In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 79: Arrest
Monday morning, Richard and Harry ran in the frigid temperatures. Every breath generated steam, that contrasted with the darkness with hints of the moon along the clouds.
"Got school today?" Richard asked.
"Yep," Harry said, "Weird after… so long."
A pant as they slowed, in front of 26 Oak Street, the firebrick orange with the green door. Harry reached the knob first, twisted it. Richard followed Harry inside. Already there, Gia stood in the middle of the living room as Kristen brought a flexible tape measure around Gia's chest.
"You!" Kristen said, her finger pointed at Harry, "Should know better than to slip out the window!"
"Relax Mum," Richard said.
"I'll relax when there's no more contracts," Kristen said, "And everybody in this house is alive at the end of it all."
Richard stood there, as if he's waiting for a show.
"I need to get to school," Gia said.
"I'll take you," Harry said to Gia, "SNUFFLES!"
"I'm ready," Kristen said.
Harry spotted it in her eyes, though that was redundant, her car, seemed so easy, and the thought came faster than he could stop it.
"Um…Mum?" Richard said, pointed.
Flames outside, the police cruiser started to burn. Kristen rushed outside. Harry lifted the strap to Gia's book–bag, carried it through the dining room, out the back. Gia and Snuffles followed. Gia zippered up her jumper.
"She's not going to like this," Gia said.
"Know she means well," Harry said, "Suppose we could've flown."
They followed the footpath onto the lane, continued.
"How'd you manage that?" Gia asked.
"Weird things can happen when a wizard's mad, angry," Harry said, "Can't always be controlled."
"Only time?" Gia asked.
Harry wrapped his arm around her, and they walked. Snuffles roamed around, barked several times, before they made it across the footbridge behind Noigate Public School. Harry's feet across the grass, they made it to the white portable classroom.
"What's up for school?" Harry asked.
"Theater for half the day," Gia said, "For all I know, make us do magic."
Harry snorted, leaned over, kissed her. She turned, went into the classroom, Snuffles entered through the door. Harry took a few steps between the buildings, went until he couldn't be seen. A close of his eyes, thought about Ron, his love for him as a good friend, summoned up the strong desire to be with him, and he felt the sharp breeze.
Hoot!
Harry opened his eyes in Gia's bedroom, took the letter from this brown owl, opened it.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Harry
Good news and bad news.
I verified it. Yes, your Gringotts vault was raided and drained. As the paperwork for freezing your assets was not properly filled out, the goblins' insurance policies will cover your losses. Gold's been deposited back into your account, to the value as recorded for the audit. Second, your vault has been released back to your control. Goblins wouldn't appreciate you moving your business, but they would certainly understand.
Those stolen funds were used to fund the bounties now on your heads. Congratulations on financing your own execution.
Percy
Harry turned, sank down onto the bed, as Ron grabbed the letter.
"What?" Ron read the letter. "Blimey! At least you get your vault back."
"My inheritance…" Harry muttered.
"Doubt those will go away," Hermione said.
Ron tried to move the paper away from Harry, but he grabbed it, read the one article.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
The Daily Prophet
Potter Eaters Strike, Four Muggles Perish
In a brazen evening assault, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley were witnessed approaching and departing a muggle house near Liverpool. After their visit, four muggles, two adolescent boys and their parents vanished beneath a Potter Mark cast into the sky. Ministry for Magic scrambled to contain the incident, Oblivators were on the scene throughout the night modifying memories. Investigations continue.
"Not you," Ron said.
"Does it…" Harry fumbled the paper, found the bit on the back page.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Problem Solver
Face it Wizarding World, it's time to vote with your purse, express your dissatisfaction with the vileness that has crept back into our lives. You thought the Boy Who Lived was your salvation, you wish that were true but know it's not. We need to banish this blemish and disease from our lives, to return to the wonderful world of magic we all know and love.
Which menace do you wish to disappear first? Place your bets today.
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Shouldn't Have Lived. 102,322 galleons.
Ronald Weasley, Kiss Up King. 54,729 galleons.
Hermione Granger, Wannabe Dark Queen. 32,518 galleons.
Gia Prescott, Muggle Cock Holster aka Potter's pet. 26,806 galleons.
Bonus of 10,000 galleons per relation or friendship severed.
Removal of these problems would be greatly appreciated. All wagers and contributions can be sent to "Bye Bye". To claim a reward, submit relevant documentation.
"Before you do anything rash—" Hermione said.
"Occlumency for the day?" Ron asked.
"Can't," Hermione said, "School—we're not suspended."
"Could change that," Harry said.
"No!" Ron said, "Don't mess with Dumbledore—he's the only thing standing between us and Azkaban!"
"Just kidding," Harry said.
"Wasn't funny," Ron stated.
Hermione sighed.
"We do get more done while suspended," Hermione said, "If it didn't piss Dumbledore, I'd go with Harry."
"You feeling well?" Ron asked Hermione.
Harry snorted.
"We'll go," Harry said.
A flash and bang as they landed in the sixth years' boys' dormitory. Harry stumbled backward.
"What the—?" Harry stammered.
"Did—?" Ginny started.
Ginny and Colin were at the small table.
"Got the note," Ron said.
Harry thankful for the distraction.
"Not enough evidence!" Ginny said, "Aurors claimed all rights of investigation, and they figure I invited it."
"That's not right," Ron said, "Tell us—"
"Ron!" Hermione said, "That's not how to approach this."
"Sorry," Ron said, "Never had the experience."
"Good," Ginny said, "You don't want it."
Hermione went over, took Ginny to the other side of the room.
"Come on," Harry said.
Harry led the way down the stairs and to the portrait hole, and they went out into the corridor. Footsteps, whispers, made it clear others were trying to hide as they moved along. Flames erupted from the side, effigies of them dropped as they walked.
"Fred and George…" Ron muttered.
"Businessmen," Harry quipped.
Down more stairs, past half torn posters of dress codes, the corridors a bit more like echos, seemed smaller than they were years earlier. Along the first floor, they came to the familiar office door, and Harry knocked.
"Enter!" came the voice of Professor McGonagall.
"Professor," Harry said as he entered.
Ron and Hermione followed.
"Good morning," Professor McGonagall said, her eyes in her square glasses at them, hands on the desk, "See me if you make it to Quidditch Practice."
"Ta," Harry said, "We need our schedules."
She lifted stacks of parchment, pulled three out, and handed them over. Harry sent the other two to Ron and Hermione, read into them.
"Potions?" Harry stammered, seeing it dominate his schedule, "It's all—"
"I sympathize," Professor McGonagall said, "However, you have a serious handicap that we must work around, so the focus must be on course work that cannot be read out of a book nor practiced elsewhere."
"It's…" Harry started, the dread of having to work with that greasy haired man who calls himself a potions master.
"A Hogwarts education prepares you for life in a way other institutions do not," the Professor said, "You also have extra challenges, best addressed by doubling down on Potions. This schedule stands—I do not want to see you skipping. However, at Hagrid's insistence, a breather."
Harry spotted the first class, the Care of Magical Creatures.
"Good day," Professor McGonagall said.
Harry turned, left the office, headed for the marble staircase.
"Hope Hagrid has something good," Harry said as they approached the stairs, "Even Cornish pixies—"
"Hey you! Stop!"
Seagrave approached.
"What—?" Harry snapped.
"I demand to know—" Seagrave started.
"Class," Harry said, "This is a school—"
"Don't get smart," Seagrave said, "You're always looking for trouble and playing innocent!"
Corner of the eye, a pair of second pair Hufflepuffs cursing a Ravenclaw.
"Hey, no magic in the corridors!" Harry shouted down the first floor corridor.
"Imperius curse from you, no less," Seagrave sneered.
"Our wands aren't even out," Hermione said.
"We're always watching," Seagrave said, "Keep that in mind."
Seagrave turned left, walked past the dueling students. Harry took the first step, watched as he went down, Ron and Hermione followed.
"Blimey!" Ron said, "Aren't the Aurors supposed to enforce the rules?"
"Tell them that," Harry said.
"Perfect job for Hermione—" Ron started.
Hermione jabbed Ron in the stomach.
"Hey!" Ron snapped.
"Watch yourselves!" Harry snapped, stopped them both.
A fast snap, thin wire strung itself across the bottom of the stairs. Harry jumped, landed in the Entrance Hall. Ron and Hermione stepped carefully.
"We're…" Harry stopped, ducked as he heard the twang.
Arrows flew past where his head was a second earlier, as Seabrook was near the front door.
"No throwing!" Seabrook barked at Harry.
A glare as Harry reached for the latch, the door opened. Harry's breath billowed, the temperature felt colder than Noigate, though fair clouds above. Ron and Hermione walked with him.
"Vigilance," Harry quipped.
"Yeah," Ron said, "Guessing they don't like us."
"Really?" Harry snapped.
"Careful," Hermione said.
Harry kept his eyes peeled at the ground, taking care to step past what seemed a possible bear trap. A hand, Ron and Hermione did the same. Metal shined as they approached Hagrid's Hut. Visors up, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Parvati Patil sporting body armor, others had their visors down.
"Wise investment Gryffindors," Malfoy sneered, "Never know when your resident killers may strike."
"Calm down Malfoy," Hagrid said.
"Think they'll make some your size?" Malfoy asked Hagrid.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione continued their lesson.
Kristen went through the rack in the station, checked the sizes in the spare Kevlar vests.
"These all we have?" Kristen said, "Thought we had ordered more."
"Bean counters," Frank said, as he stood nearby.
Kristen shook her head, held her forehead for a moment.
"What part of witness protection do they not understand?" Kristen asked.
"The part where it costs money," Frank said, "Like that car this morning."
"What'd they expect us to use?" Kristen said, "Paper mache?"
"Tell the bean counters they have to go starkers," Frank said, "Maybe—?'
"Next challenge is getting them to wear these when they leave the house," Kristen said, "Harry's unconvinced. How can I help if they refuse protection?"
"Teenagers," Frank said.
"I've got SIX in that house," Kristen said, as she carried a couple of vests out of the room, "I deserve a medal for heroism."
A twist, a turn, she returned to her office, where a large brown owl with beady eyes glared at her. She opened the envelope on her desk, read the letter.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Stupid Muggle Police Chief,
Arrest Harry Potter now! He's armed and dangerous, guilty of murder.
EM
"Certainly not shy about their opinions," Frank said.
"What's Muggle?" Kristen said, "Think I've heard them use it."
"Are we dealing with a cult?" Frank asked, "Outsiders are called that?"
"That'd explain a lot," Kristen said, "Even have a school."
"In Scotland?" Frank asked.
"Bit far for a daily commute," Kristen said, "Harry—"
"Maybe he's trying to escape?" Frank said, "Thought hiding here would save him?"
"It's a cry for help," Kristen said, "Not turning our backs, no matter how rough it gets."
"Understood Mum," Frank said.
"Certainly Harry's done nothing that warrants an arrest," Kristen said.
Hermione watched Hagrid as he stood there, finished from his large handwritten notes.
"Until next time," Hagrid said.
"Finally!" Finnigan snapped.
"You can always drop the class," Hagrid said.
"Let's go," Harry whispered.
"Not too important of a class," Hermione said.
"It's Hagrid," Ron said.
"I'd drop if Hagrid stopped," Harry said, "He's too nice."
Hermione couldn't disagree with the sentiment. She walked next to Ron, his tall stature, the red hair, the freckled face, the blue eyes that glanced at the path they walked, behind Harry. Ron's stomach growled.
"Ask the kitchens?" Ron asked.
"Only one place," Harry said, "It'd be faster if we had brought our brooms."
"Faster if we—" Hermione started, thinking of the Portkeys.
"Walking should do us good," Ron said.
"Somebody loves running," Hermione said.
Harry spun around, bottle green eyes on her, and he smiled, the bit of sunshine across his face.
"I'm hungry," Ron said, moving forward first.
Harry walked next to Hermione, as they returned to the castle. Back up the steps, through the Entrance Hall. Despite the smells from the Great Hall, they turned right to climb the marble stairs.
"Whoa!" Hermione stammered as the marble stairs shook, galloped, as they climbed them.
Hermione grateful for the solid stone of the first floor, and they walked along.
"Careful," Ron said as a water flowed out from the nearby stone, the puddles moved with their steps.
Harry jumped the water, got ahead, and they turned down another corridor. Ahead, the sky blue robes of the Minister, two Aurors with him, Archer and Buckland. Dumbledore's eyes turned, hands trembled on the cane.
"Mr. Potter!" the Headmaster called out, "The—"
"We deserve some answers." Fallerschain spun with his Aurors, eyes on them. "You will provide them."
Harry stopped, was on the left, Ron in the middle, and Hermione on the right facing off with the Minister.
"What?" Harry asked, "What do you—?"
"Azkaban's your new residence," Fallerschain said, "Charges of Dark Arts, murder, yesterday in Liverpool."
"I demand proof—" Dumbledore started.
"OBSTRUCTION!" the Minister yelled at the Headmaster, "I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU WANT!" His hand pointed at Harry and Ron. "BY ORDER OF THE MINSTER FOR MAGIC—SEIZE THEM!"
"I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" Harry moved, Ron chased. "I NO LONGER CARE WHAT YOUR PROBLEMS ARE!"
"DO YOUR JOBS!" the Minister shouted at the Aurors.
Both Aurors fired curses from their wands, as Ron and Harry joined hands. A fireball erupted, engulfed Harry and Ron. Bricks from the walls, timbers from the ceiling fell. More curses shot through the flames. Carnage, stone turned charred purple and black throughout the corridor back to the junction, including the two lumps where Harry and Ron were standing a split second earlier.
"YOU ANIMALS!" Hermione yelled at Buckland, "YOU—!"
"SILENCE!" Archer barked, wand aimed at Hermione, which left her unable to speak.
"They were resisting arrest." Fallerschain wiped his hands. "Perfectly justified."
"Minister," Dumbledore said, wand raised, "Assassinating students in not tolerated in this school, nor the destruction of school property. You are permanently banned from Hogwarts. Charges will be filed."
"We've settled the matter anyhow." Fallerschain said, "Come."
Archer and Buckland followed the Minister, all stepped over the debris. Hermione simply stood there, blinked, starred at the spot of bricks and timbers crushed, the spot where her best friends had vanished before her eyes, their crushed bags on the floor.
"We need to—" Hermione started, her hand working for her wrist.
"Miss Granger," Professor Dumbledore said, his cane tapped as he approached her, "A search will be conducted immediately."
Hermione picked up the two book bags.
"Wait in my office," Professor Dumbledore said.
"I want to—" Hermione started.
"Please," Professor Dumbledore said, "Searching Hogwarts is a matter for teachers and staff. As to you, you are suspended."
"What?" Hermione stammered.
"Not my rules," Professor Dumbledore said, "Do I need to escort you?"
"No," Hermione said as she fingered the silver ring on her finger, Ron's gift to her months earlier, "I know the way."
Hermione carried the two extra book bags, up to the second floor. As she walked along the second floor corridor, two figures dressed in robes of canary yellow pressed in from side corridors ahead. Yellow masks, Hogwarts badges on their left breasts flashed 'EM' red lettering, and they advanced toward her.
"Get her!" came the command.
Behind her, two more figures in canary yellow. Hermione darted to the side of the corridor, all four continued to converge. Ahead, Auror Ferne turned, his eyes toward her, shrugged his shoulders, and left faster than she could think to shout.
"Leave Mudblood leave," the four figures in canary yellow chanted, "Be gone Dark Witch be gone."
Hermione sprinted, however the two in front of her reached fast, grabbed her shirt, pulled her to a stop as she struggled; the book bags dropped. Hermione screamed, screams that echoed in the hall, until a wand tip pushed into the back of her neck, a chant, and the electric shock continued until she stopped. Hands gripped her tightly, the legs secured.
"We need to explain this," said a fifth figure in canary yellow, the eyes that turned on her, approached, "So even this dolt can understand."
Another wand, from this fifth figure, passed across the front of her blouse, ripped the cloth from her, started at the neck, worked downward, until every shred of her uniform fell into a pile beneath her. Hands remained on her, her attempts to squirm rebuffed, with her figure fully exposed. Her attacker pulled out a knife.
"Rid her," the others chanted, "Thirty thousand for this bitch."
"A message," the attacker said as he shoved the knife up into her front.
Searing pain as he twisted, blood poured out. He pulled the knife, sliced it across her left, her right, and returned to her left.
"STOP!"
Canary yellow flashed as the figures moved, vanished and fled, and the knife disintegrated. Oliver Wood and Professor McGonagall rushed toward Hermione as she began to faint. A wave of the wand, a conjured stretcher caught Hermione, arrested her fall. Professor McGonagall removed her green cloak, spread it out over Hermione.
"Stay with us," Wood said, as him and the Professor rushed the stretcher and her toward the Hospital Wing, past the scorched walls of purple.
"My goodness," Professor McGonagall said, "In all my years…"
"Them again," Hermione said, "Masked but advertised."
"They haven't the right," Professor McGonagall said as they entered the Hospital Wing, "Poppy!"
"Where?" Wood asked.
Hermione glanced enough to understand the problem, all beds smashed into ash. Hanging in the air over each one, life size replicas of either Harry or Ron, all ablaze.
"I have no space," Madam Pomfrey said as she rushed over to them, "They—what happened?"
Madam Pomfrey lifted the cloak, her eyes wide, applied charms.
"My office," Professor McGonagall said, "Miss. Granger was attacked—"
"I need…" Madam Pomfrey sprinted for her office, "Meet you there."
Oliver Wood and Professor McGonagall didn't hesitate, and rushed the stretcher back along the corridor, into McGonagall's office. A wave of the Professor's wand, the desk cleared, and Hermione's stretcher was laid down on it. Green puff of flame, Madam Pomfrey carried a small bag.
"Better than my office," Madam Pomfrey said as she laid the bag down. She removed the cloak, and Hermione felt the charms, the fingers. "Don't worry Miss. Granger."
"Relax," Wood said as he clasped Hermione's hand, those eyes bore down on her. "Don't let the bastards win."
"Ta," Hermione said.
"Why were you alone—?" Wood started.
"Haven't you heard?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Heard what?" Pomfrey asked
"Minister came to arrest Harry and Ron," Hermione said.
"It's why the castle's being searched, right?" Wood asked.
"Vanished is more like it," the Professor said.
"Aurors shot curses," Hermione said, "Carnage—nothing."
"Oh," Wood said.
"Is she going to be alright?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Madam Pomfrey applied phoenix tears.
"In a few minutes," Madam Pomfrey said, "I'll like to reexamine tonight."
"Oliver," Professor McGonagall said, "Guard and escort her to the Headmaster's Office, meet you there."
McGonagall left her office.
"Excuse me!" came her shout.
"Wizengamot does not appreciate treason inside of Hogwarts," came the Minister's voice.
The door shut, sealing off the conversation.
"How do you feel?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she gingerly helped Hermione into a sitting position.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"Rest a moment," Madam Pomfrey said, "I'll see if I have better luck in the Hospital Wing."
Madam Pomfrey turned, went into the fireplace. A puff of green, she vanished.
"ALL STUDENTS PLEASE REPORT TO YOUR DORMITORIES IMMEDIATELY!" came Professor McGonagall's amplified voice, "I REPEAT, ALL STUDENTS PLEASE PROCEED TO YOUR DORMITORIES!"
Hermione turned to Wood.
"Thank you," Hermione said to him, aware his vulva showed, "Guess it's best to see the Headmaster."
"Um…" Wood turned around in the office, dropped his trousers.
"You're—?" Hermione asked.
"Here," Wood said as he handed them over, his boxers showed, "Bit of dignity."
Hermione put the trousers on while Wood handed over his cardigan sweater, leaving him in his underwear.
"They smashed the Hospital Wing," Wood said, "Don't want to trust anything right now."
Hermione nodded.
"Bit loose," Hermione said as she fidgeted with the waistband, "Thank you."
"This way," Wood said.
Hermione walked with Wood, both wands drawn. She picked up all three book–bags on the second floor corridor, now clean, and headed for the Stone Gargoyle. Professor McGonagall joined back up with them. Hermione stepped onto the ascending staircase, and all three rose up into the tower of the Headmaster's Office.
"Maybe they found a way?" Wood asked.
Hermione knew the odds, but appreciated the cheer.
Earlier, with the Minister and two Aurors staring them down; Harry began to move in the first floor corridor at Hogwarts, Ron chased.
"DO YOUR JOBS!" the Minister Fallerschain shouted.
Harry slowed enough to let Ron reach, and they joined hands as the fireball engulfed them. Fire across his Hogwarts uniform as the jolt came, the step, and both fell. Feet landed knee deep into dry snow.
"Bli—" Harry started, before they both fell forward.
Cold white powder brushed Harry's face, his hands hit the firmly packed ice below. Ron crashed onto Harry before they settled.
"Um…" Ron muttered.
Both shivered as Ron untangled first. Harry stood up, the subfreezing temperatures of the air, the strong breeze the blasted them both from behind, invaded.
"CALOR!" Harry shouted, wand out.
"You're able—" Ron started.
"No mistakes," Harry said, feeling the warmth crash over him, a searing heat that pushed away the blistering freeze.
A spin around, the barren white landscape, nothing but snow to the blue horizon, where the sun was slightly above and to their right. Breaths of the thin dry air, they huddled together.
"Well?" Ron asked, "Where are we?"
"Not Hogwarts," Harry stated.
Ron rolled his eyes.
"Duh!" Ron snapped, "Figured that out Hermione!"
"Don't insult," Harry said, as he spun around again, "Nothing significant. Arctic? Greenland?"
They trudged at a slow pace through the snow, hair fluttered into their eyes.
"Winter up there," Ron said, "Antarctic?"
"Better than what that jerk had in mind," Harry said.
Ron shivered. Harry aimed his wand, focused. A wooden platform, surrounded by walls of wood, and two easy chairs.
"Doubt this'll last long," Harry said as they sat.
Wind still at them, partially sheltered. Harry aimed his wand, set part of the platform on fire, a short distance from their chairs.
"You're getting better," Ron said, "Apparation too."
"You think it was Apparation?" Harry asked.
"Either that or we're dead," Ron said, "At which point, who cares?"
Harry chuckled.
"Suppose we'll go back at some point," Ron said, "Our Portkeys should work."
"If we want to go back," Harry said, having second thoughts on Hogwarts.
"Hermione," Ron said, "Her and her piano would be nice."
"Can't conjure her up," Harry said.
Ron reclined his easy chair.
"Hermione might spell your dreams tonight," Ron said.
"Don't get exactly what you're up to with it," Harry said, "There are side effects, like searching for a tampon before I realized…"
Ron snickered.
"We are your friends," Ron said, "Helping you goes with the territory."
"Should probably get back," Harry said.
"When we want to," Ron said, "Of course, we barely escaped the imaginary and fluffy snow bird, took us lots of time too. Those snowmen didn't help matters."
Harry stared at those blue eyes, wondered what Ron was onto.
Ron's smile, and Harry laughed.
"Should go back," Ron said, "This cold is making me hungry."
"You can order pizza when we get home," Harry said, "Likely suspended."
"Collect Hermione," Ron said.
Ron opened his wand holster, brought out his Portkey, and activated. Harry held on. A jerk behind the naval, they left the sea of snow.
"Guess we're about to find out," Harry said.
Feet landed in the sixth years' boys' dormitory at Hogwarts, laughter and cheers from the rest of the room. A peek around Ron's four poster bed, canary yellow adorned the beds, Firewhiskey in Finnigan's hands, laughing as Ernie Macmillan joined in drinking.
"Think they're really gone?" Macmillan asked.
"Hope so," Finnigan said, "Rotten—"
"Bitch lived," said Dean Thomas.
Harry glanced at Ron's blue eyes.
"Think of Hermione," Ron thought.
"There's—" Harry started.
"Like you do of Gia," Ron thought, "Passion, love, and—they're a minute away from spotting us, casting fireballs."
Ron held Harry's hand. Harry closed his eyes, summoned the love he had for Hermione, built up the strong desire to be with her.
Dumbledore heard the ascending staircase first, as Professor Tonks opened one of the double doors.
"Heads up," Tonks said, and she left.
Dumbledore clutched his cane, his hands trembled, as he stood. Sky blue robes, the Minister for Magic entered the office, his two aurors behind him.
"Fast," Dumbledore said, as he knew arguing banishments was fruitless. The Minister had both the Wizengamot and the Hogwarts board of governors in his pocket, and both had overturned it.
"I told you," Fallerschain said, "The board approved my actions, they have overridden your ban. With them dead, the matter is now moot, the warrants have been rescinded—they have still been cited for resisting arrest."
Door opened, McGonagall entered the office with Hermione and Oliver Wood. Hermione in Wood's blue cardigan sweater and trousers. Wood wearing a white T–shirt and boxers.
"Miss. Granger," Dumbledore said, "You were expected—"
"Excused Albus," McGonagall said, "She was attacked trying to reach here, Poppy has already tended to her injuries, and Mr. Wood lent his wardrobe."
"It was her fault in all likelihood," Fallerschain snapped.
"Fault is irrelevant," Dumbledore said, "She is still suspended, come back Wednesday."
"But…" Hermione started.
Dumbledore understood the frustration behind those brown eyes, when he heard the characteristic pop, one that should not of happened. Dumbledore gripped his wand for a moment, before he relaxed. Familiar black hair with bottle green eyes, the red hair and blue eyes; Harry and Ron stood behind the Minister. Albus caught the surprise in Minerva's eyes as she glanced.
"Ron!" Hermione stammered, "Harry!"
Fallerschain sky blue robes spun with him, to face the two teenager boys.
"Explain yourselves!" Fallerschain demanded.
"We guess we Apparated," Ron said as he scratched his head.
"Impossible!" McGonagall said.
"Used the Floo Network to return," Ron said.
Dumbledore unsure if Ron was being truthful, or hiding the other way.
"Quite impossible," Dumbledore said, reiterating the common knowledge.
"Whatever it was," Harry said, "Found ourselves not at Hogwarts and came back for her."
Dumbledore spotted the appreciation behind Hermione's eyes.
"Apparation's as good an explanation as any," Harry continued.
"So you admit to Apparating?" Fallerschain smiled as he took out a quill to a pad of forms, scribbled out two, and handed them to Ron and Harry. "Apparating without a license carries a penalty of a hundred fifty galleons each, that's on top of the hundred for resisting arrest."
Harry frowned.
"Later," Dumbledore said, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss. Granger, you are suspended, do not return until Wednesday. You may use the fireplace."
Hermione handed over book bags to both Harry and Ron; they took them. Everybody heard Ron's words.
"Weasley Wizarding Wheezes!" Ron shouted.
Puffs of green flame swirled, all three teenagers vanished.
"Buckland," the Minister said, "Go and arrest them."
"You may not," Dumbledore said, his hands trembled a bit more, his wand aimed at Fallerschain, "Custodire Mugwhump, Harry James Potter, Ronald Bilius Weasley, Hermione Jane Granger, and Gia Marie Prescott."
Dumbledore felt the binding, the constriction for a moment.
"You can't!" Fallerschain said.
"I already did," Dumbledore said, "You have no further business here, your Aurors can't even protect the Hospital Wing from a couple of student hooligans. I expect you to uphold your promise, so be gone."
Only his professionalism kept Dumbledore from expressing his glee as the Minister and entourage left the office.
"Albus," McGonagall said, "It's only getting worse. Students are continuing to take matters into their own hands!"
"This EM?" Dumbledore asked.
"Affirmative," McGonagall said.
"Do not ask," Dumbledore said as he sat back down, "Mr. Potter cannot be expelled at this time, there's too much at stake."
"What's he learning here?" McGonagall said, "Mr. Lupin's having better luck."
"And set a precedent?" Dumbledore said, "Who's next on the eviction list?"
"Sorry," McGonagall said.
Dumbledore sighed, sipped at the cold tea on his desk.
"Poppy will have some choice words for you," said McGonagall.
"Which would have meaning if there was a chance for me to get out of this alive," Dumbledore said, "But we both know the price is one I do not wish to pay. My legacy rests in the hands of Mr. Potter."
Ron stepped out of the fireplace into Weasley Wizarding Wheezes.
"Um…" Fred said, "What brings you three here?"
"Quick before you scare away all of our customers," George said.
Ron caught the glances, grabbed a handful of Powder, and motioned. Harry and Hermione joined him as he dropped it.
"Lupin Manor!" Ron exclaimed.
Another spin, they stepped out. A leaf blew across the windows overlooking the inlet.
"Dare I ask?" Lupin asked.
"Nothing much," Harry said, which Ron knew to be a lie.
"Not up to wand practice today," Hermione said.
"Minister watched us depart," Ron said, "Hope you don't mind."
"Of course not," Lupin asked, "Do you have those essays from last week?"
"Um…we're still working on them," Harry said.
"Try tomorrow?" Ron said, "Bye!"
Harry activated his Portkey; Ron and Hermione held on, and they landed in Gia's bedroom.
"Did you really Apparate?" Hermione asked.
Harry turned for some parchment, wrote.
"As near as we can figure," Harry said.
"Antarctica was our guess," Ron said, "Care for a visit?"
"Why wear Wood's stuff?" Harry asked, still working the parchment on Gia's desk.
"I was attacked after you vanished." Hermione sat on the bed.
"Tell us," Harry said as he folded the parchment.
Attachment of the letter to Hedwig's leg, she flew off. Ron sat on the bed with her. She explained the attack. Ron reached to wrap his arm around her, except he stopped at her glare, one he didn't need Legilimens to understand.
"Check the repair," Ron said.
"No," Hermione said, "Pomfrey said to wait until Wednesday."
Ron caught Harry shaking his head.
"Are you—?" Ron started.
"And before you go jumping off a bridge." Hermione pointed at Harry. "Don't let the bastards win!"
"Price is getting rather high," Harry said.
"Already paid—my parents, even," Hermione said, "I can't do a damn thing about it, so losing you would be a pointless waste."
"You're all worried—" Harry said.
"Have to nip it in the bud," Ron said, "Alright?"
Ron watched, studied those green eyes, until thoughts turned to Gia.
"Studying," Hermione suggest, "Get my mind off—that."
Ron stood, carried his book–bag behind Hermione, down the steps. Harry followed, down the stairs, and into the dining room.
"What puzzles me," Hermione said as she sat, "You're not supposed to Apparate—"
"He's done it before by accident," Ron said, as he sat across from her.
"From Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.
"What about that first Hogsmeade?" Ron said, "Harry, you never had a good explanation for that."
Harry shrugged, he still stood there.
"Wards," Hermione said, "Enchantments."
"We did break the wards at St. Mungo's," Harry said, "Maybe the rumor protects better than the wards themselves?"
Ron shrugged.
"Later," Harry said.
Harry disapparated.
"Don't encourage him," Hermione said, "He might splinch—"
"Which he will if he doesn't learn properly," Ron said, "Doubt we'll even get training permits."
Hermione shook her head. Ron brought out his journal, quill.
"Let's go back over this," Ron said, "Earlier."
"You're—?" Hermione started.
"It's trauma!" Ron said, "Talk it out a bit, you know, cause I love you."
Hermione sighed. Ron studied those brown eyes, worked his self–inking quill on the paper. Fur past his ankles, a moment later, the tail of Crookshanks laying on her lap went above the table.
A bit earlier in the day, Gia left the Smelting's cafeteria when she was met by three. Kristen stood there, two officers beside her. Snuffles sat, glared, watched.
"Um…" Gia muttered.
"Not in trouble," Kristen said, "Meet Ashley and Ernie."
Gia reached, shook their hands.
"Given—events," Kristen said, "Best if you had a couple extra pairs of eyes around, they've been assigned to you."
"Me?" Gia asked.
"Humor me," Kristen said, "Think of it as they need remedial studies for their A levels."
Ernie shook his head.
"Harry—" Gia started.
"Isn't here, is he?" Kristen asked.
Gia shook her head.
"I can't protect him," Kristen said, "I can protect you, so I will. Please?"
"Alright," Gia grumbled.
"Snuffles?" Ernie asked.
Snuffles growled as Ernie approached.
"He's a bit temperamental," Kristen said, "Intimidating though."
"He…can be," Gia said.
"See you tonight," Kristen said.
"Next class?" Ashley asked.
"Auditorium," Gia said.
Ashley and Ernie walked to either side, crossed the footpath, back to the bigger building, the brick still shorn down the side. They went into the building. Gia found a spot in the middle, settled down. Glint from the metal of the officers in the corner, and Snuffles settled down on the seat behind her. A trim and fit, tall man with adjusted his tie as he stepped up into the middle of the stage.
"In light of last week," said Mr. Smythe, "A bit of levity, lets see that bit of magic you've been working on. Lisa Shoreham, give you a moment."
Gia watched and waited. Strings, the tracking the cards. Gia unsure if she was still awake, knew there were no holes in her eyelids, when the voice called out for a second time.
"Miss. Prescott," said Mr. Smythe.
Gia trembled a bit, went up to the stage. She took over the fake black wand with white caps.
"Need an assistant," Gia said, stalling.
Pop!
Harry, jet black hair, stood there, his bottle green eyes on her, as some applause came from the audience.
"Pardon as I fill him in," Gia said, "Harry, this is a magic act, any ideas? Think we can levitate—that?"
Gia pointed to the plank. Harry aimed his holly wand, and it levitated. Snuffles growled from the back. Harry levitated the inches needed to lean into Gia, brought their lips together, kissed. Harry's hands worked up her blouse, bottle greens on her, and her hands felt him.
"It's a magic show!" red haired Lisa shouted.
Harry's eyes twitched and twinkled, teased into her the next idea. Gia's confidence grew.
"Real magic's between us," Gia said, "Harry's my wizard."
Gia reached for the deck of cards, removed the cellophane wrapper.
"Set them on fire?" Harry asked.
"Think that'd reflect poorly in my marks," Gia said.
A nod from Mr. Smythe.
"Cards," Lisa grumbled.
Gia removed the joker, showed it, shuffled the rest on the table, and put the shuffled deck back into the box.
"Catch," Gia said, as she threw them at Lisa, "Take one, return the rest."
Gia caught the pass back, returned to the table, and lifted the card there, the Queen of Spades. Harry grinned.
"What's your card?" Gia asked.
"Queen of Spades," Lisa said, showing up the Joker.
"Oh, this one?" Gia asked.
Lisa blushed, as she turned the card back to her.
"How?" Lisa asked.
"Magic," Gia stated.
"More," demanded the blond haired Nate.
Antlers grew on top of Nate's head. Gia glanced at Harry.
"Sorry," Harry said, "See me if that takes more than a couple of days to go away."
"What?!" Nate stammered as he felt his head.
Heads and eyes turned.
"Nice rack," Gia said.
Snickers.
"Can you?" Gia whispered to Harry.
"Maybe," Harry whispered.
Harry turned for the large upright box, gestured.
"Never seen that before?" Gia asked.
Harry shook his head. He went over, pushed on it.
"Who puts a box over a trap door?" Harry said, "Doesn't that make it useless?"
Some laughter.
"Check it out," Gia said.
Harry opened the door, it closed with him inside. Gia figured Harry knew what this box was, prepared, when she grabbed a sword. She began to insert, when heard the pop and the large mass clung to her back.
"It's scary in there," Harry said, "Suddenly this sword—"
Laughter came from the audience.
"Part of the act," Gia said.
"Oh," Harry said, "How'd it work?"
More laughter.
"Are we supposed to set that on fire?" Harry asked.
"Try a hat?" Gia asked.
Harry got off her, walked to the table, grabbed the top hat.
"Bit…can we try?" Harry asked as it turned into a pointed wizarding hat, "Um…nothing in this, right?"
Gia took the pointed hat, showed it around, pulled it inside and out, returned it. Harry pushed the table to the side, held the hat. Gia tapped her wand, reached in, and felt fur.
Purr!
A black cat came with her pull.
Meow!
A small dog leapt out of the hat, chased the cat into the audience, her classmates' legs bent up as they passed.
"Famished?" Harry asked.
Gia pulled out a pair of beer bottles. Harry took the hat, it changed into a bottle opener, and he opened the bottles.
"Hey!" Mr. Smythe said, "It's a school."
"It's fake beer," Harry said, "Won't actually… throw them."
Gia threw her bottle, it exploded into a shower of sparks, drizzled down over the audience and fizzled. The other bottle whimpered, vanished.
"What next?" Harry asked Gia.
Though Gia was unsure who was in control, she leaned in, kissed him.
"The real magic," Gia said, "We'll…take a few."
Gia didn't let go, let Harry hold her, to the applause of the audience.
"I'd bang if…" Harry muttered.
Gia knew. Mr. Smythe, trim yet tall, adjusted his tie as he returned to the stage.
"Definitely different," Mr. Smythe said, "Remember, I want papers on how you performed your tricks—"
"Magicians don't tell their tricks," Nate said.
"They do if they want their marks," Mr. Smythe said, "And rate your classmates' performances too. We'll do this again tomorrow. Good day." Mr. Smythe turned to Gia. "Look forward to reading your paper."
Gia realized the trouble she was in, how to explain away Harry's use of real magic. Harry followed her back to her seat, next to Snuffles.
"Being a good boy?" Harry asked Snuffles.
"You two," Gia said as she grabbed her book–bag.
Jen came up to them as they made for the door.
"Fabulous," Jen said, "Can't wait to learn how you pulled that off."
"Nothing unusual," Gia lied.
"Who are—?" Harry asked as the two officers accompanied them out of the auditorium.
"Kristen," Gia said.
"Oh," Harry muttered.
"You're sometimes busy," Gia said, "This is Ashley."
Harry focused on her, the woman in uniform, and shook the hand.
"I'm Ernie," said the other, a man, and shook Harry's hand.
"Or," Gia said to Harry, "Explain to Kristen how Snuffles can handle things?"
Harry shook his head.
"She might insist on a car," Gia said.
"We can … walk," Harry grumbled.
"I know what you're capable of," Gia said, "She doesn't."
"Yeah," Harry grumbled.
"At least make her feel like she's being protective?" Gia asked.
"Suppose…" Harry grumbled.
"Unless you can make your problems magically go away," Gia siad.
"I wish," Harry said.
Gia knew Harry felt a bit ridiculous, the one officer in front, the other in back. She put her arm around him, as they continued to walk.
Date: Sat Aug 26 11:28:23 2023