FicWad

Chapter 3

“I’m getting better at taking shocks.”, Hermione thought to herself as she leaned forward, head between her knees, and felt the retching slowly ease. “But I have the feeling I’m probably the first person to ever lose their lunch in this office. “
After a few more dry heaves, a couple of spits, and wiping her mouth with the sleeve of her robe, a wide eyed, tear streaked and mortally embarrassed Hermione Granger sat back in her chair, stared straight at the United States Secretary of Magic, and hiccupped. Her hiccup was returned by a reassuring smile, with a teasing twinkle in the Secretarial eyes.
“Miss Granger – may I call you Hermione? I would like to commend you for making history. I have inspired many reactions over the years, I’ve been adored, vilified, praised and cursed, but I can honestly say that in all my years… You are the first person to respond to my words with actual bile. You may have just put a capstone on my political career.” With a wink and grin, the Secretary pulled out his wand, and a couple quick cleaning charms later, the carpet was spotless, and Hermione looked considerably less disheveled. “There, much better, though Harry there was kind enough to hold your hair for you, so it wasn’t nearly as bad as it might have been. How are you feeling now?”
“Mister Secretary (hic)”, she paused at the raised hand. “Please… Ron.”
“Very well, (hic) Ron.” A deep breath. “I would feel much better if I had your assurance that you and your government were quite finished shocking and horrifying me today, to be quite honest. While meeting you and your distinguished Marshalls was much more than I expected, your bad news would have been particularly unwelcome at any time. Though I realize it’s information I needed to have, I would have preferred a few hours, days, or millennia passed before I had been necessarily apprised of my condition.” Hermione turned at the snort to her side. “Is there something about my situation you are finding amusing, Ron?”
Rolling his eyes, Ron shook his head at Hermione. “Your condition. ‘Mione, you make it sound like it’s a bad thing, when you’ve just been told you’re the second most magically powerful person on the planet, ahead of Voldemort, and just behind Harry! Here you are acting like this is some horrible thing, when I’d give anything to have that kind of power, but you’re getting sick over it. I don’t understand it. You’ve just been told that you’re stronger than the Dark Lord, and instead of being happy about it like you should be, you’re acting like someone just told you that your parents died… What’d I say?” Ron had just realized that everyone in the room was staring at him in horrified fascination, and was looking with confusion at each face in turn. Luna stepped to him, placed a delicate hand on his bicep, and smiled softly.
“Ronald. I believe I can speak for everyone here, with what I am about to say, and please realize that I am speaking to you as a loving friend. But, really, are you that dense and insensitive, that self-centered, or are you simply quite mad? You will notice Susan, Hannah, and Daphne, they are currently wondering what on earth Hermione sees in you, and they are quite certain that if she ever sees the error of her ways, they will most assuredly not be helping you pick up the pieces of your self-inflicted broken heart.” Ron gaped at the three stone faced girls standing with their arms crossed facing him, and felt a chill.
“You will notice over here that Neville is currently wondering how you would feel about both of your parents being in a catatonic state at St. Mungo’s, and thinking you are an idiot for suggesting you want any ability real or suspected, that would attract the Dark Lord’s notice. You will also notice the clenched fists and red face. Neville’s sense of decorum and your longstanding friendship is currently the only thing keeping him from attempting to hit you.” Luna gently turned an ashen Ron to face Hermione and Harry.
“Harry here is wondering if you would like to trade places with him, and if so, would it be a problem if he could have his parents alive and with him, as well. You will notice that vein in his forehead throbbing, that’s the one that signifies his absolute rage. I suspect that while Harry does want to scream at you, and remind you in no uncertain terms that you are incredibly lucky to have family that loves you and is healthy, he also so shocked at your boorishness that he is wondering what on earth possessed him to consider you an asset to his group. He will forgive you as he always does, but you have just deeply wounded your best friend, Ronald.”
“Lastly, Ronald,” Luna gestured gently towards a wide eyed, bushy haired girl with a slightly open mouth and tears streaming down her face, “We bring you to the young woman you claim to love. Hermione has just been informed in no uncertain terms that as soon as the Dark Lord realizes that much of the magical protection Harry was receiving came not from Professor Dumbledore, but through Harry’s friendship with her, there will be a price on her head nearly as great as Harry’s. Worse for Hermione, having seen what has happened to both Harry and Neville’s parents, she realizes that her parents are at even greater risk than she is, for the simple fact that they are unable to defend themselves. Once the Dark Lord determines how magically powerful she is, he will strike at her in any way he can, and her family will likely be the first target. No sooner than she has received this horrible news, you not only express your jealousy at her being ‘blessed’ in such a manner, rather than you, you also reinforce her greatest fear, that of being orphaned by the Dark Lord, as two of her – and your – best friends have been. I believe that is what your friends are thinking”. Luna gave a pale horrified looking Ron a dreamy smile, quickly followed by a thoughtful look.
“Oh dear, I almost forgot Ronald, in telling you what everyone else was thinking, I very nearly neglected to mention my own thoughts.” Luna’s voice suddenly went cold, and Ron stared in terror at the ice flashing in Luna’s eyes.
“Ronald Weasely, you are blessed beyond all reason. Your parents, brothers, and sister are not only all alive, they all love you. Yes, even your twit of a brother Percy. You may have worn your share of hand-me-down robes, but unlike your best friend, of whom you are so jealous, you have never been beaten to satisfy the sadistic urges of a fat frightened muggle, and dressed in rags unfit for a house elf. You may not feel you ever get enough to eat, but you have never been starved simply because a relative thinks you need to be ‘taught a lesson’. You may feel like a pauper, but you never had to attain monetary wealth with the price of losing loving family to death. Ronald, you have been given all the blessings a young man could want, but you think you have been somehow shortchanged, because you refuse to see the crosses your friends bear, instead you foolishly think them blessings somehow denied you. The reality is, Ronald, these are burdens that have not been given to you for the simple fact that you are too selfish, immature, and weak to be able to shoulder these loads. “
“Ronald Weasely, there is one other blessing that you have received that your friends have not, and that is unconditional friendship. When you have your tantrums and storm off, they run after you. When you come skulking back, they welcome you with open arms. You are Harry and Hermione’s friend, and because of this, they overlook faults that should have you soundly beaten about the head and shoulders. You have been undeserving of this gift, and although I know that all of us will forgive you, and welcome you back into our fold, I am putting you on notice. No longer will I allow you to behave so poorly towards those who love you, and I shall be reminding you of your behavior and many blessings every time you decide to act the boor. I think you are and can be a wonderful person, but I really do think it’s time you quit acting like a spoiled child, get over yourself, and grow the fuck up. Now, be a dear please, and go sit in that chair over there in the corner, and think about your words and actions. I shall let you know when I think you are ready to rejoin us.“ The dreamy smile returned as Ron slunk off to the corner, wondering what he had let himself in for, and what kind of person he was. He was not proud of his initial assessment.
An enigmatic smile played across the face of the Secretary of Magic as Ron received his dressing down, and the thought crossed his mind once again that Harry selected his friends based on strength and loyalty, and these were excellent criteria. Ronald Reagan was quite certain that this group would go just as far as they were willing, because he was equally certain this group was more than capable. He was looking forward to seeing where those capabilities and resolve led them, but for now, there was business to attend to. After Ron had settled into his corner of shame, the Secretary cleared his throat, redirecting the students’ attention back toward him.
“Hermione, to answer some of your concerns, first, you don’t need to fear your parent’s safety in any way. They are not aware of the level of security surrounding them, but rest assured, at no time are they unprotected, and by Marshalls that are not only very very good, but also very very discreet. We hope that your parents never need to know how closely we are watching them, but if they do find out, they are going to be shocked by the sheer number of vengeful guardians they have. We’re happy to say that the same level of security will be in place for all your family members that choose to accept our invitation to the United States’ hospitality, so none of you will need to fear for your loved ones here. I also apologize the abrupt nature of the information I provided you, but Miss Lovegood,” Luna smiled and said “Please Ron, call me Luna.”- “Thank you. Luna is correct. We’ve determined that the blood wards were weakened beyond repair after theTriWizard tournament, but your love for your friend has been lending your magical strength to Harry’s, helping to defend him from the mental and physical attacks he’s been undergoing. In a very real way, you’ve been something of a bodyguard to Harry, and you needed to be aware of that fact, as it may affect future choices you make. I assure you though, I am finished with shocking news for the day.”
With that, the Secretary rose, signifying the interview was drawing to a close. “Friends, I’m afraid that I do have other matters I need to look to, so I need to cut our visit short. However, it would be an honor for us if you all chose to remain here at Mt. Falcon for as long as you like, as our guests. Your classes don’t begin for another two months, and in that time, we’re hoping you’ll take advantage of our hospitality, and use this residence as a home base while exploring the treasures our nation has to offer. Besides being comfortable and very secure, it would give me a better chance to get to know all of you, and perhaps turn this friendly acquaintance into a deep friendship. I suspect that in the coming months and years, Mister Riddle is going to make sure all of us need every friend we can get.” He said this last part with a wry smile. “Do stay with us.”
Harry had to ask, despite everything he’d seen today, old habits died hard. “Ron, what if I said I didn’t want to stay here?” The Secretary smiled.
“Then Harry, I would ask Marshalls Earp and Bonney to make sure you could stay wherever you wanted, and do what was needed to be certain you were safe. I would also suggest you start your visit with an evening at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, as it’s a jewel, but you would be free to go wherever you chose. My invitation is just that, and nothing more.”
“In that case,” Harry smiled. “Would you mind asking someone to show us to our rooms? I can’t speak for all of us, but it’s been a very long day for me, Sir.”
“Certainly Harry, and each of you has your own room in the north wing, Marshall Oakley would be happy to show you to them. If you’re not too tired, dinner will be in 4 hours, if the time change has been a bit much, a steward will be happy to direct you to the kitchen at any time, or arrange for a snack to be brought to you, if you prefer. Hermione? As your reputation precedes you, I hope you don’t mind that we chose the room next to the Library for you.” The former President gave the shell shocked teen a wink, knowing where to find her for a quiet chat, when it was time. As he hoped to speak to each of these young witches and wizards individually, he figured he might just as well start with her.
“Thank you so much for accepting our hospitality and I look forward to seeing all of you on a more casual basis over the next few weeks. Enjoy your well earned rest.” With that, the interview ended. As the students followed Marshall Oakely out, the Secretary cleared his throat.
“Marshalls Earp and Bonney? A word, please? The two men sighed softly, and turned, Earp speaking for them both.
“Of course, Mr. Secretary, what can we do for you?”
“Close the door, please.”
Harry was slightly surprised to find his room to be next to Hermione on one side, and Ron on the other, but was grateful knowing they were both steps away. He doubted that they would have to defend themselves here, as the layers of wards, Marshall’s and soldiers fairly guaranteed that if the youths were under physical attack, the war was lost, but it felt nice knowing they were there anyway. He also noticed that the Ron who joined them on the way to rooms seemed rather introspective, and Harry thought it was about time, too. Ron needed to think about someone besides himself, for a change, just as Hermione needed to not think about everyone but herself quite so much. Harry’s concerns for the rest of the world ended, though, when Oakely opened the door, and said “Harry, here you are. Let us know if you need anything.”
He took one look at the room, noticing the weathered looking paneling and western art on the walls, the balcony through the French doors stained a light brown, and the Navajo rug on the floor next to the bed, and there he stopped. Four posts made from rough cut aspen trunks framed a king sized mattress that looked softer than anything he’d ever seen in his life. Barely getting off his school robe, while but not even making it to his shoes, Harry reached the edge of the bed, fell face down, and was asleep almost instantly. Learning what he could do to save the world could wait until tomorrow; tonight he would enjoy the most peaceful sleep in his life. Harry was pretty sure he’d earned it.
The Secretary of Magic looked at the two Marshalls and spoke with a voice that was all business. “Gentlemen, your report, please.” Earp spoke for both men.
Sir, the files are accurate. Weasely is a loose cannon, but has a moral compass. Regimentation will go a long way with him. If love were a weakness, that would be Granger’s. As it is, she just needs a focus. Potter… He’s everything we heard, and more. Misses nothing, takes care of his people, and you saw Sir, he’s not afraid to take a stand. He knows the situation, and he’s here anyway, well aware he could end up dead. Thing is, he’s actually daring to hope a little, too, and if you ask me, a guy with something to live for, but unafraid to die is a very dangerous adversary.”
The Secretary nodded. “Do you think he and Granger have any idea?”
“No, Sir.” Earp replied. He and Granger are both so noble, they would never admit their feelings, not even to themselves. I suggest we encourage them to become closer, and hope they come to the truth, but we may very well have to smack them with that truth upside their heads, figuratively speaking.”
“Mmm.” The Secretary thought for a moment. “We want to hold off on that as long as possible. Potter’s been led around by the nose so much, he’s like a head shy horse, now. Try to make him do something, he’ll do the opposite out of sheer stubbornness. If there’s any way they can make it their idea to get started, we need to let that happen. Encouragement can come from us after the first step, but we need to let them make that step, if we can. I have to hand it to Potter and Granger both, though.”
“How’s that, Sir?”
“It’s not often that you find two teenagers desperately in love with each other, and yet unwilling to consummate that love. These are two really decent young people, and we’re going to mess with that, if we can. I wish there were another way.”
“Sir,” began Earp, “We’re not corrupting these two kids. If anything we’re just going to give them a nudge, and let nature and love take its’ course. Anybody with a brain can see they’re meant for each other, both would die for the other one in a heartbeat, if we end up being guilty of anything here, it’s going to be providing a nurturing environment for what’s already there. Tell you one thing though, Sir.”
“What’s that Mister Earp?”
The dark haired Marshall grinned. “Those two bond, and their magic really joins? Anybody tries to hurt one of them, the other one is going to be putting enough power into their curses, the Manhattan Project is going to be looking like a bunch of kids cooking with an Easy Bake Oven. It’s almost enough to make me feel sorry for that cocksucker Riddle, Sir.” The Secretary of Magic grinned a predatory grin.
“Almost. Thank you gentlemen that will be all. I’m sure your charges are all passed out asleep, may I suggest you follow their excellent example. We’ll be speaking again very soon, but in the meantime, the rules still apply.”
“Yes Sir. We may encourage, suggest, and spin, but we are never, under any circumstances to attempt to give Potter or his group any instructions. They are to be allowed to decide all matters for themselves, in all areas. For what it’s worth Sir? I think you were dead on with that directive. At this point in his life, the last thing this kid needs is another authority figure jerking him around. The pawn should have a chance to be the knight, he’s earned it.”
“I agree, and thank you for that bit of encouragement. Have a good rest, gentlemen, we’ll talk again soon.”
With that, the Secretary of Magic returned to his paperwork, and the two Marshalls let themselves out, noticing the small smile on the Secretary’s face. Both men later agreed amongst themselves that seeing their Boss looking hopeful again was a good thing.
When Harry awoke the next day, it was to the realization that not only had he not gotten undressed the evening before, he had barely moved. Shrugging to himself, he stumbled to the adjoining bath, decided that the shower was just what the doctor ordered, and was in the middle of appreciating the joys inherent in French milled soap, when the bathroom door opened, and Harry’s blood ran cold.
“Harry, hurry up! You’ve already missed breakfast, the mall opens in an hour, and Annie’s going to take us all shopping! You’re holding up the procession, mister, and unless you want five witches mad enough to jinx, you’ll be out and dressed in ten minutes!”
Harry sighed. Shopping had never exactly high on his priority list, but five angry witches sounded like even less fun. He called through the steamed over shower stall door.
“Okay, Hermione, I’ll hurry. Mind closing the door so I don’t freeze?”
“Oops, sorry. Come on, we don’t want to be late!” And with that, she was gone, leaving a soapy and slightly defeated wizard in her wake. The fact he was shaking his head and chuckling as he rinsed didn’t change that defeat one bit.
Fifteen minutes found Harry in a battered pair of jeans, tshirt a size too big, and worn out pair of sneakers, standing at the driveway of the Magical White House, while he calmly wolfed a cheese Danish as he blithely stared down five impatient witches. He took a sip from his coffee cup, made a face, and looked over at Ron and Neville, who both looked as if they’d lost a bet.
“What’s up, guys?” Neville answered for them both.
“We lost a bet. If you had made it downstairs 5 minutes later, we would have been able to leave the girls, and go sightseeing. You had to be reasonably prompt, however, and so now we’re all heading to this “mall” thing. I fail to understand why our presence is requested, though.” Harry just laughed.
“Nev, didn’t you know there’s only two reasons a girl wants a guy to go shopping with her? She either needs someone to carry stuff, she wants to dress him, or both. I suspect today, we are cart horses for these ladies.” The conversation drew to an abrupt close as the oversized automobile rolled up in front of them, and Marshall Oakely stepped out from the driver’s side. Walking around the vehicle, she couldn’t help but smile at the hanging jaws of several of the students, and laugh when Daphne pointed a finger at the four wheeled behemoth and asked tremulously; “What is that?”
“This, Miss Greengrass, is your transport today, it is referred to as a “Suburban”, a type of vehicle that holds 10 people easily along with their purchases, and provides a comfortable driving environment for large groups. While we apparate, floo, and use brooms here in the States, most of us also have drivers’ licenses as well, because travelling with muggles requires it. It’s also fun, because driving lets you see the world going by, and that’s why we’re using it today. Everyone hop in, and we’ll give you the nickel tour!”
The trip took about an hour, with Oakely acting as tour guide and genial host. Pointing out landmarks and points of interest as she confidently navigated the roadways, it seemed to the young people that they had barely gotten underway when the Marshall steered the oversized wagon into a parking space and said brightly “Here we are.”
Piling out, the teenagers simply stared at the edifice before them. Stretching as far as the eye could see in either direction, the building was three stories high, and had signs for different stores in lighted lettering spaced down the walls. The Marshall led them towards glass double doors that seemed randomly placed, while brightly announcing: “Cherry Creek Mall, one of the bigger shopping destinations in Denver. While most of the stores here are muggle based and directed, magical folk shop those as well, since fashion is fashion.” This was said with a smile towards the witches present. To the wizards, she then turned and grinned.
“I’m not sure if the ladies told any of you gentlemen, but this mall also has the biggest and most complete Quidditch shop in 5 states. I picked this mall, thinking you and Ron might like taking a look in there, Harry.”
Ron and Harry both looked like Christmas had just come early, Neville and the girls simply smirked, and with a brief instruction on the per diem the students discovered the Department of Magic was providing them, along with instruction in the use of the credit cards each youth was then handed, the kids were turned loose on the candy store.
Three hours later, everyone had gathered at a restaurant located in the mall, had plowed through lunch, and between bites of the desserts Oakely had assured them the place was famous for, were recounting adventures in muggle shopping. Harry and Hermione had been in shops like these before, but this had been the first time for everyone else, and confusion had early on been the order of the day. It was while Hermione was telling the group about Hannah’s struggles to understand the concept of “off the rack”, that their worldview shifted dramatically.
The doors to the restaurant were blown open by a small explosion, and 10 masked figures in capes tore inside, blasting curses and hexes indiscriminately. “Everyone down!” Oakely and Harry screamed almost in unison, and wands all came out while Harry peeked over the table to see how bad the fight was going to be, when he saw it.
The Death eaters had made it almost to the middle of the restaurant, and were looking very satisfied at the terror they were causing. One called out “Find Potter, the Dark Lord wants him alive, but kill the rest!” At that moment, Harry heard a voice call “NOW!”, the room was bathed in a flood of sickly green light as 30 spells hit the gathered attackers. He watched eight go down instantly, the only two still standing having been in the middle of the group. Their good fortune at surviving the initial onslaught was short lived, as Harry heard Earp call out “Secure the area!” Wondering how the Marshall had gotten there was forgotten when one of the surviving Death Eaters decided he wasn’t going down without a fight, but had barely managed to raise his wand before three cutting curses liberated him from his head in a shower of blood.
This had the expected effect on the lone surviving attacker, as he dropped his wand, raised his hands, and waited for the Marshalls to reach him. Oakely was first, with Earp and Bonney standing right behind her. Oakely took charge of the interview.
“Well sir, and who might you be?” She lifted the mask, and none of the students, who had all by now come over to see the aftermath, were surprised.
“That’s Lucius Malfoy, Annie.” Ron said. “Long suspected to be a member of Voldemort’s inner circle, and Father of one of biggest gits Hogwarts has ever seen. Look on his arm, you’ll see the mark of the Dark Lord.” Oakely raised the sleeve, as Malfoy sneered.
“Potter, I do hope you enjoy your brief vacation, but my Lord is expecting your presence as quickly as possible. I’m sure that you understand we’ll be expediting his pleasure-“ He never saw the slap coming, but the look on Oakely’s face after she’d struck him did something no one since the Dark Lord had accomplished in years. Lucius Malfoy was frightened, because this woman was in no way frightened of him.
“Lucius Malfoy,” Oakely seethed at him, “You and your associates have just committed an attack on American citizens and guests of the United States Government on United States soil. That is officially an act of war. As such, you and all other members of your group are classified as enemy combatants and are subject to being shot on sight. If anyone wearing this mark,” she squeezed the Death Eater mark until he winced, “Is seen inside American borders, they will be killed. You are the one person we are exempting from that declaration, because we want you to return to Master with this message.”
With that Marshall Annie Oakely became the hero of all eight of her charges, as she pointed her wand south on the Death Eater, viciously whispered a curse, and held her now full hand in front of the screaming wizard.
“As you are aware, Mister Malfoy, these are your nuts. You may take them with you, and you might even be lucky enough to get them reattached. But you be sure to tell everyone in your bunch that we cut your nuts off, and if anyone else tries to attack these kids, they will not only be cut off, we’re going to make sure they choke to death on them. Leave the United States and its’ friends alone, Death Eater. That is your only warning.” At this, she turned towards a couple of younger Marshalls that Hermione had seen earlier while shopping, but had thought were just a young couple window shopping together.
“Get a portkey attached to him, and send him back to England. I don’t like watching grown men cry.” With that, the newly eunuched Malfoy was drug from the restaurant. Oakely looked at the young students and grinned.

“Who wants to go to the zoo?”