The Dark Knight Rises

Chapter 7: The RobinHoods

Chapter 7: The RobinHoods

Present Day Time

DMLE Headquarters, Ministry of Magic

"There seems to be an insurgency in the last few months with crime rates rising up. With the latest robbery happening at St Mungo's Hospital, where a host of medical ingredients, equipment and medicine are reported to be missing along with a Pureblood; Healer Tonks. Is this a sign that Director Bones is simply too old? Or that criminals are getting smarter than the entire Auror Force? Whatever the answer is there clearly needs to be a change if the vandals are to be put to..."

Director Bones threw The Daily Prophet in anger and stalked through the headquarters, leaving no doubt as to her emotional state.

"Meeting in Five at the Hall. All are to report," a voice in the PA system announced not long after.

"What do you reckon the meeting is about?" John Dawlish asked, his partner, Kingsley Shacklebolt. His only response was a raise of the right eyebrow.

"Well...? What do you have to say for yourselves!? Now, we have a kidnap case in our hands as well. What in the name of Merlin is happening outside there! I want those idiots caught yesterday. I don't care what it costs. I want them out of my streets. They are proving to be more than a nuisance," Madam Bones said from atop the stage in the hall, with Captain Moody beside her.

"Shacklebolt! I want you and your partner on this case as well," continued Madam Bones. "What are you waiting for? Clear out everyone! Back to your stations and I want results," shouted Captain Moody.

Director Bones' Office

Alastor Moody walked into the office and noticed its slightly shabby appearance and The Daily Prophet newspaper on the floor with the headline cover being Madam Bones' picture scowling. Moody chuckled reading the newspaper and made himself comfortable on one of the two leather armchairs.

BANG! The door was nearly thrown of its hinges as the DMLE director flounced into the room, with all the finesse of a raging rhino.

An amused smile threatening to burst from his face but knowing the deadly consequences of letting his boss see his smile, he concentrated on retaining a neutral look.

Not being able to resist anymore, he waved the paper whilst saying, "At least I now know what's got your knickers in a twist."

If looks could kill Captain Moody would have already melted in his chair – with Madam Bones glaring holes into his head from the large double hang windows – knowing not to push Madam Bones when she got this pissed: he got right down to business.

"So, what is our progress so far with 'The RobinHoods'? What's their play?"

A loud sigh was Amelia's only response as she finally came and sat down on her desk, pulling open one of the many open drawers in her desk, pulling a stack of documents from them and sliding them across her desk to Moody.

No communication needed; he opened the folder and keenly began going through them.

"Wait... what is this!? How did they intercept a portkey?" asked a completely shocked Moody, unable to understand how such a thing was possible.

"Lucius reported it to me a week ago and a select few and I have been trying to figure it out, but it beats us," replied Madam Bones.

"This is revolutionary..." the astounded Captain continued.

"So... have you sent it this over to The Unspeakables?" asked Alastor.

Pulling a picture of an unknown device, Amelia slid it to Alastor across the table, "Yes we have, and we have sent them along with this picture of the machine that was stolen."

"What is this machine?" asked Moody.

Slightly red in the face, Amelia admitted she didn't know what it was and its purpose.

Understandingly, Alastor didn't question further, going back to reviewing the case files.

His eyebrows slowly rose the more he read, it seemed the gang had traded up to be robbing from the crème de la crème.

Now he understood just why the DMLE was under so much pressure, with the upper class now fearing for their lives with this gang.

Potter Manor

"Master Potter, you've been gone a long time. You have never grown up here. Do you really intend to stay for long, sir?"

"As long as it takes, Richard, I want to show the wizarding community that their society doesn't belong to the criminals, the corrupt, and the Purebloods," said Harry passionately as he sat going through some blueprints.

"In the depression after the war with Grindelwald, your grandfather, and your father along with his group of friends, nearly bankrupted the family business trying to combat poverty. They believed that their example could inspire the wealthy of Wizarding Britain to save their society. Their community," said Richard.

Having completely abandoned his study of the blueprints he was completely focused on Richard as he told his story, "Did it?" asked Harry.

A grim and haunted look on his face, Richard replied, "In a way".

"The murder of your parents shocked the wealthy and the powerful into action."

A sombre mood permeated the air between them after that admission but Harry undeterred continued, "People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can't do that as Harry Potter."

The sombre mood cleared, Harry continued, "As a man, I'm flesh and blood, I can be ignored and be destroyed. But as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting."

His interest really piqued, Richard asked, "What symbol?"

Looking at something beyond. Beyond this plane of existence, Harry replied, "Something elemental... something terrifying."

"I assume that as you are taking on the underworld this is a persona to protect those you care about from reprisals?"

Harry, really contemplative, said, "You're thinking about Hermione?"

Chuckling, Richard replied, "Actually, sir, I was thinking about myself."

A grin slowly took over his face, at how Richard was always able to break his seriousness and get him to laugh: no matter the circumstances.