Aurors Undercover

Ranis

Rating: NC17
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 14/12/2006
Last Updated: 04/01/2008
Status: in_progress

A story created for a challenge. The trio are Aurors and Harry and Mione have a mission, they're headed undercover. I take forever to update as a pre-warning, but I'll get there eventually. Finally earned the NC-17 rating in chapter 10

Chapters

1. Chapter 1

2. Chapter 2

3. Chapter 3

4. Chapter 4

5. Chapter 5

6. Chapter 6

7. Chapter 7

8. Chapter 8

9. Chapter 9

10. Chapter 10

11. Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13. Chapter 13

14. Chapter 14

15. Chapter 15

16. Chapter 16

1. Chapter 1

Author Note:- This is my first story and already had to edit it to add the Author note which I forgot, a brilliant start if I say so myself. This is a story written to a challenge by JediYoda on Kindred Spirit boards. Thus it starts with the criteria set so Harry and Ginny are together to start, this won’t last and it will become HHr eventually.

Special Thanks to Jedi for thinking up the challenge and for checking over the chapters, more thanks go to LegalAlien, Sweet_Mione_Potter and RomRom1192 for in part beta-ing and motivating me to write faster, first three chapters are ready so they’ll be uploaded soon.

Disclaimer:- JKR made the world, sculpted the characters, imagined the spells, had the dream. I’m just corrupting it for my personal pleasures. Don’t bother suing me, I don’t have anything but Harry Potter books and films.

Harry stood in the dark alley opposite Borgins and Burkes, he brushed his long blond hair from one of his dull brown eyes. The fingers of his right hand were holding his wand tightly under the black hooded travel cloak. Of all the nights to have left his invisibility cloak at the office, but he wasn’t expecting to be out tracking tonight. He was working on the tip of an informant that a petty criminal by the name of Ted Huntly was providing supplies to known death eaters. He had tracked the young wizard from a dark pub in Knockturn Alley to the shop. Huntly had entered but Harry had dodged to the dark alleyway and changed his appearance for the third time that evening.

After two years of hard studying with Tonks he had become a trained Metamorphmagus though to his intense annoyance, no matter what form he took he couldn’t shake the lightning bolt scar that still marked his forehead. It was a useful skill but the scar had given him away on a few occasions so he had to be very careful. Long hair that covered his forehead was required but a quick gust of wind could reveal the mark. He had to risk it tonight, his informant had revealed information he had to act on instantly. He was going to get chewed out later though. He hadn’t called for backup today. ‘I didn’t have time, I had to act quickly’ was never as good an excuse as he hoped.

He was about to reach for the small mirror in his cargo pants beneath the cloak but just then Ted stepped from Borgins and Burkes and head straight for the alleyway Harry was hidden in. His grip tensed on his wand and he pushed himself back into the shadows as the wizard walked right past him without noticing. Walking deep into the alley he stood around for a moment before there was a loud CRACK.

“About time Crabbe,” Ted muttered, “been waiting here ages!”

“You got here right before we arrived Huntly, don’t lie to us, do you have the items?” replied a sneering voice, it was Causpell, a right hand man of Lucius and quite a skilled Legilimens.

“Aye, not easy to find these ingredients you know, highly illegal, took a lot of effort to track them all down you understand.” Ted started.

“Don’t try to give us all the boring details, we had an agreed price, you can agree to them or we can kill you here, take the ingredients and find another petty thief.” Causpell snarled.

Harry looked back to the entrance then to the group, it was just him, Huntly, Causpell, Vincent Crabbe and another Death Eater in the alley. He drew his wand and cast an anti-apparation ward on the alley to make sure they couldn’t escape and stood quickly, “Stupify! Expelliarmus! Petrificus Totalus! Stupify! Incarcerous!!” He focused hard and shouted the words in his head, a rainbow of spells firing from his non-verbal spells.

The first red spark struck Crabbe hard, knocking him to the ground unconscious. The disarming charm hit Huntly, spinning him into the alley wall. Causpell had his wand out to threaten Huntly already and at the sparks of light threw up a quick Protego to deflect the Body-Bind which flew straight into Ted, locking him up and letting him snap back into a pile of empty cardboard boxes. The final Death Eater also raised a shield, but the stunner from Harry broke through the weaker wizard’s defences stunning him as well.

“Incendio!” Causpell countered, burning the ropes in midair as they flew towards them.

“This is Auror Potter, You are under arrest! Give up Causpell” Harry growled, floating a wooden crate to block a quick crucio, “You can’t escape and we both know how much you dislike pain” he flicked his wand and the shards of the broken crate flew through the alley to hit another shield. A small piece slipping through and piercing Causwell’s ear causing him to shriek and swear and send a volley of random curses at Harry.

With a sigh Harry threw up a strong shield to block all the minor curses and floated up a few more objects to block the unforgiveables. He had given him the choice to surrender, though more for the show of things, he was going to be in enough trouble with Shacklebolt soon enough to add misconduct to the charges.

Harry absently flicked shards of whatever Causwell shattered back at him, this time aiming carefully though. Causwell went into a blind fury when his blood was spilt and didn’t bother with defences. He waited for the fury to reach its peak.

”Avada Ked…” started the greasy wizard.

“STUPIFY!” Harry yelled and a bright burst of red flew down the alley, strong enough to burst the shield which wasn’t there. Harry knew this of course but added the extra power because he could justify it, he just wished he could use lethal force.

Walking over to the unconscious bodies he Accio’ed the wands and let all but Causwell’s fall in a pile, destroying them with a reductor curse before dropping the last into a bag and sealing it with a spell before pocketing it. He pointed his wand up the alley and a streak of silver burst forth from another silent spell. He then turned to the prisoners, binding each and picking up a few bottles transformed them to portkeys, sending his prisoners to the cells in the ministry. Harry smiled and started counting, “one, two, three, fou…”

“POTTER!” bellowed a voice from his pocket, Harry granted himself a small smirk before pulling out the small silver mirror and quickly pulled up an emotionless mask before looking into it, watching Kingsley Shacklebolt’s face appear.

“Sir?” he replied passively

“If I ask you to explain why we have just received four prisoners in our cells from portkeys you just created, what are you going to say,” his deep calming voice asked “Especially considering you are off duty and alone”

“I’ll inform you a remarkable tale of myself going for an innocent drink in the leaky cauldron enjoying my quiet evening after a long day of work and being notified of a ruckus in Knockturn Alley by a rather upset and bleeding redhead witch. I sent my patronus requesting backup immediately as is procedure before heading to the location. There I found the four prisoners you mentioned, arguing over payment for the illegal goods you’ll find upon the young blonde wizard. I believed them to be about to leave so I was forced to act to prevent their escape, Sir.”

“Yes, the Patronus is procedure on the books, but that’s because they haven’t updated it to include other swifter means of communication, like these mirrors.” Kingley appraised Harry’s face, looking for a crack in the emotionless mask.

“I had been studying my handbook during Lunch, guess the rules about Patroni was fresher to mind, Sir,” Harry’s face didn’t flicker.

“Very good Potter,” replied Kingsley, “but why are you in disguise if you were just out for a drink”

“Wanted a quiet night Sir,” Harry replied without pause “It’s impossible to have such if they know Harry Potter is there, I didn’t want to cause a riot by refusing all the drink offers nor arrive for work tomorrow hungover from accepting.”

“I will expect a written report tomorrow Potter,” replied Kingsley, obviously not believing a word but not bothered enough to rebuke him tonight “You have enough evidence to hold them?”

“Aye,” Harry nodded, “Huntly and Causwell at least. The evidence in Huntly’s pockets, the Gringott’s slip in Causwell’s and his wand with an unforgivable as the last cast and a Pensieve Memory vial of the conversation.”

“Excellent, I’ll take the liberty of nulling your medal with your broken rules to save me adding to your file. Speaking of which, I received another complain from filing about you, your file has filled another cabinet.” Kingsley tried to hold in a smirk at this, his fondness for the paperwork was on par with Harry’s, “Now Potter, go home, I don’t want to receive another complaint from the minister that his favourite daughter’s husband is being overworked.”

“Fiancee” corrected Harry.

“Whatever, go home!” replied Kingsley with a scowl.

“Yes Sir,” replied Harry.

The mirror faded to his reflection again and Harry pocketed it swiftly. He berated himself mentally that he had used the “reviewing the handbook” excuse last week when he busted Gregory Goyle. Well he had used it, now it would have to go into the report. At least they’d have Causwell in Azkaban, for a life sentence, it was a pity Crabbe would be free in a few months. He suspected he’d get a weak sentence like Goyle. He hadn’t done anything wrong except being present at an illegal deal. Malfoy’s lawyers would have him free in no time flat.

It had been seven years since the fall of Voldemort back in Harry’s seventh year but “Death Eater” activity had yet to cease. The fall of the Dark Lord led to fighting within the ranks of his followers and eventually the original Death Eaters divided. But since then the Ministry had been plagued by small faction groups, most of the high ranking death eaters had sough to take control in the mayhem.

Lucius Malfoy along with his wife and the largest faction of the original Death Eaters were focusing on control of the ministry. Assassination attempts on ministers and high ranking officials combined with bribery, threats and corruption was all part of their plans to place a puppet in command of the Ministry of Magic. They claimed the new name of “The Pure Ministry.”

Since Voldemort was gone the dark marks weren’t present anymore, so tying charges to the old Death Eaters was still very difficult. Lucius didn’t have much influence in the ministry these days, so his money was spent retaining lawyers to find the most obscure loopholes to free anyone brought in. Harry found it taxing, but a bit less than most of the other Aurors. Everyone found this odd, since Harry did more work than anyone to bring them in only to smile as they walked back out months later.

Well, not everyone, Harry had confessed his reason to Ron and Hermione, earning a snigger from the redhead and a disapproving look from the bushy brunette. The biggest reason was that each time they were released he knew they would soon be into trouble again. Then he got to curse them into oblivion and drag them in again. Anyone who was released that quickly wasn’t too much of a threat, and hexing the pair of toughs from Hogwarts repeatedly was quite enjoyable.

Since Harry had defeated the Dark Lord he had thought long and hard over his future, wanting to fade from the public life and the fame. But the mayhem caused upon the weakened ministry forced him into action yet again. Since then Hermione, Ron and Neville and him had taken honorary Auror badges and fought against the rising factions. But Harry had insisted on taking the Auror training course part time to learn even more about defeating dark wizards. Minister Louis had been greatly pleased with this and hoped they would pay careful attention to the rule and regulation classes.

During the seventh year Minister Scrimgeour had been killed by Voldemort in person during the ministries Yule Ball. An attempt to force some normalcy into the wizarding world amid the chaos was horrifically destroyed when Voldemort arrived with his Death Eaters and had Avada Kedavra’ed the minister. Minister Louis had been promoted in his stead and had been in charge during the downfall of the dark lord. Though it was common knowledge he hadn’t done a great deal to aid the downfall, however unlike past ministers he let Harry have free reign in his efforts. Trent Louis was a half blood who had been a steadfast supporter of Dumbledore before and after his death. He was also a little known member of the Order of the Phoenix.

He was poisoned, though non-fatally, and was forced into early retirement through a plot of the pure ministry. The consequent election brought forth Minister Grimth, who lasted about 40 seconds before he was hit by twenty stunners from the crowd upon his opening speech. The belief he was a puppet of some new Death Eater faction was rather clearly brought to light with his rather gleeful announcement intentions to reform the laws of the wizarding world. The statement which included such ideas as muggle hunting, closing down the Aurors and requiring all ministry heads to be pureblood wizards was a bit of a giveaway.

In the seven years Harry had served with the Aurors he had seen five Ministers of Magic and saved two of them from certain death. In fact he had saved the current minister three times, if you included warning Dumbledore about the snake attack in the 5th year. Arthur Weasley had been elected three years ago, thus far he was the longest serving minister since the downfall of Voldemort.

Harry had focused and switched to a blue eyed redhead before pulling the hood of his cloak over his face. He walked back to the leaky cauldron, having a few short words with Tom behind the bar before stepping into the floo and heading for Grimmauld Place. He landed silently and started sneaking across the room, heading for the stairs, keeping himself as quiet as possible.

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!” came a loud scream from a sitting chair pointed at the fireplace to the side of the room, Harry winced immediately, the voice sounding so like Molly Weasley it was uncanny.

He turned and pulled back the hood, focusing and resuming his normal look, his black hair resuming its unruly state and his bright emerald eyes turning to look into those of Ginerva Weasley’s. Her own bright brown eyes were burning with anger and her wand was sparking as she pointed it at him.

“Got caught up in paperwork in the office love, didn’t realise the time, I recon the wizards down in filing are trying to get revenge for all the paperwork I make for them by making me double check and sign everything.” He offered her a tired smile.

“Not buying it, try again” she scowled.

“Fine, I was heading out of the door when we received an message from Tonks, there was a couple of low risk criminals trying to pass off amulets to ward against unforgivables again. I went as secondary backup in case they tried to bolt” he explained.

“I’m not Ron, who’ll believe your stories, nor Kingsley, who’ll not believe a word but accept it anyways, try again” her scowl decreased slightly but she was still fuming.

“There was another riot outside Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes when their new love potions, guaranteed to work on the Boy-Who-Lived, was released and I had to go prove it wrong?” Harry sensed she was weakening enough to let that one go unpunished as she smirked and gave him a penetrating look.

“Enough jokes smart guy, the truth?” her voice was calmer now and Harry let out a sigh, looking into her bright brown eyes.

“I went to meet an informant, he told me that within the hour a known petty criminal was meeting some Death Eaters to pass over some illegal goods, I went solo to go apprehend them. It was Causwell with some guards, Crabbe included, Vincent, not his father.”

“I see,” she sighed, “Harry, you have to stop being a one man army, you can’t go get them all. One day you’re going to run into something too hard and you’re going to get hurt with no-one to help you.”

“Nothing is too hard for the Boy-Who-Lived” he flashed her a cheeky grin which she disarmed with an upset glare.

“I’m serious, I’m fed up of going to bed alone because my fiancée is off fighting against half a dozen death eaters. I’m fed up of waking up by myself because you’ve rushed to work for the smallest event. I’m fed up of spending all evening by myself because you’re too busy in the office. I’m fed up of being your fiancée for nearly seven years and never your wife because your life is too unstable to give you a few weeks off for our wedding and honeymoon.” Ginny’s bright brown eyes glistened with tears forcing Harry to pull her into a tight hug.

“I’m sorry Ginny,” he stroked her long red hair with his hand as he held her tight “I just can’t settle down until I’m sure something won’t go wrong. I don’t want to drop to sleep holding you knowing that the morning will bring news that someone we care about died during the night because I wasn’t there to save them.”

“That’s it Harry, you shouldn’t have to be there to save them, you should be free to live your life!” she sobbed into his shoulder

“I lost that right when Voldemort failed to kill me when I was one. I’ve been a threat to every Dark Lord wannabe since then. No thanks to the ministry advertising a few years back. ‘No need to fear, Harry Potter’s here’ indeed. I knew I refused Scrimgeour for a reason.” Harry sighed “At least your Dad’s never tried that one.”

“I’m sorry Harry,” Ginny whispered as her sobs turned to snivels, “Let’s go to bed, and you are staying there until I wake or I swear you’ll be chased by Bat Bogeys for a week!”

Harry laughed and swept Ginny into his arms, carrying her back upstairs to the bedroom.

2. Chapter 2

Author Note:- do I need to repeat the disclaimer? Meh, go see chapter 1 if you want it. Thankies go to Jedi, LegalAlien and Sweet for being my betas. Chapter 3 incoming.

Harry was lying in bed staring at the ceiling, his body covered in a cold sweat after he had woken from another nightmare. They were less frequent but still present, and he never expected them to leave. After seeing such horrors throughout his life he could hardly be expected to forget. Especially since every week he was presented with a new horror to open the old scars.

Beside him Ginny stirred gently and reached out her hand to grab his arm, shuffling over to him and a content smile spreading on her face. This brought a short lived smile to Harry’s face, she was a deep sleeper. She had once slept through a quarter of the Order of the Phoenix bursting into the room to get Harry for a big operation in the early hours of the morning a few years back. He glanced over at the clock and it said.

“Seven Thirty Two Aey Emm, you should be up already!”

Harry shook his head, still not used to the talking clock Hermione had bought him last Christmas. He leaned over and kissed Ginny softly.

“Love, it’s time to get up and go to work and I need feeling in my arm to do that” he whispered softly.

“Nooo, more sleep, day off, sick, cough, definitely sick, you should take the day off too, I probably infected you, cough” she mumbled, her face in the pillow.

“Nice try” Harry chuckled, “Kingsley will come and fetch me if I try to take today off after last night. But you can, hasn’t been any big bits of trouble for a while, I’m sure St Mungo’s is empty again.”

Ginny was a healer in the emergency wing of St Mungo’s now. She decided to take the healing career during Hogwarts considering the amount of time Harry and her brothers spent in the hospital wing. She wanted to help in the fight and with the training she receiving in DADA, Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Phoenix she could hold her own easily. But she also held a natural talent for healing, so she figured that if Harry was going to be dumb and go off alone for all the missions she might as well be able to fix him when he stumbled home.

“No, wanted to spend the day in bed with you, if you won’t be here I’d just be playing with myself all day … although that does sound deliciously naughty … no, work!” She sighed and let go of Harry’s arm reluctantly.

He rubbed his forearm as the pins and needles started to fade as blood returned to the crushed limb. He pulled back the sheets and slid out, shivering slightly as the cool air brushed over his naked flesh, he peered back over at the bed and caught a brief glimpse of Ginny’s naked side before she shivered and pulled the quilt back over her.

He walked into the ensuite of the room and turned on the shower, reaching his hand in until it turned warm. He heard the door open and went to turn as Ginny grabbed him from behind.

“Well, if you aren’t going to play hooky with me, I might as well take advantage of having you home” she breathed heavily, reaching around his hip and grabbing him. He chuckled and they stepped into the falling warm water.

Harry arrived in the Auror’s office at quarter to nine with a grin on his face. He headed for his office and walking around a corner he hit someone hard. Harry fell to the floor and looked up to see Ron.

“Hey mate,” Harry felt his jaw and grinned up at him, “Yeesh, still like walking into a brick wall.”

Ron chuckled and offered his hand, dragging Harry to his feet. Standing at about seven foot and wide in the shoulders Ron was quite similar to a brick wall. He didn’t stop growing until he towered over all of his brothers. To add to this effect his appetite never faded and with all the Auror training he was putting on a lot of muscle rather than fat.

“What are you so late for? Well, not late, you don’t start till nine, but you’re usually here at five” Ron looked him up and down “What’s with the grin?”

“Ginny wouldn’t let me leave this morning” he shrugged

“Oh? … oh … eww” Ron winced holding his head “Thanks for the mental image mate”

“Not my fault you’ve got such a dirty mind, we could have just been having breakfast together for the first time in a month”

“Yeah yeah, shut up,” Ron complained, “Shacklebolt wants to see you in his office later, he says you’ve got a report to write first tho, you get into more trouble last night?”

“No more than usual” Harry grinned

“Not saying much considering it’s you,” Ron grumbled “Worse than the twins for trouble, they may cause more, but they never have the chance of getting killed in the process. Why didn’t you call me for backup?”

“Didn’t have much chance, was short notice. Besides, the job required stealth and that’s the exact opposite of what you are.”

“Hey!”

“No offence mate, but you’re as bad as Tonks and twice the size. If I need a battering ram, crowbar or wall to hide behind I’ll drag you along. But I needed to follow someone through knockturn alley.”

“Suppose that makes sense, still not happy about it though.” Ron sighed.

“They’ll be a next time Ron, don’t worry about that. Got to go, need to write a report.” Harry chuckled and walked down the corridor headed for his office, but turned a few yards later, turning and calling to Ron, “I got Causwell last night, life sentence guaranteed.”

“Alright!” Ron yelled happily, then added in a disappointed tone “Damn! I missed it!”

“Next time!” Harry called before entering his office.

He slumped down to his desk and looked around at the piles of paperwork. Hermione would come into the office periodically and complain at him about it, then after a while he gave her his puppy dog eyes until she groaned and helped him clear a pile or two.

He thought back over last night and drew out his wand and grabbed a vial from a drawer. Pulling out the fresh memory and slipping it into the vial and marking it “Causwell Arrest”.

He pushed his chair over to the filing cabinet and pulled out an arrest form and his quill, quickly scribbling through the details. Grabbing the finished parchment and casting a quick drying spell on the ink he headed up for Shacklebolt’s office. A glance at the clock told him it was ten past nine as he nodded to Christine, Kingsley’s personal assistant.

“He’s expecting me Christine” Harry smiled as he strolled past the desk and entered the office.

“You’re an hour late Potter” Kingsley’s deep voice commented as Harry entered and sat down.

“A whole hour? I’m not due to start until nine Sir,” Harry grinned

“That I know, but I work eight till six and you arrive before me and leave after, much to my annoyance. If I ask for a report it’s usually waiting for me as I enter, imagine my concern when you weren’t waiting for me to ruin my morning.”

“Was kidnapped before work Sir,” Potter replied and Kingsley raised an eyebrow, “Daughter of the minister held me against my will preventing me from getting to work early.”

“Glad to hear it, you have the report?” Shacklebolt held out his hand and took the parchment from Harry, “I’ve got three lawyers complaining downstairs that their clients are being held unjustly. They were more enraged when I told them they couldn’t start fighting the charges until I knew what they were.”

Harry smirked and pulled out the vial and the bag with Causwell’s wand within and dropped them on the desk.

“What did Huntly have after all?” Harry inquired.

“Just some Class C plants, with the slip and memory we’ll get him on handling and dealing, a few years. Plus dealing with Pure Ministry will guarantee maximum on the crimes.” Kingsley dropped the memory into his pensieve and watched as Harry hexed the wizards.

“I have an assignment for you Potter,” Kingsley commented as the memory ended, “We have heard rumours of something big happening soon, though we don’t know what. Proper Death Eater activity has been practically non existent for a few months, we think the Lestranges are up to something.”

When the Death Eaters split in Voldemort’s downfall Bellatrix and her husband Rudolphus hadn’t believed him gone, merely awaiting his time. They had continued the old ways, torturing and killing muggles, following to Riddle’s most extreme methods. They took with them the most vicious and cruel of his ranks, the ones that truly delighted in the pain and suffering they caused.

“Knowing them, whatever they are up to, it won’t be anything good.” Harry commented.

“Indeed,” Shacklebolt replied “We have identified a possible member, but we haven’t had any conclusive proof yet. We plan to drop a couple of Aurors on trailing him, and by we I mean me, and by a couple of Aurors I mean you and Hermione.”

“Hermione? Undercover?” Harry inquired, raising an eyebrow “She’s an excellent Auror sir, one of my best friends as you well know, but she’s too proper to handle undercover, she’ll be noticed.”

“She got top marks in stealth and disguise.” Kingsley added, looking at a folder on his desk, “She’s also the only Auror I have on staff who you won’t ditch in a heartbeat to work alone and who might be able to keep you under control.”

“What is the goal of the assignment, sir?” Harry enquired, “If we need to arrest Bellatrix and Rudolphus then this could be months or years, and I’ve never managed more than a week undercover, the scar gives me away eventually. Plus Hermione will never last on a long term assignment.”

“Really?” came a feminine voice from the doorway, Harry winced as Hermione entered, “You sent for me sir?”

“Hey Hermione, I meant no offence, I was just stating my low opinion of our ability to go undercover long term.” He quickly explained.

“And here I was, requesting a tougher assignment to prove how I could handle myself,” Hermione smiled at Harry and turned to Shacklebolt. Harry groaned, he recognised that look in her eyes, he was going to get a lecture later.

“I was just telling Potter here about your assignment, I need you two to tail Antony Yaxley, a death eater suspect of old, but we never had anything to arrest him except the word of Snape.” Kingsley informed them.

“What’s Snape’s status” Harry inquires, interrupting the flow.

“We’re still having trouble getting him out of Azkaban, he may have killed Dumbledore under his own orders, but he used an unforgivable. We’re trying to get him out under our watch, put him to work in the Ministry, but we can’t get all the votes we need. Too many distrust him, with good reason really.” Shacklebolt added before resuming his briefing.

“We’ve discovered that Yaxley is staying in London temporarily, and he is suspected of joining with the Lestranges. Your mission is such, primary objective, tail him, find out who he’s working with. Secondary objectives are if he is working with the Lestranges, discover what they are planning and inform the Aurors or prevent it.” Shacklebolt paused a moment, staring at Harry before continuing “Third objective is to arrest any Death Eater, priority to Bellatrix and Ruldolphus. Also remember that any of the True Death Eater faction have already been assigned death sentences, unforgivables and killing is permitted, but remember the objective order. Do not compromise yourself for revenge Potter.”

Kingsley hoped Harry would obey that order, thought he would find himself hard pressed to charge him should he get a shot at Bellatrix. The witch had fought and killed her cousin and Harry’s godfather Sirius Black nine years ago. There were others who he would be tempted to get, but none he would break orders for if obeying resulted in a shot at Bellatrix. Kingsley hoped that if given the opportunity that Granger could keep the temperamental wizard under control.

“You’ll be given new identities, Polyjuice potions, disillusion potions, emergency portkeys and we’ll be authorizing Hermione to take an invisibility cloak, Potter I assume you still have yours?” Harry nodded the affirmative, “Very well, in dire need you can switch from the polyjuice potion to your metamorphus form Harry, Hermione as you lack this ability try to keep better track of your potion. Our current potions master has increased the duration to two to two and a half hours, of course there is still a chance it will fail after one so try to top up every fifty five minutes as standard.”

“Snape’s version is more reliable and he claims it lasts six hours,” Harry commented, “Said so on my last visit, perhaps that might swing a vote or two, mention how we lost two aurors to failed potions and have had dozens requiring medical attention.”

“I’ll be sure to mention it” Kingsley replied.

Severus Snape was currently in Azkaban on a ten year session. During Harry’s sixth year he had used the Avada Kedavra on Albus Dumbledore. There was no doubt on this, he confessed and there were eye witnesses. However he had done so unwillingly. Before the school year started Dumbledore had been fatally injured while recovering the Gaunt ring, one of Voldemort’s seven horcruxes. He had made it to Spinner's End and Snape had saved the headmaster’s life. However he was only able to put a stopper in death.

Dumbledore would die, this wasn’t questioned, all wizards do eventually. But Dumbledore was vested with only a year’s extension through daily potions. He was also made aware on his visit of the unbreakable vow Snape had to take and constructed a plan. In the event that Draco failed his mission, Snape was ordered to kill Dumbledore to save himself.

Snape, despite logic telling him that Albus would die without him anyways, refused the order. This caused several arguments throughout the sixth year until the fateful night. Severus realising what was happening when Filius came into his chamber swiftly stunned the charms teacher to ensure someone would survive the night to look after the children. Distracting Hermione and the other students nearby to keep them from the battle he set off for the Tower. He arrived to see Draco’s wand wavering from Dumbledore, two broomsticks on the tower, four death eaters and Dumbledore’s momentary glance to a cloaked Harry.

Rage filled the potions master, knowing what must be done and hating Dumbledore for letting him get into this position. With the utmost loathing required for the spell he spoke the fateful words and killed his mentor, the man who gave him a second chance when none others would sixteen years before.

He fled the tower with Draco, forcing the other Death Eaters away from Harry and calling the retreat. He made way with Draco, cursing the situation he found himself in only to hear Harry’s voice chasing after him, casting curses. He blocked all the spells and kept moving to leave Hogwart’s grounds. He focused his Legilimency to block Harry’s emotion filled hexes, even blocking a few non-verbals. When Harry was hit by a crucio spell by Amacus he ordered the retreat, ending the spell. It wasn’t until Harry called him a coward he responded.

A coward? How dare he! He didn’t have a clue what Snape just had to do to save Harry’s own life! Snape turned on Harry and yelled at him, venting his rage and frustration before vanishing into the night. That night he took Narcissa and Draco into hiding, to be safe until Voldemort’s downfall.

He continued acting as a spy, passing information anonymously whenever he could manage. His position secured in the Death Eaters by his actions, likewise condemned him in the Order. He tried to explain what happened but never found a chance, until he was caught by Harry. He was caught searching for rare potion supplies by the Boy-who-Lived, his anger a glaring signal to the ever watchful Snape. There was a battle, a very close one, Harry’s skills having improved vastly in his seventh year was a match for the ex-Hogwart’s teacher until his emotions got the better of him.

Snape disarmed him and rather than finishing Harry off he captured him. It took several days to convince him of what really happened. After showing him pensieve memories, explaining Dumbledore’s actions and revealing his helping hand in the downfall of Tom Riddle with his anonymous tips Snape awaited Harry’s decision. On the fifth day after his capture, having said nothing on the whole of the fourth Harry asked to be released.

Snape removed Harry’s bindings and handed over his wand to the Auror in training. Harry walked outside and apparated to Hogsmeade. He ignored everyone as he started for Hogwarts. Ignoring the calls of the shop owners, the posters of him under the words MISSING, and the gleeful shouts of Hogwart’s students on a visit he just walked until he reached Hogwarts. The doors groaned and smashed open despite the locks as Harry walked through. His anger barely controlled as objects shattered around him.

His wand never left his pocket from the moment he left Snape’s home until he was alone in the Headmaster’s office. McGonagall having left upon seeing Harry destroy her office door and walk to Dumbledore’s portrait. Harry stared at the image of Dumbledore for many minutes before speaking just one short sentence.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Snape was brought in and was sentenced immediately to walk through the veil for the crime of using an unforgivable. This decision was overturned when Harry burst into the Department of Mysteries and threatened to hex anyone who tried to kill Severus. Using the evidence provided and the fact he was Harry Potter, a useful tool he tried not to abuse, the sentence was dropped to life imprisonment, then to twenty years, then to ten in a lower risk prison. He had served four years already and was using the time in prison to bill the ministry for his potions research as Harry had gotten him access to supplies.

Shacklebolt was currently trying to get him transferred to the Ministry research division to serve the rest of his sentence. For a complete git, he was a very intelligent and gifted potions master.

(This is of course straying from the story, suppose I’ll have to make it relevant later. Though do note Harry’s use of wandless magic, there may be a quiz later)

“So, we find Yaxley and follow him around for a while, see who he meets, create a good rap sheet to bring him in. If he meets any of our known Death Eaters then we try to overhear what’s going on, find out who he’s with these days. If he’s with them we let you know immediately and switch to finding out what they are up to these days. Catch whiff of anything important, we let you know what, then try to cripple their plans. We get into any trouble or our cover is blown, we scarper as safely as possible and try and bring down as many as possible on the way out, sound right boss?” Harry summed up.

“Indeed, we don’t know where Yaxley is now, except that he’s in London, we have our informants keeping their ears open but we have nothing but a rumoured meeting on Thursday in the Pickled Troll, 7pm. Until then you are on orange alert, get your kit ready, review your cover stories, get someone to feed the pets for a while, you know the routine.”

Both Auror’s nodded and left the office, folders in arms. Code Orange wasn’t quite Red, but meant they had to be ready to move at five minutes notice at all moments until Thursday, two days away. Orange also meant that they could tell close relatives some sketchy outlines. Ginny wouldn’t be pleased he was going to be away for an indefinite amount of time again. He would have to face her wrath tonight, after Hermione’s which would probably start the moment they stepped into his office and Silencio’ed it. He opened his door and stepped inside, walking to the desk as Hermione shut and spelled the door.

“Harry James Potter!” Hermione turned on him, obviously furious.

“Uhoh, middle name used, Mione wrath level three detected, Danger Harry Potter, Danger!” Harry commented dryly as he sat down, watching the muggle reference hit home as he conjured up a cup of coffee to sip from.

“Only level three?” she growled through clenched teeth.

“Yup, middle name, no raised voice, level two, or disappointed hurt tone, level one,” Harry commented, reading from the folder, “Which is why I’m only giving you 95% of my attention because I know that after this argument you are going to memorize this folder in about ten minutes and quiz me on it in twenty, so thought I’d get a head start.”

“Why did you tell Kingsley I won’t last on a long duration undercover operation?” she was calming already, Harry had that effect on her, after seven years he knew exactly how to press the right buttons and complete lack of concern to her anger meant he had a good reason which she was about to hear. Of course the fact that he knew how to do this was going to result in some very badly damaged targets later in training.

“Because I know for damn sure that if you ordered the Auror division from best at undercover tracking to worst, me and you would be in the bottom ten,” Harry looked up over the folder at her “The worst two are Tonks and Ron, and I can tell by that smirk you are trying to hide that you know I’m right. Ron’s the worst because though him and Tonks match for low stealth scores and clumsiness, Tonks can hide who she is, Ron on the other hand sticks out like a Weasley.”

“Next, I’m fairly certain I’m in the bottom five, if you don’t count my rather obvious scar giving me away, my tendency to go berserk and chase after major criminal while stalking a suspect doesn’t help either.” Harry caught Hermione’s eyes for the next part, “Lastly you, you’re in the bottom ten not for any errors you may make, because as your scores show, you’re perfect as usual, but for the errors you won’t make.”

“You can’t pretend to be a criminal because you baulk at the first sign of a broken law. Yes, you broke dozens of rules with me and Ron back in Hogwarts, but you’ve never done anything illegal. Closest you got was the Polyjuice potion and that was for a good cause. Strangely not illegal tho.”

“If we are to successfully blend into today’s underworld you have to be prepared to ignore and partake in things we see. We see a card game where someone puts down their house elf on a bet you can’t launch into a S.P.E.W. lecture. We get offered some class c substances you accept and do it knowing you swallowed an immunity potion that morning. We get into a fight with Aurors you try your best to look like you want to kill them short of throwing an illegal and do your best to signal them to your identity without blowing your cover.”

“You know I’d take you and Ron as my first choices in a raid, but this sort of mission gets me nervous. Hell I don’t want to be on them, don’t know when you appeared at that doorway but half a breath before criticizing you I was just finishing telling Kingsley I can’t handle undercover to save my life. Have I explained well enough to avoid the wrath of Mione?”

“I suppose,” Hermione conceded, “But I’m still not happy about it, there has to be a reason why Kingsley thinks I’m ready for this. I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk for my entire career, I used to think that would be perfect, but after everything we did in Hogwarts I find myself wanting more.”

“I don’t want medals, I don’t want praise and I’m not after glory. I just want to make a difference to make the world a bit safer so the next generation doesn’t have to know fear like we knew.” Hermione stared out of the window as she spoke, imagining the view of Hogwarts she saw was real, not just the illusion Harry had requested.

“I know Mione,” Harry stood up again and walked over to give her a hug, “You’re making a difference out there. I know it, you’ve helped bring in some of the worst criminals on the streets.”

“Yeah, helped you bring them in” Hermione pouted for a moment before giggling.

“Hey, I’m in it for the same reason you are. Plus, if you ever want some more medals I have plenty sitting in my drawers back home. Now come on, we’ve got an assignment to gear up for and then I’ve got to go home and explain to Ginny that I’m going to be missing for a while. She won’t like it, but she’ll understand code orange at least.”

“Just use the Potter charm on her, it works perfectly well to take the wind from my sails.” Hermione teased.

“Heh, works on all females, I am too damn irresistible for my own good if I do say so myself.”

“Careful mister, if you carry on too long we’ll fail the assignment because your head will be seen from a mile away.” She retorted

“Bah!” Harry grinned “Got to take this one careful, she’s starting to grow immune, hate to admit it, we’re still the best of friends, but the little spark is starting to fade. I think she’s started to notice it too. I think I’m gonna request a holiday after this assignment, take Ginny somewhere nice, perhaps that Honeymoon I’ve been promising her since 6th year.”

“Oh great, now I’ve got to make sure you make it through the assignment alive or Ginny will kill me,” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“You mean you weren’t going to do it anyways? Where’s the loyalty? This partnership is never going to work!” he teased until he got swatted by Hermione’s backhand on his arm, “Okay okay, I give. You going to write to Viktor? Let him know about the assignment? He’s off in Spain for the world cup at the moment isn’t he?”

“Yeah, I’ll have to send him an owl quickly, he’ll be disappointed, he got us all tickets for the final.” She sighed.

“Final? That’s a bit eager isn’t it? They’re only down to the last sixteen at the moment and England is still in it. They’ll be playing in the semis” Harry grinned.

“Ah yes, but Viktor told me that since they don’t have Harry Potter as Seeker he isn’t frightened one bit.” Hermione grinned back and winked at him.

Harry grinned and they set off to requisition the gear they needed.

3. Chapter 3

Author Note:- This is not a precedent, subsequent chapters are going to be annoyingly slow as my muses wander off as they are distracted by pretty lights. Usually the Bug Zapper, the smell of fried muses is a bit like marshmallows. Disclaimer is on chapter 1, thanks go to my betas JediYoda, LegalAlien and Sweet_Mione

Harry idly wondered how much the shattered vase on the floor had cost Ginny’s aunt as the redhead stomped around screaming and stepping on the shards. He was glad she was wearing slippers else she would have already torn her feet to shreds. He leaned into the chair and was reading some paperwork, occasionally lifting his wand to catch flying objects and levitate them to a safer location. He let some things break because Ginny’s rage wasn’t satisfied until a few things broke with a loud noise.

He had come home after work and told Ginny about the code orange mission. He knew telling her before then was a bad idea as she was working until the evening and would be good for the patients if she went into a trademarked fury in the wards. Luckily the rage wasn’t directed at him so all he had to do was catch the items that couldn’t be repaired when she threw them at the walls.

He had one ear on her screams so he could reply whenever she threw a question at him and to her constant annoyance he never missed one. “Yes dear” “I know dear” “I agree, Shacklebolt is a slave driving flobberworm” “No, you can’t have a pet Boggart”

She threw the last one in to test him.

Harry was thinking about lunchtime. He had gone to the cafeteria to join Ron and let him know about the mission. The bulky redhead was at a table with Neville, Derrick and Lucy. He nodded to the others as Ron cruised his way through his overloaded tray.

“You guys hear bout Causwell yet?” Neville asked, Derrick and Lucy shook their heads, “Someone brought him in last night, rumor has it that he was using unforgivables”

Harry smirked as he sat and Ron started choking on his mouthful of pie.

“Really? That’s great!” Lucy smiled, her dark brown hair tied back, she was a few years younger than Harry, just finished training. She was working with Neville and his partner Derrick at the moment. Just tagging along for a bit of work experience, Neville had told Harry she was a natural and was going to be a great auror one day.

“Who got him?” Derrick’s slow voice questioned, he was quite a big guy, still smaller than Ron but intimidating certainly. He was shaved bald and had a lot of tattoos which were mostly covered by his clothes at the moment. He had strength and quite a turn of speed once he got started. Though he had been around longer he didn’t have the natural talent of Neville who had improved vastly ever since the DA training with Harry back in the fifth year.

“Harry did.” Ron grinned, his mouth empty at last, “Went off last night to get him by himself.”

“Harry? You shouldn’t be doing that, not safe by yourself” Derrick commented.

“Derrick, this is Harry Potter, Dark wizard catcher extraordinaire. Come on Harry, how many were there? Outnumbered ten to one?” Ron grinned.

“Whoa, before the rumors start,” Harry scowled at Ron, “It was just four, Causwell, two grunts and a lowlife thief. I don’t want to walk past the water cooler this afternoon and hear how Harry single handedly took down thirty Death Eaters and a Swedish Shortsnout.”

“Nah, everyone knows it’s always a Hungarian Horntail.” Neville added with a smirk.

“Haha, very funny, least when I get plastered on firewhisky shots I can still pick a decent tattoo mister mermaid.” Harry retorted with a grin.

The reference was to a few years ago when after a particularly good bust Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and a few other Aurors from the raid went out to celebrate. After the fifteen rounds of shots and all the beer someone had suggested magical tattoos to commemorate the night. By that time only about seven of the starting twelve were still able to stand.

They had staggered over to the nearest late night tattoo shop and each bought one. Harry had gotten a Hungarian Horntail which crawled over his back and blew fire at anyone who looked at it. This joined the Hippogriff on his right arm and the three headed Hellhound on his chest. The hellhound was a tribute to Hagrid who had died to save Harry before the fall of Voldemort. A year later they were also joined by a Basilik on his lower back, that one to commemorate the 5th aniversary. He also had gotten a pygmy puff on his butt after loosing a bet to Ginny, but to his relief the snake had eaten it a few days later.

Harry, though annoyed by the tingling caused by the random bursts of flames, felt he did quite well compared to the others. Neville had woken the next morning to find a mermaid flapping on his chest and Ron was forced to confront his fear of spiders when he found an Acromantula crawling over his back. No-one could remember if Hermione had gone under the needle, let alone what it could have been. Harry suspected she had memory charmed them but could never prove it because the blanks in his memory could quite easily have been caused by the fourth Tequila shot.

Ron, Derrick and Neville all chuckled leaving Lucy a bit confused, Neville promised to fill her in later.

“Got a tip off last night when I went to meet an informant, had to act instantly, went after Huntly and he led me to Causwell. Bit of quick spell work took out Huntly and the two toughs, Crabbe included,” Neville and Ron chuckled at that, “Causwell threw a crucio at me, blocked it with a crate and threw the shards at him, got lucky and one piece nicked his ear.”

“Ah, went into one of his loony stages then?” Ron queried.

“Completely barmy, started throwing all sorts of curses at me, I think he tried Riddikulus at one stage,” Harry shook his head “Just waited for the Avada and stunned him, got his wand, sealed it up, conviction. Done and dusted.”

“Survived another killing curse? Why do you wonder why there are so many rumors about you?” Neville asked.

“Didn’t survive, stunned him before he got it off” Harry replied.

“So it wasn’t the last spell cast?” Lucy asked.

“Shit!” Harry cursed as he was caught off guard for a moment as he quickly went through his memory, “No, he never got the spell off, it won’t be the last cast will it? Yeesh, well at least Malfoy’s lawyers are going to have trouble. Definitely fired off a few Imperius and Cruciatus curses and was going to cast the Avada Kedavra.”

“Was going to doesn’t get a conviction, I’m glad he didn’t cast it because you might not be sitting here, but you know they’ll try and get him a weak sentence.” Lucy spoke with a quiet tone, afraid of gaining Harry’s ire, “All you have now is a memory, unless the last spell cast was unforgivable you’ll have trouble with it. Especially since it’s possible you might be out on assignment when the court case goes through.”

Harry let out a stream of curses as his anger swelled up, if he had just waited a few moments longer to stun. He could have dodged the killing curse no problem. On a nearby table a glass shattered and Ron grabbed Harry’s shoulder, bringing him to the present. He looked around as most of the cafeteria was staring at him. On the opposite side of the table Lucy was white as a sheet and looking terrified.

“Ah … sorry guys, lost control for a second, sorry for interrupting your lunch.” Harry cringed and then spotted Lucy’s reaction, “Sorry Luce, didn’t mean to scare ya, not angry with you, just with my own stupidity, damn, I’m going to go burn a few practice dummies. Ron you want to come with?”

“Yeah mate, be right there, just got a bit to finish” Ron replied, not wanting to leave any food on his plate. Harry chuckled and apologized one last time before heading out, feeling a few eyes watching him carefully.

“That was scary!” Lucy commented under her breath once Harry left, “Thought he was going to kill me with his glare!”

“Don’t believe the hype Luce” Neville commented, “Harry is a force to be reckoned with, if you are against him, but for us he’s harmless as a fly. He’s a great guy and soft as a teddy bear when you get to know him, he just has a small issue with anger.”

“Yeah, if he’s pissed you might get hit by shrapnel when something nearby blows up. But he’ll never hurt you on purpose if you don’t deserve it.” Ron added as Derrick rubbed her shoulder, “Course, if you work with him often, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared”

All three guys pulled the neckline of their robes to show their Dragon hide armor beneath and chuckled together. Lucy looked a little more relaxed now and set about finishing her lunch.

After lunch Ron had headed up to meet Harry in one of the training rooms, ditching his office robe for more maneuverability. Logging into training with the witch at the desk he went to one of the simulators where Harry was practicing. They had adapted the muggle simulators to convert dummies and illusions into realistic scenarios for spell fights and hand to hand combat.

Ron watched through the one way, spell proof wall as Harry was shooting down snitch like targets. He was missing about one in four which Ron found startling. The targets though small and fast moving weren’t all that exceptional until Ron noticed Harry was using his left hand.

“Come on superstar, thought you wanted to do something together,” Ron called through the wall to which Harry chuckled.

“Wasn’t sure how many helpings you were having before coming up, thought I’d get in a bit of offhand practice.” Harry grinned and flicked his wand, the illusion shifting to a dark alley, “You coming in then?”

Ron pulled on a hooded cloak and drew his wand before stepping into the dark alley with Harry who had pulled his hood up over his face.

“What’s this one? Two man raid or some stealth mission to see how long I last?” Ron grinned as he pulled over his hood.

“Nah, six man training raid, midnight dealing in a warehouse, the one Shacklebolt had you running for the new recruits. Remember me watching you last week when the whole team was dropped without taking a single prisoner. You told me afterwards we could have done it in our sleep.” Harry grinned under the hood, “Time to prove it King Weasley.”

“I’ll get you for this Potter, I suppose we’ve got a review panel?” Ron asked as they moved slowly through the alleyway, being as quiet as mice.

“Got one of the trainers to watch and give us a pensieve vial afterwards, reckon you could use it next week when you’re on training duties again, show them how it’s done eh? This is the one” Harry whispered as they arrived at a door, “What do you reckon? Stealth or Force?”

“This scenario has eight Death Eaters, would be daft to use Force immediately” Ron whispered, pointing his wand at the door. “Alohomora”

“Eight? That’s easy, I’ve set it to random between ten and fifteen” Harry grinned and cast the Anti-Apparation ward on the building, closing the door then whispering “Colloportus” to seal the door with a squelching sound while Ron was whispering “mental, bloody mental”.

They snuck together through the stacks of crates, moving towards whispering sounds, finding seven death eaters around a desk with maps. They were talking about a raid on Hogsmeade during the next Hogwart’s trip. Harry did always admire the accuracy of the simulations. He tugged at Ron’s shoulder and pointed at a metal stairwell leading to the next floor, it was quite high up and consisted of bridges to overlook the factory floor. Harry had already seen three Death Eaters patrolling around, that left a possible five unaccounted for, which he suspected were patrolling around the stacks.

“Tactical analysis mate?” Harry grinned.

“We got ten of maybe fifteen accounted for, reckon the others are around us in the stacks. Ones above us have a distinct advantage. Reckon you should bewitch the crates on the other side of the tables to act like Bludgers, ten or more of them, two of us, low odds of us being targets to start with. Once they start I’ll head up and start dealing with any upstairs and then start raining down spells, you take the seven down here and find our missing foes.”

“Sounds good, knew Kingsley had you teaching tactics and strategy for a reason beyond your unbeaten Wizard Chess record.” Harry grinned, “ready?”

With a nod from Ron he started his silent spells, turning the stacks of boxes and crates along with the shelving and pallets into Bludger like weapons. Like the Quidditch versions the ‘Bludgers’ would fly around lightning quick and target themselves at random ‘players’, in this case, anyone in the warehouse. With their hoods up at a quick glance Harry and Ron could pass for Death Eaters themselves so even if they hadn’t be distracted by the sudden attack they wouldn’t have fired upon Ron as he ran for the stairs.

To get off on a good start Ron tripped on a pallet halfway to the stairs and was saved by a quick Banishing charm from Harry as a shelf tried to crush him. Spells were flying around the warehouse as giant wooden pallets crashed through the tables trying to flatten the cloaked figures. Harry started firing stunning spells at the boxes as he silently bewitched more and more to take to the air. Occasionally a stunning spell would hit a Death Eater, but with all the chaos it was an honest mistake, really. Harry was amused that one of the dummies had taken out one of his fellows in a similar move.

Up on the next floor Ron had used full body binds to take down two of the Death Eaters but had been spotted and was now dueling with the last. A few of the Death Eaters on the floor were also sending up spells against Ron. Thus far five Death Eaters were down and two more had emerged from the stacks as Harry thought. A well placed banishing charm sent some metal shelving to scythe through the lower legs of a large metal shelf holding crates. With an ominous creak it toppled over, crushing three Death eaters who weren’t quick enough to move. Up above Ron had used the distraction to Stupify his enemy and was throwing down hexes as he dodged the spells coming up. Nine down, three or more left casting.

Now the problems started. Realising that the only one moving on the bridges was Ron the Death Eaters started firing up Avada Kedavra’s and Reductors to blow apart the bridges, ignoring their own fallen comrades still up there. The bludgers were ceased when a quick witted Death Eater yelled out “Finite Incantatem” and to Ron’s dismay this also released one of the body binded foes. The other wasn’t liable to be getting up anytime soon as a reductor had removed the section of bridge he was laying on. His body was now on the ground floor broken in many places.

Ron ran over a bridge, throwing down stunners at the Death Eater’s still standing. One of them fired a strong redactor at the end of the bridge, snapping it from the support and with a creak the bridge started to fall. Harry saw the Death Eater still up top move to the spot where the bridge had been removed and aim at Ron who was now hanging to the railing as it hit the ground with a bang.

“Accio Death Eater!” he yelled, tugging strongly on the puppet, enough to unbalance him and pull him off the overview to fall to his death. However this move had alerted the puppets around him to his side. He dived sideways behind a toppled table as a shower of spells were cast.

“Four stunned, three crushed, two falling deaths, three standing, three unknown” Harry counted in his mind, he rolled sideways as half the table was hit by a redactor and he cast a glance at the fallen bridge. Ron had made way to his feet on the sharp incline and hurled himself over the broken railing to land on two Death Eaters hiding nearby. Grabbing their robes, pulling them to their feet and smashing them together he took another two out of the game. Quick reflexes saved him next as he had to dive as the other Death eater threw a killing curse at him. Harry quickly stood and brought him down with a stunner.

Both wizards looked around wands drawn, two silently cast shields went up as they scanned the destroyed warehouse in case any more Death eaters were present.

“Looks like we had twelve,” Harry commented, keeping his guard up but moving to take the wands from the fallen and binding them in magical chains, “Seven arrests and five deaths, pretty good I reckon.”

With a flick of his wand the warehouse faded to leave them in a bare room with twelve dummies lying to one side. Ron clapped Harry on the back and they both grinned as they left the room.

“Thanks for the saves, good thing that wasn’t real or I’d owe you another two and I’ve still got forty seven to pay back.” Ron grinned.

“Forty eight you mean?” Harry queried.

“Nah, that incident with the dementor doesn’t count, my patronus would have made it to save my ass,” Ron chuckled.

“Suppose so, so how are things with you and Luna, after this orange thing you two should come over. I’m planning some time off afterwards, need to make it up to Ginny. Shacklebolt owes me like half a year from all my overtime and untaken holiday.” Harry chuckled and looked over his shoulder to see Ron’s wand pointed at him, “hmm?”

“How many times did you have to polish Riddle’s trophy in the second year of Hogwarts?” Ron asked critically.

“Hmm?” Harry raised a brow at his best friend, “You had to polish it about fifty times after you spewed slug slime all over it.”

“Just checking you weren’t a polyjuice, never thought I’d live to see the day Harry Potter would take time off by choice,” Ron laughed, “I was beginning to think you and Ginny would be married in the cafeteria during lunchtime.”

“Nah, my office, enough stacks of paperwork to provide seats for everyone who wants to come,” Harry and Ron laughed hard at that comment.

“What’s so funny?” Hermione asked as she walked over to the pair, toweling herself down.

For her training she had opted for the hand to hand training incase she needed an edge on the mission. She felt her spell work was up to the challenge but could use a bit more in other areas. Thus she walked over to the boys wearing a skintight black leotard with her bushy hair held back into a rather odd looking pony tail. She was breathing heavily and sweating quite a bit.

“Just checking I’ve got the real Harry here, checked him out for polyjuice and about to take him to the medical center to check for Imperius and head injuries.” Ron joked, earning a punch in the arm.

“Hey Mione, you send your owl yet?” Harry asked, still playfully scowling at Ron.

“Yes, Viktor hasn’t replied yet, he’ll be disappointed if we can’t make it to the world cup, but he’ll understand I expect.” Hermione replied.

“Vicky got us tickets to the world cup? What do you mean we can’t make it, I’m not off on some life or death mission!” Ron whined. Hermione responded by grabbing his wrist, ducking under his arm and twisting, flipping Ron over to land on the hard floor.

“Don’t call him Vicky,” Hermione ignored Ron for the moment and looked at Harry, “Simon says you two were on form in there, he just went to pensieve his memory for Ron’s next class.”

“Hear that down there Ron?” Harry asked the dazed redhead, “How you can be smart enough to be teaching the recruits strategy and tactics and still walk right into these situations is beyond me mate,” looking up at Hermione, “Want to show us what you’ve got on the mat? I’ll volunteer Ron here to help you demonstrate?”

“No thanks, I’ve had enough of Ron’s inexperienced handling to last a lifetime and I’m not giving you a free chance to gawk at me,” she grinned at the pair playfully.

“Never heard you complaining at the time” Ron groaned.

“Of course you didn’t, I had no experience to compare it to. At least you’ve improved, at least according to Luna you have.” Hermione looked down at him, “How is Luna by the way? I haven’t seen her in ages.”

“She’s good, she misses you both but she’s been keeping herself entertained trying to figure out which flavor crisps are the most appealing to Nargles.”

Luna was still the same as ever, seeming as if she was only partly in the same world as the rest of them. She was a nice girl though and she suited Ron perfectly. Certainly much better than Hermione, they had lasted about a month before breaking up. Ironically they started getting along much better after the breakup, much to the relief of Harry. It was one less distraction in the hunt for Horcruxes.

“I’ll have to meet up with her for lunch after the mission, don’t want to say before in case we’re called early. Speaking of which, did you tell Ginny yet?” Hermione asked Harry.

“Not yet, I know it is a code orange mission, but she’ll flip. I didn’t want to do that during her lunch break, just in case she didn’t calm down before it was over. I’ll tell her tonight.” Harry replied evenly.

“Better you than me mate, I’m not sure I want to be in Britain when you break the news to her, hope Grimmauld survives the explosion.” Ron chuckled.

“In any case I have some paperwork to finish then I’ve got a meeting with Siccaby to get some advice on my role for the mission.” Hermione smiled at them both and slipped off, stepping on Ron as she headed for the showers.

“Oof!” grumbled Ron, “You’re putting on weight Hermy!” Ron called after her, earning a middle finger from her as Harry pulled him to his feet.

“She’s got a good idea though, I’m going to try and sort out some of my paperwork before I vanish for a week and my office is overrun by the stuff.” Harry clasped hands with Ron and set off for his office, his mind on how to deal with Ginny later.

Through his thoughts Harry had been listening to Ginny as well, so he was alert enough to catch the next question.

“Who else is on the mission, you’re not doing it alone are you?” she inquired.

“No, Kingsley doesn’t trust me solo, no-one does despite my record,” Harry sighed, “He’s letting Mione have her first undercover run, reckons she’ll be able to keep me under control.”

“Hermione?” Ginny stopped pacing and looked over at him, “Well, at least she’ll look after you.”

“But why does it have to be you? Everyone knows you’re the best raider in the ministry, you’re better in the ministry ready to go save the world at a moments notice. Not that I like you constantly putting your life on the line, but it seems a bit strange to put the best field worker out of action … what aren’t you telling me about the mission Harry?” Ginny asked, locking her eyes on him with a critical expression.

“Code Orange dear, I can’t give you details,” Harry replied.

“Rubbish! You’ve never been one to follow the rules to the letter, why are you on this mission?” she asked again.

“Because of who we suspect our target is working with,” Harry replied, giving Ginny a look that said, “I’m not going to say who, because you know who, and that’s why it’s me not someone else”

“Oh Merlin be damned, you’re kidding me! Kingsley is sending you and Hermione into a bloody hornet’s nest by yourselves!?!” Ginny’s voice grew sharper, “OH NO CHANCE IN HELL ARE YOU GOING AFTER THE WHOLE BLOODY LOT OF THEM BY YOURSELVES!!!”

“Ginny, calm down dear,” Harry sighed.

“DON’T YOU ‘CALM DOWN DEAR’ ME HARRY JAMES POTTER! YOU’RE GOING AFTER BELLATRIX AND THE MOST VICIOUS DEATH EATERS BY YOURSELF!” Ginny fumed.

“Not by myself, I’ll have Mione and half the Auror division a call away.” He stated.

“I KNOW YOU HARRY. YOU’LL RUN OFF BY YOURSELF TO PROTECT THEM. NO HARRY, NOT THIS TIME, I’M NOT LETTING YOU GO!”

“I can’t refuse this mission.” Harry replied firmly.

“You can! You just won’t! I’m calling dad.” Ginny spun and headed for the fireplace.

“Whoa dear,” Harry grabbed her wrist and stopped her, “I promise I’ll be careful, I won’t try and take the lot by myself, I’m impatient, not stupid. Hell we’re not even sure our target is with them, that’s why we’re following him.” Harry explained quickly while she tried to pull away, “We’re to find out who he’s with and what they’re planning then call in backup.”

That comment was true enough to slip past Ginny. She started calming down and turned to scowl at Harry.

“You promise not to do everything by yourself?” she asked.

“I promise.” replied Harry.

“You promise to call for backup at the first sign of trouble, not after the battle like usual?”

“I promise.”

“And you promise to come home the moment you can else face a lifetime of bat bogey hexes?”

“I promise, I’ve also got an approved stamp on a holiday request form for two weeks the moment I file the paperwork from this mission. Don’t know when that will be so I can’t book anything in advance. But I’ll be here when you leave for work and here when you get home and here when you go to sleep for two weeks.” Harry smiled.

“Good! You need the rest,” Ginny sighed, “I’m sorry, I just have a bad feeling about this mission.”

“You have a bad feeling? I’m the one who has to do it,” he grinned, “I’ll be extra careful.”

“I’ll let St. Mungo’s know I’ll be needing a week off soon, I’m sure I’ve got enough holiday saved to ask for that. We should get away somewhere, just us two, you know since Voldemort’s downfall we have never spent a whole week alone? There’s always been something come up for you or for me or we went with Ron and Luna or Hermione and Viktor. A break for just us would be nice I think.”

“I agree.” Harry smiled, “Second week will be just us, give a weeks notice for your holiday and maybe I can use the Harry Potter card to book us into somewhere nice with a weeks notice as well. Maybe we can do lunch with some of the old crew in the first week, haven’t seen Luna, Viktor or anyone from Hogwart’s in months.”

“I hope the mission doesn’t take too long then, you’re getting me all excited” Ginny giggled.

Harry smiled and gave her a tight hug, the distraction had worked like he hoped. Ginny’s wrath was on par with her mothers and could last hours. As the twins had revealed during their stay at Grimmauld Place before his fifth year the best method was to head her off before she got going.

“Mission doesn’t start till Thursday officially, that’s when we know where he’ll be, but if he’s spotted before then I’ll have to go. It’s unlikely as he’s been lying very low for the last seven years.” Harry commented, “Means we’ve only got tonight and tomorrow.”

“Only two nights? Took me ages to get you home before I fell asleep and now I only get two evenings from you?” Ginny whined.

“Yeah,” Harry smiled and kissed her on the cheek, glad he had defused her anger and gotten her mind off the mission, “Better not waste them whining right?”

4. Chapter 4

Author Note:- I would apologise for the delay however I suspect that subsequent chapters will take about this long, the first three were fluke because I wrote them before I got accepted so could post all three very quickly. Still enjoying writing away and I hope you all enjoy reading.

Thanks go to Sweets, LegalAlien and JediYoda for beta-ing. Disclaimer is at the front of the story, if you haven’t read it how did you get this far?

The next day Harry entered the Auror office at eight fifty five. He was still early but still had to assure half a dozen people he wasn’t sick or a polyjuice impersonation. By time he sat down behind his desk he was already tired and frustrated. He gave Hermione a small smile and leaned back. The bushy brunette had been sitting in his office since the stroke of nine, but it had taken until quarter past for Harry to get there.

“What can I do for you today Mione?” he inquired, conjuring up his morning cup of coffee, “Thirsty?”

“Please,” she smiled as Harry conjured up a cappuccino with sugar, cream and sprinkled chocolate, “Thanks, on to business, I came over so we can discuss the mission and practice our roles if you have time?”

“Meh, it’s that or paperwork,” Harry grinned as Hermione rolled her eyes, he pulled out the folder but didn’t open it, “What’s your undercover name and occupation?”

“Suzette Earning, or commonly known as Suze, I’m an ex-ministry employee, fired for stealing papers and selling them illegally.” Hermione grinned, “Caught three nights ago and volunteered the information about Yaxley’s meeting and offered an inch of hair in return for a reduced sentence. I questioned her yesterday morning to understand how she acts and who I might meet while disguised as her. I also have three meetings to offer papers to clients, Shacklebolt has already arranged for my customers to be caught swiftly.”

“What about you? Same question and no opening the folder to check,” she asked quickly.

“Paul Icewell, I’m new to the country from America, Suze’s new boy toy and tough as I’m polyjuicing as one of our American Auror recruits, nice big lad apparently. I’ve got a criminal record the length of my forearm with everything from assault to handling stolen goods to apparating without a licence to my personal favourite drinking and flying.” Harry grinned at her when she blushed bright red at the boy toy comment, “No known character in England so just got to keep up a foreign accent.”

“I’m thinking I’ll go with the strong silent type, if I seem like I’m an idiot then perhaps Yaxley won’t mind me overhearing anything, like Draco did with Crabbe and Goyle.” Harry mused.

“Possibly, but he might also consider you a liability, likely to stupidly mention something down the pub.” Hermione added.

“Good point, but we don’t know enough about Yaxley to make any conclusions, I figure it best if one of us plays dumb and the other smart, at least there’s a chance he’ll trust one of us. No offence intended but I don’t think we could pass off ex-ministry employee Suze as a dumb blonde, especially if you’re playing her.” Harry commented earning another blush.

“We’ll play up the tough aspect I think, I don’t want to run into any trouble with people asking me to prove you’re my toy boy,” Hermione added, blushing to the tips of her ears.

“Aww, not embarrassed about me are you?” Harry teased, “Or just completely revolted by me and it makes your stomach crawl to imagine being thought of as my lover?”

“Harry!” Hermione threw her empty cup at him which he caught without a problem, his Seeker reflexes still present, “It’s not that, well not just that,” she added with a smirk, to which he responded by poking his tongue out at her, “But it’s hard enough trying to convince Viktor to let me go on the mission with you as it is, without him having to worry about you being my pretend boyfriend. Not to mention how badly Ginny would hex me for stealing her fiancée, then she’d be the one treating me afterwards, no thanks!”

Harry had dissolved into chuckles at the look of horror on Hermione’s face combined with her blushing and rapid excuses. Upon seeing his reaction she scowled at him which just made matters worse as Harry spotted the glare. It took him a minute or two to calm down before he leaned back on his chair and smiled at her.

“So, Viktor doesn’t want you on the mission either?” he inquired merrily.

“No, he’s worried about my ability to look after myself, it’s driving me nuts to be honest. I helped face down the greatest threat of our time and countless other. I know he doesn’t want me to get hurt, whose boyfriend doesn’t? But surely by now I’ve proven I can look after myself? And I have Harry Potter looking after me, isn’t that enough?” she sighed, “I’ve been thinking about splitting up with him you know, he’s sweet and honest, but he’s too over protective.”

“I know how you feel, about people not believing you can handle yourself. Every other day I fight against some of the darkest wizards since Voldemort and I still get complaints about going solo. You know I’ve been through more partners in a year than most Aurors do in their whole careers. A dozen have died by my side when we’ve been attacked because someone wanted to prove they could defeat Harry Potter. Another three dozen or so injured to the point they retire or request a new partner. I’ve a flawless record for living, haven’t died once you know.”

“Sure I get injured, but at least I’m back on my feet after a week or two. I think I’ve proven I can work by myself but Shacklebolt always wants someone else there. Why?” Harry sighed.

“Because he’s afraid that one day you won’t make it back, everyone is Harry, even if they don’t admit it.” Hermione moved over to the window and sat on the wide ledge, “One day you’ll find yourself in a situation where you can’t come back and we’ll lose our greatest defender. The evil in the world will see this and try and take advantage, a new Dark Lord will rise until we find the next Harry Potter to defeat him. You don’t need to do anything, you just need to keep living and breathing and no-one will step up. That’s why we do everything we can to make sure you don’t fall, whether you like it or not. So we have someone else with you always, whether they have to die in your place or just drag you home when you can’t do it yourself.”

“The world shouldn’t rely on one person Mione,” Harry replied.

“I know, but we do,” Hermione looked over at Harry and smiled, “But what the world doesn’t know, is that when you fall, the world won’t end. I’m ready to take the burden, Ron’s ready, Neville’s ready, Kingsley is ready. The world doesn’t need Harry Potter to save it, but everyone rests a little easier knowing that he can without breaking a sweat.”

“Isn’t that the sort of speech you’re supposed to give at the end of a story? We haven’t even started the mission yet.” Harry looked at her quizzically.

“Oh stop being argumentative and give me another question, I want to make sure I’m not thrown out in the field.” Hermione scowled at him, though not angrily.

“I need an authorization form to bring in a couple of kneasles from Egypt, how much and how long will it take?” Harry inquired, bringing out a list Suzette had provided of her delivery time and price list.

“Three days and twenty galleons,” Hermione replied without pause.

“Right, but slow down a little, Suze never had reflex reactions, she had to think about certain prices for a while. How about an apparition licence?”

“Fifty galleons,” she replied after a pause and looked thoughtful, “Might take a while, two weeks at the most.”

“Right, how about a permit to transport class b substances?” Harry asked.

“Five days … I can’t remember how much though, let me see that list.” Hermione looked positively outraged she missed one.

“That was a trick, Suze can’t get those at all, you need Auror clearance level three minimum. It would take you five days to get one because you’re level seven.” Harry grinned.

“That’s unfair!” Hermione snapped, grabbing the list and reading it over.

“Someone may asks, if you know an answer you tend to blurt it out, of course the client might not notice if it’s something Suze couldn’t get, but Shacklebolt might not be prepared for you to offer something you could get that isn’t on her list.” Harry explained, grabbing out another slip of paper, “Good thing I’m not doing it though, I’d be saying tomorrow all the time” he added at a mutter.

“What was that?” she asked, her attention suddenly piqued.

“Hmm?” Harry asked, bringing his attention from the paper.

“Why would you be saying tomorrow?” Hermione replied, “I know you’re higher up than me, but you’ve only got level eight clearance, you still need to wait a few days surely?”

“Actually for form requests I’m level ten like Shacklebolt,” Harry grinned, “I can thank Arthur for that, he knew what I’m like for paperwork so he authorized me to instantly claim anything I need in case I forgot to file a requisition or need something for later that day.”

“That’s hardly fair, it’s encouraging you to be lazy and forgetful and undermining the system.” Hermione huffed.

“Perhaps, but I’ve made enough arrests because of it to justify it I suppose. You know its only time holding us back from higher ranks. If it wasn’t for the fact that there’s only one head of Magical Law Enforcement me, you and Ron would all be level ten by now.” Harry leaned back into the chair, “Back to the matter at hand, what family do you have?”

“Suppose debating over things already decided and enforced isn’t too productive, not that it doesn’t works, look at S.P.E.W.” Hermione replied, but her bookworm nature kicked in, having to answer the question, “Mother and two younger brothers only.”

“Mum works at St Phillipinas retirement home, younger brothers Luke and Brad. Luke is a squib and working in filing at the ministry and Brad is in his fifth year at Hogwarts, Ravenclaw house like I was.” She replied smartly.

“Suzette was a Ravenclaw?” Harry inquired, “Doesn’t seem a very intelligent thing to do really.”

“Well it took her three years to be caught, so she must have been doing something right, she was only caught when one of our under covers caught wind of her operation and she was stung.”

“Suppose, I’m going with single child and no living relatives approach. It’s easier to remember, harder to find anything on me. I plan to be a ghost in the system, there’s enough of those floating around the seedier areas for me to go unnoticed. We’ll have to remember to keep our Occlumency shields up thought.”

“Agreed” Hermione replied.

The pair continued quizzing each other for the rest of the morning. Hermione accepted that she had her role pretty good and Harry was happy enough just to wing it. He figured he could play it that any answers he got wrong would simply look like a dumb person forgetting their own cover story. Since he didn’t have a proper cover story to work with it gave him a lot more flexibility. Hermione was frustrated by his lack of work but conceded that Harry worked better that way.

Harry and Hermione were headed for the lunch room when Harry paused mid step, grabbing for his pocket and pulling out the silver mirror. Kingsley Shacklebolt’s face shimmered into view as Harry looked at the small object.

“Sir? Has Yaxley been sighted?” Harry asked quickly, worried that the call was an emergency summons.

“Not yet, no sign, he hasn’t surfaced anywhere and the trackers haven’t located where he’s staying yet.” Shacklebolt replied calmly, “This is just a check to make sure you’re prepared.”

“Aye, I’m with Mione now, we have our portkeys to the leaky cauldron room where our supplies are held. We’ve got the information memorized and we’re ready to go at the call.” Harry replied into the mirror.

“Good to hear,” Kingsley nodded, “The stage is set, the Obliviators have rewritten the memories of everyone involved in the Earnings arrest. Luckily she confessed and has been sentenced already because we had to lose our witnesses so Hermione could pass for her safely.”

“Are we certain that Yaxley is going to be at this meeting tomorrow?” Hermione inquired, “It’s not just a prank call?”

“No, it was a reliable informant on this one, he’ll be there, once he’s left it’s up to you, he’d drop the trackers fast so I’m not ordering any. Hopefully he’ll think the lack of tracking charms means that he hasn’t been spotted in London yet.”

“Well we’ll just have to hope he doesn’t portkey or apparate the moment the meeting is done or we won’t be able to follow him afterwards,” Harry mused, “Suppose we’ll have to try Legilimency hope he’s got no skill at Occlumency, most of the old school death eaters never learnt, they thought it was futile against him.”

“You do that, I’ll try and use hearing spells to listen in. If that doesn’t work we’ll try a pensieve view afterwards.” Hermione added, “Any other suggestions Kingsley?”

“Not many other options, you’ll have to be careful he doesn’t catch you immediately. We have nothing on him, so we can’t even bring him in for littering.” Shacklebolt replied, “Perhaps if you are quick you can visit Fred and George, see if they’ve developed anything new or pick up some of those extendable ears they kept using to spy on us.”

“Good idea, haven’t seen the twins in a while,” Harry nodded, “Thanks Kingsley, we’ll visit them this afternoon.”

Kingsley’s image vanished and the pair continued into the cafeteria to find Ron sitting with Neville and Lucy. Harry went to grab the food while Hermione sat down with the trio.

”No Derrick today?” she inquired.

“Got hit by a curse on patrol this morning, he’s fine but he’ll be in the infirmary for a few hours while they sort him out.” Neville replied, “He’s lucky though, if Moody were still with us he’d have finished Derrick off, definitely a good reminder of Constant Vigilence.”

“We arrested three wizards on a class c deal, two wizards making the trade and one lookout right? Neville’s reading the rights and I’m binding up the lookout when Derrick gets nailed with a bone breaker hex. He turned at the last moment and took it in the arm rather than the back luckily.” Lucy explained, “He had his dragon hide on thanks to Harry so the curse only did a few fractures.”

“Going to tell Harry that Derrick owes him another one?” Hermione asked with a smirk.

“Of course,” Ron replied, “I don’t want to be the only one who has to serve the almighty Harry through their next forty seven lives.”

Lucy and Hermione giggled at the sour look on Ron’s face as Harry sat down.

“What’s the joke?” he asked with a smile, sliding Hermione’s tray over to her.

“Just discovered that Derrick owes you a broken arm,” Hermione replied, swatting Ron’s hand as he tried to pinch her slice of pumpkin pie, “Dragon hide saved him apparently.”

“Ah,” Harry rolled his eyes, “So a guy lets off a curse when he’s annoyed one time and half the Auror division starts wearing their Dragon hide full time.”

“One time? I heard seven,” Lucy replied.

“Seventeen that I’m aware of.” Neville added.

“Twenty two by my count,” Ron corrected, “They’re still trying to cure Dawlish from those pink tentacles that sprouted from his face when you nailed him with Jelly-Legs and Furnunculus two weeks ago. Like on Crabbe on the train ride home after fourth year.”

“My favorite was seeing the Minister of Sweden struck by the tickling charm when he was touring the building last year.” Hermione added with a smirk. Harry blushed slightly as the whole table tried not to burst into laughter.

“I’m surprised that they allow you to wear it all the time, it’s very expensive armor to be worn so much.” Lucy noted.

“Nah, me, Harry, Neville and Hermy all wear the stuff Harry buys us,” Ron answered, “So there are only a few Aurors wearing full suits provided by the ministry, Derrick for example, and he was given special permission by the Minister because he’s stuck sitting next to Harry during lunch time. I’m sure we could get you similar permission if you like.”

“Most other Aurors are just wearing their spell proofed robes or chest guards. It’s never been required but most people just do it by habit these days and it does help out on the streets as Derrick proved today.” Neville added.

“That’s our Harry, keeping the world safe by threatening to hex you accidentally.” Ron quipped resulting in the whole table bursting into laughter to the confusion of everyone else.

“Well, you’ll be safe from ‘accidental’ hexes for a while at least. Harry and I are on code orange today.” Hermione stated after she had calmed down, which helped bring the other back.

“Code Orange? What’s the mission?” Ron asked.

“You know we can’t tell you Ron,” Hermione replied, “You remember what code orange means don’t you? Should be the first one you remember since you teach the stuff.”

“I know what code Orange means,” Ron replied huffily, “I just also know that Harry has never been one to remember what it means.”

“I’ll get around to reading the handbook any day now, I swear,” Harry grinned, and lowered his voice, “Mione’s right though, definitely can’t tell you we’re going to be tracking a re-emerged DE who’s suspected of joining the TLDEs to find out what they’re up to.”

“Harry!” Hermione whispered angrily.

“What? I said I couldn’t tell them?” He replied innocently.

“Honestly Harry” she sighed.

“We’re going to use our remaining time this afternoon to go visit Fred and George, any messages for the terror twins?” Harry asked.

“Aye, let them know Mum wants them to know she’s rescheduling the family dinner to the 22nd, not the 29th, Bill and Fleur had to cancel so she’s making it earlier.” Ron said, “Same message for you and Ginny actually, sorry I forgot to mention yesterday. Not that it affects you much if you’re on assignment. Hopefully dad has already told her that you’ll be busy, I hate seeing her disappointment when you cancel because of work.”

“Aye, and we have another set of badges we’d like them to shield charm when they have time,” Neville replied, “Also tell them hi from Neville.”

Harry first rolls his eyes at Ron’s message passing skills, glad that Molly had owled him about it a week ago when she first told Ron. He then nods at Neville’s request as he finishes off his lunch and starts on his slice of treacle tart. He and Hermione passed through lunch quietly, idly chatting with the other three before Flooing to the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry was still a silent partner of Fred and George since his opening investment in their store. He offered his aid on new tricks and casting original spells to be copied on rare occasions. Never as a test dummy though, he wasn’t daft, he also rarely accepted any treats they offered. Being the defender of the wizarding world hadn’t bought him immunity from their tricks. During the ceremony celebrating the fall of Voldemort, Harry not only received the Order of Merlin First Class he was turned into a giant canary when the twins slipped a trick into his desert.

He also took chance to take revenge whenever needed, for the prank at the ceremony he had bewitched the shop sign to read “Wheezie’s Wonky Whizzes!” to any non Weasley. It took the twins a month to find out and fix it, they had responded by jinxing Harry’s training wand. During a demonstration session his wand exploded in gold and red sparks and he grew a white beard on par with Dumbledore’s. He got the twins back by jinxing the door to the manager’s office with the same spell. All three kept their beards for a month because they could.

Harry might be feared around the office for his uncontrollable temper, but no-one could deny he was a good laugh when he was in a good mood. Currently the score was even between the pranking rivals but Harry wanted to give himself an advantage before he left so he spent the walk to the twin’s shop deep in thought.

Before they walked into view of the shop he caught Mione by the arm and whispered into her ear. She scowled for a moment but his puppy dog emerald eyes broke her resistance and she reluctantly agreed, keeping her scowl present though. Harry pulled out a couple of the twin’s toys and bewitched them before pulling his hood over his head. Shifting his appearance, with his metamorphmagus ability, to look like Kingsley Shacklebolt. Stepping into the shop he and Hermione walk to the counter to find one of the shop employees smiling happily.

“I need to speak to the twins,” Harry spoke in Kingsley’s deep voice, flashing his Auror badge, “Official business.”

“Oh, of course sir, head upstairs, I’ll let them know you’re coming.”

Harry nodded and headed for the elevator, looking around at the newest stock on his way over. As the store had grown in success it had grown literally. The twins’ silent partner and ministry contacts had managed to speed through numerous requests to magically increase the size of their shop. The small shop had ballooned, though no larger from the outside, the inside was now five floors and each was huge. The shelves were constantly being filled by new ideas devised by the twins.

Harry and Hermione stepped into the Elevator, Harry checking which way around the buttons were today. One of his pranks two years back had been to bewitch the lift buttons to move when it was unoccupied. The twins admiring the genius of the idea had left it in, sharing a private chuckle with Harry as customers were sent to random floors before realising what was happening.

The order today was:-

1st floor “Potty Potions!”,

Ground floor “Tricks and Treats!”,

3th floor “Staff Sanctuary!”

Basement “Battle Lab!”

2nd floor “Research Ruckus!”

Pressing the third button they set off up to the top of the shop, the doors opening to reveal a grand and professional reception desk. Nodding to the girl behind the desk they walked through heading for the Twin’s main office. Knocking twice and then walking in the twins looked up and smiled at them.

“Shacklebolt, what brings the big man down here today?” Fred asked with a smile, “Hey Hermione, don’t see you here often either.”

“Bad business I’m afraid boys, we’re having trouble with your latest batch of Decoy Detonators,” Harry took a few of the black hooter-type objects and set them on the desk, “Try setting them off.”

“Something wrong” Fred started

“With the decoys?” George continued

“Impossible,”

“We always double check,”

“Any items”

“For the ministry”

Fred picked up one and tossed another to George and they dropped them at their feet. A loud explosion set off in the office and the room filled with pink smoke. After the bang Harry’s voice echoed around “Got ya boys! Or should I say, girls?” as the smoke clears. The room becomes clear again as Hermione banishes the smoke away leaving Harry back to normal and the twins wearing bright pink dresses. Complete with sequinned handbags and high heels.

“Suits you Fred, not really your colour tho George” Harry commented with a big grin.

The twins appraised each other and laughed heartily. Displaying a big grin Fred started posing and preening at Hermione while George pouted.

“Nice trick Harry,” George commented, “New spell for us?”

“Will be a good seller, no doubt” Fred adds

“But you never visit during work hours”

“Just to talk ideas”

“We assume there is”

“A more serious reason?”

“Observant as always,” Harry replies, “We’ve got a mission and were hoping you could provide us with some spy gear, and maybe something new?”

“Just want a spy kit and a tour?” George asks critically.

“Sounds like goofing off to us”

“We should know,”

“During work hours,”

“And we pay their wages,”

“Very concerning development about our law enforcers.”

“Oh cut it out you two, we have a code orange mission to deal with,” Hermione buts in, exasperated.

“Why didn’t you say so?” Fred says, smiling, “Lets head to R&D, got some things you will love.”

He starts walking to the door, balancing poorly on the high heels.

“Aren’t you going to fix your outfits?” Hermione asks, now trying to hide her smirk.

“Alas, Harry’s pranks are usually a little harder to deal with than a simple fix” George chuckles as he also tries to shuffle to the door,

“He’s probably protected it against any self cast fixing or transfiguration spells” Fred explains to which Harry whistles innocently.

“Nonsense, I’ll fix it,” Hermione takes out her wand but Harry grabs her wrist with a grin.

“I wouldn’t Mione, unless you want to join them.” Harry smirks and opens the door, “Ladies first.”

“Very good Harry” Fred comments,

“How long do these last by the way?” George asks, “And do you have the spell formulae? We can drop it to the research guys when we get there.”

“About thirty minutes,” he flicks out a slip of paper and hands it to George, then follows them to the elevator and flicks out another slip, “Oh, and this is the counter curse, I’ll hand this one over personally I think.”

5. Chapter 5

Author Note:- Ah, Chapter 5 done at last, first part took ages but I managed to catch one of those pesky muses and knocked out the last half quite quick. I’m up to 7500 hits on the story, though I’m pretty sure half of them are mine just a quick thanks to everyone who’s bothered to read this far. I’ve replied to most of my reviews and intend to keep doing so except maybe not all the anonymous ones, they all seem pretty similar. Suspect half of them are from the same person but I’ll never know 8)

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, it is nice to read them yet I still have trouble writing reviews for other stories I read. Anyways, I’m rambling again, read the story, enjoy, review if you want to, don’t if you don’t. Oh, for anyone like me, if you spot any mistakes feel free to point them out in a review or email me. You can discover my email addy by clicking the link of my name just above this note.

All four of them left the elevator on the 2nd floor laughing earning some strange looks from the customers on tours and the staff.

“Visiting guests, may I introduce the twisted minds behind Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Fred and George. Who are still involved in the research of new products as you can well see,” managed Harry between laughs, “Enjoy your tour folks.”

The tour group wandered off with their guide confused ands casting glances back at the group who were sorting themselves out.

“I swear Harry, you missed your true calling joining the Aurors.” Fred commented as they entered the researching area and the papers were handed over to the head of research, Lee Jordan.

“Your handiwork Harry?” Lee commented, looking over the twins, “Fred can pull it off, but looks silly on George.”

“I said the same thing.” replied Harry nodding.

“Looks like a simple enough spell, but these bits are very complicated” Lee commented, reading over the notes.

“That’s to stop people fixing the spells, you should see what happens if they try and disillusion themselves,” Harry grins evilly, “We’ll demonstrate later if we have time, need to get some things done today.”

“Aye Lee, show Mister Potter our newest spy equipment while I help our research team and George fetches a full kit.” Fred grins and casts a disillusion charm on himself to see what happens now that Harry piqued his curiosity.

Another puff of pink smoke and Fred’s dress shrunk to mid thigh and a slit went up the sides to the hip, the neckline dropped to show even more cleavage and the cups of the bra beneath ballooned to double d size.

“Nice one Harry,” George comments as Fred gets a few wolf whistles from the staff.

“I recalled your firework display during the Umbridge era, so set my mind to every possible way to cure the illusion. Then devised ways to worsen the effects, it gets better if you stack the attempts.” Harry grinned as he left with Lee.

“How’s the Auror life then you two?” Lee asked as they walked through the hallways, past clear windows into research and testing areas, clouds of coloured smoke exploding everywhere.

“You know, same ole, same ole, brutal fights against people who will kill you at the flick of a wand. Been considering something more risky to be honest, like teaching at Hogwarts, or working here.” Harry commented with a smirk.

“I know what you mean,” Lee laughs, “At least since Fred and George hired some testers I don’t have to try out all the new things they invent. They still participate because they still believe that they shouldn’t do to others what they wouldn’t be willing to do to themselves or something like that.”

“Well I’m happy in my job,” Hermione replied with a smirk, “It’s a field that’s challenging and we get to make a difference in the lives of the whole world.”

“Practically word for word what the pamphlet says about the job, did you write it?” Harry asks earning himself a punch on the arm.

“Seriously though, I know everyone thought I would be a teacher or run some form of S.P.E.W. foundation or work in a library somewhere.” Harry and Lee both shared a look and nodded. “But I don’t think any of those careers would have been challenging enough for me, fighting against the dark wizards provides something different. We have to be constantly aware and learning new things to counter whatever they devise.”

“Like you learning to bewitch objects to act like Bludgers when you’re outnumbered Harry,” Hermione gave as an example.

“Whoa,” Lee gave a whistle of appreciation, “Impressive, difficult spell to master”

“Yeah, but once you get the hang of it you can cast quickly and doesn’t matter what you use it on, course I haven’t mastered the part where I specify or exclude targets. So can’t use it in any hostage situations or with objects I can’t dodge myself.” Harry explains.

“Doesn’t stop you trying though, I still remember wincing when I saw you bewitched that bmw in the pensieve.” Hermione shudders at the memory.

“You turned a muggle car into a bludger?” Lee asks, his eyes dancing with mischief.

“Just once,” Harry chuckles, “I chased after a death eater into a trap in some car scrap yard. Six of them against me, partner is jinxed a few blocks back, I call for backup while under heavy fire when I figure, why not? Odds are in my favour.”

“So quick bit of spell work and suddenly there’s a ton of scrap metal zooming around the yard trying to bash random people,” Lee laughs as Harry continues, “Course, as you know, Bludgers are random, can go for the same person ten times before going for another.”

“Eventually it went for Harry, nearly crushed him to death,” Hermione scolded.

“I dove into a narrow gap between two stacks of cars,” Harry explained, “Crashed into the stacks three times before going for someone else, then the reinforcements arrived and I canceled the spell as we arrested the survivors.”

“Course I was awarded a medal for bravery and removing all six death eaters from the streets, also suspended for a week and given two cautions for using such a suicidal method,” Harry laughed, “And I got a pair of hour long lectures from Ginny and Mione here.”

Lee chuckled as he opened a door for them, entering a large research room with a pair of twins. Both men looked up at the entrance of the three and nodded to each in turn as one.

“Hey Andy, hey Daz, got a special tour group for you,” Lee grinned, “Crack out the best stuff.”

“Hmm,” replied Andrew.

“Best stuff?” asks Darren.

“Have you met the Grant twins before Mione?” Harry asked quietly, she shook her head, “They’re just like the Weasley twins really, Merlin knows what we did to deserve four of them of course.”

“They’ll be wanting to see the watch you recon?” Andy asked Daz,

“Recon they’ll be wanting it for sure,” Daz replied coolly

“Fred and George did say Harry would be getting the first set,” Andy commented

“George and Fred did say so, but not ready yet are they?”

“Still a few bugs, but still nifty toys.”

“Nifty toys indeed, can we overlook the bugs?”

“Possible I suppose, for a good cause.”

“This is for a good cause we suppose?” Andy asked as the twins slipped from their little conversation.

“Best part is when they’re talking to Fred and George of course,” Harry whispered causing Hermione to stifle a giggle.

“Aye lads, it’s for Harry Potter, needs it urgently for top secret ministry stuff.” Lee replied earnestly.

“Suppose we can let you see” Andrew concedes.

Andrew nods at Darren and the pair move to two spots on the back wall. They take out their wands and perform a series of taps in perfect sync and the wall opens up to reveal a vault and two keyholes. Pulling chains from around their necks they nod at each other and place the keys on the chains into the holes and twist at the same time.

The vault door shudders and swings open, a soft mist flowing from the open vault as the twins each claim a box from inside and bring it to the desk. They open the boxes and spin them to face Harry and Hermione. Inside each is a golden wristwatch.

“Okay, I’ll bite,” Harry comments, “How many tricks have you lot crammed into these simple looking things?”

“Ton of Tricks”

“Selection of Surprises”

“Plethora of Pranks indeed”

“Enough, what do they do guys?” Lee interrupts.

“Ah, you have the watches out, brilliant” George comments as he staggers into the room, followed by Fred. Andy and Daz give them a curious look over.

“Not a good look for George” states Andrew.

“George not wearing that well” agrees Darren.

“Looks good on Fred though”

“Fred’s dressed to kill”

“We’re getting that a lot” replied George.

“Can’t say I disagree tho” adds Fred as they both chuckle. At that time another puff of smoke clouds the twins and they return back to their original outfits.

“Ah, these shoes are much better” George groans happily

“Those high heels are murder” Fred agrees.

“Could have just taken them off and gone barefoot you know?” Harry comments idly.

“Didn’t even think of that one.” Fred admits.

“Wasn’t jinxed if we tried?” asks George.

“Course not, I’m evil, not cruel.” Harry adds, smiling, “Now can someone tell me what these watches do?”

“Ton of Tricks”

“Selection of Surprises”

“Plethora of Pranks”

“Yes yes! We had this already from Tweedledum and Tweedledee” Harry interrupts.

“Who and Who?” Lee, Fred, George, Darren and Andrew all ask together.

“It’s a muggle movie reference, never mind. Now, watches do what?” asked Harry

“Well, it’s a watch, so it tells the time obviously,” Daz started.

“But there are numerous added features.” Fred added.

“If you flip the top part off upwards then it reveals the four way mirror,” George commented as Harry picked up the watch and flipped the clock face upwards to see a small mirror.

“Four way?” he asks as he slips his on and Hermione picks her own up.

“We currently have four watches made, designed for you two, Ron and Neville to start with.” Fred explains and George continues, “We’ve got the ability to add more and will be offering the exclusive rights to the Ministry first.”

“They work like your silver mirrors,” Andy adds.

“Just speak the name and they appear.”

“Hermione” Harry speaks into the watch, next to him Hermione’s watch buzzes and she flips the top to see Harry’s face. She smiles and they both close the watches.

“Next if you flip the watch face down,” Daz asks, the comply and are faced with another clock face, this one like the infamous Weasley clock, four hands showed the faces of Harry, Mione, Ron and Neville, all pointed at work.

“Nice,” then he spots the compass on the lower section with three needles, two pointing at the vaults and one at Hermione, “Very nice, tracking spells on the watches?”

“Yeah, but its not flawless, it only points at the watches, not at the people wearing them,” Daz comments

“So don’t leave them at home” Andy adds with a chuckle.

“And lastly,” Daz starts.

“Only at the moment” Andy quickly adds.

“Flip the watches right.” Fred requests.

When the watch face is flipped right there is a glowing blue stone sits in the watch. Harry looks at it for a moment and takes it out.

“What’s this?” Hermione asks as she looks at the same stone.

“Portkey Nexus stone,” Andy answers with a huge grin,

“What’s that?” Harry asks, resulting in the grin spreading around the room.

“Throw the stone over there, and close the watch and press the middle button on the right.” Daz explains.

Harry looks skeptical but does it anyways. Tossing the small blue crystal over by the vaults and closing the watch. Breathing deeply then pressing the button he feels a yank at his naval and with a jolt he’s standing above the crystal on the other side of the room. With a blink he grins and leans down to pick up the stone.

“How many times can we use this?” Harry asks.

“Need to recast each time, just tap the watch with your wand.” George starts

“And turn it into a portkey with the stone as the destination.” Fred finishes.

“It’s charmed to trigger on the button for a quick escape and works in Anti-Apparation areas.”

“Of course if you put the stone into a place sealed by limited or no access to portkeys it won’t work and will send you to the outskirts of the ward.”

“Still very nice boys,” Harry grins as he closes it, “Any other features?”

“Well, the watch will flip open eight ways” Daz starts.

“But eight tricks is hard to think up” Andy conceded.

“New toys they are,” Daz explains.

“More tricks we’ll discover,” Andy promises.

“Of course, if you can think of anymore you could use.” Fred asks

“Let us know and we’ll see what we can do.” George finishes.

“We’ll send Ron and Neville over to claim theirs if you like?” Hermione asks, slipping hers on and sliding her sleeve over it.

“Nah, we’ll wait until all eight slots are filled, but you’re on tough assignment and they could be useful.” Fred smiles at them both

“By time you’re done we might be able to add a fourth or fifth trick,” George adds, “I have your kits here by the way.” He places two suitcases and a box on a nearby table and pops the cases open.

“Your usual tricks,” Fred starts, “Newest Edition,”

Harry and Hermione had to listen carefully as all five men in the room started detailing the contents of the boxes. Instant Darkness Powder, Remote Extendable Ears, All-Seeing-Eyes, un-jinxed Decoy Detonators, Silence Wards and a few Reductor Patches.

A few years ago the twins had managed to make their extendable ears loose. The ears could be stuck to any surface and inserting the end enabled the user to hear anything around the ear. They followed this by taking a pair of those muggle toys with the eyes on springs and adapting them. The eyes could be removed and by wearing the glasses you could see through them. They worked exactly like Moody’s own electric blue eye but they looked more realistic and you didn’t have to loose your own eye first. These were named All-Seeing-Eyes and were great sellers.

Silence Wards were patches of paper with some ancient runes sketched on them, whatever they were attached to suddenly became soundproof as if someone cast Silencio upon it. Useful for those who couldn’t master the silent version of the spell. Reductor patches came after, attach them to an item and after five seconds a strong reducto curse is fired in the direction the patch is aimed at. The twins got that idea watching a muggle spy movie with directed explosives.

“We also have some special bits for Hermione,” George added with a look at Harry. Harry nodded and turned to Hermione who had noticed the look and was giving him a curious look.

“Another special purchase I’ve got for you and Ron, taken a while to find.” He explained and she rolled her eyes.

“Harry, you really should stop buying us all these things.” She sighed, exasperated. She went over to the table and opened up the box and pulled out a silvery invisibility cloak just like Harry’s, “Oh my!” She swept the cloak around her body and beamed as all but her head vanished, “Harry, it’s wonderful, you shouldn’t have! It must have cost you a fortune.”

“Two fortunes, I got one for Ron too remember,” he chuckled.

“What’s this?” she asked, lifting a necklace from the box. A small sphere of brown glass hung from a chain of silver.

“That’s from us, newest item for retail, once it’s passed all the safety tests,” Fred explained

“It’s passed all of ours and just waiting on general approval.” added George at the concerned look Hermione gave it.

“One time cast Disillusion charm,” Fred grinned.

“Just crush the sphere and it will cloak you in a strong, short lasting spell.”

“Useful for quick getaways or avoiding that annoying stalker.”

“I could have used dozens of these during Hogwarts.” Harry joked with a grin as Hermione slipped the necklace on with some help from George.

“It’s wonderful, thank you guys.” Hermione smiled as she slid the cloak into her bag.

“Aye, Thanks you lot, drop all this stuff onto my ministry account, let them pickup the tab eh? Except the cloaks, they go on my personal account, much as I would like to bill them to the ministry I don’t think it would go down too well.” Harry grinned as he picked up the briefcase and locked hands with Daz and Andy before heading out with Lee, Fred and George.

“Oh, message from Molly for you two” Harry commented as they hopped into the elevator and headed for the ground floor, “Ron says that the family dinner has been moved ahead to the twenty second, not the twenty ninth.”

“We know,”

“Mum owled us in case Ron forgot to pass the message,”

“Same, least it only took him two weeks to remember,” All four chuckled at that, “I won’t be attending unless we get lucky, but Ginny should be free. I think Bill and Fleur couldn’t attend the twenty ninth.”

“Yeah, we spoke to Bill the other week, he’s being shipped out to Brazil on the twenty fourth.”

“They’ve discovered some odd tombs in the jungle, Amazon tribes I think he said,”

“But that might have just been what we heard”

“Quite true, we were discussing scantily clad Amazon witches for the rest of the afternoon.”

“In any case Bill’s been assigned there and Fleur is going in her Medi-Witch duties to fix whatever breaks him while he’s breaking in.”

“When you speak to him next wish him luck for me won’t you?” Harry asked.

“Of course mate,”

“Oh, before we go, Neville says there’s another set of Auror Badges they’d like to send over for you to charm when you have some time.” Harry added as they walked to the door.

“Righto, we’ll owl them and let them know as soon as we can.” George called back. Harry and Hermione waved as they walked out the door and back onto Diagon Alley.

“Good haul I’d say,” Harry commented.

“It should certainly come in useful on the mission. It’s a pity we can’t drop this stuff off in the room since we’re here, but it would look too suspicious for a pair of Auror’s to pop into the room that our covers have been renting for the past two days.” She spoke in hushed tones as they walked through the Alley heading for the Leaky Cauldron.

“Aye,” Harry smiled but seemed a bit distracted, he then turned to her and flashed a charming grin “Want to stop for a drink? We’ll just say we were at the twins for a bit longer.”

“Harry, we shouldn’t, we’re on duty.”

“Come on, nothing alcoholic, just one quick drink. It’s a hot day,” he pleaded, “Please Mione?”

She sighed and nodded as they entered the cauldron. They both greeted Tom and slipped into a quiet alcove near the door and ordered a pair of butterbeers. Harry slipped into a much cooler attitude as the drinks were brought over and he sipped slowly. Mione was giving him odd looks as she took her first sip.

“Something wrong Harry? You’re practically freezing that bottle, you never act like this unless we’re about to start on a rai …” Hermione paused, her eyes opening and her hand going for her wand. The door burst open and four masked men burst into the Cauldron.

“THIS IS A HOLD UP, NO-ONE TOUCH YOUR WANDS AND NO-ONE GETS HURT.” The first one bellowed.

“You boys have awful timing you know,” Tom commented casually, still wiping the mug he was working on as they entered, “You should just leave now.”

“SHUT UP OLD MAN, GET THE GOLD OUT, QUICK!” the second yelled, his wand quivering as he pointed it at Tom.

Harry gave Hermione a knowing smile and continued with his drink, ignoring the scene playing out beside them. Hermione gave him a scowl and stood from her chair and raised her wand and flipped out her badge.

“This is Auror Granger, you are ordered to toss your wands over here, put your hands behind your heads and drop to your knees. You are all under arrest.”

Three of the four quickly rounded on Hermione, wands pointed at her. The first still had his leveled at Tom.

“Aww crap its Granger” the second whispered, “I don’t suppose we could just walk out of here and pretend this never happened?”

“Shut up idiot, we’re getting the gold and walking out of here unless she wants some innocents hurt, she’s good but she can’t take us all by herself.” The first growled, “Now old man, get the gold and you Miss Granger can throw your wand over here or we start hexing.”

Hermione cast a glance at the chair Harry was sitting in to find it vacant, she sighed and wondered if he was testing her.

“Magical Law Enforcement is already on its way. You’re in enough trouble as it is, you don’t want to add even more charges do you?” Hermione called, “You two have barely done anything, I’m sure we can reduce the charges if you surrender now” she added to the silent wizards.”

“Hey, show this bitch we mean business.” The first barked at the silent two, they each picked random bar patrons and fired off curses. With lightning quick reflexes Hermione shot off two nullifying spells to cancel them and raised a shield as three curses were then fired at her.

“Come on Harry, I’ve shown I can handle them now? Help me!” she growled as she took the blows, her shield holding strong and absorbing rather than deflecting. When nothing happened she quickly dived to one side and sent a strong stunner to fell one of the robbers before bringing up the shield again swiftly.

“She’s holding her ground but she’s stuck, hand over the gold or I’ll stun you and take it myself” the first growled.

“I know,” Tom smirked and put down the glass and picked up another, “But ask yourself two questions, firstly, do Aurors ever patrol alone? And secondly, would I be this cocky if I wasn’t sure I was safe? I told you that you picked a really bad time.”

“Oh that is it” fumed the first, “Stupify!” he bellowed.

As the wand tip glowed red Harry grabbed his arm and twisted it quickly, pointing the tip back at the robber’s chest and letting him stun himself. Harry’s disillusion charm shimmering away as the man fell to the floor unconscious. Harry hopped up onto the barstool and continued to sip on his drink.

“Aren’t you going to help her?” Tom asked curiously.

“I’ve got her back if she needs it, but doesn’t look like she does to me, what do you think?” Harry replied with a smile as he bound up the leader with magical chains.

Hermione was keeping up with the pair now that the third was floored, her shield blocking all the curses that they shot and nulling the ones they tried to fire at civilians. She fired a few stunners at them but they brought up shields though the strength of her spells unbalanced them with each hit. She even managed to nullify her own stuns when they deflected towards someone else.

Eventually she slipped another stun through the haphazard defenses and easily disarmed the last remaining robber, moving over to bind them and take their wands. She was fuming when she took the leader’s wand and turned on Harry right as four Magical Law Enforcement officers burst in through the rear door.

“Little late aren’t we?” Hermione rounded on them, venting her anger for Harry on them, “Had to deal with all of them ourselves, what will your head think, Aurors having to deal with a petty robbery, what took you so long?” she hissed.

She rounded back on Harry who had summoned her drink and offered it to her. She snatched it and swallowed quickly while the officers stuttered a bit. The squad leader coming to claim the wands from Hermione cautiously. Her anger already drained she contented herself with scowling at Harry while he paid, counting the seconds until she got him alone to tell him off herself.

“Suppose you’re wondering why I didn’t help,” Harry commented casually while Tom went to get their change, “While you held their attention I slipped around and disabled the leader, believing you easily capable of holding yourself against three teenagers. Once he was nullified as a threat I noticed you had already incapacitated one of your targets and were holding steady so surmised that you could handle the other two. I didn’t want to quickly stun the last two and steal credit for your work.”

“Well, while that was very noble of you, had you stood with me at the beginning then I’m sure they would have surrendered without a fight.” She was still angry, letting it build and preparing to unleash it upon him the moment they Floo’ed back to the Auror Headquarters.

“Quite possibly, the three underlings would have almost definitely folded, they almost did with just you, but their leader held them steady and might have tipped the scales either way.” Harry commented, “Plus, had I stopped the holdup tomorrow there would be a Daily Prophet report that I single handedly stopped a Leaky Cauldron robbery. Adding to my already over inflated reputation, this way it adds a little to yours and next time maybe the three will fold because it’s Hermione Granger they’re facing.”

He offered her a smile as they stepped into the fireplace ready to return to the office. Hermione sulking as once again Harry defused her anger, robbing her of her chance to yell at him.

Author Note again! :- Didn’t want to add a spoiler by including this at the top. I’m gladly accepting ideas for other tricks for the watches, email me or PM me on Kindred Spirit, username is Ranis there too. There’s only five spots remaining and I’m not going to add anything too powerful, if Harry’s invincible it makes the story a little duller IMO. Include in any messages you send me your username so you get due credit, also if you like add in a character name I can slip into the story somewhere as a small prize. I’ll remember all the suggestions if it takes a while for the tricks to be added to the watches.

6. Chapter 6

Author Note:- Another update, amazed I managed to get it done so quick, been busy with work and sickness and Christmas, heh not sure which was more tiring. I’m amazed I’ve almost reached 12,500 hits, I suspect most are mine tho. Heh, I’ve tried to reply to all of my reviews, though I appear to have lost seven from chapter 5, that’s what I get for posting during patchy server time. If you’d like a reply please review again or email me, else thank you for taking the time to review.

This chapter is a little longer than the others, and I suspect it’s a little duller than the previous as its mostly just required information for later chapters, hopefully you’ll enjoy or at least tolerate until the next chapter is ready. Thanks again! Beta credits go to my Sweet and special thanks to all the watch ideas I’ve received, you’ll find out which I pick soon enough and still a place or two available so keep the ideas coming.

“Potter, Granger, my office, now!” Shacklebolt’s calm voice echoed over the main floor of the Auror Headquarters as Harry and Hermione entered. Harry chuckled softly and Hermione winced, she wasn’t sure if she was in trouble yet. She never got called to the office by just her surname. Well, excluding all the times she got called in with Harry and whoever else was involved on his latest unorthodox bust.

Harry just smiled as they walked between the desks, greeting everyone as they passed. Harry paused a few times to talk to some Aurors, particularly the ones with new recruits, offering a few words of reassurance and tips. Hermione paused with him each time, a little edgy and short with her responses, she didn’t mean to be unkind she just didn’t want to make Kingsley wait.

“Come on Harry,” Hermione urged, giving Harry’s arm a pull as he lingered around McMann’s desk, chatting amiable with his apprentice, “I’m sorry but Shacklebolt wants us immediately.”

“Okay,” Harry smiled and followed her, just nodding to the others and they climbed the stairs and slipped into the anti-chamber, the receptionist just gave them a nod and motioned to the door.

Hermione entered the room and walked to the desk and saluted, standing at attention while Harry followed in and nodded. Spotting Hermione’s official stance he tried to hold back a smirk and followed suit.

“At Ease, take a seat Aurors.” Kingsley noted, they sat down and waited as he read a report before him, “Potter, your story should be the most amusing, your report?”

“Sir, Mione rushed me through the office so I haven’t had time to properly collect my thoughts but this is what I remember,” Harry slipped into an expressionless mask and continued in a calm voice, “Auror Granger and I were returning from the Weasley establishment with the acquired kit.”

“As we were entering the Leaky Cauldron planning to head back to the office we interrupted an attempted robbery of the establishment. One of the jittery robbers fired off a stunned which caught me unaware and I was knocked down. It was only strong enough to daze me thanks to the dragon hide. Auror Granger covered me with protective shields and expertly protected the crowd by means of nulling charms. She quickly stunned the robbers while I recovered and contacted the MLE for support.”

“That’s my report Sir,” Harry replied straight faced.

“Very good report, sounds like excellent work from Granger, So what really happened Granger?” Kingsley inquired, turning his attention to her.

“Sir, as we were approaching the Cauldron entrance Harry seemed a little distracted and requested we stop for a drink. I allowed myself to be persuaded and we were sitting when Harry prepared himself for something. Realising something was about to happen I drew my wand as four men entered the premises.”

“They proceeded to threaten Tom and ask for the gold. I announced my presence, showed them my badge and told them they were under arrest.” Hermione continued, Harry keeping his face stoic as Kingsley looked between the pair of them.

“They didn’t respond well and three opened fire upon me and the patrons, I defended them and myself with nulling charms and shield charms. While this was occurring Harry disillusioned himself, called for backup and disabled the leader and arrested him while I took down the three lackeys.”

“I took their wands and bound them as the Magical Law Squad arrived,” Hermione finished with a deep breath, she then awaited the rebuke.

“Very well, Auror Granger you will receive an award for service above the call of duty for involving yourself in an incident out of your jurisdiction and defending all the innocents involved.” Kingsley started, “Auror Potter, you’ll receive another three disciplinary mark for abandoning your partner in a hostile situation, for persuading another Auror into disregard of duty and lying in your report.”

“But Sir!” Hermione started, rising to her feet.

“No buts Auror Granger,” Kingsley stated, “Potter, this brings you to just above seven times the maximum disciplinary marks for any Auror I believe? I’ll submit another request for your dismissal to Minister Weasley.”

“I’ll let the betting pool know Sir,” Harry replied

“Of course, on the record I want you to continue looking into this unauthorized betting pool in the office, off the record let Weasley know that I’m running a locker search for any evidence of the pool Friday afternoon.” Shacklebolt signed the papers before him, “I’ll expect the report from you Granger this evening, Harry I’ll add it to the pile.”

“Sir,” they both replied, standing and saluting.

“Dismissed Aurors, sort out the last of what you need to do before going home and resting for your briefing tomorrow.” Shacklebolt gestured towards the door and they both left. Harry kept up his emotionless exterior until they arrived in his office when he burst out laughing.

“Harry! I didn’t know you’ve had six requests for dismissal already.” Hermione scolded, “Would it hurt you to follow the rules for once?!”

“Possibly, why risk it?” he grinned between chuckles, “Wouldn’t have gotten any marks if you had agreed with my story of course.”

“I’m sorry,” she winced, knowing it was his own fault, but now feeling responsible, “Why didn’t you tell the truth anyways.”

“Because I never do, if you hadn’t been there I would have told Kingsley that I walked in on the Magical Law Enforcement team arresting the would-be-robbers.” Harry explained, “If I wanted medals and awards I would have filled up Grimmauld Place by now, including the extra floors we put in for guests.”

“I’ve got a system set up with Kingsley and to a degree Arthur. Neither of them wants to, nor will they fire me. I can do anything short of an unauthorized unforgivable and get away with it as long as I don’t try to abuse that ability. The system I set with Kingsley is that I’ll try and get just enough disciplinary points to null out any awards I might get. Of course thought the awards are nullified, the points aren’t. This is how I’ve racked up enough points to be dismissed seven times over now. I get a barbeque set if I get up to ten times.”

“Still, you should at least try to follow the rules, they are there for a reason Harry,” Hermione examined him critically, “If you did follow procedure more often perhaps you’d get more arrests, I know you have permission to kill if required, but maybe if you started engaging the enemies with superior numbers you wouldn’t need to kill.”

“And we drag them in, throw them in prison for a few weeks, they’d be bailed out and wound or kill a junior Auror or a couple of MLE officers next month.” He asked, raising a brow at her.

“Not everyone who dies is evil, perhaps with the right help they could be returned to society as normal law abiding people.” She countered.

“True, but I’m not willing to risk the lives of everyone out there on the off chance that the one I crushed with the BMW would end up back to normal after ten years in Azkaban.”

“But what if he discovers a cure for lycanthropy?” she queries.

“Mione, I don’t go out every day thinking ‘How can I kill a few people today’ you know” Harry smiled gently.

“I didn’t mean to imply that.”

“I know, I look at the situation like this, if there is five of them and one of me, its better I get a little injured I kill three of them and bring in two than it would be if I called for backup. Say I do call in reinforcements, we tackle them ten against five. Chances are that we’ll arrest four, maybe five, but at least two Aurors will be injured or perhaps killed. Those numbers are unacceptable to me.”

“With five Aurors on defence and five on offence then no-one should be injured.” Hermione stated.

“Unless they throw something unblockable, or they knock or throw something heavy at us, or they are simply more powerful than the one holding the shield.” Harry replied, “I’m not trying to be argumentative Mione, I call in backup when I need it and I bring in as many as I can.”

“I know you do Harry, just wish we could reform all of them. It’s a pity so many brilliant witches and wizards are tempted by the dark side.”

“Agreed, with luck Yaxley will lead us to Bellatrix and Rodolphus. Removing the leader is an important battle, but it doesn’t always win the war. Voldemort showed us that. But hopefully if we can take down the ring leaders eventually people will stop joining up. The Lestranges have flaunted their freedom and lack of proper punishment as evidence that you can escape the Ministry.”

“They may have escaped the Dementor’s Kiss, they may have escaped Azkaban, Dumbledore, the Order of the Phoenix, Fudge, the Ministry. But I swear on the grave of my godfather they will not escape me.” Harry stated, his eyes burning with a burning anger.

Hermione moved her hand to her wand to try and help should his anger start raging out of control. But there was something strange in his eyes this time. It was a cold burning flame of anger this time. It was akin to Dumbledore in his powerful rages. It passed almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving Harry breathing deeply.

“Sorry Mione, lost myself for a moment, heh, least I didn’t start a fire this time. With all this paper we’d have been burnt to a crisp instantly.” Harry smiled apologetically.

“Do you need to go get your paperwork done?” Harry asked, “For earlier?”

“Yes, yes” she smiled and shook her head, coming from her musings, “I’ll see you tomorrow Harry, bright and early.”

Hermione walked out of the room, leaving Harry with his mountains of paperwork and his quill. Wondering about what happened and also how long it would be before he was throwing paper balls through the quidditch hoops he had hidden in the bottom right drawer. Turning a corner she walked straight into Ron and bounced off, falling to the floor.

“That’s it, I’m submitting a request for mirrors to be placed on blind corners.” He muttered as he helped her to her feet.

“Good idea,” Hermione groaned, rubbing her ass.

“Rumour round the office is that you had a bit of fun on the way back from the twin’s shop.” Ron commented, turning to follow Hermione as she continued to her office.

“I’m not Harry, I don’t find fighting one on three as fun or required,” Hermione muttered, “Wrong place, right time, thanks to Harry.”

“Oh?” Ron queried.

“He got that faraway look when we headed for the Cauldron, practically begged me to wait a few minutes, then he slipped into his combat trance.” They entered Hermione’s office and she dropped into her seat.

“Really?” Ron asked, “He’s been doing that a lot more recently.”

“He also got really mad earlier,” Hermione started and paused, Ron gave her a questioning look, “But nothing broke,” she continued “He was fuming as bad as I’ve ever seen, but he didn’t start shooting off magic, it was like a controlled rage. Haven’t seen anything like it from him except once, he seemed even more powerful that usual and so contained it was scary, even for me.”

“Once? … You mean Voldemort?” Ron asked, his voice dropping, Hermione caught his eye and nodded, “What happened?”

“He was talking about Bellatrix again, I’m worried Ron, you know we’re going after her. I’m worried Harry is going to go for her if he sees her. Worried he’ll compromise our cover and get us or himself killed to take her down.” Hermione sighed.

“That’s why Kingsley is sending you with him, if anyone stands a chance of calming him down, it’s you Hermione.” Ron shrugged, “I know it, Ginny knows it, Mum and Dad know it, Kingsley knows it, everyone knows it.”

“A chance? What? Five percent?” she rolled her eyes.

“Probably, but that’s more than anyone else has. Something Ginny has always been jealous of by the way.” Ron chuckled.

“I’m sure she can do it just fine, they’ve been engaged for ages, she must have picked up a few tricks.” Hermione commented.

“Nope, he knows exactly how to handle her, but she’s never been able to bring him out of his rages. Only two people have in the past few years, you and him.” Ron shrugged again, then raised his eyebrows with a grin. “Course not that they spend much time together for her to learn from what I hear.”

“Merlin sake Ron. I still swear spending all those hours locked on Lavender’s lips sixth year loosened them as bad as hers. You’re a bloody awful gossip.” Hermione stated, “What do you mean anyways?”

“Hey, I consider myself a bloody brilliant gossip thank you,” He grinned, “Constantly overhearing Mum and Ginny complain to Dad that Harry’s never home and shouldn’t be forced to work such long hours. Dad says it’s not his fault, Harry works his hours by choice as we all know. I don’t recon he’d go home if he didn’t have to sleep on occasion.”

“That’s Harry alright, he’ll never stop until every dark wizard is removed as a threat.” Hermione sighed, “Taken it as a personal quest, and no-one wants to stop him.”

“Well, if he does get Bellatrix and Rodolphus maybe he’ll take that break he was talking about. Merlin knows he needs it. In any case Hermy, look after Harry, but look after yourself as well, want you both coming back.”

“Yes, I know,” she sighed, “don’t call me Hermy, you know I hate that.”

“Sorry, well, I’ve got some work to do before evening patrols.” Ron gave her a nod and headed to the door, pausing for a moment, “You know that you’re in place for an apprentice when you get back from the mission?”

“Really?” Hermione looked up suddenly, “Didn’t realise I was so high on the list.”

“You were ninth a while back, but we’ve had three new recruits, two injuries and two retirements. That means you’re second now. You’ll be delayed but we’re getting two more recruits coming in soon, if the mission is over quick you’ll get one, or you’ll be first in line when you get back.”

“If Shacklebolt keeps you with Harry after the mission then the lucky recruit could be apprentice under the smartest witch of our age and the chosen one. Lucky bugger, talk about learning from the best.” Ron ducked under the cup that was thrown at his head, but he didn’t dodge when Hermione summoned it back, smashing against the back of his head.

Ron chuckled and rubbed the back of his head as she summoned the bits and repaired the cup. With a lazy salute he left the office and she started on her paperwork. It was a while later when Harry looked up from his quill at a coughing noise. Looking to the doorway he saw Ron geared up for patrol.

“You’re dressed up early? Your not on patrol till seven, Mione tell you about my little tantrum earlier?” Harry inquired merrily.

“She did, but that’s not the reason for the uniform, I’m leaving for patrol in ten minutes, it’s almost seven, thought you were leaving at five tonight?” Ron asked critically.

“Merlin! It’s seven already?” Harry dropped his quill and jumped up, grabbing his travelling cloak, “Lost track of time, Ginny’s gonna hurt me.”

“Heh,” Ron chuckled as Harry raced around the office grabbing his things, “Probably, just wanted to wish you luck mate, look after yourself and Hermione. I know it’s hard, but try not to do anything too heroic or stupid?”

“I’ll do my best” Harry replied.

“That’s what I mean, don’t do your best, do the mission, keep yourself quiet and safe and come back with the information I need to launch the biggest raid in Auror History on Lestrange and her cronies.” Ron crossed his arms and blocked the doorway as Harry tried to leave, “We’ll save Bellatrix for you, but we want all of them, not just her.”

“Alright Ron, I’ll see you soon mate, say hi to Luna for me!” he commented as Ron stepped aside.

“Will do,” Ron replied then called out, “Oh, and now you can tell Ginny I delayed you!”

“Already planning to!” Harry yelled back, heading for the fireplace. He dodged between people walking around and through to the entrance area. Quickly flicking his wand over the time to clock out he grabbed a hand of floo powder and disappeared in a burst of green flames.

He landed in Grimmauld place silently and smoothly, looking around the room and readying his reflexes to dodge an attack which never came. He paused, finding the room empty and drawing his wand. He slipped into the corridor wand first, moving silently, peeking into the dining room and ballroom. Finding no-one he heads upstairs slowly, carefully avoiding the creaking stairs and listening sharply.

He searches all the bedrooms, becoming more worried as no-one is found. He darts downstairs and into the kitchen to find it empty still.

“Ginny?” he calls loudly, “Ginny?!” he checks the whole house, from the attic and roof to the garden to the boiler room.

“Kreacher!” he calls and with a small crack the little house elf appears. He scowls at Harry but says nothing as he bows slightly. His time spent with the house elves at Hogwarts helping against his muttering but he still felt malice towards Harry. Removing Mrs Black’s portrait had causes years of problems but in the past year he was dealing with it much better.

“Yes Master?” he asks

“Where is Ginny?” Harry demanded shortly, then remembering Hermione’s constant lectures, “Sorry Kreacher, could you please tell me where Ginny is?”

“Kreacher knows not, Kreacher has been shopping for Mistress Weasley.” Kreacher bit his tongue, trying not to mutter.

“Very well Kreacher, finish whatever you were doing then have a break or something.” Kreacher vanishes with a crack and Harry heads for the fireplace again. Entering the lounge he grabs a hand of powder and steps into the fire, pausing before speaking and stepping back into the room. His eyes locked on his favourite chair as his hands drop the powder back to the pot. He walks over and picks up a sheet of folded paper on the chair, his name written on the front in Ginny’s handwriting.

Opening the letter he reads a quickly sketched note.

“Harry,

Sorry I’m not home when you get in, I know we were planning to spend the evening together but I was called into St Mungo’s on an emergency call at four.

Sent Kreacher shopping should be back at about eight to make dinner if you need it. Not sure when I’ll be back.

Sorry!

Ginny.”

Harry drops into the chair and breathes a sign of relief that she’s okay. Then another when he realises that she won’t know about his being late. He slips off to shower and change, dropping his cloak on the hook by the fireplace. As he stands under the hot water he ponders his actions carefully from getting home. Curious about his feelings of worry.

It was like overhearing the teachers speaking about her being taken into the Chamber of Secrets all over again. But not like how he felt when Hermione took that curse in the Department of Mysteries. He wondered about what that meant, he was more concerned about Mione.

He thought about it for the whole shower, finally assuming it was the difference in situations. He saw Mione taking the curse and the very real chance she was dead, but with Ginny she was just missing and needing to be rescued. He found that explanation pleasing, he also assumed his subconscious was aware that she could simply be out shopping or at St Mungo’s.

He slipped into his comfortable clothes and headed to the lounge. Lost in thought he wandered over to the cupboard, waving his hand absently and doors swinging open. He comes out of his thoughts enough to pick a movie, eventually selecting a decent action movie and putting it in the DVD player. Flicking his hand over his head the cupboard door closed again.

He jumps onto the couch and settles in to watch, pausing for a moment to stare at the cupboard doors before shrugging and enjoying the movie. By time the fire glows green to alert Ginny’s return the credits to the 3rd movie are rolling. She enters quietly and spots Harry curled up asleep on the couch. She’s obviously exhausted as she summons up a quilt to cover him, removes his glasses and then heads up to bed.

Harry’s eye flicker open and he looks around, reaching out and grabbing his glasses from a nearby table and putting them on while yawning. He pulls off the quilt and smiles gently, checking his watch and grumbling that he’s short on time. With a flick of his wand everything returns to its place and the dirty plate from last nights dinner vanishes.

He heads upstairs and gets washed up in a spare bathroom, not wanting to wake Ginny after her late night. Throwing on his Auror robes and sketching out a quick note and leaving it beside the bed. He quickly wolfs down a few pieces of toast before diving into the fire and heading to the Ministry. He doesn’t register arriving and instead heads straight for the briefing room where Kingsley is waiting along with Arthur and a research wizard.

“Sirs,” Harry nods as he hops onto one of the tables, “Minister Weasley, I hope you’ve told your wife that I might miss the family dinner next weekend?”

“Indeed I have, but we’re hoping that this assignment doesn’t that that long. I’ll leave the proper briefing for Kingsley when Hermione arrives, which will be soon I hope. She was rather disappointed though.” Arthur replied with a kindly smile.

“I know, I’ll try my best to make the next one, I’ll definitely visit soon though, Kingsley already has my holiday form for two weeks once the mission is over.”

“Ah, very good, perhaps you could help me with a little project I’ve been working upon, hush hush of course.” Arthur asked in a low tone, that usually meant that he’d acquired some new muggle piece of technology.

“Sure thing Minister.” Harry replied with a grin,

“How many times do I have to ask you to call me Arthur?”

“At least once more I suppose Minister.”

“Sorry, I’m not late am I?” Hermione asked, checking her new wristwatch, “If you had told me I could have arrived before the designated time I would have been here early.”

“Relax Granger,” Kingsley said, “We’ve one of our scouts meeting us here in twenty five minutes, he’ll be your point man in the field. He’ll contact you in the Leaky Cauldron main dining area during lunch with Yaxley’s current location. He was sited this morning exiting a muggle hotel and is being followed by our team.”

“To start the briefing, you know the basics. You assume roles at ten, you’ll meet the scout at eleven at lunch for his current location. Then you will head to the area and act inconspicuous. We have a confirmed meeting at seven where you’ll get your chance to tail him, before then try to be spotted but not noticed.”

“Your mission is to tail follow Yaxley, discover who he’s allied to, discover what they are planning and then call in the Aurors to arrest as many as possible if applicable. It is entirely possible still that he’s honest and just here to negotiate a supplier for a cauldron producer.”

“And it’s entirely possible that they’ll have a picture of Hermione riding a Crumple-Horned Snorkacks on the next edition of the Quibbler” Harry added.

“Exactly,” Kingsley continued, “In any case, those are the standing orders, heading to the Leaky Cauldron and having Harry order a shot of Bulgarian Fire whiskey is code for Tom to arrange a meeting with the contact for the next lunch time. Ordering a flaming version will rearrange the time for breakfast at seven or ordering Hungarian Fire whiskey means evening at seven pm.”

“In case Harry is unavailable then the call signs for Hermione are a cherry syrup and soda, for morning hold the ice for evening extra ice. In case of urgent contact head straight to the room and use the mirrors, do not take them with you.”

“We’ve commissioned special stretching armour, it won’t be as protective as your Dragon Hide, but it will fit as you change between appearances.” Kingsley explained, nodding at the boxes on the desk, “I’ve got someone from the research department to explain the potions to you.”

“Standard undercover potions sets really, we have the extended Polyjuice, disillusions, rejuvenating, curing and blood replenishing.” The strange grey haired man explains, “Portkey bracelets, keyed to the Cauldron room, St Mungo’s or the Auror Emergency room. Also just for Hermione we have an invisibility cloak from storage.”

“No need, Harry bought me one to have personally, He got one for Ron too” she adds when she spots Arthur’s surprised look which doubles.

“Figured it might be a good investment, found much use for mine, something for the kids to inherit to cause mayhem at Hogwarts” Harry grins.

“I won’t be handing over mine to any children for the purpose of rule breaking or trouble for the teachers,” Hermione countered, “Merlin knows we gave them enough trouble ourselves.”

“Well the Potter line has a proud tradition of rule breaking to uphold.” Harry grinned and Arthur chuckled.

“I do trust you’ll be wedded before continuing the Potter line.”

“Of course sir,” Harry replied with a smile.

“If we could get back to the briefing,” Kingsley commented.

“Sorry Sir,” Harry held back a smirk and redirected his attention to the research wizard.

“That’s about all from me, just the standard warnings. Polyjuice can last up to two and a half hours, but refresh every hour for best effects. Never over use the rejuvenation potion, I know it feels good, but it doesn’t replace proper rest.” The wizard looked over to Kingsley and nodded.

“Right, if you two want to get ready and then you’ll head out.” Kingsley said.

Harry and Hermione took their stretching armour to wear while they transformed. It was easier than wearing something too big or small before or after the transformation. Using the attached changing rooms they changed swiftly. The suits were body tight of an elastic black material, they had wide necklines, enough to cover the vital areas but still not be seen with loose clothing above.

Harry hated the suits, they always felt a little tight and rode up in awkward places. He slipped on a discreet potion belt to hide several thin vials. On his right wrist he wore a strange muggle device. It consisted of a thin tube of plastic with a spring at the end, Harry inserted his wand and felt it click into place. Now with a flick of his hand his wand would be ejected and to hand almost instantly. The bands around his right arm were very elastic as well. He carried his watch in hand as he stepped out of the changing room.

Shortly after Hermione stepped out of hers, Harry couldn’t help but steal a glance at her wearing the skin tight black suit. It hugged her form very nicely, showing off the curves that were attracting a lot of attention since Hogwarts.

“My eyes are up here Harry,” Hermione teased and Harry shrugged.

“I know, I was looking for your jaw, I assumed it would drop when you got a peek of my outfit.” Harry sighed.

“I didn’t want to hit your eyes when they bugged out of your over inflated head.”

“If you two are done flirting perhaps we could start?” Kingsley’s calm voice interrupted.

“Few more minutes Sir?” Harry asked.

“Potter, I don’t need to remind you how important this mission could be, do I?” Kingsley raised an eyebrow and Harry grinned and shook his head.

“Bottoms up!” Harry grinned as he walked over and downed his Polyjuice potion. He waited a few moments and winced at the taste before he started to swell, growing in height and size. His hair lightened to a shade of brown and his eyes lost their bright shine but remained green/

“Ugh, so this is what it’s like to be Ron” Harry commented as he shook off the pain of the potion, “Good thing neither of us are afraid of heights.”

He took a few doses of the potion and slid them into his belt and then slipped his watch on. He grabbed his clothes and started dressing as Hermione walked to the desk and drank her potion. Her reaction was stronger, brought almost to the verge of vomiting. Harry wasn’t aware of Hermione using Polyjuice any time since second year which went rather wrong. He on the other hand had used it a few times over the years.

Hermione’s bushy hair flattened out and turned to a dirty blonde colour, her eyes turning bright blue and sharp. Her body didn’t change much but she aged a few years in a matter of seconds. She took a few moments to compose herself then started getting dressed. When they were both dressed and ready they looked over to Kingsley.

“I don’t need to tell you how important this mission could be, so be careful and do your best. Get the mission done and get back safely. Your new equipment will be sent to the room, remember your covers booked in last night. That said I’ll introduce you to Scout Hark.” Kingsley gestured to a newly arrived woman in muggle clothing.

“I’ll be your point man for the mission, I’m a friend of Suze’s so meeting with you shouldn’t raise too many eyebrows,” the woman with short dark hair offered a small smile at the polyjuiced Hermione, “We’ll meet at lunch time and I’ll pretend just to be surprised to see an old friend and want to meet your friend.” She nods towards Harry.

“Yaxley has been loitering around muggle London most of the day. He seems to be trying to catch any possible trackers and has apparated a few times from dressing rooms. We haven’t placed any tracking charms on him to avoid suspicion, but we’ve been keeping close contact with the apparition monitors.”

“At lunch I’ll let you know where he is again so if he’s progressed into Diagon you’ll be able to loiter nearby.” Hark smiled, “And my name is Isabelle Hark, Suze always calls me Isa. We were both in the same year and Ravenclaws at Hogwarts for when you introduce me to Paul here.”

“I think that’s enough, I’ll see you at eleven.” She salutes the group and heads into one of the adjoining rooms and apparates away.

“When you’re ready then,” Kingsley said, “Good Luck to the pair of you.”

Paul and Suzette saluted and headed into the adjoining room and with a quiet crack they travelled the short distance to arrive at Diagon Alley.

7. Chapter 7

Author Note: Two apologies for this one, firstly, sorry for how long it took, secondly, sorry because it’s shorter than usual, I like to post at about 4.5k words and this is only about 3.5k. I’ll be blaming a combination of sickness and being busy over the holidays for these. Also a large number of my muses were fried by the bug zapper.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy. Credit for the ending goes to MyUsedRomance on Portkey, if you don’t know why search the reviews. Thanks to my betas Sweet_Mione, JediYoda and Michelle_Moonshine.

Edit: Two rather large errors slipped through on this chapter, for the first I blame my brain turning off, I had Bellatrix calling her husband brother for some reason. For the second I say my brain jumped out the window, Harry is of course sitting near his godfather’s killer, not his godfather’s father. I have a tendency to write the same word twice rather than two different ones if I’m tying too fast, this one wasn’t pointed out by spell check because it wasn’t double usage. Thank you to dudette3993 and my Anon poster for smacking me upside the head with the error.

Another soft crack and they both appeared in the small space between the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. Harry stepped forward and opened the door that led into the bar; he motioned for Hermione to enter first. She smiled gratefully and stepped inside, they headed through the bar and to the stairs, nodding at Tom as they climbed the stairs.

They quickly entered their room and closed the door, Hermione waving her wand for a wordless silencing spell. The room wasn’t very large; there was enough room for a table and two chairs, a sofa looking at a small television, a radio and a double poster bed. On one wall there was a large closet, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. There was a door, which probably led to the bathroom.

Harry opened up the closet and took note of the silver suitcases from the twins, the box of potion vials and their suitcases. He pulled them all out and moved the box and silver suitcases under the bed. He took his wand and vanished to make sure the maid didn’t find anything. The closet would be used if they needed to send anything to the Aurors discreetly so it was best to keep it clear. He glanced towards the door where Hermione hadn’t moved yet.

“Something wrong Suze?” Harry queried, when she didn’t respond he gave her a nudge, “Mione?”

“Oh!” she returned from her dream world and looked at Harry, “Sorry, it’s just the bed, it’s a double, not two singles.”

“Yes?” Harry asked, “We are lovers you know.”

“We’re not!”

“Fine, ruin the fantasy!” Harry pretended to sulk then winked, “Paul and Suzette are lovers, and therefore they would rent a room with a double bed. The cover needs to be airtight. In any case, at night, I’ll sleep on the couch and if we’re interrupted early you can just say we got in a fight and I was sent to sleep there.”

“Sorry, it just caught me unaware, I thought there would be separate rooms or something.”

“This is the Leaky Cauldron on a ministry worker’s salary, not the penthouse of the Ritz,” Harry chuckled, “And you need to learn to be brought out of your daydreams by me calling Suze or Suzette, I can’t go calling you Mione in the middle of Knockturn Alley.”

“Sorry, I’ll keep my head in the game.” She promised.

“Good,” Harry smiled. “Now we haven’t got much to do until our meeting at eleven, so I’m going to unpack and see what they gave us.”

Hermione went to check the bathroom while Harry opened his suitcase and started moving his clothing into the bottom two drawers. He only hung his long dress robes in the wardrobe to give Hermione plenty of space.

“Merlin knows why they thought we’d need dress robes on a short mission.” Harry sighed.

“In case we’re invited to one of the higher class restaurants by Yaxley or anyone else. You know the Aurors practice Constant Vigilance, it might happen, so be prepared.” Hermione called from the bathroom.

“I was hoping it would be stalking through dark alleys and midnight meetings, not dining in snobbish restaurants,” Harry muttered.

“Stop complaining Harry,” Hermione stepped from the bathroom, wearing a little makeup and her hair in a bun.

“Didn’t know Suze wore her hair up,” Harry commented.

“She doesn’t, but I’m not used to long flowing hair so I’m tying it up out of the way when I’m not out.”

“Just don’t give me any sharp thin lipped looks, you remind me of McGonagall like that.” Harry grinned.

“Perhaps that will help me keep you under control.” She teased.

“Unlikely, did I ever pay attention to McGonagall?”

“Point.”

“If you weren’t paying attention earlier, I slid our kits and bits under the bed and vanished them. Your suitcase is by the window if you want to unpack, I’ve already stolen the bottom two drawers so you can’t have them.”

“I’ll assume they’ve just copied Suzette’s wardrobe for me,” Hermione commented, taking her wand and flicking it at the case, Harry watched bemused as the clothes flew out into the wardrobe and drawers.

“Ever think magic spoils us?” he commented casually.

“Of course, but it’s a burden as well, else we wouldn’t be in the situation either.” She replied.

“Too true,” Harry sighed, “Want to play some muggle cards? Not much to do until eleven.”

“Muggle cards? Perhaps. You sure it’s not a deck of exploding snap?” she queried.

“Honest, I learned to play a few games from one of my Muggleborn partners. It was a good way to pass the time on stakeouts, I know all sorts of games.” Harry smiled and took out his box. He opened it up and took out a deck of cards and started to shuffle. He sat at the table and dealt out and then he proceeded to spend the next half hour teaching Hermione how to play cards.

“We should get downstairs, it’s almost eleven.” Hermione commented.

Harry nodded and put the cards away, and then they each took a vial of polyjuice potion and drank it. They headed for the dining area, and just as Hermione opened the door, Harry swiftly reached over and pulled the scrunchy from her hair, letting it fall down her back. She looked over her shoulder and smiled gratefully. They pick a four-person table in the corner and sat opposite each other, ordering a light lunch when the waitress came over. They didn’t have to wait long, for as soon as their drinks arrived they hear a loud, clear voice calling.

“Suze!”

“Isa?” Hermione replied, looking across the bar to the scout who began heading over to them.

“It’s been ages, hun, where have you been hiding? Scoot up dear, oh, who is your friend? Is this why you’ve been avoiding me?” Isabelle slipped onto the chair that Hermione shifted from.

“Oh, it hasn’t been that long, this is Paul, he’s from the states.” Hermione replied, “Met him on a train I was taking a while ago, he got me out of a tight situation not long after and haven’t been able to get rid of him since. Not that I’d want to, he’s a rather useful fellow to have around.”

“I can imagine,” Isabelle grinned and winked.

“Oh stop it, Isa,” Hermione giggled, “Where’s that boy of yours hiding then?”

“Oh Merlin knows, the moment I mention shopping for clothes he scarpers, Brian says he was hovering in the poisonous candle shop, browsing I hope,” Isabelle replied without a break in her expression.

“Oh really?” Hermione asked, “I was going to show Paul around that area, for some reason he’s curious. I’m going to make sure that curiosity doesn’t kill the cat.”

Both females shared a giggle and Harry rolled his eyes. He glanced away from the pair in mock exasperation but used the chance to see if anyone was watching them. The coast was clear as expected, but it was a good practice to get into the habit of.

“I should get going, hun,” Isabelle smiled, “Lots to do today, are you staying here a while?”

“Possibly, I’m using up this years holiday, we’re going to bounce around a little, see where the mood takes us,” Hermione replied with a wistful smile.

“You do that, hopefully I’ll run into you again if you’re in the area.” She stood and gave a discreet thumb up at Hermione before leaving the pair.

“We should go too,” Harry commented.

“Agreed.”

The pair quickly finished their lunches and entered Diagon Alley through the back door. They strolled past the shops and tried to act normal as they slipped off into Knockturn Alley. Knowing that they would be meeting Yaxley at his restaurant meeting later they just aimed to be spotted.

Antony Yaxley was sighted shortly, browsing the window of the Giant Spiders shop. He was of medium height and was wearing a very expensive looking robe, walking with bone cane. His silver hair was short and slicked back and his eyes were a cold shade of blue. He gave an impression of sharpness and swiftness, from his expression to his movements. He never lingered for long and moved at a brisk pace.

His hair and the sound of his cane on the cobbles were quite distinctive. This allowed Harry and Hermione to cross paths with him in their own browsing. They were forced to make numerous bathroom breaks to maintain their polyjuice. Entering Borgin and Burkes they spotted Yaxley near the back, looking at a book on a very high shelf.

Hermione went over to the book section and started browsing quickly, eventually “spotting” the book that Yaxley was looking at. She called over Harry and got him to bring it down, his new height letting him reach easily. The action was not missed and as he went to put it back the hook of Yaxley’s cane, which caught on his shoulder.

“May I see that before you return it?” he asked, his voice sharp but polite.

Harry handed over the book carefully, the tome quite old and fragile. Antony flipped through the pages quickly then nodded to Harry and offered his thanks. He then took the book to the front and bought it before leaving. Harry cast a glance at Hermione and she gave him a half shrug. The book hadn’t been anything unusual, just a tome of magic theory.

“What was Yaxley’s speciality again?” Harry asked quietly.

“He’s supposed to be a potions expert, really good, but not amazing.” Hermione replied under her breath, searching through the shelves.

“A replacement for Snape?” Harry mused.

“Possibly.”

“He’ll recognise us at dinner now.”

“That was the point wasn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

They browsed through Knockturn for the rest of the afternoon, only noticing Yaxley twice, once in another store and when they returned to the Leaky Cauldron they saw him entering Gringotts. Back in their room they changed into more discreet clothing, darker casual robes. They opted not to wear their hooded cloaks so as not to arouse suspicion.

Harry pulled out the twins’ kits and opened them up, sliding a few decoys into his pockets, followed by a remote ear kit. Hermione did the same and took the All-Seeing-Eye glasses and handed them to Harry.

“In case you can’t make eye contact directly, it should work through these.” She commented.

Fully kitted up, they set off for the Pickled Troll, arriving at about six thirty. The bar was dark and gloomy. They set to memorizing the layout, choosing to sit in a dark booth in the corner. A waitress spotted them and moved over swiftly.

“I’m sorry, you can’t sit here, this booth is reserved for seven.” She apologised and they agreed to move.

“Any other places reserved?” Harry asked.

“No, everywhere else is fine, this is just the favoured table of our regulars.” She replied.

“Okay, we’ll sit elsewhere.” Hermione smiled slightly at the waitress who took their orders. While Harry delayed for time, musing over his drink, Hermione slid a remote ear under the table and stuck it to the underside. When she left, Harry stuck the remote eyes onto the wall behind the seats so he could watch those who sat at the table.

Moving to a table nearby Harry sat down looking at the reserved booth as the waitress arrived with their drinks. After some persuasion, they agreed to some dinner as well. The plates appeared magically moments later and they began to eat. Harry kept glancing to his watch discreetly, waiting for the hour to arrive at seven.

Yaxley arrived dead on the hour, sitting down in the dark booth on the back seat. The waitress moved over swiftly and took his order. Harry glanced to Hermione and she nodded that she could hear perfectly. Harry finished his plate and started sipping his drink as Yaxley’s guests arrived.

Two cloaked figures sat with Yaxley, their hoods pulled up to cover their faces. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out the special glasses, sliding them on. Harry’s hand clenched tightly and Hermione reached over to hold it, giving it a squeeze.

“Paul, what’s wrong?” she asked, she didn’t need to wait for an answer as she heard Yaxley’s voice through the remote ear.

“Bellatrix, Rodolphus, it is good to see you both again, I trust you have been keeping well?” Hermione’s eyes went wide as the conversation started.

“Well enough Yaxley, the service to restore our master we undertake is never ending.” Bellatrix replied with a sneer, “Those who are still faithful will be rewarded, those who oppose will be crushed.”

“By a master who might be dead and gone for good?” Yaxley inquired, Bellatrix’s eyes flared, “Calm yourself Bellatrix, you are aware I believe the Dark Lord gone for good, I will accept any punishment he bestows should I be wrong, I will still be loyal.”

“You are aware of this or else why would you be here in person for this meeting.” Yaxley continued, “Now, I assume there is a reason you have come yourself, as I am sure there is a reason for this meeting, what the reason is, I am not sure.”

“Always to the point Antony,” Rodolphus replied, “Quite simply, we have need of your talent again.”

“What of Severus? His skills always outstripped my own.” Yaxley replied, sipping from his cup.

“He is currently incarcerated, Potter got him.” Rodolphus scowled.

“Ah, well. what do you have in mind? A potion to resurrect the Dark Lord perhaps?” Antony inquired.

“Perhaps soon, but for now we are focusing on the ministry, I’m sure you are aware it is being led by a Blood Traitor.” distain dripped from Bellatrix’s voice, “Traitors and Muggleborns do not deserve the magic they have. So we are going to take it away.”

“Interesting, how do you propose to do so?” Antony inquired.

“We have discovered our masters notes, it was once a consideration of his, a way of ensuring blood would reign over the unworthy.” Rodolphus explained, “A potion which when brewed correctly enhances the magic of the drink tenfold, brewed incorrectly creates a concoction which permanently removes the magic from the drinker.”

“Of course to brew something incorrectly is easy, however anything but tiny mistakes makes it poison, not something we would object to, but should someone die from drinking it, no one else will drink it,” Rodolphus continued, “However, should it work, we could let dozens drink it, hundreds, say perhaps, the guests of the Ministry’s Winter Ball?”

“Winter? That’s months away,” Antony asked, “Does this potion take long to brew?”

“The notes seem to imply it will take many months, the Winter Ball would be the first opportunity.”

“Where will I be working?” Antony inquired, Rodolphus handed him a note.

“Memorize that, we have Fidelius Charm in operation,” Harry looked over Yaxley’s shoulder and quickly memorized the note before Antony vaporized it.

“Very well, when shall I arrive?”

“Tomorrow if possible, as soon as you can, we wish to get started immediately, we have the ingredients to start but we have no knowledge of where to find some of them, for that we need your expertise.” Bellatrix said, “This project has our highest priority, so any resources you need, you’ll get.”

“Good, if you’ll excuse me a moment I need to use the facilities.” Yaxley stood and walked off past Harry and Hermione’s table, headed for the toilets.

“Looks like we know what the Death Eaters are up to, we’ll have to make contact quickly, did you see the note?” Hermione whispered.

“Yeah, but if it is under a secret keeper charm, I can’t tell you or anyone else about it.” Harry commented quietly, “Means we can’t raid their hideout, perhaps we should call for backup and take down these three now?”

“There are too many free death eaters to let the chance slip to catch them all, we’ll just have to break their Fidelius Charm later.” Hermione hissed, “Remember, we are not to break character for a chance to get Bellatrix!”

“Fine, but if we can’t get anything to work with before they leave I’m taking Bellatrix down!” Harry growled.

“You can’t, not without exposing us, in any case, we have enough to work with already. Perhaps Snape can be useful again?” she tried to continue but was interrupted.

“So, our plan will be successful now?” Bellatrix’s voice came through the ears again.

“Yaxley can do the job Bella, most of our trouble is getting the ingredients now.” Rodolphus replied, “This potion was to be created after the Dark Lord conquered the world and had all the resources to hand, not before. The Ministry is the only known holder of some parts and most of the others are illegal or impossibly rare.”

“Well, we’ll have to raid a few places, we’ve been quiet long enough. The Aurors are getting complacent, we’ll catch them unaware.” Bellatrix shot back.

“Potter is still an issue, he hasn’t grown complacent and he won’t as long as we are free and you know it.”

“I know, and I’ll deal with the brat soon enough, perhaps we can provide some distractions for The Chosen On,” She sneered, “Is his girlfriend still working at St. Mungo’s? We’ll hit that tomorrow while we send the others to raid that warehouse in Little Thirkleby.”

Harry’s anger doubled as he realised they were planning to attack a hospital just to distract him and the other Aurors.

“Paul? What’s in Little Thirkleby?” Hermione asked very quietly, “Paul?”

“Oh, err, not much.” Harry thought quickly, “It’s just a storage facility for the Aurors? You should know.”

“I do, I wanted to distract you, you’re loosing control,” Hermione hissed.

“Oh … Thanks, what is in the warehouse then?” he asked back.

“Mostly evidence for upcoming trials, nothing above Class C, but that will include a lot of illegal herbs and potion components. I don’t think we have more than a dozen guards on site; most of its security lies in the fact that its location is top secret. How did they find out about it?”

“Coincidence or we have a leak in the Aurors, troubling information in any case, we’ll have to alert an immediate meeting.” Harry muttered.

Harry tried to suppress the rage building within him, his Godfather’s killer sitting a few feet away. Hermione’s eyes went wide as she looked at him, he felt her foot kick against his shin hard and she mouthed “Polyjuice”. Harry blinked then looked at his hand; ripples were starting to bubble over his skin. He thought fast, he had been so distracted by the conversation he hadn’t refreshed his potion in over ninety minutes.

He stood calmly and started walking for the bathroom, trying to remain calm and not attract attention. Hermione also stood and followed him, stepping between the tables through the fastest route. She heard Bellatrix’s voice through her earpiece.

“I need to use the little girl’s room, order me another drink, will you dear,” Bella stood and started to walk towards the bathrooms as well.

Harry paused and grabbed his stomach then kept walking, the potion wearing off, he quickly pulled forth his Metamorphmagus ability and kept his appearance like Paul’s, his short hair becoming a problem, as he felt the lightning bolt scar cutting across his forehead. They had moved into the entrance, there was a corridor heading to the bathrooms, which were on the upper floor with a small alcove to one side where cloaks and coats could be hung.

He was almost at the restrooms when he saw Yaxley’s feet on the stairs coming down. He stopped instantly and quickly spun, almost walking into Hermione who shook her head, and hissed.

“Bellatrix is coming!” Harry froze solid, the sound of Yaxley’s cane behind him and Bellatrix about to turn the corner, his scar obvious to anyone who caught a glance. Thinking quickly he grabbed Hermione a bit rougher than he intended and pushed her into the cloak alcove. He leant in and kissed her hard, holding her head with one hand and her waist with the other.

The simple movement blocked any view of his scar and merely looked like two lovers making out. Hermione froze at the start but caught onto what he was trying to do before freaking out. She quickly moved her arms to hold him and tried to look like she was enjoying herself. She found that easy, as Harry was actually a very good kisser.

Harry listened for the sound of Yaxley’s cane passing and then the clicks of Bellatrix’s high-heeled boots before breaking the kiss, breathing heavily. He looked to Hermione and blushed slightly.

“Err … sorry, didn’t know what else to do.” He whispered. She rolled her eyes in response.

“Don’t worry about it, but next time, don’t get us into these situations,” Hermione gave a small smile, “I’ll go check if it’s safe for you to get to the bathroom.”

Harry breathed deeply as she slipped past him and went for the stairs, he peeked up the corridor and when she beckoned for him he moved swiftly into the men’s toilets and locked himself in a stall. He pulled out a vial of Polyjuice and downed it quickly, shuddering as the effects took hold. He went back out to the bathroom and checked in the mirror that his scar had vanished once more.

He breathed deeply and looked at himself hard. Less than a hundred feet away was a pair of his worst enemies plotting to kill his fiancée. They had a recipe for a potion to eliminate magic in wizards and witches. And he just kissed his partner. What was worse was that he had enjoyed it. Oh boy, this mission was going to be hard.

8. Chapter 8

Author Note:- I’m posting this a lil early so I might have to repost corrections later, but there shouldn’t be anything major. In return for the shortness of the last chapter this one is a little longer than usual. I’m up to 23,000 hits (prolly half mine) and 121 reviews (replied to all), thank you for reading and reviewing, enjoy 8)

Harry went back down the stairs and returned to his seat, Hermione was sitting quietly sipping her drink. He glanced to his watch and she shook her head.

“I slipped to the bathroom when you did, I thought why make two trips?” she whispered.

Harry nodded and slipped the special glasses back on, finding Bellatrix still missing from the table. Rodolphus and Yaxley appeared to be deep in conversation when Harry realised he hadn’t put his earpiece back in. Fumbling back in his pocket he slid the small pink device back into his ear.

“Risk to you Antony, you can come and go as you please. The headquarters are under a Fidelius charm so you won’t be in danger and if you apparate straight in and out no-one will even know you are present but us and whoever you pick to aid you.” Rodolphus said.

“The deal sounds appealing Rodolphus, this I have already admitted, however I was curious if you were planning to compensate me for my time. Or perhaps the result is the reward itself. With the ministry’s primary members all squibs then new leadership is in order. New Leadership often brings change. Is Lucius involved in this scheme, he seems likely to benefit from a shake up in leadership.” Yaxley inquired.

“Bellatrix refuses to associate with him; he works for money and power. I see no problem with this, however he like you, thinks the Dark Lord gone, and unlike you, is no longer loyal to the true cause, thus he is an enemy to Bella.” Rodolphus explained, “From what my sources tell me he is liable to make great profit from the plan; however he has no involvement in it, nor any awareness.”

“There may be a time when she has to, without proper fore planning removing the leadership of the country will leave it in chaos for only so long, if anyone is prepared to take advantage it will be Lucius.” Yaxley commented, “Speaking of proper planning, it seems a bit risky for you to attend this meeting in person.”

“I thought so as well, however Bellatrix wasn’t coping well with being cooped up in the hideout. We have been trying to keep activity to a minimum. But she keeps kidnapping muggles for fun; she argues that the Dark Lord wouldn’t want us hiding away.”

“This potion requires many ingredients we don’t have, but will do soon.” Rodolphus grinned maliciously, “We have acquired the location of most of the ingredients, and hopefully you have or know how to find the rest.”

“I possess very little outside the standard supplies, and nothing illegal. They have nothing on me and I intend to keep it that way. The dementors may no longer haunt Azkaban but I have no longing to spend the rest of my days there.”

“Fair enough, apart from this meeting there will be no evidence you are working with us as I mentioned before. We are certain that no-one followed us here, so anyone who finds out must have followed you. You know of the silencing spells around this booth, they could stand five feet away and hear nothing.”

Harry and Hermione shared a small grin, they hadn’t been aware of the silencing spell so it was very convenient that they had set up the ears before leaving. Hermione nudged Harry’s leg as she spotted Bellatrix returning to the table. The nudge was unnecessary, Harry had already seen her through the eyes. Harry waited until she was walking past and set his foot casually out.

She caught on his foot and fell to the floor hard, Harry put on his emotionless mask as he grinned inside. He stood and helped her get to her feet, ignoring the stream of curses she was spurting.

“I’m most sorry, are you alright?” he inquired, keeping his accent strong.

“I’m fine no thanks to you, next time keep your oversized feet to yourself or I’ll curse you into oblivion.” She scowled and for a moment they made eye contact.

Antony and Rodolphus had stood and were watching the exchange, the latter’s eyes started darting around to see if they had been recognised by anyone else. They were pretty much ignored by the patrons who had their own secrets to hide.

“Ah, I thought it was you,” Harry commented and gave her an evil grin, “Great fan of your work, keep it up.”

The grin came easy as he imagined ripping off her limbs slowly and throwing them through the veil. His rage pounding through his veins but he kept control, Hermione’s eyes watching him carefully, her hand wrapped around her wand under the table. Bellatrix gave him critical glance then smiled.

“You’re the one I passed in the corridor,” she reached over and ran a finger down his cheek, “I like you, you look calm but I can see an evil rage within. Be here, this time, Saturday.” She cast a glance at Hermione and then added coldly, “She may come if she wishes.”

Harry nodded and she spun and turned back to the table, joining Yaxley and her husband. Harry returned to his seat and picked up his glass to take a drink, his fist clenched too tight and it shattered. He blinked and the anger started to drain from his hand as he looked at the blood forming in the cuts.

Hermione sighs and reaches her wand over to mend the wounds on his hand, her eyes showing the worry within. The amount they had to deal with was growing rapidly and the night wasn’t over yet.

“What was that about Bella?” Rodolphus inquired as she sat.

“Nothing, just tripped over the oaf’s foot. I let him know that should it happen again I’d erase his family and friends.” She smiled cruelly.

“Low profile, the chances of finding an honest upstanding citizen in here are low I realise but our goal will be ruined if Antony is seen with us.” Rodolphus hissed, “Need I remind you how few potion masters we have left available to us, Snape in jail, Slughorn in Hogwarts, Brewers dead and McCann missing, presumed dead.”

“Well if you are worried perhaps we should leave? I believe our work is done here, Antony knows where to find us and he knows our offer.” Bellatrix sneered at her husband.

“Not quite, Antony wishes to discuss how we are to compensate him for his time.” Rodolphus commented.

“Compensate?” she asked coldly, “Compensate him for what? Working for our master’s cause?”

“The Yaxley’s are an old pure blood family Bella my dear. However we are not rich, we don’t have the fortunes of the Lestrange’s or the Black’s to live upon thanks to some rather unwise choices in recent history.” Antony commented, sipping at his drink.

“We don’t have the Black inheritance, Sirius was the primary heir and he left everything to the Potter boy in his will.” Rodolphus explained quietly as Bellatrix fumed.

“That is unfortunate, but still does not change the matter, we have always had to work our money, the Dark Lord knew this and I was paid for my services. No doubt by Malfoy or another of his sources of money. If you require this potions master’s help, then you need to pay.” Antony met Bellatrix’s furious gaze, “I usually charge two hundreds a day, but for a good cause, one hundred will be sufficient. I have an account the money can be transferred to.”

Bellatrix opened her mouth to speak but Rodolphus placed his hand on her forearm and silenced her then nodded to Antony. Yaxley took a Gringott’s slip from his pocket and slid it to Rodolphus.

“You will be paid after the work at intervals of your choosing.” Rodolphus stated.

“Acceptable, with this agreed I shall depart. A pleasure to see you both again and I shall be in contact as soon as possible.” Antony stood and shook Rodolphus’s hand then kissed the back of Bellatrix’s before leaving.

“Do we trust him?” Bellatrix asked plainly.

“Of course not, but he won’t turn us in to the ministry even if he was able. Now let us return home, if we are now to co-ordinate two attacks tomorrow we should plan more.” Rodolphus said, leaving some money for the drinks.

Harry and Hermione watch the pair leave. Hermione summoned back their remote ears and the hidden eyes when no-one was watching.

“Looks like we should go back and get the mirrors active, Shacklebolt won’t be at the office now will he?” Hermione mused.

“He’ll be there; if he isn’t sitting at his desk waiting for us to report in whatever calamity we’ve caused then you can have my Firebolt.” Harry commented dryly as he left a few coins for the drink, “We’d better get back to the Cauldron.”

They left and walked the short distance back to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry took a moment to order a flaming fire whiskey while Hermione went straight up. Blowing out the flames he downed the shot and nodded to Tom before heading upstairs.

When he reached the room Hermione was already sitting on the bed chatting into her silver mirror.

“Harry’s here now Sir,” she said into the mirror, turning it to face Harry for a moment. Harry saw Kingsley’s face in the mirror and nodded. Then he coughed and a burst of flame shot from his mouth.

“Sorry sir, set a meeting for this morning just in case,” he coughed again and a burst of dark smoke came out with it, “Mione told you who we just ran into?”

“Yes, I am sorry to see our suspicions confirmed and glad that you were able to control yourself. She hasn’t had time to tell me what happened in the meeting.” Shacklebolt’s deep voice replied.

“Nothing much, just a plot to turn the top of the ministry into Squibs with a potion they’ve discovered and want Yaxley to make. Oh and to get the supplies they are going to raid a top secret Auror warehouse and for a distraction Bella and Rodolphus are going to attack St. Mungo’s some time tomorrow.” Harry commented, dropping onto the bed and holding his chest. “Why did you have to pick flaming fire whiskey?”

“Attack on St. Mungo’s tomorrow? You are sure? Which warehouse?” Kingsley questioned quickly.

“The Little Thirkleby site sir, we don’t know how they found it.” Hermione replied, “Bellatrix said she’d attack St. Mungo’s to distract Harry because Ginny is working there.”

“So call Ron in nice and early, tell him to get a team to Little Thirkleby to handle the Death Eaters and I’ll head to St Mungo’s with Hermione to handle Bellatrix and Rodolphus.” Harry commented from behind Hermione.

“We can’t let you go Harry; you can’t risk your cover.” Kingsley replied.

“Okay, first this is a free shot at Bellatrix. Second this is Ginny she’s threatening, my fiancée if you recall. Third I’m the best Auror you got, I’m here because if things go sour you want an Auror able to stand up to Bella and the death eaters. If you think I’m going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs while she tries to massacre a bunch of innocents to lure me out you’re going to have to arrest me.” Harry replied angrily, sitting up and scowling at the mirror. His menacing aura was slightly ruined by Harry coughing up another fireball.

“I didn’t think you’d listen, but might have been worth a shot.” Kingsley sighed, “Take out the emergency portkeys. Tomorrow morning use the one to the ministry and afterwards use the one back to the room. Perhaps having Harry Potter seen around will help the illusion.”

“Certainly more than having him suspiciously absent, Sir.” Hermione added.

“I’m also going to have Neville’s team ready to help you; I trust one of you will remember to trigger your mirror to call for help once Bella arrives.” Kingsley told them, “We’ll let the head doctors have advanced warning but we’ll insist they continue as normal to not arouse suspicion there. You can go in to visit Ginny, I authorize you to let her know the situation since she’ll cause mayhem if she doesn’t know why you’re off mission.”

“Knowing Ginny she’ll cause mayhem when I arrive, before I get chance to tell her.” Harry sighed, “Oh, something else sir.”

“There’s more?” Kingsley asked

“Afraid so, should Bellatrix escape the raid tomorrow, I have a meeting with her on Saturday at eight in the Picked Troll.”

“Care to repeat that?”

“I tripped her when she returned from the bathroom. She apparently liked the look of me and told me to meet her back there at the same time on Saturday.” Harry repeated.

“I don’t know if that is good or bad news,” Kingsley replied, “Why were they meeting Yaxley again, you mentioned something about the ministry and squibs.”

“They’ve got some of Voldemort’s notes, Sir.” Hermione answered, “Some of them include a potion to increase magic ten fold, however if brewed very slightly wrong the result is a potion to null the power of any drink, permanently.”

“If brewed more than a little wrong it is poison, that’s why they needed a potions master.” She added.

“They wanted Snape, but he is unavailable.” Harry commented.

“They’re brewing in a facility hidden by a Fidelius Charm. Harry has seen a note written by the secret keeper but that will make it hard to raid. Unless we can find the secret keeper or get him to write another note.” Hermione said, “They plan to poison the drinks at the Ministries Winter Ball, take out the entire ministry in one swoop and take control in the resulting chaos.”

“We knew they were up to something, but this is completely unexpected.” Shacklebolt commented.

“They’ve been keeping quiet so they could raid for the supplies they need in the next few months. Hoping we’d become complacent in the quiet. But at the same time they are planning diversions to completely throw us off.” Harry commented.

“Let us worry about the raids first. I’ll send owls to Ron and Neville so they can prepare ready for the morning. I expect contact at eight tomorrow for quick briefing before you head to St. Mungo’s. I don’t suppose Bellatrix was kind enough to mention what time they would be raiding?”

“No, but they seemed to be focusing on Ginny so as to get my attention, she’s working nine till five tomorrow. We’ll arrive before she gets there and wait, I suppose.”

“Unfortunately it looks like we can’t do anything else. When they arrive, call for Neville and they can warn Ron that we can expect trouble at the warehouse soon.” Kingsley ordered, they both nodded in understanding.

“We’ll talk more after tomorrow and see if we can get some form of plan for Saturday and beyond.” Shacklebolt said, “For now, get some rest, you’ll need it.”

With that Kingsley’s face faded from the mirror and it returned to their reflections. Harry collapses back onto the bed and coughs, one last puff of black smoke shooting from his mouth.

“Ugh, I hate flaming fire whiskey.” He groaned.

“So what do we do?” Hermione asked.

“This time we go with orders.” He replied

“Really? You don’t usually go with them.”

“They don’t usually co-align with what I’m planning to do anyways.”

“Oh.”

“Though I probably wouldn’t want Neville, Derrick and Lucy present they might be useful. I’ll be occupied with Bellatrix and you with Rodolphus, if they bring anymore it will make things trickier. That and I’d want Ron to have as much notice as possible since I can’t be there as well.” Harry sighed, “Suppose we had better get some rest, going to be a hard day tomorrow probably.”

Harry sighed and walked over to the couch as Hermione grabbed her bag and went into the bathroom. Once she was out of view he pulled off his robe and then his shirt and jeans. Stripping out of his skin tight protective suit he pulled back on a pair of boxer shorts so he wasn’t naked. He sat on the couch and pulled a cover over himself. Only a few moments later he had drifted off into sleep.

He was woken what felt like a minute later by Hermione shaking him hard. Blinking rapidly he looked around and then at Hermione. She was standing next to the couch wearing a long blue nightshirt and what looked like nothing else. The polyjuice had worn off and she was back to her bushy haired self. He grabbed the quilt and shuffled back slightly.

“Mione?” he blinked again and grabbed his glasses, “What’s wrong?”

“You were screaming.” Hermione replied, “It woke me up.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, bad dreams.” Harry explained.

“Nightmare? Do you have them often?” Hermione asked.

“A fair few, maybe four or five times?” Harry replied.

“Five times a year? A month?”

“A week,” Harry shrugs, “I suppose it’s a fair trade for everything I’ve been able to do.”

“A week?! Harry that’s awful!”

“A small price to pay to ensure the rest of the world sleeps soundly,” Harry sighed, “I had enough racked up before I brought down Voldemort to have nightmares for the rest of my life. At least I get a wide selection these days. It’s like the movie channels, a new nightmare every week with all the old favourites played intermittently.”

“Harry, I’m so sorry”

“Not your fault silly.” Harry chuckled, “What time is it?”

“Oh, about five am, its early still.” Hermione looked over at the clock.

“Sorry Mione, not used to sleeping around others I guess, should have warned you I’m not very quiet.” Harry couldn’t help but peek at Hermione as she sat on the end of the couch. Her gaze was over at the clock and he took note of how the light blue shirt showed off her body and his gaze noted her nipples poking through the shirt.

“Wandering eyes again Harry?” he hears suddenly looking up to find Hermione looking at him.

“Was just wondering what dream of yours I interrupted” he quickly replied.

“Harry!” She rolled her eyes and blushed slightly, “How do you do that? I catch you doing something naughty and you still somehow make me feel like I’ve done something wrong.”

“Just talented I guess,” Harry chuckles, “Well we aren’t going to get much more sleep, should probably get up and get ready.”

“Well I’m not moving until you close your eyes mister, I don’t trust you.” Hermione huffs and covers her chest with her crossed arms.

Harry chuckles and holds up his hands in surrender, then covers his eyes with them. She gets up and walks over to the bathroom. Harry quickly opens his fingers and looks over the back of the couch, watching her ass as she walks away. She vanishes into the bathroom and locks the door. Harry sighed and drops his head back against the armrest.

He throws off the cover and stands, grumbling as his boxer shorts try to fall to the floor. The clothing which fit when he was Paul’s size was now considerably looser now he returned to normal. The only thing preventing his shorts from hitting the floor was his raging erection from his peep show a moment ago. Having only brought Paul sized clothing he pulled on the protective suit again and then a robe.

“Argh! Bad Harry! Mione is your best friend and you’re engaged to Ginny. Need to forget about her and get your head in the game. She’s dating Viktor, you lost your chance at the Yule Ball years ago.” Harry took in a deep breath and sighed again.

“Did you say something Harry?” Hermione called from the bathroom.

“Nah, just going insane and chatting with myself.” He replied.

“Going insane? I thought you did that years ago.”

“Nah, you’ve been against Rita’s propaganda for too long to pull that one off,”

“Fair enough,” Hermione came back out in her skin tight protective suit, “I guess we’ll have to gear up properly back at headquarters, do you want to freshen up? I’ll order up some breakfast.”

“Is that safe?” he asked.

“I’ll use one of my polyjuice vials and if you’re in the shower you won’t have to worry about being seen.”

“Alright, sounds good.” He stood and walked awkwardly to the bathroom, trying to discreetly hide his crotch from Hermione. He slipped inside and closed the door with a sigh of relief, stripping out of his robe and armour and hopping in the shower. He washed up and got dressed again, checking with Hermione it was okay to come out.

They ate quickly in silence while Hermione waited for the juice to wear off so she could get ready. This vial was very unstable and wore off soon after the hour. By seven they were both ready to head out and they took out their emergency portkeys to the Ministry and back to the room. With some thought they both also opened their watches and placed the small blue stones on the floor and put the do not disturb sign on the door.

“Ready?” Harry asked, with a nod from Hermione they counted, “One, two, three.”

With the familiar feeling of a hook just behind the navel he jerked forwards and landed in the Auror Department. They grabbed their things from the lockers and got kitted up, dragon hide suits beneath their auror robes. Harry also checked his robes still held the usual tricks from Fred and George. Unjinxed Decoy Detonators and Darkness Powder the most favoured.

As he stepped from the changing room Kingsley Shacklebolt walked in with Neville and Ron in tow. Harry nodded and tagged hands with the latter two. Shortly after Hermione came out of the changing room and Derrick arrived with Lucy. A few other Aurors also arrived, Harry assumed they were team leaders for Ron’s defences.

“Okay, we haven’t got much time and since most people are here already we’ll begin, Harry you have Hermione, Neville’s Team and Bryan’s team on call.” Kingsley nodded at the short blonde wizard who was standing near the back of the room, “Ron, for the defence of Little Thirkleby site you have your team and Tactical Squad B, led by Sid here.” The other wizard was nodded at, this one dark skinned and bald like Kingsley.

“You’ll also have Tactical Squads D and E on standby, neither Drew nor Russell are here right at the moment, but I’ll make sure they’re ready to apparate in to your location at the call.”

“Harry, want to explain your tactics to your members first?” Kingsley waved his wand and a table appeared with detailed maps of St Mungo’s Hospital.

“Okay, I’m going to be with Ginny in the emergency ward on the ground floor in case they try to sneak in and focus on her. I’m hoping they’ll come in the front entrance so I want Derrick and Hermione in the entrance lobby. Neville can be on the fourth floor visiting his parent’s and Lucy in the cafeteria on the fifth in case they come in somewhere else.” Harry explained.

“Bryan, how many are on your team?” he asked.

“We’re like Neville, there is me and my partner Jacob and our apprentice Jason.” He explained.

“Okay, you and Jason on the third floor and Jacob to the second, preferably I want Lucy and Bryan’s team all casual dress. The rest of us will be recognised anyway so Auror uniforms anyway. Mirrors silent, the first sign of trouble contact me and inform me what floor. I’ll let Hermione know who will be with Derrick, she’ll contact Neville who in turn warns Lucy, Derrick warns Bryan in turn Jacob and Jason. Obviously skip whoever reports the trouble and if Hermione or Derrick report I’ll contact Bryan who warns Jacob who warns Neville.” Harry took a deep breath, “I know it’s complicated but we don’t want to tip off anyone by constantly being in contact.”

“We are expecting Bellatrix and Rodolphus, however I suspect they’ll bring a lot more and we’ll have the worst of the lot. If you have no other choice termination is authorized for any target, these are proper death eaters, expect illegal curses as first choice so block with objects rather than shields. Understood?”

Everyone nodded and Harry stepped back from the table as Ron stepped up, with a flick of Shacklebolt’s wand the maps changed to those of the Little Thirkleby area and the warehouse site. Ron’s tactics weren’t of much use to Harry so he didn’t pay close attention as he went over team placement and strategies.

Eventually everything was settled and the teams got ready. Harry and Hermione setting off for St Mungo’s first. She’s stop at reception and wait and he’d head in to find Ginny and let her know. Shacklebolt should be talking to the head of the hospital and letting him know what was going to happen. Neville would arrive at about ten to see his parents, Derrick would wait with Hermione. Bryan’s team and Lucy were just going to pop in between nine and eleven and hang around their locations.

Harry arrived in the reception area of the hospital and nodded to the welcome witch who offered a rare smile in return. He went straight through to the emergency section and found the current head, asking if Ginny was free. He was told she was in one of the treatment rooms and he went to wait outside. He didn’t have to wait long and she stepped outside with the other healers shortly after he sat down.

“Ginny?” he called; she turned around and smiled then ran and jumped into his arms.

“Harry! Is the mission over already? Why weren’t you home last night then?” she asked quickly.

“It’s not over yet, it’s why I’m here, can we talk in one of the offices?” he asked.

“Sure,” she takes him into one of the offices and he silences the room, “What’s wrong?”

“This doesn’t leave the room, I’m not supposed to tell you, but I know you’ll cause havoc if I don’t, so here it is. Bellatrix is planning to raid here sometime today; she’s doing it to get you, so as to distract me from another raid. We’ve got that raid covered and I’m here to protect you and everyone else.”

“Bellatrix and the Death Eaters are coming here? Today?!” Ginny whispered.

“That’s what we believe, Shacklebolt is informing the person in charge and they’ll decide who needs to know, so keep this information to yourself please?”

Ginny nods slowly and they leave, Harry hovering around just chatting with staff and Ginny, waiting for the call. Rumours spread around the hospital as to why there’s so many Aurors present but nothing too serious is expected. Harry’s engagement to Ginny is well known in the hospital, as is the knowledge that Neville’s parents are here long term. Speculation that the Auror division is goofing off during their work hours is the most popular rumour.

Harry ignored the hushed words he overheard passing through the hospital, keeping his mind on the problem at hand. He watched people brought in with serious injuries, offering his help on some cases. He was watching Ginny set some broken bones on a man injured in a broomstick accident when he got a strange feeling. He drew out the mirror and was already running for the reception area when Hermione’s face appeared in the mirror.

“Harry! They’re here!” Hermione’s face quickly vanished again.

“Bryan!” Harry called into the mirror, bursting through doors as he rushed to the entrance as fast as he could, as soon as his face appeared he spoke quickly, “Trouble in reception.”

He cancelled the mirror and put it back in his pocket, drawing his wand and bursting into the reception area, devastation already present. Spells were flying from a group of masked death eaters on one side and Hermione and Derrick behind the welcome desk. Harry aimed his wand and send a stunner at the group, it bounced off a shield and he dived aside, dodging his own spell and a pair of Cruciatus curses that followed it.

“It’s Potter!” he heard them yell.

“Come to play little boy?” he heard Bellatrix call and he felt his blood boil with anger, “It’s been a while, you still sore about my dear cousin?”

“Bella, you’re leaving here in cuffs or in a body bag, pick now, that goes for the rest of you too.” He yells loudly, distracting them long enough for Hermione and Derrick to send over a few more spells, each bouncing off shields ineffectively.

Bryan and Jacob came through the doors and sent more spells after the Death Eaters, Jacob joining the other two behind the reception desk while Bryan dived to join Harry.

“How many we got?” he asked in a hiss.

“I saw around eight, including Bellatrix.” Harry replied.

“These desks won’t hold if they keep hitting them with unforgivables.” Bryan muttered.

Harry slid to the edge of the desk and aimed his wand at the chairs scattered around the reception floor, floating them into the air and sending about a dozen hurtling at the Death Eaters. A few were blocked but it gave them an opening and all four Aurors sent Stunning spells into the crowd. Harry waited a moment longer before ducking.

“Three down, six still standing.”

“More even numbers then,” Bryan replied as the end of their desk exploded, “Argh!”

“What?” Harry pulled Bryan over and saw the shards of wood sticking in his left arm, “Get to the emergency ward, least we’re already at the hospital, I’ll lay down some cover fire.”

Harry stood and threw a few stunners, levitating some of the shards of wood and more chairs and threw them into the pack. This had less effect than last time as the Death Eaters were prepared and had shields ready for the chairs. The shards still had effect as he saw one slip through the shield and straight into the throat of one masked figure. He dodged a few beams of green light and then ducked behind the desk again. He checked and saw that Bryan had made it to safety. Glancing over at the other desk he saw the others sending a volley of spells.

He watched, almost in slow motion as they ducked back down, but Jacob was moving too slow, he got caught by an Avada Kedavra and fell down, his dead eyes staring at Harry. Neville arrived a few moments later with Lucy and Jason, they ducked down with Hermione and Derrick and the two recruits froze as they saw what had happened to Jacob.

Harry took a glance and saw the Death Eaters spreading out and moving closer. Aiming carefully he cast an accio spell on one of the furthest chairs, summoning it from behind the Death Eater and tripping him to the ground.

Harry drew a deep breath, two Death Eaters were dead, the one he just tripped looked unconscious, they had woken two of the ones who had fallen earlier thought they looked groggy. That left six still and they had four Aurors still alive and two frozen recruits. He hoped Ron’s battle was faring better.

9. Chapter 9

Author Note:- I apologise for the delay in posting, been rather busy in RL. I haven’t abandoned the story yet and have no plans to do so, hopefully I’ll be able to post chapter 10 quicker than this one. I already have the beginning of the chapter in mind *grins*

Thank you for reading the fic and more thanks if you have the time to review. Even more thanks if you beta’ed this chapter. I’ve fixed the mistakes in previous chapters, Harry meant to say Saturday to Kingsley, slip of the fingers on my part.

Five minutes after Bellatrix had fired her first curse in St Mungo’s there was a loud crack in Little Thirkleby as a dozen Death Eaters appeared. They moved together towards the warehouse entrance, down the thin road towards the old style warehouse. It was a large brick building with tall windows, surrounded by a ten foot brick wall with a large metal gate, an elderly man sat in booth in front of the gates which looked to be locked. The Death Eaters wore their hooded cloaks and masks, the leader walked to the booth and raised his wand.

“Avada” he began but was interrupted as his wand flew from his fingertips.

The Elderly man stood up and quickly drew his wand swiftly as the Death Eaters went for their wands. The early morning was suddenly filled with the red light of stunners and disarming jinxes as Aurors appeared around them. Some stood from behind garden walls and while others fired through the metal gates. The Death Eaters found themselves caught in an anti-apparition spell and tried to run back up the street, shielding charms raised and unforgivables thrown over the shoulders as they fled.

They only made it a few yards before two cars rolled across the road blocking their path. More Aurors stood from behind the vehicles launching stunners at the Death eaters, now surrounded on all sides. Thus far they had only lost four who were stunned swiftly at the beginning. They were already bound and had their wands taken.

The stunners were mostly bouncing off the shields held by the more coherent Death Eaters. Realising there was no escape they adjusted their plans, focusing now on mayhem and death. Killing curses were now aimed rather than thrown and the Aurors had to start dodging and blocking the spells with levitated items.

Ron was co-ordinating from behind one of the cars in the road block. He was trying to capture as many as possible to question but the surprise had worn off. He gave the signal to start using any means to bring down the Death Eaters and the tone of the battle changed immediately. One of the Death Eaters turned and aimed his wand at one of the cars.

“INCENDIO!” he bellowed from behind the mask as fire poured from the tip of his wand hitting the car. It only took a few moments until the gas tank detonated from the heat and the car exploded. The Auror who was behind the car tried to dive away, but she was killed instantly. Ron and the Auror next to him were luckier and while Ron was saved by his dragon hide the man next to him needed to use his Portkey to St. Mungo’s his right side burned quite badly.

Ron hoped that St. Mungo’s was still able to take patients but he trusted Harry to take care of things there. The searing heat from the burning wreck was keeping the Death Eaters from their escape but it was only a matter of time before they ran again, or blew up the other car. Rolling to his belly and aiming under the car he quickly aimed and fired off a pair of bone breaker curses into their feet. He then hopped up and ran and leaped over a nearby low garden wall moments before the second car exploded. He landed as ungracefully as possible crashing down into a heap.

“Shacklebolt!” Ron called as he pulled out his mirror, “South Wall is breached, North Gate and Crossfire good, need Squad D to the southern edge of the Apparition ward”

Keeping the message short and direct he shoved the mirror back into his robes and peeked over the wall. The Obliviators were going to have a very busy morning as the homes along the street took heavy damage from the spell fight. Thus far he could only see three people missing if he didn’t count the two with him. The gate guard had been Avada’ed as they fled and one of the security guards from the warehouse was missing from the opposite wall.

Ron had split his squad and Sid’s into three groups, placing them along the walls and behind the car. He had also taken the seven guards from the warehouse and put four behind the gate, one on each wall and the elderly man in the gatehouse. The surprise awarded them had been useful, but Ron was distraught that it had cost the old man his life. He would mourn later, but now he needed to avenge.

The Death Eaters were suffering from their lack of cover now that the spells had turned lethal. Of the eight that had ran into the cars three were dead and two more were downed from Ron’s bone breakers shattering their ankles. Ron sighed, after loosing two thirds of their numbers any others would surrender, but for a true Death Eater that was a death sentence.

Although unforgivables were permitted by the Ministry very few wizards could actually summon the hatred required to perform the spells. Ron didn’t object to killing a Death Eater after all the trouble that had been caused but he himself was one of the ones unable to cast. The Death Eaters realising the futileness of their attempts tried to bolt. The first ran between the flaming wrecks and straight into the stunners from Squad D who were waiting for just such an event. The second and third instead leapt over one of the garden walls and cast a Reducto curse at the front door of the house next door to where Ron was.

“Aww Fuck!” Ron cursed, “Follow them!”

Three Aurors immediately took after the two fleeing foes. Ron stood and charged the door of his house, racing through and shoulder barging through the back door as well. He burst into the back garden as one of the Death Eaters landed from hopping over the adjoining fence. Using his momentum Ron charged into the man, throwing his arm out and catching him around the neck as he tried to bark a curse. At the contact the man was flipped over backwards before landing on his stomach dazed.

Ron grabbed and snapped the loose wand and bound him in magical ropes. He dragged the Death Eater through the house, apologising to the elderly woman cowering in the kitchen clutching a bread knife.

“Sorry Ma’am, Government Wizard catchers” he flashed a badge, “We’ll have someone over to fix your house up immediately, sorry for the disturbance.”

The woman looked completely lost but nodded vaguely as Ron threw the masked man out of the front door before pulling it closed. Slinging the guy over his shoulder he carried him to the middle of the street. Already the wizards were fixing up the roads and buildings. Two wizards were putting out the fires with magical water as Ron dropped his man next to the others.

“Report,” he asked Sid as he looked up.

“Looks like we captured eight of the twelve, three are dead, we’ve sent them to the ministry for identification and to discover cause of death. Four of the eight captured required medical attention they’ve gone to the ministry as well under guard. Looks like you got one of the runners I don’t know what’s happened to the other yet.” Sid reported, he looked up as two of the Aurors were heading over with the last Death Eater, “Looks like that’s another captured.”

“Doug took a nasty curse from this bastard and used his Portkey.” One of the Aurors informed before throwing their captive to the floor.

“How did our side do Sid?” Ron asked, rubbing his neck.

“We’ve got three dead, the gate guard, your girl behind the car and one of mine. Two of the warehouse security guards are injured and we’ve had four emergency portkeys used. Another two are hurt but not badly. Looks like both of our teams are going to be out of action for a while.”

“Any word from the St. Mungo’s yet?” Ron asked.

“The fight is still contained in the reception, Bryan was injured pretty early, and he’s told us that there’s nine Death Eaters including Bellatrix. We can’t get anyone down to help as the main corridor is open and killing curses are flying down, the front gate is sealed to contain and Anti-Apparition wards are strong.” Sid replied, “It was more than we expected, it’s a good thing we had early knowledge or today would have been a black day.”

“Well it’s not exactly white yet, I’m going to take whoever is left of my squad and Squad D and get over to the hospital, see if we can do anything. Magical Law Enforcement and the Obliviators should be here any moment to help clear up the mess.”

Sid nodded and saluted as Ron turned and called over his team, he was left with two of his starting team of five. That meant he had two in bad condition already at St. Mungo’s which wasn’t very comforting. He ran past the wrecks over to Drew and the rest of squad D.

“We’re all done here so let’s get over to the hospital and see what’s happening over there. Apparition wards are covering the entrance, so head for the emergency ward, anyone with outstanding on the Healing and curing course is to stay and help, the rest of you with me.”

The nine Aurors all apparated to St. Mungo’s and drew wands, the healers were all running around in a frenzy. Ron looked around and saw Ginny tending to Bryan who had a large amount of blood running down his arm. He tried to move swiftly through the panic over to them.

“How’s it going over here?” he asked grimly.

“How do you think Ron? We’ve got five Aurors in critical condition, we want to sedate Bryan here but he refuses so we’re yanking the shards of wood from his arm piece by piece.” Ginny hissed.

“I need to get back and help, they’re outnumbered badly in there,” Bryan grimaced as another shard was removed but he didn’t cry out, “They blew up the desk I was next to, I took most of the damage, Harry was next to me and he ordered me out here. As I left Neville and the two rookies were heading in.”

“You can’t get back in even if we let you, the only way in is the main corridor and that’s a long empty run with nothing to block the killing curses they’re throwing up there. We’ve lost two guards to that death gauntlet and we’re not letting anyone else up there.” Ginny replied, forcing another blood replenishing potion down his throat.

“There’s no other way?” Ron asked.

“Nothing short of going through the walls and I shouldn’t have to remind you, but this is a hospital, we have sick and wounded people here so we don’t want you bringing the place down.” Ginny sighed, “We have to rely on Harry now, he’ll look after them.”

“He shouldn’t have to.” Ron commented.

Inside the reception the battle was still mayhem. Neville was trying to calm down Lucy who had gone into hysterics and Derrick was trying to calm Jason who had gone into a blind rage. This left only Harry and Hermione fighting against the seven Death Eaters.

Anytime they stood they could barely get one spell off before they had to dodge killing curses. Harry knew that they weren’t trying to kill them actively because they probably could have done so already by now. They were just buying time for the raid on the warehouse to work. Harry realised that if he wanted a chance to capture them he needed to unbalance them.

“Hermione, I’m going to cause a little confusion, get ready to take advantage” he hissed at her, she nodded as he stood and picked the biggest Death Eater and bellowed, “IMPERIO!”

Ducking down immediately he focused his mind on controlling his target, compelling him to swing a punch at the one who was keeping up the shield spell. The man spun around and levelled a punch at his cohort. The masked figure dropped to the ground dazed and Hermione whipped up and sent three stunners into the crowd before they regain their senses.

Unfortunately one of the stunning spells hit the man Harry had been controlling so he gave up on the spell and stood. Shooting a stunner at Bellatrix who had the presence of mind to deflect it. Harry tried a selection of spells on the leader of the group. He summoned ropes to bind her which she burned in mid flight. He tried to bind her with the burning ropes but she summoned a cocoon of water to protect herself. He threw a pair of chairs at her but she disintegrated them both before they got close.

“Is that the best you have little boy? I was trained by the Dark Lord himself, none of your little tricks are going to work anymore. Once I defeat you I will be able to return the Dark Lord and he will reward his most devoted follower.”

“Why on Earth are you so obsessed with that half blood, barely human, pond scum? Was he really good in bed or something?” Harry commented, “Sectumsempra!”

“HOW DARE YOU!” she screamed, deflecting away the curse, “CRUCIO!”

Harry shifted back to defensive, unable to block or deflect most of the curses Bellatrix used he settled for dodging and conjuring things to take the hits instead. Derrick was now back in the fight with Hermione, he had stupefied Jason to calm him down. The two Aurors were doing quite well against the three remaining Death Eaters that were conscious.

Bellatrix cast a glance and saw how badly her side was doing and she let out another scream of rage. Pointing her wand over at the other Aurors and screaming out a curse. A bolt of blue light streams from her wand and hit the desk they were covering behind. Instantly the desk exploded, throwing the Aurors into disarray. Derrick was laying over Jason, and likewise Neville was covering Lucy. Their Auror robes were in shattered but most of the damage had been absorbed by the strong dragon hide. They were mostly unhurt but still dazed by the explosion.

One of the masked figures took to take advantage and aimed his wand at Hermione, making a familiar set of slashing movements with his wand. Before he could utter the words Harry had his wand aimed at the figure.

“Avada Kedavra!” a burst of green light flew from Harry’s wand and hit the man causing a brief pause in the combat as he fell slowly to the ground.

“I didn’t think you of all people would have it in you to be a cold blooded murderer Harry,” Bellatrix’s voice carried over the crowd, “I must admit myself impressed.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but if you check your little follower there you’ll find him alive but unconscious,” Harry replied his wand aimed at Bella now his voice slow and calm, one of the remaining Death Eaters checked and nodded at Bellatrix, “Someone once told me that to use an unforgivable you have to mean it, I don’t. I must admit I’ve toyed with the idea before but I’ve never been willing to risk it. Something about you just seems to bring out the worst in me.”

“A teacher of mine said that if everyone in the room used that spell on him, he’d barely get a nose bleed, so it got me wondering. If you channel emotions other than hatred and anger when using it, what is the result? Well it looks like we have an unblockable stunning spell for now, there’s a chance he’ll wake up. I’m willing to risk it, are you?” Harry’s eyes were dancing with a strange look, the chairs scattered on the floor around him were vibrating softly and the lights overhead flickered.

“This isn’t over Potter!” hissed Bellatrix as she quickly took something from her pocket and threw it to the floor, causing the room to be swallowed by darkness.

It took a few minutes for the darkness to clear and when it had Bellatrix and the two Death Eaters that were still standing were gone. Harry noticed they hadn’t tried to retrieve their fallen comrades and just fled. He went over to check on the others as Ron and the other Aurors came running into the reception.

“Bloody hell Harry, this place looks dreadful and you don’t look much better.” Ron sighed, “Least you’re alive.”

“Unlike Jacob, he took a killing curse, Jason is fine, Derrick stunned him when he went berserk. It was Lucy’s first time seeing an Auror die, she’s distraught but she’ll recover. Dragon Hide to the rescue again or we’d have six dead rather than six scratched.” Harry reported casually.

“Bryan said you had nine, I only see six here, I thought the place was sealed?” Ron commented.

“They used some instant darkness powder so I’m not sure, I suspect they had portkeys, we warded against apparition and physically leaving but they still could have used those.” Harry commented, “Well six is better than none, it’s a pity Bellatrix got away. How did the warehouse raid go?”

“They sent twelve at us, we got nine in the jail at the ministry and three dead. Far from flawless though, we took three casualties and four here for emergency treatment and then our fair share of bumps and bruises.” Ron looked around, “Good thing you were here to keep it contained, I dread to think what would have happened if we had lost either of the battles.”

“If four dead is winning, I’d rather avoid the battles.” Harry commented dryly.

“Wouldn’t we all?” Ron replied.

“Potter! Weasley! We’ve got trouble.” They turned to see a middle aged woman walking over.

“Simmins, pleasure as always. What’s the problem?” Harry asked.

“There was a third raid, Woodleigh site. Five dead, Dark Mark glowing overhead. Obliviators already at work.”

“Fuck!” Harry swore, “Any witnesses?”

“None survived, we’ve dragged in a few workers that had today off and having them search the building to see what was taken.” Simmins replied.

“Get them to check the herbs and potion ingredients first, that’s what the Death Eaters needed.”

“We couldn’t have done anything to help there Harry, how could we have known?” Ron placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“We should have had all sites on alert, let’s just hope they didn’t get everything they needed. We need to check with Hermione, see if she knows what they had there.” Harry replied, crossing through the mass of people to find Hermione being treated by a medi-witch.

“It’s nothing serious, a few minor burns and cuts from the explosion” she answered to their expressions.

“What’s held in the Woodleigh site? Any ideas?” Harry asked quietly.

“Same sort of things as Little Thirkleby, just a minor warehouse. Next possible target maybe?” she asked.

“Not anymore, they hit that as well today, five dead, warehouse ransacked, they’re checking inventory now.” Harry replied.

“Merlin … how many Death Eaters are there? It’s like an ant hill, step on a few and hundreds pour out of the nest,” Hermione whispered, “With an ant hill you have to break into the nest and kill the Queen.”

“Bellatrix, but how are you going to get into the nest?” Ron asked.

“The undercover mission might give us a shot,” Harry replied coldly.

“We can’t be certain taking the queen will end it Harry.” Hermione added.

“Like chess, the queen is the most powerful piece but the game keeps going until you get the king.” Ron commented.

“Gah, quit with all the bloody metaphors, you’re making my head spin,” Harry growled, “Let’s break into the nest, kill the bloody queen and blow up the chessboard!”

“How do you get into the nest?” Ron asked.

“Well that depends on how the undercover mission goes, in any case I have the address of the nest up here.” Harry tapped his head.

“You can’t do it alone Harry, you saw how good Bellatrix is now, Voldemort had a weakness you could exploit, she doesn’t. She held you in a deadlock, plus she now knows what you’re capable of so she can prepare.” Hermione said.

“Capable of?” Ron questioned.

“Harry used unforgivables today, Imperius and Killing Curse,” Hermione spoke quietly now that the medi-witch had finished and gone to check on the others, “Imperius he’s done before and used it to good effect, but I don’t know what you did with the killing curse, he went down but according to the healer’s here, he’s still breathing.”

“What?” Ron exclaimed loudly, he was hushed by a glare from Hermione.

“I’ve been giving it some thought. I used the Crutiatus curse on Bellatrix before back in fifth year. It only had a partial effect because as she put it, ‘You need to mean them, Potter! You need to really want to cause pain – to enjoy it - righteous anger won’t hurt me for long’.” Harry started.

“I mean I was really pissed with her, I hated her, but subconsciously I couldn’t inflict that kind of suffering on anyone. The crutiatus curse is useless to me except as a distraction or diversion. The imperius is similar, I can use it to guide a few actions but then it’s broken or wears off. So what about the killing curse?”

“The fake Moody once told us we lacked the power to use it, I’ve proved in third year I have the power when I summoned my patronus to defend Sirius. But it made me think, the effect of the killing curse once seemed black or white, it kills instantly. But then how could it only give a nose bleed?”

“I checked with the real Moody, asked him if someone with no real power used the Avada Kedavra on him would he survive. He gave me the same answer, power plays an effect. The boundary is a very fine line however, you have the power or you don’t, dead or no effect.”

“But combining that with what Bellatrix said I started to come up with a theory, what if you didn’t use hatred. So I tried it, I saw that Hermione was in danger, so I did what I would normally do for my Patronus and summed up my good emotions and fired off the killing curse. Worst case scenario either he’d be dead which didn’t really seem to matter. Or it had no effect in which case Harry Potter using the killing curse is probably enough of a distraction for a second spell.”

“But I knew the moment it left my wand it was going to work. I’m not sure why, but I felt it, so now I have a new weapon against Bellatrix, I can use unblockable spells just like she can.”

“Whoa … just whoa,” Ron answered after a few minutes of silence, “Not something I’d want to play with but we all know you’re the next Dumbledore not me.”

“Or the next Voldemort,” Harry commented dryly, “I know the rumours and I know this won’t help. But at least I’ve got some friends to keep me on the straight and narrow path right?”

“Right” replied Ron and Hermione immediately with soft smiles.

“Right, we better chat with Shacklebolt before we get back to the Leaky Cauldron, you still up for the mission Mione?” Harry asked, she nodded and all three apparated back to the Auror office to go see Kingsley.

They were rushed through by the receptionist to where Kingsley was waiting. He was reading through reports on his desk. Harry always wondered how he was reading the reports about what they just did. He wondered if they were blank and he was just bluffing.

“So we have nine dead, including three Aurors today, I also have seven Aurors in the hospital for treatment. I also appear to have 13 captured Death Eaters and five more in the morgue with still quite a few loose,” Kingsley put down the papers, “I’d put this as a successful day with flaws.”

“Sir?” Hermione asked.

“I’d rather these numbers than what they would be if we hadn’t acted. I have six security guards that would be dead not to mention countless innocents in St. Mungo’s.” Kingsley replied.

“And if we haven’t crippled the Death Eaters then we at least took down nearly twenty of them.” Ron added.

“That would be reassuring if they had thirty to start. But if they had one hundred it’s a little early to celebrate,” Harry sighed, “Well we still have the meeting with Bellatrix on Saturday to work with if she shows up.”

“I don’t like it, but you’re right Potter,” Kingsley sighed, “Someone undercover within the Death Eaters would be really useful at the moment, find out the numbers and maybe their plans.”

“Weasley, since your team is out of action for a while I want you here at headquarters working on strategies and training full time with whatever information Potter and Granger provides.” Shacklebolt added.

“They’re after potion masters they trust, one way to give us a slightly higher chance of success might be to get Snape released from prison. I’m sure they’d take the chance to get him immediately and if he’s willing to play spy again he could tamper with the potion.” Harry commented.

“Well I’ll see what I can do, for now find out how much they were able to get from the raid on Woodleigh, hopefully they didn’t get everything they needed.” Kingsley nodded thoughtfully, he then slid two more portkeys over the desk “Potter, Granger, back to the Cauldron, these are to replace the ones you used getting here.”

They both nodded and used their portkeys back to the Leaky Cauldron room. Harry stumbled slightly and yawned as he landed.

“Tired?” Hermione asked.

“Bit, fight took a lot out of me.” Harry replied.

“Take a nap, I’ll wake you if we have any trouble, I’m feeling fine.” Hermione smiled.

Harry nodded and went over to the couch and dropped on it, he was asleep in moments with a new set of memories ready to bring him nightmares.

10. Chapter 10

Author Note :- I suckith muchith. Sorry guys about the two month wait for Chapter 10. My muses were all fried by the bug zapper and then shot, stabbed, cremated and spread over most of Canada. I decided to make it up to you all by adding in some Harmonious Smut so I think I’ve earned the NC-17 rating, advanced warning for everyone.

I’d like to say Chapter 11 will be out quicker than this one, but I tried that on Chapter 9 and look what happened to 10, so I will do my best. With a little work my email can be found. Feel free to poke me if it’s too long before I update again. I hope everyone enjoys. Standard Disclaimy stuff on Chapter 1.

Oh, special notes, Thanks to Riza Marie and Toma320 for the Watch Ideas

“Harry! HARRY!” a voice yelled, close to his ear, “Get up Harry! We need to get out of here now!”

Harry’s eyes fluttered open slowly, grabbing his glasses and sliding them on he looks up to find Hermione in her Auror robes, wand drawn. He awakened immediately and grabbed his wand. He jumped up and put on his robes and boots.

“What’s wrong?” he asked quickly.

“We’ve got trouble,” She replied, “Something is coming, we need to go.”

“What? Who? How?” Harry asked, but years of experience had him running out the door with Hermione, they fled down the stairs and through the empty bar.

They bolted out the door and ran across the street into a dark alleyway. Hermione took the lead, holding Harry’s hand as she dragged him through the maze of alleys. They turned rapidly and Harry begun to hear the sounds of loud footsteps behind them as they ran.

“Oh Merlin! It’s gaining.” Hermione’s voice had taken on a hint of fear now.

They ran through the darkness, Harry kept looking back and seeing a red glow starting to brighten on the walls each time they turned. He looked back and his foot caught on a trashcan tripping him over. He fell to the ground with a thud and rolled through the puddles and sludge coating the floor.

“Harry! Get up and run!” Hermione screamed.

He climbed to his feet and ran as fast as he could, the sound of footsteps much louder now. They reached a junction and turned right, running as fast as they could, turning a corner and hitting a dead end.

“Oh Merlin,” Hermione banged her fists on the wall, tears starting to flow down her cheeks “Harry, what are we going to do?”

“We’ll be okay Mione, I’ll look after you, I promise,” Harry put his hand on her shoulder, “We just need a distraction.”

“That’s it Harry!” she reached over and shoved her hands into his pockets, rummaging around and drawing out a Decoy Detonator.

“Wait!” Harry yelled as she threw it to the ground, “That’s jinxed!”

The alleyway was suddenly filled with pink smoke, Harry coughed and waves his hand before his face as the smoke cleared. Like the twins before Hermione’s clothing was suddenly transfigured into a bright pink dress.

“Harry!” she screamed as if it was his fault, “Undo this now!”

“I tried to stop you,” he replied, about to take his wand and fix the damage when he realised he didn’t have it, “I dropped my wand back when I fell!”

“I’ll do it then” She scowled and tapped the dress with her wand.

This time only Hermione was swallowed by the pink smoke. It slowly dissipated and Hermione’s dress had shrunk, it was now a gaudy electric pink. The hem had risen to halfway up her thighs and the cleavage had dropped revealing a lot of flesh. Not needing to increase what was already there the dress reformed to emphasise her breasts, pushing them up and out. Both sides of the dress also now had slits to the hip. Harry could only stand and stare as the footsteps came closer.

“It still looked better on me you know,” a voice said, the alleyway filling with a red light.

Harry turned around and saw a huge hell hound closing in on them, his eyes worked up the body of red fur to the collection of heads. He blinked a few times and stared, the left and right heads were those of Fred and George Weasley, the middle head was Ginny.

“Definitely brother,” George said, “I think even I would look better in that outfit.”

“I concur” Fred grinned.

“Oh shut up you two, she looks incredibly sexy and I think Harry agrees based on the tent in his robes,” Ginny scolded her brothers while Harry blushed.

“It’s not what you think Ginny, I mean … she’s just my friend … but any guy … that outfit …” Harry tripped and tumbled over his own tongue, trying to walk back into the wall and hide his crotch.

“Is she the reason you work so much? Are you having an affair?” Ginny accused, her tone was playful however.

“No! I never even think about Mione that way … not until the other day I mean … but I’d never have an affair.” Harry replied firmly.

“Would it really be an affair though?” George’s head asked.

“Might as well not be together really,” Fred added.

“What are you two talking about?” Ginny asked angrily.

“Well, he’s never with you after all,” George replied.

“And it’s not like you really love him,” said Fred’s head.

“Just love the idea of him,”

“Even after all this time, still in love with,”

“The Famous Harry Potter.”

“I do love Harry, and he loves me” Ginny snorted.

“How can you love him? You don’t know him after all” pointed out George.

“That’s not true, you love me don’t you Harry?” Ginny asked.

Harry went to reply but paused, struck by a thought. The glowing red eyes of all three of the Weasleys stared at him. Did he love Ginny? Was he with her because he wanted to be or just because he didn’t want to break up with her and risk the backlash.

“I don’t know Ginny.” Harry replied quietly.

The alleyway was filled with a cloud of pink smoke again, Harry looked around unable to see anything through the haze. He heard a voice which sounded a lot like his own asking, “So who do you love?”

A small patch of the haze started to clear and an image of Hermione laying in the hospital wing petrified filled the gap before fading again. To his left another window appeared this time Hermione falling after being struck by Dolihov’s curse. Images kept appearing around him, Harry and Hermione rescuing Sirius, fretting over the first task, the Yule Ball, her scowling at him when his potion was better than hers.

The smoke left and Harry was standing in the room of requirements. Hermione was standing in the middle of the room, the outfit had changed to the third form. It was now a pink see-through teddy and beneath only a pink thong. He stood and stared in disbelief for what felt like an hour.

He could see every curve of her body through the teddy and she hadn’t seemed to notice yet. He knew he’d probably never get another chance to see this sight so tried to memorize everything. From the tone of her skin including the darkened skin around her nipples to the shape of her legs.

“What are you looking at Harry?” Hermione asked.

“Uhh …” Harry tried to think of a suitable response and gestured vaguely in her direction.

“Huh?” she looked down and turned bright red, trying and failing to cover herself with her arms, “Harry! What did your spell do to me?”

“That isn’t part of my spell … I don’t know how that happened …” Harry stuttered.

“This isn’t fair, I’m practically naked here and you’re fully dressed, we don’t seem to be in any danger anymore, you should even the score.” Hermione stated.

“Even the score? What? How?” Harry replied, looking around the room which looked like it had during fifth year when he needed somewhere to train the DA.

“Well, to start you should take off your Auror Robes.” Hermione replied, her arms crossed over her breasts and her foot tapping impatiently.

“Err, okay I guess,” Harry was rapidly loosing the plot, something seemed strange about everything but the answer was just out of reach. He pulled his robe up over his head and felt a chill. His eyes opened as he looked down to find himself completely naked. The sound of laughter started to fill the room as he looked up he was surrounded by the DA. Turning bright red he covered himself with his hands and sought an escape with his eyes.

“Harry, this way!” He turned to see Hermione holding the door open for him, without a thought he ran through the doorway and found himself in an unfamiliar room.

“Mione? Where am I?” Harry asked bewildered.

“Well you wouldn’t recognise it, this was my Head Girl room during seventh year,” She replied, standing next to a desk, she looked over her shoulder at him, “Trying to one up me now?”

“Not exactly.” Harry replied sheepishly, trying to cover his arousal as he looked up and down Hermione’s back.

Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled the teddy up over her head and tossed it aside. She then she slowly pulled down the pink thong, bending at the knees to deny him the peek. Turning to face him, he quickly shut his eyes.

“Why are you closing your eyes Harry, I know you’ve wanted to see me naked since the Yule Ball. I’ve seen your little glances when you thought I wasn’t looking. I’ve watched how you undress me with your eyes and then try and hide how hard I’ve made you.” She spoke with a quiet sexy voice, slowly moving over to him, “Open your eyes Harry, I want you to look at me.”

Harry slowly opened his eyes to find Hermione standing before him smiling softly. She reached out and moved his hands away to reveal his erect cock. She slowly licked her upper lip and took his shaft in her hand. She let her fingers slide up and down his length.

“Mmm, I’ve wanted to do this forever” Hermione purred softly and then pushed him back onto her bed.

In a sort of trance Harry shuffled back as Hermione moved closer. She placed her hands on the bed and pulled herself along. She crawled onto the bed and moved closer to him, reaching out to place her hand around his cock again. She slowly started to stroke her hand up and down the length. She grinned playfully and blew gently over the tip making Harry shiver from the sensation.

With a playful glint in her eye she moved ever closer, sliding her tongue out to flick over the tip. She kept her hand moving slowly as her tongue worked around the head. Harry let out a quiet groan as she teased his erection so gently. Invigorated by his sounds of pleasure Hermione opened her mouth and took the tip of his cock inside. She sucked on the tip gently, smiling to herself while he groaned as her mouth moved down his shaft.

With her mouth grasped around his cock firmly, her tongue teasing the sensitive spot beneath the head then her hand increased its pace. Harry groaned softly and reached down to move her hair away from her face. She started taking him in deeper, moving her mouth along his shaft. Her hand let go and snuck down her own body, she reached between her legs and let a finger brush across her clit. A shiver to ran through her body and she moaned softly, the vibrations running up Harry’s cock.

She looked up into his eyes and grinned slyly as her lips left his shaft, she flicked the tip of her tongue over the head slowly.

“I want you inside Harry,” she said with a lusty voice.

Harry found his voice lacking and just nodded his consent as she crawled up his body, letting her lips leave a trail of hot kisses across his flesh. She straddled his hips and he groaned as her hot pussy rubbed over his length. He reached up and pulled her down for a long deep kiss while she rocked her hips back and forth.

She raised her hips slowly and reached between them, guiding his cock to her opening and then she lowered herself. With a combined moan he felt the tightness as the tip entered her opening. She slowly forced herself lower, occasionally raising her hips and pushing back down until she completely impaled herself on his shaft.

Harry reached up and slowly placed his hands on her breasts as she started to work her hips up and down, riding him slowly and softly. He grasped at her soft flesh and groaned as she quickened the pace in response. He brushed his thumbs over her hard nipples and gave each a gentle pinch. She purred softly in response and leaned closer, pushing her breasts into his hands.

Over time her pace quickened and her breathing grew laboured. Harry groaned in unison and started to thrust his hips up to meet hers. Every time their bodies met the pace was a fraction faster and harder, every second that passed put them both closer to the peak.

“Oh gods Mione, I’m close!” Harry groaned deeply.

“Mmm, me too Harry, do it, cum inside me, please!” Hermione replied followed by a deep moan.

They started chanting each others name over and over as they both felt their climaxes approaching swiftly. Hermione reached down and put her hands on his shoulders and started to shake him, still calling his name rapidly.

“Harry! Harry! Harry? Harry?” her voice turned inquisitive right as the climax hit for them both. Harry groaned as he felt his balls tighten then his cock throb as it started shooting his hot sticky cum up into. Harry was suddenly jolted and looked up to see Hermione sitting over him in her Auror robes again. He reached for his glasses and looked around to find himself in their room in the Leaky Cauldron.

“Harry? Are you okay? You were calling my name, another nightmare?” Hermione asked, worry painted all over her face.

Sudden realisation swept over Harry and it took all of his control not to turn bright red. Especially when he shifted slightly and felt the warm sticky patch over his crotch.

“Yeah, it’s alright now though, how long was I asleep?” Harry asked.

“About two hours, not long. Need more?” Hermione replied.

“Nah, I’ll be fine, I’ll just hop in the shower real quick then we can get out and about so we’ve got an alibi for today.” Harry yawned slightly and then smiled at Hermione.

“Yeah, definitely need a shower, you smell horrible” she teased then took a few sniffs around him, for a moment a puzzled expression took over.

Hoping he wasn’t caught Harry bolted up from the couch and walked over to the bathroom, keeping his front away from her.

“Fine then I’ll dive in the shower before I offence your delicate nose my dear” he shot back a little late as he crossed the room.

Hermione shook her head and then went back to the book she was reading before she woke Harry. Harry leant back against the bathroom door and sighed, the dream still in the front of his mind and the results in the front of his boxers. He quickly stripped and hopped into the shower, letting the hot water fall over him.

This all had to be an old crush resurfacing from Hogwarts. He hoped he could get over her again if she was to be his new partner. His thoughts quickly ran through scenarios, pondering how he had lost partners before. Kingsley was very unlikely to change it through persuasion, he had Harry pegged, Hermione was the only one able to control him. Transfer was also very unlikely, neither of them wanted to leave Britain anytime soon. That only left serious injury really.

Despite his apparent death wish to anyone who watched him work or checked his record, Harry didn’t want to get injured or die. He still had too much to do and dying would really be inconvenient in the next couple of months. Perhaps he could schedule it for next year, after he used up all his overdue holiday time of course.

He was getting sidetracked, he was considering how to get Hermione reassigned. His thoughts dwelled over her getting injured but that brought a rather uncomfortable ache to his attention.

“Okay, I’m stuck with Hermione, that’s not a problem … having a partner that distracts me is always useful.” Harry sighed and let his head lean against the tiles, “Seems like I’ll get to die the same way I lived during my teenage years, erect at awkward times.”

Harry finished his shower and cleaned up his suit as best he could before going back out. He swallowed down one of his potion vials and transformed back into Paul. Stepping outside he found Suzette sitting at the table reading as usual.

“Are we ready to go out then?” he asked casually.

She looked up and smiled then nodded. They popped downstairs and had a quick lunch before wandering around the area. They tried to visit as many places as possible while staying in each long enough to be remembered. Hermione was pretty good at that, asking strange and obscure questions that would ensure she was remembered.

Harry even risked a memory charm or two to make some people remember them being there that morning. They spent several hours working on the alibi before returning to the Cauldron for dinner.

“Hey Suze,” came Isabelle’s voice from nearby, Harry’s eyes quickly spotted the raven haired lady sitting a few tables over. She stood and came over to sit with Harry and Hermione.

“Hey Isabelle, how’s your day been?” Hermione asked.

“Uneventful, lost my boy early this morning.” Isabelle grumbled, both of the Aurors caught onto the hidden meaning instantly.

“Oh? How’d he slip by you?” Hermione replied casually.

“I think he had a Portkey, didn’t hear any apparition and he was in the room this morning when I woke but wasn’t shortly later.”

“Maybe he’s started work early?” Harry added.

“It’s possible I suppose, he’s going to get an earful when he comes home though. He could have left me a note.” Isabelle grumbled.

“If we see him we’ll let you know” Harry commented, receiving a nod in return.

“Oh, have you heard about the attacks this morning?” Isabelle asked.

“Only rumours around here, they say St. Mungo’s was attacked by the Death Eaters.” Harry replied casually, “Have you heard anything? They said some Aurors were injured.”

“I heard that there were five in the hospital for emergency treatment,” Isabelle replied.

“Five? I heard seven,” Harry replied with a raised eyebrow.

“Well I also heard we lost four,” Isabelle added, Harry quickly put on his passive expression.

Four lost meant that one had recovered from their injuries but it also meant one more had died from theirs. Hermione gave his hand a squeeze under the table and he refocused on Isabelle.

“Did you hear what I said?” she asked.

“Sorry, lost in thought for a moment,” Harry replied.

“I just said there was some good deals over at the Weasley’s place, you two should check them out before closing.” Isa repeated with a pleasant smile and knowing look.

“Not really my thing, but I’ll take a look,” Harry replied, “Thanks for the tip.”

Harry let Hermione and Isabelle share some girl talk while he ate. He knew that Hermione wasn’t too into it, but it helped appearances. He let his mind wander to what the twins wanted. They knew he was out undercover and they would have had to contact Shacklebolt to get the message through. That implied that whatever it was, was either important or useful to them.

They finished up shortly and bid goodbye to Isabelle before heading back into Diagon Alley. They wandered down to the twin’s shop and slipped inside. Ignoring the reception desk they went straight to the elevator and went for the offices.

“Name?” inquired the receptionist

“Paul Icewell, here to see Fred and George.” Harry smiled.

“We’ve been expecting him Janice,” Fred poked his head out of the door, “Andy and Daz want to see you both.”

Harry nodded and they all went to the research floor.

“So what’s so important that we were called from assignment?” Hermione asked.

“We put Andy and Daz onto the watches full time after you left.” Fred replied.

“Never know when they might come in handy after all.” George added.

“And with the raids this morning,”

“Ron told us what happened and what’s going to happen.”

“So we thought we’d intercept you at first chance and update the watches.”

“Before you go thwacking the hornet’s nest.”

“Sounds good,” Harry smiled and nodded “Thanks guys.”

“Don’t thank us just yet” Fred grinned as he led them into the other twin’s workshop.

“Late you are,” commented Andy as they entered.

“Not on time at all.” added Daz.

“Better late than never we suppose,”

“Never is not good at all.”

“Fourth and Fifth Tricks are ready.”

“Ready they are.”

“Give us watches and we’ll play.”

“Play we will, once we receive.”

The pair of Aurors slid their watches off and handed them over to the twins who set to work immediately. Meanwhile Hermione wandered over to the design board and started reading the notes. Harry looked to Fred and George with an inquisitive look.

“Can you tell us what’s being added or do we have to wait for them?”

“Suppose we could let you know, Fred?” George replied

“Well firstly there is the fourth function, this is a special one off we’re afraid. But if you flip the watch to the top left and press the big red button.”

“Then you’ll be invisible for about two minutes, like the cloak or more accurately like our hats.” George explained.

“However since it is such a powerful spell required, it’s duration is very small and as yet we can’t find a way to recharge it.” Fred added

“So one shot to save our butts as a last resort.” Harry asked

“Pretty much,” Fred replied, “The fifth function is based off a Muggle idea actually. The twins are muggle born and were telling us about these lie detector things that the Polis men use?”

“Policemen,” Hermione corrected, having joined them to hear about the watches.

“Right, so if you are up against someone really strong at Occlumency, you can’t break into their minds to find out if they’re lying.” George started.

“So take out the little lead from the watch when you flip it left and attach it to their wrist, whenever they tell a lie, the watch will flash red.” Fred ended.

“Not the most convenient of means, I mean someone’s is going to get suspicious if we try it on them out of the blue. But when we’re interrogating someone it could be very useful.” Harry commented.

“Sounds like the meeting was worthwhile then,” Hermione smiled at the twins.

“You thought it wouldn’t be?” Fred asked with a shocked expression.

“We may like our practical jokes but we’d never risk a top risk investigation for a little revenge,” George added with a matching expression.

“… yes you would” Harry commented, “What about the time you blew that two week stakeout to get revenge on me spiking your drinks at Ron’s birthday and turning your tongues green for a month?”

“Err,” Fred paused for a few moments, “Forgot about that”

“Damn, almost got away with the serious look,”

“We had Hermione going for a bit though.” Fred and George cracked into big grins as she rolled her eyes.

“Hold on, it was these two that blew the dockside stakeout?” Hermione scowled as she caught onto what Harry said.

“Dockside?”

“Never been there,”

“Honest”

“Scout’s Honour!”

“The scouts are a muggle thing, therefore I doubt either of you have ever been boy scouts.”

“Watches are ready,” interrupted Darren

“Ready the watches are,” added Andrew.

“Ah good,” George breathed a sigh of relief as it seemed to distract Hermione a moment. They both slid their watches back on and checked the new additions.

“Mind if we test them out? Well obviously not the invisibility.” Hermione asked with an innocent tone as she flipped her watch left and took the lead.

“Erm, I suppose so,” replied Fred holding out his wrist, she attached the lead to his skin and looked at the watch.

“Was it you and George who blew four weeks of my work to try and catch a drug smuggling ring by alerting the criminals to Harry’s whereabouts via the use of fireworks?” Hermione asked sharply.

“Err, no?” Fred tried, the watch instantly glowed red.

“I knew it!” Hermione shouted, “Do you two have any idea how hard I worked to track them down and find out where they were hiding!”

“Help!” Fred looked to Harry for support who held up his hands and smirked.

“She’s already screamed herself blue at me for that little incident and I kept my mouth shut, looks like it’s time to pay the piper” Harry chuckled and sat back with Andy and Daz to watch.

“I am so mad right now, words just can’t express it” she fumed and took out her wand, sending a flock of canaries chasing after the twins who had run from the room.

“Very impressive spell work,” Daz commented as the bright yellow birds swarmed over the red headed twins.

“Ingenious Spell as well.” Andy added offering some popcorn to Harry who took some with a smile.

“I always liked this spell too,” He chewed on the offered treat, “where did the popcorn come from?”

“We always keep some around for the shows.”

“Always a show to watch, useful to have nearby.” Daz said through a mouthful as they watched Fred and George running up and down the hallway.

“How long does the spell last?” Andy inquired.

“About five minutes,” Harry answered.

“Very Impressive” Andy and Daz commented together.

11. Chapter 11

Author Note:- Another update after a month or so, it seems every time I say I’m going to be faster I actually get slower. I’m still working away at it but real life has been rearing it’s ugly head. I just finished a month worth of work at a minimum of 10 hrs a day 4 /7 days and 2/3 of the remaining was anything from 5hrs+. I know, excuses excuses *grins* Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the latest update, should be some action in the next chapter and I write that faster than anything else ^_^

Harry checked his appearance in the mirror, he wondered if he had chosen the best way to do Paul’s hair. He had decided on a little gel to make the short brown hair stand up in little spikes. He also slipped on casual wizard robes, he decided against the muggle wear earlier in the evening. He wanted to ask Hermione’s opinion but she had locked herself into the bathroom for the last hour as she tried to sort herself out for that evening.

They had chatted about the previous encounter and Hermione had suggested that Bellatrix might have been flirting with him. Thus she had decided that Suzette wouldn’t have liked that and would want to look her best for the meeting. She also decided that she’d have to act protective without provoking the other witch. By this point Harry was just nodding and agreeing considering Hermione had been reasoning and explaining her thoughts for about two hours already.

He checked that his wand was in the holster and could easily be brought to hand and then let his fingers run over the supplies of polyjuice. One vial for each of them was sitting at the doorway for when they left to give them maximum time before needing to slip to the bathroom.

They had been hoping the meeting would last less than an hour but they couldn’t be sure, nor could they guarantee that they’d have chance to return home immediately after the meeting, so each of them were taking enough vials for six hours. If they needed more than that then someone was going to have to sneak back to the cauldron for supplies.

“Suze, we’re going in about ten minutes, aren’t you done yet?” Harry called.

“Almost ready! Don’t worry I’ll be out in a moment.” Hermione replied.

The bathroom door opened and she stepped out. Unlike Harry she had chosen muggle wear as it was difficult to glam up wizard robes. Tight jeans and a smart black shirt with a plunging neckline. Luckily she still looked like Suzette so Harry was able to keep his eyes from her cleavage.

“Nice look,” Harry commented.

“Thanks, don’t usually get dressed up so I wasn’t sure if it looked right.” Hermione smiled.

“Well if I were really Paul I’d be drooling I’m sure,” Harry grinned, “Shall we get going then?”

“Sure,”

They took their top up vials and drank quickly, still twitching at the foul taste even if they had mastered the urge not to vomit. Locking up the room they headed for the Pickled Troll, picking the same booth that the meeting took place in. Knowing they were in a sound proof booth Hermione took the time before Bellatrix arrived to remind Harry of their mission.

“Just remember Paul, we’re not to try and capture Bellatrix unless it is certain we are not going to get a chance to get more.”

“Really? So I should cancel the plan to start the meeting by saying ‘Hi, you’re under arrest’ then?” Harry replied sarcastically.

“Harry!” Hermione hissed, “I know you hate Bellatrix, you have every right to after what that bitch has done. But there is more at stake than your vengeance. We need to find out as much as we can about the Death Eaters and we need to somehow stop this plot against the Ministry.”

“I know Suze, I’m in control, I handled the last meeting well didn’t I?” he retorted.

“Before or after you tripped Bellatrix for spite? Or when you lost count of your potion and almost got caught?” Hermione shot back, “I need your attention where it needs to be or this is going to blow up in our faces.”

Harry was about to reply when he noticed a few cloaked figures entering the bar. The one in front looked around and headed straight for them while the others took a few tables nearby. The figure stepped into their bubble and flipped out a Magical Law Enforcement badge. Hermione’s tongue caught in her throat as she panicked but Harry squeezed her hand under the table as the cloaked figure spoke.

“We’ve received a tip off that you two are involved with Death Eater activity, you’ll have to come with me.”

Harry grabbed Hermione’s hand as it went to pull her Auror badge and held it still. She looked to him with a questioning gaze, her previous panic under control.

“Nice try, you can tell Bellatrix to come in now,” he replied to the cloaked figure, pointing over to the bar, “One of your fellow officers over at the bar ordered a beer and is drinking on duty, even for illusion I know MLE isn’t allowed to do that. Not sure of what the point of this farce was but get it over with or we’re leaving.”

The cloaked figure looked over to his fellow at the door and gave a signal as he left. Another three cloaked figures entered the bar. The one in the middle with her hood down and a playful grin on her face was Bellatrix. She walked over and sat with the pair of undercover Aurors.

“My husband insisted on the little show to see if you were undercover.” She grinned at them, “Rather pointless I thought, as you noticed our little troops are rather useless at acting, I suppose I’ll have someone else to practice my Cruciatus curse upon tonight.”

“I am rather curious though,” Bella continued, “As to how you saw through them so easily.”

“Though I’m not from this country cops act the same all over the world,” Harry replied, taking a sip from his drink, “If you like to tread along the line of what is considered right and wrong you learn to keep yourself out of trouble.”

“Not one to follow the rules on all occasions?” she replied with a purr.

“I don’t think the governing bodies are always correct on some matters, like I told you the other night, we’re fans of your work.” Harry replied smoothly.

“We’re? I believe you said that ‘I am’ last time,” she retorted,

“I’m not one to put words into my other half’s mouth, that tends to be her job,” he chuckled as Hermione half-heartedly elbowed him for the jibe, “But a discussion later that night showed us to be of a similar mind on the matter.”

“Is that so?” Bellatrix turned her gaze to Hermione who coughed nervously and slipped her arm around Harry’s.

“Quite true, I’ve always been rather shy about it all, so many of my co-workers are pro-muggle and what with our new muggle loving minister it’s becoming harder to find worthy people to spend time with.”

“You are English?” Bellatrix asked with a raised brow.

“We met on the Worldwide Wizarding Network, it’s my first time to the British Isles. I was only coming for a week or two so it’s hard to believe I’ve been able to meet you twice already.” Harry commented, his American accent flawless.

“I see, so what do you do my dear?” Bella inquired.

“By day I sort and file paperwork for the ministry, by night I sell whatever I can steal to those in need of a form with no questions asked.” Hermione gave a shy smile.

“You have access to a lot of paperwork?” a sinister looking smile appeared on Bella’s face as she processed the new information.

“I have level five access at the moment, occasionally I can obtain up to seven when my boss is too lazy to get the forms himself.” Hermione replied.

“Indeed? Well perhaps we could persuade you to get some forms for our little organization, most of our active members wouldn’t get away even with the right forms, but we have a few people under our employee,” Bellatrix smirked, “We have our contacts in the ministry, but none above level three to date.”

Harry and Hermione made mental note of this. It was already suspected since they had discovered the location of secret storage facilities but now it was confirmed.

“Your … boyfriend here has some qualities I like in my new recruits and with this new information I’m sure my husband would approve of my next comments. We’ve suffered a set back of late, we have lost a significant amount of troops in the recent attacks. I’m sure you’ve heard of them by now. So my offer is quite simple, you can join us, or my flunkies here will insure you mysteriously vanish before the night is over.”

“Put like that how could we refuse you offer,” Harry smirked, “Do we get the masks as a joining prize or do we have to purchase them later?”

Bellatrix laughed and slid a piece of paper over the table, Harry picked it up and read the address written upon it. He noted instantly it was different to the address Yaxley was given but he kept the surprise from his face as he handed it to Hermione to memorize.

“Be there, tomorrow morning, you’ll be told what you need to know, when you need to know it. Show us loyalty and you’ll be rewarded. Betray us and I promise you, you will regret ever being born.” Bellatrix spoke softly with an evil glint in her eyes.

“That’s it? No tests or anything?” Harry was suspicious of her rather aloof attitude to the whole meeting.

“If I was suspicious, you’d be dead my dears,” Bella gave them a smile devoid of humour, “I’ve been free from Azkaban for nearly a decade, I’ve no intentions of returning unless my act will restore the Dark Lord.”

“Until he can be brought back to command us once again it is my duty to keep his armies as strong as they can be. I know who is made out to be a Death Eater and who isn’t, you have the power, the strength and the rage needed to be one of our finest. While your little hussy here lacks those things, she can be useful to us. As long as she is, you may keep her for your amusement.”

Hermione reacted quickly and clamped her hand over Harry’s as he flicked his wand out. The anger was coursing through his veins and it was sheer determination that kept the candles on the table from melting. Hermione’s hand helped, he couldn’t cool the anger so he locked it away inside for now, promising it later release.

“Well, I will have to keep myself useful until I can prove myself worthy,” Hermione smiled, ignoring the blatant insults for now.

“Indeed,” Bella replied with a sneer. With that she turned and left the bar, the various cloaked figures vanished one by one until they had all left. Hermione waited in silence, just watching Harry, for five minutes he did nothing then he closed his eyes, shaking gently.

“Are they all gone?” she nodded and told him they had in reply, “Good, do me a favour please? Duck.”

Hermione’s eyes widened and she dropped down under the table as Harry shook from the rage. Like a stone dropped into a pond a ripple fired from the wizard throughout the room. Candle’s exploded into puddles of wax, glasses shattered spilling their contents over tables and hands, a few chairs fell apart and pictures fell from the walls to smash on the floor. Chaos erupted from the bar as everyone tried to run at the same time.

Reacting quickly Hermione reached over and pressed her thumb onto the button on his watch. She dropped a few Galleons onto the table and quickly counted to three, with a pull at their navels they slammed back into their room landing in a pile on the floor. Hermione wrapped herself around Harry and hugged him tight as he trembled in her arms.

“I’m going to kill her! I will throttle the life from her with my bare hands if I must but I will avenge Sirius!” Harry growled, “Merlin, I can’t do this anymore Mione, I can’t be in the same room as her even once more I will kill her!”

“It’s okay Harry,” Hermione said soothingly, ignoring Paul’s weight as he lies atop her, refusing to let him go.

“It’s not okay! It will never be okay until I see that bitch dead! I have no idea how I didn’t just grab the nearest object and beat her to death with it. I smiled and joked with the woman who killed the closest person I have ever had to a parent.” Harry was switching between shaking with rage and holding back the tears. He didn’t have a clue if he was upset or furious but through the storm of emotion his subconscious mind was enjoying the position they were in.

“I can’t blame you Harry, I know how much Bellatrix has put you through, put all of us through, she is one of the very few I would have wanted to see put through a dementor’s kiss. I will jump for joy when I see her marched into the veil and gone for good.” Hermione ran her hand through his hair while the other arm held him tight.

“You can’t let the rage control you Harry,” she continued, “You have to be strong, I’m asking you to try for me, we can call up Kingsley and see if he’ll have you switched but it won’t work. No-one but you can do this from now on, if we switch Paul then she’ll know it.”

Harry stopped shaking at this point, letting her words sink in. He knew she was right, Bellatrix judged him as worthy by the rage in his eyes. The rage he was suppressing purely because he was in her presence still danced in his eyes, he couldn’t mask them if he wanted to. Though she was blissfully unaware that she was the cause of the look it had been what appealed to her.

His mind accepted that she would notice a replacement, but what was he to do about it. He was certain if he saw her again he’d draw his wand and curse her into little bits. Surely that would be more obvious than the look in his eyes. They were in the ideal position to capture all the Death Eaters now, all that work would be for nought if he blew it.

Maybe he could convince Hermione not to go tomorrow, he’d apparate there and start cursing. He could probably get quite a few before they caught him. He could … get smacked upside the head with a bat for suggesting such a thing. He had to think of something, some way of proceeding without attacking the bitch.

The rage within demanded had her blood, her life, but it was starting to cool now she was gone from his sight. Hermione’s soft sounds and gentle touches helping force it back into the darkness of Harry’s mind.

“Wait a minute, Hermione’s soft sounds?” He thought, he then refocused on the present, unaware of how long he had been thinking but he noticed it was now Hermione’s bushy hair beneath him and he was Harry again.

“Sorry Hermione, been miles away, have I crushed you to death yet?” He smiled apologetically.

“Not at all, Paul might have but you changed back on the set of the hour, about ten minutes ago.” She replied.

“How long have we been back?” he asked.

“Twenty, maybe twenty five, minutes?” she guessed.

“Merlin! Sorry again, I’ll get up right away” Harry flinched when he released he had been laying atop her for nearly half an hour almost completely unaware.

“Thanks, would be nice to have some feeling back,” she teased as he tried to get up.

“Mione?” he asked softly.

“Yes?”

“Could you do me a small favour first?”

“Of course”

“Could you let go? I can’t get up with your arms and legs locked around me”

“Ooh! Sorry!” she blushed slightly as she started to unwind herself from him.

What had been an innocent grapple to ensure he didn’t go on a blind rampage was now turning a bit awkward. Her arms and legs were a bit slow to respond to her commands to release. Their eyes met for a moment and for Harry at least, everything else suddenly didn’t matter. There was no fighting, no Death Eaters, no Bellatrix, just him and her.

Then she blinked and let go, which allowed Harry to clamber to his feet and off of her. He reached down and pulled her onto her unstable legs. He had to help her to a chair so she could start to rub the pins and needles from her limbs.

“We should contact Kingsley.” Hermione said into the silence.

“Yeah, not looking forward to it thought,” Harry sighed as he took out his mirror, “Kingsley Shacklebolt”

“Ah Potter,” Kingsley’s deep voice replied after a few moments, “It would appear I have a report of the Pickled Troll suffering a large amount of damage from an unusual magical outburst. It would seem no-one was killed but there were a few minor injuries from flying glass. We couldn’t seem to get any idea of the culprit however from interviews, expectedly everyone was rather tight lipped.”

“We expected as much from the nature of the bar so I’ve been eagerly awaiting your call to see if you were present at the time. Perhaps you could shed some light upon the strange occurrence?” Harry’s mind was already spinning up a story to tell when Hermione stole the mirror from him.

“Rather than let you try and decipher Harry’s fairy tale I thought I’d intervene, Sir,” Hermione commented, earning a rude gesture from Harry, “For the quick blunt version, we’ve met with Bellatrix and been recruited by the Death Eaters. We were given a slip of paper to their headquarters, presumably under a Fidelius Charm since I can’t seem to say it.”

“But it’s not the same one they sent Yaxley to,” Harry commented, earning a raised eyebrow from Hermione, “It’s different from the address they gave him Thursday, unless they moved already I suspect they have him off separately for his work which could cause trouble.”

“Indeed, should your infiltration be successful we still can’t guarantee success on removing the majority of the Death Eaters.” Kingsley replied.

“So how do we proceed?” Harry asked, hoping that the topic had been brought off his little incident, “We have completed the first and secondary objectives. The third objective was to capture or eliminate as many Death Eaters as possible with priorities to Bellatrix and Rodolphus.”

“I think we’ll need to reconsider your objectives. Since the update in information, new primary objective is foil the potion attempt somehow. Secondary objective is to bring in evidence of Yaxley and the Lestranges elimination, alive or dead. Third objective is to cripple the Death Eaters.” Kingsley ordered in his deep voice.

“Elimination? Yaxley has been upgraded to death sentence then?” Hermione asked.

“Indeed,” he replied, “Unfortunate, he was an excellent potions master, but his decision to align with the TLDEs has sealed his fate.”

“Sir, I’m not sure I can continue with the assignment,” Harry sighed.

“Potter?”

“I’ve stretched my restraint as far as I can, I have very little faith in my ability to control myself in Bellatrix’s presence once more.” He answered.

“That is unfortunate and understandable. However at this time based upon current information it might not be an issue.” Kingsley looked thoughtful for some time, “Paul and Suzette have no access to the second location where Yaxley is working do they?”

“No, they were in a silenced booth, were it not for the twin’s toys we wouldn’t know about it either.” Harry replied.

“Well, we can only assume that Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Yaxley have access to this location. It might be the headquarters or simply a lab they’ve charmed for Yaxley to work in. It will be worth investigating.” Shacklebolt continued.

“But only Harry can go there, I never saw the location, what if it’s filled with dozens of Death Eaters?” Hermione asked instantly.

“Then I apparate or use a Portkey immediately, my Metamorphmagus skills should earn me enough time to use either if I appears as Rodolphus,” Harry replied, catching onto Kingsley’s idea, “If possible I might be able to take out Yaxley and satisfy the primary objective, if I can do so I don’t have to worry about going ballistic around Bellatrix.”

“Potter, I must say for the record that I am opposed to you going on this mission alone. It is far too risky.” Kingsley stated

“And with all do respect sir, get your black marker ready for my file because I’m going anyway. You’ll hopefully have Yaxley or his corpse in the cells within the hour.”

“We have a secondary plan ready to go Potter, I have managed to get approval for Severus Snape’s release into my custody. Exclusively for the reason of bringing in the Lestranges.”

“With Yaxley gone they’ll need a new potions master, but if he’s released immediately that will raise their shackles.” Harry added, “Arrange a prison transfer, we’ll bust him out, it won’t look as suspicious then hopefully. But that will only work if Yaxley is removed, they won’t risk attacking the Aurors if they have someone able already.”

“You intend to carry on then?” Shacklebolt asked.

“I intend to bring you Bellatrix’s head, if I can sort out the problem with Yaxley now then I can happily go berserk when we go tomorrow.” Harry replied with a bit more venom than he intended as he stood and started grabbing his gear.

“I don’t think letting Harry go off alone is wise, Sir?” Hermione persisted.

“At this point I don’t believe I will be able to stop him.” Kingsley replied with a passive expression.

“You intended this, just gave him a nudge in the direction you wanted and let him go storming off alone into enemy territory!” she accused.

“Granger, I’m not happy with the situation anymore than you are however it is necessary,” Kingsley sighed, “At the current time Potter is the only one with the knowledge of where Yaxley is. We can’t afford the risk that he presents at the current time, his research and efforts need to be eliminated. I have to hope that Harry is capable of doing such.”

“Then why didn’t you just order him to partake in this suicidal mission!”

“You know I can’t do that Granger, I can’t justify such a mission.” Kingsley replied.

“Easier to just give Harry another black mark for doing something against orders?” Hermione replied, her voice dripping sarcasm.

“Unfortunately yes, I don’t feel any better about it than you Granger.”

“So what do you do when you are the cause of Harry getting into a situation he can’t control or survive?!”

“I go to my grave with the knowledge that I caused the death of one of the best people I could have the honour of knowing,” Shacklebolt replied without pause, “I go to rest every night with the guilt of knowing I may or have sent decent people to their death to keep the masses alive Granger. I have to make decisions that might get my men killed every day Granger. It does not get any easier, maybe you’ll understand when you take my place some day.”

“Me? What about Ron or Harry? Or any of the dozens of others?” she replied.

“Ron is a good tactician, but he couldn’t handle the rest of the duties a department head does. There are many good candidates for the position, however I believe you will succeed, if you can learn to make decisions that will hurt people that you care about.”

“What about Harry?”

“Do I really need to answer why he would be unsuitable?” Kingsley replied with a raised eyebrow, “If nothing else, how could he disobey orders when he is the one giving them.”

“I know, Harry could lead a demoralized group of a hundred against ten thousand and would be at the front of the charge, but if he had to do the paperwork for it afterwards he’d run away before you could blink,” She sighed, “But don’t change the point, you have to stop Harry until we can send more men!”

“You heard him Granger, I don’t stand a chance at convincing him to change his mind. If you don’t want him to go, I recommend you try.” Kingsley replied evenly.

“And if I succeed?” she replied cautiously.

“Then we’ll work up a new plan, you’ll receive my gratitude and probably a medal for actually being able to change his mind.”

“I think I’ll skip the medal, Ginny is already annoyed I’m on this case because I am the only one able to cool down his temper. If only rarely and fractionally.” She sighed thinking over the explosion she had no control over.

“I shall leave you to your attempt, if you have any need of my council I will stay in the office late tonight and finish off some paperwork.” Kingsley informed her before the mirror changed back to a reflective surface.

Hermione rose quickly and looked around the room just as Harry left the bathroom looking just like Rodolphus Lestrange. First reaction was to try and draw her wand but she calmed herself swiftly.

“Harry, you can’t do this!” she pleaded, “It’s too dangerous.”

“I have to Hermione, removing Yaxley is going to put them in a very sticky situation, they’ll rise to the bait without flinching if we let them catch wind of Snape, but if they still have Yaxley they’ll ignore it.”

“Wait it out Harry, we might be able to get access to Yaxley for everyone tomorrow.”

“You know how unlikely that is, they put Yaxley separate for a reason, they aren’t about to introduce us to him on our first day. Nor will they give us a nice little slip of paper with the address we can go and show everyone back at the headquarters.”

“They might go after Snape anyways, you know Yaxley is second best compared to him.”

“If they didn’t think he was up to the job they wouldn’t have bothered, yes there is a chance they’ll want Snape anyways, but would they really risk it for the chance? We need to make the desperate enough to attack to get him.”

“Then aren’t you risking the lives of our men to Bellatrix?” Hermione accused.

“I’m hoping I’ll be sent as an initiation, then I can make some influence, but if I can remove Yaxley tonight what we do with Snape doesn’t matter, they’ll be screwed if they loose another potion master especially if they’ve started the potion already.”

“I don’t like it Harry.” Hermione replied honestly.

“I know, I don’t either, but I’m going anyways, there’s every chance it will be deserted at this time. If it’s too dangerous I’ll press my watch and be back here in a second flat, promise!”

Hermione sighed and nodded, realising there was nothing she could do at this time. She closed her eyes and prayed as Harry vanished with a crack of sound.

12. Chapter 12

Author Note:- finished this one a little quicker than usual, so I ran it past a few betas for once. Thanks to JediYoda for beta, making me change the start and yet again for making the challenge. Also thanks to Sweet_Mione_Potter for her beta work as well. I’m sorry in advance for the evil ending, I am very much expecting flames in any reviews you are kind enough to leave. I’m stunned to have received over 50k hits to the story, though I am still certain half of them are mine when I check for any new reviews every 5mins. Most of them are in the first chapter, I suppose the part about Ginny is scaring off a lot of people, Thank you all who have kept reading, I hope you are still enjoying the story.

Harry appeared in a dark room, pale moonlight streaming through a tall window was the only light source in what seemed to be an entrance hall of a rather large house. He resisted the urge to draw his wand from the spring loaded pouch on his wrist and instead looked around. Behind him were two large wooden doors, obviously the front doors to the building itself. To his right was a smaller set of double doors likewise with his left.

Ahead was two sets of stairs along either wall curving around to an upper balcony, he noticed a faint light from the left side of the balcony. The stairs were solid marble so he wasn’t worried about creaking steps as he scaled them quietly. The balcony itself was a different matter. The faint light was the glow around a doorway. The room behind was brightly illuminated. There was a man asleep on a chair next to the door and a quick glance over the balcony spotted a second empty chair in a corner by the place he entered. The security was present but lax. His thoughts were distracted by Hermione, guilt plaguing his actions. He knew he should have listened, but this opportunity was too good to pass up. He was going to cop holy hell for it from Ginny and Hermione but if it worked he’d gladly accept that.

The guard outside the door turned his suspicion to confirmation, the room had to be the lab else why would there be a guard posted. Harry coughed quietly awakening the sleeping man who turned his eyes on Harry and gulped in fright.

“We shall talk about this later,” Harry scowled, his voice imitating Rodolphus’ as best he could, “is Yaxley inside?”

The terrified guard nodded and stood to attention as Harry knocked on the wooden door.

“For Merlin’s sake, who is it at this hour?” he heard grumbled from behind the door, it sounded like Yaxley’s voice, “Well, open the door and find out!”

A moment or two later and the door swung open revealing a tall dark haired man that Harry didn’t know. The man instantly moved aside and dropped to a knee, Harry took the opening and walked in like he owned the place, which he probably did.

“Rodolphus? What brings you here at this time?” Yaxley inquired from behind a desk covered in vials and bubbling beakers.

“I wanted to make sure your assistants were being helpful in your efforts.” Harry replied.

“Bunch of incompetents, can’t tells Mullein from Hemlock and don’t get me started on which measurements and containers,” Yaxley complained, “Still, they are useful for moving my things when I’m watching them to ensure nothing is dropped.”

“Should I see into getting you some more then?” Harry replied, searching the room, noticing one more man by the back wall.

“No, no, the four is enough, but you could look into exchanging them for someone who passed their Potions OWL.” Yaxley replied dismissively, the men turning red and looking to the floor.

“If there are four of them, why do I only see two here helping you?” Harry asked.

“Sleeping, I switch them in shifts, it’s hard enough to watch the potion let alone supervise four others. I trust the raid on Shernborne is still on schedule for Wednesday? I need those components by Thursday or this potion is going to be ruined and I’ll have to start from scratch.”

Harry kept the surprise from his face as he made a mental note of the new information.

“Nothing to worry about,” Harry replied dismissively, “Well, nothing for you to worry about anyways.”

He flicked his wand and let it drop to hand and quickly brought it up and shot off a pair of stunners, one at each of the two assistants. The first hit its target, which sent the man flying back into a table of beakers. A loud crash echoed through the room as he toppled over and hit the wall, the impact shattered many of the delicate instruments. The second man by the door was slightly more alert and dived behind a table. The door burst open as the guard came through to discover the cause of the noise. Harry quickly delivered a back kick to his chest, knocking him back out of the door.

“Expelliarmus!” Harry shouted, turning back on Yaxley who was about to throw a book at him. Harry bounced over the table and grabbed the elderly wizard and attempted to apparate them away.

“Anti-Apparition and Portkey wards over the building except the lobby you fool!” Yaxley hissed as he struggled in Harry’s grip.

Harry swore and stood, holding Yaxley between him and the other wizard.

“Reducto!” Harry bellowed, obliterating the table the Death Eater hid behind, the force knocking the man unconscious.

Pushing Yaxley before him he hurried out of the door. As they stormed out of the room Harry threw Yaxley at the door guard, he bounced off the larger man and fell to the floor. Harry rushed out and quickly punched the guard with his free hand. His eyes momentarily on the lower floor he reacted quickly and grabbed the dazed guard and pulled him close to block a hex sent from the lower floor. The guard from the lower floor was back and sending up curses, with a quick swish and flick he shouted the levitation charm in his mind and jolted the rug the man stood on. He tumbled to the ground for a moment and Harry shot a few stunners down at him.

Not caring if they hit just yet he grabbed the back of Yaxley’s robes he held him up as a shield as he fired more stunners down at a pair of Death Eaters who emerged from doors on the other side of the balcony. His aim was fouled by Yaxley suddenly turning and trying to hit him. Harry dodged the swing and brought his knee up into Antony’s stomach driving the air from him. Throwing him back down to the floor he ducked just as a stunner flew over his head. Grabbing his Portkey cuffs he quickly locked up Yaxley’s wrists behind his back and brought up his wand.

“Petrificus Totalus!” Harry caught the first man with the body bind curse as he made it across, the solid body of the first falling back into the second. Harry quickly threw Yaxley at the wall and kicked out at the second man, sending him and his partner tumbling down the stairs.

He grabbed his prisoner again and kept firing stunners at the last man as he made his way down the stairs. Harry shot off a stunner at the same time the Death Eater fired a curse back, the spells hit in mid air. The curse hit the ground harmlessly while the stunner flew into the air, barely missing the large chandelier hanging above the lobby. With a loud crack the room was suddenly filled with a dozen more Death Eaters, led by the real Rodolphus.

“Well, well, who do we have here?” he sneered at Harry, “Give up and we’ll just kill you, resist and we’ll see how long before you crack under the Crutiatus curse.”

“I think I’ll choose option c, leaving with my hostage or you’re going to loose your potions master’s head.” Harry growled, putting his wand tip to Yaxley’s jaw.

“Who are you?” Yaxley hissed.

“Well, I’m sure there is plenty of witty responses here, Death, Justice, Your worst nightmare. But I’m afraid I’m just Harry.” He grinned as he dropped his illusion.

“You!” Rodolphus scowled, “How did you get here!”

“It would seem that you might have an informant in your little band of ‘Truly Loyal’ Death Eaters. How else do you think we found out about your raids on St. Mungos and Little Thirkleby?” Harry grinned, knowing full well it was Rodolphus himself who showed Harry how to find this place and told him of the raids. The suspicion of a traitor would cause havoc in the Death Eater camp come morning.

“Well this time your little informant has led you to your death at last Mister Potter, I suppose I’ll have to revoke the swift and easy death, we’ll need information from you, I suppose your only option is how much we have to torture you to get it.”

“I’m still thinking option c you know, but since you don’t seem to have any regards for Yaxley’s head it would seem I’ll have to make my own exit,” Harry moved his wand in a moment, he aimed upwards and yelled, “Reducto!”

The curse shot up and hit the chain holding the chandelier, sending it hurtling down to the lobby floor. The room was suddenly filled with flying men, swearing and shattered pieces of metal. Harry threw Yaxley forward and dived after him shooting more redactor curses, he crashed to the marble floor with a heavy grunt. He reached out and grabbed the Portkey Handcuffs.

“One, Two, Three” he hissed quickly, feeling the hook behind his navel as he and Yaxley were suddenly transported to the cells below the Ministry.

“You, hands now! Drop the wand,” Harry looked up at the voice, spotting the Head Guard along with three other prison guards with their wands aimed at him.

Harry rolled his eyes and groaned, he’d have to be subjected to all the identity tests now because he’d arrived uncuffed via the prisoner Portkey. On the plus side he wasn’t dead or captured so he’d have to endure.

“Hi Frank, how’s the wife?” he asked as he slid his wand over to the Head Guard and stuck his hands out behind to be cuffed.

“Potter?” Frank replied with an exasperated voice as he leaned over to cuff the young wizard, “What in Merlin’s name were you doing to warrant following your captive through a Portkey to here?”

“Just fancied a free ride I suppose.” Harry replied.

“Wife’s fine by the way, pregnant again though. Sorry about all this you know, but we’re going to have to check you anyways, procedure and all.”

“No worries, wish someone would get around to improving the flavour of the anti-Polyjuice though. I’ll ask Fred and George to look into it one of these days. Glad to hear about the new baby though, three now isn’t it? Julie should be just about to go into second year at Hogwarts, she like it?”

Harry and Frank continued their casual conversation as he was hauled through the checks. The only way to arrive in that room was through special activated portkeys, the ones only Aurors were given. Thus anyone who landed was sent by an Auror and was immediately arrested if they weren’t already cuffed. The procedure guarded against Polyjuice or Metamorphmagus prisoners passing themselves off as official and getting away.

“Oh Frank?” Harry asked as he winced from swallowing one of the numerous foul potions to check his identity, “Why were there four guards today? There aren’t any raids today are there?”

“No, pretty quiet until you arrived, we got a call from Kingsley about an hour ago, he said to increase up the guard down here, four in the room, another six on standby. I thought he was going to send out a raid. But I suppose it was all just preparation for whatever you were doing, should we expect some more?”

“No, I got the one I wanted, went solo so no-one else to send you prisoners, suppose Kingsley just over-estimated me,” Harry chuckled, then added mentally, “But he ordered extra guards before he spoke to me and Hermione, so he knew I’d take the bait and go off alone. I’d like to say I’m outraged, but I suppose I’m just predictable”

“Well, must admit when I saw it was you I was surprised it was only one prisoner, who was it anyways?” Frank asked.

“Antony Yaxley,” he replied, he noticed Frank’s confused expression and added, “Death Eater, important one.”

“Ah good, one less to worry about, how many did you have to kill to get this one?” Frank asked with a grin.

“No killing, stunned a few though,” Harry answered dismissively and then sighed as he saw Frank’s inquisitive expression, “I didn’t keep count but there was a few more than a dozen which is why I grabbed this one and left. Took down four then a lot more arrived so I legged it after making a distraction. Now I have to try and think up good story for Kingsley.”

“Not necessary Potter,” replied Shacklebolt evenly, Harry sighed and turned around to see the head Auror behind him, “Fortunately I overheard your conversation which will save you conjuring a story for me. I’ll vouch for him personally Frank, you can release him.”

Frank nodded and removed Harry’s cuffs. The younger wizard rubbed his wrists and offered a fake scowl at Kingsley.

“You couldn’t have got down here before they made me drink all those potions?”

“If there were no discouragement for last putting yourself into such a position you had to use the last resort escape then it might start provoking dangerous ideas,” Kingsley replied as they walked back to his office, “However once I was informed you had arrived with a suspect I came down as quickly as possible, I trust the suspect in the cells is Yaxley?”

“Indeed, he is to be taken to the veil?” Harry asked.

“Not immediately, the Wizamgots council wants to offer him a reduced sentence for information. Not my choice admittedly as I doubt he has anything useful for us that you aren’t about to get, however we’ll see.”

“Well for information I’m going to get they can still summon at very little notice a dozen death eaters despite losses at this time of night. So unless they were planning something their numbers are still pretty high unfortunately,” Harry commented, “And speaking of planning, Yaxley mentioned a raid on Shernborne site on Wednesday. However I might have messed that up with my presence, I mentioned to Rodolphus that an informant within their ranks gave me access to Yaxley. They might alter the plans or abandon them now they’ve lost their potion master.”

“Interesting, we’ll be issuing the standard notifications of Snape’s transfer tomorrow, we’ll see how well informed the Death Eaters are. Now you’ve captured Yaxley I’ll use the excuse of moving the potions expert to a more secure location in case of rescue attempts.”

“Hermione commented that setting up the transfer would be practically a death sentence for the guards escorting Snape,” Harry mentioned, looking over to his boss as they walked.

“I am aware, I’ve made the guards aware and only taken volunteers for the transfer. We’ve specially planned the route and believe there is only one logical place for an ambush or attack. Thus we’ll have backup ready and hidden there already, once Snape is loose we’ll go in full force and ensure either a retreat or complete capture. The backup and guards have been informed of an undercover, but I could not afford to risk getting you compromised by revealing anything else.”

“Understood, Sir,” Harry replied dryly as they entered the office, “Sir, what happened to the Death Eater I hit with the killing curse?”

“So that’s what you hit him with, the other Aurors were a bit tight lipped and I can understand why now. He’s alive still, surprisingly, but unconscious still, he’s resisting all forms of magic to awaken him. This new bit of information might be the piece to tip the scales to awaken him.”

“When he’s awake I need to question him, so make sure he isn’t marched through the veil before I get the chance, Sir.”

“Understood, I’ll do my best. You knew he was alive still? Even though you hit him with the killing curse?” Kingsley asked with a raised brow.

“I knew before the spell hit him, I don’t understand how but it’s all to do with emotion. I was hoping he was revived already because it would give me something to use against any Auror I should meet, but the risk is too great at the moment if they can’t be woken.” Harry sighed, “I’ll just have to miss with the AKs and hit the stuns, remind me to apologise to anyone I hurt.”

“I realise you will have to maintain your appearance, but try not to put too many of my Aurors in the hospital wing Potter.”

“Would rather I put them there than one of my fellow death eaters put them in the morgue, Sir”

“I agree, I trust you’ll use your best judgement, now I believe you have an undercover assignment to get back to,” Kingsley looked up from his paperwork, “Unless there is anything else Potter?”

“I’ve probably forgotten something, but I can’t figure it out, I suppose I’ll have to get a Remembrall. We’ll try to keep you updated, but we’ll have to see how the mission goes tomorrow. At least with Yaxley out of the way it’s a little less pressure. Now we just need a headcount and then to see what we can do about reducing it.”

“Just keep yourself and your partner safe, I wouldn’t recommend running off from this one again Potter.”

Harry smirked and saluted then clicked the little button on his watch, using the Portkey to send himself back to the hotel room and Hermione. With a familiar lurching feeling he was transported back to the Leaky Cauldron. He landed on his feet but unsteadily, he wobbled for a bit before he was able to turn around into the flying fist.

Harry hit the ground hard, his head ringing and a loud voice yelling at him. The air was knocked out of him as something heavily landed on his stomach and then more blows rained down on him. He raised his arms to protect himself, trying to bring his head into focus, fearing that they had been caught.

“… been so worried! No bloody messages, no contact then you just waltz back with that bloody smirk! You could have died for all I knew Harry!”

“Hermione?” he hazarded.

“Well who else do you think it was?” she replied.

“Judging by the ringing in my head, a truck? Nice right hook you’ve got there, still seeing double.” Harry groaned.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you that hard, but you can’t say you didn’t deserve it.” She apologised testily and she hugged him tight, “I’m glad you’re alive.”

“Me too, well I will be once this black eye stops stinging.”

“Stop complaining you wuss.”

“Easy for you to say, you weren’t just decked by a mad woman.”

“Well maybe if you listened you wouldn’t have been either, how did it go?”

“Got him, sowed a little distrust into the ranks, broke a rather nice chandelier, the usual.”

“How many?” she asked critically.

“Only two when I arrived, two more were hidden away and right before I left a dozen arrived, so I legged it like I promised.”

She examined his words for lies or omissions then nodded, her breathing returning to normal. Harry couldn’t help but notice how her hair smelt as she was still laying on him hugging him tight. Her body pressing against his was starting to cause an uncomfortable side effect and he willed his libido to cool.

“Think about George in that daft dress” he thought, bringing the mental image of George wearing the pranked pink dress. That image shifted into Hermione wearing the dress, then the next stage and then the pink teddy. He winced and tried to shift the image to anything else. His erection was straining against his boxers and it was only because Hermione was sitting so high she hadn’t noticed.

“Not that I’m complaining or anything, but this is the second time today we’ve been lying on the floor together with you preventing me from getting up.” Harry commented as casually as he could.

“You only get hugs when you need them or you do stupid things that scare me.”

“Why do you think I do them?” Hermione rolled her eyes and sat up, punching him in the stomach before she climbed to her feet.

“So what next?” she asked as he awkwardly got to his feet and recast portus on his nexus stone for the next time.

“Continue with orders I suppose,” Harry slumped onto the couch to recover from his beatings, fidgeting to hide his crotch as Hermione sat next to him “With Yaxley sorted it will be easier to control myself I hope, but until we get the information we want I’m still hoping we won’t run into her.”

“I doubt that, she really likes you.”

“It’s just ironic, the burning hatred I have for her is what attracts her to me which just fuels my anger and in turn her lust.” Harry complained.

“Well, at least you don’t have to worry about her trying to kill you right off the bat like I do, far as she’s concerned I’m competition.” Hermione replied casually.

“Well, just stick with me so she doesn’t get the opportunity.”

“I’m sticking with you so she doesn’t steal my boyfriend when I’m not looking.” She teased.

“Yeah, I’m thinking that’s one worry you don’t really have.”

“Sorry,”

“Not a problem,” Harry waved his hand dismissively, “Tomorrow we’re about to dive into a hornet’s nest I took the liberty of whacking with a rock yesterday. We should be out of suspicion since we are arriving after all the trouble started, but we’re going to need to be alert at all times.”

“Constant Vigilance then?” she asked

“As always” Harry replied with a flicker of a smile.

“Want me to fix that eye for you?”

Harry raised a finger to his eye, feeling over the swelling flesh. He rolled his eyes and nodded.

“At least I don’t have to worry about you holding your own in a fist fight. I feel sorry for Viktor should he ever give you cause to whack him.”

“Something he has had to worry about in the past, but not anymore, we broke up, Hermione said bluntly, “I got his reply we went back for the raid.”

“Oh, I’m sorry Hermione.”

“Don’t be, there’s been problems for a while, mostly the distance and his disapproval of my job and specifically this assignment.” Hermione sighed, “It’s just like fourth year again, he’s jealous that we’re partners.”

“Not something you can fix?” Harry asked.

“Not something I want to fix really, it was flattering that he sought me out and we had some fun, but he’s just not the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, you know?”

“Err”

“Of course you don’t” Hermione sighed, “You’re lucky you know, hooking up with the right one right after school.”

“Who said I have the right one?” Harry mumbled

“What?” Hermione asked immediately.

“Err, was that out loud?” Hermione nodded and eyed him critically, “I’ve been having some strange dreams recently, I’ve been wondering how in love we are, I mean we don’t spend any time with each other, I barely know her except that she’s my fiancée.”

“I’ve booked two weeks off once this mission is done, just spend some time alone with her you know, get away from work for a bit and get my head and feelings sorted out,” Harry continued, “Ginny was a great distraction from Voldemort in sixth year and after I just assumed we’d get back together and have a happy life with lots of kids. But Bellatrix and the others got away and I’ve spent seven years trying to sort out this world.”

“How can you bring kids into a world when you’ve still got such enemies?” he asked rhetorically, “Once Bella is out of the way I can spend some time with Ginny and sort everything out.”

“Still want lots of kids then?” Hermione asked.

“Well I’d hardly call it lots, but a few, I want at least two, don’t want an only child, they’d need a brother or sister to play with. I was thinking two boys and a girl, Ginny adores the idea of a girl, but I think she wants a much bigger family.”

“Merlin help the teachers at Hogwarts when your kids roll through, combination of Ginny’s temper and stubbornness with yours.”

“I’m sure McGonagall will have her hands full. Though she might be busy enough trying to get Ron and Luna’s kids to pay attention.” Harry chuckled softly.

“Oh, your eye! It’s getting pretty swelled up now,” Hermione observed as she took out her wand and cast a few healing spells, “That should help, one moment I have some of the twin’s anti-bruising cream in my packs.”

Harry watched as she grabbed the healing kit and pulled out dozens of potions, bandages and odd trinkets he recognised from the infirmary.

“Should I be worried that someone thinks we’ll need this much healing?” Harry inquired as she found the cream.

“Standard kit for undercover missions with unknown durations I believe. But knowing it’s you they might have added some more, you do have a reputation amongst the healers you know.” She replied as she opened the jar and started to rub it over his bruise, gently as possible.

“Ginny told me a few times, I’m pretty close to having the biggest medical file in history and I’m only halfway through my twenties. Nothing as impressive as my discipline file in the Aurors but I do seem to cause a lot of paperwork for other people.” Harry chuckled and winced as she pressed a little too hard.

“Sorry, that should do the trick, any other wounds you need seeing to from your adventures?” she asked.

“If I say no will you believe me?”

“Of course not,”

“Err, I banged my arm a little I suppose.”

“Well pull up your sleeve then.”

Harry tugged up his right sleeve to show the small bruise just above his elbow from where he landed on the marble floor. Hermione added a little cream and went to pull his arm closer but he winced as his arm moved forward.

“Just your arm?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Yes?”

“Nice try, get that robe off lets have a look at the damage.”

Harry sighed and stood up, relieved his erection had subsided already so he wasn’t tenting his trousers as he pulled the robe up over his head then he unbuttoned the shirt beneath and slipped that off. Hermione gasped as she saw the extent of the damage. His right shoulder and along his right ribs were discoloured from bruising. His landing back during the arrest worse than he admitted. But in addition her shock was at the number of scars to his arms and body.

“I guess I’ve been wearing the dragon hide armour too long, can’t take a knock anymore.” He tried to joke the wounds off.

Hermione stood and fetched a cushioned stool and placed it before the couch, sitting on the sofa she pointed for Harry to move. With a sigh he sat down in front of her facing towards the wall. He sighed softly as her hands rubbed the soothing cream over his shoulder at first.

“How the hell did you get so banged up?” she asked as her fingers rubbed into his bare flesh.

“Small jump onto a rather solid floor without anyone to land on,” Harry replied with a relieved groan as he fingers slid under his arm and started applying the cream to his ribs.

“You’ve worn Dragon Hide for as long as I can remember, how did you acquire all these scars?” she asked, as she ran her fingers over some of the older scars.

“Well a few were from my first missions, that’s what encouraged me to purchase the addition armour. I earned a few from school and the Horcrux hunt, and some are lasting from my time before Hogwarts in the Dursley’s … care.” He added the last word after careful thinking.

“They were dreadful people Harry, I’m sorry you had to endure them for so long.” Hermione commented.

“From the spells that Dumbledore cast over the house it might have been what kept me alive to the age of eighteen so I can’t complain too much. It could have been better but it could have been worse … not sure how exactly but I’m sure it’s possible.” Harry replied tersely before giggling as Hermione caught a ticklish rib.

“The great Harry Potter has ticklish sides? I thought you were without weakness Mister Potter.” Hermione teased, changing the conversation as quickly as possible.

“Oh no you don’t you’re healing me, not torturing,” Harry looked over his shoulder and found himself looking upon a Hermione with a very evil grin on her face, “Don’t even think about …”

He couldn’t even get the last word out before Hermione started poking his ribs, he tried to escape her grip but she kept herself behind him. He spun in her arms and tried to push her back. His efforts were foiled when he tripped over the stool and fell to the floor. He gasped for breath between his laughs as she pursued her attack. Forcing himself to his feet he grabbed at her wrists and pushed her back onto the couch. He forced her hands over her head and pinned her wrists down, his body hovered over hers as they both fought for breath.

Harry looked down at his partner, all the recent lustful thinking forcing itself through his mind. She looked so sexy at that moment, beads of sweat starting to form on her brow, her breaths laboured and long. He longed to lean down and steal just one more kiss from her lips. He couldn’t read the expression in her eyes as they caught each other for the longest moment.

“So … ribs feeling better then?” she asked.

13. Chapter 13

Author Note:- Sorry for the long wait yet again, thanks to everyone who’s sticking with me. And more thanks to my betas for getting this back to me and their corrections. Got another little NC-17 scene before they get to the Death eater camp, there isn’t any horrible cliff hangers this time some of you will be glad to know. Well except the obvious one of how long before I post the next chapter.

Anyways, Enjoy!

“So … ribs feeling better then?” she asked.

“Okay, I’m half naked, lying not-so-innocently above Hermione. She’s asked me a question and I’m not responding only talking to myself which isn’t really helping. Why does she have to look so damn sexy. Err, think of a response you idiot!” Harry’s mind was racing to think of a good response when Hermione interrupted his train of thought by stretching up and kissing him.

All rational though suddenly evaporated from Harry mind as he leaned in and kissed her back, hard and passionately. Any hesitation that might linger from her was also quickly gone as she slipped her tongue into his mouth. They frantically kissed like it would be the last thing they would ever do.

Harry eyes opened in shock as the reality of the situation broke upon him. He ended the kiss and sat up immediately, breathing hard still. He opened his mouth to apologise but again Hermione beat him to it.

“Oh my god Harry, I’m so sorry!”

“Err, wait a minute, shouldn’t I be saying that?” Harry thought.

“It was just … you looked … I didn’t mean … shit shit shit!” Hermione exclaimed.

Harry jumped off her and back onto his stool, letting her sit up as he tried to gather his thoughts. He wanted to tell her that it was okay, but it wasn’t really. He had wanted to do that for days now but he was still engaged to Ginny. Harry tried to talk a few times but nothing would come out. He growled in frustration causing Hermione to panic just a little more.

“I’m so sorry Harry,” she pleaded, “I just couldn’t stop myself, please say you’ll forgive me, it will never happen again!”

“But I want it to happen again, but still engaged, but sooo good, bloody hell SAY SOMETHING!” Harry screamed at himself within the confines of his own head.

“Uh, bloody hell Mione, did you stupefy me during the kiss or something? I can’t get my head straight,” Harry commented as he tried to lighten the situation, “Its okay, forget about it, I’m sorry I got carried away, I got caught up in the moment as well.”

“But, I’m the one who started it, it was just that…”

“Enough Mione, I didn’t exactly pull away instantly like I should have, I understand how you felt, we just got carried away.” Harry smiled softly, mentally cursing himself into oblivion, “We should try and behave for now though, we’ve got more than enough to deal with.”

“Right, of course, we should get to bed.” Hermione replied, that unknown look still dancing in her eyes.

Harry knew he had to leave or he’d end up kissing her again so he climbed to his feet and fled to the bathroom. He quickly stripped off and turned the shower on cold, throwing himself into the icy water. He gasped as the freezing water rained down upon him but the distraction was worth it. What the heck had just happened between him and Hermione?

He knew he had a crush on her, he had for years but he’d managed to suppress it. He believed she would never return his affection. But she initiated the kiss didn’t she? He just rejected her advance didn’t he? She apologised for it, but why had she done it then? This was turning out to be one hell of a week.

******************

Meanwhile back in the main room Hermione had changed to sleep. She too was letting her thoughts dwell over a few moments ago. Unknown to Harry, like him she also had harboured feelings for him since Hogwarts. She had carefully shielded her feelings from him.

Too many things had prevented her from revealing her feelings to him, first there was Cho, then Ginny and Voldemort was always lurking in the background. Every time something faded away something else would come up and she’d put it off. After Voldemort was gone he got back together with Ginny and she just gave up. Ginny was her friend after all, she couldn’t bring herself to do anything that might split them up for so long and she might have ruined all of that work in an instant.

It was so stupid, she never liked hearing all the stories about Harry and his life risking missions. But it was a completely different matter to be with him when he was doing it. Every curse that was shot at him made her wince. It was only through her strict training and discipline that she was able to concentrate on the battle.

When he went off alone to get Yaxley she started pacing and hadn’t stopped until he arrived. She spent nearly an hour worried sick that he was captured, tortured or even worse, dead. Then he suddenly appeared with that cocky smirk that she so often loved but at that moment it enraged her. How could he leave her to worry like that and then smirk about it?!

Before she was aware her fist made contact with his head and he dropped like a ton of bricks. She promptly pounced upon him and vented her frustration and anger. After that she felt incredibly guilty for hurting him when she discovered how badly he was injured. She wanted to make him feel better so she offered to apply the cream which resulted in his shirt coming off. Her breath caught for a moment as he stripped to the waist but she hid it well.

She tried to remain passive as her hands got to work over his muscles, but her old crush burning once again and driving her insane with lust. As her fingers caught his ribs and he giggled she found a distraction. She started to tickle him, a game designed to stop her thinking from about how nice he looked. It had worked for a short time then he caught her and pounced. He now hovered over her as they both fought for breath, time seemed to freeze as the moment continued.

“Oh my god, how did I let myself get into this position, what is he doing? He’s just holding me here helpless, is he going to kiss me? Please merlin let him do it, just one little kiss. Why did Shacklebolt have to put us into this position, why did he have to open this old wound.” She thought, “How long have we been lying here? It’s lasting forever, or does it just feel that way to me? Why isn’t he moving away?”

“He’s just frozen there, bare inches away, his lips are so close … I could just lean forward and mmmm” Suddenly her lips were on his, “Oh my god I’m kissing Harry, what am I doing! Why aren’t I stopping?”

The kiss lasted for less than twenty seconds in total, but both of them swore it felt like hours. Both of them unleashed their pent up feelings upon the other. The arousal and sexual tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

“My god I’m kissing my best friend and loving it, my best friend is who engaged to one of my best friends … what in merlin’s name am I doing! Stop girl!” she screamed at herself to stop but could do nothing to convince her body to obey.

Just then Harry pulled away from the passionate kiss with an expression of utmost shock. Guilt flooded into Hermione mind as she realised she had kissed an engaged man. Apologies shot out of her mouth as she thought about what she had done and how Ginny would react.

He had said enough and fled to the bathroom leaving her alone with her thoughts and guilt. She had kissed him and she didn’t have the willpower to stop. He had to do it. But it took him quite a while, and he kissed me back. Does that mean that he enjoyed it as well? Didn’t he? Or, had she been seducing him the whole time?

**********************

In the bathroom Harry was drying himself off from his cold shower and slipping into the bodysuit. He leaned against the mirror and looked into his bright green eyes, trying to find for some evidence that he was still sane. He couldn’t get his mind off the kiss, even the cold shower hadn’t helped chill his libido.

The front of his suit was tented from his mind lingering on the woman in the other room. She had kissed him, what did that mean? Was it just the situation, was his lust infecting her or did she desire him as well? This was all just so confusing and now he had to go back and sleep a few feet away from her. He reached down to his crotch and tried to reposition himself to hide the bulge.

He silently opened the door and looked around the room. He could make out Hermione’s form on the bed. She was under the covers and facing the other way as he crept over to the sofa. He could hear her slow breathing and wondered if she was already asleep. He settled down and wondered if he would even be able to get to sleep, but he was certain that if he drifted off it would be a dream filled night.

“That was a really close call,” he thought, “I barely had the willpower to stop, I could have so easily given in and seen how far we’d go. I still want to just go jump into her bed and ravage her until we’re both spent. What would happen if I did? How would it effect our friendship? And what about Ginny? Ugh, this is going to be a long night.”

On the bed Hermione wasn’t quite asleep yet, but she didn’t want Harry to know that, she couldn’t face him just yet. She heard him climb onto the sofa as she just laid there in the darkness. She could hear him tossing and turning on the couch trying to get comfortable then he went silent. She ran through a dozen scenarios in her mind, to be prepared for the morning. She wanted to know what she was going to say and have a reply for anything Harry might say back.

She was running through a scenario where Harry would be extremely angry at her when she thought she heard something. She strained her hearing to the limit and thought she heard footsteps. Harry was probably trying to sneak to the bathroom without waking her she decided. She tried to control her breathing to make sure he didn’t realise she was awake. She remained perfectly still as she listened for the sounds of his movement. Then the bed creaked and moved very slightly.

“Oh shit, oh shit! Is he getting on the bed with me? What is he doing?” her eyes opened wide.

The bed creaked again and she was rocked slightly as a hand pressed behind her. She felt the covers being pulled slowly down. She panicked and froze in response. What was Harry doing? What should she do? Pretend to be asleep and see what he does or react?

She shivered slightly as the cover was pulled away leaving her in only a long nightshirt and her panties. She knew she was still covered by the long nightshirt but she suddenly felt very naked. She knew it was wrong but she wanted him to continue, to do more. Guilt wracked through her body as a hand was placed on her thigh, just below the hem of the shirt, on her bare flesh.

She tried to contain herself as if pretending she was asleep would make it all okay. She bit her lower lip gently as the hand started to work its way higher, very softly, he didn’t want to “wake” her up. She wondered what he wanted to do to her? How far was he willing to go? How far would she let him go? She no longer had the willpower to stop him even if she wanted to.

The hand was roaming over her hips now, she could feel her crotch heating up, a damp spot forming on her panties. The hand slid higher still until it brushed up against her arm. Her left hand was under her head supporting her as she slept but her right arm was wrapped around herself just under her breasts, blocking his access. She almost groaned in frustration when hand left slowly, moving over her clothes and gently taking her right wrist.

He was taking forever. She knew that he just didn’t want to risk waking her, she almost told him to get a move on but couldn’t make herself say anything. Her arm was gently placed down next to her left, this time he would have clear access. She held her breath as the hand slid back under her shirt, skimming her flesh as it snuck up her body. She had to quickly remind herself to breath before he noticed.

His hand brushes softly against the underside of her bare breast. She bit her lip in an effort to keep from gasping as his fingertips moved over her sensitive skin. Her nipples responded eagerly, hardening as his searching fingers moved ever closer. She almost jumped as one finger grazed against her hardened nipple.

He was driving her insane from his teasing without even knowing it. She started to chant at herself “calm down” over and over, she tried to bring unsexy thoughts to her mind. It was all hopeless as his fingers continued their work. Now they had found a nipple and he was feeling and caressing it slowly. She wanted more than just light touches now and her underwear was beginning to soak through.

She knew that he wouldn’t do enough to bring her to climax as that would definitely wake her up and both of her hands were up near her head so she couldn’t do it herself. She started to writhe as his fingers pleasured her, then he seemed to relent, his hand leaving her flesh. Hermione wondered if he was done, if he would leave now back to his own bed.

Her eyes shot open as his fingers returned, brushing over the fabric of her underwear and she was glad she was facing away from him. She struggled to keep silent but couldn’t stop the moan from escaping her lips.

“Hermione? Are you awake?” he asked in a soft whisper.

“Yes” she replied in a whisper, biting her lip.

“You’re very wet,” he teased.

“I know, I’m … what?” she started to reply, then blinks in confusion, she had been expecting a torrent of apologies like she had given earlier.

“Your panties are soaked,” he commented as his fingers ran down between her legs, which drew a gasp from Hermione.

“I thought we were going to behave?” she hissed as his fingers rubbed against her.

“Do you want me to stop?” he breathed in her ear.

“Dear Merlin no!”

“Good.”

Harry leaned over and pulled her hair aside, now unafraid to awaken her he kissed and licked her neck softly. His fingers rubbed over her panties slowly but harder now, she openly writhed, not holding back any of her moans or gasps. Harry grinned as she reacted openly to his ministrations, he let his teeth scratch over her skin before he bit her flesh softly.

Hermione’s hand moved behind her, reaching until she grasped his erection, she could feel he only wore his boxer shorts and she gave him a few quick jerks playfully. Harry groaned softly and he pulled aside her panties, letting his fingers rub over bare, slick flesh. His fingers probed and slid inside easily, her hips gladly welcomed the intruders, thrusting forward to drive them deeper.

With care he pulled her closer until she was pressed against his body. Her hand was forced to slip away but she held her complaint as his erection pressed into her ass. The hand moved to hold his hair as his fingers delved faster and deeper, thrusting into her tight opening. His mouth still pressed to her neck continued it’s affection, sucking and licking her flesh while she moaned and writhed. She felt herself grow warmer by the moment, her moans grew louder and sharper as her impending release grew closer.

She needed little encouragement but Harry’s thumb found her clit and her release was sealed. She bucked against his hips and hand and moaned loud as she climaxed hard, her muscles contracting around his fingers.

“Oh Harry,” she breathed, “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“You didn’t enjoy it?”

“Mmm, I did, very much, but we’re supposed to behave, you’re engaged for Merlin’s sake.” She complained half heartedly, not feeling all too guilty about the engaged part.

Rather than a verbal response Harry simply started to move his fingers again, his thumb brushed over her sensitive nub and derailed her thoughts. He slowly rolled her onto her front and kneeled up, keeping his fingers inside her as she moved. His spare hand ripped off the rather useless panties and forced her shirt up. She gasped at his rough attitude but lifted her arms and raised herself so he could strip her completely. He lifted her hips into the air until she shifted to rest on her knees, her legs spread. This position revealed her enough to bring a deep blush to her cheeks.

His fingers departed and she bit her bottom lip as she realised what was about to happen. It seemed like hours passed from when his fingers left till she felt his cock rub against her lower lips and she moaned lustily. It all seemed so unreal, it was almost as if he was forcing himself upon her, but he had made no efforts to restrain her nor her to stop him. Brief thoughts of being tied up flickered through her mind and she felt herself get a little wetter at the though to her surprise.

All thoughts were suddenly stripped from her mind as he ceased his tease and pushed his hips forward. He easily slid inside her wet and lubricated opening and they both groaned as he thrust until their bodies met.

With a firm hold of her hips he started to thrust into her, his shaft slid almost completely out before it plunged in deep again. Hermione’s eyes closed as she let the feeling engulf her senses, all regret or guilt washed away as she felt him fill her so completely.

Harry increased the tempo and his hips moved faster and harder, Hermione joined in and started to push her hips back to meet his thrusts. No words were needed between them, the pace and strength building to what they both desired. Harry leaned over and kissed any flesh he could reach with his lips. His hands shifted from her hips to grasps her breasts firmly.

Hermione’s vision was beginning to turn white from the sheer pleasure. She moaned loudly as his hands caught her breasts and her nipples were pinched between his fingers. She reached down between her legs and flicked her clit to achieve her release. Her orgasm hit so hard she had to fight to maintain consciousness. Wave upon wave of pleasure rode over her body until she lost the fight and passed out.

**************************

The break of morning light woke her as the sun rose and shone through the window. She glanced at her clock and saw it was only just past six am. She rolled over to find the bed empty and sitting up she saw Harry sleeping on the couch.

“Was it all just a dream?” she asked herself, reaching under the covers and finding her panties soaked, but intact.

Had Harry repaired them before he slipped back to the couch or had it all just been another fantastic dream? She’d had some before, her school years had been full of lusty nights and awkward mornings. They had thinned over time and she had begun to forget about them but since she was assigned to be Harry’s partner they returned in full strength, sometimes even stronger. The kiss in the pub and last night certainly must have been the cause. If it really was a dream after all…

It was all so possible, maybe he had just wanted her to think it was a dream so when she passed out he tidied her up. She couldn’t think of any way to decide it was a dream or not, but she decided if it had been real then Harry didn’t want her to remember.

“If he wants to pretend it didn’t happy, so will I.” she thought to herself.

The logic wasn’t flawless and that bugged her, but it was the best she could come up with. With their impending mission about to start she couldn’t risk dwelling on it for too long. She got herself out of bed and scourgified the sheets before she entered the bathroom to shower.

Using the drying charm she got dressed up in the protective suit and some of Suzette’s robes. She also decided that Suze would feel threatened by Bellatrix’s interest in her “boyfriend” and started working on her makeup again.

*********************

Meanwhile back in the room Harry had woken and noticed Hermione missing from her bed. A moment of panic took him and he grabbed his wand before noticing the light on the bathroom. He took his polyjuice potion and ordered some breakfast to be sent up for the both of them.

He geared up in his suit and pulled on his potion belt, ensuring he had enough polyjuice to last the rest of the day and some replenishing potions. He slid his wand into the device on his wrist before pulling on some robes. Opening the case of equipment he grabbed a handful of the twin’s toys and stuffed them in his pockets. When the bathroom door opened he looked over and smiled at Hermione as she stepped out and gave him a strange look.

“Worried about the mission?” he asked as he puzzled over her expression.

“No, I’m fine, well maybe a little I suppose. We are just blindly walking into the training camp for Death Eaters after all. Not exactly the smartest thing for us to do considering how badly they want us dead.” she replied, the look gone for now.

“Well if we’re lucky it’s the main site, I suppose it would have been smart to bring some explosives, but maybe we’ll find the secret keeper then we can raid it tomorrow.”

“I hate relying on luck,” she grumbled.

“Well you know what they say, you start with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill up the second before the first runs out.” Harry smiled.

“Well that’s part of the problem isn’t it? We’ve already used a lot of luck so far and I’m certain my ‘experience bag’ isn’t nearly full enough.”

“I’d say it’s quite full already. You can certainly handle yourself in spell fights and I rarely see anything that I would qualify as luck saving you.” Harry commented.

“Oh I agree, half the times I get saved it’s by you, which would only qualify as luck because I’m lucky I met you and Ron in Hogwarts.”

“Nah, that little incident definitely drained my luck bag and Ron’s. We’d have never survived Hogwarts without you.”

“True,” she commented with a grin,

“And you say I’ve got an ego,” he countered with a smirk.

“Oh, no this is entirely different, I’m stating an obvious fact, whereas you are obviously a big headed egomaniac.” She explained.

“Oh, well I’m glad you cleared that up!” he grinned and rolled his eyes.

There was a gentle knock at the door and Harry had his wand pointed at the door within a moment. He nodded to Hermione who opened the door slowly to reveal a waiter with his breakfast order. Harry sighed and returned his wand to the holster before he was spotted. Hermione took the breakfast and closed the door with a smile, setting the food down.

“I hate being undercover, always puts me on edge” Harry grumbled, “It’s so much easier just to dash in, stun a few people and done”

“Well we still have to try and get the location so we can raid it properly, if there is a chance to ensure we take all of them rather than a few we have to try.”

“At least Yaxley is handled now, they’ll be panicking with any luck.”

“But will that put them on edge enough to make more mistakes or just put them on high guard, they’ll know they have a traitor after all.”

“But since we’re brand new and were only shown how to get to one complex we should be relatively clear of being traitors, of course if they have any sense they’ll distrust us because we’re new.” Harry commented.

“Well we’ll have to make sure our occlumency is flawless, they still have a few Legilimens in their ranks don’t they?” she asked.

“There’s a few that I know of still, and of course they now have you.”

“I think that’s something we’ll definitely be keeping behind the occlumency shields.” She replied.

During their seventh year the trio had started learning Occlumency and Legilimency in their attempts to level the playing field against Voldemort. Hermione had taken to both quickly and excelled at the mental skills, she had become so adept that she could slip into most minds without them even noticing. Her mental shields were impressive as well but she found herself with rather bad headaches after strong attacks.

She had helped Harry and Ron form their shields until she could penetrate neither when they were up. Neither of the boys could actually tell when she was probing their minds unless she focused too hard. On the opposite end of the scale neither Ron nor Hermione had any doubts when Harry tried to enter their minds.

If Hermione’s skills were akin to a feather floating through the mind, Harry’s were akin to a battering ram. He lacked the control to hold back and probe a mind for weakness he would instead just try and smash through. Against weak Occlumens Hermione could sneak through the gaps, if they had any skill then Harry would just smash through and grab the information.

Ron lacked any ability to look into others minds but he could protect himself well enough, his shield was strongest of the trio and Harry’s mental attacks apparently weren’t able to break through. Ron was happy with the final conclusion as he didn’t want anyone reading his mind and had no issues with being unable to view others. Hermione however believed that the only reason Harry couldn’t read her mind or Ron’s was because he held back against them.

She knew her shield was weaker than some he penetrated but he never pressed the attack. She had explained it that he knew it caused her pain and she had reached her maximum strength. She had heard rumours that he had once brain damaged a suspect by pressing his attack too hard and wondered if it was true. She wasn’t sure she had the courage to hear the answer so she never asked.

Legilimency had aided their movements against Voldemort prior to his downfall, remarkably for such a strong Legilimens he had remarkably little defence. Most likely due to lack of practice, during sixth year he had deployed limited defences to prevent Harry’s unfocused intrusions but he never set up iron clad barriers.

Since his downfall the skills had become very useful as well, from gathering information to preventing enemy spies from reading their minds. As Harry had commented, Death Eaters had begun employing Legilimens since the loss of their Dark Lord. Harry always wondered what would happen to them should they discover a means to resurrect him. Voldemort was always wary of those with strong mental disciplines, if not afraid.

Those two facts always played on Harry’s mind, that he could employ such weak defences and still be wary of Occlumens and Legilimens. Hermione had theorized that he simply didn’t think anyone would dare try and enter his mind or that he could destroy theirs before they could cause any trouble. Harry simply decided that he would never figure out the Dark Lord completely and didn’t actually care.

Harry sat and ate while Hermione sorted out her supplies, slipping a few hours of polyjuice into her belt. Before putting the last vial into her belt she looked at Harry.

“What do we do if they check for Polyjuice?”

“We pray that we’re together, stun a few people, drop some darkness powder and apparate before they know what hit them.” He replied as he checked his wand released smoothly.

“And if we get separated?” she asked.

“Well if you have to escape try and contact me on the watch, else I’ll be walking into a trap. If you are discovered make sure you get out of there.”

“I’m not going to leave you alone in the middle of the enemy camp with Bellatrix and god knows how many death eaters.” She scowled at him.

“Sod that, if we’re exposed I want to escape as fast as possible, but last I checked I run faster and my defence against unforgivables is better,” He countered, “Unless you got a better excuse why you should be the last to leave?”

“Didn’t think so,” Harry added as he smiled softly as her only response was to bite her lower lip, “Call it playing the hero if you like, I just think its using logic. A bad habit I seem to be developing from my new partner. Ready?”

She nodded and with a final check of their potion supply and a glance at the clock they apparated to the Death Eater’s location with a loud crack.

14. Chapter 14

Author Note :- Managed to get this chapter done pretty quick by my standards, thanks to JediYoda for her excellent beta work and Sweet_Mione_Potter who helps me form ideas. Just as a bit of a warning I worry that this chapter is a bit darker than the rest, everyone I’ve checked with has been okay with it but I like to offer a warning. Oh, and since a few reviews have questioned the vague, a) last chapter was Mione’s dream, not real sex, sorry 8( and b) do not be squicked (whatever that is) by the idea of Harry and Bella, check the rules I can’t write anything graphic between those two and wheres the fun in vague implications? Anyways, Thanks for all the hits (62k whee!) reviews (226 *glee*) and Enjoy!

They landed just within the large iron gates of a manor house. The garden was huge and filled with marble statues. Plenty of cover to raid the site was the first thought that came to Harry’s mind. Actually that was the second, the first was plenty of places for enemies to hide if we try to raid this place. Harry looked around slowly, spotting two Death Eaters trying to hide and watch them.

Beyond the gates were muggles walking about completely ignoring their appearance and the manor. This wasn’t really a surprise to the pair as they likely could not even see the building like Grimmauld Place. A few of the nearby houses caught his eye and he almost smacked his forehead as a puzzle piece fell to mind.

For years there had been muggle disappearances which were unexplained. The ministry had suspected that it was kidnappings by the remaining Death Eaters for a bit of their twisted fun. There was one area which was considered really dangerous due to the sheer number of disappearances. They had assumed it was the picking grounds of choice for some unknown reason.

Standing less than ten feet from that place seemed to answer all of the questions. All the death eaters had to do was open the gate and grab someone. At least Harry knew where they were now, all that was left was to break the Fidelius charm.

“No welcoming party?” Hermione muttered.

“Just two, one is behind the guard’s post and the other is by the statue of the wizard with the bird,” Harry whispered, “I guess we’re supposed to go knock.”

The pair walked towards the manor slowly, looking around suspiciously but pretending not to notice the hidden figures. As they walked Harry noticed two more people that were completely hidden from sight when they entered. You’d have to pass them and turn back to notice. He nodded to the most obvious one to let them know the newcomers weren’t stupid and had spotted someone.

They knocked on the door and Harry’s breath caught in his throat as it was opened by Peter Pettigrew. The animagus had vanished after Voldemort’s defeat and was rumoured to be in hiding as a rat in Albania. The small man didn’t look any better than when they last saw him. He was almost trembling and had the gaunt look of someone who spent too long around Dementors.

“New recruits, we were sent told to come by Miss Lestrange.” Hermione said, her hand clutching Harry’s wrist to stop him drawing his wand.

“Yes, she told me you’d be arriving. I’m to escort you to the training area to be tested.” Pettigrew replied quickly and looked around nervously as if he were expecting to be attacked.

Peter led them through the ground floor quickly, heading to a large courtyard in the middle of the building. What they found was mildly impressive, targets and dummies were hung around the walls and a number of men and women were practicing spell work. Other figures wearing the Death Eater masks were walking around observing. Harry assumed they were all new recruits and thus weren’t entitled to know any identities yet. One of the masked figures walked over to the new arrivals and gave them a look over.

“I’ll take it from here Pettigrew, get your stinking cowardly ass out of my training ring.” Hissed the figure

“Pettigrew?” Harry asked and the small wizard snapped his attention to the large man who was smiling disconcertingly, “Peter Pettigrew, murdered a street full of muggles and framed Sirius Black for it, I just keep running into celebrities. I’ll see you later.”

Peter gave him a look which reminded Harry of the look you would see in a rabbit’s eyes right as it spots the hawk about to snatch it up in its talons. Harry smirked as he scurried off and returned his attention to the figure, wondering why his voice was familiar.

“Don’t mind the rat, worthless bastard, I don’t know why Bellatrix keeps him.” muttered the man, “Well, she wants you two tested. Pick a target and destroy it, not much training required as long as the target won’t get back up. We rarely care how it goes down.”

Hermione went first and used a simple reductor curse to blow off the head and quickly repaired it with a flick of her wand. Harry went up and decided to show his worth, casting in quick succession, three wordless spells. His first was a strong reductor like Hermione’s but he blew apart the whole dummy. His next was a bone breaker charm which exploded the legs of the dummy next to it and finally a stunner spell struck the target behind him dead centre.

“Impressive I’ll admit, but showing off isn’t going to win you any points,” The trainer sneered, “Lets see how you do at defence.”

He stood them in the middle of the courtyard and shot them with stunning spells in turn. Hermione used a nulling charm on the first few and used her wand to deflect one into one of the targets then put up a rock solid Protego charm to bounce back the next few. The man nodded then turned on Harry who only put up a weak shield, each stunner blocked but nudging him back. The last stunner broke the shield and Harry dived out of the way. He earned himself a puzzled expression from Hermione as the man walked over.

“Well, seems you’re all offence while your girl is probably the best defender I’ve seen to date. Suppose you’ll be acceptable soon as you learn how to do a few unforgivables. Suddenly there was a long piercing scream throughout the house and both Aurors looked around wands drawn.

“Relax, you’ll get used to that, sounds like Bellatrix is awake, she’ll want to see you. Follow me.” He turned and led them to a new wing.

Harry and Hermione shared a worried glance and then followed the masked man. They tried to set the layout in their memory as they strolled through a maze of rooms and corridors. A few more screams threatened to interrupt their thoughts. Letting their guide get a few steps ahead Hermione whispered under her breath to Harry.

“What the hell happened back there? First I try to act mediocre and you go all out on the targets then when I think we’re trying to impress you do that pathetic defence routine.” She hissed.

“He now thinks what I want him to think, we’ve both got useful skills to a raiding party without being too powerful.” He replied under his breath.

“Wow, I can put up a good shield, whoop!” she replied sarcastically.

“Yes, so they’ll not worry if you aren’t shooting at the Aurors as long as you stop them from taking us down.”

“Well if you wanted them to just put us on defence why did you do so badly at it?” she asked.

“Because I didn’t want us both on defence, chances are they wouldn’t take both of us if we were the same. Plus not to criticize, but I think I stand a better chance of incapacitating the Aurors than you. Especially if I get word that my experiment worked.”

Their hushed conversation was brought to a sudden halt as the masked man stopped at a door and knocked gently.

“Enter!” called a familiar female voice.

As the door opened both Aurors had to put on their emotionless masks to hide their immediate horror. The room had probably started as a simple sitting room but it had been heavily converted. A number of steel cages lined the walls each containing people of varying ages, mostly female, in different stages of undress. Most were sobbing openly, a few tried pleading and begging for release while the rest just rocked back and forth.

In the middle of the far wall was a hearth fire roaring away while a series of branding irons were left in the flame. A naked woman was chained to the roof and floor, strung taunt against the restraints. She was heavily bruised and blood was dribbling from her mouth. A few feet away Bellatrix lounged on a leather relax chair, she was wearing a dressing robe loosely and she beamed as Paul and Suzette were brought in.

She slipped to her feet and walked over to the pair. Her robe was worn loosely enough for one shoulder to slip off and the edges far enough apart to reveal she wore nothing underneath at least above the waist. She reached up and brushed her hand over Paul’s jaw.

“Like what you see?” she purred, “Macnair, stay a moment”

Harry froze to the spot the moment he stepped inside, using every last ounce of his will power not to kill the woman where she stood. Were it not for the others in the room he might have taken the chance. Rodolphus sat with his brother Rabastan on a couch close to the fire. Another woman sat with two men including Antonin Dolihov and there are a further five people not chained up around the room, not including Macnair who stepped over to the side to watch.

“Nice facilities, muggles?” Hermione managed to catch her tongue before Harry’s anger exploded, drawing the witches’ attention.

“We just want maintain the true ways until we can bring back the Dark Lord at last. What would be the point in him returning to a world that had completely forgotten where wizard’s true place lies?” she gave a cruel smile that glinted in her eyes, “And of course it’s nice to come home after a hard days efforts and have something to take your mind off your troubles, isn’t it dear?”

“Of course love,” Rodolphus replied with a smirk as Bellatrix turned to the bound woman and raised her wand.

“Crucio!” Bellatrix’s eyes lit up with excitement as the muggle woman screamed again and convulsed helplessly against her restraints. Harry’s hands turned white as he clenched them into fists so hard it hurt.

“Would you like a try?” she asked turning back to the pair.

“I’ve never tried an unforgivable before, I wouldn’t even know how.” Harry lied, keeping his voice steady somehow.

“Well now, I’ll just have to teach you won’t I? I’ll arrange a private lesson.” Harry forced a smile as Rabastan laughed and elbowed his brother who didn’t seem to object to his wife’s antics.

“I think I’d like that,” Harry replied evenly.

“Macnair, how did they do?” she asked, casting a glance over at the now unmasked man.

“Girl’s talented at defence spells and your boy is a bit of a show off with his offence but he’s deadly, no talent at defence though.” Macnair commented snidely.

“A good pairing then,” Rodolphus commented, earning himself a glare from Bellatrix.

“I think we are,” added Hermione who had moved closer to Harry when Macnair said ‘your boy’.

“I’m sure you do,” sneered Bellatrix.

“Now, now, dearest” Rodolphus stood and walked up behind his wife, pulling her robe back onto her shoulder, “We are lacking in defence wizards and our little project would be much easier with a good one.”

“Fine, we’ll give her a trial by fire,” Bellatrix smirked as she stared down Hermione who met the stare with her own.

“Him too I think,” her husband added.

“And who’s leading this little raid dearest?”

“Rabastan has volunteered and he’ll take Antonin as his second, along with four others and the four best recruits not including these two.” Rodolphus replied.

“I see,” she turned her gaze to Rabastan, while pointing her want at the woman again “You best not fail brother dearest or I’ll see you next in the chains, Crucio!”

After a short burst of screaming and writhing the woman was released from the curse as Bellatrix stormed from the room. She hung limp on the chains, blood trickling from her wrists, nose and mouth. Rodolphus waved a hand in her direction and one of the background men took her down and dragged her to a cage. Then they selected another to replace her.

“She does tend to play too rough with the toys when she’s in a bad mood,” Rabastan commented as he joined his brother and looked at the pair, “It seems you’ll be coming with me. Antonin gather the others, I want to see what we’ve got to work with.”

“As new recruits you’ll find what you’re doing when you get there, if you feel the need to pull out or have a change of heart we’ll leave your bodies with those of the Mudbloods and Blood Traitors.” Rodolphus informed them with a sneer, “Complete your tasks well and you’ll be full members soon enough with all the benefits that come with that.”

The brothers glanced around the room and laughed together before Rabastan walked out of the room. Wordlessly Harry and Hermione followed, glad to be out of that room and feeling so frustrated that they couldn’t help the prisoners yet. They were led through more of the house past numerous more Death Eaters but it seemed like everyone but the new recruits and elite were masked. Harry had counted near thirty already but he could have counted the same one three times and not known it.

“Quite a few people here, if this mission is so important why are we only taking a dozen on this raid?” Harry asked as they walked.

“Recruits aren’t permitted to ask questions like that. You’re quite lucky I’m not the others, I’m not quite so trigger happy with my Cruciatus curse.” Rabastan commented, “But the answer is simple enough, we want speed and stealth, the more of us the longer we’ll be tempted to stay and the more likely someone like Potter will arrive.”

“So we kill him,” Paul replied dismissively.

“You really aren’t from this country are you? Potter is only alive now because he has a knack for surviving. He defeated the Dark Lord and he holds our most talented witch to a deadlock when outnumbered. We want him dead more than anything, but we aren’t going to defeat him with a dozen, especially if half are mere recruits.”

The entered into a room on the ground floor, where Dolihov waited. In the room with him were four unmasked people, three male and one female and two masked figures. Harry immediately recognised one of the men from Magical Law Enforcement. Relatively new and always quiet, Harry noted this for later. He shared a look with Hermione who had also recognised him and she nodded discreetly.

They went to stand with the other recruits while they waited for the last two members to arrive. In a flourish Rodolphus burst into the room followed by two masked figures.

“New information Rabastan,” he muttered, “Come with me.”

Rabastan and Antonin followed Rodolphus back out of the room leaving the rest alone. The man from magical law enforcement wandered over to them.

“I didn’t think you’d be the type to join the Truly Loyal Death Eaters, Earning.”

“Nor did I suspect you, Francis, yet here we are.” Suzette replied evenly.

“Who’s this then?” Francis asked, looking at Paul.

“This is Paul, my boyfriend.” She replied.

“Didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend,”

“Wasn’t aware I had to report my personal life to you.”

“I suppose you don’t anymore, but I thought we were still friends at least.”

Harry tried to restrain from rolling his eyes. Here they stood in the middle of the Death eater camp about to embark on whatever deadly mission against the Aurors and Hermione was being hassled by an ex-boyfriend of her illusion. Harry slipped his wand down into his hand and obliviated the man. His eyes glazed over for a moment then came back into focus.

“So you’re this Paul she keeps telling me about?” he asked a bit more cheerfully.

Hermione cast him a glance then a small smile.

“Yeah, this is him.”

“Nice to meet you, especially under these circumstances. It’s nice to discover that our opinions were never really that different and she’s picked a better man.” Francis grinned, any retort was left unsaid as Rabastan stormed back into the room looking most angry.

“Usual practice is to let you know what we’re doing when we arrive or to leave you in the dark with orders just to kill Aurors, Blood Traitors, Mud bloods and muggles. But the circumstances of this mission just changed. We are going to rescue a Truly Loyal Death Eater, capitals earned, count yourself honoured that you’ll be rescuing the executioner of Albus Dumbledore.”

Harry’s eyes went wide, he knew Kingsley was organizing the transfer but he had no idea that he’d do it so quickly. Five more masked men entered the room to join the others. Harry wondered silently what information had been leaked to put Rabastan on edge so badly.

“As I was saying, this is going to be a rough mission, we’ve got the names of the those on the transfer team. This is a strong selection of wizards we’re going to be facing which is why we’re taking more people. The only bit of good news I can offer is that neither Potter nor Granger are on the list. They are however mentioned in the backup listing along with about twenty others.”

“Any sign of trouble and the back up will be there within five minutes, so that is the size of our window. Of the selected route there is only one real point of attack so they know where we’ll be coming thus this window is not optional. With that in mind we are focusing completely on grabbing and running. So no prolonged Cruciatus curses, just kill, imperius or incapacitate.”

“We’ll be expecting anti-apparition wards and most likely anti-Portkey wards since Bella utilized that escape from St. Mungo’s. Thus we’ll be attempting to retreat beyond the wards before apparating back here.”

“What do we do if the reinforcements pin us in?” asked one of the recruits wide eyed.

“Then we die in the service of the Dark Lord! But if escape is not possible then I expect many Aurors to fall before they take us down.” Antonin growled.

Harry wondered silently just how many Death Eaters believed they were doing right still. He knew certain ones like Bellatrix, Dolihov and Macnair were fanatical in their belief. But ones like Rabastan, are they still loyal to the “true ways” or just unable to escape. It made little difference in the end. They each had too many sins to escape punishment even if they decided to repent.

Antonin went around handing out masks to the recruits who drew them on and vanished into the group. Just a minion to an idea, a cause, a belief. Willing to die or kill just to prove that they are better than others or even worse, just to belong. Harry drew his mask on and pulled the hood over his head like the others. Rabastan flicked his wand an image appeared in the middle of the room.

“We apparate to here and wait, they will be arriving within the hour.” Rabastan ordered before pulling on his mask, “For the Dark Lord!”

They vanished as a group, appearing in the ground floor of an almost empty car park in London. There were entrances and exits either side of the building, they would enter the west and leave the east. The walls were solid concrete with tall empty windows. Snape would be portkeyed to the Ministry and then transferred by van to the apparition point to the secure facility they had lined up for him. Special spells were in place that ensured you could only reach the second site by apparition from within the guarded area. They were both within London a short distance away but the departure site only allowed entrance by foot or car and was in a rather public place so appearing just outside was not an option.

So the Aurors had taken up the muggle idea and sent a column of cars between the two sites from a multi-story car park just above the ministry to the next site. Harry knew from experience that standard team would be one van with two men in front and four in back with Snape. There would also be a SUV in front and behind of the truck, each with another four men. Harry wondered idly if Kingsley would boost the detail considering they knew they were going to be attacked.

“They’re expecting us,” Rabastan muttered as Antonin had started positioning, his quiet comment was heard by Harry who was nearby and responded instinctively.

“Muggle repelling charms all around the car park, no wards in place yet but there’s a few magical traps present.” Hermione’s eye went wide as Rabastan turned on him.

“You can sense traps? And the repelling charms?” he asked and Harry kicked himself mentally, he wasn’t aware he said that aloud.

“Traps yes, Charms no,” Harry lied quickly, he could quite easily sense both but he didn’t want Rabastan to know that, “Charm is obvious, there’s only four cars here in the middle of London, must have been here this morning when they set them up and their owners haven’t been able to come collect them. Everyone trying to park here is being sent elsewhere and I don’t see any muggle diversions.”

“What about the traps?” Rabastan asked waving over Antonin.

“I can sense two heating traps, but I suspect there are four, one under each car to stop us using them for cover. Nothing else at the moment but I could look around.”

“Do it,” barked Antonin, “If they’ve spent the time to trap this place why don’t they just choose a different path?”

“Because they aren’t certain we’ll attack, but if we do, they’ll be certain it will be here. Check the recruits, see if any of them can disarm a trap without triggering it and don’t use the cars for cover, disillusions will have to suffice. I would have liked to move the cars so we could block the exits, but they will suspect.” Rabastan commented dryly, “At the outset have the barriers and light posts dropped over the exits, to make sure no vehicles can escape.”

“What about this new recruit? Takes a powerful wizard to spot the traps, I sure as hell didn’t notice any.” Antonin asked, “Did you?”

“A faint impression of magic, I didn’t recognise what they were until he told me, did we research him?” Rabastan asked.

“Yeah, he’s just a petty criminal, with some more serious muggle baiting accusations, all unproven. He’s from America so we couldn’t get that much information but it was enough for Bella, you know what she’s like.”

“She sees, she wants, she gets,” Rabastan grumbled, “She has at least picked a worthy wizard this time.”

“Yeah, I was getting fed up of trying to keep her toys alive.” Dolihov commented then turned on Hermione who was loitering nearby, “You! Can you disarm traps?”

She jumped and shook her head and Antonin swore and went off to check the others.

“Earning isn’t it?” Rabastan asked, to which she nodded, “I assume your heart isn’t true in this, but it is in him, I noticed your scowls when Bella was all over him. I’d warn you not too be too protective, my sister in law won’t hesitate to kill you. Are you really so unwilling to share him you’d be willing to die?”

Hermione kept her mouth shut and Rabastan just considered her for a few moments.

“Keep close, it will be me, Icewell and two others who’ll be charging the truck to get Snape.” He commented, “I expect myself and Icewell not to get hit by a single spell if you want to come back with us.”

“Understood sir, nothing but an unblockable will get close.” She replied with determination.

Rabastan kept quiet as Dolihov went around the group sending two wizards to try and defuse the traps. Each wizard put into position was hidden with a disillusion charm to make them vanish into their spots. Two figures moved over to Rabastan at Antonin’s instruction before Paul returned from his search of the car park.

“Find anything?”

“There were heating charms under each car as I thought,” Paul commented as Antonin arrived,

“Anything else?” Rabastan asked critically.

“Firewall traps, over each of the windows” Paul replied hesistantly causing both Antonin and Rabastan to swear loudly.

“Don’t break the east gate, looks like that’s our escape point.” Rabastan ordered swiftly.

“Do we have half an hour?” Harry asked.

“Barely.” Antonin replied checking his watch.

“I might be able to drop one of the traps in time.”

Hermione rolled her eyes which went unnoticed as Rabastan and Antonin were staring at Harry. An average wizard would need at least an hour to disarm the trap, a really good wizard could get it done in less than thirty minutes. She however knew that Harry could do it in about ten seconds because he knew the counter spell as an Auror.

“Get to it, the south east one, south is better for escaping.” Antonin commented and his partner nodded.

“Are they all in position now?” Rabastan asked as Paul jogged off.

“All but your team, where will we be hitting the truck from?”

“I’ve changed my mind on that, I’ll have Icewell with me entering the truck for Snape, I think you’re talents would be better used focusing on killing the Aurors.”

“Very well,” Antonin replied, looking eager, “I’ll take position by the east gate to stop the first car.”

“Just remember to be careful with the curses until we’ve established where Snape is and extracted him. I don’t want to explain to Bellatrix why her potion master is missing any limbs.”

Antonin smirked and nodded in response before he disillusioned himself and went to the others. Rabastan led the others over to where Harry was working and waited.

“Disillusion yourself when done Icewell, till they arrive it’s just a waiting game.” Rabastan cast a glance over at the other entrance and then hide himself with a tap of the wand.

The others quickly followed suit and vanished to the naked eye. Harry however continued his work on the trap. He was actually amusing himself trying to disarm it manually rather than using the deactivation spell. After twenty minutes he felt the magic shift and fade away and smiled at his efforts under the mask. He kept up the appearance of working for another five minutes, knowing he was cutting it close to the patrol he turned around.

“Done,” he hissed before tapping his head while muttering the charm. A familiar feeling of having a warm egg broken over his head fluttered through his senses and he looked down at his hands to see right through them.

His timing couldn’t have been better as at that moment the western gate opened and a black SUV turned into the parking lot.

15. Chapter 15

Author Note:- Chapter 15 finally done, usual thanks to all the betas, helpers and reviewers! You guys and girls rule! With the hits in the high 60k and reviews at 240+ I’m bouncy happy as usual. I recently saw in a fic I was reading a little cute bit at the top which gave a short hand of what’s in the following chapter. I considered it but considering how I’m an evil bugger I’d prolly end up lying in it just to tease you all, so I’m not gonna do it. However I do recommend listening to Linkin Park – In the End, very good song and it reminds me of Harry for some reason.

The black SUV rolled into the car park followed closely by an armoured van and a second and third SUV. Harry winced seeing the fourth vehicle enter the building, now knowing the reason for why they had brought extra men. Seventeen Death Eaters against eighteen guards, with Snape in the middle. Hermione was cloaked by the disillusion charm so he couldn’t see her reaction but he knew she’d be shocked as well.

“Well, our informant was right about the extra guard at least,” Rabastan muttered, “Antonin, time to start I think.”

Harry felt the man sweep past him to the gateway and he appeared as the first SUV turned towards the exit. With his wand pointed at the car, he grinned and shouted out the incantation. The air howled as his reductor curse streamed and struck the bonnet of the car, detonating the engine. The car was flipped to its side and crashed into one of the concrete pillars, blocking the exit.

The rest of the drivers slammed their brakes and the SUV’s unloaded, Aurors climbed out wands drawn. The first few sent stunners at Dolohov who had moved behind another pillar. Instantly Death Eaters around the floor dropped their disillusions and started firing upon the Aurors. Bone-breaking and stunning spells were preference though the odd Avada Kedavra was fired at the ones furthest from the truck.

Then the door of the fallen SUV was blown off and Harry froze in shock as he watched the Aurors climb out, wands drawn. The third man out was none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt himself.

“What the fuck is he doing here!?” Harry screamed inside his head.

“Well he was only putting volunteers onto this mission and you don’t ask people to do something you wouldn’t do yourself, do you?” his logic replied.

“Well I wouldn’t”

“Why should Kingsley be any different?”

“Because this is a bloody suicide mission!”

“All the more reason he should be here instead of another really, it’s precisely what you would do, so don’t criticize”

“But what if he gets killed?!”

“Make sure he doesn’t, do your bloody job Potter!”

Harry snapped out of his musings and re-evaluated the situation. Thus far the rear and front car had both been taken out and the Aurors were on the south side firing spells against the Death Eaters. Who in turn had surrounded them to the east, north and west. Two of the heating traps had activated detonating the cars. Along with the fire wall spells except the south east side by Rabastan’s small group. Anti-Apparition and Portkey wards had been activated as expected as well.

Harry hoped that the Aurors would contribute the missing firewall to a failed spell. Since it was the one closest to them he didn’t think they would worry about it just yet. Thus far just less than two minutes had elapsed, leaving three more until the backup would arrive.

“Give up Dolohov, you’re trapped and our reinforcements will be here any minute!” one of the Aurors shouted.

“By then you’ll be dead and we’ll be long gone!” the Death Eater replied with a laugh as he darted out and sent another reductor at the first car blowing a large chunk out of the front. There seemed to be a sphere around the sections where people sat which was heavily spell resistant so most of the vehicle was intact still for cover.

“Resistance is futile, your escape is blocked and I have fifty Aurors arriving in three minutes, Potter was rather annoyed that I wouldn’t let him be here in the first place. I’m sure he’ll be arriving any moment.” Kingsley’s deep voice called out as he stunned one of the masked figures.

“Talk about an empty threat” Harry thought as he cast a glance around, which was rather pointless since he could barely see his companions.

“His newest spell worked in case you were wondering, an unblockable stun. Your time is limited.” Kingsley called again and Harry grinned.

That was why Kingsley had come in person, he wanted to give that bit of information. Harry’s grin was almost maniacal as he let the good feelings wash through him, summoning up his joy, happiness and love. He rolled his wand in his fingers waiting for the signal to attack.

By the three minute mark Harry was starting to get a bit concerned about the escape plan. Rabastan was just waiting while the fight raged on before them. Still most of the Aurors were sheltering on the southern side and launching spells at the Death Eaters. By Harry’s view seven Death Eaters had been stunned, most of which were rennervated shortly after whereas the Aurors had suffered two casualties from deadly curses.

Harry grimaced as he knew the Aurors were under orders not to use deadly spells in case they hit an undercover ally. Suddenly Rabastan hissed and moved, moving swiftly but silently over to the back of the armoured van. He aimed his wand at the head of an Auror standing by the back door and the tip flashed red and the man slumped. Harry noticed what he did and moved to the one by the front and used a weak non-verbal stun to knock the man out. Rabastan employed the technique twice more before he moved to the back of the van.

“Alohomora,” he whispered on the lock and let the door swing open, moving back as four red flashes hit the car behind.

“Well, he knew about the guards in the back as well.” Harry thought.

His mind really started to dwell on who could be leaking information while one of the Death Eaters tried to enter the van. The disillusion dropping as he stunned the first guard earning three in return. Harry stood to the south side of the van with the others out of view from both sides and let his illusion drop. He elbowed the remaining unknown death Eater and pointed at the back tyre then looked to Hermione and mouthed ‘shield’.

Hermione nodded and brought up a Protego shield over Harry and moved closer to the back. He let the feelings swell inside him and darted out at the same moment the Death Eater used a piercing spell on the back tyre. The Aurors inside were jolted and Harry raised his wand at the first.

“Avada Kedavra!” he hissed and a green light shot from his wand and the feeling surged through Harry again.

He fired once more at the second before the third responded with a stunner which bounced off Hermione’s shield. He dived away from the red light and Harry dived into the van, disarming and knocking out the last man before he could recover. He looked up to see his old potions master sneering at him from behind a cage. Harry dispelled the mask for a moment before putting it back on.

Snape had been shown what Harry and Hermione would look like under the Polyjuice so he was taken by a look of surprise. Harry moved quickly and grabbed an Auror badge from one of the fallen and opened the cage with a spell. He’d have to excuse his knowledge of Auror locking procedure later but now they needed speed.

Snape took the opportunity well and rose moving over the unconscious bodies. Harry quickly tapped Snape and himself with disillusion charms before jumping out of the van and moving back to the others. Rabastan who had been discreetly removing the Aurors, blinked at Snape when he appeared with a bit of surprise, not expecting him to be released so easily.

“Time to blow out, we need to do something about Kingsley, he’s preventing anyone from getting to the exit.” Rabastan hissed.

“He’s mine!” growled the death eater who blew the tyre and he ran over towards the first car.

Rabastan looked at Harry who nodded and followed while Hermione rennervated the stupid Death Eater. He was hauled to his feet and supported by Severus and Rabastan as Hermione shielded their run to the exit. With a worried glance back towards the fight Hermione climbed out of the window with the others.

The death eater who volunteered to eliminate Shacklebolt had moved to the front of the van and started firing spells on the first vehicle by the exit. Shacklebolt and three other Aurors were sheltering behind the overturned SUV and trading fire with the main force of enemy. Harry guessed they had less than a minute and while he had no problem leaving the rest to be captured, he didn’t think it would be a good impression.

Bursting from behind the van the unknown man fired a pair of curses at the Aurors. The yellow streak of the bone breaking curse and the purple dart of the piercing curse flew fast and true. The closest Auror was struck by the first in the ribs and went down with a scream while the piercing curse closed on Kingsley.

The Auror next to the large black man saw the curse coming and pushed his commander out of the way, taking the curse in his shoulder in the process. The death eater levelled his wand for the killing curse aimed at Kingsley. Harry checked and seeing no Death Eater could see where they were, and kicked the death eater at the back of his leg dropping him to his knees. He followed up with a quick elbow to the back of his head which sent him sprawling to the floor.

He then stepped out into view and snapped Avada Kedavra at the last uninjured Auror who crumpled as Shacklebolt pulled himself from under his guard. Harry quickly led Kingsley in a circle as they shot spells at each other, Harry had purposefully missed any Kedavra’s while dodging, rather than defending, against anything Kingsley sent. With Kingsley circled to the van Harry now stood between him and the exit, Dolohov noticed quickly and called the retreat. With precious few second left the Death Eater ran around the perimeter and jumped out of the safe window.

A Thunderous explosion shook the west side as the barrier was detonated by the Auror reinforcement. Harry quickly fired a stunner which caught Kingsley in the chest knocking the big man down. Antonin stopped and turned to finish off Kingsley as he lay unconscious. Spotting his intend Harry grabbed the man as he ran past screaming about needing to leave. With the reinforcements starting to send a large number of stunners at them Dolohov agreed and both men dived through the window and ran clear of the wards before apparating away.

The last pair landed back at the manor driveway where most of the Death Eaters lingered in case anyone followed through. Harry looked around but couldn’t see Hermione, Rabastan or Snape around.

“Icewell?” Harry snapped around and saw Pettigrew cowering to the side, “Master Lestrange wants you and Master Dolohov to go to the sitting room to discuss the mission with Mistress and Master Lestrange.”

Harry nodded and followed Peter and Antonin to a new part of the manor. When he entered he found himself with only a small group but still too many to dare drawing his wand. Bellatrix lounged over a sofa with her head resting on her husband’s lap while he fed her grapes and treats. Rabastan stood in the middle of the room with Hermione beside him, in one of the chairs to the side was Snape wearing dark robes.

Harry assumed he wanted to change out of the shabby prison uniform immediately but still marvelled at the speed of his change. He was also mildly amused at his immediate return to his old surly and aloof self but he didn’t let that show.

With a glance behind him Harry noticed Macnair sitting on a second sofa with an unknown woman. Dolohov went and joined them while Harry stood by the door awkwardly.

“Come, sit,” Bellatrix beckoned, moving her feet from the end of her sofa, Harry saw Rodolphus roll his eyes as Harry tried not to explode, he knew his eyes were burning with hatred already.

Harry moved a bit stiffly and sat on the end of the sofa and Bella immediately put her legs onto his lap with a grin. She then looked over to Rabastan and Hermione who was discreetly shooting daggers with her eyes at the elder witch.

“I see you have successfully rescued out dear Severus, brother dearest, tell me how the mission went.” She asked rather sweetly.

“We succeeded to be blunt, we lost two Death Eaters and another two recruits but I saw three Aurors dead and another four injured.” Rabastan started, “The information we received was correct on most counts, they increased the guard to eighteen, anti apparation and Portkey wards were in place to be raised. They missed however the firewall traps along the windows and heating charms under all the cars.”

“They were detected by Icewell when we arrived, and he managed to disarm one of the firewall traps in twenty five minutes which pretty much saved our skins.”

“Impressive,” Rodolphus commented.

“See, I told you he was worthy,” Bellatrix smirked at her husband and then grinned at Harry, rubbing her foot over his thigh. Harry bit back any reply and satisfied himself imagining snapping Bella’s leg in as many places as possible instead.

“Earning here also proved useful, she protected me and Severus as we carried Darian out. He was stupid enough to get himself stunned four times.” Rabastan commented, “I’ll approve of both when we decide who to keep. I’ll let Antonin tell you of the others as I was separated and unable to observe them.”

Rabastan moved over to a sofa between Snape and Rodolphus and sat down heavily. He beckoned Hermione to follow and sit on the other end, closer to Snape. Antonin rose from his chair and moved to the middle and started commenting on how the fighting went on the north side. Harry was oblivious to the whole report as his mind was focused purely on if he could break every bone in the foot rubbing his thigh. Then he heard his name mentioned again.

“… Took out three Aurors and engaged Shacklebolt to give us the opportunity to escape.”

“Icewell did? But I thought Phinneus went to do that? Icewell was covering him,” inquired Rabastan.

“Didn’t see Phinneus, but he didn’t come back with the others.” Antonin looked over to Harry.

“He got a head start on me, he had already reached the fallen vehicle and taken out two Aurors. He had his wand set on Shacklebolt when I arrived. Before I could help an Auror jumped him from behind, kicked his legs out and elbowed him in the head. He dropped after that,” Harry replied to the look, “I Kedavra’ed the Auror that got him and the last one, by then Shacklebolt had composed himself and I engaged him. Kept him occupied so the others could escape.”

“That he did, just in the nick of time, as the last of us got out while the reinforcements arrived. Icewell landed a stunner that took our Kingsley and I went to finish him off but the reinforcements were shooting heavily at us. Icewell grabbed and dragged me out to escape.” Antonin finished.

“So Shacklebolt survived, when he could have been killed?” Bellatrix inquired as her foot stopped it’s exploration of Harry’s thighs and she turned a hard, icy gaze upon Antonin.

“Yes, I tried to finish him off but he stopped me!” Antonin pointed at Harry.

Bella’s eyebrows lifted for a moment at his outburst, the icy gaze fell upon the finger pointing at Harry. Antonin gulped and quickly withdrew his hand as if he feared her look alone could remove his finger. Bellatrix did not look pleased that he had the audacity to try and shuffle the blame to her new recruit. She looked over and met Harry’s eyes, which burned with anger and hatred, as they always did in her presence. Her glare now softened and she swept a few stray hairs from her eyes as she waited for an explanation.

“Reinforcements had arrived, my defence is useless, didn’t want to risk Dolohov for a sub standard Auror.” Harry replied shortly.

“Sub standard Auror? He’s the bloody head of the Auror and MLE division you fool!” Antonin snapped.

“Really? Must be good at paperwork, bit nimble for an old guy, managed to dodge my attempts to kill him but didn’t seem that impressive.” Harry shrugged, “If he’s so important I’ll let you kill him if we get another chance.”

“We won’t, he very rarely goes out on missions, don’t know why he was there in person if he thought there was an attack.” Rabastan commented.

“Didn’t know he was that important,” Harry just shrugged again, placing a bit more emphasis on his accent as he continued, “I’ve tried to avoid the British authorities on my visit.”

“All in all, I think some of our Death Eaters could use a few lessons and I’m satisfied with the recruits that made it back for now.” Dolohov finished.

“Very well, why don’t you and Macnair go sort out those lessons, Elladora, take the recruits to get something to eat.” Rodolphus ordered, “We’ll have a word with Severus here.”

Harry looked over to the woman sitting by Macnair who nodded and rose. He turned his attention to Bellatrix’s feet which were preventing him from rising along with Hermione. Bella let out a disappointed sigh and lifted her feet enough to allow Harry to escape. He left the room quickly, following Hermione and Elladora.

“I’m surprised Bellatrix didn’t jump you.” Hermione muttered haughtily.

“If she had I’d have snapped her pretty little neck,” Harry hissed in response, still trying to rein his anger.

“I’m glad you’re keeping your anger in check, we have a lot of information now.” Hermione commented under her breath as Elladora opened a door and led them into a large dining room.

There were about twenty people sitting around the room. Harry recognised all of the recruits from the training room and their mission immediately. He also recognised a few of the others as suspected Death Eaters but some faces were new still. Elladora had them sit at a table and brought them some drinks. Harry sniffed at the glass and smirked.

“Pumpkin juice laced with anti-Polyjuice?” he asked with a chuckle, “Don’t trust us suddenly?”

Elladora looked surprised and Hermione suddenly looked worried. Harry was facing Ella while Hermione sat with her back to the woman so only he noticed her expression. With a silent jolt he wondered if Hermione had forgotten her immunity potion this morning. He quickly slipped a spare from his belt and kicked her shin discreetly. She glanced under the table and noticed what he was offering and shook her head slightly then looked to her wrist.

Harry nodded back at her, realising she was reminding him that the time on their polyjuice was running out. He wasn’t looking forward to another incident like the bar so he took the drink and swallowed a few gulps for Ella.

“Which way is it to the bathroom?” he asked while Hermione drank her drink.

“Just over there, first left door, come back quickly, I’m not sure what Bellatrix wants for you next.” Elladora replied.

“I have a vague idea.” Hermione muttered and Harry smirked in return as he rose from the seat.

Following the instructions he found himself in the bathroom in no time, the moment he entered he cast a quick silencing charm over the door. Harry then refreshed his polyjuice from a spare in his potion belt. He grunted and grabbed the sink as the potion refresh itself, no matter how often you used it, you never really get used to the bloody stuff. He held back the urge to vomit and calmed himself before sliding the empty vial back into his hidden belt.

Harry then went back to the dining hall and Hermione slipped out to refresh her potion. Rabastan entered the room shortly after she left and he looked around quickly. His eyes caught Harry’s and he walked over to him, Rabastan sat and dismissed Elladora with a wave of his hand. She turned and swept out of the room as Rabastan sat with the tall man.

“Phinneus was captured and Darian is unconscious due to his own stupidity. Thus the only ones who know what happened at the back of the van are you, me and your girlfriend.” Rabastan started, “When I grabbed Darian I noticed that all four of the Aurors were still breathing, the two that you ‘killed’ were still doing so very slowly.”

“I find this intriguing,” Rabastan commented as he relaxed into the chair. Harry had already flicked his wrist and had his wand pointed at the other man under the table, “There are two explanations that I can think of. Firstly, you are simply not evil enough to kill, but powerful enough to do a lot of damage. Secondly, you are the second person on the planet that I know of who can use the killing curse as an unblockable stun, the other is Harry Potter.”

“Which do you think it is Paul?”

“Don’t have a clue, I point the wand, I call the curse, they fall over. Never used it before and I didn’t bother to check. I just assumed they were dead, because it is the killing curse after all.” Harry replied carefully.

“Well I suppose from our perspective its two more Aurors we will have to kill at another time. In any case they were removed from the problem at the time most efficiently so I see no reason to bring too much attention to it. We’re taking Snape to a secure facility to work on a project. We had someone else working on it but someone betrayed us and we lost Yaxley.”

“Betrayed? Did you find the traitor?” Harry asked.

“We asked around in Bellatrix’s favoured way, we found nothing though. Rodolphus was the secret keeper and just in case Bellatrix has decided to choose someone else for the second facility.”

“I have a bad feeling you’re about to tell me its going to be me,” Harry put on an expression of annoyance while his hopes swelled up.

“She may be in charge but there’s no chance the rest of us would let her pick a first day recruit as a secret keeper. Can’t say for certain she didn’t consider it of course,” Rabastan smirked, “No, this time I’m the secret keeper. I’ve also managed to get you and your girl onto guard duty. Bellatrix wasn’t very pleased, she wanted to keep you close. So you’ll be coming back when you aren’t on shift. I’ll also be taking one of you two on all of my raids.”

“I’m honoured,” Harry commented.

“What can I say? I’m very fond of winning.” Rabastan smirked, “I’ve got the most successful record for getting what’s needed which is why I went for Snape.”

“You also seem to have a pretty low casualty list. You were knocking the Aurors unconscious rather than killing them.”

“Like I told you before, I’m not so trigger happy with the unforgivables. I’m loyal to my brother above all else and I’ll do what it takes to keep him alive, safe and happy, in that order.”

Harry nodded and made a mental note of that, it was possible that Rabastan might not be as bad as suspected. But there was very little Harry could do about that at this stage. Even if Rabastan didn’t deserve the death sentence he was willingly helping those that did. Rodolphus definitely earned his walk through the veil and Harry didn’t want to get him out of it for the sake of his brother.

He would have to try and speak to Hermione alone and see what she though of the whole problem. He was wondering why she was taking so long when Rabastan took a slip of paper from his cloak and slid it over the table. Harry looked at it and saw an address written on the slip.

“That’s where we’re moving Snape, show that to no-one but Suzette and then destroy it. Where are you staying?”

“Leaky Cauldron, I’ve got a room rented for a bit longer, then I was going back to America, it was only supposed to be a short visit to meet Suzette.” Harry commented as he memorized the address and pocketed the slip.

“You can move your things to that location when your time expires then. I’m sure Bellatrix will offer you a room here soon, you can pick for yourself.”

Harry instantly picked the second site, he was exceptionally uncomfortable about the woman he wanted to kill so desperately hitting on him. Living with Snape probably would have been worst or at least close had they asked a younger Harry of course. He nodded in return at Rabastan.

“Your first shift will be tomorrow morning starting at seven sharp, I’m sure Severus will complain to someone if you’re late.” Rabastan smirked, “Go train or go back to the cauldron with your girl, I don’t mind which, you did well today Paul, keep it up.”

“Yes Sir,” Harry replied with a small smirk as Rabastan rose and left the room.

Harry looked around the room and saw Hermione still hadn’t returned. His fingers brushed over pocket where he put the address and he smiled. He stood and went to find Hermione, he wondered if she had slipped off to explore the building some more but the bathroom door was still locked. He knocked gently on the door but there was no reply, he knocked a little harder and still nothing.

“Suzette?” he called to the door, when no reply came he took a better look at the door, letting his magic guide his thoughts. He was intensely familiar with Hermione’s magic so he had no trouble detecting the silencing and sealing charms on the door. Standard counter spells would probably be blocked and he smirked at the passing thought of trying ‘Alohomora’. He eventually decided upon the simple approach and took his wand to the door.

“Finite Incantatem” he muttered, the door made an odd noise as the sealing charm vanished which was replaced by soft sobbing shortly after. Harry knocked again and opened the door, “Suzette?”

Hermione was curled up in a ball, in the corner of the room as she cried quietly. Harry re-spelled the door before he walked over and kneeled before her, gently putting a hand on her shoulder. She jolted immediately and had her wand under his chin in a moment as she looked up with puffy red eyes.

When she realised who it was she dropped the wand and launched herself into Harry, holding him tight and crying louder. Harry put one arm around her back and stroked her hair gently. He tried making soothing noises like she had done before.

“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.

“How can you stand it?” she squeaked between sobs, “All those people here, just waiting to be tortured or killed and we did nothing.”

“I stand it because it’s for the greater good, it’s only for a little longer.” Harry replied, emotions he’d been suppressing since their arrival begged to be released.

“I see them every time I close my eyes, I can still hear their screams and cries Harry.”

“I know, it’s the same for me,” Harry hugged her tighter, “Rabastan gave me the address to Snape’s facility, he says we can stay there, far away from here.”

“We can’t help them if we aren’t here Harry,” Hermione hissed, “I don’t want to leave them here with all these psychopaths!”

“We can’t help them if we are here, anything we do will be noticed and we’ll be compromised,” Harry sighed, “Don’t take lack of reaction or action as indifference to their suffering Mione. It’s all I can do not to tear this place down and rescue everyone, but you spent ages hammering into my head that the mission is more important.”

“I didn’t know we’d find this here, how many are we going to save? Why are their lives more important than the people here?” Hermione asked.

“They aren’t, no life is more important than another, this much I know. What is important is to know which lives I can save and which I can’t.” Harry replied evenly before he explained.

“We could march upstairs, try and rescue them. However, you know as well as I do, that Bellatrix is an even match for me. I don’t like the odds of us two against everyone who’s usually in that room. But say we defy the odds and we can defeat Bellatrix and whoever else is present. We’d be left to escort a large number of heavily injured people to a safe point to leave.”

“A number of which I suspect are muggles and none would be in a fit state to fight as we tried to leave. On the slim chance the initial fighting didn’t alert all the Death Eaters to our escape then we’d have to face at least a few, including those four guards outside. The odds of combating all those opponents without taking any casualties from the hostages is beyond slim.”

“I know Harry, I just can’t close my eyes and my heart to their suffering and pretend it’s not happening.” She interrupted.

“You don’t have to, you just have to hide your emotions for a little longer,” Harry replied, “We’ve got Severus in position, we can leave now and contact Kingsley. Tomorrow we attack the second site, lure as many Death Eaters into there as we can. Hopefully we can cripple them badly enough that we can attack here and free everyone.”

“How can we raid the second site, surely it’s under a Fidelius charm like the first one? You definitely aren’t raiding it alone again!”

“Yes, it’s under a Fidelius charm, the secret keeper is Rabastan who kindly wrote this for me.” Harry grins and fishes out the note, showing the address to Hermione who looks at it wide eyed, “Since you were still here he gave me the note and told me to burn it after you saw it, of course he didn’t say exactly when after. I suppose I should though, imagine what would happen if Shacklebolt got his hands on this.”

“Now, you need to fix yourself up and we need to get going, we need to talk to Kingsley quickly so he and Ron can get everything ready in time.” Harry grinned as Hermione brightened and got up.

Hermione went over to the mirror and started to remove the evidence of her emotional outburst. Harry was already running several plans through his mind. If this worked out they could drain a large amount of the Death Eater resources in a single day. With luck by tomorrow evening he could be throwing Bellatrix through the veil himself.

Hermione looked up and nodded her ready and Harry removed his spells from the door. As he opened the door they found themselves face to face with a very upset looking man with his legs crossed. They gave small apologies to the man who waddled into the bathroom and tried their hardest not to smirk as they walked away. They made their way through the maze of rooms and corridors until they found themselves outside. They strolled quickly past the guards towards the point of apparation.

“Now Paul, You weren’t trying to sneak off without saying goodbye were you?” Bellatrix slipped out from behind a statue ahead of them and smiled.

“I tried to find you first but I got lost in this huge manor of yours, this is the first time we found the exit and we thought it would be best to leave or we might be stuck here all day and night.” Harry replied slowly, as he was forced to make it all up as he went along.

“Would that be so awful?” Bellatrix teased, walking over and letting a finger caress his chest.

“We wouldn’t want to impose on your hospitality so soon after our first meeting.” Hermione replied, “And we were feeling a little tired after all the work this morning so we wanted to have a quick rest.”

“Don’t be silly, Paul here doesn’t look tired at all, I’m sure he could keep going all day and night,” she replied with a lick of her lips.

“I wish my lady,” Harry replied with a forced smile.

“Well if you desire rest you may stay here, I have plenty of spare rooms,”

“I have an appointment this afternoon, they are collecting me from the Cauldron and it would look suspicious if I were to cancel unfortunately.” Hermione quickly replied.

“Well then you must go unfortunately,” Bellatrix commented with a smile glinting in her eyes, “But I’m sure you wouldn’t mind if Paul stayed a bit longer, I assure you that you’re boyfriend will be in good hands.”

Hermione froze, unable to think of a plausible excuse which would not anger the rather unstable woman. Harry also drew a blank but turned to Hermione and gave her a look, it was important that at least one of them spoke to Kingsley.

“I’ll be fine sweetie,” Harry said, and drew her into an embrace, turning her to be between him and Bella, “I’ll see you later.”

“You behave and try not to offend our new commander,” Hermione smiled and pushed up to give him a soft kiss.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes at the mushy display of affection which meant she didn’t notice Hermione quickly picking the address from Harry’s pocket. The kiss was quick and mild but both parties still enjoyed it more than they thought they should have. Hermione then turned and slipped past Bellatrix, looking over her shoulder at Harry as she stepped out of the apparation wards and vanished with a crack.

16. Chapter 16

Author Note – I still live, but two of my computers don’t. About 2 months ago the family computer’s PSU died on us and thanks to a selection of unexpected bills fixing it has been put off repeatedly. As you might guess there is a 3rd pc which is the ancient fossil brought out just for internet access. When the family pc died it held about 75% of this chapter pre-written, and I expected a swift recovery so wasn’t too worried. Each time it looked like it was going to be fixed it got delayed a little more, and each time I put off re-writing because with most of the work already done it didn’t seem worth it.

The result a very long wait for anyone who’s actually still wants to read more of this story and I am very sorry for that. I’m already started on chapter 17 and have 2 pages written already when I got this back from the beta. Now I considered waiting and posting a bunch all together so you wouldn’t have such a long wait between chapters and this is open to a vote on the reviews, should I finish the story then post it all rather than the random posting or would you rather read as it’s done?

Anyways, thanks to anyone who sticks with me and I hope you enjoy 8D

Hermione landed in the small area between the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley, and started to panic. She slipped inside and ran past Tom who looked up at her arrival. She needed urgent contact with Kingsley and knew that the pre-arranged signals wouldn’t do. She practically flew up the stairs and into her room, casting a selection of spells upon the door. Once assured she was secure she grabbed her silver mirror and called to Shacklebolt.

“Granger? I was not expecting communication so quickly. Is there a problem?” Kingsley asked as his face appeared in the mirror.

“Bellatrix has Harry! She’s trying to seduce him!” she replied quickly in a shrilly voice.

“What! How did she … she’s what?” Kingsley’s expression shifted from confusion to shock and anger then to bewilderment in an instant.

“She wants him! She’s been flirting with him all day and now she’s got him all alone!” she blurted out, panic starting to creep in.

“Granger, calm yourself, then organise your thoughts and repeat them in a manner that actually makes sense, please.” Kingsley replied in his deep calming voice.

Hermione paused and stopped for a few deep breaths. While that was the main source of her current panic, it was not technically relevant to why she had contacted him. She just burst out the first thing that was on her mind and now she was beginning to regret it. With her thoughts organised, she looked back to the mirror.

“As you know we extracted Snape and escaped back to the Death Eater base. He has already been relocated to a hidden site to work on the potion. Harry and I have been assigned to guard duty at the new site. It’s under a Fidelius charm with Rabastan as secret keeper.”

“Rabastan gave Harry the address to show it to me. We still have it so we can raid the hidden site,” Hermione reported with all the coolness she could muster but her voice showed signs of breaking as she continued, “As we were leaving, Bellatrix caught up with us and insisted that Harry stay as her guest. I returned immediately to report in while he is still there. We believe that Bellatrix has a romantic or at least lust fuelled interest in Paul. Ironically, it was triggered by the hatred, Harry has for her, being portrayed in his eyes.”

“I think the interest she had in Potter could prove troublesome and without you, things could go for the worse. I’ll put the entry cells on high alert again just in case Potter looses his control and starts arresting everyone.” Kingsley muttered, “You’re going to have to come in so we can see the note to prepare for any raids. I’ll send a runner for Ron to meet up with us in the briefing room.”

“We aren’t going to do anything about Harry?” Hermione asked worriedly.

“There is very little we can do Granger, he is within a Fidelius bound mansion and the only one who can breach it can’t enter without raising too much suspicion.” Shacklebolt replied, “I trust Potter to extract himself safely if required. It is why I picked him for this mission in the first place. We however must focus on how to proceed next.”

“And if he can’t extract himself safely Sir!” Hermione asked, her voice still squeaking on occasion as she spoke.

“Stop wandering down paths of what ifs and transport yourself here! I’ll meet you in the strategy room with Ron and a few others in ten minutes Auror Granger,” Shacklebolt ordered before his image vanished.

Hermione shrieked in frustration and threw her mirror away. With her foresight and intelligence she ensured she threw it at the bed so it wouldn’t break. She drew in long deep breaths, trying to calm herself but it wasn’t working very well. It was torture knowing Harry was alone with Bellatrix, she was jealous of all things. It was stupid. She knew she should be afraid that Harry would try and kill her or that he would be discovered, but of all the emotions coursing through her veins, jealously was the worst.

“This is all bloody Harry’s fault,” She thought while she kept trying to breath, “Why did he have to bloody kiss me and open all these old wounds. No! This is Shacklebolt’s fault. Why did he have to partner us together?! Harry’s fault! He wants me as bad as I want him and it’s distracting me! Why the bloody hell didn’t he do something about it in Hogwarts!”

She eventually grabbed her Portkey and returned to the briefing room at the ministry to find Kingsley, Ron, Drew, Russell and Orion waiting. Drew Woodside was a petite half blood witch with short cut blond hair, she was the captain of Tactical Squad D. Next to her was muggle-born Russell Green, captain of Squad E. He wore a cheeky smile and his brown hair down to his neck. Lastly was pure-blooded Orion Gamp whose pale skin and long silver hair suited his stern appearance. He was closing in on Moody’s record of longest serving Tactical Auror.

The Tactical Squads were used for raids and hosted the best combat wizards and witches. Each squad contained a captain and four Aurors usually, the squads were kept small for stealth but worked together when numbers were needed. There were a total of eight squads available at emergency call but usually only the first four were ever active and waiting. During the warehouse raids both squads A and B were crippled so they had been de-activated from active duty until they recovered.

“Hey Hermione,” Ron smiled as she entered.

“Ah Granger, you know everyone I assume?” Shacklebolt asked as he looked up from his papers.

“I don’t think I’ve met Orion in person, known only by reputation,” She replied.

“Aye, the same,” he replied in a hoarse, harsh voice.

“He’s the captain of Tactical Squad C, our best active squad at the moment. Both Ron’s and Sid’s teams are out of action until we promote some field Aurors or they get their injured back swiftly,” Kingsley informed her.

“Actually I’ve got both of mine back from St Mungo’s now Sir,” Ron added, “Sid’s last will be released by next week. As you know we lost Samantha from his team so they’re down to three, I’ll need one more to replace Megan to be back to strength.”

“Duly noted. We’ve got some trainees doing final examinations in two weeks. If any pass to full Auror we’ll move a few to the tactical squads. Since your squad is out of action for the rest of the week, run tactical tests and decide who we’re moving.” Kingsley ordered, “But we need to focus on the reason for this meeting for a moment.”

“Potter and Granger have secured for us the location of Snape’s facility. You are all now authorized to know he’s been planted within the Death Eater ranks as a spy for us.” Kingsley stated.

“Once a Death Eatah always a Death Eatah,” sneered Orion, “Moody nevah trusted tha slimy git and I be agreeing with that.”

“How do we know he isn’t using the opportunity to double cross us Sir?” Drew inquired.

“We don’t. We’re putting a lot of trust in him,” Kingsley replied.

“Dumbledore be doin that too, look what be happening ta him,” spat Orion.

“This time we aren’t going blindly on Dumbledore’s word. We’re going on Harry’s.” Hermione interrupted, “Snape has given proof he killed Dumbledore on his orders. His aid was crucial to Voldemort’s downfall and he’s letting himself be thrown to the wolves. It’s a known fact that Bellatrix hates the man, even if she trusts him.”

“His allegiance is vouched for by Potter, but he’ll be arrested like the others when we raid. You’ll be able to curse him if he tries to resist more than necessary. Nothing lethal, do try to keep him alive, it is possible he’s working for us.” Orion sneered again at Kingsley’s orders but nodded, “He needs to be arrested or escape as his cover is important. This raid is probably going to blow the cover of Potter and Granger, so we need to properly disable the Death Eaters or we’ve lost this chance forever.”

“Ideally we’re looking for the capture or termination of the following first priority targets,” Kingsley waved his wand at the wall and faces shimmered into a line up.

Bordered by red were Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Rabastan, Antonin Dolohov and Walden Macnair. Beneath them were a few lesser death eaters that had been identified in previous raids and intelligence. Hermione extracted a few memories from her time in the mansion and provided a few more faces to the wall.

“We are hoping that we can catch them off guard and thus unmasked,” Kingsley commented.

“Sir, from what we saw in there, all members are masked at all time except recruits and those higher members I just showed you.” Hermione corrected, “It’s to provoke fearful loyalty in the recruits. They know who you are, but you don’t know them. It also means that spies can’t give away too much. So apart from the guards on duty at the site and the really arrogant ones like Bellatrix, they’ll all be masked.”

“Speaking of spies, one of their new recruits is Francis from over in Magical Law Enforcement. He could be how they discovered warehouse sites.” Hermione added quickly.

Kingsley raised a brow and sent off a patronus quickly before returning to the meeting.

“Based on current information what do you suggest Weasley?” Shacklebolt asked the large red head.

“Well, the guard at the last location was six and that was torn apart by Harry alone so they’ll be boosting it. Most definitely eight, likely ten to twelve I suspect. We’ll be able to confirm this right before kick off hopefully.” Ron looked over to Hermione who nodded.

“I’ll make sure me or Harry send a message once we arrive and have scouted a little.” She replied.

“We’ll have the advantage that three people there are working for us. Images of Icewell and Earning will be shown right before we start in case of leaks. This means that we’ll be facing maybe ten with our numbers plus two. They shouldn’t be expecting us so I’m hoping a quick strike will overcome the entry team.” Ron theorized, “Drew’s team will be the initial attack.”

“With Hermione or Harry’s lead they’ll make quick work of the remaining guard. Relying on stealth to overcome the odds, but hopefully word will get through of the attack. In the event it doesn’t, Hermione can send word. The smaller squad should provoke a counter attack in fast order. Once the entry point is clear we’ll bring in Orion’s and Russell’s teams to ambush whoever comes.”

“At least one, maybe two, of the main five should respond to the attack. I can’t see them risking everything by bringing everyone. This will be a crippling move, but it’s not going to eliminate the lot.” Ron finished with a small sigh.

“We don’t need the lot, but we do need these three.” Hermione commented as she directed her wand to shrink and move Rodolphus and Rabastan aside, “Bellatrix is their leader with Macnair and Dolohov the most enthusiastic followers. We need to take them to destroy them. The brothers are a big risk but I don’t think they’ll continue without Bellatrix or Voldemort unlike the other two.”

“Myself and Harry will have no influence over who comes unfortunately and either of the brothers are the most likely candidates.” Hermione added.

“This attack will compromise Granger and Potter in all likelihood, is it worth it?” Shacklebolt asked Hermione.

“We can’t continue the undercover part under these circumstances. It is one thing to pretend to be a Death Eater and go attacking our fellow Aurors.” Hermione explained, keeping a passive mask up at all times as fresh memories tormented her, “But we’re being asked to stand and watch while muggles and witches are tortured to death. I can’t take it again, I’m sorry Sir.”

“Perfectly understandable, Granger. We’re going ahead, Weasley, make sure the Aurors are ready first thing tomorrow.” Kingsley ordered, “Are there any questions of comments?”

“Well, Harry is still undercover, if he is compromised this whole plan will be compromised. We’re going to have to send confirmation once he leaves to confirm it is still possible to go ahead.” Hermione added.

“Harry is alone in the Death Eater stronghold? Why? How?” Ron asked, alarm obvious in his expression.

“As we were leaving Bellatrix caught up with us and insisted Harry stay, she has developed … a romantic interest in Paul, Harry’s cover. She has been flirting heavily with him most of the morning.” Hermione explained with a grimace.

“So this whole operation is based on Harry keeping his cool while alone with Bellatrix … why are we sitting around planning? If Harry hasn’t already blown up the base from his rage I’ll skip lunch for a week.” Ron commented dryly.

“Looks like you’re going hungry then Ron,” Hermione replied, having quickly flipped her watch open to the clock feature.

The compass needle for Harry was spinning wildly which Hermione assumed was related to the Fidileus charm. However the status clock had Harry pointed at Work, which was a relief. The status had eight directions, including Work, Home, Travel, Vacation, Mortal Peril and because of their particular occupations, Hostage, Fighting, Deceased.

“What is that Granger?” Shacklebolt inquired, a curious look in his eyes as he leaned over for a better look.

“A gift from the twins, they’ve experimental and not completed, but because of the mission they gave them to us early. They’re currently working on four models for me, Harry, Ron and Neville. Once they are finished they’ll offer the contract to the Ministry.”

“Could be useful for the tactical squads and partners certainly.” Kingsley commented.

“They have more features, including one panel that works like our mirrors, emergency portkey feature, lie detector and a one time disillusion spell.” Hermione explained, “But this one is a combination tracking spell, focused on the watch and a status clock like Mrs Weasley has. It shows that Harry is working and not in a life or death battle.”

“I trust you will not object however if I have the security cells on alert?” Kingsley asked as he sent off another patronus, “After the meeting go collect yours Weasley, we can use them as secure means of communication, I believe they will be safer for our uncover operatives.”

“Most certainly, though it might be hard to explain why we are talking to our watches if discovered.” Hermione replied, her voice threatened to squeak as Ron had reminded her about Harry’s position.

“What be the command order?” Orion interrupted.

“Use the usual ranking practice, with Weasley taking control of the operation. Granger and Potter have command after him on site as they will possess the most knowledge.” Kingsley replied.

Orion scowled but nodded in acceptance. The elderly Auror disliked being ordered by children which he considered the trio to be, despite Harry, Hermione and Ron were all at least twenty four. In a few short years Orion Gamp was going to be one of a mere handful of people who spent their whole career in the Aurors and survived to retirement. He, like Alastor Moody and the trio, had been fast tracked into the Aurors and was close to the longest service record, currently held by Moody himself.

There were usually only three options for Aurors as they started to slow with age. They were promoted out of combat, transferred to other departments or they ended up in the morgue. Only the very best were able to retire as active Aurors and Orion had every intention of having his name added to that list.

Orion was further frustrated by being delegated to squad C when he felt he deserved to be on squad A. There were many factors that went into deciding the order of the squads. The top eight Aurors were placed in charge of the squads and were assigned a group of four Aurors based on skills and abilities to keep the teams balanced. Orion had been in charge of squad A until a few years ago, Kingsley had promoted both Ron and Sid above him.

Power and experience had been the leading factors of which Gamp was leagues ahead, but Kingsley had introduced other factions into the equation. Tactics and strategy were now held in high esteem and even diplomacy was considered now. Orion was more direct and preferred to blast everything until it stopped moving and then ask a question or two. That is the reason Ron and Sid had been promoted over him. But even Kingsley couldn’t argue with Gamp’s record and kept him near the top.

The meeting was dismissed and Hermione was sent back to wait in the Leaky Cauldron. Kingsley was caught by a magical law officer and motioned for Gamp to wait a moment. He was informed that Francis was not at home and not due to work until Tuesday.

“Have his house monitored and send a message down to the flu department. Make sure they keep their eyes open for him. Permission is granted to arrest on sight but make sure the officers are subtle, he shouldn’t suspect he’s compromised until tomorrow.” Kingsley ordered then went over to Orion.

“This is the first large scale assignment I’ve had you since Weasley took over Tactical command, isn’t it Gamp?” Kingsley commented as the two men walked back to the main area.

“Aye, that be true,”

“This is going to be a problem for you,”

“Cannae deny it won’t be hard, I donnae like takin orders from the young’ens in the field, nevah have, nevah will. But I be havin no intentions of makin it a problem for ye.” Orion replied.

“I’m used to problems from my Aurors. If there is a morning I have walked into the office, and not found at least five problems that need to be sorted, then I know that Potter has been sick. Problems for me aren’t the issue, its problems for Weasley and Granger in the field tomorrow that concern me.”

“Ye put Potter ahead of me too.” Gamp added with a slight tone of accusation.

“Yes, but I don’t foresee you having any trouble with his policy of spell first, spell second, use a few more spells then when everyone is unconscious or dead drag them in for questioning.” Kingsley replied.

“He be soundin like my kind of kid.” Orion smirked.

“Yes, well these days we find information more useful than bodies Gamp.”

“A corpse ain’t gonna be usin an unforgivable on one of my lads either.”

“True enough, which is why I don’t complain too much when you don’t bring anyone in. I’ll take five dead death eaters over a dead Auror any day of the week and twice on Sundays. But I do like it to be a life or death situation Gamp, I hope you’ve understood me and heard the orders even if you have no intention of following them.”

“If you don’t think I’ll obey, why haven’t you suspended me?” Orion inquired as the reached the main hall.

“Because you get results Gamp, you are still one of the best Auror’s we’ve got or have ever had.” Kingsley replied as he walked into his office, ending the conversation and leaving Orion smirking, but also slightly confused.

******************************

After the meeting Ron had headed immediately to Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes to meet his brothers. He was wary of the trip as he was still a main target of their pranks, his immense size and lack of grace making him an easy target. He hopped on the lift and went to the wrong floor twice before arriving on the staff level. He flashed his badge at the receptionist and she waved him through with a kind smile.

“Little brother, to what do we owe this unexpected visit?” Fred inquired, George not visible in the room immediately.

“Shacklebolt sent me, I’ve asked to collect my watch to help in the operation tomorrow.” Ron replied, his hand edged towards his wand and his eyes scanned the room. He subconsciously started to move into a combat stance as if he expected to be attacked, which was technically true.

“What watch?” Fred asked innocently.

“No time for jokes bro, Hermione came in, we’ve got a serious raid tomorrow, we need the watch to organise, safer for them considering the circumstances.” Ron replied sharply.

“Okay then,” Fred seemed disappointed at the lack of opportunity to tease his little brother but realised the urgency involved, “We best go see Andy and Daz then.”

“Oh Merlin, not them nutters, they came up with it?” Ron replied.

“Andy and Daz are our best staff members, you know that Ronnikins. It’s almost as if we were Quadruplets. Harry trusts them.” Fred grinned as he led Ron back to the elevator.

“But Harry is as mental as you lot are, so that doesn’t count as an endorsement. Hermione knew who made them and still put the bloody thing on? Mental, bloody mental.” He muttered, “What am I saying? I’m about to do it as well, I must have finally gone loopy.”

Fred laughed as they climbed into the escalator and went to meet Andrew and Darren. The doors opened on the research floor and they were suddenly met by a storm of feathers. High pitched tweeting and squawks filled the corridor as a flock of birds flew around in a flurry of activity.

“The Bloody Hell?!” Ron yelled, ducking as low as he could as Fred hit the floor.

“Andy and Daz have been experimenting with that spell of Hermione’s. They admired it very much when she used it on me and George the other day. We’ve been treated to random flocks of birds ever since.” Fred explained as he tried to wave away a rather persistent woodpecker.

Suddenly the birds vanished into small puffs of green smoke and the corridor was clear once again. After looking up and around first Ron slowly rose to his feet and stepped out of the elevator allowing it to close. His hand hovered near his wand the whole time he followed Fred over to the other twin’s room.

“Ron? Don’t see you here often,” Andy remarked as they entered the room.

“Not often seen here for sure,” Daz added without looking up from his work.

“I wonder why,” Ron replied dryly.

“We wonder too.”

“Much wondering is done.”

“Indeed, wondering why he is here now.”

“Certainly there has been a shift of wondering to that puzzlement.”

“I’m here for the bloody watch, now cut that crap and hand it over. I want to return to pretending you don’t exist so I can happily think that there isn’t a cruel and sadistic god above us. What other reason could there be for four of you.” Ron shouted.

Three sets of eyes blinked at him for a few moments then three sets of lips curled into smirks. All three of them suddenly burst into laughter soon joined by George and Lee who had been attracted by Ron’s ranting. Both Andy and Darren struggled over to the vault, their fits of laughter not preventing them completing the complex unlocking charm simultaneously. Darren reached inside and collected the box for Ron.

“You been taking ranting lessons from Harry again little bro?” Fred asked after gaining some breath back.

Ron’s face had slowly been turning red from embarrassment at his own outburst, but now his skin started to glow more brightly than his hair. He grabbed the box and muttered a thank you under his breath and swept out of the room. As the elevator doors were closing Lee Jordan hopped in at the last moment. He went to press the button for the staff floor but realised Ron had already done that in error.

“Thought someone ought to explain how the watches work,” Lee grinned at the large Auror, “And for some reason I got the impression you didn’t want to spend more time with the Quads at this moment.”

“What gave you that impression?” Ron replied.

“Well I wasn’t just hired for my stunning looks you know,” Lee replied, “Now about the watch, it’s designed to be opened eight directions. They only open when you are wearing it and only when you press your thumb over the middle ridge of that side. Pressing the ridges on either side and avoiding the middle one will lock the watch in case you’re captured.”

“That’s a new feature, so Harry and Hermione’s watches don’t do that yet, we’ll install that at the first chance. Once you flip it down you’ll have a miniature status clock, like the one you have at home. It only has hands for you, Harry, Hermione and Neville, we can’t add too many considering the size. But for Auror partners and trainees it will work fine. On the other half is a compass which will point at any partner watches. Note, it works on the watch, not the person.”

Ron opened his watch as instructed and checked Harry was still aimed at ‘Work’ and his needle was spinning wildly. He showed it to Lee who looked a little puzzled.

“We suspect Harry is in a Fidelius charm at the moment,” Ron commented which cleared some of the confusion from Lee’s eyes.

“Ah, we weren’t entirely sure what that result would be, makes sense I suppose. I wonder what happens to the clock though, does it just freeze on the last known location or does it still work?” Lee mused almost to himself.

Ron however went wide eyed at the thought. His first thought was to contact Hermione but that would just cause her to panic without any solid reason. Instead he drew his Auror mirror and called to Kingsley.

“Weasley? Is there a problem?” Shacklebolt inquired in his usual deep, calm voice.

“I need to know if there has been any activity in the holding cells.” Ron replied quickly.

“None, what’s going on?”

“Nothing yet, I’m at the twin’s shop. Speaking to Lee at the moment and he wasn’t sure how the status clock would react under Fidelius so I had to check.”

“A worrying development but not one we can do anything about, I’ll keep you informed if anything happens here. The guards are on alert but Potter wouldn’t have any special cuffs on him, the pre-caution was taken in case he has time to create any.”

Ron nodded, remembering like Kingsley, that on a few previous raids Harry had transfigured objects into the specially designed Auror Cuffs. His mind was drawn to his first memory of Harry doing such. Ron’s team had responded to an emergency call from Harry’s then current partner.

Ron had arrived to find Harry battling against a group of thugs. The fight had dissolved into more of a brawl with physical and magical fighting. Harry was in the middle punching and casting away. As Ron and his team arrived one of the men behind Harry had his wand raised and was casting a Stupefy spell. Almost instinctively Harry spun around and grabbed the man’s arm with his left hand. Pulling him forward he moved him so the spell struck an opponent.

At the same time his sudden movement had ripped the sleeve of the man’s robes. Harry quickly brought his right elbow into the man’s gut and ripped the other sleeve and spun him. Grabbing the gathered material of the sleeves behind the man’s back he transfigured it into the portkey cuffs and transported him away.

Afterwards Harry told Ron that he had only managed it because of the additional distraction from the team’s arrival. But the large redhead hadn’t been convinced and since then Harry had repeated the feat a few more times when he simply ran out cuffs.

With the memory fading he nodded to his boss and cut off the mirror. He turned back to a rather confused Lee Jordan and listened as he explained the other features of the watch. However Ron was still rather distracted thinking about how Harry was doing in the clutches of the Death Eaters.