Shadow Council 132A

*****

Harry was left somewhat uncertain after the Headmaster left, wandering back into the keep after seeing the old wizard away. Xander was, of course, waiting for him, albeit without looking much like he was waiting.

“You give away your vaults?”: The American asked with a grin that only seemed half joking.

Harry rolled his eyes, “I’m not that daft. He wanted something else, though.”

“Oh?” Xander perked up a bit. “What was that?”

“The Keep.” Harry said.

Xander blinked, looking around sharply, “Seriously? You…?”

“I told him I needed to consider it, and couldn’t let him use it this summer anyway since I’d promised Wednesday that she could stay here,” Harry assured him. “But I don’t know that I can say no…”

Xander looked at him quizzically, “Because?”

“Can’t say, sorry,” Harry admitted unhappily, “It’s…”

“Security, right?”

Harry nodded.

“Well, it’s your home, mate,” Xander said. “You do what you have to, though remember you have some people you can talk to about it, right?”

Harry nodded, “Andromeda, I’ll ask her advice.”

“Good plan,” Xander said. “Which lets us get back to the summer, I guess?”

Harry grinned, but nodded in agreement, “Sounds good.”

*****

Summer in England was an interesting switch from Xander’s normal routine, he had to admit. It was a bit odd, though, despite not being nearly as hot as he was used to in California, the humidity still managed to make it oppressive on occasion.

Luckily magic dealt with that quite neatly, and so he, Harry, Wednesday, Hermione and occasionally Ron or Ginny, found ways to spend their time alternating between the Wizarding world and the non-magical side of things.

Finding things that they would all enjoy proved to be an exercise in juggling the likes of which Xander had a hard time imagining, but there was usually something darkly ironic enough at most attractions to suit Wednesday, and Xander could tell that she was more interesting in laying down her reasons for the ritual she wanted him to participate in so was on what might be considered her ‘best behavior’ as far as the outside world was concerned.

He knew better, easily recognizing that she was actually in ‘hunting mode’, and the constant itch along his spine reminded him consistently just who her prey was.

Time passed quickly, however, with all the political machinations behind them now, and the summer sped along.

Before long, they were all once more at King’s Cross, converging from all directions as they prepared to board the Express back to school.

It was almost enough to depress Xander.

Thankfully, learning Magic was too damned cool to be depressed about school.

*****

“Come on boy,” Xander said as Fenrir ran and hopped alongside them as they walked along the train toward the boarding station.

Wednesday looked at the well grown puppy, now not far from his full growth but still slim, not having packed on his adult weight, with tolerance in her expression as she casually pet Odin’s beak where the raven sat majestically on her shoulder.

The pair of them looked over the arrivals, noting that there were fewer than in previous years.

“You think some were too scared to come? Kept the kids home?” Xander asked softly as he visibly paid attention to the dog.

“That, or the Death Eaters paid some a visit,” Wednesday responded in kind.

Xander scowled, “Nothing like that in the papers.”

“I would not be surprised if the current government opted to cover such things up,” Wednesday said simply.

“Yeah,” He grimaced as he rose up to his feet. “Sounds like something they’d do. Ok, check your Ravens, see who’s missing. I’ve got the snakes.”

She looked at him for a moment, then nodded simply.

“Very well.”

They exchanged a glance, a moment passing before the split apart and made their way into the train to start their headcount.

*****

Hermione frowned as she saw Xander and Wednesday plit up, the look on Xander’s face worrying her as he seemed set to find something he didn’t want to look for.

She nudged Harry, getting his and Ron’s attention.

“What is it, Hermione?”

“Something’s up with Xander and Wednesday,” She said, nodding in their direction.

Ron looked over in their direction and shuddered, “They look pissed.”

“Wednesday always looks pissed,” Harry said, but frowned as he saw Xander, “but that’s not normal for Xander. Go check with Wednesday, I’ll ask Xander.”

Hermione nodded and headed off toward the Addams’ scion while Harry dragged Ron in Xander’s direction.

They caught up to him coming out of a compartment filled with slitherin green, Xander pausing as he saw them coming. He waved back the snakes inside, shaking his head.

“Relax, I’ve got this,” He told them, closing the door before turning to Harry. “What’s up man?”

“Wondering that myself,” Harry said. “You ok?”

“I’ll tell you that later, when I find out myself,” Xander said darkly. He looked around, then nodded his head and led Harry and Ron to a quiet corner. “I think we’ve got a problem. You notice anything about the Express?”

Ron frowned, looking around, “What about it?”

Harry considered it a bit more, but shook his head, “Don’t know, but honestly we kinda missed it last year, so it’s been a bit.”

“Right, forgot about that,” Xander signed, “We’re missing kids. A lot of kids. Weds and I are just trying to do a headcount, see who’s missing. If it’s people who got held back cause their parents are freaking out, that’s one thing, but…”

“Death Eaters,” Harry said, stomach falling.

“Yeah. normally, we’d expect that to be in the papers and all,” Xander said, “but with Fudge?”

“Yeah.” Harry nodded, turning to Ron, “Gryffindor headcount. Let’s see who’s missing, if any.”

Ron nodded slowly, “Right. Let’s go.”

Xander dropped a hand on Harry’s shoulder, getting their attention.

“What?”

“You know anyone in the Puffs?” He asked Harry.

Harry considered, then nodded, “Sure. I can check with Cedric, maybe Susan?”

“Susan?”

“Bones. Met her aunt over the summer.”

“Alright, get back to me,” Xander said. “And thanks.”

“No problem. See you soon.”

*****