Inner Demons - Prologue
This story is available at Archive of Our Own...
https://archiveofourown.org/works/601124/chapters/1083962
Title: Inner Demons (sequel to Starting Over)
Prologue
Author:
serendipity_50
Pairing: H/G
Warnings: Sex (but no PWP), profanity, depression. This is NOT a fluffy romance; it gets quite dark in places.
Word Count this chapter: about 580
Era: Post-DH Pre-Epilogue
Disclaimer: The characters belong to JK Rowling. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment only.
Author's Notes: If you haven't read Starting Over , some things in this story might not make sense. This is NOT a traditional romance or "feel good" story. It will have a happy ending, but gets quite dark in places. Please don't read if you're looking for fluff or PWP.
My undying gratitude goes to my marvelous betas, Ashwinder, whose probing (and often amusing) comments keep me on track, and minisinoo , for her invaluable psychology/counseling expertise. Comments are welcome from everyone.
Story Summary: Long-distance relationships are hard under normal circumstances, but Harry and Ginny don’t have the luxury of living normal lives. Their relationship is put to the test when Ginny returns to school and Harry stays behind to continue his Auror training. Ginny realizes her greatest challenge may be in coming to terms with Harry’s fame and dangerous line of work and deciding if she can make the sacrifices needed to be part of his life.
Chapter Summary: Greyback goes to trial
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“Alohamora.”
The heavy metal bars swung inward with a clang. The two Aurors walked in companionable silence down the passageway leading to the high security holding cells in the lowest levels of the Ministry of Magic.
“I hate these early morning trials,” Wendell Johnson growled.
“Yeah,” agreed Jonathan Biggerstaff. “Especially after a late night. You’d think Potter would need to sleep at least a little, wouldn’t you?”
Johnson snorted. “I think that kid has Invigoration Draught instead of blood in his veins. I can’t remember the last time I got a full night’s sleep."
"Well, I’d much rather be on his bodyguard detail than spend my time filing reports,” Biggerstaff said. “But, I hope the Headmistress changes her mind about letting him go to Hogwarts more than once a month. We wouldn’t have to worry about security there and I could use the rest.”
Johnson hummed in agreement through his yawn. "I'll say. He’s getting harder to keep up with. Looks like he’s doing all right with the stealth training.”
“He’s not too bad for a pup. Of course, right now he's only trying to dodge the press. Wonder how he'll do when he works out that the Minister's got us tailing him?"
"Won't make our job any easier, I'll bet. I'm a bit worried about that bloke in Muggle clothes we keep running into. You reckon we ought to check him out?"
"Nah. We've never seen him do any magic. Probably just someone who lives along Potter's route."
The conversation paused as they unlocked the door to the high-security chambers.
“So who’s going to get the Weasley girl this morning?” Biggerstaff asked.
“Ingalls. He’s bringing the Thomas kid, too.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot that he was involved. He was with her when she was taken, wasn’t he?”
“Yeah. But it’s her that I feel sorry for. What the press has done to her is almost as bad as what Greyback did.”
“They’re going to be all over her today, for sure. It’ll be a bloody nightmare having to talk about it in front of everyone. I’m sure she’s not looking forward to seeing Greyback again.”
“No, but it’ll be worth it to see him sent to Azkaban, yeah?”
“I can’t wait see how he holds up in there. I’ll bet the Dementors will tame him down right quick. After a few days, he’ll be wishing Robards hadn’t stopped Potter from trying to kill him.”
“He has been a right royal pain in the arse, hasn’t he? Making demands and threatening the guards like this is a luxury hotel. Got everyone in a bloody uproar.”
“Wonder how he’s been getting on without anyone to intimidate? With the full moon last night, no one’s been near his cell since yesterday morning. I heard they even sent his meals in with a Levitation charm.”
“Well, if he’s worn out from a transformation, we shouldn’t have much trouble transporting him upstairs.”
“I’m not sure it matters with that bastard,” Biggerstaff said. “He’s just not normal, even for a werewolf.”
They rounded the last corner and stopped some distance from the door of the cell.
“GREYBACK! Back away from the door and keep your hands where we can see them,” Biggerstaff yelled. He looked at Johnson “Ready?”
Johnson nodded. “Let’s do it.”
Wands drawn, they slowly approached the heavy metal door, watching for movement behind the small barred opening. Johnson tapped the latch and the door swung slowly inward. They gaped in silent horror at the sight before them.
“Oh, bloody shite! Get Robards. NOW!”
(Chapter 1)