In the Crosshairs

Dragon Voldemort

Chapter 80: Weasley

Hoot!

Harry woke Tuesday morning as some moonlight crept into the window, but before it vanished. Harry got off the bed, and he went for the door.

"Mum's…" Richard warned.

Harry wondered, ran fast down the steps, with a strong desire to be on the other side of that door. Unsure if he went through the door or not, he was outside, beneath the clouds, the air warm for winter.

"Nice try," Kristen said, opening the door, "You shouldn't be jumping out of windows."

"I…" Harry stopped himself, figured that running through the wall wasn't a better explanation.

Richard caught up with Harry.

"How?" Richard asked.

Harry shrugged, he wasn't certain either. Harry went into a jog, Richard with him.

"We'd run FASTER if it weren't for the slowpoke," Richard said, loud.

Harry snorted.

"Wait until you're fifty," Kristen said, "See how well you fare."

Harry glanced around as he ran with Richard and Kristen in the growing light, the route of habit, to the zebra crossing at the road. Harry spotted a shimmer, a reflection, a man to the other side had a camera with a long lens aimed them.

"Excuse—" Harry started, his feet already carried him, made it across before the first car passed.

"HARRY!" Kristen shouted.

Harry came to the man crouched in the hedge, with a baseball cap on backwards.

"Excuse—" Harry started.

"Shoo!" the man shouted.

Harry caught those eyes, the camera's target was Richard, with Kristen as a bonus.

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Scram!" the man snapped.

Harry glanced at the camera, smoke came from the grip beneath the fingers. Harry backed away.

"Ouch!" the man said as he dropped the camera, "You son of a bitch!"

A flash of metal, the knife in the hand as this man rose for Harry. He ran for Harry, the knife flew into the road as the hand came down toward Harry. Harry grabbed the hand, pulled the man forward onto his back. One foot down onto that hand as Kristen came up.

"He's after Richard," Harry said.

"Excuse me?" Kristen asked the man.

"What are you?" Harry demanded of the man.

Harry spotted it.

"Private investigator?" Harry asked, "Why?"

Disbelief behind them.

"Anything else?" Harry asked.

An image.

"Lockpick?" Harry said, "Guess I see your need."

"Harry," Kristen said, "My job."

"Where's home?" Harry asked the man.

A statue of a green woman, twin towers.

"New York?" Harry said, "Yeah, New York."

"You know him?" Kristen asked.

"No," Harry said, reading those eyes, "He's…not paid enough for this."

Harry caught her perplexed glance.

"Okay, I'll shut up," Harry said, "Richard and I…head back."

Flashing lights, a couple of police cruisers pulled up alongside the road. Harry went over to Richard, and they ran.

"Interesting," Richard said.

Harry stopped at the next light.

"He was interested in—" Harry pushed on Richard's chest. "You."

"Me?" Richard asked, "Why?"

"Dunno," Harry said, "Know there was money in it."

"You're not making these runs…boring," Richard said.

"Ta…I think," Harry quipped.

They continued.

Dumbledore wished people would respect his bedtime hours as he came to, every window pitch black, with a solitary candle to fight away the darkness. His bed moved until he stood. His robes moved to meet his arms, swathed him up. Hands shook to the cane, and his office was already occupied by the time he stepped on the top platform of his lift.

"Sorry to disturb you," said the Minister, in his sky blue robes.

Dumbledore wondered if this man ever slept.

"I hope you understand the strain I'm under," Fallerschain said, "With every witch and wizard calling for their heads, I simply had to act."

Dumbledore stepped off the base of the lift.

"We both want safety and security in Hogwarts," the Minister said, "Perhaps I was a bit overzealous yesterday."

"An understatement," Dumbledore said.

"I went ahead and investigated," Fallerschain said, "Seems your paperwork was misfiled, so I took the liberty of correcting its destination. As an apology, of sorts."

A whistle, two Aurors escorted in the balding red haired man, Arthur Weasley.

"Accepted," Dumbledore stated.

"With Potter's track record, I'm sure I'll be back," Fallerschain said, "Come."

The minister snapped his fingers, the aurors followed the man in sky blue out of the office. Dumbledore summoned his strength to remain standing to the old friend.

"Hello," Arthur said, "Sure this isn't a dream?"

"Me?" Dumbledore asked.

A thin smile. Dumbledore reached, gave the man a soft handshake.

"You have a family eager to see you," Dumbledore said, "Um…" he took the Hogwarts Pin off his desk. "Ronald uncovered the fraud."

"How is he?" Arthur asked.

"Credit to you and Molly," Dumbledore said, "Young Ronald is maturing… and confounding at times."

"Kids," Arthur said, "You've never had any."

"Loyalty defines Ronald," Dumbledore said, "We'd already be lost if it weren't for him, even covered one of my short–sightings."

A moment, Arthur peered at him, the perplexion behind those eyes.

"We all have faults," Dumbledore said, "I don't advertise mine."

"Aw," Arthur said.

"You'll find Ronald—tap three times," Dumbledore said as he handed the pin over, "Portkey takes you there, return when done so you can visit Ginny and use the fireplace. It's a house of Muggles, so be careful. Upstairs, door on the right."

"Ta," Arthur said.

"If you can make it that far without them noticing," Dumbledore said, "Scold them."

Arthur nodded. He tapped the pin and vanished.

Ron woke to the voice.

"Ahem," came the call.

Ron spotted the balding red haired man to the foot of the bed. Ron pulled the covers up to hide Gia's and Hermione's breasts.

"Dad!" Ron said, "Not as bad as it looks!"

"Nothing's as bad as this looks." Arthur Weasley grinned. "Good to see you Hermione."

"Morning Mr. Weasley," Hermione said.

"Think we've got something to discuss," Arthur Weasley said, "Good spot?"

"Study," Hermione said, "Downstairs."

Ron caught the glimpse, the pink envelopes. He rolled, stepped off, and led the way. Down the steps, a couple of hard rights, and Arthur Weasley shut the door. Arthur Weasley sat on the sofa.

"Let's see…." Arthur Weasley said as he shuffled through the envelopes, before the eyes turned back to Ron.

Ron stood there, held his hands behind his back, and knew he was getting judged.

"Been busy?" Mr. Weasley asked, citations in his hands.

"What's to say?" Ron said, "I love her."

"I can tell," Mr. Weasley said.

"It's been…stressful," Ron said, "We needed to … let loose."

"Badges of honor?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Yes," Ron said, "Yes those are."

"Be discreet!" Mr. Weasley said.

"Next time," Ron said, "I won't take something from Fred and George that attracted the coppers."

A snort.

"What has been happening?" Arthur Weasley asked.

Ron took a few moments to mull it over.

"Only gotten worse since your arrest," Ron said, "We proved there were impostors—not enough! Now they think we're going dark…when Harry's been here banging Gia! They even castrated Harry! Now? There's a contract out on our heads—they raided Harry's vault to pay for it. That's what you're coming back to."

"You're not kidding?" Arthur said, "That's why you're not at Hogwarts?"

"We get suspended for any reason, no reason at all," Ron said, "Impostor attacks and Dumbledore is forced to suspend us. Yesterday the Ministry tried to murder us at Hogwarts—we're suspended. Can you imagine the strain this puts on Harry, on Hermione, on me?"

Ron waited for a moment.

"Dumbledore might know how close Voldemort came last week to victory," Ron said, "I do." Ron reached over, picked up the pink envelopes. "It caused damage and I had to rescue Hermione. Mum'd understand…" Ron smiled. "She'd be sending Howlers, and I wish I could hear them."

Arthur Weasley snorted.

"Still," Ron said, "I own up to these. Unlike everything else, I deserved these."

"You've changed," Arthur Weasley said.

"Yeah, yes I have," Ron said, "Four coppers know that too."

Another snort.

"Um…you missed Ginny's party," Ron said, "Bill and Charlie…alright. Fred and George still finding ways to make money. Ginny—see her, bit traumatic afterwards."

"Something happen?" Arthur Weasley asked.

"A new group seems to have decided to make every Weasley their enemy," Ron said, "Best to see her next."

"Percy?" Arthur asked.

"Percy's being Percy," Ron said, "But, he helped in finding that you were framed."

"Thank you," Mr. Weasley said, "Azkaban…it's not a resort you want to experience."

"If Harry goes there, I will too," Ron said.

A door closed out in the living room.

"Should have a pool if Mum gets waylaid or not," Richard's voice said.

"HARRY!" Ron shouted.

Mr. Weasley stood, as the door opened. Harry, bottle green eyes, entered.

"Mr. Weasley," Harry said, as he extended his hand, "Thought—"

"Minister let me go," Arthur Weasley said.

"We're not on the Minister's good side," Harry said, "Got a stack of papers upstairs."

"Might take you up on that," Arthur Weasley said.

"Family first," Harry said, "Totally understand."

A turn of that frame, the glance back to Ron.

"You've definitely been around Dumbledore," Arthur Weasley said, "You've picked up one of his habits."

"Understatement," Ron said, recognizing it was the Legilimency tripping his father, "But we need to practice."

"We'll be at Lupin's for the rest of the morning," Harry said.

Ron leaned in, hugged the old man, took the embrace back.

"Nice seeing some of us are trying to be decent," Mr. Weasley said.

"Don't insult him," Harry said.

Ron grabbed a pillow, threw it at Harry.

"Just tap it," Harry said as Mr. Weasley pulled out the Hogwarts Pin.

"Don't let Ginny off easy!" Ron said as Mr. Weasley tapped.

Arthur Weasley vanished.

"Where'd he catch you?" Harry asked Ron.

Ron began to jog, Harry vanished. Ron made it up the stairs, where Harry escorted Gia down.

"Really?" Harry asked Ron.

"Get her to—" Ron started.

"Not enough time," Harry said.

Harry opened the door, the officers Ernie and Ashley were there. Snuffles came in from the side, joined the entourage around Gia as she left. Hermione came down the steps, a book–bag over her shoulder.

"Need to—" Hermione started.

"Yep." Harry pulled out his Portkey, tapped. Ron and Hermione touched, pulled toward the manor.

"Good he's back," Ron said.

"Your win," Harry said as they landed. Polished wood beneath their feet.

"Got your assignments?" Lupin asked.

"They almost forgot theirs," Hermione said, handing over the rolls of parchment.

"Not like we otherwise need the bags," Ron said.

"Downstairs," Lupin said, "Moody's there."

Harry led the way down, Ron walked between Harry and Hermione. They entered the Practice Hall, this time, about empty save the usual stone and brick work, and the one in the middle in dark leather.

"Vigilance," Moody said, "Remember the prices on your heads."

Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione.

"Can I see your wands?" Moody asked.

Harry was first, Ron was next. Hermione took a moment, handed hers over.

"Never just give them over!" Moody said, "I could use these to kill you."

"Doubt it," Harry said.

"Well polished wands," Moody said, "Blessing they still teach that."

"Ron keeps his wand well polished," Harry said.

"Harry!" Hermione snapped.

Harry's wand flew back to Harry, and he grabbed it, aimed it.

"Spare wands?" Moody asked.

"Not exactly," Ron said.

"Always carry a spare," Moody said, "Especially you."

Moody returned Ron's and Hermione's wands.

"My eye is picking up magic on you boy," Moody said, his magic eye trained toward Harry's right wrist, "Your wand disappeared—concealed holster, very useful. Today, we'll practice with these."

Moody handed over three basic dragon hide wand holsters. Ron examined it, the small size, nothing to mark the plain leather brown color, no self–polishing within.

"We already have—" Harry started.

"Think boy!" Moody said, "Decoys, or losing yours and you borrow somebody else's, or you have to move yours. Should be well practiced with using any holster, so start with these."

Ron fixed this new one to his hip. Ron glanced at Harry doing the same. Hermione fixed hers on too.

"Your wand's your best weapon," Moody said, "Weasley, Potter, face off."

Ron walked a few steps, turned, put his wand in this strange holster. Harry did the same, faced Ron.

"On the count of three," Moody said, "Draw and curse expeliarmusperculsus. Hands to your hilts."

Harry and Ron did this.

"Three…two…one," Moody said.

Harry fumbled, Ron pulled his out first. A fast swish and flick, Harry's holly wand flew to Ron, and Harry gritted his teeth.

"Blimey!" Harry exclaimed.

A banish by Ron, and Harry's wand flew back to his friend.

"Harry," Ron said, "Repeat." Ron pointed to his wrist.

"We know you have that one working adequately," Moody growled.

Ron glared at Harry's bottle green eyes.

"Don't get—" Harry thought.

"Ollivander's are great but Mad–Eye figured it out," Ron replied.

"Potter, focus," Moody said.

Ron knew what was at stake as they kept practicing. Each cast, each grit, against either Harry or Hermione, Ron knew the price that had been paid, and that the true price will be way more. They kept practicing for the remainder of the morning.

"How the heck did that boy…?" Kristen muttered, as she re–read the arrest report in her office.

"Got the pictures," Frank said, handing over the sheet.

Richard was centered in every picture.

"It's like Harry read his mind," Kristen said, "Why is this man after Richard?"

"Perhaps you should bring Harry in," Frank said, "Suspect's been quiet."

"Lockpick and the knife," Kristen said, "Not to mention the attempt to assault Harry…"

"He's alright?" Frank asked.

"Didn't flinch," Kristen said, "He's…he's seen action before."

It was around noon when Harry took off the spare wand holster that clung to his hip. He banished his wand to his own concealed holster on his wrist.

"I'll see you around Potter," said Moody.

Moody left the practice hall first. Harry went to Ron.

"At least you're taking something seriously," Hermione said to Ron.

"Ron," Harry said, "Yours—"

Harry took out his Portkey.

"Percy's?" Harry thought.

"Sure," Ron said, taking his out.

"Not here," Hermione said.

"It's about not showing them to everybody," Harry said.

Harry and Ron held them, followed Hermione. They went up the steps into the living room. Harry activated the Portkey. A moment later, he was in Percy's flat. Wand out, Harry pointed it around, before he spotted the red haired, tall Percy in his suit.

"You're suspicious," Percy said.

"Hundred thousand starts to do that," Harry said, as he put the Portkey and wand away behind his back.

"A goblin does not do lateness," said Griphook, already on the sofa.

"You know why I asked for a meeting outside of Gringotts?" Harry asked.

Harry watched those eyes between the pointed ears.

"You have an edge of determination," Griphook said.

Harry understood, Legilimency had become habit, was different things to different people.

"My vault's the blood money of my dead parents, killed by Voldemort!" Harry said, ignored the flinch, "To steal it is to steal them away from me. Not only that, but to fund the bounty on my head dishonors them. And it was done under your watch."

"Harry!" Percy said.

"Of course I'm angry," Harry said, "It also funded the contract out on your brother, you should be just as mad as me. Your Mum—"

"Is dead," Percy said.

"Ron honors her." Harry turned back to Griphook. "You understand why I'm upset."

"Of course," Griphook said, "Understand we have many safeguards, it wasn't an easy task."

"But it was done," Harry said, "Should we ask about Mr. Arthur Weasley's case?"

"You promised—" Griphook started toward Percy.

"Voldemort had a hand in that one," Harry said, "He's broken Gringotts security before, likely at work now."

Harry watched those eyes that pondered the next words. Griphook remained silent, Percy kept his eyes on Harry. Harry spotted something more behind Percy's.

"What else?" Harry asked Percy.

"There's already a second vault," Percy said.

"A decoy?" Harry asked.

"Potter Family Trust," Percy said.

Harry turned his eyes to Griphook.

"You do not gain control of that until you are of age," Griphook said, "Until then, I keep an eye on the custodian, who is investing it wisely."

"How much is in there?" Harry asked.

"I am not allowed to discuss vaults that you do not have control over," Griphook said.

"Your vault is small," Percy said, "You get some of the interest."

Harry turned, stared out the window that overlooked the street below. A few leaves went past, a lorry.

"No evidence of anybody attacking it," Griphook said.

"Yet," Harry said as he spun around, "Assume they'll go after it the moment they learn about it too."

"Your custodian is anticipating that," Griphook said, "He's at least one step ahead, likely more."

Harry leaned against the window ledge, his legs crossed.

"Lets not play the blame game," Harry said, "They're after my parents, they're after my family. How do I stay ahead of them? Keep their hands off of it."

"Goblins—" Griphook started.

"Focus on—" Harry started.

"Understood," Griphook said.

"More vaults?" Harry asked, "Decoys? How'd that work with my debit card?"

Harry reached behind his back, opened his holster and pulled it out.

"Caution," Griphook said, "That card advertises where you are, whenever you use it."

"Thought—" Harry started.

"We keep it confidential of course," Griphook said, "Raiding into vaults…might be an employee, some wizard with access, so treat that card as public knowledge."

"Oh," Harry said.

"More vaults is one way," Griphook said, "Others are diversification, because the more vaults the more complicated it gets for you and them."

"I'm in the Muggle World a lot," Harry said, "Muggle banks too."

"If you were worried about Goblin security being breached," Griphook said, "Be afraid of the lackluster standards of Muggle banks."

"Set one up then," Harry said, "Can I trust you to protect my family jewels?"

"Yes," Griphook said.

"Thank you," Harry said.

Night had already come outside, the dining room sliding glass door dark, as Ron worked at the table. Hermione left the dining room, thus Ron was the only one at the table.

"Hi," Hermione said, her voice carried in.

Arthur Weasley entered.

"Ronald, mind?" Arthur Weasley asked.

Arthur Weasley sat across from Ron.

"I've asked around, read up," Arthur Weasley said, "An enigma is centered around you."

Ron studied those older blue eyes, and Ron stood, leaned back against the wall. A tease to see Dumbledore's words behind his father's concern.

"Harry mastered the Patronus Charm in his third year," Ron said, "But he didn't do it with a happy memory—even with a half year of trying, he couldn't find one. Think about that."

"Merlin's…" Arthur stammered.

"I know Dumbledore's worried about our safety," Ron said, "I know you shouldn't have caught me this morning like that."

"No," Arthur said, "I shouldn't have."

"On Mum's memory," Ron said, "I'm making sure Harry has a life worth saving, and I make no apologies to safeguarding that. On that, I'll risk anything and everything I have to."

"A blind promise," Arthur said.

"What's marriage?" Ron asked.

"True," Arthur admitted.

"Mum has my back on this," Ron said, his eyes bore down on his father, "Tell nobody, forget this conversation."

"Agreed," Arthur said, "Best be off."

Ron went around the table, held the hands.

"Did you really play for Puddlemere United?" Arthur asked.

"Yes," Ron said.

"Bet she watched," Arthur said.

"Ta," Ron said.

A hug between the two. Ron walked out into the living room, went up the stairs. Giggling and steam from beneath the bathroom door, the snickers, and Ron entered Gia's bedroom. Harry already had the flask and cups in his hand.

"Ron?" Harry asked.

"No." Ron removed the flask from Harry's hands.

"What? Why?" Harry said, "Makes for a good sleep tonic and I need it."

Ron reached and held Harry's shoulders.

"Happy it works," Ron said, "We—we can't handle using it all the time. I had a bit of your nightmare this morning."

"Oh," Harry said.

Ron held the flask.

"Not sure when this becomes toxic—and it's my brew," Ron said, "So unless you want to talk to Madam Pomfrey about this—"

Harry shook his head.

"Ask Sirius?" Ron asked.

Harry shook his head.

"A week for each of us," Ron said, "Hermione—after Madam Pomfrey clears her. Afraid it's the best we can do."

Harry's eyes arched, the disappointment behind them redundant.

"We love you," Ron said, "You're free to suck whatever you want to suck to help you."

Harry pushed Ron onto the bed, crawled over top of him, those bottle greens peered down at him.

"You want me to suck on you!" Harry said.

"Please," Gia said as she entered, towel wrapped around her, "Bed."

Lights dimmed. Harry rolled over, issued fake snores.

"Two boys," Gia said to Hermione, now in the bedroom, "Or the sofa."

"Hmmm…" Hermione said.

Hoot!

Ron rolled onto his side, let the fatigue get to him before he knew the girls' choice.

Date: Mon Aug 28 19:01:04 2023