![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
batsutousaiTitle: Abandon
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.) , Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: Random Fact: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix had 38 chapters. So far, Abandon has 37. I’m gonna beat JK!!
Key: Okay, you might need these:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
-
Chapter 37, Part 1
-
“At least this will be good for your wandless concentration,” Lucius teased.
“Hm?” Harry peeked an eye open. “Meditation helps for wandless magic?”
“You’re channelling your magic without a wand, Harry. You’ll need concentration, lots of it, of course meditation helps. Why do you think your sensei always tells you to meditate?”
“Because I have a temper like a tsunami.” Harry smiled as Lucius chuckled. “I can’t meditate. Help me practise?”
“Did he tell you who he was bringing today?” Lucius inquired getting to his feet and making sure there was nothing in the room that would hurt them or that they could break.
“Herm, I think.” Harry groaned, standing. “Something about her needing a Portkey.”
“Already?”
“Yes.” The teen ruffled his hair and straightened his black MacBeth shirt. “I’m worried about her.”
“Harry, you do nothing but worry about Hermione,” Lucius pointed out. “Ready?”
“First ring,” Harry agreed.
The two wizards bowed to one another, then set themselves into a defensive position. “Ha!” Lucius threw a kick at Harry, who blocked and sent one of his own back silently. He’d once commented that he found the noises that fighters used foolish, which had sent his sensei, a normally very controlled man, into gales of laughter. The two traded kicks and punches for another five minutes.
Suddenly, Harry called, “Special ring.”
Lucius cocked an eyebrow at the boy but pulled out his wand and threw a hex at the teen, which Harry dodged, then aimed a low kick at the blond. Lucius retaliated with a high kick and a low slung curse. Harry blocked the kick while jumping out of the way of the curse. When Harry’s feet returned to the mat, Lucius attempted a sweep with his foot, aiming another hex at the raven-haired wizard. Harry let out a hiss and rolled with the fall, just barely missing the next hex Lucius sent at him.
This continued until Lucius managed to hit Harry with Furnunculus and the teen landed on his arse due to the aftershock. It was a hex blocked by his charm bracelet, but it still managed to cause an impact.
A cry came from the doorway and Harry suddenly found his arms full of Hermione. “That was so amazing! But it was dangerous, too!”
Harry laughed and kissed Hermione’s cheeks. “Merlin, it’s good to see you!” He grinned at Tom, who was standing in the doorway. “And you!”
Tom nodded. “Dumbledore is downstairs.”
Harry tensed and his eyes narrowed. “What the fuck does he want?”
“I believe his excuse was to make sure Herm would be safe.” Tom sighed, running a hand through his hair wearily.
“Best go down and scowl at him, then,” the teenaged wizard muttered darkly, pulling himself to his feet, then helping Hermione to her feet.
“Potter,” Lucius set a hand on his shoulder. He’d reverted to the form of Saber Upwood, an employee of Lucius Malfoy who’d been sent to keep an eye on Harry and protect him from whatever Dark Wizard wanted him dead. “You did well. Much better than yesterday.”
Harry grinned. “Thanks, Saber.”
The Death Eater ruffled his hair with a smile. “Go on. I’ll be down shortly.”
Harry slung an arm over Hermione’s shoulders. “So, how have you been?”
“Sorely missing my best friend,” Hermione admitted, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You’re sweaty.”
Harry laughed loudly. “What did you expect?”
Hermione smiled. “Silly me.” She ruffled his hair. “Even your hair is sweaty!”
“The downside of Saber’s favourite hobby making sure I’m on my arse, I’m afraid.” He sighed as they entered the kitchen, pulling a laugh from the witch. “Headmaster.” He nodded at the elderly wizard darkly.
“Ah, Harry, my dear boy! So good to see you again.” Dumbledore offered the teen a bright smile. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Petunia. Tom had also seated himself, having preceded the teenagers in, and he didn’t look overly happy.
“It’s a one-sided feeling, let me assure you,” Harry replied coldly.
Some of the happiness left Dumbledore’s expression. “What have you been up to, my dear boy?”
“I’m currently working on kicking arse without the use of magic, even when my opponent can blast me into the netherworld with a single word,” Harry deadpanned, pulling out a chair at the kitchen table for Hermione, then sitting next to her.
“I, uh, see…” Dumbledore glanced up at the doorway, where Harry knew Lucius had suddenly come into sight. “You must be Mr Upwood.”
Lucius came to stand behind Harry’s chair. “Yes.” He dropped a towel on Harry’s head. “Your friend is correct. You’re sweaty.”
Harry shot his guardian a dark look and wiped his face with the towel. “Sorry for leaving particles of myself on the floor. Did you slip and fall for once?”
“No. Watch your mouth, I can still hex you into the netherworld with one word,” Lucius replied in the monotone both he and Rodolphus always used for Saber.
“Sounds like a pleasant fate,” Dumbledore offered, smiling.
Lucius glanced at the Headmaster emotionlessly as Harry pulled his shirt off. “I don’t like you.”
Hermione choked on a laugh. Tom smirked and Petunia snorted into her tea. Dumbledore looked dumbstruck. Harry rolled his eyes and tossed his shirt in Lucius’ face. “Saber, you should be polite to our guests.”
Lucius banished the shirt to the laundry. “He’s not my guest.”
“No wonder you’re behaving so horridly.”
“You expected me to behave otherwise?”
“No, not really.” Harry ruffled his hair with the towel. “You’re always a rude fuck. If you changed, you’d probably give me a heart attack.”
Dumbledore looked absolutely horrified. Petunia and Hermione were both laughing quietly. Tom had sat back in his chair with a big smile on his face, enjoying the show. “I dare say, Harry. You’ve no respect for anyone now, do you?” the Dark Lord asked.
“No one in a place of authority, no,” Harry agreed. “Except perhaps yourself and Herm, everybody’s favourite Head Girl.” He stood, slinging the towel over a shoulder. “If you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to go change. I believe, Marcus, that we’d planned to take Herm to a film.”
“Ah, yes, I’d almost forgotten.” Tom grinned at Hermione as Harry left. “Hope you don’t mind, of course.”
Hermione let out a mock insulted gasp and did a passable job of looking hurt. “Mind? Of course I mind! What if I planned on spending the day with just Saber, here?”
“I don’t think he likes that idea.” Petunia chuckled. Lucius was scowling.
“He doesn’t like any idea that doesn’t end with me on my arse,” Harry grumbled, walking back into the kitchen.
Hermione turned and stared at her best friend. “I rue the day you and Gin started going out, Harry,” she murmured, looking him up and down.
The wizard had switched into his pleather pants and the black sleeveless shirt with the hole in the back that framed his tattoo. “You get to see it first, if it makes you feel any better.” He laughed, then glanced at Tom, who was staring at him in shock. “Hey, Marcus, anyone home?”
“He went out,” Tom replied absently. “Where in Merlin’s name did you get that outfit?”
“Harrod’s,” Petunia offered, smiling. “Do you four need a ride?”
“Actually, we were going to take the Knight’s Bus,” Harry replied, helping Hermione to her feet. “But thank you.”
“Of course.” Petunia stood. “More tea, Headmaster?”
“Yes, please,” Dumbledore muttered. He, too, was staring at Harry.
Saber leaned over and put his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “I’ll take Hermione when we’re out of sight. You’re doing murder on his nerves,” he murmured in French.
“I’d noticed,” Harry responded, also in French, smirking. “It was the point, as you’ll recall.”
“Yes.” He straightened. “Are we leaving now, or next month?”
“I’m afraid Herm won’t be here next month,” Tom muttered, coming to stand next to Hermione. “Lead on, Saber.”
“Then you take the rear,” Lucius replied in the monotone.
“I think not.”
Harry rolled his eyes and offered Hermione his arm. “Lady Granger?”
Hermione giggled and took the arm. Then she let Harry lead them from the house. “Do you think they’ll follow?”
“Once Saber is done pointing out he doesn’t get paid to leave my arse open to attackers and they realize we’ve left already, yes.”
“POTTER!” Lucius shouted, storming out the house. Tom walked just behind him, a bemused smile on his face. “WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT WALKING OFF WITHOUT ME?!”
“That you need the money Lucius pays you to take care of your five kids and very ill wife,” the teen wizard teased, grinning.
“Miss Granger, you might want to move.” Lucius growled. “I need to show this one where he is in the food chain.”
Harry winked to Hermione and let go of her arm then he ran up to Lucius, ducked a kick and aimed a punch at the older wizard’s gut. Lucius caught the fist and used Harry’s inertia to twist him and throw him on the ground on his arse. “Dammit!”
Hermione was giggling, Tom chuckling. Lucius ruffled Harry’s hair. “Those pants slowed you down, or that would have worked. Don’t feel so bad.” He held down a hand and helped Harry to his feet while Tom called the bus.
“Thanks for the warning, Saber.” Harry sighed, waving at where he saw Tonks whittling away at a bit of wood she’d found in Number Five’s yard. She waved back happily.
“They’re not very good at hiding, are they?” Hermione inquired, reacquiring Harry’s arm as the Knight Bus came into sight.
“Did you see her before I’d waved?”
“Uh… No, actually.”
Harry smiled. “It’s a good hiding place, but they always sit in the same spot. I may not have found it, but, one day, Tonks had her hair violently pink and it wasn’t such a good hiding place anymore, which I told her. She changed her hair to brown that day.”
Hermione giggled. They followed Tom up to the second level where all four could sit together, Hermione with Lucius, Harry with Tom.
Once they were on their way, and everyone had righted themselves once again, Harry leaned forward to whisper in Hermione’s ear. “What do you think about taking Saber to his first ever Muggle-style film?”
Hermione giggled. “It should prove to be very interesting. Are we going into different theatres?”
“I think that was Marcus’ plan, yes.”
“How sweet. Are you two going to share a soda and everything?”
“Who needs a soda?” the Dark Lord asked lowly in a suggestive voice.
Hermione blushed a bright red while Harry punched the brown-haired man. “You have no manners, sir.”
“Were you expecting for him to have some?” Lucius offered mildly.
“You’re asking for it,” Tom warned his second, who smirked.
“He’s only insulting you ‘cause he knows he can get away with it,” Harry pointed out with a smile.
“I know,” Tom bit out before sitting back with an annoyed look. Harry and Hermione traded looks before both laughing helplessly. Lucius gave a discreet cough.
The bus pulled to a sudden stop and Stan Shunpike poked his head up the stairs. “London theatres!” he called, grinning madly at their group. Lucius had warned him, in a rather dangerous voice, when Stan had started to greet Harry in his usual fashion to stuff it or find himself hexed into oblivion. Harry couldn’t help comparing the incident to the end of Christmas two years previous when Tonks had done something similar; it seemed he was destined to have protectors intent on threatening the Knight Bus conductor.
The group got up and filed out, Hermione next to Harry in the middle, Tom leading, Lucius bringing up the rear. “I hate the Knight Bus.” Hermione groaned once they were on the sidewalk.
The three wizards, however, were watching as a heavily cloaked wizard also got off the bus. “We’re going to the same film after all,” Harry murmured in a soft voice that only his three companions could hear. “Before anyone drinks or eats anything, have either Herm or myself run our bracelets over it. I don’t trust that guy.”
“Agreed,” Tom and Lucius replied.
Hermione glanced around, confused. “What guy?”
“Keep walking, Herm. He disappeared into the crowd,” Harry whispered.
“He’s either from everyone’s favourite Headmaster, or another damned supporter,” Lucius hissed angrily.
“You think he might be after us?” Hermione asked softly, eyes wide with terror.
“We can’t be sure,” Tom murmured. “He could be out to kill Harry, or he could be sent to watch us to keep Harry from being killed. We can’t know for certain.”
“Maybe he just wanted to go to a film,” Hermione shot back stubbornly.
“He’s dressed in wizarding garb, Herm; he’s not here for the show,” Harry muttered, pulling something out of his pocket. “Do any of you know a spell that will get this to cover the whole group?”
Tom shook his head. “There isn’t one. It’s only meant for one person.”
“Damn.” Harry shoved the pendant from Fred and George back into a pocket.
“What is it?” Hermione inquired.
“Marcus, do you mind explaining? Saber, help me buy the tickets,” Harry replied, resting a gentle arm on his protector’s arm. Lucius nodded and they walked over to the ticket box line. “What is it?”
“He must have some sort of charm or be using something for invisibility. He suddenly disappeared,” Lucius muttered.
“Where did you last see him?” Harry asked out of the corner of his mouth, eyes shifting around the crowded area.
“Two trees over from where we were standing.”
Harry’s gaze fell on the spot. The charm on his wrist against invisibility warmed, telling him it was working, and the cloaked man came into sight. “I see him. He’s watching Marcus and Herm.”
Lucius’ hand clasped around the charm bracelet. “I’ll watch him. We’re next.”
Harry nodded and returned his attention to the line in front of him as the couple before them. “Boring. I hate lines.”
Lucius gave a snort, then let out a hiss. “Shit.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to where the man was standing. He’d pulled out a wand. Tom! Down!
Tom immediately tugged Hermione down to the sidewalk with him as the cloaked wizard shot a bright red spell at them. What the fuck!?
“Not Dumbledore’s pal, then,” Harry hissed as the people around them started to panic. Hermione had shot her gaze over to where the spell had come from and set Tom’s hand on her charm bracelet, pointing towards their attacker. “Come on.”
“Stay behind me,” Lucius ordered. Harry got behind him, making sure the Death Eater still had contact with the charm. “And let’s just fuck the whole idea of not letting the Muggles know anything, hm?” he added as they joined Tom and Hermione, who were back on their feet, Hermione behind Tom.
The Dark Lord’s wand was out and pointed at their attacker. “My thoughts exactly,” he replied before returning his attention to the cloaked man. “What do you want here?”
Harry’s charm cooled suddenly and he knew the man had come into proper sight. “Let go,” he murmured to Lucius, who did so. The teen let his eyes sweep the area behind them as he stood with his back against the Malfoy.
“Step aside! I want only the students!” the other wizard shouted back. He had a hoarse, high-and-mighty voice that sparked something in Harry’s memory. He traded looks with Hermione, who was frowning.
“We know him, don’t we?” Harry whispered as Tom and Lucius called back that they didn’t intend to move away from the two teens.
“Yes.” Hermione sighed, eyes sweeping the area again. “But who–“
“Protego!” Lucius and Tom shouted together. Harry felt, rather than saw, the curse that their attacker threw hit the shield.
“Only defending?” Hermione asked.
“Our current strategy is to learn his strategy,” Lucius offered. “It’s what we’re trained for.”
Tom nodded in agreement. “The last thing one wants is to attack blindly. If we had more than just the two of us, and we weren’t protecting you two, we’d all shoot different hexes at once and pray one would get through.”
“Nice system,” Harry commented. “I’ll have to remember it for the Juniors.”
“See that you do that,” Tom murmured before speaking to the attacking wizard again. “Who are you? And why do you want to hurt these two?”
“None of your concern!”
“Percy!” Harry shouted as the voice clicked. “What the fuck are you attacking us for, Weasley?!”
“Stuff it, Potter!” Percy shouted back.
Harry narrowed his eyes. Tom, give me your wand as discreetly as you can.
What are you up to? Tom hissed even as he passed his wand back with a slight of his wrist.
Harry muttered an Invisibility Charm. You’ll see. Keep him busy, he replied before slipping out from behind Lucius.
“Harry’s trying something insane,” Tom hissed to his companions before shouting at Percy once again. “Who are you working for, Weasley?”
“Myself!” Percy shot back. “Hand over Potter and Granger!”
“You really want me, Perc? How sweet,” Harry murmured, pressing Tom’s wand to the back of Percy’s neck. “Lower your wand or I’ll murder you, understand?”
Percy’s wand clattered to the sidewalk in front of him. “Bastard.”
“Accio!” Lucius called, catching Percy’s wand as the shield fell.
Film trip’s over, I suppose. Harry sighed. “Let’s move, Perc. Any false moves and I get the pleasure of Avada Kedavraing your arse to hell.”
Lucius pulled an emergency port-key he’d made just in case from a pocket. “Hermione, Marcus, please take hold. Any day now, Harry.”
“Stuff it, Saber,” Harry shot back as they reached the other. “If you try anything, Percy, no matter what, you’ll regret it,” he warned as the redhead took a hold of the chain. Harry also took hold, then nodded to Lucius.
“Teleportation activate,” Lucius said with a dirty look at the teen who had decided on the password.
A tug at their bellies brought them to the kitchen of Privet Drive.
“Oh, God!” Petunia shouted, clutching at her chest.
Dumbledore had risen and had his wand pointed at the group. “What’s going on?”
“Obviously, the Order’s idea of protection is worthless,” Lucius spat, putting his chain away as Tom helped Hermione to her feet.
Harry leaned on Percy’s shoulder, Tom’s wand still at the back of his neck, smirking as Dumbledore sputtered. “We were attacked, sir,” he said in a teasing voice. “And if Marcus and Saber hadn’t been there and Herm and I hadn’t had a way to see through invisibility, Herm and I would be dead. Now then, isn’t that a pleasant thought?”
“Probably better for the wizarding world, anyway,” Percy muttered, his voice no longer hoarse. Harry had a feeling it had been a disguise.
“You’re tempting me, Perc,” the raven-haired wizard said cheerfully.
Dumbledore looked gobsmacked. “Percy Weasley?!”
Harry tugged the hood off Percy’s face, careful to keep the wand at the back of his neck. “Smile for the coot, Perc,” he cooed.
“Headmaster!” Percy said in relief. “Sir, Potter is a Death Eater!”
“Wow, I am?” Harry smiled. “How’d I manage that?”
“Now, Percy, I think you’re jumping to conclusions…” Dumbledore said seriously. He hadn’t put his wand away, but was pointing it at Percy.
“I saw it with my own eyes! He works for You-Know-Who!”
Love, is Perc here, by any chance, a Death Eater?
Tom’s eyes widened for a brief moment. Shit. Yes, I do believe he is…
Ooh, good. Now, all we have to do, is hope Gin doesn’t mind if I kill him later for defecting.
I hardly think she’ll care, now.
Point. Harry looked hurt while Dumbledore looked between him and Percy. “Now I’m insulted. Me? A Death Eater? Impossible!”
“Then how’d you learn to sneak around like one?” Percy spat.
Harry made a face at Dumbledore. “Now, really, Professor, you can’t believe want he’s saying. After all, you’re the reason I was trained in battle magic and the such.”
There was a startled sound from the witch and two Dark Wizards in the room. “What?!” Hermione shouted. “When?!”
“Last school year.” Dumbledore sighed, nodding. “Harry was trained by my instruction, yes.”
Harry hummed happily and, randomly, tugged up Percy’s left sleeve, pulling a shout from the other wizard, which got everyone’s attention. “That’s a pretty tattoo, Perc. Did you, perhaps, get it from Voldie?” he inquired teasingly as Hermione gave a cry and clutched Tom’s arm. The Dark Lord drew her into a gentle hug. Lucius had returned to pointing his wand at the redheaded Death Eater.
Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the wizard. “Who has his wand?”
“Saber,” Harry offered calmly, pressing Tom’s wand sharply into the back of Percy’s neck. The older wizard let out a hiss. “And I’ve got Marcus’ wand, since you sort of took mine, Headmaster.”
Dumbledore shot his Golden Boy a silencing look. “Percy, your position is precarious.”
“Sir, please! I’m on your side! I can give you names! The Death Eaters In-Training!”
“The what?” Dumbledore whispered, shocked.
“Death Eaters In-Training, sir. They’re a new section of the Death Eaters. Potter runs them. They don’t have Dark Marks, sir,” Percy said quickly. “They have these necklaces that only other Death Eaters and Death Eaters In-Training can see. Potter’s wearing his right now.” His eyes shot to where Harry’s necklace rested in front of his shirt.
“What?!” Harry looked furious. “Madness! Headmaster, this Death Eater,” he spat out the word with a much venom as he could manage, “Just tried to kill myself and Hermione! You can’t tell me you believe what he’s spouting! Me, work with Voldemort?!”
“Harry! Calm down!” Hermione cried as the lights started flickering.
“Death Eater scum,” Harry spat at the Weasley and, throwing Tom his wand back, stormed from the room.
“Percy, I must say, these allegations are serious. And I’m afraid all the current information we have is pointing against your information.” Dumbledore sighed as Hermione slipped from the room to go after her friend. “Your actions are also against you, currently.”
“Ask me under Veritaserum, then. Please, sir,” Percy begged.
Dumbledore sighed. “Percy, we’re going to have to send you to the Ministry, though I will certainly attend your trial and make sure they ask the questions you’re suggesting they ask.”
“But, sir–“
Dumbledore shook his head, ending the complaint. “That’s all I can do for you, Percy, I’m sorry.” He glanced up at Tom and Lucius. “Mr Upwood, if I could please have Percy’s wand?”
Lucius handed it over to Tom, who walked over and gave it to Dumbledore. “Here you are, Albus,” he said calmly.
Dumbledore nodded and put it away before pulling another wand out of one of his pockets. “Obviously taking Harry’s wand has done him no good. Marcus, make sure he gets this and understands he may not step foot on school property until his suspension is over.”
“Of course, sir.” Tom nodded and pocketed the wand.
Dumbledore nodded and stepped up next to Percy, who was looking hopeless. “Off we go to the Ministry, Percy.” He sighed, then apparated them away.
“You silenced him?” Harry asked Lucius coldly as he stepped back into the room. Hermione was behind him, not looking at all pleased with what had just happened.
“Yes. It’ll end tonight,” Lucius agreed as Tom tossed Harry his wand.
“Then we’ll act tonight,” Harry decided. “Herm, you’re going to pretend the stress of the day has been too much for you and you’d like to return to Hogwarts now, which means Professor Brutús will have to take you. I’m going to be so pissed off by what Percy said that I’m going to be working with Saber until I wear myself out. Aunt Petunia, I won’t be eating tonight.” Everyone nodded in understanding. “Good. Herm, Marcus, why don’t you come and say goodbye to myself and Saber?” he added before spinning the leaving the room, Lucius following.
Hermione bit her lip and glanced up at Tom. “He and the others are going to kill Percy while he’s being held by the Ministry isn’t he?”
“You disagree?” the Dark Lord inquired.
“Marcus, if I could, I’d help him,” Hermione ground out before turning and following Harry and Lucius up to the training room.
Tom grinned. “I’ll be damned.” He winked at Petunia. “I’ll make sure he comes back in one piece.”
“I don’t doubt it. If he’s back late, Rodolphus and I will improvise,” Petunia offered.
“Even if it’s not until I stop by tomorrow?”
“That boy hates getting up at a reasonable time on the weekends!” Petunia complained, going to put Dumbledore’s cup with the dirty dishes.
“I noticed.” Tom chuckled before leaving to go find the other three magical humans.
-~*~-
Harry smirked as all the Juniors in the school trickled into the Room of Requirement. All of them looked surprised to see him. “Sit, everyone. I’m still suspended, so I’m not really supposed to be here. Gin, may I borrow you for a brief moment while everyone settles?” he added, glancing at her.
Gin followed Harry into a dark corner and hugged him tightly. “We’ve missed having you around!”
“I’ve missed being here,” Harry assured her.
“Something’s happened.”
“A Death Eater defected after trying to kill Hermione and myself and blew this group’s cover to Dumbles. He’s currently being held at the Ministry with a Silencing Spell on him, courtesy of Lucius, but we need to shut him up for good. So far, I’m the only name he’s given out, but he also mentioned the necklaces.”
“We’ll need to put more charms on them to keep them safe, then.” Ginny sighed. “Who’s the defect?”
“Percy,” Harry murmured, raking a hand through his hair.
Ginny’s eyes flashed. “He’s no family of mine. No one tries to kill my brother and sister.”
Harry hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Gin.”
“You’re okay, though?” the girl asked as she pulled away.
“Yup. Got my wand back, too.” Harry winked and Ginny snorted. “Come on. I want at least five Juniors with me on this raid.”
“He’s letting us do it?” Ginny asked in surprise as they went back to the quiet group.
“It was our cover that was blown. Anyway, I called dibs on Perc’s life when he shot that first spell at my godchild, Herm, and Marcus,” Harry said coldly. Ginny nodded in understanding and they stopped in front of the group of Juniors.
“You all have heard me go on about how someone who switches sides is killed, but I’m not so sure you really understand the rule. Some of you do, I know, so you can stop giving me the insulted look, Dray.” Harry spared a brief grin for his friend before turning serious again. “A Death Eater tried to kill myself and Hermione Granger in Muggle London today while we were out to watch a movie.”
“You’re both all right?” Parvati called, eyes worried. Most of the school knew that the Head Girl with pregnant now, since she couldn’t use her magic in classes any longer.
Harry smiled gently. “Yes. Professor Brutús and Lucius Malfoy were also there and they covered us.”
“Thank Merlin,” the Gryffindor witch sighed, leaning her head on Lisa’s shoulder and closing her eyes in relief.
“Harry? Could we finish this?” Draco called. “Ted and I have another detention in ten minutes.”
“You two get detentions too often.” Harry snorted, shaking his head. “The bottom line is that, when we got the Death Eater back to my aunt’s house and he found himself faced with Dumbledore, he gave the Headmaster information about our group. So far, I’m the only one compromised, but, if we don’t deal with this problem, Parvati’s the only one in this room who’s safe from being dragged before the Ministry. Voldemort’s handing the job to us because it is our group that will be hit the hardest by this information.”
“Harry, if you’ve already been called on your loyalties, and Dumbledore calls you in to the Ministry for questioning, we’re doomed anyway,” Mandy pointed out.
“Not at all,” Ginny spoke. “Harry and I both have back-up ways to keep information from being draw from us.”
“And I’m thinking I might just make this way available to everyone who becomes a Junior,” Harry added idly. “It came to my attention during the attack that some things need to become uniform for us, especially. Next time I get a chance to run around in Diagon Alley, I’ll look into it.” He glanced around at the twelve students before him. “I need at least five people who can come with me tonight for this raid. Dray, Ted, you’re both excused for your detention. Hurry.”
The two Slytherin boys bowed to the green-eyed wizard before hurrying from the room.
“I’m coming,” Ginny said firmly.
Harry nodded. “I figured. Give me your wand so I can disable the Ministry wards on it for tonight.” He held out a hand as he glanced over the room. “At least four more.”
“Harry, who was this Death Eater?” Blaise demanded.
“My brother, Percy,” Ginny offered as Harry focused on her wand to displace the wards long enough to give her the night free from their restrictions.
“A Gryffindor Death Eater?!” Morag shouted.
“He’s hardly the first,” Harry muttered, handing his sister back her wand. “Peter Pettigrew, for instance, has been a Death Eater for almost seventeen years, and he was a Gryffindor who had a backbone like Neville’s. He hung out with my dad, in fact. One of his best friends.”
“I’m going,” Seamus declared.
“Are you drunk?” Harry asked seriously.
“No, sir. I haven’t had anything to drink since you left,” Seamus replied firmly. Blaise nodded in affirmation next to him.
“Good. Get up here, I need to get a look at your wand as well.”
“Why?”
“The Ministry doesn’t only put age-limitations on wands, Seam.” Pansy snorted. “They put everything on them. I’m coming too, by the way.”
“Get up here, then. I’m assuming your parents already removed the limitations on your wand.”
“Yup. When I first got it,” Pansy agreed, coming to stand with Ginny while Harry went over Seamus’ wand.
“Lisa and I are coming,” Parvati declared, standing with the Ravenclaw.
“And me,” Blaise added, standing as well. “Someone has to keep an eye on Seam.”
“Everyone should be keeping an eye on Seam.” Harry snorted, handing the teen back his wand and taking Lisa’s as she offered it to him. “Gin.”
“Right.” Ginny stepped in front of the group surrounding Harry. “Everyone else, we’ll need you to run cover on everyone that’s going. Especially Parvati and Pansy, since they’re Prefects. I’m sure Herm and Nev will know to run cover in Gryffindor?” She glanced back at Harry, who nodded absently. “Good. Everyone, you are dismissed. Everyone but Harry will see you tomorrow or later tonight and we’ll give you feedback.”
Ginny returned to Harry as everyone piled out. “How are we doing this?”
“Who has my Map?” Harry shot back.
Seamus held out the worn parchment. “Thanks, by the way. It’s been dreadfully useful.”
“Good.” Harry grinned and tapped his wand on the blank parchment. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”
Parvati and Lisa both let out gasps as ink appeared on the parchment, showing Hogwarts and everyone in it. “What is it?” Parvati whispered.
“The Marauder’s Map,” Harry replied, returning his wand up his robe’s sleeve. “My father and his friends made it while they were in school. It’s the most useful thing I have ever come across, except, perhaps, my Invisibility Cloak.” He winked.
“Bleeding hell, Harry,” Lisa muttered, shaking her head.
“Now, then,” Harry said, serious tone catching everyone’s attention. “We have to take a very dangerous chance, because I only know one place in this entire school that you can apparate from, and I’m not sure it’s guardian is going to be pleased with me for bringing people down there.”
“There is such a place?” Lisa asked.
Ginny was staring at Harry in horror. “You said Salazar would kill anyone else who went down there!”
“Wait, the Chamber of Secrets?!” Blaise gasped. “Harry, that’s insane!”
“Do you have a better idea?” Harry asked the horrified faces around him sweetly.
“We’re all dead…” Seamus whimpered.
“Oh, stop being such a baby.” Harry snorted, placing the Map in one of his robe pockets and pulling his wand back out. “Now, as I said, I’m not supposed to be here, so I’m going to shrink myself. Gin, you’ll carry me and lead the way to the entrance.”
“Harry, can I back out now?” Seamus whined.
Harry’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Salazar is going to be the easy part, you twits. Do you think it’s going to be simple as pie to get into the Ministry, find the holding cells, get past the guards, find Percy, and kill him?” he hissed. “I’m hardly worried about Salazar, seeing as how I can talk him out of murdering any of you, so long as you behave. Keep your minds on the Ministry and let me worry about dealing with dangerous Founders, understand?”
“Yes,” everyone breathed, eyes still wide in fright.
“Hufflepuffs.” Harry snorted before pointing his wand at himself. “Minuta Harry.”
Gin picked up her brother carefully. “Can I put you on my shoulder?”
“The way your hands are shaking, I think I’d prefer that,” Harry agreed in a tiny voice. The comical sound made everyone smile as Ginny put the teen on her shoulder, where he climbed up to hide in her hair.
“Well, Harry’s right. Best worry about the Ministry and let him handle Salazar,” Ginny decided firmly. “Follow me. Harry’ll warn us if we’re about to be caught, I’m sure.”
“Yup. I’ll just say ‘scatter’ if there’s no way to avoid the trouble,” Harry agreed.
“How will we find you all again?” Pansy asked.
“Your necklaces will warm. Follow them like you did to get here,” the tiny voice replied from somewhere in Ginny’s bun. “Move out, please.”
“You heard the boss,” Blaise joked and everyone fell in behind Ginny as she led them from the room.
“Harry, stop tugging my hair,” Ginny hissed.
“Then stop moving,” the wizard shot back.
Ginny muttered a curse under her breath and Harry sniggered. The Juniors following them smiled.
“You all look like you’re being led to your deaths, by the way. Act natural before I hex you,” Harry warned.
“Says the shrimp,” Ginny teased even as everyone forced themselves to calm down and start to chat quietly among themselves.
“Gin, have you ever been hit with Crucio in the back of the neck?” Harry asked idly.
“No. And I don’t much want to be, either.”
“Then don’t call me shrimp. Marcus at twelve o’clock.”
Ginny grinned and waved at the Dark Lord. The other students all glanced up at him in concern as he stopped them. “Where are you all headed?”
Harry climbed up on top of Ginny’s head and grinned. “I’m leading them to their deaths, apparently.”
“And how have you managed it this time?” Tom enquired, motioning for them to keep walking.
“He’s taking us to the Chamber,” Pansy complained as Harry slid back down into Ginny’s bun.
“Oh, that’s right, he told us that anyone else that we brought down would be killed,” the Dark Lord recalled.
“Maybe you can talk him out of it?” Seamus asked hopefully.
“Nope. He’s a Gryffindor. Nothing gets through his skull,” Tom replied, shaking his head.
“I heard that,” Harry called.
“What do you plan on doing about it, midget?”
“I’ll kick your hind side to Dumbledore’s office.”
“Says he of the bruised arse.”
“Just because I can’t beat Lucius at martial arts doesn’t mean I can’t beat you.”
“Ah, yes, but those trousers slow you down, don’t you know.”
“Would you like me to take them off before I kick your arse, then?”
“And that robe’ll get in your way.”
“Now, really, you just want to get me naked, you prat.”
“Perhaps.”
“Would you two stuff it,” Ginny muttered while the four Juniors following them all laughed.
“Gin doesn’t want me naked,” Harry deducted.
“Suppose not.”
“Scatter!” Harry shouted suddenly.
Blaise and Seamus hopped behind a tapestry to snog. Parvati and Lisa immediately turned the other way. Pansy started looking behind tapestries, as if looking for Seamus and Blaise. Ginny and Tom continued in the direction they’d been headed in before.
McGonagall came into sight around a corner. “Oh, Marcus, there you are. Albus was looking for you.”
“Thank you, Minerva.” Tom nodded. “Miss Weasley, I will see you tomorrow in the entrance hall, then?”
“Of course, Marcus. I can’t wait to see Harry!”
“I’m sure.” Tom winked at her and slid past her to head for Dumbledore’s office as McGonagall yelled at Pansy for her tapestry search and caught Seamus and Blaise. After giving them a thorough tongue lashing, she rounded another corner and was out of sight again.
The Juniors ran to catch up with their two leaders as they approached the second floor girls’ bathroom. “Myrtle’s been crying again,” Lisa groaned.
“Fabulous,” Harry muttered darkly, climbing up on to Ginny’s head again and giving the Juniors an apologetic look. “Sorry,” he offered as Ginny made a beeline for the bathroom.
“The entrance is in a girls’ toilet?” Blaise asked in shock. “I thought Salazar was a guy!”
“He is.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Slytherin. “Don’t ask me to figure out the mind of Salazar Slytherin.”
“Ew.” Pansy scowled down at the bottom of her wet robes.
“Girls.” Seamus snorted as he closed the door behind them once everyone was in.
“What are you doing in here?” Myrtle suddenly came into sight, sneering at them.
“Myrtle–“ Parvati started.
“They’re with me, Myrtle,” Harry called before jumping from Ginny’s head. “Primitivus magnitudo.” He hit the ground as his normal size and glanced up at Myrtle, who was watching him with big eyes. “Now, really, hun, you shouldn’t cry so much. You’re prettier when you’re smiling,” he offered, standing.
“Ooh…” Myrtle giggled and disappeared behind a stall door.
Harry shrugged at the amazed looks he was receiving. “She fancies me,” was his quiet explanation before he turned to the sinks. :Open,: he ordered.
A general gasp came from behind him as the sink sunk into the ground. “Fuck,” Seamus whispered.
Ginny latched herself on to Harry’s arm. “I’m scared.”
“Flashbacks,” Harry murmured, hugging her tightly. “Gin, you’ll be fine, I promise. I’m here, right?”
Ginny glanced up into her brother’s worried green eyes and nodded. “Right.” She let go, biting her lip. “And there’s no diary or basilisk or anything.”
Harry gave her a supportive smile. “Bingo.” He eyed the rest of the Juniors. “Gin opened the Chamber in our second year because of one of Voldemort’s back-up plots. Bad memories and all that,” he offered to their curious gazes. Everyone nodded in understanding. “Good. I’m going first. Gin, you’ll follow. I don’t really care about the order, I just want Pansy to come last. The Chamber will close on its own. Everyone clear?”
“Yes,” they all muttered.
“Fabulous!” Harry waved, then jumped into the pipe with a whoop, much to everyone’s amusement.
“Can you tell he does this a lot?” Ginny joked, stepping up to the pipe. “I’ll see everyone on the other side,” she added before climbing into the pipe and sliding down in a much calmer manner.
When she got to the bottom, she found herself faced with Harry’s helping hand and a scowling Salazar Slytherin. “Up we go.” Harry chuckled, helping her to her feet as Parvati slid down. Ginny moved out of the way as Harry helped the other girl up, then continued helping people up until Pansy came down as the last.
“Alright!” Harry bounced over to stand next to Salazar, who was shooting him withering glances that did nothing. “Guys, this is the infamous Salazar Slytherin. “Salazar, these are some of the Juniors. Gin, Seam, Pan, and ‘Bini you’ve met. However, the other two lovely young ladies are Lisa Turpin and Parvati Patil, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.”
“If you don’t stop bouncing–“ Salazar growled.
“Yes, yes, I know. You’ll cut off my happy parts. Thank you, Salazar.” Harry snorted, still bouncing.
“Harry, do you have a jumping bean up your arse?” Seamus snorted.
“No, he’s just trying to annoy me so I’ll leave you all alone.” Salazar growled, turning. “Follow me.”
“Nice fellow, don’t you agree?” Harry grinned and bounced after the ghost, effectively blocking the hex sent his way by the Founder.
The other Juniors traded grins before following.
-~*~-
Chapter 37, Part 2
Abandon & Reclaim Series:
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 ||37 || 38 || 39 || 40
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 || 47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: Harry/Tom(Voldemort), Seamus/Blaise, Ginevra/Theodore, post-Ron/Hermione, Salazar/Godric
Warnings: This will have slash(Guys on guys, ppl.) , Dumbledore bashing, Ron bashing
Disclaim Her: Random Fact: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix had 38 chapters. So far, Abandon has 37. I’m gonna beat JK!!
Key: Okay, you might need these:
Mind-speak
:Parseltongue:
Chapter 37, Part 1
-
“At least this will be good for your wandless concentration,” Lucius teased.
“Hm?” Harry peeked an eye open. “Meditation helps for wandless magic?”
“You’re channelling your magic without a wand, Harry. You’ll need concentration, lots of it, of course meditation helps. Why do you think your sensei always tells you to meditate?”
“Because I have a temper like a tsunami.” Harry smiled as Lucius chuckled. “I can’t meditate. Help me practise?”
“Did he tell you who he was bringing today?” Lucius inquired getting to his feet and making sure there was nothing in the room that would hurt them or that they could break.
“Herm, I think.” Harry groaned, standing. “Something about her needing a Portkey.”
“Already?”
“Yes.” The teen ruffled his hair and straightened his black MacBeth shirt. “I’m worried about her.”
“Harry, you do nothing but worry about Hermione,” Lucius pointed out. “Ready?”
“First ring,” Harry agreed.
The two wizards bowed to one another, then set themselves into a defensive position. “Ha!” Lucius threw a kick at Harry, who blocked and sent one of his own back silently. He’d once commented that he found the noises that fighters used foolish, which had sent his sensei, a normally very controlled man, into gales of laughter. The two traded kicks and punches for another five minutes.
Suddenly, Harry called, “Special ring.”
Lucius cocked an eyebrow at the boy but pulled out his wand and threw a hex at the teen, which Harry dodged, then aimed a low kick at the blond. Lucius retaliated with a high kick and a low slung curse. Harry blocked the kick while jumping out of the way of the curse. When Harry’s feet returned to the mat, Lucius attempted a sweep with his foot, aiming another hex at the raven-haired wizard. Harry let out a hiss and rolled with the fall, just barely missing the next hex Lucius sent at him.
This continued until Lucius managed to hit Harry with Furnunculus and the teen landed on his arse due to the aftershock. It was a hex blocked by his charm bracelet, but it still managed to cause an impact.
A cry came from the doorway and Harry suddenly found his arms full of Hermione. “That was so amazing! But it was dangerous, too!”
Harry laughed and kissed Hermione’s cheeks. “Merlin, it’s good to see you!” He grinned at Tom, who was standing in the doorway. “And you!”
Tom nodded. “Dumbledore is downstairs.”
Harry tensed and his eyes narrowed. “What the fuck does he want?”
“I believe his excuse was to make sure Herm would be safe.” Tom sighed, running a hand through his hair wearily.
“Best go down and scowl at him, then,” the teenaged wizard muttered darkly, pulling himself to his feet, then helping Hermione to her feet.
“Potter,” Lucius set a hand on his shoulder. He’d reverted to the form of Saber Upwood, an employee of Lucius Malfoy who’d been sent to keep an eye on Harry and protect him from whatever Dark Wizard wanted him dead. “You did well. Much better than yesterday.”
Harry grinned. “Thanks, Saber.”
The Death Eater ruffled his hair with a smile. “Go on. I’ll be down shortly.”
Harry slung an arm over Hermione’s shoulders. “So, how have you been?”
“Sorely missing my best friend,” Hermione admitted, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You’re sweaty.”
Harry laughed loudly. “What did you expect?”
Hermione smiled. “Silly me.” She ruffled his hair. “Even your hair is sweaty!”
“The downside of Saber’s favourite hobby making sure I’m on my arse, I’m afraid.” He sighed as they entered the kitchen, pulling a laugh from the witch. “Headmaster.” He nodded at the elderly wizard darkly.
“Ah, Harry, my dear boy! So good to see you again.” Dumbledore offered the teen a bright smile. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Petunia. Tom had also seated himself, having preceded the teenagers in, and he didn’t look overly happy.
“It’s a one-sided feeling, let me assure you,” Harry replied coldly.
Some of the happiness left Dumbledore’s expression. “What have you been up to, my dear boy?”
“I’m currently working on kicking arse without the use of magic, even when my opponent can blast me into the netherworld with a single word,” Harry deadpanned, pulling out a chair at the kitchen table for Hermione, then sitting next to her.
“I, uh, see…” Dumbledore glanced up at the doorway, where Harry knew Lucius had suddenly come into sight. “You must be Mr Upwood.”
Lucius came to stand behind Harry’s chair. “Yes.” He dropped a towel on Harry’s head. “Your friend is correct. You’re sweaty.”
Harry shot his guardian a dark look and wiped his face with the towel. “Sorry for leaving particles of myself on the floor. Did you slip and fall for once?”
“No. Watch your mouth, I can still hex you into the netherworld with one word,” Lucius replied in the monotone both he and Rodolphus always used for Saber.
“Sounds like a pleasant fate,” Dumbledore offered, smiling.
Lucius glanced at the Headmaster emotionlessly as Harry pulled his shirt off. “I don’t like you.”
Hermione choked on a laugh. Tom smirked and Petunia snorted into her tea. Dumbledore looked dumbstruck. Harry rolled his eyes and tossed his shirt in Lucius’ face. “Saber, you should be polite to our guests.”
Lucius banished the shirt to the laundry. “He’s not my guest.”
“No wonder you’re behaving so horridly.”
“You expected me to behave otherwise?”
“No, not really.” Harry ruffled his hair with the towel. “You’re always a rude fuck. If you changed, you’d probably give me a heart attack.”
Dumbledore looked absolutely horrified. Petunia and Hermione were both laughing quietly. Tom had sat back in his chair with a big smile on his face, enjoying the show. “I dare say, Harry. You’ve no respect for anyone now, do you?” the Dark Lord asked.
“No one in a place of authority, no,” Harry agreed. “Except perhaps yourself and Herm, everybody’s favourite Head Girl.” He stood, slinging the towel over a shoulder. “If you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to go change. I believe, Marcus, that we’d planned to take Herm to a film.”
“Ah, yes, I’d almost forgotten.” Tom grinned at Hermione as Harry left. “Hope you don’t mind, of course.”
Hermione let out a mock insulted gasp and did a passable job of looking hurt. “Mind? Of course I mind! What if I planned on spending the day with just Saber, here?”
“I don’t think he likes that idea.” Petunia chuckled. Lucius was scowling.
“He doesn’t like any idea that doesn’t end with me on my arse,” Harry grumbled, walking back into the kitchen.
Hermione turned and stared at her best friend. “I rue the day you and Gin started going out, Harry,” she murmured, looking him up and down.
The wizard had switched into his pleather pants and the black sleeveless shirt with the hole in the back that framed his tattoo. “You get to see it first, if it makes you feel any better.” He laughed, then glanced at Tom, who was staring at him in shock. “Hey, Marcus, anyone home?”
“He went out,” Tom replied absently. “Where in Merlin’s name did you get that outfit?”
“Harrod’s,” Petunia offered, smiling. “Do you four need a ride?”
“Actually, we were going to take the Knight’s Bus,” Harry replied, helping Hermione to her feet. “But thank you.”
“Of course.” Petunia stood. “More tea, Headmaster?”
“Yes, please,” Dumbledore muttered. He, too, was staring at Harry.
Saber leaned over and put his mouth next to Harry’s ear. “I’ll take Hermione when we’re out of sight. You’re doing murder on his nerves,” he murmured in French.
“I’d noticed,” Harry responded, also in French, smirking. “It was the point, as you’ll recall.”
“Yes.” He straightened. “Are we leaving now, or next month?”
“I’m afraid Herm won’t be here next month,” Tom muttered, coming to stand next to Hermione. “Lead on, Saber.”
“Then you take the rear,” Lucius replied in the monotone.
“I think not.”
Harry rolled his eyes and offered Hermione his arm. “Lady Granger?”
Hermione giggled and took the arm. Then she let Harry lead them from the house. “Do you think they’ll follow?”
“Once Saber is done pointing out he doesn’t get paid to leave my arse open to attackers and they realize we’ve left already, yes.”
“POTTER!” Lucius shouted, storming out the house. Tom walked just behind him, a bemused smile on his face. “WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT WALKING OFF WITHOUT ME?!”
“That you need the money Lucius pays you to take care of your five kids and very ill wife,” the teen wizard teased, grinning.
“Miss Granger, you might want to move.” Lucius growled. “I need to show this one where he is in the food chain.”
Harry winked to Hermione and let go of her arm then he ran up to Lucius, ducked a kick and aimed a punch at the older wizard’s gut. Lucius caught the fist and used Harry’s inertia to twist him and throw him on the ground on his arse. “Dammit!”
Hermione was giggling, Tom chuckling. Lucius ruffled Harry’s hair. “Those pants slowed you down, or that would have worked. Don’t feel so bad.” He held down a hand and helped Harry to his feet while Tom called the bus.
“Thanks for the warning, Saber.” Harry sighed, waving at where he saw Tonks whittling away at a bit of wood she’d found in Number Five’s yard. She waved back happily.
“They’re not very good at hiding, are they?” Hermione inquired, reacquiring Harry’s arm as the Knight Bus came into sight.
“Did you see her before I’d waved?”
“Uh… No, actually.”
Harry smiled. “It’s a good hiding place, but they always sit in the same spot. I may not have found it, but, one day, Tonks had her hair violently pink and it wasn’t such a good hiding place anymore, which I told her. She changed her hair to brown that day.”
Hermione giggled. They followed Tom up to the second level where all four could sit together, Hermione with Lucius, Harry with Tom.
Once they were on their way, and everyone had righted themselves once again, Harry leaned forward to whisper in Hermione’s ear. “What do you think about taking Saber to his first ever Muggle-style film?”
Hermione giggled. “It should prove to be very interesting. Are we going into different theatres?”
“I think that was Marcus’ plan, yes.”
“How sweet. Are you two going to share a soda and everything?”
“Who needs a soda?” the Dark Lord asked lowly in a suggestive voice.
Hermione blushed a bright red while Harry punched the brown-haired man. “You have no manners, sir.”
“Were you expecting for him to have some?” Lucius offered mildly.
“You’re asking for it,” Tom warned his second, who smirked.
“He’s only insulting you ‘cause he knows he can get away with it,” Harry pointed out with a smile.
“I know,” Tom bit out before sitting back with an annoyed look. Harry and Hermione traded looks before both laughing helplessly. Lucius gave a discreet cough.
The bus pulled to a sudden stop and Stan Shunpike poked his head up the stairs. “London theatres!” he called, grinning madly at their group. Lucius had warned him, in a rather dangerous voice, when Stan had started to greet Harry in his usual fashion to stuff it or find himself hexed into oblivion. Harry couldn’t help comparing the incident to the end of Christmas two years previous when Tonks had done something similar; it seemed he was destined to have protectors intent on threatening the Knight Bus conductor.
The group got up and filed out, Hermione next to Harry in the middle, Tom leading, Lucius bringing up the rear. “I hate the Knight Bus.” Hermione groaned once they were on the sidewalk.
The three wizards, however, were watching as a heavily cloaked wizard also got off the bus. “We’re going to the same film after all,” Harry murmured in a soft voice that only his three companions could hear. “Before anyone drinks or eats anything, have either Herm or myself run our bracelets over it. I don’t trust that guy.”
“Agreed,” Tom and Lucius replied.
Hermione glanced around, confused. “What guy?”
“Keep walking, Herm. He disappeared into the crowd,” Harry whispered.
“He’s either from everyone’s favourite Headmaster, or another damned supporter,” Lucius hissed angrily.
“You think he might be after us?” Hermione asked softly, eyes wide with terror.
“We can’t be sure,” Tom murmured. “He could be out to kill Harry, or he could be sent to watch us to keep Harry from being killed. We can’t know for certain.”
“Maybe he just wanted to go to a film,” Hermione shot back stubbornly.
“He’s dressed in wizarding garb, Herm; he’s not here for the show,” Harry muttered, pulling something out of his pocket. “Do any of you know a spell that will get this to cover the whole group?”
Tom shook his head. “There isn’t one. It’s only meant for one person.”
“Damn.” Harry shoved the pendant from Fred and George back into a pocket.
“What is it?” Hermione inquired.
“Marcus, do you mind explaining? Saber, help me buy the tickets,” Harry replied, resting a gentle arm on his protector’s arm. Lucius nodded and they walked over to the ticket box line. “What is it?”
“He must have some sort of charm or be using something for invisibility. He suddenly disappeared,” Lucius muttered.
“Where did you last see him?” Harry asked out of the corner of his mouth, eyes shifting around the crowded area.
“Two trees over from where we were standing.”
Harry’s gaze fell on the spot. The charm on his wrist against invisibility warmed, telling him it was working, and the cloaked man came into sight. “I see him. He’s watching Marcus and Herm.”
Lucius’ hand clasped around the charm bracelet. “I’ll watch him. We’re next.”
Harry nodded and returned his attention to the line in front of him as the couple before them. “Boring. I hate lines.”
Lucius gave a snort, then let out a hiss. “Shit.”
Harry’s eyes shot over to where the man was standing. He’d pulled out a wand. Tom! Down!
Tom immediately tugged Hermione down to the sidewalk with him as the cloaked wizard shot a bright red spell at them. What the fuck!?
“Not Dumbledore’s pal, then,” Harry hissed as the people around them started to panic. Hermione had shot her gaze over to where the spell had come from and set Tom’s hand on her charm bracelet, pointing towards their attacker. “Come on.”
“Stay behind me,” Lucius ordered. Harry got behind him, making sure the Death Eater still had contact with the charm. “And let’s just fuck the whole idea of not letting the Muggles know anything, hm?” he added as they joined Tom and Hermione, who were back on their feet, Hermione behind Tom.
The Dark Lord’s wand was out and pointed at their attacker. “My thoughts exactly,” he replied before returning his attention to the cloaked man. “What do you want here?”
Harry’s charm cooled suddenly and he knew the man had come into proper sight. “Let go,” he murmured to Lucius, who did so. The teen let his eyes sweep the area behind them as he stood with his back against the Malfoy.
“Step aside! I want only the students!” the other wizard shouted back. He had a hoarse, high-and-mighty voice that sparked something in Harry’s memory. He traded looks with Hermione, who was frowning.
“We know him, don’t we?” Harry whispered as Tom and Lucius called back that they didn’t intend to move away from the two teens.
“Yes.” Hermione sighed, eyes sweeping the area again. “But who–“
“Protego!” Lucius and Tom shouted together. Harry felt, rather than saw, the curse that their attacker threw hit the shield.
“Only defending?” Hermione asked.
“Our current strategy is to learn his strategy,” Lucius offered. “It’s what we’re trained for.”
Tom nodded in agreement. “The last thing one wants is to attack blindly. If we had more than just the two of us, and we weren’t protecting you two, we’d all shoot different hexes at once and pray one would get through.”
“Nice system,” Harry commented. “I’ll have to remember it for the Juniors.”
“See that you do that,” Tom murmured before speaking to the attacking wizard again. “Who are you? And why do you want to hurt these two?”
“None of your concern!”
“Percy!” Harry shouted as the voice clicked. “What the fuck are you attacking us for, Weasley?!”
“Stuff it, Potter!” Percy shouted back.
Harry narrowed his eyes. Tom, give me your wand as discreetly as you can.
What are you up to? Tom hissed even as he passed his wand back with a slight of his wrist.
Harry muttered an Invisibility Charm. You’ll see. Keep him busy, he replied before slipping out from behind Lucius.
“Harry’s trying something insane,” Tom hissed to his companions before shouting at Percy once again. “Who are you working for, Weasley?”
“Myself!” Percy shot back. “Hand over Potter and Granger!”
“You really want me, Perc? How sweet,” Harry murmured, pressing Tom’s wand to the back of Percy’s neck. “Lower your wand or I’ll murder you, understand?”
Percy’s wand clattered to the sidewalk in front of him. “Bastard.”
“Accio!” Lucius called, catching Percy’s wand as the shield fell.
Film trip’s over, I suppose. Harry sighed. “Let’s move, Perc. Any false moves and I get the pleasure of Avada Kedavraing your arse to hell.”
Lucius pulled an emergency port-key he’d made just in case from a pocket. “Hermione, Marcus, please take hold. Any day now, Harry.”
“Stuff it, Saber,” Harry shot back as they reached the other. “If you try anything, Percy, no matter what, you’ll regret it,” he warned as the redhead took a hold of the chain. Harry also took hold, then nodded to Lucius.
“Teleportation activate,” Lucius said with a dirty look at the teen who had decided on the password.
A tug at their bellies brought them to the kitchen of Privet Drive.
“Oh, God!” Petunia shouted, clutching at her chest.
Dumbledore had risen and had his wand pointed at the group. “What’s going on?”
“Obviously, the Order’s idea of protection is worthless,” Lucius spat, putting his chain away as Tom helped Hermione to her feet.
Harry leaned on Percy’s shoulder, Tom’s wand still at the back of his neck, smirking as Dumbledore sputtered. “We were attacked, sir,” he said in a teasing voice. “And if Marcus and Saber hadn’t been there and Herm and I hadn’t had a way to see through invisibility, Herm and I would be dead. Now then, isn’t that a pleasant thought?”
“Probably better for the wizarding world, anyway,” Percy muttered, his voice no longer hoarse. Harry had a feeling it had been a disguise.
“You’re tempting me, Perc,” the raven-haired wizard said cheerfully.
Dumbledore looked gobsmacked. “Percy Weasley?!”
Harry tugged the hood off Percy’s face, careful to keep the wand at the back of his neck. “Smile for the coot, Perc,” he cooed.
“Headmaster!” Percy said in relief. “Sir, Potter is a Death Eater!”
“Wow, I am?” Harry smiled. “How’d I manage that?”
“Now, Percy, I think you’re jumping to conclusions…” Dumbledore said seriously. He hadn’t put his wand away, but was pointing it at Percy.
“I saw it with my own eyes! He works for You-Know-Who!”
Love, is Perc here, by any chance, a Death Eater?
Tom’s eyes widened for a brief moment. Shit. Yes, I do believe he is…
Ooh, good. Now, all we have to do, is hope Gin doesn’t mind if I kill him later for defecting.
I hardly think she’ll care, now.
Point. Harry looked hurt while Dumbledore looked between him and Percy. “Now I’m insulted. Me? A Death Eater? Impossible!”
“Then how’d you learn to sneak around like one?” Percy spat.
Harry made a face at Dumbledore. “Now, really, Professor, you can’t believe want he’s saying. After all, you’re the reason I was trained in battle magic and the such.”
There was a startled sound from the witch and two Dark Wizards in the room. “What?!” Hermione shouted. “When?!”
“Last school year.” Dumbledore sighed, nodding. “Harry was trained by my instruction, yes.”
Harry hummed happily and, randomly, tugged up Percy’s left sleeve, pulling a shout from the other wizard, which got everyone’s attention. “That’s a pretty tattoo, Perc. Did you, perhaps, get it from Voldie?” he inquired teasingly as Hermione gave a cry and clutched Tom’s arm. The Dark Lord drew her into a gentle hug. Lucius had returned to pointing his wand at the redheaded Death Eater.
Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the wizard. “Who has his wand?”
“Saber,” Harry offered calmly, pressing Tom’s wand sharply into the back of Percy’s neck. The older wizard let out a hiss. “And I’ve got Marcus’ wand, since you sort of took mine, Headmaster.”
Dumbledore shot his Golden Boy a silencing look. “Percy, your position is precarious.”
“Sir, please! I’m on your side! I can give you names! The Death Eaters In-Training!”
“The what?” Dumbledore whispered, shocked.
“Death Eaters In-Training, sir. They’re a new section of the Death Eaters. Potter runs them. They don’t have Dark Marks, sir,” Percy said quickly. “They have these necklaces that only other Death Eaters and Death Eaters In-Training can see. Potter’s wearing his right now.” His eyes shot to where Harry’s necklace rested in front of his shirt.
“What?!” Harry looked furious. “Madness! Headmaster, this Death Eater,” he spat out the word with a much venom as he could manage, “Just tried to kill myself and Hermione! You can’t tell me you believe what he’s spouting! Me, work with Voldemort?!”
“Harry! Calm down!” Hermione cried as the lights started flickering.
“Death Eater scum,” Harry spat at the Weasley and, throwing Tom his wand back, stormed from the room.
“Percy, I must say, these allegations are serious. And I’m afraid all the current information we have is pointing against your information.” Dumbledore sighed as Hermione slipped from the room to go after her friend. “Your actions are also against you, currently.”
“Ask me under Veritaserum, then. Please, sir,” Percy begged.
Dumbledore sighed. “Percy, we’re going to have to send you to the Ministry, though I will certainly attend your trial and make sure they ask the questions you’re suggesting they ask.”
“But, sir–“
Dumbledore shook his head, ending the complaint. “That’s all I can do for you, Percy, I’m sorry.” He glanced up at Tom and Lucius. “Mr Upwood, if I could please have Percy’s wand?”
Lucius handed it over to Tom, who walked over and gave it to Dumbledore. “Here you are, Albus,” he said calmly.
Dumbledore nodded and put it away before pulling another wand out of one of his pockets. “Obviously taking Harry’s wand has done him no good. Marcus, make sure he gets this and understands he may not step foot on school property until his suspension is over.”
“Of course, sir.” Tom nodded and pocketed the wand.
Dumbledore nodded and stepped up next to Percy, who was looking hopeless. “Off we go to the Ministry, Percy.” He sighed, then apparated them away.
“You silenced him?” Harry asked Lucius coldly as he stepped back into the room. Hermione was behind him, not looking at all pleased with what had just happened.
“Yes. It’ll end tonight,” Lucius agreed as Tom tossed Harry his wand.
“Then we’ll act tonight,” Harry decided. “Herm, you’re going to pretend the stress of the day has been too much for you and you’d like to return to Hogwarts now, which means Professor Brutús will have to take you. I’m going to be so pissed off by what Percy said that I’m going to be working with Saber until I wear myself out. Aunt Petunia, I won’t be eating tonight.” Everyone nodded in understanding. “Good. Herm, Marcus, why don’t you come and say goodbye to myself and Saber?” he added before spinning the leaving the room, Lucius following.
Hermione bit her lip and glanced up at Tom. “He and the others are going to kill Percy while he’s being held by the Ministry isn’t he?”
“You disagree?” the Dark Lord inquired.
“Marcus, if I could, I’d help him,” Hermione ground out before turning and following Harry and Lucius up to the training room.
Tom grinned. “I’ll be damned.” He winked at Petunia. “I’ll make sure he comes back in one piece.”
“I don’t doubt it. If he’s back late, Rodolphus and I will improvise,” Petunia offered.
“Even if it’s not until I stop by tomorrow?”
“That boy hates getting up at a reasonable time on the weekends!” Petunia complained, going to put Dumbledore’s cup with the dirty dishes.
“I noticed.” Tom chuckled before leaving to go find the other three magical humans.
Harry smirked as all the Juniors in the school trickled into the Room of Requirement. All of them looked surprised to see him. “Sit, everyone. I’m still suspended, so I’m not really supposed to be here. Gin, may I borrow you for a brief moment while everyone settles?” he added, glancing at her.
Gin followed Harry into a dark corner and hugged him tightly. “We’ve missed having you around!”
“I’ve missed being here,” Harry assured her.
“Something’s happened.”
“A Death Eater defected after trying to kill Hermione and myself and blew this group’s cover to Dumbles. He’s currently being held at the Ministry with a Silencing Spell on him, courtesy of Lucius, but we need to shut him up for good. So far, I’m the only name he’s given out, but he also mentioned the necklaces.”
“We’ll need to put more charms on them to keep them safe, then.” Ginny sighed. “Who’s the defect?”
“Percy,” Harry murmured, raking a hand through his hair.
Ginny’s eyes flashed. “He’s no family of mine. No one tries to kill my brother and sister.”
Harry hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Gin.”
“You’re okay, though?” the girl asked as she pulled away.
“Yup. Got my wand back, too.” Harry winked and Ginny snorted. “Come on. I want at least five Juniors with me on this raid.”
“He’s letting us do it?” Ginny asked in surprise as they went back to the quiet group.
“It was our cover that was blown. Anyway, I called dibs on Perc’s life when he shot that first spell at my godchild, Herm, and Marcus,” Harry said coldly. Ginny nodded in understanding and they stopped in front of the group of Juniors.
“You all have heard me go on about how someone who switches sides is killed, but I’m not so sure you really understand the rule. Some of you do, I know, so you can stop giving me the insulted look, Dray.” Harry spared a brief grin for his friend before turning serious again. “A Death Eater tried to kill myself and Hermione Granger in Muggle London today while we were out to watch a movie.”
“You’re both all right?” Parvati called, eyes worried. Most of the school knew that the Head Girl with pregnant now, since she couldn’t use her magic in classes any longer.
Harry smiled gently. “Yes. Professor Brutús and Lucius Malfoy were also there and they covered us.”
“Thank Merlin,” the Gryffindor witch sighed, leaning her head on Lisa’s shoulder and closing her eyes in relief.
“Harry? Could we finish this?” Draco called. “Ted and I have another detention in ten minutes.”
“You two get detentions too often.” Harry snorted, shaking his head. “The bottom line is that, when we got the Death Eater back to my aunt’s house and he found himself faced with Dumbledore, he gave the Headmaster information about our group. So far, I’m the only one compromised, but, if we don’t deal with this problem, Parvati’s the only one in this room who’s safe from being dragged before the Ministry. Voldemort’s handing the job to us because it is our group that will be hit the hardest by this information.”
“Harry, if you’ve already been called on your loyalties, and Dumbledore calls you in to the Ministry for questioning, we’re doomed anyway,” Mandy pointed out.
“Not at all,” Ginny spoke. “Harry and I both have back-up ways to keep information from being draw from us.”
“And I’m thinking I might just make this way available to everyone who becomes a Junior,” Harry added idly. “It came to my attention during the attack that some things need to become uniform for us, especially. Next time I get a chance to run around in Diagon Alley, I’ll look into it.” He glanced around at the twelve students before him. “I need at least five people who can come with me tonight for this raid. Dray, Ted, you’re both excused for your detention. Hurry.”
The two Slytherin boys bowed to the green-eyed wizard before hurrying from the room.
“I’m coming,” Ginny said firmly.
Harry nodded. “I figured. Give me your wand so I can disable the Ministry wards on it for tonight.” He held out a hand as he glanced over the room. “At least four more.”
“Harry, who was this Death Eater?” Blaise demanded.
“My brother, Percy,” Ginny offered as Harry focused on her wand to displace the wards long enough to give her the night free from their restrictions.
“A Gryffindor Death Eater?!” Morag shouted.
“He’s hardly the first,” Harry muttered, handing his sister back her wand. “Peter Pettigrew, for instance, has been a Death Eater for almost seventeen years, and he was a Gryffindor who had a backbone like Neville’s. He hung out with my dad, in fact. One of his best friends.”
“I’m going,” Seamus declared.
“Are you drunk?” Harry asked seriously.
“No, sir. I haven’t had anything to drink since you left,” Seamus replied firmly. Blaise nodded in affirmation next to him.
“Good. Get up here, I need to get a look at your wand as well.”
“Why?”
“The Ministry doesn’t only put age-limitations on wands, Seam.” Pansy snorted. “They put everything on them. I’m coming too, by the way.”
“Get up here, then. I’m assuming your parents already removed the limitations on your wand.”
“Yup. When I first got it,” Pansy agreed, coming to stand with Ginny while Harry went over Seamus’ wand.
“Lisa and I are coming,” Parvati declared, standing with the Ravenclaw.
“And me,” Blaise added, standing as well. “Someone has to keep an eye on Seam.”
“Everyone should be keeping an eye on Seam.” Harry snorted, handing the teen back his wand and taking Lisa’s as she offered it to him. “Gin.”
“Right.” Ginny stepped in front of the group surrounding Harry. “Everyone else, we’ll need you to run cover on everyone that’s going. Especially Parvati and Pansy, since they’re Prefects. I’m sure Herm and Nev will know to run cover in Gryffindor?” She glanced back at Harry, who nodded absently. “Good. Everyone, you are dismissed. Everyone but Harry will see you tomorrow or later tonight and we’ll give you feedback.”
Ginny returned to Harry as everyone piled out. “How are we doing this?”
“Who has my Map?” Harry shot back.
Seamus held out the worn parchment. “Thanks, by the way. It’s been dreadfully useful.”
“Good.” Harry grinned and tapped his wand on the blank parchment. “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”
Parvati and Lisa both let out gasps as ink appeared on the parchment, showing Hogwarts and everyone in it. “What is it?” Parvati whispered.
“The Marauder’s Map,” Harry replied, returning his wand up his robe’s sleeve. “My father and his friends made it while they were in school. It’s the most useful thing I have ever come across, except, perhaps, my Invisibility Cloak.” He winked.
“Bleeding hell, Harry,” Lisa muttered, shaking her head.
“Now, then,” Harry said, serious tone catching everyone’s attention. “We have to take a very dangerous chance, because I only know one place in this entire school that you can apparate from, and I’m not sure it’s guardian is going to be pleased with me for bringing people down there.”
“There is such a place?” Lisa asked.
Ginny was staring at Harry in horror. “You said Salazar would kill anyone else who went down there!”
“Wait, the Chamber of Secrets?!” Blaise gasped. “Harry, that’s insane!”
“Do you have a better idea?” Harry asked the horrified faces around him sweetly.
“We’re all dead…” Seamus whimpered.
“Oh, stop being such a baby.” Harry snorted, placing the Map in one of his robe pockets and pulling his wand back out. “Now, as I said, I’m not supposed to be here, so I’m going to shrink myself. Gin, you’ll carry me and lead the way to the entrance.”
“Harry, can I back out now?” Seamus whined.
Harry’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Salazar is going to be the easy part, you twits. Do you think it’s going to be simple as pie to get into the Ministry, find the holding cells, get past the guards, find Percy, and kill him?” he hissed. “I’m hardly worried about Salazar, seeing as how I can talk him out of murdering any of you, so long as you behave. Keep your minds on the Ministry and let me worry about dealing with dangerous Founders, understand?”
“Yes,” everyone breathed, eyes still wide in fright.
“Hufflepuffs.” Harry snorted before pointing his wand at himself. “Minuta Harry.”
Gin picked up her brother carefully. “Can I put you on my shoulder?”
“The way your hands are shaking, I think I’d prefer that,” Harry agreed in a tiny voice. The comical sound made everyone smile as Ginny put the teen on her shoulder, where he climbed up to hide in her hair.
“Well, Harry’s right. Best worry about the Ministry and let him handle Salazar,” Ginny decided firmly. “Follow me. Harry’ll warn us if we’re about to be caught, I’m sure.”
“Yup. I’ll just say ‘scatter’ if there’s no way to avoid the trouble,” Harry agreed.
“How will we find you all again?” Pansy asked.
“Your necklaces will warm. Follow them like you did to get here,” the tiny voice replied from somewhere in Ginny’s bun. “Move out, please.”
“You heard the boss,” Blaise joked and everyone fell in behind Ginny as she led them from the room.
“Harry, stop tugging my hair,” Ginny hissed.
“Then stop moving,” the wizard shot back.
Ginny muttered a curse under her breath and Harry sniggered. The Juniors following them smiled.
“You all look like you’re being led to your deaths, by the way. Act natural before I hex you,” Harry warned.
“Says the shrimp,” Ginny teased even as everyone forced themselves to calm down and start to chat quietly among themselves.
“Gin, have you ever been hit with Crucio in the back of the neck?” Harry asked idly.
“No. And I don’t much want to be, either.”
“Then don’t call me shrimp. Marcus at twelve o’clock.”
Ginny grinned and waved at the Dark Lord. The other students all glanced up at him in concern as he stopped them. “Where are you all headed?”
Harry climbed up on top of Ginny’s head and grinned. “I’m leading them to their deaths, apparently.”
“And how have you managed it this time?” Tom enquired, motioning for them to keep walking.
“He’s taking us to the Chamber,” Pansy complained as Harry slid back down into Ginny’s bun.
“Oh, that’s right, he told us that anyone else that we brought down would be killed,” the Dark Lord recalled.
“Maybe you can talk him out of it?” Seamus asked hopefully.
“Nope. He’s a Gryffindor. Nothing gets through his skull,” Tom replied, shaking his head.
“I heard that,” Harry called.
“What do you plan on doing about it, midget?”
“I’ll kick your hind side to Dumbledore’s office.”
“Says he of the bruised arse.”
“Just because I can’t beat Lucius at martial arts doesn’t mean I can’t beat you.”
“Ah, yes, but those trousers slow you down, don’t you know.”
“Would you like me to take them off before I kick your arse, then?”
“And that robe’ll get in your way.”
“Now, really, you just want to get me naked, you prat.”
“Perhaps.”
“Would you two stuff it,” Ginny muttered while the four Juniors following them all laughed.
“Gin doesn’t want me naked,” Harry deducted.
“Suppose not.”
“Scatter!” Harry shouted suddenly.
Blaise and Seamus hopped behind a tapestry to snog. Parvati and Lisa immediately turned the other way. Pansy started looking behind tapestries, as if looking for Seamus and Blaise. Ginny and Tom continued in the direction they’d been headed in before.
McGonagall came into sight around a corner. “Oh, Marcus, there you are. Albus was looking for you.”
“Thank you, Minerva.” Tom nodded. “Miss Weasley, I will see you tomorrow in the entrance hall, then?”
“Of course, Marcus. I can’t wait to see Harry!”
“I’m sure.” Tom winked at her and slid past her to head for Dumbledore’s office as McGonagall yelled at Pansy for her tapestry search and caught Seamus and Blaise. After giving them a thorough tongue lashing, she rounded another corner and was out of sight again.
The Juniors ran to catch up with their two leaders as they approached the second floor girls’ bathroom. “Myrtle’s been crying again,” Lisa groaned.
“Fabulous,” Harry muttered darkly, climbing up on to Ginny’s head again and giving the Juniors an apologetic look. “Sorry,” he offered as Ginny made a beeline for the bathroom.
“The entrance is in a girls’ toilet?” Blaise asked in shock. “I thought Salazar was a guy!”
“He is.” Harry cocked an eyebrow at the Slytherin. “Don’t ask me to figure out the mind of Salazar Slytherin.”
“Ew.” Pansy scowled down at the bottom of her wet robes.
“Girls.” Seamus snorted as he closed the door behind them once everyone was in.
“What are you doing in here?” Myrtle suddenly came into sight, sneering at them.
“Myrtle–“ Parvati started.
“They’re with me, Myrtle,” Harry called before jumping from Ginny’s head. “Primitivus magnitudo.” He hit the ground as his normal size and glanced up at Myrtle, who was watching him with big eyes. “Now, really, hun, you shouldn’t cry so much. You’re prettier when you’re smiling,” he offered, standing.
“Ooh…” Myrtle giggled and disappeared behind a stall door.
Harry shrugged at the amazed looks he was receiving. “She fancies me,” was his quiet explanation before he turned to the sinks. :Open,: he ordered.
A general gasp came from behind him as the sink sunk into the ground. “Fuck,” Seamus whispered.
Ginny latched herself on to Harry’s arm. “I’m scared.”
“Flashbacks,” Harry murmured, hugging her tightly. “Gin, you’ll be fine, I promise. I’m here, right?”
Ginny glanced up into her brother’s worried green eyes and nodded. “Right.” She let go, biting her lip. “And there’s no diary or basilisk or anything.”
Harry gave her a supportive smile. “Bingo.” He eyed the rest of the Juniors. “Gin opened the Chamber in our second year because of one of Voldemort’s back-up plots. Bad memories and all that,” he offered to their curious gazes. Everyone nodded in understanding. “Good. I’m going first. Gin, you’ll follow. I don’t really care about the order, I just want Pansy to come last. The Chamber will close on its own. Everyone clear?”
“Yes,” they all muttered.
“Fabulous!” Harry waved, then jumped into the pipe with a whoop, much to everyone’s amusement.
“Can you tell he does this a lot?” Ginny joked, stepping up to the pipe. “I’ll see everyone on the other side,” she added before climbing into the pipe and sliding down in a much calmer manner.
When she got to the bottom, she found herself faced with Harry’s helping hand and a scowling Salazar Slytherin. “Up we go.” Harry chuckled, helping her to her feet as Parvati slid down. Ginny moved out of the way as Harry helped the other girl up, then continued helping people up until Pansy came down as the last.
“Alright!” Harry bounced over to stand next to Salazar, who was shooting him withering glances that did nothing. “Guys, this is the infamous Salazar Slytherin. “Salazar, these are some of the Juniors. Gin, Seam, Pan, and ‘Bini you’ve met. However, the other two lovely young ladies are Lisa Turpin and Parvati Patil, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.”
“If you don’t stop bouncing–“ Salazar growled.
“Yes, yes, I know. You’ll cut off my happy parts. Thank you, Salazar.” Harry snorted, still bouncing.
“Harry, do you have a jumping bean up your arse?” Seamus snorted.
“No, he’s just trying to annoy me so I’ll leave you all alone.” Salazar growled, turning. “Follow me.”
“Nice fellow, don’t you agree?” Harry grinned and bounced after the ghost, effectively blocking the hex sent his way by the Founder.
The other Juniors traded grins before following.
Chapter 37, Part 2
Abandon the Prequel: Sixth Year
Abandon Chapters:
01 || 02 || 03 || 04 || 05 || 06 || 07 || 08 || 09 || 10
11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20
21 || 22 || 23 || 24 || 25 || 26 || 27 || 28 || 29 || 30
31 || 32 || 33 || 34 || 35 || 36 ||
41 || 42 || 43 || 44 || 45 || 46 || 47
Reclaim Chapters:
One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine || Ten
Eleven || Twelve || Thirteen || Fourteen || Fifteen
Epilogue
Side Stories:
Ginevra Weasley & Theodore Nott
Minerva McGonagall || Minerva McGonagall (again)
.
no subject
Date: 8/4/12 13:55 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8/4/12 14:31 (UTC)Glad you like the fic, though! In spite of Harry's being a jerk.
no subject
Date: 8/4/12 17:59 (UTC)no subject
Date: 8/4/12 23:50 (UTC)And, yeah, a bit of loyalty and hard work are important. ^.~
no subject
Date: 9/4/12 10:56 (UTC)I remenber one story where Ron was put here because he was horrible and he couldn't be in in other house. It shocked me because of how the author wrote it. It was like oh the huffepuffs, they are the one who the other house doesn't want.
I can understand why people like Slytherin and the house of Luna ( i remenber the french name and not the english one) but i'm always surprised by the love of Gryffondors ( if one day i write one story that i have in my head , people who like gryffondor won't like it). Putting courage like a quality without intelligence is worrying ( courage without thinkig can kill you). And chilvary, seriously ? If you ask me, i see that more as a huffelpufs.