Runaway Wizard 44
Another chapter for my flist. It's coming down to the wire, sort of. I think there's only another ten chapters or so. *crosses eyes* Maybe. You know my muse, give her enough chocolate and coffee and you can't shut her up.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter:
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
Banner code for RW
Saturday morning was a bit startling to some as the flying wedge of Harry and friends took on a new look.
After their morning run, they all cleaned up and dressed in Dueling Robes. Real Dueling Robes in capital letters. The over robes were mandarin collared black, heavy and spelled to repel hexes and curses, the under robes were spelled to keep the wearer comfortable, no matter the weather, the last layer was trousers, shirts and vests. The boots they all wore were dragon hide. The under robes were belted to keep them from flipping around and the belt held a 'holds all pouch'. Each person had their family crest on the left breast and family colours bordered the hems of the under robe.
They walked into the Great Hall as if they owned it and all sat on one side of the Gryffindor table. They took their time eating, keeping an eye on the rest of the room. None of them realized what they were doing but some of the professors did.
Snape realized what they were doing about half way through breakfast and just blinked at them for a moment.
Professor McGonagall thought how much they reminded her of the Marauders at their height, remembered the fate of that group and hoped with all her heart that this group came through their fate in better shape.
Headmaster Dumbledore saw and felt his heart break, he'd so hoped that they would have more time to be children. He sighed and gave up on that dream. Now all he could do was help as best he could, if Harry would let him. His mistakes and shortsightedness were now coming back to bite him firmly on the arse.
Suddenly an owl with a red envelope in its talons flew into the Great Hall. Everyone started whispering at once. Who was the miscreant who deserved a Howler? The owl flew straight to the head table and dropped the envelope onto Headmaster Dumbledore's plate.
It bounced once then opened with a rustle and formed a mouth.
“Albus Dumbledore! I just got a note from Ginny about Harry being hurt! What is the matter with you? Have you lost your mind? Allowing a teacher, even one as good as Minerva, to cast a spell on students? Without parental permission. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt worse. And Ron, congratulations on your accomplishment.” the last was said in a kindly tone, the rest of the howler made ears ring clear to the back of the hall.
Ron laughed a bit. “Man, Mum's on a roll.”
Draco was sitting in stunned silence. The expression on his face made Ron laugh.
Hermione just said, with creditable mildness. “Good on her. Serves him right.”
“How so?” Neville stuck a finger in one ear and wiggled it.
“You know good and well that he knew what she was going to do. He always knows stuff like that. He should have stopped her. And I'm sure I don't know what she was thinking either.” Hermione had finally broken out of the idea that all adults knew better than any kid.
Dumbledore blinked at the howler for a moment as it hovered over his plate then it gave him a juicy raspberry and shredded itself into confetti which showered onto his eggs.
The entire hall was suspended in a ringing silence for a few moments then Dumbledore tapped his plate with his wand, banishing the ruined food and remarked, “Trust Molly Weasley to keep me on the straight and narrow. But, we're all human and all make mistakes, mine are just a bit more public than most. Please return to your meal.”
Everyone did so but the whispers were still loud.
When breakfast was done at 9:30 Harry et. al. got up and started making preparations for the first dueling club meeting.
Dobby immediately popped in and asked what they were doing.
“Hi, Dobby. We're getting ready for the duelling club meeting. Why?”
“Why is you doing this?”
“Because it's our responsibility to do the work. It's not for the Hogwarts elf crew to take care of this sort of stuff.”
Dobby huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “We is fighting over what work there is now.”
Harry eyed him sourly for a moment. “And why is that? There's places here that are so filthy that I know they haven't been cleaned in a century or more. Why don't you clean all that?”
Dobby shrugged. “Because Headmaster Dippit said not.”
Harry snorted. “Ok, as a resident of the school, I give house elves permission to clean anything they think needs it. Now, if you want to help, start stacking chairs, please.”
Dobby flicked his fingers and the chairs that weren't in someone's hands marched themselves to the walls and stacked up neatly. The tables were taken off their trestles, the trestles dismantled and stacked against the back wall between the door to the trophy room and the teachers lounge with the tops leaned over them.
After the club was called to order the first speaker was Professor Vector.
“Welcome to the first meeting of the Hogwarts Duelling Club. You all know who I am so we'll get right to it.
Since the Arithmancy class has finished the section on Merlin's Formula. Finally.” She cast a bit of a pointed look at the Ravenclaw contingent. “We'll be using that formula as part of our ranking process. I'll hand out worksheets for each of you. You will move from station to station, writing down your results. When you are done, one of the available professors will help you to do the maths. If you are a seventh year and in my class, I expect you to do it yourself. Now. It doesn't matter what order you do the stations in so just pick one and queue up.”
The stations were to test raw power, control, and spell knowledge. It took most of the session to get all the club members through all the stations and do all the maths. The result was that the majority of the club were at Magician level, which they had divided into three levels for better ranking. But Harry was a Sorcerer, as was Draco, Ron and surprisingly, Neville. Hermione tested at Master Magician, over which she pouted a bit.
Several students were happily surprised to find that their knowledge of spells put them one star higher than expected. Most of the club were either one or two star level, but a few were three. Harry's clique turned out to be at three and four star level except for Harry, who was a five and Draco who was also a five. Ron, Neville, Hermione and the Slytherins were good solid fours.
Flitwick was nearly dancing with happiness. He was convinced that this was going to be the best year ever. Professors McGonagall, Snape, Vector and Headmaster Dumbledore filled out the group who were helping get the club started. They were all astonished at the competency of some of the students and alarmed at the total incompetency of others. Dumbledore scowled as he released the students for lunch. There was going to be a meeting of some very unhappy professors that night.
The group hurriedly put the tables and chairs back. Benches had been abolished by the simple method of transfiguring them into chairs every time they were re-transfigured. Dumbledore finally gave up.
Harry took the head of Gryffindor table without even thinking about it. He needed to speak with Hermione, Ron, Neville and Draco and he didn't feel like shouting down the table to do it. This way, he only had to speak over one person.
“Well, thank you to Hermione for being the power behind the club. Your organizational skills worked wonders. We'll be electing officers next meeting and you are not to take an office. Got me?” Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Harry ran her over. “No! Don't do it. You've got plenty on your plate as it is. We need to find the diadem, right? And we're both still working on that book. With class work, workouts, and what all; that's plenty. Let someone else have some fun, and learn responsibility. Ok?” Hermione, realizing what Harry said was true, nodded. “Good. Draco, after lunch, you want to fly?”
Draco hurriedly chewed the chicken in his mouth, swallowed with a gulp and said, “Yes! I've been dying to try that circuit we figured out. And I want to start working on the routine for the Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff game. I'll wheedle permission from Snape. He'll go along just to spite Dumbledore and please Father.”
Neville laughed at that and said that he was looking forward to time to work on some extra work Snape had given him to bring up his potions grade. Hermione asked if he wanted help and was told that Snape had particularly forbidden Neville to get her to help. “He says that, if you help, you'll just do it all and I won't learn anything.” Noting Hermione's crestfallen expression he added, “I don't believe you would. But he said not, so I shouldn't. Thanks anyway.”
Hermione just said that she was going to work on the map if no one needed her help with anything. Ron agreed to sit with her while he worked on an essay of his own and prompted her by saying, “But I'm always grateful for your help. And I know you won't do it for me. Snape's just being a git. Come on.”
So Ron and Hermione headed for the library, hoping for some quiet. They had agreed, the first week, that Gryffindor Tower Common room was not the place to try to study. So it was either the library or Draco's quarters.
Neville went up to the room to work, and Harry and Draco went to his quarters to collect their brooms, which Draco kept there since Harry had caught Dean trying to sneak his out under his cloak. Dean had just said that he only wanted to try it. Harry wasn't so sure, but he'd let it go in the favour of peace in the house. He called Dobby to bring his flying leathers, and they got ready to go.
They walked up to the front courtyard and, as there was no known rule against it, took flight from there. They flew to the valley and spent a bit of time checking things out again. Harry discovered a nice clearing on the belly of the cliff at the back of the valley. Front and back being subjective and only decided by which end was closest to Hogwarts. He landed there and looked around for a moment. Draco landed beside him
“What?”
“I was just looking around. This is really protected. Nice place for a quick bite to eat and a rest. What do you think?”
Draco looked around as well and agreed. “Yes, very nice, but why aren't we flying?”
Because we haven't decided how many laps we want to race.”
“Standard Wizarding Race rules are five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred.”
Harry punched him in the shoulder and groused, “We only have time for five or ten. If we want to work on the routine that is.”
“Routine first, maybe? Then reward ourselves with some all out flying?”
“Good idea. So ... what is first on the list. We should work on each stunt individually then combine them, you think?”
“Yes. So the first is a from the corner, meet in the middle then reverse Wronsky, into a star burst rollover.”
“Got it.”
They worked on it one at a time, first Draco did the whole manoeuvre while Harry hovered on his broom and watched. Then Harry tried it, making mental road marks to keep him from running into Draco. They took turns on this until Harry glanced at the sun and stopped Draco before he could make another run.
“If we want to race, we better do it now. The sun is getting really low.”
Draco glanced at the sun himself and agreed. “Ok, you're right. Five laps. And who's going to call it?”
Harry grunted, neither one of them had thought of that. Harry suddenly brightened. “Dobby. If he can hear me call him, he'll do it.”
Draco nodded. “Ok. And, as you've bonded with him, he can hear you nearly anywhere.”
So Harry landed in the clearing and called Dobby. The elf popped in to find out what was wanted. When he was told he exclaimed, “Oh, Dobby is being very glad to do this for Master Harry. Dobby will watch. Yes, he will. And he will be honest about who wins, yes.”
Harry just laughed at this and said, “Ok. You do that.” then mounted his broom.
Draco and Harry lined up and Dobby made a bang, they went off like two rockets from a launch pad. They both fumbled the first turn, swinging too wide and having to wrestle their brooms back on course. The second turn went much better. The straight away's were easy, all they had to do was pour on the power. Setting up for a turn was something else. Harry entered the third turn too fast and had to figure out some way to make it around without going to wide or hitting the pylon. He remembered something he'd heard Dudley talk about, a power slide. He angled his broom then powered into the turn, making it around the pylon by drifting his turn. He glanced behind him and realized that he was half a lap ahead of Draco.
The five laps were completed in just under ten minutes. Neither boy realized that even the professionals would have taking at least fifteen. Dobby called the race a win by Harry jumping up and down and squealing happily. So they laughed, shook hands and started back for Hogwarts. Harry offered Dobby a ride which he took, sitting before Harry and dandling his legs happily.
.
The two boys arrived back a Hogwarts just in time for dinner and so wound up sitting down to eat still sweaty and in their flying leathers.
Hermione was the only one to really notice, after all the others were only boys. She wondered where they'd been, but let it go as not her business, rather smugly thinking 'See, I do learn.'
Dumbledore had noticed the almost late arrival with a bit of curiosity, but decided that, as there had been no 'out of bounds' alarm, to let it go. He was more interested in the possible results of his plan to create good will amongst the student body. Everyone was a bit tense just now, and he thought that a nice extra visit to Hogsmeade might cheer everyone up. The usual first visit was after mid-terms, but that was still nearly a month away so he was going to declare a one day Hogsmeade visit for all the eligible students.
He rose and tapped his wand on the table to produce a gong. “Attention everyone! I have decided that, as everyone has been so good over the last weeks, to allow an early one day Hogsmeade visit. Starting at 9 am tomorrow, everyone who is eligible will be allowed to go into Hogsmeade. I've arranged with all the stores to be open. You must return to school by 5 p.m. Thank you.”
There was some cheering, a bit of groaning from those who had already spent their allowances and a general lightening of mood all over.
Except for Harry. As he was leaving the Great Hall, chattering happily with Ron about what they were going to buy at Honeydukes, Professor McGonagall approached him.
“Mr. Potter, a word, please.” Harry followed her with his heart in his shoes. What now?
“I'm afraid that, as per every other year. You cannot go. You have no permission slip. I am telling you this so that you can avoid embarrassment by trying to go and being refused. Good evening.” And with that she glided away, leaving Harry to stare after her.
He snarled and pulled his mirror from his pocket. He hadn't used his yet and he wouldn't have now, except that McGonagall's rather self-satisfied expression had hit him the wrong way. Why would she wait until the evening before a Hogsmeade visit to tell him he didn't have a slip. And why did he need a slip anyway? So he did what he was supposed to do and called his Papa.
“Papa! Are you there?”
“Yes, my treasure. Is there an emergency?”
“Um ... not really but ... there's a Hogsmeade day tomorrow and McGonagall has just told me I can't go. Why? I'm of age? Right?”
Lucius' image in the mirror audibly sighed. “Yes, and no. Remember what I told you. You're of magical age, and that's all. You'll need a slip from me to go. I'll owl it right away. And ... Harry, I'm very proud of you for telling me instead of haring off on some wild adventure.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you. And ... well, just thank you.”
“Good night.”
“Night.” And with that Harry put his mirror back into his pocket and headed for Gryffindor muttering, 'Take that, you old cat.'
Professor McGonagall never realized that her attempt at a sympathetic face had failed so badly.
.
Harry had said that Sunday was a day of rest when they'd first started working out so everyone was up and ready in good time. Harry, Ron and Neville met Hermione in the common room. They would have liked to meet up with Draco and the other Slytherins, but long standing rules forbade a group of more than six going together. Harry wasn't sure why and really didn't care but if the Slytherins joined them their group would number nine and that was too large. So Draco and the rest of them would form a group of their own. They would meet up in Draco's quarters after the visit to share their stories and goodies.
Harry was leading the way, a copy of his permission form in his hand. Professor McGonagall tried to stop him but he just waved his permission in her face, smirked and said, “My Papa loves me enough to see that I get to go.”
“Very well, Mr. Potter, enjoy yourself.” Professor McGonagall had to admit to herself that she was glad Harry got to go into Hogsmeade. She also noticed that relations between Harry, Dumbledore and her were quite strained. She wasn't happy about that, but, after due consideration, she really couldn't blame him
Harry silently cheered, he was going to get to go to Hogsmeade without sneaking out. That meant that he didn't have to hide from the chaperones if he saw them.
“Draco, where should we go first? I've never been before, not where I could really shop.”
Draco sighed. “I know. That time you threw snowballs at me, that's really the only time you got to go?”
“Yeah, sort of. Sirius gave me permission but Dumbledore revoked it when he died. All the rest of the times, someone checked up on me at breakfast and actually followed me around to keep me from sneaking out again. Sucked majorly. So where first?”
Hermione interrupted to say that Ron had promised to take her to Madam Puddifoots for tea and she wanted to go to Miss Raven's for some stuff. Ron said they were going to go to Zonko's as well and check out some things.
Draco nodded, then said, “Back on subject then. I'm not sure where to go first, Harry. We'll have to manage our trip carefully or we'll wind up carrying a bunch of stuff. That's a real nuisance.”
Harry thought for a moment. “Why not just shrink it all down and stick it in our pockets?”
Draco brightened. “Indeed, why not. If you're not of age, you're not allowed to use magic in Hogsmeade, even during the school year. Supposed to keep idiots from getting into trouble. But we're of age now and we can use magic whenever we like. Brilliant. Come on.”
They spent the walk to Hogsmeade deciding where to go. They argued amiably about it for a few moments, then turned back to where to go first. They finally decided on Honeydukes. Draco remarked that they'd have to put chilling charms on their chocolate or it'd melt in their pockets.
The only rub was when Draco realized that Harry had brought Aspis along. He thought it was too cold for the snake, Harry thought his warming charm would protect him. Harry asked Aspis if he was warm enough and he said he was fine. Harry passed the information on to Draco who pronounced himself satisfied.
They did go to Honeydukes first, parting with Hermione and Ron at the door. Harry was astonished at all the sweets. He'd had to avoid the place on most of his trips as he was hiding from the chaperones and there seemed to be one permanently at the shop. Now that he had time to really look around, rather than snatch what was closest to the door, he practically drooled. He picked several things he knew he liked and then decided to buy himself the Nearly Everything In The Shop box. Draco nearly hurt himself laughing.
Harry cast a chilling charm on the goodies, shrank them and tucked them safely in his devils bag. He offered to put Draco's things in it, but Draco declined, saying that he'd carry his own purchases.
They dropped in at Zonko's, but felt that the goods were second to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, so they moved on. Harry knew that the twins wanted to open a second shop here in Hogsmeade, but hadn't managed to find a premises yet. He sighed. “I wish the twins would open a shop here. They want to, but can't find any place to rent.”
Draco pointed to a rather frowsy looking building. “I think you own that one. Write to Papa when we get back. Why was Ron interested in coming in?”
Harry glanced at the building. It was narrow but fairly deep, badly maintained and in need of not only paint, but a new roof.
“Spying on the competition. Don't think they'd want it. It's in pitiful shape.”
“We'll have it fixed for them. Come on, I want to go into Gladrags. I need a new pair of gloves. I can't imagine what happened to my kidskin ones.”
Harry, well aware that Draco kept track of his things much better than you'd imagine, said, “I bet someone stole them. You know that Slytherins have sticky fingers.”
Draco made a face. “Right. I better get two pair.”
Harry followed him into the store and paused beside the door to let his eyes adjust. It was dim in the store, which Harry had never understood. If you wanted to sell clothing, shouldn't the store be well lit? He sighed as Draco demanded more light and was told that too much light would fade the delicate fabrics. Well, that answered that question. He shifted from one foot to the other and wished that Draco would hurry, but he was well aware that nothing would hurry Draco when he was buying clothing.
A clerk approached Harry, saying, “Young man, if you're not going to buy something, please leave.”
Harry just pointed to Draco. “I'm with him. He's buying stuff.”
The clerk eyed Harry but when the door was opened to admit a lady and the sun shone on Harry's obviously expensive cloak, he went to wait on the lady. Harry grumbled a bit, but edged away from the door a bit more. He shivered slightly, the cold draft blowing around his head had chilled him. He tugged his cloak closer, glad that he'd decided to wear his heavy dragon hide pants, a padded shirt and dragon hide vest. They were not only spelled for protection but very warm as well. Draco had also worn his matching clothing. Both their cloaks were embroidered over the left breast with their family crests.
Harry fidgeted a bit then called, “Draco, come on. I'm bored. Just buy them all and lets go.”
Draco, torn between three pairs of gloves, decided to buy them all and give the pair he liked the least to Harry. He paid and they left.
“I don't like it in there. They're too snobby for me. Lets go to Schrivenshaft's. I'm just about out of letter parchment and you know that Papa'll have a fit if I send him something less than nice. Not like I'd have the nerve to send him a screw anyway.”
Draco grumbled, “Better not, he'll snark you to death. And I'm about out of quills. And, no, I'm not about to write with one of those steel monstrosities. Quills.”
Harry grumbled, “You used one of mine at home.”
Draco stuck his nose in the air. “At home, for private things, they're fine, but I'm not taking the chance of McGonagall or Vector taking off half a grade point for inappropriate equipment.”
They argued companionably about the appropriateness of steel nibs vs. quills all the way to the shop. Harry nearly fell over laughing when they saw the window. In a small, well appointed writing box rested “Potters Perfect Points” steel nibs, writing parchments of several qualities and foolscap, advertised as composition writing paper. Draco swatted him on the shoulder and announced that he had to have a writing box.
Draco insisted on the best box there was. Harry just hung back again, grinning this time. Draco smirked at Harry, tucked his purchase into his pocket and tugged Harry out the door, exclaiming, “Hurry up. Let's go before the clerk recognizes you.”
Harry immediately ducked out the door. He touched his devils bag, the back of his neck was crawling.
“Draco, keep an eye out. I've got a bad feeling. Something's going to happen.”
Draco glanced around High Street. “What? When?”
Harry grunted, “Don't know. Just is. Soon, though.”
Draco felt his own neck crawl. “This is bad.”
“I know.” Harry looked around. Kids from Hogwarts were everywhere and residents were out in force. There must be at least 75 people in sight right now. He glanced down the street but his vision was obstructed by a lazy bend in the street. Not for the first time he grumbled about the wizarding habit of narrow, crooked streets. He couldn't see more than forty feet in either direction. He did some mental math, gave it up and asked, “Draco, how many people are we talking about?”
Draco knew exactly what Harry as asking. “Well, Hogsmeade has a permanent population of about 1800, or so. Students allowed to come to the village, another ... four hundred. High Street is really crowded today, some parents come to see their kids. So, souls in peril? 2500 or so. And most of them will just run around like chickens with their heads cut off, screaming and getting in the way. If Death Eaters want to cause a panic and make a statement, this is the place and day. Damnit!”
Draco rubbed his face in agitation. “And we can't say anything. If we do, and we're wrong ...” He trailed off, contemplating the repercussions of that. “Well, all I can say is, it would be a disaster for us, personally, and both ... all three of our families.”
Harry agreed, adding, “And no one would believe us again. We'll just have to wait until something happens then deal. Come on. We'll go to the Three Broomsticks and get tea and some sandwiches or something.”
Draco agreed to go, stating that he didn't want to get killed on an empty stomach. Breakfast seemed farther away than it actually was.
Harry kept an eye out as they walked to the pub, which was just around the sharper bend to the north. He quickly found a table. Draco was pleased to notice that they both had a good view of the front and back entrances to the main room. Harry had a good view of the stairs to the upper floor and Draco the door to the kitchens.
They settled in to contemplate the menu. Harry just grumbled, “I want fish and chips, but their chips are always soggy.”
Draco raised an eyebrow over the edge of his menu. “Yes, I could do better myself, and I can't cook.”
Harry snorted, he'd been teaching Draco to cook, over the kitchen elves objections. “You can cook. Not a lot but, I agree, you could do better chips. Well, guess it's either shepherd's pie or
a chop. What do you think?”
Draco glanced out the window and said, “I think your bad thing just started.”
Harry glanced out the window too and just sighed, “Well, fuck. Come on, then. Let's get out there and start getting people off the street.” Draco gave him a 'you've got to be kidding' look. “You know damn good an well that some of those idiots are just going to stand there, and gawk like turkeys. Other's are going to be so sure that it can't happen to them that they'll go back to shopping, and some are going to try to be heroes. So ...”
Draco just slapped his napkin down on the table and yelled at Madam Rosemerta to call for aurors. She didn't ask any questions, having looked out the window, she just scurried for the kitchen and the floo there.
Aspis stuck his head out of Harry's collar to ask what was going on. Harry explained as clearly as he could and ended, “Bite anyone who gets too close. No one is going to grab me, except enemies. Don't bite more than once. I don't want you wasting venom. We're probably in for a great fight.”
“I will bite anyone who touches you, except your brother, the fuzzy head and the fire head. They are friends.” Aspis nestled down into Harry's collar, nesting in where he could get a good strike in any direction.
Harry glanced around and was pleased to see that, despite the hexes and curses being flung into the crowds by the Death Eaters, some people were keeping their heads. Hermione was standing in the door of Honeydukes and calling people in. Harry ran that way with Draco on his heels. As he ran he pulled his mirror out of his pocket. “Papa! Papa! Answer me! Hogsmeade is under attack! Papa!”
“Harry! I hear you. I'm on my way.” Lucius' voice was strained.
Harry rushed by Hermione, shoving into the shop. “Into the basement. Quick!” He took the steps two at a time and found the door to the secret tunnel. He yanked it open and propped it back. “Hermione! Everyone down into the basement. There's a secret tunnel into Hogwarts.”
He managed to make it up the stairs before they were crowded with escapees. Mr. Flume stood at the top of the stairs to keep the frightened people from cramming the stairs and getting hurt.
Meanwhile, Hermione and Draco were keeping guard on the door. “What's going on?”
Draco, grabbed a screaming woman, running by in a panic, and shoved her into the shop. “Terror raid. They just pop in and start hexing. More people get hurt in the panic than anything else.”
Hermione looked around again. Things were worse now. Most of the people in the street were either down, running around crazily or trying to fight back. The Death Eaters were succeeding in their intent of creating chaos and panic.
Hermione dithered for a moment. “Harry, we have to get people off the streets. If we can't, a lot of people are going to be injured.”
“And just exactly how are we supposed to do that?” Harry tried not to sound sarcastic, he really did.
Draco joined them, snarling, “I tried to apparate a wounded man to the gate, didn't work. The fuckers have put up a ward. Anti-everything. No one out. But I bet there's no block on getting in.”
Hermione was surprisingly bitchy when she said, “Oh, no! We wouldn't want to deny someone the pleasure of torturing children, now would we?” Both Harry and Draco just looked at her for a moment. “What? We need to figure this out.”
Neville appeared from around the sharp bend to the south, shooting some kind of hex over his shoulder. He dived into the doorway and collided with Harry, grunting at the impact.
“Son of a bitch! They're all over. There's a group at each end of High Street, and one in the middle of Short Way. Where've you been?”
“Starting an evacuation through Honeydukes. I mirror called Papa. But, I think we're on our own. They put up wards.”
“Fuck! Now what?”
Harry pulled his devils bag out of his pocket. “We do what we can. We put our training to use. Here.” And with that, he started handing out swords and shields. He had taken time to arrange the weapons available in his bag so he could do exactly what he was doing now. “Hermione, here's a shield. It's spelled to repel fairly strong hexes and such. Take it, find a place to hunker down and snipe at the DE's that get too close. Draco. Neville. Gear up. We're the first line of defence until someone takes over from us. Like aurors. And where are they when you need them?”
Hermione snorted. “Eating donuts and scratching their arses. They'll be here when the fighting is done.” She looked around for a moment then pointed to a nook between Honeydukes and the shop next door. “I'll be in there.”
Draco looked at her for a moment then said, “Granger, I'll take it as a personal insult if you get yourself hurt. Understand?”
Hermione gave a jerky nod and wedged herself into her chosen hiding spot, determined to defend the only known escape route they had.
Neville took the heavy over robe Harry thrust at him and pulled it on. This robe was a true combat robe. Harry pushed another into Draco's hands and tugged his own on over his head.
“Ok! We're short on people. We've got to do what we can. Where's Ron?”
Just then, Ron nearly knocked Neville down as he darted into the doorway too. Harry decided that the doorway was getting way too small. He shoved Ron's combat robe into his hands and grumbled, “Damnit! I wish you knew how to use a damn sword. Fuck.”
Ron just dragged the robe over his head and snapped, “Well, I don't. Give me a shield like Hermione has.”
Harry obliged and they were in combat, whether they liked it or not.
Draco nodded north. “We'll go that way. How many?”
Ron shrugged settling his robes into better position across his shoulders. “I couldn't see very well, but no more than four.”
Neville interjected, “The southern bunch is smaller. Only three. The group in Short Way, I couldn't see at all, but from the sound, at least two, likely more.”
Harry nodded. “You did good. So ... Neville, you and Ron take south and give 'em hell.”
Neville and Ron ran off, wands in hand. Neville had turned out to be a 'lefty', fighting better with his wand in his right hand and his sword in his left. Harry was a 'righty'. Which actually made him more dangerous in the wizarding world as they expected someone who held their wand in their left hand to cast poorly.
Ron snarled softly as he realized who they were facing. Bellatrix LeStrange and Nagini were in the forefront of the group. The two wizards behind her were unrecognisable in their masks.
Bella, never content to just hex and move on, taunted Neville, saying with saccharine sweetness, “Itty, bitty Nevie. My Lord will be pleased.”
Neville just snorted. “You're worthless. You're too crazy to be any use to him. He just sends you out, time and time again, hoping you'll wind up dead. Too bad you're too crazy to oblige him.”
Bellatrix screamed her rage and cast a hex at Neville. He blocked it, just barely, and returned fire. His hex hit Bella right in the chest and threw her into the side of a building.
Ron stayed back a bit, throwing up a shield and taking on the two behind her. He tossed, not only hexes and curses, but jokes from W3 as well. One of the masked DE's fell right into a portable swamp and dropped out of sight. The other hexed Ron back, but the hex bounced off his magical shield, backed by his physical one and smacked right into the portable swamp. The swamp dried up at once.
Ron mumbled, “Well, that settles that question.” The DE's body would have to be dug out of the ground later.
The second DE screamed in agony as an old woman hexed him with something rather nasty. His legs folded under him and he collapsed, screaming again. She proceeded to dart out, whack him in the head with an iron frying pan and run back into her house. Ron yelled, “Stay inside and lock your damn door.”
She called back. “Right!” and did as she was told, she also pulled her shutters shut with a bang.
Ron checked on Neville and had to stop to watch. Neville was in a battle with Bellatrix still.
She was quick, and had a repertory of combat spells that was encyclopaedic, but she was nuts and tended to get distracted at the oddest times.
Right now she was crooning to Nagini. “Poor Nagini. Does 'oo want to help?” She stroked the snake on the head, dodging Neville's hex at the same time. “Go, sweetums, go help Auntie Bella.”
Nagini slithered off her shoulder and started for Neville. You would have thought that Neville would have been nervous to see a ten foot snake headed for him, but after rooming with Aspis, he wasn't that bothered. He paid attention to Bella and what she was doing, shielding from her hexes and returning hexes of his own. Nagini tried to sneak up on him, but Ron, who was defending Neville's back, not that it was much needed, called out, “She's right there. Neville, four o'clock.”
Neville whirled around and chopped down with the sword in his left hand. Nagini didn't even have time to hiss as Neville cut off the snake's head and returned to his battle with Bella.
Ron cheered and called, “A little help needed? Neville?”
“No, she's mine.” Neville cracked his neck, tipping his head from side to side. “Bella, you bitch! You're done!”
Bella did look a bit the worse for wear with her hair straggling all over and her overly revealing robes in tatters. She also had a bruise on one cheek and a cut above the other eyebrow. Her screech of fury made Neville mutter, “Hag.” before attempting to hex her again.
The Blood Boiling curse she threw in return missed him by inches. Ron yelled, “Neville, quit messing about!”
“Yeah! Sorry!” And with that Neville charged Bellatrix while she was attempting to hex Ron.
Her hex missed, but Neville's didn't. His bludgeoning hex hit her right in the head, crushing her skull. She dropped like a rock and just lay there, sprawled amidst the holes and trash which lettered the street.
Ron grabbed Neville before he had time to think. “Come on! We have to check Short Way.”
They could hear the pops of more arrivals. The chances of them being help were slim and none.
.
While Ron and Neville were fighting Bellatrix and her crew, Harry and Draco were just as involved with four nameless, faceless DE's on the other end of the street.
This was when they showed that their training had taken perfectly. Draco knelt at Harry's feet and put up a shield. He and Harry had practiced this, Draco's shield cycled at a certain frequency. At the bottom of its cycle it was weak enough to hex through. The interval was short and the cycle fairly fast. Harry hexed one DE immediately, he fell, out cold. Draco swiveled to bring the shield more fully between Harry and the group of three not real happy DE's.
Harry tried to get in another hex before the three men could figure out what was going on. It didn't work but he did throw up a huge cloud of dust. The dust shielded them from sight for a few precious seconds, in which they moved, missing getting hexed by inches.
Draco hissed as a hex flashed past him, his robes keeping him from more than a warm feeling across his back.
“Draco?”
“Ok. They're not really powerful. I don't recognize any of the masks.”
“Newbies, sent for an initiation? Or blooding?”
“Maybe. Or second stringers sent for some experience.” Draco turned a full circle while Harry took it in turn to hex each of the opponents. “No help on the horizon. We're going to be in the weeds in a few minutes. I'm getting tired.”
“Me too. But we only have to hang on a bit longer. Papa's sure to be here soon.”
Draco blocked a heavy bludgeoning hex and swore. “Harry stop fucking around.”
“Ok.” Harry realized that his attempts to keep his skills secret were just risking lives. He put more force in to the Incendio he sent out next, and caught one of the DE's unaware. He burst into flames and died screaming. The smell of burning feathers filled the air.
Harry sighed, this was not what he'd been expecting from a Hogsmeade trip. Draco looked up from his kneel at Harry's feet.
“You ok?”
“Yeah. Remind me why we thought this was going to be fun.”
“Well, my vision certainly didn't include Death Eaters, or a full out battle.” He flinched as a bit of rock from a diffindo nicked his cheek.
Harry snarled wordlessly and attacked, charging into the group and slashing one across the chest. He was suddenly in the middle of a hand to hand combat that no one was expecting. Draco groaned in disbelief at Harry's insanity. Then he did the only thing he could think of. He called his father.
“Father! Father! Answer me, please!”
“Draco! What the devil? I was sure you had the good sense to barricade yourself in somewhere. What are you doing in the middle of High Street?”
“Harry's thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. He's in mortal combat with three death eaters. I don't know what to do. Help me.” Draco was nearly crying in his distress. He was sure that Harry was going to be killed right before his eyes.
Harry, on the other hand, was sure he had everything under control. He was in the middle of the group and no one could hex him without hexing another member of their party. He forgot that Death Eaters didn't really care about that kind of thing.
His targ turned the first hex and he used the spike to stab the man in his belly. The next hex cut through his robes and into his leg. He winced, but didn't let it slow him down.
Harry knew that he was no match for four wizards, full grown and well trained, but he was just trying to buy time until rescue came. That wasn't the way the villagers saw it. They saw Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, fighting side by side to protect Hogsmeade.
Draco sent a tripping hex at one of the remaining DE's, grumbling under his breath about having to use such weak things. Harry snarled, “Draco, damnit, you can use something a little stronger.”
Draco growled and cast a heavy stunner at the man. He went down hard.
And that was the last of their fight.
Lucius Malfoy apparated right through the barriers that the DE had erected. He had absolutely no compunction about the headache he was giving someone. He appeared in the middle of the square at the end of Short Way. Right in the centre of a fight between Vince Crabbe, Millicent Bulstrode, Theo Nott and four DE's. He dealt with that mess in a typically Malfoy, and very messy, way. He cast Sectumsempra at the bunch of them and walked away, saying, “Nott, you and Crabbe, deal with this mess, please. Miss Bulstrode, have you seen Harry or Draco?”
“No, sir. But I'd say they are still on High Street somewhere. I heard shouting about a way to Hogwarts through Honeydukes. He's sure to be there, trying to cover a retreat.” Millicent trotted along at Lucius' side. She figured she was safer there than almost anywhere.
She was right. Lucius strode along the short street, casting stunners and more dangerous spells left and right. His blond hair was loose and fluttered in the breeze. No one could mistake him for other than who he was. Every single hex took out a masked and robed form.
The few scattered DE's that had apparated in after the first wave were soon down and groaning and bleeding. Draco looked up from where he was struggling to keep his shield up. Harry was still hexing through it but he was bleeding badly and weakening quickly.
Lucius took one look and demanded. “What the devil did you think you were doing?” He dealt with the last of Harry's opponents with a flick of his wand. Sectumsempra seemed to be the curse of the day.
Harry glanced up at him, smiled weakly and said, “Waiting for you to come. Where's Neville and Ron?”
“I don't know, but I'll find them. And Miss Granger.”
Harry winced. His Papa only called their small group by last names when he was angry. He looked about to go mental right now. “Thank you. Hermione is right ... there.” He pointed to where Hermione was just emerging from behind her shield and a disillusionment spell that she'd cast.
She hurried into speech at once. “I'm so sorry. I know I should have done something ... but I'm not sure what. We got a lot of people into the tunnel into Hogwarts. I don't understand why no one's come yet.”
“Peace, madam. Dumbledore will faff around forever, trying to figure out how to turn something like this to his advantage. Now. Stay with Harry and Draco. I'll go find Ron and Neville.”
Harry was pleased to see that Lucius was calming down, but not by much. He still looked completely intimidating.
Lucius surveyed the street with cold calculation then he turned south. He walked quickly. He hadn't missed the blood on the ground beneath Harry but had estimated the flow and amount with an expert eye. Draco was a competent field medic, as was Hermione. He was sure that, between them, they were skilled enough to help Harry until expert help arrived.
He came around the sharp bend just in time to see Ron and Neville headed his way.
“Stop right there! Where do you think you're going?”
“Short Way. But, now that you're here, to find Harry.” Ron stopped, panting a bit. Fighting was much harder work than you'd think.
“Short Way is where I came in. Harry is hurt. Come along.” with that he turned on his heel and headed back for Harry. His long legs and quick strides made both boys trot to keep up. Neither one complained, they both wanted to be back with their companions.
Lucius sighed and looked around. Thanks to the efforts of nine teenagers and himself, Hogsmeade was safe again. People were creeping out of their homes and businesses to tend to the injured and begin cleaning up the streets. He walked with his head up, keeping an eye out for trouble. Nothing happened.
Harry sighed and looked up into Lucius' eyes. “I tried to keep it low key but ... things got out of hand. Not like I had much control. Hopefully, no one much noticed in all the confusion.”
“What in the world are you babbling about?” Lucius was truly puzzled, what was Harry trying to keep low key?
“My training. I tried to hide it as best I could. But Draco got on me for messing about. So I ... but we had to have our swords and shields. I don't ... I feel really dizzy.” Harry put one hand to his forehead.
“We'll speak about your stupidity in not going all out later. Now, we need to get you seen to.” Lucius looked around. Aurors hadn't arrived yet.
Hermione was babbling in the background so Lucius turned to listen to her.
“I need things. Things that we don't have. Damn! Even a pressure bandage. This cut. It's bad. Bad. Oh, Harry, don't you dare die on me.”
Harry grunted, shifted carefully and pulled his bag out of his pocket. “Tell me what you need. In detail. I'm not interested in winning the battle, then bleeding out on the ground.”
Hermione listed the things she needed. Draco produced the potions from his pockets and Harry pulled bandages, salve and other things from the bag. He handed it to Draco and said, “It won't get you for putting things in it. Get all the swords and shields and put them away.”
The second Lucius understood what Harry wanted, he started claiming the swords and cleaning them. He handed them to Draco one at a time, all the while keeping an eye on Hermione and Harry.
Neville handed his sword to Lucius, then went to sit beside Harry. He felt strangely empty and a bit cold. He startled when Mr. Flume pressed a mug of hot chocolate into his hands.
“Drink that. It'll make you feel better.” Then he bustled away to hand out more chocolate to other people.
Ron gave up his shield, which was scorched and buckled. “Here. I'll help you. What needs doing?”
Lucius looked into grave hazel eyes, and liked what he saw. “Nothing. Go sit by Harry. It's up to the aurors to deal with the mess, since they can't seem to get to anywhere in time for the actual attacks. Get some of that chocolate that Mr. Flume is handing out and rest.”
“Ok. I'll admit I wasn't looking forward to much more activity.” Ron shambled away to sit near Harry and watch Hermione.
Lucius finished collecting, cleaning and storing the arms and armour that Harry had handed out. Then he checked on Harry.
“Harry, my treasure, how are you?”
“Good. Hermione is a really good field medic. My leg still hurts but it's not bleeding anymore.”
Harry leaned back against the planter behind him while Hermione checked his bandage again.
“He's right. The bleeding has stopped. I'd like a real healer to take a look as soon as possible. But I bandaged it with wound salve, gave him two healing potions and a blood replenisher. I'd like to get him a blanket and some of that chocolate.” She wiped a strand of hair out of her face leaving a streak of Harry's blood on her cheek. “I'd like some myself actually.”
Lucius snapped, “Tuggy!”
The elf appeared with a soft pop, looked around, startled, then squeaked, “How may Tuggy serve?”
Lucius glowered then calmed himself, the elf couldn't know what had been going on. “Bring hot chocolate. In heavy mugs.” He looked at his small group of warriors. “Blankets, anything else you can think of that might be needed.” He addressed the group. “I'd take you all back to Malfoy Manor, but I don't think the wards are down yet. And the aurors are going to want to question all of you. So, we'll make ourselves as comfortable as we can until help arrives.”
Harry sighed, shifted and asked, “How is everyone? Who's where?”
Draco just stood up, robes ripped and filthy, looked around and then said, “Vince, Millicent and Theo are over there with chocolate and blankets. Some woman is with them. I think it's Mrs. Morton. Neville is just here with Ron. Daphne didn't come down, remember?” Harry nodded wearily. “Everyone is accounted for and, if not fine, at least not in danger of dropping dead. Except for you. You're the only one with a serious wound. Prat!”
Harry just smiled a bit. “You know I'm always the one who gets it in the neck. What was I supposed to do? We're trying to keep our training a secret. I fucked up.” He examined his clothing with a disgusted expression. “And … well, at least this time it's only one trouser leg.” He tugged his robe to cover himself better.
Lucius shook his head. “We're not going to hide it anymore. Secrecy is now ... not an option. You're training too hard to hide it. This was a pre-emptive strike. An attempt to disable as many aurors as possible and assess the level of threat that exists. As you can see, the aurors have not even arrived yet, and you have halted the strike in its tracks. Nine teenaged people held off an equal number of Death Eaters, third level though they are, with the help of the citizens of Hogsmeade. A clear victory for our side. And a humiliation that Lord Moldyshorts...” He smirked at them all. “isn't going to recover from anytime soon. It does, however, put us in the light, as the saying goes, there is no way to hide your training now. And ... where the hell are the aurors, healers and, more particularly, where are the professors.”
Just then there was a loud crack and Professors Snape and Flitwick appeared. Snape glanced around, made a disgusted face and strode to Lucius. Flitwick scurried to make sure the Death Eaters were properly secured. He was astonished to find them all bound with rope, chains and nearly every sort of binding and sticking charm and hex in existence.
Professor Snape just barked, “What the heck is going on?”
Lucius explained quickly. “You'll be pleased to find that the attack was stymied by what you've been calling the Hogwarts Horrors. All the assailants are either disabled or bound. Harry is, of course, injured. And why, may I ask, are no aurors, professors or healers here?”
Snape's expression was a combination of rueful, furious and resigned. “Headmaster Dumbledore spent quite a while ruminating over what would be best to do. Then he contacted the Ministry and was put on wait for several more minutes. I offered to come down to see what was actually happening, but he refused me. Fudge finally allowed that he would send an auror to check. I'm appalled, frankly, if it wasn't for the fact that Dumbledore would send me straight to Azkaban for the attempt, I'd quit. Now. Let me see to Potter. Poppy won't be down. Dumbledore did allow all the refugees to exit the tunnel, after nearly twenty minutes, so she's taking care of them and several hysterical third years.” The expression on his face morphed into pure fury. “That man is going to lose this war from the inability to make up his mind.”
With that acerbic remark, he turned to check on Harry.
Harry just smiled at him. “Sorry to be so much trouble.”
Professor Snape glowered at him for a moment. “Next attack, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't hold back. Now, let me see what you've done to yourself.” He turned back Harry's robe hem, carefully unwound Hermione's carefully applied bandage, checked the wound and applied more salve. He rewound the bandage complimenting Hermione. “An excellent job, Miss Granger, what potions did you give him?” He tugged the robe back down and tucked it around Harry's leg.
Hermione told him, in a glow of pride at his compliment. He nodded, said that Harry would need another blood replenisher in an hour and moved off.
The pop of arriving aurors was met with scorn and derision by the entire populace of Hogsmeade. Too little, too late. Only three aurors arrived with a Journeyman Medi-Wizard who was only allowed to treat bruises and contusions. The Granny of Hogsmeade just snorted at him and went back to what she was doing.
Lucius realized that he was going to be responsible for all Harry's friends. Dumbledore was still trying to decide what he should do.
“Severus!” Severus turned to look at him. “Are the wards down?” Severus nodded.
Tuggy popped in just then with the requested chocolate, blankets and, oddly, a long piece of rope. “Tuggy is brining the chocolate and blankets. Tuggy is also bringing a portkey. It is elf made but it will do. Mimsey is making it, and she is being very angry. Tuggy is thinking that you all should come to the manor before she is coming to get her young master.”
Lucius smirked at the elf. “Yes, that is a very good idea. We shall all go to Malfoy Manor and sort things from there.” He waited until the chocolate and blankets were distributed then he had everyone take hold of the rope and portkeyed them all to Malfoy Manor.
Mimsey immediately pounced on Harry, exclaiming, “Master Harry! Mimsey is mad at Master Harry. You is not doing anything so stupid again. Mimsey is ... She is smacking you, so she is. You is not holding back in combat. Does Master Harry hear Mimsey? You is ...” She waved her hands in agitation then crossed her arms over her chest. “Men! You humans is too ... You is going to bed, right now!”
Harry endured this with a bemused expression but replied with creditable meekness. “I can't. The aurors will be here any minute and they'll just drag me right back out of bed to answer an endless stream of idiot questions. Tea. Or more chocolate. And ... I'll just rest on the couch. Papa?”
Lucius' lips were twitching in a very odd manner as he replied, “I think resting on the couch is a good idea. Mimsey, please get him settled. Tuggy, you help Neville, he seems to be very upset. Ron, you and the others get yourselves settled and comfortable, my house is yours. Draco, play host. I have to go floo the minister. He's going to get an earful, believe me.” He strode out of the room in a flutter of robes, loose hair flowing in the breeze of his passing.
Draco called Gerard and asked for clean robes for everyone. He flopped down in a chair and groaned, “I do not want to do that again ... ever.”
Harry just grumbled. “Me neither. And the next person who says I'm spoiled and cosseted is getting a ripe one.”
Neville broke in, in a dazed voice. “I killed Bellatrix. I shouldn't be here. Draco, I'm sorry. I mean ... I'm not sorry ...”
Draco just sighed and got up. He went over to sit beside Neville. “Don't worry. Father's orders to me were extremely clear. Hex on sight. She was totally insane and so dangerous that I think Father was even a bit afraid of her. The only time I ever actually was near her, she ... well, her actions were totally inappropriate. So ... Good show, I say. Fine work.” He patted Neville on the shoulder. “I think I'll send for your Gran. Would you like that?”
Neville nodded, still dazed. “Yes, I'd really like that. Oh, and I killed that great bloody snake too.”
Ron cuddled down in his blanket. “Yes, he did. You should have seen it. One of the nicest pieces of sword work I've ever seen. Not that I've seen that much, mind you. But he was brilliant. Looks like he's in a bit of shock.” He flopped back in his chair, clearly exhausted by his outburst.
Draco pulled the last of his reserve calm out and said, “I'm calling your Mum too.”
He went to do that, leaving his compatriots in the hands of the elves.
Molly just demanded to know if Ron was ok. When Draco told her that he was just exhausted she said she'd be there in ten minutes. Augusta came through at once.
Draco could hear Lucius speaking to someone in the library so he went back to the private parlour to check on his friends. He found Augusta nearly on his heels.
“Madam Longbottom. Thank you for coming through so quickly. I'm afraid we'll be inundated with aurors quite soon. They didn't bother to come to Hogsmeade, so they'll probably make complete nuisances of themselves here. To be seen as doing something, you know.” Draco found refuge in formality.
“No, young man, they most certainly will not. I'll see to that. Along with your father.” She bustled away, going into the library without knocking.
Draco paused a moment but went on when he heard the combined voices of Mrs. Longbottom, who was an entirely different person from Augusta, and his Father, raised against some whiney someone who sounded suspiciously like Percy Weasley.
He re-entered the parlour to find that Hermione had taken over in his absence and everyone had a hot drink and something to eat at their elbow, Neville, Harry and Ron were wrapped in blankets. He smiled at her. She could certainly be bossy, but she could also be counted on to keep her head when everyone else was panicking.
“Hermione, you need to sit down now. Have some tea, why don't you.” And he suddenly had an armful of sniffling girl. “Oh, damn.”
“I'm sorry. It's just that ... I'm ok, until it's all over, then I fall apart. Sorry.” Hermione tried to stem her tears, but only wound up honking miserably instead.
“Well, I think you show commendable sense. Here.” He handed her a handkerchief and settled her into a chair, made sure she had tea and cookies then fell apart himself. He tried twice to get his tea to his mouth and failed. He was startled when a firm hand helped him with it. “Ma'am?”
Molly Weasley just kept hold of his hand until he'd drunk some tea then handed him a chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven. “That's what took me so long to get here. They were in the oven. Now, who needs what?”
Ron said softly. “I could sure use a hug. Mum, I'm so tired.”
Molly cooed and fussed over him, exclaiming. “Well, a pitched battle will do that, you know. Or .. no, you wouldn't. But I do, now, everyone drink your drinks and eat something. I'll be right here.” she also gave a still sniffling Hermione a hug and patted her back.
She took a look at Harry's leg and said he needed to either stay off it completely, or at least use a cane, for at least the next two days.
Lucius and Augusta entered at that point. Molly just handed Lucius a cup of tea and a cookie. Augusta took tea. They wound up arranged in a group around the middle of the room, staring at each other, dazed and weary.
.
A targ is a small round shield with a spike in the middle of it.
Title: Runaway Wizard
Chapter:
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: Except for the few original characters, all characters in this story are the property of J. K. Rowlings, who has kindly allowed me to play with them.
Warnings: Probably a little of everything. Fighting, Living on the streets with everything that entails, Spanking, Bondage, Blood, Gore, Bad Language, and Pissy Snape.
Parings: H/D eventually
Beta: 50ftqueenie Brit picker: purpledodah
Banner code for RW
Saturday morning was a bit startling to some as the flying wedge of Harry and friends took on a new look.
After their morning run, they all cleaned up and dressed in Dueling Robes. Real Dueling Robes in capital letters. The over robes were mandarin collared black, heavy and spelled to repel hexes and curses, the under robes were spelled to keep the wearer comfortable, no matter the weather, the last layer was trousers, shirts and vests. The boots they all wore were dragon hide. The under robes were belted to keep them from flipping around and the belt held a 'holds all pouch'. Each person had their family crest on the left breast and family colours bordered the hems of the under robe.
They walked into the Great Hall as if they owned it and all sat on one side of the Gryffindor table. They took their time eating, keeping an eye on the rest of the room. None of them realized what they were doing but some of the professors did.
Snape realized what they were doing about half way through breakfast and just blinked at them for a moment.
Professor McGonagall thought how much they reminded her of the Marauders at their height, remembered the fate of that group and hoped with all her heart that this group came through their fate in better shape.
Headmaster Dumbledore saw and felt his heart break, he'd so hoped that they would have more time to be children. He sighed and gave up on that dream. Now all he could do was help as best he could, if Harry would let him. His mistakes and shortsightedness were now coming back to bite him firmly on the arse.
Suddenly an owl with a red envelope in its talons flew into the Great Hall. Everyone started whispering at once. Who was the miscreant who deserved a Howler? The owl flew straight to the head table and dropped the envelope onto Headmaster Dumbledore's plate.
It bounced once then opened with a rustle and formed a mouth.
“Albus Dumbledore! I just got a note from Ginny about Harry being hurt! What is the matter with you? Have you lost your mind? Allowing a teacher, even one as good as Minerva, to cast a spell on students? Without parental permission. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt worse. And Ron, congratulations on your accomplishment.” the last was said in a kindly tone, the rest of the howler made ears ring clear to the back of the hall.
Ron laughed a bit. “Man, Mum's on a roll.”
Draco was sitting in stunned silence. The expression on his face made Ron laugh.
Hermione just said, with creditable mildness. “Good on her. Serves him right.”
“How so?” Neville stuck a finger in one ear and wiggled it.
“You know good and well that he knew what she was going to do. He always knows stuff like that. He should have stopped her. And I'm sure I don't know what she was thinking either.” Hermione had finally broken out of the idea that all adults knew better than any kid.
Dumbledore blinked at the howler for a moment as it hovered over his plate then it gave him a juicy raspberry and shredded itself into confetti which showered onto his eggs.
The entire hall was suspended in a ringing silence for a few moments then Dumbledore tapped his plate with his wand, banishing the ruined food and remarked, “Trust Molly Weasley to keep me on the straight and narrow. But, we're all human and all make mistakes, mine are just a bit more public than most. Please return to your meal.”
Everyone did so but the whispers were still loud.
When breakfast was done at 9:30 Harry et. al. got up and started making preparations for the first dueling club meeting.
Dobby immediately popped in and asked what they were doing.
“Hi, Dobby. We're getting ready for the duelling club meeting. Why?”
“Why is you doing this?”
“Because it's our responsibility to do the work. It's not for the Hogwarts elf crew to take care of this sort of stuff.”
Dobby huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “We is fighting over what work there is now.”
Harry eyed him sourly for a moment. “And why is that? There's places here that are so filthy that I know they haven't been cleaned in a century or more. Why don't you clean all that?”
Dobby shrugged. “Because Headmaster Dippit said not.”
Harry snorted. “Ok, as a resident of the school, I give house elves permission to clean anything they think needs it. Now, if you want to help, start stacking chairs, please.”
Dobby flicked his fingers and the chairs that weren't in someone's hands marched themselves to the walls and stacked up neatly. The tables were taken off their trestles, the trestles dismantled and stacked against the back wall between the door to the trophy room and the teachers lounge with the tops leaned over them.
After the club was called to order the first speaker was Professor Vector.
“Welcome to the first meeting of the Hogwarts Duelling Club. You all know who I am so we'll get right to it.
Since the Arithmancy class has finished the section on Merlin's Formula. Finally.” She cast a bit of a pointed look at the Ravenclaw contingent. “We'll be using that formula as part of our ranking process. I'll hand out worksheets for each of you. You will move from station to station, writing down your results. When you are done, one of the available professors will help you to do the maths. If you are a seventh year and in my class, I expect you to do it yourself. Now. It doesn't matter what order you do the stations in so just pick one and queue up.”
The stations were to test raw power, control, and spell knowledge. It took most of the session to get all the club members through all the stations and do all the maths. The result was that the majority of the club were at Magician level, which they had divided into three levels for better ranking. But Harry was a Sorcerer, as was Draco, Ron and surprisingly, Neville. Hermione tested at Master Magician, over which she pouted a bit.
Several students were happily surprised to find that their knowledge of spells put them one star higher than expected. Most of the club were either one or two star level, but a few were three. Harry's clique turned out to be at three and four star level except for Harry, who was a five and Draco who was also a five. Ron, Neville, Hermione and the Slytherins were good solid fours.
Flitwick was nearly dancing with happiness. He was convinced that this was going to be the best year ever. Professors McGonagall, Snape, Vector and Headmaster Dumbledore filled out the group who were helping get the club started. They were all astonished at the competency of some of the students and alarmed at the total incompetency of others. Dumbledore scowled as he released the students for lunch. There was going to be a meeting of some very unhappy professors that night.
The group hurriedly put the tables and chairs back. Benches had been abolished by the simple method of transfiguring them into chairs every time they were re-transfigured. Dumbledore finally gave up.
Harry took the head of Gryffindor table without even thinking about it. He needed to speak with Hermione, Ron, Neville and Draco and he didn't feel like shouting down the table to do it. This way, he only had to speak over one person.
“Well, thank you to Hermione for being the power behind the club. Your organizational skills worked wonders. We'll be electing officers next meeting and you are not to take an office. Got me?” Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Harry ran her over. “No! Don't do it. You've got plenty on your plate as it is. We need to find the diadem, right? And we're both still working on that book. With class work, workouts, and what all; that's plenty. Let someone else have some fun, and learn responsibility. Ok?” Hermione, realizing what Harry said was true, nodded. “Good. Draco, after lunch, you want to fly?”
Draco hurriedly chewed the chicken in his mouth, swallowed with a gulp and said, “Yes! I've been dying to try that circuit we figured out. And I want to start working on the routine for the Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff game. I'll wheedle permission from Snape. He'll go along just to spite Dumbledore and please Father.”
Neville laughed at that and said that he was looking forward to time to work on some extra work Snape had given him to bring up his potions grade. Hermione asked if he wanted help and was told that Snape had particularly forbidden Neville to get her to help. “He says that, if you help, you'll just do it all and I won't learn anything.” Noting Hermione's crestfallen expression he added, “I don't believe you would. But he said not, so I shouldn't. Thanks anyway.”
Hermione just said that she was going to work on the map if no one needed her help with anything. Ron agreed to sit with her while he worked on an essay of his own and prompted her by saying, “But I'm always grateful for your help. And I know you won't do it for me. Snape's just being a git. Come on.”
So Ron and Hermione headed for the library, hoping for some quiet. They had agreed, the first week, that Gryffindor Tower Common room was not the place to try to study. So it was either the library or Draco's quarters.
Neville went up to the room to work, and Harry and Draco went to his quarters to collect their brooms, which Draco kept there since Harry had caught Dean trying to sneak his out under his cloak. Dean had just said that he only wanted to try it. Harry wasn't so sure, but he'd let it go in the favour of peace in the house. He called Dobby to bring his flying leathers, and they got ready to go.
They walked up to the front courtyard and, as there was no known rule against it, took flight from there. They flew to the valley and spent a bit of time checking things out again. Harry discovered a nice clearing on the belly of the cliff at the back of the valley. Front and back being subjective and only decided by which end was closest to Hogwarts. He landed there and looked around for a moment. Draco landed beside him
“What?”
“I was just looking around. This is really protected. Nice place for a quick bite to eat and a rest. What do you think?”
Draco looked around as well and agreed. “Yes, very nice, but why aren't we flying?”
Because we haven't decided how many laps we want to race.”
“Standard Wizarding Race rules are five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred.”
Harry punched him in the shoulder and groused, “We only have time for five or ten. If we want to work on the routine that is.”
“Routine first, maybe? Then reward ourselves with some all out flying?”
“Good idea. So ... what is first on the list. We should work on each stunt individually then combine them, you think?”
“Yes. So the first is a from the corner, meet in the middle then reverse Wronsky, into a star burst rollover.”
“Got it.”
They worked on it one at a time, first Draco did the whole manoeuvre while Harry hovered on his broom and watched. Then Harry tried it, making mental road marks to keep him from running into Draco. They took turns on this until Harry glanced at the sun and stopped Draco before he could make another run.
“If we want to race, we better do it now. The sun is getting really low.”
Draco glanced at the sun himself and agreed. “Ok, you're right. Five laps. And who's going to call it?”
Harry grunted, neither one of them had thought of that. Harry suddenly brightened. “Dobby. If he can hear me call him, he'll do it.”
Draco nodded. “Ok. And, as you've bonded with him, he can hear you nearly anywhere.”
So Harry landed in the clearing and called Dobby. The elf popped in to find out what was wanted. When he was told he exclaimed, “Oh, Dobby is being very glad to do this for Master Harry. Dobby will watch. Yes, he will. And he will be honest about who wins, yes.”
Harry just laughed at this and said, “Ok. You do that.” then mounted his broom.
Draco and Harry lined up and Dobby made a bang, they went off like two rockets from a launch pad. They both fumbled the first turn, swinging too wide and having to wrestle their brooms back on course. The second turn went much better. The straight away's were easy, all they had to do was pour on the power. Setting up for a turn was something else. Harry entered the third turn too fast and had to figure out some way to make it around without going to wide or hitting the pylon. He remembered something he'd heard Dudley talk about, a power slide. He angled his broom then powered into the turn, making it around the pylon by drifting his turn. He glanced behind him and realized that he was half a lap ahead of Draco.
The five laps were completed in just under ten minutes. Neither boy realized that even the professionals would have taking at least fifteen. Dobby called the race a win by Harry jumping up and down and squealing happily. So they laughed, shook hands and started back for Hogwarts. Harry offered Dobby a ride which he took, sitting before Harry and dandling his legs happily.
.
The two boys arrived back a Hogwarts just in time for dinner and so wound up sitting down to eat still sweaty and in their flying leathers.
Hermione was the only one to really notice, after all the others were only boys. She wondered where they'd been, but let it go as not her business, rather smugly thinking 'See, I do learn.'
Dumbledore had noticed the almost late arrival with a bit of curiosity, but decided that, as there had been no 'out of bounds' alarm, to let it go. He was more interested in the possible results of his plan to create good will amongst the student body. Everyone was a bit tense just now, and he thought that a nice extra visit to Hogsmeade might cheer everyone up. The usual first visit was after mid-terms, but that was still nearly a month away so he was going to declare a one day Hogsmeade visit for all the eligible students.
He rose and tapped his wand on the table to produce a gong. “Attention everyone! I have decided that, as everyone has been so good over the last weeks, to allow an early one day Hogsmeade visit. Starting at 9 am tomorrow, everyone who is eligible will be allowed to go into Hogsmeade. I've arranged with all the stores to be open. You must return to school by 5 p.m. Thank you.”
There was some cheering, a bit of groaning from those who had already spent their allowances and a general lightening of mood all over.
Except for Harry. As he was leaving the Great Hall, chattering happily with Ron about what they were going to buy at Honeydukes, Professor McGonagall approached him.
“Mr. Potter, a word, please.” Harry followed her with his heart in his shoes. What now?
“I'm afraid that, as per every other year. You cannot go. You have no permission slip. I am telling you this so that you can avoid embarrassment by trying to go and being refused. Good evening.” And with that she glided away, leaving Harry to stare after her.
He snarled and pulled his mirror from his pocket. He hadn't used his yet and he wouldn't have now, except that McGonagall's rather self-satisfied expression had hit him the wrong way. Why would she wait until the evening before a Hogsmeade visit to tell him he didn't have a slip. And why did he need a slip anyway? So he did what he was supposed to do and called his Papa.
“Papa! Are you there?”
“Yes, my treasure. Is there an emergency?”
“Um ... not really but ... there's a Hogsmeade day tomorrow and McGonagall has just told me I can't go. Why? I'm of age? Right?”
Lucius' image in the mirror audibly sighed. “Yes, and no. Remember what I told you. You're of magical age, and that's all. You'll need a slip from me to go. I'll owl it right away. And ... Harry, I'm very proud of you for telling me instead of haring off on some wild adventure.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you. And ... well, just thank you.”
“Good night.”
“Night.” And with that Harry put his mirror back into his pocket and headed for Gryffindor muttering, 'Take that, you old cat.'
Professor McGonagall never realized that her attempt at a sympathetic face had failed so badly.
.
Harry had said that Sunday was a day of rest when they'd first started working out so everyone was up and ready in good time. Harry, Ron and Neville met Hermione in the common room. They would have liked to meet up with Draco and the other Slytherins, but long standing rules forbade a group of more than six going together. Harry wasn't sure why and really didn't care but if the Slytherins joined them their group would number nine and that was too large. So Draco and the rest of them would form a group of their own. They would meet up in Draco's quarters after the visit to share their stories and goodies.
Harry was leading the way, a copy of his permission form in his hand. Professor McGonagall tried to stop him but he just waved his permission in her face, smirked and said, “My Papa loves me enough to see that I get to go.”
“Very well, Mr. Potter, enjoy yourself.” Professor McGonagall had to admit to herself that she was glad Harry got to go into Hogsmeade. She also noticed that relations between Harry, Dumbledore and her were quite strained. She wasn't happy about that, but, after due consideration, she really couldn't blame him
Harry silently cheered, he was going to get to go to Hogsmeade without sneaking out. That meant that he didn't have to hide from the chaperones if he saw them.
“Draco, where should we go first? I've never been before, not where I could really shop.”
Draco sighed. “I know. That time you threw snowballs at me, that's really the only time you got to go?”
“Yeah, sort of. Sirius gave me permission but Dumbledore revoked it when he died. All the rest of the times, someone checked up on me at breakfast and actually followed me around to keep me from sneaking out again. Sucked majorly. So where first?”
Hermione interrupted to say that Ron had promised to take her to Madam Puddifoots for tea and she wanted to go to Miss Raven's for some stuff. Ron said they were going to go to Zonko's as well and check out some things.
Draco nodded, then said, “Back on subject then. I'm not sure where to go first, Harry. We'll have to manage our trip carefully or we'll wind up carrying a bunch of stuff. That's a real nuisance.”
Harry thought for a moment. “Why not just shrink it all down and stick it in our pockets?”
Draco brightened. “Indeed, why not. If you're not of age, you're not allowed to use magic in Hogsmeade, even during the school year. Supposed to keep idiots from getting into trouble. But we're of age now and we can use magic whenever we like. Brilliant. Come on.”
They spent the walk to Hogsmeade deciding where to go. They argued amiably about it for a few moments, then turned back to where to go first. They finally decided on Honeydukes. Draco remarked that they'd have to put chilling charms on their chocolate or it'd melt in their pockets.
The only rub was when Draco realized that Harry had brought Aspis along. He thought it was too cold for the snake, Harry thought his warming charm would protect him. Harry asked Aspis if he was warm enough and he said he was fine. Harry passed the information on to Draco who pronounced himself satisfied.
They did go to Honeydukes first, parting with Hermione and Ron at the door. Harry was astonished at all the sweets. He'd had to avoid the place on most of his trips as he was hiding from the chaperones and there seemed to be one permanently at the shop. Now that he had time to really look around, rather than snatch what was closest to the door, he practically drooled. He picked several things he knew he liked and then decided to buy himself the Nearly Everything In The Shop box. Draco nearly hurt himself laughing.
Harry cast a chilling charm on the goodies, shrank them and tucked them safely in his devils bag. He offered to put Draco's things in it, but Draco declined, saying that he'd carry his own purchases.
They dropped in at Zonko's, but felt that the goods were second to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, so they moved on. Harry knew that the twins wanted to open a second shop here in Hogsmeade, but hadn't managed to find a premises yet. He sighed. “I wish the twins would open a shop here. They want to, but can't find any place to rent.”
Draco pointed to a rather frowsy looking building. “I think you own that one. Write to Papa when we get back. Why was Ron interested in coming in?”
Harry glanced at the building. It was narrow but fairly deep, badly maintained and in need of not only paint, but a new roof.
“Spying on the competition. Don't think they'd want it. It's in pitiful shape.”
“We'll have it fixed for them. Come on, I want to go into Gladrags. I need a new pair of gloves. I can't imagine what happened to my kidskin ones.”
Harry, well aware that Draco kept track of his things much better than you'd imagine, said, “I bet someone stole them. You know that Slytherins have sticky fingers.”
Draco made a face. “Right. I better get two pair.”
Harry followed him into the store and paused beside the door to let his eyes adjust. It was dim in the store, which Harry had never understood. If you wanted to sell clothing, shouldn't the store be well lit? He sighed as Draco demanded more light and was told that too much light would fade the delicate fabrics. Well, that answered that question. He shifted from one foot to the other and wished that Draco would hurry, but he was well aware that nothing would hurry Draco when he was buying clothing.
A clerk approached Harry, saying, “Young man, if you're not going to buy something, please leave.”
Harry just pointed to Draco. “I'm with him. He's buying stuff.”
The clerk eyed Harry but when the door was opened to admit a lady and the sun shone on Harry's obviously expensive cloak, he went to wait on the lady. Harry grumbled a bit, but edged away from the door a bit more. He shivered slightly, the cold draft blowing around his head had chilled him. He tugged his cloak closer, glad that he'd decided to wear his heavy dragon hide pants, a padded shirt and dragon hide vest. They were not only spelled for protection but very warm as well. Draco had also worn his matching clothing. Both their cloaks were embroidered over the left breast with their family crests.
Harry fidgeted a bit then called, “Draco, come on. I'm bored. Just buy them all and lets go.”
Draco, torn between three pairs of gloves, decided to buy them all and give the pair he liked the least to Harry. He paid and they left.
“I don't like it in there. They're too snobby for me. Lets go to Schrivenshaft's. I'm just about out of letter parchment and you know that Papa'll have a fit if I send him something less than nice. Not like I'd have the nerve to send him a screw anyway.”
Draco grumbled, “Better not, he'll snark you to death. And I'm about out of quills. And, no, I'm not about to write with one of those steel monstrosities. Quills.”
Harry grumbled, “You used one of mine at home.”
Draco stuck his nose in the air. “At home, for private things, they're fine, but I'm not taking the chance of McGonagall or Vector taking off half a grade point for inappropriate equipment.”
They argued companionably about the appropriateness of steel nibs vs. quills all the way to the shop. Harry nearly fell over laughing when they saw the window. In a small, well appointed writing box rested “Potters Perfect Points” steel nibs, writing parchments of several qualities and foolscap, advertised as composition writing paper. Draco swatted him on the shoulder and announced that he had to have a writing box.
Draco insisted on the best box there was. Harry just hung back again, grinning this time. Draco smirked at Harry, tucked his purchase into his pocket and tugged Harry out the door, exclaiming, “Hurry up. Let's go before the clerk recognizes you.”
Harry immediately ducked out the door. He touched his devils bag, the back of his neck was crawling.
“Draco, keep an eye out. I've got a bad feeling. Something's going to happen.”
Draco glanced around High Street. “What? When?”
Harry grunted, “Don't know. Just is. Soon, though.”
Draco felt his own neck crawl. “This is bad.”
“I know.” Harry looked around. Kids from Hogwarts were everywhere and residents were out in force. There must be at least 75 people in sight right now. He glanced down the street but his vision was obstructed by a lazy bend in the street. Not for the first time he grumbled about the wizarding habit of narrow, crooked streets. He couldn't see more than forty feet in either direction. He did some mental math, gave it up and asked, “Draco, how many people are we talking about?”
Draco knew exactly what Harry as asking. “Well, Hogsmeade has a permanent population of about 1800, or so. Students allowed to come to the village, another ... four hundred. High Street is really crowded today, some parents come to see their kids. So, souls in peril? 2500 or so. And most of them will just run around like chickens with their heads cut off, screaming and getting in the way. If Death Eaters want to cause a panic and make a statement, this is the place and day. Damnit!”
Draco rubbed his face in agitation. “And we can't say anything. If we do, and we're wrong ...” He trailed off, contemplating the repercussions of that. “Well, all I can say is, it would be a disaster for us, personally, and both ... all three of our families.”
Harry agreed, adding, “And no one would believe us again. We'll just have to wait until something happens then deal. Come on. We'll go to the Three Broomsticks and get tea and some sandwiches or something.”
Draco agreed to go, stating that he didn't want to get killed on an empty stomach. Breakfast seemed farther away than it actually was.
Harry kept an eye out as they walked to the pub, which was just around the sharper bend to the north. He quickly found a table. Draco was pleased to notice that they both had a good view of the front and back entrances to the main room. Harry had a good view of the stairs to the upper floor and Draco the door to the kitchens.
They settled in to contemplate the menu. Harry just grumbled, “I want fish and chips, but their chips are always soggy.”
Draco raised an eyebrow over the edge of his menu. “Yes, I could do better myself, and I can't cook.”
Harry snorted, he'd been teaching Draco to cook, over the kitchen elves objections. “You can cook. Not a lot but, I agree, you could do better chips. Well, guess it's either shepherd's pie or
a chop. What do you think?”
Draco glanced out the window and said, “I think your bad thing just started.”
Harry glanced out the window too and just sighed, “Well, fuck. Come on, then. Let's get out there and start getting people off the street.” Draco gave him a 'you've got to be kidding' look. “You know damn good an well that some of those idiots are just going to stand there, and gawk like turkeys. Other's are going to be so sure that it can't happen to them that they'll go back to shopping, and some are going to try to be heroes. So ...”
Draco just slapped his napkin down on the table and yelled at Madam Rosemerta to call for aurors. She didn't ask any questions, having looked out the window, she just scurried for the kitchen and the floo there.
Aspis stuck his head out of Harry's collar to ask what was going on. Harry explained as clearly as he could and ended, “Bite anyone who gets too close. No one is going to grab me, except enemies. Don't bite more than once. I don't want you wasting venom. We're probably in for a great fight.”
“I will bite anyone who touches you, except your brother, the fuzzy head and the fire head. They are friends.” Aspis nestled down into Harry's collar, nesting in where he could get a good strike in any direction.
Harry glanced around and was pleased to see that, despite the hexes and curses being flung into the crowds by the Death Eaters, some people were keeping their heads. Hermione was standing in the door of Honeydukes and calling people in. Harry ran that way with Draco on his heels. As he ran he pulled his mirror out of his pocket. “Papa! Papa! Answer me! Hogsmeade is under attack! Papa!”
“Harry! I hear you. I'm on my way.” Lucius' voice was strained.
Harry rushed by Hermione, shoving into the shop. “Into the basement. Quick!” He took the steps two at a time and found the door to the secret tunnel. He yanked it open and propped it back. “Hermione! Everyone down into the basement. There's a secret tunnel into Hogwarts.”
He managed to make it up the stairs before they were crowded with escapees. Mr. Flume stood at the top of the stairs to keep the frightened people from cramming the stairs and getting hurt.
Meanwhile, Hermione and Draco were keeping guard on the door. “What's going on?”
Draco, grabbed a screaming woman, running by in a panic, and shoved her into the shop. “Terror raid. They just pop in and start hexing. More people get hurt in the panic than anything else.”
Hermione looked around again. Things were worse now. Most of the people in the street were either down, running around crazily or trying to fight back. The Death Eaters were succeeding in their intent of creating chaos and panic.
Hermione dithered for a moment. “Harry, we have to get people off the streets. If we can't, a lot of people are going to be injured.”
“And just exactly how are we supposed to do that?” Harry tried not to sound sarcastic, he really did.
Draco joined them, snarling, “I tried to apparate a wounded man to the gate, didn't work. The fuckers have put up a ward. Anti-everything. No one out. But I bet there's no block on getting in.”
Hermione was surprisingly bitchy when she said, “Oh, no! We wouldn't want to deny someone the pleasure of torturing children, now would we?” Both Harry and Draco just looked at her for a moment. “What? We need to figure this out.”
Neville appeared from around the sharp bend to the south, shooting some kind of hex over his shoulder. He dived into the doorway and collided with Harry, grunting at the impact.
“Son of a bitch! They're all over. There's a group at each end of High Street, and one in the middle of Short Way. Where've you been?”
“Starting an evacuation through Honeydukes. I mirror called Papa. But, I think we're on our own. They put up wards.”
“Fuck! Now what?”
Harry pulled his devils bag out of his pocket. “We do what we can. We put our training to use. Here.” And with that, he started handing out swords and shields. He had taken time to arrange the weapons available in his bag so he could do exactly what he was doing now. “Hermione, here's a shield. It's spelled to repel fairly strong hexes and such. Take it, find a place to hunker down and snipe at the DE's that get too close. Draco. Neville. Gear up. We're the first line of defence until someone takes over from us. Like aurors. And where are they when you need them?”
Hermione snorted. “Eating donuts and scratching their arses. They'll be here when the fighting is done.” She looked around for a moment then pointed to a nook between Honeydukes and the shop next door. “I'll be in there.”
Draco looked at her for a moment then said, “Granger, I'll take it as a personal insult if you get yourself hurt. Understand?”
Hermione gave a jerky nod and wedged herself into her chosen hiding spot, determined to defend the only known escape route they had.
Neville took the heavy over robe Harry thrust at him and pulled it on. This robe was a true combat robe. Harry pushed another into Draco's hands and tugged his own on over his head.
“Ok! We're short on people. We've got to do what we can. Where's Ron?”
Just then, Ron nearly knocked Neville down as he darted into the doorway too. Harry decided that the doorway was getting way too small. He shoved Ron's combat robe into his hands and grumbled, “Damnit! I wish you knew how to use a damn sword. Fuck.”
Ron just dragged the robe over his head and snapped, “Well, I don't. Give me a shield like Hermione has.”
Harry obliged and they were in combat, whether they liked it or not.
Draco nodded north. “We'll go that way. How many?”
Ron shrugged settling his robes into better position across his shoulders. “I couldn't see very well, but no more than four.”
Neville interjected, “The southern bunch is smaller. Only three. The group in Short Way, I couldn't see at all, but from the sound, at least two, likely more.”
Harry nodded. “You did good. So ... Neville, you and Ron take south and give 'em hell.”
Neville and Ron ran off, wands in hand. Neville had turned out to be a 'lefty', fighting better with his wand in his right hand and his sword in his left. Harry was a 'righty'. Which actually made him more dangerous in the wizarding world as they expected someone who held their wand in their left hand to cast poorly.
Ron snarled softly as he realized who they were facing. Bellatrix LeStrange and Nagini were in the forefront of the group. The two wizards behind her were unrecognisable in their masks.
Bella, never content to just hex and move on, taunted Neville, saying with saccharine sweetness, “Itty, bitty Nevie. My Lord will be pleased.”
Neville just snorted. “You're worthless. You're too crazy to be any use to him. He just sends you out, time and time again, hoping you'll wind up dead. Too bad you're too crazy to oblige him.”
Bellatrix screamed her rage and cast a hex at Neville. He blocked it, just barely, and returned fire. His hex hit Bella right in the chest and threw her into the side of a building.
Ron stayed back a bit, throwing up a shield and taking on the two behind her. He tossed, not only hexes and curses, but jokes from W3 as well. One of the masked DE's fell right into a portable swamp and dropped out of sight. The other hexed Ron back, but the hex bounced off his magical shield, backed by his physical one and smacked right into the portable swamp. The swamp dried up at once.
Ron mumbled, “Well, that settles that question.” The DE's body would have to be dug out of the ground later.
The second DE screamed in agony as an old woman hexed him with something rather nasty. His legs folded under him and he collapsed, screaming again. She proceeded to dart out, whack him in the head with an iron frying pan and run back into her house. Ron yelled, “Stay inside and lock your damn door.”
She called back. “Right!” and did as she was told, she also pulled her shutters shut with a bang.
Ron checked on Neville and had to stop to watch. Neville was in a battle with Bellatrix still.
She was quick, and had a repertory of combat spells that was encyclopaedic, but she was nuts and tended to get distracted at the oddest times.
Right now she was crooning to Nagini. “Poor Nagini. Does 'oo want to help?” She stroked the snake on the head, dodging Neville's hex at the same time. “Go, sweetums, go help Auntie Bella.”
Nagini slithered off her shoulder and started for Neville. You would have thought that Neville would have been nervous to see a ten foot snake headed for him, but after rooming with Aspis, he wasn't that bothered. He paid attention to Bella and what she was doing, shielding from her hexes and returning hexes of his own. Nagini tried to sneak up on him, but Ron, who was defending Neville's back, not that it was much needed, called out, “She's right there. Neville, four o'clock.”
Neville whirled around and chopped down with the sword in his left hand. Nagini didn't even have time to hiss as Neville cut off the snake's head and returned to his battle with Bella.
Ron cheered and called, “A little help needed? Neville?”
“No, she's mine.” Neville cracked his neck, tipping his head from side to side. “Bella, you bitch! You're done!”
Bella did look a bit the worse for wear with her hair straggling all over and her overly revealing robes in tatters. She also had a bruise on one cheek and a cut above the other eyebrow. Her screech of fury made Neville mutter, “Hag.” before attempting to hex her again.
The Blood Boiling curse she threw in return missed him by inches. Ron yelled, “Neville, quit messing about!”
“Yeah! Sorry!” And with that Neville charged Bellatrix while she was attempting to hex Ron.
Her hex missed, but Neville's didn't. His bludgeoning hex hit her right in the head, crushing her skull. She dropped like a rock and just lay there, sprawled amidst the holes and trash which lettered the street.
Ron grabbed Neville before he had time to think. “Come on! We have to check Short Way.”
They could hear the pops of more arrivals. The chances of them being help were slim and none.
.
While Ron and Neville were fighting Bellatrix and her crew, Harry and Draco were just as involved with four nameless, faceless DE's on the other end of the street.
This was when they showed that their training had taken perfectly. Draco knelt at Harry's feet and put up a shield. He and Harry had practiced this, Draco's shield cycled at a certain frequency. At the bottom of its cycle it was weak enough to hex through. The interval was short and the cycle fairly fast. Harry hexed one DE immediately, he fell, out cold. Draco swiveled to bring the shield more fully between Harry and the group of three not real happy DE's.
Harry tried to get in another hex before the three men could figure out what was going on. It didn't work but he did throw up a huge cloud of dust. The dust shielded them from sight for a few precious seconds, in which they moved, missing getting hexed by inches.
Draco hissed as a hex flashed past him, his robes keeping him from more than a warm feeling across his back.
“Draco?”
“Ok. They're not really powerful. I don't recognize any of the masks.”
“Newbies, sent for an initiation? Or blooding?”
“Maybe. Or second stringers sent for some experience.” Draco turned a full circle while Harry took it in turn to hex each of the opponents. “No help on the horizon. We're going to be in the weeds in a few minutes. I'm getting tired.”
“Me too. But we only have to hang on a bit longer. Papa's sure to be here soon.”
Draco blocked a heavy bludgeoning hex and swore. “Harry stop fucking around.”
“Ok.” Harry realized that his attempts to keep his skills secret were just risking lives. He put more force in to the Incendio he sent out next, and caught one of the DE's unaware. He burst into flames and died screaming. The smell of burning feathers filled the air.
Harry sighed, this was not what he'd been expecting from a Hogsmeade trip. Draco looked up from his kneel at Harry's feet.
“You ok?”
“Yeah. Remind me why we thought this was going to be fun.”
“Well, my vision certainly didn't include Death Eaters, or a full out battle.” He flinched as a bit of rock from a diffindo nicked his cheek.
Harry snarled wordlessly and attacked, charging into the group and slashing one across the chest. He was suddenly in the middle of a hand to hand combat that no one was expecting. Draco groaned in disbelief at Harry's insanity. Then he did the only thing he could think of. He called his father.
“Father! Father! Answer me, please!”
“Draco! What the devil? I was sure you had the good sense to barricade yourself in somewhere. What are you doing in the middle of High Street?”
“Harry's thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. He's in mortal combat with three death eaters. I don't know what to do. Help me.” Draco was nearly crying in his distress. He was sure that Harry was going to be killed right before his eyes.
Harry, on the other hand, was sure he had everything under control. He was in the middle of the group and no one could hex him without hexing another member of their party. He forgot that Death Eaters didn't really care about that kind of thing.
His targ turned the first hex and he used the spike to stab the man in his belly. The next hex cut through his robes and into his leg. He winced, but didn't let it slow him down.
Harry knew that he was no match for four wizards, full grown and well trained, but he was just trying to buy time until rescue came. That wasn't the way the villagers saw it. They saw Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, fighting side by side to protect Hogsmeade.
Draco sent a tripping hex at one of the remaining DE's, grumbling under his breath about having to use such weak things. Harry snarled, “Draco, damnit, you can use something a little stronger.”
Draco growled and cast a heavy stunner at the man. He went down hard.
And that was the last of their fight.
Lucius Malfoy apparated right through the barriers that the DE had erected. He had absolutely no compunction about the headache he was giving someone. He appeared in the middle of the square at the end of Short Way. Right in the centre of a fight between Vince Crabbe, Millicent Bulstrode, Theo Nott and four DE's. He dealt with that mess in a typically Malfoy, and very messy, way. He cast Sectumsempra at the bunch of them and walked away, saying, “Nott, you and Crabbe, deal with this mess, please. Miss Bulstrode, have you seen Harry or Draco?”
“No, sir. But I'd say they are still on High Street somewhere. I heard shouting about a way to Hogwarts through Honeydukes. He's sure to be there, trying to cover a retreat.” Millicent trotted along at Lucius' side. She figured she was safer there than almost anywhere.
She was right. Lucius strode along the short street, casting stunners and more dangerous spells left and right. His blond hair was loose and fluttered in the breeze. No one could mistake him for other than who he was. Every single hex took out a masked and robed form.
The few scattered DE's that had apparated in after the first wave were soon down and groaning and bleeding. Draco looked up from where he was struggling to keep his shield up. Harry was still hexing through it but he was bleeding badly and weakening quickly.
Lucius took one look and demanded. “What the devil did you think you were doing?” He dealt with the last of Harry's opponents with a flick of his wand. Sectumsempra seemed to be the curse of the day.
Harry glanced up at him, smiled weakly and said, “Waiting for you to come. Where's Neville and Ron?”
“I don't know, but I'll find them. And Miss Granger.”
Harry winced. His Papa only called their small group by last names when he was angry. He looked about to go mental right now. “Thank you. Hermione is right ... there.” He pointed to where Hermione was just emerging from behind her shield and a disillusionment spell that she'd cast.
She hurried into speech at once. “I'm so sorry. I know I should have done something ... but I'm not sure what. We got a lot of people into the tunnel into Hogwarts. I don't understand why no one's come yet.”
“Peace, madam. Dumbledore will faff around forever, trying to figure out how to turn something like this to his advantage. Now. Stay with Harry and Draco. I'll go find Ron and Neville.”
Harry was pleased to see that Lucius was calming down, but not by much. He still looked completely intimidating.
Lucius surveyed the street with cold calculation then he turned south. He walked quickly. He hadn't missed the blood on the ground beneath Harry but had estimated the flow and amount with an expert eye. Draco was a competent field medic, as was Hermione. He was sure that, between them, they were skilled enough to help Harry until expert help arrived.
He came around the sharp bend just in time to see Ron and Neville headed his way.
“Stop right there! Where do you think you're going?”
“Short Way. But, now that you're here, to find Harry.” Ron stopped, panting a bit. Fighting was much harder work than you'd think.
“Short Way is where I came in. Harry is hurt. Come along.” with that he turned on his heel and headed back for Harry. His long legs and quick strides made both boys trot to keep up. Neither one complained, they both wanted to be back with their companions.
Lucius sighed and looked around. Thanks to the efforts of nine teenagers and himself, Hogsmeade was safe again. People were creeping out of their homes and businesses to tend to the injured and begin cleaning up the streets. He walked with his head up, keeping an eye out for trouble. Nothing happened.
Harry sighed and looked up into Lucius' eyes. “I tried to keep it low key but ... things got out of hand. Not like I had much control. Hopefully, no one much noticed in all the confusion.”
“What in the world are you babbling about?” Lucius was truly puzzled, what was Harry trying to keep low key?
“My training. I tried to hide it as best I could. But Draco got on me for messing about. So I ... but we had to have our swords and shields. I don't ... I feel really dizzy.” Harry put one hand to his forehead.
“We'll speak about your stupidity in not going all out later. Now, we need to get you seen to.” Lucius looked around. Aurors hadn't arrived yet.
Hermione was babbling in the background so Lucius turned to listen to her.
“I need things. Things that we don't have. Damn! Even a pressure bandage. This cut. It's bad. Bad. Oh, Harry, don't you dare die on me.”
Harry grunted, shifted carefully and pulled his bag out of his pocket. “Tell me what you need. In detail. I'm not interested in winning the battle, then bleeding out on the ground.”
Hermione listed the things she needed. Draco produced the potions from his pockets and Harry pulled bandages, salve and other things from the bag. He handed it to Draco and said, “It won't get you for putting things in it. Get all the swords and shields and put them away.”
The second Lucius understood what Harry wanted, he started claiming the swords and cleaning them. He handed them to Draco one at a time, all the while keeping an eye on Hermione and Harry.
Neville handed his sword to Lucius, then went to sit beside Harry. He felt strangely empty and a bit cold. He startled when Mr. Flume pressed a mug of hot chocolate into his hands.
“Drink that. It'll make you feel better.” Then he bustled away to hand out more chocolate to other people.
Ron gave up his shield, which was scorched and buckled. “Here. I'll help you. What needs doing?”
Lucius looked into grave hazel eyes, and liked what he saw. “Nothing. Go sit by Harry. It's up to the aurors to deal with the mess, since they can't seem to get to anywhere in time for the actual attacks. Get some of that chocolate that Mr. Flume is handing out and rest.”
“Ok. I'll admit I wasn't looking forward to much more activity.” Ron shambled away to sit near Harry and watch Hermione.
Lucius finished collecting, cleaning and storing the arms and armour that Harry had handed out. Then he checked on Harry.
“Harry, my treasure, how are you?”
“Good. Hermione is a really good field medic. My leg still hurts but it's not bleeding anymore.”
Harry leaned back against the planter behind him while Hermione checked his bandage again.
“He's right. The bleeding has stopped. I'd like a real healer to take a look as soon as possible. But I bandaged it with wound salve, gave him two healing potions and a blood replenisher. I'd like to get him a blanket and some of that chocolate.” She wiped a strand of hair out of her face leaving a streak of Harry's blood on her cheek. “I'd like some myself actually.”
Lucius snapped, “Tuggy!”
The elf appeared with a soft pop, looked around, startled, then squeaked, “How may Tuggy serve?”
Lucius glowered then calmed himself, the elf couldn't know what had been going on. “Bring hot chocolate. In heavy mugs.” He looked at his small group of warriors. “Blankets, anything else you can think of that might be needed.” He addressed the group. “I'd take you all back to Malfoy Manor, but I don't think the wards are down yet. And the aurors are going to want to question all of you. So, we'll make ourselves as comfortable as we can until help arrives.”
Harry sighed, shifted and asked, “How is everyone? Who's where?”
Draco just stood up, robes ripped and filthy, looked around and then said, “Vince, Millicent and Theo are over there with chocolate and blankets. Some woman is with them. I think it's Mrs. Morton. Neville is just here with Ron. Daphne didn't come down, remember?” Harry nodded wearily. “Everyone is accounted for and, if not fine, at least not in danger of dropping dead. Except for you. You're the only one with a serious wound. Prat!”
Harry just smiled a bit. “You know I'm always the one who gets it in the neck. What was I supposed to do? We're trying to keep our training a secret. I fucked up.” He examined his clothing with a disgusted expression. “And … well, at least this time it's only one trouser leg.” He tugged his robe to cover himself better.
Lucius shook his head. “We're not going to hide it anymore. Secrecy is now ... not an option. You're training too hard to hide it. This was a pre-emptive strike. An attempt to disable as many aurors as possible and assess the level of threat that exists. As you can see, the aurors have not even arrived yet, and you have halted the strike in its tracks. Nine teenaged people held off an equal number of Death Eaters, third level though they are, with the help of the citizens of Hogsmeade. A clear victory for our side. And a humiliation that Lord Moldyshorts...” He smirked at them all. “isn't going to recover from anytime soon. It does, however, put us in the light, as the saying goes, there is no way to hide your training now. And ... where the hell are the aurors, healers and, more particularly, where are the professors.”
Just then there was a loud crack and Professors Snape and Flitwick appeared. Snape glanced around, made a disgusted face and strode to Lucius. Flitwick scurried to make sure the Death Eaters were properly secured. He was astonished to find them all bound with rope, chains and nearly every sort of binding and sticking charm and hex in existence.
Professor Snape just barked, “What the heck is going on?”
Lucius explained quickly. “You'll be pleased to find that the attack was stymied by what you've been calling the Hogwarts Horrors. All the assailants are either disabled or bound. Harry is, of course, injured. And why, may I ask, are no aurors, professors or healers here?”
Snape's expression was a combination of rueful, furious and resigned. “Headmaster Dumbledore spent quite a while ruminating over what would be best to do. Then he contacted the Ministry and was put on wait for several more minutes. I offered to come down to see what was actually happening, but he refused me. Fudge finally allowed that he would send an auror to check. I'm appalled, frankly, if it wasn't for the fact that Dumbledore would send me straight to Azkaban for the attempt, I'd quit. Now. Let me see to Potter. Poppy won't be down. Dumbledore did allow all the refugees to exit the tunnel, after nearly twenty minutes, so she's taking care of them and several hysterical third years.” The expression on his face morphed into pure fury. “That man is going to lose this war from the inability to make up his mind.”
With that acerbic remark, he turned to check on Harry.
Harry just smiled at him. “Sorry to be so much trouble.”
Professor Snape glowered at him for a moment. “Next attack, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't hold back. Now, let me see what you've done to yourself.” He turned back Harry's robe hem, carefully unwound Hermione's carefully applied bandage, checked the wound and applied more salve. He rewound the bandage complimenting Hermione. “An excellent job, Miss Granger, what potions did you give him?” He tugged the robe back down and tucked it around Harry's leg.
Hermione told him, in a glow of pride at his compliment. He nodded, said that Harry would need another blood replenisher in an hour and moved off.
The pop of arriving aurors was met with scorn and derision by the entire populace of Hogsmeade. Too little, too late. Only three aurors arrived with a Journeyman Medi-Wizard who was only allowed to treat bruises and contusions. The Granny of Hogsmeade just snorted at him and went back to what she was doing.
Lucius realized that he was going to be responsible for all Harry's friends. Dumbledore was still trying to decide what he should do.
“Severus!” Severus turned to look at him. “Are the wards down?” Severus nodded.
Tuggy popped in just then with the requested chocolate, blankets and, oddly, a long piece of rope. “Tuggy is brining the chocolate and blankets. Tuggy is also bringing a portkey. It is elf made but it will do. Mimsey is making it, and she is being very angry. Tuggy is thinking that you all should come to the manor before she is coming to get her young master.”
Lucius smirked at the elf. “Yes, that is a very good idea. We shall all go to Malfoy Manor and sort things from there.” He waited until the chocolate and blankets were distributed then he had everyone take hold of the rope and portkeyed them all to Malfoy Manor.
Mimsey immediately pounced on Harry, exclaiming, “Master Harry! Mimsey is mad at Master Harry. You is not doing anything so stupid again. Mimsey is ... She is smacking you, so she is. You is not holding back in combat. Does Master Harry hear Mimsey? You is ...” She waved her hands in agitation then crossed her arms over her chest. “Men! You humans is too ... You is going to bed, right now!”
Harry endured this with a bemused expression but replied with creditable meekness. “I can't. The aurors will be here any minute and they'll just drag me right back out of bed to answer an endless stream of idiot questions. Tea. Or more chocolate. And ... I'll just rest on the couch. Papa?”
Lucius' lips were twitching in a very odd manner as he replied, “I think resting on the couch is a good idea. Mimsey, please get him settled. Tuggy, you help Neville, he seems to be very upset. Ron, you and the others get yourselves settled and comfortable, my house is yours. Draco, play host. I have to go floo the minister. He's going to get an earful, believe me.” He strode out of the room in a flutter of robes, loose hair flowing in the breeze of his passing.
Draco called Gerard and asked for clean robes for everyone. He flopped down in a chair and groaned, “I do not want to do that again ... ever.”
Harry just grumbled. “Me neither. And the next person who says I'm spoiled and cosseted is getting a ripe one.”
Neville broke in, in a dazed voice. “I killed Bellatrix. I shouldn't be here. Draco, I'm sorry. I mean ... I'm not sorry ...”
Draco just sighed and got up. He went over to sit beside Neville. “Don't worry. Father's orders to me were extremely clear. Hex on sight. She was totally insane and so dangerous that I think Father was even a bit afraid of her. The only time I ever actually was near her, she ... well, her actions were totally inappropriate. So ... Good show, I say. Fine work.” He patted Neville on the shoulder. “I think I'll send for your Gran. Would you like that?”
Neville nodded, still dazed. “Yes, I'd really like that. Oh, and I killed that great bloody snake too.”
Ron cuddled down in his blanket. “Yes, he did. You should have seen it. One of the nicest pieces of sword work I've ever seen. Not that I've seen that much, mind you. But he was brilliant. Looks like he's in a bit of shock.” He flopped back in his chair, clearly exhausted by his outburst.
Draco pulled the last of his reserve calm out and said, “I'm calling your Mum too.”
He went to do that, leaving his compatriots in the hands of the elves.
Molly just demanded to know if Ron was ok. When Draco told her that he was just exhausted she said she'd be there in ten minutes. Augusta came through at once.
Draco could hear Lucius speaking to someone in the library so he went back to the private parlour to check on his friends. He found Augusta nearly on his heels.
“Madam Longbottom. Thank you for coming through so quickly. I'm afraid we'll be inundated with aurors quite soon. They didn't bother to come to Hogsmeade, so they'll probably make complete nuisances of themselves here. To be seen as doing something, you know.” Draco found refuge in formality.
“No, young man, they most certainly will not. I'll see to that. Along with your father.” She bustled away, going into the library without knocking.
Draco paused a moment but went on when he heard the combined voices of Mrs. Longbottom, who was an entirely different person from Augusta, and his Father, raised against some whiney someone who sounded suspiciously like Percy Weasley.
He re-entered the parlour to find that Hermione had taken over in his absence and everyone had a hot drink and something to eat at their elbow, Neville, Harry and Ron were wrapped in blankets. He smiled at her. She could certainly be bossy, but she could also be counted on to keep her head when everyone else was panicking.
“Hermione, you need to sit down now. Have some tea, why don't you.” And he suddenly had an armful of sniffling girl. “Oh, damn.”
“I'm sorry. It's just that ... I'm ok, until it's all over, then I fall apart. Sorry.” Hermione tried to stem her tears, but only wound up honking miserably instead.
“Well, I think you show commendable sense. Here.” He handed her a handkerchief and settled her into a chair, made sure she had tea and cookies then fell apart himself. He tried twice to get his tea to his mouth and failed. He was startled when a firm hand helped him with it. “Ma'am?”
Molly Weasley just kept hold of his hand until he'd drunk some tea then handed him a chocolate chip cookie still warm from the oven. “That's what took me so long to get here. They were in the oven. Now, who needs what?”
Ron said softly. “I could sure use a hug. Mum, I'm so tired.”
Molly cooed and fussed over him, exclaiming. “Well, a pitched battle will do that, you know. Or .. no, you wouldn't. But I do, now, everyone drink your drinks and eat something. I'll be right here.” she also gave a still sniffling Hermione a hug and patted her back.
She took a look at Harry's leg and said he needed to either stay off it completely, or at least use a cane, for at least the next two days.
Lucius and Augusta entered at that point. Molly just handed Lucius a cup of tea and a cookie. Augusta took tea. They wound up arranged in a group around the middle of the room, staring at each other, dazed and weary.
.
A targ is a small round shield with a spike in the middle of it.