Chapter 17 - Dance with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight
Claire wasn't sure if this was a late lunch or an early dinner, the newly married Blacks weren't exactly keeping to any sort of timetable. Sitting here as the yacht cruised along the Devon coast was wonderful, doing so with her husband though was simply perfect. Suddenly their perfect world was shattered.
Sirius stopped talking mid-sentence, his face taking on a horrified expression.
A now concerned Claire asked the obvious question. "What's the matter?"
"Sorry love, I forgot you couldn't see or hear the message spell. Remus just told me Luna's been kidnapped from Hogwarts, they snatched her right from under their noses. We need to get to our room and lock the door, then head to Grimmauld. This could get very ugly, Harry will go after her and Hermione will be in bits - Emma won't be much better."
Claire was out of her seat at once, both she and Sirius practically racing back to their private suite. This may have raised a few chuckles amongst the crew but the Blacks weren't bothered about that, their family were now in a deadly situation.
-oOoOo-
Ginny was helped to her feet while telling her brothers her version of what just happened. "They came out of nowhere, I didn't even get a chance to shout for help..." Ginny's words died in her throat at the sight in front of her. A distraught Hermione was sitting on the ground, cradling a lifeless Harry's head in her lap. The thought that this could all have been for naught had Ginny pushing her way toward her downed love.
"What happened? Harry was never supposed to be hurt..." Ginny suddenly realised she'd said too much, Hermione's wand in her face may have been her first clue.
"What have you done?"
Looking into those expressive brown eyes terrified Ginny, there seemed to be so much barely contained rage behind them.
"Nothing, I..."
"Ginny, I love Harry and Luna with everything that I am. You, I don't give a shit about. Please believe me when I say I would take you apart as painfully as necessary to save those two. You'll get no help from anyone here either, so the only way to stop that happening is for you to tell me everything you know. As you can see I'm not exactly at my best at the moment so I suggest you be fucking quick about it!" Hermione's voice had started off almost at a conversational level but she was screaming at the stupid redhead by the end.
Remus had immediately messaged Sirius but then hesitated, he would give this a moment or two to play out before contacting McGonagall.
Looking around for support, Ginny realised there was none coming her way. Her three brothers were looking at her as if she was a stranger while their friends couldn't hide their disgust. It was Harry who made her mind up though. Not because he would be unable to rescue her this time but more she'd been promised he wouldn't be hurt. The tip of Hermione's wand was glowing with power by the time Ginny answered.
"It was Bulstrode. She wanted to get back at Luna, but Harry wasn't supposed to get hurt..."
As Ginny spilled her sorry tale, Ron staggered away a few steps before throwing up. Susan was soon at his side, rubbing his back and trying to offer whatever support she could. Like everyone else, she was shocked at what they had just heard. "I can't believe Ginny would be so stupid. Of course they're trying to hurt Harry by targeting Luna. I never saw what they did to Harry though, he just slumped to the ground."
Using his wand to cast aquamenti and rinse his mouth out, it took a moment before a now terrified Ron gave Susan part of the secret. "They didn't touch Harry, he's gone to find Luna. If they've done anything to her..."
Susan wasn't sure if Ron was looking at his two best friends or his sister as he said that, the shiver of dread that passed through him however was unmistakable. While Susan was digesting what Ron had said, Ginny finished her tale of woe. Hermione then stunned and restrained the stupid little bitch in ropes as Remus sent a message spell to summon McGonagall.
Susan now shared her boyfriend's dread. While Luna's fate may still hang in the balance, she thought whatever else happened Ginny was totally screwed.
-oOoOo-
It had happened so fast, Luna just didn't have time to react. Getting smacked on the side of the head with a beater's bat, being hauled up into the air and then having to endure a portkey left her totally disorientated. Her abductors however were now confident enough to cancel their disillusionment charms, they had Luna exactly where they wanted her. Bulstrode just couldn't help crowing about her success.
"Did you really think you would get away with making a fool of me? I always get my revenge. Theo, get the bitch's wand."
Luna felt Theo Nott's hands begin pawing over her body but Millicent's fist smashed powerfully into her face before she could do anything about it. Blood was now pouring out of her nose and then that same meaty fist struck again, leaving Luna tasting blood in her mouth too.
"I could do this all day, Loony, and I'm loving the chance to rearrange your face. I think Theo here is enjoying searching for your wand even more. You either hand your wand over from where you've got it hidden or we can keep this up..."
When Theo's hand started travelling up her dress, Luna's wand shot into her hand - only for the bastard to snatch it right off her. She was about to try and give both of them a shock they would never forget when a hated voice cut across that desperate idea.
"Did you have any problems?"
"Piece of cake, Professor Snape. The stupid Weasley slut played her part perfectly."
"Good, bring her along then - our master is waiting. You deserved your dark marks for this."
From Harry's shared memories, Luna knew exactly where she'd been taken. They were in the same cemetery that Cedric had been so casually murdered, and Voldemort was then reborn. Even with three wands covering her, and one of them belonging to Snape, Luna was still considering whether it might be better to transform and let Moonlight take her chances.
What stopped Luna, and almost had a grin appearing on her battered face, was the sight of Harry streaking toward her like a missile. Only his lack of mass stopped there being a sonic boom because he must have been travelling beyond mach one. As she was marched toward Riddle Manor, her love joined Luna for the trip.
They were so used to sharing now, in mere seconds Harry knew exactly what had happened to Luna. "It's not your fault, Love. It takes concentration to transform, something not possible when your getting hit by beater bats and punched in the face. Snape is a bastard but he's also a dangerous bastard, save Moonlight until she can do us the most good. We'll get through this, Hermione's waiting on us so we can all go home."
Spotting another two death eaters flanking the group left them no other option but to continue walking where they were being led. Snape clearly had a reception party waiting for Luna in the graveyard, he really was a dangerous bastard.
The Riddle house was obviously muggle in origin, with none of the eccentricities magical folk seemed to think their buildings needed. No weird shapes or bits sticking out at odd angles, just a solid built brick building of suitable size and ostentatiousness for a country squire to occupy.
Luna was led up the path and in the front door, another two guards were added to their procession toward meeting their dark master. Harry suggesting that seven of them with wands drawn for a fifteen year old girl still wasn't enough kept Luna's spirits up. Neither of them were underestimating just how much trouble they were in though.
They stopped at a set of double doors just off the entrance hall, Snape respectfully knocked and waited for an answer. After being bade to enter, Snape opened the doors and led the procession inside.
What once might have been an elegant ballroom had suffered from years of neglect and decay. The room was bare, save for a raised floor at the other end that held a large chair. Sitting there like a red eyed reptile on his wooden throne was the self proclaimed Lord Voldemort.
Snape stopped about five paces from the platform and dropped down onto one knee, respectfully bowing his head as he did so. The other six followed his lead, leaving Luna the only one still standing.
This drew a comment from the Dark Lord. "It is customary to bow to your betters, especially in their house. Don't they teach you youngsters anything these days."
Glancing down at her engagement ring, Luna looked Voldemort squarely in those red eyes before answering. "The wizard who placed that ring on my finger would never bow to you, I can do no less than try to be worthy of my future husband."
At that insult, an enraged Theo Nott stood and grabbed Luna with the intention of physically forcing her to bow. This time however he was dealing with a Luna who was neither already physically stunned or caught by surprise at his actions. She spun on her left foot, adding more speed and force to the right knee that crashed painfully into Theo's groin. Her right hand also moved like lightning, forming a fist that viciously caught him squarely in the throat. Theo was down on the ground before anyone else could even react, leaving Luna free to turn back around and once more defiantly face the Dark Lord.
Voldemort's laugh was a terrible thing, there was no joy in it at all. "Oh you have spirit, girl, I'll give you that. You're boldly standing there, your face a bloody mess, and knowing what else is in your immediate future - yet still you fight. Then again, Potter would not be interested in you otherwise. I might send him back your hand, with his ring still on your finger, after my servants are finished with you of course. Trust me, Potter won't want anything to do with his future Lady Black by the time my death eaters have had their fun with you."
Leaving the girl to think about that for a few moments, he turned his attention onto his group of followers. "Severus, heal your student. Makes sure Nott knows the next time he acts without orders in my presence, I'll let him die - or kill him myself."
Nodding before drawing his wand, Severus began casting spells to repair Nott's trachea. The Lovegood girl obviously fully realised the seriousness of her situation and wasn't holding anything back. She still stood there, defiantly facing down the Dark Lord, while Theo was literally dying at her feet.
Stretching the silence had no affect on Luna, she had Harry with her. He was offering support while both of them were trying to figure a way out of this. The flush of love and pride that passed through Luna as she answered the Dark Lord kept her head held high. Harry's claim that he was the one who wasn't worthy went unanswered by Luna.
Seeing the girl still defiantly standing there, Voldemort began losing what little patience he had. "Now girl, we didn't go to all this trouble just to provide my followers with a little entertainment. My spy Severus here discovered Potter can make his soul leave his body. The mystery of how he survived my killing curse and then a dementor's kiss is explained. You are going to tell me how he does it, and how I can fight against it. Will killing his body destroy his soul, or do I need to perform some type of ritual to finally make the troublesome brat cross over?"
Both Luna and Harry were shocked at that information being known. It wasn't too hard thought to figure out how he knew, since Voldemort basically gave them the answer. There was only one person who had that information and would possibly hand it on to Snape - Albus Dumbledore.
-oOoOo-
Claire and Sirius arriving back in Grimmauld was a surprise, discovering the reason behind their arrival however was shocking. Dan was attempting to comfort his distraught wife while being in tears himself. Sirius however really couldn't stay.
"We all know what Harry will do, I need to get to Hogwarts and see how I can help..."
"You can't leave us here, we'll go nuts not knowing what's happening."
"Dan, muggles can't even see Hogwarts..." Suddenly realising that Emma and Dan had been there before saw Sirius shouting for their elves.
-oOoOo-
They were now in the Headmistresses office, Harry lying on a sofa with Hermione at his side. Ginny was still stunned and wrapped in ropes. McGonagall's objections to this state of affairs ended when Hermione declared that the stupid bitch saying the wrong word could see her die. Not one person present doubted Hermione meant exactly what she just said, it simply wasn't worth the risk to revive Ginny. McGonagall was currently using her floo to contact the ministry.
The dog patronus that headed straight for Remus passed on a message that had him running and Hermione in tears again.
"Our little friends brought the Blacks and Grangers to Hogwarts, same way as they did the last time. Meet us so we can get to Hermione and Harry as quickly as possible."
The group hurried in the door just as Albus and Amelia stepped out the floo. Hermione was soon wrapped in her parents' loving embrace while Sirius was kneeling beside Harry. Claire stood beside her husband as Remus told everyone what had happened earlier.
As was his usual modus operandi, Dumbledore began trying to take over. "We can't have Miss Weasley left lying there like that. Yes she appears to have made a silly mistake but this is excessive..."
Hermione butted right in. "She knew exactly what she was doing. Ginny wanted Luna out of the way, specifically so she could be the next Lady Black. Madam Bones, everyone knew Luna was going to be Harry's Lady Black, She was wearing his ring. Planning to have Luna abducted so Ginny could take her place must break multiple laws?"
"Yes it does, Miss Granger. Some of those laws also come with very severe penalties for those who break them."
" As Harry's fiancee, I want to press all possible charges against Ginevra Weasley for her role in Luna Potter's abduction."
Forgetting that Luna was now a Potter, and her engagement gave Miss Granger that legal right, Albus attempted to intervene before this went too far. "I think we should wait until Harry gets here and let him make that decision. Amelia, I also think your time would be better spent getting a force of aurors ready to attack Voldemort. Once Harry returns, he will be able to give us the Dark Lord's location."
Hermione wasn't for being deflected or defeated over this. "Madam Bones, I want those charges filed. I will swear out an official complaint here, and in front of witnesses, if that's what it takes. This will not be swept under the carpet as some misdemeanour that results in detentions for Ginny and Gryffindor losing house points."
She then turned her building ire onto Dumbledore. "Harry won't get here, not without Luna. He'll never leave her."
Lacing his voice with all the sympathy he could muster, Albus tried to reason with the understandably distraught witch. "I know Mister Potter is a very loyal person, Miss Granger, but Voldemort may not give him a choice about leaving Miss Potter."
With tears running down her cheeks, Hermione got to tell the great Albus Dumbledore why he was so wrong. "There is always a choice, and all his family know what choice Harry will make. He will not leave Luna to be alone..."
Her mother's arms tightened around Hermione as Amelia tried to make sense of that last statement. "Do you realise what you're saying?"
"I know exactly what I'm saying, Harry won't leave Luna alone. If Voldemort murders Luna, Harry will cross over with her. Voldemort will effectively be killing them both, and I want that little bitch charged with helping to make that a possibility!"
"Surely Harry wouldn't do that?" It was a shocked Dumbledore who now asked, unable to believe what he just heard.
"You may think you know Harry, only his family really do. Ask Remus or Sirius what they think, I know who they'll agree with."
It was actually Ron who answered. "If it was Hermione Voldemort had, I know Harry would never, ever leave her. That he treats Luna exactly the same as Hermione answers that question for me. That my sister was involved in this, a sister Harry nearly died while saving, makes me feel dirty and ashamed."
Hermione stepped over and fiercely hugged her friend, causing Susan to smile. She knew these two were best friends, both had their hearts firmly set on others.
As everyone was watching the friends embracing, Amelia thought she might be the only one who noticed Albus needing to sit down. Something about Hermione's revelation had really shocked him.
-oOoOo-
Watching as Voldemort rose from his large chair and slowly walked toward her, Luna was sure she would have been a blubbering wreck if it wasn't for Harry being right here with her.
"I'm not going anywhere love, and that's exactly what he wants you to become. Voldemort is an expert at intimidation, he hones those skills every day on his delusional followers. Look at them all, cowering down on their knees in fear while my beautiful Luna stands tall. I'm so proud of you. Now we need to try and throw him off his usual stride - just the way we practice mind games against Remus and Sirius."
"They don't have red eyes and are not missing a nose. Oh and that foul breath, Dan and Emma would surely give Voldemort hell about his lack of oral hygiene..."
Their mental conversation was rudely interrupted by their host, it was time.
The Dark Lord was amazed at the control this young witch was displaying. Yes she was frightened, she was after all a smart enough witch to understand her position was hopeless, but she wasn't letting her fear control her. It was almost like facing Potter again. He wasn't able to intimidate that brat in the graveyard last year either. The Dark Lord was determined to break Potter's witch though, first mentally and then physically.
"Potter appears to like his witches smart, I think we can do some work on that today. You obviously have no intention of voluntarily telling me what I need to know so I'm just going to have to take that information straight from your head. This will of course leave you nothing more than a mindless drooling husk." He ran his cold boney fingers down Luna's smooth cheek, the one Bulstrode hadn't yet struck.
"Now my followers, they're not too choosy. They don't care about a female who they're raping's intellect, your drooling won't matter at all to them. I might even send you back to Potter after a couple of weeks, they do like their fun but the novelty should have worn off by then. You could save yourself all of that..."
He was now right in her face, almost as if Voldemort was getting ready to lovingly kiss her. That just made Luna's mind up. "I thought about it, but don't see the point. Kneeing you in the balls isn't really worth the effort. Harry saw you naked in the graveyard, and he says you don't have any balls. How does it feel to be in a body that's got no balls, made from part of your muggle father and is also part Wormtail? I think I'd rather be a drooling imbecile than live with everyone knowing that..."
The sharp intakes of breath from his kneeling followers spread around them just fanned the flames of Voldemort's temper. The time for subtlety had just past, he would simply take the information he wanted from the blonde bitch.
Casting Ligilimens, the Dark Lord dived right into Luna's mind.
He found himself standing on a beautiful and lush green hill. The longish green grass and abundant wild flowers were concealing some of the entrances to the rabbit warrens that riddled the hillside. After recovering from the shock of discovering this young witch had a full mindscape in place, he correctly surmised that her memories would be stored underground.
Before the Dark Lord could react to this assumption, he found himself being attacked by swarms of bees that had risen from the thousands of flowers surrounding him. As each bee that got past his defences managed to sting him, they released a particular memory. That these memories were actually his own saw the great Lord Voldemort stung into inaction. Here were things he'd never shared with another living soul now being paraded right in front of him. How was this possible?
Bombarding The Dark Lord with his own memories was so effective, he never even saw who or what finally hit him. What Voldemort did know though was that he had never been hit harder in all his life.
Severus watched in amazement as the Dark Lord's spell appeared to rebound off the girl and bounce back onto its caster, blasting his body clear off the ground. The Dark Lord flew across the floor like a child's rag doll being thrown out a cot. His momentum was only halted by smacking heavily into his chair. All the Death Eaters heard the cracking noises and hoped it was parts of the wooden chair that had just snapped.
The girl was breathing heavily but still proudly standing on her feet, staring defiantly at the now unconscious Dark Lord. Severus quickly stunned her, before anyone else decided to hit the blonde with something a lot stronger.
"Jacobson, you show Bulstrode and Nott where the cellar is. I want this bitch locked in there with those two guarding the door, but I want her unharmed. Our master will want to take his own revenge for this insult, woe betide anyone who denies him that revenge. The rest of you, wait there a moment until I can discover what's wrong with our lord. I may have to return to Hogwarts for any potions I'll need to help him heal." As everyone obeyed his orders, Severus was delighted that at least someone was listening to him,
-oOoOo-
Albus had again tried to exert his authority over the situation, making the suggestion to Minerva that they should clear the Hogwarts students out of her office. Hermione immediately countered by asking if their friends could remain.
It was back to condescending mode for the old wizard. "I understand Ronald remaining, since you three have been very close for years..."
This approach cut no ice with Hermione. "Ron and Neville are Harry's groomsmen at our wedding, whilst Susan is going to be one of my bridesmaids. Parvati was my dorm mate for four years while Fred and George have been our friends since we first walked into this school. They have each witnessed everything that has happened so far, I don't see any point in chucking them out now. Knowing they are here and offering their support is helping me to stay sane, I would like them to be allowed to stay - if they want to."
Neville was actually in first with his answer this time. "You want us here, then we're staying." This found total agreement from all their friends and, more importantly, McGonagall.
With Hermione adamant she was pressing charges, Amelia had no other choice but to take Ginny to the ministry. Amelia returned later with Augusta Longbottom and an emotional Arthur Weasley.
He couldn't even look at his sons, instead tried to apologise to Hermione. "I had to hear it from Ginny before I could believe a Weasley would act like that. I can't tell you how sorry we are. The whole family knew she had a crush on Harry, but we thought that's all it was - a harmless crush. If there is anything the Weasley family can do to help Harry and Luna, you don't even need to ask - we'll be there."
"Mister Weasley, the entire school - including us - knew about Ginny's crush. We never thought she would do something like this either. What she did can't be justified by any crush..."
"What she did can't be justified at all!" Every time Ron glanced at his best friend in the entire world, he was faced with the very real prospect that Harry might never return. That his sister played a vital role in that situation occurring left Ron not knowing what to do with his anger. He could certainly understand Hermione wanting to attack Ginny but that was just not something he could ever do.
That Ron's opinion clearly reflected the mood of the room destroyed what resolve Arthur had left, he found a seat in the corner and joined the almost silent vigil as they waited on any news.
Albus could see all his schemes going up in smoke. He had privately earmarked Arthur to replace him as Minister of Magic when Voldemort was finally finished. Arthur was a moderate who would still come to his mentor for advice, allowing Albus to retire but still keep his finger on magical Britain's pulse. Miss Granger pressing these charges on Arthur's youngest would destroy the wizard, emotionally and politically - especially if Ginny's actions led to Voldemort killing Harry Potter too.
Anyone who was involved in that scenario wouldn't survive unscathed, and that had him really worried. That Albus had cause to be worried was brought home to roost as a raging Severus burst into the office.
The first person Severus saw was Remus Lupin, and his anger now had a target. "What the hell were you doing, letting those dunderheads take her?"
Remus had been pretty much thinking the same for the last few hours, he offered up the only defence he had. "I was too busy guarding Harry, we didn't think the girls were in any danger. They caught us cold."
"Why were you guarding Potter? I told..." Severus may have stopped speaking, him turning around and glaring at Albus though said more than words.
Sirius was instantly right in Dumbledore's face. "You knew about this?"
Not giving Dumbledore a chance to concoct any half-truth excuses, Severus' anger saw him spilling it all out. "Of course he knew. I told him who was involved, who they were after and how they were going to do it. Dumbledore came up with the elaborate plan of embarrassing Potter at the ministry on Wednesday, getting him to leave Britain before this could happen. Then he seemed to change his mind. I thought Lupin was brought in to stop the girl being snatched. Dumbledore didn't warn you at all, did he?"
Having to just sit here and think about what could be happening to two people Dan certainly considered family had him on a knife edge. Hearing this bastard had known all about Luna's kidnapping, yet done nothing to stop it happening, pushed Dan over the edge. He sprang at Dumbledore, ready to punch his face in.
His daughter though was quicker, and hit her father with a full body-bind. "Sorry dad. A muggle striking the Minister of Magic, no matter how much he deserved it, could see you in a lot of trouble. Dumbledore could then use that as leverage to get us to do what he wants."
Her father didn't seem to mind Hermione's spell too much. As Remus grabbed the now rigid Dan to save him from hitting the floor, he had a perfect view of an even more enraged Arthur decking Dumbledore.
"You sick, twisted bastard! You knew my daughter was going to make a mistake that would ruin her life, ruin our family too, yet you did nothing. I demand to know why, Albus. I think I have that right."
Rage appeared to be contagious, Severus' certainly showed no signs of abating. He had reached the end of his tether as far as Albus was concerned. "As do I. Every time I step into the Dark Lord's presence, my life is at grave risk - and for what? Today could easily have been foiled, you deliberately decided not to do so. I risked my life for this information and then you don't use it..."
Ron and his twin brothers had pulled their father away from Dumbledore. As satisfying as beating the old wizard up might be, there were much more important things at stake here. The Minister of Magic had known Ginny was going to break the law, and deliberately let her. That people could lose their lives over this should see Dumbledore in serious trouble too. With three of the ministry's top officials here to witness what just happened, this wouldn't be getting swept under any rug.
Albus was struggling back to his feet, he was also struggling to explain his position. "I did use your information, Severus, I was using it to end this war. Voldemort's spell stops you revealing where he's hiding, and we haven't been able to find any way around that. By snatching the girl, Harry would be able to go right to her - and then lead us there. I planned on hitting Voldemort's lair with everything we had, ending this war and hopefully rescuing the girl too. It's only Harry's determination not to leave the girl that's stopping this plan from working."
Needing confirmation, Severus turned to the one person who would surely know. "Potter's with her? He's able to put his soul in there too?"
Seeing a hint of understanding in his eyes, Hermione answered - though she had some very important questions of her own. "Yes, Harry's with her. Have you seen Luna? How is she?"
"That might explain a few things. Yes I've seen her, she was alive when I left. Bulstrode punching her on the face was the extent of her injuries but she's put the Dark Lord out of action..."
Amelia had been trying to contain her disgust at Dumbledore's actions, silently promising to see the old wizard hauled up in front of the Wizengamot for this. Snape's words just altered her priorities. "Luna did what?"
"The Dark Lord wanted to know how Potter's soul could leave his body, the girl just stood there and refused him. Now I can clearly see Potter's impudence in her actions. When the Dark Lord cast legilimens to take that knowledge, there was a few seconds worth of fear in his eyes before he was blasted half way across the room. He's currently unconscious with multiple broken bones and some internal injuries. He was also bleeding from his ears, nose and mouth, I don't see him regaining consciousness for at least twenty four hours."
Hermione was almost afraid to ask but needed to. "And Luna?"
"I stunned her before anyone could cast something a tad more permanent. I gave orders she be locked up with Bulstrode and Nott as guards. That might give her a chance..." Severus never had a chance. Everyone then witnessed a sight few would have conceived possible, a relieved Hermione Granger hugged Severus Snape.
"Thank you, Professor. You've not only given them a chance but provided us with hope too. Madam Bones, please tell me there are charges we can bring against Dumbledore for this?"
"Being the sitting Minister of Magic would pretty much give him legal immunity in this situation. While the decisions he made disgust me, and will hopefully see his time as Minister come to an abrupt end, does anyone here seriously doubt Dumbledore could justify his actions as matters of state? Good decision with your father, Hermione, you really do know Dumbledore well."
Dan was of course now free from the curse and thought so too. The family were the only ones who knew the capabilities of the three teens, now they really did have some hope.
Albus was still trying to justify his actions by citing the greater good. What was risking one life when it could lead to the end of the war? Having never been a parent himself though, he wasn't making the emotional connection - that every parent in that room would rather die than see this happening to their child.
Minerva wasn't slow to let him know her opinion too. "Albus, when the ministry sack you, don't come to me looking for a job. Anyone who can make a decision like that doesn't deserve to be working with children."
Severus was still so angry, he was currently telling everything he knew to Madam Bones. He would soon have to decide whether to return to the Dark Lord's lair and try to help them escape. Either way, his days as a spy were now over. A conversation with Granger should provide a more realistic appraisal of Lovegood and Potter's chances of being able to escape on their own. From the way their attitudes had improved since he first entered, Severus decided they must think those chances were fair.
-oOoOo-
Luna was sitting with her back against the wall of a weird shaped room, a room bare of anything that could help their escape. There was only one way in or out, the thick door that was currently being guarded from the outside. The room had obviously been adapted to act as a cell, there were eyebolts on the floor and walls for passing chains through. There might also be some on the ceiling but it was too high to reach, and the cell was in total darkness.
Refusing point blank to leave her and go for help, Harry did rove for a minute or so to discover exactly what was beyond that door. If they were to get out of here, they needed to know the layout of the house. Harry quickly returned and they used what information he'd gathered to plan their possible escape route. If a chance presented itself, they needed to be ready.
Bulstrode was angry as she handed over guard duty to Theo. She was angry at this shitty duty but still supremely confident of their cause. This was a confidence Theo currently didn't share. He was honest enough to admit to himself that Loony had taken him down in a way he had no defence against. It was also clear she was quite prepared to stand there and let him die, Theo thought he was justified in losing a bit of confidence after that. What really terrified him though was the way she had faced down the Dark Lord, before tossing him across his own room - almost contemptuously too.
If the Loony was this powerful then he didn't want to know what Potter could do, or what Potter would do to whoever abducted his fiancee. Professor Snape wouldn't be able to cover the fact they were missing from school, so everyone would soon know both he and Bulstrode had been involved. It was only now, after watching the Dark Lord seemingly rather easily bested, the fact Potter and everyone else would know who snatched Loony really bothered him.
He slid open the little inspection hatch on the door, seeing the blonde witch immediately move into the rectangle of light that flooded into her cell. She had obviously used her dress to wipe most of the blood off her face, a face that was now bruised and swollen. Theo was sliding the little hatch back into the closed position when she spoke, though it was more like pleading.
"No, wait. Please don't close the hatch."
"Why, you afraid of the dark?" Theo was chuckling at his own wit so he barely heard the whispered 'yes'.
"Are you shitting me? After seeing what you can do, you expect me to believe you're afraid of the dark?"
"It's not something I can help, I've been like this since I was a little girl. At home, I can fight it by cuddling into Hermione every night. She's not here. Please, just leave it open a little. As long as I can see a little light I can cope."
"After what you did to me, you expect me to help? You are well named Loony."
"Hey, you kidnapped me, then felt me up while that troll Bulstrode used me as a punching bag. Fair's fair."
Theo was shutting the hatch when something about her pleading reached him. He opened the hatch wide and stared at his prisoner. Ignoring Bulstrode's modifications to her face, Loony had a knock-out body. A plan began to form in Theo's head, or should that be further south from that location.
"I might be persuaded to leave this open, if there was something worth looking at."
"I don't know what you mean?"
"You were a Ravenclaw, I'm sure you'll figure it out." Slowly, almost teasingly, he began to close the hatch.
"Wait. Please, don't make me do this."
"Hey, I'm not making you do anything. For this hatch to be open, I need to be standing here. If you want me to stand here then I suggest you give me something worth looking at."
"The hatch is only a couple of inches wide, no one is gonna get out of that..."
"Hey, I don't make the rules here. Now, do I shut the hatch?"
Standing with her head down, Luna forlornly gave it a shake of submission. Her hands reached behind her and slowly pulled the zip of her dress down. She then reluctantly pushed her dress off each shoulder.
Theo stood transfixed as that dress slid down this gorgeous body to reveal what it had been hiding. The Dark Lord had promised to turn Loony into a drooling idiot but it was Theo who was now standing here with drool running down his chin.
While not having a lot of experience to base his findings on, Theo was confident in his assumption that this was the finest body he had ever - or would ever - see. The mint green bra and panties were exquisite examples of beauty enhancing beauty, matched only by what lay tantalisingly under them. They certainly weren't bought in any wizarding store, even Playwizard didn't feature anything this fine.
He had no idea how long he stood there transfixed, it felt like a while though. As wonderful this was however, Theo now wanted more. "Very nice, now let's see the rest."
This had Luna's head shooting back up. "What? Oh I couldn't. Even Harry hasn't seen me..."
The mere thought of seeing what Potter had so far been denied took Theo's excitement to a whole different level. He just had to see those hidden delights for himself and changed tactics. His success rate at charming witches out of their knickers was pretty dismal, the circumstances here though left him confident of achieving his goals.
"Hey, do you want to be alone in the dark again? Anyway, I'm only looking. There's a ruddy great door between me and you so you're perfectly safe. C'mon, I'll keep the hatch open and talk to you. Isn't that better than being back in the dark?"
When her head went back down Theo thought he'd won. Once her hands reached behind to unclip her bra, he knew he had - only to be denied as she stepped out of the rectangle of light. "Hey!"
"Sorry, I'm not comfortable undressing in front of someone else." At that, her hand appeared from the shadows and dropped her bra onto the portion of illuminated floor.
He was lightheaded by the time her hand appeared again, this time it was those delicious panties that hit the floor. Theo waited, and waited, and waited some more. "Come out where I can see you."
"I... I can't. I've never..."
He was not about to be denied now. "Step into the light, or I take the light away."
"I just can't"
Theo slammed the hatch shut. He decided to count to a hundred before opening it again, let the bitch know he wasn't messing around here. Theo reached twenty three before he had the hatch open again. That bundle of clothes were still there, those panties tantalisingly lying on top.
He thought about casting lumos to light the cell but the viewing hatch was so small he couldn't do that and look through it at the same time. Slamming the hatch shut again, Theo paced up and down outside the door. It was no use, he simply had to see her. This time his wand would already be in his hand, Theo had no intention of letting her get close enough to try anything.
He opened the hatch and tried coaxing her back into the light once more. Theo didn't expect this to work, it was more to discover exactly where she was. Hearing her voice coming from the deepest, darkest corner made his mind up. Theo opened the door and quickly slipped inside. He cast lumos but the spell didn't quite reach right into the far corner of the former basement.
His spell did reflect light of those silvery grey eyes and, from the height of them, Theo drew confidence from thinking she was sitting cowering naked in the corner.
That confidence saw Theo step away from the door. "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. I only want to look."
As his spell eventually illuminated the corner, the sight that greeted him took Theo's breath away. He was expecting to see a beautiful naked witch, one who had nowhere else to go. What he found instead was Moonlight - a silver grey dire wolf who was more than ready to play her part in the dance of death with this devil.
Chapter 18 - a Wolf in no Clothing
Summer 1995
As the group were slowly meandering their way across Europe, searching for something none of them yet knew what, the trio couldn't really practice any magic. What they could practice however was becoming animagi. Since this was something Luna was really keen on learning, that was what they did. The week after they'd buried Xeno, Harry was burrowing through Sirius' memories of the animagus process.
This then became what must be one of the strangest games ever played by teens on a long car journey. If they weren't visiting each other to pass on information, they were meditating to try and find their animal form. When Luna discovered she was a wolf, she was soon sharing with the other two how that discovery had been reached.
Dan sat shaking his head that night as the group celebrated all three discovering that they would transform into wolves, however that wouldn't be until after mastering becoming animagi. This was just another strange milestone in what their life had now become. Seeing how happy Hermione, and even Emma were though meant Dan had no regrets about the decisions they had made. That Luna seemed to be wearing a genuine smile again for the first time since losing her father was certainly an occasion worthy of a celebration.
Further progress in their transformations however was about as fruitful as their search for whatever they were looking for on their odyssey through Europe. It was then that Harry had the crazy idea of visiting Sirius while he changed into Padfoot. This suggestion was duly kicked back and forth a few times between all of them in what was quickly becoming their new norm for making important decisions that affected the family. No one actually knew if this suggestion was even possible. Eventually the deciding factor was none of them could see this being dangerous to either Harry or Sirius, so those two gave it a shot.
This proved to be a massive success and saw Harry learning not only about the transformation process, but also how it felt to inhabit a body that had four legs and a tail. Less than an hour later, Harry was able to transform his hands and arms. Both Remus and Sirius were amazed at the size of those paws but Dan had another concern, one that stopped all three of them practicing this stage while he was driving.
Dan glancing in his rear view mirror and seeing a bloody great wolf looking back at him could cause them to crash. It was only two days later however when Harry managed to complete his transformation. While the three females were all over Harry in his wolf form - like he was some cute puppy they just had to pat - Dan was left wondering if it was just the fact they were in a hotel room that made this canine seem so huge. One glance at Sirius and Remus answered his question, both were standing there dumbstruck. It was Remus of course who recognised Harry's form, a dire wolf.
Harry transformed back and both girls confirmed their forms were exactly the same species. Remus then sat and explained what a dire wolf actually was. Dan took it as being like an ordinary wolf but a bigger, stronger subspecies that was now considered extinct. Outside a few magical forests, Remus confirmed the dire wolf actually was.
With their sharing abilities, and Harry always spending his nights visiting the girls, Hermione and Luna managed their transformations the following day. As it was approaching the full moon, all three wanted to run with Remus and Sirius. Emma wasn't sure whether this would be safe, thus causing Dan to burst into laughter.
"Emma, stand back and take a good look at them - but don't see Hermione, Luna or Harry. There is nothing living wild about here that will go anywhere near those three, far less try and attack them. They are also smart enough not to stray too close to areas that have people living there."
Sirius had apparated to the magical section of Rome and purchased a dose of wolfesbane potion for Remus. Dobby and Winky then popped the five up to the edge of the tree line on Mount Vesuvius an hour before the moon rose.
That was a night which affected all five of their lives. For Remus, he was part of a pack again. Even as a werewolf however, he wasn't the alpha of this pack. That honour was reserved for the massive jet black dire wolf that Harry transformed into. His famous scar was now a lot less noticeable but it still carried over to his form. The thin jagged line of white hairs on the black dire wolf's forehead earned Harry his Marauder's moniker - Bolt.
For Hermione and Luna, transforming into their forms seemed to make everything so much simpler. Harry was their alpha, their mate. The trio were all members of the same pack, and those same emotions would transfer over when they reverted back. Running as three dire wolves took away their remaining doubts that this relationship could or would work.
With her name being Luna and her form's fur the colour of a silvery moon, Moonlight was born. Hermione's dire wolf form had the same colouring as her sun lightened brown hair, but that played no part in her marauder name. Sirius declared his godson should always have a lady by his side. Since Luna would be Lady Black, Hermione's dire wolf form would be known simply as Lady. Dan saying she certainly looked a regal animal sealed the deal.
Even with his great size, Padfoot found himself being relegated to the position of the runt of the pack. This was something the other four would take great delight in gently teasing him about. Despite loving running with his family pack, it was a different kind of family that Sirius' thoughts kept turning toward. While surrounded by Moony, Bolt, Lady and Moonlight, Sirius now knew he wanted a family of his own.
This was probably the first time Sirius began to realise that he just might have found the person he wanted to have that family with. All night, his mind kept wandering to the fact he was leaving Italy tomorrow and meeting Claire when she finished work. Even though he was not a wolf, the thought of spending a few days with Claire had Padfoot wanting to howl at the moon in delight.
-oOoOo-
Present - 15th June, 1996. Late evening...
Theo wasn't howling, and he certainly wasn't delighted. Theodore Nott was dead. Moonlight had effortlessly and instantly covered the distance between them, those powerful jaws locking onto Theo's throat before the terrified wizard could even make a sound. Moonlight tipped the scales at a tad over two hundred pounds and she hit Theo with considerable force, the wizard never had a chance. As well as his neck being snapped, Moonlight had held her jaws clamped until lack of oxygen to his brain quickly finished Theo off.
The dire wolf released its grip and took a couple of steps back before becoming Luna again, she then quickly threw up from having Nott's blood in her mouth. Harry was talking to her constantly, telling Luna how proud he was of her. He also suggested to grab Nott's wand and conjure up some water, advice Luna was quick to take. She then couldn't believe her luck, her own wand was still in his back pocket. That soon made its way into the invisible wand holder on her arm, Nott's went behind her ear while Luna got dressed.
"I'm burning this underwear when we get home, that creepy bastard saw me in it."
"I'd like nothing better than to go with my girls and buy them new underwear, I promise you and Hermione the shopping trip to end all shopping trips when we get home."
"Naples here we come, and you bring your wallet."
Delighted to be dressed, and have her own wand back in her hand, Luna stepped over the dead wizard and slid out the door Nott had foolishly opened. She was making her way down the passageway when a strange 'voice' alerted them they weren't alone.
""I smell fresh blood. My master would want me to look while he rests.""
They came face to face with Nagini, and needed to get past the massive snake to reach the stairs. Luna tried reasoning first, with Harry taking control to use his parseltongue abilities.
""There is a fine meal waiting on you at the end of this passageway. Let us both be on our way, you to your meal and me to go about my business. There is no need for us to try and harm each other.""
""Puny speaker, you cannot harm me. My master has placed many protections on his companion. You will be dead before your stick would be of any use. I will not let you pass.""
This snake was bad news, and something Harry hadn't accounted for when he'd earlier had a look around. "There's no telling what protection charms or even rituals Voldemort has used on his snake. If we use heavy magic, we'll bring everyone in the house down on us before you can escape."
"I can take this snake as Moonlight."
"I just wish Bolt and Lady were here to give you a hand."
"The three of us could tear this place down around their ears."
They both knew Luna was trying to boost her confidence, just as they knew Moonlight would have to take this snake on. Their mental conversation had barely taken a few seconds but they could see the snake rear up and was getting ready to strike.
The girl becoming a massive wolf halted the twelve foot long snake's attack, Nagini was smart enough to recognise it was now facing a much deadlier foe.
The snake pausing in its attack was all the encouragement Moonlight needed, she charged.
Nagini was lightning quick but that speed was of little advantage to the snake here in these cramped conditions. The tight passageway severely limited her movement and the wolf seemed to fill the entire width of the corridor. Nagini attempted to spring over the wolf and then attack it from behind but there simply wasn't enough room available to complete such a manoeuvre.
Moonlight tried to grab the snake just below its head but it was so quick. Her jaws did lock around the snake's body but not close enough to her target to prevent the beast sinking its fangs into the wolf's flank. The pain was incredible but that just drove Moonlight into an attacking frenzy, her large canine fangs and sharp claws were ripping the snake to pieces. No creature could sustain that amount of damage and live, even with all of Voldemort's protections.
As Nagini eventually succumbed to Moonlight's attack, the reason for all those protections soon became clear. Luna and Harry knew exactly what they were watching as a black mist left the snake, and then emitted a scream that must have rattled every window in the building. With everyone in the house now alerted, and Moonlight having been repeatedly injected with poisonous snake venom, speed was now far more important than stealth.
With her left hind leg already going numb, Moonlight shot up those steps as fast as she could. Having their escape route already mapped out was paying dividends now, the massive wolf turned left and maintained her speed.
Bulstrode stepped out of a room with her wand already in her hand but didn't stand a chance against the charging wolf. Moonlight's front paws struck Millicent about chest height as the dire wolf went through her as if she wasn't there.
Millicent was left lying in great pain, with deep scratches down her torso and at least a couple of broken ribs from the force she'd been hit with. She was alive though, not something Millicent would have put money on after laying eyes on that nightmare. Moonlight alone could be a terrifying sight. Add in the fact she was covered in Nagini's blood and charging toward you - that really was the stuff of nightmares. Millicent didn't yet know she would never be troubled with nightmares again.
When they had decided to leave by a window, rather than trying to sneak out one of the doors, their plan had Luna opening it and slipping out unnoticed. Harry was desperately trying to talk Luna out of her latest course of action but she wasn't for changing her mind.
"Harry, I have a chance here to finish this. What would you do?" That ended the argument. You couldn't really argue against someone who knew exactly what you would do in any given situation.
Moonlight hit that window as hard as she could, mere bits of wood and pieces of glass never stood a chance. As Harry had feared though, Moonlight didn't escape the house without getting heavily cut. He was desperately urging Moonlight to keep going and find the edge of the wards, Dobby could then have them away in seconds. Again Luna refused.
After a few strides, Moonlight became Luna - a Luna who now couldn't even stand up. She didn't need to stand though for what she planned to do next. Her wand shot into her hand as Luna cast fiendfyre. The difficulty with this particular spell was not in the casting, but rather in the controlling of it once cast. Luna wasn't too bothered about that, since she wanted the spell to do as much damage as possible. This was the only building for at least half a mile in any direction, Luna wanted it burned to the ground. A large flaming wolf shot through the window Moonlight had just destroyed with her dramatic exit.
As the building began to burn, Luna was reduced to using her elbows to crawl in her attempts to get them outside the wards. The snake's venom was pumping through her body, leaving Luna very tired and certainly unable to transform back into Moonlight. Harry offering to personally suck the poison out once they got home had Luna putting on a bit of a spurt, she would certainly enjoy Harry kissing her bum.
All their concentration was now focused on moving her rapidly failing body along to the edge of these wards. Crawl, call for Dobby, crawl some more when their little friend didn't come. Neither had any idea what was happening around them, that was why Snape was able to catch them cold. Both Harry and Luna were apologising to each other for not making it, getting themselves ready to face the inevitable, when Snape surprised the life out of them.
"Potter, if you can hear me, I'm taking her back to Hogwarts. Miss Granger is there, and anxiously awaiting both your return." A portkey activating let them know at least part of what Snape said was the truth.
-oOoOo-
The headmistress's office was ready to descend into utter chaos as Harry suddenly shot up from the couch he'd been lying on for hours. There was no time for that though, there was no time for anything. Grabbing Hermione's hand, Harry was shouting over his shoulder as he barged their way out the office. "Snape's carrying Luna into the castle, she's in a bad way..."
The second they cleared the gargoyle, Bolt and Lady were charging toward the clock tower courtyard. Harry had only left Luna when Snape had carried them inside the Hogwarts wards. He had no idea what just happened regarding their former potions professor but Harry wanted to get back to Luna as quickly as possible.
Severus was just leaving the covered bridge when he spied the pair of massive wolves charging directly at him. Before he could even think about reacting, they had changed into Potter and Granger. The girl was soon scooped from his arms by her worried fiancee.
"I can never thank you enough, Professor. She was so brave tonight but I don't know if we would have found the edge of the wards in time to save her. Voldemort's snake bit Luna, more than once too. Do you know if Madam Pomfrey has anti-venom or will we need to take her to St Mungo's?"
"Take her up to the infirmary. I'll collect some of the proper anti-venom from my store and be along as quickly as I can..."
Harry's thanks was again being shouted over his shoulder in his haste to get Luna to Pomfrey. Hermione was right by his side, unable to speak after seeing Luna's condition. Bulstrode's ministrations has Luna's face all swollen and bruised, jumping through that window had added some deep cuts to the problem too.
Luna's shallow breathing and deathly colouring though were caused by the snake venom, the rest of her injuries would be easily dealt with by the Hogwarts healer.
The rest of the group who had been waiting on news all headed from McGonagall's office, straight to the infirmary. The trio still arrived there before them. Poppy's wand was working on Luna while Harry lay on the bed next to her.
Hermione snogging Harry as Madam Pomfrey treated Luna on the adjacent bed may have appeared shockingly inappropriate, the family though knew exactly what was really going on. Both were merely bringing each other up to speed on what had happened in their absence by the fastest available method. Harry sat up, ready to get tore into Dumbledore but Professor Snape rushing into the infirmary put a stop to that. Luna's recovery was far more important to them.
As Poppy administered the vial of clear liquid to Luna, the potions master helped ease their concerns by expressing his confidence in this treatment. "I have actually milked venom from Nagini before, it was for a potion her master needed. I also brewed a specific anti-venom, just in case the Dark Lord ever decided to set the beast on me."
"You won't have to worry about that again, Professor. The snake met its match tonight in Moonlight, Luna tore it apart..."
That certainly caught Dumbledore's interest. "Are you sure, Harry? This is very important..."
While desperately trying to hold his temper, Harry laid it on the line for the old wizard. "Don't even speak to me, you and I are finished for good. There is nothing else left for me to say to you. If we lose Luna however, I promise you here and in front of witnesses I won't rest until I've made Albus Dumbledore pay."
Luna's woozy voice probably saved a battle kicking off there and then. "Not going anywhere. Harry promised to kiss my bum."
Hermione actually got to Luna before Harry did, she was clinging to her while whispering in her ear. "You stay with us and I'll kiss the other cheek for you."
"Promise?"
"I promise, love."
"Harry, I wanna go home. Need to brush my teeth before any kissing though, that snake didn't taste like chicken."
Harry was now slowly running his fingers through her matted hair. "We'll get you home as soon as we can, love. Madam Pomfrey?"
"Ideally I'd like her to spend the night..."
"Not possible."
"I thought not. I should know within an hour how the anti-venom is working, Luna's initial results are very encouraging. Then it's just a matter of caring for the puncture wounds, though I don't think kissing them better is a method that would work."
Luna chirping in with 'I do!' didn't embarrass her two mates, they were just so glad to have her back.
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey - you're the best."
Harry then turned his attentions to Amelia, it was time to get down to business. "Madam Bones, at that time we will be leaving Britain - never to return. You, and only you, are welcome to accompany us to our home where I'll answer any and all of your questions. We will not meet or talk with any other members of your ministry. Our family will be cutting all ties with the British magical establishment."
Ignoring Dumbledore's attempts at interrupting, Harry then respectfully bowed to Severus. "Professor Snape, the houses of Potter and Black owe you a debt that can never be repaid. You can call on us at any time for anything."
"Thank you, Mister Potter. I feel I too must apologise, for informing the Dark Lord of your secret. That would not have been my preferred decision. Draco's stance within Slytherin that it was the Dark Lord who made him an orphan did not sit well with my former master. I was given an ultimatum, kill my godson or provide information on how you survived the dementor's kiss. I wanted to declare myself for the light but was persuaded otherwise. You can guess who did the persuading, and gave me the information."
"Severus, you know what I must ask of you. Hermione was there the evening Dumbledore said that to you, which means I know about it too. We both had to deal with being caught in-between Dumbledore and Voldemort, and we're both still standing at the end of it. I'll settle for that and intend to move on with the rest of my life - living it far away from here." Both of them shaking hands was pretty ground breaking, Severus Snape smiling while doing so was momentous.
Deciding to finish all family business today, Harry then addressed Arthur. This task wasn't as pleasant as the last one. "Mr Weasley, I now know everything Hermione does. Tonight Luna had to repeatedly fight for her life, and was also forced to take life as well - your daughter was instrumental in all of that. As well as the physical abuse she clearly suffered, there was also the hidden mental torture of a friend's betrayal to deal with too. Ginny pretended to renew her friendship with our Luna for the sole purpose of betraying her to Bulstrode - all in the vain hope of replacing our wonderful Luna in my affections."
Harry turned to see Hermione and Emma at either side of Luna's bed, the love both ladies possessed for the blonde was clear for all to see.
"Luna is simply irreplaceable, to me and the rest of her family. While Madam Pomfrey has done a wonderful job of healing Luna's physical injuries, the wound of betrayal will take a lot longer to recover from. I reiterate what Hermione said earlier, we shall be pressing all charges."
Arthur could only nod in acknowledgement but this was all unacceptable to Albus. Getting sick of being ignored, the Minister of Magic tried to assert his authority. "Since you seem determined to set the tone of no forgiveness here tonight, I feel we have no choice but to reciprocate in kind. Madam Bones, I must bring to your attention we have three unregistered animagi in this room. If they push for the letter of the law to be upheld, they leave us no option but to do that very same thing."
This had Dan chuckling and coming over to stand with his arm around Harry's shoulder. "He just doesn't know when to quit, does he. Have you notice too it's never his fault, you're the one who's forcing this decision on him. Sirius is technically still on his honeymoon, so do you want Remus to contact the Minister of Magic? I'm sure he would be very interested in this."
"Mister Granger, I am the Minister of Magic."
"No, Dumbledore, You're the British Minister of Magic. The world doesn't end at Britain's shores, no matter what some witches and wizards in this country may think. I was referring to Minister Rossi, the Italian Minister of Magic. I'm sure he would like to know that his British counterpart was trying to blackmail one of his wizards. When that wizard is Harry here, well, do I have to draw a picture? You will certainly be receiving an official censure from the Italian Ministry for deliberately placing one of its citizens in deadly jeopardy, Minister Rossi is quite fond of the future Lady Black. Using an underage Italian witch as bait to catch your Dark Lord is certain to cause an international incident, especially since she is the fiancee of the boy-who-lived."
It was McGonagall who was first to find her voice after that bombshell. "You're not British anymore?"
Hermione came to stand beside the two most important men in her life. "If we didn't have Italian citizenship, we would never have come anywhere near Dumbledore. My mum and Dad even have their licences to practice dentistry in Italy. We were only coming back to Britain for Claire and Sirius' wedding - the timing just fitted the O.W.L. exams. Our Italian should hopefully be good enough by the time we're ready to sit our N.E.W.T.'s next year, so this is goodbye."
This was unacceptable to Dumbledore. "We must know what happened to Voldemort..."
"He's dead!" This statement now had all eyes on Severus. "The Dark Lord was hiding at the old Riddle Manor in Little Hangleton. I wouldn't be able to tell you that if he was still alive, the charm died with him. I left the Dark Lord unconscious in his chambers, those chambers were at the other side of the house from where they made their escape. I'm guessing everyone ran there as you got out..."
Harry nodded his agreement at that. "Bloody horcrux made enough noise to wake all the dead in the cemetery. We had to get out of there fast. Instead of escaping past the wards, Luna transformed back and set the house on fire. Looks like she destroyed the last horcrux and got Voldemort too Luna was magnificent tonight."
Harry's last statement found no disagreement from anyone there. Knowing the teens were solely concentrating on leaving Little Hangleton at the time, Severus brought everyone up to date with the results of their actions.
"There will be nothing for your aurors to find, Madam Bones. The house was collapsing in on itself by the time I got there. It was only the fierce flames lighting up the night sky for miles around that allowed me to spot the girl crawling on the grass. With everyone attracted to the other side of the house by the horcrux, there would have been no one left to get the Dark Lord out before the fire spread to his location. Death eaters aren't the type to race into a burning building to rescue anyone."
Amelia felt a great weight lift of her at that news. Voldemort was gone, really gone. "Just from what I'm hearing here, there is no doubt in my mind Luna deserves an Order of Merlin..."
That caused an outburst from Hermione. "Stick it up Dumbledore's arse!" Hermione then buckling with laughter saw Harry's arm going around her waist.
"That's my girls! How are you feeling, Luna?"
"Much better, now I'm not in a body that feels as if it's drunk. I still meant what I said about any award, even if I did embarrass Hermione."
Ron was trying to put a grin on his face but couldn't quite pull it off. "Now I know why she's changed so much! I really like this version of Hermione. Luna, I can only apologise for Ginny."
"Not needed Ron, and it doesn't affect how the three of us think about you."
Hermione retook control and, now they knew what to look for, everyone could spot the difference. "Ron, would you and Susan like to spend some of the holidays with us? It would also let people see we have no quarrel with the rest of the Weasley family. It was only Ginny who tried to hurt us."
Susan squeezing his hand to say yes wasn't really necessary, Ron had already made his mind up. "That would be great, Hermione - or is it Luna?"
"Oh, I'm always Hermione, no matter whether I'm sharing Harry or Luna. Her temper just saw that coming out before I could edit the wording. She now knows Voldemort planned this tonight. Dumbledore though knew every detail before it happened, and again it suited him to stand back with his hands in his pockets. Luna's anger at Dumbledore is certainly justified. Neville, Parvatti, would you like to come stay with us over part of the summer too?"
"Miss Granger, I need Miss Potter back in her own body so I can monitor her condition. You do want me to discharge her tonight, don't you?"
Madam Pomfrey's summons had Luna back in her body within seconds while the Gryffindor couple confirmed to Harry they would be delighted to visit along with Ron and Susan.
Emma was now hugging Harry as Sirius stepped forward and offered to shake Severus' hand too. If anyone could appreciate looking out for your godson, it was the marauder. This was also a historic handshake, one that seemed to end bad chapters in both of their lives.
Sirius was now a married man while the Hogwarts defence curse would be striking again, Severus Snape was done teaching dunderheads. The demise of the Dark Lord left both wizards now able to concentrate on the rest of their lives. Severus actually agreed with Harry's decision on this, the rest of his life would be spent outside Britain too. The Defence N.E.W.T. was Wednesday, He intended to leave Hogwarts directly after his last student had finished their exam.
There were no offered hands of friendship or hugs for Albus, the Minister for Magic found himself sitting alone. He had just achieved his goal, a goal he'd been working toward for over two decades, Voldemort was no more. Why then did he feel like shit?
His wand had quickly eased the pain from the physical blow Arthur had dealt him. There was no quick fix however to the pain caused by one of his strongest supporters so publicly and bitterly turning against him. With all involved standing firm on the matter of Ginny's punishment, Arthur's opinion of Albus Dumbledore wouldn't be changing any time soon. Facing Molly Weasley was only one of a number of unpleasant encounters his immediate future now held.
The actions of Severus tonight also felt like a betrayal. Airing all Albus' secrets in public was so unlike the wizard he'd thought of as a friend. With Voldemort now gone, Severus' oaths to both Albus and the Dark Lord no longer existed. Albus knew the potions master and defence expert would be gone from Britain within the week.
Amelia, Augusta and the Italian Ministry's ire could be neatly sidestepped by the simple act of him resigning as Minister of Magic. This was something he was more than eager to do - the instant it could be officially confirmed Voldemort was indeed gone. With Harry, Hermione and Luna destroying the diary, diadem and locket horcruxes, they more than anyone would recognise another one being destroyed. Albus certainly believed them when they said the one inside Voldemort's familiar was dealt with.
Having himself been forcibly ejected from Miss Granger's mind, whilst only performing a light surface scan, he also had no trouble believing Voldemort's fate after attempting a full frontal mind attack.
Minerva's comments about there being no future for him inside Hogwarts was another terrible blow, but an understandable one from the headmistress' point of view. Two of her students, Nott and Bulstrode, were probably dead. A third was being held in a ministry cell while a pair of former students barely escaped tonight with their lives.
Albus thought at a minimum Ginny Weasley would find herself expelled, with her wand snapped and magic bound. Ronald standing as Harry's best man at his wedding to Miss Granger might be the only thing that saved the Weasley family from the public backlash that would surly follow this incident. That, and the same backlash having an alternative target.
Albus had no such shield to offer protection. Instead of being remembered as the minister who had rid the country of Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort, he would be known as the Minister of Magic that drove Harry Potter from Britain. That Harry would also now reject his Order of Merlin, First Class, was perfectly understood by everyone here tonight without anyone even having to ask. Albus had no wish to hear Harry telling him where to stick it, his future Lady Black had already put forward their solution to that matter.
The public would be baying for his blood, a mere ministerial resignation wasn't going to quench that thirst. Even without her earlier proclamation, Minerva wouldn't be able to offer him a job in Hogwarts anyway. Albus could see he would be finished in Britain yet that in itself wasn't what really hurt. With the Dark Lord gone, magical Britain was not only free - it stood at a critical crossroads. What really hurt was the country's wizard and witches would choose what direction to take their country without Albus being able to have any influence on that decision.
In nineteen thirty eight, Albus Dumbledore renewed his acquaintance with Hogwarts as its Transfiguration Professor. Even from that position, he was able to influence young minds. After his defeat of Gellert, and receiving an Order of Merlin, First Class, for doing so, the students of Hogwarts looked upon him with hero worship. That hero worship wasn't restricted to just the students of Hogwarts. Within a decade, he was Headmaster, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and magical Britain's representative to the rest of the world - through the I.C.W. A wizard who was the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards should not be flushed away like a used piece of toilet paper in their country's hour of need, but that's what was happening here.
Albus was looking around the room that contained three of the people who would be favourite to replace him as Minister of Magic. Arthur though was realistically now out of the running for that position, especially after what his daughter had done became public. That his youngest son was still Harry Potter's best friend would certainly help the Weasleys. Ronald spending some of the holidays with him in Italy, before standing as Harry's best man at his wedding to Miss Granger, might just be enough to save not only the Weasley family but Arthur's position in the ministry too. Albus also thought the brilliant Miss Granger was easily shrewd enough to know this when she invited Ronald to their home in Italy earlier.
Harry Potter played a part in the capture of Barty Crouch junior, personally put down Bellatrix and Rabastan Lestrange and probably finished Rodolphus tonight. The loss of his brother and wife, combined with Voldemort laying low resulted in Rodolphus hitting the firewhisky - hard. Severus had reported the last Lestrange was drunk most nights, making it a fair bet the fire accounted for him too.
With a record like that, and then inviting her grandson to be a groomsman at his wedding, Augusta Longbottom practically worshiped the ground Harry Potter walked on. With Harry saying both his families were leaving Britain, citing Albus Dumbledore as the cause, there would be no sympathy or succour heading in Albus' direction from the Longbottom family, especially Augusta. The fact Augusta knew that, if it suited Dumbledore's ends, he wouldn't have thought twice about using Neville in a scheme like tonight's was conveniently overlooked by the supposed brilliant wizard.
Amelia was the real danger though, Amelia Bones could take magical Britain in directions that would change it forever. With her Susan's association with Ronald, Amelia could even offer Arthur some protection inside the ministry - winning her a loyal supporter. Amelia being the only member of the British Ministry Harry Potter would even talk to should make her a shoo in for the top post, Augusta would probably second her. Being able to choose her successor for the post of Head of the D.M.L.E. would give Amelia a power base that was practically untouchable. A leaked 'I talked to Harry about this' would see her able to push just about anything she wanted through the Wizengamot.
His tired old eyes then settled on the cause of all this turmoil, Harry James Potter. Albus didn't really care for concocted and hyphenated names, Harry though could easily be considered the boy-who-had-it-all. A bona-fide hero who was already awarded the country's highest honour for bravery. Defeated the Dark Lord again, with one of his fiancees deserving the same award for her part in that too. Head of two old families and yet picked his own brides for both, brides who would certainly be assets to him in whatever endeavours he chose to undertake in the future. He could have been Minister of Magic by the time he was thirty, after giving Arthur Weasley a few terms in the post to quieten things down first.
Magical Britain would become a wonderful place with Harry Potter as Minister of Magic, and Albus would hopefully still be around - quietly advising in the background. Instead of this bright future Albus had foreseen, Harry was pulling up family roots that went centuries deep. All in the name of protecting those same families whose traditions he was spitting on.
It was like a spoilt child not wanting to play the game anymore, they were taking their quidditch set and going away. Why couldn't Harry see that in life there was only the game, and mastering it was by far the best way to protect those he professed to love. It also went without needing to be said that the best way to master something was to learn from an acknowledged master of the subject. Albus had been so looking forward to teaching the boy too.
What was the point in discovering Harry didn't need to die, only for him to be as good as dead since he refused all contact from those who could help him. When you played the great game, sometimes you had to sacrifice your queen to win. Harry was even in the fortunate position of having a spare. The boy was just too young to see this, which is why Albus would never have made Harry an adult… He was drawn out of his musings by the increased noise from those now getting ready to leave.
"We're coming home too. Dobby can pop Claire and I back into our cabin in the morning. I won't be able to settle until I see everyone back home, and my wife agrees with me." Claire just kissed him on the cheek, Sirius took that as agreement.
Arrangements were also being made amongst the younger company too. "The express leaves on Saturday. We can arrange a port key that would take the four of you from Hogshead to our home in Italy. You can spend the first couple of weeks of the holiday with us."
Hermione loved Harry's timetable too. "We can get all the clothes sorted for the wedding. Winky can make any alterations needed by the time September comes around. Ron will probably be another couple of inches taller by then."
With three parents/guardians giving their agreement at once, only Parvatti was going to have to write home and ask for permission. She didn't think that would be a problem.
Harry scooped Luna up in his arms, despite her half-hearted protests that she was able to walk, as they made their way outside the infirmary. At the edge of the Hogwarts wards their two wonderful elves would ferry everyone to Grimmauld Place. Then it was an international portkey ride and they were home.
Since Amelia had been invited, she too would be leaving with them. She had already used the floo and arranged for there to be aurors crawling all over what was left of the old Riddle Manor in Little Hangleton, what she needed now was to discover the events leading up to that building being burned to the ground.
Amelia was aware she would then be interviewing Italian citizens on Italian soil, and that she would have no jurisdiction whatsoever. She wasn't sure what went on in that manor but Harry had effectively ensured there was nothing Amelia could do about it if she didn't like what she heard. After Dumbledore's efforts to bring them up on charges earlier, she thought this was an incredibly smart move. With them ridding the country of Voldemort, Amelia was prepared to cut this group all the slack she could.