A/N: General Disclaimers of I don't own any HP-verse or various licensed characters in this fic. Rather than create an OC to show/represent an ideal/characteristic I brought in recognisable characters that already have the established characteristic/ideal.

Harry Potter The Thief

The midnight sky was pitch-black with the absence of the stars and the moon but this only aided the thieves that night. All across the large warehouse shadowy figures broke in and crept along the walls until the small group of five magicals convened atop the middle arch at the tallest point of the warehouse.

"So who wants to volunteer to take the leap of faith this time around?"

"What? Not going to volunteer yourself Jesse?"

"To drop fifty feet into the hornet's nest while having to avoid tripwires and then hardly making a sound upon landing? No thank you. Scarhead will do it."

There was some slight shuffling as the shadowy figures moved about and one of them leaned over further to get a better look.

"All right I'll do it but, if I can make it within thirty seconds I get an extra five percent of your share Jesse. Deal?"

There were some chuckles up on the rafter and some nudges all around but Jesse knew his pride was on the line. He shook Scarhead's hand but squeezed a little harder than necessary and narrowed his eyes.

"Deal but the same applies to you if you don't make it within the allotted thirty seconds."

"Don't be so touchy Jesse. It's not like I am the best thief around."

With that cheeky comment Scarhead leapt off the rafter, twisted just so to avoid the first tripwire and fell fifty feet. He tucked himself into interesting positions and spread out like a flying squirrel all to avoid tripwires as well as to check his speed. With a dramatic flourish and pose Scarhead landed with barely a sound and disturbance of the nighttime dust. He gave a hand signal and then moved along the floor.

The nightshift guards at the warehouse had no idea that four highly skilled thieves were about to rob them blind and Scarhead disabled the security measures so his friends could join him. They hurried trough the main area of the warehouse, deftly avoiding any security guards and the small group stopped outside of a nondescript door.

"All right Fiona, you're up. Michael will go with you while Jesse and I stay out here to make sure that no one surprises us. You have ten minutes to grab our souvenir and get out."

Scarhead nodded to Jesse, a boot-cut muscular man and posted up on one side of the door while Fiona picked the lock. Two minutes later she had it unlocked and Michael quickly reached into the room to hold a trip wire taut so a secondary alarm didn't go off.

"Good hands Michael and I expect the same quickness on me later tonight."

"Not now Fi."

Scarhead rolled his eyes at the banter between his friends but they slipped into the room without further delay or comment. Five tense minutes later the couple appeared and Fiona waggled a cardboard tube at Scarhead and Jesse.

"How does this look for twenty-million dollars boys?"

"And you verified that it's not a fake?"

Scarhead chuckled when Fiona clucked her tongue and tapped Jesse with the container as she sauntered on past. He caught Michael's eye in the murky darkness and the older man nodded.

"Jesse how can you doubt me? We even disabled the extra security measures on the painting itself."

"Enough. We still need to get out clean and the guards are supposed to change shifts soon. Scarhead, take the package and drop it off with the fence. Fi, Jesse and I will walk out with this shifts guards."

"Oh you're such a spoilsport Michael. Why does Scarhead get to have all the fun?"

Scarhead took the package from Fiona and secured it to his person like an archer's quiver with a strap across his shoulder and chest. With a nod at his friends he jogged away in the opposite direction and flattened his body against the wall as he heard footsteps coming from around the corner. A guard walked past him and Scarhead crept down the hallway from where the guard just came. With a jaunty little salute, he unlocked a window, pushed it open and perched on the ledge.

"Hey Fiona, the package won't get ruined with repeated and extended contact with the water will it?"

"No, why?"

"Just wondering."

Scarhead took a deep breath to steady his nerves and then with another sharp intake of breath began to rappel down the side of the cliff the warehouse was on. Fifty feet from the churning water below, Scarhead flicked the rope in a peculiar fashion at the same time that he pushed as hard as he could off the wall. He free fell that long fifty feet and just before he hit the water he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The freezing coldness of the ocean water embraced Scarhead but he kept focused and with a couple strong kicks broke the waters surface. He swam a hundred yards to where an unassuming bouyie bobbed and with a gasp Scarhead disappeared.

"Fiona didn't mention anything about you coming in looking like a drowned rat. Goodness kid."

Scarhead grinned and threw his wet clothes into a bag as he walked back into Sam (the fence) living room. Sam's current girlfriend was away on business, which meant that Sam had the entire mansion to himself. Right now Sam was bent over looking at the painting on a lighted table. He whistled slowly and shook his head with a grin.

"I don't know how you managed to pull it off but this is the real thing. Minus my usual fee, you guys just brought in twenty-two million and change."

"That's good Sam. Have a beer for me will you?"

"Already cracked it open. See you around kid."

The brightly lit streets of downtown New Orleans were warm and friendly as Harry Potter walked down them with his hands in the pockets of his trousers. His disheveled, messy jet-black hair raked across his emerald green eyes and he garnered much attention from the hostess as he turned into a swanky, upscale restaurant.

"Oh! Mr. Goodwin, good evening. Mr. LeBeau and company are expecting you and it would be my pleasure to take you to them."

"Why thank you. After you."

Harry gave a roguish grin to the hostess and extended his free arm out in front of him as his other held his suit jacket over his shoulder. The hostess predictably blushed and looked over her shoulder twice as she led Harry to where his party waited for him.

"Mr. LeBeau, here is Mr. Goodwin as you requested. Will you be requiring anything else this evening?"

"No thanks cherie."

Harry chuckled as the hostess stumbled backwards at his mentor's accent and red, hypnotizing eyes. He sat down next to his mentor after kissing Fiona's cheek and nodding to Michael and Jesse.

"Good evening everyone."

"That poor girl is going to have a heart attack with the amount of charm you two laid on her."

"Now now my little spitfire, there is no need to act all indignant. You have your own smooth charmer no?"

"Michael's harmless Remy."

The laughter from around the table was light and warm, the type shared amongst good friends. A waitress came to their table and took their orders. All of them raised their glasses when Remy did and the master thief cleared his throat with a grin.

"I would like to propose a toast to one of my best crews. You four just pulled off a job that was nothing less than spectacular without firing a shot or spell and the best part is that the authorities don't even know that one of the most famous eighteenth century paintings is missing. To you four, may your senses stay razor sharp and your talents never go to waste."

"Here here."

Harry took a sip from his glass and set it down with a near silent sigh. The soft music and low murmur of the guests seeped into him and he rested back in his chair to let the atmosphere soothe him.

"So what's next bossman?"

"Harry here has a meeting tomorrow with an influential client and will find out all the details then Jesse."

At Remy's words Harry opened his eyes and looked at his mentor. The Cajun nodded with a small smirk and Harry nodded back. Their food arrived at that moment and all business talk was put to the side. A quirk and rule from Remy.

"So how's the missus Remy?"

"Me cherie is doin' jas fine Harry but has been busy so she hasn't been around to see lil' ol' me in a while."

"She's not going to blast a hole thru your office door when she returns is she?"

Harry grinned as he asked this and took a bite of his steak. The passionate affair between Remy LeBeau and Anna 'Rogue' Marie was always a juicy hot topic to discuss back at the guilds headquarters.

"Very funny but no, Marie will not want to cause such a scene this time around. I hope."

"You hope. She kind of reminds me of you Fiona. A beautiful, strong woman with quite the temper."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that last part and take the compliment Harry."

Everyone laughed at the table again but a subtle change and tension settled down upon them. Harry pushed his chair back, stood up and tossed his napkin down on the table.

"Excuse me; I have to use the restroom."

As he walked away from the table, Harry subtly checked out the table from which he had felt the heavy stares coming from. Two men sat with their backs to a wall while the woman sipped from a wineglass and Harry noticed their impeccable dress. He closed his eyes for a moment and reached out with his magic to 'read' them.

"Excuse me monsieur."

"Of course, my apologies."

Harry sidestepped a waiter and walked around the partition that separated the dining area from the lobby. He walked up to the hostess and put on his most charming grin.

"Excuse me miss but could you tell me the names of the men and woman at table twenty-three? I feel like I should know them and intend to introduce myself along with a bottle of red but it would be embarrassing if I couldn't remember their names."

"Of course Mr. Goodwin. They are Mr. Shacklebolt, Mr. Black and Ms. Tonks."

"Excellent, you've been a great help."

Harry released the sign he had cast with his fingers and stepped away from the booth as more people entered. He walked back to his table and sat down.

"It would appear that our VIP guests have come from all the way across the pond to see us, but me specifically. Two are law enforcement and the other is a powerful lord and former criminal."

"For once I wish that I could eat dessert here. Why couldn't your friends pick another night?"

Harry mouthed 'sorry' to Fiona as Remy flagged their water down and asked for the check. Michael squeezed Fiona's hand before he helped her up and Jesse punched Harry in the shoulder.

"Are they any good?"

"Never seen them in action but for their government to send them over means they can handle themselves. Shall we?"

All four thieves walked out of the restaurant and Fiona giggled loudly as she said goodbye with Michael holding her up with an arm around her waist. Remy gave a short nod and melded in with the crowd. Harry and Jesse walked down the street and at a particular corner Jesse disappeared into an alley with a wink.

"Let the fun begin."

Three streets down, Harry walked into an alley with a few shops and hid in a doorway. A few minutes later Shacklebolt and Tonks walked into the alley with their wands discretely drawn and eyes sweeping about but Sirius was not with them.

"Where'd they go Shack? He didn't give us the slip and apparate did he?"

"No. All four of them are in here waiting for us in a nice, neat ambush."

Harry's brow furrowed at Sirius's comment when the man showed himself behind Shacklebolt and Tonks. How had he been aware? Harry closed his eyes just in time when Shacklebolt's wand tip shone like the noontime sun and a bright flash lit up the alley. When Harry opened his eyes the three English magicals were advancing swiftly down the alley. Michael and Jesse stepped out of their doorways just as Sirius barked and pointed at them. His warning came too late however as Michael and Jesse took Shacklebolt and Tonks out with blows to the head.

"Oi! Shack! Tonks! Stu-"

Sirius never got to cast his spell as Michael elbowed him in the face and dropped him cold. No one came to the three English magicals defence as muggings were common in the alley in which Harry and friends laid their ambush and apparently privacy charms had been cast beforehand.

"Bloody stupid magicals. Always thinking that magic will save them. How'd it work for you now buddy?!"

"Easy Jesse. We still have to question our guests and we don't want to hurt their feelings."

Harry looked up to see Remy squatting on a fire escape above them and his red eyes swirled in the shadows. Michael and Jesse woke up the three English magicals and Fiona stayed close to Harry. Harry knew that out of the four other thieves present, Fiona was the most protective of him as she cared for him like the son she never had.

"Why are the three of you following us?"

"Oh my head. That hurts worse than a heavy night of drinking."

Harry rolled his eyes at Sirius's comment but he watched as Shacklebolt and Tonks regained their wits faster. He motioned for Michael to knock Shacklebolt and Tonks out quickly. "Oi! What was that for you wanker?"

"Scruffy man, focus on the questions. Why were you following us?"

"I'm sorry; I don't speak to mysterious voices in the dark. Step out into the light wanker and we'll see – aack!"

This time Harry laughed when Jesse squirted a few drops of Veritaserum down Sirius's throat and the man gurgled. Sirius's eyes went blank and Harry heard Remy mutter up on the fire escape.

"Sirius Black, why were you following us?"

"To find my godson Harry Potter and bring him back to England."

The startling news rocked Harry for a moment but he recovered and focused back in on Sirius's interrogation. He patted Fiona's hand, which had gripped his bicep at Sirius's answer in comfort.

"Who wants Harry back in England and why?"

"The Minister of Magic, many Department Heads and Albus Dumbledore. Voldemort is growing in strength and so far it's a stalemate. Harry Potter is being sought after by both sides." Annoyance more than anger surged up in Harry at Sirius's answer. Why should he go help these people? He had a life here in the States and a damn good one at that.

"That's all we need to know Remy and this misguided idiot is starting to wake up. Time to clear out."

"I agree with Jesse. We need to go now."

Quickly, Harry and Michael bound Sirius and Shacklebolt while Fiona bound Tonks. Jessed tossed their wands into a nearby doorway and then the four thieves walked out of the privacy charms cool as could be.

#12 Grimmauld Place, England. 24 hours later.

Albus Dumbledore braced himself with his hands on a large wooden table as he leaned against it and his twinkling blue eyes were closed as his brilliant mind thought of a way to salvage the situation at hand. Three of his trusted operatives had traveled hundreds of miles in search of the elusive Harry Potter and bring him back without creating too much fuss. Instead, Kingsley, Sirius and Tonks stood before him a little ashamed and very much annoyed that they hadn't succeeded in their plan. Harry Potter still remained in the United States and heavily protected in the underbelly of New Orleans.

"…and I suggest you shut it Snivellus or I can't be held accountable for what I'll do next! We were misinformed and underestimated the situation is all. Now that we know what we're going up against I won't fail this time around."

"You're right Black because you won't be on the retrieval mission this time around. Obviously it requires a more delicate and crafty touch, two qualities in which you are lacking."

"Enough you two."

Albus raised a weary hand to stop the ever ongoing bickering between two of his best lieutenants and he waved his hand again to activate the prototype pensive that played the combination of his three operatives that were supposed to retrieve Harry Potter. The room fell silent as everyone watched the memory from when they first entered the restaurant to the ambush and finally when they woke up.

"It is apparent that Harry has some help in the form of some very powerful individuals. I'm sure that all of you recognised Harry but the man asking the questions is Remy LeBeau, infamous and highly charismatic leader of the Thieves Guild based in New Orleans. The man with the amber tinted sunglasses is Michael Westin, a former burned American spy who was reported to have gone missing a few years ago. The woman sitting next to Michael is Fiona Glennane and besides an apparent love for explosions the only other thing known about her is that she is Michael's lover. The last member of the party is Jesse Porter. The connection as to how and why he works in the Thieves Guild is unknown but he is a known associate of Michael's."

Albus paused to take a sip from his goblet and he gave a deep sigh. He had expected someone powerful to be hiding and protecting Harry all these years but this was totally unexpected and it would prove troublesome.

"With us having tipped our hand, we can expect Harry, his associates and the Thieves Guild to be on high alert. Also, Voldemort is moving right alongside us as you know, and we have just put Harry in very real danger by showing Voldemort exactly where he is. Tomorrow morning you will all get new orders as we will be going in force to forcibly take Harry Potter from New Orleans and stop Voldemort's kidnapping attempt at the same time. That is all."

A few minutes later found Albus standing near the large kitchen fireplace sipping brandy and he didn't make a move to welcome the person moving up behind him. Sirius sipped on his own goblet of brandy and he sighed.

"He looks just like James. The same messy hair and athletic build. If it wasn't for Lily's eyes I would have thought James had come back from the other side."

"Let us hope that he has more of Lily's common sense and more trusting nature when he meets us face to face then my friend. It wouldn't bode well for us if he has James hot temper and act first mentality."

Albus smiled at Sirius's barking laughter and clinked glasses with his lieutenant. Tomorrow would be a very busy and hectic day but for now Albus could enjoy a drink with a friend.

At eleven o' clock sharp Harry found himself in another upscale restaurant and sharply dressed in rich business attire. He tucked his sunglasses away in his suit jacket, fixed his tie and walked over to a small table of four at the far end of the dining area. He saw a few men's heads turn the closer he walked toward the table and Harry made six bodyguards before he stopped a foot from the table.

"Mr. Patil? James Goodwin."

"Ah yes, the man that masquerades as a businessman but represents or is something else entirely. You don't look like a James Goodwin to me but do take a seat."

As Mr. Patil finished speaking Harry had summed him up and now knew why Remy had sent him instead of someone else. Before Harry sat a powerful, confident man and Harry knew he would need more wit than charm for this transaction.

"Certainly."

Before he sat down, Harry scanned the offered chair with his glasses and when nothing showed up, carefully sat down. Only a full minute after he sat down did Harry relax a little bit more and began to speak.

"So my boss tells me that you are requesting our services to find an item of importance for you. Is that correct?"

"No, that is not. I already know where the item is located but I cannot retrieve it and this is where your organization comes in."

This is where the tricky part came in as far as negotiations went for potential and new clients. Harry knew the Thieves Guild had two sides; one for the general public and one for trusted and preferred clients. On the public side they were professionals that located items and on the other, they were some of the best thieves in the world. Spilling or tipping his hand too early without a guarantee of privacy and not being careful could allow Harry to be set up.

"Do not worry Mr. Goodwin for I know who you represent and my daughter has already foreseen you agreeing."

"Oh? A clairvoyant? How fortunate. When you are ready, drop this envelope detailing the what, when and where at the address on the back of the envelope. We'll be in touch after that."

"What? No guarantee of privacy? No need to know anything more?"

Harry merely smiled and slid a white envelope with a green fleur-de-lis on the back across the table to Mr. Patil. He stood up, nodded to the Patils and turned on his heel.

"Mr. Goodwin, I have a favour to ask of you. Information for information if you will."

"I will hear you out but don't promise anything."

Harry didn't turn around but continuously scanned the restaurant as his senses and every fiber in his being tingled. Nothing in the restaurant seemed out of place but Harry didn't relax.

"What would you give to know the names of two independent and powerful organizations that are moving to take something very valuable from your organization in the very near future?"

"If you are referring to the English Ministry's Aurors and Unspeakables as well as Albus Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix than that is old news. Besides, it's not a something but someone. A piece of information for you though monsieur. You have a mole within your empire and you are being watched just as closely by Dumbledore as this supposed organization that I am supposed to be part of."

With a final nod, Harry reached into his suit jacket and put on his sunglasses. He pied off the entrance and stopped to look around once he stood outside. Nothing seemed out of place but everything was too calm and Harry touched his Bluetooth.

"Michael."

"What's going on Harry? How did your meeting go?"

"It went well but that's not why I'm calling. Something's going down citywide today and soon. Pause all jobs, pull everyone home and shore up the defences. I'm heading through the construction site."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Do it now."

Harry hung up and walked down the street. The noontime sun beat down on him but the hairs on the back of his neck stood up a few steps later. Forcing himself to stay calm and not tip his hand yet, Harry walked down a few more streets and turned right into an abandoned building. He raced up the stairs, undressing as he went and pulled a duffel bag out of a cupboard. Just as he heard footsteps on the stairwell Harry finished changing over into athletic gear and he jumped out a window.

Unidentified room somewhere in England. 24 hours later.

Being awakened by sunlight is always a good way to wake up but being forcibly awakened after being shot with the stunning spell is not. Just resisting the urge to groan and open his eyes, Harry returned to full consciousness. He felt a spell hit him again but didn't feel anything so he dismissed it.

"It's not working."

"That's because he's already conscious you dolt. Harry Potter open your eyes and look at me."

Rather than obey the order Harry focused on trying to figure out as much as possible about his situation without opening his eyes. That was until someone punched him hard in the gut and he wheezed.

"Glad you could join us Mr. Potter. Now open your eyes."

Harry rolled his head from side to side but did as the smooth sounding voice demanded and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was platinum blonde hair and a heavy-set man looming over him. On a second inspection the blonde hair belonged to a different man entirely and the heavy-set man struck Harry across the face.

"Easy you oaf. The Dark Lord wants him to look presentable."

"Just softenin' him up a little."

Harry took stock of his present state and came to two distinct realisations. The first that he sat shackled to a heavy metal chair, which was bolted into the ground, and the second, that he still wore his athletic gear. The latter observation gave him hope and he returned his focus to his captors.

"Mr. Potter, the way that this is going to work is that I will ask you some questions and you will give me honest answers. Understood?"

"Sure sure. I love twenty questions. Always was one of my favourite games growing up."

The happy go lucky tone in which Harry answered the platinum haired man's question startled both men and thy looked at each other for a second. The platinum haired man recovered and cleared his throat.

"Do you know who we are?"

"My captors?"

The heavy-set man rocked Harry with another punch to the body but Harry knew it was coming and went with it. A muffled explosion somewhere above them put the three men in the room at attention and shouting could be heard.

"Quick! Put on your mask and send the fools to their deaths!"

The two men left the room and Harry closed his eyes in concentration. He couldn't sense anything with his magic but hurried footsteps drew his attention and he faked unconsciousness by slumping down as much as he could in his chair.

"Oi, you think that's him?"

"Honestly Ron, how thick are you? Of course that's him. He looks exactly like Sirius described him and I shudder to think what the Death Eater's were doing to him before we arrived."

As soon as Harry felt his shackles open and his magic flowing through his veins again, he exploded into movement. He grabbed the bushy-haired witch by her left elbow and on the side of her neck. With a quick move he spun them around and let the witch go to collide into the tall, lanky redhead wizard who must have been Ronald.

"Ooof!"

The two other magicals crashed to the floor and Harry ran past them up the stairs to the outside of the room. He peeked around the corner of the stairwell and groaned as he saw the chaotic melee happening on what appeared to be the ground floor of a mansion. Deciding to risk it, Harry ran out into the melee and used all of his enhanced agility to avoid spells, bodies and debris. To an outsider he was seen moving in short spurts and never in a straight line.

"There he is! Harry over here!"

A voice sounded to Harry's right but a cloaked figure with a silver skull mask appeared in front of him and Harry reacted. Just as the figure cast whatever spell, Harry knocked the wand arm aside and kneed the figure. The couch next to Harry burst into flame but Harry kneed the figure in the face and moved past them.

"Nice one Harry! Stupefy!"

The voice sounded again and Harry spared a quick glance to see that it was Sirius who had spoken and the former criminal fended off two attackers at once. The mansion was fast becoming a mere shadow of its former excellence and the blue-cloaked figures were slowly overcoming the black robed Death Eaters. The blue-cloaked figures must have been the vigilantes the Order of the Phoenix but Harry could care less and looked for an escape route.

"Perfectus totalus!"

The cry of a jinx brought Harry back to the battlefield and he rolled to the right as the jinx sailed over him. He recovered in a crouch and tackled the Death Eater to the ground. Harry stunned the Death Eater and ran low to the ground as he continued to search for an exit. A double set of doors drew his attention and Harry ran through them.

"Ah Harry, we meet at last. I would ask how your evening's going but given your present state and the circumstances I no longer believe this to be a pertinent question."

The wizened wizard before Harry stood remarkably erect for someone of his age but Albus Dumbledore's dossier was full of contradictions. Looking past Dumbledore Harry saw a small group of witches and wizards staring at him. The bushy-haired witch and Ron being at the forefront.

"What do you want?"

"Why for you to come with us my boy and fulfill your destiny. Time is running out I'm afraid."

"No."

One could have heard the proverbial pin drop at Harry's response to Dumbledore's command and Dumbledore did not look happy. Harry wondered if the older wizard would try anything with so many witnesses.

"Harry now is not the time to act like a petulant child and I must insist that you come with us right now. There are events in motion that you don't know about or cannot understand and in everything time is of the essence."

"Then if I were you I would start explaining and try your best to convince me."

Harry leaned against the wall and leveled a cool gaze at Dumbledore. Most everyone else in the room fidgeted and looked around at each other but Harry knew time was on his side.

"Confringo!"

The wall to the right of Harry exploded in a shower of wood splinters and Harry spun away. A few Death Eater's poured through the new hole and already a multitude of spells and curses were being cast.

"There he is! There's Potter!"

Nimble reflexes were what saved Harry from the grimy hands that tried to grab him and Harry knocked the Death Eater out with a punch to the jaw. A chaotic, discombulated impromptu dance happened next as the Death Eater's and the Order of the Phoenix squared off and an invisible line was drawn in between.

"Stupefy!"

The red stunner came too quick and too close for Harry to dodge or shield and he crumpled to the floor unconscious.