Bad [Harry Potter Fanfiction] (Bad Series: 1)

9 | Polyjuice Potion

Harry was prepared. All he had to do now was wait, but patience had never been his strong suit. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. He tilted his left wrist and peeked at his watch again then scanned the atrium. Noon. It was almost time to get everything moving. 

The plan was simple enough, but sometimes that was the best way. Fyrefox would attempt to steal the artifact, and his team would be ready. 

But none of it would begin until MACUSA's president arrived. President Quahog and his team were planned to arrive soon. With him here, the security details needed to be precise. The idea that Fyrefox might try to harm the man or Kingsley wasn't likely, but it was better to take precautions. 

When Harry spoke to Robards earlier regarding extra security, he'd pointed out all the important people who'd be in attendance over the next few days. Robards agreed, calling in a few more aurors in for the day.

Harry grinned. In a short time, he'd have Fyrefox.

But for now... he sighed, looking at his watch again. Ron was cutting it close. The briefing started soon, and he knew Harry wanted to be early. He watched witches and wizards walking by. It was easy to imagine others' lives as they passed. A businessman, a shop owner, a husband. They walked, hurrying, chatting, laughing, not a care in the world. He frowned. That could've been him if life was different. 

C'mon, Potter. This is your life, he told himself then straightened when he spotted Ron in the crowd.

"Oi, Harry!" Ron called.

Harry hurried over and grinned when he saw Hermione as well. "Hey. What're you doing here?" he asked, falling into step with them.

"I've got some work to do before the unveiling." She smiled, clapping her hands together. "I can't wait to meet President Quahog. This is so exciting. I've read so much about him."

"I'm sure." He chuckled then elbowed her softly. "He'd probably be interested in meeting you too, Hermione Granger-Weasley, the epitome of genius." He shook his head. "The world would be a different place without you."

"Ain't that the truth," Ron muttered from her other side. 

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't even start with that," she said, but the soft flush to her cheeks was visible.

"Well, we all know the real reason for this alliance," Ron added a moment later, after they'd side-stepped two older witches, who were chatting and walking without paying attention to their surroundings. "He only wants to see Ha-- Bloody hell." He disappeared around another group of ladies bulldozing through the atrium. He reappeared a moment later, looking over his shoulder. "It's a madhouse in here! This thing isn't for another hour!"

"This is a big deal, Ron," Hermione told him.

Ron's eyebrows rose. "What? Meeting the President or catching Fyrefox?" He looked between them.

"Any news?" Hermione asked instead. 

Harry shook his head. "Wasn't expecting anything, to be honest. There's a plan. In just a bit, this will all be over."

"I hope so." Ron shot him a look. "This bloke's a real hassle."

Hermione frowned. "You keep saying him. You're certain?"

"Of course. It's gotta be some git who just likes trouble," Ron said. A dark haired woman bumped into Ron. "Hey, watch it!" He called ahead of them, but she moved past without looking back, her bag swaying around her as she made her way through the crowd.

Harry sighed. It was unnecessarily busy today.

It took a moment for Harry to realize Hermione had stopped. He grabbed Ron's arm, stopping too, and turning to look at her. She stood there, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. "What? Women can't be thieves or evil? Have you forgotten about that vile, evil woman, Bellatrix?" She shook her head, a dark look in her eyes. "I certainly haven't." She shivered.