In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 91: Warning
Hoot
Harry heard it before he finished waking Monday morning, rolled over Gia, took the letter from the bird. Familiar loopy handwriting.
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Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss. Granger,
Minister for Magic has ordered a further two week suspension. Return no earlier than Monday 17 March 1997.
After being kidnapped by your impostors in Hogsmeade yesterday, Miss. Natalie MacDonald's remains were recovered from the Forbidden Forrest.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"Blimey!" Harry grumbled, he disapparated.
Harry sat cross–legged on the planks of the attic. Ron apparated in front of him, went to his knees.
"Third year, right?" Harry asked, a tear down his cheek, "Gryffindor?"
"Think so," Ron said.
"So…pointless," Harry said, "All because a man's so afraid to die, he reigns terror down on everybody else. Certainly the greatest arsehole in the wizarding world."
"Run if you want," Ron said, "Have more training with Lupin."
"Won't help her," Harry said.
"It'll help who ever is next on his bloody list," Ron said.
…
Hermione heard the wings flap after Harry and Ron disapparated, still on the bed.
"Trying to sleep," Gia complained.
"Harry?" Richard asked, stepping in.
"Somewhere," Hermione said, unrolling The Daily Prophet onto the dry spot of the sheets.
Hermione read it, the front page.
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Monday 3 March 1997
Bloody Potter Strikes Again at Hogwarts
In an appalling continuation of his Dark ways, Bloody Potter kidnapped and murdered a third year witch at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, demonstrating zero remorse with this brutal attack. Investigation revealed that Ronald Weasley raped Natalie MacDonald at the time of her death. MacDonald was a prominent chaser on the Gryffindor house team, her family has been notified and services will be held. Donations can be made to the Eradicate Potter fund.
Potter's sentence? Two weeks suspension from Hogwarts, attempts for further punishment were rebuffed by Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster.
"Suppose that doesn't help matters," Richard said.
"Nope," Hermione said, moving to the back page.
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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. 441K galleons.
Ronald Weasley, Kiss Up King. 293K galleons.
Hermione Granger, Wannabe Dark Queen. 193K galleons.
Gia Prescott, Muggle Cock Holster aka Potter's pet. 121K 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.
"Should warn my Mum," Richard said, "Assassins crawling across town."
"And we're walking into it," Hermione said.
"Anything we can do?" Gia asked.
"Sure," Hermione said, "Try to talk them into issuing a retraction, this has all been a big misunderstanding."
"Point taken," Gia said.
Harry stared up to the ceiling as he woke Tuesday morning, the nightmare ran back through his head, imagined Natalie's fate. Fur against his skin, Crookshanks' tail moved against him. Harry scratched those ears. Neither Ron nor Hermione in the bed.
"You're sleeping in?" Gia asked.
"Not like I've got school," Harry said.
"Training," Gia said.
"Bringing you to school first," Harry said, "Nothing's needed until then."
Harry felt the exhaustion his sleep hadn't cured him of.
"You're always in there!" Richard shouted, pounded.
Water of the shower in the lavatory.
"PEEING!" Andy shouted back.
More than Harry needed to know.
"Voldemort or them?" Gia asked.
"Unsure," Harry said.
Hoot!
Harry rolled, sat up, used his hands to go over the foot of the bed, and stood up. He stepped over to Hedwig, stroked her feathers, the dull light of the morning to the other side. Harry broke off the owl treat, fed it to her.
"Don't," Gia said as Harry went to the desk.
Harry skipped the obituary for Natalie MacDonald, his eyes went to the bottom of the page.
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UHP Dissolves
Effective immediately, the Unofficial Harry Potter (UHP) fan club has been dissolved, marking the end of an era. Realizing their mistake in worshipping the Dark Wizard Harry Potter, idolizing somebody who should've been left for dead years ago, this group finally made the right call in abandoning their wicked ways. A change that was necessary due to the drastic drop in membership, shuttering down of chapters, and attacks on former members. Any remaining members are encouraged to join Eximo Macula, a much more wizened group of wizards concerned about the fate of our world.
"They…" Harry grumbled, "Too late for a run?"
"If you do it before taking me," Gia said, "Yes."
Harry skimmed the next article.
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Weekends Away From Hogwarts
Minister for Magic Victor Fallerschain announced that from now on, well behaved pupils at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be permitted to leave Hogwarts for the weekends, to visit their families. The Minister cited the need for stronger family bonds in these troubling times as the primary motivator for this decision, though there are also reports that Dark Wizards have enjoyed this luxury since September.
"Hmmm…" Harry muttered.
Gia stood, put on the protective vest. Harry went out, into the landing, the lavatory door closed.
"She's peeing," Richard said from the green bedroom.
Harry turned, the room arranged, the things in order.
"You're doing this?" Harry asked.
"No," Richard said, sorting through the papers on the desk, a desk with a busted leg, "Hmmm…"
"What?" Harry asked.
"Her privacy," Richard said, fingers quoted the privacy bit.
"About ready?" Gia asked.
Richard returned to his bedroom. Harry went to Gia, now dressed, and he carried her school bag. Down the steps, Richard a few paces behind, Jen already downstairs.
"You're dedicated," Jen said to Harry, "Mind if we follow?"
"In fact, I do," Harry said.
Harry's wand out, the disillusionment and SEP on himself, Gia.
"Hey!" Jen shouted as the door opened.
"They're—under attack," Richard said.
A fast turn, onto the footpath, and Harry spotted the canary yellow along Pine Court. Harry clasped Gia's hand, focused, and they apparated into a maintenance closet. Harry stumbled over the bucket and mop.
"Might want to warn me," Gia said, "Thought you weren't—"
"I don't fucking know," Harry said, "Seemed riskier to walk."
Harry cracked the door open, they went out into the hallway corridor, to the library. They went in. Harry pushed on her, against the bookshelf, and kissed.
"Class," Harry suggested.
They left the library, back out the main doors, past Richard entering them, to the portable classrooms. Over to the one, up the stairs as Snuffles approached, and Harry held the door open for them both. Harry went down the steps, between the walls, and disapparated.
Richard walked along Ashton Lane, the clouds above, on the edge of raining.
"They already made it?" Jen asked.
"Got ways of travel that makes us seem slow," Richard said as they walked across the footbridge.
"He still runs," Jen said.
"It's the company," Richard said.
Over the grass, to the portable classrooms.
"Funny with all that, he pretends to be normal," Jen said.
"He wants to be," Richard said, "Best gift is to play along with it."
Richard held the white door open, motioned, waited for Jen to enter. A glance to the main door, the memory of what he'd read, the appointment, and the curiosity. Richard went toward that main door, entered. He walked along, near the main office, the door marked "Nurse Dawson.". Voices from within.
"You've got a couple of weeks," said Dawson, "Your Mum—"
"Not to know!" Andy snapped, "She'd freak."
"A grandchild?" Dawson said, "She'd be happy about it."
"I pee a lot," Andy said.
"Be gone once the kid shows up," Dawson said, "Options to hide it."
"Should've aborted," Andy said.
"Adoption works too," Dawson said, "Brave of you to stick through with it."
"What's brave about being too young?" Andy asked.
A stomp, in a large baggy shirt, Andy glared as she left the office.
"Dickface!" Andy snapped.
"You're pregnant?!" Richard asked.
"Lies," Andy said.
Richard glanced down, the stains around her nipples on the shirt, the belly.
"You are," Richard said, "Or fat."
"Lies," Andy snapped.
"Who's the father?" Richard asked.
A glare. Richard turned around.
"Don't tell Mum!" Andy shouted.
Richard walked.
"PLEASE!" Andy shouted.
Richard went out the double doors, toward the classrooms.
"NO!" Andy wailed, in the distance.
Richard went up the steps, entered the classroom.
"You're late," said Mr. Cooper.
Richard took his seat, behind Gia and the black mutt.
Gia's stomach rumbled as she learned the latest news from a century earlier, more interested in the clock, or Harry. Her pen on the clipping of the horoscope, that things should be going well in love and romance, though the day should be a bit more tenuous.
Sound of the bell, she stood, and went with Snuffles, Lisa to her side. A cool breeze, the hint of rain in the air, clouds above.
"There they go again," Lisa said.
Gia glanced at Richard and Andy, shouting at each other.
"A thousand students and they do that?" Gia asked.
Lisa and Gia headed across the grass toward Smeltings.
"I know, really," Lisa said.
"He's cute and all," Gia said, "But siblings can bring the worse out of them."
"Can't divorce family," Lisa said.
"True," Gia said, "You can marry into one." She thought of Ron.
"Harry's—?" Lisa asked.
"Doesn't really have blood family," Gia said, "One cousin's all that remains."
They entered the cafeteria, went to the lunch counter. Gia slid her tray across, picked out the salad and sandwiches, paid at the cashier, and went to the table.
"You got chocolates?" Lisa asked.
Gia stared at the tray, a small package of chocolates was on it, a heart ribbon on it.
"Your boyfriend's a bit mysterious," Lisa said.
"He'd…" Gia started.
Lisa picked up the package, duct tape on the bottom of it.
"Been tampered with," Lisa said, "Shouldn't touch them."
Snuffles growled, came up to the table, glanced at the package, sniffed, and growled again.
"How much is that price on your head?" Lisa asked.
Smoke began to drift out of the package. Gia and Lisa got up, backed away, as it caught fire. A small bang as a couple of chocolates went off. A couple of shrieks, some of the students began a rush for the door. Snuffles dragged her school bag to her, and Gia lifted.
"So much for lunch," Gia grumbled.
"I know, right?" Lisa said, "Bit annoying, we'll survive."
Gia nodded, left the cafeteria. Snuffles and Lisa with her. Gia zippered her jumper, kept the light drizzle away, the protective vest a customary feel beneath it. Ahead, they made their way over to the laboratory.
"Maybe it'll have something to eat," Lisa grumbled.
They entered, two were already in there, by one of the test stands, Bunsen burner heating up a beaker of liquid.
"It's none of your business!" Andy shouted at Richard, "I'll make you shut up!"
"How you whore?" Richard asked.
Andy pulled out a couple of round cherry bombs, lit them in the burner, and threw them at Richard. Andy ran. Richard batted them down into the sink.
POP! POP!
Snuffles pounced over Gia, brought her down to the floor, faster than Richard fell, her ring finger felt the heat from the gold. Jen entered the room fast, the false ceiling collapsed, the Bunsen burner turned on its side.
"Richard!" Jen said, "Richard!"
Richard stayed, unresponsive.
"Everybody, please," said the older man who entered, in suit, "Ambulance has been called."
Gia went over, crouched as she touched Richard's neck, felt the weak pulse. Men in white came in, stretcher in hand.
"Please!" Jen pleaded with Richard, the eyes idle beneath the brown hair.
"Excuse us," said the first paramedic, leaned down, felt the neck, "On the gurney."
Gia stepped back, motioned for Jen to do the same.
"Everybody else, out," said the man in the suit.
Gia and Lisa went, Snuffles followed, out of the building, back to the tarmac between the classrooms. Sirens, the police cars that converged, the ambulance already there.
"Where—?" Kristen asked.
"Inside," Gia said.
Gia heard the pop behind her.
Meanwhile, sweat on Harry's brow as he apparated behind the column, his wand in his hand. He spotted Shacklebolt, however, felt the curse.
"STUPEFY!" Moody shouted.
Took Harry a split second, the mind repelled it, and he began to fire back. As if a brick hit him, took Harry a moment to realize that wasn't Moody's curse. Harry disapparated, and his feet landed on the pavement, a bit behind Gia, red haired Lisa next to her.
"Some family ought to be divorced," Lisa said.
Harry took the steps, kissed Gia on her neck, felt into her shoulders. Gia didn't respond to that, her eyes focused forward, and Harry spotted the ambulance loading up the figure. Jen walked along, and Harry realized it was Richard motionless on the gurney.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"Harry!" Gia stammered.
"Convenient," Lisa said, "He shows up after the crisis is over."
Kristen came up to them.
"You're just standing out here in the open," Kristen said, pointed to Harry and Gia, "Come."
Snuffles followed as Harry and Gia went with Kristen to a police cruiser. Snuffles went into the front, while Harry and Gia went into the back. Kristen got in, activated her lights and sirens, drove fast behind the ambulance.
"Of all the idiotic, stupid things!" Kristen said, "Those aren't fireworks to be toyed with!"
"Richard?" Gia asked.
"Dunno," Kristen said, "I shouldn't be driving but…should tell them to go faster! They've got sirens too!"
Harry knew a faster way, but unsure how that'd fare with a badly injured muggle. Hermione might know.
"So it was—?" Harry started.
"Ant," Gia said.
Kristen drove the overpass over the M-25, moved fast.
"Frank's questioning her," Kristen said, "Hope I didn't raise a monster, hope she's got some conscience."
Kirsten shook her head, kept tailing the ambulance all the way to the hospital. Kristen parked, and got out. Richard and Jen already moved in, while Kristen broke into a run. Harry and Gia followed, entered, Snuffles behind them.
"Richard Osborn," Kristen said to the duty nurse, the lady behind the desk, the white cap on her head over her white lab jacket, "Brought in a moment ago."
"Taken straight into emergency surgery," the nurse said, "Sorry, wish I could tell you more."
"Meaning?" Kristen asked.
"Sorry," the nurse said, "Simply don't know, the surgeon's busy trying to save his life."
Harry read it in those eyes, the nurse unsure, unwilling to play god, not the first family member she's had to deal with, but a bit nervous due to Kristen wearing the police uniform. He put his hand on Kristen's shoulder.
"Let them," Harry suggested.
"Sorry," Kristen said, "I didn't mean to…you know."
"Understandable," the nurse said, "Nobody's at their best in here. Have a seat, I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything."
Kristen sat in one of the poorly padded chairs, against a wall with a mural. Harry conjured up a handkerchief behind Gia's back, handed it to Kristen.
"Ta," Kristen said.
"We'll stay—" Gia started.
"Let me go!" came the shout.
Harry glanced, Andy with her baggy shirt, hands behind her back, escorted by Frank into the waiting room. Her feet dragged, as she was pushed toward Kristen. Kristen stood, her glare directed at Andy.
"Andrea Osborn!" Kristen said, in the sternest voice Harry'd heard, "Your brother's in surgery—you might've killed him!"
"Serves him right," Andy spat.
"He's your brother," Kristen said, "Better hope he makes it."
"I don't care," Andy said.
Harry studied those eyes, the ones that glared, realized the bluff behind them, Andy didn't wish to show that to her mother.
"And the FREAK!" Andy snapped at Harry.
Gia pushed a bit on Harry, they backed away, toward the nurse's station. Harry turned to the nurse.
"How long is it supposed to take?" Harry asked.
"It's emergency surgery," the nurse said, "Takes as long as it takes."
"WASTING ALL THIS TIME ON HIM?" Andy shouted.
"How much have we spent on you?" Kristen said, "PRIVATE hospitals, counselors—"
"WASTE OF MONEY!" Andy shouted.
"Don't need to call the police on this one," the nurse grumbled.
"Thank you," Harry said to the nurse, handed her a rose.
Appreciation behind her eyes, the nurse smelled it, smiled.
"Good if he does," Andy snapped at Kristen, "I need his bedroom!"
Gia tugged on Harry's arm, they went down the corridor, toward the cafeteria.
"Respect," Gia said to him.
"They're shouting in the waiting room," Harry said.
"With their knickers down," Gia said, "Space, besides… was forced to skip lunch."
Harry turned to her, her blue eyes that tried to conceal.
"Another—?" Harry asked.
"It was stupid," Gia said, "Please, I'm hungry."
Gia grabbed a tin of macaroni and cheese, a juice, onto a tray, and paid for it. They went over to the small two person table. Harry sat to the other side, Snuffles laid down by them. Gia opened the wrap, her fork went in, and began to eat.
"How?" Harry asked.
"Does it matter?" Gia said, "Lisa…she spotted it."
"They attempted—" Harry started.
"Like they're allowed to investigate," Gia said, "Put it out of your head."
"You're trivializing…" Harry muttered.
Gia's hand to his, her eyes on him.
"I know you care," Gia said, "I know it paralyzes you, and I want you to get those bastards. I don't want you drowning in guilt."
"Again?" Harry asked.
"There shouldn't have been a first time," Gia said, "Hate those attacking us, hate that big wizard seeing fit to pick on a kid, send others to do the same."
Harry stood as he realized there was somebody who knew. "I'll go…check…"
"Don't go popping into surgery," Gia said, "Let them do what they're trained to do."
"A minute," Harry said, "To talk to Ron."
Harry got up, spotted the janitor's closet, ran for it, and entered. A thought, he apparated into the Practice Hall, and went for Ron and Hermione.
"Where've you been?" Hermione asked.
"Bit of an incident," Harry said, "Richard's in surgery."
"What?" Ron asked.
"Time out!" Harry shouted.
Lupin, Moody, and Shacklebolt stopped.
"Ron…" Harry started, focused on those blue eyes.
"I'd like to interrogate…" Harry thought, "Need Hermione in on this."
"Maybe…after practice," Ron replied.
"What's up Potter?" Moody asked.
"Sorry," Harry said, "Need to get back."
Harry disapparated, tripped over the bucket, and left the janitorial closet. He returned to Gia, sat.
"Don't worry," Gia said, "Explained to them that you like to wank in there, the smell of a dirty mop really works for you."
"What?" Harry stammered.
Gia smiled, her eyes betrayed her exaggeration, and Harry sighed. Gia continued to work on food, sipped at the juice.
"It's frustrating," Harry said, "I do nothing and he still comes after me—I'd sign over everything if he left me alone."
"You care more than that," Gia said.
"I know," Harry said, "I'd like to finish growing up first."
"Richard would too," Gia said.
Gia piled the juice container onto the tin, stood. Harry spotted the contours of the protective vest beneath it, knew she only had to wear that because of him.
"See if there's news," Gia said.
Harry stood, followed her, back to the waiting room. Harry approached the nurse's station.
"No updates," the nurse said, "Which is positive."
Harry studied her face.
"For emergency surgeries," the nurse said, "Fast news is usually bad news."
"Oh," Harry muttered.
Harry turned. Andy in one corner, arms crossed over the baggy shirt, glared at the floor. Kristen in the other corner, sitting on another chair, face against her hands, elbows propped against her knees, her police hat on the adjacent chair.
"Don't care," Andy snapped.
Kristen sighed, her eyes glanced up at Harry.
He's still in surgery," Kristen said.
"It's his fault," Andy said.
"Quiet!" Kristen snapped at her.
"We'll go home," Gia said, "Let us know—"
"How are you getting there?" Kristen asked.
"Safely," Harry said.
Andy rolled her eyes.
"Please," Gia said.
Harry studied Gia's face, the fear behind those eyes, and he held her tight.
"Stay here," Harry said, "Kristen needs it."
"Um…" Gia said.
"I can…you know," Harry said, "Think it'd be better for you both."
Gia nodded.
"He's—?" Kristen started as Harry began to walk.
"I'm safe with you, right?" Gia asked her.
Harry turned a couple of corners of the corridors, ducked behind a screen around a door, and disapparated.
Hoot!
Harry stroked a couple of Hedwig's feathers, laid down on the bed.
"Meow!"
Harry reached, petted Crookshanks. Harry gazed up to the white ceiling, wondered.
Ron watched as Harry vanished the second time.
"Giving up so easily?" Moody asked.
Ron flicked his wand, the snake that flew. Another that disintegrated it. Ron ducked behind the tombstone, squatted; Ron's shield charm reflected the red up to the ceiling.
"Sorry," Lupin said, "Heard why Harry's… we'll stop it here."
Ron stood, and the red stunning curse hit. Ron fell, as Hermione laughed. Took Ron a minute before he overcame it, stood back up.
"Bit boring without Potter," Shacklebolt said, "Worked up a sweat with him around."
"As I understand it," Lupin said, "More urgent matters to tend to, right?"
"Harry mentioned…yes," Hermione said, "He didn't say why."
"We'll have another go at it tomorrow," Lupin said.
Ron took out his Portkey, activated it, Hermione touched and held on. Familiar jerk behind the naval, they landed in Gia's bedroom. Harry laid upon the bed, his eyes focused upward.
"What did happen?" Hermione asked.
"Ant did something," Harry said, "Richard's in surgery."
"Going to make it?" Ron asked.
"Dunno," Harry said, "This needs to end—"
"Not thinking—" Hermione started.
"Somebody does know who our impostors are," Harry said, "Go and ask—"
"Only one would know—stay here!" Hermione said, "Even with your new brooms, don't do that!"
"Wait!" Ron said, "Might be a better way."
Ron opened his leather backpack in the closet, wand to it, climbed down into the cellar. He grabbed the Godley's Ultimate Party Potions, the gift wrap and the note from his birthday still on it, thumbed through it.
"You're—?" Harry started.
"Here," Ron said.
Ron grabbed his cauldron, his satchel of ingredients, and climbed up the ladder. Harry followed Ron down the stairs, into the kitchen. Cauldron to the gas stove, added water, and lit the burner. Ron added ingredients, threw in some beetle eyes, and ripples formed in the surface of the dark liquid.
"Got that at the party?" Harry asked.
"George," Ron said.
"So this does—?" Harry asked.
"Helps with your idea," Ron said.
"Bit overconfident if you think I have an idea," Harry said.
"I'll take credit then," Ron said.
"We're…" Harry said.
"Both sick and disgusted," Ron said, "Another murder?"
"Yeah," Harry said, "That thing."
"Doubt we'd be invited to her service," Ron said.
"Abducted—dead," Harry said, "Them."
"Something gone wrong?" Ron said, though he spotted Harry halfway into the dining room, "Stop!"
Harry spun around, glared.
"Stay with us," Ron said, "Got a chance."
Ron tapped the cauldron with his wand, poured the orange potion out into a a large cup, set it to the side. Harry stepped over, sniffed at it.
"Dunno about this," Harry said.
Ron cleaned the cauldron, set it out to dry. He carried the satchel, the book, and the cup up to the bedroom. Harry followed.
"What's that?" Hermione asked, she was on the bed, front side down, Crookshanks between her hands.
"Should be better than Legilimency," Ron said, "Few minutes, we interrogate, need hairs."
Ron plucked one of his red hairs, added it. A fizzle and a pop. Harry did the same.
"Wanna join us?" Harry asked Hermione.
"We need you," Ron said.
Hermione surrendered a hair, the fizzle and popping continued. Ron brought the cup to his lips, took a swig. Harry took the cup, took a swig. Hermione glanced at the cup.
"You brewed this?" Hermione asked.
"It's not class," Ron said.
Hermione took her swig.
"Hear me?" Ron thought.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
Ron sat down on the bed, as did Harry.
"Works," Ron thought, "Though Hermione, mind if we banged?"
"Boys!" Hermione thought.
"Attack," Ron said, "See how far—"
Ron flashed an image, a meeting of Death Eaters.
"You mean to—?" Harry thought.
"Said so yourself," Ron thought, "He knows, lets go for it, but best to be prepared."
Ron's mind focused, flashed through his memories of banging.
"I can manage," Harry snapped.
Memory of the last bang, and of doing it while skiing.
"Oh," Hermione muttered.
Upon the wall, a mirror, the man that watched himself sip on the cup, the snake milk, the red eyes that were focused upon his own, slit like eyes that went wide as he stood.
"Hogwarts," Ron thought.
"Out of here Muggle Lover Pureblood!" Voldemort shouted.
A flash of a memory, a desire, an image of the Hogwarts castle, in ruins.
"Plant," Hermione thought.
"Out Mudblood!" Voldemort shouted, the fists that pounded.
Harry's fists tensed up, against Ron's.
Weeds in a garden, all being plucked, and burned.
"Try…" Harry thought.
Images of Draco Malfoy.
"I'll kill you Potter if you don't stop this!" Voldemort shouted.
"Tried numerous times so far!" Harry said, "You could stop this if you wanted to—"
"Out Potter!" Voldemort yelled.
Voldemort apparated into green shrubs, a corner of a park, within a small city, the wand aimed at a man jogging.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" Voldemort exclaimed.
Flash of green, the man fell down, dead. A thought, the Potter Mark rose up into the sky, and an apparation to the other side, to see Magical Law Enforcement apparate in. Voldemort disapparated, returned to the original room.
"That death was on your hands Potter," Voldemort said into the reflection in the mirror.
"No it's not," Ron said, "You killed him, not Harry. A top student at Hogwarts? Not bright Riddle."
"Weasleys are not proper wizards," Voldemort said.
Ron gagged, choked, the magical fingers on his throat, ones that pressed down to deny fresh air to his lungs.
"End of Potter," Voldemort said, "Three nuisances down in ten, nine, eight, seven—"
…
Harry spotted it, while his breaths were cut short, the people that would be disappointed to a premature demise. Unsure if he should fight it, the count dropped to two, and his mind fought back, like wrestling away a stunning curse, applied it to himself and Ron and Hermione. Harry blacked out, unsure to how long it was until he woke up.
Hoot!
Harry woke up first, his throat sore, sat up on the bed. He reached over, felt Ron's neck first, the pulse, and moved over to Hermione's, a pulse. Harry got up, wand out, aimed it to Ron.
"Ennervate!" Harry said.
Blue eyes fluttered open.
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry aimed at Hermione.
"Ennervate!" Harry said.
Her eyes opened, and she sat up.
"What—?" Hermione started.
"Guess we've got a ways before we try interrogating Voldemort again," Harry said.
"Three against one was decent odds," Ron said, "My throat."
"Got lucky," Harry said, "Stunning was the right choice, stopped his attack."
"That's what—?" Ron started.
"YES!" Harry said, "Stunned you both and me."
"Thank you for that then," Ron said as he stood.
"I'm checking on Gia and them," Harry said, "Later."
Harry disapparated, apparated in the corner of the hospital room, Kristen, Gia, and Jen on chairs; Richard laid hooked up to monitors, covered in bandages, Snuffles curled up beneath the bed.
"Harry!" Gia said.
"What?" Kristen stammered, her eyes on Harry, "You—"
Harry glanced at the closed door, wondered if it was supposed to be locked.
"You came," Jen said, "That's the important bit."
Harry went over, watched the idled eyes, the buddy he's run with for many months.
"They're going to keep him in a coma," Kristen said.
"Get better," Harry said to Richard, holding the docile hand, "Get better."
Harry went over, sat next to Gia's right, Jen to the other side.
"Anything you can do…special?" Jen asked.
"Better to ask Hermione," Harry replied, "Me… not my area."
"Aw," Jen said, "Specialties."
"Something like that," Harry said.
"Getting out of tight spots, or getting into them," Gia said, "You want Harry around."
Harry leaned back, and waited.
The Keeper bowed, kissed the hem of the robes.
"My lord," the Keeper said.
"Get Potter and the fool on tighter leashes," Voldemort said.
"Yes," the Keeper said.
Harry woke Wednesday, bit late, with Ron and Hermione in the bed. He got up, gave Hedwig her owl treat, broke bit off for Pig, and stroked Hedwig's feathers. Harry heard the noise downstairs.
"Report's due today," said Kurt.
"Need more time," Andy snapped.
Harry checked into Richard's bedroom, the habit. A thought, he disapparated.
"Harry," Gia said.
"He's appearing again," Jen said.
Harry took the few steps to Richard on the bed, Snuffles curled up beneath it.
"Faster and safer than anything else," Gia said.
Blankets up to and over his chest, the beeps of the machines, the breathing tube into his mouth. Mechanical noises, the air intake, the push back, the disc like tabs attached to his chest, the wires that snaked off.
"You stayed the night," Harry said to Jen.
"So?" Jen asked.
"It matters, to him," Harry said.
"You were still asleep," Gia said, "Kristen's likely at work by now."
Harry sat by Gia, hand to her knee, studied the blouse on her, even the protective vest couldn't fully hide her chest.
"School or here?" Harry asked.
"Can't insist you train while I skip, can I?" Gia asked.
Harry leaned over, kissed her.
"I'll be here," Jen said.
"School," Gia said.
"Snuffles," Harry said, "We're heading to school."
Harry held her hand, closed his eyes, thought it over, focused on them being there. Harry tumbled backward onto the grass. They went for the classrooms. Gia turned for him.
"Train hard," Gia said, "Help battle your enemies."
Gia leaned in, they kissed. Up the steps, into the classroom. Harry disillusioned himself as he went back out, and thought about Ron and Hermione.
Ron watched as Hermione unfolded The Daily Prophet on the bed. Harry apparated into the bedroom.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Wednesday 5 March 1997
Potter Strikes in Salford!
Oblivators were out in force yesterday for hours after the latest strike by Dark Wizard Harry Potter. Potter killed a muggle in the middle of a park in broad daylight and issued his infamous Potter Mark. Ministry officials have promised a full investigation, one that is not needed to exact the truth we all know.
"Full investigation," Harry said, "know how that'd go."
"Voldemort killed—we know something new," Hermione said, "He did cast the Potter Mark."
"So?" Ron asked.
"This confirms what we have suspected," Hermione said, "Voldemort being in league—"
"We've known that," Harry snapped.
"We conjectured it," Hermione said, "Seeing Voldemort cast the mark confirmed it, big difference, it's substantial."
"Mind explaining?" Ron asked.
"He won't leave us alone," Harry asked, "So, why should we leave him alone?"
Hermione got off the bed, went for the lavatory.
"I'll…" Ron started as his stomach growled.
Ron went out the bedroom, down the stairs. Through the living room, he entered the kitchen. Electric kettle already hot with water, Ron poured it across a tea bag in a mug. Grabbed a couple old scones, went into the dining room; Andy already in there. Ron sat down across from her. Andy's hand busy with the pen against the muggle ruled paper.
"What's that you're working—?" Ron asked.
"What's it to you?" Andy snapped.
"Don't share then." Ron bit into a scone, watched.
Andy scribbled, rushed, for a few minutes.
"Have to write about a well known figure," Andy said, "I chose Sirius Black, but not much is known—"
"Have you talked to him?" Ron said, "He might consent to an interview."
"Get real," Andy said, "Know Mum's reaction? Be worse than yesterday, even if I could even contact him. Wanted, he's undoubtedly hiding—"
"In this house?" Ron asked.
Andy snorted, those eyes that didn't believe him.
"At school then," Ron said, "I've met him."
Ron leaned forward, her eyes drifted up to his.
"He's a freak like me," Ron said, "He's innocent…at least of what he was convicted of."
Her eyes unbelieving though curious.
"His victim still lives today," Ron said, "Those other thirteen…no, it was the victim that murdered them."
Ron sipped his tea.
"I've met his victim, Peter Pettigrew," Ron said, "Turned out he hid as my pet rat for years, until we learned the truth. Pettigrew murdered, he severed his finger, and vanished. Authorities arrived, believed it to be Sirius, imprisoned him without trial."
Andy blinked.
"Want to meet him, tonight?" Ron asked, leaned forward, "Here?"
"Get real," Andy said.
"He'll be around," Ron said, "Has been, your Mum's unaware."
"She'd freak," Andy said.
"Only if you tell her," Ron said.
"You're worse than dickface," Andy said.
Ron worked at the other scone.
"I've got a sister," Ron said, "My Irish twin. Worst brat ever, but I still love her."
"Dickface's a brat," Andy said, "Pompous, getting into…never mind. It's his fault for starting it."
Ron spotted it in her eyes, the memory of her lighting the cherry bomb.
"What if he dies from it?" Ron asked.
A bit of a concern within her, the guilt, the determination to not let that show.
"Mum'd say," Andy said.
"Bring a corpse back to life?" Ron said, "No way to rectify that, you can't take it back."
"He…" Andy started.
"I've got a bunch of brothers," Ron said, "May not like me, but they'll love me, protect me, when I need it. I don't even want to think about losing them."
"I've got none," said Harry as he entered the dining room, "But I watch it, from the outside, don't mess with one unless you plan on taking on the whole lot."
"You're a freak," Andy said.
"Ron," Harry said, "We need to…get to class."
"Yeah," Ron said as he stood.
Ron went with Harry up the stairs, into the bedroom. Harry activated his Portkey, Ron and Hermione held on. They landed in Lupin's manor. Already there, in black billowing robes, was Snape.
"Teaching them anything outside of Hogwarts is a capital offense Remus," Snape sneered.
"Having fun has not been outlawed, nor cups of tea," Lupin said, "Insults is not the reason for you to befoul my house."
"Errand for your master?" Harry snapped at Snape.
"Curb your tongue Potter," Snape sneered, "You are advised that any repeats of yesterday are guaranteed to be fatal."
Snape entered the fireplace and vanished.
"Good riddance," Ron said.
Ron spotted Lupin's sullen eyes, the concern behind them of Snape's comments.
"Repeat of what?" Lupin asked.
"We…um…" Harry scratched the back of his neck. "We tried to exploit my scar, tease out a couple of identities—didn't exactly work out as planned."
Lupin took a moment, the mind trying to work out a reply.
"We aren't trying again for some while," Ron said.
"Won't even ask how," Lupin said.
"Then don't." Harry went for the stairwell.
Ron followed Harry into the Practice Hall, Hermione and Lupin after them.
"Late again," Moody said.
"We only have to noon," Lupin said.
Harry disapparated, a red curse rained down as he stood on the center pillar of the room. Ron's wand drawn, he stepped into the arena.
Late that afternoon, Harry apparated into one of the hospital's janitorial closets, Gia with him. Harry cracked the door open, peered outside into the corridor light on foot traffic, aside from a nurse or a doctor doing their rounds.
"Can't you use magic?" Gia asked.
"Um…" Harry muttered, the thought had eluded him.
Harry and Gia left that closet into the corridor.
"Need I ask what you're doing in there?" asked Kristen as she approached.
"Um…" Harry wondered.
Ron laughed, Hermione with him, as they went along the corridor. Harry and Gia joined the small procession, to the room with Richard still idle on the bed. Jen glanced up.
"Guessing you took the fast way," Ron said to Harry, "We need to talk, almost time for class too."
"Oh, yeah," Harry said, "Hermione, watch her."
Harry and Ron left the room, returned to the janitorial closet; a grab of Ron's wrist, Harry apparated them both into Gia's bedroom.
"Pictures, we need pictures," Ron said, "Get Gia's collection."
Harry went to the desk, opened the drawer, got out the shoebox.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Do what you did two months ago," Ron said, "Because visited while you were at school, overheard a rather vibrant conversation between the Minister and Dumbledore. Can you guess?"
"Almost don't want to," Harry said.
Harry went down into the backpack's cellar, to the books, grabbed The Romantic Wizard, and went back up into the bedroom. He opened it.
"That's the charm," Harry said.
Ron held a picture of him, his wand out.
"Repono," Harry said.
"Repono!" Ron exclaimed.
A grimace, the doodle that went onto the back.
"You too," Ron said.
"Um…" Harry muttered.
Harry grabbed one of him, aimed his wand at his crotch.
"Repono!" Harry exclaimed.
A sharp yank, the doodle went to Harry's picture. Ron closed the book, put both pictures on top of it.
"Why?" Harry asked.
Ron grabbed his book–bag, Harry did the same, and they went down the stairs.
"Fallout to Natalie's death isn't over," Ron said. "Tomorrow, I'm to be castrated, we're all to be flogged."
"What?" Harry stammered.
"Best to keep your real bollocks out of it," Ron said.
Ron's wand back out, the disillusionment and SEP; Harry did the same.
"It's that arsehole of a Minister and the Wizengamot," Ron said, "Either we submit or Demeantors are sent, en masse to kiss us and Dumbledore."
"No…it's…" Harry started, wondering if he could disavow Ron, spare him.
Ron turned to Harry, hands to the shoulders.
"If you subscribe to that," Ron said, "Then they've stripped away your rights to have any friends. All this makes me ashamed to be a wizard, understood?"
"Used to think magic would take me away from the Dursleys," Harry said, "Instead, it's a world that's very cold, very bitter. I'd rather suffer the Dursleys over this."
Ron leaned, held Harry, the arms around him tight.
"Come," Ron said, "At least get something in."
Harry and Ron disapparated, apparated into the community center, went for the classroom, and sat down in the back.
Date: Thu Oct 5 17:31:50 2023