Once again, thank you all for your reviews and supporting messages! This is where the story joins the Episode II ark; some may not like it, but this is the story I want to tell. I'm not going for a major shift of the Star Wars universe right now, more small waves that keep getting bigger and bigger. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 4: The Sands of Tatooine

The Firebolt jumped out of hyperspace over the city-covered planet of Coruscant. Harry was happy to let R2 manage the flying vectors toward his hangar on-world. Even in the outer atmosphere, the traffic was as insane as London on a Monday morning.

He was not particularly fond of Coruscant overcrowded and over-rushed atmosphere. At least, Padme was thriving in the intense cultural melting pot that was the heart of the Republic.

They were dating for six solid months now, and their relationship was progressively turning into the best thing in his life. Harry barely hesitated to move here when Padme took office as Senator of the Republic.

Thankfully, being a representative of Naboo, she travelled back at least once a week or so to her home planet. Harry was happy to serve as a glorified taxi service. Indeed, as both were busy with their respective responsibilities while on Coruscant or Naboo, they tended to not see each other that much while on planet. At least, the day-long hyperspace trips back and forth meant lots of alone time together. Which they cherished immensely.

Of course, Harry had to cave into Padme's request to redecorate his ship to befit a representative from her planet. The Naboo had always been very intense about aesthetics. Padme was no exception. So he covered his ship with a slick gold and blue paint that made every Naboo proud of it. He had to admit it was looking far more dashing than its previous morn grey and blue colours. Yet Harry felt like a Ravenclaw with these colours. When he explained his comment to his girlfriend, she pointed out that he was perhaps a Ravenclaw with the awful time he spent studying technology and doing magical research. Ever since that comment, he was fighting urges to do something rash and stupid like the proud Gryffindor he was. He tried to comfort himself with the fact that Gold was a Gryffindor colour too.

At least, Padme redecoration spike had been less intense inside the ship: she had him rearrange his cabin to easily accommodate two people, with a former unused storage room converted for Padme's impressive travel wardrobe. The lounge area was now cosier, but Harry kept his workbench as it was: nobody, not even Padme, could mess with his toys.

Harry just completed his last marvel achievement. With him gone so often from Naboo now, he needed to be somehow replaced as the repairman in chief of his company. So, being the rune expert that he was, he figured out how to carve a reparo-like rune on a droid. He used a magical crystal he encountered during his travels while he was still searching for Earth: kyber crystal. While not illegal, using kyber crystals were frowned upon as they were supposed to be reserved for Jedi. They were very expensive and could only be found on the black market, which Padme had not liked at all when she learned it. Yet Harry was able to procure a few while visiting Jedha city. The humming of the crystal was a truly humbling experience to any magic-user.

Actually carving the rune on the crystal had been fairly easy. It was common knowledge on Earth after all. The real difficult part had been to make the crystal work on a droid instead of a magic user. It took him two months to succeed but ultimately, he was able to retrofit a dozen of astromech droids with his rune-enhanced kyber, R2-D2 being his first volunteer of course. Most of his droids were now managing the repairs on Naboo in his stead, and the rest stayed with him for now. Even though he had bought a very overpriced hangar in Coruscant to launch his business here, he had yet to find anyone he could trust his business whit while he was gone, so he kept his greatest creation in his cargo bay when he travelled.

Between his fully automated repairs in Naboo and the start of his shop in Coruscant, the Wizard Tech Company was slowly but steadily making a name for itself. He was thinking of building a fully automated orbital repair station, not unlike the one he infiltrated in Castell before. It would be so amazing if he could pull that off!

Harry was very proud when he noticed the brand-new Wizard Tech logo on his hangar in a very trendy part of Coruscant, not far from Padme's flat. Harry stopped the ship a few seconds to admire it.

Which of course his Senator girlfriend had to comment on: "Do you want to land, honey, or should we keep staring at your shiny logo all day." Mockery was very high in her voice.

Harry kept silent, salvaging as much dignity as he could with his burning cheeks. Padme laughed at him nonetheless.

As was their standard procedure, Harry and R2 made sure the ship was fully stocked and fuelled to leave at a moment notice if need be. R2 was now spending most of his time with Harry, so the two of them had their routine pretty well perfected. Meanwhile, Padme went to fetch a discreet cloak to council her identity. Indeed Padme was quickly becoming the rising star of the Senate, just as Harry knew she would. She was still a fervent loyalist to the Republic, but, unlike many others of her movement, she did not deny the failings of the Republic and recognised the validity of the separatists' arguments. She was merely advocating for a peaceful resolution of the separatist crisis. That made her very popular and, at the same time, quite hated by parties intent on causing a hard secession.

For the last week, Gregar Typho, which posed as Padme's official head of Security, had reported an increasing number of chatters about possible attempts to the Senator's life. That was another reason Harry kept playing the glorified taxi: to protect Padme. While they did not hide their relationship, they never advertised it either, which meant it was not very well known. As a result, everyone thought that Padme was going back and forth from Naboo on a very shiny and expensive shuttle, where Cordé still played the decoy, while she was safely travelling with her Force-user-boyfriend-that-could-wipe-out-a-droid-army.

They were about to leave Harry's hangar when they heard a massive explosion from the upper levels of the district. Harry instinctively placed himself in front of Padme and had his wand out in seconds. He idly noticed her hand had gone straight to the blaster on her hips. Explosions were not normal in this trendy part of Coruscant, so close to the Senate and the Jedi Temple. That did not bode well. Deciding not to take any chance with the speeder they were about to ride, Harry apparated them straight to her flat.

While there, Padme immediately turned on the HoloNet news feed and gasped at what she saw. Her shuttled had exploded as it reached a landing platform on Coruscant. That was the blast they had heard. Numerous people were presumed dead. Harry felt his jaw clenched as he thought about the people on board, some he considered good friends.

Moments later, they were contacted by an ash-covered Gregar Typho, looking saddened and yet relieved to see them well.

"Are you alright?" were Harry and Padme instant reactions.

"I am. The escort chasers were not touched. Harry, is the Senator safe?

"Yes, we went straight to the flat once we heard the explosion."

"Smart man. You stay here until I can muster more guards from Naboo's embassy…"

Harry clearly saw his friends hesitate about his next words. A heavy feeling dropped in his stomach. "Who?" he whispered.

He saw Gregar closed in eyes in sorrow. "Cordé did not make it".

As could be expected, Padme weakened against him. Cordé had been her friend ever since she became Queen, she had played her decoy many times. Harry nodded briefly to Gregar as he ended the transmission. He then gently held Padme as he, too, mourned for Cordé. He did not know her well, but he spent enough time around her, working on Padme security detail, to appreciate her cheeky and dynamic personality.

Deep inside him though, he knew the separatist crisis had escalated further if a Senator was an open target for assassination. That did not bode well for the future.

Harry felt helpless as Padme struggled with Cordé's death and the assassination attempt toward her. To make matters worse, the chancellor had postponed the bill on the floor regarding the creation of an army for the Republic, something Padme was fervently opposing. And Padme was now to be fiercely protected by two Jedi, no less. Harry did not know how he felt about that: this would his first interaction with Jedi since travelling back in time. He was both curious and anxious. Yet for now, he focused solely on Padme: he had let her vent her feelings as much as she could and then simply hugged her as they watch the endless flow of speeders in the Coruscant skyline.

Their quiet moment was interrupted however when the walking catastrophe known as Jar-Jar Binks announced the presence of the two Jedi tasked with the Senator's protection. He recognised the older one as the Obi-Wan Kenobi that was ailed a hero on Naboo for his actions during the invasion by the Trade Federation. Which meant the younger thin one must be Anakin Skywalker, his 'Padawan' as Jedi called their students.

Padme quickly walk over them with a genuine smile on her face

"It's a great pleasure to see you again milady." The older Jedi said.

"It has been far too long Master Kenobi." She then looked at the younger one "Ani? My goodness, you've grown."

"So have you. Grown more beautiful, I mean. Well, for- for a senator, I mean." Harry barely restrained himself from growling. Had he not known the Jedi were banned from relationships, he would have cursed the guy for trying to flirt with her.

"Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine." The rebuke instantly calmed Harry's frustration as he shared an amused look with Gregar. Padme's comment was the equivalent of an elegant slap on the face. Harry admired how she quickly handled the unease from Skywalker awkward greeting and led them to the sitting area. Gregar and Harry remained standing while the other took a seat on the sofa.

"Our presence here will be invisible, milady, I can assure you," Kenobi stated.

Gregar forced himself in the conversation "I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service. This is Harry Potter, a personal friend of the Senator who has protected her on many occasions before. Queen Jamilla has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you're here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit to."

"I don't need more security, I need answers. I want to know who's trying to kill me."

"We're here to protect you, Senator, not to start an investigation," Kenobi replied very diplomatically.

"We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padmé. I promise you."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Was the student contradicting his mentor in front of a Senator?

"We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner." Kenobi voice grew stern.

"I meant that in the interest of protecting her, Master, of course." Skywalker did not even pretend to hear the scolding.

"We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin, and you will pay attention to my lead."

"Why?" came the padawan sullen and insolent reply.

"What?" Merlin, was that the top team supposed to protect Padme?

Padme looked at Harry, confirming that she, too, deemed the byplay awkward.

"Why else do you think we were assigned to her if not to find the killer? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master; investigation is implied in our mandate."

"We will do exactly as the Council has instructed… and you will learn your place, young one."

Padme seemed to grow bored of the sterile argument. "Perhaps with merely your presence, the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will retire." She said to cut the discussion.

From there, Harry was happy to let Gregar show them the security details. He knew he was himself the last line of defence, the one who would cause the most damage if triggered or whisked Padme away to safety. He was pretty sure Gregar would not reveal Harry's true role. The wizard, for his part, hope the Jedi would not notice or mess with his intent wards around the apartment. Now, he only had to wait.

Harry settled himself in the living room, reviewing some of his tinkering designs on a datapad. The padawan, Skywalker, was currently in some sort of meditation while Kenobi had gone downstairs to inspect Gregar's security measures. Soon enough, the bearded Jedi Knight came back into the flat.

"Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin would try that way. Any activity up here?" he asked his Padawan while walking toward him. Once he was near his Padawan, he gazed at Harry silently. Their eyes met for a few seconds, enough for each of them the gauge the other. Ultimately, Obi-Wan politely nodded at Harry while passing in front of him.

"Quiet as a tomb" replied his apprentice. "I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her."

"What's going on?"

"She covered the cameras. I don't think she liked me watching her." It took every self-control for Harry not to snort. "She programmed R2 to warn us if there is an intruder."

"There are many other ways to kill a senator." Obi-Wan seemed concerned, and yet very professional in Harry's opinion.

"Don't worry: no harm will come to her, Master. I can sense everything going on in that room. Trust me."

"It's too risky. Besides, your senses aren't that attuned my young apprentice."

"And yours are?"

"Possibly." He was clearly lying.

Harry was quietly watching what seemed to be a recurring argument between the pair. Truth be told, he was intrigued by the Jedi.

"You look tired," Obi-Wan said his Padawan with worry. Harry tried not to listen to their conversation after that, as it seemed to steer on private matters. Something about Anakin dreaming about his mother.

Soon enough, they seemed to revert back to talking about their views on politics.

"And besides" Skywalker was arguing "you're generalizing. The Chancellor doesn't appear to be corrupt."

"Palpatine is a politician. I have observed that he is very clever in following the passions and the prejudices of senators."

"I think he is a good man. But…"

Right at that moment, Harry felt the intent ward being triggered. He rose as quickly as he could but the Jedi beat him to it

"I sense it, too!" Obi-Wan was saying urgently.

Harry arrived in Padme's room just in time to see Skywalker sliced two slimy miniature droids with his laser sword as they were about to strike Padme. Skywalker had struck inch from Padme's sleeping form with a swiftness and precision that shook Harry to the core. For one, he was not sure he could have reached Padme in time. And more importantly, he clearly underestimated the threat a Jedi could pose. Were he to be attacked with such deadly speed and accuracy, he was not sure he could deflect it.

Harry's mind was already focusing on Padme to ensure she was safe when Obi-Wan, who had entered the room just before him, launched himself on a droid through the window. Granted the droid was likely the culprit of the assassination attempt. But who threw himself through a skyscraper's window? What a Gryffindor move. Or was recklessness a common Jedi trait?

Within seconds, both Jedi had left, barely giving consideration to the now awake Padme. Harry quickly went to check if she was alright. He would later ponder that the two Jedi left Padme completely undefended if a second assassination attempt were made. Without thinking, Harry transfigured every window from the flat into concrete walls and then proceeded to apply every ward he knew, including some dodgy ones from the Black family.

Up until now, Harry thought that magic gave him an edge in this galaxy. Today came the frightening realization that common spells were clearly not enough.

He kept holding Padme tight, silently vowing to never be unprepared again and to eliminate the one responsible for this attack.

Padme had been given an executive order to travel back to Naboo. Her. An executive order. From the chancellor no less. She was mad. These were extremely rare, usually given to Senators failing out of grace. Palpatine had kept it off the book from now. Of course, he could not openly order her to leave Coruscant while she was the head of the opposition on the bill on the floor. Even his abnormally high popularity would not sustain such a public backlash.

At least the bill was postponed. That was a small comfort.

Grudgingly, she admitted defeat and agreed to go back to Naboo. That left her to leave her only junior representative on Coruscant in charge of affairs here. She was not as confident about it as she tried to appear. "I'm taking an extended leave of absence. It will your responsibility to take my place in the senate. Representative Binks, I know I can count on you."

She made her best to ignore Harry's snort behind her and focused on Jar-Jar's answer "Mesa honoured to be taking on disa heavy burden. Mesa accepts dis wit moy moy humility and euh…

She was not in the mood the listen to the Gungan nonsense. "I don't wish to hold you up. I'm sure you have a great deal of work to do."

"Of course… milady."

Harry waited for Jar-Jar to walk off before he commented on it. "This is going to bite you in you pretty little ass".

Harry had never hidden his feeling about Jar-Jar. She knew that he did not dislike the Gungan per sea. He told her many times before that he did not believe Jar-Jar to be of the calibre for a Senate representative. Of course, he was not exactly wrong, not that she would ever admit it out loud. Yet she explained to him before that Jar-Jar had been the only Gungan willing to be on the Senate, the others either did not care about the Republic or refused to leave Naboo. So if she wanted a Gungan representative, she was a bit trapped. With no come back in mind to defend Jar-Jar, she decided to play another card. "Glad you find my ass pretty!"

Clearly not her most elegant come back, but it gave her the joy of stunning her boyfriend speechless. She oh-so loved when she could outword him.

And that will teach him not to speak like the spaceport mechanics he kept hanging out with. Her comment completely backfired however when she noticed Anakin Skywalker looking at her with wide-opened eyes. She stopped mid-step and made a sideways look at Harry. The wizard kept his mouth shut but did not even bother to hide his snickers.

She closed her eyes to refocus before she addressed Anakin properly. "I do not like this idea of hiding."

"Don't worry. Now that the council has ordered an investigation... it won't take Master Obi-Wan long to find the bounty hunter behind these attempts at your life."

She shared another look at Harry. Her companion understood her wish immediately and went to prepare his ship as they discussed. The Chancellor and the Jedi had asked her to travel unregistered. That did not mean she had to threaten the lives of other refugees leaving Coruscant just so she could go incognito. Once Harry took his leave with a polite nod to Anakin, she went to pack her things.

Harry had surprised her when he had not objected to the plan imposed on them by the Jedi. Her boyfriend was truly frightened that his protection was not enough to keep her from harm last night. And now that he had seen the Jedi in actions, he was happy to have one around, even with his initial reserve around them. Well, that Harry would not side with her against this whole ordeal pissed her even more.

"I haven't worked for months to defeat the Military Creation Act... to not be here when its fate is decided." She knew she was unfair to take her anger on Anakin, but he was the only one around for now.

"Sometimes we must let go of our pride and do what is requested of us." The wisdom of his statement stopped her anger immediately. She was shocked.

"Anakin, you've grown up." Anakin looked away from her. Was he still vexed?

"Master Obi-Wan manages not to see it. Don't get me wrong. Obi-Wan is a great mentor. As wise as Master Yoda and... as powerful as Master Windu. I am truly thankful to be his apprentice."

The padawan paused a little in his speech. Clearly, he was not finished and Padme could sense a but come in soon.

"In some ways, a lot of ways, I'm really ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials... but he feels that I'm too unpredictable. He won't let me move on."

"That must be frustrating." A part of her smiled as she imagined Harry no bantha-shit reaction to her bland unengaging comment.

"It's worse. He's overly critical. He never listens. He- He doesn't understand. It's not fair!"

Padme idly wonder why he was suddenly sharing this with her. She guessed he was still that little boy from Tatooine in some way.

"All mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like. It's the only way we grow." He sighed, clearly not convinced "I know. Anakin. Don't try to grow up too fast."

"But I am grown up. You said it yourself." She did not like the look he gave her suddenly. Like he was longing for her.

"Please don't look at me like that." She snapped

"Why not?"

Was he really asking? Was he not taught how to behave properly around a woman? "It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Sorry, milady."

She dearly hoped he would not do that in front of Harry. She did not know how to explain to the Jedi Order that her wizard boyfriend had transformed their prodigy into a yellow duck. Of course, she did not know what a yellow duck was, but since Harry kept threatening her of that when she annoyed him, it must be an awfully nasty animal.

She decided to ignore Anakin after that and focus on her current packing.

Gregar Typho did not like the idea of the Senator leaving her protection details behind. At least with both Harry and the Jedi Padawan, she would be safe enough. He had to admit the bounty hunter found a hole in his security. To make matters worse, Master Kenobi was now tasked with the investigation, which meant he would not have much leeway to conduct his own enquiry.

He gently escorted the Senator, disguised as a common traveller, out of their speeder.

He smiled when he saw her eyes narrowed at the Firebolt. The ship was negligently parked next to the departing refugee shuttle as it was supposed to be. But he knew the Senator did not agree with Harry reverting it back to its original colours. Gregar knew another epic bickering would occur soon enough between the two lovers.

Well, for what it was worth, Gregar agree that the original grey with blue stripes was much more discreet than the Naboo gold and blue.

"You should be happy I talked him out of painting it red and gold," he told the Senator discreetly.

She exchanged an amused look with him. She was indeed both annoyed and amused at her boyfriend antics.

"Be safe, milady," Gregar said to her

"Thank you, Captain. I hope to see you soon." With that, she started to walk ahead toward the two Jedi.

They arrived in time to hear Master Kenobi provide his last word of advice to his padawan. "Anakin, don't do anything without first consulting either myself or the council."

"Yes, Master" Came the bored reply. Kenobi turned toward the arriving Padme.

"I'll get to the bottom of this plot quickly, milady. You'll be back here in no time."

"I'll be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi."

Kenobi nodded gracefully before turning toward Anakin once again. "May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you, Master."

Gregar and Kenobi watched them both walked toward the space between the refugee shuttle and the Firebolt.

"I do hope he doesn't try anything foolish," Kenobi thought out loud.

"I'd be more concerned about her doing something than him. But don't worry, I trust Harry to keep them safe."

Master Kenobi looked at him intently. Somehow, the Jedi was not surprised to find out that Harry would tag along with Padme and Skywalker.

"Taking his ship instead of the refugee shuttle was a good idea."

That stunned Gregar. "How do you know about his ship?"

"Your friend is a Force-sensitive, with a very distinctive pull in the Force. I can sense him in that freighter."

Kriffing wizards. "I thought his Force-sensitivity would be a problem with you Jedi?"

"Should it?" Gregar did not reply which did not seem to bother the Jedi. "The Force feels strong and at peace with him. I won't say I'm comfortable with the mystery he poses, but I sense very clearly the Force trust him to protect our friends. The Force has not been that clear to me in a while." The last part seemed to be him pondering something out loud.

"You are not upset about this change of plan then?" Gregar pressed.

That snapped the Jedi back to the topic at hand "As I said, it's a good idea. And it's obvious he would protect her fiercely."

"He has done so before," Gregar confirmed.

"He's not just a simple friend is he?" Obi-Wan seemed amused by it. Gregar could not tell if he was using his Force-power to guess things or if he was just an astute observant.

'It's safe to say they're more intimate than that, Master Jedi."

Anakin Skywalker did not initially share his Master's assessment of Harry Potter. Something felt different about him.

Both he and Obi-Wan quickly determined the man was Force-sensitive. Anakin had made a quick enquiry while in the Temple on Coruscant. No public record of him before he showed up on Naboo two years ago and started a small, albeit successful, ship renovation business called Wizard Tech. What a dumb name!

And what a mundane job! To be gifted with the force and yet be completely oblivious to its true potential? It was laughable to him.

Padme seemed to consider him a close friend, but he did not understand what she found in the underachieving businessman.

Of course, Obi-Wan told him his judgment was clouded by his infatuation with Padme and reminded him to be mindful of attachments, yet again.

Chancellor Palpatine was in the same mind as Anakin on this as he, too, considered Harry to be insignificance in Padme's life.

At least, the guy knew how to take proper care of his ship. Anakin could only admire the ship smooth working systems, even if they were too outdated for his tastes. The padawan assumed that taking care of his ship must be the main hobby for a mechanic businessman.

The journey to Naboo had been a bit awkward. Padme had either locked herself working in the captain's cabin, which Harry lent her apparently, or spent her time making holocalls to her fellow colleagues. Such was the life of a Senator apparently. Anakin did not envy her.

That left him with Harry Potter and R2-D2. He was happy to see R2 again, his former accomplice from the battle of Naboo. The droid seemed happy to see him too but was too busy arguing with Harry about this and that system of the ship that needed makeover.

Anakin had to recognise that Harry Potter knew his way around the ship. The technical discussion had even been pleasant. The guy was somewhat a good pilot, as their ultra-smooth landing confirmed. That was enough for Anakin to respect him, but not to trust him completely yet.

His interrogation grew even bigger once the three of them were conducted in front of Queen Jamila to pay their regards. Harry had of course bowed like the rest of them but was hastily engaged in a side conversation with Sio Bibble about the governor's nephew.

He gathered the nephew of Sio Bibble was working for Harry, which for Anakin either meant Harry was using the nephew to gain a few advantages from the governor or the governor was using his nephew to keep tabs on him. Neither felt right in his mind.

He could not listen to their conversation as Queen Jamila exclaimed loudly at Padme's comment. "It's unthinkable. There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic. Do you see any way through negotiations?"

"to bring the separatists back into the Republic?" Padme clarified. "Not if they feel threatened. The separatists don't have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the Commerce Guilds or the Trade Federation for help.".

"The armies of commerce! Why has Nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?"

"I'm afraid that, despite the Chancellor's best efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of the Guilds."

"It's outrageous, but after four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation." Sio Bibble spat.

"I fear the senate is powerless to resolve this crisis." Admitted a younger advisor Anakin did not know. The Jedi resented that statement but restrain himself from arguing in front of the Queen and Padme.

"We must keep our faith in the Republic." He was pleased in the Queen's adamant tone. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."

"Let's pray that day never comes." Padme agreed.

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety." The Queen turned to him. "What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?"

Padme cut his reply short "Oh, Anakin's not a Jedi yet. He's still a Padawan learner. But I was thinking…"

"Hold on a minute…" he tried to interfere but Padme kept talking above him

"I was thinking I would stay in the lake country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."

"Excuse me" he debuted with a much more aggressive tone that he'd like "I'm in charge of security here, milady."

Padme was about to retort something when Harry replied over them both.

"We are going to the Senator's family home in lake country. Captain Typho and I had it secured when the Senator was still Queen."

That answer succeeded in simultaneously pleasing the Queen and her advisors while upsetting Padme.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked the dark-hair man with aggressivity

"Would you have let us do it?"

"I did not authorize that," she said indignantly.

"Of course not. Your sister did. She owns the property after all."

Anakin watched the byplay back and forth. From the look of the other occupants in the room, the bickering between the two was a common occurrence. He was amazed how Harry seemed to be integrated and accepted into the Senator's life.

He did not like how close Harry was to Padme.

Once they settled in Padme's family house, Harry was very happy to find back a resemblance of intimacy with her. The constant presence of the Jedi had bothered him. Not that Anakin was a bad chap. He was perhaps a bit rough around the edges but Ron had been the same until Hermione beat him the crap out of it. Some Herculean task, she kept saying, and he believed her.

As always, the wizard did not let himself walk down memory lane. Too painful.

He had a feeling Anakin did not like him very much, but Padme had just replied that he just had not outgrown his crush on her. That was supposed to comfort him, yet it did the complete opposite.

Never mind their Jedi overwatch, Harry was happy to share a bed with his girlfriend again. And not just because of their night activities. He had missed talking freely with her.

Of course, Anakin was always here, but with a house this large, they could afford a bit more intimacy.

They had been on Naboo for a few days now when Harry caught a conversation between Padme and Anakin on the balcony.

"Jedi don't have nightmares." Anakin was saying.

"I heard you." Padme confronted him. Harry smiled as Padme used the same bullheadedness on Anakin that she used on him when he was not talking his feelings out.

"I saw my mother. She is suffering, Padme. I saw her as clearly as I see you now."

The padawan sighed deeply. That confused Harry. He must be missing some information for the Jedi to be this upset by a mere nightmare.

"She is in pain." Anakin continued. "I know I'm disobeying my mandate to protect you, Senator... but I have to go. I have to help her."

Some protector he was, Harry though

"I'll go with you," Padme commented immediately.

Harry closed his eyes in resignation. How had he gone from the Earth's incarnation of recklessness to this Galaxy's voice of reason? Was he getting old? Had he been de-gryffindor-ed? He was starting to worry.

"How come I have to be the sensible one, here?" Harry said out loud, surprising them both by his presence. He looked at Padme. "You knew I used to be the one doing the crazy stuff before I met you?"

Padme flashed him that damned bright smile of hers. Some part of his mind already knew he would not be able to resist her on that.

"I did recall you doing some crazy stuff as well, Harry." Harry did not like her predatory smile. Not when he was the target. "Does free falling in front of a droid army ring any bell?"

He clenched his teeth. Of course, she would bring back the free-falling move on Typhoon IV. That was completely different and not that reckless!

"If you recall, I did that to save you."

By now, she had moved seductively to him. He knew he was toasted. She grabbed the collar of his blazer, bringing his face inches from hers.

"Mind giving us a ride to Tatooine, honey?" she purred softly.

How was he supposed to resist that negotiation technique? Damn stubborn woman. He nodded in defeat.

If possible, she smiled even more at her success. "Don't worry, I have a good feeling about this!" She said as she gave him a peck on the lips before prepping herself to leave the planet. Caught in the moment, he completely missed Anakin hard stare toward him.

Moments later, they were boarding the Firebolt again.

Despite his troubled mind, the Jedi could not help but ask him "Do you always change the paint job on your ship?"

"Only when I feel like it" Harry replied sourly. He could see Padme quietly snickering from the corner of his eyes.

"And why is your ship red and gold now?"

"Got tired of being out-Gryffindor-ed I guess" He reply before he left for the cockpit, not caring that the Jedi did not understand. At least R2 did not make him feel like a bloody Ravenclaw.

Tatooine being close to Naboo, their journey barely took a few hours. Harry followed Anakin's direction toward Mos Espa. They landed just outside the little settlement and tracked down a Toydarian dealer called Watto. Harry understood from their interaction that Watto was Anakin's former owner. His respect for Anakin grew when he learned he was a former slave.

The slaver directed them to the Lars moisture farm near Mos Eisley. A quick trip later, they found themselves in the new home of Shmi Skywalker.

They were greeted by a rusty protocol droid.

"3PO?" Anakin asked, clearly startled by the sight of the droid.

"The maker!" exclaimed the droid. Harry thought it very funny that Anakin got to be called the Maker.

"Oh, Master Ani! I knew you would return. I knew it!" the droid continued. "And Miss Padme. Oh, my."

Padme greeted C3PO.

"Bless my circuits! I'm so pleased to see you both." The droid was nearly as talkative as R2. Perhaps those two should never meet?

"I've come to see my mother." Anakin rightly resettled the purpose of their visit. Harry and Padme made themselves very discreet as Anakin met his half-brother and his mother's husband. Unfortunately, the encounter was grim, to say the least. They learned that Schmi had been abducted a month ago by a hunting party of Tusken raiders. Cliegg Lars, Anakin's 'stepfather, described them as vicious, mindless monsters that ripped apart a group of thirty men that tried to rescue Schmi. But that did not really tell Harry what exactly a Tusken was. Was it an animal? Or another sentient race prone to violence? He would have to search it on the HoloNet later.

Harry saw the look of determination on Anakin's mind. Sensing the Jedi inner battle between his mandate to protect Padme and the fate of his mother, he decided to help him make the decision.

"Go after your mother Anakin. I will stay here and protect Padme until you come back."

Harry met Anakin harsh stare and did not blink. He knew the padawan still did not like him but he did not care. If Harry had a slim chance to save his mother, he would seize it in a heartbeat.

Skywalker nodded briefly to him and, minutes later, he was gone after his mother.

He came back only a day later. With his mother's dead body carefully protected in a linen blanket. Harry felt his heart sink at the painful eyes of the Jedi. He had known his own mother a lot less than Anakin but it hurt nonetheless. Feeling Anakin's unease with him, Harry kept his distance to respect his mourning.

Padme tried to help her friend as he withdrew himself to the farm repair desk to await his mother's funeral. Harry had not been there when they talked, but it must have been insanely intense as Padme was left shaken from it. However, she did not betray her friend's confidences and he respected that.

The funeral was a quick yet very beautiful affair. It was not enough to soothe Anakin's pain.

The melancholy of the moment was cut short however when R2 came toward them beeping furiously.

"What is it, R2?" Harry asked, already looking at the droid translator feature of his watch. C3PO beat him to it.

"It seems that he is carrying a message from an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Hmm. Master Ani, does that name mean anything to you?"

Harry shook his head amusedly but said nothing. He led them all to the Firebolt cockpit where they could listen to Obi-Wan's message. Harry quickly sat in his pilot chair and launched the holovid message.

"Anakin, my long-range transmitter has been knocked out. Retransmit this message to Coruscant." Anakin immediately entered some personal codes on the Firebolt communication console. Soon enough, they were patched to two members of the Jedi Council. A house-elf looking one that Padme introduced as Yoda and a badass human named Mace Windu.

Obi-Wan's message kept talking. "I have tracked the bounty hunter, Jango Fett... to the droid Factories on Geonosis. The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here... and it is clear that Viceroy Gunray... is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala. The Commerce Guilds and the Corporate Alliance... have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming a- Wait. Wait.

Suddenly, Obi-War was waving his lightsaber, deflecting some droid blaster shots aimed at him, before the holovid ended abruptly.

The house-elf like Jedi broke the following silence. "More happening on Geonosis, I feel, than has been revealed."

Master Windu continued "I agree. Anakin, we will deal with Count Dooku. The most important thing for you is to stay where you are. Protect the senator at all costs. That is your first priority."

"Understood, Master," Anakin replied obediently before he ended the transmission.

"They'll never get there in time to save him," Padme exclaimed hotly.

"They have to come halfway across the galaxy. Look. Geonosis is less than a parsec away."

"If he's still alive." Anakin's reply was oddly detached. Without hesitation, Harry started the pre-sequence for take-off. R2 seemed to pick up quickly on it but the other passengers did not.

"Ani, are you just gonna sit here and let him die?" Padme was horrified. "He's your friend... your mentor..."

Anakin grew agitated, the sorrow of losing his mother still fresh in his mind. "He's like my father, but you heard Master Windu. He gave me strict orders to stay here."

"He gave you strict orders to protect me." She turned toward Harry but the sound of the ship's engine powering up shut her up.

"Buckle up" was all Harry said. He was not under the authority of the Jedi nor that of the Senate. He was just an individual acting on his own, who now called Naboo his home and who fell in love with its acting Senator. The Trade Federation pledging its armies to the leader of the Separatists would lead the Republic into a giant civil war. He knew civil war. They had to prevent that.

And if Viceroy Gunray wanted to kill Padme and to invade Naboo again, he will understand why Harry Potter was called the Man-who-conquered.

Harry and R2 quickly finished their preparations and Harry made an aggressive take off to reach orbit as quickly as he could.

All the while, Padme, seated as usual in the co-pilot seat, looked at him with a mix of fondness and mockery.

"What?" Harry finally asked.

"Who's the reckless Gryffindor now?"

That put a smile on his face.