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Rambling and Dribbles: A dribble that I hope some enjoy.
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Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter does not belong to me.
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Premise:
Voldemort had been defeated. Harry is hailed as the hero and paraded around as such. Wanting to just live a life of anonymity, he decides to take a trip to some random place he picked on a globe.
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Chapter 1-oOo-
July 13, 1999London, England
Harry was still tense as the large jet taxied out to the runway. He had never been in an aircraft, even though he loved to fly. The whirl of the engine, the strange way the wing unfolded. The clank when the cargo hold had closed. They were all unfamiliar noises or experiences and had him a little jumpy.
Of course, it wasn't really this new experience that had him so jumpy. It was the fear that his minders would find out what he was doing, and he would soon be dragged back to the fancy prison that had been built around him the last year.
May seconds, nineteen-ninety-seven would be a day he would never forget. It was also a day the wizarding world would never forget or allow him to forget either. He was still suffering from nightmares and combat shakes from those months on the run and those two days that had ended the war. He needed time away from everything, which was something he could not get here.
He also wanted time to find himself, instead of being forced into whatever everyone else wanted of him.
Maybe it would have been easier if Hermione had come back.
Harry understood why hadn't though. If he had had parents, he would have done anything to get them back, even skip the offer of another year at Hogwarts to complete his NEWTS. It had taken three months before the funerals, ceremonies and parties had died enough that she could leave to go to Australia. Harry had wanted to go with her but had been convinced to go back to Hogwarts when he turned down the offer to go to the Auror academy. Kingsley and McGonagall needed him there to ensure everyone that things would be alright. Harry didn't think it would be, and seeing the haunted looks on half the upper years, he wasn't sure it had been the right idea to reopen the school so soon.
Besides the fact that Harry wasn't interested in becoming an auror, or going back to school, there was the pain of seeing Ginny with Neville. He didn't begrudge them. It seemed like those that had stayed at Hogwarts had had an even rougher time than Harry, Hermione and Ron had. It just hurt though. He had used the thoughts of Ginny to keep him going when he wanted to give up.
Ron had no intention of going back to school, so took the offer to go to the Auror academy. That night that he broken up with Hermione, Harry had been livid at his best mate. He didn't know why he had been so upset; he just was. He was upset enough that he had punched Ron the next morning and then left the Burrow. A few weeks later Ron had shown up at Grimmauld Place. After a few more punches from both of them, they had collapsed on the floor of the tapestry room and came to some understanding. Harry was happy Ron moved in and he wouldn't be alone.
At Christmas, Hermione had told them she wasn't coming back. Removing the memory charms from her parents had proven hard and her parents were still upset with her. He had bought the portkey to go and join her, not feeling it to be back at school. Then Kingsly had heaped a massive guilt trip about him leaving and the panic it would create. So, Harry had stayed.
By April, Hermione had made the decision to stay in Australia and had signed up for private lessons to get her NEWTS. Harry was finding that he wished he had gone. He bought another portkey. This time he had been blackmailed into staying to keep the goblins happy. They were still upset with him and his friends with what they had done to the bank and lobby. Harry didn't know what he could do to make them happy besides empty the Black vaults to appease them, which he did.
By then, he was starting to understand why it was hurting so much to have Hermione going through what she was without him. He had promised her we would come as soon as Hogwarts was over. In the last letter from her, he realized that he had been too late again.
Harry leaned his head against the window as the plane stopped at the end of the runway. The cool glass felt good against his forehead. Looking out at London as the engines roared to life, he knew he was leaving behind his old life.
The pang in his heart to remember that last letter from her two weeks ago was why he had to finally get away.
He really didn't know where he was going except for a spot he had randomly picked on a globe that had been in the old study of Grimmauld Place. As the plane left the runway, Harry felt the familiar pull of the earth on him as he left the ground. In a little over eight hours, he would be in Toronto. Only three more legs to get to his destination after that…
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That night…London, England
It had been another long day of pointless training. Ron wanted to get out into the field. He hadn't signed up to become an Auror so he could spend his days in the classroom, doing pointless patrols up and down Diagon Alley or sitting guard duty in the atrium of the ministry. He had joined because he had spent much of the year before on the run with his two best mates and found he liked the life of always being on the move. Yeah, he had missed his mother's cooking, and he found roughing it to be a little tedious at times, but also found that these long days and long nights brought up memories he didn't want to think about if he wasn't busy.
Walking out into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, Ron's stomach grumbled to smell the stew that Kreature must have made. "Master Weasley returns. Are you hungry?" the ratty old elf asked. Up until they had told the elf they would destroy the locket; he had been a right wanker. Now Kreacher was a godsend most days. He also kept Grimmauld Place in decent shape now.
"I could eat a hippogriff," Ron told him. "Let me just get these robes off and I'll have what you got."
"Don't leave Auror robes on table again," Kreature scolded him.
Ron smiled and moved towards the stairs. He would put his stuff in the room and come back down to have dinner with Harry. It was nice having Harry back. It had gotten pretty lonely with only him in the house. Sometimes he found he wished he had gone with Hermione, but figured she would be back soon, and he they could pick up where they had left off once she was back.
Five minutes later, he was sitting down at the table. "Where's Harry?" Ron asked as he pulled the bowl and plate of bread close to him. He took in a few hot mouthfuls of the delicious stew before slathering a healthy portion of butter onto the bread.
Kreature didn't say a word. He just fussed in the kitchen. Ron didn't think much of it until his bowl was half empty. It was about that time that he realized there wasn't another bowl on the table. "Kreature, where's Harry?" he asked again.
Kreature shuffled his feet before reaching into his clean tea cozy that had the crest of the Blacks on it. "Master tell Kreature to give you this when you ask."
Ron frowned. After a moment he put the bread and spoon down before wiping his hands on his pants.
"Manners. The master must learn manners," the house elf complained.
Ron rolled his eyes. Taking the letter, he could see it was addressed to him in Harry's messy scrawl. He was getting a bad feeling looking at the envelope.
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Dear Ron,
First, don't come looking for me.
Second, I had to leave.
Keep those facts in mind.
You know that I've been unhappy for a long time. I have told you I don't like or want the fame that comes with being me and have finally decided that I need to go find who I am. I don't want to become an Auror. I don't want to sit on the Wizengamot and become some fat and lazy politician. I want to be who I want to be and have no idea who that is.
I've gone on walkabout to find that out.
When you hear from Hermione again, let her know that I love her, and I hope she has a beautiful life with her family and the new guy she has found. I'll get in touch with her when I have found what I am looking for.
In the meantime, you are welcome to use Grimmauld Place for as long as you want. Kreature will maintain it and keep the place stocked. He has been ordered not to find me and to only come to me alone when I call. Otherwise, he'll obey your orders.
Ron, I want to thank you for being my friend. Also, let your parents and George know that I'll miss them and let them know how I'm doing when I can. I also left an open line of credit for George, and you, to keep the joke shop open and growing. If you decide you don't like being an Auror, I think your brother could use you.
Until I talk to you again,
Harry.
-o-
"Bloody hell," Ron said and sat back in his chair, dinner forgotten about.
He knew that Harry was feeling rather down. He also knew Harry was right pissed at McGonagall and Kingsley for whatever they had done this year. It probably hadn't helped that Andromeda Tonks had kept Harry from seeing his godson… WAIT! Hermione has another guy!
He quickly reread the letter to find the spot… "Bloody fuck," he muttered. "She can't."
Ron closed his eyes. He had refused to go to Australia. After living in a tent for much of a year, he had wanted to be close to home at the time, especially with how George was taking the loss of Fred. He also wanted to hang around for Harry. He had abandoned Harry to many times to go running off when his best mate was in pain and needed his friends.
Now Ron was looking at the loss of his brother, best mate and the girl he loved.
She said she would be back as soon as she could.
She said that if it was better for her parents to just leave them there, she would.
He was only starting to understand how much he had screwed things up with the two people that had been there for him more than family.
"Bloody hell," he said again as he looked blankly at the letter. "What am I going to do now?"
-oOo-
July 15, 1999Qilluqtuuq, Nanuvat, Canada
Harry stepped out of the small plane. The last two days had been an adventure, which was what he had wanted, but he could have done without the crying child that had sat next to him for much of the trip to Toronto yesterday.
The old man that had flown the plane took his ruck sac out. "Are you sure about this, mister? There isn't much here? I'm flying back in a few hours after I unload and pick up some other stuff."
Harry breathed in the salty air. They had flown over Hudson Bay on their way in and the cool breeze coming off the bay carried the salty smell. From what he could see, it was the middle of nowhere.
"It's perfect. You said there is a hotel in town?" Harry asked him.
The man looked at him a little oddly. "Yeah. If you give me a few, I can get someone to take you."
"I think I'll walk. That way?" Harry aske pointing towards a road that wound through the small lakes of the Canadian tundra.
"You really should be shown around until you know where you're going. There are some dangers, like polar bears," the man said.
"It's fine. I can take care of myself," Harry told him. He knew he could. A polar bear was nothing compared to blast-ended skrewts, dragons or acromantulas. He would need to find the local laws around magic use and probably figure out if he needed to register with the local government. He planned to stay for a while.
"All right," the man said, not sounding certain of Harry's assertion.
He put his ruck sack on his back, adjusted the straps and thanked Hermione for teaching him the expansion charms. The bag held many times what anyone would suspect, and everything that he needed, including no small part of the Black and Potter libraries. He was looking for a life of anonymity, not no magic.
Walking along the dirt road, he looked at the landscape. This time of the year everything was in bloom or green. Even if there weren't any trees, it a certain beauty that had a smile coming to his face. He doubted that many wizards or witches would be out here, and certainly not any of the ones he was running for. Even if they did come, he had a feeling they would stick out. Harry knew he would too for a bit.
As he enjoyed the peaceful environment, he soon discovered that it wasn't barren of life. He swatted at his neck again as some human eating bug bite him again. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, he let his wand fall into his hand. A quick twirl over his head and the bugs were now staying away. He dropped the wand back into the holster up his sleeve.
He notices movement to his right. Whipping his head around, he saw a small fox with something in its mouth. It was trying to stick to the low undergrowth as it ran along. Harry figured it was going back to its den. A smile spread over his face. "Wicked," he said. He was hoping that he had the proper books to know what type of magical beast lived up here. It wouldn't do to be unprepared. He gave a sad smile to think of the old ex-Auror yelling 'Constant Vigilance'. After being on the run for their lives, Harry found he just couldn't let part of the war go and doubted he ever would.
It took him few hours to hike into town, explore the few streets and business and end up at a small metal building towards the centre of town. The Sigjami Suites were on the edge of the beach of the bay. It was nothing like the larger hotels or small inns he was used to. On the inside it looked much better than the outside.
An older woman was behind the desk. "Aingai," she said with a smile.
Harry assumed it was some type of local greeting. "Hello. I was wondering if you have a room available?"
She looked a little surprised. "I do, but usually people call for a reservation," she told him.
"Yeah, well, I thought I would just explore for a bit," Harry told her.
She nodded. "Ah, a free spirit. We get one occasionally. I have suite seven available for the next two weeks. If you stay longer, we'll have to find you somewhere else."
"Two weeks is fine," he said taking out his muggle wallet. After how they suffered to find food because of how little money they had, Harry and Hermoine had made sure to have all the normal muggle means of paying for things, not to mention a healthy reserve of galleons. That thought had him wondering if galleons were accepted over here.
He handed a black credit card to the woman. "Just put everything on here. It's got an unlimited balance," he told her.
Her brow rose at that. "You look a little young to have such funds."
Harry shrugged. "My parents were well off," he told her. That was true. There were also the numerous rewards he had collected for dead Death Eaters and earning three Orders of Merlin.
"That sounds like they aren't around anymore," she said with the proper amount of concern.
"They died when I was young and I just recently came into my inheritance," he told her.
"Thought you would see a bit of the world before you settle down, assume?"
"Something like that," Harry told her.
After running his card through the mimeograph machine and entering the information into a computer, she handed a yellow slip to him with the amount charged and some packets and a booklet. "I charged you for the first two nights. We'll settle up when you check out. Here are all the local attractions, a visitor book and a map of the area. Do you have a license?"
Harry shook his head. "Never needed one back home. Should I get one?"
"If you are going to stay around, learning how to drive an ATV and snowmobile will be a must. Cars aren't as useful since most of the roads are only in town here. Call up Areak Tours. Thomas will be able to teach you and show you around the area," she told him.
"Thanks. Do you know where I can get some dinner?" he asked.
"There aren't any restaurants. The Co-op and Northern store are just down the street. Each suite has two rooms and a kitchen," she told him. "Here is your key. Suite seven, just down that hall."
"Great. Thanks," he told her. He was feeling hungry but could wait a little bit.
"You're welcome, Harry," she said.
"I'm sorry, what is your name?"
"Elizabeth Alloolo," she replied.
"Thank you again and nice to meet you, Elizabeth."
The suite was much larger than Harry had expected. There was a kitchen area with an island and three tall chairs to sit at the counter. Off to the side was a square table with four seats. The sitting area had two couches and a large tellie. He was happy to find a washing machine and drying in a closet and the bedrooms each had two large queen-sized beds. It was a place of luxury. "Wicked," he said to himself. This might have been the best idea he had ever had.
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July 17, 1999London, England
Ron yawned as he walked past Eric at the guard station. One of his fellow trainees, Rebecca Cornwallis, a square jawed brunette that had graduated four years ago, was standing next to the guard station. Security was a little better than the last time he had broken into the Ministry with Hermione and Harry. It was part of their antics that had him putting a medallion on his wrist to a ward stone across from the guard station. Eight of these stones were setup, with the medallion keyed to his magical signature, and every worker was required to do this to enter the ministry, otherwise go through Eric.
The top of the stone glowed blue so he moved towards the elevators. As an auror, his shift started about an hour earlier than most others, so he, another trainee and a full Auror stepped in with him.
"Morning, Weasley," Timothy Timmons said. The man looked tired.
"Timmons. What time did you leave the Hanged Man last night?"
"Later than you," he replied.
The older woman in the elevator snorted. "Nothing a good sober-up potion won't resolve."
"Did that, but I saw four before that witch finally tired," the man said.
"Always knew women had more stamina," she commented.
"I don't hear them complaining," Timmons retorted.
"And you probably won't. How many see you again?"
"Well, none, but that isn't really what I am looking for."
Auror Winchester rolled her eyes. "If I found a good shag, I'd be calling him back. You don't need to be serious with the guy, just need him to screw you until you can't think straight."
Ron couldn't keep the chuckle in, especially when Timmons cockiness fell. Ron may not have much experience himself yet, but he couldn't see himself complaining about having a woman all night long. Now that Hermione was off the table perhaps, he should explore more? He knew witches liked him. His Order of Merlin didn't hurt either. The Auror robes also seemed to be a big turn on to some witches.
When the grate opened, Winchester had a smirk on her face as she left and went to the right. Ron turned to the left to check in at the academy to get his daily assignment. He didn't have more classes until next week.
"Bloody bint," Timmons whinged under his breath.
Ron wisely kept his mouth shut to not bring up his inexperience. That was one thing he had learned over the last two years: don't let his mouth sign a promissory note he couldn't cash. He had been beat bloody by his master Auror a few times and he had run out on his best mates because of it. He still felt guilty about that, even if it probably was the horcrux pushing him.
"Weasley," Master Auror Benson barked. The ICW Auror had agreed to train for two years. Ron's class of eight were the first ones to be lucky enough. Twenty-eight others were coming up after them.
"Yes, Master Auror Benson?" he replied, coming to attention just inside the door of the academy.
"I have a note for you from Head Auror Dawlish. Get this taken care of and get back here. I do not do special treatment," the man snapped.
"Yes, sir," Ron said. Timmons sniggered, knowing that Ron would now be getting special attention at their next duelling practice. Ron hid his cringe as he opened the letter. With a sigh, he said, "Sir, I have to report to Head Auror Dawlish. It doesn't say when I will be available after that."
Benson didn't look pleased. "You owe three incident reports from your last patrol in Diagon Alley. Get them to me before you head up."
"Yes, sir," Ron said.
Five minutes later, he was standing before the Head Auror. The man was short an arm and not the most competent but was the best the department had after Kingsley became Minister. "Weasley, I need you to play errand boy for the minister."
"What am I doing sir?"
"The minister has been trying to get hold of Potter for two days now and his missives keep coming back. I now your close to him, so here," Dawlish said holding out three letters. The man turned his attention back to the report he was reading when Ron had walked into the office. "Get this done now and I was told you aren't to leave his side until he goes to the minister. If you need, stun him and take him yourself."
Ron looked at the letters. He hadn't told anyone, yet that Harry had done a runner. He hadn't believed it himself. Sure, Ron could believe he would run again if he felt overwhelmed, but not Harry. Harry always did the right thing. "Uhm, sir, I can't."
Dawlish looked up. "This is a direct order, cadet."
"I understand, sir, but I can't. Harry left a few nights ago and hasn't been back since. I'm not actually sure he's coming back," Ron told him. He had to stifle the urge to rub his neck. That wasn't proper behaviour of an Auror.
Dawlish blinked a few times. "What do you mean left?"
Not wanting to give too much away, he said, "Potter wanted to go and find himself. He said he would contact me when he could."
"Alright, you had your fun, Cadet Weasley. I know Potter likes to disappear at times. This isn't the first time I've had to send Aurors after him. Get these to him and get Potter to the minister's office."
"Sir, I really can't. I don't know where he is, and his elf has orders not to find him and to prevent anyone else from finding him. That was probably why the letters were returned," he said in a moment of inspiration.
The man frowned. "If I find out you are lying, Weasley, you are done here. Go find Jones and drag him out of his secret place."
Ron frowned. "Sir, he isn't there."
Dawlish was starting to look upset. "How do you know?"
"I've been living at his place for a while. He up and left a few days ago," Ron said again.
"Well bloody hell," Dawlish said. After a moment he gave Ron a pointed look. "You get to tell the minister this while I organize a search. He couldn't have gone far. I know he hasn't been on any international portkey registries in the last week."
Ron scrunched his brow. "You follow him, sir?"
"It's standard protocol for a national asset like Potter. He's on the top person list of the Ministry," Dawlish said as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
"What do you mean the top person list?" Ron asked, suddenly suspicious. Maybe Harry hadn't been as paranoid as Ron though him to be at times.
"When one person could destabilize the country for a variety of reasons, we keep a close eye on them. You and that Muggleborn are also on the list, being some of the youngest Order of Merlin members and whatever you did against You-Know-Who. I hear the goblins and Unspeakables still want to talk to you, but the minister is shielding you. I thought you knew about it? Kingsley won't be pleased if Potter slipped us as well. I'm still in trouble about that Granger girl," he said.
Ron's eyes narrowed at his superior. "No, sir, I did not know."
"Well, now you do. Get up and talk with the minister. I need to find a way to find Potter. You are sure he's left his hidey hole?" Head Auror Dawlish enquired.
"Positive, sir," Ron said. He was starting to wonder if he should tell Harry to stay away… maybe he should join him? Ron didn't like the idea that he was being watched and hadn't had a clue about it until now.
"Probably is doing a pub tour up the coast then. Right. Get going," Dawlish ordered.
"Sir," Ron said, turning and walking out of the office. Perhaps Harry really wasn't paranoid, and Moody had the right of it? To think Moody had been in his right mind about everyone out to get you was a disturbing thought.
Ten minutes later he was being let into Minister Shackbolt's office. It was still odd to think of the man as the minister after knowing him from Order. Kingsley got up as he walked in. "Good morning, Ron. I hadn't expected to see you so soon." The man looked over his shoulder as he held his hand out to him. "Where's Harry?"
"He's not here, sir," Ron said.
Kingsley smiled at him. "None of this 'sir' stuff. But seriously, where's Harry? I thought Head Auror Dawlish was sending you to get him from the old Headquarters?"
"Head Auror Dawlish ordered me to go, but I had to decline the order," Ron told him. In the last ten minutes of walking up here and waiting in the receiving area had his temper rising.
Kingsley still had his hand, the handshake stopping. "What do you mean you had to decline the order? I just need to see Harry for a little bit to go over details of reopening the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers, as well as the upper floors. All the repairs will finally be done next week."
Ron frowned. "I'm sorry, sir, but he isn't home."
"Oh, why didn't you say so? When will he be back. I need to finish the planning and have him approve of the speech I had written up for him," Kinglsey said jovially. He let Ron's hand go and moved to his desk.
"I'm unsure if he is coming back, minister."
Kingsley had picked up a few parchments before slowly turning to him. "Please, Ron, you don't ever have to call me by those titles. You and Harry have earned that like few others have. Now, what is this about Harry not coming back?"
"Exactly as I said, sir. I don't think Harry is coming back," Ron told him.
Kingsley frowned. "This is just a joke, right? Harry just wants a few days of quiet time? Right after he meets with me and the DMLE for his interview, he can have the rest of the week off until next Wednesday."
Harry was right. Everyone was still trying to run his life. Ron hadn't listened. He thought Harry was just complaining about his fame again. "Minister, Harry has left. I don't know where he went. I don't know when, or if, I'll hear from him. He allowed me to stay at Grimmauld Place, but that's all I know."
Kingsley was starting to look displeased. "Very droll, Ron. Whatever binger he is on needs to be cleared up by the morning. I expect you to have him here by nine tomorrow morning."
"I can't do that, minister," Ron said a little defiantly. He wasn't about to let Harry down again. He had done that too much. Much more than what a best mate should.
"It's not a request, Auror Cadet Weasley. You will have Harry hear by nine tomorrow morning," Minister Shacklebolt ordered.
Ron stared at the man for a moment. The last year of training to be an Auror had been a challenging time, but for once he felt like he had a real purpose in his life. Yes, the hours were long. Sometimes insane when he had to report in the middle of the night. But he felt like he had a purpose, like he was finally doing something that would really help people in the long run. At the same time, Harry, Hermione and him hadn't spent all those months on the run doing an impossible task to work for a ministry that was turning into the one they had fought against.
Standing as tall as he could, he asked, "Is it true, sir?"
"Is what true, Ron?"
"That you are having Harry and I watched, and you wish you had Hermione here still?" Ron asked.
The man's frown grew. "It's just standard procedure. You must see that the three of you are the largest heroes we have from the war. I know you have looked pleased with the articles in the Daily Prophet and Harry has done an outstanding job of reassuring people that the ministry and Hogwarts are changed and safe."
Ron had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had been enjoying all attention they got last year and the way the Daily Prophet had been tracking his training. He suddenly understood Harry's dislike for people running his life. "I don't think Harry enjoys all the attention. I think he just wants to have a quiet life now."
"Nonsense, Ron. Harry saved us all and he's a bigger hero than Dumbledore was. It's his duty to the wizarding world to keep it calm and safe. That's why I'm going to fast track his application to the Auror Academy," Kingsley said with a grin.
Ron frowned. "Harry hasn't applied to be an Auror."
"Maybe not, but his NEWTS qualify him and I'm sure once he meets with Dawlish and Head Rosevelt, he'll be happy to join. They assure me they can get him on the same track as you within six months," Kingsley said it as though it was a reward he was giving Harry and him.
"Sir, Harry really does not want to be an Auror. And about you watching over us?" Ron asked.
"Like I said, it's just standard procedure. You'll learn about it once you make full Auror. Now, Harry will be here tomorrow morning," the man ordered.
Ron didn't say anything for a moment, just staring at the man, not quiet believing what he was seeing or hearing. It was a long few heart beats before he decided. Ron snapped his feet together. He saluted Minister Shacklebolt before bringing his hand down and removing the silver badge from his left breast. He stepped forward as a silent minister watched him put the badge on his desk. "I'm sorry, minister, but I fought to not let another despot rule the islands and believe my oaths to the Aurors and ministry keep me from doing so."
Kingsley was looking upset. "I think that a little harsh, Auror Cadet Weasley," the man said. He picked up the badge to put it back into his hand. Ron took a step back and unfastened the brass buttons on his robes.
"Harry has left. I think largely because of you, Headmistress McGonagall, me and… oh bloody Merlin!" he said, suddenly realizing something.
Ron understood Harry's reaction when he refused to go to Australia with Hermione. He understood why Harry had distanced himself those few months Hermione and him had dated. It wasn't because of the insane schedule they were keeping at the time. He understood what Harry had been silently hinting at for months now. Years even.
"What do mean because of me?" Kingsley demanded.
Ron just shook his head as he shucked his robes off. He held them out for the minister. "You don't see it, do you? Harry hates his fame. He hates being used. Did you really rile up the goblins to keep him here at Easter?"
The silence from the man said it all.
"Of course, you did. You've been watching us. You must have known he bought a portkey to Australia at Christmas and Easter. You know that you probably cost him the only person I think he ever loved, and I don't think any of us realized it. I can tell you that Harry won't be coming back. Please give this to Master Auror Benson," Ron told the minister. When the minister didn't take the red leather robes, he dropped it to the floor.
"Ron?" the minister questioned as he turned around. "Ron? Auror Cadet Weasley! Get back here. If you walk out, I will make sure you have a dishonourable discharge! You, Harry and Hermione owe me for everything I did with the goblins and getting you those Order of Merlins!"
Ron closed the door behind himself. The cute secretary was giving him big eyes of surprise. "I think he's going to be upset for a bit. I wouldn't bother him, Lisa."
He gave her a winning smile before heading towards his locker to clean it out. Lisa Turpin gave him an uncertain smile. Perhaps George would hire him? He would need another job now.
-oOo-
July 18, 1999Half across the world…
Harry had never really been a lazy person. He had never been afforded the luxury of it. For two days now, being lazy had been all he had been. Sleeping late. Watching telly. Eating premade dinners that he just heated in the oven. It was everything the Dursley's did, and after two days, he found he hated it. Lazy and Harry Potter just didn't mix.
Walking half across town, he stepped up to a small wooden building with a half dozen atv's parked outside. He saw a girl in a parker and an older man doing maintenance on of the ATV's as he walked up to the building. It was still early and wasn't sure when the place opened, so he wasn't surprised to find the door locked.
"We don't open until nine," a girl said. "Unless you are here for a hunting trip. If so, your about three hours late for that one. My uncle wants the hunters here about four in the morning and they set out just after sunrise. "
He turned to look at a girl about his age using a rag to wipe grease off her hands. Her long black hair was done in two long braids that were in large loops. She had the typical darker skin of the locals with dark brown eyes. Her facial features clearly declared her Inuit ancestry. It all made for an exotic appearance that he was finding he liked.
"Oh, no, I wasn't here for a hunting trip. At least, I don't think I am," he said to her. "Is that what most people do around here?"
She gave him a smile. "Many do. I usually go out with him, but my grandpa needed help this morning. Are you from England?"
"Yeah. Is that a good thing?"
"I guess. I just never met anyone from England. It must be a little different here," she replied.
Harry's smile was wide. "It's wicked. I've never seen so much land without a farm or anything before."
"We like it," she said with a grin.
Harry nodded. There was a moment of awkward silence like neither of them knew what to say next. "Should I come back in a bit?" he asked. It was only a little after seven thirty.
"You could do that," she told him.
Harry looked around, unsure what to do. He wanted to learn how to use and ATV and be shown around a little. He figured it might be better to understand he local area before he wandered off. "You have a suggestion what to do while I wait?"
"You any good with a wrench?" she asked.
Harry shrugged. "Never really did anything with one before."
"First time for everything," she said, nodding over her shoulder.
Harry returned her smile. The girl was cute. Was there a better way to waste a morning than in good company?
"I'm Harry," he told her.
"Nellie. Come on," she told him.
He followed her over to a metal building that was full of tools and spare parts and an ATV that was taken apart with its motor on a bench. She said something in the local tongue. He was going to have to learn how to speak it if he was going to hang around for a while. Most people here spoke it. The older man that was cleaning a part of the motor looked up. The man looked at Harry for a moment before giving him a toothy smile. He replied in Kivalliq. At least that is what he thought Elizabeth had called it.
"Irngutanga doesn't speak English. Harry, this is Kanaq Pitsoelak," she said.
"Hello. I'm Harry Potter," he said, indicating himself.
The old man nodded his head and said something to Nellie. She replied. "He says if you are going to help, you can take the piston and clean it off. It looks like the shaft stared to wear and I think I'll have to take it over to the lumber store to have them machine it."
Harry looked at the parts lain out on the bench. He had no clue what they all where. "Ah, which is the piston?" he asked.
She gave him an incredulous look. "What did you do in England? Didn't you ever work on a car or anything?"
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I usually took the bus or train everywhere. My, ah, relatives weren't really that mechanically inclined."
She shook her head. "I've been working on ATVs and cars since I could remember. Grandpa's been the local mechanic for years. Though, I would like to go to college. Here, this is a piston. Here is a rag. You spray a little of this cleaning fluid on it, wipe all the oil and junk off it, then I'll look to see if there's any damage," she replied a little cheekily.
"I think I know how to clean things," he snarked back.
Her grin returned. "Well, I guess I don't need to teach you everything then."
"You know, I was going to be a paying customer. If this is the service I get," he said, leaving the end unsaid.
Her grin didn't lessen as she picked up other parts to clean off. "Yeah, well, being fresh and snarky is about all we have up here at time. Don't tell my irngutanga though, he likes me to be nice to the customers."
Harry laughed. "Well, you failed."
"I know," she said with a huge smile.
"What does irngutanga mean," he said, trying to make sure he had repeated the word correctly.
"It's Inuit for grandpa."
By the time it got close to nine, he had learned more about engines than he ever wanted to know. Whatever damage they were looking for wasn't there and Nellie had said it must have just been the head gasket.
"So, you want the tour today?" she asked as they were cleaning their hands with some gritty soap.
"That and to learn how to drive an ATV," he told her.
"That's the easy part. I know we have a small group already scheduled. We are going to take them out onto the tundra to a quiet fishing spot or two. They didn't want to head out early," she told him.
"I've been fishing. I don't a pole or anything," he told her.
She smirked as she led him towards another shed behind the main building. "And you don't need to worry about a pole. We're going fishing the country way."
"The country way?" Harry asked.
Her smirk didn't leave her face. A young man was walking up the building. He called out to Nellie, holding his hand up in greeting. "Ben is going to be the guide today. He's my cousin."
"Are you going too?" he asked her.
"I wasn't originally, but a city person like you might need some special help," she replied.
"I'm not that much of a city person," he told her. He actually preferred the outdoors, not to mention the type of stuff he had learn through Care of Magical Creatures and half his adventures.
Opening the door, she said, "Well, let's get you fitting out before the others come out here."
"Don't I need to register and pay?" he asked.
"Are planning on running away? I don't think the next passenger plane leaves until tomorrow," she replied.
"Well, no. Whoa," he said as he realized what was in the shed. It was full of spears, bows, a glass case of rifles and other gear.
She chuckled. "Didn't anyone tell you that we do country tours?"
"I thought that meant you just take people around the countryside," he said.
She motioned for him to come inside. She took a small ruck sac, slung it over her shoulder and then took one of the spears. It had and odd three prong design at the tip. "Pick one out. If we get lucky, we'll have some trout or greyling later. Grab that other bag too. This is all the stuff we need for to make lunch and the first aid gear. We'll get the ATV's packed while Ben gets the guests registered and goes through the safety meeting."
"Shouldn't I do the safety meeting?"
"Nah. I can talk you through it," she said, watching him go through the spears. He picked up a few before taking one that felt better in his hands. She didn't say a word as they walked out to the ATV's. "Most of the safety stuff is simple. Don't approach polar bears. Be careful of the pools. Sometimes they are hidden with some of the bushes. If you see a wolf, make some noise. It's all simple things like that."
Harry gave her a curious look. "Polar bears?"
"You don't usually see them this time of the year, but they are around. They can be mean if hungry or angry," she said rather nonchalantly.
Harry made sure his wand was easy to get, just in case.
After some laughter and joking when he pushed the gas too hard the first time and almost flipped the ATV, he was able to fall in with the group as they made their way out of town and into the countryside. It was a good two hours as they wound their way through marshes, sparse patches of stunted pines and fields of lichen, wildflowers and small bushes. It was different from an English or Scottish countryside, but with a beauty all its own.
When they stopped, it was along the banks of a swift moving river. The river made a sharp turn where they stopped and made a swirling pool that was ringed by stones. He could see the shadows of fish in the water.
"The trout rest in the shallows, catching the smaller fish that like to feed on the bugs," Ben explained. Harry could see the family resemblance to Nellie. Nellie was already changing into knee high leather boots.
"Put those on," she told him as she threw a similar pair to him.
Harry was ready before any of the other guests. Nellie was already walking out into the chilly water of the weir. She moved with a slow grace, the spear raised up and ready to strike. Harry watched he as she waded through the water. Without warning, she struck the spear down to pull up a two-foot-long fish caught on the end of it. "Looks like trout today," she said happily.
"Now that you see how my cousin has done it, it should be that hard," Ben said to the others.
She came back to the shore, showing him how to take it off the spear. "You're turn, city boy."
"I'm not a city boy," Harry said defiantly.
"I'll believe it when I see it," she told him. There was a challenge to her tone. Harry straightened up. He had never backed down from a challenge, as much as he was sure some people wished he had.
Harry moved out into the water. He could feel hold cold it was through the leather boots, but his feet remained dry. Moving in slow steps, he moved towards a shadow by a rock. It looked to be another trout about the same size as the one Nellie caught. He raised the spear up. It felt a little like that time Hagrid had taught them how to use a spear like the merpeople.
When he brought it down, he cursed. The fish darted away. Nellie laughed. "Nice try, city boy."
He cast her a glare and looked around towards another. The other three guests were getting ready to enter the water themselves. When he saw another one, he moved as stealthily as he could. This time when he brought the spear down, he knew it hits mark as the fish tried to pull it out of his hands. He pulled the trout out of the water with a triumphant grin. "There. I got one."
Nellie just shrugged. "Everyone gets lucky. Now, come help me get a fire going so we can get lunch cooking."
Harry shook his head. She didn't see that impressed. For some reason that bothered him. Getting out, he paid attention as she pointed out some lichen and other stuff that would burn. When she showed him how to get a fire together, he didn't find that different from what they had to learn while on the run and soon they had a frying pan on the edge of some rocks as he started to gut the fish. She turned to talk to him. In a surprised tone, she said, "You know how to dress a fish?"
"Had to learn. This isn't my first time in the wild," he told her.
"Alright, maybe not as much of a city boy as I thought," she replied.
"That almost sounded like a compliment," he retorted.
"Almost," she agreed, that annoying smirk on her face again.
The other tourists weren't as lucky, but they all managed to catch one fish. Since they were all fishermen to begin with, it was any meal as they all gutted and filleted their catches and soon, they were eating a mix of local plants, berries and fish. Harry paid attention to what Nellie picked out as she taught them what was edible and what wasn't. He figured it would all be good to know since he wanted to spend more time out here. He also noted a few magical herbs he knew of from Neville and Professor Sprout. They seemed to grow abundantly in the short summers up here. Maybe, if he diced to stay, he could gather them and send them back to England to sell?
They pulled back into the lot later in the evening. The sky was turning grey with rain clouds. As the others were talking excitedly about their day, Nellie started to unpack everything she had put on and Ben's ATV.
"Need a hand?" Harry offered.
"And they say chivalry is dead," she teased.
"Well, I don't know about dead," Harry replied.
She smiled and he helped to put everything away and then unpack all the cast iron pans and stuff. "I have to make sure the bags are packed again for tomorrow," she said as she closed the shed and carried the bag with her.
"You have another group tomorrow?" he asked her.
"Same group but we are taking a few boats up the coast. The ice should be clear enough to get to XXXXXX river," she told him.
"Are you spear fishing again?" he asked.
"Fly fishing tomorrow. It's not as much fun," she told him.
"I've never done that," he replied.
"Well, if you're interested, it's an early morning trip. We meet here at six," she told him. "If you want, we also do a three day overnight this weekend."
"That could be fun. Can I get a fly-fishing pole?" he asked her.
"I'll bring an extra one and the gear you'll need. After that though, you'll need to get your own stuff," she told him.
"Brilliant. I'll see you at six," he told her. "Oh, wait, I never paid or anything today."
"Don't worry about it for now. I'll talk to Ben and Uncle XXXX," she told him.
"Uhm, sure," Harry said. When he turned to walk back to the hotel, he was found he was looking forward to tomorrow.
-oOo-
End