Chapter 26
Bonfire Night
Saturday, 2 November 1996
The weather had calmed. The winds died down and while snow stayed on the ground the temperature had risen enough that Quidditch practice could continue Saturday, the last weekend before Gryffindor's first match. Harry was feeling very confident about their odds, and frankly, was happy to be distracted by something as fun and normal as the game. The smile on Ginny's face showed the she felt the same
"Potter," a voice called from the shadow just as they got back to the castle from walking in from the pitch. They turned to see a wand light for a moment to see a familiar blonde girl in a green hood. "I would speak with you." Daphne's eyes focused on Ginny. "Alone."
Harry nodded, and slipped his pack off, and gave it to Ginny. "Love, why don't you cover our plans for a minute. It appears I have house business."
Ginny returned the glare to the Slytherin. "Sure babe, but if I don't see you by lights out, I'm coming after."
Harry kissed Ginny goodbye then she continued down the main corridor. Harry let his hand brush against his wand in its holster to make sure it was still there as he approached the lady in green. Daphne dropped the light as they walked down the corridor. She stopped and turned to Harry. "I need to cast an unlocking spell. May I draw my wand without your concern?"
Harry nodded.
Daphne did and he heard a familiar sound of a door unlocking, even though he couldn't see one. "Follow me." she instructed as she continued to walk into the wall, the illusion of the stone wall washing over her. Harry followed along. Candles flickered to life as they entered and he found what clearly was a classroom at one point but Harry noticed the teachers desk had been moved to the corner, the students desks cleared out and the area repurposed with better furniture to be a proper sitting and meeting room. Harry leaned up against the side door for a moment as he looked around.
"Logic suggests this was all your efforts?"
"I have some help, but only from a select few I trust. I am certain you can relate."
"Transfigure the furniture?"
Daphne lowered her hood and smiled. "Some. Others I shrank to carry and enlarged here. I felt it was needed to have a private area outside the houses. Now, before we speak further, do you mind?"
"Do I mind what?" he asked.
"I would very much like to close my door, Master Potter."
"Oh!" Harry answered, forgetting he was leaning on it. He rose up and released the door, which gently closed, triggering a blue wave to ripple out against the walls and floors.
"Now we may speak freely." Daphne nodded.
"Clever thinking, nice work." Harry nodded. "If we are private and secure, for the sake of ease, in here, call me Harry."
"Likewise," she nodded.
"I owe someone a thank you." Harry began. "A small piece of paper gave me good advice about jewelry. I believe it saved Katie and several friends from a lot of pain."
"Fortune smiles on the brave. And your courage is well known, and seems proven more every day." Daphne elegantly walked to a pair of padded chairs, that sat before a fake fireplace that lit to life as she approached. She crossed her legs as she sat in one and gestured to Harry to take the other. She took a breath and looked coldly into the flames "Remember, remember, the 5th of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot."
Harry joined Daphne by the fire. "I am familiar with the poem, the holiday, and the calendar. Yet I assume you mean something more?"
She turned to Harry with a look of seriousness. "Bonfire Night is coming. Make sure your team is ready."
"What do you know?"
"Draco warned the Slytherins not to make plans for the night, but to be prepared 'to be greatly entertained as the bonfires will be particularly hot'. I know that to those in his closest circles he further warned them not to attend any of the burnings."
"Where?"
"That's just it, Harry, Draco emphasized ALL of them."
The magnitude of Daphne's statement made Harry want to scream, but he forced himself to maintain his composure. "Am I to understand, you have made it to that inner circle?" he asked.
"Hardly. Like you, I simply have friends."
"So this comes from your sister, Astoria. Alright." Harry said with a nod of understanding.
"Somehow I rather doubt that is a lucky guess." Daphne said while she raised a finger to her cheek, clearly studying Harry.
"We are both nobility, let us not insult each other with lies." Harry repeated from their earlier meeting. "I know Astoria shares Draco's bed."
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "You are well informed. I will need to remind Astoria the importance of discretion."
"Don't remind her too strongly. I have more than average resources. I have a question about her … motivations." Harry grinned.
"Why would they matter?"
"I am an auror, or at least training to be. Motives go to trust, and trust is a precious commodity in war."
Daphne nodded, her gaze returned to the fire. "She keeps first loyalty to me and we agree what side House Greengrass will be on. Our mother's death weighs heavy on her too. Alas… Astoria loves Draco. She believes she can 'save him'. It is a minor issue of conflict between the two of us."
"I couldn't imagine."
"Be that as it may. Her information has been accurate. Our arrangement has been that I will allow her to pursue her relationship, to try to save that boy, so long as I am informed of what she sees and hears." Daphne's voice dripped with annoyance and disapproval of her sister.
"What else has she heard? Why did Draco attack Rosmerta?"
"He was under orders and the Madam was what he felt was a convenient means to an end. One he regrets."
"Who does he report to? Snape?"
"No, though the two have grown to be even thicker together this year. Private lessons, hushed conversations. Draco has grown more and more nervous by the day. "
"He spends much of his time pacing in his room." Harry added.
"You are well informed, Harry," Daphne smiled. "Impressive."
"What are his orders?"
"Unknown as of yet, but important to the greater war."
"How important?"
Daphne leaned forward. "Important enough, he was granted a Dark Mark."
"So there is no question, Draco Malfoy is a Death Eater."
"Indeed, but I would be slow to march in and arrest him now. I rather doubt Astoria could share the bed with whomever would be Draco's replacement."
"Understood."
They let a moment of silence fill the air, then finally Daphne rose. "Time is a fire, Harry, in which we all burn. We should report back to our lives."
"How do I contact you?" Harry asked.
"I believe for now I have shown it best I contact you." She said as she released the charms on the room. Harry opened the door for the lady.
"Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Master Potter." she said as she gracefully walked past.
"Good evening, Lady Greengrass."
They left in opposite directions. Harry waited until the sound of her footsteps faded.
Apparently to the thin air Harry said. "Gin, please tell me I held that door open long enough for you."
"With time to spare." she replied, pulling the cloak down and reappearing. "What the bloody hell is happening?"
"Sounds like there is a major attack planned. We have to warn Tonks. She can relay to the Order and the D.M.L.E. C'mon." Harry said as they headed towards the Sergeant quarters, which were not far from Gryffindor Tower.
"So Harry," Ginny asked as they walked. "How did you know about Draco and Astoria? I pay more attention to gossip than you and I hadn't heard anything like that."
"You've seen me studying the Marauders Map since Katie's attack?" he reminded.
"Ya you said you were keeping an eye on Malfoy, but I didn't know the map said what people were doing."
"It doesn't. But it does give positions. And several times now Astora and Draco's names have been so close in his dorm their dots overlap."
Ginny's eyes shot as wide as a smile came ear to ear. "So you know who and when people are shagging now?"
Harry shook his head as they walked. "Technically I have a tool to help. But Draco and Astoria are the first and only couple I've 'caught' for lack of a better word. I'm not looking for that. I don't care and people do deserve privacy. But Malfoy burned his right to privacy when he started cursing people. But I was watching to see where & when he went somewhere and with who. And well, that was my discovery. Now technically, she could just be sitting on his lap discussion poetry or something b-"
Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Malfoy, poetry?"
"You asked how I know. That's what and how, then there is deductive reasoning after that."
"Which Daphne just confirmed." Ginny looked to her boyfriend with pride. "You going be a hell of an auror."
A few minutes later they finally reached Tonks's Quarters, where he hesitated for a moment before knocking.
Ginny could see the thoughts racing in Harry's emerald eyes. She raised a caring hand to his shoulder. "What's wrong? What are you thinking?"
Harry took a breath, not so much for courage but … this time strength. "This is one of those moments you know? I tell Tonks, she tells her people, it ripple effects from there like a stone in your pond at the Burrow."
Ginny fell into a hug with him. "Merlin, I love it when you show you actually are human sometimes. If there is an attack planned, Riddle threw the first stone." She pulled back to look him in the eyes. "We're trying to throw a second to protect people. And yes we, because I'm right here with you and I agree with you. Trust me enough to know, if I disagree with you, you'll bloody well know it." They both grinned at the truth in that.
He knocked at the door and announced "It's Harry."
A few moments later a slightly confused Sergeant Tonks came to the door in trousers and a red sweater. "Technically I have company, but I don't recall either of you paying personal visits before. What's wrong?"
"You wanted me to level with you? We need to talk." Harry answered.
"Shite," she opened the door for the teens. As they did, they immediately recognized Tonks's guest sitting in a patched tweed suit as a round table clearly set for two.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry said in surprise, "Hi."
"Hello Harry, Ginny," he greeted with a smile.
"Oh bollox," Ginny followed up with. "Sergeant, we're sorry. We didn't mean to interrupt anything."
"Ya, we didn't know there was anything to interrupt. Congratulations though." Harry finished with an awkward smile.
Remus smiled and Tonks couldn't help but chuckle. "You'd be surprised how quiet relationships can be once you get out of these walls. But please, have a seat. Why do I have a weekend visit? Usually students want as much space from their teachers as possible."
"Well you're not an average teacher, Sergeant." Ginny grinned.
"You either Professor Lupin." Harry added.
"Alright, stop." Tonks said with a hand up. "It's the weekend, and you're these are my quarters. We can drop ranks and go with first names. Harry, what the hell is going on?"
The teens took their seats at the table. "I just received a tip that the Death Eaters are planning some sort of major attack on Bonfire Night."
Tonks blinked for a moment, exchanged looks for a moment. "You got the tip?" she asked with an eyebrow raised. "From where."
"In the last few months I've developed an informant in Slytherin." Harry reported seriously and flatly
"You what, Harry?" Remus said in shock, but still with a smile.
Harry looked at Ginny. "Why is everyone surprised when we do something?"
"I truly don't know anymore," she replied.
"I've spent the last three months playing the nobility games. I've made some contacts."
Tonks's auror mind was running. "Harry I need a name, and details, to believe this."
"Well for reference, I'd like this kept to those who just need to know. I would prefer not to burn my bridges. But to show I do trust you two; Greengrass, Daphne Greegrass."
"Is that why she came to the Abbott Funeral?" Tonks asked.
"In part." Harry began.
"Her mother died, in front of her, by Death Eaters, at the Battle of Diagon Alley." Ginny explained.
"The shock was enough, she's questioned many of her pure-blood favoritism beliefs and she's become the Lady of House Greengrass. So she's not really crazy about the Death Eaters, but she's at the same time, stuck in Slytherin House. "
"You can see why she started talking to Harry." Ginny said.
"In private. Hence my request to keep the source quiet."
"How much do you trust her, Harry?" Tonks asked.
"Trust is a broad word. Her last tip was that there was cursed jewelry in Hogsmeade. That helped me make a snap reaction to keep Hermione from touching that damn necklace."
"That was fortunate. Scrys suggest that was a lethal curse, Harry."
"I'm not calling her a saint or giving her a chair with the others," Harry explained, "I still wonder what her price is going to be. But, after her mum's death… ya this kind of thing I believe her on."
"Do you two remember last Christmas? Harry's tip got help to Dad in time to save his life after Nagini's attack. In fact, when is Harry not in the middle of things?" Ginny reminded.
Remus raised a hand gently off the table. "I don't disagree with you Ginny, but getting back Bonfire Night. How close to Draco is Daphne to know this?"
"Not very."
"Harry," Remus started to chastise.
"But her sister is sleeping with him." Harry delivered with a straight face and cold.
Remus raised his eyebrows and looked at Tonks.
"Oh C'mon," Ginny scolded. "Don't tell me a couple of students together is that much of a surprise. Tonks you've been the one say, 'You remember what it's like here.'"
Tonks started rubbing a temple. "Oh I remember, and no I'm not surprised. I also remember thinking that Auror Training was going to be more spells, tactics, and procedures. Not cloak and dagger politics and boarding school relationships." she turned to Remus. "Teaching is going to be the death of me. How did you survive?"
Remus reached over and rubbed Tonk's shoulder "You're doing great and you'll do fine."
Tonks smiled and looked back to the teens. "OK, I believe you, and your source. Attack on Bonfire Night. Where?"
"That's just it. Draco said all of them."
Remus and Tonks both looked at the Cadets, eye's wide, then at each other. "They can't… they can't have enough soldiers," Remus said trying to understand that size and scope.
"What if they do?" Tonks asked.
"You lot recruited this year, why wouldn't they?" Ginny reminded.
"Merlin…" Tonks whispered in realization as she rose to pace and think. "This would be a massive escalation of the war. A coordinated multi-location strike?"
"On a night where the civilian population is outside celebrating with their guard down." Remus added. "It would be a massive terror attack, the kind that is exactly what the Death Eaters would do like the World Cup."
"Okay, obviously we warn Captain Moody, the D.M.L.E. and the Order but if it is this large… we don't have the manpower for this." Her eyes looked to Remus searching for an answer.
"Harry does." Ginny offered with a voice of unwavering confidence.
Both the teachers looked to Harry, who explained. "I don't know if it is going to be enough, but ya I can get reinforcements."
Remus shook his head. "Harry, I am aware you would spend every coin of Sirius's inheritance but this isn't a money prob-."
"I'm not talking about money!" Harry yelled in frustration. "Damn it, Why do you think I have who I have as the Marauders? They are not just friends. Neville is Master of House Longbottom, Susan of House Bones, Hanna is my contact for House Abbott." Harry bit his tongue for a moment. "Sorry for the outburst but… I've been busy."
Tonks blinked in disbelief. "That… that's impressive. When did this happen?"
"A house at a time. Susan was the first, after her aunt died. Neville's gran has always liked me and they joined up after Diagon Alley. The Abbotts came after their funeral."
"Riddle has pissed off important people. Harry rallied them together." Ginny simplified, again looking at him with pride. .
Remus shook his head and smiled. "That is even better than your father."
"Alright, how do you want to play this?" Tonks asked.
Harry sat and thought for a moment. "I'll need to use the floo."
"Granted."
"It may be a late night."
"Curfew waived."
"I want to be ready, but I don't want to overplay our hand in case we're the ones being played. I'll get the Aligned Houses ready for the day. I'll get it as simple as a single person to contact per city. If you can do the same, get me an Auror you trust or an Order member for each city, we'll make sure they know who to flame if the bonfires get too big."
The four of them all exchanged looks then the teens bid them bye. Once out the door, Harry grabbed his link. "Marauders, Emergency meeting, Room of Requirement, now!"
Harry got to the Room first and set up the D.A. Room and table, but didn't even get sat down before the rest of the team came in. Everyone's eyes were wide open and shocked.
"Mione, lock us down." Harry said as the others grabbed their seats. He stood to help burn the nervous energy. He relayed both his meeting with Daphne and with Tonks and Remus. Finalizing with, "So we've been building them, now we're mobilizing the Aligned Houses. "
Hermione spoke first. "Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying we do nothing, but I want to point out, once you do this the cat is out of the bag, and Riddle will know about the Alliance."
"Do you have an idea around it?" Ginny asked.
"No so much, but I'm trying to make sure we realize. There won't be a going back likely. We'll be putting targets on backs."
Susan spoke cold but firm. "House Bones has felt it had a target on it since July. We are not afraid."
"Dad and I are completely with you, Harry." Hannah nodded with dedication.
"You were there with Gran, Harry, you think I want to cross her?" Neville joked.
Harry raised a hand, "All of your loyalty, and bravado, is appreciated. But Miracle's mind is what has kept me alive this far. If she's got a concern, we should try to address it."
"Harry, how did you plan on the Houses deploying?" Ron asked, with an expression he usually kept for chess games.
"I would leave that to the local leaders to decide, but I assumed apparition, floos, and such."
"Right, but you're planning on like one house covering one area right, or each city only being covered by one house, not multiple"
"I'm open for debate, but that's my idea so far. Talk to me Ron."
"Keep it that way. If it's just the security from any one house, that doesn't necessarily mean an alliance. That just means Riddle has poked the bear too often and the houses are securing their own, from a public appearance point of view at least."
"That's pretty thin Ron." Hermione pointed out.
"Maybe. But then the question is what is priority, safety or secrecy?" Ron replied.
"I'll settle that debate right now, safety. We are protecting as many innocent civilians as we can. I may be known by a lot of things but will not be some noble bastard that built a private army at the cost of innocent lives. If we can make them look independent, then we do, but I don't care that much. We get coverage and protections set. What I want to do tonight is try to suss out what house can cover cities. And by Monday I want to have individual parties for the Aurors or Order members to contact when they need the reinforcements.
"I know exactly who to contact at Godric's Hollow." Hannah volunteered.
"I've got people to cover the Greater London area easy." Susan added.
"Harry, if we're getting this large and drawn out," Ginny added. "I want owl Nimbus, get another batch of links."
"Good calls all." Harry nodded.
Hermione started putting quill to paper to manage it all.
"Harry," Susan asked tentatively, "How many people are you wanting here?"
"Hadn't thought that far… It would be nice if we could get at least a half dozen or so at each location. What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I could get you another house to the team."
Harry exchanged looks to the others. Neville clarified all their opinions. "Your call, Harry."
"Susan, walk and talk with me. Everyone else, plan what we can. Miracle, let us out?"
Hermione nodded and waved her wand. Susan came along Harry as they started waking to Hufflepuff's dormatory. "How good are things between you and Ernie?" he asked as they worked.
Susan smiled. "Pretty good, but that's not the only reason I mention it. He's close with Hannah too, that's partly how we started talking. He's no lover of Riddle, I promise you even though he may be a Pure Blood, and maybe a little proud of it, but he certainly has no problems with halves, or muggle-born. He's D.A. You and Hermione have impressed him."
Harry took Susan's guidance and thought. "Alright, clarifications. I'm willing to bring more houses to the Alliance. But I'm not adding him to the Marauders. Things like the Horcurxes, the bunker, I want to keep contained."
"Understood," Susan nodded.
Harry stopped and looked at her seriously. "Are you sure? I recognize this means I am asking you to keep things from him. Can you do this and will you be okay?"
Susan looked up at Harry with a touch of anger. "I'm a head of house raised by Amelia Bones of the Wizengamont. I am well aware of politics and privacy. I can separate my brain and my heart, Harry."
Harry nodded and grinned, "Well, I've learned not to doubt a mad redhead. Let's go talk to Ernie."
The two of them walked past the kitchen and Susan led the way past the painting of the fruit bowl. "You have no idea how lucky you are that your painting doesn't talk." Harry reminded.
"I've heard. Did Ginny actually burn the Fat Lady once?"
"What? No… she just threatened to."
"So much better," Susan said, shaking her head.
Susan coming in was normal and no one paid her any mind. But once Harry stepped in, heads turned. He passed a few head nods on, but didn't engage in any conversion.
They crossed the common room and Ernie smiled brightly at Susan's appearance. The smile disappeared quickly when he saw Harry following along. "Well Sue… to what do I owe this?"
"We should talk," she said. "In private."
Nervously, Ernie's gaze bounced between the two of them. "Um, okay, I know a classroom." He rose and took Susan's hand as he led them back out of the Commons room, with Harry trailing behind. Clearly Ernie felt slightly concerned, as he leaned over and whispered to Susan. "Did I do something wrong?" He looked back to Harry trailing him.
The empty classroom Ernie referred to was actually relatively close. As soon as they were in Harry began casting the privacy charms.
"Um… Sue… this feels very much like a 'meeting your father' like situation." He said as they took a few seats.
Susan actually giggled, patting his hand. "No Ernie, you're fine. I would have let you known otherwise."
"Though," Harry interrupted, "I like Susan enough, if you hurt her, I will hex you."
Ernie's eyes shot wide as he looked at Harry with worry.
"Harry!" Susan snapped. "He's kidding," she said to Ernie. "Harry, tell him you're kidding."
"I am kidding." Harry said as he took a seat joining him. "It's the same thing Ron said to me, and Gin and I are still together. I thought it was a tradition of good luck." He smiled to show he was kidding.
"No offense man, you are a hell of a lot more threatening than Ron." Ernie said, finally catching his breath.
"Well, I won't argue that. But let's cut to the heart of this meeting." Harry looked at him square in the eyes. "Susan tells me you have no love for the Death Eaters."
"The sodding bastard that killed Sue's family? I joined D.A. for a reason. I was at the World's Cup too and Hannah's mum didn't improve my opinion either. Do you need me to step up to a field mission?" he asked, looking between the two of them.
"Yes, I'm certain all the Auror Cadet are going out this week, but that's not while you're here."
Susan raised a hand to his shoulder. "You once said if I ever needed something, say the word. I'm saying it now. I need you to talk to your father."
"Dad? What's going on?"
"Ernie, I'm sure you won't be surprised I keep my eyes and ears posted for news about the war," Harry said.
Ernie grinned. "Nah Harry… I rather like the way you seem to have a finger in every pot."
"Ya well one of those pots has told me we have a major Death Eater attack coming this week. I have three houses coordinating defensive forces to protect the innocent. Susan tells me Macmillan could be the fourth."
Ernie smiled as he clearly thought this was another joke. Then when he saw how intently Harry and Susan watched him. "You.. you're serious?"
"Very." Harry said dryly.
"What the hell is going on?" Ernie asked, hushing his voice reflexively.
"From what I understand the Eaters are planning to attack during Bonfire NIght."
"No way, that would be…"
"Horriific, monstrous, despicable?" Susan offered. "Exactly like what the Eaters do.
Harry leaned in to look at Ernie eye to eye. "You've got the guts to the front line yourself. Will you make use of the advantages of your birth to talk to your father and bring your House to the War, to protect the innocents in your area."
Ernie took a moment. He looked squarely at Harry and then even longer at Susan, then he swallowed hard. "I need floo access, but ya, I'll do it Harry."
Harry instantly shot up from the chair. "Susan, report back to the meeting, bring them all to the Training Hall. Ernie, follow me."
Susan leaned over to kiss Ernie and said, "Thank you," then nodded to Harry.
As soon as the two lads were inside, Harry drew his wand and flipped the fields, then lit the floo to life. Ernie jumped a bit as the doors sealed shut and the blue shield energy glowed over it.
Harry took a position on the same wall as the floo but off to the side to stay out of the way. "Flame your father," he said pointing to the small copper cauldron of powder next to the hourglass.
Ernie took a handful and took a breath, then he cast into the flames. "Message to Macmillan Manor."
The flames came to life and the image of Charles Macmillian resting comfortably in a well upholstered chair came to the images in the flame. "Ernie? Unexpected but welcome surprise" the elder greeted. He rose to stand before his son. Charles was a middle aged man with brown hair and wire rim glasses. He was wiry wearing a blue dress shirt and brown vest. "To what do I owe this?"
"I wish it were better circumstances, sir. Now, I personally am fine."
"Susan?" Charles deduced.
"Fine and well, thank you for asking," Ernie smiled. "Everyone is fine for the moment. Dad, the reason I'm flaming is you know I am involved with the auror training here."
"Yes, and I believe I tried to express my pride in you for that."
"Thank you sir, but through that I've been advised the Death Eaters are planning an attack for Bonfire Night. Large scale, multiple cities."
"So you're finally being deployed then…" the father nodded understanding.
"Yes, sir, but still not the reason for this flame. Father, the houses are aligning, four already, to create a defense force. To protect the innocents in our lands, we need to do the same. Otherwise the same thing that happened to us at the World Cup will be all over, and not everyone is going to be so lucky."
Harry could hear Charles breath deeply as he thought. "Respectfully, Ernie, I would be surprised if you were the master of plan. Who is?"
"Harry Potter, sir."
"It would be him," Charles muttered. "I would speak with him before I commit my men."
Ernie nodded and stepped out of the way. Harry entered the flame view and fell into parade rest before the elder. "Master Macmillan," Harry nodded in respect, "Summoned I stand before you."
"Master Potter, your reputation precedes you."
"So I have heard, sir. I have tried to keep my actions honorable just for that reason."
"One assumes you heard the beginning of this flame?"
"Yes, sir."
"So what houses have you called to your aid?"
"Potter, Bones, Longbottom, and Abbott sir."
Harry could tell Charles was weighing his odds and thinking to himself. He could feel the gaze of the lord looking over him, no doubt remembering news articles and stories from his son. Harry stood tall and firm.
"This is no child's game of politics you are inviting me too. This is war, and you are asking me to commit the lives of good men. Where will you be when the fighting begins?"
"I will be at the front, sir, casting and likely bleeding besides men like your son, as I have for several battles already."
Charles looked at him intently, "Master Potter, do you truly feel you can honestly win this war against Riddle?"
"Yes, sir… or I will die trying."
"What is it you want me to do?"
"For 26 hours, 11:00 pm on the 4th to 1:00 am on the 6th, have your men ready to deploy, focusing on cities near your area. We are determining more specifics as we speak. If I'm wrong, well it won't be the first time I've been embarrassed, and I will know my source is faulty. But I'm right, then we will have defenders ready to apparate in at a moment's notice to defend your own people, like a House Lord should."
Charles paced back and forth in front of the flame for a moment. "Bring me my son."
Harry stepped to the side, for Ernie to stand next to him.
"Ernie, I remember the last war. My father was cautious. Tried not to take sides. We were pure so the Eaters left us alone. Nine generations back you can trace your heritage. Now… I have friends in the fray, as do you. We will not repeat your grandfather's mistake. House Macmillan will fall in with Master Potter's Alliance. I hereby award your title as Baron. Command the house as you need."
Ernie swallowed hard. "Yes sir, thank you, sir."
"Good hunting Baron Macmillan," Charles nodded as the flames dissipated.
Ernie finally released the breath he had been holding.
"You get used to it." Harry grinned as he released the door shield and opened the door to a waiting council.
"What took so bloody long?" Ron asked as he came in holding his wooden chess set under his arm.
"Language." Hermione scolded as she took the papers they had been working on to one of the long tables to reconvene around.
"Negotiations," Harry answered. "House Macmillan is on the board, welcome the new Baron." Susan and Ernie flashed smiles as they all gathered round. Once they were in. Harry re-secured the door.
"Alright, here's what I need. For 26 hours, 11:00 pm on the 4th to 1:00 am on the 6th, I want a team, minimum 6 people, ready to apparate at a moment's notice to each of the major cities. I need to have a singular contact for the local auror of each city to flame when they need them. Once you have the plan, start flaming who you need to."
The table became a blur of activity. The nobles with the knowledge, Hermioine pulled out a book with a map of England on it that Ron copied onto a spare parchment and was quickly placing chess pieces on as the others advised where they hand people. Hermione quicking putting their brainstorming to paper lest they forget.
The baton passed for the moment, Harry walked over to Tonk's desk and fell into one of the guest's chair. He closed his eyes and let his head fall backward. Trying to catch his breath. From here the council's voices were just a din and mummer, but it seemed positive and productive. His ears did hear the roar of a flame. He was surprised someone was messaging already but happy. A few minutes later he heard the footfalls approach, then smelled a familiar scent of apple blossom and felt a warm kiss on his forehead. He opened his eyes to see Ginny staring down at him, scratching his scalp. "I am so very bloody proud of you."
"Haven't done much yet babe."
Ginny shook her head as she took the seat in his lap. "You just have coordinated four houses into a defensive agreement for damn near the whole isle of wizarding Britain. Nothing at all, nothing to see here."
Harry smiled as he turned his head over and took a good look at her, appreciating again how radiant she was and lucky he was. Mostly because he did mean it but a little because he wanted to see her expression, he grinned and asked. "Gin, would you come with me to Slughorn's Christmas party?"
This time understanding why he was going to the extent of asking she smiled warmly. "I'd love to, but remember, I only date the living. So you have to stay alive and in one piece."
"I will consider that an unbreakable magical contract." he replied as he wrapped around her waist and she claimed his shoulder as a pillow. "Who did you flame?" he asked out of idle curiosity."
"Nimbus, put in a request for another batch of links."
"Good call," Harry nodded. "Smart thinking."
They managed to steal away a few minutes to actually catch a breath until Ron called over. "Hey, Harry, mate. I think we got a plan."
Harry sighed. Ginny begrudgingly got off his lap and followed him to the table reminding him, "Heavy is the head that wears the crown."
"Alright, What do we have?" he asked as he looked at the now enlarged map of the nation.
Ron gave the presentation. "We're going to be stretched thin, but we've got coverage everywhere we can think of. House Abbott has the most towns but they are smaller: Chudleigh, Cornwall, Puddletown, Dorset, Ottery St. Catchpole and Godric's Hollow. Bones has the most people, but that is impossible to avoid with London, also Tutshill, Glamorgon, and Anglsey. Longbottom has the largest area with Angus, Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Glasgow. Macmillan has Appleby, Kerny, Antrim, and Wigtown. We figured we're right here, and would cover Hogsmeade, and if we deploy average teams of six or so we can have three teams available for wherever we are needed."
"That is damn impressive everyone. Start flaming and telling people who need to know. Get a contact list for Tonks. And… thank you all, I literally could not do this without you.."
Monday, 4 November 1996
Harry couldn't sleep, he couldn't focus on anything besides the coming day. For much of the evening the four of them sat on the couch by the fire. Hermione retreated into study as Ron kept an arm over her shoulder, with his spare hand flipping through a book on the Cannons. Ginny curled up on the couch with her head on his shoulder and wrapped around his arm. No one said much, as not much needed to be said. It was the eve of battle, as Harry's eyes bounced between the fire and clock as Ginny stayed near with silent companionship and support. When 11:00 came Harry nodded. "Clock starts now."
"We should get some sleep," Hermione reminded.
"Please, you guys go, get some." Harry supported.
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks, but opted to choose their battles. Hermione hugged Harry and Ron rubbed his shoulder as they headed to their dorms.
Harry looked over to Ginny, who simply said, "I'll go when you go. This wouldn't be the first time I've slept on these couches."
"Can't say I'm going to be good company, Gin."
"Not the point," she said as she stretched her legs out. "Harry, I know you well enough, I know what you are thinking. You know the houses are standing ready and you don't feel you can rest when they are."
That succeeded in getting him to smile. "Sorry."
"Harry Potter is trying to set an example of strength and courage."
"Old habits die hard." he shrugged.
"I get that, but l'm still not going, and I will encourage you to try to sleep."
"We'll see."
Before long, Ginny was starting to nod off. Harry summoned a blanket and a throw pillow he saw on a chair. As it flew over he caught it and draped the blanket over Ginny and rested her head on the pillow. It was so dedicated to her to stay, he was going to make sure she was comfortable.
When midnight came around his nervous energy took him off the couch. He took to pacing back and forth in front of the fire with his link on both waiting and dreading incoming news. His eyes were fixated on the fire, he wondered without ends what fires were going to burn later tonight? How bad were they going to be? How many were going to be hurt? Who would they be?
"Mr. Potter," a familiar voice called, far more in concern than in condemnation. "You should be in bed."
Harry looked over to see the familiar silhouette of Professor McGonagall. "Sorry Professor, trouble sleeping."
"You, of all of them, need your rest, Harry."
Harry gripped the top of the couch in frustration and his gaze returned to the flames. "How?" he asked.
McGonagal came over with a more gentle expression that he had come to see in the daylight. "'How' what Harry? There are very many questions you would be justified in asking, tonight of all nights."
"How am I supposed to sleep? How is this happening? How am I supposed to do this? How am I supposed to protect them? How are you all letting me get away with this insanity?"
"Oh Harry…" She said softly as she laid a hand on his shoulder from behind. "I wondered when you would arrive here."
"Where's 'here', ma'am?" Harry asked, turning to the Gryffindor head.
"Your wits end." she smiled briefly. "Come with me. You and I are long overdue for tea."
Harry paused to look at Ginny sleeping on the couch.
"Harry, scores of students have slept on those couches all night. I am certain she will be fine. McGonagal turned and looked at Harry. "Besides, if any one can take care of herself, it's your lady," she smiled.
Harry smiled as he followed McGonagall's lead back to her office, magically lit and rich with smells of lavender and jasmine.
"Don't forget to close the door Harry." Harry did and when he saw the backside, he was surprised to see a poster on the back, specifically "His Name is Riddle, and We Are Not Afraid." He turned to say something in time to see his professor sitting down behind the desk, "What else would you expect?" she smiled as she poured.
"Harry, you're carrying too much. Especially as of late you act if you have to save the world." She sipped her drink while watching the young man.
Harry faked a smile, "Last I knew, that is exactly what I was supposed to do, Professor, you know, 'Chosen One' and all." He took a drink as he listened.
"Harry, I don't care about your mark, I care far more about your heart, which seems to be in a much better place than it was six months ago. You care, Harry. Which is a good quality in a man. You care for people in general, for your friends both close and extended. You care for the school. You care about the innocent. You care. It is not a bad thing, but it is a weighty thing. And it is a weight I fear will break you if you do not mitigate it." The matron sipped her tea as she studied Harry again.
"What would you suggest then ma'am?"
"Don't. Don't try to 'save the world' Harry. Focus on just a few. Perhaps three close friends? Hell perhaps focus on just one, a rather fiery redhead?" McGonagall smiled.
"What about the others?"
"Trust, Harry. Trust that they come alongside with the same intentions. You have done well to be an inspiration and an example. Let them be who they are. Otherwise what was the point of teaching them?"
"I'm getting pointers on teaching from my professor now?"
"What else would you expect?"
"What about the rest of the world?" Harry asked.
McGonagall took a long drink, then actually grinned. "You're not a greedy person, Harry. Let them have a free ride."
Harry actually laughed and smiled at the Professor. He did appreciate the sensation of weight lifting from his shoulders, even if it would only be brief.
The Professor reached over and opened a drawer and pulled out a silver bracelet with a ruby centerpiece. "This was going to be a Christmas gift, Harry, but I rather feel it would be useful to you tomorrow." He put the bracelet on his left arm and felt the arcane connection. "Flick your wrist."
Harry did and the bracelet flashed into a full armor shield, incredibly light, but still coving from his infront of his left fist and well behind his elbow and even taller than wide. The backside was the same silver of the metal and the front was a silver base with red etching and gold lion head and a pair of crossed wands behind it.
"The McGonagall coat of arms. As I said I intended it for Christmas so I hadn't had an opportunity to change it to Potter. The shield though has proved very effective against both mundane and arcane spell fire. It deflected many a curse, though I admit I do not know if any of them were Avada Kadava's so I wouldn't count on that until needed. "
Harry was taken aback, shocked more like it, feeling this gift as an acceptance of the reality of the war Harry was trapped in as well as a demonstration of confidence in him for it. "Professor, unless there's an insult or offense to it, I'd be honored to keep the McGonagall symbol on it. Most of the team is Gryffindor, and the others all respect you too. It feels like it would bring you there in spirit."
"Oh… Harry… to see a young man like you carry the McGonagall lion against Riddle, there would be no insult. That would be my honor. Please."
Harry flashed the shield back into a bracelet. "Thank you ma'am a lot.. I'm at least more relaxed and feel like I could sleep."
"You wouldn't be the first student I've put to sleep, Harry." the witch smiled. "Though tonight I suspect it has less to do with my teaching and more with the Draught of Peace I put in your tea."
"Ma'am!?"
"A skill you will need to learn in this war is to sleep when you can. You need your rest, Harry. And if it will soothe your mind, I will keep your watch. And I promise I will wake you if the war needs you. Right now, there is a lovely young lady who I'm sure would rest better with her suiter nearby."
Harry left the office and returned to the fireplace. Blessedly, Ginny was still asleep. He gently slipped the pillow out of the way and laid her head to rest on his lap. Clearly still asleep, her left hand came up to rest on Harry's knee. "Better," is all she muttered in her slumber. Soon thereafter Harry drifted away too.
He awoke the next morning with a blanket 'mysteriously' laid over him, but 'parties unknown' but he sure as hell could guess.
Tuesday, 5 November 1996
For the first time in a long while Harry really just went through the motions in class. Quiet and reserved. He essentially skipped breakfast entirely. Ginny put her foot down at lunch. "Either you eat voluntarily, or I will have Hannah spell something into your stomach." Harry looked over to Ron and Hermione.
Ron smiled. "Oh I'll help hold you down for it."
"I'll count the calories and nutrition." Hermione added.
As a last ditch effort he turned to Neville. "Me? Mate, I figured Ron would hold your left side, I'll hold the right."
Harry grimaced but relented. "With friends like you…"
"We might actually get you through the war?" Ginny finished with a reassured rub to his back.
At the end of the day the cadets reported to the Training Hall. Field Uniforms with Ministry pins and links from the newly delivered batch rested on each. Tonks and Remus stood in respect as they watched the students newer to field missions take their uniforms and go to change. Harry's team changed first and joined the two teachers. Tonks smiled. "I believe you all should be familiar with the newly reinstated, Professor Lupin.
"Welcome back, sir." Hermione greeted, which was echoed by the rest. Harry and Ginny shared a smile but kept things quiet.
"With the multiple deployments likely tonight, I was able to convince them of my need for an assistant."
"I can't say as I had any objection." Remus said. "All of you have certainly grown in the last few years, in multiple ways."
In a few minutes the rest of the squad was ready and Tonks called them to order.
"Alright, we know what this is. Like the rest of you I hope we prove we have a bad informant and we all have a boring night. But until 1300 we still plan for the worse. I am assigning you into specific teams that will deploy out with. Each field team has a minimum 1 qualified flyer. Yes, take your broom with you. You were trained for a reason. Your links charms will be default set to your teams. Private direct links will still be possible but I recommended leave that as a team lead to lead process. If you are out there it will be for battle. Listen up for your assignments. Abbott, Creevey, Wolpert, you are Med team here with Madam Pomprey, you do whatever she says. MacMillan, Bell, Boot, Brown, Lovegood, Finnigan, You are Bravo team with Professor Lupin. Caruso, Corner, Golsdstein, Padma, Parvati, Thomas, Tolipan, You are Charlie team, with me. Marauders, you know who you are. You have Hogsmeade. You know how to get there. Potter, they're yours tonight."
"Oi," Seamus called out. "Why don't we get a cool team name?"
"Because you haven't earned one yet." Tonks replied back equally as cheeky. "Impress Professor Lupin tonight and we'll see."
Harry tried to keep his poker face firm but clearly that was failing. Tonks came over and as subtly as she could whispered. "Don't be so surprised. I'm short on teachers and we've discussed your… extracurriculars. Marauders need a field lead, anyone else would be insulting." Then she winked as she began briefing the rest of the squad on the links and Ministry Pins. Harry took a look at the team, who all smiled in agreement with the Sergeant's decision.
After briefings they took seats at the table. Harry's eyes gazed at the clock on the floo mantle out the windows behind the floo. Ron and Neville killed time with a chess game. Hermione never let a moment to study pass by. Susan chatted with Ernie. Ginny sat by Harry's side dutifully supporting and holding his hand. "You have no idea how much I hope Daphne was wrong." Harry told her.
"Yes, I do Lightning. I don't want this to happen either." She looked over to him with a mix of compassion and admiration. "But we're gonna to get through it. Largely, because you've been preparing us for this for over a year." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I believe in you. I believe in us… in any definition of 'us' you care to make." She paused for a minute, then added. "I'm holding you to that Christmas party. I already bought a new dress," she smirked.
She succeeded in getting a grin and chuckle from Harry as he rubbed his forehead with his spare hand. "Merlin, here we are, minutes away from the largest battle in the war to date, and we're talking about dates and dresses."
"I think it's absolutely perfect. What else are we fighting for, if not for the good things."
Harry nodded, she had a point as usual. "Thanks, Gin. Appreciated, Love."
At 4:30 they could see the sky dim as the sun set. Harry knew in general the fires didn't even start lighting until an hour past dark. Occasionally, he would look over to Tonks who was monitoring feeds from D.M.L.E. Central. At 5:30 time seemed to slow even further and Harry felt the ticking of the second had. At 5:37, Harry's ears heard the dinging chimes of alert. He looked over to see the illusionary scripts of city names popping.
"Marauders, strap up, it's happening." Harry was able to say a moment before Tonks silenced the crowd. "
"Quiet on the deck!" She and Remus read the scripts. "We have hits in Cornwall, London, Glasgow… Houses are responding."
The last three words actually gave Harry some measure of relief. They finally weren't going alone. Some Houses were getting into the fight and on their side.
"What kind of attacks?" Remus asked, "Raiders, bombings, dementors?"
Harry could tell she had to read the lines twice. "W-W-Werewolves."
"Wolves?!" Remus replied. "That's impossible!"
"You know what I know, Remus! I'm reading the scripts with you." Tonk's continued to read the updates. "Godric's Hollow, Kerny, Hogsm- Marauders go!"
Harry took his wand to the to floo and fires came alive. As fast as they could they ran through to the Three Broomsticks, which was already filled with panic. he tavern was already filled with scared citizens who all watched closely as the Marauders flamed in.
"D.M.L.E. we're here to help." Harry announced.
"Potter!" Rosmerta called as she ran to meet them at the floo. "The Bonfire! They had just started the fire when there was a horrid screaming, like people were being murdered. Then the screaming became howling. Merlin, it was like the wolves came out of nowhere; they were just instantly in the crowd. A good many people apprated away, but… not everyone can apparate so they ran into the buildings. I had the sense to lock my doors but I don't know about anyone else."
Ron had been surveying the situation and building and strategies immediately came to mind. "Madam, Harry, suggestion."
"Understood, Madam," Harry nodded. "Go Ron."
"You have rooms upstairs. We need to move the civilians up there and secure the stairwell. If a wolf comes through the glass or door, that is a tighter bottleneck that can be defended better."
"Right," Harry agreed, "Hermione, Susan you heard him. Barricade the top of the stairs, once everyone is up there, then get to the windows and give us sniper cover. The rest of us apprate outside. Crimson, I need you airborn."
The four of them popped away, they noticed, each with a hint of their elemental magic. Hermione could see the panic in the crowd's eyes, and she knew anything could likely only make the situation worse. She threw a Sonorus to her voice and called out. "Ladies and gentlemen, for your own safety please move upstairs and into the available rooms." Almost immediately a near stampede headed for them. She wanted to swear as she predicted that would happen. Reflexively she threw a Cheering Charm out 'tranquillitas'. The mob instantly slowed to afternoon stroll as a pink energy emanated from Hermione's eyes and wand.
"Now let's try that again! Upstairs, single, file, nothing to worry about," she beckoned. And simply, quietly, effectively, and efficiently the crowd moved upstairs. Susan and Hermione followed along.
The four other Marauders appeared on the other side of town square. Crimson shot skyward leaving the lads on the ground. It looked to be about a dozen wolves all with tufted tails and short snout all growling at the delicious weak people inside. Harry flipped his wrist to flash the McGonagall shield open. Not to be outdone Ron looked over and with a wave of his wand grew an ice shield around his left arm and grinned.
Harry shook his head. "Marauders remember, civilians in the structures, so try to avoid property damage. Go with stunners while they are by the buildings, wait till they are in the open to bring the pain. Beyond that… Sic 'em."
The three of them spread out and charged with Harry taking the center, Ron the right and Neville on the left. Harry could see two windows opening up on the second story with Susan in one and Hermione in the other. "In positions," Hermione linked.
"But they are too close to the building for us to get a clear shot." Susan clarified.
"Keep your hexes ready, we'll get you targets." Harry promised. As he raised his wand and started firing stuns. The first wolf went down easily, but after that the beasts' speed and reflexes made them a quicker and more agile foe than they had fought against. The pack quickly disbursed and ran in separate directions, but three more were dropped by snipers in the window and a flyer in the sky. The wolves took the smaller paths between houses and the back alley. Neville saw it for what it was. "It's a trap. They are trying to lure us into a trap."
"Agreed," Ron nodded. "These dogs are smart."
"Flight, what do you see?" Harry asked.
"Nothing so far, but still scouting."
Neville smiled, "Harry, remember the first Slug Dinner? Cormac was talking about hunting." Harry nodded. "Well what we need to do is flush them out."
"Bring the light." Ron suggested. Harry's raised eyebrow told Ron more detail was needed. "They are hiding in the dark. We don't want to wreck the place. We start throwing Lumos lights down the lanes. We will either flush them out or remove any place to hide."
Harry nodded, "Light 'em up. Crimson, you catch that?"
"Yep, I'm going to fly back a few blocks to try to flush them back to the square."
Soon the alleys were coming alight with lumos balls flying down the alleys. Harry kept a keen eye to the ground in front and around them as he swore he could hear the snarling and growing of the beasts close to them.
"Oh, shit!" Crimson swore. "Walls!" she warned, just as a wolf leapt from the edge of the second story straight to Ron. Ron was forced to the ground hard as the beast went for the redhead. "They're climbing the walls!"
Harry linked to his snipers. "Lock the tavern down! Lock it now, every window!"
Susan and Hermione quickly closed the windows they were using just in time to see the mangey brown fur of a wolf explode through a side window. Hermine let out the warding cry of "Down!" while Susan took the shot 'Flipendo!' She caught the wolf mid air and threw it hard against the back wall. As it started to pull itself off the floor she didn't give it a recovery opportunity. 'Diffindo!' she followed up with. The wolf yelped as its head fell clean from its body.
"Merlin!" Hermione gasped as she saw how easily Susan decapitated the wolf and looked at her in shock.
"What?" Susan asked, completely unphased. "I'm going to go secure the other windows."
Hermione started casting Repairo on the broken window.
The black haired beast snarled, as it bore its weight and strength down on Ron's ice shield. He screamed in pain as it's fang sank into right shoulder. 'AAAHHHHAH!" Ron channeled the pain further into pushing the creature far enough that it couldn't repeat the bite. He needed both hands to press his shield and keep the creature at bay, so his wand hand wasn't available. As the spit and teeth snapped at him, his mind searched for an angle to attack the bastard. The solution came with a molt of fire from the sky land squarely into its side. Ron looked up to see Crimson zoom over. Once it stopped fighting back Ron threw the wolf off to the side. "Thanks sis."
"No problem."
Ron ran back to see what Neville and Harry who were back to back surrounded by the remnants of the back. Neville alternated between protego's hexes. Harry's eyes sparked with electricity, as the dog's continued to pounce. The McGonagall shield swung often as Harry batted away the attackers then felled them with a whip crack from either other of them.
Still pumping with rage Ron soon added ice knives into the air and then Crimson circled in to flame the outer circle of the pack.
Ron and Neville looked at each other and caught their breath. Harry kept an eye on the field. "Crimson, the floor looks clear to me. Can you confirm?"
"Ya Harry, that pack you and Neville got was the last of them."
Harry took a breath. 'Thank Merlin.' Then linked in. "Tonks, Lupin, this Potter. Hogsmeade clear. Repeat, Hogsmeade clear."
"Excellent work!" Tonks answered.
"If it's no too much bother, then could you lend a hand in Godric's Hollow?!" Remus replied. "We're getting quite hit quite hard here."
"Understood," Harry replied. He knew this night had been over too quickly. "Marauders, we've been called up for round two. Reinforcement to Bravo Team. Apparate to Godric's Hollow."
Susan rolled her eyes and her stomach turned at the thought. "Hermione, could you side along me?"
Hermione remembered their first day's practice. She smiled and took her hand. "Where in town?"
Harry hated what had to be the logical meeting place. "Rally around the goddamn statue of me."
He could hear them all laugh as they popped.
A spin of black later he was back looking at the statue of his child self. Over the link he could hear Crimson cheer. "Yahoooooo! Guess who just apparated, on a broom, in flight!"
"Nicely done, Crimson, Get me an aerial scout." Now here scanning the area he saw far more panic, blood, and bodies on the ground. Harry took his wand to the link and merged the charm for both his and Remus's team. "Bravo team, Marauders on site at the Potter statue. Status?"
Remus replied. "Pinned down defending the Cloak and Stagger."
Ginny was the first on sight as she soon joined Katie in the air as they both pelted the beasts with stuns and smaller fire bolts. Ginny realized not every situation called for fireball, but that didn't mean it didn't frustrate her.
Bravo team had made an exterior wall outside the tavern with a half circle of tables on their sides. Boot had taken a page from the Marauders and gone upstairs taking the sniper position. The rest stood with Remus as they hurled hexes against the animals crashing against them.
"This is not what I thought my first field mission would be!" Seamus screamed.
"Keep hexing if you don't want it to be your last." Remus said.
"I no longer want a pet dog!" Lavender replied.
"I never thought I'd meet this many werewolves, pity they are all so grouchy today," Luna said as she leaned against the wall for balance as she hexed, her leg sore from an earlier bite.
"Miss Lovegood, I don't know what these creatures are, but they are not werewolves."
Distracted by the conversations Luna didn't see the dog leaping from the left and over table directly at her.. She screamed as it bared down…. And stopped in mid air. Slowly she looked down from his dripping fangs to see lighting wrap around the wolves neck. Luna followed the lightning back to Harry's wand who's eyes were filled with the same arcing electricity. "That witch … is my little sis." he growled, then yanked hard, snapping the wolf's neck. Behind him came the rest of the Marauders forming a second front trapping the wolves between them. But as they encircled and closed in on the animals they all start to raise their heads to sky howling. But quickly the howl morphed into human wails as animals all soon shifted back to human.
"Stun! Stun 'em now while they change." Ron said.
Moments later all the wolves reverted back to human form and laid on the street. Tonks Linked into Harry and Remus. "Something strange is happening here in Glasgow. You two?"
Harry was trying to still process it all. "Confirmed Sarge, Werewolves are all reverting back to human."
They waited a moment, with tension filling the air. Finally Tonks replied. "Confirmed, all sites reporting the wolves reverting back. Most of the apparating away once they're human. I think it's over."
All of them breathed a sigh of relief. "Sarge, be aware. We have perps subdued at Godric's Hollow."
"Restrain and contain, I'll coordinate pickups. Nice work all of you."
"Med check?" Harry panted out loud.
Ron called out in a nervous tenor. "Harry… I'm - I'm sorry mate. They got me," the confessed pointing to the bite."
"What?!" Hermione said, running over.
Ginny pounced over and threw her broom to the ground, "Ron?" joining Heriming in a hug around him.
"While I pinned down, he got a nip."
"Shite." Harry swore.
"Harry," Remus interrupted, "Miss Lovegood too."
They looked over to see Luna limping and her smile, nowhere near as happy.
Harry had to bite his tongue to keep from screaming in this damn town. He focused on the job. "Hanna, ready treatment for two wolf bites."
"They won't be the first." she replied, her voice filled with remorse.
"Ron, Luna, Report to medical. Hermione, Gin, escort. I'll catch up as soon as I can." They all nodded as the four popped away.
Harry caught his breath and looked to Lupin, who had an expression of dismay and worry. "Professor, what are you thinking, sir?"
"I don't know, I truly don't. But something very great is wrong. Transformations should last all night. It's barely been an hour."
"And why didn't you change?"
"No, Harry, that's not the question. The real question is why did anyone change? Harry, look at the moon.
Harry had been so distracted with not one but two battlefields tonight, finally when he looked up he saw the entire night had been fought under a crescent moon.
