AN: We don't own any of the characters portrayed in the story below. All Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling. Any likenesses are purely coincidental. The timeline is an AU since instead of starting Hogwarts at age 11 they started at 15. Also, makes use of modern technology and current events. Takes place year 4. Please Read, Review and if you enjoy this story favorite and follow. Rated M for Violence and language. The story will pick up soon just introducing the main characters for now and backgrounds. *means mental statement not said out loud. Sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience and continued readership.
Mayhem's Messenger
BROMBROS
Chapter 29
December started beautifully; with Sucking chest wounds and other first aid emergencies.Simulated, but enough to practice on.
It also introduced training with the General Purpose Machine Gun with the L86A1; an introductory class, given the weapons reliability issues. Once the honest training started they'd use the L7A1, the British copy of the FNMAG and the FNMinimi, what the Americans called the SAW.
Before the training company was released for Christmas leave were required to complete another Dartmoor navigation exercise, called Lost Tribe this time around, then they would spend a week at Dartmouth Naval College.
"Make sure you have everything your bringing to Dartmouth packed in you Bergen, we won't be making any special trips because one of you Pillocks left behind the mittens that Mummy knitted you. Williams, stop playing with your, meat and veg and pack your shit."
It had been a long week.
Two Recruits were awaiting criminal charges for assaulting two civilian employees of the Base.
Harry and Dudley had stumbled across the incident while they were returning to Barracks from the Fitness Center.
The two men would have had an easier time of it if it had been the base police that had found them; they were awaiting their charges from the base Hospital.
When the MP's questioned him the following day they did so after he left the shower as such he only had the towel around his waist. And they looked surprised to see him.
MP's habitually travel in packs. When they question subjects they like to have some level of intimidation, either by being larger than those being questioned or having him outnumbered.
While Harry was outnumbered he was a fair bit larger than the three MP's; and nearly naked. Something that for some reason threw them off.
Harry was the largest Recruit in not just his Company, but the overall Battalion, dwarfing even the Sergeants. Intimidation wasn't something he often felt.
Fear yes, he wasn't stupid, but he wasn't easily intimidated.
As such the MP's were left answering an aggravated Harry's questions. The trio hurriedly left the barracks after taking Dudley's statement.
Flashback
"Next time I piss you off Harry just hit me. It'll hurt less than you glaring at me."
"Fuck off Dudders."
End flashback
After watching the last of his fellow recruits climb into their transports Harry walked to where Sergeant Rogers was waiting.
"All Recruits are accounted for and aboard their transports, Sir."
"Good, you'll ride with me. All vehicles move out! Colour-Sergeant take the Lead Vehicle!"
"Aye, Sir."
"Potter you drive."
"Aye, Sir."
Harry waited in the driver's seat of Sergeant Rogers Land Rover, a seat usually filled by the Colour- Sergeant, while said Sergeant watched the troop transports drive past.
When the last truck drove Harry started the engine just as the Sergeant opened his door.
"Let's go."
"Aye, Sir."
They had been following the company for some time before the Sergeant spoke again.
"Do you have any idea why I wanted you to drive?"
"No Sir."
"I'm the only person on Post besides the Commander and the occasional, misplaced specialist that knows your particular history."
"Is there a point to this Sir?"
"I'm trying to figure out why a person with your background has decided to join the Military. Never mind the earmarks for the S.B.S selection course."
"Seemed like a good idea."
"Do you know what the acronym VOHMER means?"
"Verbal Order of Her Majesty Elizabeth Regina."
"Correct. You have nearly a dozen different orders in your file, stamped with that particular word. You're the only Recruit I've heard of that I couldn't dismiss if I wanted to."
"She has plans for me, Sir."
"Apparently so Potter. Two new forms were added, transfer forms for International Training, the American SEAL program and the Mountain school in India."
"Big plans, Sir."
"Don't be a dick Potter."
"Aye, Sir."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry waited as his fellow Recruits formed ranks after disembarking their transports.
"They're all yours Potter. We'll meet you at the rendezvous point at 2200. Transports leave at 2230, anyone not on them goes home. Potter, Break them into Sections and send them out."
"Aye, Sir."
Sergeants Rogers directed the other instructors back to their vehicles. They'd leave when the troops started walking.
"Company by Sections."
After giving them a few moments to divide he continued, "This is a map reading exercise, that's why you haven't been issued GPS units. I hope you were paying attention to Map reading 101, barring that you better hope someone in your individual Sections was. This is a Six-kilometer march that should be enough time for all of you to make it to the trucks. That said, anyone who doesn't is going home, trucks leave at 2230. Everyone get me?"
"Aye, Commander!"
"Then I'll see you at the other end. Fall out!"
Harry watched the other Recruits depart before joining his own Section consisting of Dudley, Williams, and Smith; one of Charleston Seniors spies.
"Smith on point."
"Aye, Commander."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Four hours later Harry was using their pace and heading to figure out how far they'd gone and how far they yet needed to go. If he was right then they'd covered four of the six kilometers.
"Hold. We'll rest here, Williams, get a fire going, we've got enough time for hot rations."
"How far have we made it Harry?"
Harry shot his cousin a look for the informality before he responded.
"You should be keeping track with your map."
"I have been, but you're better at reading maps then I am. I think we've made four and a half klicks."
"Close, just four. If we slow our pace we'll make it to the trucks in an hour and a half. Then we'll have three hours till the trucks leave."
"Then we have plenty of time."
"Don't push your luck Dud, I'll turn six klicks into ten."
"Don't be a dick."
"It's, don't be a Dick Sir."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry led his Section to the trucks with minutes to spare. He'd found a nice steep hill using his map and marched the Section up it. He saw nothing wrong with it regardless of the differing opinion of the other men.
Harry approached the gathered Sergeants while his Section took some of the available seats on the trucks.
"Potter, you're late."
"The lads decided they wanted to try hill climbing with a heavy pack. Who am I to deny them?"
"Right, we're waiting on three Sections. Strangely enough one of them is that group of Smith's mates."
"They might have gotten lost; they're not the brightest bunch."
"Right. Get in the Rover Potter, you're driving."
"Aye, Sir."
Smith's mates were much like Smith, spies from Charleston Senior. The map Harry gave them led them off course slightly. Not by much they'd be able to hear the trucks as they started their engines to leave.
Oops.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry waited with Sergeant Rogers for the absent Recruits. One by one the three Sections made it to the rendezvous point. Smith's mates, he couldn't be bothered to remember their names, were the first to show. Harry ignored the glowering men as the passed Rogers their maps. No doubt they'd catch hell from Senior. The twelve recruits entered a separate lorry and made their way back to Lympstone.
Harry started the Rovers engine at Rogers signal and followed his directions to Dartmouth in silence.
On his part at least.
"I don't know why you sabotaged those four and I don't want to. But that's the end of it. If Smith drills out than he does it on his own. Get me?"
"Aye, Sir."
"Good. Report to the Colour-Sergeant for your assigned quarters. Classes start at 0600."
"Aye, Sir."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The week at Dartmouth was spent learning about the uses of terrain and movement in modern warfare. And the repetitive question of how many steps were between the Sandquay and the College, 187. When they were released for the Holiday they were informed that they had until the third of January to make it to Lympstone.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry made his way to the Dartmouth Railway station to purchase a ticket so that he could take the Passenger Ferry across the River Dart to the Kingswear Railway station.
He took the train from there to London, catching a cab to his flat. He walked through the entranceway to his flat, closing the door behind him, before he disappeared with a crack.
He reappeared just inside the gateway to Potter Manor, the wards letting their Master pass without difficulty.
"Welcome, home Master Harry."
"Hello, Tomy. Thank you for letting me be when I was here last, I'm not sure how I would have reacted were I to be interrupted."
"Of course Master. Both Miss Emma and Miss Tonks are in residence."
"Alright, I'm going to be spending some time at Hogwarts for the Yule. And I have to be at the Queen's residence at the same time, with my household."
"Time turners Master?"
"Yes, for myself, Hermione, and Luna at least. How is Winky fitting in?"
"Well, though she doesn't like that Master is away so much."
"She'll have to get used to it. It only going to happen more often."
The pair was interrupted by the rambunctious barking of the four-legged tank that was running down the drive.
"Ah, hell."
He didn't get a chance to say much more as Max plowed him into the ground.
"Down Max! It's good to see you too. Get Down, you crazy dog!"
Harry pushed the enthusiastic Rotty off of his chest and stood.
"Crazy dog, alright lead the way. Tomy I'll see you at the house."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry made it to the foyer to see Emma and Tonks waiting for him.
"Lo Harry."
"Lo Tonks. Emma, it's good to see the both of you."
"Likewise Harry, welcome home."
Harry accepted a hug and kiss from both women before he ushered them into the house. He bade the pair to follow him into his office, Max following behind.
He dropped his Bergen on the floor next to the coach, Max climbing onto the piece of, hopefully, reinforced furniture.
He dropped into the chair behind his desk watching the pair situated across from him.
"We'll don't keep us in suspense Potter, how long are you home?"
"That wasn't my intention Tonks. I have to spend some time at Hogwarts for the Yule, beyond that I have to be back at Lympstone on the third."
"Of January?"
"Of course."
"Anything else going on?"
"The Queen expects the three of us, Hermione, and Luna at Balmoral on the Yule. At the same time, Hogwarts is having their Ball."
"How are you going to pull that off?"
"Time-Turners, for myself, Hermione, and Luna at least. I'm thinking we'll use them to get from Hogwarts after the Balls conclusion to bring us to a few minutes before commencement at Balmoral. Hopefully with enough time in between to come here and pick up the two of you."
"Christmas with the Queen. Quite the story for the folks."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry spent the four days at Potter Manor relaxing in the Welsh Winter weather.
Once he returned to Hogwarts, between the tournament and his balancing act, there would be little time to do so.
Part of his balancing act would be keeping his temper in check around Dumbledore.
Nick and Pen had never told him who had broken their trust with the stone.
The pair trusted few. They had survived their friends and the majority of their families.
The list of names that the pair trusted with the stone was understandably short.
Having been a student of Nicks, Dumbledore was at the top of the list.
Harry's day of getting answers would come.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
"I'll try and time the time turners so that they get us here for five in the evening on Christmas Eve. That'll give us some time to ourselves before we have to meet the Queen"
"Alright, Give Hermione a hug for me and show Luna a good time at the Yule Ball."
"That's the plan. I'll see you when I get back Em. Stay out of trouble Tonks, don't forget to check in with Amelia."
"I won't."
"See you on Christmas then." He disappeared with a pop that rattled the windows.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
He reappeared in the center of Hogsmead village startling several of the locals.
He ignored their excited mumbling as he headed in the direction of Hogwarts.
He passed the Whomping Willow and the Shrieking Shack, giving the two locations a cursory glance, knowing their connection to the Marauders.
Luckily for him, given the time of day, even with the Holidays approaching, classes were in session.
He was still met at the doors to the Ancient castle by McGonagall.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, Lord Potter,"
"Professor. I'm not interrupting something am I?"
"Not at all. Come, I'll escort you to your quarters."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
Classes were, of course, getting out as the austere Professor led him back to the guest quarters, as such his appearance or reappearance was quickly garnering a fair bit of attention.
His escort glared at a trio of young women wearing the Lions colors causing the three to move towards their next class.
"I'll be glad when things return to normal around here. This tournament has caused more interruptions than I care to think of".
"Normalcy, in a Magical castle where ghost roam the halls and the Deputy-Head is capable of turning herself into a cat. That kind of normalcy?"
"Cheek Mr. Potter? Just because you're twice my size doesn't mean I won't take you to task."
"Of course not Ma'am."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Shortly after settling into his quarters Sirius and Remus joined him.
"Have you figured out who you're taking to the ball, Harry?"
"Yeah. What about the two of you? Any prospective dates? Or are you going to flip a coin and the loser wears the dress?"
"Remus already volunteered, I don't have the legs for it."
"Go Bugger Filch."
"You first, I insist."
From there Harry watched the two men go back and forth, involving preferences, parentage, and positions.
All in all, it was a normal meeting between the three.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The following morning found Harry trying to track down Luna. When she wanted to find you the lively blonde could pop out of anywhere.
When you wanted to find her, you had to work for it.
Eventually, he found her, serenely waiting for him outside of his quarters.
"Hello Lord Potter, I heard you were looking for me."
"Harry, please. I wanted to know if I'd be able to accompany you to the Yule Ball?"
"You may. I'll be wearing Silver, Lord Harry. Till then."
"I meant just Harry."
She, of course, ignored him, sauntering down the hall away from his rooms humming to herself.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry was waiting at the base of the grand staircase for Luna to arrive. He was with the other Champions who were also waiting for their dates for the Yule Ball, while the men tried to make lite conversation.
Cedric, "Harry that was an interesting first task, have you made any headway on the clue for the second task?"
Harry looked at Cedric with a raised brow, "No, I've not looked into it yet. I've had other pressing matters on my plate."
Fleur, "Oh, and what other matters would those be?"
Harry with a smirk, "Well who I'd ask the Yule Ball and who Professors Black and Lupin would be bringing. When I last spoke with them I asked if they'd be flipping a coin to see who wore the dress."
Cedric couldn't resist laughing out loud when he noticed the fore mentioned Professors coming down the staircase.
"Mr. Diggory may I ask what got you laughing?" asked Professor Lupin.
Cedric tried not to laugh more when he answered. "Professor Lupin, Harry here had mentioned something about a coin flip and it appears that you lost."
Fleur, on the other hand, started laughing when she turned to them. "I'm sorry Cedric but you're wrong it appears that Professor Black is in the dress."
At this, the two of them looked at each other and laughed, "I didn't do this." They both said. The two Professors looked towards Harry and tipped their heads and mouthed "This means War."
Luna and Cho both chuckled when the made the final turn of the staircase. "Professor Black what a wonderful shade of green with silver for a dress." Luna had said in a sing-song voice.
Remus burst out laughing at this one. Sirius shot both him and Harry a dirty look. Only for Remus to shut up when Professor Dumbledore came up.
"I see you choose to support House Hufflepuff, instead of House Gryffindor, Professor Lupin."
This was Sirius time to burst out laughing. Much like Harry, the two Professors were actually wearing a black tuxedo with a cape. Professor McGonagall just raised a brow at the Headmaster.
At this time both Roger Davies and Hermione met up with their dates. Headmaster Dumbledore offered Professor McGonagall his arm leading to the entry door to the Great Hall before leaving he suggested a five-minute period between the teachers entering and the champions. Which allowed them to reach the dais where they were to be seated.
After the five minutes were up Fleur and Roger entered first followed by Cedric and Cho. Victor Krum and Hermoine with Harry and Luna bring up the rear.
The four champions and their dates took up positions in the four cardinal directions waiting for the music to start. Fleur and Roger were in the west, Krum and Hermoine were in the east, leaving Harry and Luna and Cedric and Cho in the north and south perspectival.
Harry and Luna danced for three songs before they decided it was time to take a break.
They too reach the table that the champions and their dates were assigned to eat at which was the other half of the long table that the Judges were to be sitting.
The champions made polite conversation with the different heads of schools and their dates, while the also decided on their meals for the night.
"Mr. Bagman I'm surprised that I don't see Mr. Crouch here this evening, do you know why he isn't here with us? I do hope all is well with him."
Before Ludo could answer a, tall lanky redhead who was doing his best to look important, butted in.
"I'm here in Mr. Crouch's place tonight he is feeling a little under the weather due to stress between the World Cup and this competition."
Harry raised a brow, "It's impolite to answer a question that wasn't posed to you. Nor is it wise to assume we all know who you are. By your own words you're a Ministry employee, an assistant. The authority you possess is based entirely on what Crouch is due. Manners, Mister Assistant, not misplaced arrogance. I myself am Lord, entitled to your bluster, though I try not to act as such. So I ask for myself and those of us unaware of who you are, for your name?"
Percy looked like he was going to yell until he thought better of it. "My apologies Lord Potter, my name is Percy Weasley. I'm the assistant to Mr. Crouch, I'm here in his place."
Harry inclined his head and went to back to soft conversing with Luna and Hermoine since she was sitting close by. After they finished eating, the champions rose again, to return to the dance floor. Harry danced with Luna another turn when he felt a tap on his shoulder, Harry turned to see Neville who nodded toward Luna.
"May I have your hand in one dance Luna?"
Luna nodded, "Of course Neville. Harry don't sit down I'm sure there are some other ladies here who'd like a dance with you."
Harry inclined his head to Luna and Neville before taking a step back and turning to see Susan Bones sitting at a nearby table. Harry walked over to her stopped and bowed.
"Lady Bones my I have the pleasure to have your hand for a dance?"
Susan looked around and saw that Luna was dancing with Neville and that Hermoine was still dancing with Krum.
"Of course, Lord Potter."
Harry led Susan to the dance floor. When they started to dance Harry said.
"You may call me Harry, when we're not in the Ministry, Lady Bones."
Susan blushed, "Then I must insist that you call me Susan for the same reason."
Harry and Susan continued you to dance for a while.
"You cut a different appearance than the last time I met you, Harry."
"Are you saying I'm not as intimidating as when Madam Bones and her Aurors came unbidden into my residence? Or simply that my outfit changes how I appear?"
Susan smiled. "I'd say you're more intimidating. Can ask why Professor Black is wearing a dress?"
Harry chuckled, "I put a glamour charm on both Professor Black and Lupin for the duration of the Yule Ball. Professor Lupin is wearing a dress if a male looks at them."
Harry noticed that Krum and Hermoine were angling toward him and Susan. When they're next to each other the exchanged dancing partners. Krum was now dancing with Susan and Harry with Hermoine.
"Harry what got you chuckling? I noticed it on my way over."
"Susan asked why Padfoot was wearing a dress. I told her I a placed a glamour charm on both Padfoot and Mooney for the duration of the Yule Ball."
"You do realize that it will lead to a war between them and you?"
Harry shook his head, "Luna picked out the colors of the dresses."
Hermoine shook head chuckling lightly. "When will it fade?"
"Sometime tomorrow."
"We should plan to leave soon if we're going to make the Queen's Yule Ball this evening."
"I'm going to restroom to freshen up, I think I'll grab Luna and meet you in the Entrance Hall. My one question is how are we getting there?"
"I'll apparate us to the manor, from there we'll pick up Emma and Tonks use a time-turner and go from there."
"Harry you do realize that Luna and I would have to be excused by either Headmaster Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall."
Harry raised a brow in thought, "I'll go speak with Professor McGonagall about that then."
Hermoine nodded and headed to find Luna who she found buy the punch bowel. Luna was speaking with Hannah and Ginny
"Luna can you spare a moment to freshen up?"
"Of course Hermoine, if you excuse me, Hannah and Ginny."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
"Professor McGonagall may I have a moment of your time."
Professor McGonagall looked up, "Of course Lord Potter where shall we speak?"
"Shall we take a stroll around the rose garden, that way we may speak more quietly."
With a nod Professor McGonagall got up and Harry offered her his arm. They made their way out to the rose garden to speak.
"Lord Potter what was it that you wanted to speak about?"
"Professor, I'll be returning Miss Lovegood and Miss Granger to their quarters and then returning to my own."
"Well Good evening then Lord Potter; I'll inform Professor Flitwick."
Harry bowed his head, "Thank you Professor McGonagall, good evening."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry met up with Luna and Hermoine in the Entrance Hall offering an arm to each.
"Are you two ready?"
"Where to first Harry?" asked Luna.
"The boundary of the wards, I'm not sure if they'll detect time turner usage so I want to be outside of them. Then we'll meet up with Tonks and Emma at the Manor. We have to make sure we arrive before the Queen walks into the room. I don't care personally, neither does she, but it'll save the two of us from hearing about it from her Majordomo, Tiddlesworth."
Both girls nodded in understanding, a little bit of nerves mixed with excitement at meeting the Queen, formally, for the first time showing in their eyes.
They just walked through the front gates of Hogwarts, when Harry pulled the three of them through the tight tube known as apparition. They arrived outside of the gates of Potter Manor and walked up to the manor. Thankfully for Harry and the ladies Max was fast sleep at the steps of the manor under the watchful eyes of Tomy and Emma.
"Good evening Luna, Hermoine how has Hogwarts been so far?"
"It has been interesting so far mom. Wait till you hear what Harrys been up to."
"We really don't have the time for that now. Maybe we can speak about that after the Queen's Ball?" Harry asked with hope that the evening with the Queen and dancing would help them forget about the dragon.
Emma raised a brow while tapping her foot. The looks that says we will speak about this now.
Harry gulped he really hoped that none of the ladies would remained him of Nicholas when he drove a point home. Only other person who made him feel this way was the Queen herself. So Harry quickly recounted the event with the dragon. After he was done with the retelling from his point of view he could see the relief if in Emma's face. Tonks looked like she wanted to hear from the girls point of view.
Harry caught her eye and mouthed "Later I'll show you the memory of it Tonks."
"You aren't planning on showing that memory to Emma, right?" mouthed Tonks.
Harry shook his head minutely which was enough for Tonks to see.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
"Ah, Lord Potter so good of you to arrive on time for once, this is a big night after all." Majordomo Tiddlesworth said.
"Majordomo do you think that these lovely ladies on my arm would let me arrive late for an evening of dancing at the Queen's invite?"
Majordomo Tiddlesworth took the time to look over the ladies that arrived with Lord Potter, after a minute on each he had to agree with the young lord. "I must say that I agree with your statement about these ladies. They do look like they will turn many heads with their beauty."
"Shall we head to the dance hall now or is there a room that the Queen would like to meet my ladies and myself first?"
Majordomo Tiddlesworth turned to his right and began to walk to the room the meeting would take place. "Follow me my Lord Potter and ladies, her Majesty would like to meet you indeed before the ball."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
"Ah, Lord Potter glad to see that you have ladies that will at least make sure you get to the important appointments early."
"Has you say your Majesty. May I introduce you to said ladies?"
At the slight nod of the head Harry began with the Grangers followed by Luna and Tonks.
"Well my Lord it is a pleasure to have met them but we do have a Ball to attend. I except that you treat them well and to make sure they all have a great time tonight."
With that the Potter party left the room to wait the Queen in the hall with the other guests.
:-: :-: :-: :-: ;-: ;-: :-; :-:
AN: Sorry for not updating in a long time but with writer's block and some changes in my life. I will not promise to update regularly again it will take time to write this story by myself.