Chapter 12
Amelia stood back and observed as the muggles dealt with the devastation. She was very impressed at how the different branches of their emergency services all worked together in ferrying the injured off to hospital. There was even a helicopter hovering overhead and armed police guarding the rescuers.
They were treating this as a terrorist attack and guarding against a secondary strike, her aurors were rendered helpless and ordered not to intervene. With the arrival of the minister, her day just got worse.
"Amelia, why aren't the obliviators taking action here? Your inaction is risking exposure of our world."
The head of the DMLE was in no mood to listen to shit like that, she'd watched as young female bodies were gently and respectfully carried from the rubble. "I'm not the one who turned up here in death eater robes, before firing off curses to destroy a muggle building." Their privacy charm stopped anyone else from hearing Amelia but she still lowered her voice before continuing.
"Apart from the fact that hundreds of people saw exactly what happened, some of them were injured and some had scattered before we even got here, there is a far more serious problem."
Cornelius wasn't interested. "I don't care if they're injured, I want them obliviated at once."
"Minister, that would create more problems than it would solve. Just from standing here, I can see three remote cameras that would have recorded the entire incident."
Fudge thought the answer was simple. "Destroy them then?"
Amelia was aware very few in the magical world knew anything about muggle technology, she prided herself on keeping abreast of anything that helped in her job. As that job frequently brought her into contact with the muggle world, she learned everything she could from aurors with muggle connections and took to reading their newspapers on a Sunday. "That wouldn't do any good Cornelius, these cameras don't contain any film. The pictures are recorded at another location, a location that could be anywhere within a few miles of here."
It wasn't hard to see the minister thought this was impossible, she explained her reasoning for merely observing. "If we leave the situation alone then the muggles will treat it for what it was, a terrorist attack. Should witnesses suddenly begin telling a different story to the one the pictures show, they will quickly suspect someone has interfered."
She indicated the large vehicles with big dishes on their roofs. "This entire situation is now being watched live in millions of muggle homes the length and breadth of the country."
"Surely that's not possible?"
"Cornelius, by dinner time tonight these images will be all around the world. There were young people shopping here that were casually and callously murdered, I counted four of them carried from the rubble already. This is not going to be contained by a few obliviates."
Now that the situation was fully explained, Amelia pushed the minister to take the next logical step. "I recommend contacting the muggle government. It would be much better for us if you told them what was happening before they figured it out for themselves."
Fudge didn't like that idea so changed the subject. "Do we have any idea why the death eaters chose here? I'm assuming an attack of this ferocity wasn't just a random occurrence."
"You're correct minister, the upper part of the building was the workplace of Hermione Granger's parents. You'll know her as the girl who slapped Dumbledore and just got engaged to Harry Potter."
The implications of that hit Fudge like a physical blow. "Do we know if they were in there? Was Potter in there?"
"We don't know, and have no way of finding out at the moment. Anyone approaching that site is going to have cameras and guns trained on them. There is still too much dust in the air for invisibility cloaks to be effective."
She now gave him the information she knew he would hate. "We got here just in time to cancel the dark mark and discover there were two magical bodies under all that rubble. The muggle authorities have a lot of experience in dealing with terrorists and very quickly had the site locked down. They are on high alert and I refuse to risk auror lives for the sake of information that will appear on the muggle news within hours."
As Fudge watched the people Amelia said had these gun things, he was forced to agree. Their entire demeanour screamed that they wouldn't hold back if they felt threatened.
"I have posted people at the morgue and the hospital, they'll contact me the instant they have any information."
This shook Fudge more than the devastation in front of them, the thought of Harry Potter in the morgue had his mind in a spin. "You really think I should contact the muggle Prime Minister?"
Amelia released a sigh of relief, Fudge was actually taking her advice for once. "Yes, tell him about Voldemort's return and who the target was here today. It wouldn't do any harm to tell him that we've already permanently stopped some of these terrorists and have more in prison. Mentioning the massive bounty on their leader's head wouldn't go wrong either, ensure they know how serious we're taking this problem."
Fudge could plainly see the advice Amelia was giving him should be followed, and quickly. Being able to honestly inform the Prime Minister of the sheer scale of the manhunt under way should contain the problem. The knowledge that there would soon be pictures of British death eaters being shown around the world terrified him into action. He couldn't afford not to do something, not if he wanted to stay as minister.
-oOoOo-
Hermione was only a few steps up the staircase when she began shouting for her mum and dad. Bursting into the waiting room, she spotted them coming out one of the treatment rooms. The now crying witch threw herself at her shocked parents.
Pleased as he was to see Dan and Emma ok, it was someone else Harry was desperate to see. "Dobby!"
The little elf faded into view, as did two restrained wizards that were instantly recognisable to Harry. The expressions of terror on Crabbe and Goyle's faces was way more than being confronted by Harry Potter could account for. Their fear was broadcasting their thoughts and Harry didn't need to be a skilled legitimist to realise this was a trap.
"Potter portkey emergency!"
The master command embedded into Dan and Emma's watches and Hermione's owl necklace activated the portkeys instantly, all three disappeared from the room. Harry was about to order Dobby to take these two away before he himself would leave and try to reverse the trap. Unfortunately, the room chose that precise second to explode around him.
-oOoOo-
Hermione was screaming Harry's name as all three Grangers found themselves in an elegant room they'd never laid eyes on before.
Dan grabbed his daughter by the shoulders to get her attention. "Hermione, what the hell just happened and who were those two boys in our waiting room? What's going on here?"
Hermione's emotions were all over the place as she tried to answer her parents. "We know those two from school and they could only have been there to do you harm. Harry had Dobby protecting you but I think we ran into a trap. Dobby, Winky."
It was a rather distraught Winky who appeared. "Oh mistress, master Harry and Dobby are at your house injured. What should Winky do?"
"Take me to them Winky."
Dan wasn't standing for that. "Hermione no, think for a second. If they could find the practice, perhaps they've also found the house?"
Emma quickly knelt beside the little elf. "Winky, can you bring them both here without further injuring them?"
They took her answer to be yes since she just disappeared. She was soon back with a bleeding Harry and a barely conscious Dobby.
Both appeared to have gone three rounds with an angry hippogriff but Dobby told his story before blacking out. "Master Harry was hit on head by bit of roof. Wards held just long enough for Dobby to get him out."
All three Grangers could see Dobby was in severe pain before he passed out, Harry was bleeding from a wound in his head and already unconscious. Dan was examining Harry while Emma and Winky were helping Dobby. Hermione had shot off looking for the kitchen or a bathroom, returning with some warm water and towels. Harry was a bloody mess and would need to be cleaned up before they could tell the extent of the damage.
Dobby had a blanket to keep him warm and a pillow under his head by the time Hermione returned.
"How's Harry doing dad?"
"He's took a nasty blow to the head, probably concussed too. We should really take him to hospital and have a doctor look at it. Winky, where are we at the moment?"
"We is in master Harry's house in Glasgow."
Hermione was washing the blood off Harry, he'd been hit on the right side of his head and had a nasty gash above his ear that defiantly needed stitches. "Winky, do you know if magic can be detected in this house?"
"Master Harry fixed it so no one would know magic was in house."
Hermione had her wand out and both parents watched on in amazement as she concentrated on healing Harry's wound.
"Hermione, that was brilliant! Can you help heal Dobby?"
"That's about the extent of my healing mum, cuts and broken bones. I know some spells but wouldn't like to attempt them on Dobby. Make him comfortable for now and Harry will heal him when he recovers."
Dan was now glancing around the beautiful room, the impression was of a lovely old building that had been really taken care of. Dan had no way of knowing the amount of work Dobby and Winky had done to get their master's house to this standard. He spotted a large TV in the corner and switched it on.
"Dan, what are you doing? This is hardly the time to watch the telly."
"Emma, if death eaters just carried out an attack on Crawley town centre, don't you think it will be on the news?"
Hermione was carefully levitating Harry onto one of the comfortable looking sofas. She sat at one end of it before gently lowering Harry so his head rested on her lap. "Dad, if the death eaters attacked, you can bet the ministry will be there obliviating the shit out of everyone. It will probably be featured as a gas explosion or something like that."
Emma couldn't hide her ire. "I just watched you heal a wound on Harry that would have needed stitched. Are you telling me all the ministry is going to do is use magic to make sure people don't remember how they were injured? Couldn't they use the same magic you did and heal some of them?"
The bitterness in Hermione's voice was unmistakable. "They could mum, but they won't. Certainly not for muggles, any magical people injured will find themselves whisked off to St Mungo's."
Emma was about to set off on a rant when she came to an abrupt halt.
Harry apparently hadn't skimped on the services and Dan had found Sky News. The presenter was announcing breaking news about an explosion in Crawley. There were unconfirmed reports it might be terrorist related and they would bring more as soon as they got it. Very early reports indicated there certainly were casualties and fatalities couldn't be ruled out at this point.
This ended all conversation as the three of them were engrossed in the unfolding nightmare. Dan and Emma sat on the other sofa with their arms around each other, both struggling to come to terms with what happened today. It was to their great credit that their main focus wasn't on the attempt made on their life, nor the fact the two dentists may no longer have a business. It was more on the people who didn't have an outstanding young man to provide them with emergency portkeys. Dan and Emma had spent their adult lives, living and working in Crawley. They probably knew a lot of the people who would have been on the street today when the attack took place.
Winky served them tea but her delicious sandwiches were ignored, no one felt like eating at the moment.
"Winky, How's Dobby doing?" With Harry on her lap, Hermione couldn't check on the elf.
"Dobby is resting mistress, I've given him some healing broth and he will sleep. Elves heal faster than witches and wizards, Dobby is very strong. Being bonded to Master Harry helps, master is powerful wizard."
"Harry is a powerful wizard who owes his life to Dobby. He saved him and brought my Harry back to me, I'm very proud of both of you Winky."
The little elf watched her mistress lovingly cradle master's head, gently playing with his unruly hair. Winky loved her new family and would be having words with Dobby when he was better. This would be a wonderful family to raise little elves in.
There were sharp intakes of breath as Sky began beaming live images from Crawley. Emilie's clothes shop and their dental practice were now nothing more than a large pile of rubble. Dan glanced from his watch to the young man currently lying on his daughter's lap. No words were needed or spoken but all three Grangers had tears in their eyes as they watched the story unfold.
-oOoOo-
Fudge had demanded information on Potter as quickly as possible, that was why Amelia found herself once more knocking on this cottage door. She was hoping the couple had some way of contacting Harry, assuming he was still alive to be contacted.
Tonks answered the door and her heart sank. All aurors knew the look Amelia had on her face, it meant she was here to deliver bad news. She could only think of one thing. "Amelia please, not my mum and dad?"
"They're fine Tonks, I really need to speak to you and Remus."
Tonks suddenly felt Remus appear at her side, he'd felt her distress and was there for her.
Amelia wasted no time, the instant they were inside, she told them the reason for her visit. "The Grangers' place of work was attacked and destroyed by a large group of death eaters today."
Tonks immediately had her arms around Remus, she knew Harry was very important to her man. It was also only a few days to the full moon and the wolf was near the surface.
"It was a busy street around lunchtime, there has been many casualties and even some fatalities. The muggle emergency services were there only moments after the attack and we couldn't contain the situation. At the moment we don't even know if Harry or any of the Grangers were in there, have you any way of contacting them?"
Remus was grateful for the comforting arms holding him. Next to Tonks, Harry was the most important person in his life. Hermione and her family were pretty special people to. Thinking of them triggered a memory of the Burrow from earlier in the summer. "Winky, Dobby!"
Winky appeared with an apology on her lips. "Sorry but Dobby can't come at the moment, what can Winky do for Master Harry's friends?"
Remus got straight to the heart of the matter. "Winky, is Harry and the Grangers ok? Where are they?"
"Master Harry is injured but mistress is looking after him. Sorry but Winky can't tell anyone where master's house is. Winky must go now and look after her family."
The relief in the cottage at the elf's words was immense, Remus had no intention of delaying her from looking after her family. "Thank you Winky, I know you'll take great care of them. Could you ask Harry or Hermione to contact us whenever they can."
Tonks noticed the relief in her boss's entire demeanour at the news Harry and Hermione were alive. "Is there something you're not telling us Amelia?"
"We haven't been able to get access to the site though we did trace two magical bodies under the rubble. Obviously we feared they were Harry and Hermione. The death eaters blasted out the building below and the entire structure collapsed in on itself. I doubt they will find survivors from either premises."
Tonks suddenly had a thought. "Someone needs to tell the Weasleys and Longbottoms before the find out by other means. Luna's away on holiday."
Amelia agreed but asked if they could do it. "I'm having the Granger house guarded and expect the muggle authorities to be there soon."
Tonks agreed to go since Remus wasn't up to company at the moment.
Amelia was relieved that, like her last visit here, she left a lot happier than she arrived.
-oOoOo-
There were seven Weasleys and a girlfriend sitting down to dinner in Grimmauld Place, Bill and Charlie having to return to work. Molly was about to invite Tonks to join them when she sensed this wasn't a social call. This ominous feeling spread along the entire table as they waited to hear what she had to say.
"Death eaters attacked Dan and Emma's dental surgery today, they destroyed it totally. They all got out but Harry and Dobby are injured, that's all we know at the moment."
The table was silent but that was never going to last for long with the Weasley tribe. When the explosion came though, it was a lot more violent than anyone expected. Ginny sprang across the table and started punching Lavender.
"Stupid! Nosey! Bitch!" Each word was emphasised with a punch to Lavender's face before many hands grabbed her and Ginny was physically lifted off the table. It took Fred, George and Percy to hold the little firebrand away from Lavender, and even then it was a struggle. They may be stopping Ginny hitting her brother's girlfriend but they couldn't stop her saying what was on her mind.
"This is your fault you bitch, you did everything but provide the death eaters with a map! I hope you think it was worth getting your picture in the magazine?"
Molly was recovering from the shock of Tonks' news and screamed at her daughter. "Ginny, stop this at once. You don't know that."
Lavender had her head buried in Ron's chest and crying buckets, Ginny though was in no mood to be merciful. "Oh I think we all know who's to blame. She was only there because harry and Hermione didn't want to upset Ron. If Harry's badly injured, Hermione will come after her."
Arthur checked Lavender and healed her burst lip before speaking to his youngest son. "Ron, perhaps you better take Lavender home."
Ginny had a parting comment for Teen Witch Weekly's newest reporter as she left. "I hope your house has strong wards Lavender, I'll bet I'm not the only one who'll blame you."
Tonks thought Ginny was right on all counts. She would contact Amelia about an auror guard for the Browns' home before the story broke.
Ron helped a distraught Lavender into the fireplace, it was only after she flooed away that Ginny stopped struggling against her three elder brothers.
-oOoOo-
Harry woke slowly, the soothing hand on his brow helping with his headache. He found himself looking into the tearful brown eyes of his fiancée. "Hello love, is everyone ok? What happened?"
The tears started falling, Harry guessed these were not the first tears Hermione had cried today. "A dozen death eaters appeared in the street and blasted the building out of existence. So far, there are eight confirmed deaths and the four of us are listed as missing."
The TV had been on with the volume very low in deference to Harry's condition. Now that he was conscious, Dan turned it up and Harry's attention was immediately drawn to it. The rather large man that he and Hermione had passed at the entrance to the Grangers' surgery was being interviewed. He was currently claiming to be the luckiest man in the world. As he was speaking, they switched the video feed to show CCTV footage of the death eaters arriving from nowhere and destroying the building. The footage wasn't exactly broadcast quality and obviously wasn't filmed in real time. It was more like a series of photographs stitched together like a bad attempt at animation.
These photographs also didn't record magic spells so how these terrorists had carried out their attack was a mystery. What wasn't a mystery was who cast the final spell, probably the dark mark. The silver hand holding the wand told Harry everything he needed to know,
The audio had continued with the interview and the video feed now matched. The devastation visible over Dan's last patient's shoulder, and the previous footage, really cemented his lucky claim. Had he been a minute later leaving his dental appointment, he would have been buried under the rubble and most likely dead.
"How did I get here?"
"You were hit on the head but Dobby managed to get you both back to our house. Winky then delivered the two of you here. Dobby was also injured but Winky is taking good care of him. Apparently house elves heal quickly so they can still serve their master, a master who probably injured them in the first place."
Hermione took a deep, calming breath. "Sorry Harry, right sentiments but wrong time and place. I know you would never mistreat anyone, far less two elves who worship you. Oh, and we're in your house in Glasgow."
"Yes, that's where your emergency portkeys are set to bring you. I'm so glad I activated them, it was only seconds later the building collapsed. I assume Crabbe and Goyle didn't make it out? I would like to have asked them where Draco was, neither of those two can take a piss without his permission."
Harry glanced over to the other sofa where Emma appeared to be in tiny pieces, Dan on the other hand looked ready to take on Voldemort himself with nothing more than a cricket bat. "Are you guys ok?"
It was perhaps a stupid question but Dan answered it anyway. "No Harry, we're not. These bastards came after my family and I've spent the last few hours watching people we know being interviewed or led into ambulances."
Dan made a conscious attempt to soften his voice, Harry was the last person he wanted to be angry with. "Only your gift of watches and Hermione's necklace kept us from being buried under tons of rubble. This last few hours has been like sitting and watching your own obituary, how are we going to be able to return?"
Hermione offered a suggestion. "Should we return? It might be better if we wait until someone becomes rich by offing Voldemort."
The scene on the news had switched to one recorded earlier where some injured were being taken to hospital, Harry's decision was made.
"I'm going back. Voldemort is undoubtedly celebrating right now, I intend to spoil his party." His voice then took on an ominous quality. "Discovering I'm still alive might even see him kill a few of those who failed him today, save me the trouble."
No one in the room doubted Harry was serious in his conviction to make these death eaters pay.
-oOoOo-
The sergeant assigned the front desk of the Crawley police station thought he'd seen everything today, that was until his dentist walked in the door.
"Oh my god! Dan and Emma, am I glad to see you both. They're currently searching through the rubble for your bodies. How the hell did you get out of there?"
"That's a long story Bob, and not one we want to share at the front desk."
Sergeant Bob Macintosh nodded in understanding while his hand reached for the phone.
Harry's earlier prediction proved to be remarkably accurate. The four were led into an interview room while they waited on the police who would ask them the awkward questions. When the two men arrived, they had barely sat down when Amelia Bones entered.
Harry had predicted there was no way the ministry of magic wanted the answering questions and they would arrange any cover-up needed.
Amelia pulled some sort of ID out of her pocket before speaking. "I'm sorry gentlemen but this falls under my department's jurisdiction. This interview is over."
One of the two men sitting then took out his own ID and proceeded to shock everyone there. "I'm sorry Madam Bones but I think you'll find I outrank you on this matter."
Amelia was flabbergasted and appeared ready to reach for her wand when the man held up his hand in the universal sign for stop. "Your minister spoke to the prime minister, this led to John and I being dispatched to Crawley. Since John here would be considered a squib, as was my father, we are both well aware that the death eaters target today was Mr Potter here."
His partner explained their situation. "Our task is to work with you, the purpose being to ensure our country doesn't face another Crawley. Our government wants this problem dealt with quickly and we have a lot of resources that can be brought to bear on the matter."
As Amelia was the one who suggested Fudge contact the muggles, she could hardly turn down their help now. She should have surmised they wouldn't be content to just sit back and let them handle the situation. They had dead children on their hands, of course they were going to take action.
"My name is Steve Kirk, this is John Adams. You don't need to know what department we work for, just that we're on the same side here."
John took out his notebook. "We want to discover what really happened today and then we'll need your help to organise the Grangers' miracle survival. Only the sergeant at the desk has spoken to them, I assume you've already taken care of that issue?"
Amelia had the good grace to look embarrassed, she'd already obliviated that knowledge from the muggle on the way in.
Harry and Hermione told the story, including recognising Peter Pettigrew from the TV.
Steve gave his assessment of the situation. "You said those two lads were no more than muscle? They were probably sent in there to get your attention, disposable assets. I would guess they were having the place watched for your arrival, considering how closely the attack came after you entered the building."
Everyone agreed with that, it also answered another question Harry had. "I wondered where Malfoy was, I didn't recognise him amongst the attackers."
Hermione couldn't disagree with Harry's conclusion. She knew that Crabbe and Goyle's presence guaranteed Draco's involvement.
Amelia asked for photographs of the attackers, promising anyone recognised would be arrested and interviewed using truth serum. There would soon be aurors heading for the homes of Crabbe and Goyle.
-oOoOo-
The mood around the site of the disaster suddenly skyrocketed as whispers began to circulate about survivors being rescued from under the wreckage. When four figures wrapped in emergency blankets emerged from behind the police cordon, the cheering and clapping from the watchers and workers was thunderous.
All four had their clothes and appearance altered to appear as if they had spent hours trapped underground. Dan was thankful for this as he found a microphone stuck in his dirt-streaked face as they headed to the waiting ambulances.
Dan hadn't planned for this but thought it would be better to say something now. "While I am obviously blessed that my family survived this attack, our thoughts are with those families that weren't so fortunate. I refuse to let this attack affect me, or how I live my life. The animals who did this will surely be caught and justice done, of that I have no doubt. If you'll excuse me, I need to be with my family."
The applause started again as Dan had his arm around Emma and led her toward the ambulance, Harry and Hermione following in their wake.
The image of Daniel Granger, decrying the terrorist act before leading his family away, was an immensely powerful one. It was beamed around the world and watched by tens of millions of people. The signal it sent out was universal. If a mild-mannered dentist could thumb his nose at terrorists, then there was hope for everyone.
Crawley was still hurting but the Grangers' survival had certainly helped raise moral, Harry was just about to help some more.
-oOoOo-
Amelia and their new 'friends' John and Steve were waiting on them at Crawley Hospital, this eased their way through the admission and treatment process in record time. Harry then wanted to go and visit the people who were injured today.
Amelia caught on at once. "Harry, as much as I might agree with your sentiments, I can't allow this."
"Madam Bones, those people in here were injured today because the death eaters came after me. I'm already certain I'll suffer nightmares for years over the people who died because of this, I can't help them. The injured I can and will help."
Amelia was left struggling to answer this young wizard, it was easy to see everyone else here agreed with him. Truth be told, so did she. Harry then sealed the deal.
"Amelia, if it makes you feel any better, you can say you confiscated my wand. It can be in your possession for the entire visit."
She accepted the wand and tucked inside her jacket. All the injured were currently housed in the same ward for ease of treatment as the hospital's emergency procedures had swung into effect.
Amelia casually cast a confundus charm over the nursing station as Harry made straight for the nearest patient who happened to be a young girl.
Both parents appeared younger than Dan and Emma, but then the girl looked about half Hermione's age. It was hard to tell the little girl's age though, with one half of her face swathed in bandages.
Harry spoke directly to the little girl. "Hi, I'm Harry. What's your name?"
The girl's answer was barely above a whisper. "June."
"Well June, I'm going to ask you to trust me. I promise it won't hurt and your mum and dad will be here with you."
June's mum and dad currently couldn't move anything other than their eyeballs, she didn't know this and held on tight to her mum's hand.
Harry banished the bandages and dressing, revealing that the side of this beautiful little girl's face looked as if some savage animal had spent an afternoon chewing on it. Harry's hand slowly and gently made its way over the horrendous wound. The swelling began to dissipate as healthy skin grew to cover the repaired flesh underneath. There was the merest hint of a scar on June's cheek but you would really need to be looking for it before you saw it.
"It's better if you let your hair grow back naturally June. I want you to wear a hat for the rest of the summer to keep the sun off your face, the new skin will burn very easily."
It was with a look of wonderment that June raised her hand to her face and felt smooth skin once more. She could only nod about the hat before Harry bent down and kissed her forehead.
"You're a very brave girl June but I have to go and see other people, goodbye for now."
June's parents could suddenly move again and her sobbing mother soon had her little girl wrapped in her arms. Harry had June's tearful father grabbing him in a bear hug.
"Son, whatever you did there was amazing. How can we ever thank you?"
"Please just tell no one what happened here. Are you and your wife ok?"
"I was at work while Betty and June were out shopping. Betty's got a slash on her leg where flying glass sliced her, that had to be stitched but all our focus has been on June."
Harry noticed the woman's trouser leg was torn and bloody, he would get back to her if he was able.
John stopped to have a word with June and her parents as Harry led the group to the next bed. The injuries in the ward all appeared to be all cuts and blunt trauma, things Helga had taught him to deal with. Harry was erecting privacy wards around each bed as he did his best to help the victims of the death eater attack meant for him.
The most heart-wrenching was a young boy named David who, after being healed of his injuries, then wanted Harry to help his big sister. His mother had to explain that Debbie couldn't be helped, she then thanked Harry profusely for healing her son.
It required Hermione and Emma wrapping Harry in their arms as Harry blamed himself for David no longer having a big sister. He broke down as both mother and daughter offered what comfort they could.
Dan was standing with Amelia and Steve, all amazed at Harry's work. Their heart went out to him as he broke down, he attempted to explain Harry's reaction. "Hermione says Harry has a saving people thing. He wants to save everyone though and takes it personally when he can't. When his friends are in trouble, he doesn't hesitate but rushes to their aid. Voldemort used that against him today."
"I wonder if Voldemort realises what he's done?"
Both men were now glancing at the woman for an explanation. "He killed Harry's parents when he was just a toddler, today he went after the people Harry now thinks of as his family. Harry will react far harsher to that than he would an attempt on his own life."
Dan could certainly agree with that, Steve had a question for her though.
"What's the ministry's position on this matter?"
"Mr Kirk, ending this conflict is the main focus of my department, and probably the entire ministry"
Dan then asked Steve a question he wanted to know the answer to. "What is our government's position on this?"
He was deadly serious. "You get me this bastard's address, I can guarantee there will be a military 'accident' right on top of him. How isolated his location is will determine the size of the accident our planes deliver."
Amelia prided herself on being well versed on muggle technology, this was beyond her comprehension. "You can do that?"
"Amelia, our technology practically allows us to choose which window the bomb flies in, and allows us to film it too!"
Hermione and Emma had managed to get Harry back together again, that and there were still injured people he wanted to help.
Hermione went with him to the next casualty, an old woman with a frame keeping the bedcovers off her lower body. Falling masonry had broken both her legs and she was slipping in and out of consciousness due to the pain relief medication. Harry had vanished the casts and healed her, he was getting ready to move on to the next bed when an arthritic old hand reached for his.
"Sonny, I don't know what you did but thank you."
Harry took both the old lady's hands in his. "Ma'am, you're very welcome. I'm only sorry you were hurt in the first place. "
Hermione watched closely as the swelling in the old lady's joints disappeared while fingers that probably hadn't straightened in years now achieved that feat.
Before he could move on to the next patient, Hermione had him in a hug again. "I'm so proud of you, and I've also made my mind up. This is what I want to do too, can you teach me?"
He gave her a gentle kiss. "Hermione, even sharing memories it will take years."
"Harry, I don't plan on going anywhere. I'm looking forward to those years!"
Emma stood back and observed as Harry magically healed people while John followed on, explaining he was from the government and they could never talk about this. Amelia was using her magic to ensure no one interfered with the work Harry was doing and this raised an obvious question in Emma's mind. Why couldn't it be like this all the time?
Chapter 13
Albus Dumbledore was currently faced with the harsh reality of just how far his star had waned. He was reduced to discovering the news from his issue of the Daily Prophet. His only consolation was the shocked expressions around the Hogwarts breakfast table, it was clearly news to Minerva and Hagrid as well.
The pictures had obviously been obtained from the muggles since they didn't move, it was also clear everyone reading thought they didn't lack any impact from this impairment. They portrayed everything that needed saying simply because of the subject matter. A dozen death eaters, in full regalia, firing curses at a muggle building would see more than a few people choking on their breakfast.
Harry Potter leading his fiancée away from the devastation the death eaters caused was another picture that didn't need a caption. Rita had also somehow managed to get a quote from Harry.
Fifteen death eaters thought it would be a good idea to attack my family, two of them are now dead. The other thirteen have forty-eight hours to hand themselves over to the DMLE before I come looking for them. I can promise them one thing though, I won't be a coward and hide behind a mask. They'll know its Harry Potter who's administering the justice they deserve for what they did here today.
Albus couldn't help but be reminded of Alastair's words. 'The boy's not dark but anyone touching the Granger girl is signing their own death warrant.' It would appear that his old friend was at least in part correct with that statement. That the Prophet printed a quote from a muggle was another sign of how the times were changing.
Dan Granger's words would have the same effect on their world as they had in his own, though for a slightly different reason. If a mere muggle could stand up to Voldemort, how could a wizard or witch cower in fear at the mere mention of his name? It also raised a modicum of respect for the family that their saviour had chosen to marry into.
Albus almost raised a chuckle at the sheer audacity of Rita Skeeter having a pop at someone else for irresponsible journalism, he didn't think she knew what that phrase meant. She did raise a valid point that Teen Witch Weekly, for all intents and purposes, practically printed the Grangers' address for the death eaters to attack. Albus headed for his office, he would need to floo Amelia Bones about this situation.
-oOoOo-
Amelia was in her office when the last person she wanted to see had their head appear in her fireplace.
Albus didn't even bother with a greeting but got straight to the point. "Amelia, can I assume you've seen today's Prophet? Particularly the quote from Mr Potter."
"Well Albus, since Mr Potter knew I was going to be contacting the Prophet, he made the quote to me so I would pass it on. I think it's safe to assume I know what he said."
This rocked Albus back on his heels, but not for long. "So you approve of giving witches and wizards forty-eight hours to surrender before Harry murders them?"
"Actually, it was my idea!" Amelia couldn't believe it, she'd actually rendered Dumbledore speechless. Now that was priceless. She continued before he regained his power of speech. "Harry originally wanted to make it twenty-four hours but he was absolutely exhausted. I managed to convince him to make it longer, give himself a bit of a break."
Albus knew Amelia was trying to bait him by emphasising she knew more than he did. He had no intention of rising to it, didn't mean there wasn't information he wanted. "Why was Harry so exhausted? I assumed they were nowhere near the building at the time of the attack."
"Mr Potter was actually inside the building when it collapsed, receiving injuries to his head. He was exhausted after visiting the hospital to have a chat with all those injured."
Albus knew exactly what 'talk' was a euphemism for where Harry Potter and injured people were now concerned. "Healing muggles is against the statute of secrecy."
"I am well aware of that Albus and took all the appropriate precautions. I confiscated Mr Potter's wand for the duration of his visit and accompanied him myself. I can honestly say I didn't see Mr Potter cast one spell the entire time we were there. Is that all you called for Albus? We're rather busy here at the moment."
Albus was not about to be dismissed like some errant first year student. "I'm finding it hard to believe the ministry could support the idea of vigilantes? Where is the process of law in Mr Potter tracking these people down to murder them?"
Amelia exploded at the sheer impudence of this old bugger, he wasn't getting away with that. "Where was the process of law for Sirius Black or Severus Snape? Where was the process of law that saw a baby placed with muggle relatives that hated magic? You appear to think the law is your personal plaything to do with as you please, I would have thought spending some time in one of our cells would have taught you it most certainly is not."
She tried to reign in her temper but this sanctimonious, hypocritical old bastard really rubbed her up the wrong way. "I watched eight muggle bodies removed from that wreckage yesterday, six of them children. Cornelius was forced to inform the muggle Prime Minister of the facts of this case, they've demanded action before they take it upon themselves to solve this problem permanently. This is now a joint operation and they've already met, and been very impressed by one Harry Potter."
Amelia placed as much emphasis as she could on her next statement. "Do not attempt to stand in his way Albus. Harry has already stated he wishes to live and work in the muggle world, yesterday they welcomed him with open arms. That young man now has the power of two governments behind him as we attempt to solve the Voldemort problem once and for all."
Albus had trouble believing things had spiralled so much out of his control but Amelia wasn't yet finished. "Albus, Cornelius couldn't care less if Harry publicly beheaded the death eaters in Diagon Alley. As long as the problem is dealt with, our minister doesn't want to concern himself with the details. You better be sure your boy Snape is as pure as you say, I can't see the public standing for any death eaters still being at large at the end of this. That would be especially true with one as universally loathed as Severus Snape."
Albus immediately changed the subject. "Amelia, I'm worried that all this power and adulation might go to Harry's head. I well remember another young man who was well loved at Hogwarts…"
This time Amelia didn't hold back, she let Albus have it with both barrels. "Albus Dumbledore, don't you dare try and compare Harry Potter to Tom Riddle. I've spent most of my adult life fighting against dark wizards, Harry will never be one of them. If he wasn't so completely enamoured with Miss Granger, I would be trying to arrange something between him and my Susan. Quite simply, he's the finest young man I've ever met."
Their conversation was ended by one of her aurors entering her office and interrupting. "Sorry boss but there's a large mob forming outside the office of Teen Witch Weekly. We've already dispatched a team of aurors to keep the peace."
She nodded and asked to be kept informed of the situation before turning back to her conversation with Dumbledore. "The public has spoken Albus. In their eyes, the boy is golden. That he's handsome, charming and an intrinsically moral young man just adds to the attraction." With that, Amelia cut the connection and got on with her day.
-oOoOo-
The intrinsically moral Harry Potter was currently waking in bed to discover his delectable fiancée wrapped around him. She'd clearly been awake for some time and greeted him with a wide smile.
"Morning love."
Harry enjoyed the greeting, and the following kiss, until his brain kicked into gear. This was Hermione though, a young woman who never did anything without a good reason. Why she was sleeping in his bed along with him was a reason he couldn't wait to hear. There was however an important question he had to ask first. "Do your mum and dad know you're in here with me?"
Hermione's smile never wavered. "After we put you to bed, I explained to them that I would be sleeping beside you. I wanted to be close if the nightmares came. Neither mum nor dad appeared to be too concerned. I think they took the view that you were so exhausted, my virtue was safe. How did you sleep?"
Harry gently kissed her lips. "Like a baby, you being here must have chased all the nightmares away. I just wish I'd been awake enough to enjoy having the beautiful Hermione Granger spend the night in my bed."
This saw him receive a light punch on the shoulder. "Hey Potter, you've already got a ring on my finger and me sleeping in your bed. You don't need to butter me up anymore."
"Hermione, you know I can't lie to you. Waking up to see your face beside me already makes this one of my best mornings ever."
There was a knock at the door before Emma snuck her head in. Seeing Hermione lying there snuggling into her fiancée seemed the most natural thing in the world to Emma, Dan would probably have a different opinion though. "Morning you two. How are you feeling Harry? You were pretty out of it last night"
Harry tried not to let his blushes show, he was in bed with this woman's daughter for Merlin's sake. "A lot better Emma, I guess it was a reminder that I can't save everyone. I was totally exhausted last night and still feel pretty weak today. That's something I'm going to have to work on, helping people without killing myself doing it."
"Harry, what you did last night was nothing short of amazing, the two men from the government certainly thought so."
Hermione's ears perked up at this. "How do you know that mum?"
"Your dad spent most of the evening talking to Steve and Amelia. They've solved the problem of the ministry trying to arrest you once Voldemort is gone. You are both now special agents for Her Majesty's Government."
Harry's jaw was moving but there was no sound coming out, Hermione didn't suffer from the same problem and burst into fits of laughter. This proved too much for Harry. "Could my life be any bloody stranger? I'm now a government agent who has his beautiful fiancée in his bed. What's wrong with this picture? She's choking with laughter while her mother is standing at the bottom of my bed. How to destroy the secret agent myth in one easy lesson, Hardly James Bond is it?"
This set Hermione off again before she managed to get her laughing under control. "Oh Harry I'm sorry but this weird thought just popped into my head. It's not so much double-O-seven, more double-O-nine and three quarters!" Hermione once more burst into gales of laughter. This time though, she was joined by her mother.
All this hilarity drew Dan into the room. As much as he didn't ever want to see his daughter in bed with a male, he was forced to concede that Harry's discomfort was funny. That was until he spied the mischievous glint in the young man's eyes.
"Well what does that make you two? Emma here is clearly M while Hermione has her choice of Moneypenny, Plenty O'Toole or Pussy Galore!"
The stunned silence was broken by Dan. "If Harry get's a DB5, I want one too!" At the sight of both Granger girls without a witty comeback, it was Harry and Dan's turn to laugh.
Both women though were not about to let them away with that, Hermione and Emma each grabbing a pillow from Harry's bed soon saw both males ducking for cover. They were still laughing though.
-oOoOo-
There was not the slightest sign of laughter at number four Privet Drive, breakfast at the Dursleys was a solemn affair. Their morning newspapers were of course filled with yesterday's horrendous events in Crawley, this was forcing the Dursleys to face a life-changing decision. They were probably the only ones in Little Whining who understood what the men in masks with sticks in their hands were. The picture of their nephew leading his new fiancée from the rubble also left the Dursleys in no doubt who the target of the attack was.
If they were prepared to destroy a building in the centre of Crawley to kill their nephew, they certainly wouldn't think twice about destroying a house in Little Whining. Vernon had finally made his mind up.
"Right, time to pack. I'll phone Marge and see if she can put us up for a few weeks, give us time to get the house up for sale."
Dudley was not happy. His opinion wasn't even asked for, never mind listened to. "I don't want to leave here, what about all my friends?"
Vernon grabbed a newspaper and opened it at the page displaying pictures of those who had lost their lives yesterday. Nearly all of the images were school photographs. "Is that what you want for you and your friends? I really don't care if the freaks kill each other until extinction. When decent, law-aiding citizens of Britain can't go shopping without being murdered, it's time to take action."
Petunia agreed wholeheartedly with Vernon, she wanted her precious Dudikins as far away from any trouble as possible. "He came here and warned us this could happen, your father and I didn't believe him. You can't argue with that!" Petunia indicated the newspapers to her sullen son.
"That could easily have been our house destroyed and he wouldn't be here to save us." This statement saw both Dursley males glance at her as if she'd lost her mind.
"What, you don't think it was magic that saved them? I've seen that girl's picture in his room before. She goes to the same school as him, that's what saved them and her parents. If those masked people come here, our only hope is to be somewhere else."
Both Vernon and Dudley studied the papers again before agreeing with her, they the hurried to begin preparations for the move. The Dursleys were leaving Privet Drive today.
-oOoOo-
Breakfast in Glasgow at the Potter house was a lot livelier and happier. Having eaten very little the day before, all were hungry. Harry had burned off so much energy, he ate almost the same as the other three combined. That Dobby was also on the mend cheered the entire house up.
Winky popped in with the mail from the house in Crawley, including a package for Harry. On opening, there was official identification proclaiming that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger worked for the British government.
Harry didn't know what to say. Faced with this reality, the James bond jokes were no longer funny. Hermione was also shocked at her new status but her curiosity won out.
"Dad, these are wonderful but what do they require of us in return?"
"Steve was very impressed with Harry's healing abilities last night. How could he not be? I didn't think I was breaking any confidences when I mentioned Harry wanted to study medicine. He's prepared to open any and all doors to see you get exactly what you want."
Dan could immediately see the look of revulsion from Harry at that last remark, he tried to put him straight. "Harry, they want you working for them because of what you can do, not for any silly nick-names the magical world has given you. Last night you literally changed people's lives in that hospital ward, and the entire evening is now covered by the official secrets act. I doubt if anyone you healed last would be running to the press anyway."
Emma understood Harry didn't want special treatment, he just didn't understand he was very special. She was used to seeing the best people head-hunted and understood where the government was coming from with this. Harry Potter would be an asset any Government would want to have working for them, Hermione was no slouch either. "Harry, almost all the large research projects in medicine have some form of government backing. Think of all the good you could do with the government on your side for a change?"
Dan agreed with his wife and continued to try and allay their fears. "I think the most you would be asked to do would be to heal some people, something you're hardly likely to object to. Your actions helped both governments deal with this disaster yesterday. Us four publically surviving and then healing all those people will buy some time to deal with the death eater problem."
He looked earnestly at the young man who was currently holding his daughter's hand as his next words came straight from the heart. "I know you just want to be an ordinary young man Harry but please believe me when I say that I will be forever grateful that you're not." Dan's gaze travelled from his daughter to his wife and Harry nodded his understanding. No other words of thanks would ever be needed.
Emma though just had another inspired thought of what these new roles meant for Harry and Hermione. "Since you are now both working for the government, surely Hermione doesn't need to return to Hogwarts? The ministry wouldn't dare touch her now."
Hermione knew neither of her parents wanted her returning to the castle but there were other things to take into consideration too. "You're probably right mum in that I could not go back and no action would be taken. The problem is that I've publicly said I'm returning and don't want those death eaters to think they scared me away. Hermione Granger getting on the Hogwarts express shows them, and the rest of the wizarding community I'm not afraid."
This earned a kiss on the cheek from Harry. "Now you know why the sorting hat placed your daughter in the house of the brave."
Hermione smiled and tried to reassure her parents she would be fine. "I want to walk out that castle on my own terms. Anyway, with Harry there, what could possibly happen to me?"
Neither Dan nor Emma had the heart to point out all the stuff that had happened to her while Harry was beside her. They just knew they wouldn't relax until she was safely out of that nut house for good.
-oOoOo-
There had been much drinking late into the night, celebrating Potter's demise and toasting two young fallen heroes to their cause. Draco fully expected he would be waking this morning with a sore head. What he did not expect was to be awakened by his dark mark burning as his master summoned his loyal followers.
Draco dressed quickly and was about to use his portkey when his mother entered his room. She tossed today's issue of the Prophet onto his bed.
"You might want to look at that before you rush to leave."
The picture of Potter and Granger still alive had Draco rubbing his eyes in disbelief before the reality of what this would mean hit him hard. The fear that gripped Draco soon saw him rushing to the toilet and emptying the contents of his stomach. How was this possible? The plan had worked perfectly and everyone had played their part. He'd pressed his dark mark mere seconds after they'd raced into the building, the speed of the responding death eaters didn't leave time for them to get out.
Narcissa Malfoy watched as the fear gripped her son, both knew what the dark lord's response to this would be. Narcissa though, was equally worried about Potter's response to this. Draco was clearly involved in the attack and Potter had publicly sworn vengeance on the perpetrators.
She had stood back and watched her husband throw his life away as the quest for pureblood supremacy consumed him. Now it would appear that her son couldn't wait to follow in his father's footsteps. The difference for Draco was that there was a new player in the game now, a player who followed his own rules.
Narcissa had heard who dispatched Bellatrix, a feat worthy of any warrior. Now that same person would be coming for Draco and Narcissa had no intention of being caught in the crossfire.
It was time to take an extended holiday, Monaco was beautiful at this time of year. Thinking of the bloody alternative that would surely unfold if she stayed here, Monaco was beautiful at any time of year.
If Draco was so desperate to follow in his father's footsteps, then he could face his fate on his own. It was a fate that Narcissa didn't need to be a seer to predict. The only doubt left in her son's miserable excuse of a life was who would kill him first, the dark lord or Potter.
-oOoOo-
The crowd outside the Teen Witch Weekly office was rapidly reaching the status of a mob. That these like-minded individuals had all reached the same conclusion, and cared enough to show up here to protest their disgust, gave them a shared bond of outrage. That so many could reach the same conclusion yet the magazine's editor couldn't see that address should never have been printed just added fuel to their anger.
The auror in charge asked the editor to come out and say a few words, hoping to defuse the situation. Seeing a squad of aurors holding the crowd back convinced the editor this was a good idea.
The crowd fell silent to hear what she had to say. "We at the magazine, like everyone else, were devastated to hear about the attack on Harry Potter. This is especially true of the young journalist who wrote the piece that has you gather here today. She is after all a dorm mate of Miss Granger and the girlfriend of Harry's best friend. I would like to say however that no one from our magazine played any part in the attack on Crawley."
This did not go down well with the crowd, the murmurings of dissent turned to shouts of agreement with the accusation levied by one of their number. "You printed the address so the death eaters knew where to go!"
The editor thought was totally unrepentant. "Our magazine prides itself on telling our readers the truth. No one from Mr Potter's camp requested any information to be withheld, nor have they complained about the article. No one was here to complain before the attack. We are being vilified for not seeing into the future, a future no one else saw despite what a certain Miss Skeeter might claim."
The mob now felt they were being blamed for the magazine's mistake. An apology might have worked in diffusing the righteous anger felt amongst them, this was a slap on the face with a wet fish. The editor's confrontational approach could only really have one outcome. Within minutes she was being pelted with rolled up bits of parchment, every one of them a notice to cancel their subscription to Teen Witch Weekly. It wasn't long before magazines with the offending article printed in them joined the barrage raining down on the editor.
The attending aurors decided to let the crowd blow off some steam. No one was being hurt and they would only take action if wands started to be drawn or the missiles being thrown had the potential to injure.
The editor was left to scramble back into the building, not realising that the entire encounter had been broadcast live on WWN. The reporter mentioning that the editor was being pelted with subscription cancellation slips sparked a tidal wave of social consciousness amongst listeners the length and breadth of the country. The offices of Teen Witch Weekly would soon be flooded with cancelled subscriptions.
There would be no issue printed this week, there weren't enough customers left to make it financially viable. The magazine Teen Witch Weekly would soon fire their editor but couldn't stop the impending disaster, it would be bankrupt before the end of August.
-oOoOo-
Hermione might have accused Ron of having the emotional range of a teaspoon but at the moment the youngest Weasley boy felt as if he was drowning in conflicting emotions. His two best friends had barely escaped a trap with their lives and his girlfriend was a nervous wreck. Ginny's assault on his girlfriend had driven home just how big a part Lavender had inadvertently played in that attempted trap. What he was supposed to do about the situation was so far beyond the understanding of one Ronald Weasley, it might as well be on another planet.
Lavender was so devastated that Ron feared for his girlfriend's health if he broke up with her at the moment. He still wasn't sure if that was a course of action he even wanted to consider. He really liked Lavender and felt it would be wrong of him to bail when the going got rough. Harry and Hermione stood together and faced up to whatever shit life seemed to throw at them, Ron felt Lavender deserved the same sort of commitment and consideration from him.
He wanted to write to his friends and at least try to explain his reasoning to them. The problem was that no one knew where they were and neither of their elves would answer if he called them. Ginny and Neville weren't speaking to him though none of them knew where Harry and Hermione were either.
He would just have to hope his two best friends gave him the chance to explain. If, after hearing him out, they chose not to be his friend anymore then Ron really couldn't blame them.
-oOoOo-
Harry was very conscious of the fact their friends would be going nuts, he also didn't want to tempt fate by letting the location of his new house become known. He had no intention of providing another target for the death eaters. Winky was dispatched with dinner invitations that were also portkeys to Neville, Ginny, Remus and Tonks.
Dobby was maintaining he would be ready to resume his duties tomorrow. Harry understood the little guy enough to know refusing him would really hurt Dobby's feelings. At the same time he didn't want Dobby overdoing it when he wasn't fully fit, he called for back-up in the shape of Winky.
"Winky, Dobby says he's fit enough to resume work tomorrow. Can you keep an eye on him for the next few days? I don't want him overdoing it."
"Yes master, Winky will make sure Dobby takes plenty of rest. Winky looks after our family."
That last comment surprised Harry, but at least now he didn't have to worry about Dobby trying to make up for work the elf perceived he'd missed by being injured. Winky would take Harry's 'order' very seriously, there was now no danger of Dobby being allowed to strain himself.
The eight that settled down to dinner that night were all easy in each other's company and, after some emotional greetings, settled into having a relaxing evening. Just what the four occupants of the Potter house needed.
"I sent Luna an owl, letting her know you were both ok. I didn't want to chance her hearing anything different."
"Thanks Neville, I'm keeping Hedwig close at the moment. She must be about the most recognisable owl in Britain and I don't think it's safe for her to be delivering mail just now."
Tonks tried to lighten the mood. "The offices of Teen Witch Weekly were besieged by people blaming them for practically printing your address. So far, only Ginny here has gone after Lavender." This saw Ginny blushing as Tonks told the tale.
Ginny was blushing even more by the time Tonks got to the end of it. "It took the combined efforts of the twins and Percy to pull her off Lavender, and that was Ginny not using her wand."
"I never even thought of drawing my wand. I just saw Lavender sitting across from me and sprang at her. Guys, I have a letter here from Ron, I was going to give you it before I left." Ginny handed it over.
"Thanks Ginny, if you don't mind, we'll read it later. We're not quite sure how to handle the situation at the moment."
Hermione agreed with Harry and tried to explain their thinking on the matter. "We invited the biggest gossip in Hogwarts, who's also got a part-time job as a journalist, to our party. We can't really then complain when she writes about us. We just never expected the response we got, I'm positive Lavender didn't either."
Harry rested his hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Its water under the bridge now love, the stream has to move on. One thing is certain though, we could never take that risk again. Innocent people lost their lives because of a simple error."
Everyone understood what they both meant. They had been incredibly lucky but others weren't. They wouldn't be giving the death eaters a second chance.
Ginny also had a message to pass on from her mother. She was pretty sure what the answer would now be but had to ask anyway. "The Burrow will be finished next week, mum is desperate to throw a party."
Hermione answered their friend. "Ginny, Harry's best man at a wedding this summer and we aren't committing to anything else."
The little redhead was quite philosophical about Hermione's answer. "Ron is certain to mention it to Lavender, never mind invite her. Even if she doesn't mention it in Teen Witch Weekly, she could probably reach as many people just by gossiping"
Tonks told them their news. "We're looking to get married next week, that will get us married quarters at Hogwarts. Remus' status changed when the ministry announced we had won the award, we don't have to wait until it's presented."
Harry was smiling at that news. "That's great, and how would you like a villa in the south of France for your honeymoon? It's paid for until the end of August."
Both Remus and Tonks had thought the villa was beautiful and quickly accepted Harry's offer. The conversation was now entered on pleasanter subjects and the rest of the evening continued in the same vein.
Hermione suddenly realised this was their first dinner party in their new home, home for Hermione was now wherever Harry was. She wondered if her parent's would object if she slept in his bed again tonight? She reckoned there was only one way to find out. Unfortunately, Hermione was going to be disappointed. Harry had other plans for tonight.
-oOoOo-
Draco Malfoy just had the worst day of his life. The dark lord had spent his time throwing our cruciatus curses like rice at a wedding. As if that wasn't bad enough, he then basically raped his follower's minds attempting to discover who had failed him during the attack on Potter. The fact he was still alive established that the dark lord thought he had carried out his part of the mission as directed. Two others weren't so fortunate. Draco barely made it up the stairs of Malfoy Manor and collapsed fully clothed on top of his bed, he was asleep in moments.
A sharp snap close by dragged Draco from his slumber, getting hit on the face with pieces of his broken wand abruptly jolted him to complete consciousness. It was only then Draco realised he was lying spread-eagled on his bed and unable to move. The everlasting candle burning beside his bed was the only source of illumination currently lit in his bedroom. This unfortunately left most of the large room in either deep shadow or complete darkness. The voice he heard coming out of that darkness almost had Draco emptying his stomach once more in fear.
"Hello Draco. Did you really think I wouldn't come for you after trying to kill Hermione?"
He tried to keep the fear from his voice but couldn't quite pull it off. "Potter, how did you get in here?"
"Oh a little friend of mine knows this mansion better than you do."
"When the minister hears of this, you'll be heading for Azkaban."
The contempt in Harry's voice was unmistakable. "Draco, I work for new people now and the ministry can't touch me. I'm here for names Draco, I want to know who was behind those masks in Crawley?"
Draco's voice was cracking as he attempted bravado. "You don't scare me Potter. I know nothing about any attack, now release me at once." The darkness was making Draco feel like he was a little boy again, afraid of the bogyman hiding in the shadows. Yes he was older but now the bogyman was real and definitely here in his room. The next sentence turned Draco's blood to ice.
"Draco, you are going to die tonight. Only by telling me these twelve names will it be quick and painless."
"You're full of shit Potter, you don't have the balls for anything like aaaagh..."
The pain was unbelievable, the candlelight now glinted off the bejewelled hilt of the Sword of Gryffindor. The reason Draco could now see this work of goblin craftsmanship was that it had just been driven straight through his left thigh and was currently pinning him to his bed. He screamed himself hoarse from the pain and the sight of this sticking out his leg. That and knowing Potter was still waiting in the shadows terrified the blond Slytherin.
When Draco had recovered some control over himself, that hated voice spoke again.
"It hurts even worse being pulled out Draco, you still have another leg and two arms for me to work on next."
"Fuck off Potter aaaagh..."
Harry pulled the sword free of Draco's thigh and retreated into the shadows once more. There was no point in asking the question at the moment as Draco was in so much pain, he probably couldn't tell Harry what day of the week it was.
Harry could see some semblance of reality return to Draco's eyes, he pushed on. "I want names Draco. I know you won't be able to give me the cowardly bastard's location but you can give me names."
Draco now found the sword pressed into his wand arm as Potter spoke again.
"There is some good news Draco, you're losing a lot of blood already and may die before I can do all four limbs. I hope you think your master is worth dying for." Harry pushed the sword a little harder.
The instant the sword broke through his skin, Draco began screaming out names. Draco was sobbing by the time he was finished spilling everything he knew. Harry became visible to Draco for the first time as he leaned forward and quickly healed his leg.
This saw a scrap of Draco's spirit return to the broken Slytherin. "I knew you didn't have it in you Potter."
"Oh you are so wrong Draco, ask your Aunt Bella when you meet her soon. You've had chances and warnings galore, you squandered every one of them."
Harry retreated back into the shadows, being an unseen threat once more adding menace to his words. "Going after the Grangers was your biggest and last mistake Draco. I healed you so you can lie there and wait for the death you planned for them. The room is silenced so you can scream as much as you like. Goodbye Draco, you'll be reunited with your two sidekicks soon."
"Potter, get back here and release me. Potter, take this spell off. Potter..." Draco waited on an answer but the only sound to be heard was his own harsh breathing. The silence very quickly became oppressive and Draco's already frayed nerves snapped, he began screaming for help at the top of his voice.
-oOoOo-
Harry appeared next to Steve and John, all three were about two hundred meters outside Malfoy Manor. "I got the names, he's all yours."
Steve got onto his radio while John fitted a device that resembled a telescope to a tripod he'd already assembled. He aimed this device at the Manor. It was only seconds later that Steve gave the order to activate the device, apparently the plane was already on its way.
With the target now 'painted' they both began setting up cameras to record the event while Harry stood by to provide a shield for the group if they needed one.
Draco was still screaming when the bomb hit. The death eater strategy was a sound one and they considered it poetic justice that they used it to destroy Malfoy Manor. The bomb was targeted at the ground floor and blasted out every wall and support structure on that level. The house fell in on itself, killing its only occupant.
-oOoOo-
Amelia was awakened by an owl tapping on her window. Hedwig delivered her a photograph and a roll of parchment. The photograph had a strange green tint and was of a massive pile of rubble. The parchment was merely a list of twelve names with two of them scored out. The small note at the bottom offered a limited explanation.
Voldemort has already killed the two names crossed out – HJP
Amelia was wondering how he managed to get a hold of these names and what the significance of the picture was when her floo flashed for an emergency call.
The duty auror appeared surprised that she was already up but pressed on regardless. "Boss, Malfoy Manor took a massive hit, it's completely destroyed. It appears just like Crawley but a building that size would have needed over a hundred witches and wizards to do that amount of damage."
Hedwig flew out the window causing Amelia to wonder if the muggles had chosen which window the bomb should fly into Malfoy Manor through. She couldn't help but shudder at the destructive power and the swiftness of the attack. This was a message being sent to everyone, including her and the ministry. Do your job and deal with the problem or we'll do it for you.
Amelia glanced once more at the list of names. "Call everyone in to the office, I want all aurors under my command assembled for five a.m."
-oOoOo-
Back in Glasgow, Harry lovingly placed Hedwig on her perch. He had stood just outside the Bones wards and released the beautiful owl to deliver the message. He'd originally planned to deliver it as Puck but Amelia was a smart and careful lady, she had an animagus ward built into her defences. He could have by-passed the ward but wanted to keep his form a secret and anyway, Hedwig got jealous when he delivered his own mail.
Harry knew he was being overly protective of his family, he certainly considered Hedwig to be a part of that family.
After twenty minutes under his shower, Harry still couldn't wash away the sense of being dirty at what he had to do earlier. No matter how often he rationalised it to himself, he'd still tortured another human being tonight. It would take more than a shower to wash away the taint of being unclean. He made his way into bed only to find a certain someone waiting on him there.
Hermione welcomed him with open arms but couldn't fail to notice his reluctance. She understood exactly why that was and set out to prove it didn't matter to her. "Did you get the names?"
Harry was well aware his intended was scarily smart but this seemed a stretch even for her. "How could you possibly know that?"
Hermione physically pulled him into bed and wrapped him in a comforting hug. "I know you Harry, Malfoy was always going to get a visit. That and I asked Dobby where you were when your bed was empty."
"I thought I told him not to tell anyone" Hermione had his head pressed against her chest, an amazing chest that was covered only with a thin summer nightshirt. When she chuckled with laughter, her body did wonderful things to him.
"You did silly but I'm not anyone, I'm Mistress Hermione to the elves. You may be able to get them to keep quiet about a birthday or Christmas gift but not much else. We won't have any secrets between us Harry"
Harry currently had his face pressed into the two most wonderful objects in the world while his beautiful fiancée ran her fingers through his hair. He might need another shower shortly, a cold one. He told this wonderful woman what was currently eating away at his soul. "I had to torture him to get those names Hermione."
Hermione's stroking of his hair never faltered, there was not the pushing away in revulsion Harry half-expected.
"I'll bet it shook him up that you did something to him he wouldn't hesitate to do to either of us? Stupid bastard never did have any sense. I'm assuming he's past learning any now?"
"Our new friends took care of him, collapsed his precious mansion around his ears."
Hermione lifted his head from her chest and said "Good" before kissing him and returning said head to its previous location.
Harry couldn't help but think he was in heaven as all thoughts of guilt were banished from his body. Hermione saying good and holding him close was all the redemption he would ever need.
Hermione felt him relax in her arms and smiled once more. Her heart broke at the things Harry had to do but she would never let him see that. Harry might think he was tasked with saving the world but her task was a lot simpler, she was here to save her Harry. Hermione didn't consider that a task, rather a labour of love. It was a labour she intended to be happily performing for the rest of her life.