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Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34417 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or films. I do not make any money from the writing of this story, just enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 77
- 78
- 79
[Note: conversation =: “speech” & ‘thoughts’ & *telepathy* & #Parseltongue# & {telephone}]
[Tarn is the north country word for a small lake, fell is also a word for a small mountain]
~~~ WATER WARDS ~~~
Thursday had the Blakes connecting the Scottish domiciles to Hogwarts and then Myddlegarth Hall, by special request of Henry, Justin’s father. Hermione and Katie had another chore; it was even easier than connecting separate establishments. They wanted daffodils connecting at each portal establishment. Because the portals disregarded space, so the daffodils could be directly connected. It also meant that the Scottish families could order items from Diagon Alley without actually going there. Kreacher found a few ‘messenger-elves’ one he attached to the WWW establishment, one he added to the Harco establishment and one for Hogwarts. Between them they went shopping as necessary and manned the ‘flower exchange’ at in the Bothy at Chantry Cottage.
On Friday it was raining and blowing, an ideal time for sorting out their study. Well, they started, and then found books they had intended to read. The engrossed booklovers forgot about the unwelcome chore.
They managed to forget it the following day too, because Audrey became Mrs Percy Weasley that afternoon and the celebrations lasted well into the evening.
As usual, the Dumbledorians came to the Saint Godric’s service and attended the Sunday lunch, coming back to the cottage to relax in the afternoon. There was an amount of general euphoria because they had received their exam results. Draco’ Harry and Hermione had ‘O’s for their tutoring course, as had Pullet and Phealey who also had ‘O’s for Potions and DADA. Draco and Harry were satisfied with ‘E’s in their other two subjects. Draco was very pleased to have had three of his experimental potions accepted as original by the Guild of Potioneers, a step in his aim for their recognition. Harry had been examined in further DADA and because of passing Augusta’s course was now qualified as an instructor up to Auror standards. For Harry, a further year’s studies would gain him his cornet’s rank – enough to be a properly qualified teacher in the eyes of the Ministry. They both agreed that Harry would try for his sergeant’s degree – that would entail at least another year’s study. For Draco the equivalents were being accepted as a member and, later on, as a companion of the Guild of Potioneers.
Into the rejoicing came a new elf, urgently enquiring for Harry.
“I’m Harry, who are you?”
“I’m Leery, Master, one of your messenger-elves here on daffodil duty. Mistress Augusta is asking for assistance. She and Mistress Griselda are besieged at Longbottom Mill.”
“Thanks, we’ll come and talk to her.” Harry grabbed Draco and found Neville; they went to the study.
“Hello Gran, how are things?”
{The wards are holding, the satraps tried the destructive hex, one of them was severely burnt when it rebounded. It looked like Glanville D’Arcy Gulbenkian, but I’m sure he’s a special Auror.}
“I think that confirms what we heard, Gran. He was suspected of defecting.”
{Mmm … He always had a very flamboyant lifestyle … I expect he borrowed from the wrong people.}
“Perhaps he sold that ward-breaking curse that we recently warded against, Gran.”
{So you have a high security rating too.}
“Um … Yes … Quite recently … However, what help do you require?”
{Some fresh food, especially milk; my grandson knows how to get in, although he thinks I don’t know of his escapades. As a precaution I have blocked all the cabinets.}
Harry ignored Neville’s nervous giggle, continuing: “Would you like us to get rid of the Satraps too?”
{The provisions are more important. They’re like so many wasps around a jam-pot; not much trouble unless you annoy them. Oh … Except when Draco’s father starts shouting about starving us out.}
“Fine … Do you have a list of what you need?”
{Yes, Catchpole, my reeve, has it.}
Pop, Kreacher appeared: “I’ll take down the list, Master. You organise the troops.”
Draco bristled: *He’s ordering us around*.
*So? It’s a reasonable division of labour. Let’s do as he suggests*.
*But … But …*
*… Malfoy, your pure-blood prejudice is getting in the way*.
*I suppose it is, sorry … Let’s go*.
They went upstairs to chat with their friends. The consensus agreed that the provisions were the most important, but also felt that some show of ousting the entrenched satraps ought to be made.
“Do you remember how we discommoded the Pink Toad?”
“Fireworks and a swamp!”
“Please guys,” Neville pleaded: “No swamp, there’s already enough water at my home.”
“We’ll go and get some ammunition,” so saying, George, Lee and Percy ported off to WWW.
“Why the water remark, Neville?”
“Longbottom Mill was worked by waterwheels, Draco. Although the wheels have gone all the leats that powered them are still there. By using a canoe or two I think we can get in unobserved. It may be a bit of a squeeze, but we should get through. I was not sure that Gran knew about the tunnel. I used to use it to hide in when she was in an organising mood; if you know what I mean?”
“Oh yes. I used to hide in a small summerhouse at the Manor when Father was being regimental. Hmm … Won’t the canoe be at the wrong end of the tunnel?”
Pop: “Not needed Master Draco. Are these the right size Master Neville, they look a bit small.” Pullet showed Neville a sort of canvas bag with a frame inside.
Neville had one opened up in the pool and he very carefully got in. There were three inches of freeboard.
“I’m about the biggest and tallest, so you others shouldn’t get wet. Even so let’s have the lightest mages. Seamus, Draco and Dean will you be part of my flotilla, Pullet and Phealey would you take the fifth canoe please?”
They had a practice or two, not only in paddling the flimsy craft, but also in erecting and collapsing them. This had to be done manually because there were no charms yet invented. Hermione wanted to experiment, but the boys thought that there was insufficient time and out-voted her. By the end of the practice the WWW mages had returned and were instructing their mates how to aim and set the Wildfire Whizz-bangs off.
“We have adjusted some of their attributes. These are the ones the Aurors sometimes order,” explained George: “Don’t go downwind of them if you can help it. The smoke temporarily confuses those that breathe it in. The after-effects last for about an hour, then you become rational and fairly angry, so the Aurors say. But that could be the fact that you’ve been caught doing something naughty and been arrested, too. It’s best to have a wetted hanky with you; that should keep most of the smoke out of your lungs.”
“We are not apparating directly to my home,” said Neville: “We’re going to mass-app to Wye-fell Tarn. It’s on the other side of Withy Fell to my home. The boaters will use the water tunnel and Ron will organise the rest of us. Draco and Harry will keep in touch so that we can co-ordinate the lifting of the siege.” Neville was pointing to a map whilst he spoke.
Ronald then went to the map and pointed out various pieces of high ground behind which they hoped to be concealed until he gave the order to release the whizz-bangs. He emphasised that the members were not to engage the fleeing satraps; only gather up the confused ones.
He ended with: “As we four are now special constables, we will officially make the arrests even if you catch them first … That keeps us within the law. Don’t forget to take your broomsticks with you.”
The aftermath of the mass-app was less confusing and it took only five minutes to recover. Harry put on his cloak of invisibility and went for a broomstick ride. It took two sorties to fill in all the locations where the besieging satraps were ensconced. Bearing in mind the wind direction, Ronald took a further quarter of an hour to work out where his troops should be concealed. Meanwhile Neville had led his little party down to the tarn and erected the canvas canoes.
The tunnel entrance was hidden beneath a weeping willow. Luckily the channel was straight and only quarter of a mile long. He had explained that they could drift with the current and it was more a matter of silently fending off the walls. They were not to use any form of light in case the satraps saw it, nor were they to speak because the tunnel magnified the sounds.
There were a couple of places where they had to duck under pieces of the rock ceiling and three where it was very narrow – half an inch clearance on either side – not that there was more than six inches at the broadest. The place where they had to be most careful was where the tunnel ceased at the sluice head. There was another weeping willow, but there was quite a possibility that the satraps might see rapid actions through the light screen of leaves.
It was like a slow-motion picture. Once there, Neville carefully handed himself along by the wall and then had to extricate himself from the canoe onto a small landing-stage. Not the easiest of things to do slowly. He managed to soak one trouser leg to the knee in getting out. The others had a hard time stifling their giggles. Seamus was second with no wetness, Dean followed on, obtaining a shoe full of water. Draco was next; he managed to tip himself into the water with a splosh. They all froze hoping that this had not alerted the attackers. Luckily the invaders ears were used to the splashing of the overflows and took little notice. Draco was shivering by the time the boat-party thought it was safe to move again and rescue him. Pullet and Phealey were the lightest and made a perfect landing, bringing with them the miniaturised provisions.
“How did you get here?” Augusta asked.
“The mill leat from Wye-fell Tarn, Gran.”
“I wasn’t sure that it was still open. However; welcome to Longbottom Mill everyone. Neville, take Draco to the bathroom and wrap him in towels once he’s undressed. Then take him to the boiler room.”
“In a minute, Gran; I must tell Harry we’ve arrived and are inside the wards.”
“I’ll show Gran and Ms Marchbanks the charms and hexes we thought to use,” volunteered Dean.
*Harry*?
*Yes*?
*We’re inside the wards. Can you hold off for a few minutes – I fell in*. Draco could feel Harry chuckling.
*No probs, we’re not fully deployed yet. Ron thinks about ten minutes. S’that enough time*?
*I should think so, I’m getting undressed and Nev’s found me two enormous bath towels*.
Five minutes later Draco entered the stiflingly hot boiler room. In another five minutes he was wearing a dry bath towel, rather like a roman senator, and ready to perform his part in the lifting of the siege.
The insiders started a bewitchment that looked like the house catching fire and slowly spreading.
“Keep a sharp lookout,” came the augmented voice of Malfoy senior: “They’ll try and escape and I want them as hostages.”
This is what Ronald had planned; every satrap’s eye was trained on the house. That gave the rescuers time to rise from concealment and aim their whizz-bangs without being noticed.
*We’re ready, Draco*.
*Very good I’ll cast the fire repellent charm on the tholus … … … It’s done*!
The fake inferno inside the dome disappeared to be replaced with a real inferno outside. Vanishing hexes only multiplied the effectiveness of the fireworks, as had Umbridge’s various other defensive charms. The rescuers stayed well away from the confused mass of satraps, rockets, Catherine-wheels and bangers which soon led to a disorganised retreat led by Lucius with a fire-dragon snapping at his bristles.
There was a reasonable wind blowing so, starting at the windward edge of the battle zone, wet handkerchiefs held over their noses, the victors rounded up the confused vanquished satraps. Harry, Hermione and Ronald set up and official looking rostrum and issued certificates of arrest for the six prisoners. Once the preliminary paperwork was completed the slightly confused prisoners were encapsulated and sent off to the Auror reception centre.
Meanwhile Draco was at the floo: “Is Auror Mackenzie there?”
{Who wants him?} the duty Auror sounded bored.
“Special Constable Malfoy-Snape.”
{Who? Malfoy-Snape did you say?} the Auror enquired suspiciously.
“Yes, classification twenty-one.”
{Merlin, that’s top secret … Erm … I’ll go and get him, Sir.}
Draco chuckled at the change in the duty Auror’s attitude.
{Hi Draco, I see you’ve been pulling rank; just like your father used to. I hope it was worth it.}
“Hello Mac, yes. We’re sending you six encapsulated satraps plus their arrest records. They were besieging Longbottom Mill with Gran and Griselda Marchbanks inside; they say they’ll send their depositions tomorrow.”
{Have the other satraps dispersed?}
“We used whizz-bangs. Those on broomsticks were being pursued by fire-dragons. My father had a gorgeous gold and purple one chomping at his bristles.”
{My, my; they were obviously serious. S’not often his nibs personally supervises the raids.}
“He wanted them as hostages, we think. It’s all in the arrest records. By the way, Glanville D’Arcy Gulbenkian is among the prisoners, he’ll need the attention of a medi-mage. He tried the ward bursting hex that we recently warded against. He still looked surprised even after he had come-round. The others all had lungsful of whizz-bang smoke. We had to wait until they were reasonably compos-mentis.”
{We’ll have to find out whether he had defected or was coerced.}
“Knowing him he’ll say he was kidnapped.”
{Mmm … Even then he won’t become a twenty-one again. He’ll probably have to receive the attentions of the Oblivators. Ah, I can hear your prisoners arriving now … Must go, bye!}
“Goodbye!”
After making sure Augusta and Griselda were okay the Dumbledorians ported back to the cottage once Gran had lifted the blocking charm.
“Thanks for connecting her, Guys. It was just in time.”
“You should really thank Herms and Katie for their research, we just applied it.”
Neville went to each girl in turn and effusively hugged them; saying thank you more than once.
“And I thought I had no rivals,” Hannah stood hands on hips, scowling.
“I think I have first call on Katie’s affections, Hannah,” remarked Oliver, smilingly. That got him a secret wink from Hannah, and he understood.
Ronald also saw the wink: “Herms, you belong to me. Put her down Nev.”
Neville looked round with a slightly alarmed visage. The company chuckled and Neville joined in. From then on the usual happy atmosphere pertained.
###
On Monday Harry and Draco went to check and repair the wards at Longbottom Mill stopping over for lunch when they had finished. Griselda borrowed a medallion and ported with them back to the cottage and onwards to Number Twelve. The Blakes decided to stay there for the night.
*We could hardly refuse the Examiner in Chief, could we*? sent Harry, when Draco quizzed him about it: *She suffered for her opposition to Voldie just as much as many upright mages did*.
*It took a deal of courage to resign when she did with Voldie in the ascendant, I suppose*.
*She had to go into hiding for a time, as did quite a few Dumbledorians*.
*Very well, point taken*.
They went to sleep; having mentally discussed the other events of the two days.
###
Tuesday morning, they went to look around Number Twelve and see how Kreacher had adapted the attics into reasonable elf quarters. Seamus had found him some leprechaun toilets and basins. Many of the displaced elves were in awe at the facilities.
*Despite my father’s beating them, our elves had similar quarters*.
*Kreacher had a nest of rags under the kitchen sink. Herms threw a big wobbly when she saw it. He’s got better lodgings now*.
*As befitting his status*.
They commended Kreacher’s efforts and descended to the library intending to go and have a chat with Uncle Travis. However, they were ambushed by a posse of high-ups. There was Minerva, Kingsley, Griselda, Hubert and three others whom the Blakes vaguely recognised from the Wizengamot. The portal opened and out walked, Hermione, Justin, Blaise, Neville, Pullet and Phealey.
“Harry, why are we summoned?”
“No idea, Herms,” Harry looked at Kingsley: “Perhaps you could explain?”
“May we sit comfortably first, please.”
“Fine … Welcome to Number Twelve, mages all. Shall we go up to the withdrawing room?”
Pop: “Would you and your guests like tea, Master?”
Harry looked enquiringly his visitors, who nodded approvingly: “Yes please, Huppert.”
“I think I had better explain, tutors,” Minerva started: “Now you are qualified to a high NEWT’s standard it is normal to go into some form of further education. Were you in the muggle world then you would be applying for places in various universities. In our world things work slightly differently. Each of you are being offered cadetship of at least one of the ancient companies. May I introduce, Adolphus Mixxett – Chief Blender of the Ancient Guild of Potioneers; Cadmus Jorkins – Chairman of the Royal Herbological Society and Melissa Append – Gatherer in chief from the Order of Warding Fencibles? Kingsley you know, but, in this context, he is Commander of the Honourable Brigade of Aurors; to give him his proper title …” Minerva then introduced her tutors.
“Mage Mixxett and I have corresponded, Minerva,” observed Draco: “Thank you Sir, for classifying those three potions of mine as original.”
“Both you, Mage Granger and Mage Zabini along with tutor-elves Pullet and Phealey have surpassed the grades needed for Prentices to our Guild, so Griselda affirms Mage Malfoy-Snape. We thought to offer you all a day release course towards your next degrees – that of Companions of our order. The reason why we are all here is to work out what days are suitable. That is of course if you wish to progress your knowledge.”
Draco looked at his mates in potions who nodded: “I think we would all like to take you up on your kind offer Sir.”
“Good … All we need to do is start discussing days and times. However, my colleagues would like a say too.” Mage Mixxett looked at the others.
It was Blaise who spoke next: “R. H. S. I thought that was a muggle society with the ‘H’ standing for ‘Horticultural’.
“Exactly so, Mage Zabini; we are the magical branch of that society, one of the Wedgewood founders had a mage as a brother,” replied Cadmus: “You plus Mages Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley are being offered a course which ends by becoming an associate. As Adolphus says, we need to fix suitable times.”
Blaise looked at his two eager friends and replied in the affirmative on their behalves.
“That indicates that I’m next, I think. Harry and Hermione the Warding Fencibles would like you to join them. There are qualifications of a sort; we’re the most relaxed of the societies. It’s more a case of come and experiment with us. Hermione’s shield and ward work is excellent, and Harry’s repellent charms very worthwhile; hence the offer.”
Before either could answer Hubert Hangdog spoke up: “Hermione, Gringotts is offering you a bursary to cover the costs of your next two years learning. It’s not real charity; it’s a reply to the application you made for a grant. There are also some living expenses attached.” Hubert handed over a document.
“Wow … that much! Yes, please, to both of the offers,” Hermione replied as Ronald peered over her shoulder and stuttered in shock.
“Right, Pullet and Phealey, you’re being recruited into the Honourable Brigade of Aurors. Being special constables, Justin and Harry are already part of us. There’s some pay in it for you, as yet we have to work out how our two formidable elves fit in to the structure. Nevertheless, all four of you are being offered day-release courses in DADA. As cadets your first aim is the cornet’s exam and then sergeant’s. They are ranks of fully commissioned Aurors; Constable is a general term which includes specials and cornets. Harry, for you there’s more. Mad-eye used to be our instructor; we’d like you to run some one day courses for us. It’s a bit topsy-turvy, I know, you’ll be both a tutor and a cadet, but you’ve shown your mettle that way already with the DA. What I propose is that you have a special course with me on the Saturdays when you don’t attend the Wizengamot. You’ll learn some more DADA plus other Auror specialities and then teach it to the new recruits – quite a lot are your Dumbledorians anyway. What say you?”
“I can hardly refuse, can I?” Harry sighed: “We have to beat Draco’s dad and his disreputable army, so … Yes.”
“Good! Special Constable Malfoy-Snape, you cannot get away with lazing about on non Wizengamot Saturdays either.”
Draco gave Kingsley a derisive salute.
“Same arrangement as Harry, but you’ll be going to a certain island we know; to help the team in deciphering various noxious substances. You may even be seconded to Scotland Yard’s forensic department occasionally.” Kingsley looked at Adolphus: “We suspect that one of your top people is involved. It could be a foreign mage, but we think not.”
“I think I know to whom you refer. She’s very wily. Our convocation has investigated her three times and found no underhand dealings, but we still have our doubts. I think we’ll be co-operating once again Commander Shacklebolt.”
“Perhaps a discussion for elsewhere, gentlemen?” Minerva interrupted: “Days and times are yet to be discussed. Don’t forget you agreed that Hogwarts should have first call during term time … …”
The upshot of a long deliberation was that Harry would be warding most of Monday with his supervision at Milkwood Hall after tea. Auror training would be Tuesday after coffee – Milkwood Hall beforehand. With his colleagues joining in as appropriate. Draco had Thursday and Friday equivalents for Potions and R. H. S. plus supervisory sessions. Hermione would cover third year potions at school. Pullet and Phealey would act together for first and second year potions and DADA; with Blaise covering third year DADA. He would also take first year broomstick instruction and have oversight of the Quidditch team’s training. On top of that he was to supervise hex tennis, which everyone thought was a marvellous game with a serious training content; Pullet and Phealey deputising with the seventh years on a Friday morning. Hermione thought she had two spare sessions – not so – she was asked to help out in the Other Magicals Liaison Office – as it was now called – and to be available on Saturdays for advising the Wizengamot members and private consultation with other mages about equivalent topics.
*That’ll pull her SPEW teeth*, was Draco’s catty sending.
H: *Perhaps, but she can argue the leg of a donkey, once she gets going*.
*Don’t I know it … But then some of the old codgers are rather like donkeys, aren’t they*?
*Stuck in the mud, d’you mean*?
*Exactly so*!
Wednesday evening saw in a noisy party at Number Twelve for Ginevra’s eighteenth birthday.
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