Chapter 16
Trial by Fire
Ginny had changed into a comfortable pair of shorts and Harry's jersey, the shirt being a comfort to both of them. She sat on the bed facing Harry and was enamored with continuing to look though the photographs of days before while Harry wanted to experience his parents spell books. Even if they weren't letters or conversation it was still tactile and he could feel the impressions left from words his parents had hand written themselves. Truly that was what he was looking most forward to. He slowly studied through his parent's work.
After a few minutes he was brought out his trace-like study, when Ginny was rubbing a tear off his cheek. Once Harry realized, he did the Harry Potter thing and apologized. "I'm sor-"
"Don't you dare," she softly but strongly. "You were there with me for the Chamber. I am here for you now."
"Thank you. Again, I'm going to go with 'some hero' huh?"
Continuing to rub his cheek. "Actually yes. Proof you still have your feelings, or if I may be honest, that you're letting them come back."
Harry took a deep breath and exhaled. "You are probably not too far off of that. It sucks to say but I admit there was a lot of … shutting down … just to…"
"To survive," she finished. "Harry, I'll be honest that I'll never understand the depths of what you went through. But I do understand the concepts of what you've shared. And I do know something about trying to emotionally survive."
He closed his eyes and released a few tears. "I love you, Gin."
She laid the photo album to the side and slid over and under Harry's left arm. "I love you too, and I trust you too."
That did get Harry's attention. "I do trust you, Gin"
"Sorry, I guess I was thinking aloud."
"I usually like your thoughts, care to share?"
She brushed a strand of crimson locks back behind her ear as she laid her head on Harry's chest. "I guess how I see it, any bloke is happy to get beer, find a girl, snog, whatever. Most couples here at school are worried about what to do at Hogsmeade, or their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s."
"I won't argue," Harry answered, curious where this conversation was going.
"You've started a War Council to fight the actual war. You're aligning houses together. You're hunting and killing Riddle down piece by piece.
He shrugged, "Everyone needs a hobby."
Ginny rolled her eyes, but was happy to hear the joke. It showed Harry wasn't quite that low emotionally. "And for me personally. You climb into a forbidden chamber, that shows courage. You held me as I fell to pieces, that shows love. And now you're willing to let me hold you when you're the one falling apart, that's trust. And it is very comforting to know how much you trust me, Harry.
So if you ever wonder why I don't flinch when we talk about after graduation, Grimmauld, kids, marriage… that's why. You're… we're… trying to save the world. I say, anyone trying to do that… we've damn well earned the right to make our own 'happily ever after.'
So please, keep reading, let your tears come. This time I got you tonight. I'm on watch, I'll keep the monsters away."
"Partners?"
"Always." she said with a smile. To help illustrate the point, Ginny lent a hand to hold the book open, since one of Harry's was now holding her. A fair exchange.
Flipping through Lily's spell book, Harry found notes to several spells he was familiar with but also a litany of nature magic.
Gardener's Touch
Thorn Whip
Beast Bond
Entangle
"Mum would have gotten on with Neville," Harry muttered.
A section of that gained Harry attention greatly was:
Wandless Magic
The norm with many more natural based mages, wandless seems to be a challenge for the formally taught. We formally taught are focused on the mental focus. But high magics like patronus and apparition have components. Could Wandless? Ask James, he's passionate.
Regardless start simple: Prestidigitation, Accio… actually Summoning wand may likely be handy…
"Damn mum, you called it… looks like you just didn't get this down." He looked over to the redhead laying next to him. "Gin?"
"Don't even have to ask, babe. I take that glove off to sleep and shower, that's about it. Especially after my first year, your girl is a big fan of self protection."
"Thank you."
"It's sweet you care though." She pecked his cheek, then settled back in.
When he switched to his father's book, he could see what Augusta and so many others about Harry having his father's spirit. He found his father's notes for the Patronus Charm. But then his eyes shot wide with Homonculous Charm. "We could make our own Marauder's map."
Harry read through a spell on staying hidden, Pass without Trace, and his father notes on Silence charms, including a smile drawn by one? Harry smiled, James was a charmer.
When he got to his father's section on potions, he was surprised again: Animangus "The Marauders shape shifting…" he whispered.
Harry's greatest shock was when he reached the last few potions. Judging from the date of entry, it looked like James had entered somewhere after graduation for coming of age. "Merlin," is all Harry could say. It was the handwritten notes for the original potions that built the family fortune:
Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, Felamont, 1967
Skele-gro, Linfred of Stinchcombe, 1278
Pepperup Potion, Linfred of Stinchcombe, 1258
Ginny just laid there offering comfort. She was sad because Harry clearly was as well, but happy he was at least working though his grief and not just bottling it up. Merlin, she was happy they could find a few of these family items to give him some sense of connection to what he'd lost. Truthy she saw a few potions and spells that caught her eye too, but now was not the time.
When Harry finished reading he simply rested them on his nearby dresser and turned the lights off. He didn't bother to move more than to turn further into Gin to look into her eyes. "I can't thank you enough for today." he said, rubbing her cheek.
"No thanks needed. Perks of the relationship. But now, get some sleep." She was both happy and sad to see the emerald eyes closed, but comforted when she could feel his breathing shift to sleeping. Then she felt comfortable enough to fall asleep too.
Like so many times before, Harry's damn mechanical alarm clock of responsibility woke them. Visibly she could see he was better than 24 hours ago. There was an extra twinkle in his eye like some weight had been lifted. "Hey you," Ginny greeted with surprise.
Harry didn't even say a word. With his right hand he reached up, took the initiative and pulled her closer. Harry pressed his lips to hers with a desire Ginny hadn't experienced before but was refreshingly welcome that she moaned as Harry rolled over on top of her. When he finally came up for air he smiled brighter than she'd ever seen. "Harry?" she asked with a smile from ear to ear.
"Never in my life has anyone been so gentle, caring, and supportive to me. Thank you so very, very much. I know, I've said this before, but… I think I have a better understanding now. I love you, Ginny Weasley."
"Well now you know what you did for me the night of the War Council meeting. So thank you." Ginny beamed back. "This is just what love is, real love at least. Don't get me wrong, the flirts and the snogs are very enjoyable too but that's just easy surface stuff. But the caring and support, that's what really helps a couple go for the long term."
Harry smiled very widely. "So thinking of me in the long term then?"
Ginny closed her eyes in contentment. "Harry, I have trouble picturing my life at all without you."
Harry rubbed her cheek. "Make you a deal. I won't make any life plans without you and vice versa. Same?"
Ginny leaned into his hand. "Absolutely."
They kissed to cement the agreement, then real life finally settled as they got changed for morning exercise.
Ginny emerged from the bathroom while Harry was finished packing his change of clothes into his back. Like normal she reached for the invisibility cloak. This time it registered with Harry. "Ginny, do you want to use that?"
"What do you mean, babe?"
"Is there anyone of my dorm mates that doesn't know we're a couple?" he asked as he came over and lifted her up by her waist and set her on the counter.
Ginny smiled. "I don't think there is anyone in Wizarding Britain that is unaware of us."
"Okay and are any of them not familiar with what happens with a normal relationship?"
Ginny giggled. "If anything Harry, we're probably slow. I mean, I'm happy, and we have our reasons, but-"
"I'm happy too, Gin. I just meant, to reasonable minds you here shouldn't be any surprise."
"Oh? Hell no."
"So we've been keeping the cloak up for Ron?" Harry asked for clarification.
Ginny sighed. "I guess, I never thought about it in that detail, but ya. I know he's been decent recently but 15 years of him being a prat vs 3 months…. Harry, are you suggesting NOT using your cloak?"
"Suggesting yes, at least in part. But I want your opinion."
"You're risking a fight with Ron." she warned.
He waved her off. "I can take him."
Ginny laughed. "Wow, you really are feeling better today."
"Thanks," he said with a peck. "Seriously, we don't know it will be a fight. He has been decent when he sees us kiss."
"I know, but you and I both know how Ron overreacts. He's going to assume that we are…" she smiled and took the opportunity to run her hand through his raven hair, "Well, getting to things I am looking forward to, even if I'm not ready yet."
Harry smiled. "Hey again, no rush. I'm not going anywhere," he reassured with a kiss. "Second, this wouldn't be the first fight either of us had with him. Mostly though, I want you to be comfortable and happy." Harry said with a kiss to her forehead.
"Alright, if you have me thinking about this… I guess my bigger concern is after a Ron fight I know I'm not the most pleasant to be with.
"Babe-"
"Harry, let's be honest, please. I'm not. So I would like to avoid that, so maybe cloak on the way in? Keep up with 'not rubbing anyone's nose in what we do'. But walking out and away, after we've had a night… well generally I wouldn't be the only girl walking out of the boys dorms, especially weekend mornings. And if he catches me on the way out, maybe that will start to get him used to the idea."
"I think that's fair. It's forward progress at least".
So with a step of courage for each of them up the stairs they climbed up and out the room to Harry dorm, when he noticed it was oddly quiet. He closed and locked the trunk like normal then turned around his bed … to an empty room. The furniture and everything was normal, but no one was there, no loud snoring, no one even awake and getting ready… gone.
"Not what I expected." Harry whispered.
"Sometimes fortune favors the bold." Ginny replied as they descended the stairs.
A second surprise awaited them when the hit the common room. Where normally was empty, today it seemed rather full. Harry took a look and it was the Gryffindor aurors all in workout clothes. Ron and Hermione greeted them, Notably Ron with a puzzled look. Hermione explained, "Last night after you two went off, most of the squad started talking."
"The funeral made it real for them all." Ron clarified.
"Some are mad, some sad, a couple scared, a couple like Neville are taking it like a call to arms, but everyone felt the need to do something."
Ron pointed over his shoulder. "Neville started inviting everyone to the morning run."
"We cheated and used our prefect badges a bit to walk over to the dorms last night." Hermione explained. "The rest of the team will meet us at the entrance courtyard."
"Whole damn squad is doing the run today. We'll see how long it lasts."
"Wow, did not see that one coming." Harry said, blinking.
"Ginny, " Hermione asked, "Can I borrow you for a quick sec?"
Too obvious, but Ginny and Harry smiled, figured it was due.
"Lead the way 'Mione." Ginny said.
Hermione waited till they had some distance. "Okay, I admit perhaps Lavender is rubbing on me but did I see-"
Ginny held her hand up. "After this talk do I get an accounting of time between you and Ron?" she smiled.
Hermione smiled. "Fair, but remember I'm actually on your side. I was trying to girl talk, not have THE talk."
"Sorry, Harry and I were discussing how Ron was going to react, guess I'm defensive." She shook the nerves out. "So girl talking, honestly nothing happened. Last night or ever yet for reference. Well, you saw him yesterday."
"Yes, absolutely."
"'Mione, all that happened was I was a shoulder to cry on. But for once he actually did."
"Really?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"Really, he paged through his parents spell books, I literally held him and let him cry it out."
"Wow… thank you, Ginny."
"Thank me?"
"Statement of fact: Ron and I have more hours involved with Harry." Ginny nodded unoffended. "I have tried to let him have that kind of emotional release. He wouldn't, so however you have connected to my best friend, thank you." Hermione said with a bit of a tear in her eye.
"Pleasure to be of service." Ginny smiled.
"But," Hermione said with a finger raised. "...if you hurt him-"
Ginny's eyes shot wide as she covered her mouth in surprise. "'Mione, are you giving me a shovel talk … for Harry?" she laughed.
"Only because he deserves to have someone do that for him." she smiled. "You know me, I've covered for you. If you are making this kind of difference in Harry, you two will always have my vote."
As the girls walked off Ron's eyes narrowed. "Um Harry… did I see what I think I saw?"
For a moment, Harry thought about asking 'what do you think you saw.', but Harry was feeling good enough he felt like stepping up to this conversation. The two lads walked unspokenly off to a side of the commons. "Well, let's see. I'm sure you saw how I was an emotional wreck yesterday."
"Ya."
"Then what you saw was my girlfriend walking me out after giving me a shoulder to cry on for a night." Harry could see Ron tense, "And I'll even respect you need to give me a shovel talk. " He held his pointer finger in the air. "But I would appreciate it if we kept this one in perspective."
Ron nodded. "Alright, how so?"
"We have what, six years being mates behind us?"
"I reckon, ya."
"And in that time have I given you any reason to think I won't be a stand up bloke for your sister."
Ron shook his head. "No… no you haven't."
"And let's be realistic. If not me, some other bloke will step up. Do you want to roll your dice? Watch her date someone like Seamus or Dean?"
"Oh Merlin."
"Hell, it's Ginny we're talking about. For the rebellion factor she could go for Draco or Baise."
That made Ron wince. "Point made, mate." Ron shook his head. "It's weird for me sometimes. Growing up Mum was always 'Watch out for your sister.' Then, I don't know, 'round six or seven, Ginny started trying to say and act like she didn't need to be watched. And half the time it's true. The other half…well let's say her courage outpaced her skills and sense sometimes."
"She already mentioned a tree incident." Harry confirmed.
"See? I 'm not all bad." Ron smiled. "But ya, that kind of made Mum double down on the 'watch Ginny's'. So now we're at the point where," Ron let out a massive sigh and forced out the next words, "She is still my sister, but I realistically can't call her my kid sister anymore."
"Alright," Harry turned and opened his arms. "Take a free shot. Sucker punch or say what you want. If there's anything your Dad taught me it's the importance of family."
Ron looked at Harry, went over the last six years in his head and shook his head. "I'll let you off with a verbal. If you hurt her, I'll hex you." He even grinned.
"That's it?" Harry clarified.
"You got it right with at least with you, I know she's treated right and happy, and the rest of the family is happy. Hell, even 'Mione is happy. I just have occasional weirdness being the closest brother to her is all. If anything….I probably owe you an apology."
Well, this talk took an unexpected turn. "Oh c'mon Ron. Let's be honest. If I mess up with Gin, she'll hex me first."
Ron laughed and nodded his head in agreement.
"Then it's your turn, then the twins, and Merlin have mercy with them. Then Bill. Charlie would be after only because of the geography and he'd likely ride in on the back of a dragon just to take a bite out of me. Then Percy would show up and write a strongly worded letter." Harry succeeded in getting Ron laughing. "Wait, if I'm looking down the barrel of all that, why am I dating her again?"
"Cause she's worth it, you git" Ron admitted, "and you two are good together."
"That's right." Harry said with a grin. "I consider myself properly warned. Are we good mate?" Harry said, offering his hand.
"We're good, Thanks man."
The lads returned as the top of the hour came. Everyone had an eye on Harry. He just shook his head and grinned. "Relax everyone, this isn't too hard. It's once around the lake and to the gym. Just try to keep up with the cute redhead." Harry nodded towards Ginny.
Ron couldn't help himself. "Ah, thanks mate," starting the squad out with laughter.
As had become her custom Tonks took her cup of coffee up to a view of the entrance courtyard. Harry and a half dozen was a common sight. She was surprised to see the entire squad this morning. After yesterday she truly expected most to take a day off. Not surge in commitment.
"It seems Mr. Potter is still quite the leader even outside the pitch." Professor McGonnagall said as she joined Tonks resting her teacup and saucer on the ledge they stood behind.
Tonks smiled. "That is very true. Natural born. I may be the Sergeant in the class but they all still look to him."
"But he looks to you?" The Professor clarified, sipping her tea.
"Very much so. I am just amazed how…" Tonks caught herself. Harry had precious little privacy, he deserved to keep what little he had.
"How Harry can be as he is, after all the pain he has endured in both the magical and muggle world? I wonder the same. The resolve of that young lad."
Tonks looked to the elder witch with an elbow raised.
"I've been head of his house for six years, and while I may be an old woman, I'm no fool."
Tonks smiled. "I wouldn't even call you old, Minerva."
"The Dursley's are likely one of the greatest disagreements Albus and I have had. I knew they were horrid people from the beginning. I just didn't know how bad. If I did…" she let her sentence drop.
"Probably best not confess around an auror." Tonks smiled. "Even if she's likely to assist you."
McGonagall let her stoic face smile as well. "You were always one of my favorites, Tonks." The house of head took another sip of tea. "May an old woman ask a nosey question?"
"My friend can." Tonks replied.
"Harry and Ginevra, Obviously, I've seen them in the commons and halls. But their classes under me are separate. How are they together with you?"
"Remarkably responsible," Tonks nodded while taking a drink. "Mature even. I set a standard at the beginning of class and they seem to be respecting those guidelines. There are some extra smiles shared when one of them does something well. But no problem with PDA. They both seemed to be very dedicated to training."
"They both have motivation." McGonagall noted.
Tonks nodded. "They would be far from the first aurors who started with scores to settle. So long as they keep their wits about them in the field, I don't mind."
"Is that what Friday is for? Field training."
"Exactly, I don't plan on major engagement, but there is usually something petty and local going on to get them used to it."
McGonagall sighed and pursed her lips together.
"I am aware it is not a popular idea." Tonks admitted.
"No, and I won't call it the right idea…. But I will admit it is the best."
Tonks looked to her elder with interest.
"With age comes experience … and pragmatism. The war is here. I don't want any of my children… and before you raise a finger to question me, I watch over them ten months of the year to seven years of their life, you damn well believe I consider them mine is some small part. I don't want any of my children in this war. But it seems Riddle has taken that choice away from us. Well, if there has to be a war, then, I want my kids to win. No, Sergeant, you keep doing this. You let me know if I can help."
The squad run felt different that morning. It felt bigger than all of them combined. There was a greater comradery, shared suffering, shared purpose. Being used to the effort Ginny and Harry led the way. When they made their way back to the castle the rest of the students were frozen in awe. It was one thing to see Harry with a group of 2-4. Harry was leading a squad of over 2 dozen, all them meaning business. Previously there had been rumors of what A.C.T. was really doing: war games, practice, ministry indoctrinations. When Harry marched the squad into the Entrance courtyard and down the passageway to the exercise gym, the younger classes stepped out of the way partially in respect, partially in awe. Tonks watched on and grinned, happy the squad was finding the respect they earned.
The next big big event happened after lunch. Harry escorted Ginny and Luna to the training hall for their O.W.L.s. None of them with dread but logical nerves. There was an air of mutual trust. The girls trusting Harry to his word: that he wouldn't have scheduled them if they weren't ready. He was trusting they wouldn't let anxiety ruin their preparations.
"Here I want each of you to take one of these." He said holding a small envelope.
"Okay, you would never suggest cheating, so what is it?" Ginny asked.
"Good luck letter, but don't open them till after the test."
"Why?" Luna asked
"Because that's the way the magic works," Harry smiled. "And because I'm asking nicely."
"Got your necklace?" Harry asked.
"Always, nargles are a horrible nuisance to try to get rid of."
"Good you should be all set then. Okay final reminders. This is an O.W.L. Rules are different, you're timed. But if you stay cool you likely will have more than enough. If you hit a hard question, move on, clear the easy stuff first. Questions repeat just rephrased, so often the answer for one question will be in a question down the road. Look out for your absolute statements, like always, all, never… those will generally be wrong answers…"
"Harry, you've been drilling us for weeks," Ginny smiled. "We'll make you proud, I promise."
"Don't worry about making me proud. Just kick arse." Harry said as he hugged Luna, and pecked Ginny on the lips, then finally let them go. Sergeant Tonks smirked as leaned up against the door. "Wotcher Harry."
"I'm a supportive tutor." Harry replied with a cocky grin.
"Uh hu." Tonks replied as she closed the door. "Sure."
Ginny and Luna walked past the Sergeant who directed them to a table with two chairs.
"You know, Ginny," Luna said, "Harry's gloomberts have really gone down today."
"Um, gloomberts Luna? I don't think you've explained those to me yet."
"Oh! I'm sorry. Well you know when you feel sad or stressed and like there you have a heavy weight on your shoulders."
"Sure."
"The weight and stress you feel are glomberts."
Ginny took a moment to translate. "Luna, are you saying Harry seems happier than normal today?"
Luna smiled brightly and nodded.
"Thank you, I agree, and I'm happy to see it apparent to others."
"Sorry to break this up ladies." Tonks said with a smile, dropping a test in front of each of them. "Time begins now."
It wasn't until the Training Hall door closed that Harry realized he had no plans. For weeks this had been a study session for Ginny and Luna. He never realized that during their testing he would be involved. It felt awkward for a moment. He more or less meandered to the gym, but didn't want to get all sweaty. The voice of Hermione echoed, "Honesty, don't you two read?"
Harry took a seat on a weight bench and opened his bag. His mother's spell book was the first he grabbed. He smiled and flipped back to his mother's notes on wandless magic. He grabbed a candle on his pack and set it on the other end of the bench. "Alright mum, let's see if you were onto anything." Harry spent the next hour trying to light the candle, wandlessly. He used his pointer finger instead of his wand, he waived his hand, he snapped his fingers. He focused, he stressed, he yelled, he tried to vent his anger, drive, desire… and not so much a puff of smoke. ""Well, I can see why we use wands." Harry chuckled.
Finally he heard the Training Door open. Harry stepped out in anticipation to meet them. The moment Ginny saw them she bolted. The smile on her face was all Harry needed. Still though she ran and leapt to his arms. "O's! We both got O's! Thank You!" She kissed him in gratitude.
"I'm just a tutor. You did the work. But I am massively proud." Turning to look at Luna. "Of you too, sis."
Luna smiled brightly. "Thank you, Harry. But you know I'm not your sister, that would be silly."
Harry grinned. "Why? Weasley's adopted me. I can't have my own little sis? Gin?"
Luna looked over to the redhead who nodded. Luna shrugged, "Okay." she replied with a smile. "Harry, can we open those envelopes now?"
They did and a small note was inside. Harry's Score Prediction: O
Ginny looked up to him, biting her lip a bit. "You never doubted, did you?"
"Nope… I say at least for Muggle Studies, We all take the weekend off. Now with each of you having a free period, Monday we'll start using that for Sixth year."
"Thank you, Harry." Luna smiled brightly as she then skipped off back to her tower.
Ginny's eyes seemed to be spinning. "Gin, you okay?" Harry asked with gentle caress to her cheek.
She shook herself clear. "Ya, ya, sorry… I just… sixth year. I'm ahead. I've never been here before. Thank you."
"You earned it, Gin. If anything I drilled a little hard, but that was only because I knew you and Luna could handle it, and when it came today, I didn't want you to just barely pass it. I wanted Crimson Witch to rain fire." he said with a wink.
Sgt, Tonks smiled and waved as Professor Burbage left and walked past them on her way out of the Training Room. "Well done, Miss Weasley. I admit I will have to give your essay serious consideration for further research."
"Really," Harry asked, "What idea has my pure blood witch put out to make the Professor curious?"
"Oh I just assumed she had shared with you. Miss Weasley has a fascinating idea regarding the cultural significance of the cheeseburger among muggle courtship. With her permission I may pursue a paper regarding it."
"Knock yourself out, professor." Ginny replied with a smile.
Friday, 27 September 1996
"Cadets, Fall in for inspection." Sergeant Tonks ordered as her top six students reported to the Training Hall as ordered, in field uniforms. Thick soled leather boots, black cargo pants, black commando sweater with their last name over their left breasts and Ministry pin over their hearts. Tonks was dressed similarly with the obvious differences of her Sergeant insignia on her shoulders and her auror badge over her heart. Tonks slowly paced them. "Longbottom, straighten your belt buckle. Bones, boots could use more polish, but good enough for tonight. Potter, I'm not quite certain I like that bag of tricks of yours, or your cargo belt. Miss Weasley."
"If I may, Sergeant?" Harry asked. "Tonks nodded. Having equipment in the field has proved useful before."
"Which is why I said I'm not quite certain. Your unorthodox approach is why we are all here, Potter. I'm willing to grant slack. Make me a believer."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Granger, tie your hair back for the field please, clear visibility."
Finally, she looked at Ron who stood firmly at attention. Tonks circled him individually, then a second time, then a third. "Mr. Weasley, it is a training sergeant's job to find mistakes in a cadets uniform. It is essentially a sacred right of passage. So take this to heart when I say, flawless dress today. Well done." she smiled. Ron let a small grin creep to his lip. Tonks shared it with him and let keep it.
"Squadron, present wands."
They all drew their wands and held it in their open hands for inspection. Tonks reviewed them. "Excellent, everyone is armed and appears in good working order. At ease."
She returned to a center position in front of the six of them. "Alright, tonight this will be your first official field deployment. We will watch the evening reports and I will select what and where. My intention is we start small and common; Domestic disturbance, disorderly conduct, or such. We have crammed a lot of skills and academics in you this last month now we test them. Now especially in the field, Let me simplify things; We are aurors. We protect, serve, and uphold the law. I am the officer in charge. I give an order you do it, no negotiation, no hesitation. I truly hope we have a boring enough night that we don't need them but on the table behind you, you will find a bundle of plastic zip strip cuffs for each of you. If you need to restrain a wizard you snap their wand, restrain hands behind their back and if possible restrain them to the geographic terrain. Tip: Signs, fences and railing are your friends for that. If we look to start apprehending someone expect me to charge this," She said, pulling out a clear crystal ball with brass casing around the three sides seams.
"A Lock Ball," Ron volunteered.
"Slang but correct, Mr. Weasley,and frankly what we all call them realistically. Official name is an Anti Apparition Field Emitter. If we look to make an arrest, best to drop a field down so suspects don't just pop away. And if things go really south. Remember, unless ordered, do not fire until fired upon, but none of you have been recruited to be targets either. If some actually takes a shot we defend ourselves… proportionally if possible.
"Proportionally, Sergeant?"
"I'll be honest D.M.L.E. doesn't have an issue with how you handled the Burrow or Diagon Alley. However, even we have bosses and they would appreciate it if we could bring in more and bury fewer suspects. Again, tonight we're not going for a major engagement, this is a training mission. Show them decent judgment now, they will be looser when you actually do put Riddle in the ground, understood?
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright everyone fall out but stay here. This is why I suggested you bring your books. "I'll monitor the scrys and wait for something appropriate."
Ginny looked over to Harry who nodded. "Sergeant, if I may."
"Of course, Miss Weasley, what is it?"
"Well, from some of my connections we have something we've found useful when deployed." She said as she approached holding out a brass coin with the House Potter insignia on it.
Tonks took it and grinned. "I get the feeling I'm being let behind a curtain here. Alright Weasley, what bit of unorthodoxy do we have here?"
Ginny smiled, "You're not wrong. It's a contribution from Nimbus Brooms, called a telepathic link. Clip it to your ear and attune and we all will be able to send directed thoughts to each other. Basically talk to each other over distance. And before you ask, directed thought only." Ginny leaned in and whispered. "I don't want any detailed thoughts about any former professors just as much as you don't want my thoughts about Harry." she winked.
Tonks smiled. "Alright, I can see the possible uses. We'll try it. Impress me."
"Link in everyone," Ginny called. "Remember, the Sergeant is with us tonight."
They watched as Tonks drew out a crystal ball and from it projected illusory scripts scrolling upwards. She stood and read, wanting to be selective. This was the first time out officially for the A.C.T. She felt the weight of it and wanted to put a good foot forward for every one's sake.
The squad sat around the table, mostly small talk waiting. Hermione stole Ron's attention for the moment. "Very impressive today, Ronald, she complimented.
Ron shrugged. "This stuff is a bit more tactical and practical, more my wheelhouse."
"Alright, We got one, circle up!" Tonks replied as she started switching the fields and shield of the training hall. "Liverpool, warehouse district, alarm charm triggered, sounds like a normal B & E. Everyone put a hand in, I'll get us there."
"You're going to apparate all of us in one go?" Hermione asked.
Tonks nodded. "I'll be at my carry limit, but yes I can do it. But I also know what I'm doing. Don't any of you get any ideas. And you see why I wanted you familiar with apprating or portkeying back here."
With a pop and a spin the team found themselves in the cool early evening air thick with the smell for the sea. They looked around to find themselves standing a bare patch of earth and hear the lapping of the River Mersey by the edge. "Queens Warf Bridge for anyone curious. As Tonks grabbed her crystal ball and wand and started scrying, Harry did jot a quick note down why she worked. "Looks like the charm triggered is about a block north. Second building from the end."
"Sergeant," Ginny thought to her. "We have links, so if you want to think and be quiet, you have that option now… ma'am."
Tonks shook her head. "This is going to take a moment to get use to." she mentally replied.
"You'd be surprised how quickly you do." Harry replied mentally.
They made their way up a set of stairs to a redbrick parking area with a few sparse cars there. Ahead of them was a long line of four story brick warehouses that lined the east eastern edge of the river. Tonks headed to the sidewalk between the buildings and the road but tasked Harry. "Potter, Scout the sea side. Any access further down the way?"
Harry ran over and looked and saw a narrow wooden landing along the length. "We'd have to go single file, but yes ma'am."
"Granger, Ron, Bones, you're with me, we take front. The rest with Potter, rear containment. Tell me when you are in position."
"Yes Ma'am."
The teams divided, Harry taking the lead and slid down a rusty ladder to the wood platform below.
"Enjoy the view," Ginny joked verbally as she climbed down.
"Always," Harry replied as he stood ready for any accidental slip. The banter was honest but the tone of voice was serious.
Neville shook his head on his turn. "Even on a mission with you two, eh?"
"Don't worry Nev. Hannah and I agreed a long time ago, you have a nice bum."
"Welcome to the party, Crimson," Harry greeted as he turned his attention to the walkway.
Upon closer inspection the boardwalk wasn't solidly attached to the buildings themselves; they were floating on empty 50 gallon drums loosely tied to the shore to rise and fall wit the water line, floating on the water but still rising and falling with the water. "Everyone watch your step, and balance this thing." Harry warned.
Carefully but deliberately they made their way along what realistically was a catwalk. They each needed to reach out and balance each other. Finally they got to the steel rear doors, one a normal personnel sized and the other vehicle sized for loading and unloading. Harry tried both to find they were locked.
"Potter team in position." Harry linked. "Be aware our doors are locked."
"Understood, it's a good thing you're all mages then, right?" Tonks replied. "Figure out how you want to handle but hold. Wait till hear me or the noise inside suggests getting in your arse in there.
"Yes, Ma'am."
Harry drew his wand to prepare Alohomora.
"Actually Harry, I think this may benefit from a feminine touch." Crimson verbally said as she approached pulling a gold hairpin from her locks."
"You're kidding me." Neville grinned.
"Gift from the Twins," Crimson replied as slipped the pin into the lock and … opened it swiftly and silently. "Mischief managed." she purred to the boys. She linked in,"Team Potter door opened and ready."
"Nicely done, Ginny." Tonks replied.
Ron silently shook his head as could only hazard guesses as to how Ginny was the one to unlock doors, and most of the involved being taught from his brothers. She really wasn't any kid sis any more.
Tonks easily led her team to the front door which was obviously locked too.h She took her crystal ball out. "Scry says we have 12 parties inside, 8 on the move on the ground floor. 4 in an upstairs room, but they appear immoble. Remember proximity does not mean guilt or association. People can have jobs. Use your eyes and brains." She took her wand out squatted before the door lock and with mastered practice silently unlocked it. She gestured to her team to keep quiet. Slowly she opened the door revealing the front counter of a small but normal public office area for pickup and drop off for the building. More important there seemed to be no one in the immediate room, but Tonks could hear voices coming from a back room. Unintelligible as of yet, but male and gruff, experience told her that was rarely a good sign.
"Team Potter, we have entered the building."
"Understood," Harry replied, "Us to." He also took a knee to peak inside. Mostly thanks to moonlight from the windows there was enough visibility to see there was some open areas for the shipping and receiving that doubtless came through the vehicle door beside them. About twenty feet away from that they could see aisles of metal shelves from floor to ceiling, and wall to wall filled with crates and boxes of every size.
Harry's team could hear voices also but they were closer to Tonks' end. Quickly but silently each of them hid themselves behind the end of a shelf. Harry took a knee to hide but still tried to get some form of view on any of them. He put his back down, reached in and grabbed a small pair of binoculars. Quietly, he put his back back on as he looked.
"Tonks, be advised. Based on physique, attire, and the jewelry worn, these are not warehouse workers." Harry linked in.
"What else do you see, Potter?" Tonks linked back. "Seems like you have the best view."
As through the peepholes between crates Harry surveyed the situation, "If you've come through the main front door you will be walking straight into them. For reference we are on the far side of the building but it all straight shot aisles cargo between you and us. Once you come in, to your right you'll have a pair of crates for cover and to your left there looks to be some sort of desk or bench. Also, directly above you seems to be an office area with rod iron stair access. Only place I see those four could be.
They have a wooden pallet they are loading up. The largest of them looks like a tank by trade. He's wearing a black sleeveless shirt. Seems to be the one in charge. Next to him is a lanky silvered hair wizard parchment and quill, looks to be the brains.
Silverhair has the others working his list, they are here for specifics. The last six are paired off. There's a woman only a bit older than you Tonks, with shoulder length blonde hair and a red leather jacket paired up with a middle aged man, salt and pepper stubble on his cheeks, and a purple dew rag around his head.
Second pair is a portly man, with a green sweater under a black raincoat with maple colored hair and mutton chops teamed up with a bloke who looks like a male fashion model, long blonde hair, arrogant smile, red silk shirt.
Last pair has a bald male, late forties, but fit, he's wearing charcoal colored suit and pinstripe tie and who looks to be the odd man out, long white hair but matted and messy, wearing an olive olive colored cloak and carrying a wooden staff."
Harry kept an eye on the unit by the pallet. Finally Tank uncrossed his arms and Harry cursed his luck. "Team be advised," he linked in. "I have eyes on a Dark Mark,"
A mutual mental groan went through their collected link.
"Well," Tonks replied. "We're all experienced." The auror wasted no further time. She walked around the counter and noticed a drawer ajar. She grabbed the lock ball, activated it, dropped it in the drawer and closed it to hide it away. "Lock ball up, no one's popping."
She fell against the doorway, the other three next to her. The door was already cracked open and from here she could hear some of the conversation.
Tank was chewing out his crew. "C'mon you lot. Get a move on or Greyback himself will have our arses."
All Tonks wanted was a simple mission, a simple breaking and entry. But no, this robbery was something being watched by a damned lieutenant of the Death Eaters. "Granger, I want you ready with a Sleep spell as soon as I announce us."
"Yes ma'am."
"Start with the whoever looks the weakest. Team Potter, ready?"
Harry watched his team draw their wands. "Ready, ma'am."
"Alright, I'll make the order, Granger, you've with me through the door we go right. Ron, Bones, you take left. If they move, sleep 'em. Everyone, start with stuns if you can, but these are Eaters, don't be bashful about the upgrade."
With a surge of nerves and excitement that she hadn't felt since she first graduated, she took her breath…. Then tore open the door, charged with Hermione on her heels. The auror yelled. "D.M.L.E.! Drop your wands!" She charged to the described crates for cover… and tripped on the run. "Shit," she hissed as hit the ground. Quickly she slid to the crate's cover with Hermione squatting beside her.
Tank spun around to see the team coming in the front door. "Pop boys, we got aurors!"
"Boss, we ca-" Silverhair replied just as a purple blast of spell engulfed his head and he dropped to the floor.
"So someone wants to make a bust, eh?" Tank yelled as he drew his wand, and threw a shield up just as Susan and Ron charged in heading for the workbench dropping hexes.
Tonks took her wand to her throat to boost her voice. "I said D.M.L.E.! You're surrounded. Drop your wands and no one gets hurt. Last warning!"
Tank roared in protest as he threw a cutter towards Tonks. Hermione leaned out of the right side of the cover, Mens novaculata she cast, as disorienting him and making him stagger in his step.
His team dashed for the rear. Red Leather was in the fastest which earned her the sight of Harry emerging from behind the shelving wand raised. Maga fulmen, he shot out an arc of electricity leapt from his wand to her chest blasting her back and to the ground. Dew Rag was right behind her but better of dodging as two other arcs went over his shoulder as he retreated to the front. Harry quickly ran to her and checked her neck. Pulse and breath, good enough. He took three flex straps and secured her hands to one of the legs of her shelving and snapped her wand. "Red Leather down." Harry linked in.
"I got Silverhair." Hermione reported back.
Mutton Chops and Blondie were heading down a second aisle. Neville, following orders, turned and opened fire with stunners, Catching Mutton Chops but demonstrating true loyalty, Blondie grabbed Mutton Chops' falling body and began hauling it back. Not out of any sort of rescue though, Blondie was very carefully using his former partner as a human shield against Neville's barrage.
Suit and Druid down hotfooted it down a third row.. straight into a volley of firebolts Crimson threw, and fire always trigger a primal fear in a person. Suit threw himself hard to the floor letting the Druid take the hit which he threw his own shield against. "Little girl," he hissed in contempt, firing a hex. Crimson reflexively flattened up against the side of the shelves but also focused on her shield charm letting that take the hit.
Hearing, and smelling the fire bolt, Harry linked over "Crimson, remember, we're in a warehouse!"
"Fuck," Ginny muttered. As Suit tried to pick himself up, Crimson took the clear shot and fired a stunner to his unprotected bum in the air. As her attention was on his partner. Druid took the time to shapeshift into a falcon which screeched and flew straight at her. Startled, she missed her attempted shot as she rolled out of the way. Then the falcon lifted up out of view but Scarlet soon hear broken glass. "Suit is down, Druid shifted and literally flew the coop." She linked as flex cuffed the best dressed Death Eater, also snapping his wand.
Despite the pain Herminoe was forcing to his head, Tank was no inexperienced recruit. He held his shield against the combination assault of Tonks and Ron. As he did his remaining crew of Dew Rag and Blondie came up from the back. Susan dashed around the side. With Tank seeming cornered she wasn't about to let them change the stand off. She slid into position to flank them both and wailed as a pair of ghostly, skeletal hands wrapped in black necrotic energy emerged from her wand. They reached forward, seeming to seep the will to live from the Death Eaters. As Blondie stood frozen either from fear of from the spell itself, was soon bolted forward from Neville dropping a stunner to their back.
As Blondie's body hit the floor, Tank realized his odds were dwindling. He turned to Tonks. "Here's the problem with you hero types. Do you want to catch the crook, or save the citizen?" Time seemed to slow down for the Sergeant as Crimson and Neville were charging forward. Finally an open shot Tonks wasn't letting this pass , "Bombada," she fired though Tanks chest, but not before Tank turned back to the cargo aisle yelling 'Confrigo"! From several feet back a fireball erupted sending Crimson and Neville forward. Everyone who could, reflexively fell to the floor during the explosion as flame and shrapnel fill through the air.
"EVAC, everyone go! Grab a breather and evac!" the Sergeant ordered. A quick assessment showed five of her cadets at the front. "POTTER!" she linked. "REPORT!"
Hermione ran to the still sleeping Sliverhair, quickly remembering he was reading and coordinating. The parchment he was reading she quickly pocketed, then levitated the body pulling it as she ran out the door. She didn't bother with going around the counter this time, she leapt up and over it
Neville started climbing back to check on Mutton Chops. He got close enough to see the explosion had ripped him apart at the belt line. Tank was clearly dead with a through and through his chest. Against all odds Blondie was still breathing. Neville lifted him up and headed for the door.
Susan looked from the blast and saw Dew Rag starting to sir. She pounced on him like a beast and dug her nails into his neck as she pulled his knocked out body outside.
Squared jawed and pissed, Crimson dashed back to the Suit. She cut the bind to the shelf and levitated his body while grabbing him by the shit collar and towed his unconscious floating body as she headed for the door. "God damn it, Harry! Wake up!"
"Gin get clear, I'll get Harry!" Ron linked in.
Tonks snapped around to Ron. "Iceman! Just the man we need." She smiled and pointed to the rear. "There's the river!"
Harry had just looked up from securing Red Leather when the explosion came from two asiles over. The impact fell squarely into his chest and threw him against the cinder block wall. He could hear the whine of the metal as the shelves fell over against the wall spilling the contents around him. And everything went black. Things got really bad … he heard Ginny yell at him.
"I'm okay. Potter is okay." He could feel cracked ribs, but nothing he hadn't worked through before. His night vision was tapped on from the debris cave he was in but he smelled the smoke filling his lungs. Overhead loomed a singular large crate at about a 45 degree angle. Having been blown up, Harry was now in a mood. He drew his wand. "Fire in the hole!" he warned. Flipendo! He said to blow the crate off of him. It and its contents of some sort of herb fell like confetti that quickly incarcerated in the fire. Harry cut the Red Leather binds and lifted her up on his shoulders. He wanted to groan as he lifted her and carried her out of the hole. He wanted to, but he summoned his years of pain tolerance and soldered ahead. Through shelving. Ron and Tonks met him halfway over the rubble.
"Potter, get the hell out of here!" Tonks ordered.
Tonks chased him out of the building, stopping only to grab the lock ball. "Lock off!" She linked over.
Inside the inferno, Ron raised his wand to the blown out bay door and focused outside in the river. The current changed quickly, starting to spiral up as giant column water as it grew taller; the end of the column took the form and definition… of a dragon. Similar in shape to the creature his brother made at the Burrow, this one made of water not smoke. Obeying its master it crashed into the burning building, the water flowing around him as he was the eye of the storm. From outside the team watched the lights and flames die down and they hear the pop and sizzle of as the fires were quenched. A few moments later Ron calmly walked out, but wasn't able to resist the opportunity. He grinned like he took lessons from Harry, simply saying "Ron Weasley, Water Wizard."
Situation calmed, Tonks took over. "Right you, lot back to Hogwarts, mandatory medical check. And I WILL be checking after I book the people.
"Yes, Sarge," Harry nodded.
Tonks raised and eyebrow as he portkeyed away with the rest.
Author's notes: I feel like I owe apologies on the dealy for this one. The original plan for the shovel talk for Ron and Harry was going to go much MUCH worse. Modeled after He and Ginny's fight about snogging Dean from the original HBP Timeline. -but- I couldn't get it to feel right, then it dawn to me. That isn't THIS/MY/OUR Ron anymore. OUR Ron has truly tried to grow up since the Battle of the Burrow. As any writer can vouch for sometimes your charaters won't do what you want. And Our Ron refused to revert to his old prat tendancies. He literally reminded me he was trying to put away childish things. So after he and I had a chat this is where we landed. I would truly appreciate your input.