HPNSA - BOOK ONE

CHAPTER TEN
KNIGHTS OF THE BUREAU

TIMELINE: AUGUST 10, 1997




The dungeon room was filled with wizards in plum, golden, and red robes. For the first time in many years the International Confederation of Wizards met again to hear the case of a being that has been banned from entering the shores of Europe since 1855. Ron sat in the third row from the front between his father and Charlie. He looked magnificent in his dress robe though he felt like there were a hundred butterflies inside his stomach. Amelia Bones, head of the Department for International Magical Cooperation was elected to oversee the proceedings and when she came in, the hearing began.

“Bring out the prisoner.” She said.

Four hit wizards came out bringing a winged beast wrapped in large chains and placed him at the center of the large circle locking him there with spells. Ron could feel his insides turn as anger burned inside him. His hand gripped his wand firmly and Arthur tapped him to calm him down. He took a deep breath before easing his hold on the wand.

“You have defied the laws of the Ministry and trespassed through our borders. We are informed that there is another that came with you.” Amelia said.

“Nay! I came here alone.” The creature said.

“Then who is this Uriel that is now working for the Dark Lord?” Amelia asked.

Lars sputtered an incoherent language through the opening in his face.

“Please use the common tongue, Incubus, or we will be forced to use a spell against you.” Amelia said.

“He is a priest in Aveddon’s Order. I do not know why he works for Voldemort.” The dungeon filled with hisses at the sound of the Dark Lord’s name.

“Do you work for the Dark Lord?” Amelia said.

“Nay. I came here on my own accord.” Lars said.

“How long have you known that there is a bearer here?” A wizard wearing a red robe asked.

“Since I inhabited the body of Lars Dursley.”

“We need a date.”

“He was arrested in New York in 1985 and I could smell the Iranna from him. When the body I inhabit died in the gas chamber I took his body and returned to London.” The creature said.

“So this Lars has been molesting the boy before you came. How many times have you attempted to take the Iranna?” A wizard wearing gold robes asked the creature.

“Every year since he was five, until Aveddon caught me. The last time I attempted to take it, the bearer was twelve.” Lars hissed.

“Hzerdul, you are charged with assault against an underage wizard and attempted murder of a Bearer of the Iranna,” Amelia said. The creature hissed. “You are also charged with trespassing through the borders of this land, and of defying the treaty of 1855. You are also charged with the attempted murder of a child. How do you plead?” Amelia said.

Ron straightened up. ‘What child?’ he asked himself. He looked at his father but Arthur would not meet his eyes.

“I did not harm the child.” He hissed. “I tried my best to keep his bed intact. He was not harmed at all.”

“Yet because of your attempt to get the Iranna his bed suffered a tear that nearly ended his life.” Amelia said.

“Dad?” Ron whispered. “What are they talking about?”

Arthur bowed his head and was about to say something when the dungeon room doors opened and a group of men dressed in jet-black suits came in. They had swords and several other weapons all over their body. Ron could see about ten of them and the hall was filled with a murmur at their arrival. They took the empty seats at the rightmost part of the dungeon. Lars hissed at the sight of them as though they inflicted pain upon him with their eyes.

“I did not hurt the child I tell you!” He screamed. “You promised me clemency! I did not harm the child!”

“Silence!” Amelia said. “Since all the charges that have been presented before you are proven without a doubt this court finds you guilty,”

“I did not hurt the child!” He screamed. “You promised me mercy!”

“Silence!” Amelia said.

Ron could feel his heart racing like a hundred horses. He was beginning to believe that the child he spoke of was no one else’s but…

“I DID NOT HURT YOUR SON!” Lars screamed looking at Ron. “I just want the Iranna!”

Ron’s eyes filled with tears as the words slowly gnawed themselves into his mind.

“Silence!” Amelia cried.

“I tried to stir clear of his bed! He was not harmed!” Lars said.

Ron stood and took out his wand; Arthur and Charlie did their best to restrain him.

“This court has sentenced you with death.” Amelia silenced the hall. “However the father of the child that you nearly murdered is present and this court has given him the right to pass judgment upon you. Will Ronald Bilius Weasley please approach the circle?”

“Ron, let the court pass judgment. Please!” Arthur said.

“Yes, Ron, waive your rights. The court has sentenced him to death.” Charlie pleaded.

“Ron…”

“Why didn’t you tell me about my son?” Ron said his body shaking with anger.

Arthur just looked into his eyes and said, “You already had too much to worry about. I just wanted to protect you, because you are my son.”

“He nearly killed mine.” Ron said.

“Yes, and the court will see to it that he will be punished accordingly.” Arthur said.

“Would you let them if it had been you?” To this Arthur had not the answer. “He nearly destroyed my life, Dad. I will never be at peace if my anger is not quenched.” Arthur eased his grip slowly and Ron walked towards the circle.

“You are aware Mr. Weasley that the judgment you pass today will be recorded and will affect your standing as a student and as a wizard?” Amelia said.

“I understand.” Ron said.

“Then what say you?” Amelia said.

“I wish him to die by my hands.”

“Then so be it. Please give Mr. Weasley a sword.” Amelia said and immediately a sword was handed to him. He took the hilt and unsheathed the sword that glinted silver. It felt light in his hands that quivered with anger. Slowly he approached the creature that was now begging for his mercy screaming incoherent words in several languages.

“No. You will not die in this state.” Ron said.

“What do you mean?” Amelia asked.

“The one I wish to kill is Lars, not this beast. He must change into Lars.” Ron said.

“The muggle is not responsible for the charges.” Amelia said.

“Yet it is his perversion that brought this creature to these shores. He has to die.” Ron said.

“The beast will not change into his muggle-form anymore.” Amelia said.

“I can make him change, if the court will allow me.” Ron said.

There was another wave of murmurs that echoed in the dungeon. “The judgment has been passed unto your hands, do unto him as you please.” Amelia then sat in her seat and bowed her head.

Ron took out his wand and pointing it at the creature he conjured the cruciatus spell three times and the dungeon was filled with Lars’ screams. Ron could feel his heart rejoice at the sound of his torture until at last the beast Hzerdul changed into the muggle known as Lars. Then with one swift move Ron cut his head off with the blade and the screaming ceased and the dungeon fell silent. A foul green smoke emanating from the severed neck rose to the ceiling and was no more. The body was removed from the circle and Ron surrendered the sword and was escorted out of the courtroom. Arthur and Charlie were left behind to finish the Proceedings.

Ron was taken to his father’s office and he sat there alone pondering the events that had transpired. His dress robe was stained with Lars’ blood, his eyes filled with tears and his mind with questions. He killed a muggle, he made him suffer than cut off his head. Ron lifted his hands slowly and looked at it – they were shaking. He wondered how many more he needs to kill until Harry is completely safe. Harry and his son; Lars said he had a son. Ron laughed a bit at the thought. Was he ready to be a father? He was barely ready to be a husband. Doubt invades his mind and again the question of whether he was enough burned him until his eyes could not control the tears. Now there are two of them to defend, two of them to worry about. He closed his eyes and saw a vision of him and Harry and a little boy with red hair running freely and in peace.

“Ron.” Arthur was there now and so was Charlie. “Let’s go.” Ron stared at his father’s eyes and knew that he had caused the sadness in them. It could not be helped, he needed to release the anger he felt inside and no one could convince him otherwise.

The ride home was excruciatingly quiet. Ron looked out the window as they passed the busy world beneath them. He remembered riding on a similar car before with nothing more than catching up with the train to worry about. Harry was beside him and they were trying to get to Hogwarts. Things have changed greatly since then.

When they got home Harry was waiting anxiously outside. The thunderbird parked and they all went out and Harry ran towards them but noticing the glum faces he stops short and waited for Ron. Arthur and Charlie passed them by silently though Charlie smiled at Harry before going straight inside the house.

“It went that well ha?” He said after a while.

Ron looked at him and smiled but could not hide the sadness that he felt. “I want us to talk.”

“Alright.” Harry said, then the two of them headed for the pond.

***


Ron took off his dress robe and prepared the small boat that was beside the edge. He went in and held out his hand to help Harry but Harry laughed at it.

“I’m not that much of a woman, Ron.” Harry said and he got in. “I can manage.”

Ron rowed the boat for while then he stopped. “Harry…”

“Yes, Ron.”

“How much do you love me?” Ron said.

Harry was taken aback by the question but he smiled and said, “More than my life.”

“Did you know that we’d end up like this?” Ron said.

“No. I didn’t even think you’d accept me being like this.” Harry said.

Ron smiled at him wryly. “When I first saw you and found out who you were all I could think of was how cool it was to be with you. I immediately wanted to be your friend.”

“Yes, you and I hit it off pretty fast. I thought you were very cute.” Harry teased.

“Shut up.” Ron said and they share a few laughs for a while.

“But when I realized how you felt for me, I knew that things will be like this. At least I hoped we’d end up growing old together.” Harry said.

“Aren’t you scared that we have gotten ourselves into something we’re not prepared for yet?” Ron said.

“Do you regret marrying me?” Harry asked.

Ron did not answer the question right away. “I’m afraid of losing you, Harry.” Ron said.

“What made you think that?” Harry asked.

“The attack brought you so close to death, Harry. Too close.” Ron said.

“Yes but you came just in time.” Harry said.

“Yes, but what if I can’t do it again? What if next time I won’t make it?” Ron could not hold back the tears that choked him since they left the Ministry. “I’m afraid Harry. I’m so scared.”

“Ron!” Harry said.

“I’m afraid that I won’t be able to protect you,” Ron said between sobs.

“But you have protected me. Ron!” Harry went over and wrapped his arms around Ron’s shaking body. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

“I’m so scared that I would wake up one morning and you’re not there, because I was not fast enough, or strong enough!” Ron said holding Harry tightly in his embrace. “I’m afraid that when they come and try to get you, they’d succeed because I am not good enough to protect you.”

Harry felt like his heart would burst; Ron was suffering because of him and this would not be the last time he would feel this way. “You will never lose me, Ron. I will always be here. You’re more than enough! Besides, I’ll fight them too. I’m not totally helpless you know.”

“Promise me you will fight and stay alive. Promise me Harry.” Ron said. “I don’t want to go on with this life if you’re not with me.”

“I promise Ron.” Harry said hugging him tightly. “I promise. You will never be alone. I will always be with you.”

***

Arthur was watching them from a distance and could not help but weep. He felt so sorry for them both going through this difficult task. “Look at them Molly.” He said. Molly went to him and hugged him. “If only we can spare them of this.”

“Did they really say that Harry’s carrying our grandchild?” Molly said.

“Yes. Severus told me last night.” Arthur said wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

“They have us, Arthur. We will help them both through this.” Molly said.

“You are a strong woman, Molly Weasley. I am glad I have you.” Arthur said and he kissed her head.

***

That night Harry could not sleep; he sat there listening to Ron’s breathing, watching his chest rise and fall. His face was a picture of peace and Harry saw how it has changed from the day they met at Kingscross station – he adored it more now. Then a tapping in his belly reminded him that they were not alone and that he needed to go downstairs.

“Shhh…” He said softly. He reached for his glasses and went downstairs. He took a bowl from the cupboard filled it with milk and took some bread. Then he sat down and enjoyed his midnight snack. The tapping did not stop this time and he figured the littlest Weasley was up for a talk.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Harry whispered. “I’m getting it down, chewing as fast as I can.”

“Harry? What are you doing down here?” It was Ron, rubbing his eyes as he came down. “Whom are you talking to?”

Harry wanted to tell him, but reminded of Professor Snape’s warning he decided not to say it. “Oh, I got hungry.”

“What are you eating?” Ron said sitting beside him.

“Bread and milk. You want some?” Harry said.

“Bread and milk?” Ron smiled but shook his head. “Are all cravings like this?”

Harry stopped chewing the bread in his mouth. Ron knew; there was no need to keep it from him. “So they’ve told you.”

“Yes. So is this the only food you crave for?” Ron asked.

Harry looked at Ron wondering why he was being so casual with it. “How did you find out?”

“At the hearing. It was part of the charges against Lars.” Ron said. Then he took some bread and soaked it in milk then put it in his mouth. After a while he nodded his head. “Not bad.” He said licking his fingers.

“Well, are you alright with it?” Harry said after a while.

“Alright with what?” Ron asked taking another piece of bread and soaking it with milk.

“With the pregnancy.” Harry said.

“Why would I not be?” Ron said through a mouthful. “It’s mine. Isn’t it?”

“Of course it is!” Harry said frowning.

Ron laughed, “Just teasing you, you’re so jumpy.”

“It’s not funny.” Harry said laughing in his turn. “I wonder how Hermione would react to this news.”

“Why do you keep thinking of what Hermione thinks?” Ron said.

“Well, I just wondered. You and she had something between you two and…” Harry said.

“And it has been over a long time ago. She’s with Viktor now and they are happy. Let’s not bring her into our marriage shall we?” Ron said.

“They may not accept me back at Hogwarts anymore. Imagine the look on everybody’s face when they see me with a rather large stomach. Pretty sure Draco and his minions will have lots to talk about.” Harry said.

“Oh, yeah, which reminds me, Draco isn’t going to bother you again. He and his father have called it quits. He is staying with Professor Snape now and is no longer working for the Dark Side.” Ron said.

“Really?” Harry asked.

“Yes, he’s the one that alerted the Order about Uriel.” Ron said.

“Oh.” Harry then remembered the wedding day in Uriel’s temple. “You were right about him. I should’ve listened.”

“Hey, let’s stop it now. No more regrets. We’re married and I am happy, and now we are going to have a baby and we have to forget the mistakes that we did, and work on not making new ones. Alright?” Ron said.

“Alright.” Harry said then he went back to eating. “So, excited to be a Daddy?”

“Nervous more like it.” Ron said laughing. “What if I drop him, or break his bones?”

“Him? How sure are you it’s a him?” Harry said.

“Oh I know these things.” Ron said proudly. “The daddy always knows.”

“Hold on,” Harry said. “If you’re the Daddy, what am I exactly?”


***


“Arthur, breakfast!” Molly called. “George! Fred! Harry! Ron! Ginny!” One by one they came down and kissed Molly good morning. Charlie and Bill were already up and had helped their mother in preparing breakfast.

After they’ve eaten their fill and each were preparing themselves for another days’ work, Molly saw a group of men garbed in jet-black outfits from a distance. They were headed for their house and Molly called Arthur to see who they were.

“Knights!” Arthur said.

Everyone stood and looked outside as Arthur went and greeted the odd guests. He was talking to the one that headed the group it seems but Arthur was not able to fend them off and had no choice but accept them in the house.

Molly told everyone to go upstairs and everyone went though George left an extendable ear at the foot of the stairs.

“Molly this is Garel, Head Knight of the Bureau.” Arthur said.

“Hello.” Molly said extending a hand but Garel bowed his head instead. “Come in.” Molly looked at Arthur who nodded his head. “Please, have a seat.”

“We’ve come to see The Bearer and The Defender.” Garel said.

“He means Harry and Ron.” Arthur said. “Can’t we just do this after their seventh year?”

“What is going on Arthur?” Molly said.

“Time runs out, Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore Invoked the Treaty and we have come to help but we need to see them both. The Defender will be given the choice, but it is up to him to decide.” Garel said.

“Stay here, let me get him.” Arthur said.

“He’s coming up.” Fred said. And they all pretended to behave.

“Ron, Harry you need to come downstairs.” Arthur said.

The two followed him down and sat beside each other on the couch.

“Children this is Garel, he’s the head of the Order of Knights. They work for the Bureau.” Arthur said.

“Harry do you know why we’re here?” Garel said.

“No.” Harry said.

“We are here because you are in grave danger. This century the care for the Iranna has been bestowed upon you.” Garel said.

“So I’ve been told.” Harry said.

“The Iranna has not been passed onto anyone in these parts for such a long time that you and your superiors know very little of it and the enemies it attracts. We know of your plight against Voldemort,” Garel paused. “Do you know about Aveddon?”

“I’ve read about him. He was the first Incubus to get an Iranna.” Harry said.

“I see. Banned books are not so banned after all.” Garel said looking at Arthur. “You are right, and he is our enemy from where we come from. He has not bothered these shores for such a long time, because he is trying to conquer ours and we have kept him at bay. Imagine if we have two of him to fight. If Voldemort gets his hand on an Iranna, the world as you see it will change. They will either rule together or destroy this world in their claim for power.”

“That is why they have come, to protect you, Harry.” Arthur said.

“But the protection that we provide will not be enough. We heard that you and he got married and share a child.” Garel said.

Someone fell upstairs apparently from a bed. “Yes we are.” Ron answered looking up at the ceiling.

“Before you came there are Bearers that were lucky enough to get married like yourself and the ones that could protect them the best were those who loved them the most.” Garel said. “The treaty that was invoked required the Defender – your partner – to join us if he chooses so that we may train him to defend you more effectively against those that hunt you.”

“No.” Harry said.

“Harry? I think I should do it.” Ron said.

“Out of the question. Ron you could get hurt or killed,” Harry said.

“That’s why they’ll train me right?” Ron said looking at Garel.

“Harry the choice has to come from him.” Garel said.

“No! I can’t let him go!” Harry said.

“I’ll go.” Ron said.

“Can we talk outside please?” Harry said and he stormed out of the room.

“What is wrong with you?” Ron said. “They are going to train me to be more effective in protecting you, this is what I need exactly.”

“That’s not what you need, we have everything we need here, we can asked Dumbledore to give you advanced lessons, you’ll be a great wizard,” Harry said.

“But we’re not just dealing with wizards anymore. Harry you’re not the only one at stake here. My son is counting on me to do the right thing.” Ron said.

“They fight vampires, and werewolves, and demons! We don’t need to fight those!” Harry said.

“But it comes with package.” Ron said.

“I can’t let you go! I’m not going to let you go out there and sacrifice yourself again, not this time Ron.” Harry said.

“What then? You’d rather see me torn to shreds when those foul elements get you? How many times must I watch you die?” Ron said.

Harry remembered hearing those words before. In a dream, and the dream was beyond the veil, he walked through the archway and saw Sirius. But the voice called him back – was it an omen?

“How many times must my heart be torn?” Ron said.

“Don’t say that!” Harry snapped as though the words burned him.

“I’m joining them Harry.” Ron said.

“What about me? What about our son? Must he live with only one parent, Ron?” Harry said.

“I’d rather he lives with one parent than with none! And I’d rather die knowing both you and he are alive!” Ron said holding Harry’s face with his hands.

”Don’t say that!” Harry cried. He tried to stop the tears but they fell. “Don’t you ever say that Ron!”

“I knew something like this was bound to happen. We were too happy. Something bad always happens when you’re too happy.” Ron said. Then he went back inside the house. Harry could not believe what was happening – he and Ron will be separated. He went back inside the house.

“He can’t go he needs to finish his sixth year.” Harry said.

“We have spoken to your Headmaster and Ron will be given leave until the end of September.” Garel said.

“A month and a half?” Harry said. “Where will the training take place?”

“In New York.” Garel said.

Molly was crying now, holding Ron closely. Arthur was standing by the window looking out.

“What if I divorce Ron, will he still be required?” Harry said.

“What?” Ron said. “Harry?”

“Will he still be required?” Harry said.

“There are no grounds, Harry. You can’t divorce Ron by wizard laws without grounds.” Arthur said.

“I will still go, whether you divorce me or not.” Ron said. “Don’t you understand? I need to do this, you can’t expect me to stay here and wait for them to come, because they are coming, Harry. And what then??

“Then we’ll fight them! Together!” Harry cried.

“I don’t know how!” Ron cried. “Fighting Lars was easy, but they are not all like him. If it needs an entire horde of Knights like Garel to fend them off they must be hard to control! If they come to these shores and find you, I will not be able to stop them. They will be able to take you and my son, and,”

“Dumbledore will help us.” Harry said weakly.

“The Order is few, enough to fight the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord.” Ron said. “It is my duty to protect my family, Harry. I made a vow.”

Harry could no longer contain himself; he felt guilty knowing it’s because of him that Ron was forced to leave England and train with these unknown men. He could not look at Molly who was now crying hard at the thought of sending her youngest son abroad to be trained as a Knight. He berated himself for being selfish and unable to control his anger went outside and ran towards the pond.