Chapter 4
Several days later they were making their way up the east coast of Scotland when Harry walked into the bridge area asking, "What's the name of that island," as he pointed to were he saw an island rising out of the sea off to the left of their current course.
"What island?" Henry asked checking his radar and charts to insure there were no islands anywhere around them.
"That one right there. Hermione saw it and asked me. I didn't know so I'm asking you." Harry replied.
"There's a shallow sea mount in that area on the charts but it doesn't break the surface." Henry countered.
It took a few more minutes before it was confirmed only Harry, Hermione, the elves, and Mabel could see the island. When Horntooth appeared he simply said, "Azkaban," before returning to his engines.
The humans exchanged looks before each became lost in their own thoughts. They slowly separated. The two couples heading to their cabins while the first mate Henry Jones stayed at the yacht's controls doing his best not to glance over to where the unseen island was passing to their left.
—Runaways—
Justin Finch-Fletchley could not remember being this nervous before in his short life. Standing beside his father who was waiting to greet his godmother before requesting a private audience with her. School boys didn't get private audiences with the Queen of England. Just then the Queen entered and after the requisite bow his father spoke up, "Godmother my son who is in his sixth year at Hogwarts Castle would like a private word with you." Queen Elizabeth raised one eyebrow and looked at Justin before motioning him over to the side of the room.
After a glance around to insure everyone was a bit of distance away Justin said, "Your Majesty a friend of mine suggested I inform you that Voldemort the terrorist from my world who was reported to have died sixteen years ago has been resurrected and will shortly be affecting your subjects."
"I take it this friend is not connected with your government?"
"Correct your Majesty, he was a classmate but he and his well I guess wife now have left school. Harry sent me a letter suggesting I contact you and let you know about the conditions in my world."
"Does this Harry have a last name?
"Harry Potter and his wife is Hermione Granger well Potter now I guess." Justin said stumbling in his nervousness.
"Thank you Mister Finch-Fletchley I trust you will keep us informed of any relevant information you might come across."
"Of course Your Majesty. How should I..."
"Tell your father, he has ways of contacting me that are secure." Elizabeth said before she turned making her way back to the party of attendants that followed her everywhere.
—Runaways—
"Lord Harry sir it being time to get up." Dobby said standing beside the king size bed in the owners cabin.
"I'm awake Dobby."
"Captain Dave be saying it pretty picture time." Dobby added before he walked out having been cautioned to keep his magic usage to a minimum.
"Pretty picture time?" Harry muttered confused before turning over and seeing Hermione looking at him a big smile on her face.
"He must mean we're near John o'Groats Harry." Hermione replied tossing the covers back before getting up and heading to the bathroom. Looking back over her shoulder she saw Harry had slipped on his glasses and was watching her. "Join me?"
"Thought you'd never ask." Harry replied following her nude form in.
Hermione knew the pictures taken today and at Land's end would be shown off and possibly end up on the wall of their own home causing her to extra care in looking her best of course that meant she had to chase Harry out of the bathroom once their shower was completed. Though if she'd known how enjoyable showering with him was she'd been lobbying the headmaster and anyone else who would listen since first year for joint showers. That thought brought a smile to her face as she envisioned an 11 year old Harry Potter's reaction to that situation.
It was as she stood on the teak aft deck beside Harry wearing the light summer dress she'd decided on after the shower with John o'Groats behind her that Hermione realized there was one thing at Hogwarts she needed. After the photography session ended and she knew Harry's attention was now on Scapa Flow Hermione called Winky glad for once to have a female house elf as this request would have been embarrassing to make of Dobby.
"Winky can do Mistress." The elf replied before making the short hop to the adjoining island to use as little magic as possible before popping away to do her mistress's bidding.
That night as she made ready for bed she noticed the potion vial on her dressing table with a note attached.
"Mrs. Potter,
Your head of house has informed me of your nuptials and shared the picture you sent. I wish to offer my own congratulations and inform you that although the headmaster has been informed of your intent to not continue your education at Hogwarts he has not been shown the picture nor informed of the significance of your chosen attire.
As to your request, I am sorry to state I can not share the recipe for the potion as it is a Healer's secret however I have included a vial for you and as you took your previous dose over two and a half months ago it is recommended you take it now.
If you do not return to Hogwarts and wish to continue on this potion your House Elf can return in 10 to 12 weeks for another dose. Do not worry about the extra work on my part I currently have 12 former students I am supplying until they can make arrangements with their own healers.
Again congratulations on your wedding,
Healer Pomfrey
Hermione smiled and took the potion vial in her hand downing it in one go just as she had when her dorm mates had practically dragged her to the hospital wing for their summer doses of what all the girls call the triple P otherwise known as the Pregnancy Prevention Potion. She'd insisted at the time she would have no need of it until she left Hogwarts but they had dragged her along keeping up their teasing and hints until she'd given in and taken a dose of the triple P... Well she had left Hogwarts now hadn't she so she wasn't wrong exactly.
—Runaways—
In other parts of England the incoming sixth year students were receiving their owl results along with their book lists while the other students were receiving just their book lists. For a selected few their book lists also contained a prize some had coveted since they'd heard of the position for others it would be a complete surprise.
At the Patil household the twin witches opened their letters together as they had since receiving their Hogwarts letters at age 11. When Parvati pulled the prefect badge out of her letter her sister looked at her in shock saying, "How the bloody hell did you get that? I thought Granger had it tattooed on her body!"
"Padma don't use those swearing words. You should be glad your sister finally made prefect." Their father's voice called out from the doorway.
"Sorry Papa but it should be impossible for anyone other than Granger to be Gryffindor's sixth year prefect."
"Perhaps her grades suffered last year."
Even Parvati snorted at that one. "Papa, Granger spends more time studying than any other student not that she needs to. She is the first one in class to learn a new spell and is every teachers pet."
"Not Snape." Padma interjected.
"No not him she's too close to Potter for that to happen, but she is for every other teacher, my head of house treats her like she's her own daughter." Parvati said looking at her sister and daring her to contradict.
"She's right Papa."
"Still something has happened and the prefect position has fallen to you. Remember what happened to her study hard but do not gloat when she sees you with that badge. I am proud of both of you." Their father said before leaving calling out, "Jesminder one of your daughters has made prefect. I believe a party is in order."
—Runaways—
In Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore looked at the withdrawal letters from two more of his students. The lose of Luna Lovegood would have a minor impact he didn't know what to make of the letter from Neville Longbottom's grandmother. He was sure the comment about a more suitable learning environment was a comment against Severus Snape, although she never mentioned in which particular course she felt the instructor's bias was causing her grandson problems. Still to lose two seventh years, three sixth year and a fifth year student was not that bad. Besides he wouldn't have to hear the staff's complaints about the Weasley twins as they'd opened their shop and weren't coming back despite only finishing... well they really didn't finish did they?
—Runaways—
It wasn't until they were passing through St. George's Channel approaching Land's End that the weather turned fair enough for Hermione to sunbathe in her bikini on the yacht's combination sundeck and Helicopter landing pad.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all, I was hoping for some companionship." Hermione replied watching the yacht's engineer as she strolled on to the exposed deck and removed the cover up she'd thrown on revealing a well developed woman's body.
As she settled on to one of the adjacent loungers Mabel said, "Thanks, the crew quarters are practically drowning in testosterone."
"I'm sure we can arrange for some girl time. I might be Harry's wife but I can always use some female companionship." Hermione said smiling at the older woman before laying back and letting the sun do it's magic while they quietly conversed about a number of topics.
That night as she and Harry puttered around the large owners cabin getting ready for bed Hermione said, "I enjoyed my time with Mabel today. It was nice to have an older woman to talk to."
"I'm glad it worked out she was a bit nervous about approaching you but I told her neither one of us was big in to the boss, staff thing. I spent some time with Captain Dave. He showed me a room loaded with exercise equipment and we worked out for an hour together talking about a lot of things. If you don't mind I hope to do that every day."
"I don't mind at all in fact I might get Mabel to show me how to use some of it."
"Whatever you want." Harry replied looking at his wife he continued asking, "Did you ask her about some of the stuff you were wondering about?"
Hermione stopped what she was doing to think for a moment before replying, "Oh, you mean about their being squibs and that stuff?"
"Yes"
"We talked about it a little it seems the other two were sent off to orphanages once it was determined they didn't have enough magic in them to cast spells. Mabel on the other hand lasted until she was 11. When she didn't get her Hogwarts letter she was sent to an orphanage. Evidently she had enough magic to start with but for some reason it didn't develop enough for her to get her Hogwarts letter."
"That's why she could see Azkaban while the others couldn't." Harry stated drawing a nod of agreement from Hermione.
"Did you learn anything from Captain Dave?"
"Yes, tomorrow morning we'll be just off Land's End but out of sight of land until 10 am or so."
"And the reason for waiting?"
"Pictures, you don't want the sun behind you washing out Land's End. Waiting until 10 will allow for better pictures. Besides Grapsnout asked Captain Dave if the yacht could be stopped for a few minutes to allow a goblin to come on board. Evidently they've received a bit of mail for us and want to deliver it."
"Works for me. Wonder what we're getting for mail."
"I don't know might be our OWL results?" Harry replied a grin on his face.
Hermione didn't react like he expected just smiled before adding, "Might be nice to see how those came out. But as neither of us will be attending Hogwarts any time soon I don't think those scores matter all that much."
Harry stopped climbing in to bed and thought for a moment before saying, "No I don't imagine they do." as he finished climbing in to bed.
Morning came and Hermione was up and dressed in her grungies early prompting Harry to ask, "What's up?"
"I wanted to talk with Captain Dave and Horntooth about something." Hermione replied before ducking out the door.
When Harry found her half an hour later she was laying under the yacht's tender her rune's notebook beside her as she worked to inscribe a series of runes on the tender's hull. "What's up?" he asked the group watching.
"Hermione came up with a valid concern so we're launching the tender and moving it away from the ship. The Goblin mailman will apparate or whatever he does to it instead of the yacht thus protecting the yacht from any magical problems." Mabel said.
"And what's Hermione doing?"
"I'm inscribing water repelling runes on the tender. I want to see if it will go faster. If this does work we can use them on the yacht to allow us more speed or better fuel consumption for the same speed." Hermione replied as she stood up brushing off her clothes. Turning to face Mabel she said, "I'm all set let's see if this will work."
Harry was confused. They had taken the precaution of putting their own wands away and everyone else was obviously concerned about the magic from the apparition affecting the yacht but the yacht had wards on it and now Hermione was inscribing runes on the tender's hull. When he voice his confusion to Hermione she didn't stop working as she said, "It's all about magical power level, location and the sensitivity of the nearby muggle items. They were able to charm the engines quiet and vibration free because diesels require very little electrical controls. The ward and these runes are low powered well the wards are unless they are under attack. If that happens we might be in trouble. As for the apparition we don't' know how much magical energy the apparition will use so we're playing it safe."
They both watched Mabel direct the goblins to raise the tender out of it's cradle and lower it in into the water before bringing it around to the stern where Grapsnout and Henry Jones could board. Grapsnout to tend the engine and act as an anchor point for the arriving goblin and Henry to man the controls and get the tender there and back.
Everyone watched the tender skip through the waves until it was barely in sight. It stopped for several minutes just sitting before it turned back returning to the yacht. "Those runes worked well I barely took the engine out of idle the entire trip." Henry said as soon as he boarded the yacht.
"Yes and it was a good thing you didn't. I believe we will need to rebuild the engine." Grapsnout said as he boarded the yacht.
"What!" Mabel shouted in a voice the promised severe pain for whoever damaged one of her beloved engines.
"I could not get the cooling water to flow." Grapsnout said looking at Hermione.
"That's what those holes were for?" Hermione asked her face going quite red.
"Yes," Mabel replied in obvious disappointment. Rather it was in Hermione directly or in her inability to discipline Hermione everyone watching had their own idea.
Hermione's brow furrowed deeply as she thought about the problem before her face relaxed and she stated, "The fix is easy all I need to do is inscribe a different rune set around the intakes. I bet I can have the water forcing it's way up into the engine."
"That won't be necessary just let it behave normally. However we won't try your new runes out until I rebuild this engine." Mabel said slightly taken back by Hermione's enthusiasm.
"Horntooth and I will rebuild this engine. It will be a good learning experience." Grapsnout said looking at Mabel.
"Alright but I will supervise... And no changes will be made without my approval." She countered added the last bit when she saw the gleam in Grapsnout's eyes.
Grapsnout only grumbled in Gobbledegook as a reply. He then approached Harry and Hermione and reaching into his ever-present shoulder bag removed two bundles of letters passing one to each of them.
"Grapsnout get the tool box out of the engine room. We'll start taking the engine apart to see how bad the damage is once we have the tender back onboard and in its cradle." Mabel said then watched as the goblin left with a bounce in his step shocking everyone.
As the goblin left Harry looked at the letter's he'd delivered causing Hermione to say, "Let's go put these in our room. It's just about time for pictures and we both need to get cleaned up."
By 11 am they had their pictures and Captain Dave had the yacht out of sight of land and slowly moving up the English Channel towards London while Harry and Hermione gathered their mail before sitting down to lunch in the small nook they seemed to prefer to the more elegant dining room with it's sixteen chairs.
Seeing Hermione with her attention focused on the heavy parchment in her hand while the fine salad Dobby prepared for her lunch was sitting untouched before her. Harry took a very slight chance asking, "How did you do on your OWLs?"
"Huh... Oh all O's I guess mistranslating that rune didn't hurt me in the long run. How about you?"
Harry glanced at his results saying, "O's in Defense, Transfiguration, and surprisingly Potions. An A in Astronomy and... Hey I should frame this I actually got a T in History."
"How did you manage a Troll?"
"I forgot to put my full name on the test and passed out due to Voldemort's attack during the first question."
"What about the rest of your subjects?"
"E's across the board." Harry said with a note of pride in his voice although rather it was from his reasonably high scores or the getting of an actual grade of Troll on an OWL was up to the listener's discretion.
Hermione managed a few bites of her salad before she took another letter in hand flipping it over to reveal real stamps on the other side. "Oh." Hermione exclaimed on seeing both addresses.
"You alright love?" Harry asked looking at her concerned.
"It's from my mother." Hermione said turning the letter over in her hand her indecision plain to see.
"Read it. If it's more abuse we'll toss it over the side."
Hermione didn't reply but a moment later she opened it pulling out several handwritten sheets of paper.
Harry sat quietly enjoying the last of a delectable steak, mushroom, and cheese roll with a dollop of Scottish mustard. while watching his wife read her letter unsure if he'd be calming down an angry wife or consoling a weeping one once she was done.
It turned out to be neither as Hermione finished reading and calmly looked over saying, " I am invited to Wellington, New Zealand with or without the motorcycle riding maniac for a short or long visit with my parents."
"Awful big letter for just an invite." Harry commented blandly.
Hermione looked at the letter again saying, "The majority of it is apologizing, advising, crow eating, her expressing hope I've done nothing irreversible. You know the standard stern mother, rebellious daughter stuff.
"Oh, so are you going to go visit them now?"
"Someday," Hermione said a bit wistfully.
"You know once we fix this yacht up and give her a name she's going to need a shakedown cruise."
"Where did you learn that?"
"Captain Dave mentioned it when where were exercising. He suggested a trip south as he put it English winter weather isn't good for yachting," Harry said.
"Sounds good to me. Maybe we can cruise the Caribbean for the winter. I've read they have some interesting magic of their own," Hermione suggested.
"You don't want to head to New Zealand?"
"Not right now. I want to enjoy being Mrs. Harry Potter for a while." She replied still hurting from the arbitrary actions of her parents.
"I'll tell Captain Dave about the Caribbean and see what he thinks," Harry replied heading off to find him.
—Runaways—
"I've done a workup on that trip. The Caribbean will be a bit of a long trip for a first voyage how about if we take it in stages might take us a bit longer to get there but unless there's a reason to hurry," Captain Dave said in response to Harry's query before bringing up a question of his own. "Harry any response from Gringotts about magic proofing this yacht?"
"Yes, it turns out Sirius used dragon hide to protect the bike's electrical system. It works but to do it on this yacht... the cost would wipe out at least one of my vaults. Luckily it appears everyone aboard can manage without magic so that's not going to stop our buying her."
"I've been looking this baby over a lot closer in the last week and I want to try something when we're a bit closer to a good port."
"What do you have in mind?" Harry asked intrigued.
"I think whoever drew up the original specifications for her was more than a bit paranoid. From the various checks I've made I think she would qualify as being built to warship standards."
"Which means what."
"It means you and yours should be able to do magic without a problem." Captain Dave replied with a smile.
"So you want us to do magic to test out your theory?"
"Yes, once we're closer to a good port where I can get a tow and have repairs done if I'm wrong."
"Sounds like a good idea. The only problem is both Hermione and I are still under age and I'm not sure if the ministry detection wards or whatever they use extends to sea. I'll ask Hermione about those she might know the answers." Harry replied.
"I'll warn you it might be a bit expensive if I'm wrong."
"How bad?"
"In the neighborhood of 100,000 pounds," Captain Dave replied looking hard at Harry.
"Let's try it. The payoff is far too good to not risk it."
Captain Dave smiled pleased Harry was willing to risk that much money on what really was just a solid hunch of his.
After a talk with Hermione Harry asked the goblins for help. They were able to get a reply in hours.
As they were roughly 70 miles from Portsmouth they again launched the tender this time checking three times to insure Hermione's fix of the cooling water problem worked before making their way towards Weston and the small dock at Castletown where their new passenger awaited.
"Fleur?" Harry said holding out his hand to assist their guest as she stepped from the tender.
"Harry what a surprise. You know most of England is looking for you?"
"Yes, that's why we're where they wouldn't expect to find us." Hermione added watching the Tri-wizard champion from Beauxbatons carefully fully aware she was dating Bill Weasley.
"Hermione is it?" Fleur asked.
"Yes, Hermione Potter." Hermione replied holding out her hand for the French woman.
"Congratulations, you must tell me all about it. It may give me a few ideas."
"You and Bill?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow thinking, 'If she's that close to a Weasley this might not be such a good idea.'
Harry for his part watched the two women walk off in to the main salon talking about weddings for the last snippet he'd overheard. Turning his attention back to the tender he did his best to assist without hampering as they maneuvered it around and secured it back in the cradle before continuing towards London.
Once Harry rejoined the conversation Fleur said, "I believe I'm here to assist in some testing?"
"Correct the nature of the testing I do not want to get back to anyone other than Gringotts. Is that acceptable?" Harry quizzed his co-champion.
"Not a problem. I'm under oath to Gringotts and that covers this entire episode."
"I thought you'd joined the Order of the Phoenix? Didn't you have to take an oath to the order?" Harry asked.
"I am Veela first and foremost. The oath the order insisted on might work on normal witches and wizards but it doesn't do so well on Veela. On the other hand Goblins understand Veela. The oath I had to swear to them is solid."
Dave Hammersmith had taken the time while the three were getting re-acquainted to move the yacht out into the channel more and away from the ferry lanes. If he was right the fireworks once she started casting wouldn't be seen by anyone else.
Late that night after casting spells on and off for hours with only enough rest between to allow her to recharge her magic Fleur looked at Harry. Harry in turn looked to Captain Dave and Mabel his Chief Engineer.
"We found a few minor items that we can repair ourselves. There was that problem up on the helicopter deck and a second one in one of the guest bedrooms otherwise than those areas it appears this yacht is magic proof." Captain Dave said with pride.
"Great looks like we will continue as planned." Harry said his face beaming at the knowledge this would work out.
"Harry, would you be willing to have a second wand?" Fleur asked.
"Of course but I'd have to turn this one in." Harry said removing his Holly and Phoenix wand from the arm holster he carried it in since his godfather's will reading.
"That's only in England. I know you think highly of Ollivander but while he has a remarkable memory for wands he's created he is not the best in the world at reading wands he does not create," Fleur said.
"Yours isn't rosewood with a hair from your Veela grandmother?"
"Partially it also contains blood recovered during my birth."
Hermione appeared to concentrate as Fleur talked about her wand. Everyone let a few moments pass in silence watching Hermione before she said, "That's why it was temperamental for Ollivander and suited you fine. The blood would actually key it to you and using blood from such a magical event would increase it's potency."
"Correct it also can't be used against anyone whose blood is in it without great difficulty."
"So why doesn't he key everyone's wand... Forget it I forgot blood magic is illegal in England." Hermione replied shaking her head as she realized yet again just how obstructionist the Ministry of Magic was.
"I'll give you a few names of wand makers the Veela trust if you wish. I'm sure anyone of them can either modify your current wand or craft you both new ones that might work better."
Harry smiled and thanked Fleur just before she port keyed off carrying instructions for Bob Egan to complete the purchase of this yacht. With their home situation settled Harry finally called Hedwig to him. Surprisingly the time they waited was short and soon the white owl arrived and promptly took a nip out of Harry's ear. "Yes girl I know I was neglecting you but we were finding a place to live." The owl looked around the stern of the yacht where Harry had been waiting for her. "Yes girl I know there's no woods or fields around for you to go hunting in but I'm sure Dobby will insure you have food and when we visit a port you can fly and hunt to your hearts content. Is that going to be all right with you?" Harry said getting a head butt from the owl at his last question.
"Looks like she forgave you." Captain Dave said looking on from the flying bridge.
"Yea, but she's still a bit miffed at me for taking so long I think." Harry said as he watched her fly to the stand in the saloon that Hermione was motioning to.
Five days later Captain Dave stood on the shore watching the yacht being winched up a marine railway into a covered building where a group of goblin warders waited to work their magic on the yacht including adding Hermione's innovative rune scheme which they'd licensed for their own use, not that any of the humans could figure out what that would be. Hedwig had been entrusted to Dobby's care while Harry and Hermione took Captain Dave's suggestion and left to spend the time their yacht was out of the water traveling around France. Naturally translation charms on both of them would make the trip truly enjoyable.
—Runaways—
In Paris and unaware of the building codes put in place to insure the effect stayed Harry was amazed that even over 100 years later the Eiffel tower was still dominating Paris's sky line. The Musee du Louvre was beyond even Hermione's expectations. As they took their time and walked through they both noted some areas were crowded while other held very few visitors. Hermione explained most visitors who had little time to spend came to see "Winged Victory", "Venus DeMilo", and the "Mona Lisa" They considered the rest of the Louve a normal museum and not all that important to see. Still the sight of a crowded room of visitors all looking towards one small painting mounted on a wall by itself while ignoring all the other paintings in the room drew a shake of the head from both of them.
Visiting the Rodin Museum had been Harry's highlight of Paris. He'd found an Art book in his Junior School Library containing pictures of "The Gates of Hell" and couldn't pass up the chance to see it for himself. Walking through the gardens Hermione enjoyed the individual pieces of "The Burgers of Calais" that were positioned so you could examine each one individually to see the emotions Rodin was able to portray in his sculpture.
While they both had enjoyed the shops, Museums, and restaurants Paris had to offer after a few days they tired of the general bustle and resumed their trip around the French countryside. Stopping for a while to visit the wand crafter Fleur had suggested for an additional wand. Which incorporated some of their own hair to key the wands to them. Now seated on seated on the back of Sirius's motorcycle with her arms wrapped around Harry's midsection she was enjoying the freedom and Harry's closeness while they were traveling every side road they could find on while making their way to Lorient where their yacht, soon to be christened Lily's Gift, awaited them Hermione thought this was her true enjoyable time. She loved the yacht but it was the time she spent with Harry that she truly enjoyed whether it was on the back of a motorcycle, sitting studying, or in other activities they shared.
Their trip at an end they watched as the motorcycle they'd ridden around France was brought onboard and once out of sight it was shrunk down and stowed, not out of sight in one of several hideaways that the goblins had created but out in the open stuck on a shelf in the main salon on full display as a reminder of how all this came to be. Harry and Hermione adjourned to their stateroom Harry walking slowly behind her as Winky had given him a knowing nod as they left the main salon.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione exclaimed as she entered their stateroom and spotted her familiar laying on the king-sized bed. The kneazle alley cat mix took the greeting in stride along with all the hugs and full bodied pets that Hermione bestowed as his due after being unceremoniously put in his traveling case then left at that place.
"Hi Crookshanks, sorry it took us so long to retrieve you but until now we've been traveling quite a bit." Harry said entering their stateroom.
"You arranged this?" Hermione exclaimed still hugging her familiar.
"Actually Winky was the culprit. She asked where he was when Hedwig showed up and I really didn't know so while we were touring France she searched the various boarding kennels and liberated the pest. He's been here getting acquainted with this ship for a few days already." Harry said smiling at how happy Hermione was.
A short ceremony that ended with a bottle of champagne broken on her anchor bound the name Lily's Gift to this yacht and their time in France to an end. With Harry by her side Hermione settled into Lily's Gift along with their familiars as the crew of two house elves, two goblins, along with Captain Dave, Mabel, Henry, and John who Captain Dave had brought on board to be the third helm watch got underway for Portimao Portugal where they took on a few more supplies before making their way to San Andres in the Canary Islands. A quick over night stop later and they were on their 3000 mile journey to English Harbour Falmouth, Antigua where they had a berth reserved at Nelson's Dockyard
A day out of San Andres Hermione said, "Harry, Captain Dave told me there were no other ships around on the radar. So why don't you take your Firebolt and fly around for a bit?" while she laid a blanket out on the sun deck intending to settle in for a relaxing bit of tanning.
Harry slowly looked over to her asking, "You sure?"
"Harry you always said it was the flying you really liked about Quidditch. Here's your chance to just fly."
Harry didn't say anything he just ran to their cabin, grabbed his Firebolt, and ran off the stern of Lily's Gift mounting his Firebolt in the process before shooting straight up in the air.
He was a speck in the sky when Mabel walked up to Hermione asking, "You sure this was a good idea? He's rather high..." Any further comment from her stopped on her lips as she watched her employer power dive at an increasing speed straight down. When Harry pulled out at the last moment a few feet about the waves Mabel added, "Damn he can fly."
"That he can. You should see him play seeker. I've seen more than one school game practically stop as the other players watched him chase the snitch. The only time he played and didn't catch it the snitch had a Dementor escort," Hermione boasted proud of her husbands flying skills.
Over the next few days Harry spent more time in the air than on the yacht if you didn't count sleeping. And if you did it was still close. Hedwig found the time to join him occasionally and the hours Hermione spent watching the two of them playing follow the leader or aerial tag while relaxing with Crookshanks on the yacht's sun deck were some of the best of her young life.
Chapter 5
Runaways
Marcus Flint knelt before the Dark Lord doing his best to push his recent memories to the fore. He'd just returned from a Sedbury address provide by a friend in the minister where Marcus had observed the comings and goings of a newly discovered witch and her muggle family under the protection of invisibility and notice me not charms cast by the Dark Lord himself when Marcus's own charm work failed to garner his master's approval.
After a few moments reflection on the memories he'd viewed in his minions mind Voldemort stated, "The entire family needs to be culled. Dolohov choose a group of three more of my seasoned death eaters along with four of our new recruits. All eight of you will attend to this. You will insure the all new ones are properly indoctrinated into all our methods. If any of the new ones balk you know what to do,"
"Yes my Lord," Antonin Dolohov replied backing out of the room his mind already working on the makeup of his attack group.
At nightfall the following day Dolohov's group gathered at Malfoy Manor were the Dark Lord was currently residing. He'd taken to moving around while a very select group of death eaters worked to improve the protection at where ever it was the Dark Lord considered his home base. Dolohov watched the group gathered around the Portkey the Dark Lord had created using information extracted from Marcus Flint's mind. Unfortunately for the group the port key's destination was about 20 feet off causing the group to arrive half on the road behind the housing block. Normally this wouldn't be too much of a problem but with Murphy in charge of timing it put the ones actually in the road directly in the path of a military convoy returning to Beachley the members having greeted him at the local airport now escorting Prince Philip to their Army Apprentice College where a formal welcome awaited him prior to this years graduation ceremonies tomorrow.
The driver of the lead Land Rover didn't have a chance to react before running over and killing the two death eaters the Portkey had deposited directly in his travel path. The rest of the death eaters surprised at this turn of events spun hurling the killing curses that were ready on their lips at the convoy vehicles. Knowing they were responsible for the safety of the Queen's Consort the officers riding with him forced Prince Philip to the floor covering him with their bodies while the troops whose guns were empty and purely ceremonial attacked the remaining death eaters with their knives and whatever else they could find.
The death eaters were able to kill the first wave but it takes time to utter "Arvada Kedavra" and a fit soldier can cover a surprising distance in that time. Antonin Dolohov had a knife in his gut before he was able to grab his return port key and uttered the activation phrase with his dying breath leaving behind seven dead death eaters, 8 dead soldiers, along with a number of wounded soldiers including one Queen's Consort who had been injured when a blasting curse hit the side of the car he was in, blowing the adjacent door to shreds the officers covering him caught the brunt of the shrapnel from the door while one of Prince Philips's arms was broken and the other sliced up rather well.
The response from the nearby Apprentice College took a while to get organized as only Prince Philip truly realized what had occurred having the luxury of knowing about the magical world. Even before they were properly organized off duty troops along with those who had been arrayed for the formal welcome were arriving to secure the area where some group had dared attack their fellow soldiers leaving their medics to deal with their wounded.
Voldemort was beyond furious. One of his inner circle had returned from what should have been a simple culling ripped open from belt to ribs. His mangled guts were spilling all over the ornate ballroom in Malfoy Manor he'd appropriated for his audience chamber. Screaming revenge against all that opposed him he ordered Bella Lestrange, her husband and brother in law, to immediately gather 5 more death eaters and Portkey to the same area and deal death to whoever dared oppose him.
Unfortunately for that group the logistics involved in getting everyone together with robes and masks on allowed time for reinforcements to arrive from the Army Apprentice School. The second group of death eaters fared worse than the first as the Portkey dropped them in the middle of the army NCOs who were securing the area while searching for clues as to what had caused their eight dead comrades. Everyone of them was on guard from the descriptions provided by their surviving comrades so when the second group of robed individuals arrived knives flashed in an instant. The only death eater to return to Voldemort was also the only death eater in the second group with a kill. The soldier she'd appeared next to had hesitated when he noticed she was a woman allowing her curse to strike true. The return attack came from a soldier on her other side who's knife caught more material than anything else. Seeing she was severely out numbered with all her companions down Bella activated her escape Portkey. When only his most loyal death eater returned even the Dark Lord knew it was time to cut his losses and sent Bella off to insure she was healed from the minor knife cut. While Lucius Malfoy was sent to the Ministry of Magic to see what he could learn of tonight's events.
—Runaways—
The death of nine soldiers with more injured would always bring a response. The addition of an injured Prince Philip not to mention twenty dead attackers wearing strange outfits with four more attackers severely injured and in custody and being unable to identify any of the attacking group had Tony Blair quickly attending on the Queen bright and early the next morning. He was surprised at how complete her knowledge was of a world within England that he barely knew about. "You are my Prime Minister. I request you contact the Minister for Magic to hear his side of the story once you have his report please attend me again." Queen Elizabeth said dismissing Tony Blair.
"Yes your Majesty." Was the only thing a befuddled Prime Minister could say before returning to 10 Downing Street.
Back in his office in plenty of time to start his normal day's activities Tony Blair approached the ugliest painting he'd ever laid eyes on saying, "Tell the Minister for Magic his presence is requested and required."
It was noon before Cornelius Fudge stepped from the office fireplace. "Took you long enough to get here." Tony said.
"I don't like being summoned like a house elf," Fudge sputtered attempting to look imposing.
"Deal with it, her Royal Majesty summoned me before breakfast. It seems your little terrorist group is causing problems in my world."
"Not at all. Not that group, we've just killed Sirius Black this summer and they are done with. If you are by chance referring to last night's incident I've already looked in to it and been assured none of them were from my world." Cornelius said pompously.
Tony Blair tossing one of the blood stained death eater masks to Cornelius was his answer. Cornelius's rapidly paling face gave Tony all the answer he needed. "Fudge go home. I can see you're totally useless to me," Blair said relaxing into his chair.
Huffing at the abrupt dismissal Fudge turned to leave but hesitated and turned back reaching for the mask he'd dropped. "Leave it," Blair commanded causing Fudge to withdraw his hand and rush off to the fireplace and the safety of his office where a bottle of fire whiskey awaited him.
Tony Blair returned to Buckingham Palace that afternoon reporting that despite all non-verbal clues confirming their suspicions the Minister for Magic insisted there was no magical involvement in last night's attacks.
"Very well I will consult with you in a few days," the Queen said at the end of their long discussion. Once the prime minister had left she turned to a courtier saying, "Advise Sir Finch-Fletchley that we request and require his son's attendance."
—Runaways—
Up at Hogwarts everyone was settling in for breakfast the next day when an owl landed in front of Justin Finch-Fletchley holding out a leg with parchment attached. After a quick read through Justin rose and approached his Head of House Professor Sprout who was currently eating at the head table saying, "Professor I am being called home on family matters. Is there anyway I can floo directly to Diagon Alley?"
"I'm sorry but we don't allow students to leave on a whim," Dumbledore said from his throne upset that a Hufflepuff of all students would interrupt the head table.
"Headmaster this is from my father he requests and requires my attendance," Justin countered waving the letter he'd just received.
Dumbledore just inclined his head to Professor Sprout who looked the letter over before nodding to the headmaster. "Your father obviously knows the proper format. I will escort you to the Leaky Cauldron myself. I take it your father will be waiting outside," she said nodding to the letter.
"Yes Professor."
"Very well then once I confirm you have someone waiting I will return here. You are on your own to insure you return before curfew or failing that inform myself of your plans."
"Yes Professor." Justin said as he rushed to follow his head of house out the door.
Justin exited the Leaky Cauldron to find his father waiting in the back of the family's Rolls Royce. "Father?" Justin questioned entering the back as their driver held the door open.
"We or more correctly you have been summoned by her Majesty," His father replied motioning to the pile of formal muggle attire awaiting him on the floor of the car. Silence prevailed as Justin shifted out of wizarding robes and into formal court clothing while the car made the journey to Buckingham Palace.
—Runaways—
In Buckingham Palace in a room that looked like it belonged in a modern corporate office rather than an ornate palace the royal family of Great Britain gathered, The Queen her consort and mother sat at the head, or more accurately middle, of a broad semi-circular table with her children and of age grandchildren arranged in descending rank down the sides. A computer or note pad as the seat occupant desired was on the table in front of them. They faced several smaller tables and a large projection screen. Currently the Commander of the Army Apprentice College and a few subordinates occupied one of the tables facing them. He was giving a briefing on the attack that injured Prince Philip and their resulting response.
Upon his finishing the Queen looked down both sides of her table then said, "Thank you Commander. If we have any further questions you will be contacted. Thank you and your staff for your work. You are dismissed."
With a "Your Majesty" from all at the table they bowed and exited the quickly opened door.
"Let us see what our SAS have been able to find out from the survivors." Queen Elizabeth said motioning to an attendant waiting on her pleasure at another door.
This group of soldiers marched in saluted then sat at a second table. "Your Majesty, your highnesses."
"Colonel what have you found out from our prisoners?"
"Not as much as we'd hoped your Majesty. Only one was fit to be questioned. He was a new marked death eater, that is what they call themselves. They serve a Lord Voldemort whose proclaimed ambition is to rid their world and presumably the rest of England of those who are not of Pure Blood. This is were it gets a bit confusing Pure Blood is a term whose definition can vary slightly it normally means those whose grandparents were magical. Although we've been given to understand if one's grandparent was actually born to non-magical parents that individual still qualifies for being a pure bloods magical grandparent."
"Yes as with all things of that nature we understand the confusion. Please proceed, how may of these death eaters are we facing and what do they have for resources?" The queen asked.
"We are unsure. Our source put the number he saw at roughly 60 individuals total during his time in their headquarters but as they were all masked he was unsure if he saw the same person several times. He also stated magicals used the wooden sticks they carried to cast magical spells which could kill, cause damage or actually heal. Apparently this Lord Voldemort is their most powerful magic user and therefore can cast the most damaging spells."
"Is there anything else we should know?"
"No your Majesty that is all we have at the current time."
"Very well I would like you and your top aides to stay and listen to our next guest. He is a wizard and might be able to provide us with more information."
The Finch-Fletchleys looked at each other when instead of the formal receiving room they were shown in to a private conference room were the senior members of the Royal family were waiting.
"Mister Finch-Fletchley your presence was requested by us as we have need of your knowledge concerning the wizarding world." The Prince of Wales said as he looked at the young man standing before them with his father slightly behind and to the side.
"I will provide any information I have knowledge of you require sire."
Two hours later Justin felt totally drained. His father hadn't spoken at all just nodded his greeting while Justin had spent two hours answering questions covering every aspect of the wizarding world. The I don't know your Highness," answer coming more and more frequently as they Royals delved deeper into the details of the magical world. Now he and his father awaited the Queen's pleasure in a small room just off the conference room. In the conference room the Royal family were discussing options before the Queen reached her decision which was law with in the "Company" as those inside referred to the "Royal" portion of their family life.
The next morning Justin couldn't believe what he was doing. He'd sent word that the family business was going to take a few days and on his second day away from Hogwarts he was making his way to the Ministry of Magic a summons for the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement from the Queen in his robe pocket. True it was a summons he'd suggested in a moment of stress as a way for the Royals to acquire the information he was unable to provide.
Upon his return to the Finch-Fletchley home last night he'd owled Susan Bones, a fellow Hufflepuff and the niece of the person he was meeting, requesting her help in getting an appointment. Susan had come through in a big way with this late morning appointment the next day.
"Mr. Finch-Fletchley?" the receptionist asked as he entered the outer office. Justin responded with a nod of agreement and watched as she touched a figurine on her desk with her wand saying, "Madam Bones will be with you shortly."
Justin barely had time to look around the room before a door opened and a monocle-wearing witch said, "Mr. Finch-Fletchley," Causing him to rise and follow her into the office of the most powerful witch in the wizarding world. Once they were seated and the formal pleasantries out of the way she asked, "What is so important you requested my niece to set up an urgent meeting with me?" her tone one of warning that he'd best not be wasting her time.
Justin didn't reply and with Susan's warning of, "don't startle my aunt if you want to stay healthy," in the forefront of his mind he slowly reached into his robe pocket withdrawing the summons from the Queen from it's resting place before carefully placing it on the desk in front of Madam Bones who'd withdrawn her wand the instant his hand had left her sight.
She made quick work casting multiple detection charms before placing her wand back in it's holster. Untying the ribbon she examined the seal and withdrew her wand touching several figurines as well as casting a few additional charms. With her wand once more returned to it's holster she asked, "Just how did you come to be in possession of this document?"
Justin had been coached on this and several other anticipated questions and gave the provided answer, "Family connections,"
Madam Bones nodded her acceptance and broke the wax seal then read the document several times if eye movement was any indication. "This does not give a time or date, Just earliest opportunity. Do you have any more indication than that?"
"Madam Bones on the muggle side that means you are expected to proceed to her directly upon receipt of a request like this. She is aware you might have a problem being that prompt but I would suggest over a day's delay would be frowned upon." Justin replied.
She thought it over then glanced between her schedule off to the side and the summons several times. Reaching a decision she rose prompting Justin to do the same. Tucking the summons into one of her robe's many pockets she motioned him to lead the way out of her office while she deactivated the anti eavesdropping charms she'd activated. Passing her receptionist she said, "Mary I'm going out for a while," before leading Justin out of the ministry and at his suggestion flooing to the Leaky Cauldron where a car was waiting outside. Seeing Justin emerge with company the driver picked up a handset speaking into it as Justin ushered his guest into the back seat.
Amanda Bone's eyebrow rose when she noticed the waiting car rising even higher when two motorcycle police outriders appeared with their blues lights flashing leading the way as their car turned off Charing Cross Road. Red lights were ignored as their little procession left London proper making it's way down a car filled road at a speed that made Amanda nervous when she realized this muggle vehicle, unlike the Night Bus, possessed no crash avoidance charms or any safety charms for that matter. The two motorcycles pulled over and stopped as the car turned on to a meadow lined drive that had no other traffic on it at all while a castle awaited them at the end of the drive. They stopped at a gate set in the castle wall while an individual walked over and checked who was in the car before returning to an obvious guard position while the gate opened allowing them to proceed inside the castle walls finally stopping beside a plain unremarkable wooden door. Exiting the car Madam Bones followed Justin as the door opened at his approach. They were met inside by a formally dressed man who greeted Justin warmly before leading the way to a large room where a group of well-dressed people was waiting. She quickly identified the Queen of England and a second older woman she suspected was the queen's mother.
"Your Royal Majesty, Madam Amanda Bones head of your Magical Law Enforcement Department," Justin announced bowing to the Queen. An action Amanda quickly took as a hint to drop in to a curtsy an act she was surprised she remembered how to perform having only done it a very few times in her youth when meeting elderly female relatives.
"Madam Bones thank you for your quick response to our summons. Please join my family and a few of our advisors. We have a number of questions and concerns that Mr. Finch-Fletchley was unable to address. No doubt due to his recent introduction to your world." Queen Elizabeth stated formally.
As a number of individuals who were not involved in the meeting left the room Justin felt a touch at his elbow and took the hint following the attendant out.
Three hours later Justin returned to Hogwarts having been dismissed by the Queen. Upon arrival he was met by a very curious Susan Bones. A curiosity he could not satisfy despite her various entreaties much to his regret as the directions he'd received upon leaving had been very specific.
Susan's aunt left her meeting with the Royals invigorated based on the questions she was asked about how the Ministry interrogated magical individuals she suspected they had at least one death eater alive and in custody. She suspected they were at least double checking the responses they'd received from any death eaters they may have captured and beyond that were likely formulating a response to the attack on Prince Philip. Still she rode back to the Leaky Cauldron the same way she'd arrived knowing very little more than when she'd left it several hours ago.
—Runaways—
The wizards captured by the Army during the attack on Prince Phillip had been turned over to the Special Air Service who found out they were quite willing to assist the SAS casting various spells and charms in order to gain extra rations or other luxuries. Of course only those that could cast spells, charms, and wards with a bomb strapped to their body equipped with a pull pin detonator anchored to the room floor were able to assist in their testing.
The SAS were pleased when they discovered a slight modification to their standard night vision goggles allowed them to detect magical wards. Shielding against their spells was still an ongoing research activity. Actually the hardest part of the assaults was determining the location of the various target buildings. Wizarding folk normally just apparated to a known place and those that used coordinates did not use standard ones to determine their destination. After a good bit of computer work by the geeks within their group it was determined the two locations used as origin points for the wizarding coordinates in Britain were Hogwarts and Caerfyrddin in Wales, The latter confused them until one of the individuals realized it was the reported home of Merlin.
Meanwhile a skilled Special Air Service Special projects interrogation team was wringing all they could out of their prisoners Without access to the Veritaserum they'd heard about their methods took a bit longer but were just as effective.
Shortly after the attack Her Majesty's government had sent out a classified internal memo to various agencies with pictures of the "Tattoo" the terrorists had on their forearms asking if any other department had information on the group. It was a shot in the dark but it paid off when a secretary in one of the obscure departments sent word back that they were called death eaters and it was best to leave them alone. Soon she was confessing she knew about it because her sister was a witch who'd left the magical world during the first uprising. The sister was brought in and admitted to not only being a witch but had been studying advanced potions before leaving the Magical world behind. A visit from Prince Charles soon had the witch setting up a potions laboratory in a secure building on RAF Hereford. She'd quickly provided her small hidden stock of Veritaserum for the government to use while setting up a proper potions lab to brew more along with other potions she was sure would come in handy.
The SAS special projects team took the information they'd doubled checked between their prisoners creating a portfolio of helpful information including past activities, standard attack/combat methods, and a listing of likely targets to hit including a comprehensive list of persons of interest with rather detailed descriptions. Equipped with these the special projects squads were each given a highly place person of interest to acquire and set off to develop their detailed plan of acquisition with a lot of cross talk between teams to insure they were not overlooking a simpler solution to the same problem. With the coordinate system figured out the individual teams quickly sent scouts to their various locations mapping out what they could determine with their modified goggles. When they asked about the higher powered wards the scouts had encountered at several of their target locations the magical prisoners informed them high level wards required ward stones buried at the corners of the wards. Quick and quiet use of ground penetrating radar during the night at one site allowed them to confirm this and once the depth was known a plan of attack devised.
Two weeks later in the wee hours of a Monday morning five SAS special project squads dropped the wards around their target locations with special ground penetrating rocket propelled charges that destroyed the ward stones. Snipers fired drugged darts at the emerging individuals while other snipers stood ready with normal rounds should their plans encounter unexpected problems.
The operations went off without a hitch and by sunrise they were back at base with six more death eaters in custody. Other individuals found were checked for the dark mark resulting in the additional death eater those without the mark were in protective custody without wands or any other way to contact the wizarding world.
—Runaways—
When Thorfinn Rowle didn't show up for up for work Monday morning, a day he was scheduled to meet with his department head in the department of magical transportation. One of his co-workers contacted a friend in the Auror department who floo'ed to Rowle's home to find the wards surrounding the home down, occupants missing, and the home devoid of anything remotely magical. A few minutes after his arrival at the home a muggle flying machine passed low over the house causing him to rapidly apparate back to the ministry.
Their discussion about what had happened to Rowle took place in the Ministry's canteen during the morning snack rush and was overheard by several individuals who passed the story to their co-workers causing rumors of the Muggle Government attacking magical homes. One individual passed his concerns on to the Ministry's International Confederation of Wizards representative who promptly took his concerns to the international body. Concerned and worried that unless prompt action was taken their might be a revival of Muggle hunting in England the ICW sent an envoy to the British Queen to determine what was going on to cause such a rumor. The report back didn't thrill anyone as the Queen in many words and convoluted language told the envoy that if the Magical government couldn't clean up the problem She would insure it was dealt with. The harsh rebuke had the British Magical government's representative pushing for action against the muggle government instead of requesting assistance in dealing with their Dark Lord problem. The best the moderates in the ICW could do was prevent any action being taken using the Queen's assurance knowledge of the magical world was contained with in the very small group that was tasked with curing the problem under her direct authority as their main counter point.
Over the next few days a few other members of the Ministry of Magic's staff failed to report to work and checks at their registered place of residence turned up nothing.
The Monday after Rowle disappeared Madam Bones was ending her day at the Ministry of Magic when the minister himself barged into her office. "This is intolerable Madam Bones what are you doing to find out what is going on?" Fudge shouted at her.
As the thought 'I've got to get a better receptionist' passed through her mind Amanda stood to avoid being at a disadvantage asking, "What in Merlin's name are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about? Surely you've heard the news that several outstanding members of our community have gone missing!"
Amanda nodded her understanding wondering why he was so upset, so what if a few of the greyer purebloods had dropped out of sight then Lucius Malfoy walked into her office and she understood. Malfoy had wound up the minister and sent him off. "We are looking into the situation. As you are aware these things take time. I should have a preliminary report for you by the end of the week."
"I expect daily updates Madam Bones," Fudge blustered heading out the door starting a conversation with Lucius as he did.
The SAS continued their cleanup of the death eaters using information gathered from each new group to determine who would be their next targets. As prominent members of both the Wizengamot and wizarding government and their families continued to disappear from their isolated and well warded homes the Leaky Cauldron filled with long term renters while any vacant location in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade was rented and turned into living accommodations As those who had the foresight and/or money moved from their equally isolated and well warded mansions which were suspected of being vulnerable into presumed locations that offered greater security. The Ministry for Magic enhanced this thinking with constant Auror patrols in both the alley and Hogsmeade. This thinking was demolished when Lucius Malfoy and family disappeared from his newly purchased home on the outskirts of Hogsmeade.
In Malfoy the SAS hit the mother lobe of death eater information the rumors of a prophecy were firmed up to the point it was no longer considered rumor and they had a good line on just who it concerned.
Having no history with prophecies everyone on the muggle government side was confused at the amount of confidence all the wizards placed in a prophecy. It took a surprising development to bring the prophecy to the fore front.
Amanda Bones was sitting in her office going over the latest missing persons reports they were an interesting read. If she had been of one of those accused Death Eaters who managed to escape persecution either do to being under the imperious curse or being coerced to save their families she would be very worried. Her contemplation was interrupted by Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of witchcraft & Wizardry, Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot, Head of the International Confederation of Wizardry. or as she thought of him Albus too many titles, too much power.
"Amanda, who is attacking our citizens?"
"I have no idea. Now if you don't mind I'm a bit busy."
"Now Amanda I know Master Finch-Fletchley took you to a meeting with the Muggle Queen. I suspect you participated in a discussion that resulted in our current problems." Albus Dumbledore said firmly.
Amanda was furious her niece, Susan, had told her the rumor mill at Hogwarts reported both the Headmaster and his potions professor practiced mind reading on the students. Evidently she had received unintended confirmation of these reports. "What is your point Headmaster." she asked intentionally choosing to address him by his least important title.
"I need you to stop this attack against the death eaters people are being injured and possibly even killed in this useless endeavor."
"I wouldn't describe it as useless I believe they are removing terrorists."
"It doesn't matter as only one person can end this and he has gone missing." Dumbledore stated firmly.
"Are you talking about the prophecy?"
Albus paled quickly asking, "Where did you hear about that?"
"Oh Albus it's in the Department of Mysteries while I can't remove it I can view the information about it and Albus to be honest your initials are rather distinctive. Once I saw those the other people became obvious. HJP come on Albus who else could that be other than Harry Potter. And if your hand moves any closer to your wand Albus you won't like what happens."
"Come on Amanda you know you can't take me." Albus said with a bit of a chuckle in his voice hoping to take the edge off his confrontational comment.
"Albus do you really think I'm without resources in my own office?"
Albus looked at Amanda for a moment before realizing it wasn't worth the problems it would cause so he made a point of folding his hands in his lap before saying, "Amanda I didn't come here to argue with you I came to offer my assistance as a peace maker between the two sides before everything gets out of hand."
She looked at Albus contemplating a few options then saying, "Tomorrow at noon. Meet me at the Leaky Cauldron. I should know by then who is doing all this."
"I will see you then." Albus said rising and taking his leave.
Leaving work Amanda made a point of removing the various tracking charms Albus had placed on her before heading out the muggle side of the Leaky Cauldron to a phone booth were she made a few calls setting up tomorrow's events. Ten minutes later she was back in the wizarding world and on her way home where she could finally relax and smile at what would happen the next day.
Dumbledore was on time and quickly transformed his robes in to muggle attire suitable for 1938 when Amanda mentioned they were going into the muggle world to meet with the people who would lead them to the attackers. Unfortunately for Dumbledore he'd never heard of a Taser that the SAS solder fired when he turned his back to him just outside the Leaky Cauldron intending to follow Amanda down the street when the voltage from that gun met his magic the reaction was surprising even to Amanda. Where as with a non-magical it results in a loss of control of most or all bodily functions along with cramping muscles. In the wizards they'd used it on prior to Dumbledore they experienced the expected reactions and the initially surprising reaction of the wizard instantly blacking out as their magic was "short circuited" when it was subjected to the high voltage of the Taser. Dumbledore's reaction was a bit different well if you call getting blown 20 feet in the air the instant the voltage hit him a bit different. All the other reactions were there too but Dumbledore's flight drew a bit more attention than they had planned. But with the help of a few spells from Amanda combined with a few flashes of the badges the SAS that were there to assist carried. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore disappeared into detention at the Queens Pleasure. By the time he woke he was doused with Veritaserum an interviewer was sitting with him a list of questions at hand and audio and video recorders running. Three hours later they had the full prophecy and all his various interpretations of it along with any actions he had taken regarding it.
Finished with his list of questions the interviewer turned to Amanda Bones asking, "Any questions you want to ask?"
"I've got a few if you don't mind?"
"Go ahead,"
"Dumbledore why didn't you involve the Ministry or at the least the Department of Mysteries in solving this problem."
"I am the only one that has the knowledge and abilities necessary."
"Are you saying no one else knows about the Horcruxes or how to deal with them?"
"I've only told one other about them and his reaction caused me to obliviate him." Dumbledore replied in a monotone.
"Who was that and what was his reaction?"
"I told Alastor Moody and he wanted to involve the Department of Mysteries and Gringotts."
"Why Gringotts?" Amanda asked.
"He suspected their curse breakers would have a way of dealing with the Horcruxes."
"And you obliviated him because?"
"I felt I was better able to deal with them. After all I was the one who imprisoned Grindelwald and I will do the same with Tom once he kills Harry Potter, the two might even share a cell." Dumbledore said with a smile as his listener's faces fell open in astonishment.
Gathering her whit Amanda asked, "Are you saying Grindelwald is still alive?"
"Of course I couldn't be expected to kill the love of my life could I?"
"Who is Tom," the SAS investigator asked rejoining the questioning.
"Thomas Marvolo Riddle though he goes by Lord Voldemort nowadays. He was Head Boy
at Hogwarts back in the 40's 1940's that is. Always thought he was special. Well his mother was a Gaunt and despite that he could actually walk and talk at the same time so I guess he was special in his own way. I am astonished at the number of dark rituals that whip cracker found to improve his powers. He even found several I was unaware of." Dumbledore said starting to ramble indicating he would shortly shake off the drug.
"Taser him then give him another dose of that sleeping potion. I'll want to question him further tomorrow once this days answers have been analyzed," the SAS interrogator said drawing a nod of agreement from Amanda Bones who added, "I will be here with more questions as his answers have me concerned."
The previous day's questions directed the following day's and the answers started to rapidly accumulate. Answers that were soon relayed to the curse breakers at Gringotts field operations division and after a bit of negotiation Gringotts accepted the task of retrieval and destruction of those items. For their part the SAS continued to round up the individuals the in custody death eaters identified. and having been convinced by the Magical individuals both within and without their ranks of the importance of having Harry Potter directly involved with the elimination of Lord Voldemort her Majesty's Muggle Government undertook was assumed to be the easy task of finding Harry Potter. Three days later a sharp eyed accountant managed to trace the funds used to buy Lily's Gift and a call went out to locate that yacht and if Harry Potter was aboard do all they could to persuade him to contact the Local British Embassy.
By the time they caught up with Lily's Gift in Falmouth, Antigua at Nelson's Dockyard in the Port city of English Harbour, the Harry Potter they encountered was fit well tanned and willing to do about anything that didn't involve returning to England be it on the muggle or magical side of that country. After the third visitor to their yacht a guard appeared on the wharf and he took great pleasure in giving anyone who tried to strong arm their way past a dunking. The Head of the British consulate managed to get by after his staff had all received unofficial swimming lessons because he'd managed to bring two Marines seconded to him by the nearest British embassy.
If he'd thought he was past the hard part of this visit he soon found himself dissuaded of that notion.
"So to sum up the British Government wants me to drop everything and board a plane they will provide, essentially placing me in their custody so I can return to England and kill someone for them naturally I will stay under their control until they decide to give me my freedom. Does that sound like what you are asking me to do?" Harry asked the sarcasm dripping from his lips.
"Now see here youngster you can complain all you want but you are coming with me." the official said waving the marines forward.
Harry could see they didn't want to take him but were required to follow the officials orders. Unfortunately for them they had not taken Hermione in to account when they advanced. Moments later all three of the intruders were down. Ten minutes later Lily's Gift was pulling away from the pier and two hours later the official from the British consulate regained consciousness to see his two escorts rowing the small rubber lifeboat they were in towards the beach he could see only a short distance away. "What happened?" He asked concerned at how this would affect his career and how he could spin it to a positive.
"The girl got the drop on us and she had something that knocked us all out before we could do anything about it. We came to just a few minutes ago."
"Where are they?"
"Don't know I suspect they cast off and left us just off this beach to give themselves time to disappear." And disappear they did.