Harry Does Different DXXVI

Bad Taboo

"Ever think we're going about this wrong?" Harry asked of Hermione, minutes after the most unsuccessful encounter with what turned out to be Nagini "I mean really, one trap after another. And every one seems to lead right to Death Eaters all agog to fire Avadas."

The witch could only sigh "Seems like a moment for a Ronism. It sucks. But what can we do? We cannot trust anyone with the Horcrux hunt."

"No. But there has to be a way to even the odds a bit." He meditated on the problem a bit "If we keep popping into traps, why can't we trap some trappers? You've noticed there's always a gang that pops in whenever they find us?"

Hermione scratched her temple thoughtfully "That speaks of good communication. And, I would say, at least partial control of the Ministry and its Floo system."

"Ministry? Floo? What an interesting thought." Harry might as well have smoke coming from his ears "The Minister has a direct connection to the Muggle Prime Minister. Right?"

Her brows furrowed, confused "Sorry, but I don't see any relevance. If you're thinking about setting some ambush, we'd need probably ten people. Can we get that many wizards and witches together we trust?"

"Exactly where I'm going with my thinking." His tone becoming more sure as the idea crystalized "Death Eaters have been killing Muggles, too. Since he knows, we WON'T be violating the Statute of Secrecy. Which the other side is doing anyway."

After a minute of thought, she could find no argument "Somehow, that makes sense to me. But do you suggest we just walk up to #10 Downing and knock on the door?"

Abcij

The magical pair had to wait patiently for two days at the British Prime Minister's residence and were told they had a 10-minute opening in which to say what they had to. After all, the Prime Minister was a busy man. They stood respectfully when a 50ish man with an affable face entered. His expression, however, was anything but. They were both nervously polite "Good afternoon, sir. Thank you for your time."

"The last time Fudge bothered with me was February 1996. I assume he has some idea how many unexplained deaths I am trying to explain." He sat behind the desk without giving permission to the visitors to follow suit "I assume neither of you is Minister?"

Hermione started out "Ahh …no sir. Fudge was removed as Minister last July in a procedure similar to our No Confidence process in the Wizengamot."

"His replacement didn't see fit to - -" the PM began a sneer.

Harry answered that "Rufus Scrimgeour was elected. He spent almost a year trying to get us back on our feet, but was murdered about six months ago. Since then it's been a guy named Thicknesse, but he's a puppet. We're on the run from the real guy in charge."

"And that is?" asked the PM.

Hermione said "His nom-de-guerre is connected to why we came here. For purposes of conversation, call him Tom. He was defeated back in 1981 but not killed. By Harry, here, in fact. But that is more time than we have been allotted. Imagine, if you will, that during World War 2 the SS had managed to replace Prime Minister Churchill with someone taking orders from Otto Skorzeny."

"Graphic, and effective" the man behind the desk acknowledged "And you have bought yourself additional time. However, bear in mind both of you, we will never converse again should this prove to have been a waste."

Harry took over, the magical pair had enough time to work everything out in detail, even if Hermione wasn't fond of the scheme "Like Hitler, should Tom win in the Wizarding World, he'll go after Muggles. To be honest I can't say if he wants to rule the world or kill everyone else and live by himself forever. And I mean that literally. Right now, he's immortal. Me and Hermione have scored some wins to make him vulnerable, but even they are costly. I want to turn his biggest weapon against him."

"That is?" came a brief prompt.

The witch sighed "It's underhanded."

"We're at war Hermione." The wizard only momentarily took his eyes off the Prime Minister "Tom has put a taboo on his name. That's a spell which tells his people when his chosen name is used. And where. They then attack and kill anyone they find. And can get there almost instantly thanks to magic. I wouldn't want to endanger innocents, but my idea was to use an army base. Make sure every soldier is armed and ready, then have me say his name. No one can apparate - -"

Hermione cut in "That is wizardspeak for teleport."

"Right." Harry acknowledged with a nod "It's a pretty loud and flashy effect. Like ripping the air. We know spells to block apparition, but they take time to setup. I want them to come into a trap of my creation. And each one get a couple bullets. By the way, we should test whether Wizard shields can stop Muggle guns. We don't know the answer to that one."

Leaning back in his chair, the PM glanced at both, then stared at the witch for over a minute. Then he said "You seem less than sanguine about the plan Mr. Potter outlined, Miss Granger."

"I support my friend, Mr. Prime Minister." Her answer was evasive, and she could tell he knew it "Sir, we have been on the run all year, but it offends my senses to use evil to fight evil."

It was the first time the PM smiled since he entered the office, though it quickly faded "I like that exchange because while Mr. Potter is clearly the leader, he does not let it goto his head. But, as regard your fight, your Minister doesn't bother even with a fireplace call let alone a personal report, why should I bother? What's in it for me?"

"You're our Prime Minister too!" declared Hermione indignantly "We're British citizens! It's your job!" then she cooled "Both my parents have war stories about The Troubles. They are dentists, but still medical doctors. Imagine that but worse. Westminster Abbey engulfed in flame on a Sunday. Wembley destroyed during the next Elton John concert. The Eye rolling over Big Ben."

Harry added "That pedestrian bridge collapse was no accident. And yes, there are things we can do without our wands."

the Prime Minister did not react visibly "Interesting. That happened after you arrived and yet you were not told. The death toll so far is sixty. Over a hundred injured. If any similar, or the scenarios you mentioned occur, I may be unable …or maybe unwilling… to hide the full truth to the world. Perhaps we have each other over a similar barrel?"

"Help us stop Tom." Hermione was strident "Before any of that happens! We can prevent another time of Troubles before they even start."

After studying the pair for a time. A rather longish one. He touched a button on his desk "I suppose this is another sleepless night. Oh well, comes with the territory. If you'll please return to your room, you will be sent for when I have an answer for your proposal."

[pt2 in the works]