Silently and Stealthily

Va tacito e nascosto,
quand'avido è di preda,
l'astuto cacciator.

Silently and stealthily,
the cunning hunter goes,
when he stalks his prey.

From the opera Julius Caesar Act I, Scene IX
by Georg Friedrich Händel

After closing the door to his flat, Harry turned to Johann. "I want to be here when Steven shows up, just in case," he said with some concern. "You're welcome to stay if you want, of course. Afterward we could go out and I'll show you around town."

Johann shook his head. "I know you can handle this Steven bloke if needed, Harry. I already have plans for tonight."

"Really?" Harry said, surprised.

"Yes. I met this woman on the flight over and she kindly offered to show me around London," Johann said smugly. "She was quite fine looking, and all I need to do is to call her, but before I go, I should check the unoccupied flat..."

"No, Johann," Harry interrupted. "You have already done more than enough for today. I don't know how to thank you. Go out and enjoy yourself, I'll take care of the flat and whatever is in there tomorrow."

"How are you going to get in?"

"I have my own tricks," Harry answered with a smirk.

"Harry, this is still my number one priority. If you need me for any reason, at any time, just call me on my mobile. Is that clear?" the German said admitting no argument. "I plan to stay a week in England to do some sightseeing around London and the surroundings."

Before leaving, Johann showed Harry how to use the equipment in the black bag. Besides the signal jammer and the signal strength-meter, there was a mobile phone jammer, and a couple of miniature two-way radios that fit easily in a shirt pocket. They had ear buds like an mp3 player, and the microphone was a self-adhesive patch that could be attached to the side of the neck. There was also a KM2000 combat knife.

"I know you'll like this," Johann said as he handed Harry the knife. "I reckon you know how to use it."

Harry admired the quality and workmanship of the black tantō blade. "There's nothing like Solingen steel. Thanks, Johann!"

Kraut left, but not before insisting once again that Harry called him if there was any trouble. Ten minutes later there was knocking at Ginny's door. Harry grabbed the headset and prepared to listen. Somehow, in Harry's mind, the wall probe was no longer an instrument to feed his sexual fantasies about Ginny, but a necessary security device.

The break-up went better than Harry had expected. Ginny rationally explained to Steven how they had grown apart, and how the intense feelings she had once felt for him had faded. Harry was impressed by the intelligence and tact she displayed. Her voice was steady, and the tone had the right mix of resolve and kindness. Steven made half-hearted attempts to dissuade her, appealing for another chance and for more time, but Ginny had been implacable. To his objections she had presented solid arguments. She pointed out how time was one of the main reasons she had taken this step.

"Steven, I'm not a needy person. I don't need a man in my life, but I want one in it. I don't mind the time that you're gone, as much as I mind the fact that you completely disconnect from me when you are. Lately I feel as if we are using each other to satisfy our sexual needs without any emotional connection." Ginny paused and looked at him. "I want an emotional connection, Steven. The last couple of times, I tried to see if it was still there, but it's not. It was just sex, and I want more than sex."

"Is this because of your new neighbour?" Steven asked bitterly.

For a moment it seemed that what Harry feared could happen.

Ginny maintained her composure. "I've felt that our relationship was stuck and going nowhere for months, Steven. We should have had this conversation a long time ago. Please don't make this harder than it has to be. It's over." she said with finality.

"Just answer my question. Is it because of Harry?" he demanded angrily.

"If you must know. "Yes, because of Harry I realized I was feeling unsatisfied and trapped," she answered firmly. "Now leave the keys and go, Steven."

Harry was amazed at the serenity in her voice. It was as if she could handle anything that could go wrong with this conversation. Harry let out a breath he was holding when he heard the keys being dropped on the table, followed by the sound of the door being slammed shut. On the other side, Ginny sat on the floor with her back against the wall they shared, and her feet slid on the floor until her knees were against her chest. Then she sobbed quietly. Harry placed the open palm of his hand against the wall, wishing her to be strong. A couple of minutes later, she got up, and walked with an energetic step to grab her pyjamas. She went into the bathroom, and after her usual evening shower, Ginny laid down on the bed with some vanilla ice cream. She ate it while watching Mr Bean re-runs, laughing without holding back, perhaps harder and more sweetly than ever.

Harry put down the headphones and turned off the light.

Ginny was okay.

o-o-o

Early the next morning Harry went down to flat 308, and after using the Alohomora spell on the door, went in. The flat was empty except for a large table and a chair in the middle. On top of the table there were six small colour television monitors, three VCR's, a couple of speakers, video control equipment, and a laptop connected to a phone jack in the wall. There was also an array of cables leading to the electrical sockets. Harry noticed with satisfaction that a couple of the monitors had blank screens. The others, though, were working. On one of the monitors, one could see a young woman still sleeping peacefully in her bed. In another one of the monitors, a flat with the same layout as Ginny's could be seen, although the furnishings were different. Harry heard the shower in the flat next door turn off and on one of the screens a luscious young woman could be seen stepping out of the shower. She stood naked in front of the mirror, drying herself. Harry couldn't help noticing that the short haired blond woman had a stunning body.

Harry became furious when he realized that Ginny had never really meant that much to Steven. That lying bastard had just strung her along in some sort of sick game. Angrily, he pulled the power cords off the sockets and then took his magically shrunken knife from his jacket. After undoing the charm, he proceeded to cut all the cables and for good measure, used the glass breaking tool on the knob of the knife to break the screens of all the monitors. With his bare hands he bent the hinges of the laptop the wrong way until it came apart in two pieces. He could have used his wand but doing it the Muggle way felt more personal and satisfying.

He was preparing to leave when he noticed a pile of video tapes to one side of the floor. He went back to the table and took out the three that were inside the VCR's. After throwing them with the others he took out his wand, and used the Incendio spell on them until they were just a glob of burnt plastic. He banished the smoke and walked out of the flat happy with the damage he had caused. His happiness, though, was short lived. His mind started pondering what all of this meant. He had the uneasy feeling that this was more complex than just a simple case of video voyeurism.

o-o-o

When Harry walked into the Starbucks Cafe on Victoria Street, he was surprised to see a familiar looking bushy haired brunette sitting at one of the tables. He only needed to make a slight effort to remember the unusual name of the girl before it quickly came to his mind.

"Hermione, what a surprise to see you here!" Harry said in a friendly voice.

The brunette looked up from a book she was reading, and her face lit up with a smile when she recognized him.

"Harry, how are you..."

As Harry approached, her warm and friendly expression gradually transformed into one of sheer horror. She mouthed the words "Oh, my God" barely audibly, and covered her mouth with one hand.

"Is there something wrong?" Harry asked alarmed at her sudden change in demeanour.

At that moment Ginny approached them looking radiant. Harry noticed the carefree smile on her face and for a moment he forgot all about Hermione.

"The friend I wanted you to meet is here today," Ginny said kissing his cheek.

Ginny turned towards Hermione and noticed her friend's distressed expression. The brunette looked back at her stricken, and then turned her eyes quickly towards Harry, who looked at Ginny, who looked back at him, and then back at Hermione. Ginny's face turned into an impressive shade of red and she covered her mouth just as the brunette had done earlier. The redhead looked at Harry again, and he felt his ears burning when he suddenly realized that Ginny knew all about Hermione and him at the library. He couldn't withstand her gaze, so he looked down to the floor, wishing it would just open up and swallow him whole. The silence extended interminably until Hermione spoke.

"Well, this is really embarrassing, isn't it?" she said with a nervous chuckle.

Ginny glared at Hermione, and she immediately shrank back, looking thoroughly cowed. Harry gathered his courage and looked up. The redhead's outrage was barely contained, but he still tried his best to look apologetic.

"I see there is no need to introduce the two of you," Ginny said sarcastically. "You two know each other quite well already." She looked around the Cafe to make sure she was not causing a scene and continued. "Is that what you usually do when you are upset about a girl, Harry? Shag the first woman that crosses your path?"

"I didn't go to the library to find someone to shag," Harry protested. "It just happened."

As much as Ginny's rational side knew that Harry didn't owe her any explanations; that he had been and was a single, unattached man at the time; she couldn't help feeling betrayed. She was also painfully aware that she had been shagging Steven at the time. Nevertheless, thinking of Harry and Hermione in the library made her sick. She was angry with Hermione too, but she knew that wasn't fair either. Her anger was just trying to latch on to something, but it really was more about her own doubts. How much did he like it? What if I'm not wild enough for him? Does he prefer Hermione now? Is that why he looks so guilty? Ginny felt her colour rise yet again when she remembered Hermione's detailed description of Harry's penis. Would they ever be able to get past the awkwardness?

Hermione was on her seat wringing her hands and looking tormented when she looked up and spoke pleadingly. "I'm sorry, Ginny. I really don't know what to say..." suddenly her expression changed to one of utter repulsion. "Eeeewww!"

"What?" Ginny asked curtly. She spoke loud enough for a few people in the neighbouring tables to take notice of them.

The brunette looked down and resumed wringing her hands. She spoke in a low, pensive voice. "I just remembered what I said to Harry when I was leaving, you know, about bringing the girl he fancies to..."

"Well, I'm actually glad you find me revolting," Ginny interrupted sarcastically with barely concealed anger and indignation.

"It's not that, Ginny... it's just that... I now realize how much I think of you as my sister," Hermione whispered dejectedly.

The two girls looked at each other in silence and Hermione became misty eyed. Ginny smiled at her with shiny eyes and opened her arms. The brunette jumped from the chair, and they embraced, laughed, and shed some tears.

Harry was completely perplexed by the sudden change of emotions between the two best friends. Who could understand women?

"Does this mean there isn't going to be a threesome between us?" he asked, trying to sound disappointed and put out.

The two women whipped around looking daggers at him, making Harry raise both hands defensively. "It was only a joke, okay? I'm sorry." Maybe it was too soon for attempts at humour.

After a moment, Hermione's glare softened and she started laughing heartily, but a stern scowl from Ginny made her quiet down in a hurry. The two friends stared at each other, but the edge of Ginny's lips started tugging upwards. Their eyes filled with mirth and this time both started laughing.

Harry felt great relief. Maybe this wouldn't end up so bad after all. He was relieved enough that he joined in the merriment, but his laughter died a sudden death when Ginny turned sternly towards him.

She spoke sharply and enunciated every word. "What makes you think that the slack I cut Hermione, also applies to you?"

Harry swallowed audibly hard. She might be small, but she was more intimidating than the Gurg of the Giants.

Ginny and Hermione started laughing again and Harry looked indignant at the two girls having fun at his expense. He couldn't be upset for long, though. The sight of Ginny bending over with laughter, with a hand on her friend's arm for support, was too endearing to hold a grudge. Slowly their mirth died down and Ginny looked conflicted. Slowly the tension started building up again.

"Ginny," he said earnestly, "that night I was upset, and I couldn't think straight. I thought I didn't have a chance with you anymore, and Hermione... well, she is not the type of woman a man turns down... I'm sorry because I wanted to hurt you and somehow in my idiotic mind having sex became some sort of stupid revenge." He turned to Hermione next, "I want to apologize to you too, because I know that you were upset also, and I took advantage of that..."

"No, Harry," Hermione said vehemently, "you didn't. I was upset, it's true, but I knew perfectly well what I was doing. I'm not a child. I had sex with you because I wanted to and because I was aroused, not for any other reason."

Harry wanted to reaffirm his guilt, but Ginny spoke first. "Harry, you don't owe me an explanation. You're a free single man, but I'll admit it does hurt because I started caring about you even back then." She smiled sadly and shuddered. "Right now, this is just too embarrassing. I just can't shake off from my head the image of you and Hermione going at it like rabbits in heat..."

"Hey!" protested the brunette.

"Well, it's true, isn't it?" Ginny said, turning to Hermione. "You gave me a blow-by-blow account of the whole sordid encounter. You just couldn't leave the details out."

Involuntarily she turned with a gesture of the hand and looked down at Harry's crotch when she said this. When she realized what she was doing, it was already too late. She looked up to see if Harry had noticed, and saw that his face had turned only a shade below Weasley red. She felt her own face go up in flames.

"See what I mean," she said angry with herself. "This is just too embarrassing right now. I have to get back to work." Without another word, and without saying goodbye to her friends, she turned around and walked to the back room of the Cafe.

Harry was left perplexed, feeling like he had just gotten off a roller coaster ride. For a moment he had thought everything would be fine, and then suddenly it wasn't.

Hermione stood looking and feeling very guilty. "I'm really sorry I ruined this moment for the two of you, Harry."

"Nonsense, Hermione..."

"Ginny is just upset and embarrassed right now, but she'll get over it. I hope. Give her some time to think straight and she will realize this isn't anyone's fault," the brunette said confidently. "She really does fancy you. Please don't give up on her."

"I have no intention of doing that," Harry replied firmly.

"Good." After a moment of awkward silence Hermione made a gesture toward the table. "Would you have some coffee with me?"

"Of course, I'll be right back."

Harry walked to the counter to order some coffee and pastries and returned to the table. He was about to sit down when he noticed Ginny approaching with a cup of coffee in her hand.

"I'm sorry I acted like a berk," Ginny said apologetically to both, "please forgive me. I'm a grown woman and I acted like a child."

"There is nothing to forgive," Hermione said. "This is embarrassing for all of us. Isn't, Harry?"

"It sure is, don't worry about it. Will you sit down with us, Ginny?" Harry asked, pulling out a chair for her.

They all three sat and drank a sip from their coffee waiting for someone else to break the deafening silence.

"Maybe it's time you introduced me formally to your new neighbour," Hermione suggested helpfully to start the conversation.

Ginny smiled and spoke playfully, with an exaggerated formality. "Hermione, may I introduce to you Mr Harry James Evans, my new neighbour."

"Very pleased to meet you, Mr Evans. I'm Hermione Granger," she said primly, extending her hand to Harry.

As he softly shook Hermione's hand, Harry figured that now was as good a time as any to start coming clean. Besides, his real name wouldn't mean anything to Muggles. "Actually, Harry James Evans is not my real name." he said, looking quizzically at Ginny.

"What do you mean? That was the name of the addressee on the box from Germany." Ginny said visibly confused.

"That is my declared name. It's the name I'm known under in the Foreign Legion. My real name is Harry James Potter."

Two pairs of eyes went immediately to his forehead and Harry knew instantly they were both witches. He slowly raised his fringe. The legendary scar in the shape of a lightning bolt came into view. It was faded, but unmistakable.

Hermione covered her mouth and leaned back on the chair. Her eyes were wide open, and she shook her head disbelievingly. "I shagged Harry Potter," she said in shock.

Harry worriedly turned to Ginny. "Does this change anything?" he asked.

Ginny sat silently with a pensive expression. She was meditating and going through her emotions.

She still fancied Harry, her new neighbour; She still hoped to get to know him better, Muggle or wizard, famous or not; She still felt that more was possible between the two of them... she actually wished it fervently; he still had shagged her best friend in a library, who in turn had told her too much, and that was still embarrassing as arse for her.

"No, Harry," she replied shaking her head. "I'm still embarrassed and a little upset about the whole library thing."

Oddly enough, Harry felt immense relief at her words. "Will you give me a chance then?"

She smiled at him and nodded affirmatively. "Just give me a day or two to get over the image of Hermione and you shagging like... you know what, out of my head."

"Take as long as you need, Ginny," Harry said putting his hand on top of hers.

"My break is over," the redhead announced. "I have to get back to work." She kissed Harry and Hermione goodbye on the cheek and went back to the counter.

After the redhead was gone, Hermione looked intently into Harry's green eyes. "I have a hundred questions," she said directly.

"I have to go to classes, and frankly, I'm feeling a little down right now," Harry said sadly, getting up from his chair. "Maybe some other day, Hermione."

He walked out leaving behind a frustrated witch, thirsting for information.

o-o-o

Harry wished he could start this day over. In the morning he'd had high hopes that by this time he would have secured a date with Ginny. A date of the type where a man and a woman who like each other try to determine if there is more to their attraction. The type of date that excites you, and makes you giddy with anticipation. Instead of that, he still had to figure out how he was going to deal with Steven and find a way to recover whatever recorded materials he might still have of Ginny. He also had to figure out a way to help Ginny get past the embarrassment and awkwardness of that morning. She had a sense of humour, so perhaps more attempts at humour might work, but he also couldn't overdo it.

After opening the door of his flat and taking a couple of steps in, Harry froze in place when he saw Steven sitting on a chair, looking at him.

"What are you..."

He saw the fist coming from the kitchen entrance too late to do anything to stop it from crashing against the side of his face. He didn't lose consciousness, but all he could see for the next minute were flashes and stars. Two burly men took hold of each of his arms and moved him forward. After the cobwebs in his head cleared, Harry tried to appraise the situation. He noticed that besides Steven, who remained seated, there was a third man standing in front of him. He figured he could easily have handled two of the men, but three and possible four would require maximum violence. He would have to, at the very least, kill one outright to have any chance. He didn't want to explain to the police why this situation came about. His wandless magic was powerful enough to get him out of this in a hurry, but that would seriously injure and possibly kill one or more of the Muggles. That would necessarily involve the Ministry of Magic, and he wanted that even less than involving with the police. He had no interest in dealing with the British Wizarding authorities again. He decided that only if his life were in danger would he resort to magic. The man standing in front of him approached him and punched him in the stomach, leaving him in pain and gasping for air.

"If as I suspect, you're behind the trashing of my equipment in 308, that's for the money you've cost me today," Steven said with a chuckle. "Consider it as part of your restitution to me."

Steven waited for a denial, but none was forthcoming, he nodded, and the third man punched Harry in the stomach again.

"The equipment in Ginny's flat has already been fixed, and replacing the equipment on the other flat is almost finished already," Steven said. "It cost a lot to replace it, but you could start paying me back by fucking Ginny in her flat, as I had kindly offered before."

Harry was livid and tried to jump forward, but he was held back. He was punched in the face and once again he barely avoided losing consciousness. Harry realized that the chances of getting out of this in Muggle fashion were dwindling fast.

"What kind of sick bastard are you?" Harry roared. "Do you get off seeing your women being fucked by other men?"

"No, Harry. Ginny was a very nice fuck, but I like variety. It's time for me to move on to the girl in flat 310, she has an amazing pair of knockers. I never saw Ginny as my woman, but as a product for my business. You see, Harry," he said with a condescending tone, "I run a very exclusive website with a small, but very select clientele..."

Harry knew Steven was about to embark on an ego trip. He wanted to encourage him to talk, because he needed all the information he could get out of this. "You are just a two-bit pervert and a lowly bank employee..."

Steven nodded and Harry was punched in the face again. "That's rich coming from you, isn't it. That's a very impressive wall probe you have behind that jacket," he said pointing to the jacket, "so spare me the morality play. As I was saying, I run a very profitable enterprise. I've rigged the flats in this building and three in another one, with cameras and microphones. I lease those flats favourably to beautiful young women who have no idea they are being watched. That's the genius of my business. My clients pay me a lot of money, because they know they are watching the real thing; not some whore, or exhibitionist slut being paid to strut around naked in a fake flat. I give them a real voyeur experience in the strictest confidentiality."

Steven paused and got up from the chair. After he paced briefly around the flat, he continued. "When Ginny moved in, she didn't have a boyfriend and she didn't fuck around. Other than the occasional wank, her hardcore entertainment value was limited, so I decided to provide the entertainment for the viewers myself." He paced some more and then continued. "Surprisingly, a lot of the comments about Ginny are about her impeccable hygiene. Some sick bastards get off on that, more than on the sexual activity, so I didn't fuck her as much as I would have liked. Despite that, you sure can see a lot of her pussy and tits in the bathroom... and that's a very sexy pussy and tits, Harry," he said lecherously, trying to provoke him.

Harry took the bait and attempted to lunge at him, but he was subdued by another punch to the stomach.

Steven sat down. "Do you truly fancy her?" he asked, looking Harry in the eyes. He didn't have to wait for an answer. The fierce expression in the bloodied and beaten man told the tale. "Well then, listen very carefully. Right now, Ginny is being watched by a couple thousand high paying customers. People who are socially respectable and who don't want any publicity or trouble, but if you warn Ginny, or any of my girls, that she is being watched; if she suddenly becomes shy; or if the police ever show their faces around here; if you ever mess with my equipment again, I'll make Ginny an internet sensation. I'll upload videos of her fucking yours truly; of her wanking to her heart's content; of her taking care of that lovely pussy of hers... for free. Then I will make her address and phone number available, so that every creep in Britain knows where to find her." Steven paused and looked Harry directly in the eyes. "Are we understanding each other?"

"Yes. We understand each other," Harry growled.

The two men holding Harry pushed him down to the floor and one of them kicked him in the ribs. The four men left, and Harry slowly got up holding his side. He went into the bathroom and rinsed the blood from his mouth with water from the tap. He then pulled out his wand and started to undo most of the damage. The pain still remained, but almost all the inflammation was gone. The black and blue marks were barely visible. Harry gingerly walked to the table and dropped on one of the chairs.

His mind worked feverishly for several minutes trying to come up with a plan and a course of action. After a quarter hour he reached for the phone and dialled.

"Hallo," said a familiar voice on the other end.

"Kraut, we need to set up an operation," Harry said directly. "Get Becks and do everything possible to get Zubi. I'll book them rooms at the same hotel you are staying in."

"Is Ginny in danger?" Johann asked.

"Not immediately, but yes."

"What kind of operation we are talking about, Harry?"

"Nacht-und-Nebel-Aktion. I prefer this done silently and stealthily, but if what I have planned doesn't work, Steven will have to take a walk into the night and fog."

"Zubi can certainly make sure he gets lost in there. I'll get him," Johann said confidently.

"That's only our last resort, Kraut..."

"Night and fog is for beginners, Harry. Silently and stealthily is always best. It's my specialty."

O-o-O-o-O