Merlin Protocol

Chapter 11

I See You

A/N: Wow I know its been a loooong time since Ive written anything for this story but trust me I have never forgotten about it. So here I am. My life has changed drastically since I last updated. And I like to think it's for the better. I've moved across the country and finally found what I love to do. But it makes it hard to write anything. However I have finally finished the next chapter for Merlin Protocol. There might be some plot holes because it has been so long but I hope you still enjoy it. I promise more action in the next chapter but I felt it was finally time for a filler chapter to give you what you want.

Nute

A week later Henry found himself in the headmaster's office once again. He and the rest of his team had thrown themselves into the training of the aurors, leaving little time for everything else. Looking around he saw the rest of his squad along with Dumbledore, Sirius and the major.

"I would like to start by offering my condolences for your fallen man."

"Thank you headmaster but we have more important things to deal with. First is the fact that the man we captured is not Merek, it was a double meant for us to capture. That in itself is cause for concern but the second thing worries us even more, we encountered a level of organization we were not expecting on the last operation. That is concerning because our intel gave us no indication of that" Pausing for a moment the major spoke again.

"That means one of two things. Either the Death Eaters are that good and our teams didn't see it, which I highly doubt, or they have people on the inside. Able to influence our intel and shield the Death Eaters from our operations. I don't know which scenario I would rather have but given the fact that they were able to put a double in place I'm more inclined to believe the latter. In the meantime one thing is clear. We need to increase the auror training if we are ever to have enough soldiers to fight this war."

"What do you have in mind?"

"We have been making good progress but it's not enough. My men are soldiers, they can teach the men the necessary skills but they aren't equipped to turn them into warriors. That takes a special type," looking to Henry and Jake the major spoke, " I'm talking about the man that made these two what they are."

"You can't be serious."

"He doesn't even know about magic, how could you even make that work…"

"Peters, Williams stand to. I know his methods are unorthodox but that's what these trainees need. Now headmaster we need some barracks set up on the grounds. The trainees are going to be staying here full time."

"Of course Major, that can be arraigned immediately."

"Good, that will be all. The new trainer should be here in the next week."

"Very well"

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Leaving the headmasters office Henry and Jake started in on the major while the others looked on in interest.

"Sir."

"Peters I know your concerns but you can't deny that he is the best. Would you be where you were without him?"

"No Sir"

"What about you Williams? Any questions?"

"No Sir" Jake responded looking to Henry who just shrugged his shoulders.

"I know that you didn't like him but he's the best, you can't deny that."

"He is and it's not that we don't like the man, hell I respect him more than any man I've ever met. But these recruits aren't ready for that. Me and Jake knew what we were getting into, had years of training before going through his program. I think we've been making good progress but they're just not ready." Henry spoke looking at the Major.

"Well it's a good thing you're not the one to make those decisions Peters, I've already contacted him and he has agreed to come. The matter is settled, keep up the training as it has been until he arrives next week." Seeing Henry wanting to continue the major added, "That's an order lieutenant."

"Yes sir," Henry said snapping to attention.

"That is all men." As the major walked away Frank looked at the rest of his squad.

"Anybody want to tell me what that was about?"

"He's bringing in Hartman," Jake said causing Frank to look at him for a second before chuckling.

"Well this is going to be interesting."

"Alright that's enough you heard the major, we're to continue training as normal so get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning," the rest of the men nodded as Connor walked away.

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The next day Henry found himself cleaning up after training again, the last week his team had been pushing the trainees to their limits. And that was before they learned about the new drill sergeant coming in. He felt bad because he had been so caught up in the training and trying to deal with the first actual loss of a comrade that he hadn't seen anyone besides his team and the trainees for the past week. Taking his meals in the kitchen or at the training field he had cut himself off from the rest of the school, not feeling up to dealing with everything else.

Putting the last of the training dummies away Henry closed the door on the shed they stored all the training gear in with a sigh. Turning towards the castle he set off through the forest looking forward to a hot meal and shower before falling asleep.

"It's been a while Harry," drawing his sidearm Henry pivoted to the voice dropping to his knee and aiming at the unexpected voice. Seeing the somewhat familiar shadow among the trees and hearing the voice chuckle he lowered his weapon.

"Fuck Miles don't do that to me."'

"Sorry couldn't help it, too much fun. You should see how Sirius reacts when I do that."

"You do that often?"

"Enough to know how to get to him. His voice is surprisingly high when he's surprised," Miles finished with a chuckle.

"Should I even ask how you got here."

"You could ask but the only answer you would get is one of your favorites, magic." Henry groaned at his answer before replying.

"What do you want?"

"I'm here for the same reason you are, to save lives."

"I find that hard to believe, besides my job is to take them not save them."

"On the contrary Henry, think of all the lives you have saved by taking the ones you have, imagine if all the terrorists you have killed were still roaming around. How many do you think they would have killed?" At Henry's silence Miles continued.

"However I am here on a serious matter, you and your team have been doing a good job of counteracting the terrorists but there is something you are overlooking."

"And what is that?"

"Well obviously the most vulnerable portion of the magical population, muggleborns. When Voldemort makes his move do you think he's just going to let the muggleborn witches and wizards along with their family's continue to live peacefully? I know you have studied history at the Academy, does the Holocaust ring any bells?" Seeing the look of recognition on Henrys face he continued, "That's right, Voldemort is the scum of the earth don't think anything is above him."

"What would you have me do then?" Henry asked

"Do what you guys do best, plan. Find a way to protect them and when it comes to it, save them, save as many as you can. I would offer more assistance but we've been ordered to be hands off on this whole situation."

"What? Why? You guys would be more able to handle the muggleborns, I mean you operate in the muggle world after all."

"That brings me to the other reason I am here, we believe Voldemort has started to infiltrate the muggle government. We have no definitive proof but the way people are talking makes me think that your team might run into some resistance sooner or later."

"Well they're a bunch of bureaucrats so I don't really see a threat there."

"That's right they are a bunch of bureaucrats, but the muggle world is no different from this one. The ones with money hold the power. They hold the power to shut you down, I'm talking pulling your funding and ordering you to stand down. Are you prepared to disobey a direct order? Knowing that it could mean a court martial and losing everything you have worked your entire life for, possibly life in prison?"

"If it means we could save lives I am fully prepared to face the consequences of my actions."

"I expected nothing less, now I have been ordered to stay away but in the end we are still spies. When it comes to it I can offer some support. We are very discreet after all. Now I must be going Henry but one last piece of advice, don't think that you can only rely on your team for the dark times ahead, this world is full of brilliant minds and I wouldn't let them go to waste." With that Miles turned and went back into the forest disappearing from view as Henry thought about what he had just learned. Shaking his head Henry threw his pack on his shoulder and continued the trek to the castle hoping for a quiet dinner and some time to think about what the next move would be before bringing the matter up with his team.

Entering the castle Henry didn't know whether to smile or groan as he saw the forms of Ginny and Ellie with their backs to him, obviously waiting for him. Deciding it was time to pay the piper he stood tall as he stopped behind them.

"Er.. Hi," his voice sounded nervous even to him as the two girls turned on the spot glaring at him, well so much for hoping they wouldn't be angry.

"Hi? That's all you have to say? We haven't seen you in over a week and that's all you have to say?"

"I really am sorry I've just been really.."

"I wasn't finished Har.. Henry, you disappear from dinner one night with your team to go do God knows what then don't even let us know that you're back. We had to learn from the rest of your team that you all made it back in one piece. Do you know how that feels? I know what you do Henry, anything could of happened to you. How do you think that made us, me feel?" Seeing the fire in Ginny's eyes dim Henry looked away before speaking.

"I'm really sorry but this past week has been crazy and I've been really busy," he trailed off knowing that it was a weak excuse.

"Too busy to even say hi? You said that you would always be there for me, but where were you this week when I needed you?" Seeing the hurt look in his eyes Ellie knew what she had said crossed the line.

"Listen I am truly sorry for how I've been acting this past week, but the fact is there is so much you don't know. We need to work harder and be more focused than ever before, not only with the aurors but in our own training. The fact is we didn't all make it back." Ginny took a step closer to him as he spoke and grabbed his hand as he finished.

"What do you mean?"

"Adams didn't make it. I'm sorry I've been distant the past week but I'll try harder from now on." After finishing Henry broke free from Ginny's grasp and moved up the stair with his head down. Ginny watched him walk away feeling worse with every step he took. She had met Adams a few times at meals and when they were all spending time together and he seemed like a good man even if she didn't know him very well.

"Well shit," Ellie said after a second.

"Ellie!"

"What you were thinking the same thing, we just practically attacked him for ignoring us but we didn't even know what he was going through."

"When did you get so smart?"

"Well I am your friend Ginny."

"Ohh you're good, but what are we going to do know?"

"We? I'm not sure but what you're going to do is go after him right now and apologize and if all goes well get a kiss out of it." Ginny just glared at the girl after she spoke. "Oh come on everybody can see it, the tension between you two is almost unbearable."

"How old are you again?" Ginny said before taking the girls advice and heading up the stairs in search of him.

"And don't think I'll forget about you calling him Harry, I expect to hear that story soon," shaking her head at the cheeky 11 year old she wondered if taking her under her wing was a good thing after all.

Climbing the stairs Ginny finally came to the wing where the soldiers were living, seeing a man she didn't recognize at the door leading to their rooms she marched up to him.

"Halt miss, I'm sorry but no unauthorized personnel are allowed beyond this point."

"I have to see Henry."

"Like I said no one besides team members are allowed beyond here, now please step back," the man said taking a step in her direction. Not knowing what else to do Ginny was about to lay into the man when the door behind him opened and Jake stepped out.

"What's all the noise Ben?" He said before laying eyes on Ginny, "Oh Miss Weasely here to see me I hope?" Rolling her eyes she spoke.

"You know who I'm here to see," she said impatiently.

"Ah yes but I'm afraid he's not here, left in quite a hurry if I do say so. You do like to make things difficult don't you? But if I had to take a guess I would tell you that he has always been a fan of high places." The young soldier said with a mischievous look in his eyes. Thinking for a second Ginny realized the meaning of his words. Stepping forward to hug him she whispered.

"Thank you," releasing Jake she turned to continue up the stairs before Jake spoke.

"Ginny," turning around at his use of her actual name she saw him come close before speaking softly. "Look out for him, this is the first time we've lost a man with him on the team. He just might be the best amongst us but he's a noble bastard and this has affected him the most. He needs you but if you hurt him you will have us to deal with." Seeing her look of determination he chuckled before saying, "I see my fears are unwarranted, well what are you waiting for go on."

That was all she needed to hear before turning and racing up the stairs.

Coming to the top of the astronomy tower Henry sighed before unslinging his weapon and taking a seat against the cold stone wall. Winter was coming in full force now so the exposed tower was very cold but he paid no attention to it as he began to think. When he first learned about going to the Academy he had visions of glory in his mind. Going in and saving he day, defending those that can't defend themselves. But the reality was very different, there was no glory to be found in the work that they did. They worked in the shadows, taking lives when it was necessary and sparing them when it was ordered. It was a hard reality for him to come to.

He still had trouble reconciling his actions with the overall mission they were tasked with but deep down he knew his team was necessary. At the same time he knew that a lot of good had been done in their operations, he had saved many lives, like the little girl in London and not to mention Ginny.

Ginny, now that was a whole other matter. He thought distancing himself would make it easier but she still found her way into his thoughts. At training, on missions, hell even when he would take his meals in the kitchens alone his thought still fell on the same thing, her. He had never met anyone like her, to go through what she had and come out the other end like she had.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone coming up the stairs rather quickly. Moving to the corner Henry drew his wand and waited for the unknown person to come through the door. A curse on his lips Henry lowered his wand as he saw the familiar red head come through the door looking around before her eyes settled on him. Seeing his wand out she lowered hers slowly before speaking.

"Harry…" Hearing her speak his real name he sunk back to where he was sitting and hung his head.

"Ginny, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here because you need me," she said taking a couple of steps towards Henry before he spoke.

"What do you mean by that." He said as she came even closer. "You shouldn't be here, you don't know what I've done."

"Do you want me to go?" she said standing up.

"No!" coughing Henry continued, "I mean you came all the way up here so don't leave on my account. I'll leave," standing Henry started to make his way to the entrance before he felt a pair of arms on the back of his combats turning him around. Shocked Henry was still as he felt a pair of lips connect with his own, feeling nothing short of pure bliss he was speechless as she stepped away.

"You noble fucking prat. Do you like me or not? Because I can't stand this anymore. I don't care what you do I'll always have these feelings for you" Ginny said as she raised her hand to stroke his cheek and draw him into another kiss.

"Of course I do Ginny, what's not to like. You're smart, beautiful and won't put up with my shit. But you know how my life is. I don't want to put you through that."

"Harry I think that's my choice to make, don't you?" Looking into his eyes she saw a single tear slip down his cheek before wiping it away.

"I don't know if I can do it, what this world asks of me."

"Of course you can Harry, You are the strongest man I have ever met. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now but you need to know this, I believe in you. I always have, even before I knew you, and I always will. You're the man that rescued me, the one that comforted me when I was still haunted by what I went through." seeing his surprised look she continued, "Yes I remember that, at first I thought it was my mum but you're the only one that gives me the feeling I had those nights."

"Ginny I never meant to-"

"Please let me finish." Seeing his sheepish look Ginny continued, " I know you would never take advantage of me or try to be anything other than what you are. That's why what you have done means so much to me. That's also why I love you Harry Potter. I don't expect you to return my feelings right now but I know that you feel something for me." Falling silent she looked at Harry who had a shocked look on his face. With her looking at him Henry responded.

"I do feel something for you Ginny, but I don't know what love is. My entire life has been dedicated to fighting, yea I had a loving Godfather but he was only interested in training me to be what I am. I am a weapon Ginny, I take lives when it is necessary and save them when ordered. I don't know if I can give you what you are looking for."

"Harry... you already have. What do you feel when you think about me, when you think about Ellie? You know what love is, you just don't recognize it for what it is. But I Plan on rectifying that as often as I can," as she spoke Ginny drew closer to Harry before drawing him into a hug and pressing her lips to his forehead where his scar used to be as she finished.

"I want to try Ginny, I want what you can give me. I don't think I can do what needs to be done without you, or Ellie, I'll do anything to keep the both of you safe." As he finished speaking he put a hand behind her neck while the other on stroked her cheek and drew her into a kiss.

"I think I love you Ginny."