The Dark Knight Rises

Chapter 11: Why Bats?

Chapter 11: Why Bats?

Knockturn Alley, La Cantina Buia (Italian Mafia Headquarters)

"I need you at the docks on Thursday" said Zabini in the pub located in the classier part of Knockturn Alley. It was mostly the reason that Knockturn was never closed despite its dark reputation. Those on the Wizengamot were known to frequent here as well as have several establishments located in the alley.

All around the pub powerful members of the British Wizard Community could be seen: from prominent lawyers such as Macmillan with his chick of the week to respected judges like Yaxley as well engaged in intimate relations with young witches, not caring of their families back home, even groups of Quidditch stars were in the premises getting high with their girlfriends. It was evident why despite not even being part of the original British nobility in the wizarding part Francesco Zabini could never been pinned to any crime and continued to maintain a good profile even with the rumours that circulated about him. A man with no seat of power but powerful enough to even make those in their seats shiver and obey him for all the information he has on them and the haven he provides with his businesses. Sex trafficking, drugs, hit wizards, elf-trafficking, export of exotic and highly illegal animals, any sort of business, name it, he had it.

Taking a sip of the finest Ogden's Firewhisky, the Auror Dawlish asked, "Problems?"

"I don't want any problem with the last shipment" replied the mafia boss.

"Sure"

Taking another sip of the whisky and turning back to his Francesco Zabini he said, "Word on the street is you got beef with somebody in the Justice Department"

Zabini swiftly leaned closer to the table asking, "Is that right?"

"Yeah, and that there's a big fat prize for anyone willing to do something about it"

Impatient and eager to leave the Auror's company he said, "Get to the point Mr Dawlish, I am a busy man."

"Yes, yes sir. Have you seen the girl?"

"It's a cute little assistant DA"

"Think that's wise boss?" asked Dawlish sceptical.

"She's got friends in high places. Longbottom and Potter among them. Might bring a bit too much heat..." continued the Auror.

"Even for this community," finished Dawlish

"Never underestimate the Magical Community Auror" said Zabini the last part said with a condescending tone to it.

Slightly cocking his head, a to the side Francesco asked, "I mean you are here, aren't you?"

Leaning back on the chair Zabini couldn't help but let out a smirk come on his aged face, "People get mugged at home every day of the week; kidnappings are on the rage this season too. Sometimes... Sometimes things just go bad," finishing his explanation with a chuckle.

Knowing he'd heard everything that was needed Harry moved from his crouched position on the roof and cancelled the spell he'd cast to overhear what was happening in the pub; as well as returning the device the spell was transmitting to back to his utility belt. His face gave nothing away as he stood shrouded by the darkness. Harry knew he had to do act before someone else made their move on the bounty placed on Hermione. For a second, he contemplated telling her of his purpose, of his soon to be identity, knowing due to her work she would be in danger anyways but opted not to. She would be in even more danger if his alternate identity was ever connected to her. Tired from his bit of detective work of the day he disappeared with a pop back to a part of the alley he'd placed under the fidelius before activating the portkey back to Potter Manor, on his utility belt.