CHAPTER 40: FLIGHT TO ALBANIA
Harry stared in shock at this morning's edition of the Daily Prophet, feeling very alarmed at the headline.
Bartemius Crouch Found Dead at Home
Harry read the article and felt a chill run down his spine. The Crouch family elf was found dead with signs of a piercing hex on her body. The lab reports weren't back yet, but the Aurors strongly suspected that Crouch Sr. was killed by the Avada Kedavra curse.
This was bad. He had thought he would have more time before he had to deal with Crouch. Now it looked like he would have to track the crazy bastard down before he found Voldemort. The last thing they needed was for him to be brought back this early.
This really sucked because just yesterday he had received his N.E.W.T. results and was planning to reach out to Newt Scamander about the basilisk in the next few days.
"Buggering fucking hell!" Harry exclaimed irritably, throwing the paper at the table in annoyance.
"What's got your wand in a knot?" Bella asked as she walked into the kitchen, still wearing her nightgown.
"Crouch Jr. killed his father the other day and is most likely on his way to Voldemort," Harry sighed, rubbing his temples to ease the headache that was starting to build.
"It will take him a while to get there," Bellatrix said, trying to assure him.
"Get where?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Albania," Bellatrix answered.
"How do you know he's in Albania?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Frank told us the night we attacked Longbottom Hall," Bellatrix replied as if it were obvious.
"How could he have known?" Harry asked.
"He said Dumbledore suspected the Dark Lord was hiding there," Bellatrix shrugged.
"I'm going to have to catch the little worm before he gets there," Harry sighed, pushing his half-finished breakfast away.
"How are you going to do that? He has a large head start," Bellatrix asked.
"I can be in Albania in three hours while it will take him a week to Apparition-hop there," Harry shrugged.
"It will take days to get approved for an international Portkey," Bellatrix argued.
"I'll fly there by aeroplane," Harry grinned.
"Isn't that dangerous?" Bellatrix asked, looking concerned.
"Not really," Harry replied. "I've flown on aeroplanes before. It's a lot less conspicuous, and with the right spells, it'll be as safe as any magical means of travel. Besides, it's faster and I can avoid the bureaucracy of Portkey approval."
Bellatrix looked at him, weighing his words. "Alright, but be careful. The last thing we need is you getting into trouble before you even reach Albania."
"I will," Harry promised. "Now, I need to pack and make arrangements. Time is of the essence."
As he stood up to leave, Bellatrix grabbed his arm. "Just remember, Harry, you're not alone in this. If you need help, call for us."
Harry nodded, appreciating her concern. "Thanks, Bella. I'll keep that in mind."
"Not really, I should be able to beat him there. All of those international wards between here and Albania should really slow him down," Harry said as he got up from the table.
"Are you leaving now?" Bellatrix asked in surprise.
"This afternoon, most likely. I might have to drag my idiot godfather along for the ride," Harry said thoughtfully.
"What about Bella?" Bellatrix protested.
"You're pregnant. I don't want you catching a stray curse and the babies getting hurt," Harry said flatly.
"They will pay for this. There will be no Dark Arts lessons until you two are thirteen," Bellatrix said, looking at her stomach sternly.
"You'll never be able to hold off that long," Harry chuckled.
"Hmm, you're probably right," Bella agreed.
"I won't be gone very long," Harry promised.
"You had better not come back on death's door like last time," Bellatrix warned.
"I will try not to," Harry said as he sent a Patronus off to Sirius.
"What about Harry?" Bellatrix asked.
"I thought you might want to watch him. It should give you some practice with children," Harry grinned.
"What?!" Bellatrix protested, looking surprised.
"He won't be that bad," Harry assured her.
"I will watch him under one condition," Bella said after some thought.
"What's that?" Harry asked warily.
"You promise not to go running off like this again," Bellatrix said seriously.
"Okay, truthfully, I wish I didn't have to go this time," Harry admitted as the fireplace flared and Sirius stepped out, holding Harry.
"What's this about running off again?" Sirius asked, his eyes narrowing.
Harry sighed. "Crouch Jr. killed his father and is likely on his way to Voldemort in Albania. I need to stop him."
Sirius looked between Harry and Bellatrix, then down at the child in his arms. "And you want me to go with you?"
"Yes, I could use your help," Harry nodded. "But Bellatrix will stay here and watch over Harry."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You're trusting Bellatrix with Harry?"
"I am," Harry said firmly. "She's more than capable."
Bellatrix crossed her arms. "And he won't be any trouble, right?" she said, eyeing the young Harry in Sirius' arms.
Sirius chuckled. "He's a handful, but I think you'll manage."
Bellatrix sighed. "Fine, I'll do it. But remember our deal, Harry."
"I remember," Harry said, looking serious. "I'll try not to run off like this again."
"Good," Bellatrix said. "Now, go stop Crouch and come back in one piece."
Harry nodded, then turned to Sirius. "Let's get ready. We don't have much time."
As they prepared to leave, Harry gave Bellatrix a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Bella."
"Just be careful," she replied, watching them with concern as they headed out.
"What's the emergency?" Sirius asked, looking worried.
"Have you read the paper?" Harry asked as Sirius set his younger self on the floor.
"Yeah, somebody killed Crouch. What about it?" Sirius asked, looking nonplussed.
"Crouch Jr. killed him and is on his way to his master as we speak. You and I are going hunting," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"Crouch Jr. is dead," Sirius said, looking, if possible, even more confused.
"No, Crouch's mother is dead. Her corpse was Polyjuiced to look like her son's," Harry corrected.
"Alright, what about Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Bellatrix has agreed to watch him," Harry said, gesturing to his wife, who was talking to little Harry.
"Is that wise?" Sirius asked, looking unsure.
"There is no one safer to watch over him. I pity whoever tries to harm him under her watch," Harry said confidently.
"Does she know how to handle children?" Sirius asked.
"She'll be fine. I would trust her with my life," Harry smirked at the unintentional double meaning.
"Alright, how are we going to catch Crouch?" Sirius asked.
"We are hopefully going to beat him to his destination," Harry explained.
"Where is that?" Sirius asked.
"Albania. That's where Voldemort is hiding," Harry replied.
Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment. "And you think we can get there before him?"
"Yes. He'll be slowed down by the international wards. We can fly there by aeroplane, which will be faster and less conspicuous," Harry said.
"Alright, let's do this," Sirius said, a determined look on his face. "But how do we prepare for this? We can't just waltz into Albania without a plan."
"We'll need to gather supplies, map out the best route, and ensure we have all the necessary documents for international travel," Harry said. "And we'll need to be discreet. We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves."
"Agreed," Sirius nodded. "Let's get to work. The sooner we leave, the better."
As Harry and Sirius began making their preparations, Bellatrix walked over, holding little Harry's hand. "You two be careful," she said, her tone firm but filled with concern.
"We will," Harry promised. "And thank you for watching over him."
"Don't mention it," Bellatrix said, giving Harry a small smile. "Just come back safe."
"We will," Sirius said, clapping Harry on the back. "Let's go catch ourselves a Death Eater."
With that, Harry and Sirius left to make their final preparations, ready to embark on their urgent mission to stop Crouch Jr. before he could reunite with Voldemort.
"A desolate forest in Albania," Harry answered as he led Sirius up to his room and opened his trunk.
Harry dug out the only two Unspeakable robes he had and tossed one set to Sirius. Then he dug out his dragonhide armor, a wizarding tent, the dagger impregnated with basilisk venom, and the old gen two Glock seventeen. He placed them in a leather sack before shrinking the sack down to the size of a coin purse and putting it in his pocket. Reaching back in the trunk, he grabbed a small stack of pounds and the Comet broomstick. He shut the lid before looking at Sirius.
"We cannot be seen. When we get to the location, we will wear the robes with cowls up at all times we are in the open," Harry instructed as he shrank the broom and pocketed the cash.
"Alright, I got it," Sirius said, conjuring a sack and putting the robes in it before shrinking it as Harry had done.
"Then let's get out of here," Harry said, leading him back downstairs.
Harry walked into the sitting room to find Bellatrix seated on the couch with little Harry beside her, chatting away happily.
"I'll be back soon," Harry said, leaning down and kissing her on the lips.
"Hurry back," Bellatrix whispered after he pulled back.
"I will," Harry assured her.
Harry waited for Sirius to have a word with Bella and little Harry before they made their way out of the house and Apparated to the airport.
At the airport, they made their way through security, Harry using subtle magic to avoid drawing attention to their unusual items. As they waited for their flight, Harry reviewed their plan.
"We'll fly to Tirana and then Apparate to the forest once we're clear of the airport," Harry said.
"Got it," Sirius nodded. "Let's hope Crouch hasn't figured out a faster way to get there."
They boarded the plane, blending in with the other passengers. As the plane took off, Harry felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. This mission was crucial, and they had to succeed.
Several hours later, they landed in Tirana. After clearing customs, they found a secluded spot outside the airport to Apparate from. Harry cast a disillusionment charm on both of them to ensure they weren't seen.
"Ready?" Harry asked, gripping his wand tightly.
"Ready," Sirius confirmed.
With a sharp crack, they Disapparated from the airport and reappeared in a dense, dark forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.
Harry pulled out the Unspeakable robes and handed one to Sirius. "Keep your cowl up and stay alert. We don't know what kind of traps or wards might be here."
Sirius nodded and donned the robes. "Let's find this bastard."
They moved silently through the forest, their senses heightened. Harry's mind raced with thoughts of what they might encounter. Voldemort's influence could still linger here, and Crouch Jr. was a dangerous opponent.
After what felt like hours of searching, they came upon a clearing. Harry raised his hand, signaling Sirius to stop. In the center of the clearing, a faint light glowed from a small campfire. A figure sat beside it, hunched and hooded.
"Crouch," Harry whispered, his grip tightening on his wand.
Sirius nodded, readying himself for whatever came next.
Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Let's end this."
With silent determination, they stepped into the clearing, ready to confront Bartemius Crouch Jr. and prevent him from reuniting with Voldemort.
Harry and Sirius stepped out of the airport and made their way down the sidewalk.
"Do you have an exact location?" Sirius asked curiously as they weaved through people entering the building.
"Yes, Dumbledore has known about Voldy's travels here since the sixties. Some of the first giants he used in the last war came from the area we're heading to now," Harry explained as he led Sirius towards the parking lot.
They weaved between parked cars until Harry spotted two panel vans parked close together and started walking towards them.
"If Dumbledore knows where he is, why hasn't he done something about him?" Sirius asked, confused.
"That fucking prophecy. He's putting all of his cards on little Harry defeating Voldemort," Harry said as they stepped between the vans.
"Alright, get your robes on," Harry said, starting to change into his gear, strapping on his dragonhide vest, bracers, trousers, and boots.
The bracer doubled as a forearm wand holster. He clipped the dagger onto his belt and slipped the pistol into a holster sewn on under the left armhole of his vest before draping his grey-hooded robes over himself and flipping his hood over his head.
"How come you get all the armor and weapons?" Sirius demanded from under his hood.
"Because I brought you along for a very specific reason," Harry smirked, not that Sirius could see.
"And what is that?" Sirius pressed.
"Padfoot's nose," Harry said, grabbing Sirius' arm and spinning on the spot.
They Apparated to the edge of the forest, the disorientation from the sudden travel making Sirius blink a few times to steady himself. The dense trees and the eerie silence of the forest greeted them. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth.
"Alright, Padfoot, time to put that nose to work," Harry said, his voice low and urgent.
Sirius transformed into his Animagus form, the large black dog shaking himself before lifting his nose to the air. He sniffed intently, catching various scents on the breeze. After a moment, he barked softly and started trotting in a specific direction, Harry following closely behind.
The forest was dark and foreboding, the thick canopy above blocking out most of the sunlight. They moved cautiously, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs putting them on edge. Padfoot led the way, occasionally pausing to sniff and ensure they were on the right track.
After about an hour of trekking through the dense undergrowth, Padfoot stopped abruptly, his ears perking up. He let out a low growl, signaling that they were close.
Harry nodded and took a deep breath, preparing himself. "Alright, time to be extra careful. We can't afford to mess this up."
Padfoot transformed back into Sirius, who drew his wand and nodded. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Harry and Sirius appeared with a soft pop in the middle of a dense forest consisting mostly of fir trees from the looks of it. There was a large mountain range in the distance and the sun was already starting to set. The area was covered in a few inches of snow, and they could both see their breath in the air.
"You could have warned me, you wanker," Sirius grumbled, still disoriented from the surprise Apparition.
"Yeah, my bad, but us changing into our business wear should have clued you in," Harry quipped as he took out his wand and muttered, "Point me."
"Alright, Barty will be coming in from the west. There's a cave at the foot of the mountains that Voldemort's wraith is haunting," Harry explained as he started walking through the trees.
"Where are we going?" Sirius asked in confusion.
"To find a place to set up camp. I'll survey the area tomorrow from my broom," Harry said as he found a decent spot in a copse of trees that blocked the wind on two sides and took out the pouch from his pocket.
Twenty minutes later, they were walking into the tent and taking off their grey robes.
The tent was basic as far as wizarding tents went, but it was about twenty feet by twenty feet on the inside and more than enough for two people. It had an open floor plan with a stove, a table, and a dry and cold pantry in one corner making up the kitchen. There was a small sitting area with a functioning fireplace in the middle, a couple of armchairs, and a set of bunk beds up against the far wall. There was a small tent flap that led to a tiny bathroom with a sink, loo, and a cramped walk-in shower. The tent would be more than comfortable for a few days.
"What's for dinner?" Sirius asked expectantly as his stomach growled.
"What are you cooking?" Harry countered, knowing he would end up having to fix dinner.
"I can boil a mean pot of water," Sirius offered half-heartedly.
"Fucking purebloods. I'll make us some beef stew," Harry sighed as he made his way to the cold pantry.
Harry pulled out the ingredients he needed: beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a few seasonings. He set a pot on the stove and started chopping the vegetables while the beef browned.
"How's the beef stew coming along?" Sirius asked, lounging in one of the armchairs and warming his hands by the fire.
"It'll be ready in a bit. Why don't you set the table?" Harry suggested.
Sirius reluctantly got up and started setting the table, grumbling under his breath. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at his godfather's lack of culinary skills.
As the stew simmered, filling the tent with a mouthwatering aroma, Harry sat down for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the fire.
"Alright, Padfoot, here's the plan for tomorrow," Harry began. "I'll take my broom and scout the area around the cave. We need to figure out the best way to intercept Barty before he reaches Voldemort's wraith. You'll stay here and keep an eye on things. If I don't come back within two hours, you come looking for me."
Sirius nodded, his expression serious. "Got it. But be careful, Harry. This isn't just any mission. We're dealing with some dangerous people and magic."
Harry nodded. "I know. But we can't let Crouch reach Voldemort. Not when we're this close to stopping him."
Dinner was soon ready, and they sat down to a hearty meal of beef stew. The warmth of the food and the fire did wonders to lift their spirits, and they talked late into the night, planning and preparing for the challenges ahead.
As they settled into their bunks, Harry couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and dread. The forest around them was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Tomorrow would be a pivotal day in their fight against the dark forces gathering strength.
For now, though, they needed rest. Harry closed his eyes, hoping for a few hours of sleep before the dawn brought new challenges and dangers.
The pantries kept the food under stasis and were both well stocked. After living seven months in a tent during his seventh year, Harry had vowed never to be stuck eating wild mushrooms out of a tin can again. He had a medium-sized pot of thick beef stew ready in ten minutes, and they both sat at the small table and dug in, washing it down with ice-cold butterbeer.
"So, Crouch killing his father didn't happen in your timeline, did it?" Sirius asked between bites of food.
"No, well not this early. He did kill his father," Harry corrected.
"So something happened to speed that up," Sirius stated through a spoonful of stew.
"Yeah, me coming back in time changed something," Harry said thoughtfully.
"Oh," Sirius said.
"It doesn't really matter right now; we just have to catch him," Harry shrugged.
"I've fought him before. He's bloody dangerous with a wand," Sirius warned.
"I know, he's a psycho," Harry agreed.
"Pretty much," Sirius agreed before he reached over and ladled more stew into his bowl.
"I don't plan on confronting him head-on," Harry pointed out.
"Good. I like a fight as much as the next guy, but he likes to throw killing curses... a lot," Sirius said, looking relieved.
"I am trained to kill my targets, not to give them a chance to fight back," Harry explained, refilling his own bowl.
"Well, if you ever decide you want another career, you could open a restaurant," Sirius said with a grin.
"Thanks, but I don't know if I would like to cook constantly," Harry grinned as he finished his second bowl and belched loudly, making Sirius snort.
"Bet you can't do that very often," Sirius smirked.
"No, Bella wouldn't appreciate it," Harry agreed.
The two of them turned in not long after. Harry already missed his soft, cushy bed cuddled up to his wife as he climbed into the lumpy bunk bed. 'I hope this doesn't take too long,' Harry thought as he drifted into a light sleep.
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