Fan Fic and More

Posted: **Mon Feb 17, 2003 6:52 pm**

Chapter Twenty - Cleansing “So, what are the rules here?” piped up Hermione. It had gone very quiet for a while. Ron had still not come back upstairs. Leave it to Hermione to think of rules, even in a crisis, thought Ginny. But she was right – they had been warned not to use magic. They had to know what else was okay and what else was not. “Is there food here?” Hermione continued. “What if we run out of food? That little kitchen doesn’t look as though it could hold enough food for four people to survive on for three weeks.” “There’s some food in the cupboards,” said Sirius. “And I’ll send an owl with more provisions soon. Don’t worry, Hermione – we won’t let you starve.” He grinned at her. “This place is a safe house,” Sirius went on. “You’ll all be safe as long as you’re in here. Don’t go out until you have word. I can’t stress that enough. Do you all understand?” They all nodded. “Anything suspicious goes on – anything at all – or if there are any problems, no matter how minor, you send word. There’s a fireplace in the backroom of the shop downstairs.” Sirius drew in a deep breath. “Do you suppose I should talk to Ron before I go?” he asked Harry. “I’ll talk to him,” said Harry. “He’ll be all right.” Sirius bid them all farewell, but before he Disapparated, Ginny called out. “Sirius!” “Yes – Ginny, what is it?” “Tell Mum – and my brothers – tell them I love them.” Sirius nodded and before his eyes could get any dewier than they already were, he Disapparated with a pop. Harry went down to talk to Ron. Hermione and Ginny inspected the bedroom and they both agreed everyone should sleep in the living room – the roof had apparently leaked during the rainstorm right above the bed, which was now sopping wet. The entire room smelled like mildew. Hermione hung their packs from hooks in the bathroom and called to Ginny. “Why don’t you get cleaned up? Those two might be down there for ages – I’d wager we’ll both have time to shower before they get back up here.” “Okay,” agreed Ginny. Hermione flipped the light switch on for her and Ginny closed the door, squinting at the fluorescent light overhead. Her eyes were used to the soft glow of firelight, not the harsh glare of Muggle light bulbs. The bathroom itself was harsh – bleak white tiles covered the floor and the walls. A dingy white curtain hung around the shower. A small mirror reflected the colorless room above a sallow porcelain basin. Ginny grabbed a lever and turned on the tap – a cascade of cold water began to flow from the faucet into the shallow tub. She turned another lever and the water began to warm. A third lever was there as well – soap perhaps, she thought, but there was no other tap, that she could see. She turned it on and a burst of spray came from the shower nozzle. She jumped back as the water dampened the sleeve of her shirt. “Wow!” she exclaimed in surprise. Usually all that was needed was a touch of a wand to get a shower started in the wizarding world. Apparently Muggles turned levers to get their showers going. She glanced into the tiny mirror above the basin and gasped – she looked horrible. Her hair hung in knots around her shoulders. Her face was so grubby, she thought it was a wonder no one had mentioned it to her. Well, no surprise why Hermione told me to wash up first, she thought. She fumbled around in her knapsack, looking for something to wash with – finally she found a slab of Madam Lather’s Magically Enriched Bar Soap and a bottle of Madam Lather’s Enchantingly Revitalizing Shampoo and placed them on the rim of the tub. She felt around to the bottom of the bag and found a washcloth. She undressed and stepped into the shower, anxious to let the warm water spill over her and wash the grime away. She couldn’t remember the last time she actually felt clean. She could have stood under the shower the rest of the evening, but she figured since they couldn’t magically replenish the warm water supply, she’d better not use it all up. She stood dripping on the cold tile for a moment, and then realized there was no towel. She reached back into her knapsack, hoping perhaps there was a towel in there – it had already managed to produce everything else she’d needed. She tugged out a bath towel after a moment and wrapped it around her body, shivering as she did so. I really hope all of that stuff was actually in there to begin with, thought Ginny doubtfully as she blotted the dampness from her skin. I didn't intentionally magic that stuff from the bag – besides, my wand is in the other room. She pulled out some fresh undergarments from the bag, as well as a clean pair of jeans. She tugged them on and while she did, noticed a clean sweatshirt sticking out of Harry’s bag. She yanked it out and noticed another shirt below it. She held the material to her face and breathed in, then without thinking, she pulled the shirt on. It was too big for her. Harry didn’t have the largest build, but his days as a Quidditch player had added more bulk each year, with hours of training and the like – and he was definitely taller than Ginny. She took after her mother in that regard – for a while Ginny thought she might be the height of a garden gnome forever. She was thankful that she hadn’t inherited her mother’s figure, as well. She wrapped her arms tightly inward and inhaled one more time – wearing his shirt was the next best thing to having his arms around her … Knock, knock, knock. Hermione’s voice called from the hallway. “Ginny, are you okay in there? Are you almost finished?” Ginny swung the door open. “It’s all yours,” she said. “You’re looking … better,” said Hermione, eyeing Harry’s sweatshirt on Ginny. Ginny felt her cheeks go crimson. “Thanks,” she muttered. “I feel better.” ***** Author’s Note: All right, I had the option of having Sirius stock up the bathroom with bath and body goodies (which seemed very un-Sirius-like … think about Sirius Black shopping for Madam Lather’s hygiene products) or having their knapsacks be kind of like that bag from Mary Poppins. You know the one – she pulls out lamps and mirrors and all sorts of stuff. And let’s just say that since it’s not blatant use of magic, it’ll be okay. I mean, just remember that time Harry blew up his aunt and no one seemed to notice! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> At any rate, I’m the author and I say it’s okay … so, it’s okay! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)">

Posted: **Mon Feb 17, 2003 10:05 pm**

What great chapters!!! <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://home.mindspring.com/~galanmar/PE ... [/</div>

Posted: **Mon Feb 17, 2003 11:38 pm**

two great parts Bisty <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"> <center><a href="http://pub129.ezboard.com/fmajiklmoonsr ... ID=9.topic" target="_new">Majik's World of Fanfic Crossover Contest</a>. Mix your fics, come on, you know you want to!</center><center><a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... a></center>

Posted: **Tue Feb 18, 2003 10:09 pm**

Chapter Twenty-One – Arachnophobia  Ginny had fallen asleep before she had a chance to see what rations Sirius had provided for them, but now after a decent night’s rest, her stomach was growling like a ravenous Chimaera. Hermione was standing in the kitchen, pondering the contents of the cupboard. Ginny stretched. “What’s for breakfast?” she asked, half yawning as she spoke. “You might like fried eggs, juicy sausages, piping hot porridge, freshly squeezed pumpkin juice,” said Hermione. Then she turned around with a loaf of bread in her hands. “But I suggest today’s special … toast.” Ginny didn’t object. She was hungry enough to eat the sofa cushions at this point. “We do, however, have – and bless Sirius for remembering –marmalade.” Hermione clunked the jar onto the countertop. She shuffled through the lower cupboards for a moment, scanned the short kitchen countertop and crossed her arms. “Scratch today’s special. We now have bread and marmalade.” “No toast?” said Ginny, with a note of disappointment in her voice. “No toaster equals no toast,” said Hermione. She eyed her wand longingly. “Ooh, it’d only take a tiny little flick and we’d have toasted bread – but no magic means no magic.” She sighed. “It’s okay, Hermione,” said Ginny as she walked to the kitchen to help. “Plain bread is fine. I mean, it’ll taste very nice with the marmalade. Maybe Sirius’ll remember to send a toaster with his owl.” Ginny spread some of the sticky conserve over her slice of bread and took a bite. She chewed, gulped and asked, “By the way, where are Harry and Ron?” “Downstairs,” said Hermione as she prepared her own bread. “They’re checking out the backroom – Ron’s worried about the fireplace, but I told him, Sirius isn’t stupid enough to have a safe house fireplace connected to the Floo network for any old witch or wizard to pop in on us. He knows that, though – I think he’s just trying to keep busy. I’m afraid three weeks here will drive him mad.” “That’s a distinct possibility,” sighed Ginny as she glanced around the dreary flat. Just then, the girls turned to the door. Footsteps were echoing up the staircase. The door opened and Harry and Ron walked in. Ron’s face was beet-red and he was muttering. “Bloody disgusting … I’m having a look around to make sure there aren’t any up here.” He stomped down the hallway and opened the first door – the mildew-y bedroom – and Ginny heard indistinct muttering from within there. “What’s up?” she asked Harry. “Spiders,” mouthed Harry. “We found a couple in the shop and one in the backroom. Ron swore he was going to punch Sirius when he saw him again for setting us up in an infested house.” Harry was trying desperately to hide a smile from forming on his lips. “Here, Harry,” said Hermione, handing him some bread and marmalade. “Have some untoasted toast.” “No toaster, eh?” he said. “Sorry,” said Hermione. “Trust me,” Harry said, looking at his breakfast. “This is better than I’d be eating if were on Privet Drive – it’s just fine.” “Better go see if he’s run into any spiders,” said Hermione. “Well, we haven’t heard any screaming, have we?” asked Harry. Ginny couldn’t help it. She giggled and nearly choked on a chunk of bread. Hermione even chuckled and walked down to check on Ron. “It’s good to hear you laugh,” said Harry, when Hermione had left. Ginny smiled. “And did I mention, you look better in that shirt than I do?” Ginny felt her cheeks go hot. “It’s all right, isn’t it? I mean, I saw it there and – it was an impulse. I hadn’t planned on wearing it.” “It’s all right,” said Harry, touching her arm gently. She felt tingles dance from the spot he touched. For a moment, she tried to block out everything – the dull room they were in, Ron and Hermione in the other room, all the events of the recent past – she tried to imagine it was just Ginny and Harry, having breakfast together, without a care in the world. Something about his eyes that mesmerized her – that almost let her believe the daydream for a moment – almost … Ron’s voice jolted her out of her musing. “BLOODY HELL!” “What…” Ginny began to say. Ron shot out of the bedroom like a cannon had propelled him. “Find more spiders?” asked Harry calmly. “There’s a sodding nest of them in there!” exclaimed Ron, sweat pouring from his forehead. “We found a couple egg sacs and a web in the closet …” said Hermione but Ron cut her off. “A couple?” asked Ron. “A couple? There were four!” “The web was quite beautiful, actually – until Ron obliterated it, that is – it was a perfect orb – a gorgeous wheel-shape …” Ron looked stunned. “I’m not even going to listen to this – there is absolutely nothing beautiful or gorgeous about those demon spawn!” Hermione sighed. “Have some non-toast, Ron – it’ll make you feel better.” Harry chuckled and went to look out the living room window, which overlooked Downing Drive. “Hang on – is that? No, it can’t be?” he said in disbelief. “What, Harry?” asked Ginny. “What do you see?” Ginny peered out of the window. She saw a forest green van with the words “Gottabug Pest Control - Protecting People and Property Against Pests” painted on the side. A young man in a green jumper and a matching green cap stood beside it, with a large can of pesticide in his hand. He was talking to a woman in front of the restaurant located across the road. “I think I know him,” said Harry. “I think that’s Terrence Higgs.”

Posted: **Tue Feb 18, 2003 10:14 pm**

and who the bloody h*ll is Terrence Higgs????/ good part loved the spiders<img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> <center><a href="http://pub129.ezboard.com/fmajiklmoonsr ... ID=9.topic" target="_new">Majik's World of Fanfic Crossover Contest</a>. Mix your fics, come on, you know you want to!</center><center><a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... a></center>

Posted: **Tue Feb 18, 2003 10:18 pm**

Me knowing who Terrence Higgs is the exact reason I am able to score 116 on the Wizard's Challenge! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... tongue.gif ALT=":b"> I know too many trivial things from those books! If you don't already know, you'll have to wait until my next part! And sorry I didn't send out an official update ... yahoo wouldn't let me sign in. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":(">

Posted: **Tue Feb 18, 2003 10:22 pm**

<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> loved the spiders

Posted: **Tue Feb 18, 2003 11:53 pm**

hee hee hee, I know who he is. Great part!

Posted: **Wed Feb 19, 2003 6:37 pm**

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>“The web was quite beautiful, actually – until Ron obliterated it, that is – it was a perfect orb – a gorgeous wheel-shape …”<hr></blockquote> You added us to your story!! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> How sweet. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://home.mindspring.com/~galanmar/PE ... [/</div>

Posted: **Wed Feb 19, 2003 10:40 pm**

What the @#$% is Terrence Higgs doing there?! Hmmmmm.... Nope, no clue whatsoever! <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> Loved the Mary Poppins-style bags <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> and Loved Ron with the Spiders! Two Excellent Chapters! <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> Oh, and I loved the innocent reference to shampoo! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> Inspiration has made it directly to the page, huh? <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> More please, -Col. <div style="text-align:center">Is Daniel Dueling with Rupert or is he just Brushing Off Spiders?<img src="http://www.roswell-orbs.com/smilies/win ...  <img src="http://images.snapfish.com/336585352323 ...  <a href="http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?stor ... =1">"After the End"</a> - The Fic to Beat All Fics! <a href="http://www.roswell-orbs.com"><img src="http://www.roswell-orbs.com/images/BANN ... </a></div>

Posted: **Thu Feb 20, 2003 2:21 pm**

<img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> Yay, Tamara for catching the orb reference ... it was completely intentional! <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/Grin_anim.gif ALT=":grin"> And congrats, Col! <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> I put shampoo in there on purpose as well! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> Hope to update with a new chapter later this evening!

Posted: **Thu Feb 20, 2003 7:37 pm**

As promised, an update ... *** Chapter Twenty-Two – Old Rival, New Ally “Higgs?” asked Ron in disbelief. “Are you sure?” “I wonder what he’s doing here,” said Hermione apprehensively. “Who is Terrence Higgs?” asked Ginny, as she peered out of the window with the others, trying to make out the identity of the green-clad exterminator. “Slytherin scum,” muttered Ron. “He must have graduated Hogwarts before I came,” said Ginny, squinting at the figure in the street below. “I don’t recognize him – the name’s sort of familiar, though.” “Actually, I believe he graduated your first year, Ginny,” said Hermione. “He was Seeker for Slytherin our first year,” added Harry. “And I guess he would have been the following year, too, if he hadn’t gotten ousted by Flint for Malfoy and the pack of shiny-new broomsticks that came with him,” growled Ron. “He was actually a decent Quidditch player,” said Harry. “Unlike his prat of a successor,” said Ron scathingly. “If it is him, what’s he doing here? Why’s he working in a Muggle town? I mean, I hate to pigeonhole, but Slytherins aren’t known to be Muggle lovers,” said Ginny. “I’m going to contact Sirius,” said Harry, with a sudden urgency in his voice. Sirius had told them to contact him immediately if anything suspicious happened – and they all agreed that the sudden presence of a Slytherin alumnus, just outside the place where they were staying, was certainly to be classified as suspicious. Harry darted downstairs, Ron, Hermione and Ginny following closely behind. Before too long, Sirius Black’s head could be seen resting amidst the blaze, a look of deep anxiety on his face. “What is it, Harry?” he asked worriedly. “What’s going on?” “Nothing to go frantic about right away,” said Harry. “Something’s just stirred up a little suspicion is all.” “What?” asked Sirius quickly. “Tell me everything.” Harry informed Sirius about spotting Terrence Higgs and about his – Harry’s – apprehensions regarding Higgs being in a predominantly Muggle town, given the Slytherin connection – plus, there was their sudden presence in the same town to consider as well. Sirius seemed to breath a sigh of relief. “Is that all?” Sirius said, his expression more relaxed. “What do you mean, is that all?” said Ron incredulously. “I think that’s quite enough, don’t you?” Ginny silently agreed with her brother. From the second Harry had sprinted down the staircase, she’d felt her pulse quicken and her palms sweat. The thought that someone might have caught up with them … “Higgs is all right,” Sirius said. “He’s actually been working underground for Dumbledore for a few years now – didn’t realize he was already in your neck of the woods yet, though. But he’s not the only one – we’ve got lots of eyes and ears in the surrounding area, and they're on high alert.” “You mean to tell me, he’s an ex-Slytherin bug squasher that moonlights as a spy for Dumbledore?” asked Ron dubiously. “Something like that,” laughed Sirius. “I’ve met the kid – he’s not half-bad, and he’s got no love for Malfoys, either, I can tell you that. Word is, his enmity started with some tiff over Quidditch …” Harry nodded. “M-hmm – and he’s right to have been angry – Draco and his father pretty much robbed him of his position on the Slytherin team. Higgs at least had the aptitude to play Seeker – only thing Malfoy had was a rich father.” “You see what gets you farther in Slytherin, don’t you?” snorted Hermione. “Some things never change,” muttered Sirius. “In any event, Higgs is legitimate.” “That’s good to know, at least,” said Harry. “All right,” said Sirius, “if there’s nothing else …” “Wait,” interrupted Ron. “There is something … I have quite a bone to pick.” “Yes?” said Sirius in a deep voice, eyeing Ron warily. “I don’t know how you could have been unaware of this, but I feel the need to inform you of the plague of spiders in this “safe” house … I mean, how safe can a bloke be in a house teeming with …” Hermione was turning her back as Ron spoke, and Ginny could hear her suppressing a fit of laughter. Harry had a strange look plastered across his face, disguising his amusement. Ron, however, was dead serious. “How about this,” said Sirius, apparently quite amused himself. “I’ll give Mr. Higgs a call – he can put his day job talents to good use.” “Much appreciated,” muttered Ron. Ginny prayed he didn’t see the eight-legged little creature that had just scurried past her into a dark corner of the backroom. “By the way,” added Sirius. “Be on the lookout for an owl post soon – I had one sent just before you called through the fire.” “You didn’t happen to send a toaster by any chance?” asked Hermione hopefully. “Wait and see,” said Sirius. “I did include the latest edition of the Daily Prophet. There’s quite an enlightening article in there.” ***** Author’s Note: I don’t think J.K.R. ever said what year Terrence Higgs was, so I’ve taken some literary license and made it so he was a sixth year when Harry was a first year, thus making it so he was cast off of the Slytherin Quidditch team to make way for Draco. Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub129.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsr ... boo1974</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/shield_05[1].jpg" BORDER=0> at: 4/5/03 8:48:22 am

Posted: **Fri Feb 21, 2003 12:49 am**

Very nicely done Bisty (BBB) <center><a href="http://pub129.ezboard.com/fmajiklmoonsr ... ID=9.topic" target="_new">Majik's World of Fanfic Crossover Contest</a>. Mix your fics, come on, you know you want to!</center><center><a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... a></center>

Posted: **Fri Feb 21, 2003 11:17 pm**

<img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... humpup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> this is so good. I <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> it

Posted: **Fri Feb 21, 2003 11:18 pm**

<img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> <img src=http://216.40.249.192/mysmilies/otn/love/yllove.gif ALT=":love"> in case you haven't guessed, I love it

Posted: **Mon Feb 24, 2003 8:13 pm**

Chapter Twenty-Three – The Usual Suspects As Sirius had promised, an owl came later on that day – as did a visitor. Late in the afternoon, a reddish brown screech owl pecked at the window in the living room. Hermione opened and closed the window quickly, allowing the bird in to deliver its load – a medium-sized bundle, plus the edition of the Daily Prophet that Sirius had mentioned. She sat the package in the kitchen – it was most likely just foodstuff anyhow – gave the owl recompense for a delivery well done and handed the paper to Ron, who was staring keenly at it. He scanned the headlines and finally found the article. He read it aloud: Ministry Staff Member Questioned Regarding Weasley Murder Case Ministry staff member Sebastian Fury, who works for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Obliviator Division, was questioned yesterday concerning his presence at the scene of the crime the evening before the murder took place. Ministry officials refuse to say whether Fury is a suspect in the case or whether his testimony will prove useful in revealing more clues to finding the person(s) responsible for this heinous crime. Fury has no prior history of Dark dealings. He is a graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was a prefect, as well as Keeper of Ravenclaw House’s Quidditch team. His record at the Ministry of Magic is remarkable, as well – he has an excellent reputation for working Memory Charms in some of the stickiest of Wizarding/Muggle situations, including the Edinburgh Incident of 1987, where seven inebriated wizards accidentally transfigured a pub full of Muggles into sheep. Ron took a deep breath. “Fury,” said Hermione in a questioning tone. “You don’t think he could be a suspect, do you?” She looked at the photograph of Fury on the cover of the newspaper – his sharp features were apparent as he smartened himself in front of the camera. “He’s looking a little too cheerful in this picture – looks downright pleased about something,” muttered Ron. “You’d think after doing an interview about someone’s murder, he’d be a bit more – oh, I don’t know – sympathetic to the situation?” Ginny felt a little queasy. If Fury was involved somehow, her father had willingly invited him to his own home – he had brought death to his own doorstep. And this wasn’t some shady character, either – this was a colleague – a trusted friend. But it wouldn’t have been the first time trust had been betrayed in a friendship. She looked to Harry for his reaction. “It’s possible,” Harry said. “I mean, I believe anything’s possible after what I’ve seen. He could have set your Dad up…” His voice trailed off. Ron held his hands to his temples as if he had a pounding headache. Ginny’s mind reeled at the thought of Fury at her dinner table – conversing with her Dad, sweet-talking her Mum, chatting about Quidditch with Ron and Harry – and all the while contemplating how best to deceive them all. How best to assassinate one of them and devastate the rest. Thankfully, the images of Fury were temporarily scattered. A solid knock on the door to the shop below made Ginny jump. “Shh,” said Harry quickly, grabbing his wand and motioning for them all to stay quiet. He and Ron disappeared down the staircase. Hermione peered through the blinds of the window, to the street below. “Who is it?” hissed Ginny, her brown eyes fixed on the door – her wand out of her pocket and in her hand – prepared for use. Just in case. She held her breath. “It’s Higgs,” whispered Hermione. Her expression relaxed a bit. The girls heard voices below – Harry’s and Ron’s, plus another. Terrence Higgs. Ginny slowly pocketed her wand. Sirius said Higgs was all right. She wrung her hands, as the voices gradually grew louder – as the footfalls on the stairs grew closer. But her stomach still felt funny – as if she’d swallowed a bowl full of goldfish. Just a few hours before the death of her father, if she’d asked him what he’d thought of Sebastian Fury, he’d have said Fury was all right – and now look. Fury was a suspect in the murder case. Who could she trust anymore? The list was getting pretty short. The door swung ajar and Harry ushered Terrence Higgs into the room. Higgs was no longer dressed in his exterminator’s uniform – he had on Muggle clothes – an oxford shirt and a pair of jeans. He didn’t much look to Ginny as if he’d fit well into Slytherin – he wasn’t glowery or haughty looking. He extended his hand to both Hermione and Ginny as Harry said, “I don’t know if you remember Hermione Granger … and this is Ginny Weasley.” “Pleased to meet you both,” he said, and by the tone of his voice, Ginny actually believed he probably was. His eyes lingered on Ginny for a moment. “I wish it were under better circumstances, though. I was telling Ron downstairs – I’m sorry about your father – I actually met him a couple of times. He was a good man.” Ginny felt a lump form in her throat. “Yes, he was,” she managed to say. “At any rate,” said Higgs. “Mr. Black contacted me earlier … said you had a “pest” problem?” He looked directly at Ron. Ginny’s eyes grew bigger. She guessed Sirius had mentioned Ron’s spider angst to Higgs. She hoped Higgs knew enough not to open that can of worms with Ron, though – just do your bug eradicating and have it over with, she thought. Ron nodded in answer to Higgs’ question. “I can take care of that,” Higgs commented. “But before that, I’d like to tell you I heard today – Mr. Black wanted me to pass it along, actually.” Harry offered Higgs a seat. “What is it, then?” asked Ron eagerly. “Ministry officials are nervous about bringing in Lucius Malfoy for questioning,” said Higgs in a flat voice. His eyes seemed to narrow at his mention of Mr. Malfoy. “They say there’s not enough evidence.” “What about motive?” growled Ron. “That bastard bloody well had a motive …” “So I hear,” said Higgs. “Seems he might wriggle his way out of trouble this time, too – he’s a slick one, that Malfoy. He hasn’t come up with a reasonable alibi yet, though. That’s something. He says he was with a couple companions who, in the Ministry’s opinion, have a poor reputation, at best … Mr. Goyle’s still being investigated for some minor crimes against Muggles that happened back in June and Mr. Crabbe was caught in a raid on a shop in Knockturn Alley that same month – of course, both of them are still free as a bird. Charges just don’t stick – thanks to Malfoy, they’re as slippery as he is.” “What do you think of this article?” asked Ginny, handing Higgs the copy of the Prophet. She pointed to the article about Sebastian Fury. “In my opinion, Fury is a bit of a wanker, but I don’t think he was hiding any Dark dealings – dealings of another sort, maybe. I’ve heard things – some pretty interesting things at that – involving Fury and the wife of a senior Ministry member. A little sick, if you ask me – the woman is nearly two decades older than the stupid git!” Ron snorted. “I knew he was a smarmy bloke – I don’t even want to imagine him making time with the likes of Mrs. Fudge.” “Ron!” said Hermione in indignation, but halfway trying not to laugh. “So, after what you’ve told us, we’re back to where we started,” said Harry, folding his hands. “You say Fury most likely wasn’t involved – does everyone else agree with you? Dumbledore? Sirius?” Higgs nodded. "The consensus is that he's going to make an ideal scapegoat for the gulity ones, though, if we don't intervene." “And the next task is to get Malfoy at least questioned?” asked Hermione. “Sounds like an impossible task to me,” sighed Ginny. “Not impossible, Ginny,” said Harry quietly, so only she could hear. He placed a hand on her knee. “It’ll be difficult,” Higgs said, getting up from his spot on the couch and walking slowly to the door. “It’s thorny getting the Ministry to do anything sensible these days – blindness, corruption … it’s everywhere. But I work with people who are prepared and stand firm – the Darkness won’t prevail.” Ginny saw the drive behind his dark blue eyes – now she could see the Slytherin in him. Not the shady version of Slytherin that had been well known to her during her time at Hogwarts, but a more pure version. It sounded rather corny, but Terrence Higgs was channeling his ambitious nature for good instead of evil. He started down the stairs, but doubled back, reaching in his pocket for his wand. “I almost forgot,” he said. “I usually use chemicals and whatnot for my Muggle customers, but for you lot, I think it’s easier this way … Morte ai ragni!” Higgs said with a wave of his wand. “That ought to take care of things for you,” he said. Hermione looked to Ron as Harry saw Higgs to the front door of the shop. “Write that one down, will you?” she asked him with a smirk. *** Author's Note: Terrence Higgs' exterminating incantation is something like "death to spiders" or "kill the spiders" tranlated into Italian. Don't ask why - I just liked the sound of the Italian translation (versus the Spanish translation of spider used in the CoS movie by Tom Riddle).

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:38 am**

Great part bisty...sorry so long on the feedback <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("> RLS ya know <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/lol.gif ALT=":lol"> <center><a href="http://pub129.ezboard.com/fmajiklmoonsr ... ID=9.topic" target="_new">Majik's World of Fanfic Crossover Contest</a>. Mix your fics, come on, you know you want to!</center><center><a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... a></center>

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:44 am**

A GOOD slytherin????? is that even possible <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)">

Posted: **Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:49 am**

<img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.majiklmoon.com/ezboardsmilies/clap.gif ALT=":clap">

Posted: **Mon Mar 17, 2003 10:45 am**

begging for more!

Fan Fic and More

Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 06-11-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-17-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-18-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-18-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-18-03

yay!

Re: yay!

Re: yay!

Re: yay!

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-20-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-20-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-20-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-24-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-24-03

Re: Never Leave Me - Sequel to Helpless - Updated 02-24-03