In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 9: Weekend
Harry landed Friday afternoon in Gia's bedroom. He put the portkey and wand onto the backpack that was on his bed when he heard it.
KABOOM!
Harry went out of the bedroom, where smoke was pouring out of Andy's bedroom. Harry coughed, when Andy came out, on her hands and knees.
"What the fuck?!" Harry stammered.
"Where's that dick?" Andy asked, she went for the stairs, her shirt and shorts were singed.
Harry went down the stairs.
"DIE!" Andy shouted at Richard.
Richard was starkers, hazel eyes glaring at Andy; but backed into a corner of the living room.
"I hate you!" Richard barked.
"ANDREA! RICHARD!" Kristen shouted as she came down the spiral stairs, dressed in her Police uniform.
"How am I to make anything if she's destroying it all!" Richard stammered.
"Where's Gia?" Harry asked.
"Downstairs," Richard said as Kurt came into the house.
"What did I miss?" Kurt asked, unfastening the top of his firefighter uniform.
"Upstairs, into your bedrooms," Kristen said, "Your father and I will discuss sanctions, understood?"
Harry went down the steps, into the basement. Jen and Gia were over by the workbench, Harry went over. On the bench, the green boards were broken, bits busted off.
"I take it this is what started today's fight?" Harry asked.
"Richard spent a year on this project," Jen said, "Ant destroyed it in minutes."
"I'm guessing the hike's off then?" Harry said.
"Depends on their parents, now, doesn't it?" Jen said.
"Hey, come up!" Kristen shouted down the stairs.
Harry, Jen, and Gia, went back over, back up, into the living room. Richard was standing nearby, still starkers. Kurt was leaning back against the wall near the cold fireplace; Andy was sitting on the stair.
"Richard, Andy, you are both on restriction until further notice," Kristen said.
"She destroyed—" Richard started.
"Who lit off the smoke bombs in Andrea's bedroom?" Kristen said, "I'd like nothing better than you two to shake hands, make up, and be civilized to each other, but that's not going to happen, is it?"
"Stop him from beating me up," Andy said.
"Because the separation will give us some peace," Kristen said, "Richard's going on his little hike with his friends."
Richard's face lit up.
"You will be on restriction when you get back," Kristen said, "Understood?"
"Yes," Richard said.
"Good, get your things, Kurt will drive you," Kristen said.
Harry and Gia, Jen, went for the stairs.
"Best to stay out of my bedroom until the exterminators have a chance," Richard said.
Harry and Gia entered her bedroom.
"I thought Dudley was mean," Harry said, grabbing the backpack.
"Sorry about that," Richard said, entering the bedroom.
"Dressing light?" Gia asked.
"Ant got a lice colony," Richard said, "All of my clothes, my sheets, even my mattress have to be burned."
"And your sleeping bag?" Gia asked.
"Luckily downstairs," Richard said, "I already packed before she…"
Harry filled Hedwig's dish with food.
"Only a couple of days this time," Harry said to the bird as he stroked her feathers, "See you later."
Harry cracked the window open, Hedwig hooted before she left.
"Doesn't Snuffles have a dish?" Richard asked.
"That's a bloody good idea!" Harry said, "Bet he'd enjoy that."
Gia held Richard's shoulder by the side as him and her went back out, down the stairs.
"Don't give Harry ideas, it's a bit of a strain on Snuffles," Gia said.
"Snuffles needs food," Richard said.
"Snuffles feeds himself," Gia said, "Probably going for the bangers or the steak if you leave that in the refrigerator."
Snuffles growled a bit from the floor.
"He heard you," Richard said, "How does Snuffles like his steaks?"
"Not sure, haven't asked," Gia said, "Whatever you do, don't mention leashes to Harry."
"Snuffles is so…funny," Richard said.
Harry and Jen came down the stairs.
"Hey," Harry said to Snuffles, "Small hike with Gia and them, I can manage. Keep Hedwig company."
"Got anything Richard can borrow to wear?" Kurt asked Harry.
"I'm fine Dad," Richard said.
"Are you going to put anything on?" Kurt asked Richard.
"Just get him out of the house," Kristen stated.
They left the house.
Saturday morning, Ron woke in his dormitory, on his four poster. He went over, stood in front of one of the windows, looked out. He glanced over to the Forbidden Forrest, realized that Hermione was becoming stressed, which is why she acted the way she did the previous evening, and the idea came to him fast. Quickly, he put on a shirt and trousers, and ran out of the dormitory.
Ron nearly ran for the girl's stairs, but stopped as Hermione was sitting at a table, reading.
"What crazy idea do you have now?" Hermione snapped.
"A good one," Ron said, "Bring a book or two if you want."
"Oh," Hermione said, "Action in the library now?"
"We'll do that tomorrow," Ron promised as he extended a hand, had his smug grin on his face, "Come on."
Hermione slung the bookbag onto her shoulder, stashed the book that she was reading into it, and got up. They left Gryffindor Tower.
Ron tickled the pear on the portrait, on the floor below the Great Hall, entered the kitchen.
"Dobby!" Ron said.
"Dobby is pleased to help!" said the House Elf that appeared before them.
"We're going outside for a little picnic, for the day," Ron said, "We'd need—"
Dobby snapped his fingers, handed over a basket.
"Dobby worried it could be a cold day," Dobby said.
"We're not that thick," Ron said, "Thank you."
Ron carried the basket out of the Kitchen; Hermione followed.
"A picnic?" Hermione asked.
Ron climbed the steps up, went through the door, and walked out of the castle.
"Figured it to be a good idea," Ron said.
"Not bad," Hermione said, "Though we're heading for the Forbidden Forest! Does the word Forbidden register in your brain?"
"No witnesses then," Ron said, "If there's one thing I've learned, you don't care for people witnessing us together, unless it's Harry, so, the Forbidden Forest it is!"
They entered the forest, worked their way to the pond a short ways in, the pond that Hermione had admitted to being her favorite in the previous term. Mist floated in the air under the cold overcast sky above.
"We always come here," Hermione said.
"Not too late to go for the Shrieking Shack," Ron said.
"Years ago, I'd have turned you in," Hermione said, "Funny how things change."
They sat against a log on the bank, faced the water.
"Suppose Harry's doing his thing," Hermione said.
"With those damn rumors about him?" Ron said, "He deserves the break. Fortunately, things can't get really any worse."
Ron turned his attention to Hermione, for most of the day; shedding clothes, and consuming the picnic basket.
Their clothes were still on the ground next to them late into the afternoon as the evening threatening to start, though their small fire kept the approaching darkness at bay.
"Good thing you're not Prefect," Ron said.
"How dare you think I'm not qualified!" she snapped.
"You're qualified and capable," Ron said, grin on his face, "That's the problem, as Prefect, you'd have to report me."
"Trying to be a bastard?" Hermione asked.
"Yep," Ron said.
Ron slipped into her, exploring.
"Hello?" came the voice, footsteps approached.
Ron stopped, the surprise made him fling all the way back onto his butt, hands to the ground.
"Who—?" Ron asked
"Funny spot to sleep," Neville said, barefoot, in just a T–shirt and white briefs, "Your room?"
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. Ron stood, approached Neville.
"Are you alright Neville?" Ron asked.
Neville kept his gaze, off into the distance, his eyes glazed over, but groaned as he rubbed his head with his hand.
"NEVILLE!" Ron shouted.
"Oi," Neville said, "Funny what you've done to your bed, have you redecorated?"
Hermione was already dressed, a bit disorganized from her panic.
"Neville, where are you?" Hermione asked.
Ron took advantage, dressed himself.
"Dunno," Neville said, rubbing his own shoulder.
"What's your name?" Ron asked.
"Ne…Nev…Longbutt," Neville said.
Ron ran his hand through Neville's dark hair, came to a small patch hastily cut short in the back.
"Missing hair," Ron said, "Come on, we're heading to the Hospital Wing."
Ron ran his arm around Neville, they walked along. Hermione grabbed the picnic basket, her bookbag, and followed.
"Weird spot, already have breakfast?" Neville said, "You got a headache too?"
"We've got you," Ron said, "Not too much further."
"Breakfast date!" Neville exclaimed, "Ready for Charms? Fifteen minutes—"
"It's Saturday," Ron said as they left the Forbidden Forest, "No class today."
"No, it's Friday," Neville corrected.
"Don't worry, just a bit further to get the answers," Ron said.
They went through the doors, entered, and went up to the first floor, into the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey came over.
"Please," Madam Pomfrey said.
Ron put Neville onto the bed.
"Found him outside," Ron said, "Seemed very disorientated and confused."
"Five points to Gryffindor," Madam Pomfrey said, drawing the curtain around the bed, "I'll handle this from here."
Ron left that bed.
"Ron! Hermione!"
Gia, waved at them while wearing Ron's bathrobe; next to her was the heavily bandaged Harry laying on it. Ron towered over the bed, looked down at Harry, mostly covered with the blanket; though his right leg was out, wrapped tightly.
"For somebody who despises Hospitals," Ron said, "You're a frequent visitor."
Green eyes glared at Ron's blue.
"What happened?" Hermione asked.
"Slight disagreement with some rocks," Harry said, looking at Hermione, "I'll be alright."
"Trivial," Gia said, clearly trying to help keep Harry's sense of pride, "Tiny broken leg, fractured vertebrae, some lacerations, and several other trivial things."
"Did you two have a nice day?" Harry asked, his eyes on the picnic basket that Hermione was still carrying, "Any action?"
Hermione glared.
"Neville crashed it," Ron said.
"I wasn't expecting him to join you," Harry said.
"Not that you twat!" Ron said, before he explained.
"That is odd," Harry said, "But it's Neville too."
"Well, what are we going to do?" Hermione asked.
"Let Harry bang Gia, right here," Ron said, "We'll close the screens, act as—"
Harry began to glare.
"What?!" Harry exclaimed.
"As a Professor, I have the right and duty to check," Professor Lupin said as he entered, came over to Harry, "So the rumors are true."
"It's nothing," Harry said.
"You are in a Hospital bed," Professor Lupin said.
"Careful," Ron said, his eyes studying the professor, "Do NOT harass him for seeking these services here."
Ron and Lupin locked eyes, while Harry's bottle green darted between the pair.
"Pomfrey said—" Harry said.
"That is Madam Pomfrey—one point," Professor Lupin said, his eyes now on Harry, "Don't get me wrong, I am happy that you came in, however, I'd still would like to know why."
"Freak accident," Harry said, "Some rocks fell. It's normally a safe place to be."
"We came immediately," Gia said, before giving a partial explanation.
"Do you have any idea the seriousness of the situation?" Lupin sat down on a stool. "This time you were lucky—what if you were permanently knocked out? They'd—"
"As happened during the summer," Ron said, "Muggles would—"
"A patient is trying to rest!" Madam Pomfrey rounded around the corner, pointing to Ron, Hermione, and Gia. "Professor Lupin, can you have a look at something?"
Later, Ron headed for the Great Hall, for dinner. As he passed the Hospital Wing, Neville came out.
"Hi Ron," Neville said, "I'm starving."
They went down the steps, entered. It was clear from the nearly empty dishes that they were toward the end of dinner, that most of the other students had already ate. Neville and Ron sat across from each other at the Gryffindor Table. Ron grabbed at the ham, put it onto a plate.
"Did they figure out what happened?" Ron asked.
"Big mystery," Neville said, piling on some of the hash, "Madam Pomfrey found Veritaserum in me, while Professor Dumbledore thinks I had a Memory Charm—like I really needed that."
"It is weird," Ron said, hoping Hermione could figure it out.
Harry woke late Sunday morning, yawned.
"Good, you're awake," Madam Pomfrey said, coming over, "I'll check you once more."
"You're always checking!" Harry grumbled.
"Humor me Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, getting out her wand.
"And?" Harry asked as she waved her wand about him.
"All better," Madam Pomfrey said, "Hagrid stopped by while you were asleep, offered tea."
"Thanks," Harry said as he started for the door, still wearing the hospital pajamas.
Bare foot after bare foot on the marble, Harry went out of the castle. He stayed just off the path, slipping his feet between the blades of the grass; which started as worn but became more lush as he came to Hagrid's Hut.
Knock! Knock!
"Been wondering if yeh forgot where I live," Hagrid said, "Won't tell them a patient's missing. Come in."
Harry came into Hagrid's Hut. Gia, Ron, and Hermione were already sitting around the table; Fang was laying beneath their bare feet. Harry went for Gia, wrapped his arms around her, kissed.
"Hagrid's a teacher," Ron said to Harry, "Don't bang her in front of him."
Hermione shook her head.
"Mind giving Harry a moment to bang?" Ron asked Hagrid.
"I'm fine," Harry said, sitting next to Gia. She rested her hand against the crotch of his pajamas, felt inward. Fang sniffed at Harry's feet. "Better than fine, now. These pajamas…tried sleeping in them? They itch, they even tugged at my hair when I slept, unless that was you." He glanced at Gia's face.
"Your Madam Pomfrey kept tossing me out!" Gia exclaimed.
Hagrid poured tea, passed the cups around. Gia started to work at the treacle fudge with her right hand.
"I told you she doesn't take kindly to that sort of behavior—" Hermione started.
"Harry's got a right to it!" Ron said, "Banging is the best medicine there is!"
"She knows yeh well?" Hagrid asked Harry.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Really well," Ron said, "Made him a real wizard."
"Ron!" Hermione snapped.
"Well, she did," Ron said, "Like you made me one too."
Hermione glared.
"How was yer holiday?" Hagrid asked.
"Mmm…mmm…" Gia mumbled, her jaw remaining closed.
"Oh!" Harry exclaimed, seeing her hand with treacle fudge, "Just relax."
Harry brought his mouth to hers, his tongue moved in, licked at where the fudge had cemented her mouth shut.
"Have a piece," Ron said as he handed Hermione a bit of the treacle fudge.
"As if," Hermione said.
"We had a wonderful time Hagrid," Ron said before he started to delve into the details of their trip.
Harry had worked the rest of the fudge from Gia's mouth, her mouth could move, but it remained. They swapped teacups, listening, filling in, as Ron told the tale until they reached Charlie's and the Dragon Colony when Hagrid's face lit up.
"Yeh saw dragons?" Hagrid asked, "How's Norbert?"
"Norbert was there," Ron said.
"Does he remember yeh?" Hagrid asked.
"Think so," Ron said.
Harry looked at Ron.
"I think Norbert's the one that charged us," Ron whispered into Harry's ear.
"Dragons are magnificent," Gia said, "Almost as much as Harry." Harry blushed.
They all chatted for most of the day. They worked to cover the remainder of the holiday including the events after their trip. By early evening, the topic shifted to the dragons Hagrid wanted for class.
"Nothing teaches better an trying to raise te creatures," Hagrid said, "Especially Dragons."
"It would be nice to raise them," Ron said, "Though your hut is not the best location."
Hermione scowled at Ron, Harry smirked.
"At least a field trip teh see em," Hagrid said, "Most only seen them during the Tournament."
"That didn't do them justice," Harry said, "Most of the time they don't behave like that." Harry sipped at his tea, Hagrid beamed for a moment.
"They only get hostile when yeh try teh bully em like any good creature would," Hagrid said, "Bullying is the first thing most wizards attempt to do with a dragon."
"What has Dumbledore said?" Ron asked.
"Haven't asked him yet," Hagrid said, "I need things worked out firs'."
"See?" Ron whispered into Harry's ear.
"Well, for dragon eggs, we could ask Charlie," Hermione said, "To raise them, we need to be able to corral them."
"You, like … have this big stone castle," Gia said, "There's gotta be at least one room you could use."
Hagrid smiled at Gia.
"Sure, Hogwarts can host a lot of dragons," Ron said, "Good for the winter months, it does get a bit cold in there."
Harry felt the arousal, Gia's hand still on his crotch.
"Um…" Harry said, "Best be going."
Harry didn't feel like asking Hagrid for permission to bang Gia right there, instead, best to get Gia home first.
"Yeah," Ron said, picking up on Harry's vibe, "They ought to be serving dinner about now."
"Come 'gain," Hagrid said, "Nearly dark."
"We will," Hermione said.
They left.
By that evening, Harry and Gia returned to the bedroom in Noigate; shouting came from outside the bedroom door. Harry and Gia glanced at each other; Gia shrugged.
"Why the fuck—" Andy shouted.
"And your—" Richard yelled, cutting Andy off.
"did you lock—" Andy retorted as she returned the favor.
"concern is—" Richard shouted.
"their DOOR!?" Andy shouted.
Harry jiggled the knob, found it to be indeed, locked. Gia sat on the bed.
"SO?!" Richard exclaimed.
Harry disengaged the lock.
"KEYS for your thieving accomplices—!" Andy snapped.
Harry sighed as he opened the door. "Mind keeping it—?!"
"See?!" Richard pointed at Harry.
Harry eyes darted between the two; he quickly surmised their readiness for bed given Andy's knickers and Richard's boxers.
"Headline—ASSHOLE's ASSHOLE SPEAKS!" Andy snapped.
"Jackass!" Richard snapped.
Richard went for Gia's door; Andy lunged and ripped off Richard's boxers.
"Careful you arse kiss—" Richard yelled.
Andy kicked from behind Richard, her foot came up swift, and got him right in the—
"Oww—" Richard tumbled into Gia's room, laid on the floor on his back, while he clutched his—
"Bloody bullocks!" Harry exclaimed as he closed the door.
Richard locked the door. Harry grabbed his wand.
"Can't escape—!" Andy banged on the door.
A small spark from the wand, a black mark on the door as the curse passed through onto Andy.
"Shit!" Andy slammed the bathroom door shut.
"Ta," Richard said as he moaned for another minute.
"Her bloody fetish!" Harry said.
Harry reached down, grabbed Richard's hand, pulled him up.
"Hey," Richard said, "Mum was furious about Saturday, best talk to her before you two bang, like right now."
"Hogwarts was quicker," Harry said.
"Try explaining it to her!" Richard said.
Harry snorted.
"I know you did right," Richard said, "They're not convinced, it'd do them good to see you."
Harry sighed, knew Richard was right, and went out of the bedroom. Richard went to his bedroom as Harry went down the stairs.
"So the rumor is true," Kristen said. She laid a novel on the side of her easy chair. "You are alive."
"Yeah," Harry said, coming near her.
Harry sat on the sofa facing her, his bare feet rubbed Snuffle's belly.
"How Richard managed to cover up, I don't know," Kristen said, "Jen was hysterical. I got that rocks crashed down, nearly killed you, yet you apparently insisted on splitting up, taking off without them, a supposedly broken leg, but it now seems all better."
"As you can see," Harry said, "I'm fine now."
"In every other similar case I've heard of, it's a search and rescue," Kristen said, "With a corpse being a rather frequent occurrence."
"Would you have heard about it if the case went the other way?" Harry said, "I knew my choices, and I took the one that got me to medical attention the fastest."
"How?" Kristen said, "It was serious enough to worry Jen, and in my experience, the sanest option would've been to stay put while she or Richard went for help."
"Didn't think I'd worry her that much," Harry said.
"Jen does, it's one reason she and Richard click," Kristen said, "I do want to know how you made it out, both personally and professionally."
"I just managed it, that's all!" Harry said, " I do have school tomorrow, so can I go now?"
Kristen studied Harry for a moment, clearly debating.
"I suppose I'm going to have to trust you, especially as you're now an adult, with the responsibilities of being an adult," Kristen said, "However, do understand that I do care about those living under this roof, I've let Gia and you into my heart.
"Good night," Harry said as he stood up.
Snuffles followed Harry up the stairs, into the bedroom, where Gia was now on her back, feet toward the door. Hedwig hooted as Harry pushed the door until it was nearly closed, but he turned around to the bed, and Sirius was standing there.
"Sirius," Harry said.
"I'd like to know too," Sirius said, "I can hear just fine as Snuffles."
"Was going to tell you, honestly," Harry said, "We went to the Hospital Wing."
Sirius took a moment as Harry climbed onto the bed; Harry straddled Gia.
"Sane, but in front of muggles?" Sirius said, "These muggles seem smart enough to catch onto things!"
"It was only a small scratch," Gia said.
"Nothing is small or minor with you Harry," Sirius said, "Everything is significant."
Harry shook his head.
"You may want to be average," Sirius said, "You're not—"
"What…?!" Richard stammered as he came quickly through the door.
Harry moved fast, leaned back against the door, wand in hand. Sirius froze, but returned the look to Richard. Color drained from Richard's face, his wide hazel eyes were fixed and glazed.
"You're…you're…" Richard muttered.
"I was about to bang Gia, but that evidently has to wait," Harry grumbled.
"A memory charm would be in order," Sirius said.
"No!" Harry said, "We'll explain—though—" Harry put his wand against Richard's stomach "Don't do anything hasty."
"Are you mad?" Sirius exclaimed to Harry.
"Would you mind?" Richard said, "Mum'd freak out if she knew the number one most wanted criminal is in her house!"
"Keep your cool," Harry said, pulling the wand away from Richard, "I don't want to risk a Memory Charm even though you did see me use the Portkey."
"There is a reason for the secrecy decrees," Sirius said.
"It was an accident," Harry said.
"Given this family forgets to knock," Sirius said dryly, "Strong defense there—"
"Just sit, both of you," Harry said.
Richard and Sirius sat on the foot of the bed.
"Mum's not just any police officer," Richard said, "Hosting him isn't favorable to the career for a chief of police!"
"So don't tell her!" Harry said. He explained, delved into the affairs of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. "Sirius Black is innocent, totally innocent, and my godfather. Can I please bang now?"
Richard choked for a moment.
"Tops Ant's shoplifting," Richard said, "Still, you let him in!"
Harry sighed. He groaned. "Sirius is Snuffles, literally." Harry explained the Animagus transformation.
"Tall tale," Richard said as he snorted.
Sirius transformed. Snuffles sniffed at Richard's bollocks.
"Now that's just not right," Harry said.
"Can you hurry up?" Gia asked, patting at Harry's buttocks.
"I don't get it," Richard said, "With your emancipation—this isn't right!"
" And list him as my legal guardian?" Harry asked, "Are you mad?! Blimey!"
"Sirius is here for my protection," Gia said, "Some wizards want to murder Harry."
"We've got nasty wizards, ones who'd want to see Harry here, dead," Sirius said, "Gia would make for an excellent hostage, to lure Harry in."
"Mum's important!" Richard said, "She could assign—"
"This is out of her league," Sirius said.
Knock! Knock!
"At least somebody knocks," Sirius whispered before he transformed.
"Richard, Gia," Jen shouted, "Can I come in?"
"Swear!" Harry pointed at Richard, "Swear you'll tell nobody."
"I swear," Richard replied.
"That includes Jen," Harry said, "Don't tell her either."
"I swear!" Richard exclaimed.
"Good," Harry said, "Lemme have some peace with Gia!"
Richard opened the door, Jen came in.
"Oh," Jen said, to Harry, "You look well."
"As you can see, he's doing quite fine," Richard said.
"No broken leg?" Jen asked.
"Does it look broken?" Richard asked.
"No," Jen said.
"Clearly he has full drive," Richard said, "He looks okay."
"He's got school tomorrow too," Gia said.
"Oh, oh, sorry," Jen said, "Like your bird."
Jen stroked a couple of Hedwig's feathers.
"Harry and Gia want to—my bedroom before my Mum catches on," Richard said.
"Yeah," Jen said.
Richard and Jen left the bedroom; Richard closed the door. Harry began to strip his pajamas off and climbed into bed.
"You know," Gia said, "You could lock the door, avoid these accidents."
"Guess I'm trusting type," Harry said; he yawned.
Gia moved, sat on his stomach.
"You're either totally trusting or distrusting to the extreme," Gia said, "Great for us or your friends like Ron and Hermione, but lousy for defense and precautions. I've heard it stated in those defense classes I went to—constant vigilance is the principal lesson. So practice it and lock the damn door! This should be your escape as you want it to be, but you need to protect it. Snuffles helps, but we all must work to protect it. Remember, we've got the local Police Chief in the next bedroom, she'd kick us out if she figured out Snuffles. Promise you'll do this!"
"Alright, alright!" Harry struggled for a moment, wrenched out from beneath her, rolled off the bed. He went past Hedwig's approving eyes, locked the door, turned off the lights, and climbed back onto the bed.