Chapter 8
Harry knew they were in trouble the instant the portkey set them down. He didn't need the intense cold or feelings of dread to know there were dementors close, they'd landed in the middle of the swarm. Prongs was soon circling the group, the stag's wide antlers violently pushing the dementors away to give them a bit of breathing room. This also lessened the dementor's effects and allowed the others to cast their own patronus charms. Harry had Godric's sword in his hand as their perilous position became clear.
The dementors had congregated at the front of the strange house while the death eaters took pot shots at the building, trying to create an entrance for the vile creatures. Luna had started running toward her home before the rest of them even got their bearings, thankfully Hagrid soon caught up with her as Remus and Tonks used their patronuses to punch a path through the dementor swarm for the rescue group.
Harry's voice rang out. "Ron, go with them. They need your patronus too! Everyone else, work in teams. One cast their patronus while the other protects from the death eaters."
They heard the crash as Hagrid hit the door at a run, it never stood a chance.
Harry found himself with Hermione and Neville, the Weasley parents and the twins making up another two teams as they took the fight to the enemy.
"Hermione, I want to see an otter, Neville you're on defence. I'm going to try something."
"Not without us you don't!" At any other time, that comment coming from Neville would have made Harry laugh, they could have a chuckle later with a few beers thrown in.
A white beam of light left Harry's hand and the nearest dementor was frozen in place, with a wild battle cry of 'Da mihi lucem' Harry charged it with his sword. It was bloody nuts, everyone was sure he was absolutely nuts, right up until the very second his sword sliced right through the dark creature.
The dementor's death scream had never been heard before and was shrill enough to curdle blood. Its cry actually halted the battle for a moment, that was until the scream was broadcast in stereo as Harry ended another one's life. Soon the battlefield was treated to the unique cries in surround sound as more and more fell to the magical sword. The death eaters tried to focus their spellfire on Harry but were then faced by a barrage of powerful and accurate spells from his two team members. They were quickly joined by four Weasleys, their patronuses no longer needed while the dementors attempted to flee for their miserable lives. The death eaters were taking casualties when Harry appeared to catch a killing curse on his magical sword and flick it back at its caster. His fellow death eaters, who were still able to portkey, were out of there before his dead body hit the ground.
Harry had practiced hour after hour, day after day with a sword, Godric had been a superb teacher. The only problem was that you couldn't build any muscle or endurance on the other side, the exercise he'd done since returning hadn't prepared him for physically battling dementors with a sword. He was knackered but, more importantly, he was enraged.
Voldemort had gone after his friends on his birthday to send out a message to Harry Potter. It was time for Harry Potter to send him one back.
-oOoOo-
Hagrid hitting the door on the run saw that obstacle disintegrate into splinter size pieces. As he stood in the entranceway, Luna streaked past him in search of her father. Ginny and Hagrid soon followed as Remus, Tonks and Ron used their patronuses to keep the dementors at bay.
They found Xeno wedged into a corner in the kitchen, his wand by his side. It appeared as if he'd exhausted himself to the point of collapse while maintaining his patronus. He was alive though and that's all Luna was caring about. Hagrid soon had him picked up and safely cradled in his massive arms, Luna kissed her father's cheek before tapping Hagrid's spoon twice with her wand. The gentle half-giant disappeared with her father and both girls ran back to where the front door used to be.
-oOoOo-
Harry was trying to get one final push to end the battle they way he wanted. "Everyone, use your patronus, head them off then herd these bastards up. I don't want one of them getting away."
A brilliant silver-white hare patronus was racing past Harry's elbow, Luna looked like an avenging angel and more serious than anyone had ever seen her. "Hagrid got my dad safely away Harry, let's get all of them!"
With four of the rescue party now casting their patronuses too, it became a lesson in slaughter. The dementors were encircled by glowing silver - white animals that were getting closer and closer, the only break in the ever decreasing circle of pain had Harry waiting with his magical sword. Hermione and Neville were by his side in case the dementors attempted to overwhelm him as Harry culled the creatures. As the last one screamed its death song, Harry staggered away before sinking to his knees in exhaustion.
In their final moments on this earth, these disgusting creatures finally experienced the hopelessness and terror that they had inflicted on their many victims. No one really knew what a dementor's body consisted of but slicing them open provided more than screams. The stench was disgusting and they didn't bleed any type of fluid. Instead, it was a fine black powder that burst from their dying bodies, covering everything and everyone. Harry, Hermione and Neville appeared more like coalminers, miners who'd just completed an incredibly hard shift underground at the coal face, than three teens who'd been enjoying a birthday party.
Hermione had her arms around Harry, they were partially supporting each other and sharing the relief that all of them had come through this in one piece. Tonks and Remus were rounding up the downed death eaters while Molly was hugging every member of her family before checking them for injuries.
Harry was smiling at the sight of Luna and Neville holding hands. "Miss Granger, can I say you throw one hell of a birthday party. I dread to think what you'll come up with for next year."
"Well it won't be fancy dress, I think we've had quite enough of men in masks and monsters. Whatever possessed you to attack a dementor with a sword?"
"I just got mad."
"Oh I certainly considered madness as a possible answer, what was that you screamed at them?"
Harry's face was caked with the disgusting black dust, it actually cracked as he attempted to smile. "A certain gentleman whose sword I was using taught it to me, and I thought it was appropriate today. It means 'Give Light To Me' and we certainly needed all the help we could get today."
Molly's screams then alerted everyone to a problem.
She was watching the smoke rise above the trees and wailing as if being tortured. Ron and Arthur holding her by the arms were the only things stopping the Weasley matriarch running toward what must be the burning Burrow. Ron managed to activate his portkey and the three disappeared to France.
Harry was back up on his feet and dragging Hermione with him. "Your parents will go ape shit when Molly appears in that condition, I need to get you back as quick as possible. Tonks, where the hell was the ministry while we were fighting for our lives?"
"Don't know Harry but I'll be finding out. This amount of magic must have set the alarms off in the ministry. You go, Remus and me will keep an eye on things here until they finally decide to turn up."
"Fred, George, can you stay with them? First sign of trouble, use the portkeys."
Ginny, Luna and Neville joined them and the five left the carnage behind, returning to France.
-oOoOo-
The five arrived at the villa with both Hermione and Neville being mobbed by their parents, Luna shot inside looking for her father. Harry and Ginny pushed their way through to where an inconsolable Molly Weasley was crying her eyes out, Harry knelt in front of her.
"Listen to me Mrs Weasley, everyone's safe. We knew when we went after Luna's father that the Burrow was going to pay the price. If we had split our forces, what would have happened?"
"We could have lost people but Harry, I've lost my home..."
"It's not worth dying for! Bricks and mortar can be rebuilt, the Burrow will be rebuilt. You have my word on that."
"Harry I couldn't, we couldn't..."
"Mrs Weasley, every time I've fought, there has been at least one Weasley by my side. That is why you no longer have a home, Voldemort went after my friends to punish me. You will have a home though, just as soon as it can be built."
Molly was still crying. "It's not just a house Harry, it was our family home. All our belongings, all our mementos, my family clock!"
"The family clock may be gone but isn't it more important that everyone who had a hand on that clock's face is safe? My intention is not just to see a new house built but furnish it with everything the Weasley family needs. We'll sort something out meantime…"
It was Dan who interrupted Harry. He'd carefully watched this young man and his daughter interact with their friends all day. The affection and the respect that both were clearly held in had been admirably demonstrated when Harry informed them Luna's father needed saving. No questions were asked, no comments from his daughter about Harry's saving people thing. They just got prepared for battle and left. Now here was Harry, covered in the signs of battle from head to toe and clearly exhausted yet taking time to make an unbelievably generous offer to his friends' family who were hurting.
Dan was beginning to see the true Harry Potter and decided it was time for team Granger to help. "Harry, there's a perfectly good villa sitting down the hill. It's rented for another week and no longer being watched. After today, everyone could do with a bit of a holiday."
Arthur now tried to object this was too much but Harry waved him to silence. "That sounds fantastic Mr Granger, Dobby and Winky will take care of all of us and Molly can have a real holiday. We can go shopping first thing tomorrow for anything you need immediately."
Harry was knelling in front of Molly and now holding both her hands. "I'm quite aware the Burrow was more than a house, I understood that the moment the Weasley family invited a young orphan to share their home. When I promised Ginny that day I'd never lose touch, I said that I wanted the Potter children to play with their Weasley cousins at the Burrow. They can't do that without a Burrow, and their Gran Weasley there to look after everyone."
Harry could see he had finally gotten through to the woman, Molly's greatest wish was to have some youngsters calling her gran. "Just remember when designing the new kitchen to make it bigger, we all intend to fill it."
Ginny's snigger turned Molly onto a different subject and gave more than one person the opportunity to wipe unseen tears from their eyes. "I think someone's going for an early start."
Molly followed where Ginny was looking and saw the previously perfectly coiffured Miss Brown, now with tear tracks down her cheeks and wrapped around her battle blackened youngest son. Lavender apparently wasn't caring too much about her appearance at the moment, her boyfriend certainly wasn't complaining!
"Ronald Bilius Weasley, put her down at once!"
-oOoOo-
Draco was ecstatic, what a summer he was having. The dark lord was now staying at his home and Draco proudly sported his master's mark on his forearm. After witnessing just who the dark lord had working for him, Draco was confident he'd soon be rising to the top of the death eater organisation. He'd just taken part in his first raid and it was against the Weasleys. They weren't home but there was still the pleasure of burning their hovel down to the ground, who said shit didn't burn?
Draco was chortling away at his own wit when the portkey returned them to the dark lord's presence, the laughter died in his throat. A seriously angry dark lord was no laughing matter. It would appear only three death eaters had returned from the raid on the loony's house, those three were probably now wishing they'd stayed and taken their chances.
As Draco watched the trio writhe in agony from the cruciatus, he also noticed the blood dripping from underneath the dark lord's wound dressing. Even Crabbe and Goyle weren't stupid enough to mention this, though the master's continual use of the name Potter had them all wondering just what the hell was going on.
Draco had joined the death eaters with visions of power and glory clouding his sight. Those clouds were being blown away by his first look at the other side of the coin. Draco hadn't quite figured out yet that Voldemort didn't share power or glory with anyone. When the dark lord tossed a coin in the air, it was always a case of heads he wins, tails you lose.
-oOoOo-
Tonks had the four death eaters who still drew breath stabilised, stunned and restrained. Two of them had lost limbs but she had managed to cauterise the stumps to stop them bleeding to death.
Remus had transfigured sheets to cover the three who were dead. Not from any sense of preserving their decency, more for the sake of the twins who kept glancing in their direction.
It seemed like an age before pops of apparition announced the arrival of the ministry. A group of six aurors, led by John Dawlish, appeared in the centre of the battlefield. They all stood in wonder at the carnage that now surrounded them.
"Oh look George, the aurors finally decided to show up, and here was us thinking they would need the knight bus to direct them to a fight."
"Naw Fred, they're probably too scared to get on the Knight bus."
"They don't pay aurors enough to get on the knight bus! Knock it off you two, we've a party to get back to."
"Sorry Tonks, we don't include you in that."
"Yeah, you were here for the fight again, this lot can't even make it on time when the battle's in their own ministry. Harry had to do their job for them again."
John wasn't about to take this from a couple of kids. "Alright you two, that's quite enough. Otherwise, we have a nice cell in the ministry that could easily have your names on it."
John had misread the situation though, the twins weren't for backing down.
"Oh we're so scared!"
"Yeah, there's only six of you."
"We just took on a dozen or so death eaters."
"Not to mention a horde of dementors."
"While you lot were probably finishing your coffee break."
"Forgive us if we don't all bow before the mighty aurors of the ministry."
Remus soon had a hand on each of their shoulders. "Cool it guys, it's just the adrenalin comedown of your first encounter with death eaters. You two were at the sharp end of the biggest magical battle fought on British soil in well over a decade. You guys were brilliant and I'm proud to have fought alongside you."
"Yeah, we helped save a man's life."
"While our home was being burned to the ground."
Fred was really starting to lose it. "Where the fuck were you guys? I think that's a valid question and I think we deserve an answer!" He then lost the wonderful cheeseburger that Dobby had made him, it didn't taste anywhere near as good the second time around.
George stood over his brother, wand in hand and practically daring the aurors to snigger or make a comment. None did. "If you'd been here in time then perhaps Fred here wouldn't have had to blow the head off the bastard who had our mother in his sights, the body's over there under a sheet."
Of the six aurors present, three of them had never fired their wands in anger while none of them had killed anyone in the line of duty. They at least now understood what they were dealing with. These two young men had fought in what must have been, judging from the carnage, a horrific battle. John decided to cut them some slack.
"The sensors inside the ministry were down for maintenance. Now you can call me suspicious but that's one hell of a coincidence, there will be a full investigation the moment we return." One of the aurors who'd been examining the bodies and prisoners spoke quietly to Dawlish, John then turned back to face the four. "One of the bodies died from the killing curse, can you tell me how that happened?"
George answered first. "It was his own curse that killed him."
Fred had recovered enough to take part in the conversation. "Yeah, stupid bastard fired avada kedavra at Hermione."
"Harry moved like lightning and caught the curse on his sword, one flick of his wrist and it went straight back to the death eater."
"That's impossible!"
Fred shook his head, "So is killing a dementor, didn't stop Harry though."
"Weren't you the one's saying it was impossible for Voldemort to have returned?"
"It would appear to us that the ministry needs a whole new definition of impossible."
George decided to help them with that. "Here's your first clue, if it involves Harry Potter then anything is possible."
John looked toward Tonks for the truth, she gave him a quick summery. "A group of us portkeyed into the middle of this, Xeno Lovegood was trapped inside the house. Remus and I were part of the rescue party while the twins were part of the group out here, keeping the death eaters and dementors off our backs. We got Xeno safely away and then assisted the other group. I have no idea how many dementors were actually here but I personally saw Harry Potter take down over thirty of them with his sword. I think it should be obvious to everyone here that we need to get these two to our healer, we've all had quite the day."
As if waiting on his cue, Albus Dumbledore apparated in and immediately attempted to take command. "What has happened here?"
"Oh look Fred, someone else turns up when the fighting's over."
"Yeah, maybe if you'd have gotten here earlier, you wouldn't have needed to ask that question."
Albus was experienced with battles and recognised at once what the problem was with the usually jovial twins. He instinctively went into concerned grandfather mode. "I'm sorry for what you boys must have seen and had to do here today, war is indeed a terrible thing. This is why Harry needs my help. He's far too young and inexperienced to cope with all this on his own. Surely now you can see this?"
George was thoughtful for a moment. "Yes, I can certainly see your point."
Albus was delighted that he was finally making some progress, here was the first crack in the Potter camp armour. His illusions were soon shattered though as George continued.
"The glaring problem though, like today for example, is that you never get there in time to be of any help.
Fred was, as usual, in complete agreement with his twin, he held up his fingers and started counting down how many times Dumbledore had let Harry down. "You weren't there in first year when Ron got injured stopping Voldemort."
George kept it going but allowed Fred to keep count. "That summer, it was us who had to pull the bars off his window and get him away from those muggles."
"You weren't there when Harry had to save Ginny in the chamber of secrets."
"You weren't there when the dementors tried to kill him in Hogwarts."
"You weren't there when Voldemort tried to kill him in the graveyard."
"You weren't there when Umbridge tortured him all year in your bloody school!"
"You weren't here today while we all fought for our lives."
"Even though it was you who put the wards on the Burrow, you still didn't get here in time to do any bloody good. You were probably too busy holding Snape's hand and listening to him bleat on about how Potter had beaten him again and it wasn't fair!"
Fred held up seven fingers to Dumbledore. "Are you seeing a pattern here Headmaster? Is it any wonder Harry doesn't want anything to do with you? You may talk the talk but Harry Potter is the one who gets the business done."
"Do you have an answer for those allegations headmaster?" Rita Skeeter seemed to have come from nowhere, her quill fairly flying over the parchment.
Tonks took charge. "Ok people, time to get back to the party. The vultures have arrived."
Rita's voice was sickly sweet as she ignored that barb. "Auror Tonks is it? Could I just clarify a few things about your statement?"
"For a start, I'm no longer an auror. My resignation was sent in this morning." Tonks sent a knowing smile to Albus as she said this.
This caught everyone by surprise so Remus explained. "I asked the beautiful Miss Tonks to marry me, she said yes. As the ministry classes me as a dark creature, no member of my family may work in or for the ministry of magic. She resigned before they fired her. A nice footnote for you Rita is that Albus Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock they day that legislation was passed."
Tonks nodded in agreement. "I think we'll take a leaf out of Harry's book and live in the muggle world. Do you know they have laws specifically against discrimination?"
With that parting comment, they activated their portkeys and left Rita stalking Dumbledore like a lioness after a wounded wildebeest.
-oOoOo-
Ron had finally found something he liked about the muggle world. Holding the bottle up to show his appreciation, Ron shouted over to his mate. "Hey Harry, this Stella bird certainly knows how to make beer. This stuff is brilliant."
This generated a lot of laughter amongst the group. Not everyone got the joke but when you've got a few beers inside you, anything can seem funny.
Dobby and Winky had done wonders, resizing a selection of clothes to fit everyone. Arthur Weasley in a Hawaiian type shirt had a happy smile on his face, that smile might have had something to do with the amount of brandy he had drunk. The fact he'd been the only one with anything more serious than a cut or bruise also helped his good mood, four of his children and his wife were in that battle. That Harry had completely healed the slash on his shoulder just added to the very pleasant mix of emotions.
Most of the experienced witches and wizards knew they'd been incredibly lucky today. The death eaters hadn't been that good and were certainly not expecting any resistance or the arrival of company. They were relying totally on the dementors quashing any and all resistance, treating the entire attack as nothing more than a bit of fun. They had been standing about in groups, berating the last person who'd cast a spell at the house for missing. The curses were flying at them before they even realised what was happening. When Harry took on the dementors, they had no plan B other than to run away when the going got too tough.
Showered and changed, the entire mood of the birthday party had shifted. It became more a celebration of them still being here and able to actually celebrate at all. Harry had asked the assembled parents if they could have a few beers. Since they'd fought a battle today, none of the parents thought this would do the slightest bit of harm. If the kids wanted to let off some steam, it was better to do it where they could be kept an eye on.
After being fed, they were now all sitting outside on couches. Drinking a cold beer with their friends and watching the sun go down.
Luna was sitting snuggled into Neville, her father had been given a dreamless sleep potion and was expected to make a full recovery in a matter of days. Both would be staying with Harry and Hermione in their villa for at least that time. The little blond drank one beer before appearing to fall asleep cuddling into Neville. They weren't sure if she was really sleeping but Neville wasn't complaining and she looked far too comfortable and content to move.
Tonks and Remus meanwhile were sitting together, quietly celebrating their engagement with a bottle of French champagne. Remus had taken enough jibes about when they would be setting the date and the couple were now just enjoying the company, and the excellent bubbly.
Bubbly was not a word that could be used to describe the twins, by their standards they could even be considered morose. Harry was sure he knew how to cheer them up.
"How's Weasley' Wizard Wheezes coming along guys?"
Fred couldn't keep the disappointment out his voice as he answered. "It was doing great Harry, but we just lost all our stock."
George was trying to keep their spirits up. "Thankfully we don't keep our notes in the house, can't risk mum finding them."
The attempted joke was rather forced and fell flat as it reminded everyone of just what they'd lost. Harry was sure he could lift their spirits. "So, if you were to have your stock replenished and acquire premises, how long would it be before you were open to the public?"
Both twins eyed him suspiciously. "Just what are you up to Harry? That's hardly likely to happen."
"Oh I was just thinking that if your silent partner came out into the open and wanted to further invest in your business, we could maybe do some dealing here. Would a shop in Diagon Alley that has a two bedroom flat above it and a workroom out back be something you'd be interested in? Do you think there would be any chance of getting that open before Christmas?"
"We would be open before Halloween."
Fred agreed with his twin's quick assessment but added a bit of his own. "We might even have some products ready for Hogwarts starting."
Harry couldn't contain his smile as he watched the change in his two friends. "Just as well I took a lease out on that shop then."
Both twins were now on their feet, eyes glowing with hope. "Are you serious Harry?"
"No Fred, that was my godfather!"
This saw a collective holding of breath until Fred laughed and dragged Harry to his feet, he and George then proceeded to dance around him like a couple of madmen. "Ok Harry, we're in! What's it to be, equal thirds?"
"Sorry guys, the figure I've got in mind is twenty two percent. For this I'll front the money to get WWW started and pay the lease for the first five years. Buying supplies, fitting out the shop, workroom, flat and advertising all come under the heading of WWW business. I also realise you might need to hire some staff to meet your opening deadlines, I will personally recommend some Gryffindors and at least one Ravenclaw for summer jobs."
Hands were shaken as the deal was done.
The excitement was spreading around everyone and even Molly couldn't keep it out of her voice. "Harry Potter, I don't know whether to hug you or box your ears in for encouraging them with this nonsense."
The twins were now fired up, there were things to do and plans to be made. They couldn't pass up an opportunity like this though.
Fred was first with the quip. "Well mum, I think you should box his ears in."
George was ready with the punchline. "Yeah, that will do a lot less damage than one of your hugs."
Anyone who'd witnessed or experienced one of Molly's hugs just had to laugh at that.
Ron was sitting with Lavender on one arm, a bottle of beer in his other hand and now the prospect of a summer job to get some gold of his own. "This is brilliant mate, I knew you couldn't leave magic behind." The silence that greeted that comment told Ron he'd said the wrong thing.
"Ron, I haven't changed my mind. I still intend to live my life in the muggle world."
Beer and Ron's Weasley temper were not a good mix. "Why the hell would you want to do that? What's that world got that magic can't provide? You sit there making plans that you have no intention of carrying out. Voldemort came after your friends today, is that ok with you?"
Arthur had the beer bottle out his son's hand and was just about to give the ungrateful pig a piece of his mind when Harry asked him not to.
"Mr Weasley, please let me try and answer Ron's questions before you say anything to him."
Arthur decided it would probably be better if he took a few moments to gather his thoughts before confronting his youngest son so agreed.
Harry sat back down and had his arm around Hermione before continuing. "Ron, you're sitting in a muggle house, wearing muggle clothes, drinking muggle beer and eating muggle food. What's so wrong about that? This world has much to offer and what I crave most is anonymity. Here, I'm Harry Potter and they've never heard of the boy-who-lived. Has anyone ever sat down and figured out what else happened that night? I lost both my parents and every time they use that stupid name it's a reminder that they died and I didn't." A comforting kiss on the cheek from Hermione kept his temper in check, now was not the time to lose it.
"Yes we sat and made some plans here today, I intend to play my part in every one of them. The lease for the twins' new shop is already in my room, I had intended to speak with them about that today before the party was interrupted."
Harry waved his hand and a necklace similar to Luna's butterbeer corks appeared around his neck. "I copied this idea from my friend, each one of these pieces of wood came from a property I'm monitoring and alerts me if the wards are under threat. This one's the Burrow, that's Luna's and this is Neville's. As Hermione's home didn't have wards, I had her watched from the moment she left the burrow. I know all of you are targeted because you're my friends, I promise you I will be there if trouble shows its face."
A wave of his hand and the necklace was once more invisible. "This is the so-called muggle world Ron and we were all having a good time today before Voldemort decided to intervene. We took care of that problem the best we could and now I'll take care of Voldemort. It doesn't change my plans though, I still intend to continue my education and ultimately work in the muggle world. That doesn't prevent us from having days like this at any of our homes, though I could well do without the dementors trying to give me a birthday kiss."
Arthur was in total agreement with everything Harry had just said, he really couldn't see his youngest son's problem here. "There are a lot fewer dementors now, thanks to you Harry. How many do you think were there today?"
Hermione had been sitting quietly, content to let Harry deal with the problem while she snuggled into his side. She had the answer for this question though. "Eighty seven."
All eyes were now firmly fixed on the couple. No one doubted the accuracy of that number, that Harry had managed the task at all still staggered the witches and wizards present. To the magical community, dementors had been the living embodiment of the bogyman. To hear that number had been wiped out was incredible. Hermione was beginning to think her word was being questioned until Harry returned her comforting kiss on the cheek.
"Only my Hermione could be firing cursed at death eaters, using her patronus to keep those things off me and still be keeping a running total in her head. Beautiful, brilliant and so brave."
Harry was becoming lost in those wonderful brown eyes until his girlfriend's mother interrupted. "I'm taking it from everyone's reactions that eighty seven is quite a high number?"
Minerva attempted to explain their collective shock. "Until today Emma, the general opinion was that these monsters couldn't be killed. Seven dead would have been an unbelievable number but eighty seven must account for about half their population, assuming that the rest visited the burrow. I don't think I would be alone here in saying I feared them more than I did the death eaters. Harry has taken away one of Voldemort's most terrifying weapons."
Minerva's statement was met with total agreement and more than a few shudders.
Remus had a question though that he was dying to know the answer to. "Harry, how are you going to deal with Voldemort while living as a muggle?"
Harry's smile put the fear of god into Remus, he instantly promised himself never to do anything that would see Harry smile like that about him.
"It's actually quite simple Remus, I'm going to take Voldemort's most powerful weapon away, before turning that very same weapon against him. Voldemort has people so afraid of him, they wouldn't even say his name out loud when they thought he was dead. I intend to remove that fear by telling everyone about the creature they're so afraid of. That he's not a lord, his name is nothing more than an anagram thought up by a teenage boy called Tom. How his father was a muggle, the number of purebloods he's murdered to achieve his goals. People are afraid of things they don't understand so phase one will be to strip away that fear. Kill the myth before taking care of the monster."
McGonagall was having difficulty equating this young man with the lad she'd taught for the last five years. "Phase one Harry? Where is all this planning coming from and why haven't I seen it in my class?"
"Well Professor, I got me this brilliant girlfriend and had to smarten up my act. Phase two I'm going to need some help with. Mr Weasley, do you think the minister would entertain the idea of offering a full pardon to whoever killed Voldemort?"
The change of direction caught everyone on the hop, Arthur answered as best he could. "Harry, I think Fudge would offer anything to see the end of Voldemort. Of course, claiming as much of the credit as possible for himself. Do you think you're revelations will be so shocking that his own people would kill him?"
"No sir, but I believe the five hundred thousand galleon price tag I intend to put on his head will!"
Hermione had more information than anyone else there and had Harry wrapped in her arms within seconds. "That is utterly brilliant Harry. Voldemort could still be said to die by your hand yet you don't have to face him. Thank you, thank you thank you..."
Each of the 'thanks' was punctuated with a kiss that had both Grangers smiling in relief. Hermione was relieved that Harry wasn't going to have to face Voldemort, they were delighted beyond words their daughter would no longer have to be beside him when he did. Today had proved beyond doubt to the Granger parents that Hermione would follow Harry anywhere.
It took a moment for Harry to be able to answer his girlfriend, which drew a few sniggers. "That's my plan Hermione, he's a mad dog that deserves nothing better than to be murdered in his sleep or poisoned at dinner. He trusts no one at the moment, this will increase that fear a hundred fold. Even Wormtail might be tempted to take a pop at his master for an amnesty and half a million galleons."
Remus was incensed with that suggestion. "You'd let that rat go free?"
"To see Voldemort dead? Yes."
Remus was about to say a lot more when he noticed that Harry had that smile on his lips again, his intended protest died in his throat.
"Just because he gets an official pardon doesn't mean I couldn't introduce the rat to Crookshanks, Hedwig or Puck. The ministry might pardon him but I never will."
Oh Remus just loved that. It not only appealed to his sense of justice but his marauder side too. Knowing just who Puck was guaranteed Peter wouldn't escape again and Harry was too smart to be caught.
Ron still wasn't satisfied though and felt his original questions were being ignored. "So this is it Harry, we'll get to see you once a summer and perhaps at Christmas?"
Harry squeezed Hermione to restrain her from ripping the redhead to pieces. "Ron, it takes two to make a friendship work. Hogsmead is not the only place that offers a few shops or places to eat. We could easily spend those days in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen. Spending the day shopping in a muggle city instead of a magical village might make a pleasant change."
Ron attempted to get to his feet but Lavender stopped him. Harry still wasn't getting his point. "Here's the thing Harry, I'm not ashamed of being magical. I actually want to spend the day in Hogsmead, its part of growing up. It's who I am."
There was silence as Harry thought carefully before answering. "You're spot on Ron, I have no right to ask you to change. Here's the problem though, I can't walk about in the magical community and you're not prepared to try the muggle one. Where does that leave us?"
Ron had been expecting an argument, Harry's agreement and return question totally threw him, time to fall back to old faithful. It was pick on Hermione time. "Why are you asking me? I'm not the one who's changing everything. Hermione is the one who has all the answers here, how is she going to handle having a boyfriend that's determined to be a muggle?"
Hermione's first reaction was to let rip at Ron but she had just witnessed how effective Harry's tactics had been, she was also in no mood to argue with this prat tonight. "I love Harry and want to be with him, whether that's in this world or the magical one doesn't really matter to me. Harry wants to go to university and study for a career, something I can fully understand. That would have been my own path of choice had Professor McGonagall not paid me a visit with a certain letter. I will be returning to Hogwarts and I certainly intend to sit my NEWTs. What I do after that is something that will be discussed between me, Harry and my parents. I understand Harry's reasons for leaving the magical world and support him one hundred percent."
Hermione couldn't resist returning Ron's continual 'muggle' jibes with interest. "You appear to be resigned to losing your best friend but answer me this, what would have happened today if you hadn't been at Harry's muggle birthday party?"
Assuming Minerva was correct and they'd sent at least an equal force to the Burrow, only one outcome would have been possible. Everyone knew the Burrow would have been overwhelmed and the Weasleys would all be dead.
Arthur could see Ron getting ready to blast back and chose this moment to intervene. His son would have to understand that Hermione was now Harry's girlfriend, making her cry could have a very different result than the one Ron was used to. "I think that's quite enough discussion for now. This can be continued tomorrow when tempers have cooled and the beer's worn off. Harry, happy birthday and thanks for the hospitality."
Harry made a portkey to take the Weasleys to the other villa, Dan had already provided them with the keys and Winky would see them settled in. Ron was now too busy kissing Lavender goodnight to worry about arguing with anyone. The Weasleys had no sooner left when Neville was also kissing a sleepy Luna goodnight. Everyone else was heading back to the Longbottoms' home, they could then floo to their final destination from there.
Neville shook Harry's hand before he left. "Harry, Luna and I would certainly love spending time in a muggle city with you and Hermione. There are only so many times you can go to Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks, a change would be great."
"Thanks for that Nev, we appreciate that and we'll get it organised before the first Hogsmead trip. You do know that portkey I gave you earlier will still work tomorrow? You're welcome here anytime you want to visit Luna."
This received a wide smile from the new couple and a pout from Lavender. Harry didn't care if she and Ron were upset by this decision. There was no way Harry was trusting Lavender Brown with a portkey to where he was living. If she spouted all she knew, Dumbledore would be able to find the Weasleys. All everyone else knew was that Harry and the Grangers were in France, they hadn't told anyone that the other villa could be seen from here. That France was over twice the size of Great Britain and this villa was rented in the name of James should help keep them safe.
-oOoOo-
Luna entered the bedroom she was going to be sharing with Hermione, leaving the young couple outside the door to say goodnight in private.
"Not exactly the birthday party I had imagined for you Harry."
"You being there was enough for me Hermione." This was followed by a kiss that curled her toes.
"Wow, so smooth Mr Potter, I nearly forgot what I wanted to ask you. I wondered why you asked the twins for twenty two percent? I know it would probably cost them a lot more elsewhere but it seems so unlike you."
"I have no intention of keeping it, my plan was to give Ron and Ginny ten percent each when they leave Hogwarts. If the twins business takes off like I think it will, they'll be set for life. It will also give them a job if they can't find anything else. My two percent will do quite nicely. It may take years to get my initial outlay back but that's not the important thing here."
It was now time for Hermione to curl Harry's toes with a kiss. "You sir, are something else! I think we're going to lose Ron as a friend though. You and I want to change the world, Ron wants the world to stop and everything around him to stay the exact same. He's digging his heels in and we can't meet him halfway on this one. You walking down Diagon Alley would start a riot."
Harry could see what Hermione was saying but had a different opinion. "Give him time love, Ginny and the twins will be working on him. You didn't see Lavender's eyes when I mentioned shopping in a muggle city. I've a feeling that whatever Lavender wants, Lavender has ways of getting. One visit to a mall for Lavender and Ron's objections will soon be dealt with."
Hermione's giggles told Harry she now agreed with him.
-oOoOo-
A clearly nervous Dan was waiting for Harry outside his bedroom door. "Harry, can I have a quick word with you?"
Harry choked down any smart answers and invited Dan inside, they sat on the two chairs facing each other. He was curious to know what this was about.
Dan decided the best way forward was just to blurt it out. "Harry, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping Hermione safe today. I would also like to apologise for the way I've treated you since we met..."
Harry interrupted the man before he could say any more. "I'm sorry Mr Granger, I can't accept your apology nor your thanks. Today, Hermione was the one who kept me safe as I went after the dementors. She really is a powerful and capable witch in her own right. As to the apology, I don't think you've done anything that warrants offering one. You did what you thought was needed to keep Hermione safe, something we both agree is our top priority. I have no problem with that at all."
Dan was looking at him strangely. "Just what age are you Harry?"
Harry actually laughed at that. "I'll need to speak with Winky on cutting back with dispensing the brandy, today was my sixteenth birthday. Yes, I spent a number of 'other' years in the company of nothing but adults and Sirius but I am only sixteen."
Dan was shaking his head. "Sometimes I wonder Harry, I still feel badly for the way I treated you."
"Mr Granger, as I said to Hermione, any boy coming sniffing around our nearly seventeen year old daughter is going to experience a lot more grief than I did. You have my word on it sir."
The serious expression on Harry's face told Dan the young man not only understood, he wasn't joking about planning to do the exact same himself. "Well you can be sure her grandfather will be getting a few shots in at this punk as well. I feel so much better Harry but there is one thing still worrying me, do you think Hermione will be safe going back to Hogwarts?"
"Well, I actually need you and Mrs Granger's help for this one."
"Anything Harry, what do you need son?"
"I need you both to look after Crookshanks."
Dan was beginning to think Harry was right and he had too much brandy until it was explained to him. "Hogwarts students are only allowed one pet. There's no way Hermione is setting foot inside that castle without Puck."
Dan was now the proud owner of a wide smile. "That's bloody brilliant, her mother and I will feel a lot better knowing you will be there." Dan stuck his hand out. "Happy sixteenth birthday Harry, and please call me Dan."
Chapter 9
Xeno was still confined to bed but had managed some breakfast. He'd thanked Harry profusely, claiming it was only knowing Luna was safe at Harry's birthday party that had allowed him to maintain his patronus for so long. The Quibbler editor had felt the massive debilitating presence of the dementor hoard and figured it wouldn't be long before the aurors showed up to rescue him. An attack of that magnitude couldn't go unnoticed for long. Discovering that the ministry wouldn't have gotten there in time just increased Xeno's gratitude to his rescuers.
The party of five were then busy making plans for the day when Neville arrived. He appeared very nervous and had a copy of the Prophet under his arm.
"Morning everyone, you might want to take a look at this? The magical community back home is going absolutely nuts over it."
Neville sat down the paper and they all crowded around the publication, Emma immediately let out a scream.
Dan was shocked as well but managed to control it slightly better. "Shit! You killed eighty-seven of those things? No wonder everyone struggled to believe it last night, that thing looks like something straight out of your worst nightmare."
The Grangers had both seen magical newspapers before but nothing could have prepared them for this. There, in a picture that covered half the front page, was their daughter, Harry and Neville. That Harry was facing the most horrific thing either of the Grangers had ever seen was only partially responsible for Emma's involuntary outburst. Either side of Harry stood Neville and their daughter, both firing off curse after curse to keep the death eaters at bay while Harry cut the monster down to size with his sword. The picture played in a loop that lasted about ten seconds and was simply mesmerising. The bold headline above it removed any doubt as to what was happening here.
Defecting Dementors Destroyed
If Oz had newspapers, both Granger parents reckoned that headline would be comparable to announcing the wicked witch was dead. As if that wasn't enough, there was another attention grabbing headline below the picture.
Harry Potter wields sword as ministry six thwart you-know-who again
Rita then proceeded to describe the battle's events accurately, including the heroic rescue of Xeno Lovegood, and name everyone involved. The effective journalism didn't end there though, Rita was just getting warmed up. The related articles would see certain ministry personnel fearing for their livelihood and Dumbledore reaching for the headache potion as the Prophet demanded certain questions be answered to the public's satisfaction.
Why would creatures supposedly under ministry control begin attacking wizarding dwellings?
Just who scheduled maintenance on the ministry's sensors while massive attacks were taking place against the homes of two old pureblood families?
How could someone who had taught their children at Hogwarts, and fought against the death eater threat in two wars, be classified by our ministry as a dark creature?
Why should a very talented young auror, the only auror to take part in the battle at the ministry and fight against the attacks yesterday, be forced to resign from her job because she's marrying the above wizard?
What is our ministry doing so badly that this skilled witch and wizard now appear ready to join Harry Potter in his proposed move to the muggle world?
Dumbledore actually got an article all to himself. Rita reported she had it on 'good authority' the headmaster and Professor Snape had attempted to breech the security surrounding Harry Potter's sixteenth birthday party. The Prophet reporter couldn't help but take great delight in pointing out that their attempt was easily thwarted. A birthday party that Harry and his guests then left to rescue his friend's father.
Rita then had what amounted to a list of allegations for Dumbledore to answer. She also demanded the wizarding public be told what part the old wizard played in Harry Potter's decision to leave them in their time of need.
Harry couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow, Rita really came through for us this time, she must have been there for most of the battle. Luna, I was intending to give your dad the story on Voldemort but I think Rita's just earned herself another exclusive interview. My instincts are telling me to strike while the iron is hot."
"Harry, that's fine with me. Dad's not going to be fit for at least a few days, then we'll need to check the house for damage. The printing press might need repaired too. Just don't leave your date to meet Rita this time."
Hermione was actually blushing before glancing at her parents to see if that comment caused any problems. She needn't have worried, they were still staring at the picture in disbelief.
Dan was so glad he'd made his peace with Harry last night, he would hate to think that his decision was influenced in any way by the sword wielding version in this picture. Quite frankly, that image of Harry attacking that creature frightened the life out of him.
The mild mannered Neville Longbottom that Dan knew also bore no relationship to the young man in the picture. By far the biggest shock though was the image of his daughter. Hermione resembled some wand-wielding warrior princess, fighting like a demon to protect her prince. Any residual thoughts Dan had about Hermione still being his little girl were blown away once and for all. Harry had told Dan that Hermione was a capable witch in her own right, here was his proof. He tried not to think about those creatures Harry was attacking with his magical sword, they really were something out of a horror writer's imagination.
Emma was struggling to regain control of herself, her voice was trembling as she spoke. "Oh Hermione, I should have known anything that could frighten Minerva McGonagall must be bad. How could you stand there and fight like that?"
"Mum, there were more of those things attacked us two years ago at Hogwarts and Harry chased them away by himself. He's since taught us the specific spell to fight them and there were a lot more of us this time. I also had a return portkey and my necklace to help protect me."
Neville was bursting to say something. "Harry, our floo has been going nuts all morning. The press, half the ministry and Dumbledore to name just a few. They all want to talk to me, the attacks and Rita's article have set the entire country alight. Can I stay here too?"
Harry began to laugh before noticing that Neville wasn't joking. His friend was very much of the same ilk as himself and would hate all the attention. "Nev, if it's that bad you'd be very welcome. We'd need to check with your mum and dad though."
They were interrupted by Winky. "Master Harry, the Weasleys are wanting to meet with you."
"Ok Winky, tell them the portkey they used last night will bring them back here." The little elf was off before Harry got a chance to ask if the Weasleys had seen today's newspaper. This villa was currently only accessible to Hedwig but the one rented by the Grangers had no such enchantments.
When they arrived and Arthur was clutching the paper, it was safe to assume the delivery owl had found them. It was also obvious that something was bothering Ron, Harry ignored that for the moment. "Morning all, how was the villa last night?"
Ginny couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh it was wonderful Harry. Did you know my room had its own toilet and shower? No queuing."
Having both stayed at the Burrow, Harry and Hermione knew exactly where Ginny was coming from with her comment. "Have that designed into the new Burrow, it makes all the difference when getting ready in the morning. I'm assuming you've all seen today's Prophet?"
This triggered whatever was obviously eating Ron, he came right back at Harry with a question of his own. "Just why did you send me with the rescue party Harry?"
Hermione spotted the problem at once but Harry just answered truthfully, he had no ulterior motives to hide. "I didn't take dementors into account when I made up the teams. Hagrid can't cast a patronus and Ginny's isn't corporal yet, Luna would be far too worried about her father to generate any happy thoughts. That left only Remus and Tonks to defend the group, with the large number of dementors present I didn't think that was enough."
Everyone accepted that perfectly reasonable explanation but Ron had another question. "Why didn't you send Neville?"
Harry was becoming exasperated by this accusatory line of questioning but again answered truthfully. "Neville's just gotten a new wand, yesterday was probably the first time he used it to cast a spell. What's your problem Ron? Was I really supposed to trust the entire mission on an untested wand?"
Hermione was now livid but Luna actually beat her to the punch, she didn't pull any punches either. "It's quite simple Harry, Ronald here wants his picture in the newspaper more than he wanted to save my dad."
Ron was about to come back with a biting retort when Neville's arm went protectively around the little blonde's waist. Neville's return glare at Ron spoke volumes about what would happen if the redhead tried to pull the same shit he did with Hermione on Luna.
The boy facing Ron appeared to have undergone almost as much of a transformation as Harry. A large infusion of confidence and self-belief, added to his parents being healed saw Neville Longbottom standing proud.
"Ron, Harry was in charge. He says do something, that's the end of it. If you have a problem with that then next time you can stay behind and keep Lavender company."
"So we're not allowed to ask questions now?"
Neville came right back at him. "Now is fine, in the middle of a fight, no. You could get one of us killed. This isn't a game Ron, the death eaters thought they were out for a stroll in the park yesterday and look what happened to them. They were trying to murder Luna's father and every one of us played our part in his rescue, that's why we went. We had no idea Rita was there, she must have been hidden from the very start. Only an utter arsehole like Lockhart would stop in the middle of a fight to pose for a picture. Are we going to see our Gryffindor dorm full of hair care products next term?"
This cracked the twins up.
"Ron use hair care products?"
"He's only recently started using soap."
Ginny helped her brother out. "Lockhart wouldn't get near enough a fight to pose, I'd rather have Ron at my back any day."
Harry agreed with her. "So would I Ginny. Sorry Ron, in the same situation I would make the same decision. I needed someone to cover their backs, that someone was you."
Ron was somewhat satisfied with that but his attention turned to another matter. "How did Neville get here anyway?"
Harry had known for certain this one was coming so proceeded to knock it on the head immediately. "I gave Neville a portkey and no, Lavender can't have one. Nothing against Lavender, I just have no intention of providing her with access to where I'm staying at the moment. I might as well take out an advert in Teen Witch Weekly."
Much to Ron's chagrin, the twins found this hilarious.
"Do you honestly think that picture won't be all over Teen Witch Weekly?"
"Even without Lavender's input, they're going to be hounding you."
"Ginny's been drooling over that picture all morning."
"You can bet all the other witches in Britain will be doing the same, why do you think Ron's so upset?"
Both Fred and George thought the groups' reactions to this revelation were just too funny. When Neville nervously confessed that Teen Witch Weekly had already attempted to contact him, the twins were in stitches of laughter.
Luna leaned into Neville, offering and receiving support. "I'm just glad Neville asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday. I agree with Ginny, both Neville and Harry look incredibly hot in that picture."
Dan was a bit perturbed by this conversation. "My daughter is actually in that picture too you know."
Fred looked at the dentist incredulously, "We know Hermione is in that picture, but it would be a brave wizard who would say how amazingly sexy she looked in that image."
George was nodding in total agreement. "Have you met her boyfriend? The delectable Miss Granger is genuinely scary in her own right but her boyfriend terrifies the life out of us."
"Voldemort merely threatened her, Harry put him down."
"That death eater who fired the killing curse at her won't make that mistake again."
"He won't make any mistakes again. Coolest and scariest thing I ever saw."
"So sorry Mr Granger, forgive us if we don't drool over your daughter."
"Yeah, we want Harry as our business partner, never as an enemy."
Hermione now had her hands on her hips. "I am standing right here people."
It was Harry's turn to slip his arm around his girlfriend's waist. "I think you look hot enough to scorch the page Hermione, but then I always think that."
Ron started to giggle and took a moment to explain what he found so funny. "Can you imagine Malfoy's face when he see's that? He'll also need to wait until visiting day at Azkaban to tell his father."
This was a happy thought for all the younger members but they had a lot to do today, Harry got the ball rolling. "Mr and Mrs Weasley, I have arranged a vault to cover all the expenses with building and refitting a new Burrow. My original thought that we could shop in France for your immediate needs is probably wrong. You'll want to get back to Britain and begin organising your new home as soon as possible. I can make you a portkey between your villa and Diagon Alley, will that do?"
Molly hadn't said a word all morning, she still didn't. Harry was just engulfed in the Weasley matriarch's arms. It was left to her husband to verbalise their thanks. "Harry, that would be fantastic. We couldn't ask for anything more."
Dobby appeared with a little box for Harry, he passed it over to the twins. "Guys, this is yours. The lease and keys for the shop, also a Gringotts business vault key. You can take the same portkey, I've never actually seen the shop. Dobby handles all my business with Gringotts now."
The little elf appeared to grow a few inches with pride before popping away.
Fred took the box from Harry with as much reverence as if receiving an Order of Merlin. To them, this was way more important than a bit of tin. This tiny box held the means to achieve their dreams, both twins were unusually lost for words.
Harry turned to the two youngest Weasleys. "Ron and Ginny, we still plan on going shopping today. Luna and Neville will be coming too."
Ginny agreed before Harry had finished speaking, Ron called off.
"I'll go with mum and dad, I might get to see Lavender."
Harry hated pushing this point but their security was at stake. "I would ask you all to ensure you're free of tracking charms before you return. Also, please don't let anyone else return with your portkey."
Ron again wanted to start arguing but his father got in first. "That will be no problem Harry, I'll need to report into the ministry and arrange some time off. Dumbledore will probably know that so we'll sweep everyone before returning."
The Weasleys left and Luna immediately turned to Ginny. "Sorry about earlier but I wasn't about to let Ron ruin what became one of the best days of my life. He played a big part in rescuing my father and it clearly says so in the Prophet, we can't all get our picture on the front page. He should be proud, not jealous. He doesn't have to impress any girls now, he's got Lavender."
Ginny agreed, still trying to recover from her brothers revealing that she'd been drooling over that same picture. "So Harry, where are we going shopping?"
It was Hermione who answered with a wide grin on her face. "Don't worry Ginny, you'll love it!"
It was a rather embarrassed Emma who asked Neville a question. "Em, Neville, could I keep this copy of the Prophet?"
If anything, it was an even more embarrassed Neville who answered her. ""Sure Mrs Granger, my gran bought at least a dozen copies. I'm sure she's already sent a few to my Great Uncle Algie."
-oOoOo-
Their first stop on Diagon Alley was the new home of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes where Fred and George managed to take exuberance to a whole new level. For the twins, that was really saying something. On discovering they had a working floo, Ron immediately contacted Lavender.
Molly and Arthur were really impressed with the shop, the flat above it was perfect for the twins though they dreaded to think what the two pranksters would concoct in their new workshop. They decided to get the unpleasant part of their day over with first and flooed to the ministry.
Walking through the atrium was a revelation, and just a small sample of what Harry's life must be like. Molly and Arthur could feel every pair of eyes watching their slightest movement. Word must have spread quickly because Percy came bounding out the lift and straight into his mother's open arms.
"Mum, dad, I was so worried and had no way of contacting any of you. Is everyone else ok? We went and looked at the old house, there's nothing left. You're welcome to come and stay with me. It would be a tight squeeze but at least you would have a roof over your head."
Molly just held tight to her wayward son, glad to have him once more in her arms. It was Arthur who picked up on something Percy had said. "We Percy? Who else was there with you?"
"Oh, Bill and Charlie. The attack was all over the Wizard Wireless Network yesterday. Today's Prophet has set off a storm in the ministry. The minister and director Bones both want to speak with you."
Arthur's voice was harsher than he intended but he needed to know. "Is that why you're here, because Fudge sent you?"
"No, I wanted to apologise for my behaviour. Bill and Charlie had a few words with me and forcibly pointed out the error of my ways. I put my career before my family, that will never happen again. Where were you last night?"
Arthur cut-in before Molly could say anything. "Staying somewhere safe. I suppose we should get this over with, then we can start organising getting our new house built."
This had Percy's jaw almost hitting the floor. "New house, how can you afford that?"
Arthur couldn't resist rubbing his son's nose in it. He'd broken his mother's heart and Arthur wasn't so instantly forgiving. "The Weasley family has some very good friends. Tell Bill and Charlie to meet us at twenty two Diagon Alley. That's the address of the twins' new shop, they've even got a lovely flat over it."
Percy could only nod in wonderment, He couldn't believe how upbeat and organised his parents were. His mother might be quieter than usual but Percy expected her to be in little pieces.
Molly and Arthur had no sooner been led into the minister's office, where Amelia and Cornelius were already waiting on them, when the door opened again. Dumbledore's spy system was impressive since they'd barely said hello before he got there to poke his nose in.
"Molly and Arthur, I'm so sorry over what happened to your home. If I can help in any way?"
Arthur wasn't buying this act anymore. "You can keep your sympathy, and your tracking charms, to yourself Albus. You told us the wards on the Burrow were as strong as you could make them. I trusted the lives of my family on those wards, it was pure luck there was nobody home when the death eaters came calling."
Amelia had a list of questions she wanted answers to, she wasn't about to see this opportunity hijacked. "Arthur, can you tell us how you knew the Burrow and the Lovegood's home were being attacked?"
Arthur had a few questions of his own before he answered anything. "Can I ask what's going on here? Is this some type of hearing, do I need representation? Are we going to be facing any sort of charges here?"
Amelia cleared the matter up at once. "None of the party that took part in that rescue are facing any charges whatsoever, quite the opposite. This is purely a fact finding meeting. I'm asking the questions on behalf of the DMLE, the minister may ask for clarification on a point or two. Professor Dumbledore has no official reason to be here."
Arthur nodded and decided to help. "Harry has a device that monitored the wards of his friends' homes. He appeared to know at once and, when Luna told him Xeno was at home, organised the rescue."
Albus was asking for clarification before anyone else had a chance. "Have you any idea what this device was? Did you actually see it?"
Both Weasleys looked toward Amelia and she smiled before asking her next question. "Can you tell us any more about the battle?"
Molly answered this one. "I have to say that Rita's report was fairly accurate, we were fighting for our lives and didn't really have time to take notes."
Amelia was satisfied with that answer, knowing first hand what being in the middle of a fight was like. "Do you know if Mr Potter cast any spells on his sword that could account for it being so effective against the dementors?"
Arthur could see why Amelia was asking, a weapon to take down dementors was something the head of the DMLE would covet. "He used the sword of Godric Gryffindor, a goblin made magical blade. I don't think he would have time to cast eighty seven separate spells on the sword."
Cornelius was now suspicious. "How could you know that number? You were apparently too busy fighting to notice things yet you know a total the ministry is keeping secret?"
Molly actually laughed at the minister. "Just because neither Arthur nor I can do that, doesn't mean Hermione Granger can't. She was by Harry's side through the entire battle and that girl misses nothing."
Amelia tried to get the interview back onto her track. "Can I ask about your choice of spells used during the battle?"
This got Molly's back up. "Those death eaters weren't there to deliver birthday wishes, the kisses and presents on offer were of the deadly variety. They came with the sole purpose of wiping out the Weasleys and Lovegoods. We had no idea what we'd be facing so chose spells of what we considered an appropriate response. Four of our children were in the middle of that fight, would you have held back if Susan's life was on the line?"
Dumbledore just couldn't keep his nose out. "Four dead and two maimed for life is a terrible price to pay for a victory."
For a wee, stout woman, Molly could move at speed when she needed to as, much to his horror, Albus discovered. She had a firm grip of Dumbledore by his beard, painfully pulling the tall wizard's head down until his eyes were level with hers. "You listen to me you old goat. If the price of my children being safe was to behead every single one of those murdering bastards, I would take up my meat cleaver and do it without one ounce of remorse. If my children are in danger, the death eaters are going down hard."
Molly felt a hand on her shoulder and turned her head to see Amelia Bones standing there. "Molly, the reason I asked was because the tactics used were so devastatingly effective. I intend to see my department adopt them. I agree totally with your opinion, in any choice between one of my aurors or a death eater going down, it's not a difficult decision. If my Susan's life were at stake, I would hit the bastards with everything that I had."
Arthur convinced Molly to release Dumbledore and they hoped this meeting wouldn't last much longer.
Cornelius now asked the question they were all desperate to know the answer to. "Arthur and Molly, it goes without saying that you know young Mr Potter very well. Is there anything we can do that would have him reconsider his decision to leave us?"
Arthur was able to answer with total honesty, something that was not missed by the rest in the room. "Cornelius, not one member of our family wants to see the young lad go, we're all very fond of him. I'm afraid there's nothing any of us can do. He appears to have his heart set on entering the muggle education system, his experiences at Hogwarts have apparently soured him against us."
Molly reluctantly agreed with her husband. "I wish I could say otherwise but it's a decision I can't see him changing. I've never seen Harry looking happier or healthier. For the first time ever, he appears to know exactly what he wants from life. I'm afraid another two years at Hogwarts just doesn't figure into his plans."
"Having Hermione by his side has also given the lad a confidence I've never seen in him before. She intends to return to Hogwarts yet even that wasn't enough to turn Harry from his chosen course."
Dumbledore stood there, ignored and forgotten. Not a situation he was familiar with. Well, if he couldn't get to Harry Potter, the boy would just have to come to Albus Dumbledore. He'd heard enough information here today to achieve that feat. With a muttered farewell the old wizard left the minister's office, he had work to do.
-oOoOo-
Harry had cast a discrete expansion charm on the back seat of the new rental car, allowing all five friends to fit comfortably. All now wore beaming smiles as they returned to the villa. Three teenage witches had spent the day shopping and both wizards had thoroughly enjoyed the experience too. They were laughing and joking, carrying their purchases back inside the villa when Harry froze. Everyone had now experienced this reaction before so when Harry looked in Neville's direction, the young wizard couldn't contain himself.
"Aw shit no Harry, not again? I just got them back, we can't let them be taken away. Not this time."
The determined set of Harry's face said more than his words ever could. "We won't Neville."
They rushed inside, all parcels and packages forgotten as Dan and Emma raced after them.
"Winky, are the Weasleys back yet?"
"No master Harry, they haven't returned yet."
"Could you please find the twins and tell them Neville's home is under attack. We will be leaving directly."
The little elf was gone as Harry turned to his friends, knowing there was no way he could leave without them.
"Ok, that leaves the five us and the three Longbottoms already there. Hit hard, hit fast and be safe. We all stick together this time, are we ready?"
Harry had conjured a red plastic hula-hoop, which he made into a portkey. With one hand on the hoop and wands at the ready, they were off.
Dan and Emma were left staring into an empty space.
"Dan, there must be something we can do, someone we can contact? This watching our daughter go off to war is killing me, I feel so helpless."
Dan though had an idea and called for back-up. "Dobby, can you go and help protect the kids?"
"Dobby would love to Mr Granger, but Dobby doesn't have orders to protect them."
Dan wasn't for giving up so easily. "Dobby, have you been ordered not to protect them?"
A wide grin split the little guy's features before Dobby popped away.
"I hope Hermione isn't angry with you for putting Dobby in danger?"
"Hermione can be as angry with me as she likes. As long as she's here to shout at me, I'll quite happily let her."
-oOoOo-
The twins' new flat had become the centre for an impromptu Weasley family reunion. Bill and Charlie had turned up earlier with a million questions, not least of which was how the hell did two Firebolts make it into the Weasley Quidditch locker. The locker had gone unnoticed by the attackers as it was down by their old pitch.
Mismatched conjured and transfigured chairs littered their living area as Percy arrived with their parents and then Ron appeared with Lavender. Ron's rather rambunctious ribbing was interrupted by the worried little house elf who appeared in the middle of the room.
"Master Harry sent me, his friend Neville's home is being attacked. The five of them will have already left by now."
Fred was first to act. "Thanks Winky. George, try and get the Longbottoms on the floo. Otherwise we'll need to apparate as close as we can."
George shot out of the room while Ron began pacing up and down like a caged lion, he should have been there with them.
Bill was worried. "I thought you said Ginny was with Harry? Surely he wouldn't take her into a fight against death eaters?"
It was his father who answered. "Harry would get more of a fight if he tried to leave her behind. They all look out for each other, they're no longer children Bill."
The shout from downstairs clarified the position. "The floo is open and the Longbottoms aren't even aware they're under attack. Frank's floocalling the ministry then we can come through."
A quick kiss to Lavender and Ron was at the front of the queue, wand already in his hand.
-oOoOo-
The sight that greeted the five young warriors was not one any of them had expected nor could have anticipated. There wasn't a death eater or dementor anywhere in the area. Instead, they were greeted by the grinning form of Albus Dumbledore.
"Oh that charm was quite ingenious Harry my boy. Once I found your monitoring thread, I was able to isolate it and begin to take it down. I knew it would appear as an alert on your monitoring device while the Longbottom wards don't even know I'm here. I'm very pleased you've finally stopped this childish behaviour and came to see me, we have a lot to talk about."
Albus was expecting an explosion and had prepared for it, he wasn't expecting it to come from the Longbottom lad though.
"You stupid, self-centred old bastard. Have you any idea of the agony you just put me through? Do you even care that I thought my parents were being attacked again? Harry, can I borrow your sword? I'm going to cut this fucker's head off!"
At that moment in time, Neville could actually have managed that feat. Albus Dumbledore found himself held by a spell that paralysed him from the neck down.
It took Harry a moment to understand that they had some unseen help, Both he and Hermione had seen Dobby do this before. Dumbledore was staring at Harry with fear in his eyes, he decided the whiskered old wanker didn't need to know any better. He secretly swore to buy Dobby some more socks, unaware that Hermione had just silently vowed the same. Harry started slowly walking toward the helpless old wizard, it was time to mess with Dumbledore's head.
"Albus, my old man, let me tell you a little story. Not about three brothers, cloaks, wands and stones, this one is a lot more recent than that. Two very powerful and ambitious young wizards spent an entire summer together in Godric's Hollow. Among other things, they were planning their version of the wizarding world. A world they would rule, for the greater good of course. Greater good, I fucking hate that phrase. How much shit have you pulled and then used that excuse to justify your actions to yourself?"
Harry wasn't sure if Dobby left Dumbledore able to speak but the old goat looked incapable of it at the moment. His revelations had Albus rendered speechless, wait until he heard the rest.
"Now eventually the two really good friends found themselves on different sides of a war, both still believing they were right. Neither noticing the young boy who was set to eclipse them both in his quest to rule the world. Now Albus, I need you to listen very carefully to the next bit, it gets right to the crux of the problems we're having here. See, unlike you, Gellert or Tom, I have no wish to be anyone's master."
With this, Harry plucked the elder wand from Dumbledore's paralyzed hand. Noticing the old wizard's eyeballs almost popped out his head.
"All I want is the right to live my life the way I want to, forge my own destiny. Now what's wrong with that? Nothing? Then why the fuck do you keep trying to stop me?"
Harry wasn't expecting an answer from Dumbledore, he still wasn't finished messing with his head though. "Tom appears just as determined to stop me living my life, he also ignored my warning to leave my friends alone. Tom will be dealt with a piece at a time before I finally finish him off. Do you want to put yourself on the same footing with me as Voldemort? I'm sick of your manipulations old man, I will live my life the way I want and there's nothing you can do about it. Harassing my friends will see you receiving the same treatment as dear old Tom. I want to live my life in peace and quiet, is that too much to ask? Kendra is so disappointed in you Albus, and Ariana says she wouldn't come even if you called for her."
Albus couldn't take his eyes off the elder wand in Harry's hand, he obviously knew all about the cloak and that last comment meant Harry also had the resurrection stone. How else could he know about his mother and sister? That Harry was now the master of death terrified Dumbledore more than Tom and Gellert combined. If Harry should go dark, the world would tremble under his rule.
Harry still had one card left to play in Dumbledore's mindfuck, he slowly and gently replaced the elder wand back into the old wizard's hand. "Now my friends and I shall be leaving, I never want to see you again. I hope I've made my wishes plain."
Albus knew he was no longer the elder wand's master but even the thought of keeping it out of Harry's hands was a big incentive at the moment. His quip about taking care of Tom a piece at a time could mean Harry had discovered the existence of horcruxes, but obviously not that he had one behind his scar.
Albus Dumbledore was rightfully considered to have one of the best minds in the magical world. That great mind was currently at a total impasse on how the master of death was supposed to die so the dark lord could finally be killed.
Shouts then had the five of them turning around as a gang of redheads and Neville's parents were running toward them. Neville took off like an arrow shot from a bow, heading straight for his mum and dad.
With a cry of 'Bill, Charlie' Ginny was off too.
Hermione spoke quickly to Luna. "Do you want to stay and see Neville's ok? You've both got portkeys and there's also our two brilliant elves you can call on to pass a message."
"I understand some of what Neville's feeling right now, I'm going to stay."
Harry noticed Lavender trying to run in heels at the back of the group and knew it was time to go, the pops of the arriving aurors made both their minds up in an instant. Hermione and Harry headed back to France as Dobby released the headmaster and followed them.
Amelia had turned up with every auror she could lay her hands on, only to find Harry Potter leaving and that the culprit of the reported attack was clearly the chief warlock. "Albus Dumbledore, you had better have an explanation that satisfies me or you'll be seeing the inside of a ministry cell."
Albus fond himself once more bereft of answers and was promptly led away. He was infinitely more concerned at the implications of what Harry had revealed than he was over any charges Amelia could manufacture over this situation.