CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE –
Ding, Dong, Merrily on High
"What do you guys have planned for Christmas this year?" Harry asked, out of the blue. It seemed almost... strange, that he wasn't planning an excursion into the Slytherin common room this time around. Then again, he knew exactly who the Heir was, and he knew there wouldn't be any attacks over Christmas, so it wasn't really a big worry.
"Er..." There were general mumbles. Hermione went first. "Nothing this year, Harry. I think my parents wanted you to come to us this year. Why, do you have plans?"
He grinned at her. "I've got something in mind, yes."
"My family usually returns to Italy during the holiday period." Blaise spoke up. "We see the rest of the Zabini clan. I'm afraid I can't avoid it."
"No problem, Blaise." Harry said in a tightly-controlled voice. "I understand how important family is."
"I'm staying at school." Luna said, breaking the sudden silence. "Daddy's off on an expedition this year."
Hermione glanced at Harry, before nodding. "I'm sure you can come with us, Luna." She offered to the strange little girl.
"Thank you."
"Me and Parvati are going home as well. Father insists we spend our time with our relatives back east."
Neville just shrugged. "Just me and my Gran. Other that my usual appointment on Christmas morning, I've got nothing planned."
"Me and Auntie Amelia spend our holidays together. We're about the only family either has left."
Harry took a moment to think. "Well... why don't you and your Gran, Neville, and you and your Aunt, Sue, come with me and the Grangers? Assuming that Hermione's parents want to? I can put you all up and feed you, and I do have a devious little plan. Luna, you're welcome to come too, of course."
She nodded, smiling at him. "Thank you, Harry."
"I think my parents would be okay, Harry. What are we gonna be doing?"
"It's a surprise."
"Your flat won't fit all these extra people, Harry."
"I know."
"Er... sorry to interrupt, Harry, but I doubt I can get my Gran to agree. We have a... a ritual, that we perform on Christmas morning. I won't put it off."
"I understand, Neville." Harry said supportively. "I know what it is, and I'll make sure that you're there to see them. I've recently found out where mine are, and I'll want to visit them, too."
Neville's eyes widened dramatically as he realised what Harry was actually saying. "I... I never knew..."
"No-one does." Harry said coolly. "No-one ever told me where they were." He shook his head. "Anyway... I think a nice little holiday can be arranged. And more importantly, look at it from another perspective; no need to clean up the carnage!"
"Sold." Susan replied instantly. "I'll persuade Auntie to come along, too. She loves Christmas, but hates having to do any of the work towards it."
After the group had filed out, Hermione scooted closer to Harry. "What was that?"
Harry glanced round, making sure the two were alone, before leaning in closer. "I finally found out where my parents were buried. It took a bit of time and research, but I found it."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. There's a small cemetery, not far from where my parents' cottage was." Harry said softly. "Mum and Dad are buried in there. I've never actually been." And it was true; he hadn't. During the original timeline, Voldemort had been doing everything he could to demoralise Harry, which included putting the entire Godric's Hollow graveyard under a Fidelius, learning the Secret, and then killing the Secret Keeper. Harry had never been able to go. This time, he would.
"So, you're going this year." Hermione said. It wasn't a question.
"Yep. Christmas morning, I plan to take the Box to Godric's Hollow. Lay a few flowers on the graves, you know?"
"I-If you don't mind, I'll come with you." Hermione offered gently.
"I'd like that."
Susan, Neville, Luna and Hermione had sent their letters off later that same day. The replies came pretty quickly.
"My Gran said 'yes', Harry." Neville reported one morning during breakfast. "As long as we can go and see Mum and Dad on Christmas morning, we're fine."
Hermione had also received a reply. "Mum and Dad are fine with it, Harry. They want to know if they're picking us up from the station again."
Harry shook his head. "I have a devious idea about what to do, Hermione. If you could ask them to pack for either hot or cold weather, and then take a train to King's Cross, we'll be able to go straight from there. Same for you, Neville. We'll be heading to either a rather warm place, or a rather cold one."
Susan came up, clutching a piece of parchment. "Auntie says that's fine, but as the Director of MLE, she may be on call, and may need to rush back."
"Understood." Harry said. "And that's fine. The Box can take us anywhere on the planet within a couple of hours, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Cool." Susan sat down, and began helping herself to breakfast.
"So, I was thinking either the Rocky Mountains, in Canada, or Florida beach." Harry said casually. "The Rockies are supposed to be really nice during winter. Cold as hell, but really nice. We could set up a nice fire pit and have barbecues. Same for Florida."
Hermione pondered for a moment. "I think the Rockies. It's winter, and it's supposed to be cold. I think having Christmas on a beach would be... weird."
"I agree." Neville and Susan said together.
"Okay." Harry nodded. "Where's Luna?"
"The Rockies." Luna said, from just behind Harry's ear. Hermione, Susan and Neville jumped as the blonde seemingly appeared out of nowhere.
"Bonus." Harry said. "Looks like it's the Rockies, then."
The last few days of school were a bit of a piss take, really. No-one (bar Snape) was in the mood to work, and that attitude was clearly reflected in everyone. Even most of the teachers 'failed' to assign holiday homework (again, bar Snape... bloody Scrooge).
On Friday, 18th December, school let out. Just before he left his dorm, Harry entered his Portkey box, and began to set co-ordinates and a timer. The Box should (in theory) materialise on platform 9¾ almost the exact same time as the train arrived.
Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones and the Grangers would been meeting the youths there, and they would all set off for their holiday together. Harry had no real reason to return to his flat, except to attend to the damned Venomous Tentacular Neville had given him for his birthday six months ago. And considering it was under a stasis charm, and could survive for years without trying to kill him, he didn't see a need.
Hedwig had been getting more and more excited about the holidays, something that confused Harry. He didn't think she really understood about Christmas. Then again, she could read books and dance, so Harry didn't bother trying to work it out.
"You looking forward to the holiday season, Hed'?" Harry asked to his familiar, who was sitting on the head of his bed. She snuffled happily. "Yeah, me too. Anything you want?"
Again, a snuffle, with a short bark. "I shouldn't really feed you live mice, dear." Harry said slowly. "Besides, you catch them yourself."
Hedwig gave him what could only be described as a pout. "Fine." Harry sighed. "I'll get you some mice." Hedwig barked in gratitude, before hopping neatly into her cage.
"One day, I swear she'll transform in front of me..." He muttered, as he picked up the cage and his lightened trunk.
Everything was a blur as the seven students gathered in a compartment. It was a bit of a tight fit, but instead of expanding the compartment, Hermione solved the issue by sitting in Harry's lap. Both of them were blushing, but neither wanted to break the moment.
"So..." Padma coughed after a moment. "Anything else interesting happen with regards to Davies, Harry?"
"Nope." Harry replied casually. "I told him that I was done. If they want me off the team just to stop a scandal... well, it's their loss."
"Actually, it could be yours." Blaise said. "I mean, Quidditch scouts often attend our games in secret, and it's possible, since you are the youngest player in a century, that you'd be drafted. If you're not playing, then you run the risk of not being spotted."
"True." Harry admitted. "But, there's something you're missing, Blaise."
"Oh?" An eyebrow shot up. "And what's that?"
"I don't particularly enjoy Quidditch. Yeah, it's okay as something to do on a warm Saturday afternoon, but it's not my life. If I don't get to play..." He shrugged. "Besides, it makes Davies look like a complete and total arsehole for kicking me off the team. When the truth comes out about the Heir of Slytherin, and believe me, the truth will come out, it always does, he'll look even more foolish."
"Vicious." Blaise said. "I approve."
"I still think you're wrong to just let that go, Harry." Hermione said into his neck.
"Hermione, it's fine." He whispered soothingly. "Besides, the more time I spent practicing Quidditch is less time I could be spending with you."
She smiled. "I'll let you off, then."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am." Harry mocked.
"Harry?"
"Yes, Sue?"
"Did you ask Tonks if she wants to come and spend Christmas with us?"
"I did." Harry replied. "She's spending it with her Mum and Dad this year. She said to drop by her parents' place sometime to swap gifts, so I figured we'd do that just before New Years."
"Do you have all your shopping done?" Hermione asked.
"Nope. Need to do that before we go." Harry replied. "Also, need to stock up on food, too. Feeding nine people for two weeks, especially Christmas Dinner, can involve quite a lot."
"Oh... do you need a 'contribution'?" Susan asked.
"Nah. I'll just need to do a big food shop." He clicked his fingers. "Actually, Hermione, you and your parents better come with me. Somehow, I just can't see the Director of the MLE pushing a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel round Asda." He looked at Susan. "You know... I've never actually asked; where do witches and wizards go food shopping?"
Susan looked down. "As a rule... we don't. We send out our House Elves to do it for us."
"Oh..." Harry nodded slowly. "But, what about those people who don't have House Elves? You know, half-bloods and Muggleborn?"
"I... I don't know."
Harry nodded. "So, Asda it is, then. God, we're gonna need two or three trolleys. Bugger, I'll need quite a bit of cash, too."
Arriving at King's Cross, Harry saw Amelia and Augusta standing together on the platform, chatting amiably. A few feet away, Dan and Emma Granger were stood, clutching onto their luggage, looking a little lost. True, they were professionals, and could always return home, and Harry had introduced them to life in the Wizarding world at Christmas, but they were still a little uncomfortable with it.
As they got off the train, Hermione bolted away, tackling her parents in a huge hug. Both Harry and Neville froze at the sight, before exchanging longing looks with each other.
"I wish..."
"I know."
With a sigh, the two boys carried on towards the assembled adults, Luna falling into step behind them. Blaise and Padma exchanged farewells, before heading off with their families.
"Ah, Harry." Emma said, her face lighting up. "It's good to see you again."
Harry nodded. "You as well, Mrs. Granger. And you, Mr. Granger."
"Harry." Emma said sternly.
"Sorry, Emma."
Emma turned to the sandy-haired lad next to Harry. "So, you must be... Neville, yes?"
"Yes, Mrs. Granger. Neville Longbottom." Neville reached behind him, taking hold of Luna's arm, and gently pulling her around. "And this is Luna Lovegood."
A lady cleared her throat. "May I present my Grandmother, the Lady-Regent Augusta Longbottom?"
Most eyes turned to see an imposing woman, dressed in a green velvet skirt suit, a tall witch's hat on her head. Fortunately, she'd forgone the stuffed animal on top.
"Charmed." She drawled in typical pureblood fashion.
"Or," Harry said impishly, "her nickname; the Lady Formidable."
Augusta's stern face cracked a little. "It's nice to meet you again, Lord Potter."
Harry grimaced. "Please..."
"I'm sorry." Augusta said. "Yes, Neville said you don't like your title. You prefer to be known as 'Just Harry', yes?"
"Yes." Harry nodded, extending a hand to Augusta. When she took it, Harry leaned forward and kissed the back.
Susan stepped forward. "This is my Aunt, Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Susan gestured to each of the people. "Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger... I'm sorry," she said to the elder Grangers, "I don't..."
"I'm Emma Granger, and this is my husband, Daniel Granger." Emma smoothly filled in the introductions. "So, now we know who everyone is, I must ask, Harry; how are we travelling?"
Every eye turned to Harry, who was looking at his watch, and pointing at the end of the platform. "Wait twelve seconds, and you'll see."
Hermione was the first to hear the rippling noise, before a familiar wheezing/groaning sound began to fill the air.
"I just love how accurate this is." Harry murmured, as an object began to appear, the light flashing on top making the platform glow with an unearthly light.
While the ship was materialising, Harry was already grabbing the Grangers' luggage. "Good lord, what do you have in here? Rocks?" He muttered, as he began to haul the suitcases towards his ship. "Come on, folks. Lots to see and do."
He stopped outside the box, placing the Grangers' bags down, before heading to the back of the still-steaming train, to grab the five students' trunks.
"How are we all going to fit in there?" Emma asked from the corner of her mouth. Dan shrugged helplessly.
Hermione just giggled as she pointed out her trunk to Harry, who hefted it easily. Susan's trunk was fitted with wheels, so he grabbed that and started tugging. Neville had already grabbed his trunk and Luna's, and was hauling them along.
"Hermione, will you grab the door?" Harry asked. She nodded, placing her hand against the magi-lock, and stepping back. Harry quickly entered the box, placing the luggage on the floor, before going back for the Grangers', then his own.
While Harry was ferrying luggage, the elders had stumbled into the console room, and were eyeing it with curiosity (Bones and Longbottom) and awe (the Grangers). Finally, everything was on board, prompting Harry to dash to the console, sliding up a lever. The doors closed with a clang.
"Okay." Harry stood by the console, his hands resting on the controls, seeming to draw strength from the machine. "We were thinking about either a warm Christmas in Florida, or a cold Christmas in the Rockies. Personally, we voted on the Rockies."
Dan and Emma nodded, completely out of their depth.
"What are 'the Rockies'?" Augusta asked.
"Mountains, in Canada." Harry replied helpfully. "I know a lovely little spot where we can camp out. Of course, with this ship, we won't be lacking any of the comforts of home." He lowered his voice. "Once I've been shopping."
Amelia smiled. "I think that could be nice. Of course, if it gets too cold, we can always use warming charms."
"Indeed." Augusta agreed. "Mr. Granger? Mrs. Granger? What about you?"
"Always wanted to go to the Rockies." Dan said. "It's on my list of 'things to see before I die', so I don't mind."
"Emma?" Harry asked.
"What is this place?" Emma asked, still in shock over the Portkey Box.
"Complicated." Was all Harry said.
"Tell me."
"Very complicated."
Emma's eyes narrowed. "I'm clever, and I'm listening."
"It's an armoured, dimensionally transcendental, runically-powered Portkey device." Harry replied at once. "In other words, a tank that's bigger on the inside than the outside, and can move from place to place almost instantly."
That was something she could understand. "Oh... yeah, Rockies are fine."
Harry nodded. "Excellent. First of all, though, need to stop off and make a quick food shop." He began jabbing buttons and sliding levers. "While I'm setting our co-ordinates, does anyone have any food preferences?" He saw the blank looks. "Is there anything anyone won't eat?"
"You're cooking?" Emma asked, her face lighting up. "Damn, Harry, you spoil us. I'll eat pretty much anything you put on the table."
"You cook?" Amelia asked, an eyebrow shooting up. "No House Elves?"
"No, ma'am." Harry replied, not looking up. "No House Elves. And I've been known to dabble in the kitchen every once in a while."
Augusta cleared her throat. "Er... well, I'm not tremendously fond of pork, Harry."
"Neither am I, Lady Longbottom." Harry said. "Beef, Lamb and Chicken are all fine, not to mention Turkey on Christmas Day." He moved round to the laptop embedded in the console, tugging on a lever as he passed. In the centre of the console, the glowing column began to move up and down, a wheezing/groaning filling the air.
"So, let's make a quick list. For breakfasts, I'm thinking cereals, fruit, porridge and fry-ups, yes?" The group nodded, making various 'Mmm' sounds. "Sandwiches and soups for lunches..." He was typing out furiously. "So, gonna need bread, butter, margarine, fruit, crisps, snacks." He looked up. "What about drinks? Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks and beer. Wines, maybe some spirits." More typing. "Dinners... well, that could be anything. Need chicken, turkey, sausages, lamb, beef, mince..."
"Are you gonna be making Lasagne again?" Dan asked excitedly.
"I suppose I could." Harry said coyly. "Pasta, flour, tomatoes... This is gonna be a hell of a food shop."
Bare minutes later, the noise in the console room began to change, becoming high-pitched as the ship materialised. Harry dashed round to the runic controls, expanding the area, making a sort-of common room, where the rest could sit and wait while he did his shopping.
"Dan, Emma, Hermione, could you come with me, please?" Harry pulled on the lever, opening the doors, revealing... a car park.
Two hours later, Harry was leading a procession of four trolleys into the ship, each of which was packed with carrier bags.
"Thirteen hundred pounds!" Emma was seething. "That's shocking!"
"And that didn't include the plonk." Dan said, a little shocked. "Another two hundred and fifty for that."
"What's wrong?" Amelia asked.
Emma glared over at Harry. "Fifteen hundred quid for a food shop, Harry?"
"How much is that in our money?" Amelia asked.
"Er..." Harry closed his eyes for a quick bit of match. "32 galleons, give or take."
"On one shopping trip?" Amelia asked incredulously. "That's a bit pricey."
"It's fine. Really." Harry said, as he opened the door to the kitchen, beginning to haul bags from the first trolley. Hermione didn't say anything, but she was a little shocked that he'd spent so much on such a simple thing. (1) She began to take bags from the trolley, putting them on the counters and work surfaces.
"Harry, you have to let us give you something." Emma said passionately. "You can't go spending that kind of money on us!"
"I agree." Amelia said, already reaching into her robes for her money bag.
"Stop." Harry said simply, biting his lip as he thought. "Listen... the Potter wealth is... considerable. I can afford this quite easily. Please, do not insult me by offering me money."
"This is too much!" Emma protested.
Harry sighed. "I have a family fortune of approximately sixty millions pounds, Emma. Over a million galleons of hard currency, plus quite a few properties and stocks. Please trust me. I can afford this." He ignored the looks of shock and awe, and carried on unloading the trolley.
Neville came into the kitchen, and began unloading the second trolley.
As soon as the trolleys were empty, Harry and Hermione took the trolleys back (actually putting them back into the trolley bay, instead of leaving them all over the damned car park(2)), and returned.
"Okay, brew time." Harry quickly put the big urn of water on for tea, and flicked on the coffee maker.
As he began to unpack the shopping, putting the tins in the cupboard, he cleared his throat. "Okay, there are a few 'rules of the ship' to go through." He said. "First, please don't touch the console. It's... temperamental, and it only really likes me and Hermione. Second, try not to touch the doors on the outside. They won't like you, and they'll turn you silver. Third, please stay out of my kitchen. I'm... possessive."
"By 'temperamental', you mean..." Amelia asked.
"I mean, that's it based on blood runes, and only I'm linked in." Harry said as he threw several tea bags into a pot. "The only reason that Hermione can use the console is that the ship likes her."
"'Likes her'?" Augusta repeated. "How can a... thing, like someone?"
"Magic?" Harry said with a grin. "Seriously, though, the console's pretty much off limits."
Amelia nodded. "I'm curious, Harry; where exactly did you obtain the knowledge of blood runes? Or even runes in general? In fact, I'm curious about pretty much everything on board this... object."
"Oh?" Harry asked neutrally. "In what way?"
"You have a modified space expansion charm with subverted dimensions. You have Muggle technology working around magic without exploding. You have the ability to make Portkeys, and I've been told you can apparate." She leaned back in her chair, her arms folded. "To begin with."
Hermione leaned a little closer to Harry. She'd wanted these answers for a while, and his recent actions and statements indicated that there was a fascinating story behind it.
"Where would you like me to begin?" Harry asked.
"Let's start with this... object."
"Call it a ship, Madam Bones." Harry replied, before leaning against the bar. "Very well. The outer hull was crafted by the Goblins, at my request and specification. Once it was completed, they sent it to me in pieces. I completed the construction in my flat in Diagon Alley.
"After the box was built, I cast a massively powerful space expansion charm, linked to a blood-based runic keystone, inscribed on the bottom of the box."
"How did you know how to do that?" Amelia asked. "That sort of Rune work is post NEWT-level."
"I had a textbook, Madam." Harry replied. "It showed me how to inscribe the Rune, and then to fill it with blood to bond it to myself." All true... I just won't tell you that I read that textbook over seventy years ago.
"I see..." Amelia nodded. It was curious, but certainly plausible. "And what about the other parts?"
Harry shrugged. "Subverting the floor was fairly easy. The console, which is comprised of Muggle technology, is shielded against magic, and charmed to draw from a techno-magical reactor at the heart of the console. And I'm sorry to say, you would never be able to understand the reactor."
"Oh?" Amelia's tone was frosty.
"I mean no offence, Madam Bones," Harry said slowly, "but you don't know Physics, and trying to explain Magical physics would take entirely too long."
"Is... is that all you're going to say?" Amelia asked.
Harry nodded. "Pretty much at the moment, ma'am, yes. I have secrets. I've never hid that. I have things that I can't tell people at the moment. Maybe in the future, I'll be able to. Until that time, I'm afraid I must decline to answer."
"But..." Amelia trailed off as Susan whispered something in her ear, gesturing at Harry frantically. "I see... Harry, may I ask a question?"
"You can ask." Harry said bluntly. "Don't guarantee I'll answer it, though."
"Susan was telling me that you've faced He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named at the end of your first..." She trailed off as she saw Harry's curled lip. "What?"
"'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named'? Madam Bones, I'm disappointed in you." Harry let out a slight sneer. "Please don't tell me that you're afraid of the word 'Voldemort'."
To her credit, she didn't shudder or make that annoying little squeal witches and wizards made because of that hated name, but there was the tiniest hint of a flinch.
"Fine. You faced Voldemort at the end of your first year."
"I did." Harry replied. "He was riding around in the back of Professor Quirrell's head, underneath that smelly turban. I fought him, and he died in the fight. I even gave him two chances to surrender, something I wouldn't normally do. I don't do second chances."
Hermione held up her hand. "What about Professor Dumbledore, Harry?"
Harry sucked air through his teeth. "Yeah... kinda lied to him, really."
"You lied to Albus Dumbledore?" Augusta asked. "How? Why?"
"I told him if he pushed, that was it. He pushed. I am, however, pragmatic. I will allow him to continue believing that I will work with him. Rest assured, when it comes down to it, I won't. I don't trust him, or particularly like him." Harry said firmly. "Partly, anyway. I don't hate him. I don't dislike him. I don't care about him. He's sneaky and manipulative. The lie was 'I don't want to break with you. I want to get along with you.' That was fiction. Now, I find some of Dumbledore's antics amusing, but I don't particularly like the old man. He's too into his own reputation."
"Is that a polite way of saying he has his head up his arse?" Amelia asked, the faintest traces of a smile on her face.
"That's certainly one interpretation, Madam Bones." Harry said airily. "Far be it that I, a mere second year student, would ever question the Director of the DMLE." He grinned at her. "So, are we all clear with the rules?"
A general chorus of assent met his ears. "Excellent. Now, who's up for coffee?"
While people were partaking of their beverages, Hermione sidled over to Harry. "You got a minute for a personal question?"
"Sure."
"What about Snape?"
Harry's eyebrow shot up. "What about his greasiness?"
"Well... you don't do second chances."
"True."
"And... well, he's constantly pushing you."
"He is."
"What are you going to do about him."
"At the right time, I'm going to kill him." Harry said casually.
"What?" Hermione gasped. "Kill him?"
Several people looked up at Hermione's gasp. "Kill who?" Amelia Bones asked.
"Severus Snape." Harry said. "When the time is right, he will die by my hands."
"Why?" Most of the group was curious about this, except Luna.
"The things he has done." Luna said softly, her eyes glowing. "The things he could do."
Augusta cleared her throat. "You know that Dumbledore will never allow action be taken against his pet Death Eater."
Amelia sighed. "During the Death Eater trials in '81 and '82, Dumbledore vouched for Severus. Stated he was a spy in his ranks."
He was. He was just Voldemort's spy, not Dumbledore's. "I know the truth, Madam Bones." Before she could ask, Harry dashed her hopes. "Unfortunately, this is still not the right time."
"And when will the right time be?" Amelia asked, a bit peeved.
"Not too long." Was all Harry replied.
Emma cleared her throat. "Could you... could you really take a man's life, Harry?"
Harry frowned, deep in thought. "It would depend on the situation, Emma. Severus Snape isn't a man. He's a liar, a thief, a cheat, a rapist and a murderer. Believe me, I would have no problems with ending that threat."
"That's cold, Harry." Emma said.
"That's life, Emma." Harry retorted. "I know what Death Eaters can do. I've read the trial transcripts. I even know what's necessary to get the Dark Mark. If you have one, you're a murderer, at the very least. Severus Snape has a Dark Mark."
"You've mentioned them before, Harry. What are they?" Dan asked.
Harry sighed. "The Death Eaters were a band of terrorists, primarily pureblood wizards." He glanced around the room, looking sharply at Amelia, Susan, Neville and Augusta. "Forgive me..." They looked confused for a moment.
"In November 1981, a group of four Death Eaters, Rudolphus LeStrange, his wife Bellatrix and his brother Rastaban, along with a young man by the name of Bartemius Crouch Junior, attacked a couple. They were seeking information about the recently vanquished Lord Voldemort, in hopes of returning him to power. They tortured this couple, driving them past the brink of insanity, forcing them to be committed to St. Mungo's hospital, where they remain to this day.
"Other members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement arrived on the scene and managed to arrest the LeStranges, but Crouch Junior escaped, and was apprehended later. At the site of that atrocity was a sixteen month old baby." Harry sighed softly. "That couple was Frank and Alice Longbottom, and their son was Neville."
Every eye flicked to Neville, who had tears in his eyes.
"They were good people, and they were destroyed because of the Death Eaters." Harry said. "They defied Voldemort himself on a number of occasions, fighting the good fight. And the Death Eaters took them away."
"How... how do you know?" Augusta asked. Like Neville, she was damp-eyed.
"I have access to a wide range of information." Harry said neutrally. "Another example of the Death Eaters. A man by the name of Edgar Bones. Member of a paramilitary organisation to fight Voldemort. He and his wife, Lucile, were brutally murdered, along with Marlene McKinnon in August 1981. Their bodies were found two weeks later, and had to be identified through dental records. They left behind a young daughter, who was remanded to the care of her paternal aunt."
Susan sniffed, but didn't say anything.
"James and Lily Potter..." Here, Harry's eyes were filling up. "Attacked by Death Eaters on numerous occasions. Finally murdered by Voldemort himself on Halloween 1981. I still remember..." Harry gathered his thoughts. "Caradoc Dearborn, Benjy Fenwick, Dorcas Meadows, Fabian and Gideon Prewitt, Charlus and Dorea Potter... need I continue? I could keep listing names of people who were murdered by Death Eaters. They're animals and butchers, and they need to be exterminated for the good of everyone."
Harry took a comforting sip of his tea, and wished, for a moment, to have a comforting cigarette. He'd briefly taken up smoking after his Hermione had died, but quit shortly afterwards. He pressed on.
"Most of the Death Eaters are purebloods. They are people who kill, rape and torture, and manage to escape because they have the wealth necessary to buy their way out of trouble." Harry leaned back in his chair. "Lucius Malfoy is an extremely good example. He bears the Dark Mark, but because he had the wealth to buy his way out, he claimed he was under the Imperius curse."
"There was no proof." Amelia said, frustrated. "I was an Auror at the time, and there was nothing we could do about it."
"The evidence 'disappeared'." Harry said mockingly. "In a way, I feel most sorry for the Auror division. They had a hard job, protecting people that didn't deserve it."
Amelia's eyebrow shot up.
"Oh, don't give me that look." Harry snapped. "The sheep of the Wizarding world weren't prepared to fight for themselves. They were afraid, but would rather cower." He scoffed. "Then I came along. Voldemort met his downfall in me, and the world rejoiced. 'Bless Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived!'"
Silence reigned in the sitting room. "We should be arriving in Canada shortly." Harry said, standing up. "I was thinking we could have Hot Dogs and salad for dinner this evening." He left, heading into the console room, to begin created the bedrooms and other facilities that would be needed.
Susan used her sweater sleeve to scrub her tears away. "He's right, you know. Most of the Wizarding world are cowards. Even now, people don't dare to speak Voldemort's name."
Augusta leaned forward. "He is planning a war, isn't he?" She asked.
"The war's coming." Luna sing-songed. "It will be here very soon. And we will not be ready."
"Susan?" Amelia asked.
"I've already made my choice." She said softly. "I'll stand with Harry. He's led us right so far, and I have no reason to doubt him."
"Same with me." Neville said. "I know you're the Regent, Gran, but when I'm of-age, assuming I live that long, I intend to ally House Longbottom with House Potter."
Augusta stared at her grandchild for a moment, happily noting that he didn't flinch or look away. Spending time with Harry Potter had clearly given the child some much-needed confidence. "That won't be necessary, Neville. The alliance between Longbottom and Potter was never breached. It still stands."
Hermione looked at her parents, who were still looking unsure. Yeah, they'd heard Harry at his birthday party earlier in the summer, where he told them 'The Flight of Death' would be returning, but only now was it beginning to sink in.
"You said that he'll be coming for you, no matter what." Dan said suddenly.
"Yeah." Hermione uttered. "I'm a First-Generation witch, Dad. To their viewpoint, I'm a freak. I'll be killed, since a 'filthy little Mudblood' like me shouldn't be allowed to use magic. You'd be exterminated for producing said freak."
"Charming." Dan grunted.
"But true, unfortunately." Amelia said. "That attitude is still very prominent in our society. It's unavoidable. It's one of the reasons that a lot of Muggleborns leave the country after graduating Hogwarts. They don't wish to endure the prejudice any more."
"We fight." Luna said. "We stand against the Darkness, and we fight."
Hermione was about to comment when she heard the pitch of the wheezing/groaning noise change, indicating they were coming in for a landing. "Come on. Let's go see where we are."
"It's beautiful!" Hermione exclaimed. She was stood a few feet outside the ship, looking up at the stars. Around her, snow-capped mountains shone in the moonlight, with tall evergreens surrounding a small clearing.
"I know." Harry said, leaning against the side of the Box. "I saw this place in a satellite imaging map, and I thought it'd be perfect."
The rest of the group trailed outside, stopping when they saw the incredible beauty of the place. They, too, were left speechless.
Harry smirked to himself and quickly began grabbing rocks, creating a circle on the ground in the middle of the clearing. He discretely conjured three long metal skewers and jabbed them into the ground, forming a basic tripod frame, from which he could hang a cauldron.
He disappeared back inside the ship, grabbing several tins of hot dog sausages and a packet of buns, before ambling back outside.
Shortly after dinner, Dan Granger made his way to Harry's bedroom. He knocked, and poked his head round the door. "Harry, do you have a minute?"
Harry finished putting his clothes away, and straightened up. "Sure, Dan. What's up?"
Dan sat on the edge of the bed, and began to fidget. "Er... well... there's, um... there's something I was meaning to ask you, Harry. It's a... a delicate subject."
"Come on, Dan." Harry said casually. "I'm sure there's nothing that delicate."
Dan fidgeted, before looking up. "Well... given the disgusting child-abusers that you lived with before... I'm sure they didn't... er... well, I'm sure that no-one's ever told you... about the Birds and the Bees."
Harry's casual smile fell off his face, shattering on the floor, as a look of object horror replaced it. "Er... Mr. Granger, I really don't think that's necessary."
Dan raised his hands in a mollifying gesture. "I know it's uncomfortable, Harry... it needs to be done." He gritted his teeth. "You see, Harry-"
"I already know!" Harry blurted. "I know about the birds and the bees, Mr. Granger. Seriously, there's no need to have this conversation."
Dan leaned back, an eyebrow raised. "Well... I'll tell you what; you tell me what you think you know, and I'll correct you, okay?"
An evil smirk developed onto Harry's face, as he looked down on the man who, appearances aside, was only one third of his age. "Okay..."
Twenty minutes later, Dan replaced the lid on his pen. "They'll really let you do that?" He asked, looking down at the four pages of notes he'd made during the conversation.
"If you ask nicely." Harry replied, his evil smirk still firmly in place.
"And how do you know this?" Dan asked suddenly, looking up at his son-in-law-to-be.
"I read a lot, Dan." Harry replied cockily, grinning widely.
"No, seriously."
"Seriously, I do read a lot." And I did pretty much everything on that list with your daughter, who, although prim and proper in most things, is absolute filth in the sack. God... I miss her. "The rest is... well... that's a conversation for another time and a lot of Vodka."
Dan exhaled heavily. "Okay, then... tell me about your first time."
My first time? Does he know? Harry panicked. "Excuse me?"
"What are you gonna do during your first time?"
Holy shitballs..."Er... I don't know." The ability to apparate was simply not possible inside the dimensionally transcendental space of the Portkey Box, and Harry now wished, desperately, that it was possible.
"Indulge me."
Hermione cleared her throat as she reached for her cup of tea. A scream reverberated throughout the ship, prompting everyone assembled to draw their wands. Her hand flew to her mouth as she watched Harry bolt through the living room on his way to the console room. "He's mad!"
"Harry?"
"Y-Your dad... birds and bees... trauma..." Harry gasped, stumbling back as Dan entered the living room.
"Dad, what have you done?" Hermione demanded.
"I... I was just asking a question." Dan said innocently. "I didn't think he'd take it so badly."
"Daniel." Emma said sternly.
"I just thought I'd do a little education about the birds and the bees, is all." Dan said gently.
"First time..." Harry was still out of breath from his mad dash throughout the ship. "Questions..."
"Daniel!" Emma snapped. "Damn it, do we have to do this every Christmas?"
"Do what?" Augusta asked. "What the devil is going on?"
Dan quailed as he saw a number of powerful magic users holding their wands. "I... I was just asking a couple of questions."
"He's too young for his girlfriend's father to be raking him over the coals." Emma said firmly. "Just for that..." She turned to Harry. "Do you have a spare bedroom?"
"Several." Harry said slowly.
"Good." She turned back to her husband. "You'll be bunking alone tonight, Dan."
The days in the run-up to Christmas passed quickly. Harry was a charming host, and everyone felt belts and outfits become that little bit tighter when being pressed with such good food.
On Christmas Eve, Harry assembled everyone into the common area. "Okay, tomorrow morning, we'll be heading to London, so I can drop Neville and Augusta off at St. Mungo's for a couple of hours. While they're there, I'll be heading up to Godric's Hollow to lay some flowers. After that, we'll come back here and enjoy Christmas Dinner."
Emma scrunched up his face. "What's at Godric's Hollow?"
"My parents' graves." Harry said tightly. "No-one ever told me where they were before. I was planning on going and paying my respects."
"You've never been?" Susan asked, shocked. "Why not?"
"Two reasons." Harry said in a tightly controlled voice. "One, like I said, no-one told me where they were. Two, my... guardians at the time probably wouldn't piss on me if I was on fire. A trip from Surrey up to Wales? Not bloody likely. So, this will be the first time I've been.
"Hermione said she'll come with me in the morning." Harry concluded. "I won't be long while I'm there, though."
"It's fine, Harry." Amelia said. "If you don't mind, I would like to join you. I was an Auror with James back in the day. He was a good man."
"Thank you, Madam." Harry replied politely. "We'll be departing at nine to get Neville there for ten, and should be in Godric's Hollow about quarter past. Pick up the Longbottoms at Midday, then come back here. Have lunch at one." He glanced about. "Sound like a plan?"
A general chorus of 'ayes' was his response, and he nodded. "So mote it be."
Christmas morning dawned in the Rockies. Harry, of course, had been up since 5am, stuffing and part-cooking the turkey, and also bleeding off some fat for the potatoes. He'd peeled, chopped, stuffed, basted and diced for over an hour, and everything was prepared. All he needed to do was turn on the oven, and he was set.
He moved over to the hob, making sure the pans of vegetables were out of the way, and began grilling bacon and sausages. Several rounds of bread were loaded into the toaster, while the kettles were put on to boil.
Pretty soon, people began appearing in the dining room, washed and dressed for the day. Augusta and Neville were clad in Wizarding robes, ready to spend time with the fallen Longbottoms. Hermione, Amelia, Emma and Dan were dressed in suitable clothes to visit the cemetery, while Susan was clad in sweats and a thick woolly jumper. Luna was still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, while clutching onto her cutlery.
Harry began ferrying food into the dining room, the platters of bacon, sausages, eggs and a big tureen of baked beans, along with a plate of toast and two big jugs of tea and coffee.
Once breakfast was finished, Harry made sure everything was packed up, and set the ship in flight.
Harry knelt down in front of the tombstone, reaching out his hand and gently caressing the icy-cold stone. He traced the letters, absently noting that his vision was getting misty. He knew he was crying, and he didn't give a shit. After dropping the Longbottoms off, he'd headed straight for Godric's Hollow, finding the grave of the Potters in short order.
"This... it's quite a nice stone." He said, muffled. "Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad. I'm Harry."
Hermione sniffed suspiciously; this was a side of Harry she'd never seen before. He was letting his emotions run free, completely. On the other hand, she could see he was drawing strength from this encounter. She knelt next to him, placing the two pale pink roses on the grave.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter." She said softly. "I'm Hermione Granger."
"She's my best friend." Harry said suddenly. "She's my girlfriend. You'd like her, Mum. Brash, brainy, bookish and beautiful." His arm snaked around her shoulders. "She's also devious and twisted, Dad. You'd like her, too."
Hermione blushed. Yes, she was brash. She was certainly brainy, and if you looked up 'bookish' in the dictionary, you'd see it was spelt H-E-R-M-I-O-N-E. But beautiful? She conveniently ignored the devious and twisted comments, since she knew they were true. "I've heard a bit about you both." She said to the stone. "I think you'd be so proud of your son. He's a good man."
"Thanks." Harry mumbled. "I... I wish I'd known you. I've wanted to meet you... for so long. To talk about pranks with Dad. Discuss charms with you, Mum. Play Quidditch and read. Chase a stag around the house. So many things..."
Hermione leaned closer to Harry. "I... I wish I knew what to say to help, Harry." She whispered.
"You're here." Harry replied. "And that's enough, Hermione." Harry kissed his fingers before pressing them against the tombstone, and hauling himself to his feet, Hermione matching him at his side. He took a step back, watching Amelia step forward with a pair of yellow roses.
"Jimmy... Lils. I'm sorry I didn't come before now." She took a step back, not bothering to wipe away the tears in her eyes. "No-one knew where you were. Every year... on Halloween night, I look up at the stars, and I thank you for what you've done." She bowed her head for a moment, before looking up at Harry.
"Come on." He said, scrubbing his eyes on his sleeve. "Let's get back to the ship."
As Harry entered the Box, he looked over at the marker. The line is drawn. It shall not be crossed again. I won't let it.
After collecting Neville and Augusta, the group sat down to the table, and scarfed their way through nearly 80 kilos of high-quality food. Stumbling from the table, Harry set the dishes to wash themselves, before slumping onto the couch.
"It's official." He groaned. "I'm f'lup."
"If that means 'full up', then I'm right there with you." Hermione replied, her voice low. "I love Christmas, but I hate the pain from overeating a meal." She swatted Harry's arm pathetically. "Damn you, Harry, for making such good food."
"Sorry. I'll make gruel next time." Harry closed his eyes.
"Shouldn't we do the present ritual?" Neville asked, already beginning to doze.
"Later..." Harry mumbled as he, too, began to drift off.
"Harry?" Amelia asked, her eyes closed.
"Yeah?" He slurred.
"How did you get to be such a good cook? As I understand it in the Muggle world, it's generally the women who cook, not the men. Especially not young men."
"Didn't have a choice." Harry muttered. He never noticed Amelia's eyes opening, nor Dan and Emma gesturing to the elder woman to take a short walk.
When Harry awoke, his first priority was the bathroom. He needed to pee, quite desperately, and his mouth tasted absolutely vile. He quickly headed away, leaving the others youths sleeping on the couches.
Four minutes later, with a much smaller bladder and a minty-freshness, he ambled into the console room, wondering where the adults had got to.
He found them outside, sitting around the fire pit, each with another glass of wine.
"'Ello." He called out as he stepped through the doors. One look at their slightly guilty faces made him curious. "Well... this looks... uncomfortable."
Amelia looked at Harry sharply. "Why didn't you tell anyone what had happened to you?"
With a light glare at the Grangers, who flinched, Harry faced the director. "What could be done about it, Madam? The Wizarding world most likely wouldn't take any action because they're Muggles. Dumbledore would block any attempts, since he still wants to send me back to them, in the hope of resurrecting the blood wards, which I know don't work."
"He could be stopped." Augusta said sharply. "While he does have a large power-base in the Wizengamot, he's not infallible. Nor is he unbeatable."
Harry shook his head. "No, he's not unbeatable. I agree with that. But, in order for that concession to be made, he'd want me to give up my emancipation, and go and live with a family of his choice. And I'd bet two hundred galleons of mine to two Knuts of yours that I would end up spending time at the Dursleys'. No, it's over with. They managed to escape."
Amelia sighed angrily. "There must be something we can do."
Harry discretely cast a wandless warming charm on himself. "How much did Dan and Emma tell you?"
Augusta spoke up. "In basic terms, what you told them last Christmas, and also what you told them at your birthday party this summer. You predict that Voldemort will return, and you plan to be on the front lines of the upcoming war."
Harry nodded. "Correct."
"My niece has already pledged herself to your banner." Amelia said.
"As has Neville." Augusta added.
"And Hermione." Dan and Emma concluded.
"Yeah... they're good people." Harry said with a smile. "Now, for some reason, I seem to pick up magic fairly quickly, so I'm planning on training them in the fight. Occlumency first, then some basic spell-casting and duelling, all the while teaching them some physical fitness. Since I know that as the Director of the DMLE, you could get them underage exemptions from the Restriction, you could allow them to train at home during the summers."
Amelia's eyes narrowed. "Oh?"
Harry chuckled. "That's not why I invited you, ma'am. I don't want anything from you. The only benefit to me if the others have an exemption is that they'll be able to practice their spell-casting, and thus, have a chance at being safer. That is my goal. I want them to be safe and happy."
Augusta cleared her throat. "Have you claimed the Potter seat in the Wizengamot?"
"No." Harry said. "I really don't want to get involved in politics, ma'am. I simply don't have the patience for it, plus, I find it a bit boring."
"But by claiming your seat, you'd have access to the Ministry archives." Augusta pressed on. "Which means access to the Wizengamot library. Surely such a thing would be beneficial to you and your... mission."
"Not at the present time, ma'am." Harry said. "Besides, need a good foundation to build on before you look at the more advanced stuff. At the moment, I'm content to learn more myself, and teach my friends."
"And when the war comes?" Amelia asked.
"Then I shall fight." Harry replied firmly.
"And your friends?" Amelia pressed on doggedly.
"I hope they have the good sense to run like hell, ma'am." Harry said with a chuckle. "Being around me at that point will be dangerous. When Voldemort returns, he'll be coming for me. I'm an embarrassment to him. The 'Boy-Who-Lived' implies he failed, and that is something he will want to erase as soon as possible."
"We said we'll stand with you, Harry." Hermione said from the doorway. "We meant it, too."
"Longbottoms have always stood with the Potters, Harry." Neville said firmly. "It would be a disgrace to my parents, my grandmother, and nine centuries of Longbottoms for me to do otherwise. I'll have your back during the war, until I'm no longer capable of fighting." He snorted. "Besides, I owe Bellatrix."
"I owe it to my Mum and Dad." Susan whispered, but she could still be heard. "They gave their lives to stand against the Darkness, and I won't shame them by running away."
Luna was the last to speak. "You need me, Harry."
"I need all of you," He said softly, "but that doesn't mean I want you hurt. Same for Blaise and Padma. You don't know... you can't know what's coming..."
"I have a pretty good idea." Amelia said sharply. "Do you know when this will begin?"
"Not... not exactly." Harry said diplomatically. "I think, though, then when it does begin, we'll get a very clear sign."
Amelia nodded slowly, allowing that subject to rest for a time. "Tell me about the Chamber of Secrets."
Harry blinked. "Er... what about it?"
"Tell me what you know." Amelia said firmly. "I understand that you have a rather large dose of knowledge about Hogwarts."
With a shrug, Harry replayed the conversation Binns had first given. "According to official records, there is no Chamber of Secrets. In reality, when Hogwarts was built, the argument that drove Salazar Slytherin from the school was that he believed that First-Generation witches and wizards should be taken from their families and raised exclusively in the magical world. This was for protection. The other three founders didn't agree, and Slytherin left."
"And?" Amelia asked.
"And before he left, Slytherin built a secret chamber, where he housed a 'monster'. We now know that the 'monster' is a basilisk. That basilisk would be used if the school were in danger to purge those who are 'unworthy'."
Emma's eyes narrowed. "Didn't you say that people nowadays think that Muggleborns are unworthy?"
"Now, yes. But not then." Harry said. "The 'unworthy' back in the tenth century was non-magical people who'd invaded Hogwarts intent on destruction."
"Don't you think that's a little harsh?" Emma asked.
"No, not really." Harry said. "I'm 'unworthy' of trying to perform a tooth extraction in your practice, Emma, since I'm not a qualified dentist. I'm 'unworthy' of trying to arrest people for Madam Bones since I'm not an Auror. In that case, Emma, you'd call the police to have me removed. Madam Bones would have one of her Aurors arrest me. Back in the tenth century, there weren't any police, not really. So, they had to fight for themselves."
"And this basilisk has become active?" Augusta asked. "Why hasn't Dumbledore notified anyone of this?"
"That, ma'am, I couldn't say." Harry said. "However, we don't believe that the basilisk itself has become active. We believe that there's someone behind the scenes, pulling the strings."
"And what led you to this conclusion?" Amelia asked.
"The writing, ma'am." Harry said. "When we found the first petrified being, in this case, Filch's cat, there was writing on the wall, in blood. Last time I checked, snakes couldn't write."
"Have there been any other attacks?" Amelia asked, whipping out a small notebook and a biro.
"Two other attacks, Auntie." Susan spoke up. "Colin Creevey, a first year, was found petrified, by Harry. There was an attempt on Justin Finch-Fletchley. Harry was able to stop that attack. Now-Headless Nick was attacked, though. Madam Pomfrey had to take him to the hospital wing."
Amelia nodded. "You were at the scene for the first attack, found the second victim, and stopped the third. If I was paranoid-"
"Don't!" Susan snapped. "He was with us for the first. Besides, he's already told us that the Heir of Slytherin is Voldemort."
"Is..." Amelia was nibbling her bottom lip in thought. "Tell me about Quirrell, Harry."
"Voldemort had possessed him, ma'am, but a full physical possession. It included a manifestation of Voldemort's face on the back of Quirrell's head. Because of the blood protection from my mother, Quirrell couldn't stand to be touched by me. When he attacked me, I placed my hands on either side of his face. He burned. Voldemort escaped as a spirit."
Amelia nodded. "Is it possible that the spirit is possessing someone else? The same way he did Quirrell?"
Harry's eyebrow arched up. "I never thought of that." And he hadn't needed to, really, since he already knew that Ginny was being possessed by the Horcrux, but it was still a good thought. "I don't think so, though. No-one else is hiding themselves that way. If it is possession, then it's not the same as Quirrell."
"Has anyone checked the wards?" Augusta asked. "From my understanding, the wards surrounding Hogwarts scan every object going in and out. Surely someone bringing something dark in could be investigated."
"You'd have to ask the Headmaster about that." Harry said. "While I am an heir myself, I don't have access to the wards." He closed his eyes. "I could possibly ask the school if there's anyone being possessed, but she doesn't have to answer me."
"'Ask the school'?" Dan asked. "How can you ask the school?"
Harry grinned. "After ten centuries of ambient magic and the emotional upheaval of so many teenagers, the castle's almost alive. She even has a name. 'Arx Accipio'. Fortress of Learning. Still, the Headmaster is the one who'd be able to check more thoroughly than I could."
Augusta glanced at Amelia, who nodded. "Then when we return to Britain, we shall ask him. I don't like the idea that he hasn't notified the board of governors, nor the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She thought for a moment. "Harry, do you need a contact in the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures? I know a man in there."
Harry slowly shook his head. "I don't think so, ma'am. I'm hopeful that the situation can be resolved peacefully."
"And how do you propose that?"
"Well, I'm hoping that if I ask the basilisk to stop, they will."
"You're... you're a Parselmouth?"
§I am indeed.§ Harry hissed.
Both Augusta and Amelia flinched slightly, before realising that they looked like idiots doing so, especially when they saw the other for children smirking at them.
"Don't laugh." Amelia moaned. "You have no idea how frightening it is facing a Parselmouth in a fight. You never know what they're gonna throw at you."
"True." Harry said. "But, I'm hopeful that I can stop the basilisk from any more attacks. Just need to find the damned thing first. Unfortunately, practically no-one knows where the Chamber of Secrets is. When it's found, then we can proceed."
Amelia nodded, before moving on to her next point. "What're your views on the Dark Arts, Harry?"
"Well... Hang on a minute... am I being interviewed, Director?" Harry looked up at her, his eyes narrowed.
"Maybe a little bit." Amelia admitted shamelessly.
"Auntie!" Susan snapped.
"It's okay, Sue." Harry said, holding up his hand. "I understand." He smiled at Amelia. "Devious and sneaky, ma'am. You must have been a Slytherin."
"Hufflepuff, actually." Amelia replied. "And you didn't answer the question."
"No, I didn't." Harry nodded. "Very well. The Dark Arts... is a bit of a wrong name. I could find a use for almost every Dark Arts spell, ma'am. Oddly enough, most of them in cooking."
"Cooking?" Amelia asked, completely surprised by the answer. "Dark Arts Cooking?"
"Yes, ma'am. That's where most of them were invented for anyway." Harry said. "Take... take the blood removal curse. When it's performed on a person, they die within six minutes. When it's performed on a dead animal, it helps to prepare them for cooking. It was designed as an abattoir spell."
"Really?" Amelia asked.
"Yeah. In non-magical abattoirs, the dead carcass is hung in the air with their throat slit, allowing the blood to drain out. Magicals don't do that. They simply vanish the blood. The Excorio Tergum spell, which is horrific when used on a person to remove their skin, neatly removes the pelt off an animal. The Cruciatus can be used to restart a stopped heart. The Imperius can be used for dentistry. The AK can be used to kill animals in the abattoir. It's all intent, ma'am."
"There are some spells which have no light use, Harry."
"True. Those don't necessarily make them dark, though. I could use a tickling curse to drive someone to insanity. There is no truly dark magic." He sighed. "Besides, most of the grey spells you're talking about were designed for a specific reason. The blood-boiling curse is excellent against vampires. Won't kill them, but it will stop them. The blood-to-stone curse is another one. Again, excellent against vampires, and possibly feral werewolves."
"Have you ever used any Dark spells?"
Harry sucked air through his teeth. "Once, ma'am. The Cruciatus. I was attacked by a wild dog. I hit it for less than a second. It gave me time to get away from it." And it was true, as well. Bellatrix LeStrange was a mad dog, and that second of Crucio had allowed him to get away from her. True, it was because Voldemort turned up, but still...
Amelia nodded. "I've been hit by the Cruciatus myself. It hurts. A lot. I would advise not using it if there are other spells available."
"Understood, ma'am." Harry said. "Other than that, I haven't even tried to use an Unforgiveable. They're a little too easy to get used to."
Again, Amelia scribbled something in her little notebook. "What's your ultimate goal in life, Harry?"
"Destroy Voldemort. Destroy the corruption in the Ministry and the Wizengamot. Have as many children as I can." He glanced at Hermione, who was blushing on his last comment. "Live a long, healthy and happy life with my family."
Amelia nodded, closed her notebook, and slipped it back into her pocket. "Goals I agree with and support. You have my allegiance, Lord Potter."
"Thank you." Harry said, bowing slightly. "Now... who's up for throwing presents at each other?"