In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 102: Sparks
Hermione went down the stairs Tuesday morning, spotted the cauldron by the door. She grabbed The Daily Prophet and went over to the dining table, sat, watched Ron work in the kitchen area. He brought down a frying pan.
"Not sure…" Ron bent down to the refrigerator, "There."
Ron pulled out the package of streaky bacon, laid them all down into the frying pan. He lit the burner, and moved some plates into the oven.
"You're getting good at that," Hermione said.
Ron turned a bit.
"My Mum…or Ginny are way better," Ron said, "Ginny spent a lot of time in the kitchen back home."
"It's not bad," Hermione said.
Ron grinned.
"Trying to turn a leaf," Hermione said, "Compliments."
Hermione mulled it over, she needed to change, they're under attack and she's been lobbing insults at Ron, when he'd been fighting hard for Harry. Harry needed all the support he can muster. Hermione laid out the paper on the table, it had a large photograph of their wands drawn in the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
"Anything interesting?" Ron asked.
Hermione read the article.
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Tuesday 18 March 1997
Poised to Strike
Yesterday, in an audacious move, the infamous Dark Wizards attempted to yet again strike without remorse. This move was fortunately tamed by the Ministry Aurors on the scene at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore refused to take action against Potter, clearly showing the fallacy the board of governors recent move to repeal the resolution that would have ensured Potter's temporary removal.
"Lemme guess," Ron said, "Yesterday went without controversy?"
"About the same," Hermione replied.
Ron cracked eggs into the pan.
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Accosted, Assaulted, and Evicted
by Rita Skeeter
Yesterday, three students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry entered the Great Hall for lunch only to be accosted, assaulted, and evicted by their fellow students. Lackadaisical response from Ministry Aurors exemplified their incompetence by failing to solicit any accounts, but instead pontificated their own preconceptions by slandering the victims and turning a blind eye to the perpetrators. Yours truly personally witnessed the incident from start to finish.
Seeking nourishment in the Great Hall for the midday meal, these three students entered the Great Hall. They attempted to eat, but were stymied by the bombardment of insults (unsuitable for publication) and a violent attack launched upon them. Forced to defend themselves, these students took action to save their own necks, but were chastised by Ministry officials who apparently consider self–defense a Dark Art.
These students are no stranger to this insidious slander, for they continuously find themselves evading the snares and traps placed to way lay them. On the few occasions the Ministry officials witness these attempted murders at Hogwarts, these continuously victimized students are then chastised and punished for performing the Dark Art of self–defense.
People continually write, demanding to know how Potter could evolve into a Dark Wizard. These incidents show that it is the Ministry that refuses to see Potter for anything but a Dark Wizard. Potter has become the scapegoat for the inadequacies in our Ministry of Magic.
"She was there?" Hermione asked.
"We escorted her," Ron said.
"Did Harry know?" Hermione asked.
"Might've," Ron said, "We're a scandal, having her write about our innocence, the controversy's great for her, felt she'd enjoy it."
Gia walked over and she sat down. She leaned into Hermione, peered over the paper.
"Don't tell Harry," Gia said, "He hates this."
"Well," Ron said, "She is on his committee, so she ought to be aware of what's really happening."
Ron carried plates over to the table.
"Fancy," Gia said.
"I try," Ron said.
Hermione moved to the next article.
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Eximo Macula (EM) acknowledges that members of their organization are managing the bounties currently on the heads of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Gia Prescott. Leading members emphasized that such measures are legal and encouraged under the Suspected Dark Wizard Control Act; they also remind everyone that these persons are extremely dangerous and should be approached with extreme caution.
"We already knew that," Gia said.
"It's official now," Hermione said.
Harry and Gia apparated into the darkness of the classroom, empty of students, though some walked outside.
"I love you," Gia said, "And I want my future to be with you, forever, a happily ever after."
A kiss, the door opened, the lights went on.
"Morning," Richard said as he entered.
Harry opened his holster, handed over the Portkey.
"Try the ring first," Harry said.
Gia nodded.
Harry kissed her as the door began to open a second time. Harry disapparated, apparated into the dormitory at Hogwarts. Two steps and Harry stopped; Finnigan in canary yellow by his four poster bed bent over the open trunk.
"Should've recognized the stench," Finnigan said as he stood.
"Who's pulling your strings?" Harry asked, eyes that glared at Finnigan, "You're a puppet."
Harry went for the door. Harry opened the door wide, took two steps down, cast the charm.
"Veruminlusio," Harry whispered, the charm took hold fast.
Harry slipped back into the dormitory before the door shut itself. Finnigan carried a portable Grunnings drill, along with a small box, into the lavatory.
"Maybe not Potter," Finnigan grumbled to himself, "Can get the other two."
High pitch squeal, the drilling into the stone and tile in the shower, the insertion of small devices, the mesh of wires that vanished. Finnigan stood, returned to the dormitory. Finnigan pulled on the armor over himself as he got into it. A metallic squeeze and squeal as he left the dormitory. Harry let the charm drop.
"There you are," said Ron as he and Hermione landed by Ron's four poster bed. Beetle perched on Ron's shoulder.
"STOP!" Harry snapped at Ron, a foot from the lavatory. Harry's wand out, the Impediment Charm against the doorway.
"We need to shower," Hermione said.
"Step back," Harry stated.
Ron and Hermione stepped back. Harry aimed.
"ADSUM!" Harry said.
A small rocking of the floorboards, the tile of the shower shattered, the stone collapsed within. A pile of debris filled the lavatory.
"Apology accepted," Ron said.
"Watched Seamus put it in," Harry said, "He's fast."
"I guess the shower has to wait," Hermione said.
"You're fine," Ron said.
They dressed.
"Time for the next obstacle course," Harry said, "Bet McGonagall's surprised she needs to cook up schedules for another day."
"Could go the fast way," Ron said.
"Practice our charms," Harry said, "I'll follow."
A swish and flick, Harry used it, the invisibility.
"That's…good," Ron said.
Harry stayed quiet, watched the two use the disillusionment. With effort, Harry still saw them both as they left the dormitory. Harry swished and flicked, a small spark, and they went down the stairs.
"Think about all that effort they go through to make these," Ron said.
Hermione snorted. Harry did another swish and flick, another small shake. They heard the bell.
"Alright, fast," Harry said as he grabbed their shoulders. A disapparation, apparation near the woods of Hagrid's Hut, they walked up to Neville and Parvati.
"This' about it?" Hagrid asked.
"Afraid so," Harry said, now visible.
"Should be enough to help me with the fire crabs," Hagrid said, "Lets go."
Harry walked with Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Parvati, along the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Later, a bit before noon, Harry balanced himself on the railing as they left the cages. Ron walked ahead with Hermione. Parvati and Neville next to Harry on the path.
"I'm sorry!" Parvati exclaimed to Harry.
Harry felt the rumble to his feet, the railing shook.
"NOT AGAIN!" Hagrid shouted, went off into the woods, "KNOCK IT OUT!"
A crash, the tree nearest to them began to fall, directly for Harry, Parvati, and Neville. Parvati and Neville managed to turn their heads up. Harry's wand out, the tree exploded above their heads. Harry jumped between Neville and Parvati, wand aimed up, the shield charm, and the splinters went down around them.
"You crashed that tree—" Parvati said.
"No," Neville said, "He stopped it."
Ron and Hermione ahead, stopped, facing Harry.
"YOU'RE ENDANGERING STUDENTS!" came the shout within the forest.
Harry bolted, ran, joined up with Ron and Hermione. An invisibility charm to the three.
"Hey!" Parvati stammered.
"It's disillusionment," Neville said, "Learn your magic."
Three steps to the side, Harry held Ron's and Hermione's shoulders, disapparated them, apparated into Professor Tonks' office. Professor Tonks carried the food tray into the middle of the table. She turned around, brought the teapot onto it.
Woof! Woof!
"What the—?" Professor Tonks stammered, the little brown puppy that went to her feet, beneath her robes. "Whose puppy?"
Woof! Woof!
Harry felt Ron snickering.
"Wait," Professor Tonks drew her wand, aimed.
Harry's charm dropped, and the puppy went around her feet. A golden snitch appeared, the puppy chased it.
Yip! Yip!
Tail that wagged, leapt, got the snitch between the snout. Harry laughed. Ron joined in the snicker. Hermione shook her head.
"I said lunch not a shelter," Professor Tonks said, before the smile came to her face. "You snuck up on me well."
"I've got my ways," Harry said.
"Mind sharing?" Professor Tonks asked.
"We've all got our secrets," Harry said.
Ron sat down first, Hermione across from him. Though Harry put his book–bag down, he stayed standing, opposite to Professor Tonks.
"Know you've got a new place," Professor Tonks said, "How's that working out?"
Ron worked the pulled pork on to the bun, added sauces. Hermione took a roast beef sandwich, dipped it into the broth.
"Still brand new," Harry said, "Well, new to me. Working so far."
"Girls loves stability," Professor Tonks said, "You're now tied to the land."
"Maybe," Harry said, "That depends on Voldemort, right?"
Harry crossed his arms. Professor Tonks worked a sandwich into the broth.
"Please have something," Professor Tonks said.
Harry turned around, the knick knacks to her shelves, a picture of him flying during the Puddlemere United match in the fall. Another picture, of him as a toddler in the hands of his parents, the smiles on the faces; he wished Legilimency worked on pictures.
"It's not you," Hermione said to the Professor, "He's a very light eater."
"We try to get him to eat more," Ron said, "You can see it."
It came back to Harry's eating habits, he felt fine, the pang of hunger not there.
"I've been hearing rumors of impending catastrophic destruction," Professor Tonks said.
Harry turned around. He wasn't hungry, still satisfying to see Ron and Hermione eat. Ron's blue eyes focused on the next sandwich he was fixing, the fingers that worked the fork, freckles to the face, hunched a bit over as he ate. Hermione sat proper on her tosh, as she ate the sandwich. Professor Tonks admired Harry, the eyes that went over him from head to toe time and time again.
"Maybe a nightmare," Harry said, not wanting to get into a full discussion of what he's seen, "To Voldemort, it's not good or evil, but power and those too weak to seek it, To him, its to gain that power, to become the greatest wizard…ever, in perpetuity, at whatever cost. He'll tolerate supporters until they turn or become too powerful." Harry wondered when Finnigan will learn that.
"Bit tough to simply live when Voldemort's convinced I'm out to get him," Harry said, "I probably wouldn't be, except he's determined to not let me leave him alone. And now, he's distracting me with these bounties, turns half the population against me, so I can't even consider going to Diagon Alley. I can't gift Ron chocolate frogs from Honeydukes."
Ron smirked.
"When I first started Hogwarts," Harry said, "Wizarding world was full of promise, magical delights, light. It's also full of terror and darkness to chill the soul. Right now, I'm not allowed to enjoy the best the wizarding world has to offer, I can't share it with Gia. Yet, they'll expect me to save them when Voldemort comes after them, and they'll pretend like they never tried to stab me in the back, to sacrifice me on the altar to the Dark Lord."
"It's not an easy profession," Professor Tonks said, "Being an Auror's not the right choice for everybody."
"Except I've not been given a choice," Harry said, "My only other choice is to hand over the keys to Voldemort. Only way that might be done safely is to strip magic away for everybody else, give all our power to him, in the hopes he doesn't abuse it. That won't work, because he'll want more, he'll destroy the sun if there's a shred of hope in that giving him more. He'll destroy the planet too. There's no contest when there's only one left."
"That's…cheerful," Hermione said, dryly.
Harry pulled the chair, sat.
"I just need to defeat Voldemort," Harry said, "Then I can live happily ever after with Gia, playing Quidditch with Ron."
Ron grinned.
"And you'll be part of it too," Harry said to Hermione.
A glance from her.
"We'll need a trained Healer," Harry said, "You know Quidditch."
"I do," Hermione grumbled.
"Always good to have something brewing," said Professor Tonks.
Harry stood back up, went to the desk, The Daily Prophet on it.
"Distractions," Harry said, "We're worried about dress code violations while Voldemort's…" He glanced at the beetle on Ron's book–bag. "Not here, later."
Harry glanced at the empty plates.
"Thank you for lunch," Harry said.
Ron stood.
"My pleasure," Professor Tonks said.
Hermione stood.
"We'll have to do this again," Professor Tonks said, "Besides, keeps you out of the Great Hall, so no trouble today."
"Aw," Harry said.
"Two birds with one stone," Professor Tonks said.
"Come on before you're dating her," Ron said.
"Jealous?" Harry asked.
Ron shook his head, Hermione snorted. Harry's wand out, the disillusionment charm on himself. Ron and Hermione did the same.
"You can do better," Professor Tonks said.
"Wanna know where they are," Harry replied.
Harry's mind had already adjusted to Ron's and Hermione's, only a slight aberration.
"Library," Hermione suggested as she took the lead out of the office.
Ron shrugged. Harry walked with Ron, both followed her.
"Her butt," Ron whispered to Harry.
"Don't stare too hard," Harry whispered back, "Your todger's liable to jump out of your trousers, and you can't pretend it's a dildo."
"Right," Ron said, "Thought about the contract?"
"Harry," Hermione said, "Thought about your charm?"
"Shit," Harry muttered.
Hermione stopped at the intersection of a corridor to the left, statues at the corners. Sounds to Harry's ears distracted the attempted summon of his wand.
WHIZ, CRACKLE, SIZZLE, WHIZ, CRACKLE, SIZZLE, WHIZ, CRACKLE, SIZZLE, WHIZ, CRACKLE, SIZZLE
Jagged bolts of light radiated up from corners of the floor, the ceiling, at Hermione, impaled on her, held her in place. Smells of burning flesh as more arcs formed randomly between points on her, her clothes rapidly burned away, skin blistered and reddened. Hermione screamed. She writhed, squirmed, and lost her balance.
"HERMIONE!" Harry and Ron screamed in unison.
Ron rushed first, grabbed her arm as she fell to the floor. Arcs moved, rushed onto Ron, his clothes disintegrated, and the arcs drew away from Hermione. Ron's skin blistered, he moaned, and screamed, when Harry grabbed Ron's arm. Harry pulled Ron, however, the arcs turned onto Harry. Like fire onto Harry's skin, the shock that radiated from each arc, his clothes fled, as it visited Harry's thin frame.
"HARRY!" Ron managed as he fell onto the floor.
Harry's body lifted into flight above the floor, drained his magic. Arcs roved, burned, and blistered his skin. A thought, however, his body refused the apparation, his wand unable to summon, nor his broom. Harry unable to escape this prison of torture as it turned him into rotisserie. Electric shock kept Harry suspended, rotating, as the arcs of light and fire tried to cook him. He heard footsteps afar that approached.
"Harry," Ron pleaded.
A bead of yellow light, the magic curse that came down the corridor at Harry. It struck, the arcs dissipated. Fast approaching, billowing black robes, was Professor Snape, eyes on Harry as he fell.
"Explain Potter," Professor Snape sneered.
Harry's left shoulder slammed down on the floor first, and he heard a dull pop. His shoulder began to throb. Ron and Hermione were already standing with their sea of reddened and singed skin, with a maze of black streaks across them both.
"Explain!" Professor Snape demanded.
"Check the damn walls," Harry grumbled, "People have been busy with drills."
Harry's left shoulder didn't want to cooperate, he sat. He glanced, spotted them, pointed at the four spheres he saw, each one had a gaping dark hole in them.
"Headmaster, now," ordered Professor Snape.
Harry turned, his right hand pushed, and stood up without any modesty; his feet complained with the aches. His right hand massaged the sore shoulder, that didn't make it feel better.
"How'd you pull it off?" Harry asked.
"Move!" Professor Snape ordered.
Harry picked up his bag with his right hand, lifted it over his shoulder, the pain of the strap over the burn. Ron picked up his book–bag, nudged the beetle perched on the opening. Hermione winced as she picked up hers.
"Get them!" Harry snapped at Professor Snape, pointed at the spheres.
Harry glared at the Professor.
"I will make the decisions here," Professor Snape said.
"Get them dammit!" Harry said, "YES, we are going to Dumbledore."
"That is Professor Dumbledore," Snape sneered, "Ten points Potter."
Pins and needles would've been more comfortable to Harry's bare feet on the stone, the tenderness, a feeling of walking on broken glass. He watched as Professor Snape collected the spheres. Ron and Hermione walked with Harry. Harry caught the unguarded feeling of disgust in Professor Snape's eyes, the ones that watched him walk starkers along the corridor.
"Don't try anything," Hermione whispered to Harry, "You might splinch."
A trip to the toes, the tripwire snapped. Flame began to pour from either side.
"You a bit cold?" Ron asked.
A flick from behind, Harry knew it to be Professor Snape's, as the flame stopped.
"Playing games?" Professor Snape asked.
"Up for Quidditch?" Harry asked.
Ron snorted.
"You are disgusting," Professor Snape said as they reached the Stone Gargoyle, "Keep going."
Harry didn't need the encouragement, he knew the procedure, and stepped after Ron and Hermione onto the stairs. They lifted them up the tower, to the door. Both doors opened, and they entered the office. Chair behind the desk empty, Fawkes' perch devoid of the bird.
"Wait here," Professor Snape said as he went for the fireplace.
Harry turned, faced Ron and Hermione. Puffiness to the eyes, the tender redness, the black streaks. Hermione's brown eyes open, however, she too had tenderness across her.
"We're standing with you," Ron said to Harry.
Hermione nodded.
A puff, the tap of the cane, Harry turned. Professor Dumbledore carried a flask as he stepped out of the fireplace. Blue eyes that took in the black streaks across their skin, Harry's first as he stood in front of Ron and Hermione.
"Luckily I thought to swipe some burn ointment," Professor Dumbledore said, his eyes to the flask in his hand, "Given her brewing style, try a swig and see if it works."
Harry tried to reach with his left arm, the shoulder protested, so he reached with his right, took the flask. A bitter swig.
"It's definitely medicine," Harry said as he passed the flask to Ron.
"Any way to improve the flavor?" Professor Dumbledore asked Snape.
"Every potion is delicate equilibrium of effects," Professor Snape said, "Any tampering affects that equilibrium and hence its effectiveness, perhaps turning help into tortured death."
Professor Dumbledore took the flask from Hermione, went to his desk, and sat behind it. His eyes turned back to Harry.
"You need a qualified healer in your life, Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said, "While I see the burns, there's things we easily miss, consequences could be a lifetime disability, or fatal. Miss. Granger, while a sharp and bright witch, is not trained, at least not yet."
"We do need one Harry," Ron said.
"So," Dumbledore said, "Why are you needing a healer today?"
Hermione explained the arcs, the attack on them.
"You're out of line," Professor Snape sneered at Hermione.
"And your version?" the Headmaster asked Professor Snape.
Harry understood, the old man ignored the greasy git's previous retort.
"An Auror needed a break," said Professor Snape, "I obliged to patrol the corridor."
Harry spotted the lie in the eyes, somebody else directed him to that location.
"I came across Potter unable to control his magic." Professor Snape set the spent spheres down on the desk. "Obviously an experiment with these devices."
Blue eyes did not hide alarm as Professor Dumbledore moved his wand over the spheres, the recognition and understanding that brewed with the examination. Harry understood, the Headmaster conserving magic for the important tasks.
"Summon Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said, "Every student is to remain in their current classrooms while we search the castle. In the walls you say?"
"Seamus Finnigan used a drill this morning," Harry said, "Guessing there isn't a square inch that hasn't been touched."
"Take any and all devices uncovered into the custody of Nymphadora Tonks," Professor Dumbledore said to Professor Snape.
Professor Snape glared at Harry, the disgust, and left the office.
"This would not have been pleasant to experience," Professor Dumbledore said.
"No," Harry said, "No it wasn't."
"These deployed a curse that was resurrected by Grindelwald as a means of execution," Professor Dumbledore said, "It creates a chain reaction with your own magic, one that'll eat the victim. As you touched to rescue, it transferred the curse to you."
"Ouch," Harry said.
"Thanks Ron," Hermione said.
"You too Harry," Ron said.
"Annihilation curse was considered for inclusion in the Unforgivables," Professor Dumbledore said, "However, its uncertainty and the preference for Killing Curses or Cruciatus, there wasn't an urgency. Seems wizards prefer dignity and cleanliness in dirty and dark acts."
"Yours is an exception," Ron said to Harry, "Instant dragon feed."
"Not funny," Hermione snapped.
"Shark bait?" Ron asked.
"It was quite painful," Hermione said, "At least we're alive."
"Not the intent here," Professor Dumbledore said, "If Professor Snape had not of stopped it, it would have killed the three of you. You owe him a bit of gratitude."
"Wish he'd show it," Harry said.
"Any courtesy Professor Snape shows Harry should be kept secret," Ron said, "Not to be published."
Harry caught the bewildered curiosity in the Headmaster, the eyes that aimed at Ron.
"Why would you think I'd publish anything?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Never said you would," Ron said, "Thought I'd make my wishes known in case you felt the inclination to pick up a quill."
Harry understood, Ron had to button up one set of ears that the Headmaster was unaware of.
"Interesting," Professor Dumbledore said.
Harry watched as Professor Dumbledore poked through the device that was now open, lifted out the smaller sphere, the familiar one about the size of a marble. Wand to the marble, the old man pulled out a single brown hair, lifted it up. Eyes that compared the color, and Harry spotted the match in the mind.
"Strange," Professor Dumbledore said, "Targeted to one, while the mines were targeted to the three of you."
The Headmaster dissected the other three, also with single hairs of Hermione's.
"Perhaps it was a restriction for these," Hermione said, "Could only do one."
"Or…I'd been sweeping the corridors," Harry said, "In case you were wondering why the shaking, I was trying out the presence charm."
"Or there could be more sets still in this castle tuned to you Harry, or Ron," said Professor Dumbledore said.
"Anything's possible," Harry said, "Might be more too."
"As to you," Professor Dumbledore said, "While the resolution was repealed, your safety is still a concern until we finish the search. Therefore, consider your school day over, including Quidditch practice. Therefore, I suggest—"
"We do as we normally do," Ron said, "Go to our undisclosed safe house."
Harry spotted the bewilderment to Ron's outburst in the old man's eyes, but a desire to move on.
"Be careful," said Professor Dumbledore said, "No telling if the Death Eaters have managed to plant more of these devices… devices from Voldemort Research and Development in other locations."
Harry watched Ron brush the beetle off his book–bag. Ron took out his Portkey. Harry and Hermione held on. Jerk behind the naval, they were pulled away.
"Scary to think Voldemort's researching things," Harry said.
Harry landed in the living room of 66 Pickering Place. He let go, used his right hand to lower the book–bag to the sofa, kept his left arm limp.
"Let's check this," Hermione said, turned for Harry.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I heard it too," Ron said, "You slammed hard."
Harry winced as she touched Harry's swollen left shoulder, the mild bruising. Harry stepped back.
"Could be dislocated," Hermione said, "You've been avoiding—"
"Dobby is happy to help Harry Potter." Dobby appeared.
"Thanks but no thanks," Hermione said, "We need to learn Healing."
"Go have fun with Winky," Harry said, "We'll shout if you're needed."
Hermione aimed her wand, nodded. Dobby vanished.
"This'll hurt," Hermione warned, her left fingers worked Harry's shoulder.
Ron watched.
"It is dislocated, simple," Hermione said, "I can fix it."
Harry moved forward to her, she reached, popped the shoulder back. Another pain, and gritted his teeth.
"Take it easy," Hermione said, "Need to consult the books."
Hermione kissed Harry, turned and went for the stairs. Ron watched Harry, the blue eyes focused.
"You?" Ron asked.
"Everybody's asking," Harry grumbled.
"I know you," Ron said, his hand to Harry's right shoulder, "You hate seeing us injured, hurt. I love that about you, but I know you."
Ron pushed slightly, Harry sat on the sofa. Ron sat to his right; they leaned back against the cushion.
"Let's talk this out," Ron said.
Harry sighed and they talked.
"You went to see Dumbledore last night?" Ron asked.
Hermione came down the stairs, the books in her hands, and went over to the dining table. Harry watched her settle down to the other side of the coffee table.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Voldemort's trying to alter the past," Harry said.
"You can't," Hermione said, "A time turner—"
"He's not using a time turner," Harry said, "It's something way more powerful."
"Paradoxes—" Hermione started.
"Seen them," Harry said, "But, doesn't mean he's built it, yet."
"You're scaring me," Hermione said, "Anything could go wrong."
"Yep," Harry said, "One thing's certain, we won't like it's results."
That evening, Harry put the quill away, with his notebook, into the book–bag. Tall, red haired, the blue eyes, Ron secured his book–bag. Together, Harry and Ron went for the door.
"Another flight?" Harry asked.
Ron smiled, they approached the door in the back. Harry summoned his broom, hopped on, cast the disillusionment charm. Ron did the same. They pulled up as they flew in the strong wind.
"Stay low," Harry said, a glance up, a rip high above that went through the handful of clouds above.
"More?" Ron asked.
Harry watched that one go from purple, to blue, green, yellow, orange, as it shrunk, down to a red dot, and vanished.
"People that ceased to exist," Harry said, "Or it's simply sealed off, I don't know."
They didn't fly in a straight line. Harry watched the canary yellow beneath his feet. Harry wondered, headed for Oak Street, when he spotted it below, the orange, in the grass. Harry landed, Ron with him. Brooms banished.
Meow!
Fur moved fast, Ron bent, picked up the cat, petted him.
"Okay," Ron said.
Ron disapparated. Harry disapparated, apparated into his living room, apparated after Ron up the stairs, beat him into the bedroom. Hermione on the bed with Gia.
"CROOKSHANKS!" Hermione exclaimed.
"We found him," Ron said, leaning in.
A quick kiss to Ron, her hands went to the cat, the purring at the center of attention. Gia got up, Ron took her place, helped in petting of the cat. Harry felt way better, watching the two enjoy the company of her furry friend.
It was late, the moon had moved many windows, when Dumbledore watched Snape enter the office.
"I was expecting you hours ago," Dumbledore said.
"As expected," Snape said, "Wormtail denied it, claimed it to be work of overzealous galleon seekers making devices for profit."
"We're out of time," Dumbledore said as he fingered the sphere on his desk, "I need that potion today."
"Any shortcuts render it a poison," Snape said, "I doubt that's your intent."
"Mr. Potter needs every advantage we can muster," Dumbledore said.
Wednesday morning, Ron worked at his plate of diced potatoes with fried egg in it.
"You raved about it in your journal," Hermione said, "We worked it out."
"You read it…again," Ron said.
"Open book, remember?" Hermione asked.
Ron glanced at The Daily Prophet. Front page picture showed the arcing on Harry's skin. Adjacent picture showed the remains of the sphere laid out on the Headmaster's desk.
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Wednesday 19 March 1997
Attempted Murder at Hogwarts
by Rita Skeeter
Yesterday, a device planted by Death Eaters at Hogwarts took to its purpose in an attempt to assassinate Harry Potter. This device, a product from You Know Who Research and Development, unleashed an annihilation curse designed to torture its victim before death; this curse was last reputedly used by Grindelwald. This design uses a proximity triggering mechanism keyed to the victims, similar to the one currently employed in mines being deployed targeting Potter.
This device unleashed its lethal cargo upon students who survived merely because a concerned teacher knew how to counter the attack. Once again, the Ministry for Magic failed to express any interest in the welfare of the aforementioned students, rather they blamed the victims for their own lynchings.
A knock at the front door, Gia opened it.
"You know how Harry feels," Hermione said, "Same as Dumbledore."
Ron glanced at the letter.
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Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss. Granger,
Need I remind you that Rita Skeeter was permanently banned from Hogwarts two years ago? I will hold you responsible if her presence causes an undue distraction to the normal operations of this school.
Albus Dumbledore
"He—" Ron started, when he heard the voice.
"May I come in?" asked Dumbledore.
"Sure," Gia said, pointed.
A tap of the cane, Dumbledore entered the living room. Gia went up the stairs.
"I may have been a bit sharp in my letter," Dumbledore said, "However, I do not appreciate the wool being pulled over my eyes."
"Um…" Ron muttered, a glance at Hermione.
"As I was unaware of her presence," Dumbledore said, "Many things could have easily been compromised."
Ron stood.
"We…Harry needs it," Ron said, "They've been fighting us in the paper all year long, I got tired of it being so one sided. She got a feel for our typical day at Hogwarts, got a chance at something juicy, win win."
Blue twinkling eyes that mulled it over.
"I know Harry'd be annoyed by this," Ron said, "We've got the Ministry on the defensive."
"Ron," Hermione said.
Blue eyes to blue eyes.
"You're not after the Ministry, are you?" Dumbledore asked.
"You–Know–Who has influence there, over them all, including the Minister himself or we wouldn't have been tortured," Ron said, "Skeeter's an investigative reporter, feed her enough juicy truth and we flush out the culprits."
"Intriguing approach," Dumbledore said.
"I'm tired of sulking hoping for it to get better," Ron said, "Harry claims we're headed for doom, and maybe he's right. I'm not going down without a fight."
"Warn me before you bring in a reporter," Dumbledore said, "I do not appreciate finding out after the fact that I was bugged."
"Sorry about that," Ron said as Gia came back into the living room.
"Where's Harry?" Gia said, "Should be back from his run by now."
"He seems to have decided to take his morning run in the woods around Hogwarts," Dumbledore said.
"What?" Ron stammered.
"As he's not suspended," Dumbledore said, "There is no issue."
"I need to get to school," Gia said, "Can you apparate me, Ron?"
"I can't," Hermione said.
"I told him off for even trying," Ron said.
Dumbledore snickered. Ron glared at him.
"He's mastered magic I don't possess," Dumbledore said, "Bewilders me that he'd risk your life by apparating you around."
"Being his fiancee puts me in mortal peril," Gia said, "I can stomach a bit of danger."
"We're using my broom," Ron said, "That's safe."
Hermione glared at Ron.
"Alright, safer," Ron said, "Care to go for a walk?"
"A simple Portkey," said Dumbledore, "Mind?"
He grabbed a paper napkin. Gia held it, Dumbledore's wand to it, and they vanished.
"We need to talk Harry out of it before it's too late!" Hermione said.
"I've tried," Ron said, "Right now, it's safer than walking—maybe even going to school!"
Ron walked out of Hogwarts that afternoon. Brisk wind, Oliver Wood with him. Ginny, Colin, and Euan Abercrombie followed, all carried brooms. Harry walked with Hermione, book–bag slung on her shoulders.
"Where's your broom?" Ginny asked.
"Up my arse," Ron replied, "Stare at it!"
Oliver Wood had a case bit bigger than the size of a toaster, slung with a strap over his left shoulder, while his right carried a Nimbus 3000 and a Shooting Star.
"I am curious how this all shapes up," Wood said, "Unofficially, of course. Not allowed to wager in the pool—conflict of interest."
"Percy'd say something like that," Ron said.
"Not like there's a rule," Wood said, "Unethical, and as a professional player, better to avoid scandals with shady practices."
Ron walked on the grass.
"Doesn't stop Ginny," Ron said.
"Hey!" Ginny said, "It's all legal."
"Best learn to keep it clean," Oliver Wood said, "It costs the team a lot when a scandal hits, so that's when players can lose their careers. Was the wager worth it?"
"Asking Ginny to keep it clean?" asked Colin.
They reached the Quidditch Pitch, entered, and loitered near the goal posts. Oliver Wood opened the case. Inside was a box with an cluster of instruments on it. Wood pulled out a pad of notepaper and a pen from his pocket.
"Alright," Wood said, "Promised Professor Vector a bunch of numbers. So…" He handed the Shooting Star to Euan, tapped his wand to the box. "Please Abercrombie, fly this to the other goal posts as fast as you can."
Ron spotted the near defeat, the humiliation of a lackluster broom. Still, Euan's legs swung over. Euan pushed up, and flew.
"Accelerates at ten," Wood said, "Top speed of thirty. Well, safe, not going anywhere fast."
Euan came back, mounted the Cleansweep seven, and flew it.
"Accelerates at thirty," Wood said, "Top speed of sixty two. Competitive for Hogwarts."
Euan flew back.
"We're comparing brooms?" Colin asked.
"Sure," Wood said, "See how they actually match up, so that's why Euan's flying."
"He's the new player," Ginny said.
"Everybody gets a chance," Wood said, "Thing with Arithmacy, they like numbers, so that means everybody on every broom, see how the talent plays in."
Euan landed, took the Nimbus 3000, and flew.
"Accelerates at fifty," Wood said, "Top speed, ninety one."
Euan's eyes between his prominent ears showed the joy to this, the newest player, on the team, demonstrating his flying skill.
"Ginny?" Wood asked, "Mind?"
Ginny handed over her Firebolt. Euan took it, mounted it, and flew it.
"One hundred forty five," Wood said, "Top speed, two fifty."
Euan flew back fast, landed.
"Can I keep this?" Euan asked.
"Ron," Wood said, "Mind lending yours—assuming you brought it."
"Yeah," Ron said, a flick of his hand, summoned the Firebolt II with his name monogrammed on it.
"Cool," Euan said, "Name on it even."
Harry snorted. Euan mounted. Again, Wood aimed as Euan flew.
"Two hundred forty three," Wood said, "Top speed, five hundred…?"
"Not too many hours across the Atlantic," Ron said.
"Wow," Ginny muttered.
"Alright," Colin said, "Next up."
Euan flew it back, handed it to Ron. Euan turned to Harry. Harry flicked his hand, out came the Holly wood. Euan mounted it, and it flew, slow, barely above the grass.
"Some sort of prank?" Wood said, "Five—you accelerate faster running."
"Not fast either," Ron said, "Unless you're Harry, that broom performs for Harry and only for Harry, anybody else…not really."
Harry jumped, a bolt, the feet that went fast, Euan stepped to the side. Harry was on the broom, and flew it, vanished.
"What the?" Wood stammered.
Wood tapped the box, the display of acceleration pegged at 9999.99 and Out of Range.
"That's not possible," Wood said.
"Funny gadget," Ron said, "Trying muggle boxes at Hogwarts."
"Got it from Quality Quidditch Supplies," Wood said, "Top notch, should have a range halfway to London."
"With Harry," Ron said, "There are no limits to that broom."
Though Ron worried about what had gotten Harry into such a panic.
Gia laughed with Lisa as they left the chemistry classroom. She didn't see Snuffles nor Moody, walked across the tarmac in the breeze, the clouds moved above.
"Your boyfriend?" Lisa said, "Rarely see him."
"They changed the rules," Gia said, "He's not suspended as much."
"Maybe you should ask to change them back," Lisa said.
"He expect to be soon enough," Gia said, "Seriously, it's good for him to actually attend his school."
They entered the gymnasium. Richard already there. Jen waved.
"Wrestling?" Lisa asked.
Gia stepped into the mat, leaned down as she braced Lisa, unaware of the man in the corner dressed in forest camouflage.
"Of course," Gia said.
"Ready…set…go," Jen said.
That man came running across the mat, brandished a machete.
"Allahu Akbar!" the man shouted.
Lisa already overpowered Gia, turned them over, Lisa on top, as the machete swung down. It cleaved into Lisa's neck, the head dropped, as cyan enveloped the man, the machete flew. Sliced and diced, shredded bits of the man fell.
"Gia!" Harry shouted, on his broom, flying across the gymnasium toward her.
Blood from the stump of Lisa's neck poured out onto Gia. Lasso of orange from Harry's wand, encircled herself, Richard, and Jen. A tight compression, she found herself on the floor of the living room.
"What just happened?" Jen asked.
"A moment," Harry said.
Harry disapparated. Gia got up, sat on the armchair. A towel appeared, she wiped the blood off her face. Harry apparated with Kristen and Frank; both in their police uniforms and jackets.
"Lisa?" Richard asked.
"Dead," Harry said, "Sorry Kristen, Ministry's coming in for that, and I didn't want you or your best investigator anywhere near them."
"That man?" Richard asked.
"Kristen?" Frank asked.
"If he's unaware," Harry said, "He gets to learn about magic, please."
Frank and Kristen went to the dining area, the hushed voices.
"Nor did I want you two near the Ministry." Harry pointed to Richard and Jen. "They'll modify memories."
Kristen returned with Frank.
"That was a lot to swallow," Frank said.
"I'm a wizard," Harry said, "I attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Scotland, but I commute, because the usual way is a minute or so."
"Connects a lot of dots to know the truth," Kristen said.
"Unless I let Amelia Bones know, she'll pretend she's not a witch," Harry said.
"Explains a lot," Frank said.
"Alright," Harry said, "I grabbed you before the call came in, because I didn't want the Ministry tampering with you, you seem competent and fair."
"Lisa…Lisa Shoreham was killed." Gia waited for Frank to take out a notepad from his coat, and a pen. Gia described the gym class, the wrestling she was about to do, the appearance of the machete cleaving through Lisa's neck, and the shredding of the man.
"Saw that man maybe a couple seconds before," Jen said, "He ran charging at her."
Harry paced, the eyes, the broom that laid on the floor.
"Gia…she's bugged," Harry said, "When all other protections have failed, lets me know. That broom's the fastest, so when I flew in, that machete was halfway through Lisa's neck, I cursed. He did not survive, but Gia did."
"That was you?" Richard asked.
"Need an address for here," Frank said.
"Please don't, leave it unlisted," Harry said, "I think the contracts stand at a million pounds for her, about three for me, Ron and Hermione are somewhere in between. You seem trustworthy as is Kristen, but can you say the same for everybody at the barracks?"
"Think we can skip that," Kristen said to Frank.
Frank started for the door.
"Don't use the front door," Harry said, "I'll take you back the fast way."
"I don't even know where—" Frank started.
"Exactly," Harry said, "Now—DOBBY!"
"Dobby is pleased to help Harry Potter!" Dobby appeared.
"Guard and protect Gia until I return," Harry said.
Harry banished his broom, held Frank and Kristen, disapparated.
"He said a million?" Jen asked.
"Something like that," Gia said, "He was after me…Lisa overpowered me, otherwise…"
Gia didn't want to think about that either. She sobbed into the towel.
Harry felt the hard splinch happening, his focused again, heard the pop as he apparated into Lupin's living room.
"HARRY!" Lupin shouted, wand aimed.
Harry pointed at Sirius.
"YOU!" Harry said, "I thought you'd be protecting her, Gia, but—"
"You don't understand everything," Sirius replied.
"I understand Gia about to lose her head," Harry said, "Instead, Lisa did, she's dead because there was NOBODY watching them. If I were even a half second slower, I'd be burying Gia, right now."
Harry overcame the splinch again, as he disapparated. Harry apparated, entered the Headmaster's office.
"We were having a private conversation," said Professor Snape.
"Where was Moody?" Harry demanded of the Headmaster, behind the desk, "Nobody was there to protect Gia—we've got a dead muggle and Ministry crawling over a muggle school wiping memories since I had to protect her."
"I thought you wanted—" Professor Dumbledore started.
"I wanted somebody there guarding her," Harry said, "Very tough to be at both schools at the same time as Time Turners are Ministry controlled."
A glare.
"Shacklebolt? Somebody?" Harry said, "You seem to consider my attendance here important, and it's been unusually nice this week."
"I can see to a change in your fortunes," Professor Snape said, dryly.
"I apologize for any misunderstanding," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Tell that to Lisa Shoreham's family," Harry said, "Somebody after Gia killed her instead."
"What happened to this killer?" asked Professor Snape.
"Dead like the others," Harry stated.
Professor Snape turned for the door.
"Severus, wait," Professor Dumbledore said, "Ministry is there?"
"I flew my broom into a gymnasium full of muggles and cursed," Harry said, "If they don't respond to a man shredded apart by magic, they're deaf and blind, but I did not loiter."
"No day is normal for you," the Headmaster said.
"No, it is not," Harry said, "And you…"
Harry studied the frailty of the man, knew his own house bound to himself.
"How weak are you getting?" Harry asked.
"No tact?" asked Professor Snape.
"Wards of Hogwarts are tied to the Headmaster, are they not?" Harry asked.
"Wards are bound to the owner of the castle," Professor Dumbledore said, "The school is a tenant, and thus the Headmaster has control of the wards under the terms of the rental agreement."
"Somebody happened to have a castle to let a thousand years ago?" Harry asked.
"We've had some cash flow issues," the Headmaster said, "Thus, sold to a person needing alternative and stable investments."
"Bit weak," Harry said.
"Wards have never been stronger," Professor Dumbledore said, "Even this morning, Pedlinge grumbled about being unable to apparate, I can't let the wards down."
Harry wondered about this, whether the Aurors were simply weak too.
"I need to get back to her," Harry said.
Harry left the office, glanced down the empty stairs.
…
"I take it you've not told him," said Snape.
"Neither will you," Dumbledore said.
…
Harry disapparated.
"There you are," Ron said as Harry apparated into the living room.
"You worried about your Ministry for Magic?" Richard asked Harry.
"They'd alter your memories," Harry said, "Some lame narrative, maybe an accident, that'd fit the outcome, have you forget about the man trying to kill. No, you deserve to remember the truth."
"Ta," Jen said.
"Also, remember Lisa," Harry said, "Gia's—"
"Upstairs," Ron said.
Harry went up the steps, into the bedroom. Gia and Hermione on the bed, Gia cried, petted Crookshanks.
"Before you try anything," Gia said, "I need you."
Harry stepped onto the bed, sat between her legs, let her hold him tight.
Date: Thu Jan 4 09:53:35 2024