A/N: Reworked this chapter. A few tawdry scenes that were tactful and discreet have been fleshed in. (no pun intended)
Harry Potter and the Wizards of Malta
Chapter 15.
Determination would best describe Penny as each time Harry attempted to slip away she pulled him right back. She appeared resolute in keeping him away from the Louvre-Lens to do battle. They groped and snogged for a while and when Harry tried to drop his arms she reached out for his hands and put them back. If there was to be a battle on this night it was here and she had won it.
When finally the question of 'your place or mine' arose, she texted Harley and Jimbo and told them not to wait up. They skipped dinner and went directly to Harry's room. The girl had energy without bounds. They finally took a break in the wee morning hours, venturing just far enough from the hotel to find food.
Things were different now. Not all bad and not all good, just different. Any day, he should get a ring from Hermione and he dreaded what information her huge brain might turn up. He dreaded the little green LED warning him of a message. He no longer wanted to hear that Penny was involved in this mess, and dreaded an order to take action against her.
Some things were funny now. She no longer allowed him in her dressing room when she was changing. He had wandered in during one of her breaks and she promptly ran him out. For some unknown reason now, she became aware of her nakedness when he was around.
But the biggest difference lay within himself. He was sleeping with a client – hell, maybe even a suspect in the mysterious case. He wondered what that meant. After all these years of being on the right side, now he felt awkward and confused and it was hard to get used to. He tried to toughen up and resist her charms, but it was hopeless.
On one morning, Penny was spotted by another band member coming out of Harry's room. So in a matter of minutes everyone in the band knew they were a couple. Some already knew it or were strongly suspicious anyway. Mary Ann would no longer acknowledge his presence. Coolly, she would walk by without saying a hello or a good morning or anything. Jimbo would give him looks so venomous a normal person would be terrified. Harley too, was not so happy about things. Gone now, were the days of Penny sunning topless by the poolside and Harley resented that and blamed Harry for it. Harry had wandered up on the roof one day and felt uncomfortable with that scenario, so Penny stopped and now it was his fault.
Ace Varney had been absolutely nuts over a lovely French girl he met in Paris that worked as an avert consultant. Penny thought they were hitting it off pretty well and agreed to go out on a double dinner date. The old midnight blue blazer was getting threadbare, so Harry sprung for a new dark suit for the occasion. The tailor understood how to stitch in the wand pockets but didn't know why Harry wanted them. He finally made the man understand by explaining he was a conductor and he needed them for conducting batons.
Harley answered the door and grudgingly allowed Harry in.
"She hasn't come out yet," he mumbled and disappeared through a service door to his and Jimbo's suite.
"I'll wait," Harry replied and grabbed a cold sparkling water from the dry bar.
He'd only waited a few minutes when Penny's door cracked open. She came out wearing a blouse and skirt and Harry had never seen her in a skirt. He set the bottled water down to stare. The blouse was tailless, open, and short, just above the waist and perfect for the warm weather. The skirt was a simple wrap with a long hemline. It was rather snug around the hips, but still, it looked good. Very feminine and totally unlike Penny who wore jumpsuits on stage and trousers and shorts everywhere else.
Still admiring the view he muttered, "You look good." She stopped to tidy her face in a entryway mirror. Rarely wearing any makeup, she applied a faint trace of pink lipstick then popped a P with her lips to even it out.
"Thanks," she looked up to reply. "The suit's nice. Is it new?"
Harry didn't reply, but kept checking her out in the dress.
"So, where is it we're going exactly," he inquired.
"La Closerie des Lilas," she said. "It's an old cafe – very nice."
The first few moments of a date were always magical, and this evening was no exception. They lingered for only a few moments and then shuffled off toward the lifts, chatting about Paris and the band. Once in the foyer, Ace and a girl Harry didn't recognize were standing by the door. Ace was talking to the doorman and probably giving instructions for the car when he snapped around at the clatter of Penny's heels on marble floors.
"Good evening," announced Penny.
"You're looking sharp," replied ace and gave Penny a little peck on the cheek.
"Harry – don't believe you two have met," said Penny.
"Harry, this is Piper," she added and Harry shook hands with the pretty blue-eyed, and buxom blond. Piper's neckline was as daring as Penny's was conservative. The deep and wide scoop left little to the imagination.
"Nice to meet you," he managed, trying not to stare.
"And you Harry," she replied cordially with a thick French accent.
It was a beautiful evening as they made their way to the car.
"Sorry Harry," Penny said as she jumped in the back seat with Ace and Piper and left him to sit with the driver.
The girls were on both sides of Ace and taking little notice of the Parisian scenery at night as they all gabbed endlessly about the band. They driver took the Champs-Elysees down to the Winston Churchill Avenue until it crossed the Cours la Reine and turned into the Pont Alexandre III. Here they crossed the Seine river and made a left on Saint Germain Boulevard. They switched over to the Rue d'Assas and continued south until it met with the Boulevard du Montparnasse. Normally, a quick turn here and they would be at the front entrance of the cafe in the corner of these grand avenues. But not tonight. Tonight, traffic south on the Rue d'Assas could not turn left on to du Montparnasse because of some construction issue.
The driver had to continue straight for a few hundred meters.
"You can walk from here," he suggested.
"We don't have a lot of time – can you get us a little closer?" asked Penny.
"They're all on-way streets going the wrong way. It'll take some time either way," he said.
"Okay – okay. Just let us out here," she added with a hint of frustration.
They jumped out and began trudging up the right side of Saint-Michel. They had just passed the first Zebra-crossing when Harry noticed a pitiful sight. An old woman pulling a small flower cart had lost a wheel. The cart had tilted over and tender flowers were strewn about the sidewalk and street.
"I'll have to help her," Harry announced.
"Harry – we haven't time. We're late for the reservation now," Penny barked.
"You lot go ahead – I'll help her and be there in a minute."
He drew a disgusted look from Ace, and Penny shook her head.
"Don't be long," she said sternly and turned to walk on.
Harry had to refrain from a smart-assed remark but did so and smiled back instead. He didn't know if the old woman could speak English so he tried to assuage her fears by picking up bundles of flowers off the road to return them to the cart. She smiled and pointed to the wheel laying by the road. It looked like a cotter pin had worn off and released the wheel.
He slipped a wand into his hand when the old woman's back was turned.
"Reparo," he whispered and the wheel was magically attached and fastened.
She was tickled with delight to see the cart repaired. Together they worked swiftly to get the flowers, first off the road and then off the walkway. In a few minutes they had wagon loaded and the flowers properly sorted.
"I don't imagine you understand me, but stay away from the bumps, and it will last longer," he said as he pointed to the wheel and began to turn away.
"I know you..." she said as last. "There's only one wizard in the world that could slay a demon like Voldemort and then help an old hag on the side of the road."
Harry froze in his tracks and turned to face the old woman.
"You're a witch?" he said. "I'm trained to spot them, but damned if I didn't miss you."
"What's left of one would be a better description. But your secret is safe with me Harry Potter," she added with a toothless smile.
"So you do know my name – what's your?"
"Ulrica – my name is Ulrica," she said with humility.
"Well Ulrica, I'll bid you a goodnight then," he said turned once more to leave.
"Wait – I have more," she said and pointed a crooked finger his way.
"What?" he asked.
"Many in Paris know of your troubles."
"My troubles – what trouble?" he said with defiance.
"Many know of the Order in Paris and your troubles with them," she said, nodding deeply.
Harry nodded but didn't speak.
"You know of the Order?" he asked, stoically.
"Yes."
"Do do you know what they want?" he asked, but not expecting an answer.
"No, I'm sorry, I don't."
"Well then, how do you know of me? And how do you know of the Order?" he asked, puzzled.
"At one time my flowers were sold in Diagon Alley – before Voldemort ruined it. I live here now and I know of much wizarding talk in Paris. If you like, I'll help you arrange a meeting with one of the Order," she explained.
"Just one, huh?" he asked, testingly.
"Would I betray after the favor you have done – why, rip me liver for such a thing."
"Okay – when can you arrange this meeting?"
"Meet me here tomorrow night before nightfall," she explained and pointed to a lamppost at the street corner.
"I can't tomorrow night – I have to work tomorrow night – sorry," Harry apologized.
"Tomorrow at noon then," she said and waved her arms beneath her ragged shawl.
"Tomorrow at noon. Goodnight," he said, and made his way briskly to La Closerie des Lilas.
Nearing the cafe he could see Penny standing by the entrance and searching the street. When she spotted him she moved gracefully though the crowded sidewalk to meet him.
"Did you have any trouble?"
"No – it just took a while longer," he replied casually.
"Well – we need to get back to the table," she said and nudged him to the entrance.
"She had some very interesting information."
"Who? The old woman?"
"Yes,"he replied as they neared the entrance.
La Closerie des Lilas was an old style Parisian cafe with awnings covering an outdoor eating area that hid behind a line of ornamental trees. The trees provided an insular separation from the noisy street beyond. Penny and their party were seated inside. The cafe, since it's inception, had at one time or another hosted almost every famous artisan to ever visit Paris. There were plaques and pictures along the walls in every square inch of free space.
Ace was about a cinch to spot in the silk printed shirt under his diner jacket, and Piper was equally conspicuous as she was sporting more cleavage than a ship's figurehead.
"Good deed done for the day eh Potter?" quipped Ace.
He didn't respond to Ace but pulled a chair for Penny.
There was a huge selection on the Carte and all very expensive from Harry's point of view. He imagined the cafe was at one time a quaint and affordable eatery for the Lost Generation, but all of those people along with the restaurant's quaintness was history now. What remained was a lavish and decadent establishment with ties to a romantic past, and posting prices Hemingway would have never been able to afford.
Despite the price, the meal was fantastic and the wine was some of the best Harry had ever enjoyed since visiting Paris. Piper and Ace were in the mood to go clubbing after the meal and were doing their best to convince Penny and Harry to go along.
"We've got a big day tomorrow," Penny persisted. "Let's wait until we have a weekend off," she pleaded and they reluctantly agreed.
The drive back to the hotel was rather quiet. The effects of good food and great wine had left the group mellowed out. They entering the lobby and paused by the lift. Ace and Harry had a 'what's next' look on their face and stood there nervously waiting for an invitation.
"A nightcap before turning in? Or do we call it quits boss?" Ace asked Penny.
She looked back at Ace with a firm discerning gaze and then glanced at Harry and shrugged her shoulders.
"You haven't changed Ace," she said at length.
As they entered the lift Harry whispered in Penny's ear, "do you have time for this?"
"No, but I'd like to hear your story," she said.
They listened to mechanical whirling sounds until the hydraulics stopped and the lift doors opened on the fourth.
Penny produced a room key card from a small carry handbag. She entered cautiously as Harry guided her into the dark room with a light touch on her back. She clicked on a single light and put the card back in the bag and casually threw the works on a small table by the door.
The penthouse suite was lavish and equipped with a kitchen area and a well stocked dry bar. Outside the suite lay a private sundeck behind a wall of windows and two glass doors. Penny proceeded to kick off her shoes and trod barefoot over to the bar. Sizing up the contents of the cooler, she waffled over a selection, and finally just grabbed a long bottle, with a 'Oh what the hell' expression. She gave the bottle to Harry to hand to Ace, then picked four long stem wine glasses out of the cupboard, holding the stems between her fingers.
Dropping the glasses off on a long coffee table, Penny switched on the sound system and a video monitor. She opened the tray and loaded a disk of band tunes into the player and adjusted the volume to just below voice level. After dimming the lights to a soft almost orange hue, the ambiance was cozy and soft. Tugging at the tie that held the wrap skirt together, he could make out a bit of her ass before she disappeared into her room.
There were two glove leather couches facing one another, separated by the glass coffee table. Ace was busying himself with the cork. He finally managed and poured Piper and himself a glass. He pointed the long bottle at Harry and waited for any signal.
"Uh, no – I'll wait," Harry replied and looked around for Penny.
Piper and Ace were almost one as they snuggled closely on the couch. They touched glasses with a little toast and Piper responded with a giggle before taking a drink. Harry wondered how long it would take Ace get lucky, but guessed it wouldn't be long.
Penny returned barefooted in a loose tee and ripped jeans that were torn in just the right places. Telltale points under the shirt were an immediate clue she'd ditched the bra. She plopped down on the couch and curled her legs under her.
"I always liked this number," she said pointed to the sound system. " Never could understand why it never took off."
"We need to pick up the tempo," Ace said and put his arm around Pipers shoulder to tickle a patch of bare skin.
"Yeah, maybe you're right. Beattie always said it was too slow," she replied.
"Maybe we can try it tomorrow," he said and massaged Piper's should where the collar bone attached. I doubt the fans in Paris would know the difference.
"Yeah... they are a listless lot, aren't they."
Ace grabbed the wine bottle and motioned toward Penny's glass.
"No... changed my mind," she added dryly.
"Yeah, it's hard to compete with that Chablis back at the cafe," he said and sat the wine bottle back on the table.
Looking distracted, Penny unfolded her legs and jumped up.
"Yeah... I need something else," she said and signaled Harry with a tap on the knee before she bounced off toward the bar.
Grabbing two lowball glasses, she tossed a jagged chunk of ice in each glass. Quickly reaching for a spirits decanter, she dashed a couple of ounces in each glass and then stuffed one in Harry's hand.
"I've been dying to use the use the sundeck at night," she added and looked back with a little twinkle in her eye.
"What's been stopping you?" he asked, teasingly.
"You," she retorted. "You don't think I'm going out there alone."
She led him to the private roof sundeck, fashioned with wicker furniture and long padded chairs that would lay flat for sunbathing. She lit a couple of candles and Harry took off the jacket and hung it over a chair backing. She turned one chair around to face the other, vis a vis. The soft notes of the band recording were drifting through the open door, barely heard over the summer sounds of air conditioning fans further out on the roof.
"So... tell me about the old woman. Whad she say," she asked and sipped the drink.
"She knew me – called me by name," he exclaimed.
"Well that's weird. Was she from London?"
"Yes, and she worked in Knockturn Alley before the war – before Voldemort."
"That's all she said?"
"No. And get this – she knows of the Order. Or she knows of someone that knows of the Order."
"Really. Imagine that."
"She promised to arrange a meeting," he said and reached for the drink. He couldn't see in the dim light, but Penny seem to fidget nervously.
"Ah - a meeting?" she said as if a little shocked. "That could be dangerous Harry."
Harry chuckled. "I made her promise to bring just one," he said. "Beside it's what..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... you don't have to tell me. It's your job," she said and laughed.
"That's right. Facing dark wizards is what I do."
"I need some more ice," she said and looked around the back of the chair toward the sitting room. "They've already turned out the lights. That didn't take long."
Penny eased up out of the chair and crept barefooted through the still open doorway and disappeared.. She came back out a few minutes later with the bottle an ice bucket.
"Are they still there?"
"Oh yeah."
"Are they getting along?" Harry asked, whimsically.
"Oh yeah."
"Ace seemed to be in a good mood tonight," Harry said, making smalltalk.
"Very, " she said and began to fill his glass. "From what I hear, he's been kinda bummed out lately. We used to party like this a lot. We were big into this kind of thing in the early days – partying every night. But Ace hasn't been too happy lately. Beatty says Ace may be thinking of leaving."
"Poor guy," Harry said, disingenuously.
"He's a good drummer and I can't afford to lose him right now. But still, I wasn't too keen on inviting them up. Ace is a left-over from the old days. Not that I have any problem with that," she said and looked at Harry. "But, they'll never leave and we have a big day tomorrow."
"Damn, you're all work," he teased and Penny laughed.
"I know it, and I gotta lighten up. So do you, by the way."
"You swear," he teased.
"I mean it Harry – every word," she said and took a sip. "You may not like us once you get to know us. But this is how rockers blow off steam and I want my people happy because our music depends on it."
"I think I've already gotten to know you."
Penny laughed. "Don't think me rude Harry. You're a powerful wizard, but you don't know shit about life on the road with a rock band. It's not Hogwarts, I can tell you that," she said and laughed.
"Well, for sure, but you know shit about dark wizards – do you? So we both have something to learn."
"Life in the fast lane - It's exciting at first, but it gets old fast," she said with a chuckle.
"Yeah – same way with dark wizards," he quipped and she laughed.
They sat quietly for a few moments and listened to the chirping of the cicadas and the ice tinkle in Penny's glass.
"I can tell you right now – they could have gone back to Ace's room," she added and canted toward Ace and Piper in the sitting room. "But, this is like the old days and I think Ace misses that."
She kicked back her drink and stretched out further. Harry was all ears.
"We'd roll into town with a coach and a lorry full of equipment. After the show, we'd hit the clubs til they closed. But nobody wanted to quit and the guys would always find girls. Young, beautiful, and looking for a good time."
She took another drink and drew a deep breath.
"So whad you do?" he asked, hoping to egg her on.
"Well, the coach was no place to take the girls," she admitted, defensively. "So we would book a nice big room – if we could afford it."
"That sounds like fun for the guys. But how did you fit in," he asked and immediately wished he hadn't.
"I'm not any schoolgirl prude Harry – you should know that by now," she said and chuckled. "But it hasn't been like that for some time now. It's good to have you around Harry. Things have been pretty tight around here for a while. But now, it feels better, maybe it will be like old times again," she said and he saw a wicked little gleam in her eye.
They sat silently under a Parisian starlit sky and listened to an orchestra of Cicadas as they occasionally rolled into a soft crescendo. Back inside, and accompanying the tired notes of the stereo Ace and Piper's lovemaking was also growing toward a crescendo.
"Yep," Penny said, popping the P. "This is life on the road with hard rockers, she went on with a chuckle.
"Hey, I'm not complaining. And I don't think Ace is either," said Harry.
Penny looked over at Harry and grinned. There was a snap and then a zip and Penny lifted her bum to slide tattered jeans off her long legs to hit the floor. She stood and then slowly pulled the Tee shirt over her head.
"Well good, maybe we both need to loosen up," she said with a chuckle. "If you stay around us, you'll have to."
"I'll try."
"And chasing dark wizards until you get yourself killed. What kind of job is that?"
Harry shook his head, but in the dim light he didn't know if she could see.
She walked over to his chair and then kicked a long leg over to straddle it. She sat softly in his lap and leaned forward a few inches from his face.
"Maybe, you can just start right now," she said and canted her head for a kiss. He felt her lips touch his and mouths opened instinctively. She tasted sweet like bourbon and smelled of perfume.
"You're right," he said after softly parting. "I could get killed tomorrow, but you know, nothing lasts forever Penny. And this thing you've got. It can't last either. That's a sour fact."
"Are you sure Harry," she asked as he felt her hands working his belt buckle. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"I'm sure of one thing," he said and laughed.
By the time Penny had his buckle undone he had unzipped and was coming out of the trousers a few seconds later. He skinned the cotton sport shirt up and over his head and gave it a toss. With Penny straddling him he barely had enough room to lift his arse and slide down his Y-fronts. He lifted his legs and managed to kick them off as Penny was already sitting on his erection and wiggling her hips to get him inside of her. She plied her folds apart with one hand while gently guiding him into position. She wasn't really wet, but enough so that she could bump her ass up and down until he feel himself begin to slip inside of her.
Harry had never been with a girl quite like Penny. Her ass was hydraulically powered on ball bearings and he loved to get her on top of him. Once he was inside of her she began to work her ass slowly until she became slippery wet. She picked up the pace a little until she began to rock his world. Softly cooing now, Penny was nearing a full stride when someone inside kicked on a light – probably one of them getting up to find the loo. Harry could see Penny's near-orgasm face and her tit's juggling one cadence out of pace with her hips. Moans becoming quite audible now were a clear indicator Penny was reaching for the home stretch. Someone inside finally discovered the faux pas and turned off the lights, but Penny had never opened her eyes or missed a beat. She was so close now, her thrusts were hitting him with a firm slapping sounds. With one final series of grinding thrusts, she punctuated the moment with a short little scream and then slowed to a smooth savoring finish. Hanging on as long as he could, Harry's fingers were digging into the soft flesh of Penny's ass and pulling her toward him. With one last pull, he cried out and then exploded. His body went limp and he lay back enjoying the Parisian starlit sky and the warm bodied witch on top of him.
‡‡‡‡‡
Harry awoke the next morning to the sounds of female voices. It was Penny and Piper talking in the kitchen area. He could smell coffee and it smelled good. His tongue was thick and dry and he needed water. He was in Penny's room and as he craned his neck to look around his head was splitting.
Occasionally, Penny was say something in a soft or muted voice and they would both giggle and laugh. He looked down at the floor, but none of his clothes were anywhere in sight. Thinking of the jacket and the two wands, a wave of fear hit him and he looked about the room. The jacket was folded over the back of a chair. Apparently Penny had moved it from the sundeck and brought it inside. There was a white terrycloth bathrobe wadded up on the chair.
The two girls were talking shop now, like another day at work. They were chit-chatting about the best cafes and Paris fashion. Obviously, Penny liked the girl. Piper had a strong French accent and it was lovely but her English was clear and very distinct. Piper was thanking Penny for a wonderful evening and Harry almost laughed. She promised Penny she would show them the best clubs in Paris over the weekend if they could make it out again. 'Yes, yes,' Penny replied. 'That would be great.'
Harry rolled out of bed and hit the loo. He wrapped up again in the bathrobe and poked his head out the door. Apparently Penny had given Piper some old clothes to wear, a baggy pair of jeans, rolled up six inches. She was wearing a frumpy tee shirt sporting the logo of a London pub and a pair of flips flops a size too big. Her clothes from the night before were in a large plastic shopping bag she had firmly in her hand.
"Good morning sleepyhead," Penny said and Piper chuckled and smiled warmly.
"Good morning," he said to the two girls and nodded.
Penny was dressed in Jeans and a Tee shirt, but not the ones the had on the night before.
"I need water," he said and shuffled over to the cooler.
Piper was saying thanks one last time and stretched up to kiss Penny on the cheek. Harry twisted the cap off the bottled water and heard the door open, then close.
"How do you feel?" Penny asked and scrutinized his reaction.
"Hungover – but good." He turned the bottle up and killed half in one drink.
"Maybe a little fresh air will help," she said and smiled. "The sundeck should be nice. Give it a try, and I'll bring some coffee."
"Where's Ace?" he asked.
"He had to meet with an amplifier technician this morning," she said and reached for cups and saucers from the cupboard. "He's been having trouble lately with his drum amps."
"Oh, I see," he said and Penny nudged him on the shoulder.
"Go on, I'll be out in a minute," she assured him.
"Okay," he said and walked slowly out to the deck. The morning sun was hidden behind the buildings and the air was clear and cool. He finished the bottled water with one last drink.
Bits and pieces of the night were coming back to him, and he shook his aching head. He remembered Ace talking about the drums. At sometime in the morning hours they had all wound up in the sitting room again. He'd gone to the loo and found the bathrobe. They were sitting in the dark, but there was enough ambient light to see Ace had found the other bathrobe and the two beautiful girls were sans vêtements.
They had all curled up on opposite couches and Ace had been going on about the amplifiers and how he had changed to a new maker but had never been satisfied. Penny suggested he get with the technician early the next morning. It was like another day at work with these two. The two girls were outrageous and about as unpredictable as a brush fire. They all continued to talk and Harry turned to answer a few serious questions from Penny about security. Suddenly Ace and Piper went quiet and Harry looked over to see the tawdry act developing. Penny leaned over and put her lips to his ear. "I warned you this isn't Hogwarts," she whispered. She followed that by blowing her hot breath into his ear and ran her tongue over his earlobes.
Harry felt a hot flash running completely over him as a hand slid down to open his robe. Slowly Penny began to match Piper's boldness with a tongue slithering down his belly. Finally, her lips found their target and Harry felt like he was falling backwards into a warm ocean.
"Oh God," someone moaned and he heard different sounds of love now. It pained him to open his eyes but he did and now Piper was straddling Ace on the couch and grinding her hips slowly. From this point on, his memory began to fade, but the wine and the spirits continued to flow and the brazen evening continued with it.
:
The clatter of cups and saucers snapped him out of the dream and back to the present. Penny was still inside putting the final touches on coffee. A minute later she was placing the cups on a glass table.
"How do you take your coffee?" she asked. "I can't remember."
"Hot and naked," he quipped dryly.
Penny looked a little taken back and then laughed. "If last night was a bother – we won't do that again."
"Ahh, it was no big deal," he lied. "But I'll need to get going. I'm running late," he said, looking at his watch.
‡‡‡‡‡
Planning to approach the street corner from a position opposite from the hotel, Harry had the taxi take him two kilometers south of where he agreed to meet the old witch. He hoped the walk back would help clear his head of the night before. With his simple and austere upbringing he knew he'd have trouble adjusting to the unbridled lifestyle of Penny and her friends in the band.
Penny had tried to talk him out of meeting the old woman. 'It's too dangerous', she told him. In truth he no longer cared, but if he didn't find a solution to this mess soon, he was afraid he'd lose all sight of the job at hand. Penny and the wild parties were like a drug and he was losing sight of things that once mattered.
He planned to enter the street corner from a position opposite the path closest to the hotel. If he spotted anything suspicious or more than one hooded wizard, he'd know not to trust the arrangement. At about a half a kilometer from the street corner, there was a few trees and several wooden benches.
He enjoyed a few minutes of cool morning air and took in what few sights were available from the wooden bench. No matter how he tried to forget the evening, images of the evening kept returning to his head like an erotic film.
To shake the thoughts he stood and looked around before hiking back to the sidewalk. Approaching the Rue d'Assas and the Boulevard du Montparnasse he spotted the old woman standing by the streetlamp. He paused beside a tree and looked for five minutes for any signs of a deception. At exactly noon he continued on Saint-Michel toward the zebra-crossing at du Montparnasse and the old witch.
The flower cart was nowhere in sight, but she was clutching a small bouquet in hand. She didn't recognize him at first so he called out.
"Ulrica – you remember me don't you?"
"Oh yes, " the old woman snapped up to reply. "I do, and I've brought someone from the Order."
"Good – where may I ask?"
"Follow me, it's not far."
"Certainly," he replied and followed the old woman, pausing every few seconds to look around.
The old woman trudged up Rue d'Assas and the past the Fontaine de l'Observatoire. After a few hundred meters past the fountain, she paused to address Harry.
"Over there – by the bench," she said and pointed with a gnarly finger.
A hundred meters off the sidewalk was a long cigar shaped park. Two stone benches were sitting six feet apart. A cloaked and hooded wizard sat on one end. He was sitting ramrod straight and looking off into the park, as if meditating on a profound subject.
"Thank you," he said to the old woman and made his way carefully toward the wizard. When his footsteps would have been impossible to ignore, the hooded figure turned around. He tossed back the hood to expose the sandy haired head of a young man, that appeared to be in his mid-twenties. Harry paused in front of the man. For a few moments no one spoke.
"Thank you," said the young man. "I didn't know if you would come."
The wizard was dressed exactly like the group of six they ran into at the Louvre-Lens. A more refined weave of fabric and a stripe of vanilla down the side were the distinguishing marks of this particular garment.
"Well, thank you, but first things first – what's all this about?" asked Harry.
The man raised his palm to beg for a moment.
"I know you'll have many questions. Please understand, I won't be able to answer them all."
"A few things I must know. First who are you? And what's your grievance with my client?"
"We represent an Order," replied the young wizard. "We are the Order of the Wizards of Malta."
"But this far from Malta," Harry replied.
"Yes, it is. The Order is made up of wizards from many Langues – many regions you might say. Originally it was seven – now it is eight."
"Okay, which member killed an Auror in London and severely injured? Lasaurus?"
The paused to consider the question.
"A wizard of our Order was killed in Amsterdam. On that account we're even," the wizard protested.
"The wizard you mentioned killed himself – I had no hand in it."
"I'm sorry Mister Potter, but there were no witnesses," he said with a sad smile.
"Okay, if Lasaurus is in London, I'll find him in due time. But what I need know now is why you're following my client?"
"She has a precious treatise. It does not belong to her. It cannot be possessed by any one person for personal gain. She has to give it back before she unlocks it's secrets."
"She says, she's stolen nothing. What kind of secrets?"
"I cannot go into the details of the documents – perhaps she will tell you - but I can assure you she stole them. She is attempting to unravel the original key of the seven cities, but she has yet to do that. If she is successful, to make use of her prize, the consequences will be severe," he said and bowed his head.
"I don't know what to make of this. I'll talk to her about this treatise and hopefully we can get this straightened out," Harry said through tight lips and a firm jaw.
"That's good. Miss Penthane can tell you more than I have if she so elects. She cannot keep the treatise and complete the code of the seven cities. You must make her understand."
"I'll try. And now there's you must understand. Lasaurus has killed an Auror and we'll never be 'even' in this matter until he's locked up in Azkaban or dead. And I don't care which," Harry spat out the last.
"Your cause is noble, but hopeless and quite futile. If you go after this wizard, be warned, it will be you that dies. And I say this not in contempt but as a heartfelt warning," the wizard pleaded.
:
A/N: Thanks for reading - please review.