Chapter 9
Remus attempted to pair the kids up for some defence exercises and immediately hit a couple of unforeseen problems.
Harry was first to throw a spanner in the works, "Excuse me professor, Madam Pomfrey wouldn't allow me to perform any magic since that thing was removed from behind my scar. She wanted to give my magic time to settle and was worried I might have control issues when I started using it again. I really don't want to be firing curses at anyone until I'm sure its fine."
This gave Luna the courage to speak out as well, "Sir, I've had control issues my entire first year. I don't think I'm ready to be firing curses at anyone either."
Remus transfigured a couple of bushes into practice dummies for them to fire spells at while he worked initially with the other six. Ron paired with Neville while Hannah and Susan did the same, leaving Ginny and Hermione as the final pair.
The littlest redhead immediately attempted to apologise for her mother's behaviour yesterday but Hermione wasn't blaming her friend in the slightest. "Ginny, you had nothing to do with that, I hope you'll understand though if Harry and I don't spend much time at the burrow this summer. I suppose this is what I can expect since I'm now Harry Potter's girlfriend."
Ginny could tell Hermione was trying to make a joke of it but that her mother's comment still hurt.
Hermione was now becoming all conspiratorial, having a girl she could actually talk to was a novelty for the Gryffindor girl. No one in their right mind would ever tell Parvati or Lavender anything of consequence, it would be all over the school minutes later. "I'm more interested in the story between Ron and Luna though, spill it!"
Ginny was indeed happy to be talking about something else, "Well Luna's liked Ron for years, it's beginning to look like my brother may have finally noticed her."
Ron was now so busy noticing Luna that Neville almost caught him with a spell. His reason was obvious as they followed his gaze, Harry was currently behind Luna and holding her wrist as he attempted to help the young witch control her casting.
Both girls were giggling at Ron's behaviour before Hermione got an idea, "How about giving Ron a little push? You could say to him that…"
They had been paying so much attention to Ron and Luna, they never noticed that Professor Lupin was standing just behind them until he spoke. "So are we here to practice or spend the afternoon gossiping? Miss Granger, your boyfriend over there is paying me rather a lot of gold to teach you defence, I intend to make sure he gets his money's worth."
Suitably chastised, both witches quickly began demonstrating the spells they had been asked to perform.
Luna felt she had learned more about her magic in the last twenty minutes of one-on-one tutoring with Harry than she had last year at Hogwarts. He had a way of explaining things to her that just seemed to make sense. Luna was by no means casting like she was supposed to yet but, for the first time, she now believed she would get this under control.
Remus again interrupted unannounced, "Harry, both Miss Lovegood and I appreciate your help here but I want to see you cast a spell at that dummy. Can you cast a stunner?"
Harry drew his wand without thinking and fired off a stunner, the red beam hit the dummy squarely in its chest and blasted it past the group of adults who'd just stepped into the garden. It breezed through the temporary wards Remus had erected and only the Grangers stout fence halted the dummy's progress through the air.
Luna's eyes were nearly popping out her head, "I can understand why you didn't want to fire that at anyone Harry, my casting problems don't seem so bad now." The wide smile on her face robbed the words of any form of malice but Harry was too busy staring at the dummy he'd blasted to take offence.
Remus was also taken aback, he'd just witnessed the most powerful stunner he'd ever seen cast. That spell would have blasted through his shields like they were tissue paper. How was he supposed to teach someone who was already more powerful than he was?
-oOoOo-
The other three people in the room were all looking at Amelia as if she'd just went mad, at least they weren't shouting at her yet. She tried to explain her reasoning. "From what we've seen here today, Hogwarts is a total shambles at the moment and Dumbledore needs to go now. I'm assuming we're all here agreed on that point?" Three nods allowed Amelia to continue, "With Fudge in charge, the ministry is no better. My department arrests people only for Fudge to invent some reason why they couldn't possibly be guilty and set them free. I feel I can do more for our society as Headmaster of Hogwarts rather than being blocked at every turn as the head of the DMLE. Fudge would jump at the chance to get rid of me while appointing one of his lackeys in my place, discrediting Dumbledore at the same time would be all good in his book."
Emma showed Hermione wasn't the only smart one in the family, "That's all very well Amelia but why is it so important that Hermione goes to Hogwarts?"
Augusta decided to answer that one in her usual blunt fashion. "Because she's Harry Potter's girlfriend and he will follow her anywhere!" She then toned her voice down a bit to expand on her statement. "I don't mean to patronise here but you two can have no idea how important that boy is to us. You can't possibly know because you would have to have experience it. The darkness was destroying everything in its path and neither Amelia nor I would be sitting here today if it wasn't for that boy. We would both be dead, and so probably would you and your daughter. They were murdering muggleborns for sport and Hermione's first bout of accidental magic would have led them to your door."
Emma again went right to the heart of the matter, she was beginning to get angry now. "If Harry is so important to you, could someone please tell me how he was living in conditions like that at the Dursleys?"
Augusta's stern mask slipped and they could all see the pain that lurked there, "Watching that today was heartbreaking, we failed the child who saved us all. His godfather betrayed his parents and may he rot in prison forever. Harry's godmother resides in the long-term spell damage ward at St Mungo's, she doesn't even recognise her own son far less her godson. Her husband is in the bed next to her, also in the same condition. Her husband is my only son and my grandson their only child. Neville is the last of the Longbottoms after me, just as Susan is the last of the Bones and Harry is the last of the Potters." This shocked Dan an Emma as much as anything they'd learned in the last few days. Augusta continued her attempt to explain the unexplainable. "Voldemort unleashed a civil war that almost destroyed a way of life until baby Harry Potter stopped him in his tracks. There is endless debate about how this was achieved by the child but no one disputes that it was done. If you take Harry Potter out of Hogwarts, out of Britain even then you take away our hope. Watching those memories today it was made clear to everyone that Harry will follow your daughter anywhere, and she would unquestionably do the same for him."
Amelia could only agree with everything Augusta had said, Voldemort had been systematically wiping out those who refused to join him until he came to an abrupt end. "Harry Potter is more than just a young boy to us, he's a symbol that the darkness can be defeated. I agree totally with Augusta that we failed him. For whatever reason that failure was engineered by Dumbledore, and I fully intend to see it stops now. I have searched and can't find any records of the Dursleys being listed as his guardians, I intend to raise that subject with them tonight. If necessary, I will petition for guardianship of him myself because he's never returning to that house."
Emma knew instinctively that Hermione would hate that, "Could you give me a minute to speak with my husband?"
Dan though was on the ball, "I think I know what you want to discuss dear and I agree. Harry is staying here for the summer and is welcome to extend that to as long as he wants. Whether he wants to take steps to legalise that in some form is a decision he and our family will sit down and discuss only if it becomes relevant."
Emma wanted to kiss her husband for that but he wasn't quite finished yet. "As to Hogwarts, I'm willing to consider that option if you can make the changes we discussed here. Wherever Hermione goes we will be closely monitoring the situation and won't hesitate to withdraw our daughter if her safety is threatened in any way. My family will also react against anyone trying to force a solution upon us. We have the means and the ability to leave Britain for good and may still do so." Dan tried to soften the potential blow. "I mean no slight on your society or school, my job as a father is to do what's best for my daughter. I can promise you we will consider Hogwarts in our plans, if you can make that our best option it will save having to uproot our family."
Doing what was best for your family was something that both Augusta and Amelia agreed with wholeheartedly. "Mr Granger, I have spent thirty two years working hard to achieve the position I now hold. This is not something I'm giving up lightly. On my way up the ladder I had eight years in charge of auror recruitment and training so running a school won't be totally new to me. These children are the future of our world and nothing is more important than that. Fudge won't believe or acknowledge Voldemort isn't dead, Malfoy's gold will see to that. I can ensure our children are taught properly and in a safe environment, my alternative is to continue banging my head against a brick wall at the ministry."
All were impressed with Amelia's reasoning and commitment to her cause though she wasn't quite finished yet. "These memories that Harry supplied us should make it relatively simple to have Dumbledore dismissed from Hogwarts, quite simply his actions and inactions are indefensible. I'm hoping Augusta here will support my application for the vacant post."
"Amelia, there is no doubt you will be missed at the ministry but that will be Hogwarts gain, I can't think of anyone better suited for the position."
The four sat and started to bat ideas to and fro of the changes they would like to see made at Hogwarts until the doorbell rang again. Emma was worried that the neighbours must have noticed the flashes of light that had started to come from the back garden before Amelia assured her that Remus would have warded against anyone hearing or seeing anything unusual.
Dan returned with Professor McGonagall, the deputy headmistress was more than surprised to see Amelia and Augusta sitting in the Grangers drinking tea. That was until she spotted the pensieve sitting on the table and realised she could be facing a worse situation than she anticipated.
Augusta confirmed that suspicion within seconds, not even taking time to say hello. "Minerva, I would like you to explain why you gave first years detention, at night, in the forbidden forest?"
"I didn't!" Minerva held up her hand before anyone could contradict her and continued with her explanation. "I gave them detention in the castle under the supervision of Filch. Hagrid approached me and said it was partly his fault the children had gotten detention in the first place so asked if they could spend it with him. It never occurred to me he would lead them into the forbidden forest at night or I most certainly wouldn't have allowed it. I will still take responsibility for it though, even though I tore strips of Hagrid later, I should have checked what he intended first."
Dan also had other issues though. "What happened at the end of first year? The kids came to you looking for support and you sent them away with a flea in their ear!"
"The children came to me and spoke about the biggest secret in the school, most of the staff didn't know about it. I wanted to discourage them taking any further action while I contacted the headmaster. Albus arrived back just as Miss Granger emerged with an injured Mr Weasley to say that Mr Potter was still down there." Minerva almost broke into a smile when she remembered something. "I distinctly remember Albus telling your daughter to go to the infirmary, she of course ignored this and followed on to see if Mr Potter was alright."
Dan still wasn't satisfied. "Professor McGonagall, we also watched the memory from the infirmary. Why were we not told our daughter was petrified?"
"Dumbledore claimed it would start a panic if parents discovered what was going on, he was very angry that the story was all over the Prophet yesterday. We knew your daughter would be perfectly ok once we administered the antidote."
Emma tried to cut the woman a break, she knew this particular professor was Hermione's favourite. "Having watched that memory, it would appear that you and the headmaster had quite a few disagreements on his handling of things?"
Minerva's brows furrowed, "You could most definitely say that. His treatment of young Harry goes way beyond anything I've ever seen in all my time at Hogwarts."
Amelia wanted to work with Minerva so decided to let her see just how far Dumbledore had gone. "Minerva, take a seat. You're going to need it."
After watching the two memories from the Dursleys, Minerva was wiping her eyes with her handkerchief. She took a moment to compose herself before reaching into her bag. "When I received the note from Hedwig I decided to call myself and see if there was anything I could do to help. After watching that I will be leaving Hogwarts as well. This is a decision I have been considering since that night in the infirmary, those memories have just made my mind up. I couldn't look Dumbledore in the eye without spitting in his face. Here are the forms you requested and some prospectuses from other magical schools. I know the head of Beauxbaton and would gladly contact Olympia to arrange a visit over the summer."
Both Grangers accepted the folder she provided them with just as Amelia accepted the opening she was looking for. "Minerva, what if we could get Dumbledore out of Hogwarts? Would you consider staying?"
"I suppose it would depend on whether that could be achieved and who Dumbledore's replacement was. It's no secret I love teaching there but I have no wish to be headmistress!"
That drew a smile from Amelia and Augusta but Dan still had a frown on his face, something was still troubling him. "Professor, what did the kids do to earn a detention in that forest?"
"Em, they were caught leaving the astronomy tower when they should have been tucked up in bed."
The slight flush from McGonagall and the snickering coming from the other two witches told Emma she was missing something here. "What aren't you telling us?"
It was Amelia who answered, "I don't suppose things have changed that much since I left Hogwarts but the astronomy tower was the favourite destination of courting couples. I have to say though, I've never heard of two first years being caught up there."
Dan was on his feet and heading for the back garden, the four ladies hot on his heels. They were greeted by the sight of a dummy flying past them at speed and smacking into the fence."
"From the looks of astonishment on everyone's faces, can I assume that's not supposed to happen?"
Minerva provided the answer to Emma's question. "Since that abomination was removed from Harry's head, his magical power has increased dramatically. He's already more powerful than the staff at Hogwarts, by the time he reaches his maturity Poppy expects he'll surpass even Dumbledore."
These facts made not one bit of difference to Dan Granger, "Harry Potter, I would like to know what you were doing with my daughter after curfew in the astronomy tower?"
Harry understood immediately the time Hermione's father was referring to, he also understood this was not a question he could duck. "Mr Granger, we were smuggling a baby dragon out the country so Hagrid wouldn't get into trouble for hatching the beast in his hut."
Everyone else gasped at this answer but Dan wore a wide smile, smuggling a dragon was infinitely more preferable to countless other possibilities he could think of. "Outstanding answer there Harry, and call me Dan!"
-oOoOo-
Voldemort felt the noose tighten around his neck and cursed himself for letting his guard down, he was within touching distance of Riddle Manor when the latest in a long line of episodes occurred. The creature's struggles became frantic as it slowly asphyxiated and Voldemort found himself as a spirit once more. He floated toward the muggle manor and hoped his remaining horcrux was waiting for him within. On entering the building the spirit heard two distinct voices talking with each other, what was going on?
The spirit was floating outside the door, trying to figure out how he was going to proceed when a female voice from inside the room spoke directly to him.
"Well, you took your bloody time! We've been patiently waiting in this dump so stop hanging about out there, get your arse in here."
Voldemort passed through the door, only to find an old man and a woman of indeterminable age waiting on him. The old man now spoke. "You took your sweet time getting here, you have no idea the torture we've had to endure. Please tell us there's another horcrux still to activate, otherwise we're left with that squib over there and this ancient muggle."
Voldemort didn't know what to say at the moment, he tried to answer as best he could. "You're both horcrux? I was expecting there to be only one here. I created five and definitely felt four being destroyed. How is this possible?"
The woman Voldemort now knew to be a squib spoke, "We were aware our original plan was to split our soul into seven. I'm from Hogwarts and he's from Gaunt's shack. What happened after that?"
"I was planning on creating one the night that Potter brat did something to me. Needless to say I haven't been able to create anymore since that Halloween."
The old muggle was becoming hysterical. "This was a bloody stupid idea dreamed up by a seventeen-year-old Hogwarts student. The most powerful wizard the world has ever known should have been able to come up with something a bit better than horcruxes. Even with one placed in the middle of a magical school, we still ended up with a squib! I think I would rather be dead than suffer this existence."
Voldemort was getting angry now, "I've been the one getting killed on an almost daily basis so don't go wishing for something you haven't yet tried. I was less than twenty yards from this house when the rabbit I was inhabiting stuck its head in a bloody snare. Don't talk to me about how hard life has been for you, at least you were alive!"
"Where was this snare?"
Voldemort was stopped mid-rant by this woman but her voice sounded different somehow.
She asked again, "Where exactly was this snare?"
This did not improve the spirit's temper. "It was about twenty yards from the front of the house, beside some bushes. What the hell has a dead rabbit got to do with anything?"
The old man slowly rose out his chair and bent to kiss the squib's cheek. "I'll get it love, and some vegetables from the garden. This will give you time to tell our guest how we do things around here."
The muggle smiled at the old squib, "I'll give you a hand as soon as you're back Frank."
Voldemort started shouting as the old man completly ignored him and ambled away. "Get back here this instant, I never said you could leave."
It was Sibyll who answered the screaming spirit, "Frank needs to get that rabbit before the foxes do, otherwise we've boiled potatoes for dinner again. The version of you in my head doesn't want me to accompany Frank down to the village in case we arouse suspicion and Frank's not really fit enough to haul groceries all the way back here by himself. That will all change now that you're here and we know there will be no more surprises in store."
Voldemort was at a total loss as to what was happening here, "Who the hell are you?"
She gave a girlish laugh before answering, "Oh sorry, how rude of me. I'm Sibyll and that gentleman who just left is Frank. Once we have the rabbit stew simmering away, both Frank and I will allow our visitors to speak with you. I can just about peel and cook vegetables while your cooking skills don't even stretch to that! We have this agreement where Frank does the cooking otherwise all four of us would starve to death. You wouldn't want that now, would you?"
Voldemort could almost feel that noose tightening around his neck again, this couldn't be right. "I demand you let me speak with my horcrux at once, be gone you squib!"
Sibyll infuriated the spirit more by just shaking her head at him. "Talking to yourself is not a good sign, believe me I know. We will allow you time to talk with yourself later but Frank and I will be having dinner together. I would recommend thinking through what you want to say now so you don't run out of time later."
"You will obey my commands or suffer the consequences bitch."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, heard it all before. You seem to forget I have a piece of you in my head, I know exactly what your options are. You could possess me and join with your other self, undoubtedly overpowering my will but condemning you to live the rest of your life without magic. It would also be a very short life. Should you choose that option, Frank would put a bullet into our head. If that happens, he would then turn that pistol on himself, ending your life forever."
The spirit sneered at her. "He wouldn't dare, no one takes their own life like that. Especially over a woman!"
Sibyll had the spirit's full attention now, she laid it on the line for him. "We were worried that there might be another horcrux out there that had possessed a magical body. Neither Frank nor I had any doubts what future awaited us should that have transpired. Our two visitors really hate us but we don't hold that against them. Frank and I led very lonely existences before we found happiness for the first time in our lives in each other's arms, nothing is going to take that away from us. Frank would shoot me rather than watch me become your puppet and I would want him to, there are some things in life worth dying for and Frank Bryce is mine."
Voldemort was struck dumb by these events. How these people could possibly overcome his horcruxes was the first question he intended to have answered when he was allowed to speak with his other self's again. The dark lord was incensed but totally helpless in this situation. As the squib had indicated, it would be easy to possess either of these two since he'd in effect already done so. She was also correct in her assumption that if he chose to do so, he would be stuck there forever. There wasn't a spark of magic between the three of them to work with, it was time to be a bit more Slytherin and wait to see what developed.
Voldemort watched the old muggle return and then both of them headed off into the kitchen. The rabbit was soon expertly skinned and butchered, the meat placed in a large pot of water and vegetables that the squib had prepared. Both of them worked well together, preparing the meal before cleaning and tidying the kitchen. They then sat at the small breakfast table in the kitchen.
They had almost disregarded his presence while they worked but now the woman spoke to him. "We will now let our visitors out to play, all they have to do is ensure the pot doesn't boil over and spoil our dinner."
Since Voldemort now knew what to look for he instantly detected the changes as the old muggle spoke to him. "Now you see the life we are forced to lead, trapped inside these bodies that the hosts gain more control over with every passing day."
The woman then spoke directly to the spirit. "Don't think for a second her threats to shoot us are nothing more than a bluff. One of our horcruxes was overwhelmed by a goblin, a particularly psychotic goblin."
The old man shivered as he remembered the event. "Yes, he burst in here and grabbed her, pinned her up against the wall. My host didn't hesitate for a second, I was tossed from control of this body as if I was nothing and he killed that goblin without a second thought. They buried the body the following day."
Voldemort was forced to face the flaws in their plan. It would appear only the horcrux inside Hogwarts was fortuitously placed and even that backfired. He noticed the expressions of horror on both their faces and asked a question that slightly troubled him. "Why did they wait until the following day to bury the body? Are they religious or something? We need anything that could be used against them."
The woman had her hands covering her face as the old man appeared ready to vomit as he answered. "Let's just say they were otherwise occupied and leave it at that. We've both learned to retreat deep into their minds when they sit down to dinner and don't make another appearance until after breakfast. You'll certainly find out why if you hang about tonight. If they can ignore our presence in their heads, they won't give you a second thought. What are our options of acquiring you a new body and getting us out of these ones?" The desperation contained in the voice was unmistakable.
Voldemort had been thinking of little else but that very thing. "There is a ritual I could perform that requires 'bone of the father'. Can you assert enough control to force them into assisting?"
Both figures immediately shook their heads in tandem. Tom reminded Voldemort of a hen-pecked husband as he jumped to stir the pot, terrified of his host's reaction should he burn their dinner. The sight of one of his horcruxes standing there gesturing with a wooden spoon, dripping juices onto the floor, did more to portray the seriousness of the situation than words ever could. When the words came from the woman though, they were pretty devastating even without her use of the spoon.
"The closer these two get, the harder it is for us to exert any control over them. Since every single night they physically couldn't get any closer you might begin to understand the problem here. They also know from their continued contact with us not to believe a word we say or promise we make. While they want us out of their bodies they won't help us in any way. Both understand what the first thing we would want to do would be, put an end to their miserable lives as slowly and painfully as possible."
"What about approaching any of our followers for help?"
Voldemort stared at the old man, wondering if age had muddled his brain. "We daren't approach any of our followers for help. Any that are smart and powerful enough to help would surely use our weakness to take advantage of the situation. Can you imagine how Malfoy would react?"
Tom agreed, Malfoy was far too much like him not to make an attempt to rule. Only the dark lord's power and unflinching willingness to use it kept Lucius in line. The other side of the coin was against them as well. "Anyone we could trust not to betray us wouldn't have the brains or power to assist with the acquisition of a new magical body."
It was Riddle who mentioned the elephant in the room by voicing his fears. "We need to do something fast, I don't know how long I can endure this. Living in a body without magic is unbearable enough, throw in terrible eyesight, worse hearing and every step you take is bloody agony. At the moment it's a toss-up between the host dropping dead while servicing this squib here or me losing the will to continue with this existence."
Tom's temper tantrum quickly followed. "This squib's eyesight is probably worse than yours. Unfortunately it's not bad enough to hide your face when he lies on top of her twice a bloody night. I want to vomit yet I have no body to perform that function, it would almost be a relief if the old bastard did shoot me. At least I'd die with the knowledge he hated killing her." She turned to Voldemort, "You think you've had it so tough with your rabbits and pigeons? She's already singing some appallingly happy tune in the back of my mind, anticipating her dinner date and then bedding her lover again. There is no shielding myself from this torture possible and nowhere to hide. If I could I would choose death this instant, it would be infinitely more preferable than being slowly driven insane by this woman."
Voldemort didn't know what to do next, his grand scheme for immortality lay in tatters with his remaining horcruxes wishing for a visit from death. He watched helpless as the hosts took control of the bodies once more and set the table for dinner. How did this happen? He was Lord Voldemort, a wizard so feared none dared say his name. Stirring rabbit stew for a muggle and a squib was so degrading!
-oOoOo-
Rabbit stew wasn't on the menu at Malfoy Manor as Lucius hungrily surveyed his dinner guests, he wasn't in the habit of providing free meals. Apart from the three Malfoys, there were another three guests.
Severus Snape was soon going to find working for the Malfoys was infinitely more profitable than teaching at that school. Lucius had been suggesting this for the last few years but the potions master had always resisted. Dumbledore doing nothing while Harry Potter forced him out of Hogwarts had quashed any and all resistance. Severus would be a willing ally in his quest for revenge.
Fudge had once more earned the gold that Lucius diverted in his direction by having the latest charges against him dropped, unfortunately not before his name had appeared all over the Prophet. The Weasleys now found themselves sharing the joint top position of his shit list with the Potter brat.
The final guest was paying her first visit to the mansion and Lucius was delighted to notice her struggle not to be overwhelmed. The witch 's eyes held that mixture of greed and the willingness to do anything to get what she wanted that was so familiar to Lucius, every morning his reflection in the mirror showed the exact same thing. The casual display of wealth would have her safely in his pocket before she even knew it, just like dear old Cornelius was. Yes, Deloris Umbridge undoubtedly had a shocking sense of dress. It couldn't hide from Lucius that underneath she was a greedy, evil witch that could prove extremely useful to him in the future.
He was still formulating his plans to take down Potter and the Weasleys but already he knew his three dinner guests would be only too happy to help.
-oOoOo-
Minerva was only too happy with adding her name to the guest list for dinner, she also added her name to the long list of people who 'wanted a word' with the Dursleys. Vernon and Petunia would be looking forward to an evening of social climbing, they were in for a bit of a shock to say the least. They were about to have dinner with a dozen witches and wizards, all of whom were allowed to perform spells regardless of age inside the Granger Summer School of Magic.
Dan and Harry answered the door to greet his relatives and it was Harry who got the shock, his uncle called him Harry and ruffled his hair with his big meaty hand as he walked past with Dan toward the lounge. With his aunt and cousin smiling at him, Harry just needed the music playing to confirm he was in the twilight zone. Instead he got a pull on his trouser leg and looked down to see a worried Dobby.
The little guy whispered urgently. "Harry Potter sir, that man is not the same uncle I met last year."
Harry had his wand in his hand and moved swiftly after them, only to find his uncle getting ready to leave.
"You sir, lured me here under false pretences. I refuse to stay and participate in this magical menagerie any longer, and my nephew will be coming home with me."
Harry had his wand held out of sight behind his leg as he spoke, "But uncle, I hate going to Aunt Thelma's, you know her cats affect my allergies!"
"We'll buy you something for that, get your stuff..."
Harry's wand was up and a disarming hex hit his uncle with even more force than the dummy earlier, Vernon flew across the room and smashed into the wall. Thankfully this old house was made of brick!
It was when the other wand flew into Harry's hand that caused Ron and Hermione to also react swiftly. An incarserous and stupefy soon followed the expelliarmus in hitting the rather large target.
Vernon Dursley was out cold and wrapped up like a parcel, causing Amelia Bones to jokingly ask, "And just why do these three need extra defence lessons?"
She was interrupted by Minerva, "I think there is a more important question we need answered, why does Harry have Albus Dumbledore's wand in his hand?"
"Polyjuice?"
"We'll know within the hour Harry." Hermione answered.
"And just how do you know about polyjuice potion?" McGonagall enquired in that demanding tone of voice only she could manage.
Harry's answer stunned the adult witches and wizard into silence, "Hermione brewed that potion before Christmas so we could get inside the Slytherin common room."
Everyone was looking toward Hermione who got all defensive, "What? We knew Harry wasn't the heir of Slytherin and it's not like anyone else was doing anything about the situation."
Remus couldn't hold his laughter as Augusta commented to Amelia, "You should have brought a bigger pensieve!"
Creepily, neither Petunia nor Dudley had said a word, they just stood there in silence with that same stupid grin plastered on their faces.
Chapter 10
Emma Granger wanted to be absolutely sure she understood what was happening in her home, her language though broadcasting her anger at the situation. "Are you trying to tell me that this large pile of shit lying there is actually being impersonated by an even bigger piece of shit?"
The question may have been thrown to the room in general but it was Harry who answered her. "Dobby warned me he might be an imposter. Vernon's sister is called Marge and she hates cats, breeds bulldogs. The chances of Vernon Dursley carrying a wand are non-existent, that is not my uncle."
Dan understood so far but had another few questions, "If that's not Dursley then where is he and why are those two standing there grinning like gormless idiots?"
Minerva had just seen how far Albus would go to keep Harry at Hogwarts and it made her feel sick. "I think it's fortuitous in more ways than one that you have the head of the DMLE as a dinner guest, she'll be able to find the answers to those questions." Amelia was already scanning the two standing Dursleys, attempting to discover what was wrong with them. "The look on Dursley's face when he saw us all sitting here was genuine terror, Albus was sure he was coming here tonight to deal with two muggle parents and a couple of children with only two years magical training behind them. Dumbledore must have thought he couldn't fail to have attempted such a gamble, he always did suffer from overconfidence."
No one there disagreed with Minerva's assessment as Harry handed Amelia the wand he'd won from the disarmed Dursley imposter. She cast the prior incantato spell which confirmed her scans of the two muggles. "It would appear your aunt and cousin have been hit with confundus and cheering charms."
Harry was trying not to laugh but couldn't help himself as the giggles took hold. "It's no wonder they both look as if they're high on something, they've never been cheerful before. This will be a whole new experience for them. Where the hell is Colin Creevey and his bloody camera when you need him?"
Hermione's laughter set the rest of the kids off, they were all well aware that the creepy boy had stalked Harry all last year.
Amelia was also smiling but hers had a predatory quality about it. "A simple finite should return them back to normal but we'll leave them as they are for now. We need some reinforcements and it wouldn't hurt to have more witnesses for when that polyjuice wears off." A tiny silver horse came out the tip of her wand and Amelia gave it some instructions before the creature shot through the wall quicker than the eye could follow.
Harry wasn't the only one who was impressed with this but he was the most vocal. "Madam Bones, I don't know what that was but it looked wicked! Professor Lupin, you have got to teach us that spell."
Remus was about to point out that it would be too advanced for Harry until he considered what he'd seen earlier today. "Harry, yours would probably be about the size of a bus and run people over."
This had quite a few of them chuckling now, the fact that his aunt and cousin joined in had Harry almost on the floor with laughter.
A barrage of pops alerted the house that they had more company. "I'm sorry to ruin your dinner party Mr and Mrs Granger but this is now a criminal investigation. I need to bring in more aurors to act as witnesses and handle any repercussions."
Dan glanced over to the obese man, lying almost forgotten in the corner before answering. "Madam Bones, think nothing of it. Our normal dinner parties will now seem tame in comparison."
Emma squeezed his hand in support, Dan had been so good today and was certainly going to get lucky tonight.
Five aurors and a mediwitch entered the room, her training meant the mediwitch headed straight for the unconscious casualty but Amelia stopped her.
"Leave him for now and attend to the other two first."
Amelia's diagnosis proved correct, a simple finite and both were back to normal. Well if you could call Dudley jumping about with both hands covering his buttocks and Petunia screaming about freaks at the top of her lungs normal that is.
Amelia soon showed Petunia who was in charge here though, the authority she wielded dripped from every syllable spoken. "Mrs Dursley, I need you to sit down and tell us what you remember. We need to find your husband."
Petunia may have shut up but she didn't need words to get her meaning across as she glanced at the figure of Vernon lying in the corner. She clearly thought they were all nuts!
"Mrs Dursley, that is not your husband but an imposter. We need to discover what happened so we can rescue the real Vernon Dursley."
This concentrated Petunia's mind like nothing else and one name sprang out at her. "Dumbledore! He came to see us, tried to convince us to take the boy back. Said it was imperative he stayed at Hogwarts. Vernon told him to piss off and stick to running his school for freaks. He then told us the boy was rich, this had Vernon very interested until I remembered it would be in the freak bank and the goblins would likely chop our heads off before they would let us touch it. Vernon practically threw him out after that." Even though they were the victims here, the Dursleys weren't endearing themselves to much sympathy. The disgust at being in this company was clearly displayed in her expression and body language. "Dumbledore just appeared and started casting spells on us as we got out the car, he took my Vernon's clothes before locking him in the boot." Petunia was about to race out the room with the intention of setting her husband free when she was prevented from leaving and two aurors went to search the car. Dudley was still standing though had managed to get his back against a wall, a position he wasn't going to give up just to sit down.
A groggy Vernon was soon led into the room and helped into the chair next to his wife, the instant his eyes caught Harry Vernon's temper snapped. "Boy, this is all your fault and the final bloody straw. We never wanted you but weren't given any choice in the matter, you just attached yourself to our family like a bad smell. Well it's time to fumigate boy, you and your freaky ways have affected us for the last time. I don't give a shit what happens to you next, just know you will never cross my door again. Frankly, it would have been better for everyone if you'd died along with your freak parents!"
There was a queue of people there who were ready to dismember Vernon Dursley for those comments. Harry had both arms around Hermione in an attempt to keep her from drawing her wand, Dan was pretty much having to do the same with her mother who was reaching for anything to hit the abusive bastard with. Amelia's sickly sweet patronising voice held them all in check, knowing this woman could cut the fat lump into tiny pieces had them wondering what she was up to. "Mr Dursley, if you no longer wish to be responsible for your nephew then perhaps I can help you with that. I just happen to have the appropriate papers here that will release you from this burden. Sign here and you need never see him again."
Vernon was wary of being tricked but the prize on offer was just too tempting, he and Petunia couldn't wait to sign them.
"Now if you'll excuse us, I shall take my family home." Vernon marched out of there in his underwear and socks, Petunia hanging onto his arm. Dudley edged his way along the wall before sprinting for the door and freedom from this curly tailed nightmare. He would need to lie down and eat a few takeaways to recover from the unaccustomed exercise he'd just performed.
His uncle's triad was water of a duck's back for Harry, he'd been listening to it for as long as he could remember. The actions that followed though had made him angry and he didn't care who knew it. "Madam Bones, what was that all about? You just happened to have the correct paperwork on you? I have had enough of Dumbledore trying to run my life, I don't need or appreciate anyone else applying for the position. Don't you think my opinion should have been asked before pulling that stunt you clearly had planed? If this is an attempt to get me under ministry control then I can tell you now it's not going to happen."
Hermione was now having to return the favour and try to calm Harry, at least when she was angry everything that wasn't screwed down didn't vibrate with the magic pouring out of her.
Amelia realised she'd made a grave mistake, alienating Harry Potter was the last thing she needed or could afford to do. "Mr Potter I can only apologise, I didn't think there was a decision to be made when it came to getting you away from those Neanderthals. The real decision, and one you should most definitely have the biggest input into, is who you wish to now be your guardians." She could see this placated Harry slightly so Amelia continued. "We hardly know each other but I for one am willing to throw my hat into the ring and offer myself as a candidate to be your guardian. Madam Longbottom feels the same way and I'm sure you'll be considering the Weasleys, having already stayed there last summer."
While Hermione was delighted Harry would never again have to return to the Dursleys, the rest was not good news as far as Harry Potter's girlfriend was concerned. When she heard her father speak, all was forgiven and Hermione remembered why she loved her dad so much.
"Harry, you have been invited to spend the summer with us and, as far as we're concerned, nothing has changed. Should you wish to make that a more permanent arrangement then we can sit down and discuss that to. Just the four of us!"
Amelia had no problems with that solution but could see others strenuously objecting. "Harry, as I've said, I believe this should be as much as possible your decision to make. What concerns me is what happens should the ministry become involved. You've a good idea how Fudge works, handling your case personally would get him a lot of publicity, I dread to think where you could be placed. Once Fudge gets involved, what you want will go out the window."
Harry knew at once she was correct and not trying to railroad him into making any particular decision, it would appear she really did have his best interests at heart. "Thank you for your honesty Madam Bones and sorry about earlier. I will need to give this some serious thought."
Amelia handed Harry the paperwork that his new guardian would need to complete while Hermione was now glaring at him, she obviously wanted Harry to choose the Granger option and was upset that he didn't do so immediately. Harry though needed to consider the implications of what happened here tonight.
Any further discussion was put on hold as the polyjuice began to wear off and their suspicions were proven correct. Albus Dumbledore quite often looked ridiculous in the colourful robes he insisted on wearing, a muggle suit twelve sizes too large for him was a new low though. The ropes that were wrapped around him didn't help either.
Amelia had him rebound and stunned again for good measure before allowing him to be portkeyed away to a secure location. The head of the DMLE once more apologised to the hosts, "Sorry but I really must leave to deal with this matter, I want a confession out of Dumbledore before Fudge knows what's happening."
Dan understood though lost a little bit of the headway he'd regained earlier with his daughter. "I understand, Susan and Hannah are welcome to stay with us though. Dobby could take them home later or they could spend the night, we have plenty of room."
This was a very generous offer that Amelia graciously accepted, she was going to be very busy tonight. "I'll call tomorrow and collect the girls, it will also give Harry time to consider his decision. Once Fudge discovers just what Dumbledore was up to, the ministry will swing into action. By all means consider the decision carefully but please don't take too long."
Amelia left and those remaining sat down to a late dinner. There was a lot of chatter around the table which annoyed the straitlaced Augusta Longbottom but not as much as the visible tension between Harry and Hermione. The Longbottom matriarch had seen how friendly both were with her Neville so tried to alleviate the situation.
"Harry, I'm very impressed that you have apparently understood the full implications of this matter and are not rushing headlong into a solution that could result in people being hurt. I promise to help you in any way I can."
Emma had of course noticed the tension when Harry hadn't immediately said he wanted to stay here, she wasn't sure what Augusta was offering though and said so. "Madam Longbottom, being non-magical it would appear that I don't understand all the implications here. Perhaps you could explain what you are implying?"
"Emma, I will always call it as I see it. Harry just witnessed his non-magical guardians being illegally manipulated in an attempt to gain control of him. He clearly wants to stay here but is worried the same thing could happen again."
Harry had his head down as he spoke, "Without Dobby and all you here for dinner, Dumbledore would have gotten his way and we wouldn't remember anything about it. We've recently seen the obliviate spell in action. I trust Fudge about as far as I could throw Hagrid and wouldn't put it past him to pull something similar. I don't want anybody else getting hurt because of me."
Augusta was pleased she'd read the situation correctly. "I was sure Harry was sitting there trying to think of someone the ministry can't intimidate or control but who would still let him spend his summer here. I am offering myself to be that person."
Emma wasn't sure if the look of relief that spread over Harry's face was due to Augusta's offer or Hermione's hand slipping into his, giving an unspoken apology. Augusta continued with her offer, "I would like him to spend some time at our home and, of course Hermione is welcome too. That offer is still open whether you accept my guardianship or not."
Neville was beaming at his gran for that, summer was a lonely time for him and these two were amongst his best friends.
Harry lifted his head to speak to Augusta, "Madam Longbottom, thank you for stating that so clearly and your very generous offer. You helped me clear my own mind and a name popped in there. If it doesn't work out then I would be delighted to accept your offer. Mr and Mrs Granger, I hope you now understand why I didn't jump at your offer. The thought of someone casting spells on you because of me, well I can't let that happen. I really do want to stay here as long as you'll let me."
No one missed that Harry ended up talking exclusively to Hermione as he held her hand.
Dan wasn't that out of touch with teenagers to know why his daughter would have hated Harry staying in the same house as Susan Bones. He was also impressed Harry was thinking of them rather than just jumping at the chance to stay with his girlfriend. "Harry, Dan and Emma works fine. I've a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
Ginny was gutted, she knew that, but for her mother's behaviour, the Burrow would have been ahead of both the Longbottom and Bones as a place Harry wanted to stay. She could see Ron felt the same though neither blamed Harry for that. There was only one person responsible and that was Molly Weasley. Ginny had an idea and would need to speak to her dad about it at the earliest opportunity.
-oOoOo-
Hermione lay in bed that night and swore she could still feel her boyfriend's lips on hers. She wasn't sure whether it was the thought of Susan and Hannah staying here or them narrowly avoiding their first fight as a couple but Hermione had almost attacked Harry when kissing him goodnight. The young brunette witch also had to concede that she was wrong in her assumption earlier and Hermione Granger wasn't used to being wrong. She considered the changes in Harry since his last stint in the Hogwarts infirmary and his new sense of maturity she so loved. A large part of that change was undoubtedly due to that parasite no longer being in his head but she would like to think getting all his secrets off his chest helped too.
Hermione conceded she would have to stop jumping to conclusions and learn to speak with Harry first. They may still argue but it would be over something they disagreed about, not fight over a misunderstanding. Harry wouldn't tell her who he was considering as his guardian until he could speak with them and she had to accept that. Knowing that he wanted to stay with her was all she needed to know for now.
Hermione would also need to start thinking about how she was going to repay the Dursleys for their treatment of Harry, only her boyfriend had stopped her extracting the first instalment of that payment earlier. Hearing Harry talk about it was bad enough, that live display tonight had made her blood boil. Hermione would be having a quiet word with her parents about the situation tomorrow, her mum had appeared almost as mad at the Dusleys as she was.
Hermione tried not to think about the mother - daughter talk that had quickly become focused on what was considered 'proper behaviour' for having her boyfriend stay with them. She had to admit the ground rules her mother laid down weren't too strict and placed a modicum of trust on the young couple. They were allowed to kiss goodnight provided the room door was left open, Hermione could live with that.
-oOoOo-
Luna was also lying in bed, hugging herself from joy while reflecting back on what happened today. She just couldn't stop smiling. Today was a stellar day for Luna, she not only felt wanted but thoroughly enjoyed the experiences of being included and having friends. Harry Potter became the first boy ever to put his arms around her, even if it was only to help with her spell casting, Luna had enjoyed the experience. She had caught Ron looking in their direction on more than one occasion and Luna had felt guilty for enjoying the contact with Harry even more after that.
The little blond was under no illusions, Harry was clearly with Hermione and was only interested in her as a friend. Luna so badly wanted to be their friend that she would never jeopardise that for anything. It was the hint of jealousy in Ron's eyes as he watched her with Harry that had her excited, any emotional response she could get from Ron would do for now. Luna knew that having friends had instantly put her in a better place than she'd been for a while, a boyfriend would come along in time.
They were all meeting up again in a couple of days and she could hardly wait. She hugged herself tighter with the thought that having friends was wonderful.
-oOoOo-
Hannah was sharing a room with her best friend and needed to ask a question, Susan had a massive crush on Harry Potter that now looked a hopeless cause. Her friend had been so excited by the idea of these lessons as an opportunity to get to know Harry better, oh boy had they achieved that! Those pensieve memories were mind blowing.
"Are you ok Suz? You want to talk about it?"
Susan had known this question was coming and had plenty of time to consider her answer. "Yes Hannah, I think I'm ok. Those memories today opened my eyes, the boy I thought I fancied doesn't exist. The Harry Potter we saw today is way better than any boy-who-lived fantasies I may have had but I don't think I could ever keep up with him." Susan continued her explanation before Hannah had time to interrupt.
"We were both at that Quidditch match when his broom tried to throw him off. The difference being that, while I clung to you in terror, Hermione had worked out what was happening and then did something about it. Could you have walked away and left Harry to face you-know-who? I know I couldn't, I would have done everything I could to drag Harry out of there and we would probably have a dark lord ruling over us by now."
Both girls shivered at that thought. "Last year we both doubted Harry could be the heir of Slytherin, Hermione was brewing polyjuice potion to try and discover who actually was setting that monster on us. What settled it for me was watching her hold him as Harry battled for his life in the infirmary. It was Hermione Granger that helped him defeat you-know-who again, not Dumbledore, McGonagall or Pomfrey. It just emphasised no other girl would even come close where Harry's concerned. How are you supposed to measure up against that? Did you see the way she and Ron sprang into action tonight? The three of them took down Dumbledore for Merlin's sake!""
Hannah could tell that her friend was hurting, brave face or not. She thought for a moment and then decided to break the awkward silence and hopefully lighten the mood a bit. "OK, would you rather have Ron or Neville? Since you're my best friend I'll let you have first pick."
Susan tried not to laugh but couldn't help it, soon both girls were biting their pillows in an attempt to stop the giggles and not disturb the rest of the house.
-oOoOo-
Dan Granger was glad their room was in a different part of the house from the kids. The smile was still on his face from last night while he lay with his naked wife snuggling into his side. Yesterday may have been one hell of a day but last night had been spectacular. Dan was currently in two minds, a part of him wanted to get up and treat this wonderful woman to breakfast in bed. Another part of him though wanted to stay right here beside Emma forever.
His dilemma was solved by the appearance of a tray loaded with his wife's favourite breakfast foods, there was even a small vase containing a single red rose. He would have to speak to Harry about how he could reward Dobby for this, the little guy was worth his weight in gold. This opinion was reinforced when Emma woke, spotted the breakfast and then pulled Dan back down to reward him further. Twenty minutes later they discovered their tray had charms on it that kept the food in perfect condition, the Grangers could quickly get used to having a house elf.
-oOoOo-
Amelia was discovering that it wasn't just last night that she was going to be busy, today was rapidly turning frantic too. She supposed that arresting Albus Dumbledore would do that for you. The confession they had won from Dumbledore should see him finished at Hogwarts and the Wizengamot. He'd used spells illegally on three muggles and impersonated one of them with the sole intention of kidnapping a young boy.
Albus bloody Dumbledore could dress the facts up any way he wanted but that's what happened. That he was also not only willing but prepared to cast spells on all three Grangers and Harry Potter was also confirmed. Amelia would have loved to question the old wizard a lot more but his ability to resist the effects of veritaserum was nothing short of amazing. It took them administering the maximum safe dose permitted in any twenty-four hours just to get what they did out of him. It wouldn't be long before Fudge was breathing down her neck and watching every move she made so Amelia needed to get this done before that happened.
Shack was her most trusted auror and she was forced to include his young partner otherwise Amelia might have aroused suspicion. Shack had a very high opinion of the pink haired witch, she was about to get a chance to earn it.
"Right, I have called you two here for an assignment that is so secret, it doesn't exist. No paperwork will be produced anywhere in the ministry and it can't be spoken of outside the three people currently in this room. Even if we get another head of the DVLE appointed, it still stays between us. I can't stress how important that is."
This made the two aurors really sit up and take notice so Amelia began telling them everything she knew about horcruxes and what she'd seen from Harry's memories.
"If any of Voldemort's sympathisers discover these things exist, we could soon find ourselves facing a reborn dark lord. I want you to chase down any leads you can find but it must be done quietly, I will always be available to help but trust no one else with this."
To help the two aurors see what they were up against, Amelia showed them Harry's memory of fighting Quirrell and his battle against the horcrux in the Hogwarts infirmary with Dumbledore's plots being exposed. Both aurors had seen the picture of Harry defeating the basilisk and had no trouble believing the lad also destroyed a horcrux at the same time. Both had also been part of the group that raided Malfoy Manor and arrested Lucius. To discover his intentions were not only to kill and maim children but return you-know-who to power made the fact that he was once again a free man all the more galling.
Shack was anything but stupid and asked all the right questions, "Do we know the details of this prophecy or how many horcruxes were made? Young Mr Potter might have finished him for good in the Hogwarts infirmary."
Amelia though could only provide partial answers. "The prophecy in question apparently said only Mr Potter could banish Voldemort. Harry seems to think this is utter tripe and that the prophecy has been fulfilled at least three times. Having watched his memories, I'm inclined to agree with him. We have no way of determining how many Voldemort made which is where you two come in. I want you to go back to the beginning and discover everything you can about one Tom Marvolo Riddle, he later changed his name to lord Voldemort. He was a Slytherin who became head boy at Hogwarts around fifty years ago. My advice would be to start asking questions in the castle and see where the investigation leads you."
This was the part where Amelia knew she might struggle to convince them. "There are things happening that might see me leaving the ministry, I'm asking you both to continue with this investigation and still keep it between us three."
Shack understood how dangerous that situation could become. If it later became known, at the very least it would cost his career. He looked toward his partner for her opinion.
Tonks had joined the aurors to make a difference. She had two members of her family currently residing in Azkaban with another only escaping due to her husband being able to bribe the right people. Add to that Regulus killed while a death eater and the young auror felt she had a lot to prove. Here was the perfect opportunity to start redressing the balance and she didn't hesitate. "I'm in!"
-oOoOo-
Ginny didn't think she was going to get a better opportunity than this, the Weasley breakfast table was currently in an uproar. Her mother was loudly berating Ron for having the audacity to fire a curse at Dumbledore while the twins appeared ready to hoist him onto their shoulders and carry him for a victory procession around the garden. In the middle of the madness she whispered to her father. "Dad, can I talk to you for a minute."
Arthur smiled in acknowledgement before leading his daughter into their living room. He was proud of all his children but his youngest two seemed to have blossomed recently and were in danger of eclipsing the rest of his sons. Something was clearly worrying Ginny, though after her recent adventures Arthur would have been surprised if there wasn't. He was determined to do his best to help. They sat next to each other on the couch as Ginny held her father's hand and told him what she wanted.
"Dad, Harry's given me all this money and I want to share some of it with the rest of you. If you can get the time off work, I'd like to pay for us all to take a holiday. I want to go to Egypt and visit Bill."
Arthur thought his heart would burst with pride. After all she'd been through, his little girl was still thinking of them. "Princess, that's an amazingly thoughtful idea but I couldn't let you spend all your money like that."
Ginny couldn't look her father in the eye as she said the next bit. "Harry actually gave us a figure of how much the goblins estimated we would get, Ron and me just couldn't believe it which is why we decided to keep quiet and wait and see. They reckon we'll receive a million galleons, each! I think I can afford this daddy."
Arthur was drawn from his stupor by the voice of his youngest son. Apparently their conversation wasn't as private as they thought and they had an audience. The rest of their family was standing by the door, all clearly astonished by the amount of gold Ginny had just mentioned.
"That's a bloody brilliant idea Ginny, I'll pay for us all to spend Christmas with Charlie. Us guys missed Romania the last time."
The twins looked as if they'd been hit with a silencing charm, their mouths were moving but no sound was coming out. Percy managed to find his voice eventually, "She did say a million, didn't she?"
It was a grinning Ron who answered him, "Each!"
Molly felt almost sick with worry, this was a lot worse than she thought. With that amount of gold in her vault, even people like the Malfoys would quickly become interested in her little girl. Molly was going to have to do something soon.
-oOoOo-
Anything Harry or Hermione asked for was always going to be granted by her grinning parents this morning so a trip to London was never going to be a problem. Hannah and Susan were wearing a change of clothes provided by Hermione and were delighted with the muggle apparel. They were even more pleased when Emma said she would take both girls shopping in muggle London while the other three went to Gringotts. Hedwig flew away carrying a note to Amelia Bones, explaining that the girls would be shopping and probably not back until dinner tonight. The Grangers and company left soon after the snowy owl departed.
Dan had originally insisted to Emma that they take a few days from work to keep an eye on this 'Harry character' before trusting him in the house with their daughter. The father's attitude had done a one hundred and eighty degree turn since then but the days off were now coming in handy.
The Gringotts trio were swiftly whisked through the bank to meet with Ragnok, the goblin leader was pleased to see them.
"Good morning, I hear you've been busy since last we met. The same people being responsible for the downfall of Dumbledore should add even more profit to our little venture. With Dumbledore currently indisposed, we now plan on having an extraction team at Hogwarts tomorrow. Your presence there would push the price up further and help keep the press away from the Granger's door."
Harry considered this request. "Only if the four of us could be there and we get the wards erected at the Granger home at the same time."
Dan now understood what wards were and really wanted to stop wizards from being able to appear in his home, he hated feeling defenceless so quickly agreed with Harry. As far as Dan was concerned, the sooner the wards went up the better he liked it.
Ragnok would arrange it, he would also arrange a portkey to Hogwarts. It was also in the school's best interest to get the best price for the basilisk carcass since they were being gifted twenty percent of it.
Harry then broached the real reason he had wanted to visit. "Ragnok, Dumbledore was trying to get control of my life when he placed spells on my guardians. They have now severed all ties with me and I find myself having to find one before the ministry become involved. My problem is that I may be placing someone in danger by putting them in that position. As Gringotts already control all my finances, could it become my guardian as well? It would only be a legal manoeuvre to keep the ministry off my back as I hope to stay with the Grangers when not attending school."
Ragnok hated to disappoint this young wizard but was forced to explain why that could not happen. "Harry, we goblins do things differently from wizards. In our society you become an adult when your actions and deeds indicate you are ready for that honour. Fighting a giant basilisk to save your friend's life is more than enough for you to be considered an adult in our eyes, therefore we could not be your guardian."
Harry was resigning himself to becoming a Longbottom ward when Ragnok spoke again. "Centuries ago, magic worked the same way before the ministry was formed and everything had to be 'standardised'. They were the ones who decided you went to sleep one night as a boy and awoke next day as a man, irrespective of anything other than age."
None of the trio had an idea where the goblin was going with this and their expressions clearly said so. "Family magic is one of the oldest forms known and the Potters are one of the oldest magical families. What I'm suggesting is that you try to wear the Potter family ring. If the magic accepts you then you are the head of the Potter family, and must be treated as such by everyone. You will be considered an adult in the magical world and won't require a guardian."
Dan couldn't fail to see the longing in the young boy's expression but he had to ask the hard question. "Ragnok, what happens if the magic doesn't accept Harry?"
"Nothing, Harry is the last of the Potters and the ring is rightfully his. It would only delay the inevitable."
Harry could see no downside to this, try on a ring and all his problems might be solved. He quickly agreed, what was not to like?
The ring was sent for and Harry loved it from his first glance at the beautiful gold griffin that was carved around the gold band, its ruby eyes were particularly striking. Harry didn't think this was going to work since he could practically fit two fingers into the House Potter ring. The instant it was placed on the proper finger though, a red glow enveloped his hand as the ring shrank to a perfect fit.
Ragnok stood and gave a slight bow, Harry quickly mirrored the goblin's actions. "Congratulations Lord Potter. In taking control of your family, you need never worry about anyone trying to force guardianship on you again. That ring signifies you are the head of an ancient and noble family, a symbol of your status that is universally acknowledged anywhere magic exists."
Hermione was now standing beside Harry, proudly clutching his arm while her dad remained seated. Dan Granger didn't think he could stand if he wanted to at the moment. His Hermione's little ragamuffin best friend was filthy rich, thought the world of his daughter and was now a lord to boot! He felt like there was some gigantic cosmic fruit machine at play here and Hermione's spin had just come up jackpot, jackpot, jackpot!
The trio were then 'privileged' to see a goblin's sense of humour in action as Ragnok asked in all seriousness. "Lord Potter, how would you like me to handle the twenty seven betrothal contracts currently on file pending the next head of the Potter family being confirmed?"
Harry needed his seeker reflexes as Hermione's knees appeared to give out at that news. He held his girlfriend close and his expression deadpanned as he replied. "Ragnok, unless there is one in the name of Granger, please inform the parties involved that I'm afraid I must disappoint them."
Ragnok roared with laughter as the young lord verbally acquitted himself well, the couple were still blushing furiously though. Harry asked if the fact that he was now Lord Potter could be kept quiet, he wanted to see how the ministry would act on the guardianship issue before shooting them down. Ragnok thought this was a wonderful idea and swore Harry must have some goblin ancestor hidden deep in his past.
Dan was sitting wondering where he could get his hands on a betrothal contract and if it needed Emma's signature? He decided he could ruin all the gains he'd made with the two most important women in his life if he mentioned this so had to accept discretion should be the better part of valour for now. They were unfortunately now facing a visit to the Weasleys though, Dan would not be letting the kids out of his sight this time.
-oOoOo-
Albus was sitting in his cell contemplating his life, there really wasn't much else for him to do. He'd managed to protect most of his secrets under truth serum but that blasted Amelia had gotten enough information to see him definitely kicked out of Hogwarts and probably the Wizengamot as well. With Fawkes refusing to answer his call, contemplation was all he had left.
Albus couldn't believe how stupid he'd been, he'd arrived almost half an hour before the Dursleys and had plenty of time to check the house, he just didn't think he needed to. The rest must have arrived earlier and he certainly couldn't believe the coven of witches that awaited him as he entered the room. Even then he could probably bluffed his way back out if it wasn't for that blasted Potter. Not only did he knock Albus Dumbledore on his arse, the boy is now the master of the elder wand. Not that Albus planned on telling him anytime soon – or ever!
He was the only one who understood Harry had to be protected from himself, if the ministry ever got involved in his care then Albus didn't hold out too much hope for Harry being around to receive any Christmas presents. The death eaters would be falling over themselves to gain custody of the boy-who-lived, what better way to ensure their safety when their master eventually returned than being able to deliver the one thing Voldemort wanted on a proverbial plate! He didn't think their world would survive either if someone like Malfoy were to be appointed guardian of Harry Potter. If only people would stop interfering with his plans, when would they realise that everything he did was for the greater good?
-oOoOo-
As it turned out, Dan didn't have to worry about the Weasley woman trying to interfere with Hermione and Harry's fledgling relationship, she was too busy screaming at her daughter that she was never being allowed to go anywhere near that chamber again to bother with the young couple. The fact that the beast was already dead and there would be goblins, professors and probably a whole host of media there as well did nothing to placate the worried witch. Her mind was made up and it would probably be easier to move a few mountains than change Molly's rock solid opinion.
Dan thought Arthur was harmless and actually found his naivety about the world amusing, that the wizard also thought the same of Dan and magic meant the two could chat for ages without actually saying anything meaningful. His wife though was a whole different kind of animal. Molly Weasley was without doubt one of the most overbearing and opinionated woman Dan ever had the misfortune to meet.
He most certainly considered Emma to be a formidable woman but Molly laboured under the impression that if you shouted something loud enough and often enough then, not only would you be right but everyone else would be convinced of that too. All she achieved was to give everyone in the vicinity a pounding headache.
Thankfully they were able to make this a quick visit, Ginny had ran to her room in tears while Ron was leading them down the garden path and outside the Burrow wards. The boy was busy again apologising for his mother's behaviour and assuring his friends he would be there. There was no way Dan could miss the image of Molly standing back there, hands on hips and scowling fiercely at the sight of Hermione holding Harry's arm as they walked away from the Burrow.
-oOoOo-
Voldemort's scowl wasn't quite in the Molly Weasley class but he was even more upset at the sight of the odd couple strolling down to the village. Frank and Sibyll were not listening to their horcruxes anymore and had made the decision to go for groceries against all that they said. Without the possibility of another magic user being possessed by a horcrux, Tom and Riddle were discovering they had even less control than they thought.
The spirit of Voldemort was almost incandescent with rage, he was the most feared dark lord in history. People were so terrified of him they were afraid to say his name, even after they thought he was dead. There were three versions of him now living in this house yet they were being bossed around by an ancient muggle and a sherry-drinking squib!
He was spending every possible minute tying to solve the puzzle of how this became possible but so far had drawn a blank. Nothing in all his years of studying had prepared the dark lord for a situation like this.
Arm in arm they headed for the village and would no doubt set tongues a wagging, they didn't appear to care. Having something nice for dinner had become more important to them than keeping Sibyl's presence here a secret. After watching the couple for a few days Voldemort found himself agreeing with his soul brothers. Being trapped in one of those bodies was infinitely worse than being a disembodied spirit, having to be involved in those night-time activities would have him considering death as a preferable alternative too!
-oOoOo-
The picture featuring Harry, Hermione and Ron with the basilisk providing the backdrop graced the front page of the Daily Prophet and again caused emotions to be running high almost everywhere it was read. Nowhere was this truer than a certain cell in the high security wing of Azkaban. On his annual inspection of the depressing but unfortunately necessary facility, Fudge appeared only too willing to give his copy of the paper away. Sirius Black poured over it like a parched man discovering a brewery had just opened on his doorstep.
This was a real shot in the arm to the bedraggled and hope-deprived prisoner. The paper delved into great details about his godson's life and even mentioned that the young muggleborn witch in the picture was now his girlfriend. To Sirius, this was ambrosia for his soul and a balm on his guilty conscience. Failing his godson in his grief stricken pursuit of vengeance was easily the biggest regret of his life. Seeing Harry on that page with his arm around the young witch and his best friend by his side had tears in the marauder's eyes for the first time since that fateful Halloween. It wasn't the deeds Sirius was focusing on but the friends by his side, his time in Azkaban had taught him that those should be the most important things in life.
He was devouring the picture with his eyes for at least the hundredth time that day when he noticed something he'd missed before. The rat which popped his head out the Weasley boy's pocket instantly focused his attention and gave him something he'd been missing for almost twelve years.
The need to protect his godson from the rat unleashed feelings in Sirius that were primeval in origin. In the last decade the prisoner had a hard time justifying his continued existence to himself. With each day the same and the dementors relentless, only Padfoot had allowed him to cling to his sanity. He now had that reason right in front of him, vividly portrayed in black and white. All he had to do was get out of here, he silently swore vengeance on the rat and meant it for the first time in years.
When the guards were later questioned, they reported the phrase that Sirius Black repeated over and over. "He's at Hogwarts!"