Canadian Intervention: Chapter 20 - Picking Up the Pieces
With this post, I draw "Canadian Intervention" to a close. See the note at the end of the chapter for the upcoming sequel.
Title: Harry Potter and the Canadian Intervention
Chapter Title: 20. Picking up the Pieces
Fandoms: Harry Potter/Real People
Pairing: Harry Potter/Frank Iero
Story Rating: PG-13
Chapter Word count: ~3,184
Warning(s): Violence, coarse language
Summary: See first chapter
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Chapter Summary: Harry and co. pick up the pieces after the disastrous events of October 31.
20. PICKING UP THE PIECES
Remus was just headed back into the library to continue preparations for that night's private party, when Gerard, Mikey, and Bob suddenly appeared on the teleport pad, looking quite shaken. "What's wrong, boys?"
"Dark shapes… started casting… spells? I don't know… Harry screamed at us to get out…" answered Gerard, dropping into one of the chairs, rather heavily.
"Bloody hell!" Remus exclaimed, rushing to the public floo. He immediately called on Minerva, and then proceeded to alert the British Ministry of Magic.
"Remus, is everything… Oh dear," said Molly, appearing from the dining room, seeing Gerard and two of his band mates looking stressed.
"The Order must be alerted at once," said Remus. "Death Eaters attacked the concert." He drew his wand and was about to activate the teleport pad, when Molly stopped him.
"No, you need to be here."
"And who else will go? Harry's in danger!"
"Let us," said George, appearing in the doorway to the library, followed by his brother.
"Absolutely not!" Molly almost shrieked. "I've lost one son already!"
"Look! Now is not the time for inaction, Merlin only knows how much damage they've already done!" With that, Remus touched the teleport pad and vanished. Just as quickly, Ray appeared on the teleport pad, looking very shaken up. He was partially relieved to see Gerard and the others seated in the chairs around the fire. "Adam's dead," Ray announced as he staggered over to a vacant seat.
Just then, the public floo fired, and out stepped Tonks, followed by Shacklebolt.
"The ministry got an alarm about an attack on the…" began Kingsley, but he stopped, seeing Gerard sitting in one of the chairs. He only nodded, and then touched the teleport pad, already well aware of where it went. Tonks quickly followed.
"It's a good thing the kids are upstairs," said Lisa. Just then, Frank landed in a heap on the teleport pad, unconscious. Both women gasped at his condition.
"My god!" Lisa gasped, kneeling down beside him. Molly followed, quickly casting a few diagnostic charms. Being a mother of seven children, knowledge of such charms had been essential.
"Oh dear," Molly managed. "He's been struck with multiple bouts of the Cruciatus curse."
"But… will he be Ok?" asked Gerard nervously.
"I don't know, Mr. Way," answered Molly sadly. "I have to get Madam Pomfrey, she'll know what to do." She stood up, and then activated the public floo, making the connection to the infirmary at Hogwarts. The face of the resident medi-witch appeared in the fire. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Weasley?"
"We've got a medical emergency here in Harry's trunk," said Molly. Madam Pomfrey only nodded, and the face vanished from the fire. Molly stepped back, and moments later the flames roared bright red. Madam Pomfrey stepped out of the flames.
"Where is the injured?"
"Here," Lisa called.
"He's been hit with multiple bouts of the Cruciatus curse," said Molly, "from what I could detect with my own diagnostics." Then it hit home. Bill was with them at the concert! And what of Harry?
The question was quickly answered, as Deric appeared on the teleport pad. He quickly stepped aside, and Travis appeared, looking white as a sheet. He was shaking like a leaf. He made a bee line for his mother on sight of her. Moments later, Harry appeared, crouched to the ground with Bill's body. He let out an agonizing scream, then fell unconscious himself, draped across the body.
"What… what happened?" Lisa managed.
"Voldemort attacked the venue… Death Eaters are still on the scene, I think. I'm going back to provide backup," said Deric, quickly touching the teleport pad. He vanished.
"I will need to return to Hogwarts for the appropriate medicines," said Madam Pomfrey. "It appears as though we will need a few calming draughts as well."
"I… I have that covered, ma'am," said Travis.
"Anti-Cruciatus draughts?"
"Um, I might… I… Never… n-n-needed it… before… b-b-but…"
"Skele-grow?"
"Y-y-yes."
"Sit down, dear," said Lisa, "I know where you keep them."
"No protests, young man," said Madam Pomfrey, casting diagnostic charms on Travis. "You've been exposed to the Cruciatus as well…"
"Me… and… F-F-Frankie too…" Travis managed. Even after the fact, his body still felt like it was on fire.
Molly was beside herself. She had already buried one son. Now, she would be faced with the tormenting task of burying another. She had not bothered to move Harry, but attempted to envelop both him and her now deceased son in her motherly grasp, as the tears flowed.
That was matched by the four conscious members of the band, who also huddled together, crushed by the death of their band mate, along with the hideous sequence of events that had unfolded. Even with the events of May 11th, only now did they understand exactly what Harry meant, concerning the true evil of the wizard world. That night, they had faced it, as hundreds of innocent lives had been extinguished in a heartbeat. That now included one of their own, and someone who had become a close friend.
oOo
What had been the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre was now a smoking ruin. The roof had completely collapsed at this point, as had two of the outer walls. In this hell, the battle still raged between Ministry Aurors and the Death Eaters. Voldemort had only remained behind for maybe a minute after Harry had disappeared. He left Lucius behind, as he had once again proven himself useless. Losing his wand to a child definitely did not win him any points in the eyes of the Dark Lord.
"Ah, Lucius. So nice of you to show yourself again," said Kingsley, wand levelled at the senior Malfoy's chest. "You're under arrest… again."
"As if the Ministry will really hold me," Lucius gave a haughty laugh. "The Dark Lord will only help me escape… again."
"Don't count on it, Malfoy, I do believe we might have a solution to that." 'It depends on whether Harry agrees or not,' Kingsley thought to himself.
A half hour after the incident began, twelve Death Eaters were again under arrest. Kingsley took charge of them, as the senior Auror on the scene. That quickly changed, when Amelia Bones apparated onto the scene.
"Auror Shacklebolt…"
"Amelia. What a mess this is," said Kingsley, gesturing to the wreckage around them. Along with rounding up stray Death Eaters, Aurors had also been busy extinguishing the fire.
"Indeed, it is. What of Mr. Potter?"
"Safe, back in his secret location," said Kingsley. He had not shared the location with her at this point.
"We won't be able to send the prisoners back to Azkaban," said Amelia.
"I might have a solution."
"I'm listening."
"Harry has an ingenious set of prison cells set up in his undisclosed location. Virtually inescapable, and, as I mentioned, no one knows exactly where it is."
"Now, you KNOW the ministry won't sanction that…"
"Amelia, what are our other options? You know the Dark Lord will only rescue them down the road, in a matter of time."
"You do carry a point, particularly now that the Dementors have left the prison…" she had just gotten those words out, when it suddenly began to grow cold.
"Oh bloody hell!" Kingsley groaned, drawing his wand.
"I have a portkey back to the ministry. Let's take the prisoners and get out of here," said Amelia sharply. Kingsley only nodded as she produced what looked like a dog's chew toy. They quickly linked up with the unconscious prisoners, and Amelia activated the port key.
While the battle raged inside the wreckage, the muggle police and fire brigade had arrived on the scene, attempting to cordon off the area and tackling the remains of the fire. A score of ambulances also arrived on scene and began spiriting away the injured to area hospitals.
The Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes office had already deployed teams of Obliviators to the scene, but they quickly realized that this scene was indeed catastrophic, involving thousands of muggles. No, it would be literally impossible to track down all the persons involved. Once again, the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee would be VERY busy.
Things went from bad to worse when the Dementors appeared. Ministry staff saw them, and a few fled, while others remained, quickly conjuring up Patronuses to drive them away. They were successful for the most part, their number being around 40, and were able to prevent any further deaths. Yet, the number of people witnessing the casting of magic grew yet again. It would be a bad day for the Ministry of Magic.
oOo
When Harry next regained consciousness, he let out a groan. 'Of course, I'm in the bloody hospital,' he thought. White walls, ceiling; he quickly assumed that he was in the infirmary at Hogwarts. Early morning light was streaming through the windows behind him. There were four other beds, and Harry felt instant relief at seeing Frank resting comfortably in the bed beside his.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey greeted, at once performing a few diagnostic charms.
"What… am… I wasn't injured, though."
"Not physically, but mentally is another issue all together, now, isn't it?" a young witch said, standing by the door.
"I do believe you know healer Kelly, Mr. Potter?"
"She's been seeing Albus weekly."
"And now we have an appointment as well, Mr. Potter."
"What? Why… I'm not MENTAL!" Harry burst.
"And we're most certainly not saying you are. However, it appears as though you have never sat down with a mind healer. You don't need to be insane to see me, you know."
"Indeed, Joyce," Madam Pomfrey interjected. "Mr. Potter, I am suggesting for all of you have at least one visit with Joyce, at least to talk about what happened last night."
"Fine. I can agree to that, I guess." He thought for a moment. "Is… is Frankie all right?"
"He's made a full recovery," answered Madam Pomfrey.
"Why did you bring us back to Hogwarts?"
"Oh, this is not Hogwarts, Mr. Potter. I must say, your Room of Requirement has been most helpful."
"Right… that would make sense," said Harry.
"So, when would you like to meet?" asked Joyce. "I am just on my way to my weekly visit with Albus, but I will be free right after. When Molly informed me of what happened, I cleared my schedule for today and tomorrow both." Just then, the doors opened, and Hermione, Ron, and Ginny entered.
"Harry! Oh, we were so worried!" Hermione burst, rushing over to his bed.
"No, look, I'm fine," answered Harry. "I mean… oh, bloody hell!" He looked at Ginny, and could tell that she had been crying. Her puffy, red eyes betrayed that. Ron only carried a stony expression, although his eyes betrayed the hurt and sadness at losing yet another sibling.
"Now, even though this is not Hogwarts, this is my domain, at least for now, so you will keep it down while you four visit, or you'll be out of here, understand?"
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione.
"Good, then."
"Harry, what happened?" Hermione finally asked.
"Voldemort and his Death Eaters attacked the concert. They… they just appeared, and started cursing people and blasting holes in the roof," answered Harry, and began to give an abbreviated account of what he saw. Joyce listened in on this, jotting down a few notes on a notepad, for later.
"You faced Voldemort? Oh Harry!" cried Hermione.
"LOOK! I don't need people pampering me and feeling sorry for me! Bloody hell, there are others here in worse shape!" Harry snapped.
"Harry?" Frank lifted up his head to look over. Relief crossed both their faces, as they saw each other looking none worse the wear.
Once Madam Pomfrey was sure Harry and Frank were well, she released them both. The others, however, would need several days. Apparently, Tonks had taken a bludgeoning hex to her rib cage, while Remus had taken several cutting hexes to the chest. He, too, would need time to heal.
The Daily Prophet and the National Wizards' Standard carried all the gory details. 'HALLOWEEN MASSACRE', screamed the headline in the Daily Prophet, with several pictures of the destruction. The National Wizards' Standard carried something similar, although the pictures were identical. Breakfast was a quiet affair, with no one really sure of what to say. What WAS there to say, really?
The previous evening's nightmare far surpassed any of the previous incidents in which Harry had faced Voldemort. Two people he knew very well had ended up dead. Two more he cared about still lay in Madam Pomfrey's care, with horrible injuries. Scores of muggles had died. Worse off, according to both papers, the International Statute of Secrecy had been breached in spectacular fashion. By all accounts, it now looked like Voldemort really did not care whether the muggle world knew of magic.
Unconsciously, he and Frank were sitting very close to each other, as though some part of them feared losing the other. It didn't take a lot for Harry to realize that he could have easily ended up in Travis' shoes. He now sat opposite them, occasionally giving the pair a sour look, which reminded Harry of Malfoy.
"We've decided that we're cancelling at least the next few… shows," Gerard managed, dragging a spoon through his oatmeal. "I think… I think we need some time."
"More like cancel the rest of the tour," said Mikey. "This… this Voldemort… he targeted us! What's to stop him from doing it again, Jesus Christ! Adam's fucking dead now, and we could have joined him!"
"Had you done as I asked you to, that wouldn't have BLOODY happened, now, would it?" Harry seethed. "Merlin's balls! When I say to use your bloody port keys, then bloody do it! Next time you might not be that lucky!"
Just then, Lisa stepped into the dining room, and said, "Gerard, phone."
"Thanks." Gerard got up and left the room.
"No doubt our manager, calling to find out the damage," said Frank. He looked at Travis, and said, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Travis snorted, "You really wanna know what's fucking wrong?! Gee, let's see. I was attacked by a crazed form that shouldn't even be CONSIDERED human. Driven almost crazy by the Cruciatus curse. And oh yeah, I got to see my fucking boyfriend MURDERED IN FRONT OF MY FUCKING FACE!" Everything on the table started to vibrate, as did the portraits on the walls and the light fixture.
"Travis, mate, you have to calm down," George pleaded.
"Don't FUCKING tell me to calm down, Jesus FUCKING Christ!" A jug filled with milk suddenly imploded, showering the table with its contents. "I don't FUCKING need this shit!" He stood up abruptly, sending the chair skidding back against the wall, and stormed out of the room. Harry stood up to follow, but Frank gripped his shoulder, shaking his head 'no'.
"Best to leave him be, mate," said Cedric, from his portrait.
"I think if there's anyone who needs a mind healer right now, it's Travis," said Fred.
"Agreed," said Mikey. "What's a mind healer anyway?"
"The same as a muggle psychiatrist, although they can also use mild Legilimency to get a better understanding of where the client is," said Lily.
"I think maybe we should see one as well, then," said Bob.
"I think she will be quite willing to have a chat with each of you," said Lily. "An encounter with Voldemort is not a pleasant experience, no matter which angle you look at it from."
"That is SO true, mum," said Harry, as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
oOo
Harry slowly removed his glasses, having undressed already. It almost felt surreal for some reason, as he climbed into bed, his mind still swimming with the catastrophic events that occurred just over 24 hours prior.
"All right, Harry?" asked Frank, as he, too, climbed into bed.
"I just… why didn't you do as I asked?"
"I didn't wanna lose you, Harry! Fuck, man, you could've died!" Frank blurted, his face flushing.
"And so could you! Bloody hell, you're a MUGGLE, Frankie! You can do absolutely NOTHING to that monster. He could turn you into a puddle of goo just thinking of it, and where the hell would I be? You mean the world to me… and I just don't know what I would do if I lost you."
"I'm sorry… I just…" he couldn't finish, but wrapped his arms around Harry, wanting to do whatever he could to protect his partner… his mate… his lover.
As Harry lay in Frank's arms, all he could think about was Bill's body, his eyes staring up at him, unblinking. It was almost identical to Cedric's death, that same shocked expression being frozen on Bill's face. It didn't take a lot for Harry to know that it could have easily been Frank. Looking back at the decisions he had made in July, Harry now wondered if it really mattered at all.
The answer was there in his arms. Even in the hell they had just gone through, had it not been for the little 'Canadian intervention' in July, Harry would not have met Frank. He would not have grown and matured as much as he did. More so, he would still be under the control of an insane headmaster. Quite possibly, he would be dead. No, really looking at things, he had made the best choices, dealt with things as best as he could. That was all he COULD do. With that thought, he dropped back into his subconscious mind, allowing sleep to overtake him.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:That's it, that's all… the fat lady has sung. I thank all of you who have reviewed, placed this story on your alert list, or placed it in your favourites list, and so on. It tells me this story was for the most part a success.
Originally, I saw this as being a much bigger story than it turned out. Then, of course, another idea came into my head, and it involved a recent movie I saw, made of one of my favourite books I read as a kid. So, as this one was reaching a critical point already, I decided to wrap this one up, since "Canadian Intervention" has served its purpose as a title: Get Harry out of England, and get him his independence.
So now, I move on to the next segment in the story, which will be called "Harry Potter and the Aftermath of Tomorrow". Do stick me in your alert lists, so you will get notifications when I start posting the new one. Of course, I will also post a notification of it here as well, at the end of this one. Continuity is important, is it not?
Finally, I send a huge shout-out once again, to my wonderful beta, haushinka_77. I've learned a few things as she edited this story, and of course, that helps make things much easier for you, the reader to enjoy.
Now. I have began posting the sequel, called HARRY POTTER AND THE AFTERMATH OF TOMORROW. The first chapter has been posted at FanFiction.net, do check my profile there. Very soon, I will also begin posting it here. For now, here's a sneak peak at the banner:
It is most definitely a darker banner, considering the things that have just happened to Harry, Frank, and Travis. And of course, there is a MASSIVE clue as to where they're headed, now, eh?
Previous Chapter: 19 - October 31
TO THE SEQUAL: HARRY POTTER AND THE AFTERMATH OF TOMORROW
Table Of Contents
Title: Harry Potter and the Canadian Intervention
Chapter Title: 20. Picking up the Pieces
Fandoms: Harry Potter/Real People
Pairing: Harry Potter/Frank Iero
Story Rating: PG-13
Chapter Word count: ~3,184
Warning(s): Violence, coarse language
Summary: See first chapter
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Chapter Summary: Harry and co. pick up the pieces after the disastrous events of October 31.
20. PICKING UP THE PIECES
Remus was just headed back into the library to continue preparations for that night's private party, when Gerard, Mikey, and Bob suddenly appeared on the teleport pad, looking quite shaken. "What's wrong, boys?"
"Dark shapes… started casting… spells? I don't know… Harry screamed at us to get out…" answered Gerard, dropping into one of the chairs, rather heavily.
"Bloody hell!" Remus exclaimed, rushing to the public floo. He immediately called on Minerva, and then proceeded to alert the British Ministry of Magic.
"Remus, is everything… Oh dear," said Molly, appearing from the dining room, seeing Gerard and two of his band mates looking stressed.
"The Order must be alerted at once," said Remus. "Death Eaters attacked the concert." He drew his wand and was about to activate the teleport pad, when Molly stopped him.
"No, you need to be here."
"And who else will go? Harry's in danger!"
"Let us," said George, appearing in the doorway to the library, followed by his brother.
"Absolutely not!" Molly almost shrieked. "I've lost one son already!"
"Look! Now is not the time for inaction, Merlin only knows how much damage they've already done!" With that, Remus touched the teleport pad and vanished. Just as quickly, Ray appeared on the teleport pad, looking very shaken up. He was partially relieved to see Gerard and the others seated in the chairs around the fire. "Adam's dead," Ray announced as he staggered over to a vacant seat.
Just then, the public floo fired, and out stepped Tonks, followed by Shacklebolt.
"The ministry got an alarm about an attack on the…" began Kingsley, but he stopped, seeing Gerard sitting in one of the chairs. He only nodded, and then touched the teleport pad, already well aware of where it went. Tonks quickly followed.
"It's a good thing the kids are upstairs," said Lisa. Just then, Frank landed in a heap on the teleport pad, unconscious. Both women gasped at his condition.
"My god!" Lisa gasped, kneeling down beside him. Molly followed, quickly casting a few diagnostic charms. Being a mother of seven children, knowledge of such charms had been essential.
"Oh dear," Molly managed. "He's been struck with multiple bouts of the Cruciatus curse."
"But… will he be Ok?" asked Gerard nervously.
"I don't know, Mr. Way," answered Molly sadly. "I have to get Madam Pomfrey, she'll know what to do." She stood up, and then activated the public floo, making the connection to the infirmary at Hogwarts. The face of the resident medi-witch appeared in the fire. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Weasley?"
"We've got a medical emergency here in Harry's trunk," said Molly. Madam Pomfrey only nodded, and the face vanished from the fire. Molly stepped back, and moments later the flames roared bright red. Madam Pomfrey stepped out of the flames.
"Where is the injured?"
"Here," Lisa called.
"He's been hit with multiple bouts of the Cruciatus curse," said Molly, "from what I could detect with my own diagnostics." Then it hit home. Bill was with them at the concert! And what of Harry?
The question was quickly answered, as Deric appeared on the teleport pad. He quickly stepped aside, and Travis appeared, looking white as a sheet. He was shaking like a leaf. He made a bee line for his mother on sight of her. Moments later, Harry appeared, crouched to the ground with Bill's body. He let out an agonizing scream, then fell unconscious himself, draped across the body.
"What… what happened?" Lisa managed.
"Voldemort attacked the venue… Death Eaters are still on the scene, I think. I'm going back to provide backup," said Deric, quickly touching the teleport pad. He vanished.
"I will need to return to Hogwarts for the appropriate medicines," said Madam Pomfrey. "It appears as though we will need a few calming draughts as well."
"I… I have that covered, ma'am," said Travis.
"Anti-Cruciatus draughts?"
"Um, I might… I… Never… n-n-needed it… before… b-b-but…"
"Skele-grow?"
"Y-y-yes."
"Sit down, dear," said Lisa, "I know where you keep them."
"No protests, young man," said Madam Pomfrey, casting diagnostic charms on Travis. "You've been exposed to the Cruciatus as well…"
"Me… and… F-F-Frankie too…" Travis managed. Even after the fact, his body still felt like it was on fire.
Molly was beside herself. She had already buried one son. Now, she would be faced with the tormenting task of burying another. She had not bothered to move Harry, but attempted to envelop both him and her now deceased son in her motherly grasp, as the tears flowed.
That was matched by the four conscious members of the band, who also huddled together, crushed by the death of their band mate, along with the hideous sequence of events that had unfolded. Even with the events of May 11th, only now did they understand exactly what Harry meant, concerning the true evil of the wizard world. That night, they had faced it, as hundreds of innocent lives had been extinguished in a heartbeat. That now included one of their own, and someone who had become a close friend.
oOo
What had been the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre was now a smoking ruin. The roof had completely collapsed at this point, as had two of the outer walls. In this hell, the battle still raged between Ministry Aurors and the Death Eaters. Voldemort had only remained behind for maybe a minute after Harry had disappeared. He left Lucius behind, as he had once again proven himself useless. Losing his wand to a child definitely did not win him any points in the eyes of the Dark Lord.
"Ah, Lucius. So nice of you to show yourself again," said Kingsley, wand levelled at the senior Malfoy's chest. "You're under arrest… again."
"As if the Ministry will really hold me," Lucius gave a haughty laugh. "The Dark Lord will only help me escape… again."
"Don't count on it, Malfoy, I do believe we might have a solution to that." 'It depends on whether Harry agrees or not,' Kingsley thought to himself.
A half hour after the incident began, twelve Death Eaters were again under arrest. Kingsley took charge of them, as the senior Auror on the scene. That quickly changed, when Amelia Bones apparated onto the scene.
"Auror Shacklebolt…"
"Amelia. What a mess this is," said Kingsley, gesturing to the wreckage around them. Along with rounding up stray Death Eaters, Aurors had also been busy extinguishing the fire.
"Indeed, it is. What of Mr. Potter?"
"Safe, back in his secret location," said Kingsley. He had not shared the location with her at this point.
"We won't be able to send the prisoners back to Azkaban," said Amelia.
"I might have a solution."
"I'm listening."
"Harry has an ingenious set of prison cells set up in his undisclosed location. Virtually inescapable, and, as I mentioned, no one knows exactly where it is."
"Now, you KNOW the ministry won't sanction that…"
"Amelia, what are our other options? You know the Dark Lord will only rescue them down the road, in a matter of time."
"You do carry a point, particularly now that the Dementors have left the prison…" she had just gotten those words out, when it suddenly began to grow cold.
"Oh bloody hell!" Kingsley groaned, drawing his wand.
"I have a portkey back to the ministry. Let's take the prisoners and get out of here," said Amelia sharply. Kingsley only nodded as she produced what looked like a dog's chew toy. They quickly linked up with the unconscious prisoners, and Amelia activated the port key.
While the battle raged inside the wreckage, the muggle police and fire brigade had arrived on the scene, attempting to cordon off the area and tackling the remains of the fire. A score of ambulances also arrived on scene and began spiriting away the injured to area hospitals.
The Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes office had already deployed teams of Obliviators to the scene, but they quickly realized that this scene was indeed catastrophic, involving thousands of muggles. No, it would be literally impossible to track down all the persons involved. Once again, the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee would be VERY busy.
Things went from bad to worse when the Dementors appeared. Ministry staff saw them, and a few fled, while others remained, quickly conjuring up Patronuses to drive them away. They were successful for the most part, their number being around 40, and were able to prevent any further deaths. Yet, the number of people witnessing the casting of magic grew yet again. It would be a bad day for the Ministry of Magic.
oOo
When Harry next regained consciousness, he let out a groan. 'Of course, I'm in the bloody hospital,' he thought. White walls, ceiling; he quickly assumed that he was in the infirmary at Hogwarts. Early morning light was streaming through the windows behind him. There were four other beds, and Harry felt instant relief at seeing Frank resting comfortably in the bed beside his.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey greeted, at once performing a few diagnostic charms.
"What… am… I wasn't injured, though."
"Not physically, but mentally is another issue all together, now, isn't it?" a young witch said, standing by the door.
"I do believe you know healer Kelly, Mr. Potter?"
"She's been seeing Albus weekly."
"And now we have an appointment as well, Mr. Potter."
"What? Why… I'm not MENTAL!" Harry burst.
"And we're most certainly not saying you are. However, it appears as though you have never sat down with a mind healer. You don't need to be insane to see me, you know."
"Indeed, Joyce," Madam Pomfrey interjected. "Mr. Potter, I am suggesting for all of you have at least one visit with Joyce, at least to talk about what happened last night."
"Fine. I can agree to that, I guess." He thought for a moment. "Is… is Frankie all right?"
"He's made a full recovery," answered Madam Pomfrey.
"Why did you bring us back to Hogwarts?"
"Oh, this is not Hogwarts, Mr. Potter. I must say, your Room of Requirement has been most helpful."
"Right… that would make sense," said Harry.
"So, when would you like to meet?" asked Joyce. "I am just on my way to my weekly visit with Albus, but I will be free right after. When Molly informed me of what happened, I cleared my schedule for today and tomorrow both." Just then, the doors opened, and Hermione, Ron, and Ginny entered.
"Harry! Oh, we were so worried!" Hermione burst, rushing over to his bed.
"No, look, I'm fine," answered Harry. "I mean… oh, bloody hell!" He looked at Ginny, and could tell that she had been crying. Her puffy, red eyes betrayed that. Ron only carried a stony expression, although his eyes betrayed the hurt and sadness at losing yet another sibling.
"Now, even though this is not Hogwarts, this is my domain, at least for now, so you will keep it down while you four visit, or you'll be out of here, understand?"
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione.
"Good, then."
"Harry, what happened?" Hermione finally asked.
"Voldemort and his Death Eaters attacked the concert. They… they just appeared, and started cursing people and blasting holes in the roof," answered Harry, and began to give an abbreviated account of what he saw. Joyce listened in on this, jotting down a few notes on a notepad, for later.
"You faced Voldemort? Oh Harry!" cried Hermione.
"LOOK! I don't need people pampering me and feeling sorry for me! Bloody hell, there are others here in worse shape!" Harry snapped.
"Harry?" Frank lifted up his head to look over. Relief crossed both their faces, as they saw each other looking none worse the wear.
Once Madam Pomfrey was sure Harry and Frank were well, she released them both. The others, however, would need several days. Apparently, Tonks had taken a bludgeoning hex to her rib cage, while Remus had taken several cutting hexes to the chest. He, too, would need time to heal.
The Daily Prophet and the National Wizards' Standard carried all the gory details. 'HALLOWEEN MASSACRE', screamed the headline in the Daily Prophet, with several pictures of the destruction. The National Wizards' Standard carried something similar, although the pictures were identical. Breakfast was a quiet affair, with no one really sure of what to say. What WAS there to say, really?
The previous evening's nightmare far surpassed any of the previous incidents in which Harry had faced Voldemort. Two people he knew very well had ended up dead. Two more he cared about still lay in Madam Pomfrey's care, with horrible injuries. Scores of muggles had died. Worse off, according to both papers, the International Statute of Secrecy had been breached in spectacular fashion. By all accounts, it now looked like Voldemort really did not care whether the muggle world knew of magic.
Unconsciously, he and Frank were sitting very close to each other, as though some part of them feared losing the other. It didn't take a lot for Harry to realize that he could have easily ended up in Travis' shoes. He now sat opposite them, occasionally giving the pair a sour look, which reminded Harry of Malfoy.
"We've decided that we're cancelling at least the next few… shows," Gerard managed, dragging a spoon through his oatmeal. "I think… I think we need some time."
"More like cancel the rest of the tour," said Mikey. "This… this Voldemort… he targeted us! What's to stop him from doing it again, Jesus Christ! Adam's fucking dead now, and we could have joined him!"
"Had you done as I asked you to, that wouldn't have BLOODY happened, now, would it?" Harry seethed. "Merlin's balls! When I say to use your bloody port keys, then bloody do it! Next time you might not be that lucky!"
Just then, Lisa stepped into the dining room, and said, "Gerard, phone."
"Thanks." Gerard got up and left the room.
"No doubt our manager, calling to find out the damage," said Frank. He looked at Travis, and said, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Travis snorted, "You really wanna know what's fucking wrong?! Gee, let's see. I was attacked by a crazed form that shouldn't even be CONSIDERED human. Driven almost crazy by the Cruciatus curse. And oh yeah, I got to see my fucking boyfriend MURDERED IN FRONT OF MY FUCKING FACE!" Everything on the table started to vibrate, as did the portraits on the walls and the light fixture.
"Travis, mate, you have to calm down," George pleaded.
"Don't FUCKING tell me to calm down, Jesus FUCKING Christ!" A jug filled with milk suddenly imploded, showering the table with its contents. "I don't FUCKING need this shit!" He stood up abruptly, sending the chair skidding back against the wall, and stormed out of the room. Harry stood up to follow, but Frank gripped his shoulder, shaking his head 'no'.
"Best to leave him be, mate," said Cedric, from his portrait.
"I think if there's anyone who needs a mind healer right now, it's Travis," said Fred.
"Agreed," said Mikey. "What's a mind healer anyway?"
"The same as a muggle psychiatrist, although they can also use mild Legilimency to get a better understanding of where the client is," said Lily.
"I think maybe we should see one as well, then," said Bob.
"I think she will be quite willing to have a chat with each of you," said Lily. "An encounter with Voldemort is not a pleasant experience, no matter which angle you look at it from."
"That is SO true, mum," said Harry, as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him.
oOo
Harry slowly removed his glasses, having undressed already. It almost felt surreal for some reason, as he climbed into bed, his mind still swimming with the catastrophic events that occurred just over 24 hours prior.
"All right, Harry?" asked Frank, as he, too, climbed into bed.
"I just… why didn't you do as I asked?"
"I didn't wanna lose you, Harry! Fuck, man, you could've died!" Frank blurted, his face flushing.
"And so could you! Bloody hell, you're a MUGGLE, Frankie! You can do absolutely NOTHING to that monster. He could turn you into a puddle of goo just thinking of it, and where the hell would I be? You mean the world to me… and I just don't know what I would do if I lost you."
"I'm sorry… I just…" he couldn't finish, but wrapped his arms around Harry, wanting to do whatever he could to protect his partner… his mate… his lover.
As Harry lay in Frank's arms, all he could think about was Bill's body, his eyes staring up at him, unblinking. It was almost identical to Cedric's death, that same shocked expression being frozen on Bill's face. It didn't take a lot for Harry to know that it could have easily been Frank. Looking back at the decisions he had made in July, Harry now wondered if it really mattered at all.
The answer was there in his arms. Even in the hell they had just gone through, had it not been for the little 'Canadian intervention' in July, Harry would not have met Frank. He would not have grown and matured as much as he did. More so, he would still be under the control of an insane headmaster. Quite possibly, he would be dead. No, really looking at things, he had made the best choices, dealt with things as best as he could. That was all he COULD do. With that thought, he dropped back into his subconscious mind, allowing sleep to overtake him.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:That's it, that's all… the fat lady has sung. I thank all of you who have reviewed, placed this story on your alert list, or placed it in your favourites list, and so on. It tells me this story was for the most part a success.
Originally, I saw this as being a much bigger story than it turned out. Then, of course, another idea came into my head, and it involved a recent movie I saw, made of one of my favourite books I read as a kid. So, as this one was reaching a critical point already, I decided to wrap this one up, since "Canadian Intervention" has served its purpose as a title: Get Harry out of England, and get him his independence.
So now, I move on to the next segment in the story, which will be called "Harry Potter and the Aftermath of Tomorrow". Do stick me in your alert lists, so you will get notifications when I start posting the new one. Of course, I will also post a notification of it here as well, at the end of this one. Continuity is important, is it not?
Finally, I send a huge shout-out once again, to my wonderful beta, haushinka_77. I've learned a few things as she edited this story, and of course, that helps make things much easier for you, the reader to enjoy.
Now. I have began posting the sequel, called HARRY POTTER AND THE AFTERMATH OF TOMORROW. The first chapter has been posted at FanFiction.net, do check my profile there. Very soon, I will also begin posting it here. For now, here's a sneak peak at the banner:
It is most definitely a darker banner, considering the things that have just happened to Harry, Frank, and Travis. And of course, there is a MASSIVE clue as to where they're headed, now, eh?
Previous Chapter: 19 - October 31
TO THE SEQUAL: HARRY POTTER AND THE AFTERMATH OF TOMORROW
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