CH17: Confrontation

A/N: Hello everybody sorry for this extremely late update. I wrote this chapter quite slowly but I wanted to it come out good hence the lateness.

Just read it and review a lot. I hope this story quickly ascends to 500 reviews….:-D

Any and every error done is regretted but not intentional, if you can help then help by offering to Beta read. Just don't flame like pissed pest.

Beta read by Mattmaster112.

Chapter:

She had that same sweet smile as before, "Hermione Weasley what a surprise to see you here." First, she finds that The-Boy-Who-Lived is not only alive, but the French already know of it. Over that, said guy is actually working for British army and also Hermione Weasley knows about him, hell even she's in the forces. Sure she's a Gryffindor, but she could have passed for Slytherin. Whatever, Tonksy was gonna get a promotion, sweet privileges and awesome bonus. Yes, today was her day…

Harry and Emma had other thoughts though. They nodded to each other in agreement. Miss Nymphadora was a witch and maybe well connected. They had to talk to her and considering what Delacours had told them about general situation, she would more than agree to talk to them.

"Lt Tonks, would you like to join us?" Harry politely asked while Emma asked Rupert to head back to team to inform them of their positions.

"Sure Major Potter." Harry helped her and they walked out of the cafeteria with Emma behind them.

They went to second floor where Harry was given a temporary cabin of his own. He closed the door behind both women as they sat down. He followed the suite and sat down.

"Harry Potter" Tonks suddenly said startling them, "The-Boy-Who-Lived did live after all. And what is it twice?"

"And you aren't Lt. Tonks are you? You are a witch right?" Emma asked.

"Ah strangers now are we? Really Mrs. Weasley, didn't think you had it in you." Tonks calmly took her appearance in. "Though I must say you look better this way."

Emma smiled politely, "It's seems you are very close to my sister, I'm Emma Moon by the way."

Tonks grinned, "Nice, thorough with that routine Hermione, you should've been with our spying and infiltration department."

Harry perked up, "So you are in magical armed forces. Are you an Auror?"

Tonks raised an eyebrow, "You say like you don't know anything about the magical world. Of course I'm an Auror. Enough of me let's talk about you."

He shrugged, "What about me?"

Tonks smirked, "You are taking it easy, good I like your style. Okay first why are you here in France acting like lap dog to French Magical Government? And since when have the French had you leashed up? Second what's with this act of British Army? And finally, why pretend to be dead?"

Harry calmly reclined in his chair, "I'm not pretending to be Major Potter, I am in the army. Second, no one in your society, besides the Delacours, know that I'm alive. Actually, in a way, I rediscovered myself. A few days ago had you asked me do I believe in real magic, I would have laughed on your face and called you mad or delusional. And besides the creator of this mess is your…Light Lord I suppose"

Tonks looked bemusedly at him. "Light Lord?" Was he referring to Dumbledore?

"Albus Dumbledore, I'm sure you know, seeing as he was leader of most of the recent battles." It just increased her confusion.

"And what's Dumbledore got to do with this?"

It seemed she won't know much of what Dumbledore did or planned, but still "My entire reason of being alienated from my rightful heritage, from my inheritance, my lineage even my power is Albus Dumbledore. My turn, what do you know of him?"

Tonks smirked snobbishly, "I must say Potter, very good back up story. So who's after all this, Delacours or the entire French Government? Com'on mister; Fleur Delcaour was in the Order, she would know most of Dumbledore's activities: at least that he shared with us." She hadn't once suspected Fleur to be a double agent for the French.

Harry and Emma didn't know this, if Fleur was in Order then what else did they didn't know, "Was Order involved in my case. I mean in my powers being sealed and then hiding me in an orphanage?"

Tonks was becoming impatient. He really was acting it all, but the reason was why. "I don't know. It all happened before I joined Order. And besides…" she paused as she recalled, but why… "Dumbledore publicly announced you were dead. But why would he do it? I mean why announce you dead and ship you off to France?" She snapped back at them. "Alright, tell me what is going on?"

Harry sighed. "That's exactly what I want to know."

Tonks was baffled at what he was trying to imply, that Dumbledore purposefully played this act. But then what was the reason. Someone was lying, and right now this Harry Potter wasn't convincing at all. He could be a spy along, with this Hermione; after all they could make you look like James with a few charms. (As Harry is described)

"Where are we going with this? Why are you emulating a dead person? And why are you still trying to be Hermione?" Tonks asked bluntly.

"He is not emulating a dead person Ms. Tonks, I give my word, upon my magic, that this is Harry Potter. And the pretty lady isn't Hermione she is actually Emma Moon. Did Mrs Weasley never tell you about her?" They all turned to see Jean entering the room. He conjured a chair sat down. "As you can see. I still have my magic, I'm saying the truth."

Tonks narrowed her eyes, "But then, why was it announced that he is dead? And what is he doing in the muggle army." She could believe the girl's story, but rest was bullshit.

"That is what we want to know. Especially Harry, he has been through too much. He had his magic sealed by Dumbledore the very day his death was announced. Harry has lived like a muggle since then, until a few days ago." He had to make sure she kept it down.

"Ms Tonks, this situation has to remain as it is for some more time. Not even rumour of Harry being alive should be leaked. It also includes the Order and Ministry. We absolutely can't have Death Eaters sniffing around for him now. Reason, you would ask, is simple. He really doesn't anything about magic, even the most mundane Death Eater could be too much for him." He would have demanded an oath, but it was international policy. The other person can refuse unless it matters national security.

Harry would have wanted to correct Jean, with Arienne by him he could easily take down the said D.E. or at least evade. But silence is better.

They were trying their best to keep this entire matter in wraps. But why would they do it. This Harry's story, if it came out now it would create some big troubles. She really didn't know what to do. But then she could go with the flow. Who knew what she might discover. And minting a sweet little promotion won't be much.

"Even if I believe this, what of the others. How will you explain them when they find out?"

"For that we need some answers." Harry replied her.

"Oh and how do you plan to do it?" she countered.

"We will do our best to find all that we can. I hope you will help us Ms. Tonks" Jean hoped she would.

She inclined her head, "And how do I do that?"

"Jean, Ms Tonks is a trained Auror I think she could help Fleur in training me and Emma." Harry suggested. For it would also help them keep an eye on her.

It seemed a good idea, besides the girl was taught by Moody she would even help his daughter. "If Ms. Tonks agrees."

Tonks had her golden ticket. And she was here for the week. She just had to reschedule her plans a bit. "Sure, it will be a mutual learning experience. I get to know of our muggle counter parts more closely."

Jean got up, "Great, please floo at our residence before coming and I'll tell Fleur about it. Harry, Emma I would like both of to stay at mansion, if it's convenient."

Harry and Emma shared a look. "Alright we will shift tonight." Jean nodded and left.

"I think I should go and prepare my report of the meeting." Tonks shook their hands and excused herself.

Emma eyed her retreating back through the glass door, "Do you think she will tell her bosses?"

Harry shrugged, "She may try. But that's why I want her to teach us. Arienne will keep an eye on her."

On cue Arienne flashed in the room, 'Good you have started listening to me.'

Emma rolled her eyes muttering about mind controlling blue turkeys.

Flashback Ends

-xxREVIEWS..REVIEWS..500..REVIWES..REVIEWSxx-

As per plan the ministers were port-keyed from their home or hotel respectively directly to the safehouse. The location had been kept under hushes. The muggles had been port keyed with Aurors. It had been quite a show to see most of them stumble awkwardly although amazingly a few soldiers had somehow retained their balance.

The safe house was an abandoned military base 20 miles from city. It had been easy to set up the place with necessary security. The muggle forces were stationed out within various warehouses surrounding the main building. Snipers were positioned with clear view of the entire premises. Aurors were patrolling the area with few muggle forces who had clearer idea of the place. Aurors also covered entire top floor of building with no muggles allowed in except the Minister, President and their secretaries. The room had been barricaded both physically and magically for all possible intrusions. Four guards of both countries were placed on all entrances of the room. And the windows were closed. There were cameras installed in the meeting room for live broadcasting. The broadcast would be immediately stopped if any disturbance was noticed though things would still be recoded.

"Hawk 2 position secured, confirm?" the base was set up in the basement of the main building.

"A1, position secured." Harry responded. He had just reached his position. He had been positioned on the terrace directly facing the meeting room. There was another French sniper positioned with him and two Aurors to cover their back.

Harry was wearing a magically improvised silicon mask (with charms to nullify Moody's-eye). Jean wanted to use glamour charms but since Moody would be there, so they changed their plans. Colonel Brigs was informed that Harry's face matched one of the Death Eater' targets, hence he would use the mask.

Harry quickly opened the case containing his rifle. He couldn't help but admire the beauty inside, "I really missed you baby." L115A3 Rifle, he had been first introduced to them in Afghanistan. Since then he really stuck to it.

"Long range, 8.59 mm caleeber, 6.8 kg, five round box. You zure about eet?" his partner asked while setting an Dragnov SVD.

Harry shrugged, "I'm more comfortable with this than other AWMs."

"L115A3, pretty bird but not more zan my SVD" Leone grinned.

Harry grinned, "We will see." He loaded the magazine and set up his target. The rifles were customized for thermal vision to look through walls and windows. Just then a flash in his scope indicated the arrival of President and his guests.

He spotted eight individuals inside the room. The President and Prime minister were seated at the table with their secretaries. Two Aurors each were positioned behind them respectively.

"A1, eight individuals spotted in the room, confirm?"

"Hawk2, individuals confirmed, hold position."

Harry gripped his rifle ready for any action. He noticed that wizards were emulating strange aura around them, he could see it from his thermal scope. The shades varied according to their power. But two of them had black spots on their left hand.

Leone had also noticed, "Never zought I would leeterally see magic in ze air. Bet even you wizards 'aven't seen eet." he chuckled as he glanced back.

One of them was Tonks. Curious as she was, "What do you mean?"

Harry smirked as he fished an extra thermal scope from his kit, "Here, have a view yourself."

Tonks had been informed he was Harry and had been placed beside him by Jean. She would protect him if anything happens. Tonks took the scope awkwardly and helplessly stared at it. She deadpanned, "How do you use it?"

Leone guffawed, "Good one Hawk2." Harry couldn't help but chuckle himself. The Aurors glared at them, first time in their lives they were being showed down by muggles.

Tonks scowled, "You did that on purpose, didn't you Hawk2?"

Harry apologized, "Sorry I just forgot about your condition."

"You say like it is a disease." Tonks retorted.

Harry refocused on his task, "Just press that black button near thumb on the grip, rest it will do."

Tonks glared at him but did what he said. She really hadn't seen anything like this. All of the Aurors emitted an aura around them. She even could see her own aura on her hand. Awed by it, "Whoa, you muggles would so make the department of mysteries jealous."

DOM had some devices to look at the aura but they were tough to make with various runes intricately combined. And yet muggles had unknowingly developed such devices without using magic.

Leone chuckled, "Wonder why no one ever noteeced wizards earlier. Strange, izn't eet"

Tonks answered, "That's because we tend to avoid mundane world as much as possible."

Leone drawled, "Please from what I've zeen. We mundane people are much better zan you wizards."

Harry just ignored the banter. He was trying to make out the pattern of the black spots on guards' hands. He knew he had seen something like it, but it wasn't clear from this distance. "Hey Tonks what is that black spot on those guards?"

Tonks just now noticed it. Indeed two guards had black spots near their left wrist. Unlike Harry she instantly recognized the dark mark, even from this distance. "Shit Death Eaters are already inside. Those two must be caught."

"A1 intrusion alert, we have two DEs disguised as guards already inside the room. Requesting further instruction" Harry and Leone quickly took their aim.

"Hawk2 clarify situation."

Harry zoomed his scope, "PM's left guard and President's left guard both have Dark Mark. It seems we can see the magical aura around them through thermal vision."

"We have a visual now. It's DEs polyjuiced as Auror captain Michel and Zech. Hawk1 & 2, any irregular movements, eliminate them. We'll contact other two Aurors and alert rest crew." Having their order both snipers trailed their targets' each movement. They noticed other two shifting slightly as they were alerted.

"Of course, they are using Polyjuice. Fuck it!" Tonks cursed.

"Polyjuice?" Harry asked for both snipers.

"A magical potion which effectively can help you to physically emulate any other person. Hiding all kinds of scars & marks dark or not. Unless you know where to look and when to look." (A/N: in 2nd book Harry's scar faded while he was under Polyjuice' effect.)

Leone readjusted his shoulder pad, "So you need to take out all those with black spots on left arms."

Tonks nodded, "Shoot at sight, if circumstances permit then capture. Which means if no one is around them to take hostage"

Apparently Jean along with Moody was commanding the Aurors while Brigs supervised the muggles. Behind them Tonks and her partner were ordered to survey entire premises for any more intrusions.

Tonks replied, "Negative, no one else is here. Besides it won't matter much now. The rooms are barricaded from inside."

"Ace2 just keep a lookout and report everything." Moody commanded.

"Yes sir we are on the lookout." Tonks cursed under her breath. Suddenly a chill ran down each of their spine. Snipers watched as few bright spots blinded their scope.

"Alright get ready everyone, we got a few incoming." Harry waited for the scope to reset.

Leone cursed and Harry finally saw why, "A1, Aurors are down, we got ten D.E. flashed inside with four hostages. Waiting for orders."

"Hawks hold position, we need to keep PM and President safe."

Harry noted one of them in particular had brightest aura also he wasn't branded. He felt Arienne's presence, 'That one is Voldemort, we better lookout for him.'

-xxxxxxxxxxx-

His red eyes wandered around the room finally stopping at one person. He slowly raised his wand as the man cringed. With a flick entire room was empty save for a high-back chair. Voldemort sat down as his eyes moved to next person. He flicked his wand as a flaming whip snapped at the PM's secretary.

The blood curdling scream was enough to set the horror in everybody's heart. This man was indeed as words described him maybe a lot more. He slowly dragged the lady towards him. Setting her upright he spoke, "Greetings Lady, may I have your name please."

The woman was barely conscious shuddering as the whip slowly dug in her flesh. Voldemort tugged a little to jostle her, "Can you listen to me?" Her throat was already dry of screaming.

She couldn't help but whimper in pain, "I…I'm Na….Nnn…Natasha."

Voldemort loosened his grip on the leash, "Beautiful name Ms Natasha. Do you know my name?"

Natasha dreadfully looked up. She hadn't seen a creature like him before. Unusually pale the likes she hadn't seen before, his wiry fingers wrapped around the wand. A face without lips and slits for nose, his eyes however held you. She hadn't seen anything so cold and yet burning with madness. The red in them screamed of the blood his soul bathed in. She froze scared to bat even an eyelid. But the whip brought her back, "V….Vo…Volde…" she screamed as the whip dug more in her flesh, "VOLDEMORT"

He chuckled as the whip faded, "Lady Natasha, do you believe in magic?"

She closed her eyes as tears wetted her cheeks. She silently cried. Struggling for every breath she whispered, "Yes…I…I...do believe….in it."

Voldemort livened up, "Good, I like your spirit. So what do you think about it, about the power?"

She lowered her head quivering all over, how could he be so strong. Dark Lord or no he wasn't absolutely immune to everything. Her demeanor changed as her anger boiled, "I think it's being abused by criminals like you." Gathering all her fury in the spell all pain forgotten, she screamed the blasting hex. But Voldemort wasn't feared for nothing.

He had noticed the slight protruding of her wand in the shirt's cuff. It seemed the ministry had prepared some surprises. Effortlessly erecting a shield he deflected it. He saw the fire in her eyes; it was a flare of fury and determination. It was something which most of his own followers lacked. It was a good fire but in wrong direction and this wasn't allowed. There were only two choices, his way or no way.

Natasha didn't waste time and created space between them, along the way shot a few more bludgeoning and blasting pulse at him. Her original plan was to take him down with one clean shot. But seeing that failed, she quickly adapted to situation. Counting on Voldemort's shield, she sent her best shots at him. As expected her spells were reflected by his shield on doors and walls and blasted holes through them. She grinned as Aurors poured in the room. Now the odds weren't as favorable to them, was it?

Voldemort acknowledged the cleverness, he liked her quirkiness. Someone like her would be interesting to have in his organization. "Lady Natasha, tell me are you a pure-blood?"

She smirked defiantly, "I'm proud to be muggle-born. And I won't go down without a mark of victory on you."

Well it couldn't be helped now. "I really appreciate a keen talent, and it's better this way. I really hate to waste pure-blood like this." Voldemort flicked his wand as he banished everyone outside except for Natasha and muggles in the room. "Lady Natasha, let me honour your gallantry with a fair duel. The winner decides the other's fate."

PM, President and his secretary scrapped in the far corner of the room. They watched in horror as their life was baited on this confrontation. He would ask for an explanation from that 'Other Minister'. Oh how he wanted to sign off a nuclear bomb, if only he could.

-scene break-

Bellatrix Lestrange, one of most ardent follower of Voldemort, watched as the 'supposed muggle' tried to attack her master. It had been long since she witnessed anyone challenge him. It excited her to watch her master break his opponent's very soul. Her blood churned with madness at every scream that rolled throughout the chamber of his opponent. It made her want to join the fun, make that addiction of fear and hatred flow freely through the air.

Then to her displeasure, her master banished her out along with others. She didn't want to miss a single moment of the duel. Showing the filthy-blood their mistake of defying them by breathing on this land, that's what she lived for. But she will have to be content with entertaining herself now. And what better entertainment than a rendezvous with family, especially with one so interesting.

-xxxxxxxxxxx-

Voldemort proceeded to torture the secretary while could only watch. A backup of snipers were on their way, until then they could only watch.

Tonks gritted her teeth, Natasha was one her best friend and colleague. She had trained with her under Moody. Natasha was supposed to be the surprise element. But they hadn't envisioned for their plan fail to this degree. Natasha was supposed to smuggle the PM and President out while Aurors engaged with Voldemort. She hated every moment she stood here helplessly watching her face the monster alone.

Then they got chance just as Voldemort decided to chuck every one out of the room. Harry and Leone took their aim, but before they pull the trigger a heavy force flung them off balance.

That shrill laughter, 'How did she get here?' Tonks cursed as she felt the wards tear apart like paper. She stood up cautiously as she saw her coming towards them. The snipers were knocked and other Auror was yet to get a hold of himself. Steeling herself she took her stance, "Hello Aunt Bella."

Bellatrix grinned maliciously, "Awww, ickie wicky little Nymphy dear, you remembered your manners.." with a simple flick she sent a powerful Reducto at Tonks.

Gritting her teeth while blocking the pulse, Tonks sneered, "I see you have forgotten yours, so much for blood purity"

Bellatrix' grin dropped as she conjured several whips which randomly attacked Tonks, "Pure-Bloods don't bow to their lowers."

Tonks jeered as she banished a few whips, "Another prehistoric-crap of your lot."

Bellatrix shot two simultaneous fireballs shadowed by a bone breaking curse, "I see your filthy blood has finally its shown colors."

Tonks dodged first ball froze the second but bone-breaker hit her ribcage, she shrieked as she lost a bit balance but then heard that spell.

"CRUCIO"

Unfathomable pain exploded within her body, every joint every nerve, every muscle felt like burning in agony. She couldn't do more than shriek. It was getting her mind, breaking it to pieces.

The other Auror unfortunately had already succumbed to a few whips. She cursed as she felt her breath falter but she had to keep up. Glancing around her aunt she saw Harry and Leone still out cold. 'What now?' She braced herself to overcome the pain to move.

Then just like that all the attacks stopped. Tonks saw Bellatrix just standing there in blatant shock and confusion. Even she was confused, but then Tonks saw why.

Harry had his handgun pointed on Bellatrix. Lestrange turned around as she saw her attacker was just a regular muggle. She raised her wand in rage but fell out cold as blood marred her green robes.

Tonks dropped to her knees as pain grew. Harry hurried towards her, "Tonks, how bad is it?"

"Broken ribs" she breathed as she felt her lungs squeeze. The other Auror finally was free of whips also hurried to them, "Zorry but I couldn't join earlier. Zose w'ips just caught me."

Tonks glared at the Auror, Harry interupted her, "Quit explaining. First that woman over there needs to be put under some magical stasis or whatever you call it, or else she dies in five minutes"

He went to protest but simultaneous glares from Harry and Tonks shut him up. Harry started again, "Trust me on this. Take both Tonks and her to the base. The backup will be here any moment, now go hurry."

Harry set his sniper again and locked his target. There was Voldemort standing over the Prime Minister, 'Arienne can you keep a look out for me?'

'Sure Harry'

-xxxxxxxxxxx-

He watched as the girl took her stance. 'That stance…, ahh… one of Mad-Eye's.'

"Lady Natasha, first we bow." And like others she ignored. It really got on his nerves when someone dishonoured traditions. "Didn't your Ministry teach anything about traditions?" with a flick of wand he compelled her to bow.

She wanted to dodge but this wasn't a spell you could dodge. He was just too overwhelming for her to overcome. Then she saw something on the floor, a laser pointer. Moody said to improvise on the go. Stooping lower she picked it and pointed straight in his eye.

"Aaagh!" he stumbled back covering his eye but recovered quickly. Summoning a slab of marble he banished it towards her. It broke under salvo of her curses but served its purpose. Without wasting of time he started his chain of curses with practiced flow.

At first she went blow to blow with him as his eyes were giving him problem, dodging quickly the flame tongue she sent a few bludgeoning curses his way. He reflected it to her at double speed. Jumping away she erected a shield to block a few spells. Slowly her space started shrink as his eyes recovered.

Natasha regretted being in an empty close room facing him. Within no time she was cornered. She just couldn't dodge through his intricate pattern of hexes and curses. It was like walking through a tube of fire, where you go only forwards or backwards. She went for the pointer again but suddenly he was on her. He was madder than before.

Voldemort slapped her and snatched her wand breaking it like a twig. "Such power, such determination and all you show me is some filthy muggle tricks. CRUCIO!"

Natasha for the first time felt true pain and fear rush through her blood. It was like his anger was burning her on a stake.

He tossed her like rag in the centre of the room. Then conjured a wooden cage around her. "Look what your filthy blood gave you, so weak so useless. Now do you see why magic should stay within pure-bloods. We are rightful heirs of magic, the only ones who should wield its power. You filthy-mudbloods are just common thieves and you all shall be punished. CRUCIO…"

He looked down at her, "Now see how I will kill the pests of our world whom you seek to protect so vehemently."

She was broken from within and out, unable to move a single finger or close her eyes. Tears flowed freely as she watched Voldemort walk towards the frozen audience. She failed and failed utterly, this her biggest defeat. A shame she would be forced to see.

Voldemort stood imposingly before them, like a regal Lord destined to rule the world. His hand outstretched as the powerful Yew wand was pointed towards PM.

Voldemort's voice magically boomed throughout the office, "You see, no matter how much try to hide from me but you filthy little creatures can't run from me. I'm Lord Voldemort and you will be an honored sacrifice for those of your kind to understand their position in the ancient hierarchy of magic."

The tip glowed bright green as the words of death rolled from the Dark Lords forked tongue. He hissed with power and malice clearly enjoying the kill, his eyes flashed red as he spoke, "Avada Ke…Arghhh!" but fate's plans were different, his wand rolled on the floor as his hand fell dead with blood oozing out from his wound. He was more mad than astounded. How dare anyone stop him!

Chapter Ends….

A/N: Yay Voldemort in action… Will try to put him more realistic.

Had to break it here simply because the scene got longer. Next upcoming is Harry's fight against Voldemort and Fleur's debt. And more DE action with army force.

Some explanations:

*Cameras and Infrared work here because this place as a whole is primarily muggle place. Wizards' magic isn't enough to disrupt their functioning. Hogwarts was magically built with practically every brick of it oozing in magic. Similarly rest of the primary magical places, like Minisrty, Diagon and other alleys, etc.

**I just thought that since Magic is a kind of power. It has to be physically connected to natural universe for it to work. Hence it must radiate some power if concentrated in Humans like Nuclear Metals. Thus Thermal scopes can catch their image. Further explanations: seriously this Fanfiction not Science-Fiction, imagine it…

Working on A Debt chapter 10, will post it soon.

SERIOUSLY REVIEW A LOT PLEASE….500 reviews…

Until next update…

Adieu…