In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 76: Contracts
Hermione woke to light smashing from upstairs early Wednesday morning, heard footsteps. She remained laying there, on the sofa in the living room, on top of Ron's back. His shoulder blades, the red hair on the turned head, snoring into the pillow. Hermione wrapped her arms around his torso, fingers traced the path of hair from his naval, and she hoped he'd learn.
More footsteps upstairs, Hermione wondered. Hermione stood, went up the stairs, where Gia held a brassiere up before her in the lavatory.
"Getting dressed?" Hermione asked. She closed the door.
"Ginny's present, I think," Gia said.
Hermione glanced at the fine mesh. Gia put her arms in.
"Girl's day out?" Gia suggested.
"Sure," Hermione said.
Hermione stepped into the bathtub, turned on the shower. Afterwards, she went to Gia's bedroom.
"Going somewhere?" Harry asked.
"The mall," Gia said as she slung her purse strap over her shoulder, "Bit of shopping."
"It's got a decent bookstore," Hermione said.
"What about—?" Harry started.
"I am a witch," Hermione stated.
Harry got up, stood, and hugged Gia.
"Be careful," Harry stated.
Harry kissed Gia.
"Boys," Hermione muttered.
Gia led the way, when fur brushed against Hermione's ankles. Hermione bent down, picked up Crookshanks, and petted him.
"Girls day," Hermione said as she carried the cat over to Ron still on the sofa, "Ron'll give you all the attention you want, despite being a silly boy."
"Hermione!" Ron said.
Hermione released Crookshanks onto Ron's stomach.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
Hermione turned around, left the house with Gia.
Later, it was mild for a winter day, the few rays of sunshine brought welcome warmth to Hermione as they walked past WH Smith. A blue car drove past them.
"I do love Ron," Hermione said, "But he's…I don't get him."
They stopped at the door to Orchard Books; Gia's blue eyes aimed toward Hermione, though her fingers held the door open.
"He knew Harry needed cheer after Monday," Gia said, "And it was a nice party."
Gia entered the bookstore, Hermione followed. Gia went through books of the aisle.
"Ron…" Hermione glanced at What a Boy Wants. "Obvious, it's getting through his thick skull."
Gia pulled out several science fiction books.
"Could hold Harry hostage," Gia said, "Of course, he'd likely pop along shortly. That's normal?"
Hermione gave a bit of thought, though her finger went past Boys for Dummies.
"Redundant," Hermione said, "Ron…he cursed Harry sick, too long to be a prank. Maybe a first."
Hermione glanced at Gia, standing there, fingers that skimmed over a couple of books.
"Ron mentioned Harry didn't take that sniper very well," Gia said, "Guessing Ron thought it best." Gia held up the book, Einstein's Bridge. "Richard would like this."
"Grandiose gift," Hermione said, "Should look forward to Ron making me puke my brains out."
Gia turned for Hermione.
"Like that contract's great news!" Gia said.
"We all know why—" Hermione started.
"We needed the cake," Gia said.
Hermione threw up her arms.
"Like there's anything in here on dealing with an idiot boyfriend!" Hermione said, "Not even a Friendship for Dummies…though getting him to read it would be half the battle."
"Write it," Gia suggested.
Took Hermione a moment.
"That's not a bad idea," Hermione said.
"Picture of you and Quidditch," Gia said.
"Got that camera?" Hermione asked.
"At home," Gia said.
Gia went up to the counter. Hermione grabbed a pad of paper, and a pen; Gia took those, added those to the total. A bank note, and Gia placed the books into her purse. Hermione carried the paper and pen, left the bookstore.
"There," Gia said, pointed.
They entered the tea cafe. Hermione sat at a table, waited for Gia to carry over two mugs. Hermione put pen to the paper, waited.
"Before Harry shows up," Gia said.
Hermione studied those blue eyes.
"Doesn't Ron just appear out of thin air?" Gia asked.
Hermione shook her head.
"Uncommon," Hermione said, "Well, when we're older with a license, we can."
Hermione stared at the paper, considered the words.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Friendship Through the Ages
1. Do not curse your friends sick.
2. Give her needed attention.
3.
"Keep it to ten." Gia sipped her tea.
"Five," Hermione said, "They won't remember more."
Gia grabbed the pen, and the sheet, sketched a diagram of Ron blocking a goal in the upper right.
"You're good," Hermione said.
"Polaroid would be better," Gia said.
"Ron's such a prat." Hermione sipped at her tea. "Why'd I choose him?"
"Fixable," Gia said, "Already broken in?"
Both giggled.
"Suppose Ron proposed," Gia asked, "Would you accept?"
Hermione put her mug back down.
"Dunno," Hermione said, "He's nice and all, fun to be around. If I were drowning, he'd rescue me."
"But…" Gia started.
"He cursed Harry," Hermione said, "Wish Ron'd grow up."
"Know how boys are," Gia said.
Hermione imagined Ron standing there in front of her, his freckled face, the red hair .
"He's preoccupied with Harry," Hermione said, "Harry before me."
"Maybe Ron fancies Harry," Gia said.
"Funny how two wads of flesh changes things," Hermione said.
"Lets me get through to them," Gia said, "Imagine if they didn't have them."
"They'd be blind zombies," Hermione said.
Gia moved the sheet back to Hermione.
"Any more ideas?" Gia asked.
"Later," Hermione said, rolling up the paper.
Gia put the paper into her purse, and they stood.
"Come," Gia said, "Have an idea."
They left the tea shop, back into the cool winter day, and walked along. Again, a blue car passed them, turned left behind them. Gia turned, and they went along Yelm Alley. Crowded by the brick, darker, they ducked into the first door on the left, into Erotic Literature. A half hour later, Hermione flipped through the pages of the magazines in their hands, stock full of starker boys in compromising positions.
"Harry and Ron will—" Hermione started as they returned to Paul Street.
"Retaliate?" Gia asked.
Hermione snorted.
"Be surprised if they didn't," Hermione said.
"It's full of ideas." Gia took the magazines. "But unless you wanna flash those around…here." Gia shoved them into her purse.
"Be interesting to see what they come up with after that," Hermione said.
They snickered, went straight as Paul Street turned left, and they walked along the paved trail.
"Never really answered," Gia said, "If Ron proposed—would you?"
They crossed the footbridge over the small creek, neither noticing the figures behind them.
"You seriously suggesting…" Hermione unable to finish her sentence as a rag went over her mouth, a hand that gripped her shoulder. Suffocated by the sweet vitriol, she passed out.
"Chief," said Frank, as he knocked at the open door.
Kristen glanced up at the tall familiar man, with his favorite brown fedora hat on the head. He set a paper down on her desk. Bushy brown hair on the picture, Kristen's fingers were dialing on her desk phone before she fully registered the name. Wanted: Hermione Granger.
"Why'd anybody take out contracts on a sixteen year old?" Frank asked, "Let alone two?"
Kristen listened to the ringing in her headset, she counted the seconds on the clock and the rings, let it go longer than usual. She put the headset down.
"No answer," Kristen said, "Did Trevor—?"
"Saw them near the mall," Frank said.
"Thought I told them to stay—" Kristen started.
"Bottling up teenagers?" Frank said, "Point me to the holy grail."
Kristen's stomach churned butterflies. While threats weren't unheard of, these two lived under her roof, and her motherly instincts had kicked in.
"Chief!" came the second call, a beefy officer that carried Gia's purse. "We found—"
Kristen was on her feet, the fast march around the desk, when a skinny officer thrust papers at her.
"Two more—" the officer managed before Kristen snatched at them.
On those two pages, one contract for Ronald Weasley, the other for Harry Potter.
"Blimey!" Frank said as he followed Kristen, "What sort of devil takes out—"
"Contracts?!" Wormtail spat at the Keeper, "Our Master made it clear—"
"Does he expect Potter to—" the Keeper started, "—does he expect Dumbledore to abandon the boy? This will keep that band of misfits out of our way."
"It wasn't us who—" the Seeker started.
"When Potter's vault goes into death preferred bounties—" Wormtail started.
"An idea from a student," the Seeker said, "A student tired of the shame that Potter has brought to Hogwarts and the house of Gryff—"
"Do NOT utter that name—" the Keeper snapped.
"An informal bidding war started," the Seeker said.
"To which you have failed to dissuade," the Master said as he showed.
"It helps our cause," the Keeper said.
Earlier, a noise at the door Ron stood up. Harry entered the dining room first, along with another in a ragged suit.
"See, you weren't in the best shape yesterday." Sirius turned toward Harry in the dining room. "So, I formally ask for your forgiveness, and—have anything to eat?"
Harry went into the kitchen, brought back a box of dog biscuits.
"Very funny," Sirius said.
"Um…doubt Cody's finished breakfast," Harry said.
"Please," Sirius said, "Tea?"
"Oh, sure," Harry said.
Harry went back into the kitchen; Sirius followed. The phone rang, and Harry picked it the headset.
"Hello?" Harry said, "Yes. … No, why? … When? … None, prospects? … They said shopping. …. Thanks."
Harry slammed the phone, it shattered.
"FUCK!" Harry shouted.
"And?" Ron asked.
Harry's bottle green eyes betrayed the war erupting behind them.
"Kristen," Harry said, "They found Gia's purse—"
"Where?" Sirius asked.
"On the trail near the mall and Paul Street," Harry said.
Sirius bolted for the living room, a door opened and closed.
"And?" Ron asked.
"More fucking contracts," Harry said, "You and…"
Harry disapparated, a splash above. Ron bolted through the kitchen, up the spiral stairs, out to the roof deck. Harry's midriff over the edge of the hot tub, his head weighted down with a stone neck brace, and his head under the water, water with bubbles as he inhaled.
"Reductus!" Ron shouted, his wand already in hand.
Stone brace shattered, fragments gouged bloody scrapes and cuts into Harry's neck, his head still under the water. Ron pulled Harry out of the water, both unresponsive eyes a glassy pale green. Ron laid Harry down on the cold deck. Ron pushed the head to the side, pushed down on Harry's chest—water spewed out.
"Come on," Ron said to the slightly bluish face, "Damn it.."
Ron lowered himself, put his mouth to Harry's, and blew in. Ron kept this up for several more breaths until Harry took a shallow one, then another, and kept going. Harry remained unconscious, those eyes did not move. Ron grabbed Harry and heaved him up over the shoulder, and he carried Harry. Back through Richard's bedroom, into Gia's bedroom, Harry was laid down on Gia's bed. Ron stripped the wet clothes and pulled the duvet onto his friend.
Hoot!
Ron grabbed Hermione's St. Mungo's Book of Healing from the shelf, opened it.
When Hermione came to, and she had a gag over her mouth, ropes that bound her hands. Cold metal underneath her vibrated and shook in the dim and cramped compartment. Next to her, though still out, Gia. Hermione kicked the back of the seats, her bound legs in unison, making a light thud.
"One's awake," a deep voice said.
"They need not worry," another deep voice said.
Both of the voices laughed as they hit another bump. A muffled scream from Gia, a jerk to the side. Hermione rolled slightly, felt something wrapped in plastic behind her. Tape on her mouth blew off during her sharp exhalation.
"A body!" Hermione whispered as a tugging came to her feet.
"Got it," Gia whispered.
"Cramp boot," Hermione muttered.
"Come here often?" Gia whispered, "You're a witch, you should be able to do something!"
"Take a moment." Hermione struggled with her wrists, tried to move her hands, and wished she was better with her summoning. "Just need my wand."
The car lurched.
"You idiot!" the first deep voice said.
A siren wailed, the siren of a police cruiser behind them, and the car accelerated. They lurched, and Hermione hit her head against one of the large boot hinges.
"Can't they drive?" Hermione snapped.
"Driving like—" Gia started.
Crunching of bending metal and both girls blacked out.
"STOP!" Kristen shouted.
Frank slammed on the brakes. Ahead of them on the A-712, at the sharp curve to the right, between the cars that tried to part, the blue car veered straight into the petrol pump. Skidding of the patrol car, Kristen was out of the vehicle before it fully stopped. Smoke billowed out as she ran toward the blue car on its side, the trunk popped open. Out tumbled the three, the body, Hermione, and Gia. Kristen pulled Hermione and Gia idle unconscious bodies as flame erupted in front.
Sirens, screams, Kristen focused first on the two teenage girls, as she knelt. Kristen brought her fingers to their necks, felt their pulses. Trevor went past, when the black large dog appeared.
"Snuffles!" Kristen said, "Back!"
Snuffles came over, stared at her, growled and sat between. Firetrucks approached, though two paramedics in white came over to Kristen.
"We've got this chief," said the one man.
"Let them work," Kristen said to Snuffles.
Kristen appreciated the loyalty, the mutt that followed into the ambulances. Heat forced Kristen to retreat, Trevor and Frank approached her.
"Who?" Kristen asked.
"Crash totaled—they didn't make it out," Trevor said.
"We have to wait until it cools off," Frank said, "Know you adopted them, go, we'll handle this. I'll send Tate."
"Ta," Kristen said.
Kristen went back to her cruiser, climbed into the driver side. A moment to let it go through her mind, and she put the shifter into drive. A flip of the switch, the lights and sirens quelled, and she drove with the traffic. Ten minutes to the hospital, an eternity to her, and she entered.
"They're in examination now," said Dale Tate as he approached.
"Prognosis?" Kristen asked.
"Doctors are optimistic," Dale Tate said, "That mutt—wouldn't leave the girls alone."
"Ta,' Kristen said.
Kristen pulled out the folded sheets from her pocket as she sat. Upon the sheets, summary of the contracts pulled for the four teenagers staying in her house. She wondered what they could've done, who they could've angered, to warrant such staggering amounts of money, each one more than her house was worth, though she knew Harry seemed to garner the most hatred.
"Miss Osborn?" asked the lady nurse, "This way please."
Kristen stood, followed through the labyrinth of the hospital, toward a door with two officers already stationed. Kristen appreciated it, well trained enough to not need explicit orders.
"Greetings Mum," said the one.
Kristen nodded, entered the room. Though fitted for six beds, only two were there, Gia and Hermione. Snuffles peered up from the floor. A man in white leaned over Hermione, the blanket mostly covered her.
"She's coming around," said the doctor.
"The other?" Kristen asked.
"They were in a crash," the doctor said, "Remarkable shape, all superficial scratches."
Kristen watched as those brown eyes blinked open. Hermione flinched as the doctor pointed a bright light to her eyes. Hermione turned her head, eyes that peered over to Gia, brown eyes that spotted the officers, and returned to Kristen.
"Hermione?" Kristen asked.
Hermione smiled.
"I still need to run several tests," the doctor said, "But they can wait."
The doctor went over to Gia. Kristen came up to Hermione's side, motioned for the one officer to approach.
"This is Dale Tate," Kristen said, "He's helping to investigate this matter. What do you remember?"
"Was walking along," Hermione said, "Somebody put a cloth over my mouth, smelled of Ether. Woke up in that boot, bound and gagged—Gia, same thing. Two voices from the front, sirens, and I suppose a crash."
"She's coming around," the doctor said.
Kristen glanced over at Gia. Relief swept through as she watched those blue eyes blink, eyes that roamed around.
"Huh?" Gia asked.
"What do you remember?" Kristen asked.
"Walking then I woke up in a boot," Gia said, "Not much else."
"Doctor?" Kristen prompted.
A pen light to both of Gia's eyes, a flinch. "Like the other," the doctor said, "Couple more tests and a short bit of observation. Holler if anything is amiss."
The doctor left, and Tate closed the door.
"What happened?" Gia asked.
"I was surprised that you had left the house—" Kristen started.
"It was cramped—" Gia started.
"That boot even more so," Kristen said, "With contracts on the lot of you—"
"Did you call them?" Hermione said, "Ron—?"
"Called them," Kristen said, "Haven't checked again."
"How soon til I can smack—" Hermione started.
"I do not advocate domestic violence," Kristen stated.
"I was kidding!" Hermione said, "He's still due—"
Knocking came from the door.
"Is that the doctor?" Tate asked.
"What about us?" Gia asked.
"You were in a crash where your captors died on impact," Kristen said, "Humor me to let the doctors take care of you, alright?"
A nod from Gia.
Ron flipped through the pages again, paced next to Harry still unconscious on the bed. A loud growl of his stomach, Ron glanced at the clock, felt Harry's warm neck and its pulse beneath the skin. Ron left the bedroom, went down the stairs.
"Mr. Weasley," came the call.
Dumbledore stood there, a shaky hand on the cane.
"I heard something regarding Miss. Granger," Dumbledore said.
"She's recuperating," Ron said, "Though I doubt that's the reason—"
"May I speak to you in private?" Dumbledore asked.
Ron led the way into the study, his wand beat Dumbledore's in cast an Imperturbment Charm.
"You are not of age," Dumbledore said as he sat on the sofa, "Undoubtedly the Ministry—"
Ron stood in front of the old man, arms crossed.
"We've warded against that." Ron explained as Dumbledore chuckled. "I assume that was not the reason for this conference, though. You rarely give a straight answer."
"You'd make for an excellent Headmaster if I may be so bold," Dumbledore said.
"Huh?" Ron put on the face of revulsion. "Imagine the teasing George and Fred would give me, it'd be Percyism this or that."
"I'm not suggesting now," Dumbledore said, "You have a lot of fine qualities that would make you suitable, perhaps just before you grow old and senile. For instance, you got the idea for yesterday's extensive festivities at the last moment and you managed to pull it off."
Blue eyes to blue eyes, more intense than his mother's had ever been.
"Trying to flatter me?" Ron asked.
"I know a Mood Curse when I see it," Dumbledore said flatly.
Ron knew he'd been busted.
"Oh," Ron stated.
"I take it, you followed the guidelines on its use," Dumbledore said, "Of which, I am fully aware of."
Ron stared at the floor along with his knees.
"It is nothing to be ashamed of Ronald," Dumbledore said, "Quite the contrary, now that I realize what you have been up to, I consider it noble. Your mother would be proud."
"Still…" Ron trailed off, focused on his toes and their nails against the hardwood floor, as he thought before he worded his reply. "You may or may not be correct in your observations, or your hypothesis. I strongly urge that you back off on this, as meddling will make matters worse. As I suspect you'll likely ignore my warning, I'd like your word on the matter to heed it."
"Your logic eludes me," Dumbledore said, "He clearly needs help."
"Even if there is substance to the matter," Ron said, "You are not to meddle."
Dumbledore nodded. Ron aimed his wand at the door, released the Imperturbment Charm. Snuffles ran in, lifted his leg to one of the plants, and watered it.
"Manners!" Ron snapped at Snuffles.
Dumbledore shook his head, like Ron. Ron left the study, turned into the living room.
"Ron," said Kristen, on the easy chair, nearest to the fireplace.
Gia and Hermione, were there, sitting on the farther sofa. Ron focused on those glaring brown eyes, ones that failed to hide her anger toward Ron.
"We dug up more in regards to contracts," Kristen said, handing over a few sheets of paper.
Ron sorted through the pages, the numbers, he couldn't convert them into Galleons, but the pounds were definitely higher than he could count.
"I'll get Harry," Ron said as he returned the papers, "Stop our Headmaster, he's resting a moment in the study."
Ron went up the stairs, entered Gia's bedroom. Harry's bottle green eyes glared at Ron, the interrogation obvious within, eyes that watched Ron's movements. Ron closed the door, his hands against his rear. Harry turned, legs over the edge of the bed. Ron towered until he turned, sat next to Harry.
"I still accept the consequences of knowing you," Ron said, his right hand held Harry's left shoulder.
Harry continued his stare.
"Besides," Ron said, "Your head's worth twice mine."
"Don't say that!" Harry snapped.
"We've all got contracts," Ron stated.
"I know!" Harry snapped.
"Dumbledore—" Ron started.
"What'd you tell him?" Harry demanded.
"He's downstairs with everybody." Ron stood. "Can dress or go starkers, your choice."
"Tell them—anything," Harry said, "Friendship goes bye bye."
"Your choice," Ron said.
Ron left the bedroom first, went down the steps, where Dumbledore was sitting on the other sofa. Ron sat between Gia and Hermione.
"You don't value much, do you?" Hermione whispered to Ron.
Snuffles leapt into Kristen's lap. She started to rub his belly. Ron shook his head to Dumbledore's gaze. A fast knock, Lupin entered the living room from the dining room.
"Albus, our concerns…" Lupin's sullen eyes glanced around at the crowd. "I wanted to discuss matters with the Headmaster."
Harry came down the steps, loitered on the landing.
"Ahem," Kristen said, "This is my house—as such—"
"When it comes to elements of security—" Lupin started.
"Introductions!" Ron snapped. "Mrs. Osborn is the—what was it?"
"Chief of Police," Kristen stated.
An ease to Lupin, his eyes still glanced around. Harry stepped up, his eyes focused on Ron's.
"What the fuck?" Harry snapped at Ron.
"Wanna try memory charms? Have her forget the contracts?"
A shake to Harry's head, Dumbledore gestured, and Lupin sat to the other end of that sofa across the coffee table to Ron, Hermione, and Gia. Harry remained standing behind that sofa.
"Amelia Bones was hired into their Home Office," Harry said.
"In London," Kristen said.
"She educated them to Death Eaters," Ron said, "She also unearthed these contracts, didn't she?"
Ron realized he'd spoken a bit too soon, Dumbledore's eyes hinted at the surprise. However, Dumbledore seemed determined to retain control of the situation.
"Everyone here has a vested interest in Mr. Potter's well being," Dumbledore said, "And his associates'."
Ron watched as Harry took a deep breath.
"Shit!" Harry's thought went.
"We'll get through it," Ron retorted.
"My affairs—" Harry started.
"Being dragged out whether you like it or not," Ron retorted, "At least let them help—or wanna explain magic to Kristen?"
Harry snorted. Ron caught it in the corner of his eye; Hermione's glances between his face and Harry's. Ron turned his head toward Hermione, those brown eyes that showed her brain trying to figure out what's up between him and Harry.
"We've uncovered multiple, overlapping contracts." Kristen passed papers around. "You can thank the Police Organized Crime Unit for sending what it found. Multiple figures, multiple parties, hints at many middlemen taking their cut, too many to easily pin anything down. Though these…Death Eaters and this… EM seem to be the main backers to these contracts."
"Remus?" Dumbledore asked.
"My information," Lupin said, "Less in contracts, more in bounties for their severed heads. In pounds sterling—" Lupin counted on his fingers. "Half million for Harry, two hundred thousand for Ron, less for Gia and Hermione."
"Half a million?"
Richard, in a gray open jumper, stood by the door. Jen, in a closed blue jacket, stood next to him. Harry turned.
"Upstairs," Kristen ordered.
"Please," Harry said to the couple.
Richard and Jen went slow, and climbed the stairs.
"All these figures…" Hermione stammered as she shuffled through the papers, the contracts.
"Suggests many different middlemen taking different sized cuts while trying to claim the prize," Kristen said. "Constabulary is buzzing…we've seen an occasional mars bars or a few thousand on one before, but four teenagers wanted dead so desperately? Four living under my roof." She rubbed behind Snuffles' ears. "And if that's not all, got a tip that the mass murderer Sirius Black's been spotted in town."
Kristen rubbed Snuffles' belly some more. Ron glanced at Lupin, shook his head.
"Understand my concerns?" Kristen asked.
Hermione nodded.
"I assure you that we share the same concern," Dumbledore said, "People have wanted Mr. Potter dead for most of his life, but only recently grew to be more menacing. I had felt that commuting had allowed Mr. Potter to elude them and his burdens, giving him some sense of being normal, that your place had offered safe harbor for the past months. Unfortunately, that appears to no longer be the case."
Cody barked outside.
"I would be interested in anything you care to tell me," Kristen said, "They are in jeopardy."
Snuffles rolled over, fell off of Kristen's lap, and landed on the floor. Snuffles bolted for the dining room, came back via the kitchen, and Crookshanks was on his back. Snuffles moved over to the sofa in front of Hermione, and Crookshanks settled between her and Ron. Snuffles moved over, sat in front of Gia. Gia petted him.
"Maybe fixing him will calm him down," Harry said.
Snuffles growled, Lupin chuckled, and Dumbledore snickered. Ron caught Kristen's eyes that tried to sort it out.
"Inside joke," Ron said.
"He should get fixed unless you want to deal with people complaining about fresh liters of puppies," Kristen said.
Snuffles moaned.
"As to their living arraignments…" Dumbledore started.
Harry went for the stairs. Ron got up, followed up into Gia's bedroom. No sooner than he'd turned around, the tired eyes of Lupin were upon them.
"You need to smarten up and take responsibility, both of you," Lupin said, "Many thousands of galleons on your heads, along with bonuses for breaking up friendships—you're heading into perilous waters."
"No fucking kidding!" Harry snapped.
"I heard Hermione was kidnapped—today," Lupin said, "As I'm certain you don't want a repeat, you need to prepare. Can I expect you, with Gia, at my manor, tomorrow morning at eight?"
Harry nodded.
"Good," Lupin said, "I look forward to it."
Lupin closed the door as he left.
"Good riddance," Harry muttered.
"Harry!" Ron snapped.
Harry reached for a book on the desk, however, Ron grabbed Harry's shoulders, threw him onto the bed.
"What?" Harry stammered.
"You need to vent!" Ron said, "Let you punch—"
"No!" Harry snapped.
Ron leapt onto the bed, knees to either side of Harry, Ron hovered. Ron slapped Harry's face.
Hedwig hooted as she hopped back to her perch, her eyes steadied themselves on these two wizards. Harry pushed Ron, and Ron slammed into the closet door, the mirror shattered.
"One moment." Ron's wand out, he charmed the room, and tossed it onto the desk.
Harry sat up, and Ron jumped onto the bed back to his hands and knees. Harry's hands to Ron's waist, and Harry pulled Ron over to the side. Another hoot, the window opened long enough for Hedwig and Pig to fly out.
"Weird," Harry said.
Harry pinned Ron, the green eyes roamed onto Ron's. Ron pushed up on Harry, and he flew back. Harry crashed into the bookshelves, the books fell to the floor.
"Never underestimate a Weasley's thirst for mayhem," Harry sneered.
Lights flickered and Harry ran onto the bed. Harry put Ron into a headlock, when the door opened. Hermione was first.
"Blimey!" Hermione snapped. Second was Gia into the bedroom.
"Three against one?" Ron suggested.
"What?!" Harry said, "Like they would."
"Can't handle it?" Ron asked.
Ron broke loose of the headlock, pushed Harry. Gia closed the door.
"You can't be endorsing this?" Hermione asked Gia.
"Looks fun," Gia said.
Harry pinned Ron onto the bed. Gia managed her arms around Harry. Ron twisted, broke loose of Harry, and pulled Gia onto the bed. Harry pushed her over. Hermione jumped on, rotated and pinned Harry. Harry twisted them over. Gia pulled on Harry, brought him to his back. This continued, taking its toll on the room, and became a free for all. Hermione jabbed Ron in the stomach, hard.
"Time out," Ron said, moving to stand next to the bed, "Punching wasn't allowed."
She stood, arms crossed. Ron focused on those brown eyes, the anger behind them evident from her glare.
"Kidnapped, in a car wreck, unconscious?" Hermione said, "You never came to us in the hospital!"
"Can we…like…not…?" Harry started as he sat up.
"You would've regretted it," Ron said to Hermione.
Hermione stood, her arms crossed.
"Don't I deserve some attention?" Hermione said, "Thought you were my boyfriend."
"It's…" Ron started, unsure what to say next, but her emotions clear in those brown eyes, ones that were tearing into her heart.
Gia climbed off the bed, stood with Hermione. Gia focused toward Harry.
"Her words apply to you too Harry," Gia said.
"Gave him another curse?" Hermione asked Ron.
"Like that's endearing to any relationship," Gia said.
"I liked our fighting," Harry asked, eyes wide as a child, "Can we continue?"
Harry threw a pillow, and Hermione glared. Ron shook his head at Harry.
"Shouldn't have to ask for compassion and thought!" Hermione snapped at Ron.
"You don't understand!" Ron snapped back.
Ron didn't need to watch those brown to understand his peril, the danger of everything crashing down. Bottle greens probed into Ron's eyes, the twinkling, the decision that was brewing within, Ron didn't fight Harry's interrogation.
"Ron!" Harry warned.
"This…" Ron started, stopped, he knew the ramifications.
Hermione's brown eyes darted between Ron and Harry, the ones wondering what's happening. Gia's less sophisticated, but still wondering.
"I'm warning you!" Harry said to Ron.
"It's your fault!" Ron pointed at Harry. "Your reckless behavior—you've endangered—"
"I never asked you!" Harry snapped.
"I HAD to," Ron shouted.
"You…?" Hermione's eyes went to Ron's face, taking in his eyes, his freckled face, as he studied hers.
"Fine!" Ron said, "I'll put you first—"
"Don't!" Harry warned.
"You!" Ron pointed at Harry. "You've voided any promises I've made, making me choose. So I am."
Ron summoned his wand, cast an Imperturbment Charm to the room.
"Our friendship is terminated," Harry said to Ron, "Get out."
"Harry!" Hermione pleaded.
"You want me to choose," Ron said to Hermione, "So I am. If Harry succeeds at suicide, don't blame me!"
"Suicide?!" Hermione stammered.
Gia's eyes held a similar disbelief.
"Twice this week!" Ron said, "If I were any slower, we'd be burying him."
"Some friend you were!" Harry snapped.
"You'll splinch if you try Apparating," Ron warned.
"Are you—?" Hermione asked Ron.
"Wish I were kidding," Ron said, "I'm sorry for not coming to you in the hospital, I wanted to, but he—" Ron pointed at Harry, "Tried to drown himself! See his neck?"
Hermione turned, Harry tried to slink away, pulled the duvet up.
"Not his first attempt either," Ron said.
"How many times?" Gia asked.
"Remember Monday?" Ron said, "At least his killing curse missed."
"I'm fine," Harry said as he started to get up.
"No you're not." Gia pushed Harry back to sit.
"I'm trying to figure if you're—" Hermione started.
"Want his corpse as proof?" Ron said, "He's got a psychopathic killer after him—a killer who think collateral damage is a part of the adventure. It'd depress anyone with an ounce of decency, think of all the carnage to get at Harry."
"We need to talk to Dumbledore—" Hermione said.
"No!" Ron said, "Know what he'd do to Harry?"
"But—" Hermione protested.
"He already picked up on the Mood curse—he suspects," Ron said, "And Harry, try it again—I want you to live! So, in spite of those bounties, I'd still like to know you."
"Did you find a brain?" Hermione asked Ron.
"I borrowed yours," Ron said.
Harry snorted.
"Regardless," Ron said to Hermione, Gia, "Best to safeguard all of this within you. The fact it drove Harry—well, should be obvious why it doesn't leak."
"What are you planning?" Harry asked.
"How's your Memory Charms?" Ron asked.
"We're not Lockhart," Harry said, "Not good."
"Your next idea?" Hermione asked.
"Occlumency," Ron stated.
"I wanted—" Harry started.
"You need to learn—" Hermione started.
"He already has," Ron said. A brief pause while those brown eyes turned back to Ron. "I mean you and Gia—"
"I'm not a witch," Gia stated.
"It's more presence of mind, we'll see what you can do," Ron said.
"You too," Hermione stated.
"Harry and me—" Ron started.
Harry coughed.
"Have already been practicing," Ron continued.
Hermione glared.
"Think sex's intimate?" Ron said, "It's way more."
Ron turned.
"Ron!" Hermione said.
"Excuse me," Ron said, "I need to think about which brother I can crash with, since this place ain't an option."
Ron left the bedroom, past Richard in his bedroom, and stepped out onto the roof deck. Cool beneath the cloudy dark sky, Ron moved the lid, and stepped over. One foot, the other, he slid down into the hot calm water, sank until it covered his shoulders.
"Not saying I entirely believe you," Hermione said as she came out on the roof deck.
Hermione's legs went over the edge, she sat on the ledge.
"Know what kept Harry from mastering the Patronus Charm?" Ron said, "It took him months to master because that's a boy who didn't have a happy memory to save his life!"
Hermione blinked, the implication now apparent to her.
"And he used confidence instead!" Ron said, "Can we blame him? An emotionally abusive aunt and uncle, he was an unwanted burden until he came to Hogwarts. He doesn't think he matters, his life ain't worth keeping if it brings… the burden he carries, can you blame him?"
Hermione blinked a bit more.
"After she first blew him," Ron said, "He was so fucking intoxicated that even Snape couldn't quash it out of him."
"Given this a lot of thought?" Hermione asked.
"Yes I have—remember I've spent years sharing a dormitory with him," Ron said, "Between that and Legilimency, I've picked up on things. You know Harry, been trying to keep it…private because he needs that."
"Harry didn't take you spilling it…well," Hermione said, "Sorry I—"
"I've been needing help too," Ron said, "Dumbledore's right there. But know what Dumbledore would do?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Lock Harry in a box," Ron said, "He'd let Snape prey on Harry, double down on the abuse that's pushed Harry to…suicide, all for our 'safety'."
"You push Gia—" Hermione started.
"Dammit!" Ron said, "Harry deserves a life, one worth living. If it kills me to defend him, so be it. He's worth it, and so are you."
"Harry still needs training," Hermione said.
"So we fucking learn it!" Ron said, "We told you it was Quidditch Strategy."
Hermione glared.
"Remember that orb?" Ron said, "Only it's worse. Need to learn it with friends so you've got a bloody chance with somebody else. Got books, get you started on essays."
"Sorry," Hermione said, "If you're right—"
"If I'm wrong—we're more prepared," Ron said, "Right and it's a major difference."
Ron reached, pulled Hermione.
Splash!
Ron stood, knees still in the hot water.
"Ron!" Hermione said.
"I need to check," Ron said, stepping out, "See if…" Ron didn't want to admit it.
"See if she's banging—" Hermione started.
"We need her," Ron said, "Harry chose her, and she's helping him."
Back through Richard's bedroom, Ron entered Gia's bedroom. Harry on top of Gia. Harry turned over, sat up, elbows to his knees.
"Sorry for my rude remarks," Harry said, "I was out of line."
"Mind?" Ron asked Gia, "Hermione's in the hot tub."
Gia got up, closed the door as she left. Ron sat on the bed behind Harry, back to back, they pressed against each other.
"Sorry I…" Ron said, "Been naked more often than I can count. Legilimency—nothing compared to how exposed I was an hour ago."
"You had to—" Harry started.
"You've been given a shitty deal—Dumbledore can't fix that," Ron said, "All I can do is be the friend you need."
"Ta," Harry grumbled.
"I've kept Dumbledore off your back as best I could," Ron said, "Even burned that paper advertising that winter ski place you went."
"Ta," Harry said.
"I simply couldn't continue," Ron said, "Not by myself, I needed help before I broke. I simply hope Hermione's enough."
"If she isn't?" Harry asked.
"You're the judge of that, aren't you?" Ron said, "I ask you accept our help, you don't want the type money buys."
"No," Harry stated.
"I care about you, Hermione and Gia to," Ron said, "All I can promise is we'll take things a day at a time. If that's too much, we'll take it an hour at a time. If even that's too much, we'll take it minute by minute. … Got it?"
"Yeah," Harry grumbled.
"We love you," Ron said, "Remember that, always."
Harry and Ron sat there for a few minutes, until the door opened.
"Was wondering if I needed to clean blood off the walls," Hermione said.
Ron turned, glanced at her. Gia stood behind her.
"No," Harry said.
Ron stood, went for his trunk.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked.
"You kicked me out," Ron said.
"Sorry, I was angry," Harry said, "You can stay."
Harry pulled the duvet open, gestured. Hermione climbed on with Ron.
"Us?" Ron asked Hermione.
"If your story checks out," Hermione said, "You won't have to be celibate all week."
Harry snorted, climbed on. Gia settled to the left. Eyes from Hedwig, the lights began to dim. Ron fell to sleep.
Date: Fri Aug 4 18:43:10 2023