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Thank you, Ladies I'm enjoying writing it, so I was hoping you guys would like it!

And thank Rose (again) for being my Beta!

Chapter Two Overtures
***All warfare is based on deception. Sun Tsu***


MommyZombie badly wanted to check the time, but resisted the urge to pull up her long, bell-shaped sleeve to check her wristwatch. Talk about a good way to advertise that youre a Muggle. But they had been waiting a while now, and she was sure their Source was late. She picked up her cup of lukewarm tea, stifled the urge to curl her lip at it, and sipped as little of it as she could. Her reluctant sipping gave her the appearance of being rather dainty and ladylike, though shed have laughed at the description.

This place is like a fucking freak show, Seraphinious whispered, sitting beside MommyZ. MommyZ followed Seraphs perusal of the room.

She was right. They were taking tea at the Leaky Cauldron, a pub in London that was rumored to be the gateway to a cluster of Wizarding shops. No one in the entire establishment was dressed like a sane person. Everyone was wearing robes, either over archaic suits or dresses, or over even more robes. And what was the deal with the hats? They came in all shapes and sizes: tall cones of the Halloween-Wizard variety, squash and floppy like a Medieval courtier, bowlers, Easter-Parade over-flowery too big garden hats, turbans, and even a beret on one gentleman near the grubby window. It was a good thing theyd been briefed enough to wear long robes over dresses, otherwise theyd have stood out wearing their usual street clothes.

No shit, MommyZ concurred. What time is it?

No, dont look, said Kris, pushing her floppy red velvet hat out of her eyes. Theres a guy at the bar staring at us. Looks like our Source.

MommyZ resisted the urge to turn in her chair immediately. Wasnt that the first thing you do when someone tells you not to look? Dont look behind you; dont look at that cute guy; dont look down. It was like a bad tease and it was a little annoying. Whats he doing? She asked, fingering her teaspoon.

Staring at us, Kris said, as though to say I just told you, and she was grinning impudently. MommyZ sent Kris her best reproving look, which, of course, didnt make any difference at all.

Actually, hes limping over here, Seraph said under her breath, looking as cool and nonchalant as if shed just told them that she planned to pick up her dry-cleaning after their tea. Seraph had rebelled against the idea of wearing anything so frou-frou as a long dress under flowing robes, but had gone along by wearing a black velvet dress under a black robe. A large crescent moon hung on a silver chain between her breasts. She had compromised by wearing a pair of sturdy Army boots, hidden by her ensemble. It went without saying that all three of them concealed a variety of knives and small handguns under their attire.

So he is, Kris agreed. Evidently, the man was close enough to greet, because a warm smile lit her face. Good afternoon, she said pleasantly.

Good afternoon, a gruff masculine voice replied in answer.

MommyZ felt it was safe enough to look up at him now, and her eyebrows shot up when she saw him. He was dressed in worn, almost grubby clothing of the Charles-Dickens-Pickpocket variety, complete with a jaunty bowler fixed low over his craggy face. That wasnt what startled, MommyZ, though. One of the mans eyes was completely blue, not to mention too large for his face and spinning crazily in its socket. It had to be fake.

According to Arthur Weasley, the Head of Muggle Artifacts for the Ministry of Magic, they needed an Auror for what they wanted. An Auror was a wizard trained to find and catch Dark wizards, and Moody was one of the best.

You KAG? He leaned on the long staff he used for assistance while walking, taking his weight off his wooden leg.

You Moody? Kris countered pleasantly.

MommyZ wondered how it could have been anyone else. Were there two Aurors missing one leg and with one eye that could see through anything? He pushed back his bowler to reveal more of his face. And who only had half a nose, on top of everything else.

The mans mouth pursed for a moment, then he nodded. Thats me.

Were your girls. Sit down, Seraph told him, waving one hand at an empty chair at their table. He sat down in it, keeping his good eye on the three of them while his crazy eye tilted back into his head. Freak show, indeed.

I want you to know right now, Moody said without preface, In my professional opinion, I think you women are crazy for what you want to do.

Funny he should use that word, MommyZ thought to herself, unable to ignore his restless eye although she realized she was rude for staring. But youre here, MommyZ said, pointing out the obvious.

If you wont listen to the Ministry on this, then youre going to need all the protection you can get. Weasley might have been willing to take your word that you wouldnt do anything foolish, but I can tell your sort. You ladies, His swiveling eye came back around and he fixed both his eyes on each of them in turn, are going to be nothing but trouble unless someone keeps an eye on you.

MommyZ tried not to choke into her tea, while Moody pretended not to notice. A smile worked at Kriss lips as she said, But youre willing to give us the information we need, right?

What I think you can handle safely, Moody said evasively.

Thats a start, Seraph said, a promise in her voice that she was going to make sure it was only a start. Moody met her challenging eyes sternly, and she returned his glare with a stubborn tilt of her chin.

Besides, MommyZ said to break up the battle of egos, what we said before still holds. We just want to know where She stopped herself from saying Voldemort, because just the mention of the Evil Wizards name seemed to alternately offend and disconcert the people who were aware of him. the Party is. We wont make a move on him. We just dont want any nasty surprises, given the nature of our mission. The last thing we need is to discover the hard way that hed just been waiting for an opportunity to get his hands on what we find. Once you have the package, hes definitely your responsibility.

Moody was quiet for a few long moments as he seemed to verify their honesty through their faces. Thats dangerous enough itself, he said finally.

MommyZ, Kris, and Seraph exchanged looks. They knew it was true.

You cant deny we have a point, though, Kris told him.

Moody looked like he had just swallowed something unpleasant. He shook his head slowly. Actually, I can. But from what Arthur said about you KAG, we know that youd try to find out on your own without us, whether we agree or not. The Ministrys foolish enough to overlook that tendency. But hes agreed to help you for your own good, and I agreed to help him.

Whatever. Seraph brushed the odd mans skepticism aside with flick of her hand. Lets just get down to it, alright?

Right. But not here, Moodys eye had begun to move around its socket again. Well go to a safe place so we can talk, first.

MommyZ laid a few coins on the table, and scooted back her chair. She was past ready to leave this dark little pub. Lets go then.

Wait, Moody said. We shouldnt leave together. He pulled a card out of his pocket, and handed it to Seraph. Go to this address tonight at seven oclock. Someone will meet you there.

MommyZs eyes narrowed. That wasnt the agreement, she said shrewdly.

You want the information, youll show up, Moody said, rising from his chair. The three KAG looked up at him, none of them happy. Thats the best we can do.

He sauntered slowly from their table back to the bar, where he ordered something from the barkeeper. He had turned back to watch the three women surreptitiously as they counted out money for their drinks, and left the pub.

Once they were back on the busy London street, MommyZ felt acutely aware of how her dark blue robes felt out of place among the passersby in modern clothing. The only redeeming part was that, almost like being among a crowd of jaded New Yorkers, the three of them didnt seem to be attracting much attention from anyone.

How do you like that? Kris asked as they turned to find their way back to their hotel room.

I dont like it, Seraph said grumpily.

Are we going to have to wear these get-ups when we meet him? MommyZ asked. Whats that address?

Seraph pulled out the card and looked at it. I dont recognize the address, although its in South London. Should take us about a half hour to get there from the hotel if we take a cab. We can check it out when we get back to the rooms. Ill call it up on the Net.

Well, its too hot for this shit, Kris said, pulling at the collar of her red dress, under her robes. Fuck them if we dont blend in.

Amen, MommyZ agreed wholeheartedly.

Got my vote, Seraph nodded once.

They made their way to the street, and started looking for a cab back to the hotel. There was no way they were going back on the subway dressed as they were, and they didnt need ask each other for a consensus to decide that much.


******************

Late again.

Harry followed Ron into Professor Dias Defense Against the Dark Arts class at almost a dead run, his robes billowing behind him, as were Rons.

Why were they always late for the first class of each semester? Even as he asked himself this question, Harry knew the answer. Because scouting out the ways to sneak into the forbidden areas after hours was far more fascinating than most any class ever was. He saw their seats at almost the same time Ron did, and they each threw themselves down into the chairs, clutching their books and scrolls.

Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter, I presume? Professor Dia said from the front of the class, her warm Greek accent belied by the chill in her voice. The two young men looked up at her to see her standing with her arms crossed, wand in one hand, and watching them impassively.

Yes, maam, Harry answered breathlessly. We wer He was about to give her the excuse he and Ron had invented, but she interrupted him.

Irrelevant, she said sharply. Five points from Gryffindor apiece, and you will each write an essay on the merits of punctuality due tomorrow morning-- She paused. At five minutes before the hour in order to make up the time you have cost us.

Ron and Harry exchanged long, horrified looks. Detention before class! Was she mad? Harry returned his attention to the professor. On her aquiline nose, a pair of small gold-tone glasses was perched precariously as she looked over the rims at him. She had the darkest, most luminous eyes Harry had ever seen, and yet now they were cold and unyielding.

Now. If I may continue? she asked sarcastically. Without waiting for an answer, she said, As I was saying, before our interruption, she raised one eyebrow meaningfully at the culprits. In your first several years, you have been taught how to engage and counter a number of important spells and deadly creatures. These are important in your understanding of the Dark Arts, for to learn about ones enemy, one learns about oneself. However, during the first trimester of this school year, I will instruct you on how to apply the knowledge you already have.

Professor Dia uncrossed her arm, and laid her wand down on her desk. She picked up a hard, shiny croquet ball, and before anyone realized what she was about to do, tossed it one-handed through the air at Harry. Harry raised his hands instinctively, and caught it before it went sailing over his shoulder.

Nice reflexes, Dia approved. Can anyone tell me why Harry was prepared to catch the ball even though he wasnt expecting me to throw it?

Hermione was the first to raise her hand although a few other students raised theirs as well. Dia nodded at her. Yes, Miss Granger?

Because hes a Quidditch player, Hermione said confidently.

Close. Anyone else? Miss Playa? Dia called upon the new Exchange student from America as Hermione sagged her chair, frowning a little.

Because he practices his reflexes, Playa said, her lips twitching with her habitual smile.

Excellent. Dia pushed off from the desk, where she had leaned lightly, and went to retrieve the croquet ball from Harry. Because he practices his reflexes, she repeated to reinforce the lesson. She continued. The outcome of any battle, any war, or any struggle depends on ones ability to utilize fully ones strengths and to exploit fully the weaknesses of ones enemy. Sometimes, one is able to carefully weigh and measure ones actions. However, you must be prepared at all times for any eventuality, and there are times when your responses must be instinctive. This kind of self-defense is a habit developed through practice and discipline.

Dia returned to her desk at the head of the class, and turned to look at the class for a few moments. A few students fidgeted, feeling the weight of her assessment, but the class was mostly quiet and obediently attentive. She seemed to approve.

Careful to stare straight ahead, Ron slowly slid a piece of paper next to Harrys arm. Harry hadnt even noticed this friend scribbling. The note read, Snapes twin sister Separated at birth? Harry pretended to cough in order to stifle his laugh.

I am of the understanding that before this year, you have had little experience with the practice of the theories taught in class. There used to be a Dueling Club, which ended after the departure of Professor Lockhart several years ago, but I believe some students of this school also briefly created a DADA club. I intend to revive this club, not just for extracurricular activity, but for the purpose of providing a lab during which the additional spells and principles taught in this class may be illustrated and countered in context.

Ron and Harry exchanged looks again, this time mixed with excitement and a little worry. Harry slid a look over to Draco Malfoy, his fellow student and long-time nemesis. Draco was smiling smugly, and curled his lip contemptuously when he caught Harrys eye. It was an expression Harry had seen on Snapes face often enough that he realized Draco had copied it perfectly. Oh, for Heavens sake, Harry breathed, almost soundlessly. Had the whole world turned Snape Mad?

He sighed, and endured the rest of the class impatiently. Quidditch practice never seemed so far away.

**************************


Plasmo was consulting the librarys finding aids, checking the indexes against the actual holdings in the stacks when she heard Dumbledore call her name from the front of the room. She almost tucked her quill into the ponytail shed made at the nape of her neck, until she remembered this was not an ordinary pen. She laid it on the table, and made her way through the stacks to meet the headmaster.

As she turned the corner of the last stack, she said, Albus?

He was standing by the reception desk, peering at her laptop curiously. He looked up at her briefly before returning his attention to the small screen. You shouldnt have this in full view of anyone who may come into the library, he told her reproachfully. He still looked as tired as he had the night before.

I was told that I couldnt have any Muggle equipment that had been enchanted. I didnt realize I couldnt have anything technological. Besides, doesnt that just negate the whole point? she asked. As she was wondering how long it would actually take her to try to improve this mess without a computer, he answered her.

Thats not what I mean, he said. There is enough he searched for the best word, mistrust around here, you risk having it tampered with by less knowledgeable persons.

She thought of Snapes warning. I see what you mean. So, is this a social call? she asked. She doubted that was his purpose.

He pulled a wand from his robe, and as he swished it said, Privatus. A yellow, glittering cocoon rose from the floor to surround them both.

Cone of silence, Plasmo said, enjoying her own joke. She didnt explain, but was sure he wouldnt get the reference to the old television spy spoof anyway. Are you sure this will work with what I say?

What is more important is that it will work on those who may listen, Dumbledore replied. How is your work progressing?

So far, everything seems to be in fair order, if youre just talking about finding whats listed in the indexes. But I tell you what sorting through a few centuries worth of differing opinions on how to cross-index

Can you find the tome? He interrupted.

Madam Pinces notes are pretty sketchy. She was right when she said you could search for a lifetime for some texts and never find them unless they wanted you to. I swear, half a dozen of the books Ive re-shelved have practically walked back to where they were when I found them.

Dumbledore chuckled. They may have done precisely that. Creatures of habit, you know. I dont envy your job. When I told Madam Pince what I was looking for, she said the enchantments on those volumes were such that even with her thirty years experience in this library, she could look for a year and possibly remain unsuccessful.

And you want me to find them in a few days, Plasmo mused grimly.

Im hoping your he gestured at her left ear, technology and your skills are as effective as you claim.

Ho, boy, Plasmo blushed, but sighed good-humoredly. He evidently knew she was wired. Beware professional exaggerations, right?

Dumbledore smiled. We will prevail, he told her. But she wondered if he was trying to convince her, or himself. I also hope your tip withstands anything Voldemort may send to impede you.

Tip? Plasmo asked.

The technology he answered, looking helplessly confused.

Oh! The chip. Its a microchip. She wondered if he were starting to lose his hearing. She would have to make sure she was facing him whenever she spoke to him.

Still, she was relieved to realize he was talking about the chip that generated her Anti-Magic Dampening Field and not her wires. That much technology, he already knew about, and it actually was implanted behind her left ear. That was how shed managed to convince Rose not to plant an audiochip. They hadnt tested the AMDF chip to see whether one device would or wouldnt suppress the other. Maybe the chips wouldnt work if they had to operate so closely together. Or maybe something like a sort of feedback from them would disable her in some way. It wasnt worth the risk since the earpiece seemed to work just fine while the chip was implanted.

Realizing her thoughts had distracted her, Plasmo said, I think it will be ok. Ive already had it tested once so far that I know of. She smiled grimly.

With Snape, last night, he confirmed with a nod.

How did you--? Her eyes widened. He must know everything that went on in this school. It was full of spies, evidently. That made her extremely uncomfortable.

Im sure he will continue to watch you, he informed her, his eyes inexplicably twinkling.

Well Snape can bend over backwards and kiss his own ass, Plasmo thought rebelliously. Aloud she said politely, Im sure youre right. But, believe me, I can handle him.

Dont underestimate him, Plasmo. He is capable of dark things, he said mysteriously. At her sharp look he added, Do not fear. I was truthful when I told you that I trust him. But he will stop at nothing until he knows where you stand. Still, I only managed to convince the Ministry of Magic that you were useful in finding this tome. They couldnt conceive of an army of Muggles inoculated against the force of any magics, he told her solemnly. Im not sure I hardly believe it myself.

You can thank the NSA for that, she informed him. Actually, the NSA wasnt aware that Tigga had hacked their servers in order to find the technology, but she wasnt going to explain that much. In any case, once Ive mapped out exactly what you have or dont have according to your indexes Ill be able to work from there. This collection is fairly large, though. Under ordinary circumstances, I would have said you should give me about two weeks for the major works. But, I can take a few shortcuts.

The old wizard nodded. She could tell he would like to have heard it would take less time, but accepted her judgment. Very well. I shall let you get on with it then.

Thanks, Albus, she said affectionately.

He smiled, squeezed her hand, and said, Finite incantatem. The bubble of light around them dissipated and he left the library.


**********************

"So, how did Quidditch practice go last night?" Hermione asked, carrying an armload of books over her chest. She had caught up to Harry in the hall as they were both making their way back to Gryffindor House after classes to prepare for dinner.

"Stewart's going to be a beast of a coach, but I like him," Harry answered. "How was your day?"

"No problems, except for that ten points off Gryffindor in potions class," she answered grumpily.

"Well, that's not your fault," Harry said, having been there to see what she meant. "How were we supposed to know you had to shave the hair off that mushroom before we put it in the cauldrons? You just happened to get to that stage first. Otherwise, we all would have been sporting moustaches right about now." Harry grinned as Hermione absently stroked her new, bristly moustache. "What did Pomfrey say?"

"It'll wear off in a day or so, but that arse Snape told her not to take it off me. I swear to the gods someday She made a sound that almost sounded like a little growl. It wouldn't be so bad, I guess, if I could shave it off. But it keeps growing back," she complained.

Harry grinned at her swear word. She seemed to have picked up the habit from hanging out with the new student, Playa. A lot of the students were finding her enthusiasm and irreverent attitude infectious. He thought swearing sounded funny coming from Hermione, who was usually so prim and proper, but there was no way he was going to tell her. It would have killed the joy.

"By the way," she continued, "I thought you were going to avoid Potions this year."

"I cant. Since I passed my O.W.L.S. well enough, I need them for Auror training. When Professor McGonagall saw my courses she talked me out of Magical Creatures again. She said I might like Hagrid better than Snape, but that with my career goals Potions would do me more good in the long run. I guess she's right." Harry told her, miserable at the prospect of being unable to avoid Snape for his last year.

They heard some murmuring and the shuffling of feet around the corner of the hall where they were walking. Harry put his finger to his lips to quiet Hermione, and they scooted to the far side of a set of stairs, behind the granite robes of a wizards statue. Professor Dia and Professor Snape appeared at the bottom of the steps, where they both paused.

"I was sure I heard voices," Professor Dia said edgily.

"No doubt, you did," Snape told her, his narrow look implying that he'd heard something too. "Leave it to the caretaker, Filch. There isn't much up those stairs except the Divination classroom, in any case. So. You were saying?"

"Yes. I agree with you. The new librarian does seem quite suspicious, but do you really believe that Dumbledore would allow someone so untrustworthy into his employment?" Dia asked.

"It's not unheard of," Snape said dryly.

The professor said something softly in Greek. "Then he is a fool. If you cannot trust a man's judgment, you cannot trust the man. Good intentions or no."

Harry could tell this comment displeased Snape greatly. He straightened, and looked down at the voluptuous brunette with disapproval. "You underestimate Dumbledore. He is one of the greatest wizards I have ever known."

Dia sniffed. "All this because he was feared by the Dark Lord. Perhaps when he was younger, and stronger, this was true. But even you must see he has made many mistakes in the last several years. Dangerous mistakes. Everyone abroad can see this. The English cling to their heroes too closely. It is nave."

Harry and Hermione exchanged raised eyebrows at her boldness. Hardly anyone spoke to Snape in this brusque, reproving manner. Snape dealt it, but everyone knew he couldn't take it. Snape, however, just seemed to deflate in acceptance of Dia's assessment.

"He usually has his reasons," Snape answered, but without his usual hauteur.

"I'm sure," Dia answered ironically. "This American, however, may be our undoing. She should be watched. You made a mistake when you spoke to her last night. We cannot afford to alienate her." Harry wondered if the DADA professor knew Snape had tried to bespell the new librarian last night.

Snape stretched his arms expressively and pulled his robes closer around his shoulders. "I know what I'm doing," he told her icily. "If all goes as we discussed, she will still be gone by Christmas."

"Good," Dia said approvingly. "Let us not forget to find out why she is here before we act, however."

"Why does he trust her so much?" Hermione breathed so softly, Harry almost didn't hear her. He shrugged.

Dia put her hand up to rest on Snape's arm. "We will work together."

Snape astonished both Harry and Hermione by taking Dia's hand and lifting it to his lips. "Indeed."

Professor Dia smiled, and Harry was reminded of his first impression of her. She looked like a radiant goddess when she was pleased. She took the crook of Snape's arm and started to lead him down the hall again. "Let us discuss the Dueling Club-" she was saying as they walked away.

Harry slipped out from beneath the statues marble cloak and risked tiptoeing down the stairs to see which way they were going. The couple turned to the left down a side passage as he peered around the corner.

"Harry!" Hermione whispered intently. He looked back at his friend.

"Dont even think about following them," Hermione urged. She knew him too well. She pressed her lips together, making her dark moustache bush out. Harry grinned at her.

"Don't you want to know what's going on?" Harry asked her.

"Of course I do, but it's too dangerous to follow Snape right now," she answered. "They'll be too watchful."

"Why don't we go see what that new librarian's up to, then?" He goaded her, a plaintive note in his voice.

"Go do your homework, Harry. Let Dumbledore see to this," she told him firmly.

"But he doesn't know-"

"How do you know he doesn't? C'mon, let's go to the House. She tried to pull him forward. When he resisted, she said, "Forget about it, ok?" Harry sighed and let her drag him back toward the student dorms. He bet he could talk Ron into a little excursion later, anyway.

"All right," he said. "I'm following you."

Whether Hermione or Ron went with him or not, he intended to do a little sleuthing after dinner. He was too curious to resist.