Lightning Lord
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
This chapter ends on a bit of a cliffie, but is too long for one chapter. Warning for those who might prefer to wait for the next one to read.
Thank you for all of the kind reviews and story recommendations.
**OO**
Welcome to the fireside.
A/N - Excitement builds as Wimborne gets ready to head to the World Cup. But they aren't the only ones looking forward to the festivities.
**OO**
Chapter 8 - Hegira from Harpies
Beauxbatons had a similar safety meeting like Wimborne had for those who signed up to go with the school. This time, it was the lovely Fleur Delacour who was taken aside.
"My dear student, the tournament we were told about is false. A dream of Dumbledore's. Headmistress McGonagall sent me a memory of the Board of Governors meeting where Ludo Bagman tried to go over her head for approval. She paid ten galleons to him for the privilege of watching him pull a disastrous Wronski Feint without a broom. I am going to pay her back that sum when we meet for the World Cup. It was tres amusement."
They were speaking in English all through the orientation for the World Cup. It was good practice.
Fleur nodded, "While I am a bit disappointed, I do understand. My father didn't want me to enter…"
"But you did. To prove yourself not just a pretty face. I can understand that very well my dear. It is something I fight every day, no? To be seen beyond my physical form? To show my soul? Mon coeur?" The half giantess asked.
"Oui, madame. Sais vrais. It is true. You do understand." Fleur was so disappointed; she had to endure another year here. She was not looking forward to it.
"You could pass your NEWTs now. You studied ahead, to be ready for this challenge. Why not take them, and attend somewhere else for a year? I hear that Wimborne is going to be at this World Cup. Your charms work is without peer."
The witch gave in to her tears, and hugged her mentor. "Thank you, Madame Maxime. Bless you. You do know what it is like here for me."
"I do hope that you find peace, my dear girl. Oh, did you know that wizards from certain countries don't have the same taboos against relations that this culture seems to? Oh, you couldn't do anything at the school. But you have resources, and they accept day students. You could rent an apartment of your own. Have a boyfriend. Or two."
"I do need to study this English. It is so 'ard for me to speak'." Fleur gave her mentor a sweet smile.
"Exactement!" Olympe beamed at the girl. In some ways, Fleur was the daughter she never had. Her parents were lovely people, but involved in their own work and lives. To them, their eldest was already a mature adult instead of a newly minted one.
Fleur was fighting natural urges and she wasn't ready to settle down with any one mate yet. Perhaps she could talk to these people. A change of pace and a change of place was just what she needed.
**OO**
Neville shared the newspaper. It was after breakfast, and they were sitting in the study upstairs that overlooked the extensive grounds. Dowager Lady Longbottom didn't like mail or the paper at the table and Madam MacMurray completely agreed.
"Sally-Anne? Do you have any interest in going to the World Cup?" Neville asked his betrothed.
The young witch made a face, reading the advert that was in the paper, "So many people! And so expensive! Neville, I would go with you if you really wanted us to go. But for myself? I would rather stay here and help around the manor. Put the gold to use here."
Sally-Anne was almost as good at Herbology as Neville, and had taken a special interest in the crops grown on their land.
For some reason, the husbandman in charge of the planting kept using the same fields over and over for the same crops. The first summer Sally-Anne was there, she said nothing, and watched. Last year, before planting, she was ready with some muggle books.
She got together with Neville to explain about crop rotation, and the benefit of allowing a planting of clover and leaving a field fallow now and then to restore nutrients.
Magical fertilizers did indeed help, but her ideas had merit. And this year, they were already seeing the benefit of these plans, over the objections of the man in charge. She was learning witch's magic to further help.
Madam MacMurray and the dowager just share a look. The girl would rather stay home and work rather than waste gold frivolously. And it wasn't for show; these were her real feelings.
"Did I ever share my recipe for ju julianas? Shortbread with a twist." The Scottish woman asked, knowing full well that she hadn't shared with anyone. Well, not since Grace MacMillan sneaked the recipe out during a visit long ago.
Neville's nose twitched, "Your shortbread, grandmother? It's so amazing!"
Sally-Anne perked up, putting away the article she'd been reading, "Well, if it's Neville's favorite, I'll have to learn. Won't I?"
"This afternoon, after my nap. That will give you and Neville time to work with the people outside for a bit. Do remember your hat, gloves, and sunscreen charm. You are a lady." Gran MacMurray advised.
The pair shared a sweet look, then asked to be excused to join the workers outside.
"We'll be back later for tea, my ladies. Have a good morning." Sally-Anne gave both a brief hug, as did Neville.
"That girl is a ray of sunshine. Are any of her siblings magical?" Seanaid asked.
Augusta shook her head, "No. I came to find out they are half-sibs. The man so mean to her was her step-father, and the others are much younger than she. The first husband just vanished one day when she was but a few months old. I suspect, given how young she was when he disappeared, that he was a muggleborn trying to hide his magic. It was such an awful time."
"We should get her to Gringotts. If he had a vault of any kind, she might have a legacy there. Even if a small one." Madam MacMurray suggested.
"That we should. You know, I invited you to come to be Sally-Anne's companion, but you have been a good companion to me as well. Thank you so much for accepting."
"You are more than welcome. Does me good to be here."
The two elderly women watched the crew from the upper parlor where they had all gone after breakfast. It was a favored spot, overlooking the grounds.
Both young people had wands out, working as directed by the husbandman but clearly not being shy about making suggestions either.
And the people working at the manor were already coming to respect the future Lord and Lady Longbottom.
**OO**
Amelia had heard through the grapevine at the Ministry that someone was going to be modifying the muggle campground owner's memories for weeks! That could kill the man. Instead, she and Sirius arranged for a long holiday for the landowner and his family. Remus was the reputed replacement. In point of fact, once the muggle family was safely gone, they turned the mess over to Ludo Bagman. Everyone knew that anything going right was due to his assistant Bertha Jorkins.
She soon had a rota of people to man the booth for incoming witches and wizards. Something that the nominal man-in-charge hadn't been capable of.
Madam Jorkins thanked Lord and Lady Black profusely, and then reminded them that her daughter, aged thirteen, still hadn't met Harry Potter and she would be thrilled to do so. Hint, hint!
Remus waited for the woman to be gone before muttering 'just like every other magical under forty'.
Tickets were hard to get after the first week, but the day they had gone on sale, Sirius bought thirty six extras, in addition to the tickets for the private box for their school group. Lord Black went to Kingsley Shacklebolt, acting Director. The Wizengamot still hadn't decided on making it permanent, clearly hoping to get Bones back. Lord and Lady Black made a special trip to the DMLE.
Sirius explained, "I want my godson to have ample security. You send some of your people to camp around us. I'll provide some meals even. Simple fair - oatmeal, stew, and such. All they have to do is keep an eye on some students, and get to attend the match for free."
"Hogwarts students aren't camping together." Kingsley pointed out, confused.
"Wimborne." Sirius held up the tickets.
"I love it. Fudge has tried to slash the security budget. I have no problem giving some of my friends a nice holiday."
Sirius handed over a dozen tickets.
"Just a fair warning. Two dozen Black Watch* will be camping around the area as well." Sirius looked most concerned.
The acting head of the DMLE was not stupid, "If you know something, you should tell me."
"Know with absolute certainty? No. But look, Kings, if I had facts, proof, I would give it to you. I swear! You've likely talked to Sabuto, unless you're on the outs with your own brother. You know that Harry has friends? One of them has…dreams. With so many people coming? I am trying to be proactive here." Sirius ran his hands through his hair.
"I appreciate your protectiveness. Not just of your godson, but all of us. I do. If your young friend gives you anything else? I swear, nothing official will be reported." Kingsley shared, then saluted as Amelia joined their quiet conversation.
Sabuto and Kingsley had gotten together to discuss the issue. So many magicals in one place at the same time? It was a security nightmare, even with all of the surrounding countries sending in volunteer aurors to help.
The Acting Director signaled them to Amelia's old office, and sat next to them rather than have the desk between them.
If her stomach was turning as much as his, she wouldn't be surprised. The Black Watch was coming. Moody was connected to this up to his eyeballs, she was sure. But Tonks was his special protégé, and she and Black were Potter's guardians, with Amelia herself as part of that family now.
"I wish I could say more. Susan isn't interested in the game itself, but will be there camping and hanging out with her friends. After the game, she's heading straight home with the Abbots."
"I have to ask, Amelia, Sirius. Why not just leave the Potter boy at home? It'd be safer."
"So's living inside his room all of the time. Or locked in his school's project room. We can't do that to him. What should we do? Keep him incarcerated for his own good?" Lord Black shared. He'd spent a decade in Azkaban, he wouldn't do that to his godson.
He disliked it intently that anyone named Potter was such a target. Making friends with others in magical society was actually helping the problem. But the threats weren't over. Not yet.
Teenagers. No, Harry and his friends had to be allowed to live. And it was up to his guardians and the aurors to do their best to protect him. He shouldn't have to be constrained.
Amelia tapped a manicured nail against the specialized trap under her old desk. A secret gift that Moody had given her. One tap of her wand, anyone in her office would be trapped in that box.
She wanted one for each auror for safe captures of violent criminals. Moody hadn't told her that Harry was going to work on that for his NEWTs project, and do what Luna did - get permission.
"Kingsley, I hope this is just a case of a new mother's nerves. Callie and I are going to be heading home the day of the game. I'm going to try and talk Harry into coming with us. I don't know why, I just feel that it isn't the game that's dangerous. Just please, be careful? Everyone goes home after their shift." Amelia finished with a retired auror's old adage.
"Yes ma'am. Speaking of, how is the little tyke?"
"Growing like a weed. She's got her big brother wrapped around her little finger. Anything the young princess demands, not that she talks yet, but he seems to know."
Shacklebolt laughed and pointed to the trap she was taking with her. "Old mouse trap?"
Amelia nodded."Yes. Don't worry. I'll get Remus out with a new one. PPC is under contract with the Ministry, and doing a good job."
**OO**
Baljeet and Harry decided to share a very small one bedroom tent between them. Susan, Hannah and Hermione were sharing with Lisa and a few other girls. Mr Turpin was keeping a watch on them, and he and his wife had a room in that tent.
Sirius, ignoring all of the requests for appearing muggle, bought a castle tent. With pennants flying. He used a picture from a magazine from a renaissance fair to justify his purchase. Theirs didn't have three stories and a moat that swirled around the castle! With a sea serpent! Harry was going to have a word with those twins about that.
Later, after a thorough checking, Harry and Baljeet quickly changed to beach wear to join their friends in the moat.
**OO**
Playing in the current of the moat was a blast, as was shooting down the short rapids during a couple of the sections of the magical river. The sea monster turned out to be an enchanted floatie, and they could get four of them on it at a time and still have it go. The rest of the moat had a flotilla of whales, sharks, and other animals. It was very relaxing: the tour around the castle was much longer than it appeared from the front.
Padfoot was a genius enchanter.
"Harry! Please! Can I borrow just a bit of gold from you?" Hermione called out. She had gone with Mr Turpin's group to the stalls, so of course, she had to go to the bookseller.
Harry jumped off the dragon, ever so 'accidentally' dunking Blaise and Baljeet.
"You'll get yours, Potter!" Blaise promised, laughing. "Your godfather is looking for those muggle rifles of yours."
"Rifles? Isn't that a bit harsh?" The girl knew there had to be something more to the tale.
Padfoot emerged, arms full of brightly colored water rifles. Remus behind him, had a water cannon. Susan ran over to grab a couple of the enchanted water weapons for her and Hannah to soak the boys and drive them off the sea serpent. They wanted their turn too!
Hannah was the one to invite Cedric to join them, but he just rode a magical dolphin next to them.
Hermione smiled and sighed happily. Harry, wrapped in a terry robe, led her to the opening of his tent.
"Best stay here. Nasty shock for anyone other than Baljeet and I. I've tried to tone it down. I swear!" Harry went inside to change, but continued talking to his girlfriend.
"Luna probably took off one of the resisters. She's really scared." Hermione opined.
"Which is why she is in Sweden, snorkack hunting with her father. He really does seem to be doing better." Harry emerged in jeans and t-shirt, sporting his Gringotts pouch in his hand. "So, how much do you need?"
Hermione thought Harry was really great, and she did have the money to pay him back. "Twenty thousand?" she squeaked in a small voice.
"WHAT?"
"It's a book of ancient runes that was discovered in Egypt in some tomb! Harry please!" Hermione seemed desperate. "I really need it."
Harry went back and got his wand. "Finite Incantatem" He might have overpowered the spell a bit in his panic.
Hermione blinked. "A compulsion charm? Was that even a real book?"
Harry took her hand, and went over to one of the men just finishing eating.
"Auror O'Neal? I know you're not on duty right now, sir. But what's the penalty for theft?" Harry explained what happened.
The Scottish partners wiped mouths, and grabbed up their practical brown coats. Hermione was needed to point out the offender, but the aurors were not amused.
**OO**
Fred and George couldn't believe their luck. First, they make friends with the Harry Potter, their benefactor, friend, supplier of pranks and invisibility cloaks. Then he gets them shop space for the World Cup! And hired beautiful witches to help with sales.
Actually, that was Remus' idea to use the PPC staff, and get even more wanded allies to the event. Just in case. They were overqualified to help out with a booth, but happy to do so for friends of the family.
And then, the very first day that they were setting up, Harry himself sauntered over with a trunk. And not just any trunk. A trunk that opened out like the muggle fishing tackle box that their father had played with. Only without the pointy lures.
Each spot was marked with a prank. Their pranks. He demonstrated the box.
"You put the finished pranks on this side. Close it, say the magic words, Presto, change-o, and voila!"
They saw the previously empty opposite side full of the same pranks. They were duplicated.
"Oh, I showed this to Tonks a few weeks ago, and I thought she was gonna have a fit. Apparently Abra Kedabra sounds too much like a certain unforgivable, if you know what I mean."
George nodded sadly, knowing that would bring back bad memories to a lot of folks if repeated. Presto change-o didn't sound like any latin phrase he'd ever heard, but so what, if it worked.
"You're just giving this to us?" Fred asked.
"Why not? I'm using it for my Transfiguration NEWT, demonstrating Gamp's laws. I hope to get a good grade. Oh, it has a safety feature. In case a muggle sees, and to make it legal, you cover it with a cloth, hanky will do and say, 'Ta Da!' and it will reset. And appear like a muggle magician's trick. I will need to borrow it back sometime if it's approved as a project."
"Oh, that's very nice." George stated, before trying it a few times. They added some new pranks that Harry didn't know about, proving the magic.
"The runes are on the side for powering. In addition, there's these crystals, kinda like batteries. Just carrying them around will charge them, but be careful. You can drain yourself too low if you fall asleep with one. It hurts the next day."
"Ah, the experience of pain…" George stated.
"It teaches us what not to do." Fred patted Harry's shoulder in sympathy.
"Thank you Harry. This is brilliant. " George averred.
"So brilliant." Fred agreed.
"Thank you." They enjoined together, bowing.
Harry waved them goodbye, but had Winky bring them snacks from the tent now and then. They really were amazing wizards.
**OO**
Dolores Umbridge was a woman on a mission. She didn't like dealing with muggleborns and filth. And there were rumors that the owner of PPC was a siren or such. He had been caught singing the night before, and was still not under arrest!
And while she knew that she was going against a Ministry contract, she had to do something.
"What do you mean, pick up all the traps?" Remus asked in a calm tone.
They were the standard monster trap, with air, food, and water. And loo, just in case. Now improved to have pots of replenishable food and water.
As long as a bit was left in them.
The pink nightmare smarmed, "I realize that as a creature yourself, your mental capabilities are limited. Get them away from this event! We have…allies coming internationally, and it won't do to trap a guest!"
Remus knew this woman was the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. And unfortunately, even with all of the work they had put in them, the traps weren't perfect.
Some innocent could get captured, it had happened before. Though they were checked daily, did he really want his company to go under for an international incident?
Extremely unhappy, especially since he knew these worked against dementors, Remus just bowed. "I'll still be charging the Ministry for the setting of the traps. But you are well within your rights to change your mind. They will be recalled by this afternoon. I hope for your sake that the rumors of Death Eaters attending turn out to be just that. Rumors and nothing more."
The woman in pink just simpered, and waved him off. But couldn't help adding one more tidbit, "Oh, and no more singing. You wouldn't want to get arrested now, would you?"
Remus looked shocked at that. Others had said what a pleasant voice he had. If anyone was going to be arrested for singing, or was that croaking, it should be her!
Moony just nodded and went to gather help to un-deploy the traps. They could at least use some of the experimental food in the pots to help feed people.
What was Harry thinking in making that fish stew? That was awful.
**OO**
Later that afternoon, Lord Black held a special tea for the Delacour family in the castle's formal dining room. Harry invited his closest friends from Wimborne.
"Harry, this is Jean-Claude Delacour and his daughter, Fleur." Sirius went around the table introducing everyone. "Fleur has not had the happiest school experience. She's taken her NEWTs early, and is thinking of joining Wimborne."
Harry looked at the girl, and shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Delacour. I'm sorry you've been bullied. That happened to me in primary. What are you planning to study? I admit, I know nothing of Beauxbatons. I mean, I eventually got the letter offering me a place, but by then, I was weeks into my studies. I didn't even look to see what sort of mainframe or systems engineering your school offered by then."
Fleur looked bewildered. While she and her father spoke in low tones, Harry snapped fingers in front of Baljeet and Blaise.
"What is wrong with you two?" Harry asked. He turned to Hermione, speaking low, in her ear, "Are you okay?"
Hermione was pleased that Harry wasn't the drooling moronic looking lad like Baljeet was. Though his goofy look was kinda funny. She whispered, "Veela, Harry. You know."
Harry excused himself, and was back in a thrice, handing bracelets quietly to all of the wizards in the group.
Hermione tried to hide Harry's actions by asking questions about Beauxbatons.
Lord Black clearly didn't think much of Harry's friends' occlumency skills, not that the kind man said anything. They lost the odd expressions once they had donned the bracelets.
Jean-Claude approvingly stated, "You see, petite? Your allure was affecting others, and they didn't blame you! They know it is being Veela. Excuse me all, this was but a small test. No offense meant at all. My daughter needed to see honest reactions to her...nature."
Hermione disgustedly shared, "I can guess how you've been treated at school, mademoiselle." The bright witch switched to rapid French, sharing a bit of her experience at Hogwarts. And the difference at her current school.
Switching to English, Hermione asked,"So, no computers at all at Beauxbatons? I see. But there are advanced courses. Harry and I plan to take some. Of course, if his studies lead him to Japan, I will likely go there as well. But that's not for another two years."
Harry and she shared a sweet smile.
"I see why my allure didn't affect you, M Potter. I will talk to your professors, and see what I could study there. Are the older students as kind as you?"
"Why not come and socialize with us later? We're pretty relaxed here. Join us for dinner, and singing around the fire. I do warn you, some of the sing-a-long orbs that Luna prepared for us are a bit…different." Harry shared with a soft smile.
Fleur looked at Hermione to judge her reaction to this admission of affection for another witch. She had the same soft look. Oh. A trio.
"And where is this lovely witch?" Fleur looked around. All of the girls here were nice enough.
Lisa answered, "Sweden. Luna doesn't like quidditch at all. Too violent for her. She never kills anything, not even an insect. And she avoids crowds. Gets very nervous when we have any kind of assembly with the whole school. No, this would be too much for her now, much less closer to game day. My mother says they're expecting two hundred thousand people total for that final day and the game.
Fleur nodded in understanding.
"M Delacour? There's room here. I can ask permission for you two to join us." Sirius offered.
"My duties have me coming and going until the day of the game. We were planning on returning home tonight until then. And please, call me Jean-Claude. We will be friends, no?"
"Yes. Please call me Sirius." Lord Black turned to the young witches to see what they preferred, "Well, Hermione and Lisa?"
The tent the Turpin family brought had seventeen rooms. Seventeen!
Hermione extended her hand at Lisa's nod, "You'd be most welcome. Though, unless they have kicked out that one old Egyptian man selling overpriced books, I would be careful with your gold. And yes, the aurors know about him."
Hermione huffed. Apparently, the man pretended to not understand English when the aurors went to harangue the man for fraud. They found a translator quickly in Percy Weasley. The old wizard then claimed he was just a 'hired man' to sell books and didn't know about any such compulsion charms. All of the wares were double checked, and he got off with a warning, but wasn't arrested. Still, it was best to forewarn others about him.
Lisa brought Hermione out of her musings, "I'll let mum know that we now only have five empty rooms. Of course, they all have two beds, so if we need to, we could double up."
Fleur smiled to be so quickly welcomed. She watched her father sip rich dark coffee leaning back. Oh! She watched Lord Black. How sneaky of him! They had known each other, likely in the blood war. Her papa never liked to talk about it. But he was never so comfortable with someone so quickly. And being willing to let her stay there? Even with Pierre Dupont, her assigned guard for this trip.
The former auror turned bodyguard was happy with the news. Camping here would be different, and they had plenty of on-duty personnel to arrange guard shifts. While the Delacour elf left to get clothes and such for two weeks for both Pierre and his charge, Fleur was introduced to some of the older witches of the group.
They were far more sophisticated in terms of education than she, but their hair, their clothes, their makeup! Their hair? Had no one taught these girls any makeup charms?
At one girl's blank look, Fleur smiled. "Beauty charms? A veela knows many. Oh, the things I will teach you. You'll have the boys eating out of your hands."
"Um, Fleur. We go to a school for computer wizardry. It's only about twenty percent witches. Though they are trying to recruit more."
Fleur's eyes glazed over for a moment. "Four wizards for every witch? Are they assigned?"
The girls all laughed at that, but the newly adult veela hadn't meant it to be a joke.
**OO**
Lady Longbottom shook her head. She seemed to be forgetting something. Um. Odd. She looked towards the dowager house. That was right. Her friend and companion lived there with that muggleborn girl she was sponsoring. Good with plants, and a hard worker. When she was older, she'd be removed to the village of course.
Wouldn't do to have a former flame too close to the new Lady Longbottom. Ginerva of the red hair, and to hear Neville speak of her, had a fiery temper to boot. Dumbledore was right. The children were too young to see the truth of these things.
The contract was more than fair. And no excessive bride-price was needed. Just twenty thousand, and that would mostly go for upgrades to the Burrow. Of course, the marriage would be held in the garden there.
She started to go to the greenhouse where Neville was usually working. At least the boy had enough magic for this. Herbology was a respectable course. So sad that her grandson would never follow in his father's footsteps.
Oh, that's where he was. Right. The kind older healer had taken Neville for treatment to see if he could help improve his magic. He would be back in a week. No need to fuss over him for being gone. And maybe he could be cured.
Well, the worst case scenario was that Neville would only have his plants afterwards. She hoped this worked. She really did.
**OO**
Regent Longbottom never noticed that Peter Pettigrew's name hadn't been crossed off in the ward book. With him first being dead, then incarcerated, he had never surfaced as a threat, and he'd been added by Frank many pages before.
**OO**
The days leading up to the game itself had been fun. There was a lot of just wandering and talking; playing in the moat that somehow expanded to a full pool behind the castle. Everyone was having a ball, and tossing one around in the pool too. But now, it was time.
It was almost sad when the afternoon of the game came along. All of the floaties were deflated, including Cecil, and the water rifles and cannon were put away.
"Please tell me that we can go camping again, Padfoot. This was a blast." Harry asked.
"Of course! This was so much fun for me as well." The animagus admitted. They'd be heading back home tomorrow, and the next day was the start of a family holiday before school started back on September 1st.
Susan and Cedric were with the others helping to pack. Sirius' eye fell on the lad. The young wizard just waved. He knew he wasn't doing anything wrong. Just parents being wary of a boy too close to their daughter, well, surrogate daughter.
Amelia and Callie were already back at their manor. Normally, this would make Lord Black feel a bit saddened. Now? While he wanted his lady's wand fighting next to him, he was glad she was safe at home.
A part of him wished he could take all of the students back to the manor, throw up the new war wards, lay out traps for any attackers, and hunker down to play games as a family.
There was a chill that swept through and others felt it too.
**OO**
The Black Watch had decided to wear their uniforms on game day. So what if it made them a target? Better them than an innocent in the crowd. Moody was there, and he was placing small bets right and left of different elements of the game.
After all, they all had to be alive to collect, and Mad-Eye wanted them all home safe. None of them, to a man, thought they would all be going home, though. Something in the air.
But not a one could define it. No reason to send the children away though everyone in the group wanted to do exactly that.
**OO**
The head cheerleader for the Bulgarian National Team came by and picked up the picture of the target and the map their client had made for delivery. The boy had been noted and marked. He'd been invited up to the Minister's box, but she had it on good authority just where the students would be seated.
Tonight's after party was going to be so much fun. Harpies didn't mind a bit of dark magic now and then. True Veela would have none of it. Creatures of love and light. Bah!
Their darker cousins might be called creatures more, but they were just as beautiful if not more so.
It was time for them to dance.
**OO**
Harry was not going to be the first nor the last one in the stands. In fact, he was to stick with Lupin and his new girlfriend.
"I'm Harry Potter, and you are…" Harry almost frowned in recognition but bowed instead. "Hello my lady."
"I told you. He's getting more powerful, and is doing what Moody does." Remus shared. "Having fun?"
"Yeah. And yes, I'll be a good boy, and go straight to the portkey point while Mum here turns into a target. I'm not a baby, and I don't like her being in danger!" Harry spat, disapproving of Moody's plan.
"I know, I know. But I agreed to this, Harry. I love you. It would kill me if you were hurt, and I could have done something to stop it." Tonks shared, looking like a very nice, mid-thirties witch with soft brown hair and eyes.
Hermione grabbed Harry's arm, wishing Luna was on the other side. Other than her wand, she had a few surprises in her book bag. But nothing that would replace Luna's help.
**OO**
The game had been spectacular. Shorter than what anyone was expecting, but very fun. As people shuffled around, Harry duly popped the potion that made him look like Baljeet and went to stand next to his 'twin'.
Likewise, in the same blink of an eye, Tonks changed to look like Harry.
Two girls from Hogwarts showed up right then. Hermione now had her arm tucked through the new 'Harry' and introduced them. "Padma and Pavarti? Please meet Balfor and Baljeet. And you remember Harry of course."
"Are you all friends?" Pavarti asked. "Hermione, I'm so sorry for the way I treated you at school. For the way that you were treated at Hogwarts. Truly."
"I believe you, and I accept your apology. It's nice to see you again." Hermione nodded.
"We really must be going." 'Harry' stated. The voice change potion wasn't perfect yet, but Severus nearly had his voice right this time.
Baljeet spoke up, "Feel free to owl me at Wimborne. My brother here is heading home, so don't bother with him."
'Balfor' stuck out his tongue.
Padma giggled. "You are so much like us. I'd like to see you again. Please write to me, if you wish?"
Harry said nothing, and Lord Black shooed the group on when the crowd allowed. If they were attacked here, there would be no way to defend without risking innocent lives.
The Potter lad had no idea that he'd just lost the target on his back when he took the polyjuice; not that it mattered to the motivated avian creatures.
**OO**
Fleur and her guard Pierre made their way back to the tent. Her father planned to go straight back home after the game, but Fleur was looking forward to the party planned that night.
The group was out of the stadium, and in the wide concourse headed towards the camping area.
All of a sudden, claws grabbed at her shoulders, and she was lifted off the ground. Pierre had his wand in his hand, but didn't dare cast, as his charge was not only high in the air, but blocking his spell!
He instead tapped his badge connected to the aurors there attending as extra security.
The problem was, there was more than just Fleur being taken at the moment. Both Hermione and Tonks wearing Harry's face had been snatched up too.
Harry had to act. He had to. This was the danger from the sky that Luna warned them about.
Harry had teased Tonks about being 'Mum', but in his heart, that is exactly what she was. Mum. And Hermione?! They dare!
Harry pulled a shrunken broom from his mokeskin bag. Sirius had been pushed downstream by the crowd.
Harry went flying after the most important witches in his life, wearing Baljeet's face.
**OO**
"Here's yours. Where's ours?" The harpy demanded, tossing down a disguised Tonks, and Hermione. She looked towards the right where the young wizards were being assembled.
A trussed up Blaise Zabini was forced to his knees. Lucius Malfoy stared at the boy, but it was Draco who objected. "Father! Don't! Don't you know who his mother is?!"
Terry Boot, Justin Finch-Fletchley and several other young wizards were plunked down by other Death Eaters. Some of the boys were from Hogwarts, some from Wimborne and other schools.
"Did you forget how to count? This is only eleven!" The lead harpy scowled.
"You can have Potter when we're done. He won't be dead. We just need a little blood. Don't kill him though. Our Master will want that privilege." Rowle demanded.
"Most of our victims don't die – not with proper healing. And we never take all the liver." The harpies in the room sniffed up the fear as though they were eating it.
"Fine. Just don't kill Potter." Lucius commanded, echoing Thorfinn.
The leader made a motion to the others, and they took off with their bounty. Such lovely young wizards. Their tent wasn't far at all. They picked up a wizard each and flew towards their encampment.
They had their annual Ritual of Rejuvenation to perform. After all, if they weren't good looking, they couldn't be cheerleaders, right?
**OO**
Sally-Anne came in late from the field. She'd had dinner outdoors, as they had worked until twilight. She watched as Augusta played with some important papers. "Gran? Are you alright?"
"Miss Perks! Why do you address me so informally!? Remember your place!" Augusta sighed, looking down at the signed contract. It wouldn't turn gold!
"My apologies, madam. May I ring for your tea? I really should go help Clive with it."
"Yes, go. And change into proper servant clothes before you return. I won't have you getting airs above your station."
The girl curtseyed, and ran to the floo. Gran MacMurray was in her cottage for the night right now. She dare not disturb her. Oh dear.
"O'Neal house! Oh, Mrs O'Neal? May I please step through? It's an emergency!"
**OO**
Hermione was more afraid than she'd ever been. She couldn't move. When she'd been snatched, she'd been flown off, and that paralyzed her. Once on the ground, she had been quickly disarmed, and bound.
She did not know that she'd been confunded, and wasn't seeing things as they really were.
She looked over at her love. Harry too had been bound. Unlike her, he was also stunned.
Tears now streamed down her face. They were going to die here, she just knew it, but not before being tortured. She and Harry would never be married now. If he were only awake! He could do several things wandlessly. Someone must have blabbed, as magical suppression cuffs were put on him.
Narcissa Malfoy came into the circle and checked on the cauldron. Pettigrew had been warned to stay away from it. He couldn't brew boil remover! She turned to her husband, "Are you ready, my love? To gain back your power?"
"I am." Lucius stated, knowing what came next.
Harry Potter was dragged over, his arm cut quickly and deeply with a knife. "Blood of an enemy, taken by force, you will power your foe."
She flicked the blood into the small cauldron and stirred.
"Flesh of the servant, taken with permission, you will power your Master."
She cut the faded Dark Mark off her husband's arm and put it in the cauldron. She had carefully numbed the entire arm first, but later it would be dreadfully painful. His companions all admired his fortitude in not screaming. Little did they know about her ministrations for her love.
She then took the small bit of remaining stone. Idiots! If they had wasted too much making gold after taking it away from Quirrell, she was going to be angry. That too went into the cauldron.
Then came the diary. How Draco managed to smuggle it back from India was never told to his mother. The truth was, it wasn't on him to be taken to India. Hogwarts had apologized about her son being snatched up with a professor in a trap set for a monster. India had no way of keeping a Death Eater who had done nothing wrong there.
In the meantime, Narcissa had kept the diary safe from all others for this moment. Lucius threw it into the pot as well. Everything they had read said that this would work.
The pot started to bubble, and several wizards there cast expansion charms on the cauldron. Bigger and bigger.
Then, a wavy haired, handsome young man stepped out of the cauldron. Pettigrew was waiting with a clean, soft robe for one of his masters. The Dark Lord incarnate.
"And so, I am back. What do we have here?" Voldemort's blue eyes swept the tableau before him.
"Harry Potter, Master. And a mudblood, powerful in magic. She must have been the one to steal it from Lucius." Narcissa waved her hand, unknowingly imitating a beautiful girl showing off a luxury automobile.
The resurrected dark lord looked around. He thought he recognized Lord Malfoy, and perhaps Lord Nott. But he was very confused.
"And you are, madam? I think it will take time for me to catch up after this ritual." Voldemort shared, "What is the date? The year? And please, introduce yourselves. I do know a bit about my enemy here, Harry Potter. I learned that from Draco Malfoy."
Narcissa curtseyed, and introduced herself and told him the date. She then went around the camping area, making introductions. Voldemort's eyes penetrated Draco's, the youngest and least skilled in the mind arts.
He learned much in a few moments, and that would help him hide his confusion.
Pettigrew handed Voldemort his wand back, and the dark one flicked it towards the man who looked much like Abraxas.
He then turned to Narcissa."I sense no magic in him at all."
Voldemort then went to Hermione, and did the same diagnostic. "No! How can one, descended of muggles, be so powerful?" he shared disingenuously. After all, he was one of the most powerful, and barely a half blood. And Dumbledore was a half-blood as well. He looked at the Carrow twins that between them could barely cast a torture curse without being magically exhausted for hours!
He cast a spell on Draco, then Narcissa. The son flinched; the mother did not. He double checked Draco's sire.
"This is not your magic, Malfoy. It's not. I would know it anywhere. How did you lose your magic? Tell me!"
Draco spoke up, spouting the gossip and hearsay of the Alley: "Father was attacked by a muggleborn in Diagon Alley; she stole his magic right then, likely for another muggle woman so she could become a witch as well. She stole it, leaving my pureblood father powerless! Please, my lord. Please make this right."
"That's not possible." The Dark Lord met his followers' eyes and saw the truth. "You are useless to me." The being cast the killing curse as though he was putting down a dying animal. He looked sad, but resigned.
Narcissa shrieked, "I helped you! I helped restore you! You killed my husband?! No! Avada Kedavra!"
Voldemort summoned Rowle from where he stood, used that wizard as a shield and he died for it. He was then quickly dropped as the Dark Lord started dueling Narcissa. Followers were in danger, and Hermione made her move. She had been on the floor and grabbed a hold of Rowle's wand. A quiet finite, and her bonds were gone. But before she could free Harry, she felt herself being lifted yet again. Due to the carnage around her, her quick assent wasn't noticed.
But the real Harry, looking like Baljeet, just plunked Hermione on his spare broom and summoned Tonks next. She went right behind her as she was still cuffed. Then Harry cast a notice-me-not on them both.
"Baljeet? No. Harry? Um, I thought…never mind. That dark wizard, he's back!" Hermione whispered urgently. "They did a ritual! And Pettigrew's down there. They called his name." Hermione informed him.
Harry was upset, but with them both mounted on the other broom, he shooed them away but first asked, "I still look like Baljeet?" Harry asked.
At Hermione's nod, the boy smiled. "Then it's time for you to get out of here; far and fast. I'm going to make some noise." Harry finished, grinning wickedly.
Tonks wanted to object; wanted to stay and fight, but she didn't have the keys to the suppression cuffs. Nor her wand; now was not the time. And Hermione had little training. Frustrated, the witches did as told, but both wanted to stay to help.
**OO**
The flight coming in from France had a very confused navigator. There were a few clouds, to be sure, but there were no lightning warnings. In fact, it seemed to be oddly localized, striking again and again in the same spot. He'd never seen a phenomenon like that before.
Shaking his head, he did what he was supposed to do. Report it.
He had no idea that the light show was so much more.
**OO**
Harry missed the first few times. "You killed my parents!" BOOM! "You murdered innocents." BOOM! "You tried to destroy the world." BOOM!
He focused on Pettigrew "You betrayed them!" BOOM!
Harry thought Wormtail was hit, and down. Potter didn't care if he died. There were no innocents down there.
Voldemort was casting up at Harry, but didn't understand what the child was casting. And the one person who could have told him was dead, and now lightly fried.
"Potter! You can't defeat me! Even if you kill me, my loyal followers will bring me back. As many times as needed. And I will kill you! You and your little mudblood. I will have my men torture her in front of you in ways you can't imagine, and then I…"
Harry had just been taking a breath and focusing. With everything in him, the next strike did not miss his first true enemy.
!BOOOOOOOM!
Voldemort was gone; within the small crater, there wasn't anything recognizable as human. That's when the Black Watch showed up.
Only soldiers as brave as them could go towards a firefight like that. Harry took that as his cue to exit, stage right, leaving the few Death Eaters still breathing to the professionals.
**OO**
When Harry got back to camp, everyone was doing a headcount. He was tired, and needed a pepper-up or three. Before he could drink a second one, he was accosted by a bodyguard.
"Heir Potter? Have you seen Fleur?" Pierre asked, out of his mind with worry.
Harry pulled out his wand and did the location spell. It came back to this camp. He tracked it to the exact spot, and found a small amulet.
"Clever. But not clever enough. The wards are still up. Wanna fly with me?" Harry asked.
Pierre pulled out his own broom, and together, the two went away from the camp. After a time, they saw a fire below.
"Pierre! Go get reinforcements! Go!" Harry urged, quietly.
Knowing how to get back, as there were many people down there, Pierre did as he was told. They needed help. Now.
Harry watched as another of the winged ones came in, carrying a young boy. A loud argument started, about what, he had no clue, but something in him told him this was important.
He stopped and pulled his family's cloak on, and slowly descended to the edge of the large pavilion, trying not to give himself away.
There on one side of the tent was a small group of young wizards. This last harpy coming in was apparently late, and had the wrong wizard.
While they argued, Harry undid the captives' bonds. The light was flickering but he whispered to each one to wait for the distraction to leave. Fleur looked terrified. She was in the center, bound as Tonks had been. A large knife on a small table next to her was an ominous omen.
"We can't do the ritual with a weakling! We were betrayed by the Eaters of Death. We have the virgin, we have eleven good wizards. We need just one more."
Harry whipped off his cloak. "What about me? Go on guys. NOW!" He didn't stay in one spot though. He quickly grabbed Fleur, and put her on his broom with his cloak. Friends and unknown wizards scattered. The veela took off, and Harry provided cover for the escaping wizards and witch.
"Did I crash your party? Well, you know what? How about this crash?"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Lightning rained down. Such glorious magic! Never before had Harry had a chance to just let loose.
He hoped his allies took their time coming to this party. The electrical charge that he was exuding made him untouchable. Those that attempted to flank him, found their hands fried before being electrocuted.
"You want a wizard to munch on? Take that, and that and that!" Lightning struck harpy after harpy, but most were fleeing now.
"Oh sure, you stick around if no one fights back." With a final strike on the tailfeathers of the last one, Harry sunk to the ground. He was exhausted, and hadn't noticed until just now. He was clearly on fumes, magically.
He sank to the ground next to the dying fire. Now would be a good time for Pierre to return, not realizing that he and his friends had been helping the fleeing wizards, and capturing the fleeing harpies.
Harry could swear that he saw a rat around the edges of the fire, but someone else had come into this large tent from a side door. Harry looked. No. Just no.
"That was an impressive show of magic, my dear boy. Most impressive. Your blood was used to resurrect Voldemort. You will be the instrument to defeat him once and for all."
Harry scoffed, too tired to deal with Dumbledore right then.
"You doubt my words? No. Come my boy. Let's begin your true apprenticeship."
Harry struggled to stand, but he was suddenly immobilized. No!
Cuffs were placed on his wrists, his wand stolen from its holster. The man searched him, not appearing to notice the mokeskin bag.
"Stop molesting me!" Harry shouted.
"What? I'm doing no such thing. I want your cloak."
"Fine. You can have it, and my coat too. But it's back with Sirius. Happy to get it for you if you wait right here."
Behind him, Harry couldn't see, but a rat came running up at his real master's call. Pettigrew's only master, now that his dark mark was gone.
Albus Dumbledore shook his head, "Very funny my boy. Let's go Home."
**OO**
*RED - retired and extremely dangerous. This is not a plug for a movie that is awesome, just borrowing the title without permission.
*Black Watch - A Scottish troop of wizards and some witches who train to deal with the unusual. Hit wizards, former aurors, they are ready to serve their fellows when needed.
A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila. Harry uses Felix Potion in one shot story by witowsmp
s/14266184/1/Felix-Felicis
A/N: Story recommended by our friend
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**OO**
Baggit - flying lacrosse
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
