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Crime is of the Essence	By : K8BNimble Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > Slash - Male/Male Views: 6594 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or BBC’s Sherlock nor do I make money from this. I just like playing with them. Harry Potter is owned by owned by JK Rowling, Scholastic and Warner Brothers & BBC’s Sherlock is owned by, well, the BBC

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
And I still don’t own either Harry Potter or BBC’s Sherlock. I also make no money on this either….

Story note: The year is 2018. It’s canon until the Epilogue. Harry never married. Ron and Hermione had Rose and Hugo earlier than indicated in the books so that they are older in this story. Rose was born in 2002 and Hugo in 2005. Other minor modifications made without notice probably!
Reminder:The Sherlock in this story is from BBC's Sherlock which is set in contemporary times. This IS NOT Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock nor any traditional versions as portrayed by Jeremy Brett or any other actor. This is Sherlock as portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. You do not need to have seen the BBC series to follow this story.

Special thanks to NambaWann, lorystar7, carolinelamb and reichan3586 for their help on the German translation. If I messed it up, it’s completely my fault.
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Crime is of the Essence

Chapter 13 – The Ball
Sherlock and Severus arrived together at the Ball. Since it was mostly a couple’s event, they didn’t want to stand out, but Harry thought they did anyway. He hoped they would dance at least once. The image of the two gangly men trying to lead each other made Harry snort out loud, much to the dismay of Georgia Beecock, an elderly woman with more money than style. She had been droning on for five minutes about her latest knitting project.
Harry had spent the first hour in the front lobby with the press and the public. He did this for the people that could not afford the tickets to the fundraiser proper. His eyes were almost blinded from all the camera flashes. He kissed babies, talked to kids (his favorite part), and listened to both praise and condemnation from their parents. Not everyone was a fan after all. Rita Skeeter managed to get him to promise a dance to her later. His dance card was a complete nightmare but it would be up to Justin to manage it. It was all for a good cause though, Harry reminded himself, but he was pleased that the first part of the evening was over.
The Ball itself was held in the Atrium. The dancing was held in the center and the rest overflowed into the connecting halls. Harry was glad at least they stopped decorating the place with large elaborate portraits of the “heroes” of the war ten years prior. Tonight, it was tastefully decorated and a small orchestra provided soft background music.
Harry was watching Sherlock and Severus circle the room. They both looked very handsome. Severus wore formal Wizarding robes in a solid black with a wine red silk shirt underneath that peeped out above the collar and below his robe sleeves. He had donned small square-rimmed black glasses which emphasized his “smaller” nose. Harry thought he looked distinguished.
Sherlock also wore black but he was in a traditional Muggle suit except for the long tails. The style was all the rage at the moment. Under the suit he wore a dark purple shirt with a black tie. His normally dark brown curly hair was now a short blond buzz-cut. The glamour Kingsley cast on him had widened Sherlock’s jawline, but shortened the length of his face. If Harry looked carefully, he could see the face he knew so well, but only because he already knew it was Sherlock. That was the only issue with glamours. If someone knew it was you, they could see right through it.
He was admiring them from across the fountain when he caught Severus’ eye. He saw Severus’ nudge Sherlock to indicate where Harry was. His <i>‘guards’ </i>were now on alert. Kingsley came up behind Harry with Farily Squaggles on his arm.
“Harry, I’d like to introduce you to Ambassador Squaggles,” he said.
Harry held out his hand to shake hers. “It’s nice to meet you, Ambassador.”
“Please, call me Farily. I’m quite honored to finally meet ‘The Chosen One’. I feel like I know you so well.” The title made Harry almost visibly wince. He hated it but she had such a genuine warmth to her voice, he couldn’t really mind it. “You’re even more handsome in person,” she added with broad smile.
Harry saw Kingsley give the signal to the orchestra to start the first dance and understood he was to open the dance with the Ambassador on his arm. The gentle swells of a Mozart minuet began and Harry held out his arm to the older woman. She was very elegant as she took his arm and walked onto the dance floor. Harry’s dance lessons from years ago kicked in. He was still not a terrific dancer, but he also no longer embarrassed himself or injured others. Kingsley had insisted on lessons after the first anniversary Ball when he had managed to step on at least a third of the guests’ feet. Now, Harry could now dance the Viennese and English Waltzes as well as the Foxtrot. He could even Tango and Salsa given enough Firewhiskey and a charm on his shoes so he didn’t trip over his own feet.
Fortunately, it never took more than thirty seconds for other couples to join the opening dancers on the floor and soon Harry and his partner were just part of the crowd.
“Mr. Potter, I am so happy that your story is going to help bring Wizards and Muggles together at last,” she said.
Harry looked at her in confusion. “What do you mean?”
She stared at him. “Oh dear, you mean no one has told you?” Harry had a bad feeling about this.
“Told me what?”
“Well, I guess I may as well be the one to inform you since I’ll be writing it. The Ministry and I have been discussing how we could best introduce our world to Muggles. As you’ve been heard to express, and rightly so, Muggles may not accept us at first. So after much consideration, we decided the first story to share with them is yours: A Wizard who spent the first years of his life among Muggles and then became the Savior of the Wizarding World.”
Harry’s stomach sank. There were already several biographies of him out, none of them remotely factual.
“You said you were writing this biography?”
“It’s not a biography. We think the best way to introduce Wizards to Muggles is by seeing how they react to your story, but it will be positioned as a fictional children’s tale. I will be assuming a Muggle identity and author the novels. It won’t be entirely fact-based as I’ll have to exaggerate some details in order to make the story cohesive but I hope I can count on your support to be sure the important things are correct?”
As horrible an idea as Harry thought this was, it would be the first time any author ever bothered to ask his opinion. He was sure some official would make him participate so he just nodded slightly. He wanted to throw a tantrum, but he would do so in the morning to Kingsley who would probably tell him he sympathized but that Harry had no choice. Harry could either help or not, but the project would move forward if the Minister wanted it to.
He was relieved when the song ended and his next partner stepped onto the floor. He stayed alert but saw no unusual guests arriving. He saw Ambassador Squaggles dancing with Ron. He wondered how Ron would take the news of the impending book. Ron didn’t seem particularly upset, but then he was more even tempered than Harry was these days. He was also far more graceful on the dance floor. Harry wondered if Hermione minded not coming. Ron and she always looked so nice dancing together.

* * * * *

“Mr. Potter, would you consider coming to the opening of our new Art Center for children?” partner number three, Mallorei Castus, asked.

* * * * *

“I saw you on the telly this morning,” partner number five said. She was an old woman whose name Harry couldn’t remember.

* * * * *

“You haven’t been in for awhile, Harry,” partner number eight, Tidus from the Ministry salon remarked. “I hope it wasn’t something I said.”
“Of course not, Tidus. I’ve been travelling. This is your first Ball, is it not?” Harry asked. He felt odd dancing with co-workers or other Ministry employees, but a number of them always lined up. He looked over at the wall and saw Severus and Sherlock standing side-by-side like mannequins, staring at him. He would need to go talk with them.
“Yes, it is. It’s quite lovely. You must enjoy all the attention,” he said. Harry noticed him looking at the line of people waiting to dance with Harry.
“Not really,” Harry answered. “I’m more of a private person.”
“Too bad. I think it would be nice to have everyone know who you are and to use your celebrity for a good cause,” the man said. Harry thought people who didn’t have to deal with fame always underestimated its impact on your life.

* * * * *

Partner number twelve never said a word. She just shook nervously and sweated in Harry’s hands.

* * * * *

“Anything?” Harry asked Ron as they took their spin. Loads of camera flashes went off. The press still liked to take photos of the “Heroes” together.
“No,” Ron answered. “But Draco is driving me mad. He made me put an Auscultarepod on and has eavesdropped every conversation. I’ll never live down Francis Mangscatcher asking if I’d sign her tit. He’s threatened to tell Hermione and I didn’t even do it!”
“That’s a good idea, actually,” Harry said, mulling it over.
“Are you mad? Hermione would kill me if I touched another bird’s boob!” Ron said wide-eyed.
“I meant the bug, not signing some girl’s chest,” Harry answered with a laugh. “I should have thought of that.” Seeing Ron’s look, Harry added, “Again, I’m referring to the bug.”
“I’d give you mine, but you know they stick to you for eight hours before they die and fall off. Gives me the creeps knowing Draco might hear me taking a piss.” Ron shuddered. “I’ve been holding it for an hour.”
“Draco’s strictly heterosexual, Ron,” Harry said.
“You know that’s not what I meant. I wouldn’t give a care if it was you,” Ron replied. “I just imagine he’ll make snarky remarks about how us Weasleys can’t even take a proper piss or some shite like that,” he groused.
Lavender Brown tapped on Harry’s shoulder and pushed him out of the way to get into Ron’s arms. Ron grimaced as Harry stepped off to get a drink. Harry shrugged his shoulders. Ron had his own share of screaming fangirls. He thought it would be a good time to visit Sherlock and Severus who were most noticeably not dancing. He shook a few hands along the way.
“You might want to mingle a bit. You stick out,” Harry whispered as he reached them.
“I do not ‘mingle’,” Severus stated.
“I can see that. And neither does Sherlock.” The tall man raised an eyebrow that matched Severus’. Harry shook his head. They were more alike than they would ever admit. No wonder they didn’t seem to like each other. He continued to needle them, “And you are not talking to each other either. It’s obvious you’re either a couple in the middle of a huge fight, you’re my private bodyguards or maybe crazed stalker fans. Anyone watching would have to be an idiot to try to do something with the way the two of you have been staring at me all night. We have to give the suspects an opening if we’re going to learn anything. Sherlock, go say ‘hello’ to Draco. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you listen in on Ron’s conversations since he’s bugged him.”
Instead of listening to Harry’s suggestion, Sherlock grabbed Harry’s hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. Harry saw Justin’s annoyed expression at the disruption to his schedule. Harry also saw the incensed look on Severus’ face.
Sherlock and he danced for a bit. Harry felt odd having Sherlock back in his arms. It was nice but somewhat anti-climactic. He heard Sherlock whisper, “You forgot something.”
Harry felt Sherlock’s hands reach into his robes and inside his pants pocket in an almost obscene way. “What are you doing?” He grabbed Sherlock’s hand before it got too far in. He felt something hard, there.
“Shush. Take it,” Sherlock said.
At that, Harry looked up as Severus stalked up behind Sherlock and grabbed his arm. Severus’ face was flushed red in irritation. He looked like an outraged lover. Harry hoped people would assume it was Sherlock that Severus was reacting to.
“Don’t,” Harry warned.
Severus glared at the both of them.
“It’s not what you think. Trust me,” Harry said.
“Fine. But I believe this is my dance, Harry.” Severus allowed Sherlock to pull his own hand out of Harry’s robe but very furtively pushed Sherlock to the side and pulled Harry tight against him to dance. Harry noticed that Justin glowered even harder at him.
“Severus, he just…” Harry began.
“You do not need to explain. I do not wish to discuss him right now. I wish to dance with you. May I lead?” Harry often had to take the first few steps to figure out who was leading when he danced with other men, but no one ever thought to ask him. He nodded. And with that, Severus began dancing. Harry had never had such a graceful dance partner. Severus led him confidently around the dance floor. He didn’t attempt any overly complicated moves. He also didn’t try to spin him endlessly as most bad dancers did when they didn’t know what else to do with their partner. He just led Harry effortlessly around the dance floor.
Harry lost himself in Severus’ eyes and the warmth of his long, lean body. The two of them seemed alone, even in this crowd. Harry found he wished he could dance more than once a year if he had a dance partner like Severus.
The music stopped and Severus was about to say something when Lucius Malfoy came up and tapped him on the shoulder. Harry’s stomach curled.
“I believe I am next, Mr. Potter. I must say, your dancing has improved greatly. Or is it just your partner?” Lucius gazed at Severus studiously. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” he held out his hand to Severus. “Lucius Malfoy.”
Severus stared at him but didn’t answer. Harry stepped in. “This is Evan Kornavich. He’s from Berlin.”
Lucius turned to Severus and said, “Guten Abend! Ich nehme an, dass Sie Ihren Aufenthalt hier genießen. Obwohl Sie ein sehr talentierter Tänzer sind, möchte ich Sie bitten, die Tanzfläche zu verlassen, da es jetzt an mir ist, mit dem Jungen zu tanzen! Wenn ich bemerken sollte, dass Sie den Jungen weiterhin mit Ihren Blicken belästigen, steche ich Ihnen mit meinem Zauberstab die Augen aus. Ach ja, es war nett Ihnen begegnet zu sein. Haben Sie einen angenehmen Abend!”*
Harry watched as Severus paled at Lucius Malfoy’s words. Harry didn’t understand German so he wondered what the arrogant prat had said. Severus bowed to Harry and said in an unsteady tone, “It’s been a pleasure, sir.” The man walked off the floor leaving Harry concerned.
“What did you say, Malfoy?” Harry turned on the aristocratic blond who was eyeing him coolly.
“I merely welcomed him to our country and reminded him that you are one of our National Treasures. That boorish man has been gaping at you all evening. I didn’t want him getting any ideas.”
“So you were what, protecting my virtue? That’s a laugh,” Harry replied nastily.
“So ungracious, Harry. Now, I believe it’s my turn to dance with the ‘Belle of the Ball’ so to speak.” He held out his arms and Harry unwillingly stepped into them.
They took a few spins in silence before Lucius leaned in quietly and whispered into Harry’s ear, “I believe you are in danger.”
Harry head shot back and he looked at Lucius appraisingly. “What?”
“Don’t be so obvious. You are being watched.”
“What makes you think that?”
“What do you know about the Ministry barber?”
“Who? Tidus?”
“I overheard him talking to someone I couldn’t see. He asked this man if Rose was secure. The man must have nodded because I heard Tidus say, and these are his exact words, ‘Good. That should make Potter willing to cooperate.’ Isn’t Rose the name of the female spawn of the youngest Weasley male?” Lucius asked.
Harry’s knees went a bit weak. What did he know about Tidus? The man had started six months ago. Harry assumed he had gone through the same, careful background checks that W.R. did on all prospective employees. What if it was an inside job?
He was about to reply when a young, pretty woman tapped on Lucius’ shoulder.
“It’s my turn,” she said, rudely. Harry backed off and looked at her. Another Witch he should know. She looked about 18. She was dressed very fashionably but her eyes looked slightly red and watery. He wondered if she was on Rapturous. That was one of the tell-tale signs.
“Could I dance the next song with you?” Harry asked. “I need to get a drink.” He really needed to find Kingsley and Ron. If Rose was in danger, they had to find her.
“No!” she yelled. “This is my favorite song and I want to dance to it, now.” She insisted with a stamp of her foot. Harry finally recollected that this was the daughter of the Ministry of Magic for France. He’d heard she was a bit of a handful. Since he didn’t want to start any international incidents, he acquiesced. He wondered where the lavishly adorned crup she had in her arms as a fashion accessory earlier this evening had gotten to.
Harry looked at Lucius, pleadingly.
Lucius smirked. “It’s all right, my dear. I need to speak with Kingsley Shacklebolt.” He nodded at Harry and Harry breathed a sigh of relief that Lucius understood what Harry had wanted. He would join them in a few minutes to make plans. He looked around for Sherlock and Severus. Severus was sitting in the corner still looking pale and pained. He couldn’t see Sherlock at all.
As the girl danced, she said, “I’m sorry. I was told I had to dance with you now. I have a message someone asked me to pass on or they would hurt my Lovikins.” Harry blinked at her. She whispered, “My baby. Oh Merlin, what if they hurt her?” She looked like she was about to cry. He realized she was talking about her pampered pet crup.
“It’s ok. Just give me the message,” he reassured her.
“Um, ok…it’s ‘Harry Potter needs to take a short break in the Wizards Wash on the fifth floor after this song ends or his hothouse flower will wilt.’ What does that mean?” she asked.
“Never mind. Who gave you this message?”
“I’m not supposed to say. They’re listening.” Harry was disappointed but saw she was making frantic movements with her eyes and eyebrows and realized she was trying to indicate who it was. He was impressed she had the presence of mind to do that considering how hard she was trembling.
There were of course a number of Witches and Wizards in the area she was indicating, but he noticed Tidus looking straight at him. The man turned and began walking out of the dance area and into the long corridor that would lead to the lifts.
“I’m also supposed to tell you that you can’t tell anyone either,” she whispered. “They’ll know if you do.”
“Thank you. I’ll handle it from here.” He turned to leave her when she grabbed his arm and whispered, “Be careful.”

* * * * *

As he walked, he fumbled with the device in his pocket that Sherlock had shoved there earlier. Since he knew he was being watched, he couldn’t pull it out. He touched his wand and pointed it at the device and hoped his aim was good. The possibility of misfiring a shrinking charm aimed at something near his privates would give any man pause.
He wasn’t sure if he was bugged or if they were using some kind of extendable ears to spy on him so he thought it prudent not to say anything out loud. He knew Severus had seen him leave and was discreetly following him. Once a spy, always a spy, Harry thought. The man was good. He wondered where the other Aurors were that were supposed to be guarding him.

* * * * *

Once in the bathroom, Tidus was already waiting for him along with another Wizard that Harry didn’t recognize.
“Ah, Harry Potter. I’m so glad you got my message and decided to join me,” Tidus greeted him in a friendly voice that grated on Harry’s nerves.
“How could I refuse?” Harry glared. He’d hardly ever had any interaction with him with the exception of a few haircuts. “So, I imagine you’re replacing me as we speak. You just need the real me out of the way, is that it? So who is it? The Ambassador?”
“Ah, well you always were a clever boy, weren’t you? I assume my boss is taking care of her as we speak.”
“Your boss? So you’re not behind this?” Harry was calculating frantically. He couldn’t just take Tidus and his goons out. His boss could injure Rose.
“Not entirely. Let’s say this is a joint venture. A partnership, if you will, in which we both have reasons to need you.”
“Me? So why involve Rose? You haven’t hurt her, have you?”
“No, she’s safe for now. To be honest, I would prefer to not to have to hurt her. As long as you cooperate, she’ll be fine.”
A third Wizard entered the room. Harry’s heart skipped a beat in expectation, but it seemed as if this was one of Tidus’ men.
“His guard dogs?” Tidus asked the man.
“They’re out,” the man replied in a thick Cockney accent that Harry recognized from the recording.
Harry hoped Severus was unharmed. He realized it meant he was on his own for now. “What do you want from me?” he asked Tidus.
“First, your wand, Harry.” Harry reached in and pulled out the wand that everyone knew he carried.
Tidus took it from him and handed it to the most recent arrival. “Take this to ‘You-Know-Who’.” The man grunted and left. Harry sincerely hoped the name referred to a generic criminal and not that Voldemort had returned again.
He also hoped Tidus wouldn’t suspect that Harry carried a back-up wand. Luck was with him as Tidus turned and placed his hand on Harry’s arm and touched a small medallion with his other hand. “Good. Now then, I need you to come with me. We’re going to take a little trip.” The other goon latched on and they Portkeyed out of the Ministry.
Harry wondered who had authorized a Portkey that worked in the Ministry. Tidus would never have the authority to do that so it must have been his boss. This was an inside job.

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*German translation: “Hello. I do hope you’re enjoying your visit. You are an excellent dancer but it’s my turn with the boy so please remove yourself from the dance floor. And if I see you gawking at him any more, I shall gouge your eyes out with my wand. It’s been so nice to meet you. Do enjoy the rest of your evening.”
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Crime is of the Essence