As soon as they were inside he released her arm and drew his wand, ready to defend the both of them, if necessary.
"Harry, you didn't have to drag me," she complained.
Both Granger parents, hustling in not a few moments later, looked to both teens and gave relieved expressions.
"Maybe not," he replied to the girl. "However, you were just standing there looking shocked and surprised. We might not have had time for you to snap yourself out of it. I wasn't prepared to gamble with your safety like that."
"I take it that was one of the wards," said Wendell, before Hermione could retort.
"Yep," replied Harry. "Someone just tried to apparate onto the property. By the dual tone we heard, I think it was Dumbledore."
"If it was, wouldn't he have been stunned?" asked Monica. She had moved to stand with her daughter. Because he was looking at the door he didn't see her hold a finger to her daughter's lips when it looked like she was going to get angry with Harry.
"He should have been stunned," replied Harry, still looking at the door. "However, we've not been able to test them yet to make sure. I think you can consider this a... 'test in the field'."
"I think you mean 'field test under actual conditions'," muttered Monica. But Harry could see she was only voicing her thoughts because she was a little worried.
Three minutes later, which felt like over an hour, one of the aurors announced themselves outside the door before they opened it and walked in. It was the young male and he had a smug smirk on his face.
"Dumbledore?" asked Harry.
"Dumbledore," he nodded. "We found the old man laying on the footpath just inside the front gate. He was, as you'd expect, knocked out cold.
"It also appears he managed to bang himself up a bit when he landed. He's got a dislocated shoulder - his left shoulder. Your house elf was standing over him looking ready and willing to hex him into next week."
"He's a little protective," muttered Harry.
"After we sent a message off to Madam Bones about it, my partner portkeyed with him direct to the DMLE," continued the auror. "She'll be back after Dumbledore's been handed over and she's given a report of the incident. In the meantime, we can expect a replacement for her to arrive within a minute or two."
The auror suddenly stiffened and looked off into the distance, as did Harry. He, too, felt the alert. Coming back to himself the auror smiled and said, "That was quick. They're here."
As the four followed him out of the servants' quarters, now the auror detail temporary break rooms, there was a knock on the front door.
He spun to them and said, "For a moment or two, please wait here. As I'm on my own I want to take that extra precaution."
"We'll wait," said Wendell.
The auror opened the door with his wand at the ready while using the door frame as a protective barrier, saw who it was, smiled and invited them in. Harry immediately recognised Master Auror Robards.
"Folks," smiled the Master Auror.
Coming around Robards, the young auror, Auror Cassidy, made the quick introductions. "Master Auror, this is Doctors Wendell and Monica Granger and their daughter, Hermione; together with Lord Potter.
"Doctors Granger, Miss Granger and Lord Potter, this is―"
"Master Auror Robards," finished Harry. "Nice to see you again, auror."
"And you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger," he replied before looking to Wendell and Monica. "Nice to meet you, folks. My first name is Gawain."
"So, Brian was telling us..." started Monica.
'Brian!' thought Harry. 'That's the young auror's name!'
"... That Mister Dumbledore was injured in his... collision?... with the wards." she continued.
"Collision is a pretty good word for it. He dislocated his shoulder," nodded Robards. "Our Healer had him to rights with that in only a moment. Popped it back while he was still stunned; then healed the bruising."
"I certainly hope they're not going to just wake him up and release him," said Harry.
"Not happening, Lord Potter," said Robards. "You can expect an important visit, very soon, so arrangements can be made or changed."
"Well, after all this excitement, I think I'll put the kettle on," said Monica, turning and heading for the kitchen.
"Hermione and I were just about to head out for a walk around the neighbourhood," said Harry.
"I'd rather you not do that, at the moment," said Cassidy.
"As would I," added Robards. "As I said, I believe you'll be receiving visitors soon."
Harry gave a sigh and muttered, "Fiiiine!"
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