Chapter 6
Luna was experiencing an entirely new sensation for her, she was missing her friends. As her dad had to change all their travel plans, it would now be the middle of August before they left on their expedition to Fair Isle. She'd enjoyed spending time with Hermione but the Grangers were now in France. The Burrow felt like it was in mourning since Harry had paid it a visit, Ron was moping while his mother provided the wailing. They didn't appear to understand that Harry wasn't dead, he'd just chosen a different path.
He'd told Luna he would keep in touch and that was good enough for her, Harry always kept his word.
Neville was experiencing the summer of his life, his parents were recovering quicker than anyone thought possible. His letters to her had all been filled with such joy, Luna could almost feel it radiating off the page. Their letter writing had increased in frequency and length of parchment as the summer was progressing. Now Luna was invited to Longbottom manor to meet his parents.
Luna wasn't reading too much into this development, Neville was desperate to introduce his parents to everyone. Meeting friends and family also aided their recovery, getting them back into the swing of things mentally while their bodies caught up.
Luna was still a teenage girl though, a teenage girl who had promised herself she would start looking for a boyfriend. In any boyfriend contest, Luna would place Neville's name almost top of a very short list. Since Harry was looking elsewhere, Neville would now be her number one choice.
First of all though, Neville was her friend. His emotions would be all over the place at the moment and he needed her to be there for him as a friend, not slobbering all over him like some kind of Lavender Brown clone. When Neville finally decided he was looking for a girlfriend, Luna fully intended to be there for that too!
-oOoOo-
"I felt nothing but pity for Merope, yes she'd undoubtedly committed a terrible wrong but she paid an awful price for it. The Gaunts were a dirt-poor old pureblood family that had nothing going for them. She lived in a shack with her brother and father, both of whom held views considered too extreme even for the pureblood magical community to stomach. Merope had no money, no education, not a great deal of magic and was no beauty either. Her prospects were as grim as the shack she lived in. All the young woman knew was that she had to get away, Merope slipped the local muggle squire's son a love potion and they ran off together."
Harry could see the revulsion in his girlfriend's eyes, using a potion like that was tantamount to rape.
"Merope knew it was wrong but she really did love Tom, loved him so much that she stopped administering the potion. Tom then raced back home, leaving a penniless, rejected and pregnant Merope behind. By the time the baby was due to be born, Merope was so weak that she didn't survive his birth. She possessed just enough strength to tell the staff at the orphanage what she wanted her son named, Tom Marvolo Riddle."
Hermione let out a gasp of shock, she now knew who this woman was. How Voldemort's mother had the bloody cheek to go anywhere near her Harry was something she wanted to hear.
"Merope watched her son grow in the orphanage, the boy had a hard life. He was bullied before discovering there was a power he could call on. This power was explained when, on his eleventh birthday, Tom received a visit from a certain Albus Dumbledore. He was probably academically only second to Hermione in his studies but Tom had a cruelness in him that reflected in everything he did. Merope reminded me a bit of my Aunt Petunia. No matter what their sons' did, there was always extenuating circumstances or someone else to blame. Even when Myrtle was murdered inside Hogwarts, Merope consoled herself with the fact it was the basilisk that killed her."
Harry stopped for a drink of juice as Hermione noticed he was having trouble telling this story. She wondered where it was leading.
"Everything changed in a single day. Tom was still at Hogwarts when his research tracked down his relatives. He murdered his father and both grandparents in their own home, framing his uncle for the killings. Merope's brother died in Azkaban for a crime her son committed."
Harry needed another drink of juice before he could continue. "Merope had led such a shitty life yet now her death was proving to be even worse. She was in her own personal form of hell, looking on as the baby she died giving birth to became the monster we now know as Voldemort. Left helpless and having to watch as he tortured and murdered all those witches, wizards and even children unfortunate enough to cross his path, his callous disregard for life sickened her. It takes a special kind of psychopath to wipe out your entire family while still at school."
Winky popped in beside Harry and offered him a butterbeer, he needed more than fruit juice at the moment.
"Merope though is still his mother and believes there is still some good in him. She's convinced herself that creating those horcruxes has warped his humanity as his soul is in pieces. She offered me the entire knowledge of Voldemort's horcruxes if I would give him a chance once they were destroyed. I happen to think she's delusional but gave my word, the information was too important not to."
"Are they all gone? Is that what you've been doing Harry?"
"Yes Hermione, they're all gone. One was actually inside Hogwarts and I destroyed it the night I trashed the headmaster's office. I deliberately provoked Dumbledore to send me back to the castle. Thanks for slapping him in my defence, I laughed out loud when I read that!"
No mention was made of pensieve memories, neither Harry nor Hermione wanted to give the disgruntled father any more ammunition.
"I also got very lucky on a couple of occasions. There was one hidden inside a cave, complete with an underground lake full of inferi, I really didn't fancy going down there. I couldn't believe it when Winky found the locket when cleaning up Sirius's old place. I have no idea how it got there but had no intention of looking a gift horcrux in the mouth. I also couldn't believe it when Fudge actually helped me, by accident of course."
Harry took another pull of his butterbeer as Hermione noticed him smile for the first time since mentioning Merope.
"One of them was secured deep inside a vault in Gringotts, guarded by a dragon no less, I hadn't a bloody clue how to get at it. By sentencing the Lestrange brothers to the veil of death, he effectively ended their line. I was able to claim their vault because I'm head of the Black family. I took the horcrux and instructed the goblins to transfer all the gold into Tonks vault, I would love to see her face the next time she visits it."
Hermione was beginning to get some idea of the scale of the problems Harry had been dealing with, no wonder he'd said he was busy!
"There was one hidden in the Gaunt shack but, being a parselmouth, it didn't cause me any problems. Especially since Merope had already given me all the passwords. We weren't sure if I would still be able to use that ability since my horcrux was gone, it worked on the other side and here too. The last one on the list gave me the most trouble, Voldemort's enormous snake. I had the place watched but the bloody great beast refused to leave the house. You were so close down that hill yet I daren't come near until I'd taken care of the last one."
"Why did you have to wait Harry?"
"I needed them all taken care of before I approached you. If something had gone wrong and Dumbledore managed to stick his nose in, the entire plan could fall apart. My fear was Voldemort taking his snake and putting it somewhere I could never find it. Yesterday, I got tired of waiting. Just before dawn, I snuck into his hideout and cut its head off!"
Hermione was on her feet before she even realised it, "Harry James Potter, of all the irresponsible things…"
She was interrupted from saying more by her father's roar. Dan had sat while his bullshit detector was going mental as this kid pushed the needle deeper into the dung, that last comment just buried it and ended Dan's patients. "Cut its head off? You'll be telling us next you used a sword! I'm now thinking this is all some fantasy you've invented in whatever that thing is you call a mind. Returning from the dead, hunting bits of soul before triumphing over the bad guys? I say you're either nuts or full of shit! As far as I can see, the only person watching my family is you. If I don't see some proof right this minute, then we're out of here and you'll never see us again!"
Hermione's anger against Harry taking unnecessary risks was now dwarfed by her ire at her father. She was radiating magic as she glared at him, he'd just stepped way over the line. "How dare you speak to Harry like that! You may be my father but…"
"Hermione love stop! It's easy to say words in anger that then can't be taken back. Your dad wants proof, I can give him proof Hermione."
Harry turned to face Dan as the sword of Gryffindor appeared in his hand. "I killed the snake with this. It's a magical sword that belonged to Godric Gryffindor, I used this to destroy all the horcruxes."
The boy standing there confidently, holding a sword that was unmistakably a lethal weapon, was a whole different prospect for Dan Granger. When he faded from view right before his eyes, Dan was beginning to think he was the nutter and in deep shit.
Harry came back into view beside the telescope and called them over. "I can make myself invisible and some silencing charms do the rest, I was really careful Hermione. Please take a look through the telescope, the lens is charmed to see through invisibility cloaks."
Emma was raging at her husband before she looked through the telescope, she was absolutely livid after it. "That's the woman who stole Hermione's letter. Why is she shimmering?"
"It's the invisibility cloak Mrs Granger."
Dan offered Hermione to go next and received a stern rebuke for his troubles. "I don't need to look for proof, I believed every word Harry said to me. I trust my boyfriend with my life."
The 'my boyfriend' bit was spoken with enough force to ensure Dan got the message, looking through the telescope also confirmed their villa was being watched. The woman was now peering through the patio doors, looking into the villa for them.
Harry then took a stone ring out his pocket and only Hermione recognised that her boyfriend was now incredibly nervous. "I've only read what this will do, it's the first time I've used it." Harry put the ring on and rotated it around his finger a few times.
Dan was forced to grab his wife as she gave out a partial shriek before fainting where she stood.
"Hey Hermione, looking good! Glad to see Puck here got his act together and asked you out!"
Hermione was staring at the ghostly vision before her, "Sirius? Is that really you? Puck?"
"You didn't think a little thing like death would keep an old dog like me down? Oh, and Puck is your new boyfriend's marauder name. Have you seen his animagus form? He's a horny little devil!"
Harry knew the next voice so well as his mother appeared next to his godfather. "Fanning the flames is not helping my son Sirius, I knew we should have made Remus godfather! Hello Hermione, I'm Harry's mother. So very pleased to meet the girl who's cared for him all these years."
Harry had hit Emma with a wandless ennervate spell, she regained consciousness in her husband's arms. She immediately remembered why she fainted, it would be hard not to with a ghost standing right in front of her. A ghost who was the spitting image of Harry, and not that much older either.
"Hello folks, sorry if we gave you a bit of a scare, it was a bit of a shock to us too! I'm James Potter, Harry's father. I would just like to add that everything my son has said here today has been the truth. Please excuse my hurry but we've only got a moment and I so want to speak with your lovely daughter. We've had the pleasure of watching them together for five years, they really are wonderfully suited for each other."
Harry hated the thought that his mother was standing in front of him, and he couldn't give her a hug.
Lily of course sensed this. "Harry, we shouldn't be here son. This is torture for all of us. Our time has past and that's where we must remain, think of us often but not to the extent where it stops you living your life. You have a wonderful girl here so tell her everything, her parents also deserve to know why you came back."
Hermione had her arms wrapped around Harry so tightly, they were in danger of becoming one entity. The tears were streaming down her cheeks as she was faced with visible proof of exactly how much Harry had lost. She knew Sirius of course but his mum and dad appeared to have been really nice, and so young! His mother couldn't have been more than four or five years older than Hermione was now.
"Hermione, I so want to hug and kiss my son. Instead, I'll ask you to do it for me. Keep him safe and keep him from brooding. His dad and Sirius managed to install a sense of mischief into him, just ask Dumbledore and Severus! You make him happy dear, nothing else would have seen him return. It's a good job that sister of mine will be dead before I get hold of her, I might just kill her all over again."
James spoke to her next. "You realise that's a full time job and will probably take you the rest of your life?"
Her tears were still flowing but Hermione was smiling now. "That sounds like my kind of job Mr Potter, I just hope I'm up to it."
"Oh please call me James, Mr Potter makes me feel so old! This is Lily and him you can call whatever you want." James was jokingly pointing to Sirius as they began to fade.
"Didn't I tell you two, isn't she fantastic? You should have seen them the night they rescued me."
"How many times do we have to tell you Sirius, we watched the whole bloody thing. James here was jumping up and down like a madman when they flew on that hippogriff to get you out that cell." Lily Potter's fading voice was the last thing they heard for a few minutes, none of the four who were left wanted to break this special moment.
Harry led Hermione back over to the seating area but she refused to be parted from him and sat on his lap. Her parents were helping each other over as both of them had quite the shock.
"I know you'll tell me how you did that later Harry, at the moment I'm just too shocked that I got to meet your mum and dad. I also can't believe that they liked me."
"Hermione, what's not to like? They absolutely adore you, and you just heard my godfather's opinion. I've got one more thing to tell you and then I think we could all do with a break before dinner. I asked what would happen if I didn't come back, it wasn't pretty Hermione."
Emma, like her daughter, had tears flowing since the ghosts appeared. Seeing how much it had cost this young man to do that was very painful, especially since it was Dan who had forced the issue. Their instant and absolute acceptance of Hermione was another wound that hurt deep, Emma was unsure if she could take anymore.
Harry though, only had eyes for Hermione. "With me dead and you severely injured, your parents made the only logical decision they could. They took you out of Hogwarts and left the magical community. What they didn't know was that Malfoy again got off scot-free while Dumbledore remained a wanted man. The blond prick used his influence at the ministry and the Grangers had the existence of magic obliviated from their memories."
Harry felt Hermione tense up on his knee. "Malfoy would have come after me and I wouldn't even know who he was. Is that what happened Harry?"
"I honestly don't know Hermione, you were lost to the magical world so couldn't be tracked on the other side. Malfoy coming after you was my guess to. They burned the Weasleys and the Lovegoods to the ground while Neville's gran packed and got them both out the country. I had to come back Hermione, even death couldn't take away my saving people thing."
Harry had tried for humour but Hermione just buried her face in his shirt and hid.
Emma didn't want to add to the torment but the mother in her really needed to know something. "Harry, why would you even consider not coming back?"
It was a still tearful Hermione who answered, there was venom in her voice though and she left no doubt at whom it was directed. "Because his life here is shit! At school he's either the saviour or the next dark lord. If that isn't bad enough, he nearly bloody dies at least once a year. I haven't forgotten that cupboard comment or his mum wanting to meet her sister. Ron told me they had bars on his bedroom window and I thought he was exaggerating. If I get my wand on the Dursleys, Lily might meet her sister sooner than she thinks. If that's not bad enough, my own father has to put the boot in too!"
She now rounded on her dad. "Harry was completely honest with you, laid his soul bare. I know how hard that must have been for him and it just made me love my Harry more. How dare you say those things about him. As far as I'm concerned, there's only one nutter here and it's not Harry!"
Hermione ran into the house, trying not to cry. Emma was trying to decide between following her daughter and ripping her husband a new one.
Dan read his wife's dilemma correctly and offered advice. "Go and check on Hermione, no matter what you said to me, I couldn't feel any worse than I do at the moment."
Harry interrupted before anyone could move. "Hermione will be fine, Winky will look after her for now. I really need to speak with you both. By killing that snake, Voldemort is going to know that I really am a threat. There is no way to predict what he'll do next, I want Hermione close to me so she'll be safe. There are enough junior death eaters around who have told him how best to hurt me. I would like you to spend the rest of your holiday here, hopefully we can get to know one another better. Please don't think that means we're confined to the villa, though I would change the rental car and any plans already discussed while others could be listening."
Emma attempted a smile. "I would like that very much Harry. We'll go and collect our stuff if you want to go and check Hermione's all right for us. I'm sure it's you she'd rather see."
Harry stood to follow Hermione before he spoke. "Please let Dobby collect your things, no one will see him and it'll only take a few minutes. Call for him when you need to go to your room, he'll show you where it is. Let him know what time you want dinner and he'll make sure we're all there."
As Harry left, Dan had his face in his hands. "It's not steak I should be eating but humble pie! How am I going to fix this?"
Emma wasn't for letting him off the hook though. "Everyone we spoke to, including your daughter, told us what an extraordinary young man her Harry was. That simply wasn't good enough for Daniel Granger, the boy had literally to dig his parents up to prove he wasn't a nutter. It may have escaped your notice but our Hermione is in love with that young man, even you must see he feels the same way about her. That's our future son-in-law yet you just treated him like dog shit on your shoe. What possessed you to act like that?"
"I honestly don't know. The shock of seeing my little princess wrapped around him like that reduced my IQ to single digits. Neanderthal took over and I just saw him as a threat to my family. Did you notice how young his parents were? Remus said they were twenty-one but seeing them just blew me away. They instantly adored Hermione yet I treated Harry abysmally. When I saw him standing there with that sword, I thought for an instant he was going to attack me. If Hermione's in any danger, I want her as near to Harry and those little beings as possible. They can protect her, we can't."
"You keep thinking like that Dan and we might just get our daughter back. Back in our world, attending university alongside a young man who wants to marry her, does that remind you of anyone?"
Dan actually cringed. "I now understand the saying that daughters are nature's revenge on fathers. When I saw them, I immediately thought of us! What would we have done in that position?"
They both knew the answer to that and had Hermione as evidence. "Do you think Harry will forgive me?"
"I don't think it's Harry you've got to worry about, that's the first time I can remember Hermione raising her voice to you. Your image as the perfect father crashed and burned today Dan, regaining that is going to be a lot harder than Harry's forgiveness. Hermione now has a new man in her life, a knight who apparently battles trolls and dragons in his spare time."
"Yeah, you forgot he can also turn into an owl, pull a magical sword out of thin air and become invisible. They don't cover that in any parenting manual I've ever seen."
-oOoOo-
Albus floo-ed at once to the dungeon quarters that Severus occupied, his patronus message had said it was urgent. The headmaster was alarmed to discover his friend hadn't been exaggerating, quite the opposite in fact. Severus appeared as if he'd been towed behind the Hogwarts express, all the way from London. Albus had to ask the obvious question. "Severus, what happened?"
His battered and bruised face barely managed to utter 'Potter' before Severus lost consciousness. Albus reckoned it was only his portkey that allowed him to return to the castle, he certainly was in no condition to apparate or even floo.
He gently levitated Severus onto the bed before beginning some medical scans, with Poppy now on holiday, it was either up to Albus to heal his potions professor or there would need to be a trip to St Mungo's.
Albus was reading a lot of cruciatus damage but there were other injuries complicating matters. Broken ribs and soft tissue damage amongst the most serious. Severus had been given a right going over that would require time to heal, that he mentioned Harry's name had Albus quickly reaching for the appropriate potions. The quicker he began the healing process, the sooner he would discover just what the hell was going on.
-oOoOo-
Harry knocked on the bedroom door before sticking his head inside, he was greeted by the sight of Hermione lying on the bed crying. He went to his girlfriend at once. "Hey Hermione, don't cry. Please tell me what's wrong so I can fix it."
Hermione wiped her eyes before turning around, she was not going to turn into a brunette version of Cho. "Oh Harry, after all you've been through, my dad treating you like that was the last straw."
"Hermione, I have no problem with your father, it's a male thing. Anyone coming sniffing around our nearly seventeen year old daughter is going to experience much worse!"
Hermione couldn't believe what she just heard, she needed confirmation. "Our daughter Harry?" She also couldn't believe he didn't even blush when he answered.
"Well, I assumed you wanted children. Not right away of course, I've a feeling I'm going to be very busy between studying and teaching my beautiful girlfriend everything I know." Harry saw the sparkle begin to return to her eyes.
"Harry, I know I must look a mess, you don't need to lie. I've already agreed to say yes."
"Hermione, you know I don't lie. To me, you're the most beautiful girl in the world."
This drew a small smile. "Well, since yours is the only opinion in the world that matters to me, I'm happy with that. What happens now Harry?"
"Well the Grangers are now my guests for the rest of their stay in France."
Hermione let out a harrumph sound. "My dad will never go for that!"
Harry gave his girlfriend a reassuring smile. "He already has. By now, Voldemort will know his snake is dead. Hopefully, this will lead him to discovering that Tom Riddle is once more mortal. His mother told me he was terrified of death so we have no way of predicting what will happen next. There's also the fact that he doesn't know I lied about the prophecy…"
"What! You just said you never lie. What was the real prophecy?"
"I'd never lie to you Hermione. Voldemort, Dumbledore, Fudge and their ilk are all fair game. As I said to Ron, Trelawney made the prophecy, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. Surely you would much rather be learning about wandless magic or the animagus transformation?"
"You may have gotten a lot smoother Potter but don't think I didn't notice you were changing the subject. You should know that doesn't work with me, let's hear it."
Hermione's brows furrowed in concentration as Harry told her the prophecy. "This is so vague, it could be interpreted a number of different ways. Why was Dumbledore so fixated on the one?"
Harry shook his head. "Haven't you noticed, magical people suffer from a tendency to do that. When a solution presents itself, they count that as problem solved and stop looking. The idea that there could be a better way just doesn't enter their heads. Parchment, quills and candles immediately spring to mind."
She was a lot less worried having heard the prophecy, Hermione detested divination and thought this was a prime example. The prophecy was so open-ended, practically any set of circumstances could be said to fulfil it. Hermione nodded in understanding before changing the subject herself. "Will we really be able to pass exams and get into university?" Hermione was in need of some reassurance and Harry provided it.
"Hermione, have you ever failed an exam? You'll find I'm the same Harry but with a whole different attitude to studying and exams. I know I could make a difference as a doctor but I also know it won't be easy. If I can somehow combine modern medical science with my magical knowledge, who knows what could be achieved? There are also the Potter and Black fortunes to back up any research we want to do. I've had a long time to think this over while you've just had it dumped in your lap. There's no hurry though, university is at least a year away. We've plenty of time to discuss what we want to do, your mum and dad could be a great help."
Hermione's expression darkened at the mention of her parents so Harry gave her a gentle kiss. "Hermione, I've rented this place for the entire summer, I was hoping to spend most of it with you. For that to happen, we need your parents' approval and permission."
This got Hermione's full attention. "Mum's vote should be easy, she's a Shakespeare fanatic. Puck and Hermione? She probably thinks we're preordained by the bard to be together."
"You mean written in Stratford-upon-Avon, instead of the stars?"
This got a giggle out of Hermione. "Oh really smooth Potter, you should use that line on her. While on the subject of smooth, what's this I'm hearing about flowers, jewellery and even kisses being dispatched to witches up and down the country?"
"You don't know about Neville then? He offered to wear my name on his back and I'm sure he kissed me when I healed his parents."
Hermione fell in love with the old Harry, she couldn't help but think this new model was an improvement. The main difference appeared to be Harry was so comfortable in his own skin. She'd attempted to tease him and he returned it with interest, Hermione loved it! She tried to keep the teasing going by running her fingers through his hair and asking her next question. "Oh Harry, what did you say to his generous offer."
"I told him that if you knocked me back I would consider it. I also told him that Luna was ahead of him on the list. I didn't have the heart to point out that Millicent Bulstrode was also ahead of him. I think I would still choose Neville before Pansy though, Fang would be preferable to Draco's girlfriend."
Hermione couldn't keep it up and had to laugh, Harry took this as a good sign and continued. "I went to see McGonagall first, it wouldn't have seemed right to leave Hogwarts without saying goodbye to her. Then Cho and Parvati got flowers for putting up with me. Luna's necklace has as much defensive magic poured into it as I could manage, anyone firing curses at her is going to get a shock. I've got something similar for you and your parents, I thought it would be better if they got to know me first before I started handing out gifts."
Hermione gently kissed him. "You sir are a wonderful boyfriend!"
"I'm trying Hermione but you're making it very hard for me. I think our first kiss was mostly responsible for your dad's outburst earlier, perhaps we need to give him some time to get used to us as a couple. I'm going to take a cold shower and change, I'll meet you out by the pool. Please don't wear the white bikini though."
This confused Hermione, "Why, don't you like it?"
"Hermione, I saw you in it yesterday and hours later a snake got its head chopped off! Like doesn't quite do my opinion justice. I'll see you after my shower."
Harry left the room to the sound of Hermione giggling, considering she'd been crying when he entered, he was very happy with that.
-oOoOo-
Severus had barely opened his eyes before Albus had his head lifted and another potion was passing his lips. He felt the pain begin to wane and gladly accepted one more to help heal his injuries. His head was back on the pillow as he lay there with his eyes closed, allowing the potions to perform their magic.
"Severus, do you feel up to talking? How was Harry involved in your injuries?"
Severus kept his eyes closed as he slowly told his story. "Potter ghosted into the dark lord's lair last night and chopped the head clean off his familiar. Apparently the dark lord's anger reached new heights and he executed the three guards who were on duty. They didn't die quickly as he was determined to discover who had betrayed him." He had to pause and ask for a drink before continuing.
"Wormtail was then called and they both disappeared for the rest of the day. When he summoned me, his mood was, if anything worse and Wormtail didn't return with him. The dark lord called me a liar and demanded to know the truth about the Potter brat. My answer that the boy was nothing more than a mediocre wizard was not well received." Severus gave an involuntary shudder at the memory.
-o- earlier -o-
"Crucio! Could a mediocre wizard do this?" Voldemort was in a rage as he tore the bandage from his head, revealing a bleeding lightning bolt shaped scar. Severus was writhing in agony on the floor when a spell picked him up and hurtled him into the wall.
"Could a mediocre wizard get past my wards and guards? Committing murder while we slept in our beds!" Severus was lying in a heap at the base of the wall when he was again picked up and hurled across the room, smashing into the opposite wall with even greater force.
"Could a mediocre wizard have defeated my death eaters and killed Bellatrix at the ministry?"
Severus found himself once more prostrate at the feet of the dark lord. "Crucio! You are either a liar or incompetent Snape, I need to know which it is? Legilimens!"
He had no problem letting the dark lord see and hear what he really thought of the Potter brat, Severus really did think the boy-who-lived was a mediocre wizard with delusions of adequacy. Fortunately for him, the dark lord recognised the truth as Severus saw it and didn't search any further. The physical battering and bouts of cruciatus had scrambled his mental defences.
"Well Snape, it would appear Potter is more of a Slytherin than we thought, he easily concealed his true worth from you. Hardly surprising considering the way you've treated him. You're supposed to be head of the house of the cunning yet got outsmarted by a Gryffindor? How disappointing, get this thing out of my sight!"
He was grabbed by rough hands before Severus found himself dragged along the floor and thrown down the steps at the front door.
-o- present -o-
Albus was now really troubled. "This raises more than a few questions. Where did Harry get the information to find Voldemort and then why waste that vital intelligence just to kill a snake?"
Severus had at least a partial answer for him. "I don't know the how but the why is easy, and classic dark lord tactics. Potter publicly threatened the dark lord with retribution if he went anywhere near his friends. Now, he's just proven that he knows where the dark lord is and that his best defences won't stop him. I saw fear in the dark lord's eyes today, something about that snake's death terrified him. Granger could probably slap him in front of all his death eaters and the dark lord wouldn't dare retaliate."
Albus unconsciously rubbed his own cheek where he'd felt the wrath of Miss Granger and let his colleague know what he'd missed. "That note to Miss Granger was nothing more than a red herring. While it was being delivered to me, the Grangers used the distraction to vanish."
This was also a shock to Severus. "So now we're left with no leads and even fewer ideas, is Minerva still refusing to speak to you?"
"She, like the rest of the country, blames me for Harry Potter leaving. She also blames me for Sirius Black's death. I have to say though, Cornelius had played this whole situation brilliantly. He led the ministry in taking a step backward, leaving me standing out there alone to take the blame. If Harry Potter isn't in the castle come the first of September, I fear we may not see the Halloween feast at Hogwarts. The public will demand a scapegoat and our heads would be served up on a silver platter."
That was the least of the potion master's worries. "The way the dark lord is culling his death eaters, I'll be grateful just to see Halloween!"
Albus understood his friend's trepidation. "Have you any idea where Voldemort and Peter Pettigrew went?"
"No, only that Wormtail didn't return. The way the dark lord has been behaving lately, I wouldn't fancy his chances after spending the day in his company."
-oOoOo-
Peter was actually a lot closer than either of the two wizards in the dungeons would believe. A rat was currently scurrying up and down a certain seventh floor corridor.
His master had given him explicit instructions on how to make the correct door appear. Peter was just having a great deal of trouble concentrating on what he'd been told to, he'd just experienced quite the day.
His master had led him to an old dilapidated shack that had fairly bristled with wards. The dark lord's anger at not finding what he was searching for meant that the shack was no longer dilapidated, it no longer existed!
The cave had scared Peter witless, more specifically what lurked beneath the surface of the murky water. When his master recognised that a decoy had been substituted in place of what he sought, Peter feared he would be joining the occupants of the underground lake.
Discovering he was needed for a special mission really raised his spirits, he didn't even care it was inside Hogwarts. Being discovered by Dumbledore was preferable to swimming with inferi.
When the door eventually appeared, the rat became a wizard and quickly slipped inside. Peter had spent over an hour carefully listening to his master describe exactly where to find the item he wanted, only to realise that it had been a total waste of time. The item in question was lying on the floor just inside the door, that the tiara was halved in two stopped any thoughts of celebrating the completion of his mission.
Peter was not the smartest person amongst the death eaters but you would have to be a complete moron not to recognise this was very bad news. He picked up the pieces and placed them inside the pouch his master had given him for that task. He briefly considered getting himself 'caught' but dismissed the idea, he'd aligned himself to the dark lord and his fate was tied to his. Ending up in custody at the ministry was a poor option for him now. The minister was currently bending over backwards to please Harry Potter, sentencing the betrayer of his parents to the veil of death would certainly do that. Peter would just have to return to his master and hope that he would survive.
Chapter 7
Dan was reduced to the role of spectator while his daughter and her boyfriend sat holding hands, staring intently into each other's eyes. At first glance, this may appear perfectly normal behaviour for two teenagers who profess to being in love. That in over an hour they hadn't said a word to each other, nor moved a muscle, was what concerned the parent.
Emma arrived by the pool and sat beside her husband, the kids were currently occupying her usual spot in the shade.
"Tell me again what they're doing?"
"Dan, relax! It's perfectly safe or Harry wouldn't be doing it with Hermione. I can't remember what he called it but he's basically sharing memories with her. Harry thinks it will allow Hermione to learn what he's trying to teach her faster. Can you imagine our daughter saying no to that?"
"I can't imagine Hermione saying no to Harry at all, that's at least half my problem with the lad."
Emma understood her husband perfectly, Hermione was now a young woman but her father didn't want to let her grow up. "You know Harry can read minds?"
"You're joking, right?"
She tried not to giggle at her husband's panicked expression. "Don't worry dear, Hermione told me it's illegal unless you have the person's permission. Anyway, Harry wouldn't need to be a mind reader to know what you think of him."
Dan had his face in his hands again. "I'm trying love, but it's hard. I've been Hermione's confidant and protector for her whole life. Now I've not only been replaced, but totally outclassed. I used to have to coax tiny details about how bad her time at school was. Now, here she is actually sharing her mind with Harry. How am I meant to compete with that?"
Emma released a sigh of frustration. "Dan, don't you get it? It's not a competition. Our daughter loves us, Hermione just loves Harry differently. Can you even imagine someone more suitable for her?"
Emma's voice softened as she reminisced. "I remember well those afternoons, Hermione sitting on your knee. She looked so lost while telling you that Brenda Johnston was pulling her hair and making fun of her teeth so everyone else would laugh at her. I was so jealous that it was you she confided in and not me. I had to remind myself that we were a team and that I should just be happy that she would open up to one of us. We work best as a team Dan but have you ever seen a better 'team' than those two? Even before linking minds and sharing memories, they appeared to know what the other one was thinking."
She gave her husband a peck on the cheek. "Harry's not competition Dan, he's a new and very valued member of team Granger!"
Dad didn't get the opportunity to answer as both kids came out of their self-induced trance. Hermione wore a wide smile as she gave her boyfriend a quick kiss. "Harry, that was amazing! Mum, dad, I'm going to be an owl too! Harry guided me through the process and I could see my form. Oh, I'm so excited! We're going to have a quick swim to get the blood flowing again and then we'll all have lunch."
Hermione then pushed Harry into the pool before diving in after him. The sounds and splashes of two teenagers being just teenagers actually helped Dan as his wife blew away the last of his instinctive protective parent defences.
"There's a perfect example of what I've just said. Neither you nor I would have the faintest clue in how to help our daughter turn into an owl. Harry does and just look at how happy that makes her. That's how the team works Dan. When they start looking at university courses, who do you think they'll be coming to for advice? We help and support where we can. Harry's Hermione's choice, and I happen to think she's made a very good one. Would you prefer her other friend instead?"
Dan had only witnessed one argument between the two, it was enough to tell him there could never be a relationship there. Comparing that to the way Harry comforted her and tried to stop Hermione arguing with her parents told the father that she'd made the right choice.
Two laughing kids emerged from the pool, a wave of Harry's hand and both were dry before they reached the seated area for lunch. Dan had to admit he was eating better than any five star hotels they had ever visited. Dobby and Winky had a way of making the simplest of dishes appear new, exciting and absolutely delicious. Dan was again brought back to his wife's words from earlier as Harry appeared to be reading his mind.
"Mr and Mrs Granger, I've got something here that I'd like you both to wear."
Harry handed over a pair of his and hers matching designer watches. "While these items are obviously watches, they have a few other very important functions. You have seen me sharing memories with Hermione, unfortunately it is also possible for someone to take memories from you against your will. These have runes etched into them, which effectively act as a dampening field around you. This makes it impossible for anyone to read your thoughts while you're wearing one of these."
"Harry, these are beautiful, and clearly very expensive."
"Mrs Granger, you and your husband now know my secrets. I want them, and of course both of you, kept safe. These also have shield charms on them, offering protection, and are also voice-activated portkeys that will take you somewhere safe if the need arises."
Dan was in awe of this gift. Here was Harry doing exactly what he himself wanted to do, protect his family. He'd done so by means not available to any dentist so Dan took his wife's words to heart. He graciously accepted this wonderful gift. "Thanks very much Harry, I'm assuming you have something similar for Hermione?"
Harry smiled at the amount of progress made. "That's what prompted me to offer these, after this morning, I just had to give this to her."
Hermione opened the box to find an intricate gold chain with a very recognisable gold charm hanging from the end of it. A miniature horned owl, made from gold but with chips of emeralds for eyes, suddenly became Hermione's favourite piece of jewellery.
Even Dan couldn't object to the thank-you kiss his daughter gave Harry. Not only was this an exquisite piece of custom-made jewellery, it also offered his daughter protection from harm. He couldn't possibly object to that.
Hermione ended the kiss and her eyes were sparkling. "I've just had a brilliant idea!"
The rest of them held their breath.
-oOoOo-
Ron wasn't eating his breakfast with the same enthusiasm or gusto he normally dedicated to the task. Not that he'd cut down on the amount of food on the plate, he just didn't seem to enjoy it as much. There was a brand-new Firebolt sitting in the corner that belonged to him and had yet to be flown. He was trying to resist out of obstinacy but his will was weakening. That Ginny kept placing it within his line of sight didn't help, which was exactly why the little minx kept doing it.
His eyes were drawn from the Firebolt to the horned owl that had just silently flown through the open window. It landed in front of Ron and held out its leg to deliver the message it carried.
"It's from Hermione!"
The twins, as usual couldn't pass up any opportunity to tease.
"Oh, better not tell Lavender."
"Yes, Ron Ron would be in real trouble."
"Getting letters from another girl."
"If you two don't shut-it, I won't tell you what it says. Mum, you need to hear this!"
Miss Hermione Granger cordially invites the Weasley Family to join her and some friends in celebrating the birthday of the guest of honour, Mr Harry James Potter. This invitation will act as a portkey, activating at ten a.m. on the thirty first of July.
Molly now had different tears in her eyes than the ones that had been flowing all too often recently. "Oh, we're going to get to see Harry, on his birthday too! I better start working on his cake."
"Wait, there's a note here as well."
Hi Weasleys,
This is my owl Puck. Hedwig is just too famous to carry mail at the moment, at least that's what we told her. He's also a very clever owl so just tell him if you can make it.
Love
Hermione
Ron couldn't quite hide his indignation. "Make it? Of course we'll make it. Do you think you'll remember that Puck? Only Hermione could find an owl that's as smart as she is."
Puck sprang into the air, flying a quick circuit around the room and cuffing Ron with his wings before landing on the table again.
"Oi, that's certainly Hermione's owl. Bloody mental, same as she is!"
Ron was saved from further attack by Ginny soothing Puck's ruffled feathers. "Ron, Hermione said this is a smart owl, then you go and insult her in front of the bird. You and Lavender are well matched."
The twins were chuckling at this while their mother had dashed off to check on whether she had all the ingredients needed for Harry's cake.
Ron wasn't laughing though, he'd just thought of a serious problem. "Do you think Hermione would mind if I brought Lavender along?"
The twins appeared to find this incredibly funny.
"Harry's hiding out from the ministry."
"Dumbledore."
"You-know-who."
"And Ron wants to invite Lavender?"
"Oh he's got it bad Fred."
"Yeah, Let's invite Rita Skeeter too!"
Ron's good mood had just evaporated. "I can't go."
Fred, George and Ginny all managed to say 'what?' at the same time.
It was a dejected Ron who explained his reasoning. "If I take Lavender, she'll blab it all over Britain."
George just had to answer, "I believe we just said that little brother."
"And if I go to a party without my girlfriend?"
It was Ginny who this time supplied the answer. "Oh right, now I get it. Go to Harry's party without Lavender and she'll dump your arse, tough call Ron."
Puck walked in front of Ron and began bobbing its head up and down.
"What, you understood that?"
This time a certain bob in answer.
"Does this mean that Lavender can go to the party?"
Again, an unmistakable few bobs of Puck's head.
"Brilliant, wait until I tell her she's invited to Harry's birthday party. Parvati will be so jealous."
Ginny wasn't so sure. "Ron, are you going to take an owl bobbing its head as a means of conversation?"
"Normally no, but Hermione said he was a smart owl. You all saw Puck, he practically spoke to us!"
George was now studying the owl very closely. "Yes we all saw, but what did we see?"
Puck turned his head toward the twins and winked one of its green eyes at them. Both twins glanced toward each other before bursting into laughter.
Harry flew from the Burrow, leaving it a much happier place than when he found it.
-oOoOo-
Harry thought Frank and Alice were looking amazing, considering they'd just spent the last fourteen years in hospital. All the Longbottoms quickly agreed to attend and Neville was now opening his gift.
Hey Nev
I know this is a couple of days early but Puck agreed to carry it for me. It has no name on the back, a special lady said yes and I hope you're not too disappointed?
Hope to see you soon
Harry
Neville was laughing as he removed the finely crafted dragon hide vest from the parcel. "Tell Harry thanks and no problem. Will you be delivering an invitation to Luna?"
Alice was chuckling, "Neville, it's an owl. You can't expect it to answer you..."
She stopped as Puck was nodding its head up and down in answer to Neville's question.
"Mum, if Hermione says this bird is smart, then it could probably pass its OWLS."
"Oh Neville, what a terrible joke. Do I detect you're sweet on this Hermione girl?"
"Hermione is brilliant, and a great friend. She's been Harry's girl since first year, everyone could see it but them. They're together now though so you'll get to meet her soon. I kinda like Luna."
The last bit was said quieter than the rest but his mother quickly picked up on it. "Oh I like her son, so full of life. Have you asked her yet?"
"No mum."
His dad's arm was now around his shoulders. "I know that's the hard part son but Luna's already a friend. If she says no, she'll do it nicely and you'll still be friends. Not that I think there's the slightest chance she'll say no."
With Neville the centre of attention, no one noticed Puck doing a happy little owl dance before flying away. Harry was happier than he could say for his friend.
-oOoOo-
Harry was having so much fun, he almost forgot what he was supposed to be doing here. He didn't know where Remus or Tonks lived and didn't possess the abilities of a post owl. Fortunately, he had an exceptional one to show him the ropes. He was loving flying with Hedwig and couldn't wait for Hermione to master her transformation so she could join them. Hedwig indicated a tiny cottage at the edge of the woods before retreating out of sight.
Remus was reading a book as Puck flew through the window. He quickly read the invitation and note before calling in to the other room. "Hey Dora!"
"Alright Wolfie, where's the fire? Oh what a beautiful owl, who's the message from?"
"Hermione, we're both invited to Harry's birthday party."
Tonks was over in a flash, reading the invitation and the note. "Hey Puck, if you're so clever, perhaps you can tell me how all that gold ended up in my account?"
"Oh, this owl's so smart, I'll bet it could. Isn't that right Harry?"
Tonks may be clumsy but she was far from stupid. She caught on immediately what Remus meant. "Are you sure?"
"Green eyes, black horns that stick up like the messy Potter hair and then there's the name. Puck was a name Sirius just loved. Lily dragged us off to see a performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and Sirius thought it was hysterical. An embarrassed Lily had to explain to him at the interval that the character's name was Puck, and not what he thought it was. Sirius just laughed all the harder. There's also the fact that I'm a werewolf, I can smell that's Harry!"
Puck quickly transformed into a laughing Harry. "That's a brilliant story Remus, you have to tell me the full thing. Hey Tonks!"
Both bodies hit him at the same time, Tonks nearly had them over.
The emotion in Remus's voice was unmistakable. "You frightened years off my life Harry, years I can't afford to lose."
Tonks gave her boyfriend time to compose himself. "Aw shut up old man, sit and read your book so I can hug the boy-who-lived in peace."
Harry just loved the banter between these two. Unlike Ron and Hermione, it was always in jest with no intentions of hurting the other's feelings. Remus though wanted some answers. "I'll tell you that story Harry if you'll tell me yours?"
"Sorry Remus, not something I can do at the moment. I appreciate your support with Dumbledore though, thanks for that."
Tonks pulled him around to face her. "Care to tell me how over a million galleons found its way into my vault Harry, I nearly had a bloody heart attack on the spot! Thanks but we don't need your charity Harry"
"Tonks, it wasn't charity but an inheritance. That money came out a death eater's account, I wanted to do some good with it. The only other people with a possible claim were the Malfoys, no way I wanted it going to them. I assumed you'd use some of it to take care of your parents, so job done there. You were badly injured by that psycho bitch, look on this as compensation. Bellatrix certainly won't need it where she is now."
Tonks engulfed him in her arms, this would make such a difference to quite a few lives. Remus though tried to continue the playful banter.
"So Harry, you're Hermione's Puck now?"
"Yes Remus, just like Tonks here is your Dora. Isn't it about time you made an honest woman of her? She's quite the catch you know. Young, beautiful, career woman, smart as a whip and wealthy too! If I wasn't already taken, I might just go after her myself."
Both now had their jaws hanging open, wondering where the hell this was coming from. They had been expecting a broody teen, mourning the loss of his godfather. For Remus, this was almost like talking to James or Sirius.
"What Remus, don't you think she's beautiful?"
This shook the marauder out of his stupor. "Well of course I do, get your eyes of my woman Potter."
Harry was now laughing. "Hey Remus, no ring on the finger yet? That means this beautiful lady here is still available."
Tonks started running her fingers through Harry's hair. This was too good to miss, being able to tease Remus and Harry at the same time. "Just how serious are you about this Granger girl Harry love, any chance your mind could be changed?"
"Sorry Miss Tonks, she owns my heart and has already said yes."
Tonks had underestimated him again. "What, you've already asked her? Hey Wolfie, you want to get some pointers from Harry. He knows how to treat a lady."
"I'll even be best man if you want Remus."
The marauder was confused, not a situation he was used to. "What are you trying to pull here Harry?"
Harry now became very serious. "When I saw Hermione injured at the ministry, I realised what I could lose. After what happened to Sirius, I decided to live my life like there's no tomorrow. I know that's what he would want. I've been given a second chance Remus and I don't intend to waste a moment of it. Second chances aren't restricted only to me."
The banter was over now, Remus had a grip on both Harry's arms. "What you did for Frank and Alice was wonderful and you're right. I've been re-evaluating what's important in life since that night in the ministry. The fact that we're at war was brought crashing home to all of us. We'll be at your party and might even have an announcement to make ourselves."
Harry was swiftly and unceremoniously knocked out the way as Tonks jumped on Remus. They ended up on the floor and both were oblivious to the world around them. Harry was given a small taste of how Mr Granger must have felt, he got the Puck out of there.
-oOoOo-
This was the one Hermione had been worried about, Harry had promised not to hang about. The formal Hogwarts staff table wasn't used during the holidays, rather the staff still in the castle used a smaller, round table. It has to be said though, any table that could accommodate Hagrid hardly deserved the description of small. There were currently five there having lunch. Albus, Severus, Pomona, Hagrid and Minerva were barely managing to maintain a polite conversation when their meal was interrupted by Puck.
That Minerva and Hagrid were receiving letters at lunchtime from the same owl piqued everyone's attention. Minerva couldn't resist taunting Albus as she spoke to the owl.
"Please tell Hermione I'll be there."
Hagrid wasn't so subtle. "As if I would miss Harry's birthday party."
Puck nodded once and then shot out of there, leaving two smirking and two shocked people behind. Pomona just sat quietly, eagerly anticipating the unexpected lunchtime entertainment.
"Minerva, am I to assume that correspondence was from Miss Granger?"
"You can assume all you want headmaster, this is not Hogwarts business. Am I to assume you're not having the Grangers watched? I can't help but notice you didn't receive an invite to Mr Potter's party. Since Miss Granger is arranging it though, that's hardly surprising."
Severus tried his luck. "Where is this party Hagrid?"
The great hall echoed with the half giant's laughter. "Yeh actually think Hermione would write tha' down? Tha' girl is the smartest witch I ever met."
Albus wouldn't give it up though, this was the only lead they had. "Minerva, it is imperative I speak with Harry. If you won't tell me where he is, could I at least impose on you to take a letter to him?"
"No, the best I will do is pass on a verbal message."
Albus didn't want anyone else knowing what he planned to say to Harry. "I'm sorry Minerva, that's not acceptable."
Minerva just shrugged her shoulders. "Fair enough Albus, one less thing for me to worry about." She had been asked a favour by Harry and had every intention of granting it, Albus though could go and whistle. She couldn't wait to see her friend's expression when Minerva told her. Both she and Hagrid quickly finished their lunch, got up and left without another word being spoken.
Albus had expected some negotiations to take place, not to be just dismissed like that. Things were certainly changing, and not for the better.
-oOoOo-
Puck flew down and offered Luna her invitation, the owl was greeted by a wide smile. "Harry, does Hedwig know you're delivering mail for Hermione?"
Harry changed back with a bemused expression on his face. "Do I have Potter stamped on my feathers or something? How did you know it was me?"
"I can read magical auras Harry. No two are exactly the same and yours is unmistakable, even as an owl. I take it this is something else you want me to keep secret?" Luna's smile never faltered.
"Yes please Luna, so will I see you at my party?"
"Oh yes, will Neville be going?"
""Funny you should say that, he asked me the exact same thing."
It was now Luna's turn for the bemused expression. "Why would Neville ask if Neville was going?" She managed to hold it for a minute while Harry floundered before her musical laughter gave the game away. "Oh Harry, that's an old one. I can't believe you fell for that!"
Harry was smiling as he reminded himself Luna might play the ditzy blond to perfection, but she was a very smart girl. "Luna, you and Neville will be well matched. Both of you have terrible senses of humour."
-oOoOo-
Tom Riddle was a very worried dark lord, the note from the youngest Black placed in the fake horcrux really hit home. Just who could he trust? Did Malfoy really not know what he was doing when his diary was also destroyed?
He now had to assume all his anchors were gone and he no longer possessed enough soul to split it any further. Creating that last one in Nagini had been a terrible experience. Whether it was his new body or placing the horcrux in a living creature, he knew it couldn't be tried again without killing himself.
As terrifying as that was, he had another problem that could be just as devastating. Everyone now knew the story of Potter's threat against him. If he didn't react to that threat in some way, then he was as good as dead. At the first sign of weakness, his followers would desert in droves. Not that he had droves of followers left. He couldn't even kill that useless Wormtail because he was one of his best servants still available to him. He would have to launch an attack and had the very day in mind. First though, they had to move to a different location. "Wormtail, come here!"
-oOoOo-
Poppy Pomfrey was actually excited at attending a sixteen-year-olds' birthday party. She had to sit down when Minerva told her she'd been asked as a favour to contact and invite Harry's favourite healer. There were rumours of Harry healing his injured friends in the ministry, and what he'd achieved with the Longbottoms had given her profession a long overdue kick up the backside. Poppy couldn't think of a healer in the country who wouldn't be excited to meet this young man
She portkeyed with Minerva to a large room where Miss Granger was organising everything. Her excitement only grew when she realised that Frank and Alice Longbottom were there as well, this was going to be quite the afternoon.
"Ok, I need everyone to hide until our guest of honour arrives. He'll be along soon and everyone knows the drill, we jump out and shout surprise."
There were no murmurs of dissent, not when Hermione was organising something. Hagrid trying to hide behind the curtains was providing far too much entertainment for any disquiet to set in. Hermione hit the lights and they waited in darkness.
It was only a few minutes later when they heard the guest arrive, Hermione putting the lights back on was the signal they'd been waiting for. Over a dozen people shouted 'Surprise!' at the top of their voice.
Albus and Severus stood there, undoubtedly surprised.
Hermione had expected Dumbledore, Snape was an unpleasant surprise. "Headmaster, Professor Snape, this is a private home that you have just entered uninvited and therefore illegally. Kindly leave at once."
Albus could see he'd been duped, in front of quite a few witnesses too, he attempted to make the best of it. "Miss Granger, could you please inform Mr Potter that I must speak with him."
"Harry's already spoken with you, you didn't listen then and he won't give you the opportunity to kidnap him again. You also had someone steal a letter of mine right out my hand and now you're breaking into a private home. What gives you the right to do these things headmaster?"
Severus was incensed that Potter had bested them again, now this upstart mudblood was trying to make Albus Dumbledore explain his actions. "Why you…"
He suddenly found it hard to talk though the reason why was not difficult to find. Remus had his wand pressed hard enough into the Slytherin's cheek to form an indentation.
"I have a question for you too Snivellus. How can a group of kids get from Hogwarts to London quicker than it takes you to pass on a message? Were you hoping the order would find nothing but bodies when we eventually got to the ministry? Bet you were disappointed the bodies all belonged to death eaters?"
"Remus, that is quite enough…"
Remus was just getting started. "You have no say in this old man. Don't think we didn't notice you never answered Hermione's questions either. Tonks, how to you fancy arresting two criminals on your day off? I'll bet the minister would love that."
Albus shook his head in defeat. "Very well Remus, you've made your point. I have to say I'm very disappointed in the people here…"
Minerva was barely containing her anger at this old coot's attitude, the sheer bloody arrogance of the man had her wanting to go all Hermione on him. If anyone needed a good slapping it was this wizard."Don't you dare Albus Dumbledore, you're the one breaking the law here. I agree with Remus and vote they both get arrested. Oh, you can also take my order membership and stick it somewhere I can't say because there's students present."
Ginny was loving watching these two wizards squirm. "Oh please professor, don't let us being here stop you!"
Her father's voice reminded Ginny she was supposed to be on her best behaviour today. "This is the final straw for us too Albus, the Weasleys are also withdrawing from the order."
Hagrid growled his resignation as well before the day got even worse for Dumbledore.
Frank Longbottom spoke out. "Albus, I don't know what happened to you but this person in front of me is not the great man I remembered, respected and followed. The young people in this room now follow a new leader, Alice and I are looking forward to meeting him again. We also resign from the order."
The silence that followed was broken by Tonks. "So Hermione, do you want me to arrest them?"
"And miss Harry's party? They're not worth it Tonks. Dobby!" The elf appeared at her side. "Dobby, these two are trespassing in Harry's house and trying to spoil his birthday party."
The expression on Dobby's face was one none of the guests had ever seen a house elf use. Before Dumbledore could even raise an objection, Dobby had snapped his fingers and they were gone.
"Where did you send them Dobby?"
"Headmaster and greasy git are back at Hogwarts Miss Grangy."
Minerva was concerned. "Dobby, can elves send people through the school wards?"
"Oh no Miss Kitty, Dobby sent them near though?"
Hermione didn't like the sound of that. "Just how near is near Dobby?"
The twins were fighting to hold their laughter at the elf's Miss Kitty quote, with Dobby's next answer they lost the battle. They were not alone.
"Dobby sent them to the Black Lake Miss Grangy. Is that ok?"
"Yes Dobby, I think we can safely say that Harry would approve of that. Could you please check to see who has the tracking charm on them?"
Dobby was a happy elf, pleasing Master Harry made his day. He soon found a charm on Minerva's hat and Hagrid's waistcoat, both charms were removed.
Lavender had dressed to impress, short, tight dress, high heels, makeup and hair immaculate. Her mouth hanging open as if catching flies was kind of spoiling the effect she was aiming for. When the outburst came, it was hardly unexpected that her boyfriend was rubbing off on her. "Bloody Hell! That was incredible, is it always like this with you lot?"
Hermione smiled before answering for the group. "Yeah, pretty much. Dumbledore has had his own way for so long, he thinks that he can do whatever he likes. Snape's going to be a nightmare next term though."
McGonagall tried to offer her students some reassurance. "You leave that man to me, I'm still Deputy Headmistress. Now, where is Mr Potter?"
Hermione lifted a red plastic hula-hoop that had been sitting leaning against the wall. "We were certain Dumbledore would attempt something so we set this up as a safety measure. If everyone can touch the hoop, we can head to where the party really is."
The entire company then vanished, with only Hermione knowing they were heading for a villa in France.
-oOoOo-
Peter was astonished, not only was he still alive, he was leading the biggest death eater raid since his master's return. The dark lord was taking no chances and he had an overwhelming force under his command. Their instructions were very simple, commit murder and sow mayhem. No one was to be left alive and nothing left standing. Peter almost pitied their targets, almost.
-oOoOo-
Once Harry got over the shock of Dumbledore's audacity (the old man had actually tried to bring Snape to his birthday party?) he was able to relax and enjoy himself. Chatting with Hagrid was something he'd been really looking forward to, leaving Hogwarts without being able to say goodbye to his first friend was something he was glad to fix. Poppy too was someone he made sure to take time with, that discussion saw both their eyes sparkling as healing was a subject now very close to both of their hearts. Harry thought that magical healing would have progressed to match the advances made on the muggle side of medicine, he was dismayed to find it hadn't. It was back to the magical community settling for what worked.
Hermione was delighted as the party appeared to be a roaring success. Dobby had the barbecue going and Winky had discovered she loved wheeling around the little hostess trolley, full of drinks. With music provided for anyone who wanted to dance and the promise of cooling off in the pool later, everyone was having a good time. She did notice her parents constantly being asked questions about Harry and having to lie. They were beginning to understand just how much Harry had trusted them. They looked almost relieved when Mr Weasley started asking them how an aireomobile actually stayed in the air.
Harry also showed his maturity when World War III threatened to break out, Molly and Winky had both made birthday cakes. Harry's quip that since Ron and Hagrid were here, they would probably need two cakes saved the day.
He was in the process of blowing out the candles on each of the cakes when he froze. "Luna, where's your dad at the moment?"
The little blond was instantly alarmed by the concern and urgency in Harry's voice. "He's at home working on some stories. Harry, you're scaring me!"
"SHIT! Mr Weasley, please tell me the Burrow's empty?"
"Yes Harry, Bill's in..."
"I'm sorry sir, both the Burrow and Luna's house are currently under attack. The wards won't hold for long and people come before buildings."
Hermione quickly had her hair in a ponytail and an arm supportively around Luna, both had their wands out and they were not alone. The commanding tone of Harry's voice left no one even considering questioning his right to lead.
"First and foremost, this is a rescue mission. Remus, Tonks, Hagrid, Ginny and Luna, you hit the house and get Mr Lovegood out of there. The rest of us will take on the death eaters until you're away." Harry grabbed a handful of cutlery, cast the portus charm and started handing them out. "These are portkeys that will bring you back here, tap them twice with your wand to activate. Professor McGonagall, you're still recovering and not long out of the hospital. Normally I would want you by our side but not today."
Harry then turned to the Longbottoms. "Exact same position for you both, not today. Everyone else, this is not a duel but a fight. They came to murder people so we will not be firing jelly-legs back at them. Reductos, slashing and piercing hexes are the curses of the day. If you can't do that, please stay here. Sorry but this means you Lavender! Poppy, Dobby and Winky will get you anything you need, please get ready for us returning."
Molly had watched as her four children instantly got ready to fight, she knew it was hopeless to object and at least she and Arthur would be there to keep an eye on them. She expressed the opinion that was held by all of them. "Harry, half my family will be in this fight and these animals are attacking our homes. I won't be holding back."
"Ok, grab the hoop and let's go. Remember, Luna's dad is the only friendly there, fire at anything and everything else. We go in three-two-one!"
Dan stood there in utter disbelief, how the hell did a birthday party become a war?
He was joined by Frank. "I said earlier the kids had a new leader to follow, I think we just got a demonstration. Neville didn't hesitate for a second, his wand was out and he was by Harry's side. I'm immensely proud of my son and bloody terrified at the same time."
Dan could only agree. "That about sums it up for me too. We've met Xeno and really like Luna but they didn't think this through, they have no idea what they're up against."
Alice and Augusta were feeling the same. "Frank, there's no way we could have stopped Neville from going. You, James and Sirius were exactly the same."
Emma was desperate not to cry, watching her daughter go off to fight a battle was not something she thought she would ever have to do. "It's not the going I'm worried about, it's the not coming back that's really got me scared."
Minerva tried to offer some encouragement, speaking with a confidence she didn't really feel. "Harry will bring them back, he wouldn't have taken them otherwise." Their eyes were drawn to the crying young lady Harry didn't take, Poppy was attempting to commandeer Lavender into helping organise some healing supplies the two elves were fetching.
"When the ministry tried to destabilise Hogwarts, he took every one of them and taught them in secret himself. That's who Harry Potter is, they would follow him anywhere and he'll bring them back."
Dan asked the question that had been troubling him. "How could Harry possibly know both houses were being attacked?"
Frank tried to answer that. "I can't be sure but he mentioned the wards, I think it would be safe to assume he has some kind of monitoring charm on them. Harry said he would protect his friends, looks as if he meant it."
The tears were threatening to fall as Emma could only agree. "Because we don't have those ward things, he had Hermione guarded around the clock. Right under the noses of the people who were watching us. I have to believe he'll look after her today."
Dan's arm slipped around her as they tried to draw comfort from each other, all they could do now was wait.