Chapter 19
Squid Games
Thursday, 3 October 1996
Dear Mr. and Mrs Weasley,
You asked for this. Okay, that was a joke, but I'm starting with a joke intently because writing home is new to me. It feels different than writing the others. Sorry?
Anyway, Monday turned out to be payday. Apparently, when we were enlisted/drafted that also came with a $20 Galleon wage paid at the end of a month. The squad was really happy about that, everyone is planning what to do with it at Hogsmeade in a few weeks. They do all deserve it. Ron was shocked. Gin was really happy too, but after Crimson Witch she just has a different perspective. I don't mind at all just… you know.
Classes are still fine. Since Gin and Luna passed their O.W.L.s our next project is N.E.W.T.s. Honestly this is where most free time goes. You said to keep an eye on Ginny, wish granted. If you were ever curious, yes it is possible to rush study a class. It is not enjoyable or recommended. I also don't think it would be possible in other classes. But I do get what Tonks is talking about. Things are dumb, it is a good idea to do as much as we can like N.E.W.T.s. before they get worse. Honestly, if I ever suggest going for the 'easy grade' again, hex me. But when it gets tiring I now have a memory of Gin running out after passing and her smile was just priceless.
So which one of you taught Ron stargazing? Because he's been kicking arse in astronomy. Just in case he doesn't mention it. He accidentally let it slip, he took 1st in that class last month. He's also doing damn fine in A.C.T. He's got a practicality about him that blends well with what we do. He and Sgt. Tonks actually get on well. Of course, that may be because Tonks is just awesome anyway and actually respects us a bit.
Hermione is … Hermione. Still bright. Ron does seem to be calming her down… a hair. She still insists on top marks but Ron seems to have convinced her that some things are more important than extra credit, so Hermione is settling for just 100's on scores now.
The school finished the Training Grounds to be an exterior firing range. They prepped some of the area between the castle and the quidditch pitch for us to practice bigger spells. Bill would be proud, the whole squad is getting versed with bombarda. Tonks wants some heavy hitters… I feel kind of cocky saying this, Gin and I are them. Seamus is coming up. That man LOVES to blow things up.
Apparently no one told Hagrid what the range was going to be before. You should have seen it. So when we had a round of target practice where the squad was all firing off bombardas, he came running from the stables in a panic. Just as he comes around the last bit of rock to get a clear view, Gin successfully drops her first fireball. Hagrid came running and screams, "No to my school, ya damn dirty Death-" then he sees it's just us… and we happily wave. First he's surprised at what we're doing, then he was proud to watch as we blew the hell out of targets.
Tonks says she wants to get Gin involved with battle broom flying next week. Get some time in before the weather turns worse. I will likely see if I can sweet talk Gin into giving me some tips for 'just in case' but I will likely leave the skies to her. I feel more like a ground pounder.
I'm doing fine. No further Riddle headaches or injuries short of writer's cramp, (kidding).
I will do my best to do this more often, even without Professor McGonnagall's motivation. It's the least I can do for you two.
-Harry
"That will do quite fine, Harry. Thank you for humoring us." Professor McGonnagall replied after the briefest of reviews and returned the letter to its author.
"You couldn't have read it completely."
"I didn't. Not really my business what you're saying to them but I do agree it's important that you are talking to them. You have a good family now, Harry. Embrace them. Just make sure you owl that out today." she replied with a smile.
"Yes Ma'am." Harry replied, tucking the letter back with his things. He agreed to send it out tonight. It was first period so he also figured he would touch base with the rest of the quartet so see if they had letters to go out. He didn't have to wait long before Hermione caught him in the hall to Potions. "I'm sending out Hedwig tonight. Any letters for her?"
"Not this time, but thank you," she shook her head
"Any luck deducing what that supply list from last week was for?"
"No, in fact as I do any research I seem to just find more potions that it could be. The problem is that it is just a list of various ingredients. No measurements, no processes. I don't even know if I am working with a partial list for one or if it was for 1 or more potions."
"Dumb question, Hermione. Why do you care so much?"
"Three reasons. First I've been checking with Sergeant Tonks. The suspects captured either refuse or honestly don't know what the supplies were for. Secondly, the ring leader said Greyback personally was watching their work. Thirdly, Your Riddle headache."
"My headache?" he asked, lost at the connection.
"Well you tell me, you've said that you believe those are sometimes triggered by Riddle's emotions, correct?"
"I think ya, he gets pissed, it flares up."
"I've been reading the papers for the last few weeks. I can't find any other event that would upset him."
"So you're thinking that job was delegated to Greyback, from Riddle himself."
"That is my current hypothesis, yes."
"Alright, I get a feeling I'm going to hate this but, argh, what do we know about Greyback?"
"That's what I asked the Sergeant about. You're going to love this."
He winced and felt a twinge in his neck. "Somehow I rather doubt that."
"Werewolf. Alpha or Pack Leader or whatever they call him."
"Wait, no. I refused to believe we were fighting wolves last week!" Harry refused.
"I asked and the Sergeant confirmed we didn't, 'Even wolves have lackeys.' she said."
"So for our first mission, we bust Riddle's werewolf's pets?"
"It could only happen to you, Harry Potter." smiled with a pat to his shoulder.
"Merlin," He shook his head. Karma was a bitch sometimes.
"That's why I've been studying their ingredient list. And that's why I'm giving you my copy of it. See if you can charm Slughorn to see if he knows any potion that requires all this. Closest I have is Polyjuice, but that is only the first six. The last eight, makes everything confusing."
"I'll give it a shot. Dumbledore says I need to be friendly with him. Pursuing potion curiosity sounds as good as any."
Potions class went as it had the last few weeks. Harry was starting to feel daring enough he was converting the potions in the book into muggle measurements… on a separate sheet of paper of course. He was smart enough not to write in a book around Hermione… Harry valued his life. Today's potion was the Darught of Peace, which Harry was practicing remarkable amounts of self control not joking to Hermione about. Though he was keeping his mouth shut, he couldn't stop himself from joining Ron with the common looks to the girl between them who could use the stuff by the case.
"Shut up, both of you." she warned and they were bottling the brews.
"Didn't say anything," Ron correctly observed.
"Maybe not with your lips, but I can read your eyes… both of you," she said pointing to each of them.
"Hey, at least we care." Ron defended.
"Thank you," Hermione finally accepted.
"Harry m'boy, Miss Granger," Slughorn greeted again, always wanting to see the top students. He looked and smelled at both of the brews. "Excellent work as always you two. Well done. It is a pleasure to have talent in the class."
"Er, Professor, I was wondering if we could possibly ask your help on something."
"More than likely lad, what seems to be the trouble?"
"Well, sharp as you sir, I'm sure you heard how the three of us are involved with the Auror Cadets?"
Slughorn smiled, "Absolutely my dear boy, I could see you as Head Auror in ten years. Just another way to set yourself apart."
Harry was careful to flash a fake smile of embarrassment. "I don't know about that sir, but thank you. More specifically, last week we stopped a burglary. The suspects were stealing a specific list of potion ingredients. We have reason to believe this is more important than just local thugary. We've spent the last week reviewing but can't determine what potion or potions this may be for. So that is when, as the muggles say, Mohammed comes to the mountain. I can't think of a greater potions master than you, sir."
"Oh, ho, ho, ho, Happy to help."
Harry handed the list to a widely smiling Slughorn, who read it carefully. "Hmm… polyjuice from the first view. These next few are generally from more mood and emotional stabilizers. The rest… I don't know if I've ever mixed in any potion. Whatever they are making is either very rare or new."
"Thank you, sir. The mood stabilizers are an additional lead, thank you."
Ron waited for the Slughorn to leave. "So we are looking for werewolves disguised as different people, but … happy?"
"I don't know, Ron." Harry shook his head. "But I am really starting to agree with 'Mione on this there is something to this. Harry Potter effect, you know?"
Hermione leaned over to Ron and smiled. "Hey Ron, He is starting to believe."
Harry was feeling good after practice. They had another month before their first match, which was against Slytherin, and the team was doing well already. It took him a week to settle back into a figure who corrects people's mistakes. As Ginny has predicted his tenure in D.A. was coming in handy. After working his Captain's list of putting gear away then finally running himself through the shower he was the last man out… like usual. 'Heavy is the head.' Harry thought again.
He had just gotten back into his trousers, socks when he heard a voice call his name. "Oh Harry…" they called. She called. A feminine voice. Not Ginny's or Hermione's, he'd recognize them instinctively. Had to be a problem they needed the captain, or cadet for… 'Damnit, I'm starting to collect titles again.'
"Problem?" he called out to the empty locker room as he put his shoe on.
"Captain, my captain," the voice called out again, followed by the distinct sound of footsteps."
"Heard you the first time. Let me get my shoes on at least."
"Oh.. but Harry, that's moving the wrong way." the voice's owner finally appeared around the corner of the row of lockers and leaned against them. She had to be wearing her old 4th or 5th year skirt as it was far shorter than normal offering a fantastic view of her curvy legs far higher than normal. Her sweater was completely gone, tie undone and hanging loose. Her shirt was unbuttoned, revealing her belly button and a triangle of creamy white skin pointing up to a single solitary hold out between two very prominent breasts, and long curly black hair falling around her shoulders.
Harry wasn't blind and he was a bloke. Yes, Romilda was dead sexy. But Harry wasn't dumb either, and having seen his fair share of trouble in the past he knew it had knocked again. "Romilda, what the hell are you doing?"
She took a big breath, deliberately pushing her chest forward. "Can't a girl support her house's captain?" she bit her lip as she looked at him with big dark eyes.
Harry stood up annoyed, and actually let it show. "Look I will admit I didn't catch your come on last time. I'm thick, I admit that. I'm not this thick though" he said gesturing to her body. "I will say this very clearly. No, I am not interested."
"Silly boy, come on. Wouldn't you even like to try what you're being offered." as she took a step closer.
To which, Harry was quick with his hand out. "OI! Stop, Drop it. There is an entire school full of blokes. I'm very certain if you try this on some of them you could go as far as you wanted tonight. But not me… move on!"
'Harry, I don't do blokes. I court winners, and you are most certainly the ultimate winner, Chosen One." She slowly stepped forward with a smirk on her face letting her chest lead the way purposely approaching so her left breast would press into Harry's outstretched hand.
And again, Harry wasn't dumb. He reached into his locker and drew his wand. "Back off!"
She finally stopped walking…but didn't stop pursuing. Slowly she raised her hand to the solitary button fastening on her shirt. "Harry, let me at least show what I'm offering and I promise you can have whatever you want."
With sparks of lightning in his eyes and over his wand. Harry's voice grew far more serious. "Touch that button and I swear to Merlin, I'm hexing you."
Finally some recognition started to register to Romilda as her hand left her shirt alone and even raised to the air. But she was a determined woman. "Harry, if you don't trust a girl, you could always just tie me up, you know."
Harry brought both hands up for a steady aim. "Romilda Vane, as Team Captain and as Auror Cadet I am warning you, you are not authorized in this locker room. Leave! Ten…"
"Ten?" she repeated in confusion.
"Nine seconds."
"What the hell? You're serious?" She started to realize the foolhardy position she was in and started to back her way out of the locker room
"Eight seconds." Harry repeated as he followed along pushing her out.
Romilda started for a moment when her back finally hit the door. She pushed it open and started to get frustrated now in the pitch hall. "Merlin Potter, It's a come on. Most blokes would be happy to receive one."
"I'm not most blokes. Thought that was clear. Seven seconds."
"My god, we wouldn't even have to tell anyone. A little fun behind her back." she wavered nervously.
"Not the bloody point!" he screamed. "Why is this so hard to understand? I got a girl that I have no intentions of losing. Two second penalty, five seconds."
"Why her?!"
"If you can't see the appeal of Ginny Weasley, you're not paying attention, and I don't even have the time for you. Four seconds."
"But-"
"Oh sod it, Flipendo!" He said through gritted teeth. The blast threw Romilda the last ten feet back against the exterior door. She looked conflicted with confusion and a touch of fear as she stood, almost looking like she was going to say something, but wisely decided against and and finally ran out the door.
Harry took a breath. He hadn't put his holster on, hell he didn't even have his shirt on, so he just put his wand in his back pocket like the old days. He exhaled greatly as he turned back to finish getting ready… just to see he had an audience.
Katie, Demelza, and Ginny were leaning up against the wall near the girls locker room… because Ginny made a point to wait for him just to walk back to the castle together. On the upside they were smiling. Ginny looked very much like the cat that caught the canary.
"Bollox…" he whispered under his breath. "Please tell me you lot at least saw enough to get a clear picture?"
Katie and Demelza looked at each other for a moment, they began applauding and cheering. Most importantly Ginny walked up as confidently as Harry had ever seen her and without a word wrapped her arms around his neck. "You really are the last damn noble gentleman." He opened his mouth but Ginny put a finger to his lips. "Just shut up and kiss me, Harry."
"Yes ma'am," he said as he wrapped around her waist to lift her up for the kiss which quite frank Harry enjoyed being able to just pick her. It felt silly and fun and to add that with a kiss and embrace… he never failed to part with a smile for her.
"C'mon Dem, Let's let the love birds be alone." Katie said to the third Chaser.
Demelza agreed, but not before lodging the minor complaint of "Oh… but they're cute."
"Agreed but he's the Captain, do you want to be benched?"
The conversation was ridiculous enough it actually gave Harry and Ginny a giggle enough to end the kiss, both of them watching Katie look over her shoulder and wink as she and Demelza walked outside.
"Can I go get a shirt on now? Technically, I'm breaking dress code rules." Harry asked.
"I suppose," Ginny replied. "You are the last bloke right?"
"Ya, come on in." he replied with a wave.
"Thank you, Harry." she said with great sincerity.
"No worries, like you said. Only me, so only the two of us."
Ginny smiled, "Harry please, to me at least, this is big enough. Can we have ten minutes, no jokes?"
Harry pulled his t-shirt on and registered the seriousness she held. "Okay Gin, serious talk. You don't think…"
"No. Not worried at all. That's just the thing. Especially watching you march Romilda out at wand point and still hex her, when most blokes would have taken what they could get back here…Harry, I just want to say, it's really comforting to know what I have with you and I appreciate you."
Harry took a seat on the wooden bench and gestured for her to do the same, which she did. "Let me ask you something, Gin. When the locket got me, or when I had the cracked ribs last week, or after Godric's Hollow, why did you stay and watch over me?"
Gin crossed her legs and sat about it. "The thought of it being optional, didn't even occur to me." She shook her head in confusion as if something didn't make sense. "That's just what you do, you know?"
"I will be honest enough to say it probably is Gin. Remember, that was never what I experienced. Statement of fact here, Gin. You are incredible and can do literally whatever you set your mind to." He brushed a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "So when an incredible and beautiful lady like you is willing to just give up your time just to sit around holding my hand while I'm unconscious. Well, I appreciate you too."
"Harry, you held me repeatedly-"
"And we could go 'round and 'round with this sort of talk. How about we take the simpler approach of 'we're just happy we have this?'"
Gin nodded and smiled. "Ya, we can do that. Every once in a while it's nice that the simple way is an option."
Harry slid over and wrapped an arm around Ginny's belly and waist. "Gin, just tell me you honestly don't think I'd cheat on you."
She emphatically shook her head. "Even before, never doubted. You're not put together that way. You practically ooze commitment Harry. But…"
"But?" he asked with a smirk on his face.
"Just because I wasn't worried, doesn't mean I can't appreciate it when my boyfriend shows commitment and loyalty. Those qualities may not get all the songs and poems written about them, but I promise you, that was damn attractive," she finished with a sultry smile.
"Thank you, Gin." as he pressed in for a kiss.
After Ginny smiled. "I will say though, you win."
"What did I win, O Queen of Competition?" he chuckled.
"Couple weeks back, I just chewed her out. You went and hexed her. Like damn. When you have pissed Harry off enough to throw spells at you… you've messed up. I don't think you've even done that to Malfoy." she smiled warmly.
"Nope, wanted to a few times but held back. Thank Hermione for that a couple times. Romilda threatened something more important to me than class, so my… reaction, was amplified." He shook his thoughts clear. "Anyway," he said as he rose. "You were waiting for an escort to the castle?" he said with an outstretched hand.
"I'd be honored." she replied.
"Enter," Professor McGonnagall replied to the knock at her office door.
"Minerva," a deep voice addressed as he stepped inside and took the chair in front of the witch.
"To what do I owe this visit to Severus?"
"Are you truly going to let that Tonks do whatever the hell she wants?" he asked calmly but clearly showing his distaste.
"She is an auror, teaching aurors. Yes, the thought had crossed my mind."
"And that includes blowing the hell out of the castle?"
"If the castle has been damaged, I would love to know when and how. But my understanding is she intends to, as you say, 'blow the hell out of' the Training Grounds, which we have specifically charmed to that purpose." she replied then took a sip of tea, never breaking eye contact with the professor in black
"I'm not talking about location, I'm talking about the spells!" Snape continued. "Are you aware she has instructed her entire class in widespread use of Bombarda? I don't even teach that to Seventh years."
"I am now." Minerva said matter of factly.
"And she's got the Weasley girl already casting Confringo. Finnigan is on her coattails. And Potter has it in his head to be the next lightning mage! What do you plan to do?"
"Congratulate her I suppose."
"You're comfortable with over two dozen students being taught the spells powerful enough to level a city block?"
"No, Severus."
He breathed a sigh of relief as he sat back in the chair.
"I'm comfortable with those two dozen students being taught spells powerful enough to level a city block… and having the proper judgment to use those spells when needed, which will largely be when they face the front lines against Death Eaters."
The former Death Eater looked at the witch carefully.
"Really Severus, what did you think they were going to do? Stun the enemy to submission? Disarm them to victory?" Minerva rose and looked out her window to the horizon and the war on the way. "You, Severus, more than any teacher here, know what they will be facing. Half of those students have already lost someone." The last sentence finished with an air of sympathy, but then she turned to look at Snape and that same voice gained an octave of strength and vitriol. "We never asked for these damn days, but if Riddle is set on bringing them, then I am more than content to make him regret it. If he attacks my children, then may they rain fire, lightning, hail, and anything else Sergeant Tonks can teach them." She looked coldly to Snape. "Does that make my position clear?"
"Yes Minerva," Snape replied exhausted, "Perfectly."
Friday, 4 October 1996
Hello Harry,
Fleur and I were having supper with Mum and Dad when Hedwig arrived. Figured never look a gift bird in the mouth. Mum especially says thanks for the letter. She smiled like it was Christmas morning when your owl arrived.
Burrow is fine. Quite if anything. Grimmauld is well also. Per your requests, 'Master Potter', Fleur and I have finished remodeling the Master Bedroom and are quite comfortable. We also have finished the dining room. Next, the kitchen. Taking the approach of focusing on the rooms we actually live in first. Dobby has blended in quite well with us and been of great help. I've arranged for him to have his own deposit box, and have his wages set up with the bank. I am in the process of doing the same for Kreacher. Kreacher is fine, I suppose. And don't worry about the phrasing. We're all simply getting used to the 4 person dynamic of the house now. He has been just as helpful as Dobby. If I didn't know better I would say that elf loves this house a bit more than the average. Whenever we get a bit of work done, I swear I've seen him smile.
Speaking of Grimmauld, with remodels started obviously you are taking the house permanently. Something for you to think about is a secret keeper. Since you inherited the house there is simply a minor ritual to perform to set the magic to your wishes. Larger issue is it does require someone of age. The previous secret keeper is still with us so there is no rush. So if you want to wait for a birthday or such feel free. Just something to think about.
I did get your supply shipping requests, and yes, I've placed them. Harry, I will be honest. I am impressed and I don't even officially know what you're doing. But crates of camping and healing supplies being sent to over a dozen locations throughout Britain, well, even the Order has taken notice. Perhaps it's the steward in me but if you've arranged locations to station supplies in various places it seems logical to keep eyes on those areas.
Speaking of the Order, Riddle is trying a different strategy this time around. We're not quite sure what. Less directed at blood traitors or even Muggle born. We are trying to determine what it may be. So far anyone's guess is valid.
The Ministry of Magic… is trying. For some reason, Stan Shunpike, conductor of the Knight Bus, has been arrested on suspicion of Death Eater activity. We're working with Dan to try to suss that out. The pair of them have picked up half of the Order one time or another. If he's an Eater, I'm a Benedictine Monk.
Also it seems, Garrick Ollivander has fallen missing. Yes, the one you and most of Hogwarts got their wands from. Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle. Technically, no one knows whether he left voluntarily or was kidnapped, but no one at our table thinks it was of his own accord. As you're beating the streets, keep your ears open.
Needless to say, we are proud you and the team are actually being deployed. Mum's worried of course, but she worries any time we're all not under the Burrow roof. Dad is comforted that you are under Tonks, someone we know and trust. I know I don't need to, but I will do the big brother thing and say please continue to keep an eye on Ginny out there. When you can, give her some good days. Ron & Hermione too.
All of you, good luck, best wishes, and respect.
-Bill
P.S. Since I remember how letters get passed around I'll just say: Ginny, we are all incredibly impressed by your getting an OWL your first month. All four of us are very proud. And, yes sister I am aware you can take care of yourself, but this is war and there are far worse things in life than a boyfriend watching over you and a brother who cares enough he looks forward to seeing you again this holiday… with a surprise.
"Merlin, he really makes a case to try to be my favorite sometimes." Ginny said after Harry had indeed shared the letter over dinner.
"So Ollivander is missing and Shunpike arrested?" Hermione repeated in disbelief. "What is going on?"
"Fog of war." Ron explained. "When the enemy is among us and in the shadows, people get scared and suspicious." All four of them, including Neville, looked at them in disbelief. Ron smiled. "Look I get it, I don't crack as many books as her," gesturing to Hermione. "But I'm not a complete idiot."
"Absolutely, " Hermione agreed with a nod.
"Same," Harry said. "I'll also go on record saying Shunpike is no Eater. I'm one of those blokes they've bailed out a couple times."
"I think we're all on that page, babe." Ginny replied with a reassuring rub to his back.
"So are we all good for tonight?" Neville asked to change the subject.
Harry and Ron both looked at each other and gave mental rundowns. "I can't think of anything mate. You?" the redhead asked.
"There is so much unpredictable with these damn things, but no. I can't think of anything else to prep for. You gave us a good location idea and its certainly no challenge to broom over."
"Alright, Prep what you need. Hermione keep on the link. Nice thing about being smart is you can talk to us over that as much as in person. The rest of us, let's prep and meet at the pitch." Harry rose and looked over. He exchanged looks with Hannah and Susan, and couldn't help but notice Ernie Macmillian sitting across from Sue, and she was smiling. But she did see Harry nod which she did return with a brief wave.
"Harry, do you see what I see?" Ginny asked.
"I am Captain Oblivious, babe, but ya I think I do. Good on them."
"Agreed," she smiled as they headed to the dorm.
"Ronald, a moment?" Hermione asked, taking his hand. He nodded instinctively and let her take the lead down the hall and around a corner. Immediately, falling into a hug. "Merlin, now I wish I learned to ride a broom."
"You have had a standing offer from me to teach you."
"Come back safe and sound and I will probably take you up on that one."
"And after broom flying there's Quidditch." Ron replied.
Hermione chuckled, relieving stress, exactly what Ron was trying to do. "Don't get your hopes up, dear."
"I know but the joke was worth it for the smile." Ron reached up and rubbed her cheek. "I'm going to be fine. This is far from the craziest thing we've done."
"It's a horcrux, Ron, one of Riddle's horcruxes." She took her breath, squeezed him close then released to look him in the eyes. "I don't do this often but tonight may I ask one favor?"
"Name it."
"I will feel far better tonight if when your broom lifts off it's my Water Wizard flying it, not the joker."
Ron flashed a smile. "Ya, babe, for you, for tonight, I'll play it straight. Promise." A promise he sealed with a kiss.
As they kept their brooms in their bunks, Harry and Crimson changed into the same outfits as the Chamber mission but added jackets for the night air. Harry on his Firebolt and Crimson on her Reign of Fire gently flew over from the courtyard to the pitch.
"How are you, Gin?" he asked as he glided over, reaching for her hand.
She happily accepted. "I'm fine, love, thank you. No Chamber this time. We're more experienced. I'm not naive, I know something is going to pop, but at this point I have faith in our ability to handle it."
Harry nodded. "Agreed… on all points."
"This is the last one we actually have. Do we have a plan for the rest?"
"Take a page from 'Mione. Hit the books. I imagine we'll focus on Ravenclaw and branch out. See if Hogwarts has any reference on crying lightning. I'll likely take the lightning research, whatever I don't find out about the horcrux, may put a few more tricks into my elemental magic."
Crimson smiled widely, "You know I think that makes it official."
The smile was contagious. "Alright, what's that?"
"If I'm Crimson, you're Lightning."
Harry looked over to her and saw the adoration in her eyes. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"I mean if you don't like it-"
"Actually, especially from you, I think I could get behind that one, and you know how I hate titles." Harry smiled. "Thanks."
They landed by the pitch, and simply took the moment. They laid their brooms against the wall and had a seat on the wooden bench near the door. Harry reflexing slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Harry, can I ask a personal kind of question?" Ginny asked.
Harry smiled. "Thought you were the one to say we're past that and to just ask."
Ginny smiled back. "I did, but this has to do with your House Potter stuff. Do you have thoughts about your secret keeper? I ask because, well let's be honest, I'll probably be living there with you."
Harry squeezed her close. "I'm glad you're already thinking that way. The whole secret keeper thing is what blew up the Marauders and factored a lot into what happened with my parents. As I look back, the five of them, well they were all known as close friends. So the Death Eaters knew it would be one of them. So don't get me wrong. It's not a matter of trust. I do trust everyone on our War Council. But I'd like my secret keeper, well… secret… and outside the council. I thought I'd ask Bill."
"Bill's good, ya." she replied, nodding. "A good balance of being close to us but not obvious and I trust him too. And he's alway been one of my more supportive brothers of us… being us."
Harry gave his best impersonation. "Harry, just give her a good day."
Ginny giggled at that, but after catching her breath she did confirm. "You do. You've given me many good days. Thank you."
"I just wish I could take you out more often."
"Lightning," she said, trying out the new nickname. "Like I said on our first date. All I ever want is time. And to your credit, it's obvious you truly make me your first concern. Every period we can, you're at least checking with me, and we study most of them. I don't think there's been a study session where you didn't make me smile. I know you never missed a good night kiss before we break for the dorms and I have lost count how many times I've fallen asleep with the link on from talking with you. You make damn near every day good. Thank you." She said with a kiss to his lips.
They embraced for a moment, only for Neville to be the one to tease their arrival. "Oi you two." he smiled.
"Tell me you and Hannah haven't done the same damn thing." Ginny replied.
"Oh ya," Susan confirmed. "She got him in the hall by the portrait of Fat Lady."
Ron just shook his head, in disbelief that he was the serious one in the group. Harry caught that and gave Ron a proud pat to his shoulder as he rose. "Let's link in and get every one set." Harry said as took the lead. His badge glowed to unlock the doors into the pitch and into the supply room. "Ron, you know where yours is at. Neville, Susan, We've got a pair of Comet 290's I'll set you up with."
Ron linked in publically, as he got his Cleansweep. "Mione, Hannah, you with us?"
"Study already in session. We're here in the Training Hall." Hermione confirmed.
Hannah confirmed, "Even have a healer's kit, just in case. And we'll be working on some target dummies while we wait."
"Good to hear." Harry confirmed. "Rest of us on flight. Brooms, check?"
Nods from all.
"Ministry pins?
Nods from all.
"All right, let's go hit the island."
They took off flying south heading to the small piece of land. Ginny glided towards Susan with a smirk.
'Private Link to Susan' she charmed.
Susan reciprocated Ginny's smirk. "Can I help you?" she answered.
"Oh I don't think you want my help. At dinner it looked like Eddie was helping you just fine." Ginny replied.
Susan smiled wider. "Maybe."
"Ya, sure, maybe. Sue, I flirt so hard I finally got Harry Potter to notice. I recognize it when I see it."
Susan laughed, then admitted, "Then you're not incorrect."
"Good! More importantly, is he flirting back?"
"I'd suppose technically I'd be the one flirting back." Susan clarified.
"Really? Please do tell."
"Seriously is this what this team is like one minute: snogging, next slaying, then gossip?"
"Ya pretty much," Ginny joked. But then followed it more seriously, "The way Harry and I at least see it. We're trying to save the world. All of us, you included Susan, we've already paid in pain as is, and more is to come. If any of us can steal a moment or two of happiness, take it."
Susan looked at the other redheaded witch dumbfounded. "Merlin… is this what you two talk about when you're off alone?"
"Sometimes." Ginny replied with a shrug.
"Damn, I thought you'd have more … fun."
Ginny laughed. "We do that other times. Which is why when he noticed you two at dinner even he said 'Good on them.'"
Susan lowered head and shook in the cool night air. "I can't believe I'm having this conversation now, but fine. For your reference, I hate to apparate. You know… with the leg thing."
"Right."
"So back at Godric's Hollow, I found a pub and flamed back to Three Broomsticks. I was in a foul mood so I bought a drink. Later, Ernie came in. Bought me a second and chatted me up. And I found I rather liked that. He actually got a laugh or two out of me. And truth be known it was the first chat up I'd had since Aunt Amelia passed… so… I figured what the hell.
So Ernie has taken that as an invitation to pop 'round more often, and I haven't discouraged him yet. In fact, I may have encouraged him. He may have asked if I have any plans for Hogsmeade Weekend, to which he asked if he could take me… and I said yes."
"That great Sue!"
"Hardly, this is more a curiosity and getting to know each other. This is not some epic love story like Harry and you."
"Yet." Ginny finished.
"What?"
"This is not some epic love story yet." End private link.
Susan stifled a laugh as Ginny smiled as she drifted closer to Harry for the landing on the isle.
"Med team, be aware we are coming in for landing." Harry linked.
"Understood," Hannah replied, "But you know I would love to be bored tonight."
Bowturckle Island was more an absence of water than a real island. It was a little under 100 feet across from center to reach the water from any direction from dominated by a singular grand oak in the center surrounded by long grass now falling brown to the Scottish fall. The team landed their brooms around and leaned them up against the tree.
"Crimson, pop a light for us please?" Harry asked as he dropped his pack. She happily threw up a lumos that hovered and illuminated the isle. He pulled out a containment jar and gave that to Ron. "Everyone take a fang. If we get separated, the first one to stab the cup wins."
"Just everyone be cautious where you jab these things, they are some of the most deadly daggers on the planet." Ron warned, and finally this time, no one was phased, they all just accepted the warning. Ron smiled.
Harry took a precautionary drink of his headache brew. Crimson had a thought. "Hey Lightning, just in case, where do you keep that?"
"Lightning?" Neville asked, isn't that a little too on the nose?" he asked.
Harry full on smiled. "Compared to the titles I've had, Lightning will do just fine. As for my potion," Harry grabbed his pack. "Right here, exterior left." The two of them nodded.
Finally he grabbed the container with tonight's objective. "Hufflepuff's cup, any takers? Ron?"
"Respectfully, I am claiming dibs on Nagini. So the rest of you are welcome."
"It's Hufflepuff's cup and you're the one that recognized it. Susan?"
Susan blinked. "You sure Harry? I mean you're the hero here."
"Oi, everyone on this team is damn heroic, and unless my eyes deceive me, you're standing here Sue." Harry grinned. "Look, you were the first noble to offer me a hand, and we both agreed you have scores to settle. Let me offer this as a small part of that. Break one of Riddle's favorite toys." Harry offered the containment jar to her.
Susan paused for a moment as she looked around to the circle of what had quickly become some of her closest friends. All of them seemed to have understanding, moreover even acceptance of the rage and contempt she had felt for months. Hannah's voice linked over. "Susan, break that cup wide open."
Neville followed up with a grin. "When even the nurse is telling you to kill something, you know it's okay."
It was odd, like everyone else she had been raised with the ideal of being nice to people, patience, kindness, forgiveness. But then after her parents died and Aunt Amelia stepped into that position. Yes, she also started with that positions, but as Susan got older and reality started to creep in, Aunt Amelia began to show how she had become the head of House Bones, the D.M.L.E. and earned her seat on the Wizengamot. She was absolutely fair. She truly cared about justice. But once guilt was found, Amelia Bones had no problem pronouncing judgment. She had often told Susan, 'Too much mercy to the guilty, insults the innocent.'
It was as those memories filled her mind Susan nodded. "Yea, I could go for a little vengeance." She took the container and walked midway between the tree and coast. She took a knee as she set it on the browned grass. Harry flinched as he felt it when she took the lid off, his scar stung, but the potion made it manageable. Susan up ended the container and dropped the cup to the ground. With a grim expression and thru gritted teeth she growled something her Aunt had taught her. "Let the punishment fit the crime." She swung the fang downward… and plunged into the dirt
At just that moment two huge tentacles snapped out of the water. One grabbed the cup and the other grabbed Susan's ankle. Simultaneously, dozens of small, horned, pale-green skinned creatures with tentacle bottoms and gremlin-like tops leapt from all sides of the isle. They fell from the sky in a stink of deep fish odor but worse lashing, clawing, and even biting onto whatever flesh they could find. As the team's screams filled the link Hermione called over, "What is going on?!"
Harry saw Susan and the cup both being dragged to the water and as they tentacles drew closer he saw more breaking the surface and behind the tentacles he saw the huge body of the Giant Squid. He reacted. "Crimson, get in the air! We've got the beach." As he ran and instinctively threw a lightning lash to the tentacle holding Susan and quickly buried planted feet in the ground to anchor her in the surface.
"Bollox!" Ron yelled as a pair of creatures latched on to them. "Mione, we got a the Giant squid trying to eat Susan and the cup and we got a damn army of sea demon shites raining on us!" Then he yelled to the rest for the team, "Watch your fangs! Don't stab yourself!" He pocketed his.
A slightly panicked filled, but still controlled, Hermione ordered back. "Describe them!"
"Two feet tall, belly's a bit bigger than a football, looks like a damn octopus for legs, and a devil shite from the waist up. " Ron reported back as he blasted cold waves at the creatures… no no avail.
"Wet green skin, and teeth like argh!" Neville added as he and one lash on to each arm and a second around his neck.
"Grindylow!" Hermione replied. "Aquatic demons. Ron, they're used to the cold. Fire would be your best bet. Lightning too."
Crimson quickly shot herself clear as her firebolts seem to have much greater effect but the pests seemed to sense that and swarm in even more on her. After about six of the bastards she tired of their pests and cried out 'Fammeum sphaera' and her eyes aurora itself ignited in flame, a final batch of four more creatures lept from the water for her then charred to ash in her flames.
As Harry held the squid's main arm at bay but barked at Susan, "Shoot him! Shoot him!" Susan looked down to the squids wrap around her ankle and dropped her fang, she drew her wand and aimed a few feet further down its arm. 'Bombarda'! A cry cave from the squid and inhuman whale of pain and the arm endured the pain but did let Susan go. All of its tentacles shoved off the beach as it fled into the deep.. With the silver cup in its grasp… and with Harry still lashed to it.
"Harry!" Susan screamed just before he fell into the deep.
"if they don't like the cold," Ron replied to Hermione's advice, "What about a blade? Glacies clutro!" Ron flicked in the wand and from it extended an immaculately sharp dagger of ice. One he used cut the grindylow wrapped around his left arm in two. Then stabbed the one around his leg through the head. His body now clear he threw three daggers of ice onto swarming water demons as the horde continued.
Crimson was enraged, but now she had some room to work. "Neville, don't fucking move!" The lad froze as he looked at what arguably would be either a nightmare or blessing. Ginny Weasley pissed off, literally on fire, with a wand pointed straight at him. Seeing the slight, he nodded in agreement and trust and she launched three motes of fire blasting the creatures on him. "Cover them!" Crimson ordered as she grabbed her broom and took to the sky.
Ron came to Neville. "I've got an idea, but I'm going need some cover."
Neville squared his jaw in determination. 'Spina flagellum' he cast as his wand spawned a whip of green thorns. "They will never touch you." he said with more confidence than he had ever said in life.
Ron flipped his wand upside down to point it to the ground and took a knee, as ice formed over his eyes. "I hope this works."
"Ron what are you going to do?" a nervous Hermione asked.
"I'm trying to be clever. Let me concentrate. Aqua murus!" A ring or blue arcane energy rippled out from Ron's wand, across the land and out to the water surrounding the island. From the coast then a ringed wall of water a foot thick started to flow upward like cresting against an unseen wall they climbed ten feet high. But as the walls grew, they started to flow and throw the slimy green devils back, as these creatures were accustomed to current the strong were able to break free form the water wall and after they unceremoniously fell to the ground they quickly squirmed their way to the center… only to be met with the thorny and spiked end of Neville's whip lashing out as soon as he saw them. Back and forth he raked across the ground sweeping the lucky few who broke threw back into the water.
Susan ran to the pair. "Harry's in the water!"
"What?!" the entire team yelled over the link.
Hannah immediately referenced the time.
"Kill the damn cup, that'll probably shut all this down!" Neville shouted between whip
swings.
The Giant Squid's got it!" Susan yelled back.
"Where's Harry?"
"The Giant Squid's got him!"
The whip cracks came more and more as the stronger Grindylow showed the example for the weaker and more and more pushed through. "Ron, if you have anything else up your sleeves now's the time."
"I'm a Weasley… I always have something up my sleeve. Crimson, if I push 'em, can you cook 'em?"
Crimson was already circling back on her broom. "With pleasure." she replied, popping her wand from her wrist sheath. With the arcane energy still flowing from his wand he jerked his shoulders to the left and leaned in. As he did the wall of water began to spin. Slowly at first, but then it picked up speed. Soon the force was strong enough not even the strongest Grindylow could resist the force of the soon rapidly spinning wall of water. Like a blender with the lid off the water demons were being tossed out and away from the island… but they were still far from safe.
Crimson soon orbited the wall flying clockwise against the turn all the while holding a dragons breath like fire raking the exterior of the water ring, incinerating the cast off Grindylow.
"Alright, I think we have the island secure." Neville reported.
"Agreed! Now Harry, report god damn it!" Crimson yelled over the link.
Flashbacks of the Second Task rush through Harry's mind as he again crashed beneath the water of the Great Lake. Fortunately, much of that was training. The darkvision of his glasses was helping with sight below the water line. Reflexively took the largest breath he could before he went under. 'The cup… gotta get the cup' was all his mind could focus on. His instincts were to try and lash the cup itself but for the fraction of a second he had thought, the squid acted. Having lost his original prey of Susan it quickly trapped itself around Harry's leg.
'No point to the lash then' Harry realized as he dismissed that and quickly cast, 'aer bulla' on his mouth and blessedly a bubble of air formed to cover the lower half of his face like a mask. Now with a few seconds to think, he reviewed his situation. The giant squid had its right main arm around him and its left around the cup. With a lack of landmarks the only bearing Harry had were air bubbles went up, and based on that the squid was swimming down about a 45 degree angle. 'Likely taking me home for dinner… in the bad way.' Harry thought.
After losing the cup, his biggest concern was how lightning would work in water. Harry was old fashioned and preferred not to electrocute himself. Susan's had shown one option already. Bombarda Harry cast onto the other arm. The squid's spasmed in pain enough that it did release the horcrux. Harry's eyes went wide as he didn't even hesitate. Instantly he shot a lightning lash out… and missed. Harry swore to himself as he tried again… landing it squarely. He reeled it in quickly with a sense of victory. The moment he had it he quickly stuffed it into his jacket. Then his focus on his squid captor.
"Agreed! Now Harry, report god damn it!" he could hear Crimson over the link
"Underwater with the squid!" he replied.
"Merlin, How do we help?" she replied.
"Stay topside, I got this!"
"Harry, it's Hannah, you've been under minimum 2 minutes already."
"Bubble head charm, let me work!" he explained.
Harry glared at the living anchor sinking him further down. "Alright you underwater son of a bitch. You let me go or I swear to Merlin, I will turn you into calamari. Bombarda!" Harry dropped an explosion in the center mass of the smaller tentacles in front of him…. To see it not truly damage him but cause enough pain the squid started swimming faster.
"Fine, we do this my way, fulgur flagellum." Harry said as he tried his lightning lash to crack a whip across the squid body… to no affect.
"Take a hint you bastard, maga fulmen." Harry shot a medium arc of electricity to the mass of tentacles in front of him. The squid shuddered. But still seemed determined.
"Alright, you asked for it. This lake didn't get me two years ago, it ain't taking me now." He'd studied and he practiced but still hadn't successfully thrown a full lightening bolt. Tonks had encouraged him. Ginny had even christened him. But if ever there was a time, now was it. Harry dug down deep, his eyes arced with charge. 'Fulgur fulmenso' From his wand leapt a bolt of lightning as thick as his arm with a crack of thunder following. The squid spun, shook and racked with pain and finally, finally, realized Harry was more trouble than he was worth.
'Leviosa,' Harry shouted to jet upwards. As he rose he could see the light from the island and especially the fires from Crimson's attacks. As he came closer he could see the swarms of Grindylow circling the isle.
"If it ain't broken…" he thought to himself. He fired his second lightning bolt outwards electrifying every creature within five feet of his arc all the way up to the surface.
"Bubble head charm, let me work!" They heard Harry shout over the link, which was likely the best option but it didn't mean any of them liked it. To their credit, both Weasley's held the concentrations on their spells, the result was becoming a massacre for the clearly dominated Grindylow population.
A few long seconds later from the west side of the island thunder boomed and the light flashed as the team all looked over to see a full lightning bolt erupt from beneath the water, throwing dozens of charred bodies to the side. The team on the ground snapped their gaze in shock. Crimson smiled in admiration, 'That's my boyfriend."
Following the bolt, Harry himself flew out of the water and over the spinning wall of water, but then somersaulted over landing hard on his backside. He pulled the cup from his jacket and threw it roughly towards the ground team. "Someone kill that goddamn thing!"
Susan dashed and slid to her knees. She didn't bother to say anything. She just screamed as he jammed the damned cup. A wave of arcane energy rippled out and the Grindylow finally stopped. With the horde stopping Ron let the spell drop and fell to the ground exhaustion.
Neville came to his side. "You alright mate?"
Ron nodded, "Just tired, give me five minutes.
"I think you earned ten, Water Wiz."
"Hey, Neville… Thanks for the cover fire."
Crimson immediately landed near the now soaked bloke on the grass. "Harry?"
When she fell to his side, he was clearly exhausted too but smiling from ear to ear.
"Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
He looked up to her with mischief in his eye and cockyness on his grin. "I'm better than okay, I threw lightning bolts."
"That's what that was?" her eyes beaming in pride.
Harry nodded.
"You are crazy… but you are also bloody amazing." She leaned down to kiss him and just be happy they both were alive.
"What's going on?" Hermione called.
"This is Lightening, Horcrux is dead. We are good."