Chapter 39

Brotherly Love

Saturday, 8 February 1997

Then Percy spoke with his voice spell boosted. "Actually, Mr. Potter, I'm afraid the ministry isn't done with you. Gentlemen." Percy snapped his fingers and the scarlet red robed security detail that had escorted him all left the judges seats and began approaching the firing range.

Tonks turned to Percy perplexed, "There was no mention of this!"

Percy smiled and settled back. "That's the thing about war. Unpredictability."

Ron was shocked at what was unfolding. "What the bloody hell?"

Ginny didn't want to admit she realized what was happening. She asked, hoping in vain there was another option. "Why are the Aurors approaching?"

Hermione finished the calculation and said aloud what they all knew. "This is all an assessment test. They want Harry to fight aurors."

Harry stared daggers in at Percy, but he knew it would do no good. If anything he was annoyed at himself for not predicting this. Captain Moody looked at the cadet. "For what it's worth, I didn't know about this. If I did, I sure as hell would have fought it." Then the veteran turned to the judges and boosted his voice. "Does the Assistant to the Minister truly want five aurors against one cadet?"

Percy replied. "Of course not Captain, you are excused. We don't want to tax the lad too much."

Harry kept his gaze on the black sheep Weasley. "It's fine sir. And I do believe you, Captain."

Moody looked at Harry, hard and deeply. "Potter, I think you do have a chance. But you're going to have to be creative as hell. Good luck lad."

Harry watched as the four aurors walked around to enter from the four corners effectively trapping him in. Harry slowly tuned as he watched them take positions. He linked in. "Advice Sarge?"

"My first piece, I know you'll ignore. There is no shame in surrender."

Harry glanced over to Percy watching intently through his rim horned glasses. "Not gonna happen," Harry replied resolutely.

"That's what I thought. Second: Full authorization, do NOT hold back. These are the professionals. "

There was a silence in the link for a moment. "Are you sure, Sarge?"

"Did I sound uncertain?!" Tonks yelled back through the link. "Because last I checked I'm your god damn commanding officer and I am ordering you to not go easy. Let them take care of themselves. If they want this so badly, fine! You give them hell, or you'll have hell to pay!"

"Yes ma'am," Harry replied, the soldier's focus already booting up.

"Third: Do not duel. Keep moving. Be unpredictable. Keep them off their game. These people are trained to fight wizards. Fight like a muggle."

"Keep them off their game, eh… I got an idea."

Harry didn't wait for the Captain's order to start. With four to one odds, he felt justified. Harry subtly reached to his belt and flicked his left hand. Instantly a cloud of thick dark black smoke enveloped Harry and several feet around him. From the cloud, Harry's voice called out, spell boosted. "I know what you're thinking. 'How the hell did I get this assignment?'"

Williamson, a middle aged wizard with a chestnut colored ponytail immediately cast several stuns into the cloud, all shooting through the other side.

Harry's voice continued as smoke grew in all four directions. "The Chosen one, the stories of trolls, basilisks, dementors, even a dragon and the Dark Lord himself?"

Hermione leaned over to her friends. "What the hell is Harry doing?"

The Weasley siblings exchanged smiles and said together. "Prank shop."

"Harry's joking around? Now?!"

"He's fucking with them." Ginny said bluntly with a clearly approving smile.

Ron nodded in agreement. "He's messing with their heads. Slow 'em down."

Hermione blinked, "That's … actually quite creative."

The voice from the shadow continued. "How many of these stories could be true?" The aurors slowly approached the smoke with their wands drawn. Then the growl happened. "ALL of them!" The lightning whip lashed out to catch Proudfoot by the ankle. He aimed his wand down to dismiss it, but before he could cast it pulled him into the cloud like tentacle pulling him beneath the waves. They heard another shock of electricity, a man scream, then from the center of the cloud, Harry leapt, clearly with an arcane boost. The McGonagall shield was out and taking several of the shots from the three auror bearing down on him. While in the air, Harry threw out a witch bolt to each of them… only for each of the aurors to cast shields.

"Oh gods," Hermione gasped. "They're shielding."

Ron slipped an arm around her. "They're aurors, of course they are. But that also means they're not going to kill 'em. At most they rough 'em up."

"What if there's an accident?!" Hermione asked with her worry apparent. Ron stood behind her and wrapped around her for comfort as the stood back and watched… helpless.

The pair looked over to Ginny who stood with her arms crossed, and wearing a grin very similar to her boyfriends. Not looking away but feeling eyes on her, she said, "He's fine, and he'll be fine… and he's going to find a way to win."

"What spell creates that smoke?" Percy asked as he sat forward.

"None," Tonks replied. "But Potter has a habit of being prepared with a variety of equipment."

"Is that regulation?"

McGonagall cut in. "When does war care about regulations, Mr. Weasley?"

With one auror down, there was at least a corner Harry could fall into, but still he was falling onto an open firing range… with three specialists hexing down on him. He held his arm shield up and even threw up a protego… and still some of the shots came in … and they were shooting cutters. He could feel the particularly powerful ones break through, nipping at his back and legs."

Tonks's voice linked through. "Harry, you took out a professional auror. You already proved yourself. There is no shame in surrender."

Time seemed to slow again, Harry watched the area. The whole damn school was watching but he truly didn't care, they always watched. Percy arrogantly sat waiting for an auror to have a lucky shot or for Harry to yield. Snape was already gone. Remus's eyes filled with worry. Tonks's expression seemed almost desperate. But uniquely, McGonagall looked on with the faintest sign of a smile, of confidence, of expectation. Harry looked back to the team. Hermione shared Remus's look of worry. Ron tried to calculate the battlefield, and finally Ginny. Gin was grinning and watching with pure faith and confidence.

A lucky sting to his back brought his focus to the firing range. His usual tricks weren't going to cut it. He needed to change this game, and a grin came to his lips as an idea came to mind. With renewed vigor he shouted behind his shields taking heavy fire. "His name is Riddle… and I am not afraid!"

Harry looked to the stone work in front of him and cried 'Lapis stalagmiteus' A pointed stone pillar five foot across and seven feet tall burst up in front of him becoming his new cover. The sudden growth was enough to surprise the aurors. Harry took the surprise and kept at it spawning stalagmites in front of each of foes, pushing them back and halting their fire.

Percy leaned forward, confused to say the least. "What is he doing?"

"Taking control of the battlefield." Tonks replied, crossing her arms with a smirk of pride.

"Tactical application of transmutation," McGonagall allowed herself a smile. "Clever Mr. Potter."

Harry grew two more pillars using one as a diversion as the ran to take cover behind the second, this one with a better angle on the aurors. The closest was Dawlish, a tough-looking wizard with very short wiry grey hair, throwing cutters at Harry. Tonks orders rang in his mind. 'You give them hell!' Harry didn't hesitate. Harry aimed at the pillar Dawlish stood by and threw his energy into a 'reducto'! The blast threw Dawlish backwards and on his backside. More importantly he dropped his wand. Harry sprinted taking the hex fire with his armshield as he used his lighting whip to collect a second aurors wand. Then he dove and slide back into the cover of the cloud.

"He's taken out a second auror, and he retreats! What kind of tactics are those?"

"My gods Percy, you don't get it, do you?!" Tonks finally yelled. "This is Harry! Like a fish to water or a bird to air. Harry is made for the war! He's not going to quit, he, more than anyone else, knows his options for this war are either victory or death! And you think you're going to scare him with a few aurors?"

Harry waited in the black of the cloud. He knelt behind the arm shield for cover from the blind shots being hexed at him and peered out. Though extremely limited, his mage sight let him see the auroas of the two wizards before him… and the auroas of the stalagmites he created, including the rubble of the one he destroyed. The trap was set and his prey were walking into it. He pulled out a pair of earplugs and set them. Then took a out a Thor's Thunder Cracker. Harry smiled and whispered to himself, "What's life without a little risk?"

Harry charged out the side of the fog this time, as the last two aurors started hexing he quickly threw firecracker at them. The hex blew it with a deafening roar. Reflexively the aurors covered their ears. Harry took the shots, hexing a witchbolt into each of them. Savage fell further back and slid, pony-tailed Williamson rolling to the side… right where Harry wanted someone. Harry took aim with his wand only for the Auror to throw up a shield in front of himself, just like Harry planned. "Accio rubble!"

Williamson was clearly surprised and turned around only to be assaulted by the rock and debris flying at him. When he shifted his shield Harry took the shot hexing him with a stunner to the back as the scattergun of rock together successfully put the auror out.

Harry quickly pocketed Williamson's wand as Savage rose up, and was clearly pissed. The Auror roared as he hexed Dragons Breath fire. Reflexively Harry cast 'protego! The fires crashed into his arcane wall. The heat was intense and his sweat started immediately. But the shield held firm. And Harry also noticed it hid him from Savage's view.

Savage chuckled. "I'll tell you one thing kid, you got heart and brains."

Straining, and thinking, Harry smiled. "You know … what else… I am?"

"What kid?"

Harry's eyes filled with electricity and arcs formed around his fingers. Harry took a gamble and threw himself to the side and rolled a few extra feet. He growled in pain from his injuries hitting the stone hard and from frustration… but he had the shot. "I'm a lightning mage! Fulgur fulmenso!" His lightning bolt roared outward and hitting Savage square in the chest. Savage was thrown back and hit the floor hard. Harry quickly dashed over and grabbed the last wand.

The crowd went wild. Then leapt to their feet in celebration of victory. Harry ignored them. He looked over and was relieved to see the auror breathing. With his wand ever ready he quickly dashed to the last man down who thankfully remained unconscious. Harry grabbed the fourth wand and finally was able to breathe a sigh of relief, as he holstered his wand and dismissed his arm shield. But he didn't stop walking. The force walls fell as the victor approached and left the firing range. A wave of relief came over him as he stepped onto free grass. With the lightning arcs still in his eyes he steadily marched to the judges box. He wanted to wince as he walked but he chose to keep his composure. He could feel his back was shot to hell. Both elbows were bruised at minimum. He either had blood or sweat dripping down his left cheek. Neither would surprise him. But most notable was a cutter to his calf that made him limp slightly as he walked.

Tonks and Remus were beaming with pride. Moody nodded with respect as he stood behind the assistant to the Minister. McGonagall didn't even hide her smile. As nice as that was, Harry was focused on the fourth man. Percy sat in shock and disbelief. Harry wanted to take a five minute rest. Maybe not even complain when Ginny patched him up this time, but he would be damned if he showed weakness in front of Percy. With Captain Moody behind him and his security detail unconscious on the firing range, the third Weasley visibly grew more uncomfortable as Harry approached. That alone was worth the pain Harry felt. Arcing with lighting and visibly a mess Harry grabbed the four wands of the defeated aurors and handed them out directly to Percy. "Your men dropped these, sir." Harry glared at Percy and held the wands steady, clearly showing he wasn't leaving until he returned the auror's property. He waited long enough for a few drops of blood to fall onto Percy's brown leather dress shoes.

"Um, thank you Master Potter. Well fought," he said as he begrudgingly accepted the wands.

Harry was filled with contempt. Thoughts of Seamus ran through his mind, and he knew Draco was the real attacker, but Harry couldn't help but feel some level of blame should lay at Percy's feet with some of his own blood now. "Care to make it round three, sir? Harry asked, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. Tonks, Moody, and McGonagall worked hard to keep from laughing. Remus failed, letting out a very proud chuckle.

The color drained from Percy's face as the victor charged in lightning stood before him, "Er, no. That won't be necessary."

"So we're done here, sir?" Harry stood, enjoying watching Percy squirm, but had more important matters. "If you will excuse me then. I have a man down I need to check on."

"Um, of course. I'll see you tonight."

Harry raised an eyebrow, in confusion. "Sir?"

McGonagall interrupted, "The Ministry would like to invite the squadron for celebratory dinner this evening in the Training Hall." Harry looked at Tonks, who nodded affirmatively.

"Understood." Harry said and waited expectantly, after a moment he looked up to Captain Moody.

"Dismissed Cadet, very well fought." he said with a salute to release the victor.

Harry walked around the firing range. (He didn't dare step on it again to shortcut across it.) Harry did watch the magic dissipate and the aurors wake up and stagger off. The squad didn't wait for Harry. Ginny led the charge to him and leapt up into his arms in celebration. "I knew you'd win. I never doubted" she whispered into his ear and squeezed tightly.

Harry didn't care about the pains for a moment and just held her tight, keeping her lifted off the ground. Ginny's legs dangled from beneath his arms, but neither of them cared. "That makes one of us then. I just don't know how to quit."

"I love that about you." She paused to look again into his emerald eyes. "I love you," she said again and finally kissed the victor. Harry returned it, happy to have the moment. They both could hear the footsteps, and the snickers of the squad… and neither of them cared.

"Oi, lovebirds." Neville jested.

Both Harry and Ginny flipped them the V sign, making the whole squad laughed. Finally they broke away Ron was continuing to roll his eyes, grin, and bear it. The rest were in stages of smile. "So like, are you and auror now?" Ron asked with a smile offering his hand.

Harry put Ginny down and accepted Ron's hand. "Nah man, not how that works."

"That was some of the most unorthodox fighting I have ever seen." Hermione said as she nodded, clearly impressed.

"Courtesy of the twins. I knew I needed to be unpredictable. Who's more unpredictable than the them" Harry grinned,

"I'll let them know you said that." Ginny said with a hug. As he was finally truly feeling the pain from the fight he winced. "You okay?"

Harry dropped his usual false bravado. "I'm normal for me. How's that?"

Ginny shook her head. "Better. I'm taking you to medical. Ron, Mione, manage the squad?"

"No prob sis."

"Of course."

"I don't 'spose I have any say in this, do I?"

Ginny smiled. "You are catching on."

Ginny kept an arm around Harry lending herself as support… for about five steps. "I know you won't let me levitate you."

"Damn right."

"So at least let me patch your leg so we can walk normally?" Technically, she asked a question, but Harry couldn't help but notice she was already putting a healing charm on his injury.

He couldn't deny the relief that came with being able to stand under his own strength. "Thanks, Gin."

"Any time Lightning," she said, wrapping her arm around his and smiling. "Maybe someday you'll even be asked to get patched up." she said with a smirk.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head as they walked into the hospital ward. "I should have known. Mr. Malfoy?" she asked as Harry hopped up on bed next to Seamus and took his shirt off. His roommate was laying down but was breathing and conscious and immediately looked over at the mention of Malfoy. Lavender was sitting beside him holding his right hand in both of hers, at the mention of the Slytherin's name her head looked up to. Her eyes were red from crying.

"Not even close." Ginny quickly replied, taking Harry's combat sweater and stepping out of the way.

Knowing he was being watched, Harry added. "I knocked his bloody arse unconscious. Couple of witchbolts and full on shocking grasp." Both Seamus and Lavender nodded in appreciation. Harry looked around. "Where the hell is the blonde bastard?"

"Mr. Malfoy has not seen fit to grace us with his presence." Pomfrey said as she focused on healing Harry's injuries, starting with his cut up back.

Ginny followed up. "While you were in that second round, Snape escorted Malfoy back to the castle."

"If Professor Snape escorted Mr. Malfoy then likely is caring for his wounds himself. " the Maton observed. Ginny and Harry nodded in agreement, realizing it would be to protect the secret of Draco's dark mark. The Matron, however, was more concerned with the patient in front of them "Who did this to you then?"

Harry shook his head at the insanity of his life. "After Draco, they opted to have me tested by four aurors."

Seamus and Lavender both shot looks of disbelief. Ginny nodded in confirmation. They could hear the distinct sound of Madam Pomfrey dropping her wand. She took a deep breath, clearly to maintain her control, then picked her wand back up. "Four aurors you say?"

"Yes ma'am."

"At once?" Pomfrey asked to ensure she understood.

"Yes ma'am."

"And?"

"And he kicked their arse too!" Ginny growled. Harry flashed a look to her as the healer practiced her craft. "Tell her I'm wrong. Tell them you did not knock out four professional aurors who were hexing you."

All four of the mages watched Harry, clearly expecting an answer.

Harry took a breath and owned his actions. "Ginny's not wrong. I took 'em out. Knock outs, they likely are all back up now."

Madam Pomprey walked around the bed to heal the final gash over Harry's eyebrow and finally had to look him in the eye. "Mister Potter… I am very happy, impressed, and even proud of your victory. But the fact of the matter is you never should have been put in such a situation to begin with. If no one else will, I will at least extend my apologies for your treatment."

Harry smiled. "Matron, it's not your fault. Not even the schools. It was the damn Min-"

"Percy!" Ginny cut him off. Harry looked over to her. Her expression was filled with anger and annoyance. "Don't sugar coat for me babe. It was Percy who brought them and he who snapped his fingers sending them after you. Don't think I'm going to forget about that anytime soon."

Harry nodded in agreement. Madam Pomfrey handed him two vials. "I trust you recognize these. He looked down to see a pain reliever and blood replenisher. "I want those in you and an hour's rest for them to take full effect. Then you are excused." Pomfrey bid them all bye then departed to her duties elsewhere.

"Harry mate," Seamus began, as he looked over to the bloke he'd shared a dorm room with for six years now.

"Yeah mate?" Harry replied after drinking his potions.

"Did you finally really kick Draco's arse, just for me?"

Harry let a smile come through. "You bet your arse I did."

Not content to let Harry's exploits be under reported, Ginny rolled her eyes and continued to retell the blow by blow of both of Harry's matches, to the smiling faces of both Seamus and Lavender. Ginny continued by relaying the dinner invitation to them.

"Lav, " Seamus said as he squeezed her had. "Go get ready for the party."

"With you here?"

"I'm already on the mend. I'll likely sleep whether you're here or not. You go have yourself a night. You heard Pomfrey yourself. You'll see me at breakfast."

"Seamus, I don't mind." she protested.

Seamus rolled his eyes. "All right, well a lad was trying to be subtle. But, would you mind giving me a moment alone with Harry here then? I kinda wanted to talk to him… man to man, you know?"

Both girls broke into giggles at Seamus phrasing, but the sentiment could be respected. Ginny volunteered. "I need to get Harry a uniform that hasn't been shot up. Why don't you at least keep me company, Lavender?" Both the ladies kissed their lads goodbye.

Harry walked over and took the seat lavender had been using. "What's on your mind Seamus? Unless you were blowing smoke it sounds like you'll be fine by tomorrow."

"Aye, that's true." he nodded. Then the Irishman looked around again to make sure they were alone. "Look Harry I wanted to talk with you… 'cause well you are a hell of a bloke but it's also clear as daylight how you and Ginny feel 'bout each other."

Harry was starting out confused. He understood what Seamus was saying but not seeing the relevance. "Alright, yeah, I'll fully admit I love her."

"See like that, you can just say it. Ahh… shite." Seamus dropped his head back on the pillows in frustration. "Let me try another track. You've never been blind nor stupid."

Harry smiled. "Not blind, no. But stupid could be argued. What do you mean?"

"About me mate." Seamus said in annoyance. "Look, it's no secret that, well.. the accent has charmed more than one lady around the castle."

Harry laughed and nodded. "Yeah mate, I'm aware you're a bit of a ladies man."

"Right, and I admit… I had a bit of fun with some of those ladies…if you catch my drift."

Harry rolled his eyes hard. This was what Seamus wanted to talk 'man to man' about? His conquests? "Seamus, not my business."

"I'm going somewhere with this! Look, you know how long Lav and I have been seeing each other, the four of us bumped into each other on our third date." Harry nodded in agreement. "Right, so when we started we both were just in it for that. A bit of fun. We couldn't keep our hands off each other."

"Okay… this conversation suggests that's not the case anymore? But I'm an idiot, mate. What are you trying to spit out?"

Seamus sighed in frustration. "I'm saying… I don't know when, but somewhere along the line… I started caring a lot less about getting in her knickers and actually caring about her, herself. I mean as of late… gods …." Seamus closed his eyes in embarrassment. "As of late we've had a few dates that were actually quite tame. We spent most of the time talking about absolutely nothing important. And the damnedest thing was… I was okay with that! ME!" Harry was biting his tongue to keep from interrupting his roommate's confession. Seamus had seen a few rounds of the real war. And even before that he certainly had been touched by the realities of real life. But now, faced with a genuine relationship with a girl, that was what was making him a nervous wreck.

The Irishman continued, "I've gone and caught feelings for her! And that means I have no bloody clue what to do. I mean, yeah I've taken her to bed but being a stand up bloke, the supportive type… I don't even know if I'm cut out–"

"Oi! Knock that out right now." Harry interrupted. "Yes I've noticed you've played the field a bit. I'm not going to judge you about that. But lots of us this last year have found out things change. This might be your turn."

"You reckon?" Seamus asked in disbelief.

"Why not?" Harry asked with a shrug.

"So… er… how?"

Harry couldn't resist a laugh. "Mate, you start by talking to her. While I appreciate the vote of confidence, Gin and I are not relationship experts. We actually are two very messed up people trying to get our shit together."

"The hell you say." Seamus argued with a grin.

"I'm serious mate. But I can tell you are being honest, so I'll give you the best advice I can think of. Just talk to her. Throw the cards on the table and give her - this- conversion." Harry stopped and thought for a moment. "Maybe skip the part where you mention your previous flings."

"Aye, I'm not that daft." Seamus chuckled. "I mean, she does know. And it was kind of both ways when we started. It's just… I've never been here before. And I don't even know if she feels the sam-"

"She does mate, guaranteed." Harry said definitely.

"How would you possibly know that?"

"When you got hit with that damned evisceration spell. Lavender took it hard and was concerned. I could see the look in her eyes. It's something I've seen in Gin's eyes. And I told her the same damn thing I told you, talk to each other."

"Really?" Clearly the thought of feelings being returned had never crossed Seamus's mind. Now it did and he let himself daydream.

Harry smiled and looked around. The coast seemed to be clear. "Right, look, I'm going to go ahead and duck out. But I will go tell your lady that you prefer her presence as compared to my ugly mug.

"You wouldn't be lying, mate. And Harry… thanks."

Harry shrugged. "D.A. takes care of its own."

Later that evening the squad found their way back to the Training Hall. Somehow, and Harry suspected elf and mage magic, they had conjured a small self playing orchestra in the corner, and added some banners displaying auror badges high on the wall. The tables had been loaded with fine red cloths and snacks. Seamus and Lavender were absent. Harry briefed the Marauders on why, and smiles worn by all. "Good for them, but more importantly, how are you doing?" Neville asked.

"Tender, sore. Okay for now, but I can tell it's the potions doing the work. Would not recommend anyone trying that."

Mockingly Ron pulled out a paper and quill. "Do not fight four aurors at once. Got it!" Everyone chuckled.

"Cheeky bastard." Harry smiled.

"You're as bad as the twins sometimes." Hemione said.

Ron and Ginny exchanged a look, then shrugged and shared a "Meh."

They were continuing to mingle when the auror with short wiry hair approached with his arms held behind his back and a respectful nod to Harry. "Pardon me please. First, I don't believe we were properly introduced." He held out his hand "Sergeant John Dawlish."

Harry accepted with a smile. "Harry Potter." He rolled his eyes at everything he introduced himself. He knew it was never needed.

Dawlish nodded again. "Cadet Potter, Mr. Weasley would like a word with you in private before tonight's activities."

Ginny fired up and replied, "Oh and I've got several words I'd like to have with him!" Ron nodded with a similar expression of anger.

"Understood," Dawlish said, "But Mr. Weasley specified Cadet Potter, alone."

Harry squared his jaw. "Well, whatever Mr. Weasley wants, let's make sure Mr. Weasley gets." He kindly kissed Ginny's forehead as he followed Sergeant Dawlish.

Dawlish led him out into the main hall. "Mr. Weasley in making use of a classroom. Right this way."

Harry paused for a moment. "Sergeant, if I may?

"Sure, what?"

"How are you and your men?" Harry asked earnestly.

"Us?" the Sergeant smiled. "We're fine. You roughed us up good, but yeah, we'll be right as raining in the morning. Thanks though."

Harry's relief was visible. "Thank merlin. Last thing I wanted was four more wizards hunting to hex me."

"Hex you?" Dawlish laughed heartily. Then he took his copbook and pen out. "Here, let me give you our names and addresses. When you actually get your badge, send an owl. You have heart, skill, and brains. You're welcome to patrol with us anytime." Dawlish handed him the paper. Harry couldn't stop grinning. It was one of the best compliments he'd ever received.

Dawlish led Harry to the classroom, knocked, and announced. "Cadet Potter for you sir."

"Send him in, please." Percy replied.

Dawlish opened the door and Percy approached from the teacher's desk with a smile. Harry let the door close behind him and stood with his thumbs resting his tactical belt buckle. As they were alone, he let his annoyance and disdain show through.

Percy approach undeterred. "Cadet Potter, that was quite the display you put on today." Percy put his hand out. Harry was determined to ignore him. Until Harry saw the folded piece of paper in Percy's hand, and despite how he sounded, the elder Weasley had a look of desperation in his eyes. Still pissed at him Harry hesitated, but did take the note. 'Your spells are stronger than mine. Please secure the room.'

Harry looked up with contempt. "Percy, the last thing you want is a wand in my hand right now!"

Percy's expression turned even more even more earnest and desperate. Harry thought about his options. Telling Percy off ranked high. Turning around and walking out the door he came in from was up there too. Hexing the git was tempting. But finally, he realized Percy worked for the Ministry, and could make Tonk's life difficult. Harry relented and put up the charms to lock the door and silent and secure the room. "Done, sir."

Percy's tension visibly reduced. "Thank you, Harry. Look, I know the odds of you believing me are minimal but we need to talk. Please."

It was the please that struck Harry. Then Harry took a look and saw a glint in Percy's eye that was reminiscent of their Christmas argument. Percy led them back to the teachers desk at the head of the room. Perch had a seat, there was a chair in front of the desk, clearly intended for Harry, but he refused. He chose to stand with his hands on his belt buckle, clearly annoyed with Percy. "You have my attention, sir."

"Gods Harry, drop the 'sir'. You just secured the room."

Harry pointed an irate finger at the bureaucrat in front of him. "And you have a lot of nerve, Perce! Seamus is still in medical because of this little 'demonstration' you asked for!"

Percy held his hands up in surrender. "Harry, that is a fair statement but it's incorrect."

"Bullshit! Draco may have cast the spell but you asked fo-"

"I didn't!" Percy finally rose to object.

"Didn't what?" Harry wanted specifics. God and Devil were in the details.

"Harry, I did not ask for the demonstration. And I most certainly didn't know that Draco was capable of such … malice."

"Well, that's news to me too." Harry scoffed, finding at least one thing to agree with Percy about. "Take it from the beginning. What do I need to know?"

"Well…" Percy swallowed hard, as he sat down. "You are simultaneously intimidating and inspiring."

"One of my mates got a gut like a pig today, Perce, spit it out already!" Harry yelled.

"The Ministry is compromised!" Percy yelled with equal fervor, slamming his hands on the desk. It was the strength of Percy's rebuttal that caught Harry. Usually Percy was diplomatic, centered, and neutral. This was no half measure. Whatever this was, Percy believed it.

"Explain." Harry said with a nod.

"You don't seem surprised?" Percy observed suspiciously.

Harry finally took a seat and crossed his legs. Harry took out his copbook and pen. "You know I have friends and connections. You're not the first to tell me something like this since Christmas."

"That's actually somewhat reassuring that someone else sees it and I'm not crazy." his relief apparent as tension visibly left his shoulders.

Harry watched Percy carefully. "Why don't start at the bloody beginning, and I'll make up my own mind of how crazy you may be?"

Percy took a deep breath and relayed to Harry the depths of his discussion Bill from a few weeks prior.

"I can understand your… delicate position. You said you didn't request this demonstration. Who did?" Harry asked.

"I don't know down to a person. But I know they wanted it to assess you. They wanted to see what you could do."

"What, the reports from the Death Eaters we arrest aren't enough?" Harry let himself have a grin from that.

"Statements from captured foot soldiers are one thing but it is not the intelligence report of a seasoned tactical wizard."

Harry bobbed his head back and forth. "Alright, I can understand that. You?"

"Our argument on Christmas… may have become known. And our animosity towards each other may have been …exaggerated."

"You've been lying to the Ministry." Harry said with a cheeky smile.

"I'm far from the first." Percy said dryly.

"How's your occlumency?" Harry asked.

"Needed for promotion. You?"

"Tonks told us the same and trained us. We all have at least basic shielding and are working on improvement."

Percy nodded in approval. "With us essentially at each other's throats as it may seem, it was far easier for me to convince the powers that be to let me be your judge than to cancel it."

Harry had been around politicians too often. He absolutely believed what Percy was saying. But he also believed Percy was holding something back, something close to his chest.

"What's my report going to look like?"

"Obviously I haven't written yet, but I imagine I'll have the proper minds believe that there is much urban legend and lore in your actions. You are an above average war mage for your age, but the Ministry ought not put all hopes on you. If I phrase it somewhat like that, it would motivate the war supporters to your aid as well as quiet your objectors."

"I have objectors?" Harry said with a raised eyebrow.

"This is the Ministry, Harry. Everyone has objectors."

There was a moment of silence that Harry let breathe. Finally he used it. "Who's idea was the four aurors?"

Percy squirmed again. "Well… er… in the interest of honesty…. that was my idea."

There it was… the card close to Percy's chest. "You cheeky bastard, you threw four aurors at me for your own cover? Isn't that a bit extreme?"

Percy shrugged and attempted a joke. "Apparently not."

Harry could tell the politician was lying and Harry didn't appreciate it. "Cut the crap, the twins are the comedians not you! Why did you sic four aurors on me?"

Percy could tell Harry wasn't going to let this go. "Fine, again in the interest of being honest. I needed to know how good you really were."

"For your damn report?" Harry asked, annoyed.

"No." Percy replied coldly. "For Ginevra."

"What?!" Harry snapped as charged the desk and pounded both fists to the table.

Percy sat upright and even fixed his tie. "This is likely the singular area I will not let you intimidate me on Harry! You are a marked man. And I am now well aware of Ginny's affections for you. As you are so fond of reminding people, the war is here, Harry!" Percy jabbed his finger hard into the desk. "And if my sister has her heart set on someone, I damn well will make sure they can protect her!"

Harry clenched his jaw in irritation. "Gods damn it Percy, did it ever occur to you that Ginny can take care of herself!"

"Yes, but she doesn't need to be held back!. So yes, even you, you bloody Chosen One! I needed to be sure you were good enough for her!" Percy yelled.

"AND!" Harry bellowed.

Percy relented and fell back in his seat. "Congratulations, Harry. but… " he held a pointed finger to Harry. "If you hurt her -"

"You'll hex me… I know, I know. Merlin's beard." Harry said as he fell back to his chair exasperated.

Shortly Percy was escorting Harry back into the Training Room celebration, Percy with a politically neutral expression on his face. As soon as he could he caught both Ginny before they went on full attack mode. "Look, there are 'Marauder' level details in play here. Leave him be."

"Harry I get if you need to play… noble politics or whatever," Ginny argued, "But if you think I'm going to let him try that-"

"Gin, do you trust me?"

Ginny's feelings of trust and support for Harry conflicted greatly with her deep loyalty and the internal struggle was clear. Harry took her aside and gently rubbed her cheeks. "Please Gin, I promise, later tonight, I will give you full detail. And you don't have to like him. I don't like Percy right now. But the smart call is to leave him be tonight. Rule 2, please."

Ginny growled in her frustrations. "I hate you're using the rules this way." She took a breath. "But you rarely do. So I will respect it. But I do want that explanation tonight!"

"You'll get it, babe, promise." Harry kissed her cheek kindly to show he took it serious.

Ginny signed and rejoined the Marauders toward the front where all the teachers seemed to be gathering. Dumbledore gave a warm grin to Harry as he approached. Then Colin grabbed Harry's attention. "Harry, I wanted you to know, I got some good photos of today."

"Really? Put me down for one of each. And tell me you got some shots of Luna and the patronus move."

Luna smiled and a bit of blush came to her cheek.

"Harry's right." Ginny agreed. "Patronus decoy was brilliant."

"Thank you very much," Luna replied, wrapping up with Colin's arm. "From you two that means a lot."

"Well I'll be damned," Ron interrupted. Hermione lightly tapped his shoulder for the language but Ron nodded to the teacher's table where Percy was making small talk with Dumbledore, Tonks, McGonagall and the rest of the faculty, minus Snape. But what caught Ron's attention caught them all. Slughorn was quickly engaging Percy and they all recognized the smiles and laughs. Slughorn was trying to make another connection. And this time he came bearing gifts, a bottle of spiced mead.

Nevilled chuckled, "Go figure, here for one day only, but sure kiss his arse anyway."

"Gotta admire the consistency." Susan sighed as she watched on with the others while McGonagall transfigured a small pyramid of glasses.

They watched Slughorn pour the golden mead out filling the glasses. Luna cocked her head to the side and learned over to Ginny. "Why is the liquid black?

Harry and Ginny shared a look but didn't need to speak. Harry's reflexes drew his wand as the teacher reached for glasses. "Flipendo!" The glasses shattered as they were hurled against the wall, and all eyes were on Harry. He walked up with confidence to pull one of the last remaining glasses from Slughorn's own hand. "Mead's poisoned." he explained plainly. "Go ahead, someone scry it."

Tonks didn't hesitate. She grabbed her wand and scryed the glass Harry had, the puddle made from broken glasses and the remainder of what was in the bottle. "Potter's right. All of it was poisoned."

Harry turned to Slughorn. "Professor, may I ask where you got that bottle of meade."

Still in shock from realizing how close to death he came, he was in a daze.

Harry was tired, and annoyed, and out of patience. "Professor!" he snapped.

That was sufficient enough to jog Slughorn's attention. "What?"

"Where - did - you - get - the mead?!" Harry over-enunciated.

"Oh, ah, ah, that was a gift from Mr. Malfoy."

Tonks and Harry exchanged a look. "I'll handle him." Tonks said, clearly pulling rank, as she excused herself.

The teachers, and Percy, all stood in stunned silence. Dumbledore looked at Harry with pride. "Well Mr. Potter, it seems once again, you have saved the day… and our lives."