In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 75: Ron's Idea
Light greeted Harry's eyes, hoots of Hedwig filled his ears, Tuesday morning as he woke on the bed. Legs spread, Gia to his left on her side, and covers on the floor.
"Awake?" Gia said, "Thinking I could sleep in after yesterday?"
Harry's imagination, a man standing over her, firing a gun into her head. His emotion, his stomach began to heave. He rolled over fast, puked into the chamber pot still next to the bed.
"Ron's got a curse in store," Harry grumbled.
Harry knew he was lying, he'd already forgiven Ron, but did a world of comfort to utter those words anyways.
Harry rolled back, to his side, faced Gia. A flap of wings, Hedwig flew in between the two and landed. She leaned over, nipped at Harry's ear.
"Hedwig!" Harry exclaimed.
Gia stroked the feathers. Both of Hedwig's big eyes upon her starkers wizard, the gray break short yet down, the seemingly mad mouth. Harry reached, stroked those white feathers, and Hedwig stood there.
"Get you something in a little bit," Harry said to the bird.
Hedwig hopped back over, flew to her perch on the shelf.
"She's funny sometimes," Gia said.
Harry reached, held her chest.
"Challenge." Gia rolled onto her back.
Harry rolled, propped himself with his left knee, straddled Gia, though otherwise up. His hands returned to her chest and tickled.
"Going to get you," Harry said.
Gia pushed on Harry as she sat. Harry fell backward.
"Catch," Gia said.
Gia moved off the bed, ran out the bedroom door. Harry chased her into the bathroom.
"Have you cornered," Harry said.
Gia turned on the water, grabbed the active shower head, pulled it out of the base, and sprayed the water at Harry. He laughed as she smiled, charged at her, and tackled her into the bathtub, and he rolled her onto her back.
"Harry James Potter," Gia said as she lifted her legs, "You stand accused of loving me, how do you plead?"
His knees to either side of her hips, his chest rested on hers, they exchanged smiles, tongues stuck out as the tips touched.
"Guilty as charged," Harry said.
Harry lifted his top half, kept kneeling, as his hands worked the liquid soap onto her chest. She returned the grin, giggled as he massaged her flesh.
"Keeping me clean?" Gia asked.
Hot water filled around them, the giggling infected him. His hands worked her skin, when air began to separate them.
"Whoa!" Harry exclaimed.
"That's…" Gia started.
Harry reached, lifted her, and rotated. Him on the bottom, she laid on top of him.
"Full of surprises," Gia said, both aware of the bathtub that filled beneath them, the shower head inches away nestled between her legs.
"Try it now," Harry suggested.
A mutual grin. Gia's weight to his stomach, she moved, her hands to his hips. Harry ignored the bathtub full of water, the soapy liquid that poured over the edge onto the floor.
"Need a higher ceiling," Gia said.
Harry snorted, laughed. Her motives clear.
"Ron's curse," Harry said.
"Tell him to do it again," Gia said.
Harry snorted, the pleasure of her on him seemed to counteract the other urge, and his stomach remained idle. His eyes to her blues, the pleasure behind them, giving them time. An extra flash of warmth, unsure if he'd given himself a warming charm.
"This part only," Gia said.
Unsure if was the curse, Harry felt the wave as she leaned forward.
"Not escaping sentencing," Gia whispered.
Harry felt one finger, another and she kissed. Tongues touched, lips together.
"Most guilty," Harry said to her.
They fell.
SPLASH!
Sudsy water flew out of the bathtub, over Richard standing there at the open doorway.
SPLASH!
Another tsunami traveled across the floor, over Richard's toes up to his ankles.
"Was wondering where the waterfalls on the stairs were coming from," Richard said, "Hot rain in the kitchen too."
"Oh," Harry muttered.
"Taking a bath," Gia said.
"I see that," Richard said, "Hot tub's a better choice."
"Sorry," Harry said.
"Mum and Dad are at work," Richard said, "Ant's…not sure, got a fair chance of covering it up."
"Should've been out of hot water," Gia said.
"Clean getaway?" Harry asked Richard.
"Maybe," Richard said.
Richard spun around, went for his bedroom.
"On the bright side," Gia said, leaning out of the bathtub, "Mopping's a cinch."
Harry stood, his hand reached, and the big towel, the only dry one, flew into his hand. The towel stretched as he wrapped it around them both. A moment to dry, Harry's toes stepped into the large lake on the floor.
"Yeah," Harry muttered.
Toes through the water, they made the turn into Gia's bedroom. Harry stood there for a moment.
"Um…" Gia whispered.
Bed covers restored, floor cleared of the clutter, windows cleaned, everything organized, and changes of clothes neatly laid out on the bed including pairs of mismatched socks. Hedwig glared, annoyed.
"Somebody's been here," Harry said.
"An awfully nice somebody," Gia said.
A moment, and Harry had the urge to return to the bathroom. Floor already dry, he went to the toilet, the paper dry. Harry returned to Gia.
"He's fast," Harry said, "Lake's gone."
"No swimming?" Gia asked.
Harry snorted. He went over, pulled out an owl treat, fed it to Hedwig, put the rest in the holder. A stroke of her feathers.
"Breakfast," Gia said.
"Go ahead," Harry said.
Hands from behind, her chin to his shoulder.
"Meant you," Gia said.
Hands to his hips, she rotated him around to face her.
"Can only drizzle and lick syrup from you in the dining room," Gia stated.
Harry jumped, arms around her neck, his legs wrapped around her waist.
"Not walking there," Harry protested.
Gia stumbled as she left the bedroom.
"Sudden weight gain's a sign of pregnancy," Gia whispered.
Harry got off.
"Not funny," Harry quipped.
Gia held his hand, and Harry turned to face the sea of darkness from an unlit living room.
"Um…" Harry muttered.
"Richard left already?" Gia asked.
"Too dark," Harry said.
Gia tried the light switch, the darkness remained.
"I'd use my wand…" Harry whispered.
Harry remembered, a red haired Weasley still had it.
"Not getting out of breakfast this easily," Gia said, taking the first step.
Harry jumped, held tightly around her neck, his legs wrapped back around her waist.
"Scared?" Gia asked, a bit of a laugh.
"No," Harry said.
Fear had gripped Harry, holding her this tight helped sooth it, as it became clear shadows were in the living room. A slight motion, a giggle, Harry realized they were people, but unable to concentrate on their shapes as the room seemed to explode.
BOOM!
Sparks, lights, and noise erupted. Fireworks filled the living room, mostly of scarlet and gold, though some of the other colors, fireworks choreographed to the tune of the Weird Sisters from a small device on the coffee table.
"SURPRISE!"
Harry stumbled off Gia as the lights went on. A sea of red and gold banners, surrounding the sea of people Harry recognized.
Dumbledore in the middle, hands trembling on a cane, Snuffles by the feet. Lupin in tattered brown suit, McGonagall in her emerald Green, and Oliver Wood in his blue cardigan. Tonks and Hagrid near the fireplace. Ginny stood between Fred and George in matching red and gold suits. Ron and Hermione closest to the door. Hermione, clear she was aware though Harry realized this had been Ron's idea.
A tea cozy seemed to fly as a fast approaching Dobby grabbed onto Harry.
Harry returned his gaze back at those blue eyes, Ron's, who attempted to feign ignorance.
"Dobby is proud to help Harry Potter," Dobby said, "Dobby hopes Harry Potter is is most pleased—"
A flash of green within the eyes of Ron, sight of Harry falling to the ground, Harry's eyes wide to never blink again, the fear and panic from a new nightmare instilled into Harry's friend. A surge of guilt, panic.
"Excuse me," Harry quipped, pushing back from Dobby.
Harry bolted back up the stairs, the urge strong and fresh, as he bent over the porcelain of the toilet. He puked.
…
Albus Dumbledore closed the sliding door to the study room, aimed and added the Imperturbable Charm. Snuffles transformed.
"Something concerns you?" Sirius asked.
"I think we've misjudged Ronald's actions," Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore paused, let his breath catch up, his hand trembled on the cane.
"He's doing the most noblest of deeds," Dumbledore said.
"Ron's been playing to Harry's urges!" Sirius said.
"Alas," Dumbledore said, "I think young Mr. Weasley has a better assessment of the situation…if I can get it out of him."
"I'll wring it—" Sirius started.
"Play along," Dumbledore said, "Observe but let him lead, understood?"
"Yes," Sirius said.
"They're about to have a fine party," Dumbledore said, "It'd be a shame to miss it."
Dumbledore released the charm, opened the door. A slow tap of the cane, he took the left back into the living room.
…
"What'd you curse him with?" Hermione whispered into Ron's ear as Harry bolted up the stairs.
"Leftovers," Ron replied, not wanting to argue it.
Ron glanced at Dumbledore and Sirius heading for the dining room. A worry infested Ron's stomach.
"I take it you gave Harry no heads up?" McGonagall asked Ron.
Ron shook his head.
"I suggest your next essays be from that book Nymphadora lent," said Lupin to Ron, "There should be no surprises."
"That's no fun," Ron said.
"Surprises are only fun when they're arranged by a friend," Lupin said, "But it also means you're not paying attention to your enemies."
"Don't deflate Harry today," Ron said to Lupin, "Deal with it next lesson."
Harry came back down the stairs, to Gia standing on the lower landing.
"Mind explaining?" Harry asked Ron.
Ron took the step forward and up, stood between Harry and Gia.
"Last month Harry proposed, he asked for Gia's hand in marriage," Ron said, "We've all been a bit busy, but it's also been a month overdue. Glad you could all come together on short notice to celebrate their engagement. Harry, I truly wish you the best of luck with it."
Ron stepped down to the applause within the room.
"Fred and George are always itching for a party," Wood said, lifting up a glass of Firewhiskey.
"Moderate that Oliver," McGonagall said.
Tonks aimed a camera at Harry and Gia as the lights went back out. Floating in from the kitchen, a platter with a white frosted cake. Dobby's fingers out, watching it, as it came to a rest on top of the coffee table. On top, small figures of Gia in a white dress, Harry in his Gryffindor Quidditch Robes with a Firebolt in hand, Hedwig perched on Harry's shoulder, and a small Hungarian Horntail sleeping behind the couple. Around the edge, a couple dozen candles glowed different colors, colors that reflected against Harry's skin. Ron spotted the doubt in those bottle greens, the attention a bit threatening. However, Lupin beat Ron to talk.
"Make a wish," Lupin said.
"Isn't that for birthdays?" Harry asked.
"We wanted candles," George said.
"Hurry," Gia said, "Before the smoke detectors—"
"Smokeless," Fred assured.
Bottle greens fixed on Ron's eyes.
"You!" Harry implied.
"Not the only one who needs this," Ron replied, "Be the center of attention, they need it too."
"You or me?" Gia asked Harry.
Harry huffed, blew out the candles. Air showed beneath his feet as he levitated an inch, he set back down.
"We're waiting to eat it," Ginny said.
Ron walked around the coffee table, handed the knife over to Gia. A glare from Harry. Gia sliced the cake, placed pieces onto the plates.
"Dobby could—" Dobby said.
"Let them," Ron whispered.
"Cake for breakfast." Tonks shook her head. "What would Lily Potter say now?"
"Doubt James would object," Lupin said.
Ron watched Gia take a scoop of the cake with a fork, brought it to Harry's lips. Harry opened his mouth, accepted it, and chewed into it, smears of white frosting around the lips, the teeth bared bits of the chocolate center. Ron heard the click from Tonks' camera, a glare from Harry toward her.
"For your parents," Tonks said, "Alright, for me and Hagrid."
"It's not a wedding," Lupin said to her.
"Close enough," Tonks replied.
Hermione stepped over, took over the knife from Gia, continued serving the cake onto plates. Harry and Gia moved off.
"Gifts?" Harry asked.
Ron caught the glimpse of the bottle greens, the ones that glanced over to the pile of wrapped packages under the front window.
"Presents," Fred said, "To be opened in private."
"Some may be unsuitable for minors," George said.
"Hey!" Ginny exclaimed, "I'll be sixteen on Saturday!"
"Thank you for reminding us," George said.
"So easy to forget," Fred said.
"Not that it matters," Ron said.
Ginny glared at Ron. Fred and George laughed.
"We need your size," Fred said to Ginny, "Tape measure's back at the shop."
Ginny shrugged.
"We either get measurements," George said, "Or assume you're a whale."
Ginny shoved George. Fred chuckled. Ron caught Harry's glance over, spotted the snicker.
"So this is what half the staff is up to," came the greasy voice, Snape stood by the front door.
"Scram!" Ron snapped at Snape.
"Mr. Weasley—" Snape sneered.
"Severus," Dumbledore said.
"The Minister wishes to see you," Snape said.
"A number of us need to return," Dumbledore said.
Ron caught the disgust in Snape's eyes, the nose that curled as they roamed around the room at the banners and streamers. Each one made the message clear, the party that celebrated Harry and Gia's engagement. A glance to Ron's eyes, and Ron watched those lips cease their next movement.
"Congratulations," Dumbledore said to Harry.
"Nymph," McGonagall called out as she turned around, eyes that scanned, "Rubeus."
Hagrid and Tonks walked over. Dumbledore tapped his Hogwarts Pin; Snape, McGonagall, Tonks, and Hagrid held on, all five vanished.
"Harry," Oliver said, "Congratulations, nice move."
"Thanks," Harry said.
"I've got practice," Oliver said.
"Don't hog him," said Fred.
Ron glanced, spotted Gia and Hermione chatting near the presents. Oliver Wood disapparated.
"Man," George said, "Good luck with the lady."
"We hope our gift helps," Fred said.
"We assure you," George said, "It's the only one."
Fred and George escorted Ginny out the front door.
"Another brilliant Ron idea?" Harry asked.
Ron turned to Harry, the bottle green eyes reflected the feigned look of innocence on Ron's freckled face.
"You're a friend I don't want to lose cause I love you," Ron said, "Everybody here loves you."
"Snape?" Harry asked.
"Alright, not him," Ron said, "I didn't invite him. Everybody else leapt at the chance to celebrate you. Don't forget that."
"You—" Harry started.
"You will not harm Harry Potter!" Dobby shouted.
Ron turned, along with Harry, to witness Dobby glaring at Sirius.
"He's alright," Harry said to Dobby.
"Gia!" Ron shouted.
Harry glanced at Ron.
"Got a treat for you," Ron said.
Harry and Gia went with Lupin and Sirius toward the dining room.
"What are you up to?" Hermione asked Ron.
Ron went up the stairs, Hermione followed.
"Know a good waterproofing charm for books?" Ron asked as he entered Gia's bedroom.
"Protegoaqualibri, good for a few hours," Hermione asked, "Why?"
Ron grabbed Stupefy! Stunnington's Auror Handbook from the bookshelf, pointed his wand at it, and cursed.
"Come and watch me read," Ron said.
Ron went out through the master bedroom, a left, through the door out onto the deck.
"It's broad daylight!" Hermione said.
"Like anybody's going to read over my shoulder," Ron said.
Ron removed the cover, turned the knob, and stepped up, into the hot tub. Hermione came out with St. Mungo's Book of Healing, twelfth edition.
"I don't get you," Hermione said, sitting on the edge, "Partying at eight in the morning on a working Tuesday isn't typical when we should all be studying."
"Got my reasons," Ron said as he held up the book, "And I'm about to study."
"Harry?" Hermione asked, "Voldemort's going to take over because YOU keep distracting—"
"I know what I'm doing," Ron assured her.
"Really?" Hermione leaned over and tapped his forehead. "Sounds hollow to me."
"Seriously," Ron said, "You'd regret it if I hadn't, and I think what he's getting now is much more important to him."
…
A short while earlier, Harry sat first on the sofa in the study, turned as Gia laid down. Harry understood as he pulled her blond hair into his lap.
"Remodel?" Sirius asked.
Lupin conjured up a plush chair, while Sirius closed the door.
"Ant insisted," Harry said, "More like her stolen car."
"I hope your little fits—" Lupin started
"Talk to Ron." Harry said.
"It was Ron who suggested this," Sirius said.
Lupin conjured up a pail.
"My skills are not as good as James was," Lupin said, "He would have done an ornate self–cleaning chamber pot made of china with gold trim."
"Before we get to that topic," Sirius said, "I heard about yesterday, I once again offer my services for protection of Gia."
Harry turned puked into the pail.
"Some illness," Lupin remarked, "Not self cleaning either."
"Yes," Gia said.
"Our noses are sharp," Lupin said, "Odors from you are not consistent with a certain procedure two weeks ago."
Harry turned, puked into the pail again.
"Don't confirm it," Sirius said, "James'd be very impressed."
Harry glanced between the two. "This seems suspicious—"
"Finally picks up on something," Lupin said as he grabbed a bottle of Firewhiskey.
Sirius placed four shot glasses down on the end table.
"Go easy," Sirius said, "Harry's a kid."
"Am not," Harry protested.
"He'd likely prefer Port like Lily did." Lupin handed a glass to Harry.
Gia took one of the glasses, sipped, like Harry did. Sirius removed a quill from his pocket, pulled out a roll of parchment, and set it down on the end table. That quill posted itself to write.
"Quick Quotes Quill for you," Sirius said, "Figured you might want notes. See, you bear a strong resemblance to James, except for your eyes and a bit shorter — one of the few things you really know about James Potter. It's among the things your persuasive red headed friend grills into us at every opportunity. You now sit here, girl on your lap, ready for—something James and Lily would definitely be proud of. You look so damn similar that it's easy to get you and him confused."
"He's dead," Harry said.
"In flesh," Lupin said, "His memory is still alive." Lupin sipped. "Our motives—unfortunately you've become cynical enough to ask. Simple really; you and James are different, you want to know about James."
"You are different." Sirius took a swig. "You're much more serious now than James was, but then, you definitely have more on your plate. James wasn't exactly serious, definitely not before he joined the Order."
Harry relaxed as Gia's fingers worked his toes.
"You're right Padfoot," Lupin said, "Harry, you're sixteen and engaged, yet you know little about James Potter. We're going to fix that."
Harry studied those eyes.
"There are no strings attached apart from spending the day with us," Sirius said.
Harry sighed.
"First met James on the train," Sirius said, starting a discussion into his and Lupin's years at Hogwarts, and a few tales of their misadventures.
…
It was late afternoon, Harry and Gia still in the study as Lupin and Sirius talked.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Harry? Gia?" Hermione shouted through the door, "Kristen called and she wants you to drop by the police station in fifteen minutes."
Sirius rolled the quill up in the parchment, and handed them over to Harry. Sirius transformed as Harry opened the study doors.
"We hope this helps to fill in some of the gaps," Lupin said.
"It does," Harry said, "Thank you."
Harry and Gia left the study.
"And…" Ron handed over the holly wand.
"Not quite dead, are you?" Harry asked Ron.
"Don't," Ron warned.
"Come on," Gia suggested to Harry, "He means well."
Harry left the dining room, Gia followed. Up the stairs into her bedroom, Harry stashed the parchment and changed.
"Ron's…" Harry grumbled.
"Being Ron," Gia said.
Together, they left the bedroom, the house.
…
A short while after Harry and Gia left the house, they went through the automatic sliding doors to the police barracks.
"May I help you?" asked the young woman behind the front counter.
Harry began to step up to the counter.
"Kristen asked us to swing by," Gia said.
"Chief!" the receptionist shouted.
She pointed to Harry's left, and Harry observed that wall. A number of doors made of dark wood, translucent windows for the upper half. First door labeled "Chief of Police" and "Kristen Osborn" beneath. Hanging on the green walls, above the dark wood paneling of the lower half, were paintings, with a tall potted tree hanging out next to the entrance doors.
"Ta," Harry said to the receptionist.
Kristen's door opened, Kristen stood there, the glint on from the metal on her uniform, her eyes on them.
"Harry, Gia," Kristen requested.
Gia held Harry's hand as they entered the functional office. Mural painting of the Osborns in a family portrait; Richard and Andy being several years younger than the current ones. Leaves draped, flowed out and over from the potted plants upon the file cabinets. A couple of empty coffee mugs on the desk, Kristen pulled one chair to the side of the desk and sat. Harry understood the message, not trying to force her position.
"Are we in trouble?" Gia asked.
Harry knew the answer before Kristen opened her mouth.
"No," Kristen said, "Relax."
Harry leaned a bit into Gia.
"While not unheard of before," Kristen said, "Like us, the Police Organised Crime Unit was unnerved that a sixteen year old would have a contract out on her. A person wanted to ask some questions."
"Who?" Harry asked.
A moment, the answer came.
"Osborn," came that approaching voice, from outside the door accompanied by footsteps. "This is intended to be brief, as I'd like to know why they'd target some random sixteen…oh."
Those footsteps became a woman, short grey hair, thick eyebrows, monocle and square jaw. Light green flowered dress with daisies on it.
"Now it makes sense," said the woman.
"It does Ms—? Sorry—" Kristen started.
"Ms. Amelia Susan Bones," Harry said, pointed to the chair behind the desk, "Have a seat."
Kristen's eyes fixed onto Harry's. Harry read the confusion behind them, and they returned to Bones. Bones closed the door.
"You mentioned Death Eaters—" Kristen said.
"Long after me," Harry stated, "By staying with you and Gia, I had hoped they'd lose interest…guess not."
"Please excuse us," Bones said to Kristen, "I need to interview Mr. Potter."
"Of course." Kristen stood. "If you two start feeling overwhelmed—"
"He has options," Bones said.
Harry sensed the relaxation behind Kristen's eyes, but also the annoyance of being cut out.
"We'll be alright," Harry said to Kristen.
Kristen left the office, and Harry shut the door. Bones drew her wand, and Harry leveled his wand at her.
"Relax," Bones said, "Thwart eavesdropping. You're still underage, so an Imperturbment Charm would get you in trouble."
Bones flicked her wand. Harry held his wand behind Gia's back, banished his wand into the holster. He drew himself to the desk, she kept her stand to the other side, and studied the eyes beneath the thick silvered eyebrows.
"Contract's not a mystery," Harry said.
"No," Bones said, "No it's not."
"Your virulent committee behind it?" Harry said, "I refused that ASBO so now you're trying to force it?"
"As the head of Magical Law Enforcement, I was obligated to serve," Bones said, "And you think it was unanimous?"
"Huh?" Harry asked.
"Like anything would get done if that were the requirement," Bones said.
Gia sat, Harry remained standing.
"I saw your reputation getting slaughtered," Bones said, "Though Delores bought the tripe, and she believes you're the successor to You–Know–Who."
Harry shook his head.
"Of course not," Bones said, "I listened to Dumbledore, and I voted against everything they proposed, unless you count chipping in for coffee."
Harry snorted.
"Delores has influence but also sucks up to the Minister," Bones said, "She boasted about billing you."
"Burned it," Harry said.
"Don't share how," Bones said, "Umbridge stays as Senior Undersecretary because her missives are impossible to get rid of."
Harry smiled. Gia stood.
"As to you two," Bones said, "Contract on your girlfriend—"
"Fiancee," Harry said, "ASBO said nothing against proposing."
A grin above the square jaw.
"Delores won't be pleased," Bones said.
"Good," Harry said.
"I'm grateful you're not letting that committee ruin your life," Bones said, "As to resorting to muggle hitmen—"
"Voldemort…" Harry waited for her to flinch. "Might not care to how I'm killed."
"Time for class," Gia said.
"Class?" Bones said, "You're suspended—"
"From Hogwarts," Harry said, "Kristen offered self–defense classes, muggle techniques."
Gia reached for Harry's arm. They turned for the door.
"Mr. Potter," Bones said, "For what it's worth, I wish the best of luck for you both."
"Thank you," Harry said.
Harry reached, turned the knob, and opened the door. Harry and Gia left the police station.
Dumbledore took his time, went to the fireplace, and threw in the handful of floo powder.
"Lupin Manor," Dumbledore said.
A familiar spin, though the nausea disconcerting as he stumbled out.
"Albus," Lupin said, reaching down to help the old man back up.
Dumbledore sat down on the easy chair that approached from behind him. Events of that morning replayed themselves in his head.
"Ron's protecting Harry better than you are," Dumbledore said to Sirius.
"I'm insulted," Sirius said.
"Ronald's a best friend," Dumbledore said, "He'd have a good measure of Harry, better than us, would you concur?"
Lupin spun around.
"Pains me to agree," Lupin said.
"Remus," Sirius snapped.
"Inseparable," Lupin said, "Go after one, tangle with all three—we've known that."
A moment.
"Maybe I've been short sighted," Dumbledore said, "Ron's actions reminded me there's more to well being than physical security, but those others are moot if that's breached."
"What are you getting at?" Sirius asked.
"Ron's…" Dumbledore considered the implications of what he suspected Ron to have uncovered. "I can speculate, but I must trust and respect Ronald, protect him."
"You're talking in riddles," Sirius said.
"We must have Harry," Dumbledore said, "We cannot succeed without him."
"What are you after in Harry?" Lupin asked.
Dumbledore spent a moment focused on the boat lights on the Inlet.
"Confidence," Dumbledore said, "Harry needs to be confident enough to take my role."
"That's a tall order," Lupin said, "No way he'd ever replace you."
"This fight will outlive me," Dumbledore said, "We need make the leaders to succeed us. And Harry needs to be confident enough to take on Tom Riddle."
"Think that's it for tonight," Kristen said loudly.
Gia started for the door first.
"Hold on," Kristen said, "Garrett—and…"
She waved, several more officers in gray sweatshirts, blue sweatpants, came over.
"We—" Harry started.
"Humor me," Kristen said, "After Monday—"
"We'll accept," Hermione said to Harry.
They left the gymnasium.
"This is going to get annoying," Harry said.
"A threat's been made," Kristen said, "Despite the suffocation, escorts seem the best option."
"Can we get Snuffles back?" Gia asked.
"Dog's no match—" Kristen started.
"Dogs have better hearing," Hermione said.
"We'll discuss this later," Kristen said.
"We're capable," Ron said.
"Taking the class doesn't make you experts," Kristen said, "Bit of precaution's always good."
Harry bit his tongue, knew he had a few tricks up his sleeve. Ron and Hermione did too.
"That fellow—guessing the class helped you?" Tremble asked Gia.
"Not sure," Gia said, "Went so fast."
"It usually does," Tremble said.
Another couple of turns, they came along the path, turned, and stepped up the front of the house.
"Thank you," Kristen said to the others.
Harry went in first, to hear the footsteps. Andy led the way down the steps, Richard behind her.
"Mum!" Andy protested, "That jerk entered my room!"
"Did not!" Richard said, "She came into mine!"
"And what is the complaint?" Kristen asked.
"He cleaned my room!" Andy snapped.
"She cleaned—" Richard growled.
"I'm not complaining," Kristen said.
Harry unsure if he caught the glances between Ron and Hermione.
"She misorganized—everything!" Richard protested.
Gia sighed, headed for the stairs first. Harry went up the steps. A bit dim, a candle on the desk lit, though the lights out. Upon the bed, arms crossed, those big eyes and pointed ears, Dobby smiled.
"Dobby was most pleased to help Harry Potter," Dobby said, "Dobby must return to Hogwarts."
Harry opened the dresser, rummaged in it, and pulled out a pair of worn socks. He handed them over to Dobby.
"Dobby thinks they must have made a mistake." Dobby held up the identically matching light blue pair.
"It's alright," Harry said, "Thank you for your help."
Dobby snapped his fingers and vanished.
"Funny," Gia said, "He's so—"
"Eager to please?" Harry turned to the pile of wrapped packages on the desk.
Harry set the first small package, slender, figured what it was, being from Fred and George. Gia removed and read the note.
"They promise this is the only one," Gia said.
Harry reached for the next package. A box of chocolate frogs, Honeydukes sweets from Hagrid.
"It was a party," Gia said, "With gifts for us."
A hoot from Hedwig.
"Next," Harry said, grabbing the next one, a bit smaller.
Harry removed the wrapping, a mariner compass.
"For your broom," Gia said.
Harry opened the package from Tonks, revealed a camera. He set it down on the desk, aimed at him.
"A charm to get moving pictures?" Gia asked, reading the letter. "I can think of a use."
Gia moved, opened McGonagall's gift, an empty photo album, but with their names on the front.
"It's a good hint," Gia said.
Harry moved to the next package, the familiar loopy green handwriting, along with a note.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Harry,
This hid itself well. Originally rescued from the house in Godric's Hollow, and I think she'd approve of you having it.
Albus Dumbledore
Leather bound, the name of Lily Evans on it. Harry opened it, the prose, the letters flowed in neat penmanship on yellowed parchment, and tears welled up within him.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
How do I get a boy to notice me? Others are brewing love potions, but I won't stoop to those. Love ought to be genuine.
"My…" Harry said, "Mother's."
Gia's arms reached from behind Harry, when the camera clicked.
"What?!" Harry stammered.
Gia hugged a bit tighter.
"Kinky to have," Gia said.
"I was molested in front of cameras!" Harry snapped.
Wrath came back to Harry.
"Not that I need it," Gia said.
Gia's hands to his hips, Harry turned around. Blond hair and blue eyes, Harry leaned in, and he kissed her. Harry spotted one wrapped in parchment.
"Lemme guess—" Harry tore the parchment off to show a book, Gutter Boy: What She Wants.
"You might want to read it," Gia suggested.
Harry opened the pages.
"We can try that," Gia said.
Harry pushed her back, Gia fell backward onto her bed, and his sweatpants fell off.
Date: Fri Jul 28 22:04:13 2023