21/9/95

Fudge was not Happy.

His backer, Lucius Malfoy had demanded that he use every asset at his command to find and bring Black and Potter back to England. He was mum as to why, but he shut his purse , and swore that it and all purses that he could influence would be denied the pudgey Minister, until they were back on English soil.

Delores was next to useless. She had burned every bridge with her style of Politics and 'Personal Connecting'. Between her Prejudice, her short sightedness and her…

Well… Her.

Her face looked like she was half toad.

Her voice was so sweet, soft and childlike…

And then there was the Pink!

Albus, His second most helpful Advisor… was not an option. He had spent the last three months doing everything that he could do to trash Albus and Dethrone the King in the Shadows. Even if Albus would take his Floo… and he would too. And he would perverbly pat Corny on the head, console him, and then spend the rest of his term as Minister, reminding him of how Albus took him back under his wing.

With Black out of the Nation, his Accounts are Locked down, as are Potter's.

Not paying Taxes, as they are no longer wanted in the Nation, by the Nation. But they are still collecting money as they did own the land that half of Magical Britain is built on.

He had just gotten back from the ICW where he pleaded before the Congregation of Mugwumps for them to find the Lad and the Lord that he disappeared with. There was even a mention that a First Generation Witch had joined them, and her Parents were not told that she was not attending Hogwarts that year. And the Ministry was trying to keep the Non-Magicals out of it.

They very carefully avoided the word Kidnapping, as the Witch was, by now anyhow, of the Age of Consent.

The Congregation agreed to spread word among their contacts that Black, Potter, and Granger were wanted in England.

When He returned to the Ministry, he found Bones on a WarPath, and Delores in the Cells for Muggle Baiting and attempted murder. Three of his Guard, Aurors often accompanied him on his jaunts about Britain, where in St Mungo's having survived after Major Granger had defended his Homework from an invasion force.

Bones had the Granger place under surveillance, and they had called for back up when they saw Delores.

Turned out, thinking her plan to silence Potter had worked, Delores thought she could silence the Muggles, and the young witch. She had no idea that the girl's Father was the Muggle version of a Hit Wizard on the level of Moody. The only reason she was not harmed was when the Aurors breached the Threshold, she was at the back. At the sound of the first 'bang', she had fled and left the men on the ground bleeding.

The Man, the Major of the SAS Major, retired, had seen just he had shot, told them, next time, just knock, and show them the warrant. The Dragonhide robes that they wore had stopped most of the shot, but as their robes were open to allow for better movement, there was bodily harm, blood, and it took a half blood Healer to remove the little round pellets.

He nursed his Ogden's classic.

HPEA

1/10/95

It had taken nearly everything in Fudge's slush fund, but he had bought Delores enough rope to hang herself… and he had sent her to Hogwarts to find anything that might give him proof that Dumbledore was plotting against him, or If anyone knew where Potter was.

He Granted her the Power of the Grand Inquisitor.

Now she would either unearth the truth, or Burn herself at the Stake. Either way she was out of his Hands.

Or so he thought.

HPEA

31/10/95

Hermione sat on her desk chair, as she chewed the butt of her pen.

It had been two days since she and her class had gone on the Camping trip.

All the females loved the fact that the Tent was more Japanese Inn than English manor. It even had a 'Natural' hot spring bath. The Girls in the Class had pushed past Harry and drug Hermione inside, locked the Door, and began the Ritual Bath and Gossip season. Even the Female that was Watching Rin was in the Bath. The Hussy had even comiderred a private room. Harry objected to her getting the Mistress Suite, as that was Hermione's. His Suite was on the other side of the Inn.

When the kids inquired about room availability, Harry said no.

"This is about Camping." Harry grinned. "If anything happens and we can only take one tent with us, then yes, rooms will become available. Until then, you get to enjoy the comforts you carried up here."

Dinner that night was curry, cooked By Rin, and Shura-Sempi was drinking beer.

Then they had their 'little' test.

Then Shiemi was infected with a demon-moth.

Then The Earth King attacked and Rin went berserk.

Rin had run him off, but at the cost of his sword. And was put down, to face judgment of the Holy Church.

Bon and everyone had gone to Kyoto to repair the sword.

Harry was Dueling Black and Lupin in the training room. Two Wands versus Potter.

Dobby puttering about as Crook and Hedwig were out Hunting. She had finished writing to her folks. She did so every weekend. She had trained Hedwig to deliver the letter to the mailbox at the post office. She purposely did not include a return address, and explained that she was enjoying Tokyo, and she was hiding from certain people. And the people in question just had to be in the same room to glean the required information. She should be back to London in June, and then She and Harry would answer all of their questions.

She looked out the window, down on the City down below. Tomorrow, She and Kamiki were going shopping for fitted Kimonos. She found the Gata Sandals were a comfortable answer to flip-flops. She planned on dragging Harry along to get one as well. The image of Harry dressed as Samurai brought a smirk to her face. She could just see it. Lord Potter, Samurai, in his hat, sandals, with a sword in hand and Dobby in a matching…

She spun to look into the center of the room. "Dobby. I have Need of you."

"How can Dobby be of service?" the Elf appeared in the middle of the room. They had come to an arrangement. He was allowed to serve his Family (She could hear him muttering about Master Harry when no human could hear) and he would come to her if there was anything that Harry could not do for him.

"I noticed the Coat." She began slowly.

Dobby was pleased with the Coat. While She and Harry wore the student uniform, Dobby wore a coat that looked like Okumura-Sensei's… at least at first glance.

The Rank badge was missing, as was the Class badge.

Dobby primped his lapels.

"I am getting Harry a kimono, and was thinking of getting you one as well. Would my giving you one affect your bond in any way?" She smiled gently at the Elf. "I am going to be dragging him into Town tomorrow.

"Why give Dobby clothes?" the floppy ears flapped as the head turned sideways.

"So Dobby can match his Master when he escorts me out to the festivals. In truth, Harry should have three to five. They are a symbol of rank and station. Harry can even carry on his Exorcist duties in a Kimono, and his Elf should have a matching one."

Dobby nodded.

"Besides, Most Robes of this Style have the Clan Emblem stitched into the back panel. So when you wear yours, Everyone will know that you are Potter's Elf."

"Dobby want!" and the little guy vanished, the last thing she saw was his grin.

HPEA

Harry dove over the tickling charm from Moony, as he swatted the hair charm from Padfoot at the werewolf.

The Night before the trip, was a Full Moon, and the two canines were spending the next day recovering from their run. One was sore from the hassle of the Change, and the other was worn out from running and wrestling with other canines.

So today, they were putting Harry through his paces.

While Harry could have used the Wooden ring as a Wand, he was wanting to learn to fight with more than just point and shoot.

Besides he was working on using the flying ring as an Orbital Strike Weapon. He first had to train them to avoid the disc-ring, before he could sting them from behind.

As his off hand touched the floor, he guided his fall into a forward roll, coming to his feet, only to throw his weapon at Moony's head. Of course the werewolf sidestepped the disc, only to step into the ricochet. The Wolf was down, and the chakram was on the floor nearby. Harry backed-flipped over the stinging hex, as he summoned the wooden ring to his hand. As the heavy wood slapped into his palm, He allowed his legs to collapse as disarming charm passed through his chest, or rather where his chest was a second ago. He continued to roll backwards. As he came to one knee, he flung the ring at Black's knees, only to take a stinging hex to the center of his back over the heart.

"And I'm Dead." Harry resummoned the ring, tripping Sirius as he poised Victoriously.

"Do you know what you did wrong?" The werewolf was rubbing his crown.

"I didn't confirm that you were dead before turning my back on you." Harry summoned a water bottle and towel from the bench. "I got Cocky like my Dogfather, and ignored the Wolf at my back." He draped the towel about his neck as he stopped his water.

"How did you know that I was going to step into the rebound?" Lupin asked as he wet a towel and chilled it, before placing it on the back of his head.

"You always step that way when you have the choice." Harry grinned. "But I can guide it some what, so the second you avoided it, you were taking the hit. I threw it hard enough to put you down, but not kill you." He then frowned, "Next time, I will throw it at Padfoot instead."

"Throw what?" Black was again on his feet.

Harry held up the ring. "Fetch!" And he chucked it across the Gym… over a hundred yards.

Sirius frowned, before the dog in him tore off after it, two steps later he was covered in black hair and running on four feet. When he returned to Harry and Lupin's side he spat out the ring, and returned to his human form. "Don't Do That!"

He handed the ring back to Harry as they walked to the nearest door and with a enter and turn of the brass key, the three of them were back in the Dorm.

Okubach was plating up the Lunch trays. Harry bumped fists with the guy after he yelled up the stairs to Hermione that Lunch was served. Taking his tray he joined the two adult wizards at the table.

Hermione and Crookshanks sauntered down the stairs. Hermione only Sauntered when she was thinking heavily about something else. It allowed her Cat out to play.

"I received a note from Ribshank this Morning." Lupin smiled at Lord Black. "It seems that a Warrant for the apprehension for Question and Inquiry of you two is in play. Also, he said something about Hogwarts was named as a Sanctuary during the time of the Triwizard Tournament. There is a Rumor that they are holding another one this year or next.

Harry smirked. "It's a good thing that we have moved out of England." Harry leaned his arms on the table. "Or I would be selected for that Death trap of a Blood Sport. I thought they were only allowed to be held every Four years by the Warlocks Council."

"How do you know about the Triwizard Tournament and the Warlock's Council?" Lupin asked.

"I was looking through 'Hogwarts, A History'." Harry smirked at Hermione. "There is a whole section on the History of the Games."

"Not in my copy!" Hermione was grouchy.

"I was reading a Copy from the Library. Printed circa 1750." Harry grinned. "When we go back, I will get you an older copy… one not so…edited.

The Orange Cat meowed, and looked expectantly at the Window. A bowl of fresh chopped tuna appeared on the counter. Harry wandlessly summoned it to hand, before placing it before the Orange Tom.

HPEA

Dusk was falling as Harry got a visitor.

A very tired Pig landed before Harry, a scroll clutched in his small talons. He did not so much land as collapse.

Harry had retired for the night and was finishing his homework for his classes.

So he was at his desk, with the window open to allow Hedwig to fly in and out as she needed or wanted.

Rin had bonded with Kuro, the two tailed demon cat, but Harry was watching him while Rin was on trial. Kuro still preferred to sleep in his 'Human's' bed.

Harry picked up the feathered ball, and removed the scroll. He carried the owl to his bookcase that he had made in the bunk he was not using. A discarded shirt, that Dobby had not grabbed yet, was used to make a nest, and Harry settled Pig into the nest. A cup of water was quickly set within reach, as were a handful of owl treats.

Harry returned to the desk to read the scroll.

Harry swore loudly, and headed for Hermione's room. Knocking on the door, he entered before she called for him to enter.

He caught her in her knickers as she was pulling his jersey from last year on. He was so angry that her half naked state did not phase him. "Here, you will want to read this."

Hermione read the note, before she hissed. Her ears popped up only to lay flat along her head. Her muzzle became more pronounced. Her lower legs shifted from human to feline. "We need to talk to Lupin."

She led the way to his room, and knocked then waited.

Lupin opened his door to see Kitty-Hermione swishing her tail in irritation.

Without a word, She thrust the scroll into his hand.

He read it. He growled, before turning and tossing the scroll to his roommate. "Okay, first things first. I have a new spell to teach you two." He entered his room and flicked his wand at Sirius's trunk and intoned [Pack].

Everything but the lazy wizard jumped into the large wooden box.

"That's it?" Hermione sneered, her fangs catching the light. "A flick and the word 'pack'?"

"It's one of the harder spells to cast because you need to picture everything that you want packed. And if you miss anything, you have to try again. It is also one of the spells that you can't undo once cast."

Harry nodded. "A neat spell. But I have a wandless one with a bit longer incantation." He grinned. "Dobby! Pack it in!"

"That's cheating." Hermione frowned at Harry. "You did nothing but tell your elf to do it for you."

"Yeah, but I didn't touch my wand." He smiled at her.

Hermione huffed before stomping off to her room to put on a skirt. She slid her PPK into the back of her waistband and grabbed her coat and messenger bag. "Dobby, mine too please." And everything including Crook was packed...

Harry stuck his head into Rin's room. "Hey Kuro. If Rin doesn't return, you are always welcome to come find me. I can't promise you saki, but saki is not everything. I can promise that we will find you something to please your palate."

Kuro yowled, and lashed his tails, but curled up to wait for his Human.

Everyone was quick to pack up and then head down to the Magic Plaza. Dobby had cheated. He packed everything but Harry's truck in the tent, and then packed the tent in Harry's trunk, which was shrunk and popped into Harry's pocket.

Hedwig was roosting in the shaped cherry tree over the Onsen hot tub. Pig was bundled in his shirt nest in 'Harry's' room. As Crook was in 'Hermione's'. Dobby was in the kitchen, cleaning the Cauldrons...again.

Harry, having finished his four sets of two, six shooters that magically cleaned themselves, and reloaded silver, ash, cold iron, and jade bullets, wore his battle rig. He then threw on a black trench coat with a lapel pin of the True Cross. On his shoulder was the badge for a Dragoon. His Chaukrum was under the coat, at the back of his neck. A pin denoted his rank as esSquire.

The three humans and a black Grim exited into the dusk, and headed into town.

Two hours later, they touched down in England…

HPEA

Director Bones had just clocked out, having emptied her in box (mostly by refiling half of it into the fire that powered her Floo) and filled her out box. She had emptied her coffee cup, and had thrown a pinch of Floo Powder into the flames when an unscheduled arrival alarm went off. She paused, for odds were she would be called to the Arrival Room.

She Hated it when she was Correct.

She entered the room to find half of her men on the floor, either knocked out, holding their heads, or their arms. The rest had their wands pointed at two wizards, a witch with cat features, and a… Grim.

"Padfoot?" Her first words.

The Grim barked and wagged his tail, before just looking at the Auror pointing a wand at the youngest Wizard.

"Stand down." Bones called out. "That's Harry Potter and his Familiar."

"And the Halfbreed?" A Pureblood from a minor house asked.

Potter flicked his wrist, and the loud mouth was hit in the head, before the item returned to the lad's hand. Now that she could see it, she recognised Shacklebolt's wooden ring. So that's where that went…where they went.

"Report!" She scanned the troops still standing. "Vance."

"When they arrived from abroad, unscheduled, we mobilized. There was no call to surrender or Identify. .When He recognised who it was, Yaxley yelled for us to open fire. The Witch and Werewolf threw up 'protegos' as the hit wizard moved. I never saw what he threw, but it only hit those who were firing at the other two." She turned to look at a body behind Bones. "Avery was not as lucky. After his stunner and bludger were rebuffed, and the rest were hit… he started to say 'Avra-'. Potter did not like that. When he threw the something at Avery, Avery's wand arm fell off as did his head."

"Director Bones." Lupin held up a scroll.

"Let me see that." A flick of her wand and the scroll was in her hand. She unrolled it, and read it. Then she frowned… "and this is why you returned?"

"It is." Harry snarled, "I got that about two hours ago, from a very tired owl. I don't know how long he was flying, but I know he can catch up to the Express."

"Potter, Fall in." Bones ordered. "I am rolling out. Vance, you're with me. Jones you too. The rest of you get everyone to a medi-witch. Dawlish, cleaned up Avery. Only reason you are still standing is you never got your wand out."

Harry, and his group fell in when Bones turned and stalked out. As they arrived at a large Floo, Bones snapped her wand and the flames turned green, as she ducked in, she yelled out three words that Harry and Hermione did not hear. Padfoot scooted forward and followed her into the green fire. Lupin dropped a heavy paw on each shoulder of the youths before him, and pushed them through, he was a step behind. The two senior Aurors were a step behind him.

HPEA

They exited into McGonagall's Office.

As Harry spotted her Muggle black cat wall clock, its eyes and tail tick-tocking the seconds away. Harry remembered the Prim Witch smiling softly at it when he was called before her desk. It was a gift from his mother. She had enchanted it to never lose more than a minute per year, and to run until the Day McGonagall would die.

It also read as ten minutes into Dinner.

Bones smiled. "Now we need to bring the Bitch Down. I also need her to confess if she is acting under orders, or just being an ambitious Umbitch." she pointed at Lupin. "As a registered Werewolf, she will verbally assault you. As she will Miss Granger. And Mister Potter, she thinks, is weak and defenseless. I need it loud, and showy. Nothing lethal. And keep the maiming to a minimum."

"Malfoy most likely will be broken." Harry snarled. "And I will only use lethal strikes if someone starts with lethal strikes." he stood at the centre of the doors. "Places. Padfoot, Heel. Wands out…" He kicked the doors in.

"Honey, I'm Home!"

TBC