The new face of evil - 8 years out

"He's had a lot on his mind lately," Sirius tried to say, but also sounded unhappy.

Hermione had been too stunned to say anything, but hearing the two men talk caused her to ask, "Is this normal for him?"

Sirius responded, "The first part was, but the way he dealt with the last boggart wasn't, not at all." Sirius thanked Fletch and then turned to Hermione, "Let's go home, he'll probably be back in a few hours." Fletch cast the Confundus charm on Hermione and they went back to the floo before he removed the charm.

"It was nice to meet your Dr. Granger. I hope you understand about our security," Fletch said.

Hermione still looked lost but said, "Of course I understand sir. I appreciate you letting me come at all." Sirius thanked Fletch and the two returned to the castle.

Hermione was the first to talk, "Does this happen a lot?"

Sirius sighed. "Hermione, Harry has to deal with a lot of things that really bother him. If he didn't have the values he's blessed with, he would just deal with the problems without regard for rules. Part of him would like nothing more than to make all evil people just disappear, and frankly, he could probably do it. So, he tries to take out his frustration during training instead of breaking all of our codes of conduct."

Hermione let this sink in and then asked, "What would things be like if he went to the other side?"

Sirius raised his eyebrows and said, "You know the answer to that. We're fortunate that even after everything he's been through; his parent's values are still what guide him. It's hard on him. He's in a catch-22. If he breaks the rules and deals with the bad guys, he becomes close to being like them. But, if he follows the rules and the people end up doing something else bad, he blames himself because he knows he could have stopped them. It's tough."

"I never would have thought of it like that," Hermione said obviously worried about her friend.

Harry came home late that night and found Hermione on the couch. "Want a glass of wine?" Hermione asked.

Harry gave her a strange look and said, "I should go on up to bed."

"I'd really like to talk for a little while," Hermione said hopefully.

"Nothing good ever starts like that," Harry said before pouring himself a glass of wine and sitting down. He took a sip, turned to Hermione and asked, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Hermione thought for a minute and then meekly said, "I saw you today. I went with Sirius."

Harry's expression changed, he looked beaten, shook his head and said, "I suppose you're disappointed in me as well?"

"What do you mean?"

"I have to go see my boss tomorrow and Sirius already expressed his displeasure at what I did, I just assumed you'd do the same."

"What did you do to him? I've never seen anything like that."

"You remember the other day when I said that magic itself isn't dark, it's how you use it?" Hermione nodded, so Harry continued, "Well what I did was dark magic, plain and simple. I shouldn't have done it. The freezing charm itself isn't bad, but the magic to allow me to grab his heart is and I used it in a dark manner."

"But it wasn't a real person, so it wasn't bad," Hermione said trying to cheer him up.

"You're wrong Hermione. I should have never allowed myself to do it on anything ever. I was just so angry with him and lost control and now people are disappointed in me."

"Just tell them everything that's going on, they'll understand."

"You don't understand. I can't let myself lose control like that, I just can't. Marauders' is allowed leeway in what we do because we keep to certain codes and me using magic like that crosses a boundary. If I do things like that, I could cause big problems for us."

"It'll be ok. Fletch will understand and the fact that you're bothered about it shows how you really feel," Hermione said forcefully.

Harry thought for a second before saying, "Thanks, talking about it helped. It's nice having you around. I haven't had anyone to talk about things with other than Sirius for a long time and he's not the most understanding person."

"I missed our talks as well and I'm glad to be around," Hermione said, got serious again and asked, "What have you found out about your magic the past few years?"

Harry kind of sat up, he wasn't expecting this question. "Well, that was pretty direct." He hesitated and said, "After I gave up Quidditch, I kind of dropped out and spent a year reading everything I could. I stayed out of the wizarding world, but read and practiced every magical spell I could find. I found every book I could on Godric Gryffindor and read all of them as well. He had a knack for picking things up."

"Oh, I'd love to read some of those books," Hermione said sounding interested.

Harry smiled and said, "Still trying to figure me out I see. The Unspeakables helped out a lot and designed some tests and it turns out I'm pretty magical, way more than I thought."

"I told you so! You told me I was crazy," Hermione said proudly.

"I know, I know. But I didn't know what to do with it. Actually I still don't, so I just try to keep learning and doing what I can." Harry was silent for a moment. "You know, I'd still give it up to be just Harry," he said and Hermione could instantly tell he was totally honest.

"I know you would Harry," Hermione said before giving him a hug.

After a long pause, Harry looked directly into her eyes. "Sometimes when I do things, I can tell that people I care about get a little afraid of me and I don't like that," he said really opening up.

"None of the people who know you are really afraid of you. You may intimidate us, but we all know you would never hurt us," she said pulling him tight.

After a minute of silence, Harry downed his wine and said, "Thanks for talking to me, you always know what to say."

"After all you've done, it's the least I can do," Hermione said as Harry walked to his room.

The next morning, Harry walked to Fletch's office and knocked. "You wanted to see me sir?" Harry asked.

"Yes, come in," Fletch said looking concerned. "It's about what you did to the last boggart yesterday."

"I guessed as much. I shouldn't have done it like that. With everything he's doing right now and with him behind the kidnapping of my goddaughter, I just wanted to hurt him," Harry said.

"Would you have done it to the real Malfoy?" Fletch asked.

Harry thought for a minute, sighed and said, "Probably."

"You've got to keep a handle on this. I understand you wanting to hurt him, but if you're going to hurt him, don't do anything that a normal wizard couldn't do. Then, no matter what happens, no one can say you used your power to hurt him. Go kick his ass all over the place, but no advanced magic, and especially no dark magic."

"You're right. Sirius is working on getting him setup or something; so hopefully, I won't have to touch him at all. I'm really sorry about doing that and will try my best to control my emotions," Harry said softly.

"I believe you. I just don't want to see you start to go down the wrong path. Always take the high road. It may take longer and be more difficult, but in the end you'll be able to live with yourself," Fletch said shaking Harry's hand.

"Thanks. I should go see Sirius now," Harry said and went to Marauders' to find out the latest information.

"So, what are we really going to do about this?" Harry asked his godfather.

Sirius signed and said, "He's really good about keeping his involvement non-traceable so I see we have two options, both bad. We can break our own code and he could just disappear." Harry saw that his godfather didn't look too upset at this option and after what seemed like too long of a pause he continued, "The other option is to see if the old man could be convinced to help us out."

Harry's shoulder's sunk with the realization of what this option would mean. "We can't break our code. We can't be like them, as much as I'd like to turn him over to the vampires or something; we can't do it like that." Harry sighed. "I just can't believe we would consider dealing with him."

"If we just let the vampires know how unhappy we are with him and let it slip where he'll be sometime, maybe the problem will take care of itself," Sirius said and Harry couldn't tell if he was kidding or not.

"You know that Dumbledore and my parents will know how we handle this. There's no way Dumbledore would do it like that and I don't want to face him one day if I did," said Harry sadly. "You think the old man will go along with it?"

Sirius thought for a second. "I'd bet anything on it. He wants that more than anything and if he was willing to turn the boy over to Voldemort, he'd do this."

"How do we set it up? No one can know," Harry said sadly.

Sirius went on to say he'd work on getting a plan for a meeting Harry really didn't want to have. It went against almost everything he thought was right but knew at this point, it was the lesser of two evils.

When Harry went home, he found Ron there talking to Hermione. Ron looked very depressed and said, "Can Sirius wipe Rose's memory of the kidnapping?"

Harry looked stunned, but said, "He could, but is that what you want?"

"She's just a kid, she shouldn't have to deal with the memory of something like that," Ron stated.

Harry understood what Ron meant, but wanted to point something out. "Ron, if Sirius wipes the memory, she won't remember you saving her. It's a terrible thing that happened to them, but since they weren't hurt, and Rose remembers you saving them, do you really want her to forget that?"

Harry could tell Ron was torn and watched his friend pace for a while before asking, "Do you think she can handle it?"

"I think she can. It was a horrible thing, no doubt, but in the end, she knows that her dad saved her. I think that's a far more positive memory than the kidnapping was negative," Harry said.

Ron sighed and said, "I guess you're right. Do you know who was responsible?"

Harry looked sad and said, "We think so, and it won't surprise you."

Ron knew immediately who Harry was talking about and looked furious when he said, "This has got to stop. If you can bring him to me, I'll kill him myself."

Hermione spoke up, "You can't do that! You can't become like him."

"Hermione, this was my daughter and wife, I don't care what I become."

Harry spoke up, "Ron, we're looking at another way. Please, give me a chance to deal with this first. Ruth is my goddaughter, and I want the slug as much as you. Give me a chance."

Ron looked seriously at his friend and said, "I'll give you a chance, but I won't wait forever. He's going to pay." Ron left shortly after saying this.

Harry and Hermione didn't bring the subject up the rest of the night.

The next day was Hermione's first day of working with Dr. Antoine. She arrived early in the day and quickly found the Dr. "Welcome Dr. Granger. I hope you're ready to get started, we have a high priority issue we are trying to resolve."

"I'm ready Dr., I assume this is the antidote to the drug?" Hermione replied.

"Correct. We are actually making progress, and now with your input and help, I have high hopes we can actually crack this before long. Once we do, we send it to another group who will get it out to the Ministries, and also try to develop a counter charm," Dr. Antoine said.

"Isn't it weird to do all this work and then just hand it to someone without anyone knowing what you did?" Hermione asked.

"Actually, it's not. The team and some very good friends know what we accomplish. For me that's good enough," the Dr. said happily and then added. "Working here won't get you on the cover of any magazine, but it will allow you to work with people who really want to help."

The two women spent the day together with three other people, two men and another woman trying ideas and combinations of ingredients that may provide the key for an antidote. Hermione was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was to work with Dr. Antoine and the team. Hermione was impressed at how smart the other Dr. was and also how easy she was to get along with. Hermione found herself often talking to another researcher, Dr. Steven Harlan for much of the day. The two hit it off and he helped Hermione feel like she fit in. Even though they worked very hard that day, when Hermione left to go home, she felt exhilarated and couldn't wait to tell someone.

Harry and Ginny were both at the castle eating a late snack when Hermione arrived and immediately started talking. "Dr. Antoine is so amazing. She's the smartest witch I've ever met. I'm going to love working with her." Hermione hugged Harry and said, "Thank you for introducing me to her."

Harry turned to Ginny and shook his head and said, "Think she enjoyed her first day at the new job?"

Ginny smiled and replied, "It seems like it, but I'm not sure."

"Cut it out you guys," Hermione demanded. "It was nothing like Stonham."

Harry laughed and said, "You never cease to amaze me Hermione. Everything can be falling apart and when you meet someone really smart, you're instantly in a good mood."

Hermione didn't know how to take this, but said, "I'm serious, she's amazing. I think this is going to be really good. I can learn a lot from her. They've already made good progress on an antidote for the potion. With her help, I'm actually optimistic we can do it."

Harry smiled and said, "It's good to see you like this. Between the two of you, I have no doubt you'll be able to pull it off."

"It's good to see you so happy Hermione. See, things just happened for a reason," Ginny said to her friend.

"I know it's only one day, but I can't wait to get back there," Hermione said still sounding very happy.

"I'm glad you like it Hermione. I'll owe you big time if you can help with the antidote," Harry said.

"Oh no. I already owe you more than I'd ever be able to repay. I just have a good feeling that we'll be able to do it," Hermione stated.

The three friends ended up talking well into the night before going to bed. Hermione had become very comfortable with Ginny staying at the castle many nights and had totally pushed any thoughts of anything more than a friendship with Harry out of her head.

Harry went to Ron's one evening at Ron's request so that Harry could see Ruth for himself. Ron was really concerned with long term effects of being kidnapped on his daughter. Parvati turned out to be much stronger than Harry expected and other than being more protective of the children, she showed no outward signs of the ordeal. Harry appeared in their backyard and knocked. Parvati answered, "Harry, come in."

Harry hugged her tight and she whispered, "Thanks for coming. Ruth seems fine, but Ron is worried."

"I'll give my honest opinion, but I think she's a tough kid. She must get it from you," Harry whispered, hugging her back.

Ron quickly came in followed by the kids, "Hey mate!" Ron was saying before he was interrupted by the kids.

"Uncle Harry! Uncle Harry!' the two children yelled before trying to jump into his arms. This was the first time Harry had seen Ruth since the kidnapping.

"Hey you little munchkins," Harry replied. "How are you?"

"Uncle Harry, did you see my daddy save mommy and me?" Ruth asked sounding very excited.

This brought a large smile to Harry and he said, "No, my back was turned, tell me about it."

"He was great!" Ruth exclaimed, "He jumped to us before the bad men could do anything and then made some blue thing that kept us safe until he brought us home. My daddy brought us home. He was very brave," the little girl said before hugging Ron who was bright red.

"He was brave, wasn't he? You're lucky to have the parents you do, they wouldn't let anything bad happen to you kids," Harry said. "Here, I brought something for you, Brian and your mom." Harry handed each of them a small bracelet. The girl's were a charm bracelet and Brian's was a leather woven one with a small red stone. "These are very special and I'd like you to wear them for a while."

Ruth put hers on quickly and said, "I love it, thank you." Harry gave Ron a look and Ron put the bracelet on Brian who didn't seem to mind the thing, but really didn't know what to think.

Ron said, "Can you two go play, I need to talk to Uncle Harry for a minute." The kids agreed and ran out.

Harry sighed and said, "These bracelets are special portkeys that Sirius made. Parvati, yours is the controller. The three charms on yours are special. If you squeeze the largest one, you and both kids will be brought here. If you squeeze either of the smaller ones, one of the kids will be brought here. I hate that we even have to think about things like this, but until I've dealt with the problem, I'd feel better if you had them." Harry really looked sad as Parvati put on the charm.

Parvati didn't seem sad as she jumped up and hugged Harry. "Thank you so much. I've dreaded letting them out of my sight."

"I didn't think it bothered you so much?" Ron said.

"Oh Ron, I wanted to be strong for you. I know how you worry about everything," Parvati told her husband who hugged her tight.

After pulling back, Ron shook Harry's hand and said, "Thanks mate."

"Well, hopefully before too much longer they can just be normal bracelets. And Ron, I think Ruth is handling this just fine. You're even more her hero now and that will stay with her for a long time," Harry told his friend who almost looked like he could cry.

"But you did everything," Ron said sheepishly.

"You did the important part. You did exactly what was needed and that's what counts," Harry said firmly. After a few more minutes of talking, Harry said, "I have to go. I have a date with a certain redhead and if I'm late...well you can image what she'll do."

"I told you that you didn't know what you were getting into," Ron joked as Harry disappeared.

Ron's Quidditch hadn't been going too well and in addition to their seeker, Ron was taking a beating in the press. Puddlemere had lost their last match before the holidays, and Ron was in a foul mood when he and Harry were in the Leaky Cauldron on their weekly outing. "We just sucked today," Ron exclaimed having already downed too many drinks.

"These things happen. Everybody has off days, you guys are still having a pretty decent season," Harry said trying to cheer his friend up.

"I guess so. I'm just tired of losing," Ron replied.

"I know you want all the press to come back around," Harry joked.

"I can't help it, I like being popular," Ron said back with his first laugh of the night.

"Get used to losing weasel," came and annoying voice from the end of the bar.

Harry recognized the voice, but before he could do anything, Ron was up and had already thrown the first punch, connecting to Malfoy's nose. Before Ron could throw another, Harry grabbed him. "Ron, don't do anything else!" Harry yelled.

"You know what he did!" Ron bellowed.

Now, some of the patrons had gathered around to try and keep the two apart. Malfoy stood up, wiping the blood from his nose and said smugly, "What did I do weasel?"

Ron started to say something but Harry pulled him and said, "Don't say a word Ron!"

Ron turned to Harry and looked like he wanted to fight but Harry said, "We'll deal with it, I promise."

"Always having the show off protect you, even after you hit an innocent man just wanting a drink," they heard Malfoy say with amusement as they left.

Once a safe distance away, Ron turned to Harry and said forcefully, "I can't sit back and do nothing! He was behind it and you know it."

Harry hung his head. "I know, and Sirius is working on something. If you do something bad, you'll be the one in trouble and will lose everything. The team could suspend you if you get arrested. Give me a couple months," Harry pleaded.

"I hate letting them out of my sight Harry," Ron's expression turned to pain. "I can't keep my mind on the game."

"They've got the portkeys now, and you have people watching. I don't think he'd try the same thing again. After the holidays, we'll figure something out." The two friends finally went home, but Ron didn't look like he was going to drop this.

The next day there was an article in the Prophet.

Quidditch Star Assaults Schoolmate

Ron Weasley, keeper for Puddlemere United assaulted Draco Malfoy, a schoolmate from Hogwarts without provocation in a local pub. Witnesses say they just saw Weasley fly off his seat and strike the other man.

Weasley was quickly drug out of the establishment by long-time friend Harry Potter.

Malfoy said he wouldn't press charges because he didn't want to get a fellow schoolmate into trouble and understood that Weasley's Quidditch career is in the slumps right now.

Weasley is the youngest son of the Minister of Magic and this reporter wonders if he realizes how his actions reflect on his father.

Harry read this article and groaned. "What's the matter?" Hermione asked. Harry gave her the paper and watched her read it. "Will he ever learn to control his temper?"

"Doubt it, it seems to be a family trait for everyone except Mr. Weasley," Harry replied. "I bet he gets a howler today."

"Do you think he'll do something to Malfoy?" Hermione asked concerned.

"I hope not, but you know how Ron is. I asked him to give me a couple months to figure something out. Sirius is working on it."

The two finished breakfast before going to their respective jobs.

The holidays were approaching and one evening when Harry was with Ginny and asked, "Can I take you away before Christmas?"

Ginny smiled and answered, "This isn't my busy time at the office, so you can take me away anytime Harry. Where do you want to go?"

"Let me surprise you. It will be warm and there will be a beach, that's all I'm saying. Oh, and we'll be back Christmas Eve," Harry replied.

"That sounds nice," Ginny replied. "I'll need to get some new bathing suits, mine aren't that great. Want to come help me pick them out?"

"I'll just watch you model them," Harry said raising his eyebrows.

Ginny agreed and Harry took her to Paris the next day looking for bathing suits. Ginny first picked out some nice suits very much like the ones she already had, and then came to a section that had much more revealing ones. Harry saw her eyes light up. "Do you think I should get one of these?" she said holding up a very skimpy suit.

Now Harry's eyes lit up. "Oh yes!" he said enthusiastically.

Ginny picked a couple more and asked, "Would you let me where these in public?"

"Ginny, you are extremely sexy and would look great in them. If you feel uncomfortable, pick something else, but I think you'd look amazing," Harry said.

Ginny just shook her head at Harry and tried the suits on. She would have never expected herself to agree to wear something like them in public, but hearing Harry tell her how good she looked gave her the confidence to go ahead and get them.

The next morning the two were ready to leave and Harry apparated them into their hotel room for the next week. Ginny was instantly drawn to the open sliding doors that overlooked a calm, beautiful blue-green ocean. "Oh my gosh! Where are we?" Ginny asked.

"We're in Jamaica Ginny. This place only has ten rooms, and I think only a few are taken right now. Is it ok?" Harry asked, wanting to make sure Ginny was ok here.