorated by colorful and streaming banners. Slowly, the whole canvas colored marquee began to take form in front of them. Besides the World Cup Quidditch Pitch, this was the largest structure for a magical event that Harry had ever seen.
A steady stream of revelers walked toward the entrance gate and some on broomsticks buzzed overhead. Magical fireworks were popping off all around the perimeter of the circus grounds. Clowns on twenty foot tall stilts prowled the grounds and a few Giants dressed as clowns loomed overhead.
Anxious to get in and find a seat, Penny picked up the pace as they neared entrance to the grandstand. As the queue neared the entrance, vendors were gathered round selling foods and treats. Bangers, Turkey legs, popcorn, candy floss, candied apples and soft drinks were all available. Harry tried to keep up as he looked around and peered through the reveling hoard in search of anyone that appeared out of place. For him, this would be like another day at work.
"If we pick a seat in the rear then we won't have to watch our back," he said.
"We won't see shit in the back Harry. This will do," she replied and grabbed a seat two rows from the front.
Consoling himself to another defeat, he gave the raven-haired witch an impudent look and then sat down beside her.
A popcorn and sweets vendor came strolling by, announcing his wares. Penny flagged the man over.
"Harry – you fancy popcorn?"
"Sure," he said, determined not to argue.
Penny struggled to extract the money from the pocket of her skin tight jeans. Harry quickly grabbed a bill from his jacket and paid the vendor. Penny gave him a wry grin.
"Thanks," she said.
"Thank you," he added dryly.
She gave him a quizzical look and then concentrated on the magical spotlight directed on the center ring. The Announcer entered the ring and spoke to the crowd with a wand tip by the throat to amplify his voice. In a few moments, Hippogriffs flying in formation entered the big top from a side entrance. A lovely girl in a skimpy sequined outfit was waving to the crowd, perched atop the lead Hippogriff. The Hippogriffs fell out of formation to fly in a long single file that whipped around like a rope. The lead Hippogriff caught up with the last to form a flying figure eight.
After the applause faded the lead Hippogriff broke from the pack and the girl rider waved goodbye to the crowd as they streamed away in the direction they came. Between acts there would be small clowns riding huge broomsticks and large clowns riding tiny brooms. Anything to get a giggle.
The lights dimmed and new spotlight focused on another act taking the ring. A wizard in a shiny black cape and top-hat entered the ring with a magical whip and three dragons in tow. This drew a series of oohs and aahs from the crowd. Two of the Dragons were Chinese Fireballs and the other a Welsh Green. Harry was guessing the Hungarian Horntail would be too difficult to train.
The Dragon tamer took the beasts through several acts of aerobatics and obedience before one last final act of courage. Skillfully milking the crowd for reactions, the Dragon tamer put his head in the mouth of the Welsh green. Even Penny squinted her eyes shut and moved a little closer to Harry. Being entertained or being the entertainer, Harry felt Penny was happiest in this environment. As the Dragon act came to a close, the Dragon tamer mounted the Welsh Green. The overhead lights went dark as the Dragons flew around the big top for several passes. The roar of the Dragons electrified the crowd as belches of flame illuminated their way to a passageway out of the marquee.
All manner of magical creatures continued on with the show; from dancing Acromantulas and Singing Centaurs to a display of savagery from a pack of Calygreyhounds. But the Dragon flames had done it; they had melted his cold reserve, and his feelings toward the circus and Penny had thawed a bit. Or maybe it was just her sitting so close now. He imagined it was her perfume that rose over the smell of animal dung.
They drifted out of the big-top along with an ocean of people headed for other forms of entertainment. There were loads of sideshows and carnival contents to be enjoyed; all for the price of a few extra Sickles. Penny insisted they stop for more sweets. Harry resisted, but Penny tempted him into submission by rubbing a caramel apples across his lips. He took the apple and she left with a plume of pink candy floss.
They entered the 'Hall of Pickled Punks' where all kinds of deformities of nature were preserved in bottles filled with formaldehyde. There were Dragons joined together like Siamese Twins and two headed Goblins preserved for an eternity.
The mid-afternoon found them among a shanty row of carnival contests where poor wizards would drop a week's wages trying to win their girlfriend a stuffed animal. Stopping at one, there was a wizard desperately trying to win at a shooting game with no luck. The game consisted of little dragons magically flying across a small stage. The shooter would stand about four paces from a railing. If the wizard hit four dragons before they stopped flying he won his choice of a stuffed creature. The wizard looked into his pocket and withdrew his last Sickle.
"That's it for me," he said, dejectedly. "I'll have to save something for later."
"You're not quitting now – you almost won the last time!" the Carnie coaxed.
The wizard looked at his girlfriend and rolled his shoulders into a shrug.
"Oh what the hell – okay, one more time," he said and gave the Carnie his last Sickle.
"That's the spirit – okay, step right up," he said with a grin. "You ready," he asked and the wizard nodded sheepishly.
The first dragon came across at a slower pace and the wizard nailed it with a huge grin.
"One down," called out the Carnie.
Two more out from behind the curtain, weaving and sinking at just the right time to cause the wizard to miss both.
"Damn," he said and looked toward his girlfriend for encouragement.
This time, three dragons came flying across the stage. Weaving and spinning faster than the last lot, the wizard was close but missed all three. Knowing defeat was just around the corner, his head sank for a few moments, and he couldn't look his girl in the eyes.
The next volley came in a swirling group of four and the wizard got one of them. He needed two more to win. Harry wondered how many more chances the man would get.
"One more group of five," the Carnie said as if he knew what Harry was thinking. "And you just need two."
The wizard drew a deep lungful of air and nodded. This group was the fastest yet. They bobbed and weaved and darted across the stage in a blur. It was really a shot of luck that the wizard hit one of the five. But he was still one dragon short.
All this time Harry had been watching the Carnie carefully and was convinced the man was somehow affecting the flight of the dragons or the stinging jinxs to cause a miss. While the Carnie was watching the wizard, Harry slipped the Holley wand out of his jacket and up his sleeve, hidden from view.
Dejected with the loss, the wizard turned to leave.
"Stay a bit," Harry told the wizard and the man turned back, obviously puzzled. Harry approached the man and quite out of earshot of the Carnie said, "Hold on. You been cheated."
"How about I give it a try," Harry asked the Carnie.
"Well step right up," said the smiling Carnie.
"What does it take to win two of the biggest prizes?" Harry asked and motioned toward the biggest stuffed animals, hanging from the top of the carnival tent.
"I don't know. No one's ever done it," the man said and laughed.
"If I get all fifteen dragons – would that do it?"
"Well of course, but it can't be done," the Carnie replied indignantly.
"Just start them up," Harry said and slapped the money on the counter. The Carnie pocketed the money and turned to restart the game.
"Confundo," Harry whispered the Confundus charm.
The Carnie was confused but started the game. He was now paying more attention to Penny than the game.
With the black wand and the Holley wand, the game was pretty simple until the last two sets. Getting all four had been a little tricky and Harry wasn't sure he could manage the set of five. A t length, he realized the black wand wouldn't miss and putting the Holley wand away, he waited for the last set. It was really just a matter of pulling the trigger fast enough as the wand never missed. The wizard and his girlfriend were standing by with eyes as big as saucers.
"I don't believe it," the Carnie said as the effects of the Confundus charm were wearing off.
"That's two of the biggest," Harry reminded the Carnie of their deal.
At the top of the tent was a large black stuffed Dragon with gold trim. Next to it was a huge Hippogriff with silvery wings.
"We'll take those two," Harry instructed.
Grudgingly, the man pulled up a step ladder to reach the two prizes.
Harry looked to Penny. "Hippogriff or Dragon?"
"Uh, Dragon I think," she said with a show of indecision.
Gradually and with difficulty, the Carnie got down both animals and handed them over.
"I don't know how you managed; you must have cheated," he said, bitterly.
Harry laughed at the man and took the stuffed Hippogriff to the wizard and his girlfriend.
"I'm sure you were hoodwinked – hope this helps," Harry told the man and returned to the Carnie for the big black Dragon.
"Don't come back," the Carnie demanded and Harry just laughed as he cupped the Dragon with both hands and gave it to Penny who was grinning, ear to ear.
‡‡‡‡‡
Struggling with the Dragon all afternoon and now running out of daylight, Penny was finally ready to call it a day. Opting for side-along apparition, they joined hands and focused their minds on the hotel roof. Harry, Penny and the Dragon went spinning through space to take corporeal form on the hotel roof with a little zip and a pop. All the sunbathers were long gone with the sun that had sunk well below the rooftops.
"Well, I think I'll take a look around the property and call it a day," he said.
"Harry, thanks for going – I know you hated it," she and sighed.
At this very moment Harry didn't know how he felt or how to put it into words.
"It wasn't too bad," he replied in an upbeat tone. "At least their were no hooded wizards to spoil things."
"No, and Rome has been great so far," she replied and sat the Dragon on all fours.
She stepped forward and gave him a little peck on the cheek.
His hands almost came out of his pockets instinctively.
"Thanks again," she said softly and started to turn.
He wanted to grab her. That was his first thought, but he felt unsure of himself and let arms drop by his side instead.
"No problem. It was fun," he conceded.
She nodded, grabbed up the Dragon and turned toward the stairs. He watched her disappear down the steps, taking some of his spirits with her.
A quick stroll around the property and a little night air helped clear his head and return his good mood. Entering the hotel through the front door, there was small group in the bar just off the foyer. Mary Ann waved to get his attention and motioned for him to join the table.
Reluctantly, but not wanting to insult, he stepped up to the group. There was three girls and three gents of whom Mary Ann was the only one he recognized. They chorused a hello and it was obvious in just a few moments that they were all tight.
"Been at the pool all day," Mary Ann announced. She had turned a little red an added a few new freckles on the tiny button nose.
"And you look like it," Harry replied and noticed a thin bathing gown over her small bathing suit.
"I need to talk to you," she blurted and started to rise from the table. Several gents at the table looked up with disappointment written all over their faces.
"Sure..."
Harry motioned to a secluded corner table. Mary Ann looked a bit wobbly as she pitter-pattered in flip-flops over to the table. She flung herself down in the nearest chair and he could make out the scent of coconut and banana oils in the sunscreen she was wearing.
"You forgot your drink."
"Oh, the hell with it – I've had too much to drink anyway."
"Okay... so what is it you have to talk about?"
"Well... not really 'have to' – want to is more like it."
"Okay. 'want to' then."
She leaned toward him, giving Harry a furtive glimpse down her top.
"See that guy over there," she said.
Harry glanced in the direction of the table.
"Yeah, he looks disappointed," he said and grinned.
Mary Ann nodded, with an animated and tipsy expression.
"He thinks he's getting lucky – but he not," she whispered with a grin. "But anyway... what I wanted to say," she said and stopped as if she'd put something away and lost it.
"Please go on..."
"You asked me a few weeks ago," she said, still leaning forward with squinted eyes. "You asked me to tell you."
"Tell me what?" he asked, curiously.
"If... I'd seen anything unusual – unusual with the band, that is," she said with furrowed brows. "Oh hell, I need my drink," she said and leaned back in her chair..
Harry looked at her sternly. "You've had enough."
Marry Ann rolled her eyes. "Oh fuck. How bout a glass of water then?"
Harry motioned for the waiter.
"Mary Ann – what do you want to tell me?" he asked as the waiter approached the table.
"You know those underground burial things?" she asked.
"Water please," Harry asked the waiter and motioned toward Mary Ann. The waiter took one look and smiled.
"Coming up," he said and scampered off.
"Catacombs?" Harry asked.
"Yeah – yeah that's what I meant," she said and closed her eyes and tapped her forehead to pry the memory loose. "San... San Sebastiano – yes that's it I think. The weekend you were gone – "
"Yes?"
"Well... a few us were coming back to the hotel after a day of sightseeing," she said and thanked the waiter for the glass of water. She took a long sip of water and then looked up with a smile. "Damn I needed that."
"So whad you see?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Well, it was Penny. She was standing in front of the place. By herself with no guards. You know she always carries those damn guards everywhere she goes."
"Maybe they were around the corner or something," he suggested.
"No Harry," she scolded. "You're not listening. They weren't there and it was late – after six. It was just Penny and this brown book she was holding."
"A book?"
"A book – a journal – hell I don't know. Anyway, I turned to tell my friend – one of the other chorus girls."
"Yeah..."
"And when I turned back to look, she was gone. I mean she just disappeared – "
"Maybe she drifted into the shadows. You said it was after six."
"No – no fucking way Harry. She disappeared."
"If you say so."
"You don't believe me – I can tell. I mean, you told me to tell you and now you don't believe me," she said, lugubriously.
Harry reached out a placed a hand over hers.
"Mary Ann, I believe you. I really do," he said, placating her doubts.
"That's good. It really is. Now, can you walk with me out of here? I need to go," she said and motioned with her head toward the guy she had referred to earlier.
"Sure. I'll walk you to your door."
Mary Ann waved goodbye to her friends and walked with Harry to the lift. She was walking with a little wobble and looked none too stable.
"It's 309," she said and leaned against the wall of the lift for stability.
The lift came to an abrupt stop and Mary Ann's legs almost gave out. She tried to point Harry in the wrong direction and he corrected her as tactfully as he could. Stopping in front of her door she gave him a puzzled and troubled look.
"Damn. I don't where the hell I left my key," she said and leaned against the door. Harry could make out the outline of the blue card-key in the pocket of the sheer bathing gown.
"It's in your pocket," he said and Mary Ann's eyes widened.
"Oh – okay," she said and patted around for the pockets and the key. She found the key but had difficulty getting her hand in the small pocket.
"Oh hell," she said and removed the gown to get at the key. She looked really fit, standing there shamelessly and nearly starkers, in a small bikini. Areas of skin not frequently tanned were glowing bright pink. One of the tiny triangles covering her boobs had been dislocated when she removed the gown. An eggplant colored crescent of aureola was peeking over of the top.
"There's the little bastard," she said and flashed the key as if pulling a neat magical trick. She fumbled with the key for a minute before coordinating the little green light with the turning of the door handle. Finally, she got it open and turned to Harry.
"You're a nice guy Harry. You really are," she said and looked down to straighten the top. "Would you like to come in. I know there's a beer in the cooler," she asked dreamily.
"Why yeah, I would – "
Her eyes widened. "You would?" she injected.
" – Well yeah, I would, but I have to go. And you've had too much too drink."
Her eyes flashed anger then turned tired.
"Well goodnight then," she said and sighed.
"I'll talk to you later," he said and turned back toward the hollow and empty hallway.
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