Chapter 2
Harry landed in the headmaster's office and began verbally cursing up a storm. "Dumbledore, you whiskered, wrinkled wanker of a wizard! You just made a very big mistake, stupid old bastard…"
This outburst was halted by a cacophony of noise as the portraits of former headmasters vented their outrage at Harry, he recognised Phineas Black as being one of the most vociferous.
"Phineas Black, you do know that I am the new head of the Black family?"
"That doesn't matter whelp! My loyalty is always to the current headmaster of Hogwarts. How dare you speak about Albus Dumbledore in that manner, totally unworthy of a Black."
Harry stood just a little bit straighter as he gave his verdict on the matter. "Very well Phineas, you have made your position on this matter quite clear. Now I shall give you mine. I refuse to have a member of the Black family spying on me or providing aid to Dumbledore in any way. I will count to three and then destroy your portrait, I would advise you to leave it now."
For a portrait, Phineas made an admirable effort at displaying contempt for his new head of house. "You wouldn't dare boy. I've earned my place on this wall and have no intention of moving!"
Flames shot out of Harry's wand and incinerated the canvas in an instant. This action was also greeted by outrage from the other portraits. One female former headmaster who Harry didn't recognise was particularly scandalised by his actions, he really must make time to read 'Hogwarts a History'.
"You said you would count to three?"
"Yes I did, and I always keep my word. I never said anything about counting out loud though! I rather enjoyed that, anyone else want to defend Dumbledore?"
The portraits were all empty before any counting could even be started, Harry switched his attention to the sorting hat. "Well Alistair, can you keep your mouth shut or do I need to throw you out the window?"
The tatty old hat quickly became animated and replied to Harry. "Am I to assume Mr Potter, that you want what happens here to remain unknown to our esteemed headmaster?"
Harry smiled back at the sorting hat. "Yes Alistair, I have no quarrel with you or Hogwarts. I still owe you and Fawkes for coming to my rescue in the chamber."
"If it doesn't endanger Hogwarts then I will happily comply. Albus sticks his big nose into far too many things that are none of his business. I quite enjoy watching him when he doesn't get his own way."
"Well Alistair, I'll do my best to provide you with entertainment for some time to come."
Harry called for Dobby, Winky and Kreacher. Three elves of very different dispositions appeared in the room. Dobby couldn't contain his excitement at having been called by Harry. Winky was sober but had her head lowered in shame, still considering herself a bad elf for being given clothes by her master. Kreacher, on the other hand, didn't try to hide his contempt and disgust at being called away from his beloved mistress by this half blood pretender. Were it not for his bond to the Black family making it impossible to refuse, he would not have answered the summons. This didn't mean that Kreacher had to like it, and he let everyone in the room know.
"Half blood has the nerve to call Kreacher? My mistress will be so angry this mongrel is claiming the head of our great family."
Harry had to physically restrain Dobby from attacking Kreacher, The enraged little guy looked ready to rip the old elf to shreds with his bare hands. Bad enough an elf should disrespect its master, but when that master was Harry Potter! Dobby's blood was boiling.
Harry spoke harshly to the old elf, demanding obedience and an answer. "Kreacher, I am your master now! Is that correct?"
The disgruntled elf fought with every fibre of his being not to answer but the powerful magic involved denied him that option. His 'yes master' was uttered without the slightest trace of respect or enthusiasm.
Harry treated the elf with the same lack of respect, he'd given Kreacher a chance and now totally ignored the old elf. Harry turned to face the other two elves. "Dobby and Winky, would you like to leave Hogwarts and work for me?"
Dobby sprang at Harry and was hugging his leg, the face splitting grin giving its own answer. Winky though was more cautious. "Would Winky be a proper house elf again? Belong to a family? No wages?"
"Winky, whatever makes you and Dobby happy is fine with me." Harry then had a house elf hugging each leg. Harry started telling his new elves what he wanted. "I own a house at twelve Grimmauld Place, I want all my things taken from Hogwarts and placed there. Get my Firebolt only if you can do so without getting hurt, I don't know what traps that crazy bitch Umbridge might have set on it. As to the house, its not been looked after properly so will need a lot of work."
Harry still had his back to Kreacher as he said the next bit. "There are shrunken elf heads on the wall, I want them removed and disposed of. The painting of Walburga Black has to be taken down and burned, just like the one behind me."
This was too much for Kreacher to bear, taking his beloved mistress down could not be tolerated. Destroying her was unthinkable and unacceptable, mistress must be protected at all costs! With a squeal of pure hatred, the elf launched itself at the defiler of the proud Black name, Harry Potter. The instant Kreacher attacked his acknowledged master, his house elf bond demanded the ultimate price. The old elf dropped dead on the headmaster's carpet.
Dobby and Winky appeared more shocked that an elf would dare to attack its master, rather than the fact there was now a dead elf lying before them. Harry snapped them out of it by continuing to give instructions.
"The house has been used by the headmaster and his cronies, that stops now. Bar entry to all but those you know to be my friends at Hogwarts. Any stuff left there by the headmaster and his group I want dumped in this office. The headmaster has locked me in here and I intend to make rather a mess before I escape, add anything you find to that mess. Don't worry, there will be enough work at Grimmauld Place to keep the both of you busy and happy for a while."
Deliberately making a mess went against their instincts but a direct order had been given. The promise of plenty work had them both smiling though Dobby had a question. "Harry Potter sir, you are locked in here? Dobby or Winky can easily get Harry Potter sir out of Dumbebum's office."
"Thanks Dobby, but I can easily get out of here myself. Besides, I also want to make a bit of a statement doing it. Albus Dumbledore is going to have quite the surprise waiting on him."
The two Happy elves popped off to begin their tasks as Harry now headed for the glass case containing the sword of Gryffindor. He was wondering what to do with Kreacher's body when he decided to include it in his message to Albus. A precise application of the levitation charm and one sticking charm later saw the dead elf framed on the wall, stuck over the recently incinerated portrait of Phineas Black.
He then levitated Dumbledore's massive solid oak desk off the floor before applying the same charm used on the golden wand that ended Bellatrix's reign of terror. The desk accelerated at great speed across the room and smashed into the heavy door. The desk and door were shattered beyond the power of any reparo spell to fix, blocks of masonry around the doorframe would also need replaced or repaired. Now he had an exit, Harry cast his next spell at a large bookcase. Every book on the shelves transfigured into a black, fluffy niffler who must have thought they'd reached niffler nirvana. The room was packed full of bright, shiny things that they fell upon like a horde of hungry locusts. Harry kept a tight hold on the sword as Dumbledore's office was stripped bare of anything that glittered, the nifflers began dragging everything they could get their paws on out the smashed door.
Harry spotted a silver glow coming from a cupboard and wondered why the nifflers hadn't taken that until he remembered what it was. With a wicked smirk on his face, Harry spoke out loud.
"Mum, you may want to look away now. Dad, Sirius, you're gonna love this!"
Harry pulled the stone bowl toward him while undoing his robes, he then began using Dumbledore's pensieve as a potty. The silvery swirling mist took on a distinctly golden hue as Harry chuckled with the thought of the next person to use it. He couldn't decide whether he wanted it to be Dumbledore or Snape being next to stick their face into the mist. Perhaps he would get really lucky and it would be both f them! Now he was relieved, it was time to leave. The nifflers had done their work and the room appeared as if Dudley and his gang, wielding cricket bats, had paid it a visit, this would do as a start. Harry suddenly realised what was missing from this tableaux, nothing was spray painted. He soon fixed that omission.
Severus Snape had heard and actually felt the crash shockwave within the castle, he was heading off to investigate. He stood there speechless as a swarm of nifflers raced along the corridor and past him, carrying off some of the headmaster's most treasured possessions. He was still trying to get his head around that vision when the Potter brat strolled along, Gryffindor's sword in his hand.
"Potter, I should have known you would be involved somehow. I'll see you expelled for this!"
Harry wasn't troubled in the slightest by the often-heard threat. "Ah Severus, so sorry to disappoint you yet again. I can guarantee you I will not be expelled for this. The good news, for both of us, is that I've already left Hogwarts."
Harry made to walk past Snape when he was grabbed by the arm. "Arrogant little prick, just like your father. You're stealing that sword Potter so I'm calling the aurors, arrested works for me just as well as expelled."
The potions professor suddenly found himself disarmed and dangling from the ceiling by his ankle. He'd mistakenly thought he'd seen the last of this particular spell. Severus attempted to scream at the brat, only to find a silencing charm had also been applied.
"A death eater calling the aurors to arrest someone? That's novel!" Harry was now right in Snape's upside-down face. "Just how long did you take to pass that message on tonight Severus? Were you getting your jollies thinking we were all going to be killed by the time help arrived?" Harry refused to lose his temper at this arsehole. "You strut around Hogwarts as if you're some kind of super spy when really you're nothing more than a message boy for Albus and Tom. Both have you pegged as a petty little wizard, so petty he still carries a grudge against someone who's been dead for over a decade."
Harry was now giving a still silenced Snape the benefit of his version of an evil glare. "You did get one thing right though, I am just like my father. That means Lily Potter loves me with all her heart. Here's a newsflash for you Severus, she hates your guts for the despicable way you treated her son."
He could now see Snape's face producing colours that even his Uncle Vernon would be struggling to match. "I would love to stay and continue with our little chat but I, unlike you, have important things I need to do. I'll just say bye for now. I'd like it to be goodbye forever but you're just too stupid to let this go. It will end with me being forced to kill you, not something I look forward to but I won't hesitate either. I would do it now but as I said earlier, you're really not that important for me to bother with. I expect I'll see you later though."
With that, Harry walked off down the corridor. Whistling a merry tune while slashing the occasional imaginary foe with the magical sword. Severus was left dangling there, silenced and with his wand lying out of reach on the floor below him.
-oOoOo-
Albus couldn't believe the destruction in his office. That only one portrait was occupied left him with no one to ask questions of. The occupied portrait wasn't talking either, the elf contained within its frame would reveal no more secrets. It still provided information though, a dead Kreacher and the order of the phoenix paraphernalia scattered around the room told Albus he probably wouldn't be welcome at … he couldn't remember! Harry must have had someone perform a fidelius charm on the house.
What really focused his attention though was the message painted on the wall, it was like the chamber of secrets all over again.
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches
Don't force me to vanquish you Albus
That Harry discovered the prophecy in this manner was bad enough, that he could consider Albus Dumbledore as the dark lord of the prophecy was catastrophic! Albus was struggling to think how he could have marked the boy until he realised that he was being too literal with his interpretation. It was easy to see a scar and equate that with being marked as an equal but not all scars were visible. Harry would certainly consider being raised by the Dursleys as having marked him. Quirrell, Cedric and now Sirius's deaths had also undoubtedly left their mark on the boy. Albus was currently running the rest of the prophecy through his head.
He will have power the Dark Lord knows not
Harry certainly had displayed a power tonight that Albus had never seen before, the old wizard now felt as if someone had just walked over his grave as he remembered the next part.
Either must die at the hand of the other
Albus knew he was doomed. Since he couldn't bring himself to kill Tom Riddle, Albus couldn't imagine any circumstances that would see him deliberately killing Harry Potter. He had to find Harry and convince him that Tom was indeed the dark lord of the prophecy. If Harry vanquished Albus Dumbledore then he feared for the safety of their world.
Harry was a powerful wizard with a vast capacity to love. Should that love ever be turned into hatred, the world would tremble at the mere mention of Harry Potter's name.
He climbed over what was left of his desk to make his way out of the new exit to his office. Albus needed to find Harry, or at the very least some information.
He found Severus only minutes later but didn't like the information he heard, after he got his potions professor down from the ceiling.
"It was Potter! He left me dangling there for nearly an hour. The insolent brat made off down the corridor with the sword of Gryffindor. I must leave immediately headmaster, the dark lord has been calling me and I was unable to answer. He doesn't like to be kept waiting." Snape then rushed off to get outside the wards.
Albus now headed directly to Gryffindor tower where he discovered the fifth year boy's dorm currently had only two students occupying it. Harry's trunk and things were also missing. A trip to the owlery also failed to bear any fruit as there was no sign of a certain distinctive snowy owl. It would appear Harry Potter had really left Hogwarts, for now.
-oOoOo-
Hermione awoke in a strange environment and it took her a moment to realise where she was, Ginny's room at the Burrow. Mrs Weasley had refused to let them return to Hogwarts last night. Since today was Saturday, there hadn't been any objections from the five students. A bit of supper later and they had all been shipped off to bed. That was when it all began to sink in for Hermione and the tears had started to fall. It was a still awake Luna who offered Hermione some words of comfort.
"Hermione, Harry will be in touch. It may take a while but he'd never leave his friends. He'd never leave you!" The blond witch lifted the Potter Quidditch jersey from where Hermione had neatly folded it and placed the precious item on the brunet's pyjama clad lap.
"The way Harry was performing magic tonight, he could have changed your ruined clothing into anything he wanted. He transformed them into something he loves for someone he loves. Hermione, he even put his name on the back!"
Hermione was clutching the jersey to her now as Luna continued. "Harry spoke to us all before he got to you. Yes he was a bit different but it's still the same Harry. He wasn't saying goodbye and he'd never leave without at least doing that."
Hermione had slept with her arms wrapped around that jersey, drawing comfort from it and Luna's words. Hermione was certain Luna was right about a couple of thing at least, Harry loved Quidditch and had certainly given the jersey to her. Using the word love had just made the tingly feeling in her chest return, the same tingly feeling that Harry's touch had unleashed. She could hear Ginny and Luna beginning to stir, it was time to get up and see what today would bring.
-oOoOo-
All the breakfasts inside the great hall lay largely forgotten as the students and staff devoured the latest issue of the Prophet. There was so much information that it was hard to know where to begin. All of them immediately focused on the fact that the supposed dead dark lord had been seen, making an appearance in the ministry of magic no less! That he fought Harry Potter and lost was also something to focus on but even that wasn't close to being the most startling revelation. That there was a prophecy proclaiming Harry Potter would be the one to finally defeat the dark lord would, under normal circumstances, have resulted in much cheering from most of the students. These however were anything but normal circumstances. Harry Potter was not only supposedly leaving Hogwarts, he was leaving their world.
Any eyes that scanned the Gryffindor table couldn't fail to notice Harry Potter was missing, seeing his closest friends weren't there either soon put names to those who had fought by his side. The paper didn't identify them yet and it would be lunchtime before the student body added Luna's name to that very exclusive and much talked about club.
That Sirius Black had died received about as much attention as their breakfast.
At the Slytherin table, there was a definite atmosphere of fear and apprehension in the air. The only other death eater named was the also deceased Bellatrix Lestrange, leaving most of them to worry if their parents were amongst the eleven mentioned as being captured. A glance at the staff table offered no comfort either.
The charges against Dumbledore had, of course now been dropped and he was once more headmaster. He was not seated at breakfast though. McGonagall was still in hospital but there was also no sign of the Hogwarts High Inquisitor either. Her squad knew the writing was on the wall and certain badges found their way off robes and into pockets. That the Slytherin head of house was also missing breakfast was yet another reason to worry.
Only knowing part of a story was stretching all their nerves to breaking point. Sometimes, ignorance actually was bliss.
-oOoOo-
The two men currently inside Hogwarts infirmary wouldn't agree with that sentiment. They needed knowledge as lives literally depended on it.
It was a rather the worse for wear Severus Snape who spoke to the headmaster. "The dark lord was in the foulest mood anyone could remember, no one escaped his wrath. Two were killed outright with another left a drooling imbecile. What in the name of Merlin happened last night?"
In lieu of an answer, Dumbledore just handed over his copy of this morning's Prophet. If things weren't so serious, it might have been amusing to watch Severus's eyebrows disappear into his hairline.
It was a thoroughly shaken Severus who asked his next question. "How much of this is fact?"
When Dumbledore admitted almost all of it, Severus now understood the dark lord's actions. "The dark lord killed two death eaters who couldn't heal the scar Potter gave him. I managed to brew a potion that at least stopped it weeping blood, nothing anyone tried managed to get the dammed thing to close over. The dark lord is currently wearing a bandage like a common muggle and cursing everyone who comes within range of his wand. I pity the poor fool who has the unenviable task of bring today's Prophet to him. What can you tell me about this curse Albus? My life may rest on being able to treat this scar."
Again, Albus had nothing but bad news for his potions professor. "There was no curse spoken and no wand movement used Severus because Harry didn't use one. It appeared as if his rage got away from him and he struck Tom down with a bout of accidental magic."
Severus struggled to believe this except he'd seen the evidence with his own eyes. The scar was real and so was the dark lord's fear, this was not good. "Albus, do you think we could view the event in your pensieve? We have to discover how Potter did this."
Dumbledore agreed. "If you're well enough to leave the infirmary, I shall bring my pensieve to your office. I'm afraid Harry didn't leave a flat surface big enough to put the pensive on, I believe the expression is he trashed the place. I need to sift through the wreckage for any clues before I can let the elves restore some order."
Both men headed off to watch something that could determine the outcome of this war. Albus knew Harry was playing a very dangerous game by making a false prophecy public, he could only hope it didn't come back to haunt the boy.
-oOoOo-
Since it was Saturday, Hermione didn't feel the slightest twinge of guilt from not being at Hogwarts today. Having already sat all her exams helped too. There had been very few questions asked of them last night, both Weasley parents recognising they'd been through quite the experience and were exhausted. That would certainly not be the case this morning.
The three girls quickly decided amongst themselves to tell them everything. Luna was dressed in some clothes borrowed from Ginny but nothing would part Hermione from her Potter jersey. That Harry hadn't conjured a bra was to be expected, and something she was going to have to live with until being reunited with her stuff currently at Hogwarts.
The girls beat the boys downstairs and were instantly aware that things were now very different from last night. The twins were studying the Daily Prophet intently, the way Molly and Arthur were staring at the girls clearly indicated they'd already read it.
The boys entered just as Fred quipped from behind the paper, "You lot couldn't let us have it, could you?"
George instantly backed his twin up. "Yeah, we pull the greatest prank Hogwarts has ever seen then you lot just have to go one better."
Both were still reading and obviously got to the same part at the same time. The paper was dropped and there was more than a hint of awe in their voices. "Bloody hell, Hermione! Slapping Dumbledore?"
Fred couldn't hide his admiration, or his disappointment. "Way to go Hermione! I just wish I could have seen it."
Ron smiled at his friend. "Always said she was scary, brilliant but definitely scary."
Molly pulled the paper off the twins. "Where did you read that? It says no such thing!"
Fred pointed out the specific paragraph to his mother. "It says that after Dumbledore sent Harry back to Hogwarts against his wishes, one of Potter's friends struck the headmaster before leading the group of friends from the ministry."
George filled in the blanks for his parents. "Anyone doing our Harry harm will incur the wrath of the delectable Miss Granger here. Out of these five, who do you think would be the most likely to smack old Dumbledore one? Right in front of the minister of magic too."
All eyes turned toward Hermione. "What? Harry had just lost Sirius yet Dumbledore took him from the very people he needed to be near, his friends."
Remus arrived before anyone could answer that, he appeared very relieved to see them. "I'm so glad you came here instead of heading back to Hogwarts. Has anyone heard from Harry?"
Remus now had Hermione's full attention. "No, why? Isn't Harry still at Hogwarts?"
It was Arthur who provided the answer. "No, he upped and left. I floo-called Hogwarts last night to inform them you were all here and safe. Albus called back later to say that Harry had wrecked his office and left Severus dangling from a corridor ceiling..."
Arthur was forced to pause as the ministry five and the twins were now on their feet, cheering and dancing at that news. Hermione was instantly trying to work out just where Harry might have gone when Arthur resumed speaking.
"Albus thought Harry might make his way here and asked me to floo Hogwarts if he turns up."
The teens were already on their feet but all screamed 'NO!' in unison.
This verbal blast silenced Arthur so Hermione took the floor. "Mr Weasley, you can't do that. Dumbledore would come here and try to take Harry away again. Last night he basically kidnapped Harry, right in front of the minister of magic and nobody did a thing about it."
Molly attempted to intervene and defend the great wizard's reputation. "Albus said that Harry was suffering from grief, the poor boy watched Sirius die."
This was even worse than Hermione thought, Harry would be distraught. She wasn't about to stand here and listen to Molly trying to defend Dumbledore though, or his actions against Harry. "I agree that Harry must have been suffering from grief but what Dumbledore did was inexcusable. The best thing for dealing with grief is to be surrounded by your family and friends, everyone in this room falls into one of those categories where Harry's concerned. Yet what does Albus Bloody Dumbledore do? He takes him from us!"
Molly was trying to play the dual role of defending Dumbledore and placating a now upset Hermione. She didn't know one was feeding fuel to fire the other so carried on regardless. "Perhaps Albus sent him to Hogwarts for his safety? I'm sure he would have brought him here..."
Hermione wasn't about to be placated, she wasn't taking any prisoners either. "Oh, like he did when Harry faced Voldemort at the end of first year? Ron and the twins had to break the bars off his bedroom window to get him out the prison Dumbledore put him in. What about after facing Voldemort and a basilisk when he was twelve? No, he had to blow his aunt up and run away. Third year when we were nearly kissed by dementors? Nope! Surely after facing Voldemort again and watching Cedric murdered right in front of him? No yet again, and the old fool banned us from even writing to Harry!"
The silence was now deafening, Hermione had more than proved her point. Put like that, Dumbledore's actions were indefensible. "Mrs Weasley, perhaps now you can see why I have no faith in Dumbledore where Harry's concerned. Dumbledore knew about that prophecy, his initials were on it yet he never told Harry. Had we known what Voldemort was after, we would never have been anywhere near the ministry last night, and Sirius would still be alive."
Remus rested his hand on Hermione's shoulder in a show of support, he wholeheartedly agreed with every word the young witch said. "Sirius and I weren't happy with the way Dumbledore treated Harry, don't even mention the Dursleys! Last night was the final straw for me. I resigned from the order and told Albus I want nothing more to do with him. I would have left with you lot but I had to care for Tonks. She's going to be confined to bed for a few days but will be ok. Sirius made Harry his heir so he's now head of both the Potter and Black families. That's not someone who should be Albus Dumbledore's little lap dog, trained to do his bidding."
Neville spoke nervously. "Em, sorry to interrupt but I only understood about half of that. Do you need me to leave so you can discuss this?"
Arthur was quick to put an end to that idea, Hermione's words had a powerful effect on head of the Weasley family. "Neville and Luna, I fear there has been far too many secrets kept here. It's time everything was out in the open. Harry has publicly said he's the chosen one, he'll need his friends now more than ever. I also think we need to include your gran and Luna's father in this, let them know your safe and invite them over. It won't be long before everything becomes public, I think they should hear it from you, rather than the prophet. Hermione, do you want me to contact your folks?"
Hermione had been on an emotional roller coaster since her history of magic exam yesterday. The thought of seeing her mum and dad was too strong a temptation to even think about turning the offer down.
-oOoOo-
Minerva McGonagall had progressed to sitting up in her hospital bed. She was beginning to think the multiple potions the healers had her on were affecting her mind, she read today's Prophet for at least the third time. She didn't require one of Sybil's crystal balls to know that most of the children involved in the battle at the ministry were her Gryffindor cubs. It was with a lump in her throat Minerva thought she might have to modify that assessment, it sounded as if they fought like fully-grown lions.
She was drawn from her reading when she noticed her room door opened, yet no one entered. Minerva was reaching toward the nightstand for her wand, that was until a rather large and beautiful basket of flowers appeared out of thin air. The flowers were soon followed by one of her favourite students, appearing from under an invisibility cloak.
"Hello Professor McGonagall, how are you feeling? Sorry about having to use the cloak to sneak in here, believe me when I say it was necessary. Oh, these are for you."
Minerva couldn't help but smile. "Mr Potter, thank you very much for the flowers, they're beautiful. I feel it is I who should be asking how you're feeling? I was very sorry to hear about Sirius."
With that last sentence, Harry was glad he came to see this woman. "Thank you professor, I appreciate your concern. I'm actually feeling ok about it. Yes I'm sorry to see him go but Sirius went down fighting and I believe he's in a better place now. Our loved ones never really leave us professor."
Harry was shocked to see that the stern facade of Professor McGonagall was in danger of cracking, she appeared close to tears. He quickly changed the subject.
"Oh Professor, you might wish to know that the last anyone saw of Umbridge, she was being carried deep into the forbidden forest by a herd of centaurs. They apparently didn't like her any more than we did! Umbridge may have looked like a toad but she squealed like a pig as they carried her away."
Minerva gave a little chuckle at that image. "Thank you for that Mr Potter, Dolores Umbridge getting what she deserves cheers me up no end. I have to ask though, what are you doing here?"
"Well I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye to my favourite professor."
There was more than a hint of sadness in her voice as she replied. "So the Prophet was right about that, you're planning on leaving Hogwarts?"
"It's more than that professor, I plan to leave the magical world behind. It hasn't worked out as I had hoped, it's time to cut my losses. If I start now, I may still be able to achieve the muggle qualifications I need for university."
"While I'm delighted you're continuing your education, I can't tell you how sorry I am that you feel it necessary to leave the magical world to do it. Are you sure about this? What did Albus say about the matter?"
"I'm very sure about this professor, I now know what I want from life. Albus Dumbledore's opinion was neither asked for, nor would it be listened to. I know you've always tried to do your best for me, neither of us can say that where the headmaster is concerned. You were against leaving me with the Dursleys, for that alone I thank you. I'm making my own decisions from now on."
Harry realised that his voice had been getting rather harsh at the end so deliberately softened it for his next comment. "Like coming here to see the professor that not only put me on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, she bought me a Nimbus Two Thousand racing broom too! To this day, that still remains one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. I'm only sorry we couldn't make the Quidditch cup a permanent fixture in your office."
As they chatted, Minerva was trying very hard not to cry at the thought that this might be the last time she would ever see this outstanding young man. When Harry slipped on his cloak to leave, Minerva lost her battle and fat tears ran down her cheeks. She stared at the beautiful flowers Harry had brought for her, Minerva could always blame the pollen for her leaking eyes.
Harry left as Professor McGonagall began to cry. That the tears were for Harry Potter, her former student and not the-boy-who-lived or the-chosen-one was the reason Harry had visited in the first place.
-oOoOo-
Albus was left thinking his animation spell must have hit more than the gold elf since there was a golden mist floating through the air. Funny thing was, he couldn't remember ever experiencing a sense of smell when using a pensieve before.
Severus had just watched Potter expel the dark lord from his body, he had to grudgingly admit that was quite the achievement. When the dark lord threatened to go after Potter's friends, the power behind the boy's curse was awesome. Severus could see the dark lord was terrified, that scar would serve as a constant reminder of his fear. When he heard Potter spout off about protecting his friends, Severus's sneer was going full blast.
"Stupid, noble Gryffindor, he just handed everyone listening the key to defeating him. He clearly had the upper hand, why didn't he finish the job?"
"Harry claimed, and it really is hard to refute, that Fudge would have invented some charges and slapped him in Azkaban. As long as Voldemort lives, the ministry daren't move on him."
"That didn't help us discover how he did it, the dark lord is going to hate carrying Potter's mark. Especially now the entire country knows how he got it!"
Albus was too busy watching what he missed the first time, Harry removing the gold rod that killed Bellatrix and heading off to the lifts. It was time to leave.
The instant both wizards left the pensieve, it became rather obvious what the golden mist was. It certainly didn't come from any fountain!
The entire population of Hogwarts now knew Professor Snape was inside Hogwarts. His scream of rage must have been heard in every nook and cranny of the ancient castle. Harry's legend grew even more, Snape's scream of 'POTTER!' was of a volume that not even the Weasley twins had been able to achieve from the potions professor.
Chapter 3
Ask anyone who knew Daniel Granger to describe the thirty nine year old dentist and words like stoic, steady, phlegmatic, conservative and dependable would surely be used. This Daniel Granger though, was having one hell of a morning and was barely hanging on to his emotions. His wife, Emma had already lost it and was gently crying while clinging tightly to their daughter. The reason for all this emotion was the couple were experiencing things not only beyond their control, they were beyond their understanding.
It had started with Arthur and one of Hermione's former professors arriving at their door, five minutes later they had literally 'popped' to Devon. If that wasn't weird enough, the sight of an older woman, resplendent in a hat that featured a stuffed vulture, exiting the fireplace greeted the dentists on their arrival. After a needy hug from their daughter and repeated assurances she was ok, the green flames of the fireplace spat out the most colourful character seen outside the woeful fashion disasters that were the mid nineteen seventies. This faux pas wasn't flares and perms though, this gentleman appeared to take his inspiration from Joseph's famous multi-coloured coat.
The term 'colourful' could also describe the language Dan had running through his head, he daren't speak those words out loud in Emma's presence. He thought that he would be more than justified in using strong language after listening to what happened last night and some of the lead up to it. They'd just had to sit through Neville giving a description of Hermione being seriously injured, and Harry's severe reaction to it. Dan was jolted from his thoughts as the young lad began talking about Harry's godfather being killed and Harry racing after the murderer.
The company had been brought up to speed earlier on who Sirius Black was and his relationship to Harry, Dan couldn't help but think this poor kid couldn't seem to catch a break.
Neville had paused for a moment, clearly putting his thoughts in order so he could continue. Only Neville knew that he was deciding to tell the company everything. Harry's godfather was dead because of secrets being kept, he thought that the truth should be told.
He took out the golden wand and offered it to his grandmother. "Harry gave me this, he used it to make sure Bellatrix Lestrange had cast her last cruciatus curse on a Longbottom. I think he stuck it into her head."
This led to some gasps from the company but Neville carried on regardless. "Harry felt this should stay in the Longbottom family, it was also a peace offering for getting my dad's wand broken during the fight. I was so shocked when he gave me it that I never even noticed Harry healing my broken nose."
Augusta took the golden rod from her grandson, her expression a mixture of pride and awe. Hermione and Ron had led the initial part of the story, starting with Harry's vision to their escape from Umbridge and Hogwarts. Neville had taken over after that, surprising his gran with his demeanour almost as much as his actions inside the ministry. Where was the shy boy she'd sent to Hogwarts last September?
Ginny added her bit in support of Neville. "I know that might sound hard to believe but I never noticed or felt him healing my broken ankle either. When he spoke to us, Harry seemed to be more confidant, self-assured. Not something you can usually say about Harry."
Luna was nodding in agreement as she took up the narrative. "After he left us, Harry healed Ron before running over to Hermione. He must have really used some amount of magic on Hermione, she was easily the worst injured and we were really worried about her. We've no idea what he did though as Harry conjured privacy screens around them."
Hermione was very conscious that all eyes were now fixed on her, especially her parents. "I woke to Harry watching over me. First thing he did was berate me for getting myself injured, pot calling kettle black or what? I have to agree with Ginny, Harry appeared distinctly more self assured than normal. I got the impression he not only knew what was going to happen next but also was ready for it. He told me not to worry and that he would be in touch. I never got to say any more because Dumbledore kidnapped him right out of the ministry with the minister of magic watching on."
Hermione had no intention of mentioning in front of her parents how she came to be wearing her Potter jersey, thankfully none of her friends mentioned it either.
Remus reflected the general opinion around the room in that he was in awe of how well these kids had handled themselves against the best Voldemort could bring. "I caught the altercation with the minister and would probably have hit Dumbledore if Hermione hadn't beat me to it. I would have been proud to walk out of there with you but had Tonks to take care of."
Dan was not one to talk about family matters outside of family, believing that those kinds of discussions should be done at home amongst the three of them. He was going to have to speak out here. Dan would readily admit that both he and Emma were totally out of their depth with these revelations. The father in him also realised that, where Harry Potter was concerned, he couldn't rely on Hermione to tell them the full truth. When it concerned Harry Potter, his daughter's objectivity wasn't just questionable, it was non-existent. She'd admitted that she was sure they were heading into a trap but went along with Harry anyway, that one they would save for later. He needed to know now how these events would affect his family.
"Hermione what does this mean for us? Does Harry leaving Hogwarts affect what you do next?"
Hermione had also decided that full disclosure was going to be the only way forward for her and her parents. "Dad, I honestly don't know. Hogwarts and Harry have been a massive part of my life for the last five years. Harry once said that there could be no Hogwarts without Hagrid. Whether there can be a Hogwarts for me without Harry is something that might take the entire summer to figure out. I do know that I don't want to return for the final week of term. I knew that the instant you and mum walked in the door, I want to go home."
Dan was happy and relieved at his daughter's answer until Neville's grandmother spoke. "It may not be as simple as deciding not to return in September Miss Granger. When an underage muggle born decides to leave the magical world, the ministry has the option of obliviating you and your family. Considering you slapped the Chief Mugwump in front of the minister, they may just exercise that option. You have also made a lot of enemies amongst the pureblood supremacists by constantly outperforming their children and exposing their blood beliefs to be the nonsense that it is."
Both Granger parents were now really worried, the thought of someone magically messing with their minds appalled them. Hermione though had an answer. "I become an adult witch on the nineteenth of September. After that, they can't touch me. That's not even three weeks of Hogwarts, I could cope with three weeks."
Emma had been pretty quiet but now felt she had to ask the obvious question. "How can they do that to Hermione's memories but not Harry's?"
Augusta answered the clearly concerned mother, she knew her grandson thought very highly of Hermione. "Harry is not a muggle born, in fact he's head of the Potter and now Black families. The young man is politically, financially and now apparently magically a powerful force in our society. That he's chosen to turn his back on that very same society will send shock waves through every corner of it."
It was Xeno Lovegood who interrupted Augusta with a loud chuckle. He then proceeded to prove his sense of humour was nearly as colourful as his dress sense. "Augusta, I think it was Harry being the chosen one and telling them to basically bugger off that's really got their knickers in a knot. I also think Hermione, Ginny and my Luna could each have taken turns at slapping Dumbledore silly and still not be in any trouble with the ministry. One of my sources inside the ministry tells me you-know-who made the mistake of threatening Harry's friends. That same source also told me Harry wounded the dark lord and put him down, threatened him with a fate worse than death if he went anywhere near his friends. Scared the mighty Voldemort so badly that he portkeyed away. The point I'm making here is that Harry terrified all the ministry workers there too! Fudge is certainly stupid enough to order action taken against Hermione if she leaves before she's seventeen, whether he could find anyone willing to carry out those orders is another matter entirely."
Xeno directed his next remark specifically toward the Granger parents. "Your daughter is sitting there wearing Harry's Quidditch jersey, everyone knows what she means to the young wizard. Anyone wishing to do her harm is going to think at least twice before they attempt anything, knowing they're likely to find Harry by her side the instant she's in any danger." He was genuinely trying to reassure them of her safety but Hermione knew there would be even more awkward questions when her mum and dad got her home after that.
Ron had been quiet all morning, he just couldn't get his head around Harry wanting to leave magic behind. This was worse though, something about Luna's father's remarks really got under his skin. As usual, Ron just blurted it out. "If Harry had you-know-who wounded and on the ground, why didn't he finish him off?"
Hermione was first to leap to Harry's defence. "I know you were out of it Ron but Harry explained that last night. While they need him to defeat Voldemort, the ministry won't touch him. They've already tried pinning a phony trial on him and Umbridge has been torturing Harry all year. Had Harry defeated Voldemort last night, Fudge would probably have him in Azkaban by now while either hushing the whole thing up or claiming all the credit. Malfoy would then have walked free and we would probably have found ourselves arrested instead."
Ron wasn't for giving up on this, it just wasn't in him to let Hermione have the last word. "If Harry can defeat you-know-who, then that's what he should have done. That's what I would have done. Nothing is more important than that."
Hermione was livid and made no attempt to hide it. "This from the boy who thought 'accio brains' was a good idea? Harry happens to think his friends are more important than killing someone, I happen to agree with him."
"Hermione Granger agrees with Harry Potter, oh there's a shock!"
Luna attempted to prevent this turning into one of their almost legendary arguments, arguments that were talked about even in the Ravenclaw dorm. "Ron, Harry put Voldemort down, not Dumbledore or Fudge but Harry. It was also Voldemort who ran away, well portkeyed but you know what I mean."
Ron wasn't about to be deflected from his course though. It would take more than facts to deter Ronald Weasley. "Harry should have finished him before he had the chance to portkey out of there." His tone was almost daring Hermione to contradict him. She was more than up to the task.
Hermione had been wound tighter than any watch spring since Harry collapsed in the middle of his exam yesterday, she now had a target to let it all out on.
"Harry rid us of Bellatrix Lestrange and chased Voldemort out the ministry of magic but that's still not enough for some people. Harry's lost his parents and now his godfather but it's never enough, is it? He's been slandered all year in the press, at Hogwarts one professor had him carve letters into his own hand while another continually attacked his mind under Dumbledore's orders. Let's not forget to mention being handed a lifetime ban from the sport he loves, a ban he got defending your family from mouth Malfoy! Now even someone as thick as you are Ronald must be able to see why Harry's ready to leave Hogwarts and magic behind? I'm seriously considering doing the same myself!" Any witty comeback Ron had would have to wait as Hermione fled the room in tears, closely followed by her mum, Ginny and Luna.
Ron couldn't miss his parents and the twins glowering at him but was still not for backing down. "What? Absolutely mental that one!"
When the whack to the back of his head came, it was from a totally unexpected direction. Neville Longbottom. "Well I thought I would do it before Mr Granger knocked you into next week. Ron, in the five years you've argued with Hermione, I can't think of one single time when you were right. Hermione knows Harry better than anyone, if she thinks he's really leaving then I'm worried. Can you imagine Hogwarts without Harry?"
Arthur's gaze was boring into his youngest son with an intensity that could cut stone. "Do you and Hermione quarrel often?" That Ron couldn't look him in the eye was all the answer that Arthur needed. "That young lady is extremely worried about Harry. You remember Harry, your best friend? She doesn't need her other best friend making things worse for her, and for no other reason than to be obstinate! You all survived last night by sticking together and that's what you need to do now. You will go and find Hermione to apologise for being an insensitive arse. Go, now!"
Ron found himself with a twin on either arm. "Don't worry dad, we'll take care of this."
"If Ron doesn't do this properly, he'll be our test subject all summer."
They dragged him out of there, Neville following along so he wasn't left alone with the adults.
Molly apologised to Dan for her son's behaviour. "I'm sorry about that, they really think the world of each other. The three of them have been very close since first year."
"Yes I know. It's been a bit disconcerting as a father to hear your only daughter talk continually about two boys since she was twelve. I keep expecting for one of them to be getting introduced as her boyfriend!"
There had been a lot of honesty expressed here today so Molly decided to continue with the theme. "I know what you mean, I had hoped that one day she and Ron might get together but I think Hermione's already made her choice. Judging from that top she was wearing, so has Harry."
This confused Dan until Remus helped him out. "Hermione was injured by a curse that burned a slash through her clothes and into her body. I have no idea how Harry healed her but it was quite the feat of magic and beyond the capabilities of anyone else in this room. Not content with that, he transfigured her ruined clothes into his Quidditch team jersey. That's why it's got his name on the back. Harry's been on the team for five years and knows male players normally only give their jersey to their girlfriends."
"Why hasn't Hermione said anything about this?"
Remus actually smiled, his first since watching his friend pass through the veil. He knew Sirius was hoping Harry would get his head out his arse and ask Hermione out. Sirius intended to talk to his godson about it this summer if nothing had happened by then. "I'm sure it's a new development. Harry and your daughter are very close, it's very easy for us to believe Neville when he said how Hermione's injury really affected Harry. Within the same evening, Harry watched as his godfather was murdered. I'm convinced something changed within Harry last night, I saw it in his eyes as he chased after Bellatrix. There was a determination and confidence there that saw him through last night."
He tried to explain it further to the non-magical parent. "Hermione was the brightest student I taught at Hogwarts but Harry was the most powerful, casting a corporal patronus at thirteen is unheard of. Together those two make quite the pair."
"So Harry's her boyfriend?"
Remus shook his head. "I don't think so, at least not yet. Watching them in third year I thought it was only a matter of time. Harry wasn't raised in the best of environments and is not good at showing his emotions, I think last night he finally figured it out. Unfortunately, they never got any time to discuss it. Your daughter is going to be the cause of young witches' hearts being broken up and down the country. For what it's worth, in my opinion they'll make a great couple."
Dan would certainly be having a talk with Hermione when they got home.
Emma was currently doing that very thing. "I'm sorry about that mum, I'm so worried over Harry and Ron just pushed my buttons. It's almost as if he enjoys arguing with me. If only there was a way to contact Harry, I won't be able to settle until I know he's safe…"
As she said that, it was like a light bulb going off in Hermione's head. There was one person who would be as concerned about Harry as she was. More importantly, this person might be able to contact him. "Dobby!"
The little elf appeared with a loud pop, almost scaring the life out of Emma.
"Harry Potter's Grangy is calling for Dobby? How can Dobby help?"
Hermione had quite a few questions but stumbled out the most important ones for now. "Dobby, how's Harry? Where's Harry? Do you know?"
The little guy was nodding his head so much, his ears were flapping like Dumbo. "Harry Potter sir is fine, he went to visit professor kitty in the hospital. Harry Potter's Grangy is not to worry, Dobby and Winky will take good care of Harry Potter. Would you like Dobby and Winky to fetch your things from Hogwarts like we did for Harry Potter sir?"
Luna answered as Hermione appeared deep in though. "Oh Dobby, that would be lovely..." She didn't get to say any more as Dobby was gone.
Ginny looked nearly as puzzled as Hermione, she was also someone who knew Harry's behaviour well and this didn't fit any known pattern. "When he knows everyone will be looking for him, why would Harry risk going to see McGonagall?"
This light bulb wasn't as welcome to Hermione as her Dobby idea. "Oh shit, shit, shit! He went there to say goodbye. Harry really is leaving."
Hermione was rapidly getting herself into a state when a hand on her shoulder pulled her back. Luna was again offering comfort. "You may be right Hermione, I think you are, but I still say you're worrying about the wrong thing. Even the elf knows you're Harry Potter's Grangy! Harry may not be going back to Hogwarts but he's not about to give that up."
Ron and his escort had arrived just as Dobby left, catching the end of the conversation. "Bloody Hell! If Harry's saying goodbye to McGonagall, then he really must be leaving!"
The sarcasm in Ginny's reply sliced through Ron's indignation that he was right. "Finally getting it Ron? I was beginning to think those brains had done some permanent damage to that thick skull of yours. It's time to face facts here, at the very least we're looking at Hogwarts without Harry!"
Hermione was in tears and shot into a surprised Ron's arms. "Oh Ron, what are we going to do if he doesn't come back?"
Ron appeared to have as much a clue about that as he did about how to deal with the crying female who was now clinging to him. At any other time, his priceless expression would have been very funny. This though was very, very serious.
It was Neville who once more knew what was needed. He hugged both Ron and Hermione as he replied. "We'll get by if we all stick together, Harry taught us that's when we're at our strongest!"
Ginny and Luna were also included in what had become a group hug. Fred and George shrugged their shoulders.
"If you can't beat them."
"Join them!"
The twins joined in, managing to resist the multiple opportunities for pranks the situation presented.
Emma was close to tears herself as she watched her daughter being comforted by seven friends. She believed Neville was right up to a point, they were stronger together but Hermione obviously needed Harry. She didn't need to be her mother to work that one out.
-oOoOo-
Cornelius Fudge was being forced to face up to a magical Britain without Harry Potter in it, the minister of magic was not liking the conclusions he was coming to. To Fudge, it didn't matter whether Harry Potter was indeed the chosen one. The wizarding public believed he was and there lay the minister's biggest problem.
Far too many people heard the lad give his reasons for leaving, keeping that quiet was never going to work. That you-know-who was undoubtedly back took the urgency of the problem to a whole new level. The ministry didn't have the luxury of sitting back and seeing what way the wind was going to blow. If they didn't take some swift, decisive action then heads would roll at the ministry. Worse still, there was a high probability that the head rolling would start at the top.
After that trial, vilifying the boy for a year in the press and allowing Dolores free rein at Hogwarts, how the hell was he supposed to get the lad back onside?
Fudge had written all Potter's complaints down in list form and was determined to work his way through them. He didn't think for one second it would change the boy's mind, that wasn't the purpose here. When the public threw this in his face, Cornelius was enough of a politician to know he'd better have some answers for them.
There could be no deals for the people captured in the ministry last night, full death eater regalia and unforgivable curses on their wands would see to that. Anyone claiming they were under the imperious curse would be offered public trial under truth serum. If Lucius was as innocent as he claimed, here was his chance to prove it. There would be no trials for those death eaters who had already escaped from Azkaban, they were going to be passed through the veil. Dolohov, Rookwood, Mclciber and the Lestrange brothers would be sacrificed to the tough new stance the ministry was taking on death eaters. With that psycho Bellatrix gone too, that should buy Cornelius some time with the public.
He also decided then and there to reward the students who brought these criminals to justice. Handing out medals and financial rewards at the Hogwarts opening feast in September would give him some much needed positive public exposure in case Potter actually left. The minister would be able to hold his hands up and say he was doing his best.
Sirius Black now being dead made it very easy for Cornelius to deal with this particular problem. 'New evidence has come to light which proves Sirius Black was innocent and the real culprit was Peter Pettigrew' sounded good to him. Pettigrew would be stripped of his order of Merlin and a warrant issued for his arrest. Again Fudge didn't care whether this was true or not, he was sure this was a win-win situation for him. If Black really were innocent then the ministry wouldn't look like idiots when Pettigrew was captured. If not, then Pettigrew was already dead and no threat to Cornelius's plans.
The problem that carried the potential to inflict the most damage on him was Dolores, he would have to quietly cut her loose. It was no secret that Amelia Bones loathed Dolores so perhaps allowing the head of the DMLE to investigate Potter's claims could remove his undersecretary from the ministry. He would vermanently deny anything and everything Dolores attempted to push in his direction, safe in the knowledge that she would never willingly submit to being questioned under truth serum. Fudge would block all efforts to force that particular issue.
Cornelius was quite pleased with himself. With these measures in place, he should be able to deflect most of the fallout from this situation. Should Potter carry-out his threat to leave the magical world, there would be enough shit hitting the fan to bury everyone. Not even Dumbledore would come out of this smelling of roses.
-oOoOo-
It was dinnertime before either the headmaster or the head of Slytherin were seen by anyone inside the castle. When people did eventually lay eyes on them, the double takes were perfectly understandable. Disputes on just who provided the biggest shock would be the main topic of debate in all four common rooms, and the staff room that evening.
Albus Dumbledore had cut his hair and trimmed his beard for the first time in living memory. Whether that was more shocking than Severus Snape actually washing his greasy locks was the cause of all the debate. There was no debate as to who was responsible for these phenomenons. Harry Potter's name being screamed at previously unattained volume by a certain potions professor provided the answer to anyone with a modicum of intelligence. The rumours of just how or what he did to achieve these miracles would get wilder and weirder as the final week of school progressed. Sadly, but not surprisingly, no one even came close to guessing the truth.
-oOoOo-
Hermione awoke next morning in her own bed, still clutching Harry's Quidditch jersey. She knew this was lame but felt closer to him by doing so. Her rational side appeared to be getting hammered into submission by her hormones but Hermione didn't care. If wearing Harry's jersey made her feel better then that's what she would do, rationality could go and jump in the nearest lake.
Hermione thought she must be experiencing some of what Harry must have felt when she got badly injured, the thought of never seeing him again was eating her alive. She'd temporarily dodged a bullet yesterday when her parents told her just to relax, give her time to recover from those traumatic events. The questions would undoubtedly be coming in her direction today.
Hermione had already resolved to answer them as truthfully as she could. Breakfast at the Grangers could easily run into lunch, probably dinner too if her mum and dad asked all the right questions.
-oOoOo-
Breakfast that morning at Hogwarts was also eventful. Today's Prophet had more details as to what six Hogwarts students had achieved at the ministry on Friday night. It also named the eleven death eaters captured, and their punishments.
Draco's face wore a gold medal worthy scowl, his father was named as a death eater and being sent to Azkaban. This really emphasized the major changes that were being proposed to combat the return of the dark lord. What use was the Malfoy name and money if it couldn't keep you out of Azkaban?
Everyone was as equally enthralled in the newspaper as they were yesterday. Sirius Black declared innocent, previously convicted death eaters put through the veil of death and the rest sent to Azkaban. That three of them had sons currently sitting at the Slytherin table just added extra spice to the story.
The minister went out of his way to claim he was receiving bad advice from his advisors. He also deliberately pointed out that Lucius Malfoy was on his way to Azkaban while Dolores Umbridge was currently under investigation by the DMLE. As to the Sirius Black issue, he truthfully said it was a situation he had inherited but could have handled better. He was trying to make amends now by issuing a full pardon and pledged to leave no stone unturned in the ministry's attempts to find Pettigrew. He also promised rewards for the six students who had fought so bravely against a dozen death eaters and exposed that you-know-who had indeed returned. Hogwarts would be contacted soon and it was hoped there could be a ceremony at the start of the new school term.
Reading this was the final straw for Draco Malfoy. His father was in prison, the chosen one Potter had not only stolen his Black inheritance but now scarhead's group of misfits were going to be rewarded. He couldn't even get any release by baiting the people responsible for these injustices, since none of them had returned to Hogwarts.
Draco's dramatic departure didn't receive the attention the blond ponce thought it should, this was due to all eyes watching as a pair of owls delivered bouquets of yellow roses to two lucky girls. That the two identical bouquets came from the same person was assumed by everyone in the hall who were now frantically attempting to work out what Cho Chang and Parvati Patil had in common. Well, apart from the fact that the two girls were now crying buckets.
Lavender had her arm comfortingly around her best friend but she was also reading the note that accompanied the roses. Her gasp of 'Harry's really leaving' had Dumbledore out his seat a lot sprightlier than his great years would suggest.
"Miss Patil, could I read your note please?"
Parvati stood and threw the note at the headmaster. "What did you do to Harry that would make him leave? He put up with Snape and Umbridge so it must be really bad if he's not coming back now!" She gently picked up her bouquet before snatching her note out of the still reading headmaster's hands. "I'll take that headmaster, it's all I've got to remind me of a friend I shared classes with for five years and who took me to my first ball."
Parvati was joined by her sister and Lavender as she began walking out the great hall with her head held high, the flowers from Harry cradled lovingly in her arms. He'd asked in his note for forgiveness because he made her first ball miserable due to his inexcusable behaviour. Parvati chose to remember instead their first dance and being the centre of attention, of course she forgave him.
Cho's letter had been very similar, apologising for their disaster of a date and asking for forgiveness. The line where Harry said that he was leaving the magical world and didn't want to do so with any bad feeling still between them started the tears falling. He'd also asked her for a favour, a favour she had every intention of granting. Cho now stood with her flowers, striking a pose very similar to Parvati's. "I'll save you the trouble of walking over here headmaster, you won't be reading my note. You have now taken both my boyfriends away from me, you won't be touching this!"
Snape shouted from the top table. "Fifty points from Ravenclaw and detention with me every night this week Miss Chang. We'll see if we can knock the Potter arrogance out of you before you head home for the summer."
Severus suddenly found himself facing an irate Filius Flitwick, standing on the staff table right in front of him. "One hundred points to Ravenclaw Miss Chang for having the courage to speak the truth. Oh and Professor Snape, she will be unable to attend any detentions as I'm holding house meetings every night this week in the Ravenclaw dorm and I expect all my students to be there. I will of course listen to your complaints against any of my students who you decide in your wisdom deserve detention from you this week."
Severus was already in a stinker of a mood from Potter's 'pensive prank' and so wanted to take this further. Unfortunately, Filius already had his wand in his hand and only a fool would mess with an angry duelling master. He gave the barest nods of his head in compliance.
Pomona Sprout was almost hoping Severus was going to make a play against Filius, she would have enjoyed watching her friend destroy the Slytherin's unjustified high opinion of himself. She now had to act to protect her own house from the bat's retribution. "Hufflepuff's, same applies to you. There has been a lot happening this year at Hogwarts and I think it will be good to sit and clear the air."
This left the Gryffindors exposed to the potion master's wrath, but not for long.
"Gryffindors, yeh've got me fer the final week. We'll have the same meetings."
This actually resulted in cheers from the Gryffindor table, Hagrid had just returned to Hogwarts that morning. The gentle giant held his hands up for quiet, he apparently had something else to say.
Hagrid directed his remarks toward the two girls carrying the flowers, both had stopped in the hope that Flitwick was going to make mincemeat out of Snape. Who would want to miss that? "Cho, Parvati, yeh're in good company. I visited Professor McGonagall at St Mungo's last night an' wasn't the only visitor she saw yesterday. 'Arry stopped by with flowers an' to say goodbye, he won't be comin' back to Hogwarts." Hagrid unashamedly had tears in his eyes now.
Dumbledore was stunned, his two strongest supporters inside Hogwarts were Hagrid and Minerva yet they kept this from him? "Hagrid, why didn't you tell me this news earlier?"
"What? I don't see anybody dyin' 'cause I chose to have me breakfast first!"
That hit Dumbledore like a sledgehammer, he was going to be blamed for Harry leaving Hogwarts and the magical world. While Cornelius worked like a demon to cover his ministerial arse, Albus had two black marks against him that he couldn't refute. He had deliberately withheld the prophecy from Harry and Sirius was now dead. When he read Miss Patel's note from Harry, the lad had placed no blame on any individual as a reason for him leaving. If the students and staff of Hogwarts were reaching that conclusion on their own, the rest of the British magical community wouldn't be far behind.
Albus headed for his office, his breakfast now forgotten. Had he really misread young Harry so badly for all these years? The Harry Potter that Albus thought he knew should be battering down his office door and begging for training to defeat the dark lord, not shrugging his shoulders and saying 'so long!' It would appear that the combination of the Dursleys, Dolores Umbrige's ministrations, Severus remedial potions lessons, Miss Granger's severe injury and Sirius's death had a profound effect on the boy. His killing of Bellatrix, defeating Tom and then healing Miss Granger were all acts Albus would have sworn were beyond the boy's capabilities. Could Harry have found the power the dark lord knows not? He had certainly never seen anything like whatever that was Harry hit Tom with.
For a man who didn't choose his robes in the morning without a plan of action, Albus had no idea what to do next. Every single contingency he had carefully crafted over the last fifteen years involved Harry Potter to some degree or another. Without Harry Potter, the situation was hopeless. That Harry understood this but was leaving anyway left Albus floundering for an explanation. No matter what it took, he would have to find Harry and make him understand. He simply had to return, the alternative was unthinkable.
-oOoOo-
Breakfast may be over but the interrogation was just about to begin. Hermione understood at once that her parents had talked about this when her father wadded right into the very heart of the matter.
"Hermione, I'd like to know just what your relationship is with Harry. I'd also appreciate an honest answer."
"Harry is my best friend and a very big part of my life. We are not romantically involved, having the occasional hug or kiss on the cheek is the extent of any romantic contact."
Emma was watching her daughter carefully and could sense she was telling the truth, it also wasn't hard to sense what she wasn't saying. That Hermione was sitting there wearing her Potter jersey again was rather a big clue. "You may not be romantically involved with Harry but I get the distinct impression you want to be?"
Hermione rolled her eyes at that. "Mum, half the witches at Hogwarts want to be romantically involved with Harry Potter."
"Ah, but how many of them are wearing his jersey?"
"Its complicated mum, Harry's my best friend and I can't ever imagine my life without him in it. If we tried dating and it didn't work out, I couldn't stand to lose what we have now."
Dan had allowed Emma to take the lead but he needed to know something here. "Hermione, why wouldn't it work out?"
"As I said to mum, half the witches in Hogwarts want Harry. I can't compete with that."
Emma came right back at her daughter. "As I said, and you never answered, how many of them are wearing his jersey?"
Hermione had her head down to try and hide her blush as she softly answered. "None."
Her dad lifted her chin up as he spoke. "Hermione, we've had five years of your letters featuring Harry and you talk about him all summer, this is not a surprise to us. What I really want to know is when are we going to meet him? Your mum and I also need to know how his future plans affect you?"
Hermione tried not to think of how Harry would react to that. He wasn't even her boyfriend, yet her dad appeared ready to ask him what his intentions were toward her. "Dad, I have no idea where Harry is at the moment, I'm forced to wait until he contacts me."
Dan's face was now fixed in a frown. "Hermione, I'm not really pleased with that answer, or this situation. I don't think it's fair that you are left hanging like this. What about that little chap who got your stuff from Hogwarts yesterday? Call him, even if it's only to pass on a message."
Hermione had been thinking of nothing else since yesterday. Her only objection was that Harry must have a good reason for not contacting her. She would hate to place him in any danger over her insecurities. She tried to explain this but her dad wasn't buying it. Hermione understood this was partly her fault for hiding just how dangerous the magical side of Britain could be. As her dad became more insistent, she consoled herself with the fact that this was something she was desperate to do anyway.
"Dobby!"
Nothing happened for a few minutes and Hermione was considering calling for Winky when a bouquet of long stemmed red roses appeared on the table. There was also a note attached. Hermione had the roses in her lap before she opened the note and read it out loud.
Hermione
Your house is currently being watched but neither you nor your parents are in any danger. I have some very important things I have to do and will tell you everything when I can, prepare to be up all night talking! These tasks might take a few weeks but I don't want you to worry, Hedwig is far too conspicuous so I'll use other means to drop you notes. Please act as you would normally do while on holiday from Hogwarts and trust that I will find you wherever you are.
Missing you like crazy
Love Harry
Dan was now angry, but the target of that anger was not Harry. "Watching our house? Who the hell do these people think they are? How sure are you that Harry's right and we're in no danger?"
The beautiful roses and the way Harry had signed her note had Hermione feeling better than she had in months. Harry always told the truth, he was missing her and loved her, she had the proof in her hand. Hermione now had a wide smile on her face that nothing was going to shift.
"Dad, I'm certain we're in no danger. If we were, Harry would already be here, wand in hand and dealing with the bad guys. You think I would follow Harry wherever he leads and you're probably right. What you fail to understand is that Harry is the exact same with me. I wasn't being flippant or making jokes just now dad. If there was any danger then you would soon get to meet Harry, so would the people putting us in danger. My guess would be they're from the ministry or Dumbledore's people."
Dan still wanted more information. "Are they there for our protection? What do we need protecting from?"
"More than likely they're staking us out in the hope of capturing Harry when he contacts me. I suppose them being there does lessen the likelihood of a death eater attack."
It was her mother who was now demanding answers. "Hermione, I think it's time your father and I heard the truth about what's really going on in the magical side of Britain. Not the heavily edited version we usually hear."
It was time for a tale of trolls, basilisks, dementors, dragons and Dolores. Today was going to be a late lunch but one glance at her roses and Hermione's spirit soared.
-oOoOo-
The Dursleys were just about to sit down to their Sunday lunch when the doorbell disturbed them. Not half as much though as when Petunia opened the door.
"What are you doing here? You're early!"
"Hello to you too Aunt Petunia. I'm not staying, I just popped in to say cheerio and save you the drive to Kings Cross next week. I need to talk to you and Uncle Vernon, then you'll never see me again. Dudley still at school?"
Petunia could only nod at the well dressed young man in front of her. It wasn't just the clothes that made her nephew appear so different, he also wore a whole new confident attitude. He walked past her and headed straight for the dining room.
"Hi Uncle Vernon, please don't get up on my account. I've got something to say and then I'll be out of your lives forever."
This sounded very much like something Vernon wanted to hear so he said nothing, for now.
"My godfather was murdered the other night and it affects the Dursleys indirectly. He had made me his heir so now I'm considered an adult in the magical world. This means I never have to return to Privet Drive, it also means the protection that me staying here gave this house will also be disappearing. My advice would be for you to move home in case the death eaters come calling. These animals would take great pleasure in torturing the entire Dursley family to death. One of them killed my godfather."
Vernon as all set to begin one of his 'freaks' rants when Petunia interrupted him. "What happened to this person, surely they were arrested?"
"No, she wasn't arrested, they don't arrest dead people. I made sure she'd never harm anyone ever again."
One glance at this new version of Potter and anything Vernon had to say died in his throat.
Harry just turned and walked out the door, he'd warned them and that was what he came for. Harry had dreamed about walking out of Privet Drive and never coming back since he was a young boy. Now it was finally here, it was strangely anticlimactic. Anyone watching the young man walking down the street would think he was talking to himself.
"Everyone gets a chance guys, even the Dursleys. Whether Vernon will pull his head out his fat arse and actually do something about the situation is another matter. I find that I don't really care, does that make me a bad person mum?" Harry walked around the corner, putting that part of his life behind him forever.