In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 89: Training
Lupin held his hand over the bite mark on his hand, the blood that dripped, as the iron door unlatched.
"Better?" asked Fred Weasley.
Clock on the mantle rang out the hour, two in the morning.
"Could've shown up a bit sooner," Lupin said, "Still, thank you."
"Me and George were at Madam Malkin's pretty late," Fred said, "Know what it takes to get that much dragon hide in one piece?"
Lupin shook his head.
"We can't," Fred said, "People ask why do Fred and George need so much? Are they giving it to Harry? We tried."
"Try harder," Lupin said.
"Scraps for a holster are one thing," Fred said, "You need another idea."
"Got any?" Lupin asked.
Fred shook his head.
Harry woke Monday, the moonlight crept in, and went into the upper landing. Richard followed Harry down the stairs, and Harry turned to him.
"Love running with you," Harry said, "But…too risky to run together. You run one way, I'll go the other."
"Not that—beach," Richard said.
"We got noticed," Harry said, "They're after me, you're fine."
Harry opened the door, Richard went out. Harry's wand out, the Disillusionment and SEP on himself. Richard turned left, Harry turned right on Oak Street. Over the stile, Harry felt the coolness on his skin.
Harry slowed down near a pond. A couple of men in canary yellow had fishing poles in their hands.
"How'd this work?" asked the one.
Harry renewed his charms, and ran again. Ahead, in the light of the morning, he spotted it, the rope, as he approached he changed his timing, jumped it, though he stopped and spun around. A branch tossed, it snatched up, an arrow shot across the path. Harry understood the danger.
"Who?" asked a different man in yellow who apparated in, wand drawn.
Harry ran, jumped the stile and continued. Another jump, he ran along the top of the front garden walls as he ran along Oak Street, wondered if he ought to be trying the roofs, when Harry spotted it. Richard ran, an aberration behind him, followed.
"Stupefy," Harry snapped, wand aimed.
A man of canary yellow fell out of that aberration, collapsed to the ground. Harry jumped down, came over to Richard.
"What?" Richard asked.
"Leave him," Harry said.
"Who—Harry?" Richard asked.
"Get you home," Harry said.
Disillusionment over Richard, and his eyes noticed Harry.
"Didn't see you," Richard said.
"That's the point," Harry said, "He was following. Sorry, thought splitting up was the better idea."
Together, they ran the short distance, entered the house.
"Find a new location for tomorrow—not Little Whinging," Harry said to Richard, "We'll go there."
"This is getting complicated," Richard said.
Harry went up the stairs, as the brown owl dropped it. He grabbed The Daily Prophet before Hermione's hands could, showed the back page to Richard.
"This is why," Harry said.
=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.
Eximo Macula is proud to help administer these rewards for removal of known threats to the wizarding community.
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Shouldn't Have Lived. 281,689 galleons.
Ronald Weasley, Kiss Up King. 202,905 galleons.
Hermione Granger, Wannabe Dark Queen. 135,583 galleons.
Gia Prescott, Muggle Cock Holster aka Potter's pet. 94,117 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.
"They're only going up," Harry said.
"They're so bold about it," Richard said, "Show this to my Mum."
"And explain magic?" Harry said, "That's criminal to divulge."
"Already criminal for you to live," Richard said, "Give her the benefit of the doubt, she needs to know."
"Not yet," Harry said.
Harry went for the lavatory, stepped into the shower, behind Gia. Arms around her, and his face into her blonde hair.
"Seem to have gotten something on my back," Gia said, "Care to scratch it?"
Harry snorted. Harry worked her skin, washed it, as the hot water poured down over both of them. He worked the shampoo in the hair, the apple scent filled his nostrils. Harry took the shower wand, rinsed it out, felt the softness.
"Any good news from the wizarding world?" Gia asked as she turned around.
"No," Harry said, his hands on her shoulders.
They leaned in, kissed.
"Ta," Harry said.
Gia turned off the water, the towels came to them, and Harry handed one to her. Harry dried as he returned to her bedroom; Gia followed. Red hair, Ron already there in the bedroom, Hermione next to him.
"Ready?" Ron asked.
"I'll be escorting Gia," Harry said as he glanced at her dressing.
"Got practice," Hermione said.
"Then I'll be late," Harry said, "If you've seen half of what I did this morning, you wouldn't have left the house to go shopping!"
"She wants a stone on her ring," Hermione said, "Your ring."
"Then figure out the charm to set one in," Harry said, "Ain't worth her dead."
Harry grabbed The Daily Prophet, pointed at the article Fright in Diagon Alley.
"Sorry," Hermione said, "Some things can't be owled."
"We lived!" Ron announced.
"What if you didn't?" Harry said, "They want us dead, remember that."
"We'll go on ahead," Ron said.
Ron activated his Portkey, Hermione held on, both vanished. Gia's hands went to Harry's shoulders, massaged into them.
"First time it was a marvelous place," Harry said, "Still could be, now…"
Gia held Harry for a moment.
"School," Gia said.
"Yeah," Harry said as he turned around.
Gia carried her school bag over her shoulder, the ripples of the protective vest visible beneath her blouse. Jumper over most of it. Harry followed her down the steps. Wand out, the disillusionment and SEP over them both.
"SNUFFLES!" Harry shouted, opened the door.
Black and large, Snuffles left. Gia and Harry walked outside, clouds above blowing away. A turn right, followed Oak Street.
"There—" Harry whispered, pointed at the aberration, the one Mad–Eye Moody had a wand against.
"Yikes," Gia replied.
"We look the same," Harry whispered, "If you're watching for it."
"Oh," Gia said, "Thought—"
"Not invisibility," Harry whispered, "Wish it was."
Another turn, along the footpath.
"Not as fast this way," Gia whispered.
"Draw up a few different ways," Harry whispered, "Shake it up every day so they can't focus on waylaying us on only one."
"Paranoia…sometimes it's true," Gia whispered.
"I know," Harry whispered back.
A glance ahead, a man with a rifle case, decorated in canary yellow, a case that disintegrated to reveal the rifle within. A raising of that rifle, the scanning of the road, except the rifle barrel warped, bent downward. Snuffles grabbed onto the man's leg, dragged him down, and Snuffles lifted his hind leg.
"Eww…" Harry muttered.
Past some shops, a turn right. A car ahead, aimed, revved its engine, eyes that surveyed. Harry's wand out, cast the charms on himself, Gia, renewed the disillusion. Past Smeltings, they came to the large classroom building mostly there, turned and went into the field of white portables.
"Ow," Gia muttered as a foot went down over hers, for a moment.
A glance around by that other boy, kept on going.
"Trouble with going like this," Harry whispered.
They went up the steps, to the one classroom, into it, to the standard grid of desks with chairs inside. Beige brown carpet, the walls, they went over to the corner, behind the teacher desk. Harry kissed her.
"Back this afternoon," Harry said.
Harry watched as she went to the back desk, Snuffles curled, aimed his wand, and canceled the charms on her, hoped their troubles would go away. A thought, Harry disapparated.
Ron and Hermione landed in the living room of Lupin's manor. A hold to her shoulder with his left hand.
"We've got practice," Hermione said.
"Bang as we wait for Harry," Ron said.
"Where is he?" Lupin asked as he came down the stairs, bit of a yawn.
"Escorting Gia," Ron said, "Seen The Daily Prophet?"
"Fred pointed it out," Lupin said.
Ron went to the window, glanced down at the water, the boats that moved past into the morning routines.
"Harry's insistent," Hermione said, "We've got trouble leaving the house."
"Maybe it's good training for what's to come," Lupin said.
Hermione came over, stood next to Ron.
"He went for a morning run," Hermione said, "He's trying to outsmart them."
"Getting better at finding things?" Lupin asked.
"Think so," Ron said.
A pop, Harry stood by the fireplace.
"Thinking about the syllabus," Lupin said as they went down the steps, "Apparation?"
"Not allowed," Hermione said.
"Next idea?" Harry asked.
"Won't spoil the surprises," Lupin said as they entered the Practice Hall.
"You're late," said Moody, in the middle.
"And Gia?" Harry asked.
"Unlike you, got substitutes," Moody said, "And the last one to a duel is always late."
"You've got many skills, talents, but fragmented," Lupin said, "Our focus this week is bringing it all together, touch up on weaknesses. Know you feel a bit exposed—"
"Madam Malkin's—" Hermione started.
"Better to learn dueling with unwanted exposure," Lupin said, wand drawn, "As simple weave of garments offer no protection. We'll start simple—STUPEFY!"
A red curse shot out, stunned Harry, and he fell to the floor.
"What?!" Ron exclaimed as his wand jumped into his hand.
"Ennervate!" Lupin said.
Harry's eyes opened.
"You stunned me!" Harry exclaimed as he stood back up.
"You can overcome an Imperius curse, but not a Stunning," Lupin said, "You need practice."
"Imperio!" Moody chanted, wand aimed at Harry.
Moody's wand flew into Harry's hand.
"Severus grumbled over that last year," Lupin said, "A bit easier—Petrificus Lacertus." His wand was aimed at Hermione.
"Looking for a book?" Ron quipped.
Hermione twisted her upper body, but her arms remained still.
"I can't jab!" Hermione exclaimed.
"This will bruise less than the full," Lupin said.
"Mind over matter," Harry said.
"Petrificus Lacertus," Moody chanted, wand aimed at Harry.
"My arms," Harry exclaimed.
Moody stepped within a few feet.
"Fight it my boy!" Moody said.
Harry moved his arms.
"Good start," Moody said.
They kept practicing.
Hours passed. Once again, Harry stood there, in that spot, his feet a bit sore, his legs felt it already, anticipated it.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Moody exclaimed.
Every muscle froze him in place, the focus, the resisting, similar to Occlumency, and he stepped out of it, wand aimed at Moody. An owl flew into the air between, an owl with a mouse in his beak.
"Wait," Harry said, "You're here—who's guarding—?"
"Bit slow to realize I have help too," Moody said, "Your girl's—"
"About time for lunch," Lupin said.
"I'm checking," Harry said.
Harry disapparated. His feet onto grass as he apparated, the breeze against his skin. A touch, her arm against him, Gia's that wrapped itself around him.
"Harry?" asked the familiar voice.
Harry opened his eyes, Fred Weasley in his green and gold suit. All of them crossing from the school to Smeltings.
"Wasn't sure who's here," Harry said.
"Shouldn't go apparating into a group of muggles," Fred said.
"Wanted to know who was guarding her," Harry whispered.
They entered the cafeteria. Gia went over to the counter, Snuffles loitered.
"He's…alright in chemistry," Gia said.
"Can out do them all," Harry said.
"You like their results," Gia whispered.
Harry nodded, sat with her, leaned in
"Will need to get back," Harry said.
Gia picked up a chip, pushed it between his lips, and he ate it.
"Later," Harry said.
Harry kissed her, disapparated. Harry apparated into Lupin's living room, Ron and Hermione working at the sandwiches.
"Alight?" Ron asked.
"Working on that," Harry said, paced for the window, stared out over the water.
"She wants to go home and study," Ron said.
Harry turned around, glanced at the bushy brown haired friend.
"We need this," Harry said.
Lupin came up the stairs.
"Refreshed?" Lupin asked.
"Yes," Harry said.
"You haven't ate," Ron whispered.
"I'm fine," Harry said.
Harry followed Lupin down the stairs, into the practice hall, one that had been filled with pedestals, small steps, some columns, a few barricades. Ron and Hermione entered and stood behind Harry. In front of Harry, was Kingsley Shacklebolt. Dark skinned, the bald head beneath the blue cap, the brown eyes focused on Harry, eyes that reflected admiration yet worry for Harry.
"Now, dueling, no holding back," Lupin said, "Start with Harry against Kingsley, Ron against Moody, and I'll be against Hermione."
"You picked them!" Hermione protested.
Harry spun, his eyes on her sulking away a few feet.
"Wanna ask the Death Eaters to play favorites?" Harry snapped.
"Any lines?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing permanent," Lupin said.
Harry's wand already out, aimed at Shacklebolt, and that man doubled over for a moment. A glance, a tombstone appeared, and Harry ducked behind it as the other wand aimed back.
"Addition?" Shacklebolt asked as the tombstone vanished.
A body bind at Harry, Harry felt the effects, his mind fought it and he fired a curse back. Shacklebolt conjured up a shield charm in time, reflected Harry's curse to the ceiling, and two stones fell. A thought, and a puppy showed, nibbled at Shacklebolt's ankles.
"Shoo!" Shacklebolt snapped, eyes down at the puppy.
Harry did another body bind, at Shacklebolt, who shook it. A red stunning curse in response, and it hit Harry. Though he was bound down, his consciousness remained awake as he tried to fight it.
"Ah–aw!" Moody exclaimed.
Ron's wand flicked, the orange curse at Moody, one that reflected off the shield charm. Ron dove, met by the red stunning curse, and Ron fell onto the mat, idle. Hermione's flick of her wand, the blue at Lupin. Lupin apparated behind Hermione and she fell. A flick of Harry's wand in his hand, the red hit Shacklebolt square in the back, and Harry stood back up.
"Ouch," Moody said.
"Ennervate!" Lupin said, wand aimed at Ron first, Hermione second, and Shacklebolt third.
"That was…can you do that again?" Shacklebolt asked Harry, "That limbered up my joints nicely."
"Can we—" Ron started.
"Even with notice," Lupin said, "You're easily subdued."
"Skill—" Hermione started.
"Death Eaters are never fair," Harry snapped.
Hermione glared.
"You've both made it clear," Harry said, "I can't move you out of harm's way, so you must be able to cope with this—getting ambushed anywhere and everywhere."
Harry spotted the approval of his speech in Lupin's wizened eyes.
"Potter lasted the longest," Shacklebolt said, "Puppy was an interesting distraction."
"Puppy?" Lupin asked.
Harry focused, the puppy returned, nibbled playfully at Lupin's ankles. Harry spotted the amusement behind Lupin's eyes.
"What's it with you and dogs?" Ron asked Harry.
"Dunno," Harry said, "Might ask a werewolf, or a big black mutt."
"Change partners," Lupin said, "I'll be the dog catcher, Moody will take on the girl, Shacklebolt will take on the red head."
Harry jumped onto a pedestal, wand aimed, and Lupin flew upward.
"Harry!" Ron snapped.
Lupin apparated down, Harry apparated behind Lupin, cursed.
"Jelly legs?" Lupin stammered.
Another curse, Lupin froze for a moment, another curse. Harry apparated behind the column. Harry peeked, watched the puppy go over and sniff at Lupin, who got back up. A moment, a vanish, and a stun from behind. Harry took a moment to step out of it, regain his balance. A jump down to the other platform, a spin around, and a drop into a roll as the red sailed toward him.
"Ow," Ron grumbled nearby.
Harry applied disillusionment to himself, apparated behind Lupin. Whiffle balls dropped to the left, and Lupin turned. A thought, Lupin's wand went into Harry's hand. A split second, the wand flew toward Moody, who threw it back to Lupin.
"Go Harry!" Ron shouted.
A glance above, the wand aimed upward, a lasso of yellow hit ceiling, pulled Harry on top of the column. Red stunning aimed up toward him. Harry jumped, landed on the pedestal and rolled behind it. A third stunning hit Harry and he went out for a split second.
"Three against one?!" Ron stammered.
"It's millions against us," Harry said as he apparated in behind Ron, "Go bang if you want, I'm training."
"You're not going easy are you?" Lupin rubbed his neck as he asked.
"Trying not to hurt you," Harry said.
"Want to go again?" Lupin asked.
"Yes," Harry said, "Excuse me."
Harry cast the disillusionment on himself, aimed at Moody and fired. An apparation up to the ceiling, an aim of the wand, and he conjured a platform out of the wall. Rocks flew toward Harry, and Harry jumped, apparated. He kept training against the three, Moody, Lupin, and Shacklebolt.
Ron lost count of the time as he stood there with Hermione, watched as Harry swung. In coordination, Moody and Shacklebolt sent stunning curses at Harry. Harry ducked Shacklebolt's, while Moody's struck, and Harry collapsed to the floor. A chuckle next to Ron.
"Pardon me," said Dumbledore, shook on his cane.
"Why—?" Ron started.
"Why did I take you by surprise?" Dumbledore asked.
"Oh," Ron muttered.
"Three against one is a bit unfair," Dumbledore said, "Should it not be three against three?"
Ron felt the heat.
"We…" Hermione started.
"They are harsh because I asked them to be," Dumbledore said, "Time is short, you do not have the luxury of a full seven years at Hogwarts, and even more of Auror Training."
"I…" Ron muttered.
A curse from Shacklebolt and Harry splinched into two. Dumbledore took out his wand.
"Wait," Ron said.
A moment, Harry went back together, and a curse shot toward Shacklebolt.
"Who unsplinched him?" asked Moody.
"About time," Lupin announced, wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Oh," Harry said as he walked over to Ron.
"I didn't unsplinch him," Shacklebolt said.
"Should've gone in a bit more," Harry said to Ron.
Lupin approached.
"For tonight," Lupin said, "I want you to draw up how the binds work, how the stunning works, and ways you think you can beat it—no collaboration."
"I'll be…" Harry disapparated.
"What's the furthest he's apparated?" Dumbledore asked.
"Dunno…" Hermione said.
Ron took out his portkey, activated it, and Hermione held on. Jerk behind the navals, they moved away.
"Homework," Ron grumbled, "He assigned homework after that!"
They landed in Gia's bedroom.
"Rather enjoy this?" Hermione aimed her wand.
Ron felt it fast, the shocking, the tingling, the pain that filled him; he gritted his teeth as he bent over, fell to the floor, curled up in a fetal position.
"Finite Incantatem!" Hermione said.
"Why?" Ron demanded as he stood back up, his glare focused on her.
"To make my point," Hermione snapped.
"It's called unforgivable for a reason!" Ron said.
Hermione reached, slid her hands down the front of his trousers. She sighed, waited a few moments until Ron's nerves eased up.
"Harry's…Harry's right," Hermione said, "We need this too."
"I know that," Ron said, "I'm talking about your curse."
"We've got more of that if we're not serious," Hermione said, "Need to study."
Hermione tugged, fell back onto the bed. Ron's knees to the edge, he straddled over her.
"Not totally heartless," Hermione said, "I'll apologize."
Ron laid down next to her, on his side, she turned to him.
"Don't use the Cruciatus Curse on me," Ron said.
Ron spun off the bed, stood up.
"Others may—" Hermione started.
"Others, but not you," Ron said.
Ron grabbed his book bag, went out the door, down the steps, into the dining room. Ron put the quill to the parchment, began to consider the essay, though thoughts turned back to Harry.
Harry apparated into the theatre, Gia stepping down from the stage.
"You're paranoid," Fred said, "And sweating."
"Thanks," Harry said.
Gia came up, hugged Harry, and they kissed. Snuffles tail wagged.
"We're…" Harry said, "Fast way."
Harry pulled out his Portkey.
"Muggles might—" Fred said.
"Opposed to EM firing curses at us?" Harry asked.
Harry activated the Portkey. Gia and Snuffles held on. Jerk behind the navals, they landed in her bedroom. Snuffles bounded out the door.
Hoot!
Harry turned for the bird, stroked a couple of feathers, and went for an owl treat. Harry ripped off the wrapper, handed it to her.
Hoot!
Hedwig nibbled at it, and Harry stroked a couple more feathers.
"Good bird," Harry said, "Good Hedwig."
Wide eyes on Harry, ones that appreciated him. Harry grabbed the strap to his book–bag, slung it over his shoulder, and went down the steps. Into the dining room, Ron and Hermione were at the table, Gia was sitting down.
"Ready?" Harry asked.
"You two are seriously doing that?" Hermione asked.
"We promised," Harry said as Ron got his things together.
Ron stood, strap over his shoulder, went to Harry.
"Same place as before, right?" Ron asked.
"Yep," Harry said, hand to Ron's shoulder.
Harry thought about it, the air changed, a bit of damp to the wind, they opened their eyes to the community center, the same one as before, on Fredrick Court. They entered, went across the gymnasium, down a hallway, and to a small classroom. Kristen already there, along with a handful of others in the chairs behind desks. Ron and Harry sat in the back, together.
"Welcome," said the older man as he entered, in a suit with a tie, he removed the jacket, the white dress shirt over brown trousers, "I'm Shane Logan, army retired, where I specialized in ordnance disposal."
Kristen handed out binders with pages already in them.
"Obviously this should hopefully be something you never encounter in the field," Logan said, "However, fortune is rarely that lucky. We'll start by understanding what is a bomb."
Harry paid attention, ignored the occasional glance at him using a quill and ink to take notes, others had a muggle pen or a pencil. Ron was less dutiful on notes, but also paid attention. Hours passed as they wrote, until the end.
"Please have those done next time," said Logan.
"More homework," Ron grumbled.
"What'd you expect?" Harry asked, as he stuffed the binder into his book–bag.
Harry stood.
"Red wires from green from everything else," Ron said.
"It's bomb disposal," Harry said, "Gotta understand the bomb…wish…"
Harry wondered if there was anything he could've done differently for Dean to still have his left hand. Strap to his shoulder, Harry went for the door, Ron followed, and out into the darkness of the evening.
"Quick way?" Ron asked.
"I'm escorting you," Kristen said.
Harry unsure how to shake her off, while the gesture was nice, it'd mean walking where he's being hunted.
"Thought that's prohibited," Harry said.
"As an officer, yes," Kristen said, "As a friend, no."
"No disrespect meant," Harry said, "You don't know what you're getting yourself into; you're better off going solo than being with us."
Kristen's cell phone rang.
"Really? … Alright … Be there." Kristen hung up, turned to them. "Sorry guys, duty calls."
Kristen turned around, went for the police station. Harry counted, glanced at Ron, and they both disapparated, into the dining room. Gia and Hermione around the table.
"That class is a waste of time," Hermione said.
"You could sign up," Ron said, "Don't think it's too late, you can catch up."
Harry pulled out parchment, his ink–jar and quill. Worked on his essay for Lupin.
"Investigative Techniques start tomorrow," Hermione said.
"You're already able to figure things out," Harry said.
Hermione blushed.
"Suppose it has stuff we could use for us?" Hermione said, "Might be missing the obvious."
"Maybe," Harry said, "We can't all focus on it all—Ron and I'll do the bombs, you do the investigative thing."
"And no spare time," Gia said.
"About sums up my life," Harry said, "You're nice here, so lets keep that."
Harry leaned over, kissed her, and returned to his essay.
Tuesday evening, Hermione apparated near Fredrick Court, Harry apparated next to her.
"Harry," Hermione said, "Glad to see you've changed your mind."
"Seeing you in," Harry said.
"Not a child," Hermione said.
Harry pointed, she spotted the canary yellow, the man watching from a bench. They entered the community center. Across the gymnasium, they went to the corridor, to the classroom.
"Later," Harry said.
Harry disapparated, Hermione went in. Kristen stood up in the front, passed out binders.
"Another in our courses," Kristen said, "Dale Tate's had many years, I won't remind him here."
A snort, the man in the brown suit stepped forward.
"Welcome," Dale Tate, "Investigation is crucial to providing answers."
Hermione began to take notes, paid attention.
Wednesday morning, Harry kissed Gia by the portable classrooms at school, escorted her into the classroom, and dropped her Disillusionment. He disapparated.
"Ready?" Hermione asked as Harry apparated into the bedroom.
Harry gave a couple of strokes to Hedwig's feathers, patted the bird. He grabbed the small roll of parchment.
"She can't stand the thought of not turning something in," Ron said.
Hermione jabbed into Ron's stomach.
"She likes you," Harry quipped, pulled out his Portkey, activated it.
Ron and Hermione held on, and they landed in Lupin's living room.
"Good morning," Lupin said, hands out.
Harry handed his roll over, along with Ron and Hermione.
"You know the way," Lupin said.
Harry went down the steps, entered the Practice Hall.
"Late again Potter," Moody said.
Ron and Hermione stood behind Harry.
"Lets us get to the shield charm," Lupin said, "Obviously it won't stop everything, but good in a pinch. Master it, and practice."
"Don't get us wrong," Moody said, "We want you to succeed."
Sweat went down Ron's skin as he stopped late that afternoon.
"Unlike you," Lupin said, "The old crowd need to take advantage of their senior discounts."
Moody's eye spun to Lupin, the other one took its time to glare.
"See you at home," Harry said to Ron.
Harry disapparated.
"Bang here or at home?" Ron asked Hermione.
Ron reached, held her shoulders, as he leaned in, and kissed her.
"Premature," Hermione whispered.
Ron took out his Portkey, activated it. Hermione held on, the jerk behind the naval, they landed in the familiar bedroom.
Meow
Crookshanks went between their feet, Ron reached down and lifted the large cat. Hermione took to petting him in Ron's arms. A tail that swished against him.
"The mean boy," Hermione said.
"Not mean to him," Ron said, handing the cat over to her.
"You're—" Hermione started.
"Ain't interested in banging?" Ron asked as he went for the door.
"Never said that!" Hermione snapped.
Ron took the fast turn, into the lavatory.
Later, Harry apparated into the bedroom.
"Got—" Harry started.
Ron's stomach growled.
"Getting something," Ron said, "Come."
A glance from Gia, Ron nodded. Ron waited until Harry's back was turned, took the twenty pound note from Gia, slipped it into his wand holster. Ron grabbed his book–bag, went for the door, Harry followed.
"Could apparate there," Harry said.
"Practice, right?" Ron said, "Walking around here is good training."
Ron's wand out, he cast the Disillusionment and SEP on himself; Harry did the same, and they went out the door. A strong wind beneath the afternoon partly cloudy sky. They walked.
"Whisper," Harry whispered, "Disembodied voices catch attention."
Harry pointed, the man that was up in a tree, binoculars in hands. They walked, to the restaurant in red, entered. Ron ordered, carried the tray with two meals over to the table. Ron bit into his hamburger, Harry nibbled at his.
"Good to be eating," Ron said.
"It's my stomach," Harry grumbled.
Ron shook his head. "You wouldn't understand."
"Try me," Harry said.
Ron finished his food, watched Harry nibble.
"Dursleys did quite a job on you," Ron said, "Forgive me if I try to control their damage."
"What are you talking about?" Harry snapped.
"Eat," Ron said.
Harry finished his small dinner, and cast their charms as they left.
"You're talking?" Harry asked.
"I still see it," Ron said, "They starved you at their whims."
"Implying something?" Harry asked.
"Let me put it another way." Ron wrapped his arm around Harry. "Don't starve yourself because some morons hate you."
They disapparated, walked into the corridor at the community center, entered the classroom. They handed over their homework, took their seats in the back, and paid attention as Shane Logan went over the material. After the hours were up, they began to leave the classroom.
"Harry, Ron," said Kristen as she approached.
Ron and Harry paused.
"I'm escorting you," Kristen said.
"It'd endanger you," Harry said.
They left the community center into the darkness of the evening.
"I assure you," Kristen said, "I am perfectly capable of handling="
"You don't get it," Harry said, "People after us care nothing about bystanders, you'd just get yourself killed."
"You seem confident with that assessment," Kristen said.
"It's happened before," Harry said.
"What—?" Kristen asked.
"Later," Harry said.
Harry and Ron broke out into a run, went past the next corner, and apparated back to the house.
Harry woke Thursday morning to a sore throat, and a wet bed beneath him; Hedwig hooted. Harry moved off the bed, his legs ached as he stood; Harry stroked the white feathers. An owl treat to her, a pet, and Harry tried to stretch as he stumbled into the upper landing. Richard already there.
"Think I've been overdoing it," Harry said, "You go."
"Sure?" Richard asked.
Harry nodded. Harry disapparated, apparated in front of the fireplace.
"Harry," said Kristen, in her sweats at the arm chair, "Saw Richard—"
"Wasn't into it today," Harry said.
Harry glanced, noticed Snuffles on the sofa. Harry kept himself facing the fireplace.
"You're so quiet, didn't hear you come down the stairs," Kristen said.
A glance to her, the eyes that watched him.
"Suppose I could stomp my feet," Harry said.
Harry watched those sparks, the ones that popped off the logs.
"Suspended?" Kristen asked.
"Return Monday," Harry said.
"Suppose you could come along," Kristen said, "Shadow one of my constables for the day, see if police is a career for you?"
"Got training," Harry said.
"You're suspended," Kristen said.
"Only applies to teachers," Harry said, "Friends of my late father, different matter."
"How far away are they?" Kristen asked.
"Close," Harry said, glanced backward at Snuffles, eyes on him, "Very close. I'll go and sneak back upstairs."
Harry shifted to his left, entered the kitchen, and disapparated. He apparated up in Gia's bedroom, next to the bed, by Hermione's head as she laid there, front side down, The Daily Prophet beneath her
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Thursday 27 February 1997
Anatomy of a Dark Wizard
A unique opportunity exists today in the case of Harry Potter dropping into the Dark Arts. By researching into the extensive objective and unbiased reporting, we can figure out what makes a Dark Wizard, and identify key preventative measures for the future.
Even as a toddler, Potter was constantly worshiped as the hero with that infamous incident with You Know Who. Lavishly loaded with praise with no criticism from his now dead loving relatives, Potter chose to follow the same path as other Dark Wizards. His fame, his fortune left an impression on the boy, made him prone to being greedy.
Continued on page five.
A twinge to the forehead, the distant laugh, Harry knew Voldemort to be enjoying this.
"Be useful to have a real Dark Wizard," Hermione said, "Truthful documentation."
"School," Gia said
"Yeah," Harry said, and he left with Gia.
…
"Dark wizard indeed," Ron said, as he sat down.
"Not funny!" Hermione snapped.
Ron leaned over, kissed her.
"If we don't laugh," Ron said, "We'll only cry."
Hermione sat up, her eyes on Ron.
"I never want to give you up either," Ron said.
"You're always—" Hermione started.
"Repeat it often enough," Ron said, "So I remember when I need to. Yes, I'm an idiot, I'm your idiot."
"You're nutters," Hermione said.
"That too," Ron said, "Now, are we going to let Harry beat us to Lupin's?"
Ron stood, took out his Portkey. He grabbed his roll of parchment. Hermione grabbed hers and held on. Ron activated it, the pull behind the naval, and they landed in Lupin's living room.
"Harry?" Lupin asked, "Usual?"
Ron handed the roll over, Hermione did the same, and they went down the stairs, int. the practice hall.
"Hermione's wondering about her marks," Ron said.
"I didn't—" Hermione started.
"Marks here is life," Lupin said, "More important you do the work than me reviewing them."
Harry apparated, handed over his roll.
"Another day," said Shacklebolt, in the middle, "Stupefy!"
Shield charm up, Harry's wand deflected it, and he bolted onto the pedestal. A shock to Ron, and his wand out, eyes searching.
Ron reached over to the bucket of fried chicken, stood there, watched in the Practice Hall. Harry jumped and disillusioned behind a pillar, a shield charm up that deflected Moody's curse.
"You're always hungry," Hermione said, she stood next to Hermione.
"Should be working up an appetite," Lupin said.
Harry ducked behind a boulder.
"Come on Potter!" Moody said.
Harry moaned, disapparated.
"Did he…" Shacklebolt said, "POTTER!"
"Where'd he go?" Moody asked, the eye that spun.
…
Minutes earlier, Gia stood in the chemistry lab, watched as Richard poured the two liquids together. Googles on his head, the foam began to pour out, filled up the sink.
"Teacher!" Jen snapped.
Gloves and googles down, they hurried out of the laboratory, into the warmish breezy air, partly cloudy above. Snuffles followed, bounded out, ahead out of sight.
"Thanks for seeing that," Richard said, as they crossed the green grass behind the classrooms, "Needed an audience."
"Where's—?" Jen asked.
"Dunno," Gia said as she tightened up her jumper over her protective vest, "Not always punctual."
"He'd freak right now," Richard said as they approached the footbridge.
"It's not that dangerous," Jen said, "Somebody wants him dead…like they're bothering us?"
Gia crossed first toward Ashton Lane, the pain that radiated throughout her, she screamed. Richard and Jen stopped, the eyes that roamed.
"What—?" Richard started, though he finished with a scream.
Jen screamed too, began to tremor. A fast turn, the teenage boy that came up behind them with a wand drawn, the shimmer. Two more shadows came from behind.
"Ru…" Gia started, words cut off by more pain.
Shadows became three boys, three that surrounded Gia, Richard, and Jen, wands drawn and aimed.
"Blake?" asked one of the blond haired shorter boys.
A brown haired tall boy, wand aimed at Richard, nodded.
"Witnesses," Blake said, "Right Dylan, Avon?"
"Accomplices," Dylan said.
A curse shot from Blake's wand, Gia felt the heat in her ring as it hit, no effect.
"Know how to dispose—" Avon started, his words cut short, by the orange curse that struck him. A second violet dropped Dylan to the ground.
Blake's wand fired back, the red stunning curse, only to bounce. Harry lunged toward Blake, tackled the bloke to the ground. A curse from Harry's wand, Blake went motionless. Harry stood up, his holly wand aimed, two wands jumped into his hand.
"Excuse me?" Jen picked up the maple wand of Avon.
Harry moved, Gia pulled him in a tight hug.
"Got you," Harry said to Gia.
"Mind explaining?" Jen asked, the maple wand in her hand, examining it.
"Get you back—now." Harry took out his Portkey, the familiar pin, tapped it.
"Here!" Richard said, moved Jen's finger to the pin.
Gia touched against Richard's finger, the jerk behind the naval.
"Sorry," Harry said to Gia, "Lost track of the time."
They landed in Gia's bedroom.
"I need explanations," Jen said.
"Got to get back," Harry said to Gia, "Can you manage?"
Gia nodded. Harry disapparated. Gia spotted the familiar stare, the eyes, the blinking.
"Your fiancee," Jen said, "Appears and disappears."
"Normally does," Gia said, "He's a wizard."
"Harry does real magic," Richard said, "That's his talent."
Jen stared at them.
"They've been hunted," Gia said, "It's why they're secretive about it, keep it hidden from us."
"Your Mum?" Jen asked Richard.
"Unaware," Richard said, "It's a great crime in their society to reveal it—murder is better, if you can imagine that."
Gia wondered what Harry was up to.
…
Harry apparated into the air, at the top of the Practice Hall, a charm, the magical rope, swung down, and released. A curse of red, dropped Shacklebolt to the ground, rolled against the platform, let the wood take Moody's curse.
"Interesting Potter!" Moody snapped.
"YOU!" Harry snapped, jumped, finger pointed at the man, "Who's bloody watching Gia?"
"Maybe we've had enough for today," Lupin said.
"Nobody watching her—she can't fight off three attackers," Harry said to Lupin, "Thought we had her covered!"
"Nice to see you're apparating," Shacklebolt said.
Harry pointed to Shacklebolt.
"Can somebody please watch her when she's at school?" Harry said, "I'd like to train, but I don't want that price to be her life!"
Ron stepped up, behind Harry, Hermione too.
"Need spare wands?" Harry asked, holding up two, "Third's in the hands of a muggle who didn't know anything about magic."
"You were gone a long time," Shacklebolt said.
"Gia was being attacked," Harry stated, "That's why I know, I paused my training for the real thing. Excuse us."
Harry pulled out his Portkey.
"Write–ups on this, that," Lupin said, "Think about conjuring up objects for use in battles."
Harry activated the Portkey, Ron and Hermione held on.
"You really went—?" Ron asked.
They landed in Gia's bedroom; Jen, Gia, and Richard on the bed.
"Harry!" Hermione snapped.
"She witnessed it!" Harry said, "Sorry, but that fucking stupid EM is exposing magic to muggles, I can't stop that. What do I do? Call in the Ministry Oblivators? You know the hell that'd unleash."
"You're a witch?" Jen asked Hermione.
"Ron's a wizard too," Harry said, "And I need…I need a drink."
Harry left the bedroom, Ron followed.
…
Gia explained the attack.
"He knew…?" Hermione spotted the ring on her finger, fidgeted with it. "Of course."
"Don't get it," Richard said, "Harry knew?"
"I know how," Hermione said, "But…loose lips, you understand."
"And you do magic?" Jen asked.
"It's an innate gift, a talent," Hermione said, "And a curse."
…
Ron apparated into the pub, with Harry. Ron ordered from the bar, Harry paid.
"One beer each," Ron said.
Ron and Harry went to the table, sat across from each other.
"Guess you're mad about that," Ron said.
"I know they don't have many," Harry said, "Still, Sirius…need to talk with him too. Like Lupin walking in on us, shouldn't be happening, or at least I should be seeing Sirius fending them off best he can."
"They're being generous protecting them best they can," Ron said.
"Sticking with her then," Harry paused as the wave at the bar, "After beer."
Ron got up, went over, came back with the tray, the beers, and set it down. Ron worked on the double baked potato first, while Harry went for the beer.
"Maybe we should simply go on the run, go into hiding," Harry said, "Give that group a tough time finding us."
"And give up…here?" Ron asked.
"Don't want to," Harry said, "Gia wants a home, and this is home. Her friends are here."
Friday morning, Harry went to Richard, the portkey from a sheet of paper, and they were pulled, to a trail, the growing light above them. They began to run.
"So," Richard said, "Everybody's to know about magic except my Mum?"
"It's frustrating," Harry said, "We get lectured to not spill…except that groups sending assassins which makes it fucking tough to keep the secret!"
"So you're forced to tell," Richard said.
"Not supposed to work like that," Harry said, "Supposed to be wiping memories instead. Except…best if I don't try that."
"Ta…I guess," Richard said.
Harry ran, worried what they ought to be doing, except he knew that Ron's birthday was the next day.
Date: Sat Sep 30 05:08:13 2023