Chapter 29 - Justice!
The atmosphere inside the great hall that Sunday morning was a strange one. As the students would be heading home tomorrow for their Christmas Holidays, you would then expect the prevailing mood to be a jovial one. Today's issue of the Prophet however cast a dark cloud over everyone who read that the Ministry were still no closer to producing an antidote for Hermione Granger. What was strange though were the whispers going around the castle that something remarkable had happened. A smiling McGonagall entering the great hall provided the vital spark that had been missing for so many of them - hope.
Rather than keep everyone waiting, Minerva honoured her promise to the students and immediately approached the podium to pass on the good news.
"We have all hoped Miss Granger could be saved from her terrible fate. As time progressed though, I think it's fair to say our hope was fading. Due to the intervention of an old friend of Hogwarts however, I have some very good news to pass on. Miss Granger is not only out of danger, Madam Pomfrey expects her to make a complete recovery…" The hall exploded, and Minerva let them go. She herself had acted similarly not yet an hour ago.
-o-
Harry was standing beside Dan as everyone hugged and congratulated them. No one could get near Hermione at the moment, the girl and her mother were entwined in an emotional embrace that didn't look to be ending anytime soon.
Hugging Dan and Harry before kissing Sirius, Amelia had to leave at once for the ministry. She was also advising them they might be better having a press conference at Hogwarts, rather than having reporters hounding them when they left the castle. Harry quickly agreed, and asked if she could arrange something for them.
After establishing with Poppy that Miss Granger really was going to be fine, Minerva's attention switched to the ghost that was present. "Albus, what are you doing here? I can't imagine you having unfinished business…"
"Minerva, it's so good to see you again too. As Headmistress, you should know that help will always be given to those in Hogwarts who require it. In all honesty, I've never seen a couple who needed help more. I was delighted to do what I could.."
"Albus, save that bull for someone who doesn't know you and answer the question I asked. What are you doing here?"
Giving a little smile, Albus told Minerva the truth - just not all of it. "You know the task those two have been left with. I made a promise to them on my deathbed that if they ever needed me, I would try to help any way I could. I have no fear of crossing over, nor do I want to remain here. If it means aiding Harry and Hermione however, I'm prepared to do anything and everything I can."
"Like calling Fawkes?"
"Oh no, That is something I am no longer able to do. As you would have seen at my funeral, Fawkes is very taken with this young couple. Harry merely mentioned his name and Fawkes appeared, willing to help."
Both of them watched as Hermione and Emma were now busy thanking the beautiful phoenix, and Fawkes appeared to be revelling in the attention. "Normally when a familiar bond is broken, The phoenix will leave and never be seen again. It wouldn't surprise me however if my old friend decided to bond with either Hermione or Harry. It would be good for all three of them."
Minerva was standing talking about the possibility of a phoenix bonding to a muggleborn with her long time, and now dead, friend - all this before breakfast too.
-o-
Back at breakfast, Minerva got them quietened down before saying what she needed to. "Miss Granger and Mister Potter should be rejoining us sometime today, I want to make something clear to everyone though. Both have had quite the traumatic few days, that's not going to leave them in the next few hours. it would be a very foolish person who used this attack as a basis to taunt either of the pair."
Minerva's steely gaze swept over the entire hall, and it was no coincidence it lingered longer on the Slytherins. The last thing they needed now was for Harry or Hermione to put someone through a wall for a deliberately crass comment aimed at them.
-oOoOo-
The group, minus a once more departed Albus, finally left the infirmary and made it back to the Grangers' accommodation. With Fawkes sitting on Hermione's shoulder for the journey, the few people that they met in the corridors would soon have that news all over the castle. When they settled onto the couch, Hermione and Harry practically became one being while Fawkes perched on the back of a chair, Neville then said he would catch them later. With Susan and Luna confirming they too would need to go and pack for the holidays, it was soon only family left.
Petunia was a person who missed very little, just ask anyone who knew her. She could see there was something else going on here, something they obviously didn't want to include her or Dudley in. While hurt, she really couldn't complain about it. Petunia did want to point out she had noticed though.
"I'm overjoyed that Hermione has recovered but if you need Dudley and me to leave - so you can talk about what really happened - please just say."
Roller coaster didn't come close to describing Harry's emotional state since Hermione had gotten attacked. Those emotions had sank lower than the deepest mineshaft, only to soar into the stratosphere the second his Hermione had returned to him. The support his family had provided had been crucial in getting Harry through those long hours of watching Hermione lying motionless on that infirmary bed. It was an easy decision for him to make.
"Aunt Petunia, Dudley, how would you like to meet my mum and dad?"
Of course it was Hermione who sounded the note of caution. "Are you sure, Harry?"
"They're my family, Hermione, a family who came running when I needed them. With you lying in the infirmary, our family were the only thing that kept me sane. Even then, I would say it became a close run thing. Sirius, you want to give Remus a shout? I'd really prefer just to do this the once."
A grinning Sirius was out of the room like a shot, leaving Harry facing his shocked aunt and cousin.
"I'm not playing a trick on you, nor am I going to call them now. I've done it before, it was wonderful and pure torture at the same time. Talking it over with my mum and dad, we agreed to make their visits an annual event. I intend to call them sometime over the Christmas holidays. This gives us time to think of what we want to ask or say to them, and also prepare for the shock of seeing them again. We have a lot more to tell you, let's just wait until everyone gets here."
At that, both elves popped in and Hermione was off the couch. She was kneeling with Dobby held in one of her patented hugs, one that the little guy was returning with interest.
"Next time Dobby be stunning, and then letting his family deal with it later."
"Dobby, you go right ahead and do that." Emma's emotional declaration was quickly agreed upon by Dan and Harry. Hermione had pulled Darla into the hug too before Sirius returned with Remus.
Harry called a family meeting but the elves popped away for a few seconds, returning with drinks and snacks. Harry held Hermione as she told their tale, only interrupting when he felt she was underplaying her role.
By the end of it all, Remus was shocked but Petunia and Dudley were in bits. Harry went over and put is arms around both of them. "The ministry may have done a number on me, but they did the exact same thing to you - for no other reason than I'm your relation. They must have removed all memories of magic from you too. The upbringing and family I remember were a loving one. You and Uncle Vernon were as good as parents to me, while Dudley and I were more like brothers than cousins. That's the memories I have. That's the family I have - a family that were there for me when I really needed them. Last night was the worst of my life, thinking I was going to lose Hermione sometime today. You helped me through that, and helped get my Hermione back."
"I didn't help, I was in the bathroom throwing up." Realising what he'd just said, Dudley apologised. "Sorry Hermione, that sounded bad."
"Boy takes one look at me and throws up - how could that sound bad?" Hermione's grin actually helped Dudley reboot his brain.
He then asked a question for clarification. "So you two are really like - in your twenties?"
Now grinning too, Harry answered as best he could. "We were eighteen and nineteen when we came back, and have now been back for just over a year, so around about the twenty mark. It took some getting used to, looking in the mirror and seeing an eleven year old me looking back - especially before I got my hair cut and fitted with contacts."
Dan also helped out with the timescales. "We discovered the truth during last year's Christmas Holidays. It was only after Albus died that Sirius and Amelia were brought into the secret. Dudley, you're the only person their age who knows the truth. Are you going to be okay with that?"
"I'll be fine." Dudley's sharp answer was then quantified by the now scared twelve year old boy. "I don't want anyone using magic to make me forget about things - or remember them differently."
He got Harry's instant agreement and backing for that. Remus eventually found his voice, understanding why they'd waited before telling him - and also offering to help them any way he could. Harry's grin this time could only be described as predatory.
"Thanks Remus. You're most definitely invited along for when we talk with my mum and dad. Would you be up for a bit of grave robbing over the holidays too, along with Sirius?"
This obviously required more explanation but Petunia couldn't hold back the question that was really eating away at her.
"Could I really speak to Lily?"
Emma sat beside Petunia and told the story of when they'd met the ghosts of Lily and James Potter. "Lily said to tell her sister that she was on the right path…"
Hearing that, Petunia broke down and Emma held her close. It was actually a cathartic process for both women. Petunia really needed to release her anguish at her previous treatment of Lily's son. Emma agreed one hundred percent with Harry, only the support of her family and friends had seen her through the last two days. Madam Pomfrey had offered both her and Dan the opportunity of having their memories of being imperiused and then attacking Hermione removed from their minds - they had instantly refused. They would get through this as a family, and come out the other side stronger. Being able to offer Petunia comfort was actually helping Emma too.
Sirius was explaining to Remus just what graves they would be robbing, and why, when Amelia returned. She had Augusta and Cornelius with her too, both of whom made straight for Hermione. Augusta's stern exterior was nowhere in evidence as she hugged one of her grandson's best friends. "You had us really worried dear, and I can't say how pleased I am to see you up and well."
Cornelius offered similar sentiments, thought with a handshake and a lot more emotional control.
"The press returned to Hogwarts with us, the headmistress is placing them in the classroom you both use for your training. Do you need some advice on what to say to them?"
The Minister looked at Harry expectantly but he had no intention of turning control of this press conference over to Cornelius. "Thank you, Minister, but we have it covered. Sirius, Dan and I discussed this while waiting on Hermione to recover."
After Fawkes stepped onto her shoulder, Hermione stood beside Harry - ready to face anything. She already knew the men in question wouldn't have discussed what would have happened if she didn't pull through. None of them would have wanted to face that. She would talk about it with Harry when they had some alone time. "So, are you going to tell me what you lot discussed?"
"No time, love. You'll soon find out, and we can talk about it later."
With her parents right behind them, Hermione and Harry led as they headed for the classroom.
-oOoOo-
Few people would recognise Severus Snape as he purchased a copy of the Daily Prophet in Paris. With a ten thousand galleon price tag on his head, he was forced to take drastic measures. He was livid after reading yesterday that those bloody muggles not only didn't kill Potter, both had survived to point the finger at him. His anger had lasted up until he read about the Ministry of Magic placing such a large bounty on the death eater, Severus Snape.
The wizard buying today's issue of the Prophet was almost bald, with short greying hair surrounding the expanse of showing scalp on the top of his head. A sip of ageing potion would also have seen anyone being asked to estimate his age guess at nearer sixty than his thirty four years.
Reading the front page of his newspaper though saw some of those wrinkles disappear, Severus' aged face was now wearing a wide smile. He knew the Ministry potions masters wouldn't be able to produce an antidote to his poison, certainly not in the time they had available. The poison he had concocted was far too complicated to decipher in anything less than a week.
He could actually visualise Potter sitting helplessly beside the dying Granger's bed, with both her grieving parents present too. That happy thought was the reason for Severus' smile. Had he put a bit more thought and planning into the attack, he would have engineered this scenario. Severus now realised this was actually a better outcome for his retribution - Potter being forced to be nothing more than a spectator as death slowly took the woman he loved. Apart from everyone knowing who instigated the attack, Severus thought his revenge was perfect. Potter knowing who caused Granger's demise actually felt great, it was the ten thousand in gold reward on Severus' head that frightened him.
Severus was well aware there were ruthless wizards and witches who would hunt down and kill someone for a lot less gold than that. He would stay in the outskirts of Paris one more day, awaiting confirmation that Granger was dead. Then it would be time to disappear and begin searching for the Dark Lord. He might even get lucky and see the Prophet printing a picture of a broken-hearted Potter on its front page. That would be something Severus would keep as a memento. It would also serve as a golden ticket to pay his way back into the Dark Lord's good graces - or at least not see him tortured to death under his master's wand.
-oOoOo-
While the reporters were sitting on seats at the front of the class, Hermione was pleased to see some of their friends and McGonagall sitting at the back. Augusta led Remus, Petunia and Dudley over to join them while the rest of the group made for the tables and chairs that had clearly been laid out for the interview.
As Harry was holding Hermione's chair for her to sit, Fawkes' perch from Dumbledore's office was placed behind them by a Hogwarts elf. The Phoenix sang its thanks before moving off Hermione's shoulder and taking up a position where Fawkes could see everything in the classroom. Emma sat on Hermione's other side with Dan taking the end chair. Cornelius was stopped from sitting in the centre beside Harry purely by the fact Sirius beat him to the chair. With Amelia claiming the seat beside her fiancé, Cornelius found himself sitting at the opposite end of the table from Dan.
The reporters had been given a short press release explaining the circumstances behind Hermione's recovery - though with no mention of Dumbledore's ghost making an appearance. Seeing how the seating arrangements had played out however saw the first question of the day being fired at Harry.
"Do you or your intended blame the ministry for releasing Snape from Azkaban early?"
Taking a minute to form his answer, Harry soon had the reporters' quills flying across their parchment. "Were their mistakes made with Snape? I would have to say yes..."
Before Cornelius could say anything to defend his ministry, Harry quantified his answer. "Albus Dumbledore confided to Hermione and myself he thought vouching for Snape back in eighty one was a mistake. Snape convinced the headmaster that he was nothing more than a young wizard who had made a bad life choice, a choice he tried to rectify by spying on Voldemort for Dumbledore. Looking back at Snape's behaviour and attitude since that time, it's now clear to see he didn't really change."
As Cornelius began to relax, Harry dropped his next bomb. "I also made a mistake. At Snape's trial, I had information that could have seen him facing far more severe charges. That was information I really didn't want to reveal at the time so used the mere threat of releasing it to force Snape to change his plea to guilty. I thought getting Snape out of Hogwarts would be enough to neutralise him, clearly I was wrong. By my calculations, had the Ministry not released Snape when they did, he would have been out this week anyway. The Ministry is in no way to blame for this incident, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work in trying to find an antidote for Hermione."
There were a few questions shouted after hearing that, Harry chose which one to answer. It was the one he'd hoped for.
"When you say the Ministry isn't guilty for this incident, are you implying they are guilty of something else?"
"First I would like to say that neither of the Ministry officials sitting here are in any way implicated in these mistakes but yes, the Ministry really dropped the quaffle. We have a perfect example of Ministerial Justice working as it should in this room with us. Dan and Emma Granger were placed under the imperius curse, something that was quickly established beyond any doubt by the use of truth serum. This begs the question 'why was this procedure not used on those death eaters who claimed to have committed their crimes due to being under the influence of this curse?' That the Head of the D.M.L.E. from that period now resides in Azkaban, alongside Lucius Malfoy - a supposed imperius victim - means all those 'I was under the imperius' cases need to be at the very least reexamined. When death eaters can use the imperius curse on Hogwarts professors to murder their students then our society really has to take action and eliminate this threat once and for all. As I said, we have the perfect example of Ministerial justice sitting beside us here. Those who were genuinely under the influence of this unforgivable curse have absolutely nothing to fear..."
As Harry's voice trailed into silence, Cornelius was getting ready to step in and attempt some damage limitation here. Reopening all those cases could wreck havoc on their society. A reporter asking another question would kill that idea stone dead, or rather Harry's answer to it would.
"Can I ask what information you had on Snape, and why would you not want to release it?"
Hermione's hand moving over and clasping Harry's raised one or two eyebrows, that was before Harry's answer blew their minds.
"Albus had kept this information secret for many years, it was not something he wanted know by the general public. He thought it would paint a large target on me and mine. Since we all know why we're here, no one can refute that danger already exists. Years ago, a prophecy was made to Albus that a child would be born with the power to defeat the dark lord. That child is me!"
The silence this time was total. Hardened reporters sat there not knowing what to ask next, too busy thinking the story of the decade had just landed in their laps. Cornelius too was at a loss for words, a highly unusual state of affairs for a career politician. It was left to Harry to break the silence, the entire classroom now hanging on his every word.
"Voldemort didn't come to Godric's Hollow that night to murder my parents, he came for me. While Pettigrew certainly gave Voldemort our address, it was Snape who pointed his master in our direction. Snape had overheard the prophecy being made and quickly informed his master of this."
The questions then started pouring out, with Harry point blank refusing to reveal the actual wording of the prophecy. He did respond to one asking if this didn't focus the remaining death eaters'
attention onto him and his family.
"We know Voldemort isn't really gone, can the country really afford to have his followers sitting waiting on his return? Every follower we take out now is one less we'll have to fight when Voldemort returns and they don their masks again. Without these death eaters' political, financial and magical backing, the threat of Voldemort is greatly reduced. Those old enough will remember how bad it was the last time, can our society survive going down that same road again?"
The reporters then turned their attention to the ministry officials sitting in front of them. Amelia neatly sidestepped that attention by declaring her department stood ready to carry out whatever orders they were given. Cornelius palmed the press off with some 'taking the situation under advisement' platitudes but could see he was rather neatly boxed in here.
Conformation of Harry's prophecy claims would see a new nomenclature attached to this young man, the boy-who-gets-whatever-he-bloody-asks-for. Since Harry clearly wanted the death eater problem dealt with, that was what Cornelius was going to have to do. His one consolation would be that, when this story hit the papers, the public would be clamouring for their Ministry to do that very same thing. For a politician, having public opinion on your side was always a good thing.
Seeing they were getting nothing more out of the Minister, the reporters returned their attention to Harry's side of the table. A question aimed at Emma concerning Snape saw Harry closing that avenue right down.
"Snape is nothing more than a cowardly death eater, cursing muggles and using poisonous potions really is about the limit of his abilities. The only thing he excels at is looking after his own skin, which probably means he's already gotten himself out of the country. With the Ministry now facing a far more serious task, I would hate to see a large proportion of Madam Bones' aurors tied up in the search for this loser. I thought the Ministry's idea of placing a ten thousand galleon price tag on the criminal's head was a very good one. To help speed up that capture, the house of Potter will add another twenty thousand to the pot."
Before anyone else could comment, Sirius knew this was his moment to back his godson. "I agree with everything my godson and heir has said today. His intended was also under the protection of my house so I'll add another twenty thousand to the pot. This cowardly attack on our family will be dealt with. Since Snivilius is probably hiding in a deep dark hole somewhere, a fifty thousand galleon reward will hopefully soon see that hole full of people wanting to claim that gold. As someone who personally suffered with what passed as Ministerial justice, back before Minister Fudge and my fiancée were in charge, I too call on the Ministry to clean up this historical mess it's been left with."
Fawkes trilling while nodding his head in what appeared like agreement with Sirius' sentiments saw a question being politely asked of Hermione.
"Is their any truth in the rumours that Fawkes has bonded with you?"
A smiling Hermione stood and petted the beautiful bird. "I don't know about bonding, Fawkes here feels more like one of the family. It's very hard to describe..."
The Phoenix leaning over and affectionately rubbing his head off Hermione's recently healed cheek answered the question better than words could.
Cornelius was now desperate to end this press conference and this seemed like a good opportune moment to do so. That Harry and his family then posed for some pictures - a few including him - left Cornelius thinking these two had learned more than magic from their former mentor. Their clever manipulation of the Ministry was a feat worthy of Albus Dumbledore himself.
With the last picture taken, the press couldn't get out of there fast enough. Only the fact it was now dinner time would stop the newspapers printing special editions. Xeno Lovegood was the only reporter to hang back, he wanted a chat with his daughter. When Petunia heard that chat becoming more of an interview, she deliberately interrupted by introducing herself.
"Hello Mister Lovegood, I'm Mrs Dursley - though I suppose that should be Professor Dursley, since we're currently inside Hogwarts. I'm glad to meet you, and you can rest assured Luna will be fine when she stays with us over the holidays."
Listening to this father tell his daughter the article she would write over the holidays was now more important than ever had Petunia's arm slipping supportively around Luna - something Xeno should have already done. Petunia had witnessed first hand how Hermione being attacked had affected this girl, it would seem there would be no comforting coming from her parent. As Xeno left too, Luna attempted an explanation for his behaviour.
"Daddy always gets carried away when he's working on a big story..."
While holding Luna a little tighter, Petunia asked the question that got right to the heart of the matter. "...and how often does your father work on these big stories?"
Putting her head down, Luna couldn't answer - she didn't need to.
After checking that Harry and Hermione were going down to dinner, McGonagall began to get all of them moving in the direction of the great hall. Cornelius was having a discussion with Amelia, a privacy charm ensuring they weren't overhead. As Sirius was waiting on his fiancée, Remus took the opportunity to have a word with his best friend.
"You were very low key there regarding Snape..."
"Remus, you of all people must know I want that bastard dead. The difference now is I don't mind if it's not me who actually kills him - just as long as the job gets done. Going after Peter saw me lose a decade. That's a decade I should have spent with Ami, raising Harry, Susan and the next generation of Blacks. That's the new mature version of me talking. Put Snivilius in this room though and I'll rip his head off, before spitting down the bastard's neck."
"I believe you. I was just surprised, that's all."
"You also know Snivilius. How do you think he'll react to being dismissed out of hand like that?"
"Oh his ego will be severely dented. Livid isn't a strong enough word..." A though suddenly hit Remus. "You deliberately set out to do that!"
There might be a smile forming on Sirius' lips but that smile never reached his cold, hard eyes. "Angry people make mistakes - I should know. That fifty thousand in gold will attract the attention of people who will pick up on those mistakes. I want him hunted down like the rabid animal he is, without Ami having to have half her department tied up in the search. They have far more important work to be getting on with."
"You think Fudge will actually go for this?"
"Ami is currently telling him Harry mentioned the prophecy while waiting on Hermione recovering. He wouldn't say what it was, but she can confirm its existence in the hall of prophecy. If you were in Fudge's shoes, what would you do?"
Thinking for a moment, Remus gave the only answer he could. "With Harry now established as the wizard prophesied to defeat Voldemort, Fudge really has to support him. Neither Harry nor Amelia would go along with any scheme that Fudge might come up with to look after the couple - he really has to remove the problem. After what happened here, that's what the press will be screaming for too..."
Nodding his agreement, Sirius added his own two knuts. "We came up with this while sitting at Hermione's bedside. Harry is powerful and driven but don't underestimate his intelligence either. Dan Granger is also a very smart man, and both needed something to take their mind off the young witch lying dying on the bed. We either end this or all of us then start living on Black Island. Snape's attack took away the middle ground and imposed a timetable on us. Four of our family were meant to die in this attack, that can't and won't be ignored. Fudge really has to act, otherwise it's over for us in Britain. We can't take on Voldemort and all his death eaters too. We need the bastard isolated, his supporters facing the justice they deserve, then we have a shot at ending this."
"Just say what you need, I'll be there."
Ami came over before anymore could be said, the passion in her kiss enough to tell Sirius what was happening. "I'm going to be busy, love. You'll need to look after our family."
"I think we'll all bunk at Grimmauld until you're free again. It's big enough to handle everyone. Our lot will be giving the train a miss, we can floo from Minerva's office. You be careful." After kissing his fiancée, Sirius made a point of shaking Cornelius' hand.
"Minister, I think you're doing the right thing. It may be tough but I've no doubts our country will not only be a safer place when you're done, it will also be a better place."
As the two ministry officials left, Sirius put his hand on Remus' shoulder. "Moony, I've hardly eaten a bite for two days and my appetite seems to have returned with a vengeance. Let's go and get some dinner."
-oOoOo-
With Fawkes' perch appearing at the end of the Gryffindor table nearest to the professors, that's where the group of students headed. The shouted greetings, cheers and even some applause had Hermione blushing. Being wedged between Harry and Dudley, with Fawkes on her shoulder, gave Hermione the confidence to walk into the busy hall - and help overcome the memory of the last time she was here. The elves had added a water dish and also one containing figs and plums to Fawkes' perch - something the phoenix seemed to appreciate.
With Neville, Parvati, Padma, Susan and Luna joining the trio at the table too, and the professors only a matter of yards away, Hermione began to relax. This actually seemed strange to her, since the last thing she remembered before waking earlier was Madam Pomfrey trying to treat her in this very hall.
While that had been unbelievably painful, she could see Harry had been through the mill and Hermione couldn't wait to get him alone in her bed later. Only then would he open up, and they could perhaps start the process of putting this incident behind them.
Talking to Neville about the Longbottom Ball, and then turning Susan's attention onto a certain looming wedding managed to introduce a bit of normality into a situation that needed it. Hermione wanted things to get back to normal as quickly as possible. She knew the family would be having talks on what the future held, the current status quo being unsupportable. This might actually be their last dinner in Hogwarts, Hermione wanted to be able to look back at it with fond memories.
-oOoOo-
There was no wide smile to iron-out Snape's manufactured wrinkles today. Reading the paper in his shaking hands seemed to be adding another decade to Severus' potion projected age. The picture and headline in the Prophet were enough to manage that themselves, he hadn't actually managed to drag his gaze off that yet to read the actual article.
The picture featured a sitting Potter looking lovingly up at a standing Granger. The reason for her miraculous recovery was explained by the picture too, she was rubbing cheeks with an affectionate phoenix. Snape couldn't be a hundred percent sure but thought it was Fawkes, a Phoenix he was certain wouldn't be seen again.
The headline then left no one in any doubt what the Prophet's take on the matter was.
Phoenix Saves Chosen One's Intended after Cowardly Death Eater Attack
As he read through the article, things only got worse for Severus - much worse. Details that a prophecy existed between Potter and the Dark Lord would see the ministry fall over themselves to give the brat whatever he wanted. That Severus Snape was named as the person who passed details of that prophecy onto the Dark Lord - leading to the attack on the Potters - would certainly see a death sentence waiting on him should he return to Britain.
Reading that Potter wanted all the death eater cases reopened, with questions on their past activities being asked under truth serum, means the ministry might have serious competition in the race to kill him. All those death eaters who had used their position and gold to escape Azkaban or worse would now be cursing his name. They would certainly be firing actual curses at him if they ever managed to bring their wands to bear on his person.
Potter and Black's derogatory comments - obviously deliberately aimed at Severus - had his temper reaching white hot, only for it to be quenched by the icy hand of fear that now gripped him after reading the really scary part. If his master had some way of collecting that offered reward, Severus knew he would be all out of options - a walking dead man.
Fifty thousand galleons in gold was a fortune, a fortune anyone who knew Severus wouldn't hesitate to kill him and collect. That was a life changing sum of gold, a life ending sum for him.
It was now imperative he not only find the Dark Lord as quickly as possible, Severus needed his master restored to his own body too. While confident of his own abilities, the calibre and sheer amount of people that sum would see coming after him meant the safest place for Severus Snape was at his restored master's side. While he would never agree with any opinion Potter had, Severus' greatest skill just might be looking after his own skin.
-oOoOo-
Gilderoy's greatest talent, apart from being gifted in the use of memory charms, was sniffing out a story. One where he could silently slink in, obliviate the shit out of the real wizard or witch who had pulled off an extraordinary feat, and then pen a bestseller extolling and of course embellishing these heroic actions as his own that saved the day. This was the formula that Gilderoy had built his career on, a career that needed to be rebuilt after his disastrous stint as a Hogwarts professor.
These woods had been notorious across the magical community for having a dark presence contained within them, a very good reason for Gilderoy to normally avoid the entire area like the plague. His current situation wasn't normal however, no fan mail for months, so desperate measures were called for. Stories had reached his ears that this darkness had disappeared, Gilderoy wasn't that desperate to come within miles of here otherwise.
What he needed to do was find the person who was responsible for this darkness disappearing, share the food and wine he was carrying with this person - their portion liberally laced with veritaserium - and then the famous Gilderoy Lockhart would have his next great adventure ready to be recorded for posterity - and of course prosperity. His wand would soon have this poor fellow forgetting all about their accomplishments while the latest Gilderoy Lockhart bestseller should be hitting the book shelfs by the summer.
That timeframe should be more than sufficient enough for his trials and tribulations at Hogwarts to be forgotten about. Now all he had to do was find this person.
Sitting on a fallen tree while taking a needed drink of water, Gilderoy was left wondering just how bad this place must have been before the darkness was lifted. The atmosphere was so oppressive and threatening, he was never without his wand in his hand. The snake that moved stealthily along the tree trunk, its head resting on Gilderoy's thigh soon discovered this.
""Who are you?""
Gilderoy heard the question in his head, even though it appear to be broadcast from the poisonous snake he'd only just noticed. Panicking, a terrified Gilderoy screamed off the most powerful curse he knew - ignoring the fact that his curse must of course hit him too.
"OBLIVIATE!"
The snake acted on impulse to this attack and sank its fangs into the warm thigh, a split-second before the powerful obliviate curse hit. As might be expected, the curse left both wizard and reptile unconscious.
Chapter 30 - Time for Action
Harry awoke in what the young couple now considered their bedroom in Gryffindor Tower to the wonderful sensation of Hermione being wrapped around him. She had obviously awakened first and appeared to be worried about something. He soon discovered exactly what was troubling his intended.
"Did you have a nightmare? I know they can be triggered by events…"
A gentle kiss stopped Hermione's questions, and somewhat eased her worries, before Harry then chased them away.
"No nightmare could ever compare with what we went through since Friday dinnertime. I'll bet every member of our family who stood helplessly watching you lying on that bed would agree with me too. We got you back though, and I'm never letting you get away again…"
It was now Hermione's turn to gently kiss Harry's worries away. "It would seem like I got the better of the deal."
"I felt the pain you went through when Fawkes healed you. Your screams as Emma cut your face open will live with me forever, I can't agree you got the better of the deal. I just hope Amelia gets the rest of the death eaters behind bars. If she doesn't, we really are all out of options. Your mum and dad will insist we all get out of Britain and we really don't have a reasonable argument against doing that. We'll certainly talk about it as a family during the holidays but the ball really is in the ministry's court over this."
"I know. I was sitting at dinner last night thinking this might be the last time we do this in Hogwarts. While I would be sad to leave, you're right. Unless the ministry deals with the problem, my parents will never agree to any of us coming back here in January."
"I better get you down to see Madam Pomfrey, otherwise she won't let us leave for Christmas…"
With that, both got up to start what could be their last day in Hogwarts.
-oOoOo-
The issue of the Prophet announcing Hermione's recovery was welcomed in the great hall that morning, but not by all. The newspaper's stance on the death eaters who never stood trial was mostly ignored by the majority of the students, one of their own recovering from such a serious and life-threatening injury being far more important, but again not all. There were students in the hall who would be leaving for home today, and not knowing who or what they would find when they got there.
These students were as worried as Harry and Hermione that today might also be their last day in Hogwarts, though their reasons were certainly different. Any death eater trials could see family members shipped off to Azkaban, and that same family fined heavily. It wasn't too hard to imagine their circumstances changing drastically, and very publicly, over the holiday period.
One student who wouldn't be leaving Hogwarts, not even for Christmas, was an interested observer. Draco would be staying with his mother in the castle, he would have the entire holidays to think on why Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle or quite a few other Slytherins might not be returning in the new year. With the amount of changes hitting their world, it was beginning to seem more like a new era would soon be upon them - rather than a new year. Draco would have the holidays to think over that conclusion too.
After Madam Pomfrey had worked her particular magic on what Fawkes left of Hermione's wound, there was no scarring remaining to indicate an attack had ever taken place. They found Dudley sitting with the rest of their friends at breakfast. Knowing they would see most of them at the Longbottom Ball took away any sense of saying goodbye, though both Hermione and Harry made a point of seeking out Fred and George - as well as the other members of the Gryffindor quidditch team. They might be wishing them all the best for the holidays but it actually felt like saying goodbye.
Ginny and Colin were almost in tears just from the fact Luna wasn't having to leave for the express too, or rather because they were and she was spending the holidays with Harry. Neither Harry nor Hermione wanted to think about what state these two would be in if they thought this was the last time they would see their hero/crush.
Petunia and Dudley were actually accompanying the rest of the students out of the main doors, though not boarding the train. After clearing the wards, they would be taking the Dobby express back to Privet Drive. Dudley would need to phone Amanda, trying to explain why he dropped off the face of the planet for a few days, while Petuinia would need to discuss the Dursleys temporarily moving into Grimmauld Place with Vernon.
Sirius then led the three Grangers, Harry, Remus, Susan and Luna to the headmistress' office where they would floo to Grimmauld.
-oOoOo-
When Harry had confessed to having the nightmare where Voldemort returned, and Cedric Diggory had been murdered, Amelia had asked him for a copy of that memory from the future. She'd hoped to one day be in a position to deal with these bastards as they deserved but never expected that day to come so soon.
With Voldemort himself naming Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Avery in that memory from the future, Amelia had a definite starting point. Her aurors had dragged their stunned carcasses out of their beds, all four raids taking place simultaneously at two in the morning. Any family present was also arrested and brought into the ministry, though more to stop the news of these arrests getting out before the four death eaters could be questioned under truth serum. This resulted in her aurors pulling off another set of raids around five a.m.
One of the names that kept getting mentioned disgusted Amelia, hence why she was standing outside a rather bleak looking house on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors. Cornelius giving her carte blanche to deal with this problem allowed Amelia to unleash her aurors on the real enemies of their country, the death eaters. She also agreed with Sirius and Harry's actions of increasing the bounty on Snape's head, freeing those same aurors to get on with the far more important job they were currently carrying out.
It was with a deep sense of pride in her aurors that Amelia watched them blast their way into the death eater's house. Knowing their target lived alone, and the number of times he had been confirmed as a death eater, meant there was no ambiguity here - or holding back. That their target was also a respected ministerial worker was what sickened her the most. With followers of this madman at the very heart of their government, and restrictions placed on what aurors could do in what effectively had been combat situations, was it any wonder they almost lost the last time.
With the all clear given by the lead auror, Amelia entered the house to find a bound and bleeding Walden Macnair lying on his own floor. He was more angry than afraid, and used Amelia as a lightning rod for that anger.
"Bones, you're finished at the ministry..."
"Shove it up your arse, Macnair. You have no idea how many of your death eater colleagues tried to feed me the same shit. Once we got some truth serum into them however, they were soon singing a different tune. Quite a few of those death eaters mentioned your name as being a fellow death eater, while under truth serum too. Here's how your Sunday is now gonna play out. You have a date with a ministry cell, and a pressing appointment for a veritaserum interrogation. By the time I'm ready to sit down and eat dinner with my family tonight, your sorry arse will be sentenced to spend the rest of your life in Azkaban. Now, tell me again how I'm finished?"
Macnair was left speechless. A nod from Amelia saw two of her aurors activate their portkey and take the prisoner away to the cell she'd promised him. It was only moments later however one of her aurors searching the property called for her to witness something that left Amelia glad she hadn't eaten anything in ages. The young auror throwing up on the carpet wasn't so lucky, nor would anyone who saw this ever blame him.
"It would seem it wasn't just dangerous creatures Macnair executed. Some of those fingers and ears look small enough to have belonged to children."
While nodding in agreement with her auror, Amelia was fighting to get her mind back into gear so this could be dealt with professionally - rather than emotionally. "No one touches this until we can get an investigation team here. We haven't anywhere near this number of missing people on our files so most, if not all of these 'trophies', must have been muggles. We might be able to close some of their files for them, but not before this bastard gets questioned and then the veil."
Witnessing the evidence of what could only be classed as atrocities Macnair must have carried out just hardened Amelia's heart, and convinced her more than ever this was the right course of action to take. She would persuade Cornelius he should be at Macnair's questioning, since Walden worked for the ministry. If what this supposed respectable citizen had been up to was even half as bad as Amelia suspected, Cornelius too would be convinced they were doing the right thing - really the only thing a respectable government could do.
-oOoOo-
After reading about the attack on the second year Gryffindor, Hermione Granger, at Hogwarts, there was a horde of anxious parents waiting to greet their children as they came off the express in London. While all were relieved their children weren't the ones attacked, that an attack was even possible - and their children had more than likely witnessed it - had the majority of those parents petitioning the Ministry of Magic to deal with the situation.
On all of platform nine and three-quarters, you would be hard pushed to find a more concerned parent than Molly Weasley. As she got her hands on each of her five children who had just exited the express, they found themselves being hugged to within an inch of their lives. Being back in her mother's embrace proved too much for Ginny as her emotions poured out with her tears.
"There, Ginny, you'll be home soon and everyone's alright. Your friends are fine..."
This just increased the rate of Ginny's tears before Molly finally got an explanation between her daughter's sobs. "It will never be alright again. While Hermione was injured I had an argument with Luna about Harry. Luna must have told Harry and Hermione because they've both looked at me differently since Hermione was cured. Luna's now spending Christmas with them, which will only make things worse. I don't know if I want to go back to Hogwarts..."
Molly was at a loss with what to say next until Arthur took over. Ginny then found herself being enveloped by the safest pair of arms in the world, her father's. His calm and steady voice got through to Ginny in a way her mother just couldn't manage.
"Hey, I'm willing to bet that Harry and Hermione weren't just looking at my favourite daughter differently. One way or another, that attack inside Hogwarts will change our country. The Minister has been getting bombarded all day with owls from parents demanding he keep their children safe while they are attending Hogwarts, at least a couple of those were sent by your mother. Harry has never hidden the fact he has other options to Britain and Hogwarts, or that his first concern is the safety of his family..."
Arthur found himself being interrupted by his twin sons.
"Bloody hell, Fred, that would explain it. We knew something was off but couldn't put our finger on it."
"I think you're right. That wasn't just have a good holiday, they were saying goodbye..."
This had Ginny's sobs returning with a vengeance and her father's arms holding her tighter. "The Minister knows this too, and won't want to lose Hogwarts most famous couple, or three of the castle's favourite professors. Rumours are all over the ministry that he's taken action, what's happening over there would seem to confirm that."
The Weasleys joined the growing number of families watching as aurors were rounding up specific children, children whose parents were conspicuous by their absence. That every one of those children was a pureblood, and all from the darker families, did not go unnoticed either.
Thinking he now had the problem well in hand, Arthur then proceeded to put his foot right in it. "Harry and Hermione will be dealing with so much at the moment, a tiff between you and Luna probably won't even make their list of concerns."
Hearing the truth in her father's words had the opposite effect on Ginny than everyone expected. Instead of taking heart from the fact Harry probably hadn't fallen out with her, she was now looking at the situation from a totally different angle. Little Ginny Weasley was so inconsequential to Harry Potter that she didn't rate him bothering about what she said or did. She thought having him and Hermione angry at her was better than that option. A now inconsolable Ginny was led from the platform by her parents.
Since some of the purebloods being escorted by the aurors were also crying, this meant that the Weasley drama passed mostly unnoticed by the rest of the people on the platform.
Molly had a fair idea what had brought on her daughter's tears but could not support Ginny's jealousy in this matter. Luna had suffered since Mia's passing, Xeno not being fit to raise dandelions - far less a daughter. Having met a lot of the people Luna would be spending Christmas with, Molly was delighted the little blonde would be assured of having a happy Christmas - probably for the first time since losing her mother.
-oOoOo-
As a clearly knackered Amelia sat at the dinner table in Grimmauld Place, trying to negotiate the minefield of what she could actually say about the ministerial goings-on since the last time she'd seen everyone here, it was Luna who interrupted.
"Madam Bones, my father is a journalist. I'm quite used to being asked to leave the room when he's meeting with someone. If you need me to leave, just say so - I won't be offended or upset."
Susan's arm draped over Luna's shoulder as she comforted their friend. "Like you, Luna, I'm used to my Aunt Amelia not being able to tell me much about what she does. I can't remember the last time I saw her as tired as she is tonight though, and her hesitation will be to make sure that tiredness doesn't see her saying something that none of us are supposed to know. Aunt, just give us what will be in the Prophet tomorrow - and then get to bed."
It was a tired smile that Amelia graced them with, she hadn't had much to smile about today. It would take a few nightcaps, and holding Sirius in bed, before there would be any chance of sleep claiming her tonight. Barbaric didn't come close to describing some of the atrocities these animals had committed - all in the name of serving their dark master.
"Susan's right everyone, I am really tired." Looking at Harry, that tired smile made another appearance. "Acting on very reliable information the ministry had received, we began rounding up death eaters and questioning them using truth serum. Those questions brought us more names so we've been very busy. The questioning will also see every single one of those bastards spending the rest of their lives in Azkaban, if they don't receive a more severe penalty than that. I could easily justify calling for the death penalty in over half of the cases, that is a decision we'll need to make when we're thinking more clearly."
"You got all of them?" An emotional Emma may have asked the question but they were all hanging on Amelia's answer.
"We have one suspect who got wind of what we were up to and fled, there is one other who was abroad at the time. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, we think we got everyone else. They are all going down, Emma, or they can find a new Head of the D.M.L.E. and we're off to Black Island. Every single member of my department was involved in this unprecedented operation. Any kind of cover-up would have to see my entire department sacked. The public would never stand for all the ministry aurors being sacked, and they'd bring down any Minister of Magic who even attempted it."
Sirius quickly agreed with his bride-to-be, adding his own take on the situation. "Today we took a giant leap forward in dealing with our death eater problem. With your lessons at Hogwarts having such a positive effect on the students of all blood denominations, I don't think I've ever been as optimistic about our society's chances of reaching the twenty-first century."
The entire family knew there would be a serious discussion happening soon to try and plan out their future. Hearing that news from Amelia and Sirius left staying in Britain on the table, not something any of them were confident of since Hermione had been attacked.
With their meeting at Gringotts scheduled for tomorrow, Harry and Hermione had always intended to call on Professor Dumbledore later. He offered to aid them any way he could, and they needed his experience to help them achieve what they needed from this meeting tomorrow. Looking at Susan and Luna, Harry also had something else he needed to ask Albus about.
When, in the middle of those discussions, Dobby appeared with news from the Hogwarts elves, their optimism crept up another couple of notches.
As to maintain the fiction that Harry and Hermione were sleeping in separate rooms, Susan and Luna were sharing a bedroom in Grimmauld. Both young witches were too excited to sleep. Tomorrow, while Sirius escorted their friends to Gringotts, Emma, Dan and Remus were planning on taking them shopping in muggle London. They had things called mobile phones that would allow Hermione to contact them when their business in the bank was finished, and they left the Leaky Cauldron. They would then get together for lunch, followed by more shopping. Neither could think of anything more exciting than that, not knowing their friends were currently planning to make this the best Christmas they ever had.
-oOoOo-
Severus recognised Rowle right off, and assumed the other three people with him were just local hired muscle. It would seem his grumbling stomach had just saved Severus' life because, even if he'd managed to fight these attackers off, that fight would bring the magical authorities down on them. Being captured by either group meant his life was forfeit.
Since spotting Rowle amongst the group outside of the seedy hostel he'd been holed up in, Severus was too close to turn and walk away - not without attracting attention to himself.
All four glanced at the old balding man who shuffled toward them. Severus' use of firewhisky as cologne, and the bottle of cheap gut-rot sticking out the top of his paper sack containing food, saw his disguise pass muster. They all ignored him after that initial glance and went back to planning their attack.
Maintaining the speed of his slow shuffle as he passed them was extremely difficult, especially when hearing that they weren't too bothered if their target was alive at the end of this - just recognisable.
Rowle being here practically confirmed for Severus that the British Ministry must have eventually cracked down on the death eaters. He wondered if this was about the reward, or Rowle looking for a bargaining chip with the Ministry. Knowing some of the crimes Thorfinn had committed in the name of the Dark Lord, Severus thought Rowle was delusional. Bones was a hard bitch at the best of times, with absolutely no mercy for death eaters. Rowle could turn up at her office with Severus Snape's head on a stick, Bones would still ensure Thorfinn spent the rest of his life in Azkaban.
The only chance for Severus, for any of them really, was the return of the dark lord. Only under his powerful protection would anyone bearing a dark mark be safe. It would seem the little time Severus thought he had was long gone.
Thanks to spending the last decade working under Dumbledore, Severus was probably now the world's most knowledgeable wizard on all things associated with the dark lord, Tom Marvelo Riddle - aka Lord Voldemort. He would have to put that knowledge to good use - post haste. He needed to first find his master, quickly followed by returning him to a body. Only then could Severus relax, as much as anyone could relax around his master.
Shuffling around the first corner he came to, Severus then sped up until he was far enough away to disapparate without arousing anyone's suspicion.
-oOoOo-
Sitting inside Gringotts while waiting on their meeting starting, Sirius had a suspicion these two were up to something. Both had their game faces on but he detected the slight confident smirk lurking in the background. Helping a shattered Ami had been his priority last night, trusting these two to handle their meeting with Albus on their own. These two still smirking while being shown into a rather plush Gringotts office had Sirius reconsidering his earlier choices. This actually felt like these two were about to pull a prank, certainly not something you wanted to do to a goblin. He hoped that was the very first thing Albus had managed to get across to this pair of jokers.
After bowing in greeting to the goblin holding this meeting, and accepting the offered seating, Harry got straight to the point.
"We are here today to offer the hand of friendship to our goblin neighbours. At the very least I'm hoping that we share a common enemy, the self-proclaimed Dark Lord, Voldemort. The muggles have a saying, 'the enemy of mine enemy is my friend'. It is the hope of achieving at least this understanding that sees us sitting here today. I have information on how Voldemort cheated death that we're willing to share, along with a tried and trusted method of how to end this bastard once and for all. By sheer good fortune I am able to offer you, and anyone else you need to see this, a demonstration of just how mad and evil this sick bastard is by destroying one of the items he made to anchor himself to this world."
They didn't know if shocking a goblin into silence was a good thing or not. Sirius wasn't much help either. His wide-eyed stare of panic confirmed he had put the pieces of information together, but there was no indication of whether he approved of their tactics or not on his face.
In the end, Harry was left with no choice but to push on with their chosen course of action. "While I'm happy for this demonstration to take place anywhere you wish, with whoever you want witnessing this, I must insist the item never leaves our sight until its evil taint is destroyed. After that, you are more than welcome to have the item examined by anyone you wish."
The goblin sitting there knew at once this was way above his authority, this would have to go to the very top. Luckily, the necessary goblins were already gathered - awaiting to hear what this meeting produced. He had only a couple of questions before he would need to take this matter to those gathered superiors.
"This tainted object you speak of, the taint is from the dark one?"
Harry's 'yes' saw the goblin getting visibly angry. "You brought such a vile thing into our bank?"
"No, and we won't bring it here without your permission. Our friend, Dobby, is awaiting our call. He will then bring the object from its current location inside Hogwarts to wherever you decide upon. We didn't want this thing in our home either."
With a nod of understanding and appreciation, the goblin excused himself for a few minutes. This was Sirius' cue to start getting some answers.
"The Hogwarts elves found one?"
Hermione had sat quietly, letting Harry deal with the goblins. She could answer Sirius' questions though. "The express probably hadn't left Hogsmeade before the Hogwarts elves turned their attention to searching the castle for this. Dobby popped in with the news last night, while we were talking with Dumbledore too. Albus thought offering the goblins the chance to witness one of these being destroyed would get them onside and searching death eater vaults for any more of these. You saw that goblin's reaction when he thought we'd brought this one into the bank..."
At that, the goblin in question returned. It would seem their meeting was being moved to another room. This was a much larger and grander room, more like a conference suite, and they certainly needed the extra space for the eight goblins who were waiting on them. They recognised some of the goblins here who had been at Dumbledore's funeral, Ragnok introduced himself as the person in charge before inviting them to sit and continue their tale.
Harry started by stating an opinion. "I would just like to say that these things are as abhorrent to us as they seem to be to you. Dumbledore, my intended and I have been on a mission to destroy each and every one of these that we could find. I will show my trust in our goblin friends by revealing it was one of these items that killed Dumbledore. The dark one has placed protections on these items he created, it caught Dumbledore unawares. Once the trap had been sprung, Albus knew taking time to destroy the dark one's taint would cost him any chance of saving himself. You were at his funeral so you know what choice he made. Along with the item that cost Albus his life, we have also already destroyed another two - prior to today's discovery. This one, discovered hidden inside the castle by the Hogwarts elves, will be the fourth of this madman's items we will destroy..."
The entire room clearly understood what was being talked about here, though Albus had cautioned them against using the word horcrux unless it was uttered by a goblin first.
Staring at Harry, Ragnok cut straight to the chase. "You requested this meeting, you obviously require something from Gringotts. Spit it out and let's see what we are dealing with."
"As I said, we have been hunting these abominations for a while - Dumbledore a lot longer before including us. Our search revealed the dark one had trusted a loyal follower with one of his disgusting 'treasures'. It has been found, destroyed, and Lucius Malfoy will die in Azkaban. It left us with the questions, if one follower was trusted - why not two? Also, where do witches and wizards think the safest place in Britain is to store their treasure?"
Had he chucked a hand grenade amongst those listening goblins, Harry didn't think he could have gotten a more extreme reaction. They were up on their feet, some with blades already in their hands. Ragnok had guessed this was why they were visiting Gringotts before the trio had entered and took control of the room with a deep roar. The other goblins now silenced, he once more directed his attention at Harry.
"Can I assume you wish us to search suspected death eater vaults?"
Having been advised to be as truthful as possible, Harry also followed Ragnok's words and spat it all out. There could be no room for misunderstandings here.
"You will have read I am the one prophesied to face Voldemort. Hearing that has the Ministry of Magic dealing with all the death eaters who slipped through the cracks. In this room alone, there are now more goblins who know how Voldemort survived than there are those inside the ministry. I stand ready to face Voldemort but we all know he can't be killed while any of these vile things still exist. I have already faced him twice, defeating him and yet his spirit has escaped intact both times We all need him dead to get on with our lives, I am asking for goblin help to achieve this..."
A couple of growled questions from behind Ragnok saw the goblin leader nod and translate what was asked into English. "We would like to see your proof, and your method of destruction, before we deliberate on our decision. Can the destruction take place in this room?"
The size of this room made it far preferable than the original office they had been shown into so Harry nodded his agreement "Our elven friends from Hogwarts have informed us the object is a diadem, one that has a very strong compulsion charm to entice anyone who comes near to put it on. Hermione has the strongest occlumency shields and will drop some basilisk venom on..."
"The hell she will - I'll do it."
Turning, Harry faced down his godfather. "Sirius, you show Amelia the respect she deserves every time she leaves for work. Hermione taught me occlumency, she's far better at this than me. The three of us will be keeping a very close eye on her."
Addressing Ragnok once more, Harry again made sure there could be no misunderstandings here. "Sir, no one can approach my intended while she is performing this very dangerous task. Keeping a safe distance away while the item is destroyed is also advisable for everyone in this room. You will all clearly see the taint leave the item and are welcome to study it as much as you wish once it has been destroyed. Had Albus taken support with him that day, it would be him standing here making this request."
Understanding exactly what was being said, anyone approaching the witch would be neutralised, it was Ragnok's turn to nod in agreement. "Lord Potter, you have our permission to proceed."
With Sirius hovering behind him, Harry faced his intended and held both Hermione's hands as she centred herself. A few moments later, Hermione indicated she was ready. Dobby appeared and levitated the diadem onto the end of the massive table nearest Hermione. He then handed her dragon skin gauntlets that came up past her elbows before holding out the small vial of basilisk venom.
Everyone in the room could feel the evil force this thing was radiating, though its attack was soon concentrated on Hermione. She faltered after taking the full effect of the horcrux probing her defences, only for Harry's hands on her shoulders to give her the confidence and strength she needed to complete this task. With Harry behind her, Sirius and Dobby on either side, Hermione knew she could do this.
Her hand hardly shook and the first drop landed on the diadem's centre stone. Hermione was about to try another drop when tiny cracks began to appear on the large gemstone, that was Harry's cue to pull her back from there. Sirius and Dobby then stood in front of the young couple, all the while the four were retreating as far away from the object as the room allowed.
The goblin contingent mirrored their actions and watched with horrified fascination as black smoke started seeping from the gem. The noise began almost as a low hum, one that soon escalated to screaming as more of the black smoke escaped and formed a mouth. It wasn't until there was enough smoke leeched out to form eyes too that this dark apparition became somewhat sentient, at least sentient enough to start hurling threats and curses at all those witnessing its destruction.
"Fools, I will kill all of you for this. I am Lord Voldemort, the most feared dark lord in history. People fear to say my name..."
"Hey Tom. I'm not frightened, and you're full of shit. Do us all a favour and try dying with some dignity, instead of letting everyone see the rabid animal you've become."
"Who dares say that name?"
An angry Harry had pushed past Sirius to face this thing, though not going close enough to be in any danger. "I dare! I'm Harry Potter, the wizard prophesied to put an end to you once and for all."
"That's not possible, you're a mere boy..."
No sooner had the last of the smoke leeched from the gem to fully form the head than it began collapsing in on itself. Sirius then pulled Harry back as Dobby formed a magical shield around the smoke and diadem. The explosion when it came actually knocked Dobby onto his bum, while his shield had protected everyone else. The table and diadem weren't so lucky however. It appeared as if a four foot bite had been taken out of the table while the diadem was now a twisted and mangled wreck.
As Dobby was getting back to his feet, Harry had his arms wrapped around Hermione. Sirius though was very angry that she had been put in danger. "Dan will flay you alive for this, then Emma will kill you off. What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking this was something Hermione needed to do, more for herself than anything else..." Harry was then interrupted by his intended.
"Sirius, this was my idea. Harry took some persuading, and we decided not to try convincing the rest of the family. We were on a time limit, this had to be done today. It was dealt with, we're all still here, and I promise not to do it again. Dobby, are you alright?"
"Dobby is fine, though a nap would be good."
Hermione knelt and kissed the top of his head. "Go home and have Darla take care of you." He waited until Hermione had given him back the gauntlets and the little venom they had remaining before Dobby popped away.
The goblin contingent had of course been having their own very heated discussions on what they had just witnessed. One of them had the remains of the diadem held at the end of a pikestaff, none of them wanted to go closer than that to this item. It would appear though their discussions were now over, with Ragnok approaching the trio and bowing.
"Lord Potter, Miss Granger, it would seem the Ministry of Magic were correct in recognising your bravery. Thank you for ridding the world of that disgusting taint, I feel dirty just having witnessed that. The only way to cleanse that dirty feeling will be to ensure there are none of these monstrosities hidden away in our bank. You have my word that a search of our vaults is now a top priority, and any found will be destroyed using the method Miss Granger so ably demonstrated. We will contact you as soon as there is any news. Anyone stupid enough to have brought such an item into our bank will see all their possessions confiscated - let them complain to your ministry about it if they wish."
A pleased Harry quickly agreed with that judgement, and he didn't think the ministry would become involved. "Sir, any vault that contains one of these, their owner will in all probability not be in a position to complain about your actions. Thanks to the ministry taking action, they will be in Azkaban - or dead."
This had the remaining goblins banging what was left of the table to show they supported that last outcome.
The trio had barely left the steps of Gringotts when Hermione spun into Harry's arms and the clearly jubilant couple kissed in celebration.
Sirius though still wasn't happy, and let his displeasure out to play. "What the hell were you thinking of in there."
His displeasure crashing against Hermione's happiness however was simply a no-contest, the wide grin she was wearing a clear signal of which emotion had won. She started them walking again before explaining to Sirius what they had just pulled off.
"Going to your island would allow us to live, but not live our lives the way we want to. Our only hope of being able to do that was getting the goblins on board, unless you fancy trying to break into Gringotts and robbing some vaults? Vaults that we don't even know who they might belong to, far less where they are."
"What my wonderful girl is trying to say is we spent last night with Albus and Dobby, going over every move we made in there today. Albus said goblins like a show, we gave them one. We even considered Fawkes flaming in with the diadem but needed Dobby there…"
"Dobby kinda insisted he was going to be there, whether we asked Fawkes or not. He is rather protective of us…"
"After that night in Hogwarts, he won't let Hermione out of his sight. Yes we took a risk, but it was a calculated one. Albus told us the goblins value honesty, courage and honour, we gave them all three today. Ragnok went from growling at us to spit out why we were there to bowing and calling us by our titles. The goblins will now hopefully find what we think is the last piece of the puzzle, leaving the bastard mortal. Next time we put him down, he stays down."
Seeing this side of his godson had Sirius asking a question. "Are you okay with that, Harry?"
He tried to explain his view on the matter to Sirius. "When you have a rabid dog, there really is only one option. It's incurable, so has to be put down before it can infect anything else. Do you think Voldemort can be rehabilitated?"
Looking at his godson as if he was crazy saw Harry smiling back at Sirius. "Let's go and have some lunch with our family, then shop for a few Christmas presents for our wonderful ladies. The New Year is now looking a whole lot better than it was just a few days ago, so let's all celebrate that."
Hermione was already on Harry's arm, Sirius offering the witch his too saw the three of them heading for the Leaky Cauldron - and then muggle London.