The Forbidden Forest, Sept 25th 1997...
For weeks Nagini navigated the twisty narrow passages of caves she had stumbled into. She survived on rats mostly. In this environment, she was an ace predator and not limited to her eyesight in order to catch her prey. In fact, she had only come upon one predator more dangerous than herself and she had managed to escape in time.
She had discovered a large chamber that contained an undiscovered species of subterranean Acromantula. They were much smaller than their above-ground cousins and blind, relying entirely on catching rats and other small creatures using their webs. Nagini encountered them when she entered a chamber which appeared to be a nest full of them. Fortunately for her, she managed to escape into an underground river, which carried her through several adjoining chambers before washing her up on a sandy underground shore. Nagini was able to swim better than her pursuers.
Day after day passed with no light to mark their passage and still Nagini explored, following the taste of fresh air whenever she could find it. Occasionally, fate would tease her and Tom by allowing her to find a chamber in which part of the ceiling had fallen away revealing daylight high above, and always out of reach.
It was in one such chamber that things changed for Nagini.
She lifted her head and stared at the sunlight filtering down through a small hole in the ceiling. This was the source of the fresh air that she tasted. A quick survey of the chamber revealed no route to the hole outside. There was no way to climb the sheer, slick walls.
She was circling around the floor of the chamber, examining the walls when she spotted the opening and more importantly, tasted the scent of humans.
"YES!" shrieked Tom.
The opening was clearly man made, a broken clay pipe, very old and rather brittle. And more importantly, it was probably a conduit straight into the castle. At this depth, they would be beneath the wards, so they could travel safely without activating them.
"Yes," whispered the voice in the back of her mind. It had been fading for a while now and Nagini wasn't sure if it was real, or something remembered from long ago.
Whatever the reason, the result was clear. She changed directions and slithered into the pipe.
Tom gloated in the silence of his prison. A back door had been found!
Hogsmeade, Oct 1st 1997...
Severus Snape groaned and pulled the blanket tighter around himself. He wasn't far from Hogsmeade now, but it had taken him over a month of hard walking to get here. He was in better shape than when he escaped. He had helped himself to equipment from a safe house he knew about from his Death Eater days.
He could have apparated the distance, but he was sure the Ministry could track apparitions. In fact, he was sure the Ministry could track nearly everything. His time in prison had given him an unhealthy dose of paranoia.
He was warm and comfortable, hidden in a small tent and well warded to warn him of approaching intruders. He was also certifiably nuts. Three years of Dementors was enough to drive most people insane. And Severus Snape had been a driven man even before prison.
He opened one eye and looked around the tent warily for any signs of intruders, or Dementors or worse, Gryffindors.
"All clear?" he asked himself.
"All clear," he replied with a firm nod, then he pulled his wand from underneath his pillow.
Throwing the blanket off, he sprang to his feet, his wand at the ready and he surveyed everything.
He stood for a moment, then started humming Christmas tunes. After several minutes he glanced over at the calendar on the wall. It wasn't time yet. He had to stay here and wait for the right moment.
"I'll be home for Christmas. But for now I have a Longbottom," Snape said with glee. "That's worse than a lovesick Hufflepuff."
He scowled suddenly. "Damn you, Parkinson! If you're going to be the house slut, at least do it right! Let me show you how it's done. Come here, Draco!"
He cackled for a moment, then shook himself.
Satisfied, Snape walked over to the small kitchen area and began to prepare his breakfast. Every so often, he'd giggle to himself and mutter about revenge against those 'thundering dunderheads'.
Gryffindor's Head Suite, Oct. 3rd 1997...
"So, what did you want to talk about?" asked Tonks.
Hermione hesitated for a moment.
"Hermione? You're not in some kind of trouble are you?" asked Tonks worriedly.
Hermione blinked and looked at her in shock. "Merlin, no! This isn't about me, it's about another student."
Tonks leaned back in her chair, feeling relieved. She wasn't sure how she would have handled a pregnant Hermione.
"So, what's the problem then?"
"You know the problem I had with Lavender Brown for the past few years?"
Tonks nodded. "Yeah. Harry mentioned how he hated not being able to protect you from her. I had to stop him once from going all white knight on her."
Hermione smiled softly at that. "I think that Lavender is receiving the same treatment at home that Harry received before Sirius rescued him," she said softly. "She's changed drastically this year. I don't know what happened over the summer, but I think her father may have been excessive in his treatment of her."
Tonks looked at her in surprise. "I thought you and she weren't on speaking terms."
Hermione shivered slightly and crossed her arms. It bothered her that Harry was treated that way, and she wasn't about to see anyone treated like that if she could help it. "We're not friends, Tonks. But I keep thinking about how Harry treated his relatives and how he was treated in turn. No one deserves that. Lavender used to be very outgoing and very outspoken. Now she's this timid little thing, afraid of her own shadow. Something happened during the summer. Something bad. I can feel it."
Tonks leaned back on her chair. "All right, what do you want me to do about it?"
"Can't you do something? You're an Auror!"
Tonks shrugged. "You have a suspicion of someone being abused. Just that. Unless Lavender comes out and admits it, the DMLE can't get involved. I can try talking to her, but without a complaint from the victim, or eyewitness testimony, my hands are tied."
Hermione shoulders drooped in defeat. She had hoped there would be something that Tonks could do to help her.
"Hermione," Tonks said. "Did you ever think that she might need the same sort of rescue that Harry needed?"
She nodded in reply. "I did think of that, but I'm not sure what can be done if that's the case."
Tonks stood and looked down at her. "I'm not promising anything, but I'll speak with McGonagall and see if she and I can meet with Lavender."
Hermione nodded unhappily. It wasn't what she hoped for, but it was better than nothing.
Remus' Quarters, Hogwarts, Oct 5th 1997...
Remus looked up when the door opened and Tonks entered the room. He was sitting up in the bed he shared with her. On his lap was a pile of homework from his third and sixth year classes.
"How did your meeting with McGonagall go?" he asked.
"Tense," she replied. "I always feel like I'm still a wet-nosed firstie when talking to her."
He chuckled, though he couldn't disagree. "She does the same thing to me. But what about Miss Brown?"
He watched her avidly as she peeled out of her robe and walked, nearly naked, toward their closet to pick out a nightshirt.
"It was worse than what we thought. Apparently, after she was picked up by her father at the end of last term, he got her home, then burned most of her clothes and beat her. She had a bout of accidental magic, pushing him away from her, then she grabbed what she could and ran."
Remus frowned.
"She's been staying with friends, a few days here, a week there. After she came of age, she slipped back into our world, staying with the Patils and some other girls she knew from school. She was afraid to tell anyone about it, but it was obvious to anyone that something had changed her."
Tonks paused and gave him a rueful smile. "You know Hermione was at the meeting?"
He nodded.
"Well, she pulled a Harry. She forgave Lavender for her past behavior and promised she'd do whatever she could to help her. It was almost like what Harry did with the Dursleys."
"Is there anything anyone can do?" asked Remus.
Tonks shrugged. "You know our Ministry, Remus. If something isn't shoved in their faces, they will do nothing about it. There's no structure in place to help abused teens. Minerva is going to contact the Patils and see if they would be willing to take her in for a few months after school, at least until she is able to get on her feet and afford a place of her own."
Remus shook his head. The Ministry was notorious for being unwilling and unresponsive to help in situations like this. Amelia had been working to change that, but she recognized that she couldn't introduce sweeping changes overnight. It would be a gradual process that could take years to change attitudes.
"I think Hermione wants to talk to Harry about maybe helping Lavender," she said, climbing into bed.
"Helping her? How?"
She shook her head and grabbed half his pile of parchments. "I don't know. She didn't come out and say it, but I could hear her gears clicking. Do you think he'd do anything?"
Remus looked down at his smaller pile of parchments in relief, then looked up at her. "If Hermione asks, he will. He'll do it because she asks, and because it would be the right thing to do. He could easily float her a loan of fifty thousand galleons and not miss it if she failed to pay it back."
She nodded and glanced down at her parchments, reading the essay on top. For several minutes they continued in silence, reading and marking. Then she spoke again. "Remus, is powdered Weedle horn really a curative for a Nundu bite?"
Remus put his quill down and sighed. "Luna Lovegood, right?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
He grinned. "If there is one thing I know, it's that if it's bizarre, Luna knows it. So yes, the powdered Weedle horn probably is a curative for a Nundu bite. However, I don't see how you can get bitten by a Nundu without being exposed to its breath ... wait, don't mark that wrong. If you do, I know she'll find the one case history to prove her point. Mark it right and give her an extra point for creativity."
Tonks snickered at him and the pair fell silent again.
"Tonks, I've been thinking," Remus said after grading a few more assignments.
He put his quill down again and looked at her. She was busy crossing something out on the essay she was reading and was chewing on her lower lip. "'Bout what?" she mumbled.
"Us."
She froze and looked at him. "Us?" she asked, a bit afraid. She had heard that sort of conversation opener in the past and it was never good. "What about us?" she asked warily.
"Well, I've talked to Sirius about that school they're building back on Fiji. It won't be ready until late 1999. I contacted the Pacific Rim Ministry and they told me they would be very interested in my teaching Magical Creatures. They even said they would be willing to allow me to earn my Mastery via correspondence with Mitsumi or the PMU."
Tonks smiled at him. "That sounds wonderful, Remus. But how does that affect us?"
He looked down at his lap. "One of the Pac Rim's requirements was that I assume a citizenship there and give up my British citizenship. That isn't a problem, but that got me thinking. I don't want to leave you here. I want you to come with me."
She blinked at him, unsure if she had heard him properly. "You want me to come with you? Be your live-in girlfriend there?" she asked, then she paused for a moment. "I suppose I could see if they have any openings in their DMLE."
"No, Tonks, you misunderstand me. I want you there, as my wife. We can become engaged here and move there after the next school year. Don't you see? I'd be away from the British Ministry and their crazy anti-werewolf laws by then. We could marry on the way there," he said intently.
Tonks stared at him for a moment longer, then she threw the parchments to the floor and lunged at him. Remus squawked in surprise and they both fell off of the bed. The parchments that he had been working on sailed upwards in a blizzard of homework that rained down on the couple as they kissed on the floor.
When they finally broke the kiss, Remus winced and rubbed the back of his head. "Kissing you isn't supposed to hurt," he mumbled.
She grinned at him. "So, I'm a little clumsy. It's a small price to pay for being with the most interesting witch in Britain."
"You are that," he replied with a chuckle. "But do you think we can do this in the bed? The stone floor is rather cold."
"Well, if you insist."
She stood and offered him a hand up. "I'll marry you, but..."
She paused and her expression changed. She turned to him with a confused look. "Is it possible to have two last names and no first name?"
He sat on the bed and laughed. With all of the problems involved in moving around the world and marrying a werewolf, if all she had to worry about was a name, then everything was all right in his book.
From the Journal of Harry Potter (Transmitted Entry), Oct. 10th1997, Scotland...
Dear Hermione,
I've been giving Lavender's problem some thought. In fact, a lot of thought. We're going to be married, that means that you have will have access to all of my money. I trust you with my life, my heart and my bank account. You never need to explain your reasons to me. But even if that hadn't been the case, helping Lavender is still the right thing to do. I can't help but wonder how long this problem has been going on, and if her behavior wasn't a result of her treatment at home. Honestly, ask yourself, do you think you would have known how I was treated at home had you not found out in the Prophet?
I understand it enough now to know that a lot of my behavior stems from how I was raised. Lavender could have been under similar circumstances. I read the book your Mum gave you about children of abuse and I see myself in some of the instances they describe. I also see that some of that could be Lavender.
I know your Mum meant well, but it scares me to think that I... Well, let's just say I worry that I'll not be a good parent and a good husband. I don't know what to do about it, either.
In Lavender's case, I agree completely. I want to say how proud I am of you. You didn't have to forgive her and you certainly didn't have to get involved.
I have contacted Gringotts and they have done as I have asked. They will contact Headmistress McGonagall with the details and allow her to tell Lavender. I did make one small change, however. I doubled the amount from the two thousand you asked for, to four thousand. That's enough for her to continue her schooling, or to start a business of her own. Gringotts will manage the loan for me, so it will remain anonymous. The important thing is that when she leaves school, she will not have to return to that place.
I teleported back to your parents to ask their opinion, as well as speaking to Sirius via mirror. Your Mum insisted I stay for dinner, then she started piling so much food on my plate I could barely see around it to speak to your father. I think your parents are getting as anxious as I am to finish this hunt.
I'm north of Perth now, about fifty miles south of Hogsmeade. I've found ample evidence of Nagini along the way in old newspaper clippings and from the local snakes. The newspapers have reported several unsolved deaths and disappearances, which are probably the result of Nagini. I should reach Birnam in a few days and I'll check the library there.
She's meandered a bit, but I could draw a line along her route straight to Hogsmeade. If the library, or the snakes around Birnam check out, I'm probably going to jump straight to Hogsmeade and get a room at the Three Broomsticks.
That's where things will get tricky, since I'll have to be Evan nearly all the time.
I'm going to close now as my soup is ready. I'll see you this Friday night, so make sure you have your homework done. If you want, invite Remus and Tonks for the evening. If they want, I'll teleport down to London and pick up dinner for all of us.
I'm still waiting for you to tell me if there is a ring from the vaults that will do.
Love,
Harry
From the Journal of Hermione Jane Granger (Transmitted Entry), Oct. 11th 1997, Hogwarts...
Dear Harry,
I received a letter from Mum today. She explained that she had a talk with Dad and he finally admitted that he approved of our relationship. He just didn't want to make things too easy for us. Right. That's what he says. In fact, Mum tells me that he insisted that next time you stopped by, they feed you right. She said that he told her he's watching out for his daughter's investment.
I mean, really! So my father thinks you're an investment? If that's the case, then I am the richest witch in the world. To be honest, I always thought he complained a bit too much about our relationship. I think he didn't want to acknowledge that I was growing up.
And speaking of that, you will be fine as a parent. Of all the things I worry about, that is perhaps the one thing that has never crossed my mind. We've had few arguments and none of them have even involved shouting, let alone any sort of violence. That book talks about generalities, Harry. It's not possible to speak about every case because every case is different.
I saw Lavender earlier. She was coming from the Headmistress's office looking much relieved. It's a good thing you're doing, Harry Potter, and it makes me only love you more. This won't heal her, but it will take a great deal of stress off of her. Parvati told me that her parents have offered to let Lavender stay with them. They were upset to discover that she had been hiding her situation from them.
I have been sticking to my promise of three hours study a night, plus homework time. And while it's not a lot of free time, I do find I have more of it now. So much so that I'm preparing a surprise for you.
I returned the inventory book to Remus, who said he would get it to you. I marked two rings which I liked, but I feel uncomfortable with this. I mean, these are part of your family's history. Some of the items in that book are so valuable and rare that the British Museum would kill to display them!
Tonks had to thumb through the book when I told her why you had sent it to me. Can you believe Remus finally asked her to marry him? She pulled me into a corner of the Defense classroom and spent twenty minutes after class telling me all about it. I'm very happy for both of them. They deserve some happiness.
It's hard to find things to write about when you keep showing up here. But I'd rather have you here at least once a week, than having to go back to using bookspace all the time.
I'm going to turn in now, and dream of you while I sleep. Please keep safe, my Harry.
All my love,
Hermione.
Hogwarts Grounds, Oct 12th 1997...
She almost missed the exit!
The route into the castle was convoluted and difficult. There were several points where the pipe had broken in an otherwise sealed chamber and getting out of one end of the pipe and back into the other was very difficult. This time the break came and finding the other pipe turned out to be nearly impossible. She couldn't taste it anymore, since the whole chamber was filled with the scent of growing plants.
While searching for the passage she came upon a small ledge that was slick with run off. She followed the ledge until she reached a hole. In better fed days she would not have attempted it, but she had lost weight. The rats were now few and far between in this underground warren of passages and feeding was becoming a desperate search.
Tom watched passively. He had managed to achieve an equilibrium with the Horcrux, but it was a tenuous truce at best. By carefully conserving his strength, he could tap very lightly into what Nagini saw and still maintain enough separation between himself and the Horcrux. The downside was that this reduced his connection to Nagini to the barest minimum. He could see what she saw, and that was about it. He wasn't sure she could hear him at all anymore.
Entering the passage, Nagini paused. If she had been capable of it, she would have grinned. She wasn't outside, but she was on dirt, inside a house with see-through walls! It was wonderfully warm and the air tasted of green things and of a rabbit, not far away. She would hunt and hide here for a while, until she recovered her strength, then she would move on to the large stone place only a short distance away.
Headmistress's office, Hogwarts, Oct 15th 1997...
"Come in!"
The door opened and Remus entered the office, followed a moment later by Tonks.
Minerva waved to the two and motioned for them to take seats.
The pair sat down and looked expectantly at the Headmistress.
Minerva's lips thinned into a straight line. "I called you both here today because of that little exercise you held."
Tonks leaned forward with interest. "Which one? The fifth year stealth and ward-breaking test or the seventh year Vampire field trip?"
Remus reached out and touched Tonk's hand. She looked at him and he shook his head at her.
"I am referring to your fifth year exercise for the moment, but we'll get to your field trip later."
Minerva leaned back in her chair and looked at the pair for a moment. They were undoubtedly the most popular teachers in the school. Their classes had brought a new level of fervor to the students. She was thrilled to see even first years excitedly working on the little projects this pair kept thinking up.
"During your exercise in stealth and ward breaking, you instructed your fifth year classes to locate a room which was guarded by wards and contained a secret treasure. While I have no problem with the task you assigned, you failed to provide sufficient direction."
Minerva paused and let that sink in for a moment. Remus nodded thoughtfully.
"Several fifth year Ravenclaw boys took your directions as approval to break the wards on the stairs to the girl's dorms."
Remus winced. "Ouch! Even James, Sirius and I never tried that."
"Be that as it may, this is a direct result of your students not receiving enough information. Filius is now forced to spend the next week putting the wards back in place."
"They succeeded?" blurted Tonks in shock.
Minerva's expression turned disapproving and she nodded reluctantly.
"Extra credit, Remus," Tonks muttered.
"Indeed. Filius' wards are more complex than what we had up."
"Professors, please," Minerva said in a pained voice. "That was only part of the problem. Your Vampire field trip now has two girls in Slytherin asking for permission to be turned."
"I told you that was a bad idea, Remus," Tonks said smugly.
Remus blinked at her. "Yeah, but it was your bad idea."
"Oh, yeah, it was."
Remus turned back to Minerva. "I'll speak with the girls. I think I can show them that turning is not all that smart an idea."
"Do that," Minerva said frostily. "And from here on, all future field trips and exercises held outside of the classroom are to be approved by myself."
"Oops," Tonks said.
Minerva swung her gaze towards Tonks and pinned her. "Oops?"
"Erm... Well, I might have suggested that the fourth years practice their kinetic shields by banishing food at each other."
Remus, unable to hold back any longer, began to laugh. Several of the Headmaster portraits snickered and the Sorting Hat chortled merrily.
Dumbledore never had these problems, Minerva thought with a sigh, then she looked sternly at Tonks. None of what the young Auror had suggested was actually a bad learning tool, but the unstructured nature was enough to drive her to drink.
Remus placed a hand on Tonks' hand and leaned forward. "Minerva, Tonks and I will make sure the classes know not to banish food at anyone. We'll inform them at tonight's dinner."
Minerva nodded, relieved with Remus' solution.
"Very well. Unless there is something else, I'll let you get back to your duties," Minerva said.
"Actually, there is one thing. We've noted several times that the ward for Nagini has come close to triggering several times in the past month. I can only surmise that Nagini somehow detected the ward and decided not to cross the line," Remus said.
"So the snake isn't in the castle?" Minerva asked in a relieved tone.
"That's what we believe," replied Tonks. "The wards came close to triggering a few times and then settled down again."
Minerva leaned back in her chair and smiled. Her students were safe! "Thank Merlin!" she whispered.
Remus stood and Tonks joined him. With a wave, they left her office. It was only after they had left that she started to laugh. She had actually hoped to see the food fight by the fourth years, but she could never admit that to anyone.
12 Grimmauld Place, London, Oct 18th 1997...
"Sirius Orion Black, just what do you think you're doing?" Cindy demanded crossly. She had just finished arranging the furniture in the sitting room to her satisfaction and here he was, moving things so he could place a large crate on the floor!
Sirius looked up. He was handing Dobby two large books and whispering to him. The little elf was wearing a Santa Claus costume today and his grin gave Cindy a shudder. It was as if she were seeing a rabid Christmas elf on steroids.
"Ummm, payback?"
Sirius nodded to Dobby who winked at him, then vanished with a pop.
"Payback for what?" Cindy asked. She had a really bad feeling about this.
"Do you remember what Harry and Hermione did to us on our honeymoon?"
She glared at him and placed her hands on her hips. "If I recall, the prank was on you, but go on."
"Well, the best revenge is a well planned revenge. Harry's hired a few elves to work on renovating Potter Manor. Since it's open, I asked Dobby to pick up a few things that belonged to me, and a very special book that belonged to Lily."
He explained in detail for a few minutes, then he explained how he had visited Dan and Emma for the second half of his revenge, and that Dobby was now delivering it.
Cindy sighed in resignation and shook her head. "You're evil, Sirius Black. Did you know that?"
Sirius nodded happily and Cindy sighed again. "So what else did you get from Dobby?"
Sirius grinned and gestured to the large crate. "Some of this is just junk; old school books and robes and stuff. But there's some real treasures in here."
He reached in and pulled out a book with a lurid purple cover. "The Marauder's Handbook," he said reverently. He ran a hand over the cover. "In here is a list of every prank and how we did it."
He frowned and looked in the crate again. "Somewhere is another book explaining how Moony and James made the map."
Cindy pulled out a photo of Sirius, James and Remus. James and Sirius wore their Quidditch uniforms and what struck her the most was the happy expression on Sirius' face. She had seen him happy and he was happy most of the time these days. But it was obvious from the picture that prison had stamped its impression on her husband.
Sirius pulled a small box out of the crate and looked at it with confusion. "Hello, what's this?" he asked.
He opened the box and a purple powder flew into his face. He coughed and Cindy backed away in alarm. The powder expanded into a cloud and it swirled around him for a moment before fading away.
Cindy blinked at Sirius in shock. He now had bigger breasts than she did.
"Oh, no," Sirius moaned. "Gender Bender Powder." He clutched his breasts in shocked awe.
Struggling to maintain a straight face, Cindy asked, "How long does it last?"
Sirius shrugged, which caused his breasts to jiggle enticingly. He stared down at them hungrily for a moment, before tearing his eyes away and looking at Cindy. "Only a few minutes, back in 1978, but this stuff gets more potent with age."
She sat down and started to giggle. Sirius started pulling things out of the crate, looking for the counter powder to undo the curse. She chuckled and watched him for a moment, then she spotted something he had tossed behind him. She bent down and picked it up, then grinned maliciously.
I think I need to talk to Dobby, she thought. Two can send embarrassing things to Hermione.
"Don't forget to clean up when you're done making a mess, Sirius. I'll go see about dinner," she said, then she walked to the door, hiding her prize. "Oh, and do find a way of fixing that. I really prefer my men to have smaller breasts than I do."
Sirius tried to glare at her, but she had already left the room.
From the Journal of Hermione Jane Granger (Private Entry), Oct. 18th 1997, Hogwarts...
Someone is going to have to talk to Sirius Black. I mean, really. He has such a twisted sense of humor. I have half a mind to send him an owl, thanking him and detailing exactly what his little gift is making me want to do.
I don't think he'd appreciate hearing that right now, but it would be his own fault. I suppose I should back up and explain. This morning, I found a book on top of my dresser. I knew I hadn't put it there and Harry hasn't been here in a few days, so I know it didn't come from him.
No, Sirius sent it and I know it was Sirius because a moment after I found the book, Dobby popped into my room to deposit another "gift", this time from Cindy.
Dobby admitted that Sirius had sent the book and said it was revenge for the honeymoon prank. I cast several detection charms on it only to discover no hidden traps, jinxes, hexes or curses. The only spell I found was a preservation spell to keep the book safe and dry.
Now you know me. It's a book! Of course I'm going to open it! To my surprise it was a book of Harry's baby photos. I can only surmise that Sirius hoped to embarrass Harry by sending me these photos. I think Harry will be happy to have these. There are a lot of pictures of his Mum and Dad in these. And Merlin he was the most adorable baby!
And that is the temptation. I never thought I was much of the maternal type, but now I find myself looking forward to being able to give Harry a son or daughter. Sirius might have wanted to embarrass Harry, but all he ended up with is igniting my desire to give Harry a child of his own someday. We'll have a family. I'm not ready to have a baby today, and I think the idea would terrify Harry. We both still have a little more growing up to do. But if any child we have is half as cute as Harry was, then Merlin help me because the temptation is strong.
The present from Cindy is going to take some thought. I think I know what to do with it, and Tonks is going to love this. People think I can't prank? Hah! I'll show both Sirius and Remus.
The weather is turning cold. It's early and this morning we had a very early frost. Madam Hooch was complaining about it because it means she has to move her flying lessons into the Great Hall. I'll have to remind Harry to make sure he dresses warmly.
He has been trekking through the Forbidden Forest looking for signs of Nagini. I don't think he'll spend the entire winter in the forest. In his last note, he mentioned he was thinking about going back to Oxford and teleporting here during the day to continue his search. He mentioned that the last snake he found was nearly hibernating. I think the loss of the help from the snakes is depressing him a little.
We are almost certain that Nagini made it to Hogsmeade, but she never came to the school. At least that's what Remus and Tonks think.
On other news, I had an interesting conversation with Lavender yesterday that left me feeling like we've finally put all that unpleasant business behind us.
I was sitting in the Great Hall reviewing my Transfiguration essay when she sat down next to me.
"It's too dry," she said.
I looked up from my essay. "I'm sorry?"
"Your hair, it's too dry and your shampoo isn't helping any. That's why it's always all over the place. You need a little moisturizer added to your shampoo and it should settle down nicely. Because it's so dry, it cracks and gets all sparky when the air is dry."
I peered at the girl suspiciously. This sounded more like the old Lavender. She smiled tentatively at me, then she pulled a parchment out of her book bag and passed it over to me.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's a recipe for a proper shampoo that will help tame your hair. I know it bothers you sometimes and you want to look good for Evan, don't you? This will do it."
I glanced down at the parchment, then blinked in surprise and read it more closely. It was a recipe for a hair cleanser all right, but it seemed to be very advanced potion making. I glanced back up at her. "Where did you find this?"
She blushed and looked down. "It's what I do," she whispered. "I'm not a good witch like you, my power is barely average. I'm not good with the fancy potions either, but I know how to make potions like skin cleansers, shampoos, makeup bases, and some other forms of makeup."
I looked down at her recipe and then looked back up at her. "I think you're selling yourself short, Lavender. This is advanced potions. It might not be a cardiac regeneration potion, or spirit summoning unguent, but it's very advanced. I didn't know you were capable of this kind of work."
Lavender blushed and looked down. "I just wanted to say thank you. Despite how I treated you, you still forgave me. I know you won't admit it, but I know you had something to do with that loan that came from that foundation."
I looked down, not wanting my expression to give me away. Sirius and Harry had created a foundation to assist students that had been abused in one way or another. Lavender was the first to benefit from it and she probably wouldn't be the last.
Lavender nodded to herself as if my expression had given it away. To be honest, I was anxious to try her potion out.
Lavender stood with a soft smile on her face. "Thank you," she whispered.
She turned and started to walk away, but I called out to her. "Lavender?"
She stopped and turned. "Yes?"
"Why don't you join our study group on Sundays? It's only a few hours and I think you'll do well with it."
She smiled and nodded, then turned to join Parvati, who had been watching our conversation with intense interest.
I've used her formula and it does work. After one application I could see the difference immediately. I can't wait to see Harry's reaction to it. He thinks I don't know, but I've often woken at night to find him gently caressing my hair. I suppose I shouldn't complain though, I play with his hair almost as much.
I admit I'm surprised. Lavender never struck me as being all that intelligent, but I spoke with Parvati and discovered that, between the two of them, they have invented a whole range of beauty products based on potions and spells of their own invention. They even have a perfume that's based on a very mild lust potion that could be used for those times when you want to get your man in the mood. Parvati showed me the formula and I was very impressed. It could only fuel an existing desire, something which most lust potions lack.
Not that Harry needs it to get into the mood. I'm not complaining, but his desire has done wonders for my ego.
Parvati tells me that thanks to Harry's loan, they are thinking of opening a small shop in Hogsmeade to sell their products to the students. I think it's a wonderful idea for them. I know it's strange for me to admit that. I've never been one to use cosmetics, but there are times when I do want to look my best for Harry.
Harry. That man is the only person capable of tearing me away from my books. I can't believe how he can arrive here and how excited I become. The last time he visited me I realized just how comfortable I had become around him. I was undressing for bed and it took me a full minute to realize that I had stripped down naked and slipped into my nightgown without even a single blush. There is no modesty between us anymore. How can there be when I've heard him call my name in the throes of passion or me the same?
I'm not saying that's all we do. In fact, the last time he showed up, he had teleported down to London, where he bought dinner. I was shocked to find him bearing a large shopping bag of Chinese food. It's funny, he loves the Japanese culture, but he abhors their food. Not that I'm complaining. General Tsao's Chicken is not something you normally get at Hogwarts. And I still have a large plate of egg rolls under a preservation charm. He even brought a large bag of fortune cookies and told me to leave them out for the first years.
The firsties loved the cookies, but I heard a large batch of them found their way up to the Divination classroom, where Professor Trelawney took exception to them. Several students claimed the cookies were more accurate than she was. I suspect Ron and Seamus had a hand in that little affair, but I can't prove it.
Harry usually shows up on Fridays around seven P.M. and stays until around seven the following morning. Most of the time he waits until we're going to bed before changing back into Harry. I wish we knew why the Headmistress insisted that he can only stay for nine hours as Evan.
We talk, and enjoy a dinner. Sometimes we make love right away. And he always tries to do something romantic, like bringing a rose, or some candy. It's rather sweet, really. I never suspected he could be... well, so nice like this. If someone had told me four years ago that my best friend would turn out to be a romantic at heart, I wouldn't have believed them. I would have believed that we became lovers, but never a romantic. I think it's a measure of the good that Sirius and Remus have done in raising him.
It's time to close this for now. There's an early morning staff meeting that the Heads are supposed to attend. I need to be awake for that. Four more days until Harry visits again. I don't know if I can make it without being tempted to call him and ask him to come here. With him so close, the temptation is great.
Defense Against the Dark Arts Office, Oct 19th 1997, Hogwarts...
Hermione opened the door and grinned, seeing Tonks all alone. Tonks sat at her desk, her head slowly nodding down towards the desktop. She opened the door further and coughed lightly, causing Tonks to start awake.
Tonks looked up sheepishly at the Head Girl. She hadn't meant to doze, but she'd had a physical therapy session with Madam Pomfrey that morning and they always wore her out.
Her injuries were mostly healed now, but she was still working on rebuilding her strength and endurance.
Tonks shook her head and waved Hermione in.
Hermione grinned, noting the small, but very beautiful engagement ring that adorned the young Auror's hand. Tonks had shown the ring to a few people discreetly. It was still against the law to marry a werewolf.
"Come in, Hermione. Remus is in class. Can I help you with something?"
Hermione smiled and pulled up a chair across from Tonks' desk.
"Sirius sent me a present the other day; something which he felt would embarrass Harry. It really didn't cause any embarrassment, but then Cindy sent along something that I know Remus and Sirius would pay money to make sure is never displayed anywhere."
That immediately sparked Tonks' interest. "Oh?"
Hermione looked around for a moment, then she saw the perfect spot. "You know, this office is really really drab. Don't you think a little decorations might be in order? Maybe a photo or two?"
Hermione held up a large, rolled up poster. It had taken her several hours to locate the necessary spells that would allow her to expand a photograph without distorting the image and still keep the animation.
"A poster? From Cindy? This should be interesting. Go on then. Hang it up, girl," Tonks replied with a wave toward the wall. She knew Cindy had a wicked sense of humor and couldn't help but grin in anticipation.
Hermione returned the grin and floated the poster over to a wall where it unrolled and stuck.
Tonks stared at the poster for a moment and started to laugh, then she started to roar and slid from her seat with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Remus, hearing the noise, stepped into the office from the classroom door and froze when he spotted the poster.
It was a moving image of Sirius, James and Remus. All three were clustered around an infant Harry and were obviously arguing over who should change the diaper. Sirius finally gave in to James' urgings and he had the nappy off when he noticed someone off camera. Without thinking, he dropped his drawers and lifted the bare bummed infant over his head. James and Remus, sensing an opportunity to moon someone, joined him. There they were, the infamous Marauders, plus the next generation, mooning the camera.
Harry at that point decided it was time to provide sprinkler service and Sirius, in a panic, pointed him at Remus, who shouted something and waved his hands futilely. Laughing, Sirius turned the marauding sprinkler on James. Then the image recycled, having reached the limit of its recording.
"Oh, Merlin," Remus moaned.
"Nice, tight bum, Remus. That hasn't changed much," Tonks commented gleefully.
"Gives new meaning to the term 'Moony'," added Hermione, then she slipped from the room, laughing to herself. Now she had to send another poster sized copy to Cindy, and maybe her parents. I wonder if the Headmistress would like to see it, she wondered.
"What's it going to take to remove that?" Remus asked painfully. He was averting his eyes and trying to ignore the photo.
"Why don't we talk about it," Tonks purred. "Tonight, after dinner, in our rooms. In the meantime, I'll leave it where it is."
Hogwarts Castle, Oct 25th 1997...
Nagini curled up, sated and relaxed. She had found an large junction of pipes that emptied out into a room. From the look of it, it hadn't been visited in centuries. She didn't know it, but she was well below the castle and close to her goal.
The chamber wasn't far from the Chamber of Secrets, and it was covered by the wards erected by Salazar Slytherin to keep that chamber secret. That was a good thing for her. She had unwisely decided that a juvenile house elf would make a tasty snack before she entered into hibernation for the winter.
The voice had tried to warn her against eating the elf, but she ignored it. The humans of the castle were all armed and too big for her to consume, but an immature house elf was just perfect.
Warm air from the huge eternal furnace that piped heated air to the classrooms ran through this chamber, making it an ideal spot for her to digest her meal. She was full, and sleepy and had unknowingly picked an area of the castle to winter that House Elves couldn't visit.
She curled up to begin her long sleep, never knowing that her final destination was only twenty meters away, down a large pipe.
Headmistress' office, Oct 26th 1997...
McGonagall reread the report, then laid it down on her desk in exasperation. How anyone could read this stuff and not go insane is beyond me, she grumbled to herself. Maybe this is what drove Albus crazy, these Ministry reports and recommendations on teaching techniques!
One of the things she had learned about this job was that if she didn't respond to these reports with some form of written rebuttal, the Ministry would assume she had adopted the technique and come looking a few months later for a progress report. Though it consumed a lot of her time, she now routinely replied to each one, explaining why it was a bad idea, like the suggestion she had received to include a course of dragon handling at a general school with no facilities for keeping dragons.
This latest report was a perfect case in point. It suggested that Spirit Summoning and Necromancy be integrated into the Divination curriculum. The author of the document had apparently forgotten that summoning of spirits and the Necromantic arts had been outlawed in 1847 after the evil witch Wanda attacked Gringotts with a dozen Inferi.
McGonagall was about to reach for her quill and parchment when she heard a small pop. She looked up to see Pappy, the oldest and most respected elf in the castle, standing in front of her.
"Pappy? Is something wrong?" she asked. Normally, elves never show up unless called.
"Professor Mum, one of our younglings is missing," said the ancient elf.
McGonagall frowned. She knew little about the elves in Hogwarts. They lived in a series of rooms under the Potions floor, and that was about it.
"Have you searched the castle?"
"Yes, Professor Mum," replied the elf.
Minerva sighed and suddenly looked older than her seventy-two years. "Which babe was it?"
Pappy's eyes shone with sadness. "Ticky's little one, Micky."
Minerva nodded and opened herself up to the Hogwarts wards. She conversed with the school for a minute while the elf watched respectfully. The school had a limited intelligence that was growing slowly over time. It was speculated that in another five hundred years, the school would be fully awake all the time and actively helping in school functions.
She made an adjustment to the wards so that she would be alerted every time something unusual happened.
"Pappy, please go tell Professor Lupin and his assistant that I require them right away, then return here with them," Minerva said after breaking her connection to the school.
The elf nodded and popped away.
Minerva stood and walked over to a bookshelf and pulled down an old and ragged-looking volume. It was this volume that she was inspecting when Tonks and Remus filed into the room a short while later.
"You sent for us, Minerva?" asked Remus. His wolf senses were screaming a warning at him. Minerva's posture and obvious tension said danger. Something had frightened her and he didn't know what it could be.
She looked up at the pair. "I think we may have made a terrible mistake, Remus. The snake is in the castle and one of the elf children is missing."
"Oh, no," gasped Tonks.
Tonks, like all of Harry's family, had come to value the elves, thanks to their exposure to Dobby. In their minds, elves were treated as family, or at worst, respected hired help, but still people with feelings and worthy of respect and kindness.
Pappy watched carefully, noting the reactions of the humans. Dobby had explained to the Hogwarts elves about Harry Potter Sir's family and how they treated elves, but he hadn't believed it. Now he was seeing it first hand.
"Underground," murmured Remus.
Minerva turned in her chair to look at him. "I'm sorry?"
"Underground. It's the only way Nagini could have done it. The ward is a dome and it only extends a few feet underground before fading to nothingness."
Minerva nodded and pushed the book on her desk over to Remus.
"This is the Book of Hogwarts. It contains a record of all the structural changes that have been made to the castle since it was built in 968," Minerva said. "As you can see, there must be ten miles of pipes under the castle!"
Remus picked up the book carefully and started reading.
"What can we do?" exclaimed Tonks.
"I'm not sure," replied Minerva unhappily. She was wondering if she should alert the Board of Governors and the Ministry.
Remus looked up from the book. "First we protect our students and the elves. Pappy, how many elf children are in the castle?"
Pappy counted on his fingers for a moment. "Sixteen, Professor sir."
Remus leaned back in his chair. "All right then. Minerva, let them move all of the children into an unused classroom on the sixth floor. If there are enough classrooms, all of the elves can move out of the lower levels."
Pappy's eyes widened. Living in classrooms? Those rooms were enormous! It seemed almost sinful!
Minerva turned to the elf. "Move the children right away, Pappy. There are twelve unused classrooms on the sixth floor. Would that be enough for all of the elves?"
Pappy nodded in surprise at the Headmistress. Even Dumbledore hadn't shown this level of concern for the elves, and he had been a kindly Master compared to Master Dippet.
"Then move everyone, today if possible," Minerva said gently, then she turned back to Remus. "What else?"
"Tonks and I will examine the Elf quarters tonight after dinner. But for now, the biggest threat will be to our first and second years, who won't know the spells to defend themselves. And the greatest danger is probably on the lowest levels. I'd suggest either assigning an elf or an older student to escort the first and second years to and from potions, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures classes. Potions is on the lowest student-accessible level and both Herbology and Magical Creatures are outside."
Minerva nodded thoughtfully at that. "But what about the Slytherins? Their house is on the same level."
"We'll have to ward it somehow, or assign a guard during the nights," Tonks replied.
"I better contact Harry," Remus murmured.
Minerva scowled and shook her head. "No, you can't!"
Remus blinked. "What? Why not?"
"The castle will disable him," Tonks murmured. "I had forgotten about that!"
Remus gave her a baffled look.
"It's simple, Remus. Harry is still school age, and he's a metamorphagus. That means the school will force him back into his base form if he maintains another form for too long. It's a very old anti-cheating enchantment that was placed on the school in the fourteenth century when Metamorphs were more common. I had forgotten about it completely."
Remus shook his head. "How did you discover this?"
Tonks looked down at her feet and mumbled something. Minerva jumped in to answer for her.
"There was an incident in her fourth year. I suggested a change of form to prevent a repeat of the incident, only we discovered that after ten hours, her form started changing and her ability to control it was severely suppressed for a full day. Harry still has a base form to change into, it will turn him back into Harry Potter."
Remus grimaced. He could imagine what kind of incident Minerva was talking about. Tonks had explained how the boys had treated her during her Hogwarts years. Unlike Harry, Tonks had started morphing so early and had lost touch with her base form. For her, the ward set her constantly shifting between forms.
"And it's age-related?"
"Yes. Once she graduated and was outside of the age bracket, the enchantment didn't affect her anymore. We retested it when she was twenty so we could understand it and found she could remain in any form she wanted at that age."
"So he can't come to the castle unless we have the snake cornered then?" asked Remus.
Minerva nodded unhappily. "I know Miss Granger has invited him to escort her to the Yule Ball, and he's visited her at least once a week, but he's not maintaining the Evan form long enough to trigger the ward. There's not enough time for the enchantment to kick in."
"Well, what about during the Yule holiday? We'll have more than two weeks in which to search the castle and find the beast," Tonks said.
"Not this year," Minerva said with a shake of her head. "The Board of Governors is hosting a International Confederation of Wizards Conference on Magical Education here at Hogwarts. All of the students were told with their regular letters that the school would be hosting many delegates this holiday and they needed to go home, or make other holiday plans."
"That leaves the summer," Remus replied heavily.
"Can the elves search for this snake, Mum?" asked Pappy hesitantly.
Remus glanced up at Minerva. "It's worth a try. But it's very dangerous. I'd hate to see anyone else get hurt by it."
"Harry's going to blow a gasket once he discovers the snake is in the castle and he can't hunt it down," Tonks said softly.
"Well, to be honest, we don't know for certain if the snake is here, but I think you're right," Remus added. "I'll need to talk to Harry."
"Use your mirror," Tonks suggested.
Remus glanced at Tonks, then Minerva, who watched him with interest.
"Mirror?"
"It's something James, Sirius and I came up with back in our third year," he admitted sheepishly, then he pulled a small mirror out of his pocket.
Minerva arched an eyebrow and watched with fascination as Remus contacted Harry.
"Harry," he called, pressing the corner of the mirror to activate it.
A minute passed with nothing happening, then the surface of the mirror rippled like water and the image changed.
"Remus?" replied a tinny voice. "What's going on?"
Remus launched into a long explanation of what they thought and what had happened, then he waited.
"So you think she's in the castle then? I don't know, Remus, it's mighty slim. An Acromantula could have taken the elf," Harry replied. "Merlin knows there are enough of them in the forest."
McGonagall looked shocked. "You know, he could be right. Pappy, was the little elf let outside?"
Pappy shrugged. "Once they are old enough, they usually are unattended. They know not to be seen by the students, but that is their only restriction."
"Great!" groaned Tonks, "We're back to where we started. Except now it might be a Saint Bernard sized spider in the castle."
"Remus?"
Remus turned back to the mirror. "Yes, Harry?"
"I think your ideas were valid. Move the elf children and escort the first and second years. But unless Nagini is spotted in the castle, I don't think you can assume it's her. The Acromantulas are all riled up over something. I can't get anywhere near the main lair to talk to Aragog. I don't think even Hagrid could, at this point.
"And the Centaurs seem mighty upset about something, too. I haven't spoken to any, but I have seen them running around in very large armed groups."
"Where are you, Mr. Potter?" Minerva said.
"Headmistress? Merlin, Remus, warn me in the future when you have others listening in. These mirrors really muck up a voice," Harry said. "I'm in the Forbidden Forest, Ma'am, about three miles from the south eastern face of the castle. Up until that frost a few days ago I had been interrogating all the snakes I could find. But they have all entered their hibernation cycle." It was impossible to miss the disappointment in his voice.
"Then what are you still doing out there?" asked Minerva incredulously.
"Exploring, Ma'am. The snakes say she's in the area. If Nagini entered the castle, she had to do it via a tunnel or cave," he replied, then he paused and looked thoughtful. "Remus?"
"Here, Harry."
"Do you think I should sneak in for a look at the Chamber?"
"About that, Harry. It might not be a good idea, at least not with people in the castle. There's an enchantment that will affect your metamorph ability if you stay here too long," Tonk said.
Harry's image in the mirror seemed surprised. "How long is too long?" he asked tensely.
"You haven't stayed long enough in another form for the ward to trigger, Mr. Potter," replied McGonagall.
Harry blushed in reply. He hadn't been aware that McGonagall knew of his visits.
"Oh, ho! Someone's been sneaking in to see the Head Girl?" chortled Tonks, deliberately saying it loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Can we get back on topic?" Harry replied plaintively. "Should I come in and check out the Chamber of Secrets?"
Tonks and Remus looked at Minerva. It was her school and her call.
She sat for a moment, thinking quickly. "No, not yet, Mr. Potter. Considering the fact that no one, not even the elves, know for certain if the snake is in the school, I think it would be premature for you to start rooting around in the dungeons."
Harry's image nodded thoughtfully. "All right, but as soon as it's spotted, let me know and we can finish this thing for good. Now, about this metamorph enchantment. Since it's no secret I've been in the castle since the term started, I'd say it's safe to assume I'll have no problem at the Yule Ball?"
Minerva smiled softly. "You'll have no problem, Mr. Potter. We'll be pleased to see you at such a happy occasion."
Harry nodded again, then he turned away from the mirror for a moment.
"Remus, I better go. There are some centaurs sniffing around in the clearing where I pitched my tent," he called.
"Right Harry, be careful," Remus replied, then he pressed the corner to close the connection.
"We'll go with what we discussed," Minerva said. "I'll announce the changes at dinner. Pappy, get the children moved today, please."
The little elf had stood quietly watching the conversation. Startled, he nodded quickly and popped away.
Remus and Tonks left to return to their classes, leaving Minerva to sit and ponder what had transpired. Harry was close by and if they could find that snake, they'd be rid of the threat of Voldemort for good!
With that in mind, she decided it was time to start exploring the castle in her cat form. It had been many years since she had tried that.
From the Journal of Harry Potter (Private Entry), Oct. 29th1997, Forbidden Forest...
Sweet Merlin, what am I going to do with that girl?!
She sent me a note. No, not a note, a sizzling, steamy letter, via our journals. She sent me a detailed, hold onto your pants, missive, explaining exactly what she wanted to do to me the next time I see her. Someone throw a bucket of ice water on me! I swear that girl is full of surprises. I had thought I knew my little bookworm very well, but since we started making love, I'm seeing a side of her that I never knew about.
Oh, she's still the same sweet girl I feel in love with, but she has a naughty side that she's showing me with an almost gleeful delight. And I wouldn't change her for all the money in the world.
I think that maybe it's because she knows I won't laugh at her. I've thought about this a bit in the last two months and I think that I've learned what real love is. It's all about trust and caring. She's showing me aspects of herself that she's hidden from everyone, even her parents. And she trusts me enough to believe I won't make fun of those aspects. It works both ways, she gave me her love and I gave her mine. We both have the ability to hurt each other incredibly, but we trust that the other person won't, because they care about how we feel.
Confusing, eh? This is what happens when it's after midnight, and thanks to my wonderful girlfriend, I'm horny enough to consider teleporting into the castle and surprising her.
All right, lets change the subject.
Nagini.
Well, there's a cold rag for you. Nagini may be in the castle, but I'm not convinced. The simple fact is, the large sentient creatures in the forest are agitated about something. I just wish the Centaurs were friendly enough to talk with me. Forget about the Acromantulas. I can't get anywhere near Aragog. I've tried twice now and have had to teleport away each time to keep from getting swarmed by the spiders.
Someday I am going to sit Hagrid down and tell him a thing or two about his misunderstood beasties, then I'm going to give him a puppy.
I saw so many spiders today, they were like an anthill that had been kicked! Ron would be gibbering in terror.
The search has slowed down tremendously. For the past week it's been dropping below freezing every night and barely rising above fifty during the day. The snakes have gone into hibernation and I've lost my best source of information. Damn, why couldn't Gryffindor and the others build the freaking castle someplace warmer, like southern Spain?
If Nagini is in the castle, then that means two things. It means she somehow detected the wards and found an underground passage into the castle. It is possible to see the wards. Some people can see magic using Mage Sight and there's a spell that does the same thing. That spell gives me a whale of a headache, but I've used it a few times.
More to the point, even if she's in the castle, her natural imperatives must be kicking in. Even if she finds a warm place to hide, she's going to hibernate until late April. Searching for her while she's sleeping will be like looking for a needle in the haystack. She's probably in some corner somewhere and the odds of finding her will be astronomical.
The only thing left for me to do is to look around and see if I can possibly stumble onto some sort of subterranean passageway into the castle. I'll give that another two weeks at the most, then I'll return to London. I don't see any reason for me to stick around and spend the winter in the middle of a forest in Northern Scotland, when I can be warm in London.
Honestly, I think she's gone to ground, either outside or inside, and I'm not going to find her until the spring thaw. Damn, damn, damn! I had hoped to finish this up before Christmas. Now that's seeming less and less likely.
Tomorrow is Halloween and I think it's affecting my mood, at least in part. I am going to see Hermione tomorrow; she's insisting on it. I don't mind, but I swear on my magic, if she sends me another letter like that last one, I am going to call her on our mirrors and let her listen to me relieve the problem she caused BEFORE SHE GOES TO CLASS!
Let her see how she likes it.
I'm off to bed. It's late and I don't need to start thinking about her letter again.
Minister's Office, Ministry of Magic, London, Nov 5th 1997...
"Minister, Ambassador Black is here, as you requested."
"Thank you, Shirley. Please send him in, then see we're not disturbed."
Her secretary nodded and opened the door for Sirius, then waited until he was inside before the door glowed with a colloportus spell, locking and sealing the door.
"Sirius, please have a seat."
"Amelia," he replied with a nod, then sat in the plush chair in front of her desk.
Amelia stood and walked over to a tea setting and poured two cups. She handed one to Sirius, then took her own cup over to her desk. Sitting down, she pulled out Merlin's Orb and activated it, letting the privacy spell bathe the room.
"I've been thinking about our last discussion. First, I want to let you know that I've taken steps so that no one in my administration is aware of Mr. Potter assuming control over his family properties."
Sirius nodded in reply. He had expected her to make this move.
Amelia leaned back on her chair, idly stirring her tea for a moment. "I am wondering if there is more we can do to assure the Internationals that we aren't returning to the 'Good Old Days'."
Now we get to the heart of the matter, Sirius thought. I wonder what she has in mind?
"I can't say for certain, Amelia, but they are hoping to see Britain move to a more moderate stance in regard to a number of issues. They recognize that where we go, Europe follows, and they are hoping that some moderation on our part will be picked up by the continent."
Amelia nodded reflectively. She had been pushing for more moderate policies since she took office, but hadn't managed to make much headway.
"It's a tough task, Sirius. You know the conservatives are firmly entrenched in their positions and their power," she replied.
"I know, but you have to start chipping away at their power somewhere. The Americans and the Japanese are pulling away from us economically because of the lack of limits on their people. We hide from the Muggles, while America is entering an era of open cooperation between their Department of Magic and the Muggle government. Magic is still secret, but not like it is here."
"What do you suggest then? It's not like I can repeal the Goblin Suppression Act of 1807," she replied plaintively.
Sirius shook his head. "No, you can't. Not yet. But you can work on things you do have control over. You don't need to go to the Wizengamot to moderate Ministry practices. You don't need to ask for permission to make it Ministry policy to hire based on ability, rather than blood lines."
Amelia sat quietly for a long moment, considering his words. "We could do that. But even without having to go to the Wizengamot, there will be a lot of resistance."
He leaned back on his chair and sighed. "Look, Amelia, the Internationals want change. Right now, we're saying the words, but failing to act on them. When was the last time someone was prosecuted under my Fair Treatment Act? Never, that's when. You have to start somewhere, and no matter where you start, someone is going to object to it."
Amelia nodded. "You're right. My problem is that I'm stuck catering to so many factions just to hold the government together."
"Then show them how it hurts. Do something that lets them earn more money, but only as long as they approve of the changes. For example, remove the ban on Werewolves and Vampires being served in public. The tavern owners will make more money, the government will pull in more revenue from taxes, everyone will profit. And the people against it will be looked on as being overly bigoted."
"That might work," she muttered. She pulled a parchment toward her and scribbled down a few ideas, then looked up at him. "You know, Sirius, one of the things I've always liked about you is that you never seem to want anything from me. You've supported my administration since I took office."
He shrugged. "You and I were on opposite sides of the fence for a long time, but you recognized the mistakes made by previous administrations. Besides that, I've got most everything I need," he replied, smiling.
"Have you heard from your cousin lately?" she asked hesitantly.
Sirius frowned. "There isn't much I can say. He's still out there, still looking. It's looking more and more like what he's after is at Hogwarts."
Amelia sat up straight. "Hogwarts?" she gasped. "Should we close the school?"
He held up a hand. "Relax. Nature is working for us at the moment. Unfortunately, it's not going to go exactly as he had hoped it would. The onset of winter is making conditions difficult."
"The students are safe?"
"We think so."
Amelia nodded. "Very well. You're off to that economic trade conference in Madrid next week?"
Sirius nodded. He and Cindy were looking forward to it. The weather in London had been increasingly dreary.
"You know our position?"
"Yes, but I think you should ease off on the Veela import restriction."
She reached for a folder and opened it, pulling out a parchment containing the position breakdown. "Oh? Why?"
"Malta is part of the International coalition and their Veela colony has developed some new medicinal potions that could be useful. To restrict something just because it was developed by a non-human seems silly to me," Sirius replied.
Amelia made a notation on her sheet. "All right, what else?"
Sirius leaned forward to detail the changes he had in mind. It wasn't much, a nudge here, a nudge there. It was something that Harry and Hermione both had problems with. They wanted sweeping changes now, while he knew changes could only come slowly. He was grateful that Amelia had given him a position where he could influence policy, without being tied directly to the Ministry, or his Wizengamot seat.
The Great Hall, Hogwarts, Nov 13th 1997...
Hermione looked up in surprise to see Ginny and Neville walking into the Great Hall, accompanied by her parents and an old lady wearing a Vulture hat. Ginny's expression seemed torn between surprise and happiness.
Molly smiled, seeing Hermione and she walked over to her.
Hermione stood and hugged the older witch. "It's good to see you, Mrs. Weasley. I hope nothing is wrong for you to come to the school."
As far as Hermione knew, neither Ron nor Ginny were in trouble.
"Oh, no, dear. Just a bit of family business we had to attend to," replied Molly smugly.
Ginny sat and Neville took a seat next to her. He looked extremely satisfied with himself.
"Molly, sit. Minerva said we can join them for lunch," Arthur said with a grin.
Hermione returned to her seat and looked at her friends. "What's going on?"
Neville exchanged a glance with Ginny, who nodded to him. He turned to Hermione. "My Gran is a little old fashioned, but she knew I liked Ginny. We've been dating steadily for nearly two years now. So she approached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley about an arrangement."
Ginny blushed prettily, but Hermione got the impression she wasn't that happy. Arrangements needed the consent of both parties and Ginny must have approved of the match. She always gave me the impression that she was going with Neville because he was the best pick left after Harry and Malfoy left, she thought. I shouldn't be so mean spirited, but I think I can't wait to see her reaction when she discovers that Evan is Harry.
"What about you, Miss Granger. Surely by now someone has shown an interest?" asked Mrs. Longbottom.
"Oh, she's got a boyfriend," Molly said with a smug tone. "A foreigner."
Mrs. Longbottom sniffed loudly. "A foreigner? Really? I do hope he's trainable. Some of these foreigners have no manners whatsoever."
Hermione gritted her teeth and was about to say something when another voice broke into the conversation.
"I've met the lad and, quite honestly, I was very impressed. He's finished his schooling a year early and is currently working for the DMLE at the Japanese Embassy. He's a cousin to Sirius Black," Minerva McGonagall said in a frosty tone.
Mrs. Longbottom looked up with interest. "Sirius Black, you say? Well, then, he's not really a foreigner, is he? Deep down, he's still British."
Molly's expression changed when she realized that Minerva wasn't going to let her gloat. She had once considered Hermione as a possible match for Ronald, but the girl was simply too tied to her Muggle roots and their dismal moral values.
"Yes, from one of Phineas' younger sons, I believe," added Minerva.
"Goodness, he must be a bright one to be working at the Embassy. Only the best get diplomatic postings," Mrs. Longbottom added. She turned to Hermione. "Well done, my dear, well done indeed."
Hermione blushed and Ginny shot her a look that clearly said "Ha! Now it's your turn!"
Minerva smiled at them, then continued on her way up to the head table. She was glad she had been able to divert Molly from her path. She liked the woman, but she had a petty streak in her that shone through too often for her tastes.
Hogwarts Entrance Hall, Dec 19th 1997...
Harry stepped into the entrance hall for the first time in over three years. The last time he had been here, he'd left Hogwarts as a student.
He shrugged off his cloak and handed it to a waiting elf. Then he quickly brushed off some of the snow clinging to his robes. He was very glad he had given up his hunt in late November. He had woken up to an early winter storm that had nearly buried his tent.
He'd crawled out into the thigh-deep snow and quickly folded it up. Then he'd teleported straight back to Oxford, since Sirius was in Madrid with Cindy.
Since then, he had spent his time studying more spells and visiting back and forth between Grimmauld Place and the Granger house.
"Name?" asked another elf.
"Evan Black, here to escort Miss Hermione Granger to the Ball," he replied.
"One moment, sir," replied the elf, then bowed and vanished with a pop.
A side door opened and Hermione stepped out. He stared. There was no polite way of saying it. She was stunning, dressed in a long black gown with a side slit that nearly reached her hip. The neckline was modest, showing only a hint of cleavage, and her hair was done up in a French braid.
She approached him tentatively. "Evan?" she said cautiously. His eyes tracked her every movement and she could feel his gaze sweeping her form.
When he didn't reply, she started to worry. She gripped his arm and tugged gently.
He blinked. "You're gorgeous!" he blurted. Then he flushed right up to the tips of his ears.
She smiled and looked down for a second, pleased with his reaction. Looking back up, she grinned at him and his look of awe. "Hey, it's still me," she said softly.
Harry blinked again and shook his head. "Your Mum wouldn't tell me about your dress except to say it was black. I pulled something from the vault that I thought you might like to wear tonight." He offered her a small, long box.
She glanced down at it, then up at him uncertainly. He nudged the box towards her, waiting for her to take it.
She opened up the box and gasped. Inside was a string of pearls with a center pendant that looked like a blue diamond. "Is this real?" she exclaimed.
"The Goblins seem to think so. They offered a tidy sum to buy it. Apparently, the diamond is fairly rare," he replied.
She handed him the box and turned around. "Put it on me please?"
He grinned and kissed the back of her neck before sliding the necklace in place and locking the clasp.
He gently turned her around and looked at her. "Beautiful," he whispered softly. It was obvious he wasn't even looking at the necklace. Then, offering his arm, he smiled. "Shall we join the Ball?"
She grinned and linked her arm in his, then led him up the Entrance Hall to the Great Hall. Inside, she led him over to a table where her friends waited. Ginny sat, holding Neville's hand. On her finger she wore a small engagement ring with a delicate pink colored diamond. Ron sat talking to Hannah. Remus and Tonks, also at the table, smiled in greeting.
"Hermione! Evan!" exclaimed Ginny. Her eyes widened when she saw the large blue diamond around Hermione's neck.
"Hello everyone," Evan said with a grin, then he pulled Hermione's chair out so she could sit.
Remus, Neville and Ron looked down and their dates gave them sour looks. Hermione grinned at their discomfort. Harry's behavior was strictly Dan Granger at work. Over the years, he had coached Harry to open doors and pull our chairs for Hermione.
"So, Evan, how is life working at the Embassy?" asked Ginny.
Evan looked up from the printed menu he had been examining. "It's pretty routine, actually. At points, downright dull."
Ginny made a face, as if dissatisfied with his answer. "I would have thought working at the Embassy would be more interesting than that."
Evan nodded in reply, then he pointed at an item on the menu. A moment later it appeared on his plate. "I'm not saying there aren't any exciting moments, but most of the time it's pretty routine. I imagine you have more exciting times up here than I do."
"The biggest excitement around here is Snape's escape, and the fact that we have to escort the first and second years to class," muttered Ron. "Now, when Harry Potter was here, we had excitement."
"Yeah, like Hermione petrifying me in first year," Neville replied to everyone's laughter.
"I had a good reason for it," she muttered, causing everyone to laugh again.
"I understand that congratulations are in order?" Evan said, then he nodded to Neville and Ginny. Then Evan turned to Remus, who blushed slightly.
"You're the different ones," Hannah said with a laugh. "Hermione mentioned over a year ago that you wanted to marry her."
Evan grinned and reached over to caress the back of Hermione's hand. "I would have told her sooner, but I don't think she was ready to hear it that early."
"Oh? When did you know?" asked Ginny.
Evan smiled. "Not long after I first met her," he replied vaguely.
Hermione looked down and smiled to herself. Remus chuckled. Evan's comments had just confirmed the existence of the Potter curse.
Hermione looked at Evan and decided to turn the conversation away from her. "Evan, you have permission to ride back on the Express with us, if you want."
"Excellent!"
Tonks reached for her glass. "Well, Happy Christmas everyone."
Everyone joined in the toast and Evan sipped his drink thoughtfully. It isn't exactly how I had hoped to end this year, he thought. "And here's to a better New Year," he added.