If the diary in CoS was a Horcrux and with a help from a gullible young girl it was able to almost become another version of Voldemort, then doesn't that then mean that it was feasible that at some point in time there could actually have been seven lord Voldemort's walking around, each trying to out do the others.'
This was what ignited the spark that later became 'Souls Abound' so ddiolch iawn lawer. Sorry to disappoint those who thought it was their story or a particular forum's that provided the inspiration, it could only have been coincidences.
Chapter 11
Emma watched her husband's face take on a frown as an owl delivered Hermione's copy of the Daily Prophet, it took all her self-control not to chuckle. She knew exactly what was troubling her husband and couldn't help but find it amusing. Their daughter had featured prominently on the front page of a national newspaper yesterday, pictured with her arm around her heroic boyfriend who just happened to be a lord no less. Daniel Granger's problem was that he couldn't boast to anyone about it and it was killing him! Emma hadn't missed his dropped hints about betrothal contracts either, the only reason she didn't bite his head off was that he could quite genuinely claim he only wanted what was best for their daughter. It would be really hard to dispute that the young man currently sitting next to her daughter wasn't the best for her, Hermione certainly wouldn't raise an argument against it.
Anyone who looked at yesterday's picture could see the youngsters were serious about each other. Emma also noticed the rat in the picture, the thought of that thing anywhere near her home had left the terrified woman needing to sit down. Hermione had reassured Emma that she explained to Ron her mother was terrified of rats and Scabbers had never been near their house.
Hermione's loud gasp drew both parents attention but it was Harry who immediately worried them, they weren't sure if he was going to pass-out or throw-up. Possibly both if his complexion was anything to judge by, the boy looked hellish. In lieu of an explanation, Hermione pushed the paper across the breakfast table toward her parents before enveloping her boyfriend in her arms.
The headline screamed that someone called Sirius Black had escaped from the Wizarding prison, Azkaban. He was apparently a very dark wizard indeed since this feat had never been achieved before. The real kicker though was that he apparently had been best-friends with James Potter before betraying Harry's parents to Voldemort. Emma couldn't believe it, Harry just couldn't seem to catch a break. He no sooner appeared to have one problem sorted when another would come shooting along. Amelia had warned them it would only be a matter of time before the minister became personally involved in Harry's guardianship issues and then what they wanted wouldn't be a consideration. Harry had told no one of his new status and filed the papers so she and Dan could become his legal guardians in the muggle world. Hermione had been ecstatic! Now they had another problem to deal with.
The kids had a lesson from Remus today and Emma was hoping to hear from Susan if Amelia had been successful in her bid to become the new headmistress of Hogwarts. They had decided not to say anything about it in case it didn't happen, one glance at the kids reinforced her belief they could use some good news.
-oOoOo-
Amelia was prepared to hand in her notice next day when she was awakened at three a.m. with the news that Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban. She was now fretting over her decision, that was until she saw the Prophet. The ministry leaked information like a sieve. This hardened her resolve to leave and assured Amelia she had made the correct decision in only trusting Shack and his young partner with the task she gave them.
Amelia was certain Fudge would use this as a heaven-sent opportunity to become personally and very publicly involved in Harry Potter's life. Even if the lad completed that form this morning, Fudge would now block all attempts to place Harry outwith his control. With Dumbledore being removed as a threat and Potter under his thumb, that would leave Fudge as the only player on the board. Things did not bode well should Voldemort ever manage to return.
Yesterday had gone so much better than she could have hoped too. The board had quickly accepted the goblins' offer of the chance to enter the chamber and gaze upon the basilisk for themselves. At the meeting she had let them view Harry's memory of facing Quirrell / Voldemort in his first year and Dumbledore's goose was cooked. When Augusta had then offered Amelia's name as a possible replacement, the rest of the board had practically pleaded with her to accept. They even gave her total control of the funds generated by the sale of the basilisk carcass, she had their unconditional support for the task of turning Hogwarts into the premier magical school it was supposed to be.
Minerva had been more than slightly shocked to retain her job but delighted to be working under Amelia. The canny Scots witch had eyes that sparkled brighter than Dumbledore's when Amelia gave her first instruction as Headmistress of Hogwarts.
"I want your ideas for how we turn Hogwarts around sent to me ASAP. Be that personnel changes, curriculum alterations or areas where gold really needs to be spent. I intend to make a clean sweep here, anyone not pulling their weight at Hogwarts will not be here for much longer."
Minerva asked if she could consult the other heads of house and got the answer she was hoping for. "Minerva, I don't particularly care where the ideas come from. As long as they're good ones, we can and will use them."
Minerva couldn't help but think Hogwarts was going to be a different school under Amelia Bones from day one.
-oOoOo-
Severus had ranted and raved at yesterdays Prophet, the thought of all that gold going to Potter, the mudblood and the Weasleys put him right off his breakfast. He was astonished at the size of the bloody thing and was at least looking forward to basilisk potion ingredients dropping in price, due to the glut in the market a beast that size would undoubtedly cause. Lucius sadly informed him that all the publicity was actually forcing the prices up as the public were desperate to snap it up as souvenirs, souvenirs that would probably be a sound investment as the goblins were issuing certificates of authenticity. His conservative estimate that the beast was worth a few million galleons put Severus off his lunch as well.
His entire life appeared to be following a pattern lately, just when the potions master thinks things can't get any worse, they quickly do! Today's headlines proclaiming that bastard Black had escaped was certainly worse in his book. If there was one person who could possibly usurp James Potter as the person Severus hated most, it was Sirius Black.
Severus had thought it a fitting payback that he'd helped engineer the entire incident that saw one enemy dead and the other in Azkaban. He was the one who noticed Pettigrew's resentment as Potter got married and had a career alongside Black as an auror. Even the werewolf was doing better than little Peter, leaving him ripe for the approach. Lucius was a master of that art, he initiated Severus into becoming a death eater and currently had the minister wrapped around his purse strings.
Lucius had actually left early this morning to have a quiet word with Fudge, he saw this as an opportunity for some payback of his own. Severus knew just how sneaky and utterly ruthless his new employer could be, that Potter's name was near the top of the pile for those deserving the aforementioned pay-back was the only highlight on his horizon. Severus couldn't really handle anymore bad news at the moment.
-oOoOo-
Amelia had no sooner stepped into her office at the ministry when Fudge appeared. She half expected this but not the actions that followed.
"Ah Amelia, I hear you will be leaving us for Hogwarts?"
"Eh yes Cornelius. I realise the timing could hardly be worse with this Black affair but I could stay in post to the middle of August. I can hopefully have the situation resolved before I leave for my new job."
"Oh I don't think that will be necessary. With the way Dumbledore was running things at Hogwarts, I think you should head to Scotland as soon as possible. We can waive your notice as Hogwarts needs are greater than ours. I've never seen the dementors so angry and have already given the order that Black has to be kissed on sight so he won't get far. This will give your replacement the chance to cut their teeth on some real work and gain the respect of the auror corps from the start. After all your years of faithful service to the ministry I feel it is only fair that we don't stand in the way of this fabulous opportunity, you can clear out your office today."
She was being given the bum's rush but was unable to do anything about it.
"I'm sure you will initiate a clear-out at Hogwarts and I think it's high time the ministry did the same. There will have to be some reorganisation at the ministry and this will allow us to start today."
So it was that, less than an hour after entering the building, Amelia found herself in the ministry atrium with her belongings shrunk and filling her pockets. Not how she imagined her day going and she was certain other hands than Fudge were behind this. If Amelia had known Fudge's next destination after he left her office, she would have known for certain who that person was.
-oOoOo-
Arthur Weasley looked up from his desk in surprise as the minister entered, he wasn't even sure Fudge knew where his office actually was.
"Good morning minister, how may I help you?"
"Weasley, I felt it was my duty to give you this piece of news personally. There has been an ongoing review of ministerial departments and I'm afraid yours didn't fare too well. It is therefore my decision that the misuse of muggle artefacts will become a sub-section of the improper use of magic office. Most of your staff will transfer over there but I'm afraid it already has a departmental head and I wouldn't insult you by offering a lesser position. You can take the rest of the morning to clear your office and we will of course pay you to the end of the month. I would just like to offer a personal thank you for your long and loyal service to the ministry."
Arthur didn't see the minister leave, nor had he any idea how long he sat there just staring in front of him. He was only brought out of his stupor when Perkins arrived and asked him what the minister wanted, it was only then that the reality of the situation struck home.
"Oh, he just sacked me!"
-oOoOo-
After reading the Prophet, Remus thought he should head for the Grangers early. Harry was sure to have lots of questions that really needed answering, not something he was looking forward to. This was not the way Remus wanted the lad to discover the truth about his godfather. Remus was still unsure if he should reveal that part though it was bound to come out and probably better if Harry heard it now.
He was soon led into the living room where the boy in question was currently sitting closely beside a very protective girlfriend. Remus was about to discover just how protective Hermione could be of an upset Harry. The gloves were now off as far as the girl was concerned. Remus had hardly time to sit down before she threw her first question at him.
"Mr Lupin, since you were a friend of Harry's parents, can we assume you also knew Sirius Black?"
"I thought I did Hermione but it appears I was wrong, we were all wrong. Sirius Black was my best friend and like a brother to Harry's father. He ran away from his family when he was sixteen and your grandparents took him in. He was best man at your parents' wedding and godfather to their only child. He was also the man who betrayed your parents to Voldemort and then killed another friend of ours, along with a dozen muggles. He's been rotting in Azkaban for over ten years."
Harry looked toward this man who was becoming a vital link to his parents and asked the question he really needed the answer to. "Why did he do it?"
"Oh that's a question I've been asking myself ever since that Halloween, I still haven't come up with an answer I can live with. Sirius was as close to your father as you are to Ron, they'd been best friends since starting Hogwarts together. I've studied this from every angle and still can't make any sense of it."
Emma interrupted, "What did he say at his trial?"
Remus lowered his head before answering, "I've no idea Emma. In my life I've been able to count close friends on the fingers of one hand, I lost them all at the same time. I was in a bad place for a number of years after that."
Hermione asked the question she'd wanted to ask since first meeting Remus Lupin. "Is that why you couldn't take Harry? He was in a bad place for a lot longer than that!"
Emma was about to reprimand her daughter for going too far when Remus held his hand up to stop the woman. "Hermione is only saying what everyone else was thinking. I would have loved to raise you Harry but wizarding law prohibits me from doing so. I suffer from lycanthropy and therefore the ministry classifies me as a dark creature. There is no way they would let me take care of a child, especially Harry Potter."
Hermione was trying to remember where she had heard that word. "Lycanthropy? Does that mean you're a werewolf?"
"I'm afraid so. I'll understand if you don't want to continue these lessons now..."
Harry interrupted immediately, "I assume my parents knew this and it made no difference to them? Why would you think it would make a difference to us?"
Remus was saved by the bell, literally! Dan went to answer the door to whoever else had decided to arrive early.
He led Amelia, Susan and Hannah back into the room. "Hi everyone, I had a couple of interesting meetings recently that affects everyone in this room so I thought we would arrive early and discuss them. Last night Dumbledore was officially dismissed from Hogwarts and I found myself being appointed the new headmistress."
This led to quite a few congratulations being offered but Amelia wasn't quite finished with her tale yet. "This morning I didn't even get time to take my cloak off, far less tender my resignation when Fudge appeared and very politely threw me out the building. With Dumbledore's case still pending and now this Black business, he's definitely up to something. I'm sorry to say this Harry but it will probably involve you in some capacity."
Harry was left shaking his head, "No change there then Headmistress Bones, we think we've got it covered but thanks for the warning. Just before you arrived, Hermione asked Professor Lupin a question that he couldn't answer. You might be able to help us with it. Can you tell me the reason Black gave for betraying my parents?"
Amelia would have dearly loved to have an answer for Harry, she was still hopeful of convincing them both to attend Hogwarts come September. "I'm sorry Harry, details of that case are very sparse and none ever came across my desk. I don't have an answer for you."
This had Dan thinking out loud, "Surely there must be a transcript of the man's trial stored somewhere? Harry at least should be able to access that. I totally understand where you're coming from with this son. If it was me, I would need to know as well."
Amelia could also understand but offered a word of caution, "I will have a few people I trust look into the matter but can I suggest Harry stays as far away from the ministry as possible? At least until we discover just what Fudge is up to."
Another ring at the doorbell saw Dan returning with Ron and Ginny, accompanied by their father. Arthur was surprised to see the head of the DMLE there, "Amelia, surely Fudge didn't fire you as well?"
The warning bells were now ringing loudly for Amelia as she began to suspect what was developing at the ministry. "It would appear Fudge is clearing out of the ministry anyone who would offer support to Harry, I think you will have a visit from the ministry before the day is out."
Dobby popped in with Luna and then went to collect Neville. "Since everyone has arrived early, why don't we start early? That will give us all a chance to have a chat after our lesson."
They all agreed with Hermione's suggestion, Ron picked up pretty quickly that she was trying to take Harry's mind off today's paper. They had no sooner made the back garden though when there was an almighty clang that had them racing back inside. Hermione confirmed for her parents what the noise was. "Someone just attempted to apparate directly into our house, they were bounced back by the wards."
Amelia, Arthur and Remus all had their wands drawn, as did all the kids. Their 'visitor' didn't bother ringing the doorbell either but barged straight into the Grangers' home.
"Who gave permission for wards to be placed on a muggle home? Get them taken down at once."
Amelia thought this was about as bad as it could get for Harry, Fudge had sent his hatchet woman. Dolores appeared as if she'd ended up in a hedge and looked seriously pissed off. She also had four aurors with her.
Harry though had faced down Dumbledore, Voldemort and a sixty-foot basilisk. A wee ugly woman in a hideous pink cardigan didn't frighten him in the slightest, even if she had twigs sticking out her hair. "Who the hell do you think you are to try and apparate into our home, you don't even have the decency to knock!"
"I am Dolores Umbridge, head of the DMLE and I don't have to knock! I'm here to take Harry Potter into protective custody…"
Harry burst out laughing, "Oh that's too funny for words, I suppose it's for my own good too? When you can stand up to Voldemort then you can protect me!" No one missed Dolores and the aurors shuddering as Harry mentioned the dark lord's name. "Go back and tell Fudge I don't need his protection, I won't be dealing with any of his lackeys and I'm not Hagrid. I have no intention of coming quietly. Now you are not wanted here, get out of my home!"
Dolores made to grab Harry but the wards were quicker, she and her aurors found themselves reacquainted with the hedges they had visited earlier. Not only that, the house had vanished from their sight. It was a very angry Dolores who made her way back to the ministry, her first mission as head of the DMLE had been a disaster. Not the way to impress her aurors and Cornelius would be raging.
Back in the house there were a lot of stunned people, Arthur set the ball rolling.
"I can't believe Fudge made that bitch head of the DMLE, what the hell was the man thinking?"
Remus quickly agreed, "I don't know if she was ever a death eater but her views would fit their profile. She is a blood purist of the worst sort and now holds one of the most powerful jobs in Britain, this can't be good."
Amelia was more concerned for what happened here this morning, "Harry, you just made a very bad enemy. She will be back, and back in force. This will also allow the ministry to get the press on their side, claiming you're out of control and need a firm hand. Fudge will hold the moral high ground to do whatever he wants with your guardian issue, and of course it will all be for your own good."
Arthur was a recent recipient of first-hand knowledge just how Fudge operated and agreed with Amelia. "I'm amazed she didn't just barge her way back in, she had four aurors with her. What are those wards Harry?"
"They have a very special function in that they will hide the house from anyone who wishes to do us harm. They now recognise 'protective custody' as harm so ejected the ministry people immediately. The ministry won't be able to find the house now but our friends will. Madam Bones, can I ask you a question? Does the DMLE have the right to storm into the residence of the head of an ancient and noble family?"
Amelia could see immediately where this was going and felt a great sense of relief, "No Lord Potter, they can't. They would need a warrant signed by the minister and approved by the Wizengamot before that could happen. You would also have to be facing some charges, given the chance to report for questioning voluntarily and refused. That law cannot be changed by the minister just because it suits his purposes, the old families would never stand for that."
Harry's ring now became visible to everyone in the room but Amelia wasn't finished yet. "If you're wearing that ring, you must know that you are about to be buried under offers of a different type of control?"
Harry nodded, "We have been reading everything we could find on pureblood laws and customs and have already taken actions to counter that."
This was news to Hermione and Emma, Dan quickly left the room. "Hermione, you've read the same books as me and know that this gets arranged between the heads of house. Your dad and I discussed this but I wanted to wait until we were a bit older before asking you."
Right on cue, Dan returned and handed Harry what was clearly a ring box. He also handed a legal looking document to Amelia. "Hermione, your dad and I may have completed the legal paperwork but it was always conditional on you saying yes. Hermione Jane Granger, will you be my betrothed?"
Hermione was trying to be angry with the two most important men in her life, she really was but her heart just wasn't in it. Probably because her heart was currently doing triple somersaults with joy at Harry having asked her. She managed to say yes and hold off long enough for Harry to place a beautiful diamond encrusted platinum ring on her finger before attacking her betrothed to much cheering.
Emma was in much the same position, she so wanted to rant and rave at her husband but their daughter was obviously ecstatic with the agreement. She was pretty happy herself with it, was it customary to throw a betrothal party or did she have to wait until their engagement?
She felt her husband's arms snake around her waist from behind as he whispered in her ear. "You surely don't think I would have signed one of those things for any other boy do you? Hermione clearly wanted this, it also provides our family with protection from that woman this morning and those like her."
Amelia couldn't contain her smile now, she knew how Fudge would play this and Harry had effectively cut him off at the knees. The girls were all around Hermione, admiring her ring while Ron and Neville shook Harry's hand. Amelia just had to ask the question. "Lord Potter, is it your intention to let the ministry publicly make a total arse of itself before you reveal this information?"
Harry was chuckling, "Why Madam Bones, whatever do you mean? Do you honestly think I would let the Prophet be full of the ministry's ranting before telling our side of the story?"
His chuckling abruptly stopped when he was face to face with an angry looking Emma Granger. Emma couldn't hold her fake expression for long though and her face cracked into a wide grin, it was a much-relieved Harry who was drawn into a hug. He didn't get off scot-free, "I'll let you away with it this time but don't be making a habit of going behind my back to arrange things. Wizarding society may be patriarchal but the Granger household is most certainly not, in this family it is a partnership and the ladies of the house certainly have a say."
An excited Hermione then hugged her mother and showed off her ring, "I had a say mum and it was a yes!"
It was Dan who threw the spanner into the works, "Well I think our family needs to sit down quickly and discuss what our next move should be. If that woman is an example of what is now running magical Britain then I think it should be just that, a move out of here."
Emma wasn't disagreeing but was more cautious than her impulsive husband. "We had planned on travelling to France and checking out the magical school there. We should be able to bring our holidays forward and leave this weekend. Dobby will have us all packed in under ten minutes!"
Harry and Hermione looked toward their friends, Ron was first to answer. "We were planning on a trip to Egypt and visiting Bill. With Dad no longer working we were hoping to go as soon as possible. If you come back and say the school is better than Hogwarts, that will be good enough for us."
Luna's face fell at this, "My dad is going trekking in Norway for a month, I was hoping I could stay with Ginny."
Hermione got a quick nod from her mum before answering, "Luna, you could come with us if you want. Harry owns a house in the south of France and we could visit Beauxbatons together."
Luna was quick to brighten up and even quicker to agree.
Susan was next to answer, "Sorry guys. I understand why you need to look around but with my aunt now headmistress, I'll be going to Hogwarts in September."
Neville was in pretty much the same boat, "My gran's on the school board. With Dumbledore gone, I'll be heading back to Hogwarts."
Harry was quick to agree with his friends, "No problem guys and we perfectly understand, Hogwarts should be a much better school with Headmistress Bones in charge. If it weren't for the ministry breathing down my neck, it would probably be top of our list too. We all know they won't back off and now with this Black thing, perhaps it would be better if we left the country."
Amelia still thought Harry Potter leaving would be a disaster for the country and wasn't above applying some gentle pressure to influence their decision. "Arthur, could you come to Hogwarts tomorrow. We have a potions professor sacked, a care of magical creatures professor who's retiring and a ghostly professor who's about to become history himself. I've worked with you for years at the ministry and you are the kind of wizard we need teaching at Hogwarts."
Ginny was giggling at the new headmistress's offer, "Oh I bet the twins will love that!"
It was then that Remus chipped in, "Amelia, you may need a new defence teacher as well. I can't see these people allowing me to teach at Hogwarts, especially Umbridge."
Harry had a thought though, "Professor Lupin, would you like to come to France with us as well? We could continue our lessons over the summer and you could also double as a bodyguard in case Black shows his face. You are easily the best defence professor we've ever had. I will of course mention these facts when the Daily Prophet contacts me about the ministry's claims."
Amelia now had a wide grin on her face, "A defence professor with the personal recommendation of Harry Potter? The ministry would have a hard time shifting you out of a new Hogwarts. This would be doubly so since you also have the complete backing of the new headmistress. I realise there will be a few days a month when you will be unable to take your classes but I am planning on teaching them myself. I don't want to become another Dumbledore, sitting in that office with no idea what's going on in my school." The new headmistress was well aware that the Grangers would choose whatever school they thought was best for Hermione, that didn't mean she wasn't going to make Hogwarts sound as attractive as she could every chance Amelia got.
Remus was in favour of the idea but wanted to sit and talk it out with them later, he suggested getting back to their defence lesson.
As the group entered the back garden Hermione had another question for Remus. "Professor Lupin, these dementors sound horrific. Is there any defence against them?"
"There's a defence called the patronus charm that can shield you and may even drive one away. It's a version of the charm Amelia used to produce that silver messenger horse. It's very difficult though and NEWT level defence."
Harry's jaw had a determined set to it, "Well professor if things run true to form, I'll be up to my armpits in these creatures before long. Could you try and teach us this spell?"
-oOoOo-
Shack was impressed once more by his young partner, the information they received in Hogwarts would have seemed like a dead end to him. Tonks, with her muggle background, was able to procure a birth certificate for Tom Marvolo Riddle with both parents names on it. While running down the Gaunt information in the ministry files, the connection soon became obvious. Both the father, Marvolo and son died in Azkaban but it was the son's second time there that sealed the deal for the auror. Morfin Gaunt was sentenced to life after he confessed to the murder of three muggles, all with the surname Riddle. One of whom just happened to be listed on the birth certificate as Voldemort's father. It was time for him and Tonks to pay a little visit to Little Hangleton.
-oOoOo-
Voldemort was starting to panic, the version of him in the old muggle was struggling to assert any form of control but it was the female squib that had the spirit really worried. That version appeared in danger of disappearing altogether and Voldemort hadn't a clue why. The horcruxes were only able to hold a discussion with him because the hosts allowed it. That permission was quickly withdrawn when there was a knock at the front door.
Frank went to answer it while Sibyll made a pot of tea, it was to this scene of domesticity that he led a large coloured gentleman along with a younger girl with pink hair.
"Professor Trelawney? What are you doing here?"
Sibyll stared at the girl for a moment before placing her, "Oh hello dear, fancy seeing you here. If I remember correctly you always wanted to be an auror. Can I assume you are here in an official capacity?"
Shack now had his wand out, "I am Auror Shacklebolt and this is my partner Tonks. I didn't realise there was anyone magical living here."
"Well, technically you are correct Auror Shacklebolt. Frank here is a muggle and I would be classed as a squib. I was a professor of divination, you don't exactly need a lot of magical power for that post."
Shack was looking at this strange woman with the very thick glasses and the wrinkled old man with a fair degree of suspicion. He couldn't sense any danger here as such but something just didn't feel right. "Can I ask what you are doing here professor and where does Frank fit into this picture?"
"Oh that's easy sir, I live here – with Frank!"
Both aurors were now staring at this odd couple and wondering just what she meant by that last statement, surely not what they were thinking.
Sibyll continued, "Frank has been the caretaker here for many years and I left the castle to be with him. What is the problem that requires two aurors to come knocking on our door? "
Shack was watching this woman as she casually poured four cups of tea, it was time to do some investigating. "Oh, nothing that we shouldn't be able to clear up in a matter of moments. Would you mind if my partner and I did some magical scans inside this building?"
"Yes auror, I would most certainly mind."
Shack was about to say something he would probably regret when he felt his partner's hand on his forearm. Tonks tried to save the current situation escalating into one of conflict, there was a steely look in the old muggles eyes that told her this man wasn't as helpless as Shack was taking him for. "Professor, can I ask why you don't want us to perform these scans? You must know they are totally harmless to you both."
"Oh I know they're harmless to Frank and me, but can you guarantee they wont hurt our child that I'm carrying? I've waited such a long time to have a baby, I don't intend to take the slightest chance with its health."
Frank soon had his arms around Sibyll and was kissing her passionately after hearing that news, completely disregarding the two strangers present.
Shack's senses had been telling him something strange was going on here and he couldn't imagine anything stranger than the sight before him. The woman must be younger than she appeared but the old guy had a face that looked like a cross between a pug and a bloodhound. He was quite simply ancient!
Tonks was also struggling with the concept of geriatric sex. She wondered if Amelia could obliviate her after she reported their findings, for security reasons of course. Her report to Amelia would say this situation was definitely weird but harmless. These two didn't have enough magic between them to cast a lumos.
The girls at Hogwarts used to say some strange things about Trelawney but never even got close to this situation. Tonks was forced to admit though, her old professor was looking healthier and happier than she'd ever seen her. Swapping sherry for sex appeared to be agreeing with her. Trelawney with a baby, it would have taken a brilliant seer to predicted that one!
Chapter 12
The Severus Snape who sat down to breakfast that morning would have had his former students running away in horror, the man was actually jovial! The cause of this drastic change in attitude, and appetite, was not difficult to discern, his repeated glances at the headlines in the Prophet easily explained it.
Out of control Potter attacks new head of DMLE
The headline alone was almost enough to crack his face into a smile, the article that followed was every bit as delicious as his breakfast to the former head of Slytherin. It described in graphic detail how Potter had erected illegal wards at a muggle home and the travesty that followed. The new head of the DMLE, Dolores Umbridge, had bravely fought her way past those illegal wards, only to be thrown out of the house by Harry Potter using an as yet unidentified form of dark magic. His guilt has been confirmed since he had gone into hiding and there is now a warrant issued for his arrest by the minister himself.
Severus was glad he was on the same side as Lucius as his new employer's wrath was mighty and swift, Weasley and Potter would surely testify to that.
Draco was also reading the article again for about the fifth time, he was even more in awe of his father now. In one fell swoop he'd taken out the Weasleys, Potter and Granger. It was fair to say there were rather smug expressions being worn at the Malfoy breakfast table.
If they had been aware of the meeting currently taking place inside Gringotts then they definitely wouldn't have been so chirpy.
-oOoOo-
The reporter and photographer from the Prophet were led into a meeting room inside Gringotts which contained Harry Potter and the three Grangers, that it also contained Ragnok and six heavily armed goblin guards insured that the Prophet personnel were going to be on their best behaviour. The photographer was waiting until he got some sense toward the tone of the meeting before taking any photographs, his reporter college had no such qualms. His bum had hardly touched the offered seat before the first question was on its way.
"Harry, I assume you've read today's prophet? Can I ask for your comments on it?"
Harry also wanted to get straight to the point and didn't hold back, he'd talked the whole thing over for hours with Remus and the Grangers and was well prepared. "It's all a pack of lies aimed at discrediting me. The entire thing is nothing more than Minister Fudge's latest attempt at using my name to buy him some much-needed popularity. This time he went too far!"
Both reporter and photographer perked-up considerably at this. They expected some half-arsed excuses, not an attack on the minister by the boy-who-lived. This was going to be explosive. "Are you saying you didn't erect those wards or throw Umbridge out of the house?"
"No! What I am saying is that in both cases it was perfectly legal for me to do so. The ministry of magic are the ones breaking their own laws here."
This predictably confused the staff from the Prophet. "Ok, could you explain that for us please?"
For an answer Harry placed his hand palm down on the table between them, Hermione did the same next to her betrothed and the photographer sprang into action. He took his first picture of the day, but what a picture!
Harry spelled it out for them. "I am Lord Harry James Potter, head of the noble and ancient house of Potter. Miss Hermione Jane Granger here is my betrothed. Her parents are my legal guardians in the non-magical world while under the protection of house Potter in ours."
The reporter was glad his dictaquill was getting all this on parchment, they were about to turn the whole episode on its head. Especially since he realised Lord Potter was just getting started!
"For someone of the stature of the DMLE head to apparate into my home is appalling, to then compound matters by barging in uninvited through the door is an unforgivable breech of etiquette, manners and the laws of the land. The idea of the minister placing me in protective custody is ludicrous, where was this offer of protection when I was left to battle Voldemort with only my friends for assistance? One week the ministry wants me to accept an Order of Merlin, the next they're attempting to arrest me, what way is that to run a country?"
The reporter wanted to be sure he heard right, "They offered you an Order of Merlin?"
Harry nodded in conformation, "It was offered and immediately declined, I refuse to be associated with the ministry of magic under Fudge's leadership. I have done nothing wrong yet I would have faced some sort of trial on triumphed-up charges and of course been found guilty. Lucius Malfoy was caught red-handed breaking the law and appeared on the front page of your own paper yet walked free. No trial, no truth serum, the minister just decided his friend couldn't possibly be guilty and bypassed the entire justice system. Lucius Malfoy was the one who was responsible for the basilisk being released inside Hogwarts but the minister still thinks this wizard can do no wrong. I was left to fight the beast while our esteemed minister, with not a shred of evidence, arrested Hagrid and put him in Azkaban. The ministry can't even keep Sirius Black in Azkaban yet they're going to protect me? No thanks!"
Harry stopped for a drink of water as Hermione held his hand and Emma placed her hand on his shoulder to offer support. "With a good headmistress now in charge at Hogwarts, my betrothed and I were considering returning there in September. After this attempt by the ministry to gain control of my life we are now heading for Europe and already have a meeting arranged with the headmistress of Beauxbatons in France. Britain holds no appeal for me now."
The reporter couldn't believe what he was hearing, he would love to be a fly on the wall when Fudge reads this. He turned his attention to the girl for a moment. "Miss Granger, can I ask how you feel about leaving Hogwarts and all your friends?"
She smiled sweetly at him, "Oh that won't be a problem. Our friends will probably be coming with us when we choose a new school. Hopefully this one has no Voldemort possessed teachers or trolls attacking you when you're in the toilet."
The Granger parents held no objections either, both couldn't wait to stress how keen they were to move to the continent and place their daughter in a school where she wouldn't be called a mudblood by the heir of the Malfoy family.
The reporter would now rather be a fly on the wall at Malfoy Manor when this story hit, he was sure the stoic Slytherins would have a reaction worth recording. His last port of call for questions was the goblin leader. "Sir, can I assume from your presence here today that you can confirm all Lord Potter's claims?"
Ragnok nodded regally, "I was present when Lord Potter's family ring accepted him as head of House Potter. Gringotts also handled all the documents pertaining to his betrothal and legal guardianship in the non-magical world. The goblins were also responsible for erecting the wards at the home the DMLE head attempted to breech and I am insulted by the ministry's claim that dark magic was used. Once the wards recognised the ministry official meant Lord Potter, or those under his protection, harm they would be evicted immediately. Not dark magic, just goblin ingenuity and know-how. The goblin nation expects a public apology from the ministry otherwise we would have to examine that establishment's slur under goblin law and large fines would undoubtedly be levied against them."
Oh wow! How was it possible for Dolores Umbridge to make so many mistakes her first day in the job and how did this reflect on the person who appointed her? This was going to cause eruptions the length and breadth of the country as the photographer finished taking a few posed shots. Both then shot back to the Prophet office as quickly as possible, this material could even rate a special edition!
-oOoOo-
Amelia was sitting in her new office at Hogwarts pondering a problem, a problem that she didn't know who to ask for advice. None of the current staff or portraits of former headmasters could help her with this one. Both Susan and Hannah had approached her about dropping muggle studies from their third year timetables. That in itself was not a problem, it was the reason behind the move that had her flummoxed! The girls had been very excited before going to Hermione's for defence lessons and had studied the Hogwarts recommended muggle studies textbook so they would hopefully not make fools of themselves. Their short stay at the Grangers and subsequent shopping trip with Emma was enough to convince both girls that the course Hogwarts taught bore no relation to the reality they were faced with and was a complete waste of time. This was something Amelia would have to address but she herself had no experience of muggle society. The only two muggles she knew were the Granger parents and she was loathed to discuss the matter with them. The headmistress didn't want to mention anything that would show Hogwarts in a bad light while courting their children's attendance next year.
Her deputy was no more comfortable in muggle society than she was though did offer a good suggestion. Katie Bell and Dean Thomas both had mothers who were teachers in the muggle education system. Neither Amelia nor Minerva was certain if Hogwarts was ready to have a muggle teaching in the castle just yet, that didn't mean the two women couldn't 'run their eye over' the course currently being offered. Minerva was going to make contact and offer a couple of days holiday in the castle for both families as an enticement to get their assistance. Having some muggle educators see if the course they currently offered was fit for purpose would at least alert them if there was a problem with it. This visit would also give them a chance to see where their children were taught and could be a precursor to other muggle families being offered the same opportunity. The Granger parents quickly sprang to mind!
Amelia checked her to-do list again, Septima Vector's acceptance of the head of Slytherin position removed one of her main concerns. Arthur Weasley had allowed her to score another one off her list. His son Charlie apparently inherited his love of wild creatures from his father. It was only meeting a certain Molly Prewitt that stopped Arthur working on some magical animal reserve. His wife had managed to switch his fascination from Norwegian Ridgebacks to all things non-magical. Collecting plugs and batteries was a lot cheaper and safer than creatures which possessed wicked teeth, razor-sharp claws and combustive halitosis.
With Arthur Weasley as the new care of magical creatures professor, that left only the history post needing to be filled at the moment. Arthur would be staying at home and flooing to the castle for work everyday, both Amelia and Minerva were more than happy with that arrangement. Neither had been looking forward to the prospect of Molly Weasley staying in the castle with nothing to do but loudly 'pointing-out' to everyone how they weren't doing their jobs properly and offering unwanted advice. Molly remaining in Devon would make everyone in the castle a lot happier.
Minerva had already contacted someone regarding the vacant potions position and Amelia agreed with her judgment, they would discover in the next few days if they were successful.
The wards alerted Amelia that her next scheduled meeting was about to arrive so the headmistress put her game face on. This employee was going to have to realise that there were new rules in effect and that those rules applied to him too, the only other alternative was leaving the castle.
Hagrid entered the office and immediately missed the presence of Albus Dumbledore. He was forced to admit though that the choice of Arthur Weasley to teach creatures was inspired, he well remembered Arthur from his time here as a student. He had immediately promised to help Arthur in any way he could, that was assuming he still had a job himself. Bones didn't appear to be too happy with him.
"Hagrid, I'm not one of these people who beat about the bush so I'll get straight to the reason behind why I summoned you here. Giant three-headed dogs, acromantulas, dragons or their eggs and creatures of that ilk have no place in any school I run. Neither does taking students into the forbidden forest, this applies doubly so at night!"
Hagrid was currently wondering if his meagre savings would last him one week or two after he lost his job? He supposed that would be entirely dependent on how much of it he spent in the pub!
Amelia wasn't finished with him though. "Those are my rules and any other creatures I haven't mentioned by name that you wish approval for, simply ask and I will soon tell you whether they are allowed. If you can follow these simple rules then I would be delighted to see you continue in your current post at Hogwarts."
Hagrid now wore a massive smile of relief. "Thank yeh, thank yeh, I won't let yeh down!"
Amelia smiled back at the biggest child it was her pleasure to know. "I'm sure you won't Hagrid but I thought we needed this meeting to clear the air. After the scandal of having a basilisk making its way around the castle last year, the school can't afford to have any more 'exotic' creatures anywhere near the children. Now I have something here for you, Harry wanted to send you this using Hedwig but didn't think that would be a smart move at the moment."
Hagrid's hand dwarfed the large envelope he received from Amelia and his smile unbelievably grew even wider. "Arthur told me about him takin' up his head o' house position. Bloody brilliant about him an' Hermione too! Made fer each other 'em two were."
Amelia watched as Hagrid's expression went from happiness to astonishment before he burst into tears of joy. She now passed on the verbal message she'd been asked to deliver. "Harry told me you gave him two of his most prized possessions, Hedwig and a certain photo album. He thought this was the least he could do for one of his best friends." The sound of Hagrid blowing his nose rattled the windows. "Personally I would like to add my own thanks to you. Very few people can hold up their hands and say they did their best for that young man, Rubeus Hagrid is one of them!"
Hagrid was now bawling, "I took him from his crib tha' night, I even spoke to Black! If tha' murderin' bastard comes anywhere near tha' lad, I'll wring his traitorous neck!"
The auror in Amelia had her asking Hagrid a few questions on that subject before moving on to talk about his all-expenses paid trip to the dragon reserve Harry had arranged for him. It was a very happy Hagrid who left the headmistresses office with pleasant thoughts of soon being able to see Norbert again.
-oOoOo-
Sirius had been making good time as the big black dog worked its way inland. The circumstances he found himself in were dictating his destination. He had no idea where either Harry or his girlfriend lived, unless he could narrow that down to a general location he would be forced to anticipate where Harry would be. Padfoot was well acquainted with the countryside around Hogsmead and was hoping his animagus form and local knowledge would be a key factor in preventing his capture. The marauders had spent many an evening roaming through the countryside and forest there so he would have home field advantage. There would also be enough rabbits and other sources of food available, that should aid his recovery from many years of being confined to that cell and forced to eat the muck they passed off as food.
A big part of Sirius wanted to immediately go searching around the UK for his godson but he had to ruthlessly suppress that impulse. His godson would be there on the first of September and so would the rat, one thing his stay in Azkaban taught Sirius was patience. When they got here he would then be able to protect his godson and have his revenge on the rat, what was six weeks compared to that? It was surrendering to his impulses that saw him end up in Azkaban in the first place, he should never have let Hagrid take Harry away from him. The only person Sirius would allow to take his godson from him again would be female and pretty like that brunette Harry had his arm around in the picture, anyone else would have a fight on their hands.
-oOoOo-
With Remus agreeing to accompany the Grangers on their search for a new school, there would now be a party of six heading for France. That Remus could also drive was a bonus they intended to exploit. Since Harry had basically never been anywhere, the idea now was to turn this trip into a holiday for him, and everyone else. Dan had always wanted to hire one of the large American-style RV's but could never justify the extravagance to himself since there was only the three of them, there was also the added problem that these vehicles were just too large for navigating most of the country roads in Britain. With six of them heading for the South of France this was the perfect opportunity to live one of his dreams. When Dobby demonstrated the shrinking charm, both adult Grangers were ecstatic! Dan was thinking they could take the bicycles and his golf clubs without having to worry about space while Emma was saved the dilemma of deciding what clothes to take and those that needed to be left behind. Discovering that the little guy could shrink the cars to the size of a bar of soap cemented their plans. The RV would be great on the motorways and they would still have the cars for exploring the surrounding countryside when the RV was parked in their chosen camps.
Harry was trembling with excitement as they had maps spread out on the kitchen table, he was discovering that planning an adventure could be as much fun as going on it. Luna was there and her opinions were asked for too, after discovering she loved to hike they added one to the holiday itinerary. Bicycles would also be purchased for her and Harry as that was also part of the holiday. Remus would accompany the kids on the hike while Dan and Emma loved cycling, they wouldn't exactly be roughing it as the RV and a hot meal would be waiting for them at the end of their journey.
With Dobby's ability to remain unseen he would be accompanying the group on their vacation, he still wanted to do all the cooking and cleaning and Emma wanted to kiss him for that. Harry had to make the elf promise not to go looking for work though, it wasn't too hard to imagine waking in the morning to a campsite that had suddenly become immaculate overnight. Harry didn't want to have to try and explain that one to the camp owners.
They would try to keep their heads down for the four days it would be before the hire of the RV. The group would leave together to pick it up and then Dobby could transport and pack all their gear into it when they stopped at the first layby. It would then be off to Dover, catch the ferry to Calais for a great holiday and maybe even a new life.
-oOoOo-
Molly was still on the outs with her family and also believed every word printed in the Prophet. When she read that Harry had attacked the head of the DMLE her temper exploded. She rounded on her two youngest children only to be very quickly verbally slapped down by her husband.
"Molly enough! I was there and that story has a higher manure content than the stuff we put on our rhubarb."
Ron silently swore he would never eat rhubarb crumble again, he much preferred custard on his sweets. Molly was taken aback at the ferocity of her husband's rebuke, the effect magnified by the fact that it was in front of the children as well.
"Perhaps if my family told me what was happening I wouldn't need to read about these things in the paper?"
Arthur rose from the table as he spoke, he'd quite a lot to do today. "The next edition of the Prophet should carry the real story and will be delivered before we leave for Egypt tomorrow. I suggest you content yourself until then and work on your annoying habit of making declarations about things you know nothing about."
Molly's temper was not so easily brushed aside. "Whose fault is it I know nothing about this? My own family is keeping secrets from me."
Her family was currently leaving the table when her youngest son answered. "It's not a secret, just none of your business. Your interference in things you had no right to already almost cost me my best friends. Whatever happens with either Harry or Hermione is going to stay just that, none of your business."
Molly was just about to chew Ron's head off when Arthur interrupted before she could get started. "Our son is following instructions handed out by me. If I hear of you trying to interfere in Harry Potter's life again, I can assure you the consequences won't be to your liking."
Everyone left as Molly sat there stunned into silence, she sat and stared into space for hours. The kids came in and helped themselves to sandwiches rather than ask her to make lunch, probably just as well as she didn't feel capable of the task at the moment. Arthur had never spoken to her like that in all their years of marriage, being reprimanded, far less in front of their children, was not something she was used to.
She was still sitting there contemplating her life when an owl delivered a special edition of the Prophet, the picture on the front page answered a lot of Molly's questions that her family wouldn't. Harry was sitting beside Hermione with her parents supportively standing behind the pair. It was their hands that told the real story though, or rather the rings that were clearly visible. The headline dispelled any doubts and all Molly's hopes for her daughter.
Lord Potter Betrothed!
This was like being stabbed through the heart with an icicle for Molly. She skimmed over the story that went on to describe his relationship with the Grangers, it also destroyed the ministry's case against him. It was now clear the ministry had broken their own laws by forcing their way into his home and attempting to place him into protective custody. The lad even managed to stick the knife into Malfoy and cast more than a few aspersions on his claimed innocence. The bit that really took the breath from Molly was the detail that he was leaving the country to look at schools abroad, Hermione's comment that most of their friends would be coming with them soon saw her breath return with a vengeance. The cry of 'Ginny!' reverberated all through the burrow.
Ginny had known this would be coming when the next issue of the Prophet arrived and was prepared, the young girl entered the kitchen ready for the expected battle.
Molly hardly gave her time to come through the doorway, "Who are these friends who are leaving Hogwarts with them? I sincerely hope none of them have the last name Weasley?"
Ginny's insides may be shaking with fear but she presented a calm front to her mother. "They haven't definitely decided if they will be leaving yet but dad has already given both me and Ron permission to join them at whatever school they choose if we want to."
Molly felt as if she'd been physically struck. "Your father knows about this? He's going to be teaching at Hogwarts next year!"
Ginny nodded in answer, "Yes dad knows, so does Headmistress Bones. Professor McGonagall was the one who arranged them an introduction to the French school. They all want what's best for our friends."
Molly was having trouble understanding this. "But Hogwarts..."
Ginny angrily interrupted her mother, "Almost got me killed! The man who was responsible got away with it because we have a minister who can be bought with gold. The same minister who sacked dad and ordered Harry's arrest." Ginny could see her mother joining up the dots between those events and continued in a quieter tone. "If Harry and Hermione choose to finish their schooling abroad then it's a fair bet me, Ron and at least Luna will be going with them."
Ginny took a slim book from her pocket and handed it to her mother, "We knew about Harry and Hermione's betrothal, I told you no other girl had a chance with him. Percy let me use Hermes to get a few books on betrothals from Flourish and Blotts. There is a very interesting section in this that tells you in great detail what happens to anyone trying to interfere with the betrothal of the head of an ancient and noble house. I suggest you read it mum before doing anything stupid, everyone says Azkaban is a horrible place." It was a trembling Ginny that left her mother staring at the book, she silently vowed to speak to Bill at the earliest opportunity when they reached Egypt. This was too big for her to deal with and she needed help.
-oOoOo-
Emma was closely watching the changes that were gradually taking over her husband and liking them very much. The extra edition of the Prophet had placed a large smile on his face, even if he couldn't show it to his friends down the golf club. Golf was also featuring heavily in the conversations at the moment as Dan and the three kids were still pouring over the maps and their proposed route. They were searching for a golf course close to their route that also had some shopping for the ladies close by, that would keep them happy while the males hit little white balls around the French countryside.
Luna had been shopping with them a few times now and had practically moved in to the Grangers' home. Having friends was a new experience for Luna, never mind preparing to go on holiday with them. Harry's excitement and enthusiasm was bubbling over and seeing him so happy was affecting everyone. Even Dobby was caught up in this and was now making croissants for breakfast with French dishes for either lunch or dinner. Dan and Emma were totally in awe of the little guy and swore he would never have to worry about not having a family again, he was certainly a welcome addition to theirs. The elf was now sure he was the luckiest in the world, escaping the Malfoys and ending up here was beyond his wildest dreams.
Hermione was thinking that she, Harry and Luna had all been rather lonely over the previous summers and realised there was one more name she could add to that list. She would have a quiet word later and ask her mother if there was any way they could add a name to their holiday adventure. If Hermione got the answer she expected, they could all go and visit Neville tomorrow and hope his grandmother would let him come along. The four of them could have a lot of fun together and another opinion on Beauxbatons would certainly be welcome.
-oOoOo-
The atmosphere inside the minister's office was a lot less jovial than it had been earlier in the day. The special edition of the Prophet had instantly wiped out any support the earlier edition had swung to the ministry, this was graphically demonstrated by the flock of owls the ministry was once more besieged by. In every case, the owl's owner was expressing their displeasure at the ministry's handling of this matter, that those same owners were also voters had Fudge in a tizzy.
"We can't even contact the brat and attempt to offer an apology, those wards have removed all trace of that home from the ministry records. I've already sacked Weasley, let Bones go and Augusta Longbottom wouldn't spit on any of us if we were on fire! I don't know anyone else who might know where he is, what the hell are we going to do?"
Delores wanted to set dementors on the entire family, not something Cornelius and Lucius were necessarily against. Since they didn't know the location to send the dementors, the question was academic anyway. Lucius hadn't a lot more to offer at the moment. If Potter left the country, citing ministerial interference as the reason, Fudge was finished. Any new minister would want to appease the masses and get the boy back, Lucius could easily see himself undergoing a trial to publicly show Potter the new minister was different. His master would probably kill him anyway when he returned and discovered the boy who defied him had left the country. A solution needed to be found, and quickly.
"Cornelius, sometimes a situation will arise where two advisories want the same thing for different reasons. In the circumstances I think it's important to recognise this and take the appropriate action." It was difficult to tell if Fudge was confused by this since he always looked like that, Dolores on the other hand couldn't hide it.
"What do you mean Lucius?"
He hated working with idiots but needs must, Lucius explained as if to a child. "Amelia Bones won't want Potter and his little entourage going anywhere other than Hogwarts for his education, that makes her an ally in our cause and you can bet she has a means to contact the brat. Get in touch with her and find out what Potter's really after. If nothing else you should be able to use her enough to get a message through that this is all a massive misunderstanding." He then spelt it out to them in terms even they couldn't misunderstand. "If Potter isn't on the Hogwarts express on the first of September then you two will be out of a job by Halloween!"
Dolores was well aware either of these two would sacrifice her to save their own skin but wondered if Lucius wasn't over-reacting. "They wouldn't dare sack us?"
Lucius gave the ugly woman a dangerous smile, "Tell that to Dumbledore! He's currently lying in a cell thinking the same thing. A few weeks ago he was politically the most powerful wizard in the country, now he can only sit on his bunk and wait to see what he's charged with."
Dolores couldn't argue against that point but it brought up another question. "I still don't understand why we haven't charged him with anything yet. Surely that would appease that little shit Potter?"
Lucius still wore that same dangerous smile but appeared to have turned up the power a notch or two. "Patience Dolores, Dumbledore is our ace in the hole, or should that be cell? If things appear to be going badly for us we still have him to wheel out and divert attention away from us. We are also tempering our weapon as he sits there with nothing to do but contemplate his fall from grace. We can strip him of his titles, empty his vaults and even cancel his chocolate frog card from being printed. We emphasise that Potter is behind all of this before quietly arranging Dumbledore's escape. The old wizard's pride will demand retribution, basically we just wind him up and point him at Potter. Whatever the result, it's all good for us."
Cornelius now felt better that at least they had a semblance of a plan. That this plan consisted of Lucius Malfoy telling him what to do was also comforting, normal service had been resumed.
-oOoOo-
Sibyll didn't think she would ever feel normal again, she currently had two foreigners residing in her body. One of them was a dream come true and she already loved her unborn child with all her heart. The other was a nightmare that she tried to tell herself couldn't hurt her child. She was also trying to convince Frank their child was safe, her reasoning sounded good but didn't appear to help either of them.
"The chances of our child being magical are thousands to one against, not something we should lose sleep over love. If any of the three versions of this tosser currently in the house moved into our baby, they would be confining themselves to that body for life and be totally dependent on us to raise them. I don't see any of them rushing to do that as they have nothing to gain and everything to lose."
Frank understood Sibyll's reasoning perfectly well, it didn't mean he would worry any less.
"I feel Tom's presence less and less. I know it sounds crazy but it's almost as if our baby is pushing his evilness out of its mother. Boy or girl, the little tyke is a fighter!"
Frank took her hand and raised it to his lips, "When I dreamt of fathering a child I always imagined them as being the picture of health. I never once considered if they would be magical or in danger of possession from some nutter. Are you sure the magical people wouldn't be able to help us with this?"
Sibyll smiled at his naivety at the way the magical world worked, she tried to explain it to him again. "Love, you're a muggle and I'm a squib! If they found out killing us would rid the world of Voldemort forever, they wouldn't hesitate for an instant. Neither the thought of taking our lives, or that of our baby's would stay their hand. When you think of how many people he murdered the last time, it's hard to blame them. You fought in a war Frank, if killing two unimportant people would stop another one, what do you think your government would do?"
When Sibyll put it like that, there really was only one conclusion to draw. If killing two people could stop the troubles in Ireland, they would already be dead and everyone would be celebrating. If it wasn't for the fact Sibyll had Tom in her head, he would put a bullet through his brain to protect her and their baby. Giving his life so his son or daughter and the woman he loved could live was a price Frank would gladly pay, he would consider it a fair bargain!
The spirit that was Voldemort stood and watched this conversation, totally ignored and even less able to do anything about the situation. Both his horcruxes were barely hanging on and watching these two as they held hands while discussing baby names was making him nauseous. As the baby grew, so did the bond of love between all three of them. He'd never understood parents throwing themselves in front of curses meant for their children, it just made them easier to kill since their parent was now dead. If that was what love made you do, Voldemort was glad he never had anything to do with that emotion.
-oOoOo-
Dobby returned with the message that Neville would be delighted to see them, he took Harry and Hermione first and then quickly followed with Luna and Emma. The rather large manor house that they were faced with was rather imposing, a bit like Augusta Longbottom herself. Neville took his three friends into the grounds, he was desperate to show them his new greenhouse and Emma wanted a private word with Augusta.
The two women were sitting in a rather lovely sun room drinking tea before Emma brought up the reason she was here. "On Saturday we leave for an extended holiday in France, Luna is coming with us and Hermione approached me about adding Neville too. Dan and I think that's a great idea but wanted to ask you before I mention it to your grandson."
Augusta was gobsmacked at that idea and her immediate instinct was to say yes. Neville's confidence was growing by leaps and bounds from spending time with his friends and this was something Augusta certainly wanted to encourage. Once she heard their plans, her decision was an easy one to make.
"Emma, it will of course be Neville's choice but he certainly has my blessing to accompany you. I can't thank you enough for not only thinking about Neville but including him in your family's plans."
"It was not a hard thing to do Augusta, Neville is a credit to you and one of Hermione and Harry's best friends. This is Hermione's idea and the sight of my daughter spending her summer holiday with her friends makes me happier than I can say. As non-magical parents, sending our daughter to a magical school was one of the hardest decisions we've ever faced as parents. To be honest with you Augusta, it's only meeting Harry and her friends this summer that have finally convinced Dan and I we made the right choice."
Augusta couldn't contain her smile, "I suppose your daughter becoming betrothed to Lord Potter would kind of force that choice on you?"
Emma couldn't believe it, vulture hat wearing Augusta Longbottom apparently possessed a wicked sense of humour! She couldn't help but laugh, "Actually it was Dan who arranged that with Harry, the Granger girls didn't know anything about it. Needless to say, neither Hermione nor myself raised too many objections."
Neville was floored when the returned to find his gran laughing with Hermione's mother, after hearing he was invited to go on holiday with his friends he was rendered speechless. He did manage to nod his head in a yes before being mobbed by a happy Hermione, Harry and Luna. This holiday was going to be the best ever for all four of them, not because of where they were going but because they were going there together.
-oOoOo-
A big black dog that currently was foraging through the bins in Hogsmead was not a sight that would alarm too many people. Had they known it was looking for newspapers as much as food it may have raised an eyebrow or two. Had they seen the dog reading the papers it had found then all hell would have broken loose.
Sirius was struggling to believe that Hogsmead wasn't crawling with aurors and had suspected a trap, after finding copies of today's newspapers he understood. There was hardly a mention of escaped madman Sirius Black in the newspapers, his godson had monopolised the news once more and this time didn't need to fight a basilisk to do it.
He was outraged at how the ministry appeared to have declared war on Harry, using his escape as an excuse was rubbing Padfoot's nose in it. When he read how his godson had not only countered every one of their claims but shafted Fudge, Umbridge and Malfoy at the same time, his heart almost burst with pride. His godson was a marauder!
His blood ran cold though at the thought of his godson leaving Britain but it was the 'taking their friends with them' that saw 'patient Sirius' consigned to the same bin he got the papers from. The rat leaving Britain with Harry demanded action now, if that meant taking some insane risks then so be it.
He now had some information to work with, Harry was with Hermione and her parents were some type of muggle healer. It was the general location mentioned that gave him hope, Crawley in West Sussex wasn't much to go on but it was all he had. He would have to wait for someone staggering drunkenly out one of the pubs tonight and try to borrow their wand without raising the alarm. A quick apparition and then he would search house to house if he had to, Padfoot's nose would be his best tool in trying to track the child who used to ride around the room on his back. Yes the place would probably be heaving with aurors trying to find Harry but Sirius was now on the clock, he would protect his godson even if it cost him his life.