Chapter 5
Cornelius had sent Dumbledore away with a flea in his ear, and it felt really good. Amelia had briefed him on what she was proposing, the reason she gave for her actions simply terrified the Minister of Magic. Harry Potter was being forced to compete in a ministry sponsored tournament that could see the lad terribly injured or, Merlin forbid, something a tad more permanent. He was also forcibly reminded by Amelia why the tournament was originally stopped, and why it was now deemed strictly for adults only. The head of the DMLE had then posed the question, should any harm befall the boy-who-lived, who would the public blame for such a catastrophe?
The minister had visions of the lad's broken body being savaged by that dragon, and the wizarding public serving up one Cornelius Fudge as its next meal. An auror guard to watch the lad's back and help train him for the remaining two tasks suddenly sounded a wonderful idea to the minister. That Harry Potter didn't feel safe inside Hogwarts and the ministry was coming to his aid is certainly a policy Cornelius wanted his name associated with.
He'd been against this stupid tournament from the start but Dumbledore had spouted on about the spirit of international co-operation and, as usual, gotten his own way. Well the great Albus Dumbledore didn't get his way today, the Minister of Magic had put him in his place. If the headmaster couldn't keep Harry Potter safe, the ministry would. Dumbledore would just have to suck on one of those infernal lemon drops he was so found of, since he would find no comfort at the ministry over this matter.
-oOoOo-
Harry sat there, not knowing what to think. Hermione appeared to be in the same state of mind as him so he glanced around the room for some inspiration. Tonks was clearly worried, she'd gone out on a limb for him and was awaiting his reaction. Dan and Emma seemed quite happy at the news, he would have to think that one over later. His initial reaction was to start ranting and raving about people attempting to arrange his life for him, that approach would do no good here though. There was also the fact that he'd never been happier than he was at the moment, that would certainly be reflected in his answer.
Madam Bones though was waiting to hear that answer, he didn't want to keep her waiting any longer.
"Let me see if I've got this right. Tonks is going to come to Hogwarts with me on security detail? She'll attend our classes and sit with me at meals, we'll also have our own accommodation?"
"Yes, she can't protect you in the Gryffindor dorm without sleeping at the bottom of the stairs, not something I'm prepared to ask her to do. You will still be able to frequent the common room, and invite any of your friends back to your new accommodation."
Harry now looked toward Hermione to give her his thoughts. "I won't have to listen to Ron and Neville snore, I also can't wait to see Snape's face our first potions class. Want to take a guess how many points he takes off me?"
Hermione smiled at the truth behind that last remark, she also gave her boyfriend her thoughts on the matter. "We'll still get to see each other just as often only now we have an auror to help us with training. You'll get flack off certain sections of the school but then again, you usually get that anyway."
Harry had another thought. "I can't even be accused of using Tonks to cheat in class, I don't have any exams to sit this year."
Tonks visibly relaxed as Harry warmed to the idea. She would apologise in private later for not telling him before now. She wasn't sure if her boss would go for the initial idea, or if it was even possible.
Amelia was also pleased at how things were working out. "I would like to collect you the day before you're due to return and we can travel to Hogwarts by Portkey. That will give you a chance to settle in to your new arrangements, and also allows us to visit the chamber of secrets. That reminds me, do you still have that diary?"
"I gave it to Dobby, we used it to free the little guy from Lucius Malfoy since I hid a sock inside it. Would you like me to call him?"
Dobby couldn't stand still, he was so happy to be in Harry's presence again. His mood changed though when he was asked the question. "Dobby, do you still have that diary?"
His ears folded down the side of his head as the little elf gave the appearance of a naughty puppy. "No Harry Potter, the headmaster asked Dobby for that diary when Dobby began working at Hogwarts."
The word 'Dumbledore' was uttered by Amelia, though it sounded more like a growl. She then explained to the company the reason for her reaction. "I asked him if he had the diary, the old fox said that he gave it to Harry. He didn't lie, just didn't tell me that it was once more in his possession. The man is infuriating to deal with, I must have asked twenty questions today yet left there no wiser than when I entered his office."
"Dobby, could you get it back?"
The little elf hated disappointing anyone, but especially the wizard who set him free. "Dobby is sorry Harry Potter sir. As Dobby works for Hogwarts, Dobby is not allowed to do anything the headmaster doesn't want done."
Harry was beginning to understand that with Dobby, it was sometimes what he wasn't saying that you needed to pay attention to. "Could you get the diary if you worked for someone else, and that someone else asked you to? Would you like to work for someone else?"
"Dobby would love to work for someone else, is Harry Potter wishing for an elf?"
"Well, it would get us the diary and..."
Harry never got to say any more as Dobby pounced on him, hugging his legs. All saw the spark of magic that passed between them before a beaming Dobby disappeared.
Hermione asked the question that she feared the answer to. "What just happened there?"
Tonks was trying to contain her laughter. "It would seem your little elf friend learned his lesson well. You helped Dobby trick himself free from Lucius Malfoy, he just tricked Harry into being his new family."
Before any more could be said, Dobby returned with the diary. Harry took it and passed the ruined book over to Madam Bones. "Does Dumbledore know you took the diary back?"
Dobby had a little twinkle in his large eyes. "Was Dobby supposed to let the headmaster know Dobby took his property back?"
This time Tonks couldn't hold her laughter. "Oh Dobby, you're sure going to liven things up around here."
Wearing a large smile, Dobby disappeared to begin working for his new family.
Emma had waited long enough. "Will someone please tell me what just happened, preferably in words I can understand?"
"Well Emma, I think you're going to enjoy your holiday even more now. Dobby is a house elf who enjoys looking after his family. As Harry is staying here, the little guy will be looking after everyone. Cooking, cleaning, ironing, you name it, Dobby will take care of it."
Emma's jaw was almost on the floor at these remarks from Tonks. "You mean Dobby is a magical servant, like a cook or a butler, and he now works for Harry?"
Tonks thought she would let Emma's analogy stand so just nodded her agreement.
They were drawn out of their discussion by Amelia calling Dumbledore every name she could think of. Her wand was in her hand and her scan of the diary was obviously responsible for her outburst. "Excuse me folks, that old man has a lot to answer for. This diary reeks of a dark magical residue. It should have been thoroughly investigated, not kept hidden from the ministry. I need to get this to the department of mysteries. I think it would be far better if Dumbledore didn't know we had this until we can investigate the diary fully."
Neither of the teens disagreed with that opinion as Amelia excused herself, leaving to pass the diary on. She already knew who T.M. Riddle was, thanks to Harry, and had no intention of delaying. That Dumbledore had this for eighteen months and done nothing was the main reason for her earlier outburst.
Before leaving, Amelia apologised for not being able to do more for Sirius. "The evidence against him may be all circumstantial, but it's pretty damming. Linked with the fact that he escaped from Azkaban, something that's never been done before, I just couldn't convince Fudge there may have been a miscarriage of justice. Without Pettigrew, his position won't shift."
Both Harry and Hermione had seen Fudge that night Sirius was supposed to be kissed, they expected no other answer.
The minute Amelia left, Tonks then attempted to apologise to Harry. "I'm really sorry Harry, I didn't know if Madam Bones would go for it but I should have spoken to you first."
Harry recognised what Tonks was doing and stopped her. "People normally pull these things so I'll do what they want me to do. You are trying to help, and are prepared to give up months of your time to do so. That means a lot to me Tonks, thanks."
There was something Emma wanted to ask, and now seemed like the best time. "Does this mean you won't be deliberately losing your magic Harry?"
Harry could see the hope in her eyes, the same shade of brown eyes that he had fallen in love with. He hated to disappoint her but had to be honest. "Nothing has really changed, other than I will have Tonks and Hermione watching my back now. We got one over on Dumbledore this time but that would mainly be due to surprise, it won't happen again. Madam Bones might be able to swing ministry protection for me now, that ministerial support would vanish if I attempted to leave Hogwarts."
Hermione snuggled into Harry, she knew he was right. "He was almost killed in the last task, and no one expects the remaining two to be any easier. Dumbledore will still be controlling everything, Snape will still be sniping away while McGonagall continues to do her best ostrich impression and buries her head in the sand. Having Tonks with us should make what Harry plans to do easier."
Harry had a thought though. "Will you get into any trouble when I don't compete in the next task? Maybe this isn't such a good idea after all, it could ruin your career?"
"The confidentiality clause should protect me, and I'll have Amelia Bones in my corner. I should be ok."
At that Dobby popped back in "Harry Potter sir, Dobby has prepared lunch for you and your Grangers in the dining room."
This was met by stunned silence, until Emma shot off the sofa and headed for the dining room. Seeing everything laid out, and the room shining like a new pin, took her breath away. "Dobby, this is fantastic. Do you want to cook our Christmas Dinner too?"
This was exactly the right thing to say, the elf was bouncing up and down with excitement. One mouthful of food and Dan was almost joining him. His wife was many things, a wonderful cook was not one of them though. The meal was so good, he even decided not to tease Harry about the 'your Grangers' comment. Dobby could call him whatever the hell he liked as long as he kept cooking food like this.
Emma was, if anything, happier than her husband. Not only did she not have to cook, the dishes disappeared as soon as the plates were empty. This was shaping up to be a very merry Christmas.
Hermione wanted to sound off at Harry about the Dobby situation but bit her tongue. Harry was clearly blameless, the elf in question was ecstatic and both her parents appeared delighted with what had happened. Harry now had a bodyguard and an elf to take care of him. With only her parents' signatures needed for her to become betrothed to Harry, she had no intention of saying the slightest thing that might hamper their decision.
-oOoOo-
Minerva McGonagall wasn't having a very merry Christmas, nor was she burying her head in the sand. No, the head of Gryffindor was no ostrich, the big problem being she knew exactly what was going on. That was why she was currently trying to climb inside a bottle of single malt Scotch whisky.
The witch had taken Amelia's verbal lashing personally today, Minerva knew she deserved it. She could also trace her current troubles back to a single event. A certain cat had spent the day on Privet Drive, even one day was enough to see that this would be totally the wrong environment to leave the recently orphaned Potter baby.
Albus Dumbledore didn't listen to her, Albus never listened to her, so a baby was left on a doorstep. She didn't want Harry anywhere near this competition either but was again overruled. There was no way of dressing the facts up, she had failed Harry Potter at every turn since that night. Hard as that was to swallow, that was not the reason she was hitting the bottle.
No, what was really eating the proud witch alive was that she was going to continue failing the lad. Albus obviously had plans for the boy, plans that she wasn't privy too. She had placed her trust in Albus many, many years ago and she couldn't change now. To do so would be to admit that for all those years she had been wrong. She had to hope that Albus had it all figured out and it would make sense in the end, that didn't make the now any easier though.
-oOoOo-
Harry was fairly racking up the new experiences, and tonight was certainly one of them. He'd just entered his room after accompanying the Grangers to the midnight Christmas Eve service at their local church. The service was beautiful, and he discovered Hermione had a lovely singing voice. Dobby had mugs of cocoa, with tiny mallows floating on top, waiting on them as they came home.
He was just about to get ready for bed when there was a quiet knock on his door. Harry expected Tonks, or even Hermione, not Dan and Emma.
"We'll only keep you a moment Harry, Dan had something to say and it just couldn't wait."
Harry didn't think Hermione's father would wait until now to have their chat, he was right.
"Harry, I don't think I've ever seen Hermione happier. As a parent, that's exactly what you want for your child. What we're here for now is to make her happier still. I think we all know what Hermione really wants for Christmas, the deal is though that we need to be there when you give it to her?"
Harry wasn't sure what Dan meant, and was too embarrassed to say so, until Emma took a familiar document from behind her back. Last time he'd seen it was when Emma hid it in her kitchen so Madam Bones wouldn't discover the letter from Sirius.
"Dan and I had a discussion earlier, we both signed this..."
Emma was cut off from saying any more as Harry grabbed her in a hug, realising he was wrapped around the wrong Granger girl, Harry jumped back to find Dan waiting with his hand outstretched. It was quickly grasped and all Harry could say was 'thank you'. He said it so many times that Dan and Emma left his room laughing.
Harry immediately turned to his familiar. "Hey girl, fancy a flight to Gringotts? I want this registered as soon as possible, just in case someone decides to try and stop it."
Harry eventually went to bed though he didn't expect to get much sleep, he was far too excited for that. This was easily going to be his best Christmas ever before Hermione's parents paid him a late night visit. Now, it was going to be the best day of his life.
-oOoOo-
Ron Weasley woke on Christmas morning to the dorm being busier than at any other Christmas he had spent at Hogwarts. He soon realised something was missing, or rather someone. He glanced up at the smart dress robes that we're hanging from his four poster and knew what was missing. He'd spent the last three Christmases with Harry, but now the bed next to him was empty.
He resolved to try and fix his friendship with his two best friends, he might even write to them tomorrow and tell them how he got on at the ball. That was for later though, now there were presents that needed opening.
-oOoOo-
Harry must have eventually fallen asleep, he surmised this since he was woken by a large pair of eyes staring into his from a distance of about two inches away.
"Merry Christmas Harry Potter sir, Dobby is wanting to give Harry Potter his present now?"
Harry found a garishly wrapped present pushed into his chest, he reached for his glasses before beginning to open his first present of the day.
Dobby couldn't contain his excitement, this was also the first present the little elf had ever given. "Dobby bought the wool from his wages at Hogwarts, Dobby knitted them himself."
Harry found a pair of socks inside the wrapping paper. Pair though only referred to there being two of them, since one was green and the other blue. Both though had Golden Snitches embroidered all over them. They were so Dobby that Harry loved them, his wide smile made the little guy's day.
He also knew the perfect present to give him back. Tonks and Hermione had originally gotten him to buy these for a laugh, he would be wearing his 'Dobby' socks today though and knew the elf would love these.
"Sorry Dobby but I haven't had time to wrap them yet."
Dobby stared at the gift in awe. The socks were bright green but covered in white geometric shapes to represent snowflakes. The reindeer face on each sock brought tears of joy to Dobby. When Harry pressed the figure, there was a tiny red light that illuminated the reindeer's nose and music played too. Dobby thought they were the finest pair of socks he'd ever laid eyes on. That Harry Potter was giving them to Dobby as a gift overwhelmed the little guy's emotions.
Once Harry managed to talk Dobby down, the little guy left to get things ready for his family on this special day. The excitement was also running riot through Harry's veins and he knew it would be pointless to return to bed. Deciding to get an early start, he headed for the shower.
Excitement was running high in the entire Granger household too so when Harry left the bathroom, Hermione was standing waiting on him. A Christmas kiss later, Hermione slipped in to have her own shower while Harry headed downstairs. Dan and Emma were already up, wishing Harry a Merry Christmas.
"We usually have breakfast before exchanging gifts, is this ok with you?"
Harry could only nod in answer to Dan's question, before attending Hogwarts he never got any presents.
Emma seemed to be about as hyper as Dobby. "We just entered the kitchen this morning and our tea appeared on the table, just as we like it too! How much does it cost to hire an elf?"
"I have no idea, Dooby and I never actually got around to working out any details."
The real reason for all the excitement was soon revealed. "I just can't wait to see Hermione's reaction when you give her the present she wants?"
This had the two males smiling as they awaited Hermione's arrival so breakfast could begin. She actually descended the stairs with Tonks in tow, the auror was originally going to hang back and let the family have their time together. Hermione was having none of that. They were going to be spending a lot of time together so Tonks had better get used to being treated as one of the family. Harry had also slipped Hermione money to get Tonks a Christmas present while she shopped in Diagon Alley.
Dobby's breakfast just wasn't done justice as everyone had their mind on other things. It was soon time to open presents and Hermione did the honours by handing them out. Tonks was surprised to receive a gift, she was amazed after unwrapping it.
"Harry, Hermione, this is too much!"
"Being my bodyguard, you'll probably need it at some point. In fact I think both Hermione and I should get one too!"
Emma thought that the clearly animal hide jacket was beautiful, if a bit strange. There was obviously something else going on though by the way Tonks was holding it. "That's gorgeous, what type of jacket is it?"
The auror was running her hand across what was once a Chinese Fireball, also worth a good few months wages to her. "This is dragon hide Emma. Not only is it beautiful, it's the equivalent of a bullet proof vest. Madam Bones has been trying to make dragon skin vests standard auror issue but the minister keeps blocking it because of the expense."
Emma just had to touch the hide, that it came from a real dragon was fascinating to the dentist. This was like touching another world.
Dan though was agreeing with Harry. "After listening to some of your stories, I think you and Hermione both wearing something that could protect you is a brilliant idea."
Hermione handed her parents a gift from Harry and they were suddenly wary of opening it. From Tonks' reaction, her gift, while practical, was also obviously expensive. They were worried that Harry had gone over the top. Emma was relieved and delighted to open an exquisite snow globe, she was thanking Harry until Hermione asked her to sit it on the table. When her daughter touched the snow globe with her wand, it increased in size until it was about the diameter of a basketball. Both parents also noticed that the scene inside was still snowing without it being shaken, it was clearly a magical item.
"Mum, dad, that's Hogwarts castle."
Hermione began pointing out specific parts of the castle like Gryffindor tower to her shocked parents, when evening fell inside the globe and the castle lights began to come on, Emma had to hug the boy who bought them this wonderful gift.
"Hermione has described Hogwarts to us many times but this makes all those descriptions come alive. Thank you Harry, it's beautiful!"
The three who'd conspired to find the right balance of gift were now feeling pretty smug with themselves.
When Harry opened his present from Hermione, it was his chin's turn to hit the floor. The last time he'd been this close to Hungarian Horntail, it was trying to kill him.
"If Tonks needs one of these, then you certainly do too! I also think you'll look great in it."
Hermione expected grief from her parents later for emptying out her savings account to buy Harry's gift, she thought the peace of mind it would give her was well worth it. She didn't know what they had planned and there would be no grief coming from them today.
She was delighted with the two books Harry bought her but loved his surprise of a necklace, the two entwined gold H's we're beautiful. Harry put it on her neck before providing a gentle kiss on her lips. It was time.
"I have one more surprise for you Hermione, it was a surprise for me too." Harry removed a very recognisable ring box from his pocket.
Hermione's eyes were like saucers as she stared at Harry, his slight nod had her jumping on him before untangling herself and launching at her parents. She was doing her best Dobby impression by bouncing up and down with excitement while squealing 'thank you' between breaths. Tonks was hugging Harry in congratulations and there were beaming smiles everywhere.
Hermione returned to Harry and took a deep, calming breath. "I'm ready Harry." He took the ring out the box and slipped it on her finger as she spoke the required words. "While I wear this ring, I will consider no other."
She was smiling while removing Harry's matching ring from the box. When he repeated the same phrase as the ring was placed on his finger, there was a spark of magic that jumped between both bands and their betrothal was sealed. The rings resized to fit snugly but neither Harry nor Hermione noticed, they were too wrapped up in each other. When Emma and Dan then joined in the hug, Tonks was left standing until Harry reached a hand out to her.
"Since Sirius can't be here, you can stand in for him." There was hardly a dry eye in the house but it was at this moment that Harry had a thought. "Dobby?"
-oOoOo-
Sirius had made his way to Hogsmead, he wanted to be closer to Harry since he had a bad feeling about this bloody tournament. Padfoot was currently curled up in a cave, trying to keep warm against the harsh Scottish winter and ignore the hunger pangs. Bad as things were, this was still his best Christmas for over a decade. Sirius was sure he was going to have to find a better food source than rats though, they were beginning to seriously affect his mind.
His eyes were telling him that the strangest house elf they'd ever seen had just popped into the cave, his ears were informing him that the little guys socks were playing 'Rudolf the red nosed reindeer'. It was his nose though that had his mouth watering, it was screaming that there was roast turkey in the basket that the elf had in his hands.
"Mr Black sir, I is being Dobby. Your godson said Dobby had to wish you a Merry Christmas."
A shaggy black dog transformed into a shaggy Sirius Black. "You know Harry?"
The elf seemed to stand taller at that question, though the effect was ruined for Sirius by the musical socks that had tiny red flashing lights on them. "Dobby is Harry Potter's elf, come to give a present to his godfather."
"How did you find me Dobby?"
"A good elf can always find his master's family. You is Harry Potter's family. This is for you."
The basket enlarged and Sirius noticed it also contained other items as well as the delicious smelling food. There were changes of clothing, including what looked like a warm jacket. Even a sleeping bag had been included, this was sheer luxury to the former prisoner of Azkaban and it now looked like he was set for a merry Christmas after all.
"Once Harry Potter's Grangers knew Dobby could find you, they added many things to the basket. Mr Granger is not much bigger than you."
Sirius couldn't contain himself any longer and was chomping on a leg of turkey while trying to digest what Dobby was saying. "Does that mean that Harry is staying with Hermione's folks?"
Dobby nodded vigorously, causing his ears to flap in time to the music. "Harry Potter is spending the holidays with his betrothed's family and auror Tonks."
Sirius wasn't sure whether it was the word auror or the name Tonks that had the turkey sticking in his throat. He was quickly searching in the basket for something to wash the turkey down with when he couldn't believe his luck, someone had very generously slipped a few beers into the basket too.
As the blockage was soon clear, there was something Sirius just had to ask the strange little elf, the music was already driving him nuts. "Dobby, what's the deal with the socks?"
Dobby's large eyes went a little misty as he answered. "Harry Potter gave them to Dobby as a Christmas present, Dobby thinks they are wonderful."
Sirius couldn't really argue with the devotion the elf obviously had to his godson, he then started asking all about what was happening in Harry's life while forcing himself to take his time and at least chew his food. Discovering that the auror Dobby had mentioned actually was a member of his family pleased him greatly. His mother would be turning in her grave at the thought of another member of her family working as an auror.
Dobby was delighted to sit and chat about his favorite subject, Harry Potter. He was quite happy to sit and talk for hours about the boy who had saved him, he would know instantly if someone back home needed Dobby. The elf was also having a great Christmas.
-oOoOo-
Ronald Weasley had a shitty Christmas. With no one really to talk to, he'd hung out with the twins. Fred and George were looking forward to the ball but were certain any attempts to spike the punch would be thwarted. They came to the brilliantly simple decision of drinking their illicit booze before they went. Ron then made his first monumental mistake of the day, he joined his brothers and Lee in drinking the afternoon away.
Ron arrived at the ball looking good in Harry's robes and, with his date on his arm, feeling wonderful. It all went rapidly downhill from there. The alcohol began to really affect him during the meal, causing Ron to throw up over his now sobbing date. A raging McGonagall led him away and hours later he woke on his bed with a splitting headache. With no idea of the time, Ron staggered down to the common room hopping he could gauge just how much trouble he was in. When he found Neville kissing his sister, all hell broke loose.
He was now lying in bed on Boxing Day morning with a black eye, courtesy of Neville, and that was before Ginny got her wand out from wherever she had stashed it. McGonagall had to once more intercede in a Weasley family fight and Ron thought he might have managed to accrue enough detentions to see him through until Easter.
For the first time he could ever remember Ron didn't want to go down to breakfast, and it wasn't just the after effects of the alcohol. The entire house had rallied behind Neville and Ginny meaning no one would be talking to Ron, though Malfoy would be sure to have something to say on the matter. He also didn't need his classes in divination to know with utter certainty that he would be receiving a howler from his mother in the very near future.
Ron was getting a glimpse of what his life would be without Harry and Hermione in it, he didn't like it one bit. There would need to be some ground made up if Ron wanted them both to be his friends again but he swore to try his hardest to accomplish that. He just hoped that they would want him back, and that they were having a better Christmas than he was.
-oOoOo-
Hermione was also lying in bed on Boxing Day morning, her mood though was the polar opposite of Ron's. Every time she looked at the ring Harry had placed on her finger, her entire face broke into a wide grin. She could quite happily spend the entire day glancing at it, just to confirm their betrothal was real. Hermione was drawn out of her day dreaming by the sound of Tonks loudly swearing up a storm, she was out her bed with her wand in her hand in a second.
Harry was ahead of her though and she also heard her parents' door opening just as he got to the auror's room. A clearly raging Tonks was sitting on the bed with today's issue of the Prophet open in her hands. She looked at Harry before filling him in.
"Rita strikes again. What I wouldn't give to get something on that bitch."
She handed the offending newspaper to the other four who were now in her room, the headlines said it all really.
Boy-who-couldn't-be-bothered
The article went on to vilify Harry for ignoring a prestigious ministry event, and wizarding traditions, to spend the holidays with his muggle-born girlfriend in the muggle world. Rita didn't come right out and say it but any reader would be left with the impression that Hermione was a bad influence on their savior, and that a pureblood princess needed to be quickly found for the famous young wizard.
Dan was raging at another attack on his daughter. "I can't believe that Harry not going to a ball is front page news. I also can't believe that this bitch would pull this shit again after Amelia had gone to the paper over their last article."
Harry had his arms around his betrothed and a wicked smile on his face. "You just gave me an idea Dan, I think it's time to start using my fame to help us. Hermione is the only girl for me, and I'm not about to stand about with my hands in my pockets while the Prophet attacks her."
Sirius and Remus would have recognised the look on Harry's face, James Potter used the very same expression before pulling a big prank. "The book Madam Bones sent me on wizarding customs, traditions and laws is brilliant. I'm going to blast Skeeter right out the water and use her own printed words to do it. Hermione love, would you help me write a letter to the editor?"
She glanced once more at the ring her betrothed had placed on her finger before answering. "After breakfast Harry, Skeeter's not worth missing a meal over."
A/N This chapter fought me tooth and nail with every sentence a battle. I have no explanation for this as I pretty much have the story mapped out in my head. I would also like to answer a question generated from chapter 5. When Lucius presented Dobby with the sock-containing diary, he had no intention of setting the elf free. Dobby though had other ideas and used the laws of magic to his advantage. The little guy is also smart enough to know that Harry intended the socks as a gift to a friend, and happily accepted them as such. My version of Dobby would need to be restrained while Harry rammed clothes down his throat, telling him to bugger off and never return, before the elf would even consider leaving. Hope that helps.
Chapter 6
It would be fair to say that Harry's letter to the Prophet caused more than one person in the magical community to choke on their cornflakes that morning, this was especially noticeable inside Hogwarts. The headmaster may have appeared angry but that was only until your eyes caught sight of the head of Slytherin. Snape reminded the Gryffindors of Neville's cauldron during potions, right before it exploded and sprayed everyone with his latest disaster.
Ron was oblivious to most of this as the sausage, bacon and eggs currently on his plate demanded his full attention. It was only when Ginny slapped a copy of the Prophet in front of him that he got the message.
"This may give you some idea of how big a prat you've been when you need to read about your two best friends in the Prophet." She returned to sit beside Neville, allowing Ron time to read the revelations that had so shocked everyone else.
Open Letter to the Prophet, from Harry J. Potter
I am taking this unusual step because I am sick of the sniping, innuendo and outright lies printed about me and my life, I wanted to take this opportunity to set the record straight. In my entire life I have only spoken to one reporter, and then only the once. Since Miss Skeeter ignored everything I said and just wrote whatever she wanted to, anything you have ever read about me should be taken with a discerning pinch of salt. In this letter I intend only to comment on the recent events in my life, I have no intention of writing a book.
Did I miss the ball at Hogwarts? Yes. Was this a deliberate snub to the ministry and wizarding traditions? No.
For whatever reason, I was raised as a muggle and didn't know about our world until Hagrid appeared with my Hogwarts letter on my eleventh birthday. I am only now beginning to get my head around our society, and the part the Potter family should play in it. If my lack of knowledge saw me unintentionally snub anyone then I unreservedly apologise.
I did not enter the Tri-Wizard tournament but am being forced to compete because of a magically binding contract, this contract did not cover the ball that was sprung on us at the last minute. It is one thing to keep secrets in order to surprise people, it's quite another not to take into account that those same people might have made other plans. Instead of attending the ball, I spent Christmas Day partaking in a far older, and definitely more relevant wizarding custom.
Miss Granger and I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce our betrothal. I hope you will understand that to me, meeting her family and gaining their blessing was far more important than any ball.
As to my supposed snubbing of the ministry, nothing could be further from the truth. On our return to Hogwarts, I shall be leading the Minister of Magic and the head of the DMLE down into the Chamber of Secrets. That incident has never been properly investigated by the ministry and both appear quite keen to see the basilisk I slew there.
I was hesitant to write this letter because, after a different article appeared in this paper, my betrothed received threats, howlers and booby-trapped mail that saw her needing to be treated by Madam Pomfrey. Should that situation ever be repeated, the full force of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter will be brought to bear on those stupid enough to do such a vile and cowardly thing.
It is my hope that this letter will answer some of the questions people have about me, and allow both Hermione and I to get on with our lives in peace.
The paper then went to great lengths wishing the newly betrothed couple every happiness, urging their readers to do the same. Even the thickest reader couldn't fail to spot the link between those sugar-sweet sentiments and the Prophet proclaiming loudly on the same page that they also would be reporting from Salzar Slytherin's fabled Chamber of Secrets. What the Prophet would certainly not be making public knowledge were the conditions Harry had attached to their admission to the chamber. Printing his letter, unedited by the Prophet, and under no circumstances was Rita Skeeter to be part of any team they sent to cover the story.
Even Ron Weasley was able to reach the obvious conclusion that things would never be quite the same again, he just had no idea how true those thoughts would be.
-oOoOo-
Back at the Grangers, Hermione was steeling herself for the influx of owls the story was sure to generate. An arm gently slipped around her shoulders to offer a measure of comfort. "Tonks erected an owl redirect ward around the house. Apart from the ministry, Gringotts and Hedwig, all other owls will take any post to a room at the ministry where they will be checked. Anyone trying to pull the same shit as last time will soon find aurors knocking on their door."
Harry felt her relax as soon as he started speaking, Hermione tensed up again though until they both noticed where the owl originated from. Gringotts wouldn't be sending anything that could harm you by owl, the goblins liked to look their victims in the eye before causing harm. Tonks scanned the letter anyway before proclaiming it safe to open. Dan and Emma entered the room to find the three of them discussing the note.
"What's that Harry?"
"Gringotts wrote to me, they want to make a bid for the basilisk. Apparently, since I killed it, it belongs to me."
Dan thought this was good news. "That's great, should give you a nice sum to fall back on."
Emma though could see there was something troubling the young man. "What's the problem Harry?"
"I can see this getting really messy. Ron and Ginny were down there with me and you just know Dumbledore is going to stick his big nose in too."
It was Hermione's turn to offer a comforting hug to her betrothed. "What's the real reason Harry? You didn't hesitate to sell the goblins your egg, that's probably why they contacted you."
"It will sound silly." After repeated reassurances that it wouldn't, Harry gave his real reason. "Staying here for the holidays has given me my first taste of what family is. I'm the last surviving member of the Potters. Should anything happen to me, my family will soon be forgotten about. I would like the Potter name to once more gain recognition, and mean something more than the boy-who-lived."
No one there thought he was being silly in the slightest, especially after hearing what he wanted to do about it. Both Emma and Dan were amazed at the projected sums of money involved, even more so though at what Harry intended to do with those sums. The more they got to know the young man, the more the parents were impressed. Dan could hardly wait to show the couple off to their colleagues at the ball while Emma was becoming more convinced by the day that Harry would be her future son-in-law. She had known for a while what her daughter's feelings for Harry were, it was increasingly clear that he felt exactly the same way about Hermione. She was beginning to believe the couple might even be strong enough for their relationship to withstand Harry losing his magic.
-oOoOo-
In the headmaster's office, Severus was losing it big time. Albus had just finished speaking to a goblin by floo and had confirmed the betrothal was legally and magically binding. "The brat is hardly out the castle a week yet he manages to get betrothed. Not only that, he'll have the ministry on his side now. The article is one massive endorsement for Fudge while we'll be left to clean up any mess."
Minerva was trying to look behind what was happening here. Unlike Severus or Albus, she'd actually met the Grangers and was having trouble believing they would go along with anything like this. She could only see one reason for it. "It would appear we underestimated the pair of them, this is a move worthy of any pureblood Slytherin."
She then explained her comment before Severus took offence. "It's a typical pureblood ploy to protect the family finances and name, I would wager he's also made a will. Should Harry lose his magic, his betrothal will protect the Potter vaults while his new friendship with the minister could shield both of them from the worst of the fall out. We'll be slaughtered by the public for not protecting the boy after allowing his name to be entered."
While everyone in the office could see the truth behind that, Severus had an even more worrying thought. "Albus, do you think he knows that he can claim the carcass, or just how valuable it is?" These fears weren't associated by financial greed, Severus was far more concerned about the possibility of all those incredibly rare potions ingredients being whisked away from right under his nose.
"I'm sure we can persuade the lad to donate it to the school Severus, possibly throw in a finder's fee to keep the press happy." Albus was already thinking of including the youngest Weasleys in the finder's fee, anything that placated Molly Weasley toward the boy was something worth doing. In the long run, he needed the lad friendly with the family of redheads and couldn't let a mere howler ruin all that groundwork.
Minerva was about to voice her opinion that she didn't think there was a hope in hell of Mr Potter donating anything to the school he was planning on leaving, before deciding to hold her tongue on the matter. Albus never listened to her where Harry Potter was concerned and she couldn't see this time being any different. The headmaster was so sure of his ability to turn any situation to his advantage that he was ignoring the obvious. Severus was so desperate to get his hands on those rare potions ingredients, he was ready to believe the moon was made of cheese if he had to. She intended to ensure she had a front row seat to see if she was right, and Albus was mistaken, again.
-oOoOo-
There were tears in Crawley as they got ready to return to Hogwarts with Madam Bones. Even Tonks had to wipe the corner of her eyes. Then again, the young auror knew what the new couple were going to face over the coming months.
Emma currently had a tight hold of both of them and clearly didn't want to let go, it took her husband's intervention before she relinquished her death grip. "C'mon Emma, I want to say goodbye too. We'll be seeing them again shortly." Dan was well aware of what was wrong with his wife. If things went really badly, they might never again see the young man who'd won his way into both their hearts. Worst case scenario, the entire family might be magically forced to forget all about Harry Potter.
When the portkey took them away, a now sobbing Emma rushed into her husband's waiting arms. "You know they'll look out for each other, they've been doing it for years. Now they've got Tonks and Dobby watching their backs too. The little guy will be popping by every night to let us know how they are. This is more than we've ever had before."
Emma struggled to speak through her crying, it took a few minutes and many attempts before Dan understood what she was trying to say. "We now know just how much danger they are in, sometimes ignorance really is bliss."
"You don't believe that any more than I do. We've just spent the last few weeks watching Hermione be the happiest she's been since our daughter learned to read, none of them will give that up lightly. Anyone trying to interfere is going to have a battle on their hands."
-oOoOo-
The group of four entered Hogwarts and almost walked right into a battle. There were at least a dozen goblins waiting just inside the entrance hall and no amount of shouting from the potions professor could get them to move. An obviously enraged Snape rounded on Harry the instant he spotted him entering the castle. "Potter, you arrogant brat. Who do you think you are to ..."
Severus was cut off in mid rant by a wand digging into his chest before he could get his hands on Harry.
"I don't know how much things have changed in Hogwarts since I left but let me explain something to you professor. I'm tasked with protecting Mr Potter here, you attempting to attack him will see me use whatever force necessary. This is your one and only warning."
The dulcet tones of Albus Dumbledore attempted to calm the situation. "Amelia, could you please tell your auror behaviour like this cannot be tolerated inside a school."
His clearly patronising stance had the opposite effect on the head of the DMLE. "My auror has behaved exactly as her current remit demands. She will protect her charge from any attacks, be they verbal, physical or magical. That she has to do so against a professor, in front of his headmaster, the minister of magic and half the students of Hogwarts has me thinking the ministry should be looking into more than just the chamber of secrets."
The last thing Fudge wanted was a fight between Amelia and Albus in front of the press, he attempted to play peacemaker. "Perhaps if Mr Potter could explain what is happening here, we all might have a better understanding of the situation?"
"Oh what's happening here is nothing unusual. Prince Potter here thinks he deserves special treatment. The ministry pandering to him by assigning an auror guard will make his head swell even more."
Harry was quick to answer Snape's allegations. "I have to agree that this situation is not unusual minister. Professor Snape has none of the facts and bases all his decisions concerning me on his hatred of my father, a man who's been dead for over thirteen years. And also, as usual, my head of house and the headmaster are just standing there doing nothing about it."
Also as per usual, Albus was trying to gain control of the situation. "Mr Potter, these goblins are under the impression that you sold them the right to remove the basilisk from the chamber?"
"That is because I did. I killed it therefore I get to claim it, that is the law of the land?"
Dumbledore was using his speaking to backward child voice. "Yes but Harry my boy, we must take certain other things into consideration."
Hermione had a tight hold on Harry's arm, helping him keep hold of his temper. His answer though left no one in any doubt what he thought of Dumbledore's latest attempt at manipulation. "I am not your boy, there is no we and the deal is already done."
One of the goblins handed Harry two scrolls, Harry then quickly handed the first of them to Amelia. "Madam Bones, it is my understanding that protective vests are not currently equipment that your aurors receive. Tonks also told me that the only substance that offers better protection than dragon hide is that of a basilisk. This is a gift of all the hide off the creature in the chamber, you should get dozens of vests from it."
Amelia was flabbergasted and could only nod in thanks, Harry had made his way over to Cornelius before she could get her voice to work once more.
"Minister, I understand that the single largest charitable donation St Mungo's has ever received came from Lucius Malfoy. As a Potter, I can't let that stand unchallenged. Apart from the hide, the rest of the Basilisk will be sold by the goblins, with the proceeds going to St Mungo's. The goblins will of course take a fee for this but have roughly estimated the gold generated should be larger than the Malfoy gift by about a factor of ten. I would like to make this donation in the name of my mother, Lily Potter."
Cornelius was a politician first and foremost, he graciously accepted this wonderful gift as the cameras flashed. This simple act ended anyone else's claim on the creature. Anyone attempting to take money away from a hospital or the aurors would be publically vilified.
Minerva had a tear in her eye at what the young man had just done to honour his mother. That he had also cut Albus and Severus off at the knees was not missed either by the head of Gryffindor. In one fell swoop Harry had gained two of the most powerful Allies the ministry had to offer, while exposing Hogwarts for the farce it was rapidly becoming. In a rare moment of clarity, Minerva thought early retirement might soon be upon her. It was starting to feel as if only whether her retirement was voluntary or not still hung in the balance. If Albus didn't get his head out his arse soon, the three of them would be lucky still to be working at Hogwarts come summer.
The large group made their way to Myrtle's bathroom, with most of the students following on behind. They would be left standing in the corridor but there wasn't much else happening in Hogwarts at the moment
Harry removed his robe to reveal the oldest clothes he owned under it. "There is a thousand years worth of crap down here, the place is filthy. I did warn Madam Bones and the minister, I figured the press was used to delving through dirt."
This got a laugh though the press contingent didn't see the funny side, the three professors who were there also looked incapable of laughter at the moment. Snape in particular appeared as if his face had frozen in a permanent scowl. Both Gryffindor students present thought this was a big improvement than his trademark sneer. They also now noticed a figure in nondescript grey robes. As no one else was paying any attention to this figure, they were left to assume he was the unspeakable that Madam Bones wanted to see inside the chamber.
Harry using parseltongue when opening the sink had a few of the reporters jumping back in horror, the Prophet had apparently sent everyone who could hold a quill or point a camera. Harry didn't care, quickly jumping down the chute before anyone said another word. Hermione and Tonks were also dressed in old clothes under their robes and soon right behind him.
Cornelius took one look at the massive hole in the floor and didn't want to jump. With the press there though, there was no other option for the minister. "Now I see the need for the old clothes." He hung his robes and green bowler on a stand Amelia had created before jumping in. Cornelius was quite proud he managed not to scream all the way down. His two auror guards and Amelia followed his actions and were hot on his heels.
The goblin contingent shot down the hole as if born to it, leaving the press and the three Hogwarts professors all looking at each other. "I want to at least see the beast." With that, Severus was off, Albus and Minerva decided to follow.
The photographers were wrapping their equipment in transfigured robes as the press brought up the rear.
Down below Harry had cast a cushioning charm on the floor before Hermione arrived, the two then set about lighting the torches while Tonks cast scourgify on them to remove the worst of the crap.
Dumbledore attempted to save some face by claiming the shed basilisk skin they found down there. Most knew the shed skin was pretty worthless though so it was a fairly hollow victory for the headmaster. Snape was almost in tears at this development. The skin had just given him some idea of the amount of wonderful potions ingredients that were being snatched away.
As the goblins were busy clearing the collapsed roof, Tonks quietly approached Amelia. "Boss, I was scanning around us when the spell tells me there's one more person down here than I can currently count."
Amelia had her own wand out and the spell was telling her the same. A quick signal to the other two aurors and they started to sweep the tunnel. A few stunners later and two reporters were on the floor. "Stay calm everyone, we all see two people lying there but our scans are telling us there are three. We've stunned them until we get to the bottom of this."
They split the two people up until they discovered who was responsible for the reading. It was Hermione who made a suggestion. "Could there be an animagus down here? Peter Pettigrew can change into a rat."
Amelia cast the animagus reversal spell and the stunned reporter was now lying on an equally stunned Rita Skeeter.
Harry and Hermione made no attempt to hide their smiles as a jubilant Tonks re-stunned Rita and cast restraints on her. Amelia was busy questioning the rest of the Prophet crew, all of whom swore they didn't know Skeeter had hitched a ride. While this was going on, the supposed unspeakable had a very quiet word with the two students.
"Very well done Miss Granger. It's your ability to think outside the box, along with your academic scores, that has my department very interested in you. Don't look so surprised, you think we hand time-turners out to just any third year students?"
This saw her blushing and Harry administering a congratulatory hug, the unspeakable wasn't quite finished though. "We are also very interested in you Mr Potter. You have the quite unique ability of not knowing the box exists. Some may call it rule breaking, we tend to refer to that trait as showing inquisitiveness and initiative. You both posses in abundance the particular qualities we look for, your move to nullify Dumbledore earlier was brilliantly planned and flawlessly executed. I would also like to offer my congratulations on your betrothal."
As Amelia looked to be finished chewing out the press, the unspeakable appeared to almost fade into the background. The goblins now had the cave in cleared as the party crunched its way forward, the brittle bones of dead animals breaking underfoot.
When Harry once more used parseltongue to open the large circular door, the smell released wasn't anywhere near as bad as he expected. Harry entered the chamber proper and walked toward the dead basilisk, only to find there was no one walking beside him. The entire company had stopped dead in their tracks at first sight of the giant snake, it was a tearful Hermione who broke the spell. She raced at Harry and slammed into him, holding her betrothed tighter than she ever thought possible.
The flash of a camera capturing the moment saw about a dozen questions fired at Harry in as many seconds. He told the entire story, explaining who Tom Marvolo Riddle actually was. With the basilisk fang lying there, the black stain from the diary etched into the floor and Harry rolling up his sleeve to display the scar, even Snape couldn't refute his story.
Amelia, the unspeakable and the two aurors from the minister's protection detail began to scan the chamber for any other treasures it might contain. This group was quickly joined by Albus who was doing exactly the same. At the moment, all the headmaster had to show for his trip down here was some shed basilisk skin, friction burns and a shed load of bad publicity.
Once the press had everything they were going to get out of Harry concerning the chamber, they switched their questioning to his betrothal and relationship with Hermione. This line of enquire was quickly shut down by the couple and Tonks so the reporters latched on to the others down in the chamber, asking their reaction to what they had witnessed today. This soon had Snape in an even worse mood as his sour expression was proving magnetic to questions on how he felt about Mr Potter's heroic achievements.
A pair of goblins then approached Harry. "Mr Potter, we would like to make a request. It would be a crime to harvest such a magnificent creature without giving as many people as possible the opportunity to see it first."
"We would like to place the basilisk on display inside Gringotts for a week before rendering it into profitable components."
"Well I certainly don't mind, you should really ask the minister and Madam Bones though."
Hermione, as usual, had a question. "How would you get the basilisk out of here?"
"We are used to moving large objects through tunnels Miss, there are enough of us here to get the creature outside the Hogwarts wards, then we can Portkey it to Gringotts."
Cornelius had his photo taken in front of the beast, standing beside the boy-who-lived, he jumped at the chance of more people seeing the basilisk. He had no way of knowing that his pose, shirt open at the neck and sleeves rolled up, would win him far more praise than his pinstripe robe and bowler hat ever did.
Amelia had her own plans and this dovetailed beautifully into them, she also quickly agreed. Albus wasn't even asked which just gave his already battered ego a final kick in the scrotum. When the goblins started the beast moving, everyone there felt a shiver race up their back as they got a small clue to what Harry had faced.
Harry was quite disappointed, Tonks had two brooms shrunk in her bag to get them back out of there. Madam Bones was sure to have made the same provision for her and the minister. He was quietly hopping at least the press would be stuck down below, Snape trapped in the chamber would be a dream come true.
Unfortunately for that dream, the goblins helped everyone out before they began to stuff the basilisk into the chute.
-oOoOo-
There was quite a crowd hanging about outside the toilet, they surged forward en mass as the door opened. When faced with the sight of a giant basilisk, screams rang out as they scattered in every direction possible.
Once people began noticing that the basilisk was dead, and accompanied by goblins and wizards, there were students coming out the stonework to see this once in a lifetime sight.
The students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons were also gaping at the giant basilisk so very few people noticed Amelia pulling Albus and Minerva to one side, a raging Snape had departed for his dungeons at the first opportunity.
"I find it unbelievable that this creature was roaming the school and you did nothing. How could you not know something of this size was causing havoc in the castle?"
Neither the headmaster nor his deputy had an answer that satisfied Amelia so she informed them of her decision. "I intend to hold a public enquiry into the whole basilisk fiasco. The wizarding community needs to know their children are safe when they send them to Hogwarts. At the moment, your often quoted 'Hogwarts is the safest place in Britain' just doesn't hold water."
She stopped Albus' excuses before he could generate a head of steam. "There will be an enquiry with the panel being headed by me, and consist mainly of people who have the best interest of Hogwarts at heart. This is not your school to do with as you please but a place where the next generation of witches and wizards learn how to take their place in our society. Sometimes I think you both forget that." Amelia walked away, having achieved what she came for and also having ruined Dumbledore's New Year too. Add to that, the Skeeter bitch would be spending time in Azkaban and the head of the DMLE just had a very good day. Amelia intended to spend some time with Susan before heading back to the ministry.
The goblins took the basilisk outside Hogwarts and then gave anyone who wanted the opportunity to have their photograph taken standing beside it, Colin Creevey found himself suddenly becoming very popular for the first time since the boy set foot inside Hogwarts.
Harry and Hermione took advantage of the castle emptying to gawk at the basilisk, they were able to make their way to Harry's new quarters without meeting anyone. Tonks set the password on the portrait of two old wizards playing chess and led them into a large sitting room that had its own fireplace. No sooner had they entered than the fire burst into life and a tray of tea and biscuits appeared on the small table in front of the comfortable looking sofa.
"It looks like Dobby is determined to look after you here too Harry." When Tonks took their trunks out her bag and un-shrunk them, all three disappeared at once. "Yip, Dobby is certainly on his game today."
"I just hope he remembers that I'm not staying here."
"Why Hermione, does that mean you don't want your things put in Harry's room?" Watching as the couple attempted to see who could blush the brightest would never get old for Tonks, she just couldn't help teasing them. A quick look around the suite of rooms met with all their approval, the large work table in the corner was all the encouragement Hermione needed to spend most of her free time here.
Both students knew Hogwarts would be crazy for what was left of the day so were quite happy to be holed up in their snug retreat, after they all took the time to shower that is.
-oOoOo-
It was just before curfew when Hermione slipped through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor common room, only to find a reception committee waiting on her. The barrage of questions that greeted her arrival was like a physical force and saw Hermione hold her hands out in front of her.
"Wow, glad to see you missed me. One at a time please but I warn you, it's been a long day and I'm ready for my bed."
Another barrage followed and saw Hermione shake her head. "Ok guys, here's the deal. I'll tell you what's going on and then I'm heading up to my dorm. Because of all the dangerous crap Harry's had to put up with at Hogwarts, he now has an auror guard. As Tonks is female, she obviously couldn't sleep in the forth year's boys dorm."
Dean was quick with a quip. "Aw Hermione, why not? We wouldn't mind."
"Well Harry told her how loud Ron and Neville snore, so she said no chance. Anyway, Harry now has his own quarters, with a room for his auror guard. Now I need my sleep before meeting my betrothed for breakfast. Goodnight."
Hermione headed up the stairs, with Parvati and Lavender right behind her. They played twenty questions all the way to their dorm, though didn't like the fact they were getting very few answers. Hermione smiled as she realized Dobby had unpacked her trunk and began to get ready for bed, Lavender's rather obvious change of tactic also put a smile on her face.
"Oh Hermione, it's such a pity you missed the ball, it was wonderful. The band was fantastic and we danced until midnight."
Neither of her roommates had noticed the large picture in the silver frame Dobby had placed by Hermione's bedside, that was until the girl herself gazed toward it and spoke quietly. "At midnight I was in Harry's arms and we welcomed in the New Year with a wonderful kiss. The orchestra then resumed playing while we danced for another two hours, it was magical. I also got to dance with my dad while Harry had my mother twirling around the floor. They both love him and I've just had the best time ever. Sorry Lavender, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything."
Both girls now had their eyes glued to the picture too, Hermione looked amazing in her periwinkle ball gown but an even bigger surprise was Harry. Neither witch had ever seen a tux before but both instantly were in complete agreement, Harry Potter was bloody drool-worthy in one. Hermione Granger was a lucky witch.