Chapter 15
Lucius planned to pay a visit to Gringotts tomorrow, the portkey that would take them to the Malfoy property in Bolivia was of no use to him sitting in their vault. The head of the Malfoy family reckoned he wouldn't need it until the Potter spawn announced he was leaving Britain, after that it would be prudent to be prepared for a quick exit. As the new Malfoy house elf allowed their uninvited guests into the dining room, Lucius had a premonition that he was previously only partially correct. It would appear his time may be up and that portkey was now about as much use to him as a chocolate cauldron.
Their uninvited guests were the recently appointed head of the DMLE and a posse of eight aurors. Dolores played the situation by the numbers. "Good evening Mr Malfoy, I'm afraid that I'm here this evening on official ministry business. The minister has signed a search warrant of your property and has tasked me with seeing these orders carried out. Those orders also include you accompanying us back to the ministry where you will be questioned on the basilisk incident that occurred inside Hogwarts. I must ask you to surrender your wand, it will of course be returned when we establish your innocence."
Lucius had trouble believing what he was hearing. "Cornelius signed a warrant for my arrest? Has anyone checked him for influence of the Imperius Curse? Surely this is a bad joke Dolores?"
Dolores ignored Malfoy's attempts at familiarity, maintaining her 'I'm following my orders' front. "I'm sorry Mr Malfoy but the minister personally gave me my orders. My hands are tied here, the minister left me no leeway whatsoever."
The squad of aurors now had their wands out to ensure there were no misunderstandings about Lucius handing over his wand. Being arrested in your own dining room before dessert had been served was not a situation Lucius Malfoy wanted to voluntarily participate in, he was just all out of options and reluctantly handed his wand to Dolores.
That wasn't the end of his humiliation though as Dolores had more to say. "I'm really sorry about this Mr Malfoy, we need to search your person as well as your property."
Lucius could only stand, seething with anger as his extra wand and the knife in his boot were both discovered and confiscated. The senior auror suggested to his departmental head that they shackle their prisoner, he may have other concealed weapons that they had missed.
With the evidence of an extra wand and wicked looking knife, Dolores was reluctantly forced to agree with her officer. Externally she gave the appearance of a troubled individual, being forced by circumstances to do something she didn't want to. Inside she was doing a happy dance at how well tonight was going.
The head of the DMLE now turned her attention to the Malfoy's guest. "Mr Snape, I understand that Mr Malfoy has employed you to brew potions? Would you like to assure me there is nothing in your lab that currently breaks the law? Potions or ingredients wise? We have of course brought our own potions expert to thoroughly examine everything in the lab."
A worried Snape never even got a chance to answer the question, a now shackled Lucius beat him to it. "I have authorised nothing illegal to be brought into or be produced inside my home. Anything you find is there without my knowledge or approval."
Dolores next words had an almost medusa-like effect on Lucius, he felt as if his insides had just been turned to stone. "I'm really pleased and relieved to hear that Mr Malfoy. You've nothing to worry about sir, the minister has authorised the use of veritaserum to ensure we discover the truth of these matters. I think Mr Snape should also accompany us back to the ministry, please surrender your wand sir."
Even with the house now being searched, Dolores still had four aurors with her in the dining room. Severus didn't like those odds and surrendered his wand without comment.
This was an insult too far for the spoiled prince of the Malfoy dynasty. Having to watch while the great man who was his father was placed in manacles like a common thief had Draco griping his wand below the table, now his godfather was being arrested too! All this occurring at the centre of the Malfoy power base, their own dining room inside Malfoy Manor. Draco quickly lifted his wand and shouted out a diffindo curse at the nearest auror.
The severing charm sliced through the now turning auror's robes and lightly cut his shoulder, Draco never got to cast a second spell. Three stunners hit the stupid boy before he could move. Narcissa was trying to knock her son's arm down but the stunners blasted him back into his now overturning chair.
"It would appear we will be taking young Master Malfoy to the ministry as well."
Narcissa was terribly upset at her husband being arrested, Draco being arrested too had pushed that mood all the way to distraught. "Surely not Madam Umbridge, Draco was just upset that his father was being arrested. Surely you don't need to arrest my boy?"
The senior auror answered first. "Your son used magic while underage. That the spell was aimed at an auror makes this a very serious issue. I shall be pushing for his expulsion from Hogwarts and his wand to be snapped. We can't have witches and wizards firing curses at aurors every time something upsets them, our job is dangerous enough!" The blood was dripping from his fingertips as he said this while another auror carried out some field healing to close the wound. It may have stopped bleeding but this wound would trouble the auror for the rest of his career. His colleagues would be only too ready to remind him of the day a thirteen-year-old kid managed to hit him with a spell. He would never live this down.
Dolores was almost hoping that Narcissa would now try something, give her a clean sweep. Mrs Malfoy though was too much of a lady to involve herself in brawls with common aurors. Dolores was certain that there would be no sleep for the Malfoy lawyers tonight as they received the sharp end of her tongue to get her son and husband out of custody.
It really couldn't have gone much better for the head of the DMLE, if Cornelius pulled this off then she would be his number one supporter and eventual successor. If Malfoy managed to weasel his way out of this then Fudge was finished at the ministry. Dolores would play her 'following orders' card and could still end up as minister, albeit with Lucius whispering instructions in the background.
Either way she would emerge from this confrontation in a strong position and that made Dolores a happy witch.
-oOoOo-
Bill had been searching for the right opportunity to have words with his mother for over a week now. Truth be told he wanted to get a handle on the situation himself and was now aware that most of what his sister had told him was obviously true. He didn't know the beautiful snowy owl that just arrived was going to provide his final scrap of proof needed and force him into action. Hedwig arrived with an envelope for Ron from Harry and Hermione, she was also carrying one to Ginny from Luna.
Ron was reading his own letter when Ginny passed over a juicy piece of gossip. "Luna says Neville and Susan are now going out together. Both of them and Hannah are in France with Harry, Hermione and Luna."
For some reason this news really pleased Ron. When he thought about it, Ron was forced to admit to himself that he didn't want Neville going out with Luna. He had just realised he didn't really want anyone going out with Luna and was attempting to work out what that meant when there was suddenly an event that captured everyone's complete attention.
Molly exploded with a squeal and grabbed something right out of her daughter's hands. "How dare they send things like that! I'll wring their necks for trying to corrupt my family with such filth. Luna doesn't have a mother so I supposed she can be excused for not knowing any better. It's now easy to see how that little muggle bitch entrapped Harry, the poor lad had no defence against that flaunting strumpet!"
There was a few shocked seconds of silence before the room erupted into mayhem with the entire family attempting to shout over one another. Ginny was standing toe to toe with her mother and trading insults before Bill fired off a noisemaker curse to restore some semblance of order. He addressed his question directly to his sister. "What did mum just snatch off you?"
"Luna sent me some pictures of them on holiday, I got to the one where they were on the beach and, well you all saw what happened."
Molly was unrepentant. "Disgusting, I will not have filth like this in my house!"
Bill managed to keep his cool. "Mum, this isn't your house and those aren't your pictures."
Arthur was also livid and fighting to control his temper. "Give those pictures over to Bill. He's travelled the world a lot more than any of us, I would like to hear his opinion on them before I say anything." The commanding tone of her husband's voice left Molly with no other option but to hand the offending photographs over to her eldest son. Her body language displayed indicated quite plainly that she expected Bill to agree with her opinion.
The eldest Weasley sibling glanced through the half a dozen pictures of the teens on holiday. They were happy, carefree and clearly having the time of their young lives. It was easy to see which one had upset his mother. Harry was standing on a beach with an arm around Hermione and Luna. He was wearing blue swimming shorts while both girls were clearly enjoying wearing their first bikinis. That these bikinis easily preserved the girls modesty surprised him, these were not the pieces of string that Bill had expected from his mother's loud outburst. These were very conservative swimwear, bought by a parent who knew their child was growing up but had no intention of letting that happen too fast. These wouldn't raise one eyebrow at any beach in Europe.
The problem here was his mother clearly thought these were scandalous and the young ladies in question should be tarred and feathered for having the audacity to go out in public wearing such things. It was time to face the music, or his mother's wrath.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with the clothes these three young people are wearing to the beach. The swimwear would be considered normal on any beach I've ever been to."
Molly Weasley though wasn't for giving an inch. "How can that be considered normal? They're not wearing any clothes!"
Bill shook his head at his mother's antics. "They most certainly are! I understand they're holidaying in France? Most of the muggle beaches there permit the ladies to forego the wearing of tops and most of the bottoms would be a fair bit skimpier than the ones Luna and Hermione are wearing."
Molly was flabbergasted at that, actually rendered speechless for a moment or two as Arthur took the pictures from Bill and returned them to Ginny. Molly wasn't finished though, not by a long shot. "If muggles live like that then we will have nothing more to do with them."
The entire family now looked toward Molly as if she had just sprouted horns and claimed to be in league with the devil. This was especially true of the twins, 'visiting French beaches' just shot straight to the top of their 'things to do when we're older' list.
Arthur's temper was in danger of getting away from him. "Molly, had anyone outside the Weasley family heard your earlier comment about Lord Potter's betrothed, we could have been in serious trouble. I don't know where these views are coming from but they are not shared by the rest of the family and have to stop. The Weasley's owe a debt to them we can never hope to repay. I cannot as head of family let you continue to berate and slander people who have done nothing but good for us."
Molly wasn't reading the danger signs coming from her husband and continued on regardless. "Nothing but good? She took Harry away from our Ginny, how is that good?"
Ginny wasn't for backing down either, this had to come to a head, one way or another. "Harry is my friend and it's you who seems determined to take that away from me. If you succeed, I will never speak to you again."
Bill interrupted before the entire situation got out of hand and words were said that couldn't be taken back. "Can you guys go for a walk, give me a chance to talk to mum? Might be better to give everyone a chance to cool down." When they all agreed and left shortly thereafter, Bill was determined to get this out in the open. His father's patience appeared to be at snapping point yet his mother seemed to be hell bent on pushing at this until it broke. Bill knew there could only be one winner in that argument.
"Do you want to tell me what the real problem is mum?"
Molly didn't even have to think about her answer. "I want Harry to be with Ginny. She loves him and they would be perfect together."
Bill was left shaking his head. "Ron wants his beloved Cannons to win the Quidditch Championship every year, doesn't mean it's going to happen though. You taught us that you can't have everything you wish for, so what's different here?"
"Bill, we were so close! Only this muggle bitch is standing in the way of Ginny's dreams."
"I don't know whose dreams these are but it appears to me that Harry is the one standing in the way of them."
"Young boys can be persuaded to change their minds!"
Bill was struggling with what he was hearing from his mother. "Didn't you just call Hermione some choice names about what she was doing to this boy yet now you expect Ginny to do the same?"
Molly harrumphed in disgust, why were the males of her family so stupid? "There are other ways to entice attention without a young lady having to take her clothes off and flaunt herself at a boy."
Bill had to take a deep breath for the next bit, it would appear Ginny's fears were well founded. "Mum, please tell me you're not considering giving that lad a potion to force him to like our Ginny?"
"What harm would it do?"
Bill took that as a yes and felt like screaming at her, he fought to stay calm while wanting to strangle the woman who gave birth to him. "Well, since he's a lord and already betrothed, Azkaban for starters. At the very least dad would expel you from the family. Hell, he may still do that anyway if you don't change your behaviour over this! You heard him, the Weasley family owe these two a life debt. For a member of our family to then even contemplate what you are is unforgivable. That's exactly what dad will be, unforgiving!" Bill understood it was more important than ever to get to the bottom of this. From his father's behaviour earlier, it would appear time, like his patience, was running out. "What exactly is your obsession with this young man? He's already saved Ginny from certain death and then made her and Ron wealthier than they ever thought possible."
"That money only made the problem worse!"
Bill couldn't make head nor tail of this statement so asked his mother to explain it.
"Ginny is the only female Weasley for generations and we're an old pureblood family. I was already dreading the offers before Harry went and made her wealthy too. That much gold will attract interest from everywhere. I promised myself I would see my daughter happy, that's a promise I intend to keep."
Bill still wasn't getting it. "Sorry mum, I'm lost here. Offers?"
Molly explained it as if Bill was two again. "Your sister is young, beautiful, now wealthy and with blood that's as pure as newly fallen snow. She's going to attract marriage contracts from everywhere. I want Ginny settled with a light family before any of those dark bastards can get a chance to lay their hands on her."
Bill now understood, he thought his mother was talking large piles of hippogriff shit but he understood. "Do you honestly think dad would ever allow something like that to happen?"
"Your father is a weak man Bill, people have been getting what they want from him his entire life. I even had to use a potion to get him interested in me. Unlike Ginny, there was never any chance I would have a queue of suitors lining up and offering contracts. My parents were just happy to take what I could get in the way of a husband. We've had a good marriage but your father has been passed over for promotion so many times at the ministry, now he's been sacked! It's just the way Arthur is but I refuse to let that ruin Ginny's life."
Bill's voice was now firm, almost a carbon copy of his father's head of house tone. "Ok mum, you are totally wrong about so many things there. Let's start with dad. He could have a wand pointed at his head and would still never sign one of those contracts for Ginny, unless that was exactly what she wanted. Dad has been passed over in the ministry, I'll give you that one. That's not because of any perceived weakness on dad's part, rather that he's honest and refuses to kiss anyone's arse. Two qualities guaranteed to impede your progress in that cesspool and, I'm glad to say, qualities he's passed on to his offspring."
Bill could see hearing his opinion of his father was having an effect on his mother, he was nowhere near finished yet. "It may have escaped your notice but dad wasn't exactly out of work for long before being snapped-up by Amelia Bones no less, he's now a Hogwarts professor!"
Bill reinforced his message. "I can also guarantee you none of her brothers will stand idle and watch Ginny being married off to someone she doesn't want to. Merlin's sake, Ron was ready to take on a basilisk with a broken wand to protect her, what more proof do you need?"
Molly was hearing the words but had generations of in-built preconditioning to fight against. "But Bill, she's at an age where betrothal contracts should be being considered. Harry and Hermione already have one in place and they're not even purebloods!"
Bill considered that for a second before answering. "I suspect that was to protect one or perhaps both of them. In general, those days are gone mum and I say good riddance too! When I marry, the girl may not be a pureblood, she may not even be magical. All that's required is that I love her and she returns those feelings, no contracts and no blood bullshit. Charlie feels the exact same. With your current attitude you could end up not only missing the weddings but losing out on seeing your grandchildren as well. That's assuming dad doesn't expel you from the family first!"
Bill felt he'd finally pierced his mother's thick hide, not seeing any grandchildren would kill her. He softened his tone for the next bit. "Ginny is going to be twelve on her birthday, she still has her whole life in front of her thanks to Harry. She also has enough gold to do whatever she wants with that life. Instead of celebrating those facts, you seem intent on destroying the very fabric of our family."
He gave that a moment to sink in as he got Ginny's pictures from where she'd left them, deciding not to use the one on the beach though. "You say that you've sworn to make sure Ginny's happy, this is what happy looks like." Bill placed the pictures in front of his mother, the six kids standing beside bicycles all had wide smiles on their faces. The same smiles were there as they stood in front of a large, shinny vehicle. "These are Ron and Ginny's friends, being young and happy, happy just being together to have fun."
His mother's guard was coming down, it was time to drop the bombshell. "Ginny brought the whole family to Egypt because she wanted to speak to me about her situation at home. Ginny's a very smart young girl and can see what's happening, she doesn't want to lose her mum. Ginny's certain that if you continue down this path, with your obsession over Lord Potter, then dad will cast you out the family. Having witnessed that scene today, I have to say I agree with her."
The tears had started running down Molly's cheeks as Bill pushed on relentlessly. "Please don't confuse the fact that Dad usually gives you your own way with him being weak. The only reason you get away with it is because he loves you very much. Your behaviour is now threatening his family though, and the Weasley name, dad is honour bound to react. It may break a lot of hearts, including his own and Ginny's, but he will do it!"
Molly was crying unashamedly now. "I just wanted our Ginny to be happy, it's all I've ever wanted for each of our children."
Watching your mother crying was not an easy thing to do but Bill knew the alternative would be a lot worse. "Mum, it's time you realised that what makes us happy is different for each of us, and may seem totally alien to you. Sitting in an office all day may appeal to Percy but it would seem like a prison sentence to either Charlie or me. Who dares to even guess what the twins will get up to when they're older. Ron and Ginny now have the resources to carve out whatever career they eventually choose for themselves. Marriage and families of their own may be in there somewhere but it will be in their own time."
Her eldest son was right, these views were totally alien to Molly Weasley. Bill continued to explain how the wider world worked. "Witches in our world are now not only allowed to live their own lives, they're demanding it. It's no longer all about finding a husband and settling down. Ginny has two parents and six older brothers who all love her very much. You have to believe me when I say no one will be taking advantage of Ginny Weasley."
Molly peered at her eldest son through tear laden eyes, the truth of his last statement was beyond refuting. "Have I really been that stupid? There must be something I can do to save this? I can't just sit and watch everything I've ever cared about become lost to me."
"It's not too late mum, we all love you, especially dad!"
Molly decided on her old standby, "I'll make your father his favourite meal, that will be a start. Then I'll have a talk with Ginny."
Bill was smiling now as he offered his mother a hankie to dry her tears. "Talking to Ginny is a great idea but dad's favourite dinner will have to wait until you get back to the Burrow. You won't find any joints of pork on the market stalls here, it's against the local culture to eat any part of a pig."
Molly was about to rant about the stupidity of foreigners when her son's words came back to stop her. Just because this view was alien to her didn't mean it was wrong. "I saw some nice leg of lamb for sale, your father is quite partial to that as well. Can we get some mint for a sauce?"
With that, Bill thought they had a good chance of getting through this crisis as a complete family.
-oOoOo-
Minerva McGonagall was being laughed at, this was not something she was used to or had any intention of experiencing again in the future. Safe to say that Minerva McGonagall was one unhappy witch. The Thomas and Bell parents were chuckling away as they read over the Hogwarts Muggle Studies Course, it was only Patricia Bell asking if this was a joke that brought the conversation back from joviality. Both Minerva and Amelia wished with all their hearts they could say it was indeed a prank and pull the real course out a drawer, that wasn't going to happen though.
Patricia had heard from her daughter how bad the course materials were, since Katie didn't take the course though she had thought there was more than a hint of exaggeration there. Hearing and seeing it first hand for herself was mortifying to the educator, not helped by her husband's continual laughter as he read more. Lucy Thomas appeared to be on the same wavelength, it would seem it was now time to earn their free holiday.
"Headmistress Bones, Professor McGonagall, since setting foot inside Hogwarts I have to say that I have been very impressed with your school." Patricia thought a compliment before delivering the blow might just ease the pain. She indicated the Muggle Studies books and coursework. "This, on the other hand, isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Whoever wrote this probably thinks Queen Victoria is still the reigning British monarch, all the information is at least a century out of date!"
Patricia had brought along a couple of books from her primary school and a 'How it works' volume from home.
The pop-up book of cars appeared to fascinate both witches. The colours, detail and ingenuity were staggering enough, far less taking the revolutionary subject matter into account. Minerva attempted to sound a note of caution. "These books are wonderful, without a doubt far better than the existing coursework. My worry would be that they would be beyond the financial means of all but our wealthiest students." When Patricia directed her to the price on the back of the how it works book, Minerva quickly did the monetary conversion in her head and all her doubts vanished. Anger and shame then fought for dominance with shame being the eventual winner. Anger that once again here was proof that Hogwarts was providing a sub-standard education, the shame came from knowing she was part of the process that allowed this to happen. It was undoubtedly time for change.
Amelia was already discussing with the two sets of parents what the aims of the Muggle Studies course should be and asking them for advice on the best way to achieve this. As the discussion continued, it became more and more obvious to Amelia that this course could only be taught by a teacher who had intimate and widespread knowledge of the muggle world. When Patricia then suggested having a muggle section of their library filled with muggle books, the suggestion was so blindingly obvious that it should have been done years ago. Lucy Thomas's idea that it also provide a range of muggle teen fiction was also a wonderful suggestion that would be implemented immediately. What better way was there to learn about a culture than to read stories written featuring its places and people? With the basilisk gold at Hogwarts' disposal, this wouldn't be a problem.
Amelia would have a private word with Minerva later about the possibility of having a muggle teaching this course. A rotation of seventh year prefects as classroom assistants would solve any problems where magic was required while letting those same seventh years learn the subject too. Amelia had to face facts here, what the students had been taught up to now was about as useful as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest.
The headmistress was watching Patricia and Lucy closely and would continue to do so as they stayed in Hogwarts for the next few days. Amelia wanted to see how they coped in a magical environment as an idea began to germinate. Have both of them teaching the new course part time, meaning they would each only have to stay in the castle a couple of nights per week. Both were fully trained educators with children already in the magical world. They could be paid the same salary they were currently earning for only working two days a week and they would get to see their children at Hogwarts! A talk with Minerva about this would be happening as soon as this meeting was over.
That would be the ideal solution to a very major problem, Amelia anticipated no trouble from the ministry over this. That one was the parent of Harry Potter's Quidditch teammate while the other's son shared a dorm with the boy would stop Fudge poking his nose in. Anything that helped entice the boy back to Hogwarts was always going to be given the nod of approval.
That Fudge actually arrested the Malfoys and Snape was a massive and unexpected bonus in their endeavour to have Harry here in September. With Lucius and Severus sentenced to Azkaban and Draco expelled, that was now a possibility,
Amelia had to concede that their trial was masterfully handled. Nothing was mentioned that could possibly reflect badly on Fudge or his ministry, nor did the phrase 'death eater' appear anywhere. Lucius admitting that his intention when engineering the release of the basilisk was to see all the mudbloods and half bloods dead. This was quite enough to see him spend the next two decades in Azkaban. Severus Snape admitted brewing illegal potions and earned himself three years in the same no-star hotel, it also cost him his mastery. Amelia's next letter to Susan would be a doozy.
The last letter she received from her niece had been four pages long and contained muggle photographs too. All the evidence pointed to the kids having a wonderful time together. Looking at the happy, smiling faces, Amelia couldn't help but think that Hogwarts would be a poorer place if this group wasn't all here come the first of September.
-oOoOo-
Harry was cycling through the beautiful French countryside with Hermione on his right and Luna on his left. The sun was shining and, as they were not in any hurry, they chatted away as the miles appeared to fly past. Dan and Emma were in front of them with Hannah, Neville and Susan bringing up the rear. The kids had gravitated toward forming the two trios and everyone was happy with this arrangement. Susan naturally wanted to be with her new boyfriend but Hannah was still her best friend and Luna was sharing a room with Hermione so hung out more with her and Harry.
There were also plenty of times they did things as a larger group so no one felt left out and they were all having a much better summer than they thought they would when boarding the train at Hogwarts. Dan had been so taken with the magical tent that all the adults slept there, leaving the kids in the RV. All of the youngsters were well aware of the trust they were being shown and no one had any intention of breaking it. The respective couples limited themselves to sharing a goodnight kiss before they all headed off for some much needed rest.
Their days were filled with activities of one type of another while their evenings consisted of sitting around the large table, having a late dinner and chatting about anything and everything. Listening while Remus and Sirius recounted stories from their time at Hogwarts was a bigger incentive to return to the castle than the constant updates Susan was getting from her aunt. That these same stories almost always included at least one of Harry's parents quickly made this the best part of the day for him.
Dan and Emma were no slouches with their stories either. Unusual patients and tales from their university days had everyone laughing and Hermione blushing. Her colour really reddened when they began reciting incidents from when she was younger. Muggles trying to deal with accidental magic without knowing what it was could be laughed about now, at the time it was just pure scary.
Hannah, Susan and Luna also contributed while Harry and Neville sat there like sponges and absorbed everything. Sirius would always want to hear one of Harry's adventures from Hogwarts and, having all his friends there to stop him playing down his accomplishments only made things funnier for the marauders.
His godfather's favourite so far was how Harry found himself on the Gryffindor Quidditch team instead of being expelled. McGonagall's love of Quidditch was legendary and no one who knew her had any trouble believing she bought her new seeker a Nimbus Two Thousand. Remus disagreed with his fellow marauder. He thought Harry and Hermione getting caught leaving the astronomy tower after curfew when they were in first year was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Granted, this was because that when Harry told Dan they'd been smuggling a dragon out the castle, Remus thought it was the best excuse he'd ever heard. Finding out that's actually what they were doing made it just too funny a tale for Remus to resist.
There would always be a part of the night where they would come up with the latest scheme to expose Pettigrew and get Sirius free. While this usually descended into farce with wilder and wilder ideas, everyone knew it was a subject that was being discussed seriously in the tent when the juniors headed off to the RV. When they had a plan worked out, everyone would be included and help to make it work.
The only other topic that merited serious discussion on this holiday was where they would all be going to school next year, that's what Harry, Hermione and Luna had been talking about for the last ten miles or so.
Amelia was certainly keeping her end of the bargain and making Hogwarts as attractive a proposition as she could. Her latest letter to Susan certainly put the castle high on their list of possible schools. Things inside Hogwarts now sounded so good, it was now going to be up to Beauxbatons to impress them.
Hermione's face was glowing from more than the exercise and the sunshine. The latest news from Hogwarts had her really excited. "Muggles teaching muggle studies is a brilliant idea, I was originally going to take that course to get a wizarding viewpoint. Hannah and Susan telling me how bad it was changed my mind but I would want to take it now, see if opinions on muggles could be changed."
Luna was almost as excited. "Mr Weasley will be a brilliant professor and we all know how good Remus is. Sirius says his cousin is a great laugh and she has to be better than Snape at teaching potions!"
Hermione's pink cycling helmet bobbed up and down, nodding in agreement. "With Binns gone, I wouldn't need to keep nudging Harry and Ron awake in History of Magic either. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy sound challenging too. What do you think Harry?"
"Sorry Hermione, I just keep thinking of Malfoy and Snape in Azkaban. I know it's wrong to gloat but I can't help myself. No Draco spouting 'when my father hears of this' either. All the reasons we had for leaving Hogwarts appear to have been solved but I think we should still wait until we've seen what Beauxbatons has to offer before we make a final decision. We've added Susan, Hannah, Luna here and Ginny to our group of friends while getting a lot closer to Neville. I don't want to lose that and would like to see us all going to the same school. Whether that school is in France or Scotland should be something for us all to decide."
Luna quickly agreed with Harry's opinion. "I think the most important thing for me would be where my friends were going to school. Wherever that is, that's the school I want to go to."
Hermione could only smile at the girl who was quickly becoming her best female friend. "We want to go to the same school as you too Luna. This summer has been great and I'm just sorry Ron and Ginny aren't here, I hope they're having a good time in Egypt."
Dan called back that they would be stopping for lunch up ahead, then it was only another twelve miles to where Remus and Sirius would be setting up in tonight's campsite. A campsite that had a pool!
This was greeted with cheers, they were all ready for lunch but after another twelve miles on the bikes, that pool would be wonderful and very welcome.
-oOoOo-
When Ginny heard the knock at her room door, she knew who it was before her mother entered. "Can I have a word with you Ginny? I want to apologise and bought you something to say how sorry I am."
Ginny took the parcel from her mother and found a green bikini similar to the ones Hermione and Luna were wearing in the picture. She had no idea where this was going and raised a questioning eyebrow to her mother.
"Bill told me why you brought us all to Egypt and for that I'm sorry. I know you and Ron would rather be on holiday with your friends. If you both want to go and spent time at Harry's house before seeing Beauxbatons then I think that would be the best for everyone."
Ginny was staring at the item in her hands and misread the situation. "If this is meant to make me compete with Hermione and Luna then it just won't work, Harry doesn't have eyes for anyone but Hermione."
"Ginny, Bill helped me pick this out. The idea is that you would be the same as your friends. All I want is for you to be happy, when I looked again at those pictures I had to admit they all appeared very happy. I want the same for you and Ron, nothing more. Bill pointed out that I have to let my children make their own way in life. It's really hard for me to do but the way I was acting, I was going to lose you all anyway."
Molly's eyes were now filling with tears. "Losing you would kill me, sitting in Dumbledore's office and thinking you were dead was the worse feeling in the world. I know I can be possessive but I think that time spent thinking I'd lost you made me even worse. I hurt you and again I'm sorry."
Ginny pounce into her mother's waiting arms as they began building bridges, "Can we really go to Harry's house, I need to write and ask him."
Molly smiled at her beautiful daughter. "I spoke to Ron before I came in here, the letter is already away. I've never seen him move so fast if there wasn't food or Quidditch concerned, do you think he's sweet on one of the girls that are there?"
Ginny's giggles were a magical sound for Molly, for too long all they had done was argue. That was not going to happen again, they probably would still argue but things would never be allowed to reach this state.
-oOoOo-
Millicent Bulstrode was also receiving a visit in her bedroom by her parents, she was also in a bit of a state but there was certainly no giggling involved. Her parents were accompanied by a ghost that her father clearly knew. It was also clear to Millie that she didn't really know her parents when she heard what her father had to say.
"Millicent, this is Lord Voldemort. He's doing our family a great honour by choosing you to merge with. You, Millicent Bulstrode will be the new Dark Lady!"
Millie didn't even need to think about it, there really was only one answer she could give.
Chapter 16
Frank was trying to reason with Sibyll but was having no success at all. That she was pregnant, hormonal and rapidly approaching hysterical didn't help the situation any either. "Sibyll, you know I have to do this. If Voldemort can find a new body, you, our baby and me are all as good as dead. I can save you and our baby, I have to do this so our child can have a future, I have no choice."
Sibyll was inconsolable, trying to speak through her sobs. "We always have a choice Frank, I don't want you to do this. I want our child to have the chance to know their father. I don't think I can do this alone. I'm not strong enough to do this without you Frank, I need your strength."
Frank wanted to take her in his arms and say everything would be ok, he daren't. This was something he had to do, holding her like he craved could change his mind from the course he'd set. Frank couldn't allow that to happen. "I don't want you to be alone love, write to that McGonagall woman. Tell her what we've done to rid their world of Voldemort. The magical people should then look after you and our baby, it's the least they can bloody do!" The determination Frank was expressing told Sibyll she wouldn't be able to change his mind. "All my life I've wanted a family and I won't let this sick bastard take it away from me now I'm so close. In the army I fought for Queen and country, this is no comparison. I'll happily give my life to protect those I love."
Sibyll then pounced on him, and he held her until she cried herself out. Frank then sat her gently on the sofa before kissing her goodbye and walking slowly out the room.
Sibyll could hardly breath, she waited on the noise that would signal the end of the man she'd come to love. A gunshot rang out and she crumpled off the sofa, curling up into the foetal position where she landed on the floor. Apparently she wasn't cried out because Sibyll was once more sobbing about how cruel life could be. One minute she had everything her heart desired, that gunshot abruptly signalled the end for the father of her unborn child.
-oOoOo-
Millicent stared at her excited parents, both smirking like some village idiot. The grinning ghost was also creeping her out, this thing was looking at her as if she were a side of beef in the butcher's window. There really was only one answer she could give.
"You seriously want me to give up my body to this dead arsehole? Are you out of your tiny friggin' minds?"
Her father could see she was becoming upset and tried to play up the positive side of this arrangement. "Now Millicent, just think about this for a moment. You will be the new dark lady and our family will be treated like royalty. Surely that's worth a little sacrifice?" Graham Bulstrode had misread the situation though, Millicent was long past upset, had raced through angry and had by now almost reached absolutely livid.
"Why the hell would I want to be a dark lady? Harry Potter has kicked this loser's arse every time they've met, even when he was a baby! If you expect me to let that thing possess my body then you're crazier than this ghostly bastard!"
Graham couldn't believe how disrespectful his daughter was being, in front of the dark lord too! "Millicent Bulstrode, I am your father and head of house. I demand respect and obedience, youuuuu…" Graham Bulstrode's voice was dramatically rising in pitch, as his words somewhat abruptly became undecipherable. This was due entirely to his daughter's right foot connecting at great speed and force with his groin. Graham Bulstrode crumpled in slow motion onto the floor and curled into the foetal position, both hands now forming a belated protective shield over his injured area.
Millie was now screaming at the prostrate man. "How could you even think that would be ok? You're my parents, you're supposed to look out for your children. How could you possibly think this would be the best thing for me?"
Voldemort decided to verbally enter the fray, at least this girl had a bit of spirit in her. If he had his way, it would soon be a lot more. "You're looking at this all wrong girl. If we combine, I can make you the most powerful witch in the country. Surely you would like that? Power is truly a wondrous thing to possess."
If Millie wasn't going to take this shit from her father, there was no chance she was going to listen to it from this gormless ghoul. "If you are so powerful, how come you keep getting your arse kicked by a kid? I will never accept you coming anywhere near my body, now get out of my house!"
Voldemort was about to have the mother subdue this little bitch when he felt his last anchor disappear. Screaming promises of painful retribution on everyone he could think of, the self-proclaimed dark lord Voldemort slowly faded out of existence.
Glenda Bulstrode had her wand out, ready to restrain her daughter. Disobeying her father couldn't be tolerated, not in a pureblood home. In front of an important guest too! Glenda's arm slowly lowered as the scene before her played out. Her daughter had just floored her husband and chased away the dark lord. She looked such a powerful figure, standing over her father and glaring at the disappearing dark lord. Perhaps Millie didn't need to be possessed by an evil spirit to become the new dark lady?
On the off-chance that hypothesis might be correct, Glenda thought the wise choice would be to hold off on any disciplining. Who in their right mind upsets an up and coming dark lady?
She performed a levitation charm on her husband before speaking to Millie as if nothing had just happened. "Dinner may be a bit late tonight Millicent, I'll call for you when it's ready."
Millie didn't think she would be able to eat anytime soon, her intestines felt as if they were tied in knots and she wanted to vomit. She had been aware for years that her parents weren't the brightest candles out there but this had left her stunned, stupefied and wondering what the bloody hell to do next.
Millie had just watched you-know-who disappear right in front of her eyes, her immediate dilemma was who to tell? Any of her friends would run straight to their parents and Millie could be in serious trouble. Millie didn't think that she played any part in his possible demise but that didn't mean she wouldn't be blamed for it by his followers. The ministry was also out, who in their right mind would trust the minster?
That only left Hogwarts and one name stood out. This witch had publicly backed Potter in his battle with Snape and Dumbledore, both of whom were now no longer around! McGonagall may be the head of Gryffindor but she always played fair with all the students, she was also the only one Millie could think of who might actually be able to help her. That, and McGonagall would have access to Harry Potter. If the dark lord ever came back, only Harry Potter could save Millie. Her parents were clearly not up to the job.
Decision made, she sat down to write a desperate plea for help. Millie wrote everything that had happened down onto parchment and suddenly had another worry, what if McGonagall didn't believe a word of it? Millie couldn't really blame the Hogwarts professor, she'd lived it and still didn't believe it.
-oOoOo-
The thought of Frank lying all alone in that other room got Sibyll moving. Frank had sacrificed everything for her, he deserved better than to be lying there as if abandoned. Entering the room and seeing the man she loved lying there dead broke her heart all over again, she was soon kneeling beside him. When lifting his head onto her lap, Sibyll made a discovery that rocked her world. What she'd assumed was a pool of blood proved to be the now familiar black gunk. This batch of black gunk though signalled the end of Voldemort. What really focused her attention was the total lack of blood. She could find no wound before noticing that Frank's chest was rising and falling. Her man was alive and her falling tears became those of relief.
She cradled his head lovingly in her lap while wiping off the residue of Riddle. "Oh Frank, you'll get to see the baby, our child!"
Sibyll's tears of joy dripped onto Frank's face, causing his eyelids to flutter.
It was a very surprised Frank who opened his eyes. "Sibyll? What happened?" While she struggled to answer, Frank had a revelation. "Riddle's gone! I can't feel him anymore, he's defiantly gone."
Sibyll was struggling to regain any semblance of composure. She had something that needed saying though and wasn't for holding back. "Frank Bryce, you ever try and leave us again and I'll kill you myself!"
Frank felt that, in many ways, his life had only began after meeting Sibyll. He'd now apparently been granted an extension to that life, Frank fully intended to enjoy every second of it. "I have no intention of ever leaving your side again love. Riddle was fighting like mad for control of my body, trying to stop me pulling the trigger. When I thought of you, standing with our baby held in your arms, he didn't stand a chance. Thinking of you and our baby gave me the strength to do what I needed to do. After that though, I remember a terrible scream and nothing else until I woke and saw you."
"I heard the gun fire Frank, I wanted to die with you. I can't be left alone again, not after getting a glimpse of what my life could be, I just can't."
Frank could just make out the pistol lying on the floor. Best he could figure, he must have dropped it when Riddle left him. It probably went off after hitting the floor, he would search for a bullet hole later. Right now he had someone who needed him to take care of her.
"Let's get you up off the floor love, this can't be good for you or the little one. I'll make us both a nice cup of tea, our baby should be able to handle a little drop of brandy in it. Their mother has had quite the day."
Sibyll was soon sitting on the sofa, mug in one hand with her other clutching onto Franks arm. He wasn't going anywhere without her today. "I think I should still write to Minerva about this. The magical world really needs to know he's gone for good. I would also feel a lot happier if I could get to see Poppy." A raised eyebrow from Frank had Sibyll explaining further. "Poppy Pomfrey is the Hogwarts healer, equivalent to one of your doctors. She could tell me if our little one is fine, even if they're a son or a daughter."
Frank thought that was a brilliant idea and quickly agreed, he just hoped his next suggestion was as well received. "Sibyll, this has been on my mind for a while. Having that creature in our heads meant that the time was never right before, but we're free now. You said earlier that you never want me to leave again, I feel exactly the same way about you. I want us to take the next step. Sibyll Trelawney, would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?"
Sibyll felt she'd been through every emotion known today, only to discover a new one for her. She'd long ago given up on the notion of ever being married and having children. Now it was beginning to look like Sibyll might just get her happy ever after. She could only smile and nod her head as the power of speech had temporarily left her. Here was something else she could put in her letter to Minerva. She, Sibyll Trelawney, was getting married and going to be a mother. Who could ever have foreseen that?
-oOoOo-
Harry welcomed Hedwig back and quickly removed the note she was carrying, some bacon from his breakfast soon vanished into the hungry snowy owl. They'd been expecting letters in reply but not this.
"Ron says his parents have given permission for him and Ginny to join us at the Château, they'll be able to visit Beauxbatons with us after all."
This news was well received and Sirius got really excited. "If we expose the rat, the French Ministry can deal with the problem. I think it would be safer for me to have a trial here, rather than back home."
Hermione though, wasn't so sure. She voiced her concerns. "I agree with you about the trial Sirius, just about anywhere would be better than Britain at the moment. I think we have a problem though. Ron knows my mother is terrified of Scabbers and won't bring the rat anywhere near her, I think he'll leave Percy to look after him. If we hint for Ron to bring it along, the traitor might just smell a rat. Sorry, but I couldn't resist the bad pun."
The multiple groans were not all related to Hermione's bad joke. Sirius tried to be philosophical about the situation. "No worries, I've waited all this time so a few more weeks won't hurt. Will I have to hide though?"
Hermione wasn't finished with the bad news, she'd obviously been giving the situation a lot of thought. "I think we have another problem to consider. If we decide to attend Beauxbatons, Ron will start with new robes, books and probably a new broom." Hermione felt as if she was gossiping about her friend behind his back, this was the main reason she hadn't mentioned this possibility before. Everyone agreed she was probably right but couldn't yet see her point, it was Harry who eventually got it.
"New school, new everything else. Why would he want to take that smelly old rat along? Scabbers would more likely be left at the Burrow!"
Neville had shared a dorm with Harry and Ron for two years and understood perfectly what his two friends had just said. "I'm sure he wouldn't bring that rat to France with him. If I had a cat or an owl, Trevor would be staying at home too! I certainly wouldn't be taking him to Beauxbatons if I was going there. Beauxbatons would be a fresh start for Ron, the rat would be left behind."
Sirius was quick on the uptake, "No, I won't let this decide what school you attend."
Harry was also quick to interrupt. "Sirius, it's a factor in our decision but only one of many. Both Hermione and I have been leaning toward returning to Hogwarts. It's going to be like a new school with much better teachers. Remus, Mr Weasley, your cousin, Susan's aunt as Headmistress. It also has no Dumbledore, Snape or Malfoy, one of the biggest magical libraries in Europe and our biggest friend, Hagrid. Beauxbatons is going to have to be pretty special to win us over."
Remus tried to be the practical one. "What do we tell Ron and Ginny?"
One glance between Harry and Hermione was enough for them to know they agreed on this. It was Harry who answered for both of them. "We can't tell them anything. As much as I hate the thought of lying to them, Ron is nearly as bad as Hagrid at keeping a secret."
Hermione agreed. "Ron couldn't treat his pet normally if he knew it was an animagus who got Harry's parents murdered. Ginny had to chase after him when he found out it was Snape who gave the secret to Voldemort. Like Harry, I hate the thought of lying to them but catching Pettigrew is more important."
Harry took her hand, he was talking to everybody but the message was for Hermione. "They'll be hurt but once that Weasley temper cools down, they'll realise we were right. I think having a couple of nice owls as presents for when we expose Pettigrew might be a good idea."
It was Luna who offered an opinion that all their friends agreed with. "I think you're doing the right thing here. If it was me who was being kept in the dark, I would be very angry before realising you couldn't really tell me. I also know I can't be anywhere near that rat without attacking it! Ron and Ginny will be the same. Do you think he'll take it back to Hogwarts with him?"
Harry was again quick to answer. "I'm pretty sure he would, if for no other reason than habit. I can't believe I've shared a dorm with that rat for two years."
Emma interrupted, "That still leaves us with the problem of Ron and Ginny meeting Sirius, how do we deal with that? I think it would put a strain on everyone if we all had to watch exactly what we said for the time they're here. Do we really want Sirius to spend the next couple of weeks as Padfoot?"
Luna had an idea for that too. "What if we told the truth? Just not all of it, the only bit we would need to hide is that Pettigrew is a rat animagus called Scabbers."
Harry liked that idea, "I'd certainly feel better if they weren't kept totally in the dark. My main worry was if he talked about it with Ginny, not realising he had to keep it secret from his pet rat."
Hermione was now thinking out loud. "What if we didn't refer to him as Sirius? Padfoot is out because the rat would know at once who we were talking about, Snuffles?"
Sirius's pretence outrage had them in stitches of laughter. "Snuffles? How can you call a fine figure of a wizard like me Snuffles?"
Alternative suggestions were offered in-between the bouts of laughter.
"Snookums?"
"Howler?"
"Flea-bag?"
"Trouble?"
"Lucky?"
"Tiny?"
"Blondie?"
"Goofy?"
When Luna offered 'Snowball' as a suggestion, Sirius was left with only one option. Capitulation. "Ok, Snuffles it is! And Remus, don't think I won't be paying you back for that flea-bag comment!"
Hannah wanted to be sure she had it right before putting her foot in it. "So, anytime we're referring to Sirius where anyone might overhear, we call him Snuffles?"
Harry was a lot happier now and couldn't wait to write back to Ron. There was still a problem though. "How are Ron and Ginny going to be able to find us? We're going by road and Ragnok said both Hermione and I will be able to see it, what do we tell them?"
"How about we meet them at Beauxbatons? That will be easier for them to get a portkey to, they then return with us in the RV."
Everyone liked Remus's idea and Harry would send Hedwig off with a note tonight, she would spend today resting on the perch Dobby had put in the room he shared with Neville.
They had one more stop-off tonight and then reach the Château sometime tomorrow afternoon, they may have to drive up and down a few times as it was magically hidden. Only a Potter, or in Hermione's case, his betrothed would be able to see it. They would then need to give permission for everyone else to enter. The visit to Beauxbatons would help decide what they did after that. They would be spending at least a week there, whatever happened.
-oOoOo-
Minerva McGonagall thought she was reading the strangest letter she had ever been sent, that was until the one arrived from Sibyll Trelawney. That Sibyll's letter came through Hogwarts muggle post facility had the Deputy Headmistress even more confused until she read the unbelievable story Sibyll told. The memory of Harry fighting against a horcrux that night in the infirmary would stay with Minerva until her dying day, that Sibyll and a muggle both had to undergo that same agony filled her with dread. This feeling was tempered though by Sibyll's claims that the dark lord was no more, a claim seemingly corroborated by the letter from Miss Bulstrode. Minerva would need to talk to Amelia about this at once. Well, as soon as she recovered from the shock of discovering Sibyll Trelawney was getting married and having a baby.
-oOoOo-
From the moment Harry granted Emma permission to see his house, the dentist was in love with it. Surrounded by vineyards and featuring an artificial lake, it appeared nearer a palace than a château to the beaming Emma. One glance at her husband was enough to answer the question of why they had yet to move toward their destination.
Dan was behind the wheel of the RV but was incapable of thought, far less action at the moment. That this 'house' was owned by the shy, unassuming boy who was joining their family simply blew his mind. How could Harry just accept this and not be affected? In stark contrast, a birthday cake for him and Neville with some simple gifts from his friends almost had the lad in tears. Harry Potter was an enigma Dan was looking forward to knowing better over the coming months and years.
Remus took over the driving as they headed up the gravel drive to the imposing entrance. The gates had obviously recognised the owner was onboard and had automatically opened to allowed them entrance. The grounds were immaculate and the reason for that was soon answered by the group of house elves, lined up on the wide steps that led to the entrance.
As they climbed out the RV, the head elf approached Harry and bowed deeply. She was dressed in a little red robe with the Potter family crest embroidered into the breast. Thankfully, she also spoke in English. "Lord Potter has once more returned to his home. I is Polly and am very pleased to welcome you here?"
Emma was in awe of this place and spoke her thoughts out loud. "Harry, I may never want to leave here!"
"Mum, you haven't even seen the inside yet."
"Hermione, if it's half as good on the inside, my mind will already be made up."
After Polly had introduced them to the large staff of elves, they made their way inside to discover that it surpassed all their expectations. This didn't look like restoration to Emma, it was all the original features that had been lovingly cared for over the centuries.
Harry called for a nervous Dobby so he could introduce the little guy to the rest of the elves. "Polly, this is our good friend Dobby. He's been taking care of us since the beginning of summer and doing a brilliant job of it. I'd like for him to have a bit of a holiday himself but I know he would hate that. Please find something for him to do that makes him happy, he's a member of our family."
Polly looked the strange elf up and down, obviously not sure what to make of him. "Lord Potter, do you wish Dobby to wear the official robes of House Potter."
"That will be Dobby's choice Polly, and please call me Harry."
"Very well Lord Harry. Dobby, would you like a set of official Potter robes?"
Dobby was getting better with his emotions but still struggled to contain his tears at the thought of wearing something so fine. He was wearing an old set of Hogwarts robes he'd altered and copied the Potter family crest onto. The set Polly was wearing were simply the grandest thing he'd ever seen an elf wear. That these robes would also show his devotion to Harry Potter was too great a temptation for Dobby to resist. "Dobby would be honoured to wear House Potter robes."
Hermione was struggling with the grandeur of all this, 'house' seemed such an inappropriate description but would have to do for now. Her parents though were practically going gaga, she was beginning to get embarrassed. "Mum, dad, behave yourselves."
Dan though was still beyond comprehension. "Hermione, your boyfriend has his own vineyards. Does he have his own label?"
It was Polly who answered. "Yes sir, the château has its own label. We haven't been able to sell any since Lord Harry's grandfather died so our storerooms are full to overflowing. We'll serve some with dinner tonight but I would suggest showing you to rooms so you can freshen up first. Would you like a tour of the house and grounds?"
Emma answered before anyone else got the chance. "Oh Polly, that would be wonderful. When I was a little girl, I once holidayed in France with my parents. We visited a stately home that wasn't near as splendid as this and it's always been my dream to stay in one. It would appear Harry here is about to make another Granger girl's dream come true."
Dan followed on as Polly led them all to rooms. He was thinking that his wish had been answered as well. All the stuff that had happened this summer had to be kept secret yet here was something he could casually let slip down his golf club. His daughter's boyfriend grew his own grapes and had his own wine label. Dan thought he would be safe with that one, there was no way Emma wasn't going to mention the château.
They started on this holiday hoping it would be different and a bit of an adventure. Boy, had they surpassed those ambitions. The company alone easily made this the best holiday the Grangers had ever taken. When you factored in the locations, the RV, magical tent, Dobby looking after them and now this! Dan was still lost for words. When Polly casually mentioned that they were passing the library, both Granger females were now glassy eyed with excitement too. Dan suddenly realised he might not get a chance to do his boasting down the golf club after all, the Grangers just might be moving to France.
Harry noticed something was troubling Luna so quickly asked her about it. "Oh it's nothing Harry. This is such a beautiful house. It's just I'll miss the closeness of us all sleeping in the RV. This has been the best holiday of my life because I've spent it with friends."
Harry had his arm around the little blonds' shoulder in a brotherly embrace. "Believe me Luna, I know exactly what you mean. Polly, do we have any rooms that are linked?"
"There are suits with nursery's attached, we could easily put beds in there to take the four young ladies."
"We will shortly be joined by a fifth and another boy, will that pose any problems?"
"Lord Harry, we have thirty two bedrooms, not counting the four nurseries. I think we can manage. The staff is all delighted to see people staying here again and are looking forward to meeting your every need."
She led the girls into a suite that had its own sitting room with two bedrooms off it. Three beds had been placed in the bigger bedroom and two in the other. All four girls were very happy with this arrangement and the sitting room would allow them to sit and chat long into the evening.
When Harry noticed a similar set-up for the boys only had one bed in each room, he was about to ask why when Polly anticipated his question.
"Lord Harry will of course be housed in the master suite."
"Polly, I think we should give that one to Dan and Emma."
"Lord Harry, only the master is allowed to sleep in the master suite. The room set aside for the Grangers is the best guest suite in the château, as befitting the parents of your betrothed."
Polly led them to the master suite. When she opened the doors, Harry found himself lost for words. He was thinking he could literally get lost in here when Hannah chipped in with a comment.
"Merlin Harry, you could play Quidditch in your bedroom!"
The rest of the group had followed on behind, all wanting to see Harry's room.
"Hannah Abbott, don't you dare give him any ideas. I can just picture him and Ron zooming about in here on brooms." Hermione slipped her hand into Harry's, offering her support as he dealt with more things that stopped him being 'just Harry'.
Polly led the group away to show the Grangers their room, Hermione kept hold of his hand and the marauders stayed with Harry. He had a question for them.
"Sirius, Remus, do you know if my mum ever visited this place? I was watching the excited look on Emma's face and trying to imagine my dad showing mum around the house."
Sirius had a lump in his throat at that image and tried to answer his godson as best he could. "I don't really know Harry. Your dad took her somewhere pretty special for her honeymoon. For some reason, they never told the rest of us where it was."
Remus confirmed what Sirius had just said. "I know it's hard to understand but the times were different then, we were at war. Your mum was married at eighteen, pregnant with you at nineteen before being murdered while still only twenty one."
"They would have been so proud of you Harry. I've only known you again for a few weeks and I couldn't be prouder of my godson."
Hermione was still holding his hand and made a suggestion. "Harry, Polly would know. Perhaps we should ask her?"
Polly was immediately by their side and answered Harry's question without having to be asked. "Lady Lily has indeed stayed in Potter Château. Yes, Madam Granger's reaction did remind Polly of her first view of the château. Your parents were married in September nineteen seventy nine and stayed here for nearly six weeks before heading back to Britain. Unfortunately, they never got time to return."
Nothing would get Harry to change rooms now but Hermione's next comment cemented that opinion.
"Harry, your mum must have been pregnant with you before she left here!"
There were tears in the boy's eyes, now he understood why this felt so right to him. His voice was barely above a whisper but Hermione, Sirius, Remus and Polly all heard him clearly. "Mum, dad, I've come home!"
Emma had opened the French doors and was now standing on the balcony off their bedroom. The wrought iron work of the railings was exquisite yet paled into insignificance when compared to the view. The elves had the grounds manicured to a degree she'd never seen anywhere else. A pair of arms slid around her waist from behind and she instinctively leaned back, resting her head on her husband's chest.
"I've pinched myself black and blue but it's all real Dan. Ever since the summer began, it's felt more like a fairy tale than anything else."
"Yeah, The Ragamuffin Prince has quite the ring to it!"
There was no laughter though, both parents now understood their lives had changed forever since Harry entered their lives. Emma turned around and held Dan, kissing him deeply.
"Love, we're going to get a tour of this place. Just save that for after, I promise not to drink too much wine at dinner."
As Emma snuggled in, she asked Dan a question. "Do you think Harry would let us live here? Even if the kids go back to Hogwarts, they'll be away almost nine months of the year. We could move our practice to France and live here."
"I think Harry would let you do whatever you wanted. Let's wait and see what they decide school wise first, then we can sit down and talk it over."
"Now there's the man I love, let's go see the rest of the house before I don't let you out the room."
It was with more than a hint of reluctance that Dan led his wife out to join everyone else.
-oOoOo-
Albus Dumbledore had always claimed there were things worse than death, he now knew this to be true. Albus was not only being ignored, he'd been forgotten about. He didn't need his legilimency to know the guards thought of him as nothing more than an unwelcome chore.
All his gentle probes revealed was Harry Potter this and Harry Potter that, even Voldemort was hardly granted a passing thought. He, the grand manipulator, was now nothing more than a captured pawn in someone else's game. The ministry would wheel him out and convict him of whatever when it best suited their purpose. His resentment at this treatment was slowly festering into hate.
How dare they forget what he'd achieved, how dare they treat him as an ordinary criminal. He was Albus Dumbledore, he was extraordinary! Albus could cope with many things but public ridicule would be much preferable to being ignored. He'd tried to play within their rules, mostly. He'd resisted all the temptations that came with being the most powerful wizard in the country. Look what it had gotten him. He'd been stuck in this cell for week upon week and they didn't even have the decency to ask him any more questions since that first night!
Fawkes had deserted him and the elder wand may be gone but Albus Dumbledore was still a force to be reckoned with. If the magical society wouldn't treat him with the reverence that he deserved, then they would tremble at his name. Either way, he was through being ignored. Sometimes it was necessary to break something so it could be fixed properly. There may be some pain involved initially but it was all for the greater good.