A/N: Everything you recognize belongs to JK Rowling. The plot of this story, however, is mine.
Thanks for the reviews; they're lovely and much appreciated.
Not what you expected, eh? And here you all thought Ron had come to rain on the parade. There are more OOC parts in this chapter, but I think by know you know I like to raise eyebrows. And don't pretend like you haven't done similar things with your girlfriends at some point. You'll see what I mean towards the end of the chapter. Girl power can be intoxicating, don't you think? *wink wink*
As far as cutting their weekend short, well, I kind of understand. I know that when we are experiencing love with a new person, it's difficult to spend time away from each other. But when a friend is in need, you have to be able to be there as well. Love and true friendships are what really makes this world a better place…but enough with the sentimentalities, here's chapter 7.
The Search For George
They landed in a dark street and waited for their eyes to adjust to the dimness. Their hands were close to their wands in case they needed them right away. Harry made contact with the other teams to check on their whereabouts. Ginny, Neville, and Seamus were going over the twins shop in Diagon Alley trying to find anything that would help them get a better idea of where in London the attackers could be. Ron, Luna, and Parvati were doing the same at Hogsmeade.
Harry, Hermione, and Dean walked down the street, trying to figure out what was the best way to find the drug dealers that would take them to George. They were sure he was being kept in London, and not close to any of their shops.
"I've been thinking about the situation, guys, and muggles and wizards have to be working together on this. Or at least, someone that's a muggle but went to Hogwarts like us. How else would you explain the fact that they were able to go into town and their shop?" Dean said.
"You're absolutely right, Dean!" Hermione said excitedly. "That explains a lot. The one thing that really bothers me is how they were able to get that close to the twins and inflict so much pain without the twins being able to defend themselves. Something here doesn't add up."
"Do you think they might have been drugged somehow?" Dean asked worriedly. "Muggle drugs would probably wreak havoc on their bodies, and if they didn't know what was going on, they wouldn't be able to do anything to reverse it."
"I'm thinking it was an inside job. Someone working in the store was giving the outsiders information. They could have also put drugs in their food or drink and the twins never noticed," Harry added.
"Were they having problems with any of their employees?" Hermione asked.
"Not that I know. But someone they trusted betrayed them and we need to find out whom. I'm going to call the others and have them go through the employee files. If we can narrow it down to those with a muggle background, it might be easier to find the culprit. And if we find the culprit, we'll find the drug lord."
"Tell Ron and his team to meet Ginny at that store. I'm sure everything happened in Diagon Alley and if they're all there working, maybe they can find something sooner," Hermione suggested.
Harry did as she asked and the teams agreed with their theories. It felt as if they were getting a little closer to the truth. It wasn't much, but it was something to give them a bit of hope.
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"Harry," came Ginny's excited voice over the radio a little over an hour later. "We found a business card with a London address, and it has some numbers written on the back. Some guy named Rudolph Jones."
"Rudolph Jones, you say?" asked Dean frowning. "Are you sure Ginny?"
"Yes, Dean. The card was in the rubbish bin, so we figured it might mean something since it looked like it had been crumpled up."
Dean looked at Harry and Hermione and shook his head. Before speaking again, he motioned for Harry to turn off the radio.
"Give us one second, Ginny, we'll get right back with you," Hermione said before Harry did as Dean asked.
"Listen, this Jones guy is dangerous. He owns half of the city's nightclubs and bars. Very heavy into trafficking and underworld mafia. This isn't going to be easy."
"How do you know all of that?" Harry asked surprised and worried by what his friend had just said. No wonder he didn't want the others to know.
"I have a cousin that's a captain with the muggle police and he told me about this guy not long ago. We were watching the telly and there were some breaking news about one of the clubs getting raided by Special Forces. They found all kinds of drugs and it was a big mess."
"How come he isn't in jail, then?" Hermione wanted to know.
"He has a lot of clout and money. He gets away with everything and no one has been able to prove anything just yet. My cousin is itching to get him, but there is nothing to tie him to the clubs. They're all under bogus company names and nothing is traceable. He knows what he is doing."
"Well, I say his time is about up. He's going to go down for doing this to the twins," Harry said. "Can you call your cousin and have him meet us somewhere close?"
"Gladly. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help out and get this scum off the streets of London for good."
Harry turned the radio back on. "Ginny, you're a genius! That person probably has George. We're going to meet with someone shortly and as soon as we have more information, we'll let you guys know."
"Harry," Ron called out.
"Yes, Ron."
"I want to be there when the time comes to actually get George out."
"Don't worry, mate. From the sound of things, we're going to need all of you in London. Give us a couple of hours at the most and we'll tell you were to apparate to."
"Harry's right," Hermione said to the group. "I think it's best if you go back to the cottage when you're done at the shop and wait for news there. That way you can all apparate together."
There were choruses of agreement and then Harry disconnected the call.
Dean called his cousin and they decided to meet at a café that was close to one of the clubs.
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Ron was going through the employee files, but so far he'd found nothing useful. Ginny and the others were trying to put the store back in order. Why notify the authorities when they could handled it themselves, Ron thought smiling. They would want to take charge and that wouldn't get them anywhere.
As he was nearing the end of the pile on the desk, a file caught his attention. The employee's name was Robert Bondelli and he had been working at the store for about three months. What grabbed Ron's attention was that this guy lived in London and there were several reprimand notices on his file. Apparently, he was late and absent a lot.
Ron put the file aside and finished going through the rest quickly. When he was done, he grabbed the file on Bondelli and headed back out to the shop. He spotted Ginny and Neville finishing a display and walked over to them.
"I think I found our guy. Ginny, get everyone back to the cottage when you finish here and be ready to apparate to London at any moment. Neville, why don't you come with me?"
"All right, mate." He kissed Ginny softly and he and Ron dissaparated.
Ginny told the others, and after finishing the clean-up quickly, they all went back to the cottage. Lavender gave them the good news that Fred seemed to be improving nicely and had even asked for something to eat. Ginny smiled in relief and went to see him.
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Ron and Neville apparated close to Bondelli's flat. It wasn't in a nice part of town either. They started walking down the street and reached the flat in no time. It was dark and they approached slowly.
"Do you think he's home?" Neville asked looking around them, checking to make sure no one had seen them yet.
"Doesn't look like it. Let's go through the back and see if we can break in."
Neville nodded and they went slowly around the back. He tried the door and it was locked. He tapped it with his wand and it unlocked easily. They walked in quietly and crossed the small kitchen. As they walked into the living room, they stopped dead in their tracks. Someone was laying asleep on the sofa.
Ron nodded at Neville and then walked over to the sofa and Neville went to check the rest of the flat. He came back a moment later and showed Ron several packets of the twin's trademark candy jokes. Ron needed no more proof at that point. He grabbed the man roughly by the throat and brought him up to a sitting position. The man was clearly startled and stared at Ron in fear and disbelief.
"One funny move on your part and I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your sorry life," he said tightening his hold on the man's throat and pointing his wand between his eyes.
"I would suggest you start talking, and soon. In case you haven't noticed by the red hair, you're dealing with a Weasley and he's pretty pissed right now," Neville suggested as he sat down and leaned back smiling.
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Not far from where Ron was at the moment, the others were sitting around a table, sipping coffee while Dean's cousin filled them in on the information he had on Jones.
Hermione was taking notes as usual and asking questions that made things easier.
"Phillip, what does he like? What are some of his weaknesses? Where does he hang out?"
"Oh, that's an easy one, Hermione. He loves booze and women and he can have both daily. He has one club that's really high class and there's a private VIP area. He's there every night, surrounded by beautiful women and lots of liquor."
"It's settled then," she said as she put the notepad away.
"What's settled?" Harry asked nervously. He didn't like the look on her face.
"We're going to that club, and the girls and I will get invited to the VIP area. Once we know he's been drinking heavily, we'll get information out of him."
"Absolutely not!" he said angrily.
She looked at him and raised her famous eyebrow. "We had this conversation already, Harry James. Don't you remember?" she asked in a falsely sweet voice.
Dean just shook his head and smiled at his cousin.
"Actually, that could work," Phillip said looking carefully between the two lovers.
"I think Hermione has the perfect plan, Harry. What better way to find George quicker than to go directly to the source?" added Dean.
"I faced Voldemort at your side. I have risked my neck more times than I care to remember at your side. Thankfully, we've always come out on top. This is no different and it seems crazy that you don't trust me by now," she said looking straight into his emerald eyes.
He knew when he was defeated. He would have to go along with their idea.
"I'm going in with you," he said leaving no room for argument. Really, he thought, at some point he had to get something to go his way when it came to Hermione's stubborn nature.
She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "I wouldn't have it any other way!"
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Ron made contact with them a few minutes later and told him about Robert. Phillip asked them to meet them at the café and a few minutes later, Ron walked in followed by a sullen looking Robert and Neville.
"Talk," was all Phillip said after showing Robert his batch. Robert's eyes widened in surprise when he saw it and sat down knowing he was screwed.
While they talked, Hermione excused herself and went to call Ginny. After explaining the plan, they decided to leave Seamus and Parvati with Fred and the rest would meet them outside the café in half an hour. Ginny agreed to bring the things Hermione had requested.
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The four of them walked into the club and immediately drew the attention of the male crowd. Harry, Ron, Neville and Dean were already sitting at the bar, trying to blend in. Phillip was parked in a van close by, listening to their conversations and recording everything. Several of them were wearing wires under their clothing. Hermione had made sure to charm them to make them untraceable. Robert was under the custody of Phillip's partner and giving them quite a bit of information thanks to the Veritaserum Hermione had given him.
Dean noticed the girls and pointed towards them with his head. Harry, Ron and Neville turned around and their mouths fell slightly open.
"When did they have time to do that?" Ron wondered amazed.
"Bloody hell," was all Harry said as he took the group in.
"They look amazing," Dean whispered. "Is Lavender seeing anyone right now?
"Not that I've heard," Neville said smiling as he looked at Ginny.
"Dressed like that, Jones won't waste anytime requesting their presence at his VIP area," Ron said as he looked over to where Jones was sitting. He had seen the girls as well and was already speaking to one of his bodyguards.
The girls walked over to the dance floor and started moving in time with the music, attracting even more looks. Two blondes, a brunette and a redhead all dressed in skintight dresses were hard to miss. They made a strikingly beautiful group. Harry asked for a shot of tequila and drowned it quickly.
Damn it all to bloody hell, he thought. He wanted the night to end as quickly as possible. He wanted Hermione out of there and away from the lustful looks she was getting.
Ron patted his shoulder and smiled. "She knows how to take care of herself, you git. Stop acting like a caveman. She's going to get into a right state if she sees you acting up," he said as he took a sip of his beer.
"I know, but I can't help it, Ron. I love her and I don't want anything bad to happen to her."
"Then you should have fallen for someone like my mother, who is happy being at home taking care of the family and the house. Hermione is much too independent for that. Get over it or she's going to get over you rather quick!"
"Easier said than done, mate. But I know you're right. I'm acting like a right idiot."
"I couldn't agree more," Neville said looking at them. "Look at them, Harry. We all fell in love with beautiful, independent and headstrong women. I for one wouldn't change it for the world."
Harry knew he wouldn't either.
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Hermione moved closer to Ginny as they were dancing. To any onlookers, it looked like they were more than friends. To them, it was merely an excuse to be able to talk without being overheard. To the guys, it looked hot as hell. Luna and Lavender were doing something similar, but not as close.
"I think he noticed us," Ginny said moving in rhythm with Hermione.
"You're right. His bodyguard is moving this way," Hermione said. She caught Lavender's attention and motioned slowly with her head towards the approaching man. Lavender winked in understanding.
"Showtime," Ginny whispered and then moved behind Hermione and got as close to her as possible without raising any more eyebrows.
Hermione moved her arm up and hooked it behind Ginny's neck, bringing her closer as Ginny put her hands possessively around Hermione's waist. The bodyguard stopped in front of them and looked at them appreciatively.
"Hi, handsome," Hermione all but purred. "Want to dance with us?"
Luna and Lavender moved closer to the group and danced around him. He smiled at them. "I would love nothing more than to dance with you beautiful ladies, but my boss has requested your company at the VIP area."
"But we just got here," Luna said pouting. "Why doesn't he come over here to dance a bit?"
"Yes, that would be lovely! Tell him to come over here and then we'll go and sit with him." She looked over at Jones and waved at him coquettishly.
"He doesn't usually dance," he said surprised at their boldness. No one ever said no to his boss and he wasn't sure what to do.
"Then tell him we will be over there after we dance a couple of more songs, okay?" Ginny said winking at him and turning Hermione around in her arms. He was clearly dismissed.
He walked away slowly, unable to hide the surprise in his face.
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"What in the bloody hell do they think they're doing?" Harry asked exasperated when the bodyguard walked away by himself.
"I think they're all brilliant!" Ron exclaimed with a huge smile. "Don't you see? They're enticing him even more by playing hard to get," he finished looking at Neville and Dean for confirmation. They nodded, but went right back to watching them. It was hard not too.
"When did you get so smart about women, anyways?" Harry asked him surprised.
"Ginny is my sister. Do you think I would get to this age and not be well trained?"
"Right."
Harry couldn't tear his eyes away from them either. Did it make him a sick bastard to be turned on by their dancing, he wondered. He'd never seen Hermione dancing that way, let alone with another woman. Even if that woman was her very best female friend. They looked so hot together it was all he could do not to get up there and join them.
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A couple of songs later, Ginny asked Hermione if she was ready to go over and meet Jones. Hermione nodded and they stopped dancing. As they walked away from the dance floor, Luna and Lavender followed.
They reached the VIP area and smiled coquettishly at Jones. He got up and waited for them to sit around him. He asked for a bottle of champagne to be brought over and the server left immediately.
"I was beginning to wonder if you would accept my invitation after all," he told them in a suave voice as his gaze moved over all of them appreciatively.
His gaze lingered a little too long on certain body parts and they smiled at him trying not to squirm in their chairs. It was all Hermione could do not to hex him on the spot. The look she exchanged with Ginny told her she felt the same way. Then she remembered they were there for one reason and one reason only. George was in imminent danger and they had to move quickly.
The champagne arrived and Hermione wondered if it could be spiked with something. They all exchanged glanced while Jones was preoccupied with serving them. When he handed each of them a glass and offered a clichéd toast, they raised their glasses and clinked them with his. Hermione smiled and murmured a charm under her breath, making the champagne in their four glasses safe. When he put his glass down without taking a sip, she was glad she had done the charm. The little weasel thought he'd be able to drug them!
She was more determined than ever to finish their job quickly and raised her charisma a few notches. Her friends noticed and did the same. Lavender went as far as sitting closer to him and laying her hand on his thigh. He sucked in his breath when she moved her hand higher still while asking him what he did for a living.
Hermione winked approvingly at her. Within minutes, they had him under their spell. He ordered some whiskey and drank deeply while Lavender whispered in his ear. Hermione could see there was a bulge growing steadily in his pants.
After he had drunk quite a bit and was beginning to feel it, Lavender ran her fingers close to his erection and up his chest. "Is there somewhere private where we can all be alone, sugar?"
"Alone? Me and the four of you?" he asked smiling widely.
"Yes, just you and the four of us?" Luna asked looking over at his bodyguards.
"I have an office upstairs. Will that do?"
"That would be lovely," Ginny said and winked at him.
She had been sitting close to Hermione, playing with her hair and whispering in her ear. He had missed none of it and seemed turned on by it. Little did he know they were planning his downfall the entire time.
"Lead the way," Hermione said as she laced her fingers through Ginny's and got up.
He was more than happy to oblige. He went over to his bodyguards and said something quietly to them. They frowned a bit but nodded. Then he led them up a set of private stairs that were close to the VIP area. The girls followed giggling and acting like they were having the time of their lives.
When they walked into his office, he closed the door and locked it. His bodyguards would stand guard on the outside of the door to make sure they weren't disturbed. His office was opulent and richly decorated. They walked around admiring everything and complimenting him on his taste. He walked over to the bar and started serving each of them drinks. The girls exchanged glanced and nodded.
He turned around and started handing out drinks. When they didn't drink right away, he smiled at them. "Come on now, drink up and let's party!"
"See that's the problem with you men," Hermione said smiling sweetly at him. "You see beautiful women and assume we're all daft or easy. What did you put in our drinks this time, Rudolph?"
He paled considerably at the use of his first name. He took a step towards the door but Luna raised the wand she had been holding behind her back and pointed it at him. Whatever color he had left on his face disappeared. He obviously knew what the wand was.
"Who are you people?" he asked desperately looking at the door.
"Haven't you noticed yet, you silly bastard? We're known as the DA and we're here to rescue my brother," Ginny said before she stunned him and he fell unconscious to the ground.
She smiled in satisfaction.
"Let's move to part B," Hermione said moving around Jones and heading straight for his desk.
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